November 12, 2025 — 10:20 AM
Forward Agro-Zone One – South Landing Strip
The hum of logistics activity rolled through the airfield like background music to a rising empire. Forklifts transported fuel drums and sensor pods. Engineers checked stress points on the foamcrete landing mesh. In the distance, the recently returned Skyhammer Squadron stood parked in a V-formation, their wings still bearing soot from yesterday's bombing raid.
But Thomas.
His eyes were fixed on his user interface hovering before him.
Purchase Confirmed: KC-135 Stratotanker
Cost: 970,000 Blood Coins
Designation: Valkyrie One
Status: Materializing… Please Stand Clear
Phillip stood beside him, arms crossed, brow furrowed.
"You sure about this?" he asked.
"I've been sure for months," Thomas said quietly.
Phillip glanced back toward the flightline. "That tanker eats fuel. Needs a full crew. Takes up nearly the entire western pad. You planning on midair refueling already?"
