Patrol...

As night falls over the settlement, you can't help but feel haunted by Fred's words echoing in your mind. You know that there are things beyond your control, yet the weight of responsibility still feels heavy upon your shoulders. Tomorrow's reconnaissance mission offers an opportunity to make amends, even if it's just a little bit.

As you prepare your squad for departure, Ben approaches you again, concern etched across his features. "Captain," he says softly, "I understand we have a job to do, but… are you okay? You seem troubled." His question hangs in the air as you take a moment to gather yourself before responding.

"Ben, I appreciate your concern," you say, meeting his gaze squarely. "The truth is, I never expected these consequences when I made my promises. But we must move forward and focus on our tasks at hand. We need to keep everyone safe and find ways to minimize harm wherever possible." Your voice steadies, determination setting in.

With renewed purpose, you lead your team into the unknown territory tomorrow morning, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The memory of Fred's plight fuels your resolve to make this mission count - not only for the windriders, but also for those who call this settlement home.

Winging up to your maximum height in the air, you spread your squad out in a wide fan shape. This lets you see more of the land below, while also giving you room to dodge and turn if you come under fire from rifles on the ground below. Slowly you circle around Fred hanger, searching out anything of interest or pockets of concealed enemies. To the south you spot a handful of lone farm steads, northwest you see the retreating enemy slavers while to the west is the shattered wreckage of a long destroyed city. Which is more sprawling and vast than you could ever have imaged, no city or village you have ever seen could match it. Even the slaver city that had seemed so vast was a mere fly-spec compared to the long destroyed pre-war city of the ancients.

"By the mountain spirits…" Ben shouts over the rushing wind, as you both stare as the wreckage of the old city. "I can't imagine enough people to fill such a place!" He gasps at the thought of so many people, his world was so small that the idea boggled his mind.

"Father always said the world was very different before the bombs fell." You reply having only vague memories of the stories your father had told, stories past down from generation to generation all but lost now… "Its a cursed place better to avoid it… we need to make sure the slavers aren't preparing a counter attack…" You explain as you wing off northwest… looking down carefully at the ground.

As you continue scouting the area with your squad, the sheer size and grandeur of the ancient city below leaves an indelible impression on each member of your team. It serves as a stark reminder of what once was - a bustling metropolis filled with life and prosperity, now reduced to ruins by time and warfare. The contrast between this forgotten civilization and their own simple existence is humbling yet intriguing.

Ben's words about the number of inhabitants in the pre-war era echo in your ears, making you realize how much has been lost over the years. Your thoughts are interrupted when you spot movement among the enemy slaver forces nearby. They seem to be regrouping and discussing something animatedly. This could potentially signal a threat to your mission or even put Fred's hanger in danger if they decide to launch a surprise attack.

With renewed focus, you steer your squad towards the enemy position while keeping a watchful eye on the terrain for any potential traps or ambushes. As you approach closer, you try to pick up snippets of conversation from afar using your keen windrider senses. Understanding that timing is crucial here, you prepare yourself mentally for whatever course of action may unfold next.