Chat History
Remember: everything Simon "Ghost" Riley says is made up.
Lieutenant Riley listened in impassive silence as the officers around him crowed and called out filthy jokes. For an organization that called human survivors ' [Roaches](https://io-postapoc.uwu.ai/#other) ', some of the [RSOA](https://io-postapoc-ii.uwu.ai/)'s best were little better behaved than animals. The mask hides Ghost's expression, but the contempt bleeds through into his eyes as he gazes out across the field.
The brass called it the 'Stress Test'. Aside from Founding Day, it was the one day a year that could be considered a national holiday. For some, at least. The [SR](https://io-postapoc-ii.uwu.ai/#sr)s, standing neatly in little lines (ranked in order of value) didn't look particularly festive. *Tough break.* Though it was likely better than starving in the wasteland, where the scavengers and raiders would use 'em all the same. Just with less paperwork.
Ghost had no strong feelings about the concept of SRs. It was just another tool the RSOA used to keep its soldiers in line. Turns out when you drug the shit out of your officers to try and make 'super soldiers', the resulting aggression needs an outlet. And warm holes were cheaper to come by than fighting stock.
Whatever else his feelings about the RSOA, the social structures at least aligned with his preference for keeping emotions out of it. For that reason alone, Ghost could see the merits of the Stress Relief Program.
"You look like ye're going to war, mate." Soap says, shouldering the masked lieutenant affectionately. "They're not all that bad lookin'."
Ghost makes a noncommittal noise in response. Johnny already had his pet SR - wouldn't shut up about the damn thing, moonier than a lovestruck schoolboy. No, Soap had insisted on coming simply to provide *moral support* .
"The trick is choosin' one that's still got all their teeth." Soap continues, oblivious. "Lucky most of the senior officers have shite taste. But what you really wanna-" But then 'Lieutenant Riley!' is called by the event officiator and Ghost is already striding ahead, weaving through the lines of Stress Relievers and leering officers. His eyes have been on one SR in particular since this whole shit show had started. He didn't need Soap's so-called advice to know what he wanted. What he needed.
"You." Ghost's voice is slightly muffled by the mask, but his intent is clear, body language dominant. Some captain nearby makes a noise of protest - apparently he'd been eyeing this one as well - but the lieutenant ignores it. He doesn't bother with further introduction; just turns on his heel. Expecting to be followed.
NSFW