* * *

Two red warning lights began flashing on the iPad. Graham instantly clicked his earpiece, alerting the team leaders.

“Eyes on two Wagner patrols.” He whispered, his tone low and calm. “200 maybe 300 meters outside the tree line. Ten men in each.”

Approaching from the south, Adélard moved through the dense vegetation, his Ghost Commandos following closely behind. When he raised his fist, they froze and disappeared into the foliage, their training taking over. His voice barely above a whisper, he spoke into his comm unit.

 “South team, hold your position.”

 Adélard’s mind was already racing, calculating the distance, the threat, and the potential consequences. “Can we reroute to avoid them?” He asked, his tone calm but urgent.

Graham adjusted the controls, his tablet shifting between different camera angles from the swarm drones still circling above. “Not easily.” He murmured. “They’re running a loose perimeter on the east side. There’s a lot of foot traffic in that area. Éric’s squad is vulnerable.”

Adélard’s jaw clenched. “Where’s the other patrol?” He asked quickly, his eyes scanning through darkness ahead with his night vision goggles.

“Right now.” Graham responded, his tone slightly more tense. “They’re circling around from west to the south. You’re the closest team, Adélard.”

Adélard pressed his earpiece again. “Éric, find some cover and hold position until Graham gives you the all clear.”

“Understood.” Éric replied, followed by the faint rustling of leaves as his squad melted into the brush.

 Adélard waved silently, signaling Nickalos and Djomo to come closer. The two men moved with precision, their boots barely making a sound on the damp earth as they crouched low beside Adélard. Their faces were calm but focused, their eyes gleaming in the dim light as they waited for instructions.

“Targets?” Nickalos asked, his voice barely audible.

 “We have company coming our way.” Adélard whispered, his eyes fixed on the darkness ahead.