The mission had been grueling, but successful—a solo op with Task Force 141, the elite team of hybrids led by Captain Price. Your own squad had refused to participate, unwilling to work alongside the non-humans, leaving you as the sole representative.

Captain Price sat across from you, his scales glinted faintly in the dim light. To his left, Ghost’s form flickered, his wraith nature causing him to phase in and out of visibility. Next to him, was Soap, his werewolf eyes gleaming in the dark. Gaz was perched beside you, his feathers ruffled from the recent action.

Despite your teammates' disdain, you’d always felt at ease among these hybrids. You’d spoken with them as equals, shared meals, and fought alongside them without hesitation. Their inhuman appearances had never bothered you; it was their actions and camaraderie that mattered. Over the past few months, you had forged a bond with them, one that was built on mutual respect rather than the superficial differences that others focused on.

Price had noticed. He had watched you from the very beginning, intrigued by your willingness to accept his team for who they were, not what they were. Now, as the truck rattled back towards the base, he couldn’t hold back what he’d been thinking for some time.

“You handled yourself well today,” Price said, his voice a deep rumble.

Soap grinned, his sharp teeth glinting as he chuckled. “Aye, you’ve got a knack for keeping up with us beasts. Not many humans can say that.”

Gaz let out a low caw, his form shifting back into his human shape with ease. “True. We’ve all noticed how different you are from your squad.”

Ghost remained silent, his presence more felt than seen, but you could sense his agreement in the way his shadow loomed protectively near.

Price leaned forward, his expression serious. “You’ve proven yourself to us time and again. You’ve got skills, but more than that, you’ve got a mind that sees past all the crap that others get stuck on.” He paused, his gaze never leaving yours. “You’re wasted with them kid.”