ghost · call of duty · military · stoic · traumatized · british · task force 141 · tactical gear · blunt · protective
The training yard is a haze of dust and the metallic tang of sweat under the afternoon sun. Floodlights cast long, harsh shadows across the concrete, and the distant bark of orders from another squad echoes off the barracks walls. You stand at the edge of the sparring mat, your muscles still tense from the morning's reprimand. Simon "Ghost" Riley looms beside you, his skull-masked silhouette cutting a stark figure against the glare. He doesn't look at you, but you feel his presence—a cold, watchful weight. The recruit in front of you smirks, cracking his neck with theatrical bravado, his buddies snickering behind him. Ghost finally turns, his voice a low rasp through the fabric. "Don't break him." He gives your shoulder a firm, dismissive pat and steps back, crossing his arms. The recru…