Unseen | Ghost x Soap

Chapter 42: Danger

Ghost's POV:

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the briefing room, casting long shadows across the table where we all sat. The air was thick with anticipation and the faint scent of coffee, as we waited for our commander to arrive. The usual banter and jokes were subdued today; everyone knew that this meeting was different.

I sat next to Soap, our shoulders almost touching. His presence was a strange comfort, a grounding force amid the uncertainty. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. He looked calm, collected. I envied that.

The door swung open, and Captain Price walked in, his expression grim. The room fell silent as he took his place at the head of the table, his eyes sweeping over us with a mixture of pride and concern.

"Alright, listen up," Price began, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the situation. "We've got intel on a high-value target operating in the Korengal Valley. It's one of the most dangerous regions we've ever faced. Thick woods, rough terrain, hostile locals, and a hell of a lot of insurgent activity."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. The Korengal Valley was notorious, often referred to as the "Valley of Death" by those who had fought there. It was a place where the enemy knew the land better than anyone, and survival was a constant battle.

"Our target is an arms dealer who's been supplying the terrorists," Price continued. "He's got a network spread through the valley, using the dense forest to move weapons and personnel undetected. Our mission is to infiltrate, gather intel on his operations, and take him out."

A murmur ran through the room, the team exchanging glances. This was a high-stakes mission, no doubt about it.

Price's gaze sharpened. "We'll be deploying in about a week. Maybe more, depending on the final intel. This is going to be tough, lads. The terrain is unforgiving, and the enemy is well-prepared. We need to be at the top of our game."

As Price laid out the details of the mission, my mind began to race. The valley's dense woods and treacherous paths would make every step a potential trap. Ambushes could come from anywhere, and escape routes would be limited.

I stole another glance at Soap. He was listening intently, his jaw set with determination. The thought of him getting hurt in that hellish place twisted my gut into knots. I had seen him endure more than anyone should, but this mission felt different. More dangerous. More personal.

Price's voice faded into the background as my thoughts spiraled. I could see Soap trudging through the dense underbrush, ambushed, fighting for his life. The fear of losing him was a constant, gnawing ache.

"... Ghost, did you catch that?" Price's voice cut through my thoughts, and I snapped back to attention, realizing he'd asked me a question.

"Yeah, sorry. Just thinking," I mumbled, trying to focus on the task at hand.

Price gave me a knowing look but didn't press further. "Alright, dismissed. Get your gear prepped and be ready for more updates."

As we filed out of the briefing room, Soap fell into step beside me. I could feel his eyes on me, his curiosity and concern palpable.

"What's wrong with you?" he asked quietly, his voice low enough that the others wouldn't hear.

"Nothing," I replied, too quickly. "Just thinking about the mission."

"Ghost, come on. I know you better than that," he pressed, his tone insistent.

I stopped walking and turned to face him, struggling to keep my emotions in check. The thought of him in danger was tearing me apart, but I couldn't let him see that. I had to be strong, for both our sakes.

"It's nothing, Johnny. Just... a lot on my mind," I said, trying to sound convincing.

He didn't look convinced, but he nodded slowly. "Alright. But if you need to talk, you know where to find me."

I forced a smile. "Thanks."

We continued walking in silence, the weight of the upcoming mission pressing down on us. Every step felt heavier, every breath a little harder to take. The Korengal Valley was a deathtrap, and I couldn't shake the fear that we might not all make it out alive.

Back in my quarters, I paced restlessly, my mind replaying the briefing over and over. I had to protect Soap, no matter the cost. The thought of him getting hurt, or worse, was something I couldn't bear.

But how could I protect him in a place like that? The valley was a nightmare, a place where death lurked behind every tree, every rock. I clenched my fists, frustration and fear mingling in a toxic brew.

I had to keep it together. For Soap, for the team. For myself.

As the day wore on, I tried to push the anxiety aside, focusing on preparing for the mission. But the fear remained, a constant, unrelenting presence.

That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't stop thinking about Soap. His safety, his life. The mission ahead loomed like a dark shadow, and I knew that the days to come would test us all in ways we couldn't yet imagine.

Sleep eluded me, and I stared at the ceiling, my mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts and fears. Protect Soap. Protect the team. Survive the Valley of Death.