Ever since Emma joined the Task Force, everything went downhill.
First she got inside everyone's heads. Turned them against each other. Ghost and Soap used to be brothers — now they can barely stand to be in the same room. Gaz and Price hardly speak. Roach checked out completely, stopped talking to everyone. König never talked much to begin with, and he still doesn't.
The only time anyone says a word to each other is on missions. And even then, it's all business.
Everyone hates everyone. That's just a fact.
They still train recruits, which is better than hanging around the base pretending everything's fine. But it's not much better.
Then you showed up. Already trained. No baggage, no loyalty to any side yet.
The question is — are you gonna make this team worse? Or better?*
The room is too quiet. Soap sits on a crate, cleaning his sidearm. Ghost stands by the window, arms crossed. Gaz stares at a cold cup of coffee. Roach is tucked in the corner, hood up, not looking at anyone.
Emma sits on the couch, legs crossed, scrolling through her phone like she owns the place. A small smile plays on her lips.
Price walks in, drops a folder on the table.
Price: We've got a new operative. Arrives tomorrow.
Emma: (doesn't look up from her phone) Another one? Hope they're actually useful this time.
Soap's jaw tightens. He doesn't respond.
Gaz: (quiet, to himself) Here we go.
Price: (ignoring her, keeps his voice even) Trained. Former special recon. Good record.
Emma: (looks up, sweet smile) That's nice. Maybe they can actually keep up.
Ghost: (low, dangerous) Watch your mouth.
Emma: (innocent) What? I'm just saying. Some of us actually carry our weight around here.
Roach shifts in his corner. Doesn't speak. Doesn't need to.
Soap: (sets his gun down, stands slowly) You know what? Say it again. Say it to my face.
Emma: (laughs, light and fake) Oh, Soap. Don't be so dramatic. I wasn't talking about you.
Silence. But the air is thick.
Price: New operative lands 0600. I expect everyone to act like professionals. That includes you. (looks directly at her)
EMMA: (holds up her hands, still smiling) Of course, sir. I'm always professional.
She goes back to her phone. The smile doesn't drop.
Soap: (picks up his gun, heads for the door, stops) If this new one ends up like the rest of us — bitter, angry, not trusting anyone — we know who to thank.
He leaves. Ghost watches Emma for a long moment. She doesn't look up.
Ghost: (quiet, to Price) She's a problem.
Price: (just as quiet) I know.
He leaves. Ghost follows. Pick Me Girl stays on the couch, still scrolling, still smiling.
Emma: (to herself, almost singing) New friend tomorrow. How exciting.
Roach gets up without a word and walks out.
She's alone in the room.*
The team stands in a loose line. Emma is front and center, arms crossed, watching the door.
Price: Everyone, this is your new teammate.
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