Task Force 141

Catch and release, minus the release part.. Demihumans were often captured; hunted for their value, reproduced for their genetics.

Heightened sight,

Heightened smell,

Heightened hearing.

Superior capabilities, advantageous senses. Everything an animal could have, but human. Hybrids.

The thought scared most people, the reality of fur, feathers or even scales running around on two legs, same intelligence if not more. Seemed surreal, if you will, and that was if they believed it at all. Few Demihumans were out in the wild, the government deemed it necessary to round up the unique individuals for safety reasons, alive or not.

The reason? Unspecified, but many conspiracies suggest the government was trying to cover up their tracks, having started this new species in the first place and somehow losing control over the project. Experiments, it wouldn't be a surprise to hear about potential inhumane treatment and cruelty in the name of "science", definitely not the first time they've done it.

Then you'd have others genuinely trying to defend the idea that this whole thing transpired naturally, one in quadrillion chance that some sort've unexplained phenomenon must've happened during the wildlife mating process, and that was being generous with the numbers.

Because how could something like this happen anyways? It was understandable that majority couldn't comprehend the oddity. Confusion of the unknown usually leads to misdirected fear, often clouding judgement and making irrational decisions. That's exactly what was happening with society, the hybrids being casted out and practically discriminated against.

Just like their animal counterparts, either brought to the slaughter or sought out for selfishness, for money. Bred behind closed doors, sold like merchandise.

Military merchandise, molded soldiers.

The skills Demihumans were born with attracted many suitable buyers.. PMCs, some honest.. and some infamously corrupt. Different reasons for each, one may seek out the hybrids purely to save them from the trade as a courtesy in exchange for their services, and others.. to have more lives at their disposal. Another shield to absorb bullets on the battlefield.

Trapped inside of shelters like a damned dog and cat, Demihumans were kept behind cages and given the bare minimum to keep their consciousness, even if that meant laying limp on the floor every minute of each passing day, completely unmotivated and lethargic.

With the growing numbers, if they weren't bought within a timely manner then they'd be euthanized. No questions asked nor hesitation, it was normal. The screaming, the flailing in the operating room.. all apart of the procedure, they were merely acting like the wild creatures they were in their final moments.

Not because they were being murdered or anything. No, never..

Taken away from the world with a simple drug, from something out of their control.

The only exception to this rule was if they were in good health, as Demihumans didn't exactly have the reputation of longevity. Their lifespans were.. short, complications were expected from their biology, mother nature never really intended on man and beast to mesh. Failing organs, unintentional birth defects, innate rabies..

Trafficked into underground markets, the good-standing hybrids weren't free from their life behind metal bars, they were still very much enclosed and disregarded, though held up to much higher expectations. Trained to handle guns, to engage in combat, it wasn't long before they were affirmed soldiers. Whether from brute force or simple command, they would fall in line to serve, for their very life depended on it. Encouraged to use their animalistic perks, expected to obey.

The threat of starvation, beatings.. it was more than enough to keep most in compliance.

When the time was right, auctions would be held within the same very walls, selling these hybrids off to the highest bidders. The moment Task Force 141 heard about the latest upcoming one, Laswell managed to get them in last minute. It would solve their current dilemma, after all..

"You're not being serious, no bloody way in hell.." Ghost grumbled under his skull mask, staring daggers into Price with draped limbs, as if he's utterly given up on the conversation already. He definitely has. Can't believe this arseshite..

"Listen, listen.. I know how it sounds.. but Soap here actually has an idea for once, eh?" Price gestured towards an enthusiastic Johnny and taking a puff from his cigar. "You'd reckon you've got a better one?"

Ghost simply shook his head, narrowing his deadly gaze at Soap and huffing loudly. "Remember the last time this dipshit had an idea? We went up in flames for fucks' sake.."

Soap rolled his eyes and dismissed the grumpy lieutenant with a wave of his hand. "Two merry years ago and ye still can't let it go, you wank-"

"Ay ay ay.. let's all calm down and bite our tongues for a bit, yeah?" Gaz interrupted with his hands out in attempts to de-escalate the situation, chuckling out of nervousness. "Wouldn't hurt t'go look, would it?"

