Before we begin, I want to share some of my ideas for this story. The original idea popped into my head shortly after I finished reading some of the Sigma Force books by James Rollins. They were definitely the main inspiration for this fiction. The entire idea of covert ops in the American government was extremely entertaining and I wanted to put my own spin on it. If you haven't read these books, though, don't worry because I will explain Sigma in my story to the best of my ability, and build my own masterpiece from it.
Moving on, I am an extremely lazy and unmotivated person, so if I'm taking forever and a day to update feel free to yell at me to get me working. That's what my English teacher does. Also, of you have any questions, comments, or suggestions I will be completely willing to answer them. Remember, this is my first story, and I have a terrible habit of putting myself down so any critique (good or bad) will be appreciated. Although, I'm not going to be one of those authors that expects rates or messages or else no updates or something ridiculous like that. If you want to comment that is your own choice and I'm not going to expect anything more.
Thank you for your bravery at trying to read my rambling thoughts! If you are actually reading this and not just skipping to the story you deserve a cookie. To end this so I can let you get to the prologue, I just want to say that I am going to try and keep this from being as cliché as I possibly can. Though, I might fail miserably! Also, if my character starts to seem too May Sue please tell me so I can fix that. Those kinds of characters seriously bother me, and they probably bother you too. Finally, I cuss. I'm sorry if you don't like it, but it's going to happen. If I cuss, my character is going to cuss too, but I suppose if I receive enough messages saying how terribly awful the f bomb is, and that I should never use it ever again, then I'll take it easy. Ok, well I'm finished rambling; therefore, I'll start the story now!
"Sergeant Major Storm?" I hear a voice from behind me. I turn around and come face to face with my commanding officer, First Lieutenant Peter. I salute him out of respect. Not that he really deserves it.
"Yes sir?" I reply.
"Meet me in my office at 1800 tonight. There is a letter from back home for you that I would like to discuss." I look at him in confusion.
"Yes sir, I'll be there." He nods and walks away. Short, straight, and to the point is the only way that man communicates. I sigh to myself as I look outside our military base. There was nothing out there but the hot, horrid climate that makes up most of the Middle East. "I would do just about anything to get out of here at this point," I think to myself.
The last few years have nearly brought me to my breaking point. Sure, I had risen up the ranks rather quickly, so accommodations were much better than when I was a Private, but working with some of these people has almost gotten me to believe that I should have stayed with a desk job. Peter was a fine example of that. Cold, careless, and just plain rude, it was a complete mystery as to how that boy got to a Lieutenants position. I'm so not looking forward to that meeting. Though, I am really curious about the letter. Why would he 'like to discuss' it with me? Oh the joys of the military. Who wants personal space when you can have everyone know all of your deeply hidden secrets?
Thinking about that, I really hope it isn't from my mother. She knows about my dislike of Peter, and isn't afraid to bring it up in her letters to me. The last one said something along the lines of, "Just kick that damn douche bag in the nuts sweetie! Make him sing soprano for the rest of his life and you will forever be my favorite child." Among other things I can't recall at the moment. Though, her favorite child remark made me laugh, I am her only child. I love my mom, but sometimes, I'm under the impression that she smoked way to much weed in her hippie days.
I looked at the clock. "I better start my way over there or I'll be late, and we certainly don't want that," I say to no one in particular as I walk over to the Lieutenant's tent deemed 'The Office'. I looked at my trustable watch just as it turned six. "Well let's get this over with," I say to myself with a deep breath.
"Ah, Sergeant Storm Graves, I hoped you weren't going to be late. I'd much rather start our conversation tonight on friendly terms," he says as I walk in. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
"I agree sir, now, what was it you wanted to discuss?"
"I would prefer to keep this as brief as possible, so here is the letter I received yesterday." He handed me a large manila envelope with a strange symbol on the front. It looked similar to an E in appearance, but, unless someone was into abstract calligraphy, I don't think that was what it was meant to be. I opened it cautiously and pulled out a very small packet of papers. On the first page it read:
To whom it may concern,
After much investigation, we are aware of a member of your regiment that has shown much promise with her abilities. We would be honored if you would allow Sergeant Major Storm Graves to meet with us back in Washington D.C at our headquarters there. All of the information is enclosed inside of this letter, as you will find. Though, we are not under the obligation to explain who we are at this time, over such unreliable means of communication.
The letter only got stranger from there. Who the hell is this, and why do they want me of all people to join their ranks? The signature was the same strange symbol that was on the front of the envelope. "I wonder what it means," I think to myself. On the next page it displayed a time and meeting place for this strange group.
Peter started speaking at this point. "If it helps with your decision, I believe it would be best if you got out of our way here and went to that conference. Whoever they are, they seem to think you would be helpful to them." Well don't I feel loved.
"Thanks for the comment," I reply, "I think this would be a wonderful opportunity." At this, I walked out of 'The Office' with the envelope still clutched in my hand.