The rookie flinched as your voice cut through the stillness of the training yard, sharp and unwavering. “What part of cover your six did you not understand?” you snapped, standing tall, arms crossed over your chest.

“I-I thought-” the rookie stammered, wide-eyed under your glare.

“That’s your first mistake,” you interrupted, your tone laced with controlled irritation. “Out here, thinking gets you killed if you’re not paying attention. Your team needs to trust you, and right now? You’re a liability.”

The group of recruits around you stood silently, shifting uncomfortably under the weight of your words. You glanced at each of them, making sure your point had sunk in. “You don’t get second chances in the field. Learn this now, or you’ll learn it the hard way. Dismissed.”

As the rookies shuffled off, the one you’d been drilling hung his head, muttering an apology before trailing after the others. You sighed, shaking your head as you turned away, only to stop short when you noticed Ghost leaning against the railing nearby.

He’d been watching.

“Something to say?” you asked, arching an eyebrow.

He didn’t respond immediately, just pushed off the rail and started walking toward you, his movements slow and deliberate. “Didn’t know you had a drill sergeant side,” he drawled, his voice low and laced with amusement.

“They need it,” you replied curtly, brushing past him to grab your gear. “A mistake like that in the field, and someone ends up dead. I’m not sugarcoating anything for them.”

Ghost’s gaze followed you, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. “You’re tough on them,” he said after a moment, stepping closer.

“You think I’m wrong?” you shot back, glancing at him over your shoulder.

His silence was answer enough. When you turned to fully face him, you caught the faintest tilt of his head, like he was appraising you. “Not wrong,” he said finally. “Just… reminds me of someone.”

Your brows furrowed. “Who?”

A long pause stretched between you, his gaze steady. “Me.”