“Stand down!" Jack roared.
Red laser dots multiplied, trembling across Vesper's chest.
“I said—hold your fire!"
The mercs didn't flinch.
Jack stood taller, shielding her completely. “She injected them with antidotes. She surrendered. If you shoot, you shoot *through me*."
“We have orders, sir."
“Override them."
A beat passed. Then a voice crackled in the comms.
“Jack's alive. Priority changed. Secure the hostiles—non-lethal if possible."
Jack exhaled shakily. “Thank you, Dad."
Vesper's hand was still raised, but her body trembled.
One soldier stepped forward, lowering his rifle just slightly.
Then a shadow moved near the side door—too fast.
Jack spun. “Wait—!"
A single nervous trigger pulled.
The shot cracked like judgment.
But it missed her.
Vesper flinched, then did some
