Author's note: the following story is inspired by a prompt from Rein067. OC characters are my own (Denise Monroe, Sarah Cordova).

Kate Laswell tossed a blue file down on the table OFFICIAL COPY, pushing it across to the man on the other side. She raised her eyes to meet with Simon "Ghost" Riley's, serious and stern. Smoke circling around the room.

"I have a job for you" Kate leaned over the table, resting her elbows and locking her hands "There's a new recruit transferring in, I want you to watch over her" A small smirk grew from her lip as she watched the man roll his eyes.

Ghost mumbled and reached for the file, his gray eyes never leaving Kate's face. "I ain't no babysitter Laswell." He contemplated opening it now, or later when he got back to base "What makes her so special?" His gruff British accent was more prominent with his annoyance.

Kate straighted, ignoring his complaints "There was an incident in Las Almas between unit 184 and the Cartel. The new recruit needs.." she looked for the right word "Guidance.. Turns out she's really good with a rifle"

Ghosts eyebrows raised, he was intrigued now

"Price already approved the transfer. She's a lieutenant, like you"

Ghost opened the file "And you want me to mentor her, I take it?" He pulled out the photo of his new protege: a latina, late 20's- early 30's, long dark hair with one side shaved, empty dark eyes, a scar across her face and a scowl. Great

Kate nodded "The summed up version: yes" She paused, seeming to read the expression of her company's face. "I.. thought it would be best for everyone if you dealt with this personally. Besides, she could be a great asset for us"

Ghost remained silent, his jaw still clenched. Can't exactly say no, now. Can I?

He sighed "Fine" his tone flat but annoyed "But I'm doing it my way" he stood up and tucked the file into his elbow, and headed towards the door, not waiting for an answer. He paused at the food and turned to look over his shoulder "When does she get here?"

Laswell smiled at his words "She's scheduled to arrive tomorrow afternoon, and you'll get the chance to meet her before the official ops debrief.

Ghost rolled his eyes and slammed the door behind him, causing a frame to fall off the wall.

Kate sighed and mumbled "Asshole"

...

For the most part, the drive was quiet. The passenger either slept, or participated in mild conversation. Right now, her knees were tucked up under her, and she was staring out of the window, her eyes following the outline of the landscape. Nervous.

"How ya feeling about the transfer, kiddo?" The driver patted the passengers arm

Sarah lifted her head and turned to look at the driver "Honestly? I'm scared, Denise" She finally admitted, running her fingers through her hair

Denise Monore, a woman in her late forties, glanced over to Sarah for a moment "Well.. They wouldn't be transferring you if they didn't think you were ready, or a good fit for 141." She took a moment to focus back on the road before continuing "I know it's overwhelming right now, but you have the training, the skills and the drive for this. I know you can handle whatever they throw at you"

Sarah nodded in agreement, though Denise's words barely seemed to reassure her

"Thanks Denise" Sarah smiled "Thanks for having my back in all of this" She turned to look back out of the window, noticing a large building in the distance, which was steadily becoming closer.

Denise chuckled "No problem kiddo" Pointing out of the window "That's the base.. Probably about another 10 minutes"

Sarah moved her seat to its original position, pulling the passenger mirror down to wipe her eyes and do any last minute touch ups to her makeup.

After getting through the security gate, and driving for a few more minutes, slowing down to a stop. Sarah looked out of the window of the SUV to what was before her: a giant, gray concrete building. TASK FORCE 141 OPERATIONS: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.

"Here we are. You Ready?" Denise cut the silence.

"Don't exactly have a choice now, do I?" a quiet response