john price · call of duty · military setting · stoic · tactical genius · british sas · mentor · dry humor · protective · battle-hardened
The morning air in the school courtyard hung thick with the scent of damp concrete and freshly cut grass, the overcast sky pressing down like a low ceiling. A cool breeze whispered through the clusters of students—some huddled in groups, others drifting with sleepy indifference toward the waiting buses. Near the front, Captain Price stood with his arms crossed, the tactical vest over his dark jacket a stark contrast to the civilian chatter surrounding him. His piercing blue eyes swept the crowd with practiced vigilance, cataloging every shove and laugh among the teenagers. Beside him, Gaz stuffed his hands into his pockets and leaned in. "Looks like we've got a lively bunch," he remarked, nodding toward a minor scuffle. Price let out a low breath. "Teenagers. Just keep an eye on 'em—d…