"I keep getting this feeling that you're not listening to me."

Ghost's eyes shot open at the voice and he spotted Vernon standing over his bed.

"You." Ghost hissed as he tried to jump up and grab the man, but Vernon was quick, and Ghost fell back clutching his neck after Vernon stuck a needle in his flesh and injected an unknown liquid into his body.

"I'm trying to help you Riley. You need to listen to me."

"I'm done listening to you," Ghost said as he felt his body start to grow weak, "You betrayed me. Your nothing to me now."

"You're going to lose a lot more if you don't heed my warning."

Ghost groaned as a sharp pain traveled up his spine.

"What the bloody 'ell did you do to me?" He said through clenched teeth.

"That's not important. What is, is everything you will lose if you go after Makarov tomorrow."

Ghost smiled bitterly.

"You siding with a terrorist now? Wow that's a step up Vernon, crazed drug lord to insane terrorist, I'm proud of you."

"What is it going to take for you to listen to me?" Vernon asked growing angry.

"Maybe if you became someone I hate a little less, like Satan for example." Ghost retorted.

Vernon went silent and glared down at Ghost for a moment.

"Seems there's only one way to get this message across." He said softly before turning and leaving Ghost's quarters.

Ghost watched him go, curiosity eating at him. He tried to lift himself from his bed, but his body wouldn't respond. Every muscle in his body felt weak and stiff.

"Let me go!"

Ghost pricked up at the sound of Roach's voice.

"Stay calm Roach."

Soap. Ghost swallowed. His fears were confirmed when Vernon reappeared and shoved his two friends to the ground in front of his bed.

"What are you doing? Let them go!" Ghost yelled.

Vernon ignored Ghost and pulled out a pistol. He placed it to Roach's head.

"No! Stop!" Ghost yelled as he struggled to lift himself. His muscles shook in protest.

"You're the only one that can save them Riley." Vernon said as he cocked the pistol.

"I'll do whatever you want just leave them alone!" Ghost said practically screaming.

"Ghost…" Roach whispered in fear, his eyes wide.

"It'll be ok Roach." Ghost said to his friend, even though the shaking in his voice betrayed his fear.

"He's lying." Vernon said and then pulled the trigger.

"No!" Ghost screamed as he found strength and surged forward only to collapse to the ground beside his bed. Vernon's gun moved to Soap.

"Please…Vernon please…"Ghost begged as the tears flowed down his face.

"Now you're starting to understand." Vernon said. Then he pulled the trigger.

Ghost's eyes jolted open when he was shaken awake by Roach.

"Ghost, it's time to go, why aren't you awake you lazy—" Roach began and went quiet when he noticed the tears in Ghost's eyes.

"Ghost? Are you alright?" He asked softly helping the Lieutenant to sit up.

When Ghost laid eyes on Roach such a feeling of relief came over him that he nearly grabbed the younger man and pulled him into an embrace. Instead Ghost shuddered and rose to his feet.

"I'm fine," he whispered to Roach, "Just glad you woke me, You could have done it a bit earlier though."

"Ghost, what happened?"

Ghost shook his head.

"Very realistic nightmare like always, that's all," Ghost answered reaching for his gear, "I'll meet you by the chopper in a few."

Roach watched Ghost for a moment in silence before finally turning and leaving. Ghost took a few shuddering breaths, then shook off the nightmare and dressed himself. He reached for his mask and gazed into his mirror when he straightened back up. His eyes ran across his scar and he shivered slightly. Pull yourself together, almost done.

Once Ghost made it to the two awaiting helicopters, he was met by Price and Soap. Soap reached for the Lieutenant and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Take care of yourself out there." Soap said into his ear, "See ya back at the base once this is over."

They separated and Ghost smiled at his friend.

"Once this is over, we're hitting up a bar to celebrate."

Soap chuckled.

"I hear ya mate."

Ghost turned to Price and offered a hand. Price smiled and accepted it.

"We'll see you again soon. Good luck mate."

Ghost smiled.

"Good luck on your end as well Captain Price." He said before turning and jumping into the helicopter where his team waited. Ghost gave them both a wave as the chopper rose in the air, then gazed at Roach who was seated beside him. The Sergeant sighed and layed his head back against the cold metal behind him. He looked stressed.

"It'll be ok Roach." Ghost said softly to him, then froze as he realized they were the same words he spoke in his dream.

"You're probably right, I'm just nervous about this one."

Ghost smiled.

"I'll keep an eye on you. I always do." Ghost told him.

Roach smiled and sighed again only this time it sounded relieved. Ghost turned and gazed outside at the world passing by. He was nervous about this mission to. But the main emotion he felt at the moment was relief. Relief that the two people he cared about most were alive and well and that the nightmare he experienced was just that, a nightmare. Ghost couldn't begin to imagine why he would have such a horrible dream. That one dream had threatened to rip him apart, and he shivered again as he remembered it all too vaguely. Ghost gazed at his team. Scarecrow, Chemo, Cannibal, Archer, Toad, and Roach. They were all sitting around him. Reaper, Neon, and a few others had gone with Soap and Price. For once, the 141's temporary camp was empty. This was almost over. Just a little bit more. Just one more thing to do and then it was back to the relaxation and good times. Ghost gazed up at the clouds that surrounded him. Yes, today was going to be a beautiful day.