Last Stand at Redridge

Carter Hale sprinted through the ruins of Redridge Colony, his boots pounding against the cracked ground as the low hum of machines vibrated beneath his feet. Myra ran beside him, breath ragged, her scarf flapping behind her like a flag of surrender. The air was thick with dust and the sharp stench of burning metal.

“They’re coming!” she shouted, her voice hoarse.

Carter didn’t need the reminder. He could hear them—machines, whirring and grinding just beyond the ridge, their black forms gliding over the debris. He glanced back, seeing their glowing red eyes closing in, and pushed himself harder, ignoring the burn in his legs.

Ahead, a dilapidated structure loomed, a half-collapsed communications tower. It was their only chance. If they could make it inside, they might have time to regroup—maybe even get a signal out. Maybe.