Alien Assault: Bradley's Saga
Introduction
Pop. Pop. Pop.
The world slowed down around me. At that very moment, I was one with my surroundings, one with the world, one with my gun. We were one entity, fluid with the ebb and flow of the universe, but at the same time, a distinct power – one that could take lives.
I inhaled and exhaled and inhaled once more before I squeezed the trigger, sending a bullet straight for my target. I quickly dispatched all three in succession. I watched my targets all fall to the ground while liquid from inside them sprayed from their wounds.
I always loved to shoot soda cans when I was a kid. I'd swipe my brother's BB gun and a few full cans, take them into my backyard, and I'd set them up, imagining that they were really bad guys and that I was a hero expediting their trip to meet their maker.
Of course, things were a hell of a lot simpler back then. Now, I'm an official US Army soldier, sworn to defend and protect freedom for all. I'm at the bottom of the food chain, of course, as I'm but the mere rank of Private. At least I was commended for my marksmanship.
I walked towards the buses after the ceremony. I was headed home, and very happily so. Basic Combat Training is very tiring, and I was homesick. I couldn't wait to see Momma and Papa and my older brother. They'd all be so proud of me!
As I was walking towards the buses, a Colonel came up to me and said, "Pvt. Bradley, you have different orders than the rest. Follow me."
"Yes sir," I responded with gusto, although inside, I was very reluctant to follow him. I guess it is just what happens when you are a soldier; you have to drop everything at beck and call to carry out the duties you swore you'd do to the best of your ability.
The Colonel led me to a limousine and a driver opened the door for us. I sat down in a very plush seat and fastened my seat belt. I was dumbfounded when I looked up.
"Mr. President, Generals," I said as I saluted them.
"Stand down, Bradley," the president responded in his muted and soft voice.
"Would you like a drink, Bradley?" inquired the Colonel.
"Sir, I don't feel comfortable having a superior be my bartender."
"I'm no longer your superior. You've been reassigned," the Colonel responded. "You are no longer a US soldier. You no longer exist. All files on you have been redacted, and your family has been informed of your passing. I'm sorry for their loss. You are a good soldier and a good person."
"What?" I asked, in shock. "What's happening, sir?"
The President of the United States chimed in, "You possess skills as a soldier that many trained ones do not have. You are extremely athletic and excelled in all physical training exercises during BCT. You are a very skilled shot as well, and you have a brain to match your above average capabilities. This makes you invaluable to the country and worth more than basic grunt work. Unfortunately, we have to hand you over for a higher cause, humanity's cause."
"Sir, I still do not understand," I stuttered.
"What it means is that you are now a special operations soldier for a new, top secret organization," one of the Generals added. "We cannot discuss this now. Wait until we are airborne."
We arrived at the airport and boarded Air Force One. Once we took off and reached cruising altitude, I was given a pair of ACU pants with the original multicam pattern on them, a tan t-shirt, and some tan combat boots. I changed out of my Class A's into the new outfit, and I was escorted to a conference room onboard the aircraft.
"Alright, Bradley, here is the situation: as we speak, there is an incident in Germany that is inhuman in origin. It is extra-terrestrial," the Chief of Staff told me.
"It's aliens. Like...,"
"Yes. Aliens," the Vice President interrupted. "They abducted several civilians in Hamburg, and the UN wants retribution. However, we haven't the foggiest idea where these fuckers are operating from or what they want with these people."
"Yes. Sixteen United Nations members have grouped up to form a council, which will direct the emergency government, the new anti-alien organization, and the resistance to the alien occupation, if need be," the President added.
"These aliens are far more advanced than we are as a civilization, but we don't know how much more advanced they are exactly. That is why we need exceptional soldiers to go and fight the alien threat as members of this new organization, XCOM. We've already sent two other American's out there. I hate to admit it, but you're the freshest of the bunch. You're gunna have to prove yourself to the rest," a General stated.
"Oh. Where are we headed?" I asked.
"Germany," the President responded. "Once we land you'll be picked up by a VTOL aircraft and sent to the top secret underground base. Get some refreshments and relax for the rest of the flight, Bradley. Good luck."
The rest of the flight was rather uneventful. I took a nap. When we landed at Ramstein AFB, I was immediately transferred to the new craft. I seemed to be the last to arrive because the craft already had seven others on board, and I was stuck by the door. I didn't mind though. I pulled out my MP3 and listened to music while peeking out a tiny porthole on the ramp.
This flight was a lot shorter, not even an hour. We landed in the hanger and were immediately introduced to a guy named Bradford, but he told us to call him Central. Then, a guard walked us to the barracks section of the base and gave us a brief tour.
At the end of the tour, we finally made it to an actual barracks filled with bunks.
"Alright, guys. Hope you enjoyed the scenery. Here's the barracks. Bathroom's over there. Grab a bunk and put your shit on it to claim it," droned out the tour guide, who was clearly displeased with his task of escorting the newbies. "Now, if you need anything, go find someone else. I'm done with this bullshit."
"Wait!" called out one of the female recruits. "Where is the ladies barracks, eh?" I guess she was Canadian.
"The guard did a one-eighty and, with a smirk on his face, said, "Everything is co-ed here, babe. Have fun!" The guard left the room, chuckling, clearly amused by the predicament. The girl who asked clearly wasn't as amused.
"Oh. Great," she said with a heavy sigh.
"Afraid to show yourself off to your brothers in arms, eh?" mocked a male Indian soldier.
"Oh, shut up, Singh!" a man with an Australian accent chimed in. "Hey, Canuck! Ignore him. He's just a thirsty asshole."
Great. Just a wonderful and eventful day in general. I really miss my family, but I guess these guys at XCOM are my family now. I think I'll turn in for the night. By the way today has gone, I can tell that I am gunna need tons of rest.