What Happened to David Mason After Black Ops 2? A Comprehensive Look at His Possible Fates

As a passionate Call of Duty fan who has analyzed the series extensively, I‘ve delved deeply into the different endings for David "Section" Mason in Black Ops 2. As the protagonist in the 2025 storyline, David‘s fate depends entirely on the player‘s choices throughout the game. Let‘s analyze the key details:

David Mason: Respected Navy SEAL Commander

First, some important background. David Mason is a Navy SEAL commander in 2025, having followed his legendary father Alex Mason into military service. Though he lost his mother at a young age, David grew up devoted to duty while trying to unravel conspiracies his father dealt with in the original Black Ops.

By 2025, David has become a respected commander leading JSOC counterterrorism missions. Known as "Section" in the field, he‘s an expert at adapting on the fly to enemy threats. David may have his father‘s determination, but he‘s also more idealistic thanks to the influence of his mentor Mike Harper.

Now let‘s get into the various endings that determine David‘s fate after the credits roll…

If Menendez is Captured or Killed

One of the biggest choices is whether terrorist Raul Menendez is killed or taken alive. Here are the scenarios:

If Menendez is killed:

• The threat of Cordis Die ends immediately, but their ideals become a martyr rallying cry
• David continues his military service, but faces more enemies inspired by Menendez

If Menendez is captured:

• With Cordis Die fractured as a threat, David retires from active duty
• He can focus on raising his young son, living up to his own father‘s legacy

So while killing Menendez ends Cordis Die faster, capture allows David more family stability going forward.

If Chloe "Karma" Lynch Lives or Dies

Another pivotal choice is whether David‘s teammate Chloe survives a near-fatal betrayal.

If Chloe dies:

• David is devastated at losing an important friend and ally
• He continues serving, but some endings show him filled with sorrow and regret

If Chloe survives:

• An ending depicts David helping Chloe push for peaceful political change
• They honor her ideals as a soldier and advocate for stability

So once again, Chloe‘s survival provides David an ideological partner moving forward – as well as emotional support.

Other Key Ending Scenarios

There are several other endings that dramatically impact David‘s path:

• Woods Kills Mason Ending: Frank Woods executes David‘s father Alex Mason in one outcome. David is emotionally devastated but resolves to carry the family torch.
• Mason Lives Ending: In another ending, Alex Mason survives. David later proudly introduces his own young son to his legendary grandfather.

The choice of whether Alex Mason lives or dies is clearly important for continuing the Mason lineage.

David‘s Legacy After Black Ops II

While many endings are emotional, David Mason remains a respected leader even after the events of Black Ops II. I believe his most likely path moving forward is continuing military service while starting a family, unless Menendez‘s capture grants him that elusive stability to leave active duty.

No matter what, David represents the struggle of navigating global conflicts handed down by previous generations, much like his own father dealt with the aftermath of WWII long before him. He tries to live up to the reputations of Alex Mason and Frank Woods even decades later as threats new and old emerge.

In the end, Commander David Mason walks a similar path to his legendary father – fighting terrorists to protect family and nation while the ghosts of the past refuse to stay buried. His final fate lies in players‘ hands.

References: Call of Duty Wiki, Polygon Game Guides