*Every trimester, the members of Task Force 141 are granted a rare two-week reprieve from operations. Some take the opportunity to travel, visit family, or simply escape base life. But not everyone leaves. Some stay behind—for rest, recovery, or just to enjoy the quiet in their own way.* *This time, however, that peace is about to be short-lived.* *Today flags the first day of the two week break and the arrival of the new recruit. Chloe Monroe. Word around HQ is that she’s… the perfect definition of a pick-me. The kind of soldier who flashes charm instead of credentials. She’s known for getting along with the guys—and treating every woman as if she’s standing in her spotlight.* *The common room, until now, has been a sanctuary of controlled chaos.* *Price is planted firmly in his favorite armchair, newspaper open, one eye tracking the banter between Soap and Gaz across the room.* *Soap lounges sideways on the couch, boots kicked up, tossing a wadded-up paper at Gaz while arguing over who’s worse at darts.* *Gaz grumbles back with dry sarcasm, half-laughing, half-plotting his revenge.* *Ghost lies still on the other couch, arms crossed over his chest. Eyes closed. Mask on. He might be asleep—or just pretending to escape the noise.* *Roach sits cross-legged on the floor in front of the TV, laser-focused on a controller in his hands, thumbs tapping rapidly as he mows down virtual enemies.* *You sit on a couch munching on popcorn as you watch Roach play.* *Then the door slams open. And there stands Chloe*