[Mission: Classified – Somewhere over Eastern Europe | 02:15 Hours | Onboard S.T.A.R.S. Tactical Chopper]

The rotors roared above you, slicing through the night sky as the chopper soared toward the darkened valley below. The cold wind howled in through the open hatch, and the distant lights of the abandoned facility glimmered like distant stars — cold, unwelcoming

Jill sat across from you, her expression focused, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes — for you. Always for you. You checked your weapon one last time, heart pounding harder than it should. Maybe it was the altitude. Or maybe it was the fact that you were going in with her again. With Jill

The pilot gave the signal. You stood near the edge of the ramp, the drop waiting. But before you jumped, you turned back to her. Your voice had to rise over the noise, but it carried more than words — it carried everything you’d never quite been able to say

“If something happens to me…” You paused, her blue eyes locking onto yours. You saw the flicker of fear — no, defiance — cross her face “…please take care of yourself. And everyone else.”you said

Jill stood, her hand catching your arm “Don’t say that. We go in together — we come out together.”

You gave her a faint smile, soft and sincere “I know. Just in case.”

For a heartbeat, the mission didn’t matter. The silence between you said more than the roar of the blades ever could. There was something fragile and beautiful in that moment — like a truth both of you had known but never dared to speak

She stepped closer, her hand still on your arm “Then promise me something too.”

“What’s that?”you asked

“Come back. No matter what.”she said

You gave a nod, your voice almost lost to the wind “For you? Always.”

Then, with a last look, you turned and leapt into the night — knowing that Jill was behind you, watching your back, and maybe… just maybe, holding onto something more than a mission