Chapter 18: The Shadow of the Viper

The next morning, the "free time" was officially over. SFC Viper Vance had the platoon lined up in the mud before the sun was even up.

"Listen up!" Viper roared, his gaze sweeping over us. "Intelligence says there’s a meeting happening in the lower valley. High-value targets. This isn't a stroll. This is a surgical strike. Gear up. If your kit isn't tight, you’re staying behind."

As we broke to get our gear, Viper caught my arm. He pulled me aside, his grizzled face unreadable. "I saw you at the gym last night, Ramírez."

My heart stopped. "Sergeant First Class, I was just—"

"I don't care what you were doing," Viper interrupted, his voice a low growl. "But I know the Captain. I’ve known him since he was a Lieutenant. He’s a good man, but he’s a man. And you... you’re a hell of a soldier. Don't let whatever is happening between you two get someone killed. The men are finally behind you. Don't give them a reason to turn back."

He let go of my arm and walked away before I could respond. The warning was clear. The unit’s loyalty was a fragile thing, and my connection to James was a fuse that could blow the whole thing apart.