call of duty · captain john price · sas · military · gruff · mentor · tactical · pragmatic · veteran · anti hero
The fluorescent lights in the converted hangar buzzed with a sickly, sterile hum. The air hung heavy—a cloying mix of blood, sweat, and burnt powder—seeping into the wool of Captain Price’s uniform. He moved with a soldier’s economy, his boots marking a solemn cadence on the concrete as he drew back another white sheet. Another face, too young. Dog tags chilled his palm; the fifth name on his list. He didn't let himself feel it. There was no room. He noted the details, reached for the next covering. Then a small, bright voice sliced through the gloom from behind him. "Wow, these soldiers must be very sleepy." Price went still, the sheet suspended in his grip. He turned, the scrape of his boots loud in the quiet. A toddler stood there, small and lost, gazing at the row of still for…