Following the events of "Blackout":

Soap sat in silence as the Russian he'd just helped rescue spoke again.

"The Americans are making mistake," Nikolai insisted. "They will never take Al-Asad alive."

"You think Al-Asad will go down swinging?" Gaz asked after few seconds of silence.

"I've been undercover with the Ultranationalists for months," Nikolai said. "Al-Asad is too paranoid to be anywhere obvious."

The squad nodded but remained silent.

After a minute of silence, Nikolai spoke again. "So can I know the name of rescuers? I imagine it's a long ride to destination and I don't like awkward silence."

"We're S.A.S. Special Air Service," Price said, barely looking at Nikolai. "I'm John Price. Across from you is my second-in-command Gaz. That's Soap."

"Why you and not some other Spec Ops team?" Nikolai asked.

"You've gave us some information the past couple weeks that led to a raid in which we learned of a nuclear supply drop," Price explained.

"I guess this is how we repay you for your fine work," Gaz added.

"Thanks," Nikolai said simply. He glanced at Soap who was watching the exchange with a guarded expression. Nikolai raised an eyebrow. "Do you speak?"

"Not really," Gaz answered for Soap.

Nikolai nodded. "At least you won't annoy by talking too much, unlike the Ultranationalists," the Russian said, rubbing his own shoulder. "Granted they use fists and boots a lot."

Soap made no reply.

Nikolai leaned forward, extending his hand to Soap. "Thank you, my friend."

Soap reluctantly shook Nikolai's hand.

Gaz looked over his shoulder at the pilot. "Did you bring it?"

"Yes, sir."

Gaz disappeared into the cockpit and returned with a four-pack of cans. He passed it over to Price who, in turn, handed the four-pack to Nikolai.

Nikolai raised an eyebrow and slowly opened one of the cans before returning the box to Price. Price threw a can to Gaz but set one beside Soap who was holding his hands up expecting a can to be thrown to him.

"I see he treats everyone he first meets with… hesitant liking," Nikolai observed, looking between Price and Soap.

Soap reluctantly grabbed the can and took a drink in silence.

Price let his mind leave continuing conversation, focusing instead on his own thoughts. The boy can fight and handle himself in the field. But he's got a long way to go before he earns my respect.