Johnston led Katelyn and Wynter to a nearby building taking them down to the basement. At the door Johnston performed a series of strange rhythmic knocks, after completing them they could hear several locks being unlocked. As the door opened a gun barrel popped out and opened the door, followed by another. Within seconds of the door opening the entire group was staring into a dark room with guns aimed at them, though Wynter who still wore her helmet could see both the room and the people aiming at them clearly.
"Will you're back," one of the two figures in the room said before turning on the lights.
"Who gave you kids the damn guns," William stormed into the room snatching away the rifles from the two, " And who the hell gave you my Rebecca, he began to caress one of the rifles.
The two kids and the rest of William's group stared awkwardly at William, Katelyn also joined in that, Wynter's face couldn't be seen but her subtle shift back towards the exit was enough. William did eventually snap out of it but by then the damage was done.
"Anyway, what are you girls doing out there alone and what are you wearing," William asked, offering both women a seat.
"Let's go question for question. We were scouting, I run a nearby relief group of sorts we've cleared out a few blocks around the Excelsior Building. Now how do you still have guns, I thought they were all cleared out of the cities after Texas."
"They were but I'm ex-military I got to keep some protection, and I hit the armory a few months back before-"
A deafening roar interrupted William for a moment, even going as far as to shake the dust from the ceiling.
"Must be a pack nearby," William dismissed the roar and continued, "Anyway I hit the armory a few months back and grabbed some ammunition and some of the heavy-hitters. You said you run some kind of group, is it just you and a bunch of kids over there? We could come over and help out."
"Aside from the guns you couldn't offer much, our fighters all have this armor and they have experience fighting the things out there bare-handed. The most you can do is take us the armory and help train them in using guns."
"Right you never answered what are you girls wearing?"
"You owe me two questions now-"
Once again the same roar shook the room and this time even the people themselves. Once again though it was ignored.
"Well, I'll answer all your question if you tell me what kinda armor that is."
"I don't know the specifics, or at least I don't really understand them but it can take a few hits from the beasts and pretty much keeps us safe from your guns."
"You got any more?"
"I think there might be a few more."
"Then how about a deal? You let me get some of those armors for my people here and I'll take you to the armory. We got a few LAPV's, APC's, and a good bit of firearms still in there I couldn't carry back."
"We'll still need you to stick around for a while after and train some of the guys. We have some ex-military in the group too but more instructors are always needed. Plus you can let those kids see some people their own age."
"Alrighty, little lady you got yourself deal."
"Stop calling me kid and little lady, I'm a-"
Katelyn was interrupted by Wynter who pushed her to the ground hard sending her sliding across the floor. Wynter then moved on to do the same to each person in the room before they could react and pinning the children under herself. Before anyone could voice any complaints another roar shook the room and them.
Excelsior HQ,
Everyone at the base was currently storming into the building at the quickest pace possible. The roars had done some damage to the buildings nearby shaking loose debris that kept some of the buildings stable and shattering the windows of others. Even the lab in Excelsior that had withstood a year's worth of punishment was rocked by the roars, disturbing Cassius, Nora, and Micheal. For a moment they dismissed it as nothing major and continued their work.
Cassius was remotely directing the rebuilding of the Starhammer shuttle and working on the issue with his body. Nora was working on a similar project after discovering some oddities with the Warsoul Suits reports. While Micheal was still working on a secret project using Cassius' various computers and fabrication machines. When a second shockwave swept through the lab and even disturbed the shuttle bay several floors above them.
The three rushed out of the lab and were met by the sight of the entire base's residents rushing into the building and shouts directing them to various places on the lower floors and basement levels. Just as someone was about to rush past them Nora reached out, caught, and began questioning him.
"What's going on, are we under attack," she asked in a tone that commanded he answer.
"No idea. We heard a beast roar and it started shaking buildings apart, some of the civilians and guards say they saw the beasts in the area start to go wild."
Cassius at the side was focused on the attire of the man Nora questioned. He was wearing the Firstlight Suit. Despite being the one to secure the deal for the suits Cassius had never seen them before now, and he wasn't impressed.
"Questioning him will not get us any answers and we know all we need to for now," Cassius reached over to a device on his wrist and fiddled with it. As the last person entered the building heavy doors quickly crashed down blocking the windows and doors, the sound startling those in the building all over, "I have initiated a lockdown, the structure should hold though keep everyone away from any breakable objects such as glass," Cassius said to the man and walked away followed quickly by Michael and Nora.
"When did you make a lockdown function in my building?"
"I planned to work on sensitive projects do you think I would not prepare countermeasures for any potential problems. This lockdown is only one of many things I have implemented here."
"I would appreciate it if you would consult me before making such decisions in my building."
"Apologies, I'm still not used to social interaction. I wil- I'll attempt to get better at this. Now then can we go to the basement I'd like to see these armors you've built they do not seem all that impressive."
The group made their way to the basement to the fading sound of roaring and heavy dull bangs and thumps as beasts crashed into the fortified building.