pov Emma

Apparently, prisoner 627 was Captain Price and he was MacTavish's Captain and mentor while he was in the SAS. I wasn't sure how I felt about him yet, but its only been a couple of days. He was regaining his strength and Nora was close to clearing him. Which was good for Shepherd. He wanted the men in action as soon as possible. Price agreed to join the team, but he's been giving Shepherd hard, calculating looks. I was getting the vibe that he didn't trust Shepherd. I hated Shepherd, I always have. This went way back, it had so much more to do with our careers. I couldn't help but wonder if the past was clouding my judgement and was causing distrust between me and John. But with Price's suspicion, it only made me more sure that this man wasn't being truly honest. As much as I wanted to fall in line and follow John's every order without question, I couldn't help but remember that John is just Captain MacTavish who follows Shepherd's orders with no thought at all, and that maybe he shouldn't be trusted either. But the more I thought about this, the more I started to get confused. It was to the point where I couldn't tell how distinguish my better judgement and training from raw emotion and pure impulse. I couldn't help feeling completely loyal to the Scottish Captain I barely knew and I knew that it was dangerous for me. I couldn't stop thinking about the incident with Private Emerson, how he reacted and how his arms felt around my waist. Everybody looked at us differently when they saw us together. Archer and Nikolai try and hide smiles, and Roach sends me winks. Price sends me weird looks when he notices, because that old man notices everything. But its not like we're alone. I mean, we haven't even talked much and I haven't really seen him all that much.

Which brings me to another subject. MacTavish has been pretty much nonexistent since Price's arrival. Ghost has been running the training solo and I can't help but be curious about what he was up to. Not that Ashton minded. She's been sending Ghost shy side glances at the guy whenever they were around each other, whether it was training or chow. And she always thinks its subtle, but I've noticed it. Everyone has. Except for Ghost. He's completely oblivious to the whole thing. I think. It's hard to tell, but if he has noticed, he hasn't mentioned it and he gives no sign of acknowledgement. I was starting to think that Ashton wasn't completely honest when she said the kiss meant nothing. It obviously did. But it hurt that she hasn't opened up to me about it. I felt bad for wigging out, but I didn't know how to react. Now she won't even mention it. It was a small kiss, but it was way more than that now.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair. I was currently sitting in my makeshift office, bored, staring at the comm set Shepherd had used during the last mission. Shepherd was staying on base now, and I was upset about being in the same building as him. As it turns out, being on the same base wasn't any better. You would think that there would be plenty of space so you could avoid the asshole. Nope. He will find you and demand that you get back to work. Which explains my current situation, with nothing to do. I didn't have a good enough excuse to give him yet. But I couldn't take the silence no longer. I got up from my seat and sent a silent prayer that I wasn't caught and if I was, I hoped I was quick on thinking of something quickly that he would buy. I made my way outside and noticed how chilly it was outside. The sky was heavily overcast and I was sure it would rain soon. I finally made it to the rec room and immediately wished I had gone to see Ashton instead. Price was sitting on the couch watching the news. I wondered why John wasn't with him but shrugged it off. Knowing there was no turning back now since I was already here, I sat in the armchair and began watching the news with him.

"That's a load of bull." he mumbled.

"I'm sorry?" I asked, confused.

"It's all bloody nonsense," he replied as he motioned to the tv. It was covering the recent events on the war now and I guess I didn't notice. Oh. "This should've been well taken care of years ago."

"Nobody expected Makarov to rise to finish the job."

"We should have." He looked at me with an unreadable expression. "So, you're Sgt. Emma Miller? Marine, right?" I blanched. What? How did he know...? I've never told this man anything let alone had a conversation with him. Then how...? Maybe...Did John show him my file?

"Y-yeah. I was just transferred from the CIA though."

"Really? Shepherd transferred you here from the CIA? You must be important." He wasn't asking. He knew these things already and his eyes were piercing. I became unsettled. Was I wrong about him not trusting Shepherd? Was the person he didn't trust...me?! I decided to just be honest and straight forward. I didn't want to on the bad side of war legend.

"Not really. Actually, all I do is fix things and run the comms sometimes." He narrowed his eyes at my response.

"Huh. Seems kinda odd to transfer someone just to fix things. He could've just had one of him men do that. Someone with your credentials needs to be in the field rather than sitting in a garage." I couldn't tell if he was saying I wasn't needed or that he approved of my presence on the team and just didn't agree with the fact I was forced to stay on base to work. He was suspicious of Shepherd though, and he was testing the waters to see if I felt the same. He was being careful, subtle. I wondered if he went through this with MacTavish.

