Chapter 287

When Aria Bennett's group arrived, Lieutenant Carter was preparing to rest.

He pushed open the tent flap and stepped out, frowning slightly. "What's wrong? It's late."

Aria quickly explained the situation and played the recording from her watch.

Carter's expression darkened instantly, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists. "Those traitors!"

One was his deputy, the other an old comrade he'd worked with for years.

It suddenly struck him—the deputy's father had once led a group in defecting from the base. Clearly, they'd been colluding with enemy forces for a long time, poaching personnel.

Declan Ross couldn't help interjecting, "You understand this language?"

Carter gave him a strange look. "Of course. It's the local dialect. You don't?"

Declan: "..." He cursed the production crew a thousand times in his head.

This wasn't a dialect—it was a trap! Only locals could understand it.

He forced a laugh. "My family moved here later. I'm not familiar with it."

Carter eyed Aria suspiciously and suddenly spoke a few sentences in the dialect.

Aria responded effortlessly, conversing fluently.

Ronan Caldwell caught a few words, but Declan and the others were completely lost.

Only then did Carter relax. With communications down after the apocalypse and no way to verify identities, he had to be cautious.

"I'll arrange an ambush. You all should rest." He nodded gratefully. "Thanks for the warning. Things could've gone badly."

If the armory and Aria had been taken, he'd never be able to face his superiors again.

Aria smiled faintly. "We're part of the base now too. Call us if you need help."

After a moment's thought, Carter handed them several military-grade walkie-talkies. "Use these to stay in touch."

It was a sign of official acceptance.

"Got it."

After tuning the frequencies, Aria's group took their leave.

Miles Sutton twirled a walkie-talkie and whistled. "Damn, Aria. Military comms? That's impressive."

This wasn't equipment just anyone could get.

Aria arched a brow. "Didn't I promise to carry you? This is just the start."

"Aria for the win!" Miles grinned. "We helping out later?"

"No need." She shook her head. "If they can't handle this much, they don't deserve to keep the armory."

Ronan nodded in agreement. "Internal cleanup isn't our business."

At most, there'd be negotiations tonight—no real fighting. In these times, all factions knew better than to waste resources.

They found a secluded warehouse, set up tents, and crashed.

Carter would call if anything happened.

They slept straight through till dawn.

When they saw Carter again, he looked relaxed.

Aria asked, "Heading back to base today?"

The other teams would probably come looking to buy intel soon.

"Was just about to find you." Carter smiled. "Reinforcements are here. Help them with ID registration, then we'll move out."

He lowered his voice. "Got you the best villa in the safe zone. I'll take you there when we get back."

A reward for last night's service.

Aria understood. "Thanks, Lieutenant."

"Don't mention it." He waved it off. "Need anything, just ask."

As they spoke, the reinforcements arrived.

Aria helped register two newcomers.

While Carter handled the handover, he suddenly remembered something. "You taking your chopper back?"

"If possible, today." Aria said. "We won't be returning here."

Carter hesitated. "You have a pilot? We're shorthanded..."

"Don't worry. We've got it covered." She gave him a reassuring look.

"Alright. I'll fly back with you. Stay close."

"No problem!"

At the airfield, Carter let them pick any aircraft.

Miles and the others gaped at the rows of fighter jets.

Though none could fly them, they each took turns sitting in the cockpits before finally settling on the helicopter.