A rectangular building made of brick, the fort stood 50 feet high with three stories; it had a single entrance, with iron-studded doors. At the fort’s center was an open courtyard, allowing Alan to see inside. There were multiple people running about, and the inside of the fort looked like the Coliseum, with levels of arches ringing the courtyard. In the middle stood a glowing blue circle with arcane symbols: the Control Point.

Alan continued to scan the fort, trying to make out the defenses. Along the top of the edges two giant turrets Eve labeled as laser cannons were mounted, one at either end. They would need to be taken out, as each could swivel inwards and fire into the courtyard. A soft blue glow that flickered in and out let Alan know that the fort as had a shield generator active. Like the bunker's shield, this would deflect any projectile attacks from outside, but wouldn't prevent anyone from walking in. Eve highly suspected the fort would have motion detectors or infrared cameras, making it harder for Alan to sneak in.

Reconnaissance done, Alan scurried away, further along the bridge. Once he was a safe distance away from the marines he sent Thiago a message.

A: 53 hostiles have been detected outside. Eve estimates 70-100 additional inside the fort. Locations updated on map. 50+ enemies unaccounted.

T: They are here, mounting an attack on the bunker. They have armored vehicles, something we did not prepare for. Shields are holding up and we've deflected all attacks thus far, but their vehicles have shields too. MadMerlin says he has an idea. You are on your own.

A: On my own? To do what?

T: Take the base. If we can we will send someone to help.

Thiago ended the chat.

Alan took a deep breath. His armor still had 300 energy, enough for an hour's worth of invisibility. Now he had to figure out what to do with it.

Begin eliminating enemies, Eve sent.

Shouldn't I try sneaking in?

Negative, lure them outside and gain experience.

Not one to question Eve, Alan set up the sniper rifle, using a small burned out Volkswagen Beetle on the bridge as cover. When he was looking through the digital scope it looked like a first person shooting game, with a small crosshair that would turn red when Eve thought a shot would hit.

I will highlight key targets. You may fire when ready.

Alan took a deep breath, trying to keep his hands steady, focusing on the five man squad on the bridge a few hundred yards away. The soldier on the gun was highlighted red. This was just another arcade shooting game.

Lying prone, trying to stay still, Alan lined up a shot. He turned off his armor's invisibility. The crosshair turned red. He squeezed the trigger. A purple, magenta plasma bolt shot out of the sniper rifle, colliding with the squad captain manning the gun atop the bridge. It was a direct hit, and a small explosion of energy erupted, killing the soldier.