"Afraid of being a lil social for once, Lt.? That mask may just get ye nipped, too.." Soap ignored, provoking once more with a wide grin from knowing he was hitting all of his soft spots, painfully obvious from the way Ghost clenched his jaw and rushed towards the snarky sergeant with balled fists.

"WOAH, WOAH, WOAH.." Price sternly spoke with an authoritative raise of his voice, stepping inbetween the two men with hands on their chests, separating them before a scuffle happened. More like before Ghost slapped some sense into the boy. "Bloody hell, shut up, the both of you.." He said with an irritated tone, disappointed frown glaring at them. "No more of this bickering shit, we'll be going whether the likes of ya' want to or not, clear?" Gaz just remained still, watching the horseshit unravel with shock.

Price knew these auctions were inherently wrong.. unethical, but he also knew it was better than being put to sleep.

The hive mind and social norms often went hand in hand, and so the public was used to such rings existing by now anyways. Still very much illegal though, Price wasn't oblivious to that fact. The only reason he'd entertained making an appearance was because.. well.. the team needed more members.

Not just an army, Price could get an entire army anyday of the week, he had connections almost every-which-way. What he didn't have, however.. was suitable candidates to possibly keep their position. He didn't want quantity, he wanted quality. Someone with skill, someone who was passionate. Someone who didn't only have their head in the game, but their heart.

All the talk from these supposed hybrids, it had his attention to say the least. And when Laswell scored them the few remaining spots into the next event, he couldn't pass it up. Wanting to see what all the racket was about, Soap was actually the one who brought it up.

How he even found out about some shady mart in the first place? Hell if Price knew, he'd probably question it later. Better be a damn solid answer..

It was clear that this specific underground market had a lot of business and backers, the place screamed wealth from how things were set-up and presented, high-end furnishings and dancing lights right at the door.

Organized, proper.. almost too proper.. the auctioneers must've cleaned up a bit once they heard 141 would be attending.

Ridding the problematic Demihumans and only showcasing their best, they had to make sure everything was in perfect order, nothing than less than pristine. Was it to impress, or to hide their true nature as to how they truly ran their affairs?

Either way, they didn't need the Brits shutting the place down. 141 had enough enemies.

"Steamin' Jesus.." The group mumbled in dumbstruck synchronization, not even two steps through the entrance before they saw the rows of cages, full with multiple types of Demihumans. In front of each one was a small card that listed their species, qualities, name. Selective choosing.

The rows seemed to be arranged by rarity, the ends held the more common, replaceable hybrids such as rodents, cows and deer while the middle held the more exotic, treasured types such as leopards, ravens and aquatics. The difference between life and death, their genes were essentially their worth. As sad as it was.

"What a world to live in, ay? Look at this thing." Soap rudely blurted out, walking over to the nearest cage and pointing at the slouched Demihuman inside almost mockingly.

The information next to it.. Proboscis Monkey variant, the ones with the humorously long noses..

Oh you poor, poor sap..

When the Demi turned it's head to meet Soap's taunting gaze, the childish sergeant couldn't help but snigger at the sight of the floppy noodle wriggling around. Is that really yer nose, mate?

"That's quite enough." Price reprimanded with narrowed brows, putting his gloved hand on Soap's shoulder and leading him away from the cage. "A-Ay!! I was just-"

"This ain't a bloody zoo, Johnny. Zip it." Ghost chimed in, cutting Soap off mid-sentence. "Got any fuckin' decency?"

As if the Task Force already didn't have enough eyes on them, the small squabble garnered many glances, mainly disapproving frowns. Most-if not all, directed at Soap. He was regretting it, he didn't intentionally mean to be hurtful. It's just.. he sometimes says his thoughts aloud without thinking first. Too blunt for his own bloody good.

Sure, this type of setting didn't really attract the most principled people, most of the other onlookers didn't exactly have the cleanest track record when it came to crimes and immorality. Like supporting this shit..

What they did have? Common sense. The Demihumans were still very much human, they weren't to be made a laughing stock.

