Normally it is against Regent law to kill a human civilian, but sympathizers were no longer considered human. We weren’t prepared for this fight and Kris was taking a massive hit from it, due to Marcus' hesitation at taking a shot.

Hesitation that led to a hard tackle from the side and Marcus tumbled to the ground, chips of armor coming off of him. Conner stepped in and with a stern silent look, killed our attackers. He barely broke a sweat doing it, I was already feeling the fatigue from the mission and I struggled to push the dead body off of Kris.

I grinned and joined Conner. Sympathizers weren’t as satisfying to kill as a Demon. Volunteering to be a food source made them more resilient, but they were easy prey. Not a challenge at all.

At the end of it, Conner called in for clean up and Marcus tended to his broken arm while Kris helped him out of his armor in the convoy. I holstered my gun and kicked at a sympathizer clinging to my boot. Even in death struggling to fight. I took my helmet off and shook out my wavy hair. I joined the other two in the convoy and stripped myself of my armor. Leaving me in my blue jeans and black t-shirt. I pulled on my cropped red leather jacket , along with my black shoes. I always felt vulnerable in civilian wear.

“How is it you never end up hurt?” Marcus winced while Kris wrapped a bandage tightly on his arm.

I laid down across a row of seats and put my glasses on. “I’m a good soldier.” I stared at the roof.

“Heh, well you’re good enough to get us out of there and that’s good enough for me.” Kris tugged tight at the bandage and patted Marcus hard on the back. “Another fallen soldier. Rest easy Jordan.”

“May peace find you.” We all slammed a fist on our chests and raised an open palm towards the sky.

Conner stepped up to join us, he pinched the bridge of his nose and slumped back in to a seat. The doors closed and we made our way back to the upper city. I wasn’t bothered by Conner’s silent treatment, it wasn’t the first time.

I’m a soldier, I kill and there will always be death and silence around me.

There’s nothing that can change that.

Conner sat up abruptly, his phone buzzing in his hand. “Kris and Marcus, return to the base. See your wounds are properly tended to.” He looked at me. “You’re with me. There’s an urgent matter at the Carrion.”

My teammates nodded and the doors opened. Conner stepped out and waited for me, of course I have to go with him, but the Carrion…that place was full of Scavs. Good for nothing civilians that felt like they were too good for the Militia.

The shadow of the Carrion lunged over us, the sun already setting in the distance. I really didn’t want to be here.

“I can’t change what happened back there.” I said.

“No.” Conner put his hand on my shoulder. “You can’t. You have to understand Riley, other people matter. Especially when it is your team, your family.” He gave a breathless sigh. “You are a great soldier.”

I perked up at the compliment.

“But all your training and technique means nothing if you can't focus..” Conner took his hand off the door. “Understand?”

“Yes sir.” I nodded. I am constantly focused. I just need to get Conner to see that just because I'm not focusing on what he wants, it doesn't mean I'm not focused at all.

Conner kept close to my side and looked right ahead. “You didn’t have to come.” Now that we were alone, his tone lightened up.