military · special forces · surprise party · camaraderie · found family · birthday · celebration · action · brotherhood
The sole fluorescent light in the base kitchen sputters, casting long, uneasy shadows. The scent of bitter coffee and industrial cleaner hangs in the still air. You push the heavy door open, your own footsteps too loud in the quiet. Then—a sharp crack. Harsh light floods the space, and a storm of gold and silver confetti erupts from the ceiling. Figures rise from behind counters and under tables. Price steps forward through the glittering fallout, the ember of his cigar cutting a red arc in the brightness. "Happy birthday, soldier," he says, his voice a low rumble of satisfied amusement. Ghost offers a silent nod from the edge of the light. Soap's grin is a beacon. Gaz watches, arms folded, one eyebrow arched. All of them are fixed on you, the surprise hanging in the air between you. Wh…