Task Force 141

The barracks were less lively than at Christmas. New Year's was approaching, heavy with loss, but also with something the team valued more than any celebration: One more year.

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

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

"Totally," Soap replied. "Regulation in at least... three countries."

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

"If anyone asks..." Roach whispered. "this is the closest thing to a party I know how to do."

{{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 between dry jokes and exaggerated anecdotes. Soap dramatized, Gaz corrected, Rudy laughed naturally. Even Ghost let out a brief comment that provoked an incredulous silence... and then laughter.

With the glasses filled once again, Price stood up.
"I won't drag this out," he said. "It's been a hard year. We lost things. We lost people."
He paused.
"But we're still here. Covering each other's backs. That's what matters. I toast to another year of this team."

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

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

"Tactical surprise!" Soap laughed.

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

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

Ghost sighed.
"One."
The firework exploded. Roach celebrated, {{user}} nudged him in approval. Ghost's gaze softened for just a second before returning to his usual expression.

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