"Yeah, I guess it is weird." I didn't know how I felt this man going through my file, but MacTavish trusted this man fully. But did he trust him enough to believe Price's suspicions? That's assuming Price even went to MacTavish with it. I decided to change the subject. "So you were MacTavish's Captain?" I asked.

"Yeah, he joined my squad. It was me, Gaz, and Soap," Soap? Was that John's callsign?! Seriously!? "And that Marine squad joined up later too."

"Ssgt. Griggs' squad?"

"You knew him?" he "asked". Of course he knew I did. But I appreciated that he gave me the chance to actually tell him myself. I had a feeling we would get along, especially now that we both knew we were on the same page.

"Yeah, we were on the same squad for awhile before Shepherd sent me to the CIA. We were best friends."

"Good lad. He was a great soldier." I nodded as I looked back at the TV, losing myself in thought until the door opened, revealing a slightly wet MacTavish. Guess I was right about the rain.

"Shepherd's lookin' for you." MacTavish said as he stood there with his strong arms crossed over his tight chest. I really needed get my mind straight I thought when I realized I was ogling my Captain.

"Which one?" I asked.

"Price. He wants to debrief you on a mission."

"A mission?" we asked at the same time.

"Don't you think its a little early to be sending him out there? I mean, he was imprisoned for months and he just got back." I pointed out. MacTavish looked at me.

"Don't you think I know that? But I don't call the shots around here, Shepherd does. And he wants Price on this mission." he said, his voice hard.

"But-"

"Enough, Emma. You've caused enough trouble from your stunt with Shepherd the other day. So, stand down and stay out of his way." he snapped. I cringed.

"Yes, sir." I said as I looked away from him. Price shook his head as he glanced at MacTavish. MacTavish ran his hand through his mohawk and sighed.

"Look, Emma-"

"Hey Emma!" Roach exclaimed as he burst through the door. and he came to a stop. "Oh...am I interrupting something?"

"No, what did you need Roach?" I replied quickly, ignoring the looks on the faces of our Captains.

"Oh, I just wanted to tell you that Ashton wanted to see you." he replied, glancing at MacTavish and still sensing the tension that he stumbled in on.

"Gotcha. I'll be on my way then." I got up and looked at Price and MacTavish and I nodded respectfully. "Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me." I walked out of the building and welcomed the cold air and rain. I needed as excuse to leave and Roach saved me at the last minute. I didn't want to hear what MacTavish had to say. I was worried it would confuse me more and I wouldn't be able to handle it. My emotions were all over the place already and MacTavish has been acting weird since Price showed up. It was almost like he needed to prove something to him or to impress him. But I think that with doing so, he's become bipolar. There's more of an edge to him now. Maybe he felt he needed to be more strict, more like Price...or like Shepherd. My heart sank a little. Hopefully he was confused. Maybe Price would be able to put his head on straight, because the day had finally came when I finally got the urge to punch my Captain in the face. But the real question was if it was because of his change, or from my confused emotions.

pov Soap

"Don't you think you were a little hard on her?" Price asked after the debriefing.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Emma is what I mean."

"Emma is too free spirited at times. Sometimes she needs talked down."

"She has a mind of her own. She reminds me of some people I knew."

"Natalie?"

"No, Ashton reminds me of Natalie. No, Emma reminds me of Gaz. She's not afraid to voice her opinion, Soap. Seems like you've become more strict on some things since you've become Captain, lad."

"It's an important rank. I lead a whole squad, Price."

"Let me give you some advise," he said quietly as he turned and looked me in the eye. "Captain to Captain, if you will. From my experince, of course. Don't let that bullshit get to your head. Whatever Shepherd has told you about what your duty, forget it. You have a mission, then you have a team. Your team are your friends, Soap. At the end of the day, they are the ones that are there for you. No matter what the target is, or what the mission entails, the team sticks with each other. Because they're family. There are two types of Captains in this world, son. The ones that always put the mission first, getting the job done, and pleasing the higher ranks and they will do anything to do it. Then you have the Captains who will do anything to keep their team keep their team and safe. Even if it means failing the mission. You need to listen to those around you and stay connected with your team, lad. Because they are the ones that are gonna save your arse, not Shepherd." I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. Price turned around and walked away. I couldn't help but think of Emma as one question came to my mind. What kind of Captain was I?

pov Ashton

Emma was sitting on a cot as I filled some paperwork out. I've been hearing her rave for the past half an hour about how my father is an asshole and how bored she was and that Roach and Archer are constantly competing in everything. I kinda zoned out until our one-sided conversation took another turn.

