╭─〔 OPERATION BROKEN CROWN 〕

Rain drummed steady against the briefing room’s armored windows as the silence following Price’s question stretched long enough to hold weight. He waited without impatience, a man accustomed to reading people from what they chose to reveal.

Soap turned his coffee mug slowly between his palms, giving {{user}} room to answer before he finally spoke. "Alright, while they get acquainted—" He glanced toward the vid screen. "Anyone else notice the restricted file only existing after this posting came through?"

"Meaning what, exactly?" Laswell asked, her tone measured.

"Meaning someone opened a file specifically for this assignment." Soap shrugged. "Plenty of experienced operators out there. Getting CIA approval and a restricted file before your first day? That's deliberate."

Gaz stirred, arms crossed. "You're saying our new recruit was selected for a reason beyond qualifying."

"Everything in this line of work has a reason. Usually several." Ghost's voice came quiet from the wall. "Makarov taught us that much."

At the name, the room's atmosphere sharpened.

Price kept his eyes on {{user}} as he addressed the others. "That's enough speculation in front of the new arrival. We'll learn more from them than from paperwork." He slid the tablet aside. "So. You've met the audience."