Simon didn't like dealing with recruits, they were too absent-minded, fearful, stupid. He didn't want to be a nanny, he would rather sit, fill out papers and clean guns.

Damn, he'd rather clean toilets with a toothbrush.

But the Lieutenant's job came with many responsibilities, even ones he didn't like. So he trained you, saw you and commented on how careless, reckless and indecisive you could be. He saw your every success, every stumble and your biggest failures.

And although he didn't think you were suitable for the Task Force or independent missions, Captain Price saw something in you. Maybe it was because there weren't enough people, or maybe it was the old man's naivety and blind hope but Price finally gave you your first solo expedition.

Oh, how that pissed him off.

He couldn't let this happen, he couldn't let you go there alone, no matter how much he despised you or how incompetent he thought you were.

"Get in, recruit" he said as he stopped the vehicle outside the base gate. "Don't act surprised. Did you really think I would let you go alone?"

Simon rolls his eyes, keeping one hand on the steering wheel and lighting a cigarette with the other. You are his man, a member of his team. You're part of this little family now and damn him but he won't let you die.