They were ignored as they walked through the armed camp, which would normally be a sign of a severe lack of security, but this time they’d forgive it. Among other things, from what they’d seen, there was little chance of infiltration this time around, not with the enemy looking like giant rock spiders with a touch of someone’s nightmare mixed in.

Still, the fact that they were able to walk right up to the captain without anyone even bothering to let him know they were coming . . . well, that was just unprofessional.

Janet was a second from castigating him for just that when Eric spoke without turning around or even looking up from what he was doing.

“Suit up. Both of you. We’re on a deadline.”

The duo glanced at each other, then back at the Captain, who still hadn’t turned around.

“How . . .” Janet blinked, but immediately cut herself off.

“You’re linked into every other suit walking around this field, aren’t you?” Alexander asked dryly.

“And you’re both late. Suit up,” Eric said, standing and turning around. “Anyone else from the old crowd in town?”

Janet shook her head. “Not as best I know.”

“Pity. We move into the city in fifteen minutes. Think you can keep up?”

The two just laughed as they split and walked around the captain, heading for the armor they could see behind him, not bothering to dignify that with a response. Eric looked around until he found Commander Granger and waved him over.

“Are we ready?”

“Almost. We move in fifteen,” Eric told him. “Six suits are open for use. Assign them at your discretion, Commander. You know your men better than I do.”

Granger nodded. “Yes sir, Captain.”

Eric looked north to the city, the smoke rising from all points, signifying just how bad the situation was. He had forty men, most of them relative rookies in powered armor, but for all that he was happier with them than with an entire battalion of tanks. In a city, maneuverability was king, and you just didn’t get more mobile than enhancing armor.

With his military codes he was able to intercept most of the intelligence being passed around by the Guard units, though he was pretty certain that some of it wasn’t on his system since the network had holes the size of the Odyssey all through it. Still, he had enough to begin making initial plans to clear New York of the infestation.

Beyond that, well, he’d make it up as it went along or he’d get orders from someone who hopefully had a better idea of the big picture.