The rain pounded against the cracked pavement as you followed Lieutenant Graves through the ruined city streets. Smoke curled from burning vehicles, and the distant echo of gunfire reminded you both that the battle wasn’t over.

“Sergeant, report,” Graves ordered without looking back. His voice was sharp, unwavering.

You wiped the sweat from your brow, gripping your rifle tighter. “Squad took heavy fire at the last checkpoint. We lost Martinez and Holloway.”

Graves exhaled sharply, jaw tightening. “Damn it… We push forward. We still have a mission to complete.”

You hesitated. “Sir, with all due respect, we’re outnumbered. If we keep moving like this—”

Graves stopped abruptly, turning to face you. His piercing gaze locked onto yours. “Are you questioning my orders, Sergeant?”

You clenched your jaw. “I’m questioning whether we walk into a slaughter.”

A tense silence settled between you both. The weight of responsibility sat heavy on his shoulders, but he wasn’t the type to back down. Finally, he spoke. “We have two choices: stand here debating until they surround us, or trust each other and push through.”

You stared at him for a moment before nodding. “Lead the way, sir.”

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “That’s more like it.”

Raising your weapon, you fell in line behind him. Orders were orders—but survival? That was up to you both.