"Do you think he's ready?" she asked out of nowhere. She's touched the subject here and there, making slight comments and dancing around the subject.

"Emma, I know you're concerned about Price, but there's nothing we can do."

"You signed the papers to clear him too, Ashton."

"Because he's healthy. I never cleared him for a mission. My dad went above my head. The only reason we signed is because it was kinda forced on us. The only person that has a chance to actually do something is MacTavish."

"That's like talking to a brick wall. He never listens."

"Have you tried behaving?" I asked, turning to look at her. She was leaned back with her knee propped up. She threw her hands up.

"What have I done wrong?1" she exclaimed.

"You beat the shit out of a Private, you told MacTavish off, and then you tested Shepherd."

"That's different."

"Emma, we just have to hope for the best. Captain MacTavish won't let anything happen to Price."

"Lets hope so."

"You don't trust MacTavish?"

"I don't trust Shepherd."

"You're always like that."

"Yeah, I know. But its not John, Ashton."

I stared at her. I never heard her call him by his first name before. She was serious. I could see it in her eyes. Her concern ran deeper than just Price. But there was something different. I've only seen that look a couple of times. She was unsure about something, and she wasn't able to cope with it or put her finger on it. She was confused and distant. But I knew. I knew that look anywhere. It explained her rash behavior. She was getting very attached. I wasn't sure before, but now I was sure. Something was going on between her and MacTavish. The way she looked at him...it was so obvious now. And her next statement confirmed my very thoughts

"What if Price can't keep John safe, Ash?" she whispered. Everything clicked in that very moment. It wasn't Price she was worried about. I mean, obviously she was concerned, but not in the way everyone thought. She wasn't worried about John being able to keep Price safe, because deep down she knew the old man could hold his own. No, she was afraid that he wouldn't be able to keep MacTavish safe. That if something happened, Price wouldn't be able to save him. I turned back around to my paperwork.

"Everything will be fine, Emma." I whispered. John will be ok. He'll come back to you.

pov Ghost

"A missile aimed at the U.S?" I asked.

"We need to leave immediately and shut it down. Roach will be with Price and they'll meet up with your squad. Just like we discussed. I'll be on comms."

"Emma's job?" I asked, looking at MacTavish. He was leaning against his desk, with his arms crossed over his chest. We were all standing in his office, waiting for instructions.

"Price is running this one. I'm doing comms. Emma will be fine."

"Oh, I'm sure." Roach mumbled. John ignored him.

"We leave in two hours. Get ready, gentlemen." Everyone began shuffling around and talking. I headed to the medical building, figuring Emma would be with Ashton since they weren't part of the debrief. I wondered how Emma would take the news of MacTavish invading her space and doing her job. I heard that she wasn't fond of the idea of Price getting put on a mission so soon and she let John know about it. The tension between those two never seemed to ease up and it was suffocating. At least Ashton and I were on better terms. I walked through the building and finally found the people I was looking for.

"Oi! I got some news from Captain MacTavish." I announced. Ashton jumped and turned to look at me while Emma gave me a quick glance to signify that she acknowledged my presence and was waiting for me continue.

"What did he say?" Ashton asked.

"There's a missile aimed right at the U.S. Roach and Price are gonna team up with me and a few others while MacTavish is on comms." I watched as Ashton nodded and Emma give a mere shrug. Something small to let me know she was still listening. "We're leaving in two hours." I added.

"So soon? What about Price?" Ashton asked, full of concern.

"It's a trial run to see if he's ready."

"Trial by fire." Emma muttered.

"Do you know a better way?" I asked, getting defensive and sick of her attitude. Her eyes narrowed at me.

"I do actually, and if people would actually fucking listen, maybe people could be saved during the trial."

"I'll keep the beds open." Ashton cut in before I could reply to Emma.

"Good, we might need them." I replied and walked out, but I was able to catch Emma's last comment before I was gone.

"No shit..."

So hopefully you guys like the updates so far. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Natalie is another OC that will be introduced later. She's a surprise. But please review. I really want the feed back. Thanks :)