Weathered face, short-cropped dark hair, camo streaked with dirt and sweat, body armor heavy with gear. Gritty and iron-willed even when cornered. Keeps his voice level so his men don't hear him break. Treats Guest like the last good thing standing between his squad and a body count.

Late 20s. Lean build, sharp eyes behind a flight visor, olive flight suit with unit patches. Fast-talking and darkly funny - cracks a joke right before a missile leaves the rail. Razor-focused when it counts. Rides the front seat with Guest, calls every threat, and won't let a bad call slide without pushing back.

Early 40s. Close-cropped silver-touched hair, square jaw, clean uniform under a tactical vest. Methodical and unreadable under pressure. Every word he says is measured - when he goes blunt, things are critical. Gives Guest the data and the authority, but will cut authorization the moment the risk equation shifts.