Yay for a new chapter! Another small filler with more fun and progress with the story. Another filler (chapter 4 because you know we have to build some kind of relationship for Cathy and Gary; it can't just happen over a week) awaits and then we will see some action (in chapter 5). Thank you for reading and Enjoy!

Roach was awakened by someone's hot breath on his face. When he opened his eyes he saw Meat just a few centimetres away from him. Freaking out Roach jumped out of bed. "Jesus Christ, man, what the fuck?" he said which actually sounded like screaming.

"It's almost 5am. We don't want to be late because of you." Meat said sitting on Gary's bed. "You have to get up, princess."

Roach sighed and sat on the bed across from Meat. "You scared me shitless."

Other soldiers that lived in the same room chuckled. Gary shook his head. He picked up some clothes for training. Roach knew that Meat is not going to leave him alone that day.

When the group left the barracks Meat walked up to Roach who was walking a little behind the whole group. Roach had a bad feeling about Meat and he was right "Where did you go last night?" he asked Roach. "I saw you leave. You thought we were all asleep didn't you?"

"I, uh, needed some free time."

"We have free time before we go to sleep y'know."

"Well, I needed some time alone. We spend that free time in break room all together. I just needed to spend some time without seeing your meaty face." Roach said picking up speed to catch up with the rest of the group.

"Hey, that ain't nice, bro!" Meat shouted at Roach "You are acting like a little bitch, Roach."

"You know who is acting like a little bitch?" asked Toad. "You, Meat. Now shut the fuck up and let us concentrate before training." Roach felt grateful that at least one teammate stood up for him.

"Oh, I am a bitch now? That twat sneaks out at night and does whatever. I have a right to know what he was doing. What if he was doing something illegal?" Meat started complaining even more so Toad stopped and turned around to face him. "You know what? I agree with Roach, we all need some time for ourselves without hearing you whine all the time!"

It looked like they were about to start a fight. Meat was all angered up while Toad stood there irritated.

"That's enough." said Ghost who appeared out of nowhere. "Get your arses to training ground. We've got stuff to do."

Cathy woke up at 10am and could hardly get out of bed. She felt like she had a hangover though she hasn't drunk since the crazy party at one of the classmate's house. She was sixteen back then and understood that going to the party was her worst decision.

She finally got enough strength and got out of bed. Cathy picked her older uniform and went to the bathroom. The reflection she saw in the mirror wasn't the same Catherine she used to be. The other girl was very cute, happy and looking forward to what future holds. The person that was staring at her from the mirror was far from that. Cathy knew that the only way to escape this hell and be back to the other person she used to be was to admit her father's victory and become a real soldier.

After she did the washing up and got dressed Cathy walked to eat breakfast. Shepherd left some food or her and though she didn't like most of what he was bringing she had no other choice but to eat it. Shepherd was supposed to be back in two days so her torture was about to end. The only thing she needed was a good convincing story she could tell her father.

That day was basically only for training for TF141. They trained up until breakfast at 7am, later the training lasted until lunch break. Roach had a feeling that after lunch there would be even more training. When walking towards mess hall Roach caught up with Toad. "Hey man, thanks for standing up to me. I have no idea what I would have done if you didn't help me out."

"No problem, Roach. I know how annoying Meat can get. Just remember he's your teammate." Toad said glancing at Roach. Toad was one of those older and more mature soldiers that never mocked Roach. When Roach really thought about it, he was the youngest soldier in Task Force. He was only 23 years old and everyone else was older than 26 except for one. Angel was 24 years old, but worked as a medic and rarely left the base. Speaking of him, Angel was the sweetest candy you could possibly meet. He had black hair, blue eyes and was very sweet with anyone he got to work with. There were a few females on this base and all of them had crushes on him. I wouldn't be surprised if other male soldiers crushed on him.

When Toad and Roach finally reached mess hall they noticed something unexpected. General Shepherd was back two days early. Roach shivered when Shepherd looked right at his eyes. Gary tried to keep calm and walked to get his food. After he took his meal and walked over to his teams table he noticed that Meat was seated at the other end of the table and the only free place that was left for him was between Ghost and Captain. There were only two possibilities why he was between the two of his superiors. Either he was making great progress in his training or he was in some serious shit. And the second one was more likely. Young soldier took his seat and started eating his food waiting for a scolding, but when he looked at Captain saw a genuine smile. Just seconds later Gary noticed Shepherd rushing out of mess hall.

Cathy sat on the couch reading a book when she heard the door unlock. She thought that Roach came over to visit her again and was extremely surprised when she saw her father enter the room.

