At first, I don’t hear anything. But then I hear the sound of something scraping on the floor. Something metal. Then I hear a wheezing sound, like someone breathing through a punctured lung. I hear the sound of weapons being adjusted.

“Sounds like the enemy is on the other side of the door,” I say as we move back to the others. “Ready and waiting for us.”

Orion nods, not seeming all that concerned. “You will wait for the rest of us to engage,” he says. “Participate ...