Discovery: Replenished

As the radio crackled to life, Jarvis pulled it to his ear. “Fenton, talk to me.” “This is the third thrust the horde’s prepared today. Where are they finding more bodies?” “Who knows?” With a grunt, Jarvis peered through a hatch. “Just remember your targets. We can’t waste energy targeting the same creatures.” “We’ll handle the medium threats, but we’d appreciate proof that those upgraded cannons exist and work.” “Cecile should have more soon.” “Are you talking about a normal person’s definition... or hers?” Jarvis pulled a rag from his pocket and wiped his face. As he returned the damp cloth, he nudged the gunner wielding the altered prototype. “I’m hopeful we’ll receive more soon.” “That means we’re using Cecile’s ambiguous interpretation.” “She’s converting several at once, and she insists the process is complicated. We have one flexible weapon capable of eradicating huge swaths of these monsters.” Jarvis switched the radio for a scope and examined the assembling creatures emerging from the distant treeline. “While you handle the infantry, my gunners will deal with those walking trees.” “Roger that. Then we’ll trust you to neutralize whatever air support materializes.” “This assault doesn’t have any of those pesky flyers,” Jarvis said as he moved to another hatch. “But that doesn’t mean they won’t appear once the charge starts. If they do, they’re our problem. I don’t want your attention drifting off those green skins.” “Roger that.” “Get ready.” Jarvis switched the radio’s channel and activated it. “Cecile, where are those upgraded cannons?” “We need another thirty minutes for the full batch!” Jarvis’s fist slammed into the bulkhead, and as he pulled it away, a few droplets of blood tumbled from his fingers. “I don’t expect our relentless enemy to sit and wait while you finish tinkering. Bring whatever weapons are finished!” Jarvis switched off his radio and rushed to the gunner wielding the prototype. He squeezed Gerald’s shoulder and kneeled beside him. “Gerald, target the most densely packed sections of their infantry.” When the gunner activated the weapon, the hum thundered through the chamber. “I remember the warnings, though I’d rather start thinning them out now.” “I understand the frustration, but they seem to have an endless supply of bodies.” “That doesn’t mean I have to like our problem.” “Don’t worry. They’re not going to keep us waiting long.” Gerald pulled the scope to his eye as his fingers whitened around the weapon’s grip. “That wasn’t comforting. Hopefully, my stomach will settle once they charge.” A woman to Gerald’s right snorted as her head twisted. “I’ll remind you of that once the onslaught reaches us.” Jarvis stepped between them as he studied the undulating creatures...