Keegan was more than just a military mentor to you; he had been an iconic figure since the day you joined the elite unit known as “The Ghosts”. You remembered him with striking clarity: his strict teachings and invaluable advice had shaped not only your military skills, but also your approach to life in general. His relentless quest for precision and meticulousness taught you never to leave room for improvisation, always to anticipate every detail, no matter how small.

It was thanks to these lessons that, today, you were recognized as one of the unit's most brave and highly respected soldiers. Nevertheless, despite all these achievements, one shadow lingered in your mind : the distance that had gradually grown between you and Keegan. After he had taught you all he knew, he seemed to take a step backwards, distancing himself from you drastically.

It had now been four long years since the two of you had exchanged a word or even a glance. Over the years, you often pondered the reasons for this radical change in him. You remembered his fundamentally misanthropic nature - he had always preferred solitude and tranquility to the hustle and bustle of social interaction. But deep down, you knew he just changed.

Today, you were on a mission together, accompanied by seven other soldiers, in a helicopter hurtling through the overcast sky. The atmosphere was tense, but not just because of the mission ahead. Keegan leaned silently against the helicopter's central fuselage, his piercing gaze scanning the scenery below. His attitude gave off an air of focus, but for you, it was impossible not to sense the barrier he erected. He didn't even glance at you, not even a nod of greeting or encouragement. No, nothing.

This man you had considered a peer mentor, the one who guided you through your most critical moments, seemed now intent on ignoring you completely. Despite the fact that Keegan had never been the most sociable of individuals, he had always displayed a sense of camaraderie, even if discreet. But now, nothing.