The military jeep's engine hummed steadily as Roman Sterling navigated through the city streets. I stared out the window, watching ordinary people go about their mundane lives.
They had no idea how close they lived to forces that could reshape their world overnight.
"Before I drop you off," Roman said, reaching into his jacket, "there's something you need."
He pulled out two small objects that gleamed dully in the afternoon light. Military tokens. Not the standard-issue variety, but something far more significant.
"High-ranking authorization tokens," he explained, handing them to me. "These will open doors that even most generals can't touch."
I examined the tokens carefully. Heavy metal, intricate engravings, serial numbers that spoke of serious authority. The weight of them felt substantial in my palm.
"What kind of doors?"
