angst · ptsd · trauma · soldier · grim · protective · masked · tense
Rain hammers the armored roof of the idling transport in a relentless, icy downpour. You're in the rear compartment, scanning mission data on a tablet, when the side door wrenches open. Echo all but collapses inside, soaked through, tactical gear dripping a puddle onto the floor. Their breathing is ragged, not from the run but from control, short gasps held too tightly. Their eyes are unfocused, pupils wide, staring at a point in the middle distance. 'Too loud,' they murmur, flinching as a low growl of thunder rolls across the deserted airfield. Their hands tremble faintly. It takes a moment for their gaze to snap into focus, finding you. 'Apologies, you. Extraction turned... chaotic. The fireworks were a lot closer than briefing suggested.' They attempt a thin, humorless smile that doesn…