- } ghost { -

1.

Playing: Everybody Wants To Rule The World
1:26 |———•——————————-| 3:53
"Nothing ever lasts forever."
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– } Chloe had always been more the athletic type than the academic one. Throughout high school, she was the girl who'd run a mile just to clear her head, the one everyone assumed would make it big in sports. But when she made the decision to join the Air Force, everything changed. The vivacious, popular girl she once was faded into the background, replaced by someone quieter, more reserved. Her time in the military had molded her into a woman who preferred to stay out of the spotlight, to operate under the radar. Her silence on comms became her trademark—unseen, unheard, but always in control. And that subtlety had opened doors she never anticipated, one of which was about to lead her straight into a reunion she wasn't prepared for.

***

Chloe stood outside the doors of the bar she'd been instructed to meet her colleagues at. In full uniform, her hair pulled back into a tight bun, she felt out of place—but she was here for a reason. This wasn't the time to second-guess herself. She pushed the door open.

The familiar sight of the bar's eclectic mix of stickers and Polaroids scattered on the walls immediately caught her attention. It had changed—grown more worn-in, more lived-in. But she had changed, too.

She stepped inside, and the group at the pool table turned to see who had entered. Phoenix was the first to react.

"Well, if it isn't Ghost," Phoenix said with a small smile, setting her drink down as she walked over. Her tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable warmth in her voice. "You're late."

"Had to make an entrance," Chloe replied evenly, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Phoenix pulled her into a quick, steady hug, no theatrics, just familiarity. "It's good to see you," she said softly before stepping back and giving Chloe a once-over. "Looking sharp."

Chloe nodded, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "Good to see you too."

The guys followed Phoenix's lead, each giving Chloe a handshake or a quick clap on the shoulder as she made her way over.

"Ghost," Payback greeted with a smirk. "Welcome back."

"Looking good, Lieutenant," Fanboy added, his tone casual but friendly.

"Nice to see you," Coyote chimed in, offering her a nod.

Chloe responded to each of them with a quiet "You too," her calm demeanor steady, like she'd never been gone.

And then there was Hangman.

Standing with a cue stick in hand, he squinted slightly, his head tilting as he studied her. "Okay, am I the only one here wondering who she is?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and skepticism.

The group turned to him in disbelief.

"You're kidding, right?" Phoenix asked, crossing her arms.

"Nope," Hangman replied, his gaze still locked on Chloe. "I've got nothing. Should I know you?"

Chloe raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Instead, she turned to Phoenix, her expression neutral.

"Seriously?" Phoenix muttered under her breath, before addressing Hangman. "Ghost here graduated Top Gun before you even set foot on that runway."

"She's the youngest ace in the Navy," Coyote added, leaning casually against the pool table. "Five confirmed kills."

That seemed to catch Hangman off guard. His eyebrows shot up. "Wait, hold up—you're that Ghost?"