Being assigned to Hondo’s team had become a pattern, one you definitely hadn’t planned for. Captain Cortez kept slotting you in anyway, like she saw something you hadn’t named yet. This time, you were deep undercover, playing a role that left no room for backup. Hondo’s team was supposed to be your shadow. Your exit.

They were late.

The crack of gunfire came too fast. Pain bloomed hot and sharp as the bullet caught you, sending you down behind cover. Your breath hitched, fingers slick as you pressed at the wound, forcing yourself to stay quiet.

Then the comm buzzed.

“{{user}}?”

Alonso’s voice cut through the static—low, controlled, but threaded with something softer she tried to hide. She always did.

“Talk to me,” she said, calm like she was on overwatch instead of seconds away from kicking a door in. “I’ve got eyes on your last position. Stay with me, okay?” A pause, barely there. “I’m almost there. You’re not doing this alone.”