Introduction

It was a simple job, or at least it should have been. Get in, get out, nothing to it. But as I stood there, baffled. Something couldn't let me leave. Get the hell OUT man. Why are you still here? Was in the back of my head. But no, something refused for me to even step out the door. Shit... Two guards came into view... See I should have left when I had the chance. God.. what was I thinking?

"Hey did you hear what happened in Oregon?" The guard asked his friend.

His friend shrugged. "No, not really. The case didn't interest me."

"I heard a poor 19 year old girl was supposedly raped and left to die. She claimed he didn't, claiming that it was because of traveling "other worlds". After her mom found her, things got out of hand."

"Then what happened?" His friend once again raising an eyebrow.

"Don't know, she's in some mental hospital or something. Not that I know, but it's people like that I will never understand. Crazy people..."

A lead? What? I can finally... No... it wasn't like that. I easily adapted to this world, not like I didn't wish. It had been some time since I had been sent into this world. A world parallel to mine, yet no Third Echelon. I started picking up odd jobs. Anything to get work, seeing the CIA here would just laugh at me. Perhaps they are on to something though.

I slipped passed the guards undetected as my skill. This world made it too simple seeing that there wasn't as advanced, but bits of similar technology. Not that I couldn't see where this would all head after being involved for so long. Upon exiting the building I just infiltrated, I picked up an abandoned newspaper, with the headline "Young Adult Claimed Mentally Unstable". Assuming it had information on the woman that the guards mentioned earlier.

It was a bit too silent for my taste, but I heard the distant cricket chirping in the background. Looking around the outside courtyard, I knew that I had only a matter of time before anyone else would show up. I would need to find a way out of the complex. Unlike many who needed a map, I still had a special pair of night vision goggles I only used if necessary. I knew a place inside and out just by looking at a map once, and that's all I needed.

I stuck to the shadows. Upon scoping, I yet found the typical guards doing their patrol routes. How boring a job like that would be if I would ever take it...? The guard soon took a break. I was tempted at taking the light out that was right about him, but that would get his attention. I ran up the walls, scaling the gripping the wall that was above the guard. Looking around, yet again there was nothing. No other guards. Taking him out should be simple enough.

With a quick "death from above" move, I let go of the wall, landing on him and making sure the move quickly took him out. I gave a smirk, taking out my Five-seveN, and shooting the light. More shadows emitted. I was in the clear by now, just hop the fence and get out. It wouldn't be this easy, I knew this.

Searching the man I took out, there was only a few EMP Grenades. This should help get me somewhere I hope. The grenade was thrown. soon giving a bang and taking out the nearby lights. I ran on ahead as guards with flashlights came rushing in to check out the sound. I gave a slight laugh to myself as I made it over the metal chain link fence.

I gathered information. I knew I didn't have time to look over it in the fortress, but my best bet was now. I had ran to my car that was parked, a Toyota Pick Up. Yeah, it was boring, but it did the job. I rummaged through my things, taking out a laptop. Scooting myself into the driver's seat, I drove off in hopes of having no one see me.

The dirt roads are what I loved for Las Vegas. I always loved going off road whenever I could. I may have been old, but it was my style. I am an adventurer. I loved taking risks. It's who I was, it's who I am. I ended up driving to an abandoned hotel that I rented just the night before. I sighed, taking my belongings and laptop in with me.

Starting up my laptop upon entering room 13, my hotel room, I threw my belongings on the spare bed. Not that they were important as of this moment. They had my weapons I brought from my world and a few other things I had to retrieve. Such a rip off...

I sat down with the laptop on a table with other papers I had been researching. I took out the newspaper I had before taken from the fortress. Shaking my head, doing my best to ignore it, I attached a spare USB drive to the laptop, scanning the files I obtained. Various information was found, only so much was catching my attention.

Once more there were many files. Even one titled. "19 Year Old On Trial". There was a questioning look. Who would have known that she would be this important? There seemed to be many files. Accusing the young woman of abortion murder when clearly there was no evidence, so instead, she was locked away in a mental institution. Talking in ways no one was clearly understanding.

I may be on to something here after all, Perhaps if I look more into this, I can get more info on such matters. The list continued on this kid, as if she was a threat. I then was given a picture. A look of fear was in her eyes. Something traumatic had obviously happened. I had made a mental note on what she looked like, making sure it stuck into my mind.

It was a short stay, but I had yet another lead. At least I hoped, if not I was wasting my time. I hated doing that. Maybe she is insane. I thought. It would be less different than me I suppose. Upon gathering my things and placing it in the back of the Toyota, a picture had fallen out. My eyes swelled.

I knew this picture, it was a picture of my daughter, Sarah. I took a deep breath, wanting to give her a hug and tell her that I would be home soon as with every mission I took. That wouldn't be happening for a while. I lost track of how long I have been here since trying to find a way home. I lightly kissed the photo, sticking it into my back pocket.

Starting up the Toyota, I figured I could find a police station somewhere and find out where the girl was being held, perhaps it wouldn't take effort at all. Total tactical espionage. It was my specialty. It didn't take long to stop at a side rode Highway Patrol office. I was quick enough to see that the area didn't have many people, but was easy enough to at least knock a few out and be unnoticed.

Going on through with protocol, I had found an officer trying to enter the building. I kept to the shadows as I could. I slipped out the Pick Up, avoiding light. I grabbed him from behind. He was obviously startled.

