Just then, the door swung open. A soldier walked in with two others at his back. He had a scar cutting across his upper lip and a look that said trouble. "Hola... amigo," the man said, voice low and mocking.
"Simon! What's up, man?" Dan greeted with his usual easy grin, waving casually.
Brian gave a short nod. "Hey."
Simon's smirk widened. "So... you boys are sucking Washe's dick now?"
Matt's fists clenched instantly. "Up your ass, Killese."
Dan quickly stepped between them. "Alright, alright, let's cool it, guys. No one's looking for a fight here—"
"Shoosh!" Simon snapped, cutting him off. "Shut your damn mouth, Dantonio. I'm talkin' to your bitch here. So don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong." He spat—right beside Dan's boot.
Dan frowned, stepping back and raising both hands. "Okay, okay, no need to get nasty, man. But if you lay a hand on him, I swear to God I'm gonna kick your ass too." Simon brushed past him, chest puffed out, stopping inches from Brian.
"So what's your deal, city boy, huh? Think you're better than me?"
Brian straightened up, his shadow stretching taller than Simon's. "Sergeant chose me to lead the team. Said you weren't exactly... leadership material."
Simon's face darkened. "You think you're a captain, huh? You're nothing but muscle. A cannon fodder with legs."
Brian didn't flinch. "Maybe. But at least I show up when it counts." That did it. Simon's temper snapped. His finger twitched against the trigger— BANG!
The shot echoed through the small hut. Everyone froze.
"What the hell was that?! Who ordered you to fire?! Fucking son of a bitch," Sergeant Washe's voice boomed through the radio. Simon stepped back, lowering his weapon, his glare locked on Brian. He jabbed a finger toward his face.
"This ain't over. I'll see you later…." He turned on his heel, storming out with his men. On the way out, one of them kicked over a disabled training drone, sending it crashing to the floor.
When they were gone, Matt let out a low whistle. "Damn, man! You didn't plan that speech, did you?"
Dan was still frozen, eyes wide. "Do you even know what you just said, man? Killese used to run with the freakin' cartel."
Brian crossed his arms, jaw tight. "So what? I'm not letting a thug walk all over me."
Dan threw his hands up. "¡'stás Loco! You're outta your damn mind! He's gonna slit your throat before nightfall." He began pacing the small hut, muttering curses under his breath. "Damn it, Brianne. You just bought yourself a world of trouble."
Matt stepped forward and patted Brian's shoulder with a grin. "Don't worry, man. We'll keep our eyes on you. Twenty-four seven."
Brian chuckled, rubbing Matt's freshly shaved head. "Yeah, I'll hold you to that." The three of them stepped out into the blazing desert sun again. The air shimmered with heat, sand crunching beneath their boots.