The order came through your comms, cold and final.

“Pull back. Area is compromised. Civilians are not priority.”

You froze.

Across the street, trapped inside a collapsing apartment complex, you could hear screaming—families, kids. The building was already smoking, chunks of concrete raining down.

“Say again?” you asked, knowing exactly what the answer would be.

Amanda Waller’s voice snapped back, sharp as a blade. “You heard me. Mission comes first. Evacuate now.”

You looked at the building. Then at Emilia Harcourt beside you—helmet under her arm, blood on her sleeve, jaw clenched.

“I’m not leaving them,” you said quietly… then louder. “Command, I’m going in.”

The channel exploded with protests.

Before you could move, Harcourt stepped forward and keyed her mic.

“She’s not going alone.”

You turned, shocked. “Emilia—”

She didn’t look at you. Her eyes were locked on the burning building. “Waller can yell at me later,” she muttered. “I’m not letting civilians die because of paperwork.”