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When 141 received orders to gather in the briefing room in the middle of the day, everyone, even Ghost, realized that a new mission was ahead. The unit had only returned from Seattle yesterday, and everyone was looking forward to some rest, but they had no choice.
Gaz and Roach were the first to arrive, while Soap lingered to go into Ghost’s room and get him. The lieutenant was still ignoring the base's loudspeaker announcements, claiming that the voices coming from the speakers weren't real and alive and that he didn't consider them worthy of attention.
“Well, lads, as you’ve already figured out, our rest is canceled.” Price said when everyone finally sat down at the long table. “This time, it doesn't look like anything complicated is expected, but it could drag on.”
The captain unfolded a large map of the area on the table, with a square circled in the middle of a forest that was unrecognizable at this scale. In addition to the map, several satellite images showing the same area were laid out on the table.
“As you can see in the photos, there is what looks like an abandoned forester's hut in this area.” Price began to brief them. "However, suspicious activity has been noticed there recently. There are suspicions that there may be a cache of drugs or weapons, or even an underground laboratory. Our task is to monitor what is happening there, and if we find anything illegal, to carry out a raid.”
”Of course, with maximum preservation of witnesses and evidence?” Soap asked, and seeing the captain nod, he yawned demonstratively. ”Boring!"
“Don't worry, son, there's plenty of work for you even without explosions.” Price smiled crookedly. "Under normal circumstances, I would have planned everything differently, but now we have a soldier who never sleeps, so this is how it will be. Soap and Ghost will conduct surveillance in the immediate vicinity of the target. I, Gaz, and Roach will wait at a safe distance so we can quickly get there and make the raid if necessary. It's simple, lads; we've done this a hundred times.”
”But why is Soap going to do surveillance?” Gaz asked. ”He's injured; he'd be better off in a safe camp."
“Yeah, but his only task will be to maintain contact with us and report back on the observations.” Price said, shaking his head. “You weren't listening to me. I told you we're going to use our superweapon.”
Ghost sat motionless, but for some reason, Soap felt that he liked that wording.
“When do we leave?” Roach asked, getting straight to the point as usual.
“In two hours.” Price replied. “So if there are no questions, go get everything you need.”
Price didn't watch everyone leave the briefing room. He leaned over the table, carefully gathering the photos and folding the map, thinking he was alone. However, when he straightened up, he saw Ghost sitting silently and motionless, staring intently at him, and he shuddered in surprise.
“Jesus Christ!” The captain exhaled and suddenly looked at the demon with interest. “Hey, Lieutenant, do references to God or church symbols hurt you?”
“Not always.” He replied and shrugged. "The power of such words and objects lies in the belief in them. So if a priest splashes holy water on me, it will probably hurt.”
”Copy that.” Price said thoughtfully. ”So, did you want something?”
”Yes.“ Ghost replied. ”I need some advice."
“Go ahead.” The captain nodded and sat down at the table opposite him, resolving not to be surprised by anything.
“How does a human show that he likes another human?” Ghost asked without pause, clearly indicating that he had formulated his question in advance.
Price mentally sighed heavily. He wasn't surprised; on the contrary, he had been expecting something like this for some time, but not so soon. The attraction between the mysterious lieutenant and the youngest sergeant in the unit had been obvious almost from the start. There is nothing to say: Ghost himself chose Soap for his first mission with 141, and it was probably because of him that he decided to leave Albright's base and join them. But Price had no idea what might happen if this attraction grew deeper. Could a demon even have human feelings, or was that just his illusion? On the other hand, why not, since Ghost was once human? Another question was what such affection might do to MacTavish. Would constant close interaction with a spawn of hell be detrimental to him?
“Lieutenant, the concept of ‘liking’ has several meanings for humans.” The captain began cautiously. "For example, all of us in 141 are friends, and we like each other. To demonstrate these feelings, we help each other, give gifts on holidays, spend time together, and never, even against orders, leave anyone behind on the battlefield. People can also like each other romantically. Here, everything is the same, but with some additions."
The captain fell silent, gathering his thoughts. Ghost did not rush him and waited patiently for him to continue, tilting his head to one side.
“In principle, everything is very similar here, but there are some nuances.” Price spoke again. "For example, help can be insignificant and unnecessary. When you do something for another person that he can do himself. It's called ‘a sign of attention’. Also, gifts in this case are given not only on holidays but just because, and it can be something more... personal, you understand?"
The lieutenant nodded, and his thoughtfulness was evident despite his hood.
“When people like each other, they want to spend more time together.” Price continued. "They share personal information with each other, and they want more intimate physical contact, such as hugs, holding hands, simple touches that are not usually accepted among friends, kisses, and finally, sexual intimacy. You know what that is?”
”Yes.” Ghost replied, and Price mentally sighed with relief that he wouldn't have to explain human sex to a supernatural creature.
