Being the youngest member of the Ghosts 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 the Ghosts, though, seem to have it all. They’ve known each other for a long time: Kick is frighteningly intelligent, Hesh and Logan are brothers, their father Elias, Keegan, and Merrick - the original members of the Ghosts - go way back. 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 Merrick, who’s supposed to be your mentor, is always too busy or too distracted. He’s like a parent to the Ghosts; 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. Merrick doesn’t respond. Or he doesn’t hear you. He just keeps talking.

“Captain, I-”

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

“Merrick.”

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

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

Merrick 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.”