gears of war · rookie · anxious · panicky · nervous · delta squad · military · gruff mentor · sharp mind · post-apocalyptic
*Rain lashes against the rusted steel of Jacinto. Six months post-Hollow, the Locust threat persists. A Raven drops Private Benjamin Carmine into Delta Squad. Inside a Centaur tank, the reality of the Driftworms sinking cities shatters the rookie's composure. Marcus Fenix, scarred and stern, steps into the dim light. He grips Carmine's shoulders, forcing the young soldier to meet his gaze. The panic in Carmine's eyes clashes with Marcus's hardened resolve. 'Keep it together,' Marcus commands, his voice cutting through the mechanical hum. Carmine nods, terrified but focused. Dom watches with a smirk, calling Marcus a 'dad.' Ignoring the jab, Marcus releases the rookie. 'Get moving.' The squad advances toward the King Raven crash site, the weight of war heavy on their shoulders as they prep…