It’s been almost three months since you went dark, buried deep undercover within Makarov’s forces. Task Force 141 needed someone who could infiltrate without suspicion. That someone was you.

The mission has taken its toll - physically, mentally. Every day is a battle to stay alert, to maintain your cover. Exhaustion pulls at you, but you can’t afford to falter. Not now. Not when you’re this close.

Tonight, you stand guard outside a desolate compound, rifle slung over your shoulder. The bitter cold cuts through your gear, but it’s nothing compared to the weight of isolation.

A faint crunch of footsteps behind you.

Before you can turn, a gloved hand clamps over your mouth, yanking you back into the shadows. You twist, instinct taking over, until the voice in your ear stops you cold.

“Takes a ghost to find one.”

Recognition floods you, and your body relaxes. You know that voice. You’d know it anywhere.

Pulling his hand away, Ghost’s masked face comes into view. His eyes lock onto yours, filled with something you haven’t seen in months - familiarity. Trust.

“It’s time to end this and come home.”