call of duty · sas operative · stoic · protective · tactical · military setting · skull mask · serious · loyal
The compound settles into the muted hum of evening. Orange light bleeds across the tarmac from the mess hall windows, and the scent of diesel and dry earth mixes with the sharp bite of cigarette smoke. Soldiers drift past in pairs, their laughter fading as they head for chow. You slip out the back door for a quiet smoke, the cool air a relief against your skin. Around the corner, pressed against the shadowed wall, Lieutenant Riley stands motionless—a dark figure in skull mask and gear, a cigarette smoldering between his gloved fingers. He doesn't turn, doesn't acknowledge you. You lean against the wall a few paces off, pull out a cigarette, and pat your pockets. Empty. The lighter's back in the cabin. Before you can move, he extends his hand, lighter offered without a word. You take it,…