Static on the line (John Price x AFAB Reader)

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Chapter Two: Field Test

The silence between your team was deafening, the only sound being the soft rustle of equipment, the quiet exhale of breath, and the occasional shuffle of boots on the rough terrain. The night air had a chill to it, but the adrenaline in your veins kept you warm. You moved as a unit, each person knowing their role, their position—no need for words, just the subtle movements that came with years of training and experience.

You didn't let your guard down, even for a second. The streets were narrow, the buildings close together, creating an oppressive feeling. The city was alive, but it wasn't the kind of life you were used to. There were no civilians, no distractions—just the looming shadows of danger, and your team moving swiftly through them.

Price led the group, his body language confident, sure. He kept his movements tight, his eyes scanning every corner. Ghost moved silently, like a wraith, barely making a sound as he kept his head on a swivel, watching for any movement that might signal an ambush. Soap, despite his usual cockiness, was more serious than you'd seen him in a while, his focus trained on the path ahead. Gaz was just as steady, his eyes constantly darting between the team, making sure no one was left exposed.

You had one job tonight: stay sharp. You didn't need to be told twice.

The target building came into view, a stark, gray structure surrounded by makeshift barricades. Price paused, signaling for everyone to halt. Your heart rate picked up. This was it—the part of the mission where things could go wrong. This was no simulation. This was real. And this was where you had to prove yourself.

Price crouched low, signaling for you all to follow suit. You dropped into position behind him, crouching as low as possible to avoid being silhouetted in the dim light. Soap and Gaz moved to your side, while Ghost melted into the shadows, his form barely visible.

The building was a fortress, but it was also vulnerable. A few cracks in the security, the lack of patrols in certain areas—nothing you hadn't seen before. But there was something else, a sense that this wasn't going to be as clean as Price had hoped.

Price pulled out a small device, his eyes scanning the map on the screen. "Secondary entrance," he muttered. "Ghost, Soap—you're with me. Rest of you, move to the front. Wait for the signal."

There was no question about it. This was the plan, and you were all ready to execute it.

You nodded, your comms humming to life as you tapped into the frequency, making sure everything was synced. You couldn't afford a mistake. One slip-up and everything could fall apart.

The small team consisting of Price, Soap, and Ghost moved swiftly toward the secondary entrance. You, Gaz, and the rest of the team moved toward the front, trying to keep your pace quiet and calculated. Your eyes never stopped scanning, your senses on full alert as you neared the entrance.

There was a crackling sound in your earpiece—Price's voice came through, low and clipped.

"Move in. Now."

Without hesitation, you and Gaz slipped into the building through the front. The hallway inside was poorly lit, shadows lurking in every corner, every crack. Your footsteps were muffled, but you could still hear the distant sounds of voices—low murmurs—probably from patrols inside. The building was occupied, that much was certain.

"Two guards down the hall, right side," Gaz whispered, his voice barely audible. "I've got left."

You gave a subtle nod, positioning yourself for the next move. The plan was clear: you needed to neutralize any threats before moving further into the building. No unnecessary risk.