Mr Boo

Chapter 18

When Ghost returned to duty on the base, everything felt different. Everyone looked different and nothing seemed the same since he'd last been here. Walking towards Price's office for his debrief, the thought struck him. It's me who's different.

As soon as he sat down in the office, Ghost took a deep breath and said "Georgia's pregnant".

Price looked a little surprised by the outburst, but soon broke into a wide smile. "Bloody hell, you don't hang around son" he replied chuckling away and shaking his head at the news.

 "Congratulations Simon" he said getting up and patting him affectionately on the back.

"Thanks" Ghost said quietly, feeling the swell of pride in his chest.

"How's Georgia doing with having another little one?" Price asked with a grin.

"Oh she's chuffed to bits. Emily cottoned onto the idea quicker than I thought, smart little miss, she is" Ghost replied with a chuckle.

Price nodded. "So this is gonna be your last duty then son?" he asked knowingly.

"Yes sir" Ghost replied more confidently.

"Well not gonna lie, it's gonna be tough to see you go and the guys are gonna miss having you around. But, you've got different responsibilities now, so I fully support your decision. We've got a couple of jobs on the burner, but I'll get your paperwork started" he explained.

"Appreciate it sir" Ghost responded feeling lighter now he'd given Price his notice.

"You thought about what you're gonna say to the lads? Obviously I'm not gonna mention the reason why, but they'll wanna know Simon" Price said more seriously.

"Of course. I'll have a think about it" Ghost responded.

"Alright then Lieutenant, lets get to business" Price said with a grin.

Thankfully over the next two months, the task force's missions went smoothly with no injuries. Ghost kept up his contact wanting to make sure that Georgia was happy and healthy with her developing pregnancy. He felt guilty for not being able to be there for her first scan, but was looking forward to being able to be by her side, without fail in the future.

Another mission and several joint training exercises later and Ghost was starting to prepare for his final mission and his eventual leaving. He'd thought a lot about how to let the team know of his departure but was still at a loss. He'd never considered the thought of leaving the taskforce before, always determined that he'd keep going till a well aimed sniper's bullet, brought his end.

In the depths of his being, Ghost respected and cared for his team, despite his usual unfriendly and stoic manner. He wasn't one for friendships, but had always understood the need to have others backs and appreciated the team having his. But now as he considered his last mission and the prospect of saying goodbye, Ghost felt the strange sensation of sadness at walking away from his team mates.

The moment he'd been dreading, came at an unexpected time. The guys had finished their training exercise and were relaxing in the mess hall when Soap brought up the idea of a team training expedition in the mountains. He, Gaz and Price talked about it at length and enthusiasm was high with Soap suggesting that they plan it for after their Christmas leave in a few months.

Soap was acutely aware that Ghost hadn't said anything about the plans, "Hey LT, you've been a bit quiet. You'll be up for a team jolly in the mountains won't ye?" he asked eager to have his superior in board.

Ghost sat quietly, feeling unsure of what he would say. All eyes were on him. "What'd ye reckon Ghost, I'm sure you'll be able to come up with some great exercises for us. With your experience of  jungle combat, we could learn a lot from you" Gaz suggested sincerely.