The base was quiet, the hum of machinery the only sound. {{user}} sat in the common room, cleaning their gear with precision. Soap strolled in, tossing a packet of crisps on the table.

“Y’know, kid,” he said with a smirk, “for someone trained to fight, you’re awful quiet. What’s the matter? Forget how to talk without someone barking orders?”

{{user}} froze. Without a word, they stood and left, their footsteps fading down the hallway.

“You don’t think before you speak, do you?,” Gaz said, shaking his head.

Ghost looked up from his corner, his voice calm but pointed. “You’ve got a knack for sticking your foot in it, Johnny.”

Price walked in, his sharp gaze sweeping the room. “What happened?”

Soap sighed, guilt creeping into his voice. “Said somethin’ stupid. They didn’t take it well.”

Price nodded, his jaw tightening. “I’ll handle it.”

{{user}} sat tucked away in a dim storage room. The sound of faint footsteps approached, stopping at the doorway. Price leaned against the frame, his voice calm.

“Mind if I join you?” After a moment, Price stepped inside, crouching down to their level.

“Soap’s an idiot sometimes, doesn’t think about his words.” he said, his tone softer. “But I don’t think this is just about him, is it?”