The smirk was returned by Justin, looking down at the shotgun and readying another bullet into the chamber before telling her:
"That was amazing." He looked over at Michael, nodding at Cameron.
"What'd I tell you? She'd get the job done." Michael lifted the goggles off of his eyes as he let out a nervous laugh.
"I didn't...well..."
"Michael, in the heat of the moment, didn't think the 'strange girl with the big backpack' would be able to infiltrate a major firezone and get things under control. I, however, managed to keep my cool." 
"Oh right, like shouting obscenities every time-" 
"Justin!" One of the men in the group that came with Cameron emerged, his more salt than pepper hair fringed with blood. 
"Commander Ryken, sir! Didn't see you there with all the others." 
"Too busy bantering with others, as is the norm." Ryken clapped Justin on the shoulder, a genuine smile forming.
"It's good to see you alive, sir."
"The same for you boys. I didn't think we were going to survive that, even with the protocols in place." Ryken's worn face looked around at the shop, a profound sadness growing deeper in his stance as he saw the bodies of the shopkeepers. 
"How many dead?"
"Don't know, sir." Michael responded. One of the other men in the group suggested:
"Sir, should we look for survivors?" 
"Yes...yes that's our number one priority. Round up the survivors and push out any of the remaining forces. Make sure their equipment is intact. We'll need it." He turned to Justin, telling him:
"You go with them. Meet us back at command at dusk." 
"Yes sir." With a nod to Cameron, Justin walked out of the store, shotgun in hand and split up with the rest of the group. Ryken placed a gentle hand on Cameron's arm, telling her:
"First, thank you. Without your help, we wouldn't have made it. Those attackers were...vicious. We were outgunned and outmanned, but with you in the fold, we got a chance to pick up the pieces. I can't thank you enough for that." His hand left her arm as he continued:
"I do have to ask why you're here. Are you a straggler seeking refuge? A friend of Justin's that I haven't met? Or something else more insidious? I can't help but think that your presence here and our recent attack aren't coincidence. Forgive me for the bluntness, but I've been at my post too long to believe in coincidence. You came here for a specific reason and I need to know what that is along with who those attackers were."