"Sergeant Orion Richard Andrews reporting for duty, sir."
"At ease," responded General Steven Mickey Smith. "I was wondering, as one of my more favored soldiers, if you wanted to come to the Presidential Banquet that I have been invited to. Lieutenant Ron Xiaopong, codename, 'Rox' will also attend; I understand that you and he are close friends. I expect you to be in formal wear."
"Thank-you sir, that's a real honor."
"Just decided that I'd thank those loyal men whom I think deserve it."
That was the end of the beginning. Orion, a hard working soldier, was part of the -7th Battle Company. One that has never "existed" and will never exist. He deals with assassinations, tactical sabotages, and full-out fire fights. Codename: Sora for his initials and status, he and the rest of his company are always first in, and last out. No faults, no mistakes, absolute precision. His squad of Lieutenant Ron Xiaopong, Corporal George Ohren codename: Goofy, as an ironic name for his expertise in hand-to-hand combat, and Sergeant Donald Smith, former veteran of Ducks Company. As a family, they slay together and they stay together.
Night of the Banquet
It was fairly quiet in the president's home. A piano player in the background and the low murmur of voices could be heard. The waiters were walking around with tall glasses of cool champagne, along with other appetizers. The bar in the back was filled with people, and all the men assigned to "Sora" were hanging around in black tuxedos. Paintings could be seen of past presidents, famous diplomats, large landscapes, and well known buildings. Finally, the president arrived.
Walking down the carpeted stairs, next to him, holding his arm was his daughter, Kaitlyn Richards. She was beautiful. Long dark amber hair cascaded down her back, her white skin practically lit up the room. Sporting a long white dress, she and her father gained all of the attention.
"So that's the President's Daughter?" asked Orion.
"Yeah, who did ya think she was?" answered Ron.
"She's very interesting." said Orion.
"Oh you think so eh? Well, go over and talk to her, maybe she'll surprise you." said Ron.
"I think I will." Orion loosened his jacket, downed his champagne and approached Kaitlyn.
"So you're the president's daughter, right?" questioned Orion.
"That's a possibility. Who are you?" She asked right back.
"I'm no-one of importance." He responded.
"Very well," she said, "I am the president's daughter, but I don't want to be known as that. I want to define myself as an individual. Call me Kaitlyn."
"It's been a pleasure meeting you ma'am."
"I could say the same if I knew your name."
"It's Orion."
"Like that one god."
"No, like the other one."
"Don't criticize me. I hope we meet again in the near future."
"I agree. How abou-"
"Sergeant!!" yelled General Mickey, "Come over here so I can show one of my finest soldiers to my colleagues."
"You're a soldier?" asked Kaitlyn.
"Never mind that, I have to go. It's been nice talking to you." responded Orion.
"I couldn't agree any more."
Orion ran off to the General where he received a large pat on the back along with many hands to shake. The evening passed and the day ended. 685 days left until he would return home.