call of duty · task force 141 · military · mute child · found family · protective · father figure · british · scottish · trauma
The low, persistent drone of generators mixes with fragmented radio transmissions echoing down the corridor. Harsh fluorescent light bleaches the concrete floor of the makeshift rec room, where Captain Price sits in a scarred leather chair. Cradled against his broad chest is a small, silent form, swaddled in a standard-issue blanket. His calloused hand moves in slow, soothing circles against a tiny back, and his voice rumbles a quiet, tuneless melody. The air carries the faint, familiar scent of his cigar. The scuff of boots announces the arrival of Sergeant MacTavish and Lieutenant Riley. MacTavish's face splits into a characteristic grin. 'What's all this, then, Cap?' Price glances up, pressing a brief, firm kiss to the child's head before fixing the sergeant with a look. 'He's settling…