Sandbenders (Part 1)

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The Sandbenders: Storm Seekers (by Claude Sonnet 3.5)

The emerald glow of their cybernetic eyes pierced through the gathering darkness as the Sandbenders patrolled the outer rim of the Crimson Desert. Unit Commander Serra-7 noticed the change first – the way the wind carried particles of sand in an irregular pattern, the subtle shift in atmospheric pressure that her sensors detected. A storm was coming, one unlike any their databanks had recorded in this sector.
"Formation halt," she commanded through their neural network. The four other units froze in place, their metallic frames gleaming under the dying sun. They were deep in hostile territory, where the Red Legion controlled every dune and rocky outcrop. The approaching sandstorm would not only damage their servos but would also blind their tracking systems, making them vulnerable to attack.
Navigator Echo-3, his hair-like sensor cables whipping in the strengthening wind, stepped forward. "I can scout ahead," he transmitted. "My stealth systems are optimized for these conditions." Serra-7 nodded, knowing Echo-3's enhanced infiltration protocols made him their best option for reconnaissance. (to be continued)