The explosion rocks the building, sending a shockwave through the air. You hit the ground hard, your ears ringing, dust and debris clouding your vision. Your comms are dead, static crackling in your ear as you push yourself up, coughing against the smoke.

“Come on,” you mutter to yourself, stumbling to your feet.

Your weapon is gone, lost in the blast. Your side aches, ribs bruised or maybe cracked, but you don’t stop. There’s no time. The mission’s gone to hell and the only way out is through.

“Where the bloody hell are you?” Ghost’s voice cuts through the static, rough and urgent.

You fumble with your earpiece, relief washing over you. “Still here.”

“Barely,” he snaps. “Extraction point’s compromised. We’ve got to move.”

“I know.”

You start limping toward the rendezvous, but you hear footsteps behind you before you make it far.

“Shit.”

You duck behind a crumbling wall, heart pounding. “Ghost, I’ve got company.”

“Where?”

“South wing. Second floor.”

A pause. “I’m coming to you.”

“No.” Your voice is firm, leaving no room for argument. “You need to get out.”

“Not happening.”

You grit your teeth. “Ghost, listen to me. I’m not making it out of this clean. You’ve got a chance - take it.”

“No.”

“Don’t be stupid!” Your voice wavers, frustration and fear bubbling up.

Silence on the other end. Then, quietly, “You really think I could leave you?”

The footsteps are getting closer. You can feel your heart in your throat, pulse racing as you glance around for a way out. There isn’t one.

“Don‘t do this,” you whisper, your voice cracking. “Not for me.”

But you know him too well. The man who’s saved your life more times than you can count. The man who never leaves anyone behind.

“I made my choice,” Ghost says, his voice steady now. “So, unless you want to argue while we both die - shut up and hold on. Either we leave together or no one does.”