Marc steps onto the conference stage, cameras flashing. He delivers his platform. Security, Hunter oversight, but the applause is thin. Citizens fear Wraith’s and the Hunters’ power. Marc’s promises are weak compared to Shepard’s harsh message. Polls already predict a landslide loss. Back at the Agency, Marc meets Clint. He again offers Clint a place on Ares Island with Ghost. Clint hesitates. He admits he and Bo ended badly—he thought Bo tried to cage him with ideology and always chose Alice first. He demanded distance from the family, never meeting Marc. When Alice died, he tried to call Bo but failed. Years later, he heard Bo was gone. Marc quietly asks if Clint blames him. Clint says he knew the risks of Bo’s life. Marc arranges a summit with Jack and Shepard over the Hunters’ brutality. Marc, James, and Strider travel to Wraith’s private island. Marc argues the Hunters are abusing state power. Marc tries once more to make peace over Grace’s death; Jack orders them out and announces more Hunter deployments to Ares. Marc and James depart, Strider stays behind, claiming he’ll negotiate. Instead, he approaches Shepard and says he wants to discuss the standing offer. On Ares, Marc briefs Norman. Election day is three weeks away and Marc’s numbers haven’t moved. Norman goes solo to scout the main Hunter base. He’s captured. Daryl beats him with his own bat, and releases him as a warning. While escaping, Norman glimpses secured records. The Hunters’ true backer is Mercenary.
