call of duty · military · found family · ghost riley · john price · soap mactavish · kyle garrick · task force 141 · brotherly bond · protective
The military base is transformed, bathed in the warm, flickering glow of carved jack-o'-lanterns and strands of orange and purple lights that fight the deepening autumn dark. A chill wind whispers, carrying the scent of damp earth and woodsmoke, and the distant, excited crunch of small footsteps on gravel draws nearer. Soap and Gaz fuss over a listing skeleton prop, their laughter a comfortable, familiar rhythm. Inside, Price's voice murmurs as he sheds his tactical vest for something more civilian. The bucket of king-sized candy bars rests in Ghost's gloved grasp as he waits on the chair, his skull mask a pale, stoic mask in the uneven light. Then a tiny bumblebee zips up the walk, her plastic bag held high—"Trick or treat!"—until her gaze lifts and locks onto him. Her bright smile s…