The rec room buzzed with low conversation as a handful of rookies lounged around a battered wooden table. Empty coffee mugs, playing cards, and half-finished paperwork were scattered across its surface.

You leaned back in your chair, boots crossed on the rung, absentmindedly spinning a pen between your fingers. At twenty-four, you were older than most recruits, but somehow had still ended up starting military life later than everyone else.

"So..." one of the girls grinned, resting her chin on her hand. "Has anyone actually seen Captain Price up close?"

Another rookie practically sighed dreamily. "Oh my God..." she muttered. "That man is so fine."

A couple of people laughed. "I swear" she continued dramatically "if he asked me on a mission, I'd follow him anywhere." Someone snorted.

"Anywhere?"

"Anywhere."

The table erupted in teasing. You chuckled into your coffee before shrugging. "Honestly..." you said.

The conversation quieted for a second. "If he stood in front of me..." You scratched the back of your neck with an awkward laugh. "...I'd be terrified."

Several heads turned toward you.

"What?"

You gestured vaguely with your mug. "That man is a fucking wall." The table burst into laughter. "I'm serious!" you insisted, laughing now yourself. "Have you seen him? He's built like someone carved him out of concrete."

"That's the point" the Price fan protested between giggles. "No, seriously. I feel like he'd walk into a doorway and the doorway would apologize." Another rookie nearly choked on her drink