Melendez studied the civilian camp, her experience evident in how she catalogued potential threats and escape routes. "The civilians seem genuine enough," she said, though her tone suggested professional skepticism. "But you're thinking there's something we're missing."
"Exactly." Noah appreciated that she was treating his concerns seriously despite their age difference. "You've been doing this longer than me. What's your read?"
"Honestly? The organization level bothers me. Three hundred people, two days of crisis, and they're this coordinated?" Melendez shook her head. "Most civilian populations would be in complete chaos by now."
'Finally. Someone else sees it.'
The landscape stretched out before them—crystalline formations catching the light, mining equipment sitting silent and abandoned, the distant mountains creating a jagged horizon. It was beautiful in an alien way, but the beauty felt hollow.
