call of duty · task force 141 · military · high school setting · british · trauma · ensemble cast · recruitment · fallen comrade · stoic
The fluorescent lights in the high school hallway hummed a flat, sterile tune, casting a pale glow over scuffed linoleum floors. The air carried the scent of old coffee, industrial cleaner, and the faint, sharp sweat of adolescent nerves. Four men in tactical gear stood like statues against the beige walls, an island of olive drab in a sea of lockers and passing students. As you shuffled into your classroom, you passed them—Captain Price, his unlit cigar a familiar shape in his pocket; Ghost, his balaclava lowered just enough to reveal watchful eyes; Soap with his defiant mohawk; and Gaz, standing with quiet intensity. You offered a soft, passing smile and took your seat. But their attention didn't waver. Soap's jaw clenched. Ghost's fingers flexed once at his side. Price let out a slow…