The next morning began before sunrise.
Atlas Base was already awake.
Lights illuminated the operations center while radio operators monitored the Predator feed that had remained over the target area throughout the night.
Marcus entered the command center carrying a cup of coffee.
Several analysts immediately looked up.
Nobody had gone home.
Nobody wanted to.
The hidden settlement remained the most important discovery Atlas had made since the Forest of No Return.
A live feed filled the largest screen.
The settlement still sat hidden beneath the forest canopy.
Prisoners.
Structures.
Patrols.
Everything remained visible through thermal imaging.
Marcus stopped in front of the display.
"Report."
The lead Predator operator immediately stood.
"No major changes overnight."
Marcus nodded.
"Patrols?"
"Continued."
The operator switched screens.
Several routes appeared across the map.
Red lines.
Blue lines.
Markers.
