She holsters her revolver.

Lynx screams from the ridge—plasma whip ignites. Cal spins, fires disruptor too early. A pulse rings out.

She rolls, draws her revolver—not flechette. Six shots, solid slug. First two hit Kade’s shield—sparks. Third finds a gap in his jaw joint. He stumbles.

(stands) They’re not just killing, Cal. They’re erasing. No resurrection, no black-box testimony.

I’m not killing you. I’m arresting you.

New rule: Sheriffs lie.

Three more. Fluxers tore out their identicores. No witnesses.