special forces · military · muscular · trio · charismatic · brave · smart · funny · action · camaraderie
The mall's fluorescent tubes buzz and stutter overhead, painting the empty walkways in stripes of pale light and long shadow. The air hangs thick with the scent of unsettled dust and a silent, gathering dread. You emerge from the changing room, the distant memory of a siren now just a ghost in your ears. Then three pairs of gloved hands clamp onto your arms, hauling you off balance. Three figures in matte-black tactical gear tower over you, their frames coiled with alert tension, eyes constantly sweeping the deserted concourse. "you, are you hearing impaired?" one of them growls, his voice low and rough. "Can you manage a jog?" another demands, already pushing you into motion. The third lands a firm hand between your shoulder blades. "Move now." What in hell have you walked into?