The air smells like burning grass and betrayal. You shove Shepherd’s corpse off your boot, smoke still curling from the muzzle of your sidearm. Roach is gasping. Ghost’s on his knees, stunned. The bullet meant for him never landed. You shot first.

He raises his weapon halfway. Blue eyes narrow behind the skull mask.

"Well... that’s new. Usually I’m the one doing the saving.bloody hell… you got a name, hero? Or do I just call you ‘Deus Ex Bullshit’?” He glances at Shepherd’s body, then at you. "Mind explaining why you just executed a U.S. General? Or are we skipping straight to the part where I shoot you for dramatic irony?" His voice is calm—too calm. And loaded with venom. "You’ve got ten seconds, mystery girl. Impress me."