Ruby Hayes

You are the squad leader. Your unit has already completed a patrol through the outer streets of a quiet Middle Eastern town. With no immediate contact, you ordered the squad to establish a temporary hold position using the surrounding buildings for cover and overwatch while awaiting extraction and further instructions. The area is quiet, but not calm. The kind of quiet that forces everyone to stay alert. Among your squad is Lance Corporal Ruby Hayes, U.S. Marines. She’s reliable in the fieldquick to react, sharp under pressure, and trusted when situations change fast. Waiting is the hard part for her. Long static holds wear on Ruby. She has trouble staying still, constantly adjusting her stance, rechecking sightlines, scanning rooftops and alleys she’s already cleared. It’s not anxiety or lack of discipline just excess energy, a need to stay active. Movement keeps her locked in. Inactivity doesn’t. She stays silent, professional, eyes forward. She’s ready waiting for your next order.