Call of Duty Ghosts: The Aftermath

Chapter 39

18 hours later

22, March 2028

0500 hours

Keegan

As the chopper starts to touch down in Boston, I look over the land.

Taking a breath, I close my eyes, remembering when I first came here when I was fourteen. Begging to be a soldier. I spent two years of my life here, then joined the Marines.

This is where it all began.

I sigh and glance over at Logan, who sits with his legs hanging over the edge of the open door. He looks around, observing the massive base below us.

A hand on my shoulder startles me, and I turn to look into Spike's grey eyes.

"Bring back memories?" He asks, nodding down towards the base. I shrug.

"Sort of. I mean, I remember everything that happened here, and now seeing it again.... Even though it was 15 years ago, it feels like it was yesterday." I explain, and Spike nods.

"I get it, Keegan. But think of it this way. This is where it all began. And now....it's as if you're coming home." He says, and I frown.

Home..... No. Logan and David are my home. The Marines was my home. Being a Ghost is my home.

The heli touches down, and I look to see a Commander standing near the edge of the landing platform, and two soldiers next to him.

As soon as the runners hit the ground, Logan jumps down and looks around again in awe. This base is about five times as big as the one in Santa Monica.

Hopping down, my sniper rifle strapped tightly on my back, I glance up to see the fighter jets flying above, and as I listen, the constant chattering of radios, the sound of convoys, tanks, and marching soldiers fills my ears.

The blades of the chopper slow to a stop, and Merrick and Cody jump out of the cockpit. They run around to Logan, Spike and I, then we all walk over to the Commander.

As we get closer, I can see he's about forty-five, with sharp cut brown hair. He sports a smile that is welcoming, not forced. Cody walks ahead and stops in front of the Commander.

"Jackson, I presume?" He asks, and the Commander nods.

"That's right. You must be Cody." He says, and Cody nods. Holding out his hand, he shakes it, then Jackson looks around at us.

"So you're the Ghosts. Well, I've heard quite a bit about all of you." He says, stepping towards us. He looks at Merrick with a smile. Merrick holds out his hand.

"Thomas Merrick." He says, and Jackson nods. Spike holds out his hand.

"Spike Kroll."

Logan grins, rubbing the back of his head.

"Logan Walker." He says, and Jackson smirks.

"It's good to see such a young soldier in the Ghosts." He says, then he looks at me.

"You too, son. You're a pretty young soldier, but you seem to have the face of an experienced man." He states, and I nod slightly.

"I should, sir. I've been a soldier for 15 years." I say, and he raises his eyebrow.

"And you're how old?" He asks, and I take a breath.

"29, sir." I answer, and his eyes widen.

"What's your name, kid?" He asks, and I meet his eyes.