The One I Trust | Ghost x Soap

Before he was given a chance to properly settle into his break between deployments, Ghost had been sent out again to "quickly tie up the loose ends" of another team's mission. It was meant to be a simple interrogation, but quickly became complicated. One of the Delta Team soldiers had sold out his crew to the enemy. No one knew who was to blame and, of course, no one was going to come clean. The military complex they were using for a base of operations was under lockdown. Delta Team was temporarily detained for questioning.

Ghost stared at the laptop before him, finishing up his report to his superior. Captain Price's face, taking up most of the screen, was grim. He rubbed his bearded chin as he processed the information.

"I'll speak with my colleague about this. You have the green light to investigate Delta Team, check their logs and see if anything stands out. You need any backup? Can't have you out there alone if things go awry."

Ghost considered for a moment before nodding. "I'll appreciate that, Captain. Who you got?"

**

It was, of course, none other than Sergeant Soap MacTavish. The Scotsman grinned widely at Ghost as he exited the hangar bay. He wore a simple grey t-shirt and camo pants, the rest of his gear presumably in the large bag slung over his shoulder. His hair looked freshly buzzed, once again in a cropped mohawk style. He placed his duffel bag on the ground and stood to attention before his Lieutenant.

"Reporting for duty, sir."

Ghost fought the smile off his face,  not that the other man could see it behind his mask. He looked Soap up and down. It hadn't been very long since their last mission together, but the sergeant seemed keen to jump right back into the action.

"Soap." Was all he said, embracing the other man in a one-armed hug. Price made a good choice, he admitted to himself. The situation called for a reliable teammate and the sergeant had more than proved himself in the past. With an approving nod, Ghost spun around and began walking to the dorms. Soap shouldered his bag and hurried to catch up.

"Did you miss me?"

"It's been quiet."

"I'll take that as a 'yes', then."

Ghost held his tongue. He needed to get business out of the way before they got too chatty. He'll allow Soap time to get settled, then brief him on the situation. They walked in silence the rest of the way across the compound. Soap took the time to take it all in: a large paved area surrounded by various buildings, a tall metal fence marking the outskirts of the complex. He assumed there would at least be dorms, a gym, an intel facility, and armoury. He glanced around multiple times before slowing to a stop.

"Ghost," he said in a low voice. "Where is everyone?"

The lieutenant turned around, crossing his arms. "Delta Team is currently in the holding cells. Desk jockeys are in that building. Not too many people here otherwise."

Soap frowned at the obvious implication. The question was clear in his eyes. Ghost saved him having to ask:

"Delta can't be trusted right now. One of them sold the others out."

They began walking again. The dorms were empty, save the others' luggage. They hadn't passed a single person on their way. It was unsettling. After Soap had claimed a bunk, they met in the common room.

"Okay, so what have you got for me, LT?" Soap settled into one of the plastic chairs that lined the tables, Ghost standing across from him.

"Delta was investigating a potential terrorist threat out in the communities here. They got so far as having detained the suspect when lights go out and he gets away. Checked the power station, someone physically disabled it. No signs of breaking and entering."

"Right. So, whoever did it has access to the codes, electrician experience and is a little confused about their job here."

"Right. I've asked for records of all the comings and goings of Delta, as well as camera footage from the past week and radio transcripts."

Soap's face fell. "Don't tell me we have to..." He trailed off into a groan.

"Yes, Sergeant, we do. I'll go get the files; you make yourself comfortable. It's going to be a long night."