pov Emma

It was weird to say the least. I had nothing to do, but practically sit there and watch MacTavish on the comms. Personally, I thought that he should be out there. Or me. Not Price. He needed more time. But he took on the mission. Actually, he seemed determined. I just prayed that he came back alive. I was relieved to say the least that MacTavish was here though. His presence kinda calmed me. I was leaning back, watching him. His broad shoulders were tense and he was on edge. His muscles were tight and he kept running his hand through his mohawk. Shepherd wasn't afraid to throw lives away, and Price was no exception. Which meant he couldn't care less about the man sitting beside me. I just wanted MacTavish to see how untrustworthy that man really was.

They would followed him blindly and it made me sick. He could very well send them to their deaths and they wouldn't even know it. But they didn't know Shepherd like I did. So I'm viewed as disobedient. Whatever. I didn't care anymore. MacTavish would learn one way or the other. But I was more worried of how he would in the end. Despite everything, I felt bad for always fighting with MacTavish. He was an honorable man and he was trying to do his best. But the chance of MacTavish actually agreeing with Shepherd's version of things never crossed my mind. Now, that I was starting to think about it, I was starting get worried. Could he actually like Shepherd's way of things? He was absorbed in orders and doing things by the book. He never questioned motives. He wouldn't listen to, wouldn't ever give me the time of day. My stomach twisted. I had a bad feeling.

pov Ashton

Nora and I were playing Go Fish. In my defense, there was nothing to do and we were both bored. Which was a good thing considering our job was to keep people from dying and healing injuries. So yeah, I was playing a child's game with Nora. And I was happy about it. Because that meant Emma hadn't tried killing anyone. And that was impressive, considering the mood she's been in lately. I also wasn't surprised at all when Nora came to me and asked me to play the game with her. Crazy what my life has come to. Playing card games on a military base. Lovely.

"It's times like these I'm glad I have you around." Nora said.

"You mean you're aren't on a regular basis? Ouch."

"Cute. But no, I mean it's nice to have other people from the team around during missions. It's nice to have people to talk to that you can trust. Like how Emma was there when we lost Royce. It was nice."

"You had Shepherd's men around, didn't you? I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

"No, they watch me."

"Well that's why you pull an Emma and knock the fuck out of the guy."

"Oh no, not like that. I can handle myself in those situations. They watched me, almost like keeping tabs. They just, I don't know. I would go to the rec room, and a guy would ask what I was doing and where I was headed and why. It was just weird."

"What?" I asked in disbelief. What the hell?

"I can't really prove it, it was more of a vibe thing, you know? Like a gut, instinct, thing. And they knew my routine too. It got to the point that I was fed up with it and wouldn't leave my office. Royce had to come here to see me or to walk me around base."

"And you didn't tell MacTavish? Did Royce know why?"

"Oh no, once I stayed in my office and was escorted around, I was fine. But I couldn't worry John like that. Royce only knew a little. I couldn't tell him that I was being spied on. That's crazy talk. I just said that I was a little uncomfortable being the only girl on base. I don't think he ever really bought it, but he never questioned it."

"Right. But you leave your office-"

"While the team is on base. You and Emma are always with me now. I think the incident with Emma in the mess hall made them back off, but I have this feeling and its been building up lately. Something is going to happen."

"I know, you think I'm crazy."

"I do."

"But that man is up to something or just very paranoid and has to know everything his Task Force is up too."

"Sounds like him, but I think you're kinda pushing it."

"Maybe. Anyway, speaking of the mess hall, I've been meaning to ask you something."

"Yeah?"

"Are Emma and John...? You know, a thing?"

"Uhm, well, I don't think so. I just think the relationship is complicated. Emma herself is a complicated person. They're fighting all the time, its a mess. Honestly, I don't think he would date someone on the same team. Its not professional, and he's all about that. Nothing against you and Royce, of course."

"No, I understand. John turned a blind eye. He told Royce that as long is I don't wind up pregnant, and kept it between ourselves. It just seems that there's so much sexual tension between them and its driving us all crazy." I looked up at her.

"Us?" I asked.

"Yeah, the team. Roach talks about it all the time. He hates that John and Emma aren't together. Honestly, he's like a little fangirl. He talks about you and Ghost too. But Emma has been acting weird and so has John. So I thought I would ask. I just assumed it was that."

"You know, Emma was in here earlier and she was pissed about Price going on the mission. Well, I think that the loss of Royce and Meat really shook her up. She's loyal to John because he's Captain and I think she's scared that something will happen to him and the rest of the team. I don't think that there's sexual tension between them, its just stress. Roach is making something out of nothing." I said, not only to Nora, but to myself. I mean, the thought of John and Emma having a romantic relationship seemed impossible. In our line of work, things like that happen though. I knew a couple of people who found their spouses or significant other on base. It happens.

"That's true. Besides, that man has to have someone back home. He's too gorgeous to not have a girl. Same goes with Ghost. He's adorable."

"Wait, what?" I nearly died. Did she just say...?

"Yeah. He's cute. So is Roach, he's like a puppy."

"You've seen him without his mask?"

"Well, yeah. John and I have both seen his face."

"But you said that he doesn't let anyone in."

"He doesn't. But I've seen him without his mask. I gave him his physical. John's his Captain and has his file. But I mean, they're best friends. So I'm sure John would know without the file. I guess its a trust thing."

