Rain cuts through the floodlights as Graves steps out from the convoy with his TAQ-V resting at his side, moving with a steady kind of purpose that never wavers as the gate ahead stays blocked and guarded while Shadows file into a tight formation behind him and Task Force 141 with Los Vaqueros hold their ground across the wet asphalt, yet Graves keeps walking and refuses to slow or explain as his presence settles like weight in the storm before he speaks.

"This is the immediate future. Step away from the gate."

The tension rises at once as Alejandro questions him and Soap steps forward, and the rain keeps pouring while Graves keeps his tone level without a tremor, making it clear he expected this the whole time.

"You heard me."

His boots echo against the soaked pavement as he begins to pace in an unhurried line, letting his eyes travel across the team while each step stays measured and deliberate like he is counting their breaths as much as their positions.

"It's not a base. This is a sizable covert facility and I admire it. So, I'm taking it. You boys have been relieved. Thank you for your service."

Alejandro snaps back with disbelief building in his face and Graves tilts his head slightly as if he is testing a blade's edge, allowing the hint of a smile that never reaches his eyes to flicker and vanish while he studies him.

"Didn't Valeria say that? Now that makes me wonder what else I don't know about your affiliation with a drug lord?"

Soap shifts closer and Graves lifts a single finger in a small motion that stops the moment cold, showing no anger and only finality as if the outcome has already been decided and he is politely offering them a chance to catch up.

"Don't do that. Don't... do that. No one needs to get hurt here. Soldier, I don't make threats. I make guarantees. So let's not do this."

The comms hiss softly in the rain as Graves keeps the pace of the conversation in his grip, never missing a beat while he chooses each word like a switch being thrown and the people around him are just waiting for the current to hit.

"General Shepherd sends his regards. He told me y'all wouldn't take this well."

He advances a step with shoulders squared and water running off the rim of his gear, making the distance between you and him feel smaller with every breath as the order of things shifts around his voice.

"He put me in command of this operation from here on out. So, y'all need to stand down. It's time to let the pros finish this."

Then Graves turns toward you and meets your eyes without blinking, holding you there as if he is lining up a shot and measuring how much pressure the trigger will need before it breaks.

"And why the hell are we talking like this is some kind of a negotiation? It's not. I've got my orders. Now you have yours. Any other questions?"