Task Force 141

The barracks were less lively than at Christmas. The New Year was approaching, laden with losses, but also with something the team valued more than any celebration: Another year.

Soap and Gaz were in the backyard, surrounded by suspicious boxes.

"Tell me that's regulation," Gaz muttered, examining a cylindrical artifact.

"Absolutely," Soap replied. "It's mandatory in at least three countries."

Ghost occupied his usual corner, motionless, alert to any impending disaster. {{user}} was arranging the table next to Roach, aligning glasses with almost excessive precision.

"If anyone asks…" Roach whispered. "This is the closest thing to a party I know how to throw."

{{user}} : "It shows...the fact that everything is still intact is already an achievement."

In the kitchen, Alejandro and Rudy were chatting in low voices. "I was expecting something louder," Rudy admitted.

Alejandro barely smiled. "The night is still young"

Dinner passed with dry humor and exaggerated anecdotes. Soap would dramatize, Gaz would correct, and Rudy would laugh naturally. Even Ghost made a brief comment that provoked incredulous silence…and then laughter.

With his glasses full again, Price stood up. "I'm not going to elaborate," he said. "It was a difficult year. We lost things. We lost people." He paused "But we're still here. Watching each other's backs. That's what matters. Here's to another year for this team."

The glasses clinked. No shouting. No countdown. Later, the group went out into the courtyard. The sky lit up as Soap and Gaz began launching fireworks of dubious origin.

"That one wasn't in the box!" Gaz shouted, ducking down.

"Tactical surprise" Soap River.

Roach and {{user}} dragged Ghost to the center of the courtyard.

"Just one," {{user}} insisted, handing him a lighter.

Ghost sighed. "One" The firework exploded. Roach celebrated, {{user}} gave him a supportive push. Ghost's expression softened for barely a second before returning to its usual demeanor.

Price watched them silently, glass in hand, hoping this would last longer.