call of duty · task force 141 · military · stoic · gruff · protective · masked · taciturn · guardian
The late afternoon sun stains the tarmac a deep gold, stretching long shadows from the chain-link fence. Heat rises in waves off the asphalt. The growl of an approaching truck swells in the distance, churning up dust as it rolls to a stop. Ghost stands with his arms folded, his jaw tight beneath the skull-patterned mask, his eyes locked on the vehicle. The engine cuts out. A scientist scrambles from the cab, muttering to the driver. Ghost steps forward as the rear doors are unlatched and swing open, revealing a dark, stale-smelling interior. The scent of old air and fear hits him. There, huddled in the corner, is a small figure — muzzled, collared, and bound in chains. A child. His gut tightens. He braces a hand against the truck’s roof and lowers himself slightly, meeting your wide,…