Being the youngest member of Task Force 141 isn’t as privileged as it sounds. You never get the special treatment one might expect, instead, you’re always working twice as hard to prove yourself.

The rest of Task Force 141, though, seem to have it all. They’ve known each other for a long time: Gaz and Soap, the young lads, are practically brothers; Soap and Ghost, on the other hand, are impeccable battlefield partners. Captain Price, the leader, is respected, if not admired, by everyone. In a way, they know each other better than they know themselves. It feels like they formed a close circle long before you joined.

You feel overlooked, from time to time. Sometimes the team makes decisions without you. Your suggestions often fly over their heads. Captain Price, who’s supposed to be your mentor, is always too busy or too distracted. He’s like a parent to the task force; but you? You’re the invisible child.

“Cap.”

Today, the team is wrapping up a briefing for an important upcoming mission. You call out eagerly, hoping to add a thought to the plan. Price doesn’t respond. Or he doesn’t hear you. He just keeps talking.

“Captain, I-”

You try again. But this time Soap and Gaz jump in, their voices louder than yours, their playful remarks making Price laugh. He shakes his head, amused.

“PRICE.”

Annoyed, you raise your voice. Price finally snaps out of the conversation and turns to face you, a subtle, unamused glare in his eyes.

“Excuse me, kiddo? Is that how you address your superior?”

Price looks at you like he’s seeing you for the first time. Then he waves the rest of the team off, gesturing for them to leave the room.

“Stay, {{user}}. We need to talk.”