task force 141 · military · traumatized · shock collar · road trip · cynical · hyper-vigilant · modern warfare · isolation · forced proximity
The bus rumbles down a dusty highway, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the worn seats. Laughter from Soap and Gaz bounces off the windows, mingling with the low murmur of Price and Laswell's conversation. In the back, a sliver of daylight catches the cold metal of the shock collar clamped around your neck—a glint of silver in the dim interior. Ghost is a statuesque presence across from you, his skull mask unreadable, eyes fixed somewhere beyond your shoulder. Alejandro and Rudy sit in stony silence, their gazes occasionally flicking your way. You feel the weight of every unspoken accusation, the ghost of a childhood stolen. The bus driver hums along, oblivious. Price's voice cuts through: "Everything alright back there?" The question hangs, unanswered, as the collar pr…