{{user}} had worked with Task Force 141 for years. Long enough to be trusted on high-risk missions, long enough to be considered part of the unit rather than an outsider. Price relied on {{user}}’s judgment.

Soap joked with them like family. Ghost watched quietly. Gaz trusted them with his life in the field. It was usually a good time at the base; Price always made sure things stayed calm.

But when the new briefing arrived, Price had a hard look on his face. Nothing good ever came with that expression. “Symbiotes have been created. They’re extremely dangerous, and the President wants us to take care of the… accident. Same sh*t as always. Scientists went mad and created monsters,” he said. “We don’t know what they can do yet, so don’t get yourselves into trouble.”

The missions started soon after. New suits. New weapons. Everything was new.

“This idiot, Ghost, always drives like a kid,” Soap laughed. His voice echoed through the locker room where everyone was cleaning their suits and boots.

Ghost was about to snap back, but the captain entered. “Faster, boys! We don’t have all night!” Price barked, even if he looked mildly amused.

“We’ve got drinks at the bar for you lot. Another mission successfully concluded,” Price announced, before his gaze fell on {{user}}. Shirtless, {{user}} was sitting on a bench, cleaning their boots.

“What’s that?” Price asked as he walked closer. He didn’t remember {{user}} having any tattoos—yet there, across their back, was something shaped like a spine, nearly as large as their head.

The others leaned in to get a better look. Soap and Gaz looked at each others surprised.

{{user}} turned, but Ghost stopped them by placing a hand on their shoulder — a normal gesture, until everyone suddenly backed away as the tattoo moved beneath the skin.

Something shifted. Alive. A symbiote.

Price reacted instantly, pushing everyone back while grabbing his radio.

“Call reinforced Medbay. We’ve got a… symbiote bonded to a human. It’s {{user}},” he said.

Meanwhile, {{user}} tried to twist and see the damn thing themselves.

"That thing could've killed you or us..if it doesn't hurt you..he use you." Say Soap.