RONAN The memory hit hard and fast, like a punch to the chest. Fort Meade came back in sharp flashes. The motorcycle vibrating under me. The engine screaming as I pushed it past its limits. Guardians of Christianity soldiers filled the road, pouring toward the damaged Army unit. There had been no time to think. No room for doubt. I tore straight through their line without slowing down. Even now, it felt impossible. A force like that should never have been able to defeat a full Army unit, even one already wounded and stretched thin. That thought refused to let go. “How did they fall?” I asked, my voice steady but tight.“No clue,” the major replied. “Last report said they pushed back a GC attack. After that, silence. Command lost contact completely. We don’t have the people to run a full search and figure out what happened.” Something didn’t sit right. A question started to form, but the major kept talking before I could ask it. “That leads to the next issue,” he said. “We’re operating at sixty percent combat effectiveness. Sergeant, I know what you lost, but I need eyes and ears on the far side of the bridge. You’re going back into the grinder. Link up with Able Company. Get equipment and personnel.” Nguyen nodded once, clean and sharp. “Nowhere I’d rather be, sir.” “Hooah,” Davis answered. His attention shifted to me, weighing me in a single look. “You’ll report to my signals intelligence team. I want everything you can pull on the local insurgents and their plans for the I-81 bridge.” My head shook before the words even came. “Sorry, sir. I’ve got orders from the Office of the Director of the NSA. I’m required to make a rendezvous.” Davis let out a low whistle. His eyebrows rose high, almost mocking. Belief never showed. Interest barely flickered. “That’s some rare company you keep. Care to show me those orders so I can confirm?” My spine straightened. “You’ll have to take my word for it.” “I stopped doing that the day a local sheriff put a bullet in my colonel’s head,” he said flatly. “If you don’t have paperwork, then you’re full of shit.” “Major,” I began. Anger surged up fast. A reckless part of me wanted the fight. Wanted to let it spill. Blood thudded hard in my ears. Muscles tightened. Then he waved it off like it wasn’t worth the effort. Davis took a slow breath. “You aren’t the only one who’s been through hell. Let’s say I believe you. You’re heading west. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be standing next to Nguyen.”“I can’t tell you where,” I said. “But west is correct.” “Then your refusal changes nothing. The far side of that bridge is crawling with insurrectionists. You won’t last a mile out there alone. This is the only bridge standing for over a hundred miles.” His gaze drifted past me. One wall of the cubicle was gone, opening straight into the hangar. Soldiers moved in tight patterns. Engines idled and roared. Gear clattered. Beyond that, the taxiway stretched wide and exposed. “We’re deploying soon to secure the other side,” he continued. “That job goes faster with your skill set. You help us track enemy movement, and I’ll personally make sure you get a vehicle.” The choice pressed down on me. Every option felt sharp. “I’ll help,” I said, “if Nguyen is assigned to me as security.” Nguyen stiffened instantly. I saw it from the corner of my eye. Davis frowned. My orders were clear. No one else was supposed to come with me. Those rules felt distant now. Reaching my destination alive mattered more than protocol. Davis ended it. “This isn’t a negotiation. I have more vehicles than experienced NCOs. You’ll get solid transport. Be grateful.” A shrug escaped me. The attempt had been worth it. A nod followed. Terms accepted. Davis exhaled. “Good. That’s settled. Get out of here. Kamal, head to the terminal. Intel unit is staged there.” Nguyen somehow grew even straighter. His salute snapped up fast and precise. Davis returned it. Nguyen spun on his heel and marched out. A careless wave followed as I left. Nearly collided with a group of soldiers waiting to speak with the commanding officer. The open front of the hangar yawned wide as Nguyen stopped and turned back.“Don’t ever try to pull me from the front,” he said. His voice stayed calm. The tight muscles around his eyes told the real story. No room for debate. “Sorry,” I said, stepping back on instinct. “Saw a way to finish my mission.” “My mission is defending the United States,” he replied. “I’m not babysitting while my brothers and sisters give everything they have.” A long, violent rip tore through the air. Every head turned toward the main gate. Mine followed. A weapon system had fired close. Too close. Light armored vehicles raced toward the entrance, engines howling, ready to support whatever had just sparked off. I turned to ask Nguyen what he thought, but he was already moving. Distance opened between us quickly. He headed toward a knot of soldiers, pulled toward his next task without hesitation.Thoughts settled once he was gone. I had crossed a line with him. A small shrug followed. After losing my entire family, one more strained connection barely registered. I spotted terminal sat far across the runway system. Transport would be needed. Walking the full span of the Tri City Airport complex felt reckless. Getting to the Transit Hall was the next step. Staying alive long enough to do it was the priority.