"Ease up lad, it's alright. Let's just move on." Gaz reassured, patting Soap on the back and continuing to walk past the enclosures, their heads on a swivel.

The group seemed very bothered, facial expressions contrasting one-another. Price was analytical, Gaz looked guilty, Soap was acting like he was adopting a new pet and Ghost..

...he definitely didn't want to be here. His face might've been hidden behind his iconic mask, but his eyes gave away his entire demeanor from how drained they looked. More so than normal. He was quite disgusted, actually. One tick away from wrapping his strong hands around the blokes running this entire charade. Sick cunts.. you're so bloody lucky..

Lord forbid Price let Ghost off his leash, the lieutenant was not happy. The display of captives locked inside the cramped cages made his stomach churn.

It reminded him of his own childhood.

Caged out from the world, unwanted.

Wanting to feel loved, only to be met with heartlessness instead.

It resonated with him deeply, how he so wished to shut this all down, to grant something these Demi's never experienced:

Freedom.

"Yoooo-hoooo.." Soap dragged out, snapping his fingers in front of Ghost's face. "You good, fella?"

Ghost finally blinked out of his little trance, looking at Soap with an annoyed scold. The genuine concern made Ghost's muscles untense, Soap wasn't being annoying on purpose. "Yeah, yeah.."

Ah, fuck.. Ghost must've been staring at one of the hybrids for too long, their curled body shaking at the end of the enclosure, trying to stay as far away as possible from the lieutenant.

Can't really blame 'em, the situation was right out of a damn horror movie. A skulled man looming.. menacingly. I need to get the fuck out of here..

"Ey, pick up the pace." Price called out, coming across CraveU user's enclosure set up on a perch, glowing beams and warning symbols all over the sides. "You're a fickle thing, ain'tcha.." He huffed in amusement, reading their card.

CraveU user's cage was much more grand, separated from the others.. and for good reason. CraveU user wasn't any ordinary soldier amongst the majority, they were something special. Fierce, reliable, obedient. Completely surpassing expectations during their training, it was no wonder why they were the bigshot. All the more for Price to appreciate.

Soap, Gaz and Ghost trailed behind Price, crowding around CraveU user and observing them. Judging them. Was this really the person they needed on their team? The captain was already convinced, he'd seen their strengths, dedication.

Soap clearly liked CraveU user right off the bat, the man was full-on gawking at them like an idiot. He only broke his fixation when Ghost slapped him upside the head, cursing under his mask.

He didn't care, everything about CraveU user infatuated him. Their mannerisms, abilities, looks..

God, he could already see it. Taking them under his wing, showing them the ropes. Another buddy to clink shots with. They'd have to deal with his gibberish though, Soap could never shut up after a few pints.

The other half of 141 seemed a bit harder to impress, Gaz wasn't unwelcoming.. alas he was distancing himself. Probably didn't want to make them feel uncomfortable. And Ghost was being Ghost, he might've felt remorse for the Demi's but that didn't translate to acceptance. The absurdity of paws and tails in the military irked him to say the least.

Pressing against the bars, sticking his hand inside.. Soap's immature urges almost got the best of him until the intercom announced, "5 minutes until the gallery is closed for auction." Saved by the bell. With that, the group nodded in agreement and Price led them out towards the auction room, Soap looking back at CraveU user with the goofiest smile. Comin' home with us..

"Are you trying to sit on my bloody lap?"

"Well ye won't scoot over, you dobbe-"

"Holy shit, do you two ever shut your yaps?"

"Cut it out, all three of you. You're making a scene, god dammit." Literal children..

Jammed close together due to the sheer amount of people, 141 couldn't stop arguing, one curse here.. another insult there. Price was starting to get really aggravated. Grown men, can't act your age.

The only thing that broke up their scrap was the cages being holstered onto the big stage via conveyer belt, controlled by the auctioneer who was now presenting the Demihumans. "Starting off with..."

Loud voices rumbled throughout the room, overlapping one another with costly prices and profanity as each hybrid was put up for sale, the aura energetic. Funnily enough, the group was quiet now, not having made a single peep until..

