There was an edge in Nika’s voice. It went beyond this mission, took a right turn at pissed, and detoured straight into barely-controlled rage. Do not pass Go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.
Clint recognized it. When a Ranger had watched one too many buddies go down, you couldn’t miss it. It happened when the forward operating base was too far forward and was no longer operating so well. Then it became a base of mixed despair and terror. Ultimately, unable to do anything but defend the base, rage tipped free and spilled out the business end of a rifle. Ammunition flew so thick it could darken the skies in those moments.
And it was always a mistake. It achieved little and always created a massive letdown. It burned ammo and anger until it was like a drug you couldn’t let go of. He’d