"Dad?"

"You look surprised. Were expecting someone else?" He asked mockingly putting a few plates on a table. Cathy's heart skipped a few beats. "No, uh, I didn't know you were back. You said you were leaving for four days." She put the book down and walked closer to her father. "Listen, I wanted to talk about this situation. I can't stand this place anymore; it feels like I am going insane, I'm seeing things… I agree to continue my military career just please let me out of here." She pleaded.

Shepherd nodded. "Come over to my office when you finish eating." He said coldly and walked out of the room. Catherine shivered. He became more distant and cruel lately. She quickly finished her food and packed her things. She grabbed two bags and ran off after her father. When she walked in the office she noticed another soldier standing next to Shepherds desk.

"You remember Angel?" asked General. As Cathy nodded Shepherd handed her a bunch of papers. "That's your assignment to Task Force 141. Angel will show you around. The rest of the team is training so you will meet them later. Dismissed."

Angel took her bags and walked out of the office. She ran after him without turning around to say goodbye to her father. The less time she spent with him the better. Soon enough they reached the medical department. Angel checked up on her. She felt a little awkward being next to him. He literally looked like he just stepped out of heaven. He was always smiling and took best care of his patients and, oh boy, the aroma of his cologne could drive you nuts. Good thing was that he had a girlfriend and was faithful. That made being around him easier.

"As I can see you are completely healthy." said Angel. "You should just grow some weight back and you'll be just fine. There is your new uniform, now let's go to your new room."

Cathy picked up a bunch of clothes and walked after Angel. TF 141 barracks were close and they didn't have to walk far. Cathy was the only female in the Task Force so she got a whole room for herself. It was really exciting until she realized what she got herself into. Instead of brooding Cathy decided to go and see how the training of her new teammates is going.

Roach's POV

In the afternoon we all went to firing range. After of a long week doing all sorts of physical activities this felt like refreshment. I couldn't get Cathy out of my head though. And Shepherd's early come back to base didn't help at all or the way he looked at me. Damn, that old junk could kill with his eyes. I couldn't concentrate and kept missing my targets. Ghost walked up to me saying "What's wrong mate? Fell in love?"

I knew he was joking but it made me feel even worse. I understood it was wrong what I was feeling but I couldn't do anything. Ghost patted me on the shoulder and I decided to release all of my frustration with the bullets. Soon I not only hit the targets but got 9's and 10's. Ghost was impressed and promised to mention it in reports. I sighed. None of the reports really mattered. Captain was there at the firing range and saw everything himself and it didn't really matter how well I did on training. What really matter is my effectiveness in real battle and he knew I was worthy. That's why he never scolded or my mistakes at the training.

But once again I missed my target when I heard a female voice. I thought I was hearing things but when I turned around I noticed every other teammate turned to face the entrance. There stood Catherine. She was wearing her new uniform and was smiling cheekily. I understood I was staring at her like a freak with an open jaw so I closed my mouth shut. Cathy walked up to Captain and handed some kind of papers to him. Captain nodded and read the papers. "Catherine…" his voice trailed her name skipping the last name which would make a huge disapproval from the other soldiers.

"I'm Captain MacTavish and this is my right hand Lieutenant Simon Riley." She shook Captain's hand "My codename is Carmen." Captain nodded and she walked over to our Lieutenant to shake his hand too. "Call me Ghost." He said.

It kinda looked like Captain had some kind of sympathy for her, though he looked at me the same way when we first met. Guess he just likes newbies or remembers how he was years ago. He served in 22nd SAS regiment like Ghost and me. Interesting how much did he change since he was a Sergeant? I was brought to reality when I heard Ghost say that Cathy can join our training.

She walked up to me and said "Hi, I'm Carmen."

"Roach. Hi."

I was feeling a little weird as I already knew her. She flashed her prettiest smile at me and then turned to aim at the targets. All the soldiers couldn't keep their eyes off her. She shot the whole mag at the targets and everyone was shocked with the outcome. Cathy didn't miss a single target and hit all 10's. Even Captain and Ghost stood there amazed.

"Are you a magician?" I mumbled like an idiot. She giggled in response.

"I guess we got the right soldier here." Said Ghost and walked over to her. He took her pistol and carried it away. "I don't think you really need any training here, Carmen." Captain nodded at Ghost's words.

"So, you are new here too?" Carmen asked me.

I nodded "I have been an FNG for a while now but I'll guess you'll be taking my place now."

"Oh, don't worry we can share." She giggled.

"That's enough for today." Said Captain "You're free to go. Carmen, come over here. I want to talk with you.