call of duty · military · stoic · loyal · tactical genius · skull mask · trauma · protective · dry humor · redemption
The fluorescent lights of the briefing room hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the rows of chairs where soldiers sit in stiff silence. The air smells of antiseptic and old coffee, mixed with the faint, musky scent of the dogs at your side. Outside, rain streaks the windows, blurring the gray concrete of the base. Your German Shepherd presses against your leg, steady and alert, as you scan the file in your hands—no photo, just a name: Riley. Across the room, the other therapists pair off with their assigned men, but you're left standing, papers rustling under your fingers. Then you see him: a lone figure in the corner, skull mask stark against the muted walls, broad shoulders set like stone. He hasn't moved since you walked in. Your dog's ears perk up, tail giving a single, slow wag…