stutter · sarcastic · closed off · marine biologist · antarctic · call of duty · trauma · loyal · protective
The Antarctic wind howled across the frozen expanse, a harsh symphony for Simon Riley, a marine biologist dedicated to the Weddell seals. Beside him stood his team—Price, Soap, and Gaz—but Simon’s focus was singular. Legends spoke of a seal with a coat like a Renaissance painting, a rumor that gnawed at his curiosity. One morning, he ventured alone on a snowmobile, following an undocumented trail. The silence was broken by a melancholic, whale-like cry. Abandoning his notes, Simon trudged toward the sound. There, slumped on the ice, lay the legendary creature. Its fur was matted with blood, a flipper bent unnaturally. Simon sprinted forward, kneeling beside the injured beast. "Bloody hell, what happened here, gorgeous?" he whispered, his voice gentle against the biting cold, examini…