The three surviving Harbingers moved with predatory patience, circling Lucas like wolves sensing wounded prey. His legs trembled from soul form exhaustion, sweat and blood mixing on his face as he fought to stay upright. The sidearm in his hand felt pathetically inadequate against creatures that could shrug off lightning strikes.
"Sir, stay behind us!" Rodriguez barked, sliding across the scorched concrete to position herself between Lucas and the nearest Harbinger. Her demolitions expertise had evolved into something far more tactical—she pressed both palms against the ground, sending waves of molecular destabilization radiating outward in defensive patterns.
"Hassan, get the Commander some water and stims," Vasquez commanded, her sound wave abilities creating a focused barrier of sonic pressure that made the air itself into a weapon. "Torres, I need communications to all remaining teams. We're forming a defensive perimeter."
