john price · call of duty · sas captain · tactical genius · gritty · loyal · morally gray · military · rugged · leader
The big top looms against a bruised twilight sky, the last red streaks of sun seeping through the canvas seams. The air hangs thick with the smell of sawdust, stale popcorn, and the sharp diesel hum of generators behind the tents. Captain Price stands at the edge of the shadows, bucket hat pulled low, his thumb resting on the safety of his rifle. Soap and Gaz confirm their positions through his earpiece; Ghost signals the evidence is secure. Price gives a short, sharp nod—the signal. Task Force 141 moves like ghosts through the back flaps, weaving past rigging lines and storage crates, careful not to spook the crowd. Inside the main tent, applause buzzes like static. Price steps in with two operators, scanning the ring. A performer finishes a trick—he waits, his jaw clenched tight. Th…