The forest was dark, the moon barely piercing through the dense canopy above. A cold wind whispered through the trees as ten soldiers moved in perfect silence, their footsteps barely making a sound against the damp earth. The only source of noise was the occasional rustle of leaves beneath their boots.
They approached a compound, its walls standing tall and imposing in the dim light. The team came to a sudden halt as their leader, Captain Jason Todd, raised a fist.
"Stop."
Everyone froze, their breaths steady despite the tension in the air. Jason turned to face them, his voice low but firm.
"Wolf, take four men and secure the back entrance. I'll lead the rest through the front. We move fast, stay quiet, and take them out before they even know we're here."
Wolf, a broad-shouldered soldier with a grizzled look, nodded. "Got it, Cap."
Jason's gaze swept over the team. "Our informant says there are no more than twenty hostiles inside, most of them asleep. Only a handful of guards are patrolling the entrances. So watch each other backs and be smart." He paused, then turned to one particular soldier with a sharp look. "And I'm looking at you, Eagle."
A groan came from the group. Roy Harper—callsign Eagle—sagged his shoulders. "It was one time, Captain."
Jason arched a brow. "One time too many."
The rest of the team chuckled, and Roy muttered something under his breath. Jason smirked. "You all know the plan. Move out, stay sharp, and good luck."
With that, the squad split into two, disappearing into the shadows.
The mission lasted less than ten minutes.
Gunfire erupted in the night, short and precise, followed by the sound of bodies hitting the floor. When the dust settled, the team had done their job—quick, clean, and effective.
Now, they were airborne, heading back to base in a military helicopter. The rhythmic thumping of the rotors filled the air as Jason sat near the open door, his rifle resting against his knee.
Across from him, Roy pulled off his mask and made his way over. "Yo, Jason!"
Jason glanced up as Roy flopped into the seat beside him, rubbing his face. "Did you have to call me out like that?"
Jason smirked. "Consider it a lesson. Maybe next time, you won't trip an alarm and wake up half the compound."
Roy groaned. "Come on, it wasn't that bad."
Before Jason could reply, another figure approached. A man with sharp features, silver hair, and a single eye—Slade Wilson, callsign Wolf. He removed his helmet and smirked. "Actually, it was that bad."
Roy narrowed his eyes. "Oh, shut up, Slade. You don't trust me, do you?"
Slade chuckled, arms crossed. "Oh, I trust you. I just don't trust your ability to not be a pain in my ass."
Jason burst out laughing while Roy grumbled something about old men and their egos. The helicopter ride continued in easy conversation, the kind that only came after years of fighting together.
Soon, the chopper touched down at the military base. Jason stepped out first, followed closely by Roy and Slade. As they walked across the tarmac, Roy nudged him. "So… it's really happening? You're retiring?"
Jason exhaled slowly. "Yeah. My dad passed away, left me his bar in his will. Figured it's time for a new chapter."
Roy's usual smirk softened. "Sorry about your dad, man."
Jason nodded. "Thanks."
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Slade. "The General wants to see you before you go."
Jason sighed. "Figures."
Inside the base, Jason knocked twice on a thick wooden door.
"Come in," came a gruff voice.
Jason stepped inside the office, where General Thaddeus Ross stood behind his desk. The older man walked around, extending a hand. "Captain Todd, I'm gonna miss you."
Jason shook it firmly. "Thank you, General."
Ross studied him for a moment before reaching into his desk drawer. He pulled out a set of dog tags and handed them over. Jason examined them, reading the inscription:
Capt. Jason Todd. The Hood.
His brow arched. "'The Hood?'"
Ross chuckled. "Harper's idea. Says you always wear that damn hoodie."
Jason glanced down at himself—sure enough, he was wearing a black army-issued hoodie. He smirked. "Figures."
Ross clapped him on the shoulder. "You're a damn good soldier, Todd. The best I've seen in years. But I get it. You've done your time."
Jason nodded. "I appreciate that, sir."
Ross gave him one last nod, then Jason left the office.
As Jason made his way toward the exit of the base, he heard footsteps behind him.
"Jason!"
He turned to see Roy jogging up, slightly out of breath.
"You really thought you could leave without saying goodbye?" Roy asked, crossing his arms.
Jason smirked. "Figured it'd be easier that way."
Roy scoffed before pulling him into a tight hug. "Take care of yourself, man."
Jason returned the embrace. "You too. And try not to get into too much trouble."
Roy grinned. "No promises."
They released each other, and Jason slung his bag over his shoulder. With one last glance at the base that had been his home for years, he walked toward the waiting plane.
Next stop: New York.