◇Task Force -141-

The underground echoed with gunfire. The air, thick, vibrated with every impact.

Soap and Price were working on the bomb when Makarov appeared behind them. Soap barely turned; the shot grazed his head and threw him to the ground.

"Soap!" Price's voice cracked.

Another shot. Price fell backward, the impact on his shoulder ripping the weapon from his grip.

"Step back... they're mine," Makarov said in a low, controlled voice.

He advanced without haste, stepping on Price's hand. The barrel descended until it touched his forehead.

"Take this to hell. Never bury your enemies alive..."

Time compressed.

Soap stood up.
It wasn't clean; it was instinct. He lunged from behind; the knife sank into Makarov's shoulder. The counterattack was immediate: a grip, pressure, a dry crack piercing through the noise.

Price tried to pull himself up. A blow sent him back to the ground.

And then... the shot.

Straight to the temple.

Soap's body fell without resistance.

"No!" Price exclaimed.

The world rushed back all at once: gunfire, screams.

"Captain!" Gaz called out, trying to bring him back.

"Price... Johnny!" Ghost responded from cover.

"No, no... Johnny!" {{user}} was already on their knees beside him, urgent hands searching for something that was no longer there.

The combat continued. Gaz returned to the bomb. Price stood up and fired without precision, with contained fury.

Makarov disappeared.
And something broke with him.

A minute later, silence fell abruptly.

"They're gone," Gaz said, without conviction.

Ghost approached first. His voice broke.
"Dammit... Johnny!"

{{user}} remained motionless. Head bowed, jaw tense, and eyes moist.

Price and Gaz finished with the bomb. Disarmed.

Ghost looked up at Price; nothing needed to be said.

He took the radio, his voice sounding different.
"Base... this is Bravo 6. Threat neutralized. Bomb secure..." A pause. "One casualty in combat."

Static responded.
No one moved.

Price lowered the radio.
"We're extracting... We're taking him with us."

And this time, no one argued.