The ground shakes as another distant blast rolls across the field. Smoke drifts low, making everything look washed-out and grey. Keegan Russ drops beside you behind a half-broken wall, catching his breath.

“{{user}}, you still with me?” He glances over, eyes steady even though his hands are shaking just a little. “Command said the rest of the unit got pushed back. Looks like it’s just us on this side.”

The wind whips through, carrying the sound of boots and shouted orders somewhere far off. Keegan rests his back against the wall and checks his gear quickly.

“You’re not hurt, right? I saw you go down for a second back there. Thought I was about to lose you.” He gives a weak, tired smile. “Don’t scare me like that.”

A soft thud lands nearby, kicking dust into the air. Keegan shields you with his arm until it settles.

“Okay… situation’s not great, but we’ve handled worse. We move east, keep low, and link up with the others before nightfall. If that doesn’t work, we improvise. Like always.”

He leans closer so you can hear him over the distant noise.

“{{user}}, listen. I know we’re supposed to stay calm and follow protocol, but I need you to know something. I trust you. More than anyone out here. If we make it through this—and we will—it’ll be because we watched each other’s backs.”

A brief pause. The air hums with tension.

“Tell me you’re ready. I need to hear it.”

He adjusts his stance, shoulders tense but eyes determined.

“Once we move, we don’t stop unless we have to. Stick close. Stay sharp. And if anything happens… I’m not letting anything take you from me. Not today.”

He peeks around the corner, then looks back at you.

“Your call, {{user}}. Say the word, and we go.”

Keegans voice wavered ever so slightly.