”Well, that's about it." The captain said, glancing at his watch. “If you have no further questions, we need to get ready for the mission.”
“Yes.” The lieutenant repeated and stood up, towering over him with his considerable height. “Thank you, Captain Price.”
Having finished their conversation, they left the briefing room and went their separate ways to gather their weapons and equipment. It didn't take Ghost long to do this, and grabbing his bag, he locked the door and went to Soap's room.
“Hey, Lt.” The sergeant waved cheerfully when the lieutenant entered. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” Ghost replied. “Do you need help with this?”
“No, thanks.” Soap replied, looked at the lieutenant, paused for a few seconds, and smiled. “Actually, you can help. I can write a list of everything we'll need for surveillance, and you can go to the warehouse and get it. Affirmative?”
“Yes.” Ghost nodded and froze, waiting for the list.
Soap knew that the lieutenant didn't need much of what he needed himself, but he made a list for two people anyway so that no one would have any questions. Then, when Ghost brings everything, the equipment will need to be thoroughly checked. Of course, a broken tent or a malfunctioning burner wasn't as big a problem as defective detonators, but he didn't want any additional inconveniences during the mission.
The lieutenant was already dressed in his gear, with knives and a scythe attached to it, and magazines and grenades in the pockets of his tactical vest, so as he walked through the base, he attracted curious glances from the other soldiers. Several of them turned out to be new friends of the three 141's sergeants, some of whom were already showing off new tattoos based on Soap's sketches. And since he, Gaz, and Roach often talked about Captain Price and Lieutenant Ryan, one of these guys decided to talk to Ghost, despite his terrifying appearance.
“Good afternoon, Lieutenant!” The soldier saluted, and Ghost automatically responded in kind. “Are you off on another mission? Right now?”
The demon had no desire to waste time on this guy, but he remembered his conversation with Soap when he had first allowed the sergeant to touch his bare hand. Johnny had made it clear that he would like Ghost to start talking to the local soldiers. The lieutenant also thought about what the captain had called signs of attention. Putting these two things together, he decided that Soap would be pleased to know that he had remembered and fulfilled his request and that this simple act would be the sign of attention that Price had spoken of.
“Yes.” Ghost replied, adding another phrase he had heard from the captain. “That's our job.”
“Then say hello to MacTavish, and I hope you all come back in one piece.” The soldier said with a smile, then saluted again and went about his business.
Deciding that no reply was necessary, Ghost also continued on his way.
The helicopter delivered the unit to the point where Captain Price's group was to set up camp. Once there, Soap and Ghost sorted through their equipment and supplies, leaving almost half behind. The lieutenant did not need water or food, nor did he need a sleeping bag, a waterproof mat, binoculars, a thermal imager, and many other things. Ghost took almost everything himself, but MacTavish insisted on carrying something too. He was also responsible for the radio and its batteries. In case of prolonged surveillance of the target, Gaz or Roach would have to bring more provisions to Soap.
Having dealt with all this, the surveillance group set off. They had to walk about ten klicks through the forest to reach their camp. The target was one klick further. If there were no serious obstacles along the way, Ghost and Soap would have time to reach their destination and set up camp before dark, and then the lieutenant could begin surveillance.
The way through the forest seemed almost pleasant to Soap. The weather here was dry, windless, and sunny: it was warm, the voices of birds could be heard, and a thick layer of colorful leaves rustled quietly underfoot. At first, Ghost led the way, but then the trees and bushes thinned out, and he and Soap were able to walk side by side. The lieutenant told him about his brief encounter with the soldier, and, as he had expected, Johnny was delighted to hear that he had spoken to someone who wasn't from 141, even if the conversation had been very short.
Around noon, MacTavish said it was time to take a break and have a snack. He had protein bars and a thermos of coffee that Roach had given him, which hadn't had time to cool down yet. Making sure no one was around, two soldiers settled down on the trunk of a tree that had been blown down by the storm, and Soap took out the supplies.
“You've done this before, Lt.?” He asked, pouring himself some coffee.
“Yes.” Ghost replied. “I know what to do.”
“Copy.” Soap said, unwrapping a protein bar. “We'll check in with the captain twice a day unless anything unusual happens: at twenty-two zero-zero and at ten zero-zero. So have your reports ready by then.”
The lieutenant nodded, watching the sergeant chew his bars with gusto and wash them down with coffee. Then he poured another cup and took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.
“Let's determine the daily routine of our targets, and then I'll join you during their peak activity hours.” MacTavish continued, lighting a cigarette with relish. “If it turns out that the people aren't in the hut all the time, we'll try to sneak inside and see what they're up to.”
“Roger that.” The lieutenant nodded again and put his hand on Soap's shoulder. “Are you cold, Johnny?”
“No, but it's always nice to be close to you.” MacTavish smiled, moving closer to Ghost.
Soon they set off again, carefully removing all traces of their brief stay in this place.
