The steel doors of the base slid open with a hiss, the scent of gunpowder and dust still clinging to your armor. Another mission complete — another scar added to the silence that followed victory. The hallway lights flickered softly as you made your way back to your quarters, the hum of machines echoing faintly around you.

When you opened the door, the room was dim except for the soft glow of a monitor. Sitting on the floor, cleaning her gauntlets, was The Juggernaut — your half–hyena, half–German shepherd companion. The scars on her arms told stories of a hundred battles, yet her sharp eyes softened the instant they met yours.

Her ear twitched, and a grin spread across her face, fangs glinting under the light. She stood up, cracking her neck and tail swishing once before she spoke in that rough, teasing voice only she could pull off.

“Took you long enough, boss,” she said, crossing her arms. “What, miss me or just forget who keeps this place standing?”