A flood of dark shapes poured into the canyon. A second group emerged from within the canyon's crevices. Lennox and his rebels approached Duffy's federal division.
Duffy emerged from the top hatch of his fortress, followed by his sharpshooters. They searched the black sky with sensors. Distortions in the stars became larger and spread out overhead. A spherical cloak evaporated, and star ships became visible to the eye. The craft quietly set down on the sand.
General Duffy, stern with purpose, approached the star ship. He and his team proceeded up a ramp. They depressurized and met with Mallory Duncan.
Duffy embraced her tightly. "Our alliance with Lennox depends on two preconditions."
Mallory Duncan braced herself. "Go ahead."
"The central government must lift the state of emergency and restore constitutional rule."
"Of course."
"And they call for open democratic elections."
Lennox appeared on a screen of the earth warship's bridge. Mallory, Duncan, and the earth crew looked on.
"Immediate free elections," said the rebel leader. "Do you agree?"
"Yes. Yes I do. If the people of Mars would have some other leader, who am I to deny the will of the planet?"
Lennox nodded his black-bearded face, satisfied. "That's all I need."
Duffy roared, "To Inverness!"
"To Inverness."
"We'll call upon our old friend, Mack." Duffy sneered through clenched teeth. "The psychotic wretch. Have the men move out!"
Duffy's aide sounded reluctant. "Right now?"
Duffy softened his excitement. "Right now. Please."
The aide nodded apprehensively. "Let's get this column turned around."
As the army moved, massive energy kicked up the dust and lit up the canyon with discharge. Above the ground forces, the star ships hovered and engaged their cloaks. Holographic camouflage appeared as rock and sand below, disguising hundreds of vehicles.
Their cloaked armies drove right into the red sunrise. General Duffy sat alone watching old videos of his wife and son from holidays. Tears collected as he replayed films on his screen.
A hatch opened beneath the star ship. A lone black figure climbed out onto an observation deck. Flying above the massive mechanized army, the single observer was Mallory Duncan. Surveying the army, it stretched and rumbled to the horizon, death machines, flying drones, robots and troop transporters.
Satisfied, she climbed back inside the hatch and sealed it shut.
General Duffy jumped at the sound of an incoming transmission.
Mallory's image appeared. "The usurper will surely tremble in fear by the end of this day, my friend."
"God willing, Mallory."
