Isaka ran her fingers over the rifle again, down the wood grain and onto the cold metal barrel. The sounds of her people in the shelter at the heart of the Magical Academy in her small town filled the large basement level, echoing off the bare concrete walls.

“So Ms. Smith, how are you holding up?” Major Dawson asked as he came up next to her and her small group of volunteer militia.

“Doing just fine, thank you Major. I’d feel better if we had Jessica back though.” The young woman had become an integral part of Isaka’s leadership team. She focused on training those whose use of mana could prove dangerous. She was also extremely useful as an example to the other teachers, professors, and scholars who kept bugging Isaka about the smallest things as Jessica usually just dealt with the issue at hand rather than finding her and passing the decision making off to Isaka.

“I agree. Lt. Brown’s acumine with magic is almost without equal. Her being taken to the front lines has left us” the major looked around the bunker. His gaze moved around the basement bunker, landing on the small clump of Jessica’s students. “Somewhat lacking in that department. But don’t worry. We have security here and at the fire base locked down tight. A squad to each building's security, two platoons stationed to flank the firebases, ready to intercept anything that might slip past the defenses from the fort.”

Isaka thought about his words. They certainly made her feel more comfortable about the threat from the pillars. But until tonight, that had not been the major source of conflict. “And what about from out there?” She asked, tilting her head towards the outside perimeter.

“Well, we have the early warning systems in place again, plus the auto-guns are now fully operational. On top of that I've had the quick reaction force stationed in the center of town, able to move quickly to intercept a threat from either direction. That's why I had to have your people down here if you recall.”

“You needed us out of the way.” Red-wind said, nodding his understanding. “So you can do your jobs.”

“Correct”

“Problem is, there’s not enough room down here for everyone.” Isaka grumbled. “Not with everyone from town. . .” The Earth shook slightly, and dust rained from the ceiling.

“What was that?” Red-wind asked. The major’s radio squawked angrily, as surprised and nearly panicked voices.

“Trouble.”