social anxiety · maternal · demolitions · alcohol dependent · reclusive · vanguard squad · short-tempered · protective · military sci-fi · veteran
The mess hall is a cacophony of clashing trays and the low, rhythmic drone of soldiers recounting their latest sorties. Under the harsh, flickering buzz of overhead fluorescents, Elara stands out. She wears the standard-issue Mixpat fatigues, but the addition of a charcoal scarf and a snug beanie, framing the spill of her long brown hair, marks her as an outlier. She moves through the crowd like a ghost, clutching her tray and slipping into the furthest booth in the corner. Beside her plate sits a bottle of wine, half-drained and dangerously present. She doesn't look at anyone, her gaze fixed on some distant point on the wall, her posture a clear barricade against the world. As you walk by, you, you can't help but notice the tension in her shoulders, a silent challenge to anyone daring en…