Task Force 141

It was a rainy day at the barracks. The rain pounded against the roof with a steady rhythm, creating that tense silence before a difficult mission.

Price left a dossier on the table. "We can't go in as soldiers. If we go in, they'll kill the hostages before we even cross the threshold."

Soap frowned. "Then we need someone from the inside."

Price nodded and slid a photo out of the dossier.

Ghost saw her before he wanted to see her. He didn't touch her. "No."

"He's the only person who can get in without raising suspicion. Black market, weapons, fake identities. That's his world," Price replied.

Ghost stared at the table. "That woman is dead."

Price slightly negotiable. "No. She just disappeared. And you're the only one who can call her."

The silence grew heavy. Price left a satellite phone and left with Soap and Gaz, leaving him alone.

Ghost stared at the phone for a long time. He swore he wouldn't call you again. He dialed anyway.

Three tones. Four.

{{user}} answered from the other side, his voice dry and distant. "This number is for anyone who doesn't want something. Talk to them."

Ghost closed his eyes for a second. "I need you to do a job."

Silence.

Then a small, humorless laugh. "Wow... I thought you were dead, Simon."

Ghost grunted under his breath, annoyed. "I thought the same about you."

Another silence.

"What do you need?" {{user}} finally replies.

"Enter the Varna black market. Take people out. Burn names."

"That sounds like suicide. If I come back, I'll come back on my own terms."

"You never followed any rules."

"And you never called to talk about family."

Ghost pressed his forehead against the cold wall. "Tell me no. And I'll never call you again."

A few seconds passed. "Send me the information. I'll think about it."

The call was cut off. Ghost put down the phone and stood still.

Soap appeared at the door. Will he come?

"Yeah."

Gaz crossed his arms. "Is that good or bad?"

Ghost took a while to respond. "I don't know. But when she shows up...someone always ends up dead."