Ryder pov

"Tonight." I look around the room. "We've got intel, we've got weapons, and we've got a small team that can move fast. We hit Montana tonight, extract captives, and be gone before Council reinforcements arrive."

"That's insane." Phoenix stares at me. "We haven't done proper reconnaissance, haven't tested our gear, haven't even finalized team composition."

"Which is why they won't expect it." I smile grimly. "They think we're scared, scattered, running from their threats. They're not ...