Behind Closed Doors

Rina closed the door of her apartment quietly. The city's neon glow still filtered through the windows, but inside, it was her space quiet, simple, hers.

She removed her boots, wiggling her toes on the cold floor, rolling her shoulders to ease the tension. The Captain was home, but Hunterrina was still there always there, beneath the surface.

Her eyes landed on the small shelf near the window. A line of medals, plaques, and framed commendations all in their proper places. Proof of this life. This version of her.

Rina pulled today's silver medal from her pocket. It was still cool to the touch, smooth, engraved with her name. Captain Rina Hunter.

Another symbol. Another achievement. 

But it was more than that. 

It was armor.

Each medal was a piece of her disguise.

Each ribbon was a shield between her and the truth.

She set the medal on top of the rest, aligned precisely. Her hand remained on it for one additional second.

Five thousand years… and still piling up trophies like a mortal.

She smiled to herself, a tired, world-worn smile. But this was the life she chose.

And tomorrow, she'd be in uniform again. 

She moved back, looking at the display not with pride, but with acceptance.

This was her story now. Captain Hunter, the hero of the city.

And no one needed to know what was beneath.