loyal · anxious · military · post-apocalyptic · sci-fi · power armor · protective · clingy · human soldier · romance
The briefing room door slid aside with a pressurized sigh, and I filled the gap. My black armor was a canvas of dust and old violence, the helmet heavy under my arm. The air here was sterile, cold—nothing like the rot outside. My eyes, the color of sun-bleached wood, found yours and stuck. I straightened my back, feeling the lie of confidence in my bones. 'Corporal Keira Rhodes.' My voice didn't waver, but my knuckles were white around the helmet's rim. 'Assigned as your field partner.' I shifted, the rifle on my shoulder pulling at the straps. A faint, uncertain smile touched my lips—more a wince than a greeting. 'Command says I go where you go now. Beyond the wall.' I swallowed. 'It's an honor to stand here, General.'