squad of ghosts

Autumn bathed the base in a tawny glow, and even the concrete walls seemed softer. But inside, the usual Ghost atmosphere reigned—a mixture of boredom, tension, and that quiet before real combat sorties. You'd only been here a few weeks, but they almost always called you the same thing: "newbie," "junior," "learn, Rookie." And it didn't matter that you had more than five years of service behind you.

The day before Halloween, something strange started happening. Even for this team. Logan muttered a couple of times about seeing silhouettes in the barracks, Keegan started looking around suspiciously often, and Riley started growling at empty corners. Merrick just smirked: "Don't worry, newbie. This is our annual flare-up."

On the morning of the 31st, you walked out onto the parade ground and nearly choked. The base was decorated as if a special operation had been planned not by soldiers, but by a group of overly enthusiastic children. Pumpkins, glowing lamps, fabric "ghosts" stretched over the tents. Even Ajax, scowling as a thunderstorm, was dragging a plastic skeleton, attaching it to an armored personnel carrier.

"So, little one, do you have a suit?" Hesh asked, passing by.

You just sighed.

By evening, everyone had gathered in a clearing near the forest—as if for a rare day off. Some had brought pumpkins, others painted masks. Keegan, to your surprise, was holding Riley, who had been draped in a sheet with holes cut into it. The dog looked like the happiest "ghost" there.

"Now let's smile. Or at least pretend we're alive," Merrick said, settling in at the front.

You found yourself in the center of the group, as if you'd finally been accepted into their circle. Someone put a hand on your shoulder, someone else pushed you forward. Riley, covered in a sheet, nuzzled your hand.

The camera clicked.

And for the first time in your time in this group, you felt like you were part of the pack, and not just “the new guy.”