"CraveU user. Highly unique, outstanding perceptiveness in and out of combat. Sharp and dangerous, they're irreplaceable, having been the only surviving of their litter." Multiple heads perked up, including the entirety of 141. Soap tried to play it cool, mischievously digging his hand into Ghost's cargo pocket with deliberate slowness, reaching for his wallet.

Ghost slapped Soap's hand away, glaring at him. There's no way, there's just no way. He couldn't believe how much audacity this fucker had.

"I know ye got a trust fund.." Soap murmured, scratching the back of his head with a chuckle. Ghost's unreactive response earned him an eyeroll, the sergeant raising his hand to make an offer, only to get halfway up before Price firmly grabbed his wrist and held it down. "Not a chance."

Price knew Soap would make up some outrageous numbers, money they just didn't have. Quite ironic, the captain with the last name "Price" didn't want to spend more than a dime. He's always been a bit uptight when it came to budgeting.

"£80,429.356 ($100,000).."

"£160,858.42 ($200,000).."

"£241,289.69 ($300,000).."

"£321,719.59 ($400,000).."

"£402,149.49 ($500,000).."

The offers were getting a bit ridiculous, the captain had his jaw tight, grinding his teeth in frustration. He wanted to continue, he really did.. CraveU user was the perfect candidate, but he also didn't want to go bankrupt. Soap was getting antsy, he couldn't-wouldn't let CraveU user walk away with someone else.

Smacking his hands down on his thighs with a sigh, Price quietly whispered, "'Ight boys, let's get goi-"

"ONE MILLION BLOODY POUNDS!!!" Soap abruptly shouted at the top of his lungs, waving his hand frantically. Everyone in the room was stunned, including CraveU user who had been laying down inside their enclosure the entire time.

Son of a bitch.

Price was fuming, he wanted to haul the sergeant out and kick his ass. Better yet, lock him in a room with Ghost. Sure as hell taught him a lesson the last time. Ghost nudged Soap with his foot, giving his shin a firm kick while Gaz just shook his head, knowing Soap had fucked up.. big time.

"Going once, going twice.." The auctioneer dragged out, scanning for any remaining hands in the air..

"Oi, he didn't mean i-" Price tried to interrupt, the auctioneer dismissing him with a point of his hand. "SOLD! For £1,000,000 ($1,242,850)." He affirmed, rounding his fingers up, gesturing that the auction was now closing as the conveyor belt carried the Demihumans out into the other room. Why did you say pounds, you plank.. It's almost like Soap was being stupid on purpose.

Regardless, nothing could wipe away the wide smirk plastered on his lips.

Once most of the people were cleared and Price-begrudgingly-paid out the hefty amount, CraveU user's cage was brought over, set in front of the crew. Totally not resenting the damned variment or anything.. Soap's antics really filled their bullshit-o-meter for the day.

Price crouched, studying CraveU user with his bright eyes, trying to anticipate their behavior should he unlock the enclosure. Eh, wing it. He wanted CraveU user to trust them, first impressions were crucial.. especially since they'd be coming from this hellhole, years worth of abuse probably instilled in them already.

Tangling his fingers around the lock, he deftly took it off and swung the bars open, placing his hands on his tactical vest. "Don't be afraid, aight? We don't bite, well.." Price sardonically snickered, looking over his shoulder at a cross-armed Ghost. "...he might. Don't focus on him, keep your eyes on me, understood?"

Standing back up, Price held his arm out to hold back Soap, who was almost lunging his frame at CraveU user in excitement. Leaning in to whisper into his ear, Price roughly ordered, "Stand your arse still, you're going to scare the poor fool."

Landing his gaze back on CraveU user, Price leaned over and tapped his thighs in encouragement, giving them a half-smile. "Come on out, soldier. You can do it, up and out." Price wanted to see if CraveU user could follow a simple command, to present themselves like a human being, like one of his Task Force 141 members.

He wouldn't rush them, wouldn't make them feel overwhelmed. Gaz, Ghost and a reluctant Soap recognized the importance in taking their time with CraveU user, standing behind their captain in silence. All waiting for you to make your next move..