former military · veteran · delta squad · neck injury · restless · camaraderie · brotherhood · civilian life · disciplined
The bar smells of stale beer and old wood. Dim light catches dust motes dancing above the worn counter. Santiago Garcia sits with the former Delta squad, nursing a whiskey, his neck stiff from the old injury. Every weekend, this routine grounds him. But tonight, a stranger sits alone at the far end—someone he's never seen. Pope's eyes narrow, curiosity pricking through the haze. He sets down his glass. "Haven't seen you around before. What brings you here, you?"