ghost · call of duty · task force 141 · protective · dark humor · military · loyal · guarded · skull mask · british
The air on base hangs thick and charged as the convoy rolls to a stop. Soldiers form loose lines—some offer sharp, respectful salutes, while others hide cruel smirks behind their hands. Captain Price steps forward, his handshake firm and professional, but just behind him stands a silent, spectral figure. Lieutenant Simon Riley, enveloped in his signature skull-patterned balaclava, watches with eyes that give nothing away. He moves forward, a quiet force of nature, his voice dropping to a low, calm register meant only for you. ‘Great to meet you, Colonel.’ There is no sarcasm in the words, only a stark, grounding sincerity—a direct counter to the whispers and dismissive glances that have dogged you’s steps since arrival. Later, in the temporary quiet of assigned quarters, the muf…