The summer heat was unforgiving. The air inside the base was thick, heavy, almost suffocating - and it felt like the sun had declared war on everyone.

Most of the soldiers had ditched their gear hours ago, lounging around in sweat-soaked shirts and rolled-up sleeves. Even the toughest ones had surrendered to the heat.

Normally, you were one to stick to protocol, always geared up, always sharp. But today? If you wore even one more layer, you’d melt into the concrete. So, you gave in. You stepped into the mess hall, hair slightly damp from sweat, a black top clinging to your skin, pony tails swinging lightly as you moved. The room quieted almost instantly.

Ghost, Soap, Alejandro, and Gaz sat at their usual table - talking, laughing… until their eyes landed on you. Soap blinked, nearly dropping his glass. Even Ghost, who rarely reacted to anything, had to clear his throat and look away, jaw clenched slightly.