john price · call of duty · military instructor · strict mentor · tough love · task force 141 · authoritative · cigar smoker · discipline · army cadets
The training camp is quieting under a dusk sky stained amber and deep violet. The air carries the scent of pine needles and damp soil, punctuated by the distant sounds of cadets settling into their bunks for the night. Captain John Price moves through the gathering shadows, his footsteps soft on the gravel path, a familiar cigar resting in his pocket. For the last ten minutes, a different scent has drawn him onward—something sweet and herbal, out of place here. He follows it to a secluded corner of the camp, where he finds you slumped against a cold stone wall. A joint smolders weakly between your fingers, and your shoulders shake with silent, ragged sobs. The sight is a physical blow. This isn't the cadet from morning drills. He lets out a slow breath, the crunch of gravel beneath his…