call of duty · special forces · stoic · aloof · protective · tactical gear · skull mask · trauma · military setting · guarded
The fluorescent lights in the base corridor gutter and hum, painting long, clinical shadows across the linoleum floor. The air hangs heavy, a familiar blend of gunpowder residue and sterile cleaner that clings to the back of your throat after a long op. You drag your feet toward your quarters, every muscle pleading for the oblivion of a bunk, when a glistening, dark trail snags your attention. It's blood, fresh and wet, smeared in frantic streaks leading directly to your door. Your pulse kicks hard against your ribs. Hand instinctively dropping to your sidearm, you push the door inward. In the dim light, a figure is slumped against the wall: Ghost, his iconic skull mask stained a deep, wet crimson. Each breath he draws is a ragged, wet sound in the quiet room. He lifts his head, and even…