PROJECT: WONDERLAND

33. RECON's WAY

Val calls out: "Recon team! Everyone, gather here for a moment!" The recon team separates from the main group.

Roland asks the techs: "How's the progress on communications?"

Sergeant Greg Thompson from the surveillance team responds: "Intra-team communication is improving, sir! We're still working on restoring external communication, though."

Roland nods in approval: "Good work. Thank you, Sergeant. Thank you, everyone. I appreciate all your hard work."

The team responds in unison, showing their solidarity.

The communication channels are partially restored; they can now communicate with each other, though contact with the camp or the SIF headquarters is still down.

Roland glances over at Val and asks through the intercom: "Everything alright, Lieutenant?"

Val responds: "All good, sir. But we're taking the rear position, which is the weakest point. Look around, boss."

Val continues: "If the predators behave as the scientists suggested, this place could be their feeding ground." Roland listens intently, scanning the surroundings as Val speaks.

Val adds: "The chances of us becoming their next meal might be low, but if one of those massive creatures panics, we could get caught in the chaos. It could be deadly."

Roland, impressed: "Smart thinking as always! Proceed, Lieutenant." He ends the call.

Val responds: "Thank you, sir."

Private First Class Samantha Lee speaks to her fellow assault team members: "Guys, ever since what happened earlier, have you noticed that this place seems like it doesn't want us here?"

Corporal Jessica Klein chimes in: "Or maybe all of this is orchestrated? Maybe someone's pulling the strings, or this environment is actually... alive."

Samantha, determined: "Whatever it is, I just know I don't want to die in this godforsaken place!"

Kyle joins the conversation: "That's why we have to keep fighting. We've come this far, and this is just the beginning. It may have been rough, but there's got to be an explanation for all of this. Our comrades' deaths won't be in vain."

The team responds with resolve: "Yes, sir!"

Roland, overhearing their conversation, speaks up: "You hear that, everyone?" Even Val, from the back, smiles at the words.

Unbeknownst to them, Roland had quietly instructed his surveillance team to hack into their intercoms and share the conversation as text with the entire squad.

Kyle and his team look around, confused, wondering how everyone heard their quiet conversation.

Roland, with a hint of amusement: "Wondering why? I had the surveillance team hack your intercoms and share your chat with everyone."

The squad lets out a small laugh, lightening the mood.

Roland, reassuringly: "Don't worry, I won't do it again—I know it's a bit rude. But your concerns, especially your words, Kyle, needed to be heard. It's good for all of us to keep our minds open. So, sorry about that."

M3, still somewhat frustrated but calming down, adds: "Good speech, kid!"

Roland exchanges a glance with M3.

Kyle, still feeling awkward and embarrassed, replies: "Thank you, sir."

As they continue their march, none of them realize that something is observing them from afar. Could this be the start of the hunt?

To be continued...