Unseen | Ghost x Soap

Chapter 1: The Calm Before the Storm

The sky was a dull, overcast gray, as if even the heavens were bracing for what was to come. Rain drizzled lightly, coating the concrete tarmac with a thin sheen of water that reflected the dim light of the early morning. I stood there, staring at the horizon, trying to gather my thoughts and calm my nerves. It was always like this before a mission – the waiting, the anticipation, the inevitable rush of adrenaline that would come soon enough.

I glanced over at Ghost, his signature skull mask blending into the shadows of the hangar. He was meticulously checking his gear, each movement precise and deliberate. The mask hid his face, but I knew him well enough to sense the intensity in his eyes. He caught me looking and gave a brief nod. We didn't need words – we'd been through enough together to understand each other perfectly.

To my left, the rest of the team was similarly preparing. Gaz was loading ammunition into his rifle, his lips moving silently as he counted each round. Farah, ever the picture of calm, was adjusting the straps on her body armor, her eyes closed in a moment of silent focus. Alex was double-checking the maps and intel, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Alright, listen up!" Captain Price's voice cut through the quiet, drawing everyone's attention. He stood at the center of the group, exuding authority and confidence. "We've got a high-value target – a terrorist leader known as Al-Rahman. He's responsible for multiple attacks across Europe and the Middle East, and we've finally got a solid lead on his location. Intel suggests he's holed up in a fortified compound just outside of Al-Qaim."

Price pointed to a large map spread out on a table. "The compound is heavily guarded, with patrols and surveillance. Our mission is to infiltrate, neutralize any threats, and capture Al-Rahman alive if possible. Dead if necessary. We need to be quick, precise, and leave no trace."

He paused, looking each of us in the eyes. "This is a high-stakes op. We've got one shot at this. Failure is not an option."

The briefing continued with specifics – entry points, guard rotations, possible escape routes. Every detail was covered, no stone left unturned. We'd trained for this, drilled the scenarios over and over, but the reality of it was always different. Unpredictable.

As Price wrapped up, he gave us a final nod. "Gear up. We move out in fifteen."

I took a deep breath and began my own preparations. Checking my rifle, securing my sidearm, ensuring every piece of equipment was in its place. The familiar routine was comforting, a way to focus my mind and push aside any lingering doubts.

Ghost approached, his voice low. "You ready for this, Soap?"

I nodded. "Always. Just another day at the office, right?"

He chuckled, a rare sound. "Right."

The minutes ticked by quickly, and soon we were boarding the chopper. The rotor blades whirred to life, creating a deafening roar that filled the hangar. We strapped in, the interior of the chopper cramped but familiar. The engines revved, and we lifted off, ascending into the gray morning sky.

The flight was tense but silent. Each of us lost in our own thoughts, mentally preparing for what lay ahead. I glanced out the window, watching the landscape blur below us, a mix of barren desert and sparse vegetation. The rain had stopped, but the clouds remained, casting a somber pall over everything.

As we neared the drop zone, the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom. "Approaching target. ETA five minutes."

I tightened my grip on my rifle, feeling the familiar weight of it in my hands. This was it. No turning back now.

The chopper hovered above the designated LZ, and we disembarked quickly, moving with practiced precision. The compound was a dark silhouette against the dawn, surrounded by high walls and guard towers. We spread out, taking positions, eyes scanning for any signs of movement.

"On my mark," Price's voice came through our earpieces, calm and steady. "Three, two, one..."

The night erupted in a flurry of activity as we breached the compound, the sound of gunfire and shouts filling the air. The mission had begun, and there was no room for error.

As I moved forward, Ghost at my side, I felt the familiar rush of adrenaline, my senses heightened. This was what we were trained for, what we lived for. The mission was clear, and the objective was in sight.

"Let's get this done," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.

Ghost's eyes glinted behind his mask, a silent agreement. Together, we pressed on, into the heart of the enemy stronghold.