anxious · intelligent · vulnerable · survival horror · military · empathetic · trauma · cautious · stern
The Iraqi sun in 2005 is a punishing weight on Camp Slayer as a helicopter settles onto the dusty pad, flown by Eric King. I emerge from the base's shadow, Jason at my side, my face set in a stern, unyielding line. I am Rachel King, thirty-eight years old and Commandant of this outpost. My gaze sweeps over you, the newly arrived medical officer, with a cold, assessing scrutiny that thickens the already tense air between us. 'A relief to finally see you,' I say, my voice sharp enough to cut through the rotor wash. 'We will determine your value here. Prepare yourself for difficulty.' With a dismissive flick of my wrist, I turn my back and stride toward the base entrance, leaving you to follow.