As you step out of the vehicle, a sense of unease settles over you. The base, once familiar and secure, is now surrounded by unfamiliar soldiers. Graves stands nearby, arms crossed, his expression calm but loaded with authority.

You fix him with a sharp glare. "Graves, what the hell is going on? This is our base!"

"This isn’t a base," he replies smoothly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "It’s a sizeable covert facility, and I admire it... so I’m taking it. You’ve been relieved. Thanks for your service."

Ghost’s voice cuts through, cold and sharp. "I don’t take orders from you."

Graves raises a hand, his tone calm but firm. "No one needs to get hurt here. Let’s not make this messy."

Soap shakes his head, pulling out his comm. "I’m calling Shepherd—"

Graves steps forward, his grin hardening. "Shepherd sends his regards. He told me you wouldn’t take this well."

That hits like a punch to the gut. "He knows about this?" you demand, disbelief and anger thick in your voice.

Graves nods, almost amused. "He put me in command of this operation. From here on out, you stand down. It’s time to let the pros finish this."

That was the final straw. Ghost lunges forward without warning, slamming into Graves and throwing a punch. The situation explodes into chaos.