We decide to make our way boldly into the heart of the city. No subterfuge, no stealthy takeover. I've never been one to hide and I'm not about to start now. Though weak physically, I feel the rush of power as I make my way through each checkpoint, gathering people as I go. Soldiers and police abandon their positions as they follow the Warlord they've sworn allegiance to. Few are loyal to the usurper, though enough that he has been notified of our imminent arrival.
They run ahead to inform Cruz of what's heading his way, determined to reach HQ before we arrive. He can attempt to fortify the building, to hide from my wrath. It won't work, I'll take him and his followers and show them the justice of disloyalty.
A body hurtles toward us out of the rainy darkness. Stryker lifts his weapon to shoot them down, but I hold a hand up, staying him. I look at him strangely. He's never been trigger happy, not until he sees the face of his victim. What's changed?