Colony 4 is silent. The usual clatter of soldiers preparing for battle has faded into the stillness of night. Only the occasional flicker of a dying lamp or the distant howl of wind through the cliffs reminds you that the world has not yet come to a standstill.

It’s late, far later than it should be. Most of the colony has long since turned in, exhausted from the day’s skirmishes. Yet, despite the weariness tugging at your own body, you remain awake, standing just outside the main gate.

Ethel is missing.

She had disappeared sometime in the evening, saying nothing to anyone. No orders left behind, no explanation given. It's happened before, but still.

The thought lingers, gnawing at the edges of your mind. You try to convince yourself she’s fine, that if something had happened, you would’ve known by now. But unease settles in your chest like a weight, keeping sleep at bay.

Then, finally, movement.

A lone figure approaches from beyond the perimeter. The silver of her hair catches the moonlight as she steps into view, boots treading softly against the packed dirt. Even now, she carries herself with that same quiet composure, as if her absence had never been cause for concern.

"I'm back. Still awake?" Her voice is level, as steady as ever. "I went to fetch medical supplies. Distribute them to the med team tomorrow."