RE - Chapter 328: A Change of Pace (Patreon)

The armed helicopter slowly descended from above. Before the downwash had even faded, the cabin door opened and a group of men stepped out.

Their equipment clattered with every step, while the edges of their clothing whipped violently in the rotor wash.

The roar of the engines gradually drowned out their voices, but their conversation could still be heard.

“Because we don’t work for the government anymore, John.”

“Yeah, fair enough. But whenever I see those damn political prisoners, I still want to rearrange their bones!”

Ghost gave no particular reaction.

“One day.”

Soap let some of the anger drain from his face, then turned toward Price, who was smoking to pass the time.

“Price, what do you think happened for Chris to call us in?”

Price brought the cigarette back to his lips and slowly blew out a ring of smoke.

“No idea, lads. But knowing him, we’d better be ready to move at a moment’s notice.”

“Yeah... Chris is the kind of bastard who only remembers we exist when he’s got a job for us.”

“You’re not wrong.”

The four entered headquarters and headed straight for the conference room without even removing their gear.

It did not take long for someone to notice them.

“Hey, just get back from a mission?”

“Oh, Jessica. Long time no see. Still looking as good as ever.”

Soap shot her a flirtatious look that nearly made Ghost sick.

Jessica chuckled.

“What’s this? You just finished one mission and already have another? Oh, you poor things. Come by sometime when you’re free. I’ll treat you to seafood. How about some prawns?”

Soap was about to answer when Price cut in first.

“Appreciate the offer, but we’re in a hurry... Oh, if you’re looking for John, you may have to wait a while. Maybe one day he’ll break a leg and need you to support him.”

“Wow. You really have to curse me like that?”

Soap watched Jessica walk away, grumbling with a smile.

“For fuck’s sake, John. You can’t seriously tell me you don’t know what kind of woman she is. Is that little thing of yours interfering with your brain? Need me to lend you a hand?”

Ghost’s voice hit Soap like an electric current.

Soap shuddered.

Still, he defended himself.

“I’m not an idiot. But when life gets dull, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little spice.”

“Spice is fine. Just don’t turn it into flirting.”

Roach’s sudden remark caught Soap completely off guard, and he looked delighted.

“Mate, have you finally figured it out?”

“No. He’s just had enough of you.”

“Thanks, big guy. Nobody’s going to think you’re mute if you stay quiet.”

“Oh... can’t do that. This sexy voice of mine deserves to be heard.”

Price glanced at the clowns beside him and spoke lazily.

“I’m glad I had Chris keep the four of us together back then. The waters in the BSAA run deeper than they look.”

Ghost looked toward the conference room ahead and answered indifferently.

“As long as I don’t drown, I don’t mind being a ghost in the water.”

The conference room door opened, revealing Chris inside.

Soap was as energetic as ever.

“Hey, Chris. Been a while. You look even bigger.”

“You’re imagining things. I haven’t been training much lately.”

“Oh, slacking off? That doesn’t sound like you.”

Chris shook his head and did not continue the topic.

“How have you guys been?”

“Same as always. Take a mission, finish the mission, complain about the sorry state of the world every now and then.”

The moment Price said it, Chris knew things had not exactly been easy for them either.

“But we came running the moment you called. That loyal enough for you?”

“Soap, that’s not what you were saying earlier.”

Ghost immediately exposed him, prompting Soap to turn around and argue with him.

Chris glanced at them, then returned his attention to Price.

“Sorry. Things have been pretty chaotic lately.”

“That’s hardly new. This old man can still handle it. So tell me, what made you contact us?”

“Zombies that can use guns. Ever heard of anything like that?”

The room went silent for a moment.

Soap rested both hands on the stock of his rifle and raised one eyebrow.

“Did I hear that right? Is this some kind of British joke?”

“British people don’t make jokes that bad.”

Chris nodded and sent them the intel Kyle had provided.

“I’m serious. It’s already happening.”

“...Africa. My black brothers are suffering again.”

“That government you hate so much has plenty of them.”

“I know. So I’m guessing that’s where our mission comes in.”

Soap looked at Chris.

Chris gave him a confirming look.

“You’ll be stationed at the Africa branch for a while. Your main task is to investigate the distribution of these gun-wielding zombies.”

“No problem. That won’t be difficult for us.”

Price glanced at the teammates beside him after speaking.

They all agreed.

“You’re taking some of the pressure off me. Thanks.”

“No need. We’re after the same thing. Give the bastards what they deserve and bring some peace back to the world.”

“...Yeah.”

Price put away the intel, looked at Chris, and tapped the weapon he was carrying.

“Time waits for no one. You need us to leave immediately?”

“You can rest for the night.”

“Compared to the government, Chris, you’re still too soft.”

“Are you insulting him?”

“I’m complimenting him. Couldn’t you tell?”

Chris looked helplessly at Price.

“Your teammates are pretty... lively.”

Price smiled beneath his beard, eyes narrowed.

“Yeah. But on the battlefield, you’ll love them no matter what. If you need anything, contact me. As long as I’m not fighting for my life, I’ll answer right away. And a friendly warning. The people around you aren’t exactly safe... Oh. Judging by that look, I guess I didn’t need to tell you.”

Price shrugged, adjusted his bulletproof vest with both hands, and headed out of the conference room.

“Lads, get some proper rest. This is the last day you’ll get to breathe fresh air.”

“You’re telling me. I hate the air in Africa.”

“Doesn’t bother me.”

“Maybe take the mask off before saying that?”

“...”

Watching them leave, Chris slowly sat down at the conference table and folded his hands on the tabletop.

For some reason, the worry between his brows refused to fade.

“What are you thinking about?”

Jill left the command console nearby and came over to sit beside him.

“Seeing them reminded me of S.T.A.R.S.”

Even Jill fell silent for a moment as old memories returned.

“No. They weren’t as lively as Soap. Except when they were drinking, of course.”

Chris smiled and shook his head.

Some memories were painful to revisit.

“...By the way, how’s Barry?”

“Ah, that old guy should be enjoying retirement by now. His daughter’s been staying with him.”

“Moira? I remember she and Barry didn’t get along very well.”

“That’s ancient history. These days she actually listens to him... Wait, don’t tell me you haven’t kept in touch with Barry at all?”

Chris scratched his head.

The last time he had seen Barry was only because it happened to be convenient. He had asked Barry to drive him over to pick up Price and the others.

Jill covered her forehead with one hand.

“You really should check in on your old friends. Constantly pushing yourself forward because of stress is going to make you sick eventually.”

“...You always know exactly where to hit, Jill.”

“You’re just too easy to read... If you ask me, Barry’s had enough rest. Why not hire him as a consultant? You could even pay him.”

“...With the BSAA the way it is right now...”

“That’s exactly why you need him. Barry’s always been good at winning people over, and O'Brian already said he plans to recruit the next generation of members from the military.”

Chris was silent for a moment before finally nodding.

Barry really was good at judging people and knowing how to use their strengths.

And, if Chris was being truthful with himself, he was starting to miss the old days too.

Maybe Price and the others had brought those feelings back.

“Well?”

“...We could try.”

“Then it’s definitely happening!”

“Why are you so sure?”

Jill saw the confusion in Chris’s eyes and shrugged.

“You may not know, but I do.”

She thought back to everyone who had once been part of their team, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

“No matter how dangerous it is, all you have to do is call. As your comrades, we’ll come help you no matter what it takes. It’s that simple.”