“Just think of it as an investment in the future of mankind.” Martin smiled at them. “We can use every piece of alien tech you can get us. And not just weapons. Anything that would help improve the lives of those who have survived. I trust your judgment, so just accept the money already.”

Nori’s fist closed around the valuable gem, silently accepting the offer. “What about the attack plan?”

“We’ll get our people ready,” Diamond said. “Everyone who can shoot a gun. I just hope to god your plan works. There’s no one else to protect the survivors if we die.”

“It will work,” Nori said. “It has to.”

Martin's eyes hardened. “We will make it work. It’s time this place becomes Warped-free.”

Cattie lifted her shotgun in a salute. “Here, here, boss.”

Diamond nodded slowly. “I hope you’re right. For all of our sakes.”

***

They parted company with Martin and his people, leaving them with a sizeable part of the ammo, and they were soon flying back to the Grand Mall, ferrying Diamond and his people home.

As they landed at the mall’s parking lot, a small, level two Warped appeared on top of a sedan and hissed at them. The disembarking guards barely slowed as they casually shot and killed it.

Diamond shook his head as he walked down the platform. “To think that only hours ago, that chump would have sent most of those guys running … it’ll make convincing the rest of the civilians to join the fight much easier.”

“How many people do you think you can rally?” Nori asked.

He glanced at the sky. “It’s almost evening. I’ll pitch the idea to everyone at dinner. Don’t worry, I think I have an idea how to get everyone’s cooperation.” He held up a piTec drop and winked at the woman. “We have enough weapons to arm about six hundred and we’re going to need a bunch more to run logistics. We’ll head out at first light. We should be at Lou’s Yard by noon.”

“Same here,” Martin’s voice came over the comms. “I’ve got everyone already excited about finally being able to hurt the Warped. Looks like almost everyone wants in, but we only have enough weapons for about eight hundred.”

“We’ll scout ahead and find a safe location for everyone to gather,” Nori said.

“Shouldn’t we discuss strategy first?” Lana said.

Bulco shook his head. “There’s no need. It’s a simple ‘carpet bombing’ routine. We’ll fly over the target and bombard them from a safe distance, while the people on the ground surround the place and make sure to finish off any Warped that tries to get away.”

Nori frowned. “Aren’t you worried about the Broodmother?”