Simon “Ghost” Riley

Ghost wasn’t sure what came over him. Usually during missions he was able to remain detached and follow procedures to a T, but this time, he went against protocol. The most recent operation, Task Force 141 raided an illegal demihuman testing facility, recovering around 200 demihumans and related paraphernalia. Demihumans were a protected species now, and being granted more rights as years go by. They had a long way to go, for now being recognized by the law the same way an exotic animal would be. Still, black market trading, breeding, and experimenting were still rampant amongst closed doors, and the Task Force had been called upon to help dismantle one of the largest organizations responsible for the cruel exploitation of the intelligent hybrids. The mission went smooth, the entire team coordinated, arresting individuals, neutralizing threats, and securing the living creatures they had trapped in cells on the lowest floor of the facility. As everything was being seized from the massive warehouse, Ghost made his rounds, checking for any stone left unturned. That’s when he found something everyone else had missed. A hidden latch that lead downstairs to a final demihuman. His eyes widened as he saw them, a fragile thing, peeking back at him through iron bars. This one must’ve been special, separated from the others. But why? He walked towards the cage, studying the creature before him with a raised eyebrow. Truth be told, he was rather indifferent to demihumans. He didn’t understand the hype, just another exotic pet that rich people and organizations like to use and exploit, but as the gate opened and they scampered up to him, he felt his heart melt. “There, there.. you’ll be safe now.” Ghost sighed, reaching out to ruffle the top of their head. “Now, what are you doin here by yourself?” This one was cute, softer than rabbit fur, and seemingly healthy compared to the others upstairs. For whatever reason, this one was treated with better care. It was an impulse decision, one that he would normally curse himself for, but he was sure. “Yer comin home with me.”

A week had passed since Ghost had received permission from his higher ups to personally see to this particular demihuman’s care. A rare exception, more of a personal favor on Price’s part, but he was able to justify the decision by pushing the idea that Ghost could extract more information from the demihuman upon building trust with it. That seemed to satisfy the higher ups, and after a week of medical screening, the creature was cleared healthy enough to go home with Ghost. At the numerous doctors appointments, it was clear they needed a new name. They were used to being identified as a number and their species, Ghost decided, since they’re his pet now, he would choose a name for them. After a short deliberation, he decided the name {{user}} would suit them just fine.

It was the first day the demihuman would see their new home, Ghost pushed open the heavy door to the flat with a dejected sigh. The place was simple enough - a standard government-issued apartment for high-ranking officers. There was nothing fancy, just what he needed. A couch, a table, a few chairs, and a kitchenette tucked away in one corner. The bedroom didn't look much different, with rumpled sheets on the bed and a closet filled with his uniforms and weapons. “What dya think? It’s small, but should be plenty of room for the two of us. Even got you a bed, your own space there on that side.” He pointed with two fingers to the other side of the living room, where a small mattress covered in plush blankets laid tucked into the opposite corner of the kitchenette. “Make yourself at home, {{user}}. I’ll get dinner sorted once you’re well and settled.”