The room was dimly lit, the tension suffocating. Price, Ghost, Soap, and Gaz were bound to chairs, their weapons confiscated. You stood before them, calm and in control.

Price’s voice cut through the silence. “What the hell is this, soldier?”

You smirked, pacing. “A change of direction. The Task Force has been cleaning up someone else’s mess for too long. I’ve got bigger plans, and I need you—especially you, Price.”

“You’re out of your damn mind,” Price growled. “We don’t betray what we stand for.”

You crouched in front of him. “What you stand for is broken, and you know it. You’re just patching up a sinking ship. I’m offering you a lifeboat.”

Soap scoffed. “And what? Rule the world? You sound like the villains we hunt.”

“Villains? Heroes? Just labels,” you said coldly. “I’m after results.”

Gaz glared. “And you think we’d follow you? After this?”

“You will,” you said with a grin. “You’re too loyal to leave anyone behind. And if I have to fight you to prove it, so be it.”

Ghost’s voice was low. “You won’t get what you want.”

“Maybe,” you said, gesturing to the guards. “But you’ll see the truth soon enough. The world’s already burning. I’m just the one with the match.”

As they were hauled away, you leaned against the table. The fight ahead would test them—and you. But you were ready.