"Oh. Wow, he's just a big mystery."

"Yep. Ladies probably swoon at his feet. Do you have a Queen?"

"Go fish."

"Damn it."

pov Soap

"Damn it." I muttered. My drone was shot down. From what I heard so far was that Price and Roach were in position. I just needed to get the other drone.

"I got one, but don't blow it up. Drones don't grow on trees."

"Roger that." Price replied. I hated not being with my squad where I belonged. It wasn't right. "Ghost and his team are coming up on your 12, watch your fire." I waited as they pushed through to the missile, Roach using the drone when it was available. Emma was quietly watching me, and for some reason it made me nervous. But they finally got to the sub, giving me something to take my mind off the beautiful woman sitting beside me.

"Roach, go to the rooftop and give me cover! Secure the building!" Price yelled through the comms. A few minutes passed and it felt like hours. I was getting antsy.

"Price, hurry! The silo doors are opening!" Ghost's voice rang out. My breath hitched. No. They had to stop this. Now. Emma looked at me with wide eyes. My hands clenched into fists. Come on, Price.

"I know." Price replied. My heart stopped. No. No fucking way.

"Price. no! Code red! The missile has been launched, I repeat code red, the missile has been launched!"

"Son of a bitch!" I yelled as I slammed my fist on the table.

"Wow. Maybe Shepherd was right. He really needed Price out there. Oh yeah, he's ready for missions alright. That's just great. Nice trial." she said as she shot up from her seat and stormed out. I clenched my jaw in frustration. She really got under my skin. But this was bad. Price was supposed to stop the bloody missile, not do the bloody Russians' job! Whatever was going through that man's head had better be good. I got up and walked out of the building. I watched as Emma made her way to the medical building. I cursed.

A few hours later, Price was in my office.

"Russia is on American soil." Price pointed out.

"So you hit them with a missile? The very missile that was already aimed at them?" I asked in disbelief. "We were supposed to stop that missile, not launch it."

"It'll give them the advantage. They needed the help, Soap. I did what I had to."

"But your orders-"

"I know what they were. I found a better way." I shook my head.

"Shepherd's not gonna like this."

"Shepherd can piss off."

pov Ghost

I found myself in the medical building, yet again. I was standing outside Ashton's door, debating on whether or not to go in. But in the end, I found myself in the same situation I was before I left for the mission. Emma and Ashton were, yet again, talking. Typical.

"We're back." I said, announcing my presence.

"Great." Emma replied.

"John's pissed at you. For a comment that you made, or something like that." Ashton shot her a worried look.

"I'm not surprised. He's always pissed at me. Is he still in my space?"

"No, he's in his office with Price right now."

"Good. I can avoid him now." Emma stood up and left. I walked over and sat down on the cot.

"What did she do now?" Ashton asked.

"Hard to say. But he's having a hard time with everything. He's split between Shepherd, Price, and Emma."

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone has their own opinions. Emma's way of doing things is confusing him more than helping. He's not used to that."

"So he ignores her?"

"He's trying to get a grip on the situation. I don't think he's ignoring her."

"Well, its all about trust."

"Wait, what?" I asked. I was confused. None of this was making sense. John wasn't ignoring Emma, and she did just say she was avoiding him. What the bloody hell was going on here?

"Trust. You have to trust people. And instead of ignoring people, they need to talk about it."

"I guess he doesn't trust her..." I didn't know what else to say. This was weird.

"Do you trust me?" she asked looking at me. I frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"You know all about me, and I know nothing about you."

"Nobody does. That's the way I like it." I narrowed my eyes. This wasn't about Emma and John at all. Now I understood.

"I don't need to know your life story Ghost. Maybe I could just see your face-"

"I'm not taking my mask off." I said as I tensed, my voice like cold, hard steel. Her eyes narrowed at me.

"What are you hiding?"

"I like my privacy, and I don't think that should be a problem."

"Then why-"

"Because you haven't earned my trust. I haven't found the reason why you were put on this base yet."

"I'm a fucking medic."

"Shepherd has other motives and I don't trust his decision about putting the two of you on this base. Even Emma is suspicious."

"You don't trust me because my father made a decision?! What does that have to do with me?"

"You're his daughter-"

"I thought we were passed this?"

"Ashton, whatever he has planned, you are involved. And maybe Emma is too."

"Emma? Emma!? Are you serious? Do you even hear yourself?"

"It's my opinion."

"I think its time for you to leave. Now." she said as she got up and pointed towards the door. I turned and stormed out. I guess it was my lucky day because as I walked out, I spotted MacTavish heading towards the mess hall. I ran up to him.

"John, we need to talk." he stopped and looked at me.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I think whatever Shepherd's hiding, Ashton and Emma are involved."

"Emma and Ashton?"

"Emma is making things hard. Its chaotic. And Ashton...well she's his daughter."

"Really? That's what you have to go on? Ghost, I've known you for years. This is much, even for you."

"Look, Emma and Ashton might not even know about it. But-"

"Simon, you're accusing Shepherd of treason. Think about what you're saying, mate."

"I know-"

"Your just being paranoid."

"Maybe, but he's planning something, John. And whether they know it or not, they're part of it."

I don't remember much about the missions on the games. I put way more detail in the mission Loose Ends. So please don't be too harsh. Hope you enjoyed.