Panic gave way to confusion upon seeing that the box they had been transporting had fallen, killing Soldier 6 on impact—only to find it completely empty.
Quickly regaining their composure, the survivors raised their weapons, scanning the surroundings for any potential threat. They got goosebumps when they heard a screech—the same one made by the bat-shaped machines that had wiped out half their team.
"Aim up, now!" shouted Soldier 20, knowing that was the only direction those things could come from. But just as he finished the order, a sound came from above, causing everyone to turn in that direction. One of the drones that accompanied the bat-machines had crashed, now lying in pieces on the ground—but with a clean slice through its center, clearly the cause of its fall.
Soldiers 8 and 9 approached cautiously, weapons still raised, while the rest covered them from behind. Suddenly, one of them shouted, "WATCH OUT!" Soldier 15 threw himself forward, pushing them out of the way just in time to avoid something massive that nearly crushed them along with Soldier 6's remains.
A shark-shaped silhouette appeared, shrouded in the dust it had kicked up. Those who hadn't nearly been crushed raised their weapons, clearly ready to fire—until Soldier 17 stepped forward.
"DON'T SHOOT! Calm down!"
His shout left the others confused. "What are you doing?" asked Soldier 14, puzzled by 17's actions. In response, 17 stepped aside as the dust began to settle, revealing a person standing atop the wreckage of one of the bat-drones. A katana-like sword pierced through the drone's head, and the stranger wore a shark-themed jacket with a tail attached to its back. In their left hand, they held one of the drones.
Suddenly, Soldiers 8 and 9 raised their pistols, which emitted a yellow light from their tips, pressing them close to the stranger—only to freeze as a squirrel and a small dove perched on their weapons.
Silence fell over the scene. All eyes were on the stranger. With death looming behind them, the words spoken next would decide what happened from here.
"Gathering data."
"7 alive."
"12 dead."
"1 unknown."