Heartstone - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Deep beneath a classified mountain base, inside a dimly lit war chamber, the highest-ranking officers of the X-3 Division gathered. Holographic maps of the valley flickered over the table, pulsing with red marks where enemy villages were known to exist.
General Ryker Voss stood at the head of the room, eyes like steel, hands folded behind his back. The room was silent until he spoke.
“Our scouts confirm multiple tribes uniting under one banner. Resistance is growing.” He pointed to a glowing cluster. “Here—they’re fortifying. Likely where the is hidden.”
Beside him, Dr. Hasker, the lead technologist, adjusted his glasses. “Sky Machines are ready. Infantry units enhanced with the new serum are prepped. They’re stronger. Faster. Less... human.”
A cold smile crossed Ryker’s face. “Perfect. We don’t need human—we need obedient.”
Another general asked, “What of Ashen? There are rumors…”
Ryker’s jaw tightened. “He’s dead. Burnt with the wreck. Do not bring him up again.”
“Operation Skyfall begins in ten days,” Ryker continued. “We hit from above, sweep through the forest, destroy the villages, and seize the . No survivors. This must be clean.”
He turned toward the scientists. “Increase machine production. No delays.”
Dr. Hasker nodded. “The hybrids are almost complete. They will follow commands without hesitation.”
The war room dimmed as new plans loaded on the screen: drop zones, satellite tracking, and firepower deployments.
The war wasn’t coming. It had already begun—quietly, surgically. And no mercy would follow.