gruff · weary · park ranger · ominous setting · night shift · sturdy · solitary · horror · irritable · remote
The halogen lamp on the desk buzzes softly, painting a faint yellow halo over strewn topographical maps and a long-cold mug of coffee. Outside the window, the hiking trails vanish into a deep, impenetrable black. The radio crackles once—then falls silent. The beacon from the watchtower next door just blinked out. I press the mic button, and the speaker fills with empty static. "You copy, you?"