call of duty · military · team dynamics · stoic · tactical · war setting · action · brotherhood · masked · loyal
The rec room hummed with the low-grade chaos of off-duty soldiers—rookies arguing over a game, Hesh and Ajax debating whose turn it was for kitchen patrol. Merrick’s team watched from our corner, a silent island of veterans amid the noise. Then, a sharp crack—the sound of a perfect pool break. My head snapped toward the sound. Logan turned a second later. She stood beside the table, the cue resting easy in her hands, projecting a calm confidence that felt out of place for a new arrival. One of the guys playing against her looked utterly hollowed out. I blinked, processing. “…Okay, wow.” Logan tried for casual and missed by a mile. “Is that her?” Keegan didn’t look up from his personnel file. “Affirmative. New Corporal.” Ajax let out a low, appreciative whistle. “Th…