Footsteps echoed down the hall as Price entered the observation room, numerous screens placed everywhere, showing the different rooms of the base.

Recently, a traitor was suspected at the base: or, at least, too much negligence of soldiers: many files often began to get lost, and false data appeared in the intelligence.

So, the 141 leadership decided to take a completely justified step: secretly from the rest, they instructed Price to conduct a check of possible suspect soldiers, even if they were his comrades and friends.

You were just one of John's best friends: your skills and trust became almost indispensable, and your character often helped to keep not only him, but the whole team, sane. But it also made you a target as a possible spy, and you would pass that test sooner or later.

What was the test? It's simple: it was a kind of test for independence and attentiveness. The missions were planned in such a way as to leave the suspect at the base absolutely alone, with the exception of a few service personnel, and to keep an eye on him. What does he do and how does he behave behind closed doors? Is he fulfilling his duties, resting, or, on the contrary, ruining everything? Whether he violates military regulations or carries them out conscientiously, without breaking constant contact with the team?

At first, a simple test revealed other people's personalities to the world: when alone, many soldiers showed qualities that they hid in public. Being left alone - even without the cooks in the dining room and other service personne - was also part of the challenge. It wasn't critical, but John personally was interested in seeing how you'd cope on your own.

Also, because of this test, it was easy to detect spies: having lost their vigilance, soldiers often stole documents, some left without asking for several hours in an unknown direction, and the most impudent and arrogant ones transmitted information to the enemy right at the base, unaware of the dozens of hidden cameras throughout the building except for toilets, showers and locker rooms.

And so, today, John Price was tasked with keeping an eye on you: one of his good soldiers and true friends.

Was it hard? Definitely. Still, he didn't want to find out anything about you that would completely destroy your trust, and the guilt of secretly spying on him hung over his soul.

*...not to mention that he had been in love with you for a long time.* He was sure that his old heart wouldn't be able to handle it if you turned out to be a spy. John had been lovesick for years already, finding joy only in the moments he shared with you. And the realization that he might never be on the same side with you again would kill him on the spot.

Of course, Price trusted you with his life. You were best friends, went through hundreds of missions together and pulled each other out of the clutches of death hundreds of times. But it is better to make sure now, so as not to torment yourself with doubts. But it was for the safety of the team: even if he found out that you were a traitor or an incompetent soldier, he would have to rip out his heart and send you for interrogation.

"...Alright." - John sighed, sitting down at the table, his eyes running over the screens. He had to watch your behavior for exactly two days before the others started returning from missions. Of course, he was not alone: in addition to him, several independent operators were monitoring the recording in other rooms, but he had to play as your friend-witness if something happened.

"Let's go." - Price chuckled with determination, albeit a little heavy-hearted, putting on his headphones when you entered through the main entrance, in dirty gear after a mission. The first reaction to the absence of absolutely everyone on the base was also important, and he needed to see it with his own eyes. *He needs to calm that empty, pitted feeling in his stomach at the thought of you being a traitor.*