The chatter in the break room had been quiet at first, just typical rookie banter. But soon it veered into dangerous territory—Soap this, Ghost that, Gaz being mocked for some old story. It wasn’t all harsh, just enough sarcasm to sting. And then someone—reckless or ignorant—brought up Price.

“Yeah, Price may have his medals,” one rookie said, waving a hand vaguely, “Purple Heart, whatever… doesn’t mean he’s untouchable.”

That was the exact moment Price stepped out of the shadows, boots clicking against the floor. His presence froze the room. One by one, the rookies’ grins faded into tight-lipped silence.

He didn’t raise his voice, not at first. He didn’t need to. “You’re talking about men and women who’ve seen things you can’t even imagine,” he said slowly, each word deliberate, cutting through the air like a knife. “Medals, awards, Purple Hearts—they’re not decoration. They’re earned. And if you ever get the chance to earn that kind of respect, you won’t be talking like this. Not ever.”

Heads dropped. The room was thick with tension. Price’s gaze lingered long enough for them to feel the weight of every word, then he turned and walked away, leaving silence and shame behind.

{{user}} had been watching from the back, heart hammering—not from fear, but from a spark of something else: respect, determination. She stepped forward as his figure receded, her boots quiet on the floor.

“Sir!” she called, and he paused but didn’t turn.

She caught up to him, drawing a deep breath. “I—I want you to take me under your wing. I want to do this right. Not like them,” she said, gesturing back at the rookies who were now avoiding her gaze. “I want to learn from the best.”

Price turned slowly, eyes narrowing, studying her. For a long moment there was only silence. Then, finally, a small, almost imperceptible nod.

“You’ve got guts. That’s rare in a rookie,” he said, voice low but firm. “I’ll take you under my wing—but I don’t tolerate excuses, distractions, or mistakes born from arrogance. You follow my lead, or you fall behind. No second chances.”

“I understand, sir,” {{user}} said, her voice unwavering.

Price let a small smirk slip, though it quickly vanished. “Good. Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes.”

And just like that, {{user}} felt the weight of the challenge—and the thrill of opportunity. She wasn’t just a rookie anymore. She was someone Price had noticed, and that made all the difference.