The sun was already setting when the two soldiers arrived at their destination and began to set up camp, which was located under a hill from the top of which the hut and the area around it would be clearly visible. Soap did almost everything by himself because Ghost didn't know how to set up a tent or what was needed for a relatively comfortable stay in the wilderness. To keep himself entertained, the sergeant commented on everything he was doing, explaining why it was necessary, while the lieutenant listened and helped where he could. When everything was ready, they both climbed up to their observation point and lay down: Soap on a waterproof mat with a thermal imager, and Ghost simply on the leaf-covered ground with nothing else.
The hut was clearly not empty, despite its general dilapidated appearance. Light was shining through the tightly curtained windows, and smoke was coming out of the chimney. A little further away, covered with a camouflage net, stood a vehicle, which, judging by its size and shape, was a pickup truck. Ghost and Soap watched for a while, and then the lieutenant, without taking his eyes off the hut, said quietly:
“There are three people inside.”
The sergeant, who couldn't see such details even through the thermal imager due to the bright heat source inside the building, looked at Ghost with interest.
“How did you know?” He asked.
“I can see three souls.” The lieutenant explained. “Or rather, I can feel them.”
Soap was curious to know more, but it was time to give his first report to the captain, so he postponed his questions for later. Crawling down the hillside toward the camp, he began to establish communication and soon heard Price's voice in his radio headset.
“Bravo 7-1 reporting.” Soap said, making sure he could be heard loud and clear. “Bravo 0-7 and I have arrived at the location. The camp and perimeter have been secured, and we have begun surveillance. There are currently three persons at the site. We can see the car they arrived in.”
“Roger that.” Price replied. “Anything else?”
“Negative.” MacTavish reported.
“Then stand by for the next communication session at the appointed time.” The captain said. “Bravo-6 out.”
Soap turned back to Ghost and saw that the situation hadn't changed. He lay next to the lieutenant for a while longer until he began to feel cold. He needed to return to camp, heat up his MRE on the burner, eat, and go to sleep, but the sergeant didn't want to do that alone.
“Hey, Lt.” He whispered. “If you're at our camp, will you hear if anything changes here?”
“Yes.” Ghost replied.
“Then let's go have dinner.” Soap suggested and smiled.
Not long ago, the demon wouldn’t have understood such an offer, because he does not eat human food. Now, following Johnny, he realized that he felt something like joy at being invited to spend some time with the sergeant.
Ghost sat motionless near the tent while Soap heated up his dinner, chatting animatedly as usual. When the food was done, he sat down next to the lieutenant, took a spoon, and placed a metal plate on his lap.
“What do you think, Lt., what are they really doing in that hut?” He asked.
Ghost shrugged silently. He didn't care, and he didn't bother with empty speculation. In time, he and Johnny would find out for sure, and depending on the results of their surveillance, they would have two options: either make a move or quietly leave. There was nothing complicated about it, unlike what was going on between him and Soap. And the lieutenant was absolutely certain that something was going on.
“Do you have a family, Johnny?” Ghost asked unexpectedly.
“Aye.” Soap smiled in response. "My grandfather and father are retired military men. My mom is a retired teacher. I also have an older sister and a younger sister. My older sister has two children, my nephews. They're little devils, but I love them."
Ghost didn't answer, thinking that maybe he had a family too. Or maybe the people who were his relatives were still alive.
“And my parents have three cats!” Soap announced cheerfully, not forgetting to wield his spoon. “They're fat, lazy, and fluffy. You'd like them, Lt.”
“Yes.” Ghost agreed.
“Do you miss the cats at the base?” MacTavish asked, looking up from his food and glancing at the lieutenant.
Ghost paused, remembering the feeling he got when a bunch of fluffy creatures surrounded him on all sides and purred contentedly, enjoying the warmth. Or when they happily ate his food, which he now almost always took with him, much to the disappointment of Gaz and Roach, who were clearly delighted when Ghost allowed them to share his breakfast or lunch.
“Yes, I miss them.” The lieutenant finally replied in his emotionless voice.
Soap patted him sympathetically on the shoulder, putting down his empty plate, and from this simple gesture, Ghost suddenly felt a strange warmth inside: not physical, but no less pleasant.
“It's time for you to go to sleep, Johnny.” The lieutenant said.
“Aye, sir!” Soap replied cheerfully, getting up and stretching. “I'm just going down to the stream to wash my plate.”
“All right.” Ghost nodded and also got to his feet. “I'm going back. I'll wake you if I see or hear anything interesting.”
He disappeared into the darkness without a sound, which still amazed both Soap and the rest of 141. The sergeant watched him go and then went to the stream to wash his dishes. After doing so, he sat for a while, smoked a cigarette, and crawled into his tent. Settling down as comfortably as possible in his sleeping bag, Soap fell asleep thinking about how much he missed Ghost's embrace, which gave him pleasant warmth and a feeling of absolute safety.