I placed him into a choke hold. "Hi there." I spoke to him softly. "Tell me what I can do to access files I want."

"Do what ever you want, just don't kill me." The guard frightened.

"Ok smart guy, tell me what I can find out the woman from Oregon."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I tightened my grip. "Don't make me repeat myself. I really don-" The guy passed out. Damn.

I placed the guy aside, now looking at the door he was entering. The door was locked, but accessible. Thank heavens I knew how to lockpick. It was a few tries before I could get it open with ease. The area I was in was dark enough, but the room ahead is lit like broad daylight. This was going to be a challenge. I looked up, seeing a security camera. I easily took it out with my Five-SeveN.

I entered the building. There was a typical cop, eating a doughnut. So typical. I knocked the guy out, non violently of course. Killing may be typical, but he was more of an innocent. I had accessed his computer, in hopes of finding what I needed. I plugged in my USB, quickly hacking and scanning the files on the computer.

I had come across many files declaring of the "Insane" young woman, but the case files got even more bizarre. Even with or without evidence, it seems as though they claimed her to be crazy or "out of her mind". I didn't care, but something with the entire case didn't sit right with me. I knew that if I was to get home, she might as well be a lead than nothing.

"Hey what are you doing here?" I heard from behind me.

The USB was still downloading the files in which I was coming across. I had shrugged in response. "Well, I suppose there is no point anymore, huh?" I was quick to pull out my Five-SeveN in hopes that he would be the only guy I would need to shoot tonight. As my USB indicated that it was done, I pulled it out and stuck it within my pockets of the usual place I kept.

I had already worn out my welcome and needed to get out before making things worse, I smiled with the fortune I had as I reached outside in the cool, crisp air. It gets pretty cold in the desert, I knew this. The events that seemed to echo reminded me of an old mission I once did for Third Echelon. I wanted to laugh at the irony, but instead, was only focused at the matter at hand.

I had taken the long drive up to Oregon and any leads I could find. My next lead was to head towards Josephine County Mental Hospital. I have read on many times that after a physical recovery, it is where she was transferred. I looked for all I could about the hospital only to find only so little. All I could find were the address and phone numbers.

That would be fine seeing that I would find a map and perhaps a way around the facility. My arrival was silent, but blended, seeing it was day by the time I arrived. It would be too risky to get in and get the necessary information. At least I found a way to disguise myself if necessary. I had entered through the main entrance as if nothing was going on. I kept to myself, studied the place and picked up a pamphlet as if to act as though I was interested.

In truth, I hated these type of places. Everyone trying to cure "mental illnesses" wasn't completely true. Some people are fine, but gradually going insane by the time they hung around for too long. I had my eyes to be "covered" while looking around the room. There were a few cameras I knew would be easy to get passed or shot if necessary. This place was starting to remind me as a prison.

With what I read on the woman, I knew that it wasn't right. I could tell she was telling the truth the best that she could. They accused her of murder after discovering she had given birth to a child and supposedly had nothing to show. There was no justice. Alyssa was her name, Alyssa Mae Boettcher. It was the best I could go off. Perhaps if I act as though I was a family member, I could figure out a route to get her out.

I approached the nurse that was sitting at the front desk. "Yes? May I help you sir?"

"Yes, I am here to see a family member." I answered.

"Who would that be?"

"Alyssa. Alyssa Boettcher." I respond, in hopes to getting through.

Few types and her info was pulled up. "Of course, she's in room 130, but... it says here she is to have no visitors unless you are immediate family."

"I'm her father." I blurted. What a lie, why did I say that...? Lying wasn't my forte, but why would I do that for someone I didn't know?

"Oh then, my apologies, Lou." She said.

It must have been his name. "None taken. Now, can I be lead to where she is, please?" I request. "Before me have anymore mishaps?"

"Of course, sir." She said. "Follow me if you will." The further I reached within the facility, it gave me more creeps and chills. "Down the hall and to the right."

I gave a nod, not wishing to say anything else. I saw as there was a security camera in the hall. This reminded me more of a prison than a hospital. There was a feeling that wasn't rubbing me off right. Perhaps it was all because of how I felt. No, I wasn't just seeing this. I knew something wasn't right, I was in denial.

Turning my head to the camera the best that I could, I inspected the door to her room, It wasn't locked, however. They only keep it like this, remember. Only during the day. The door opened with ease as I slipped in, closing it behind me. My eyes focused on the subject. Alyssa was strapped to the bed, but I suppose that would be a good thing seeing it appeared she was abused.

Walking over her her after cloaking myself in what shadows I could find, I found myself loosening the straps. "Alyssa, can you hear me?" I was asking. "You don't need to talk, just do something in verification that you can. She was weak, very weak. How much was she truly able to recover? I wouldn't be able to answer myself on that. My heart was softening. It was then that I was once again reminded of my daughter.

Again I made an attempt at contacting Alyssa. "Can you hear me?" As with my words, her eyes opened. There was a lot of effort I knew she was struggle to put into staying conscious. I could tell since her arrival here, her weight was dramaticly changed. I was feeling empathy towards her. "Don't worry, everything will change for you today. I am here to get you out." Her response was to cry. It was as if there was relief. She was gripping her hands to get feeling, but only lasted so long as she closed her eyes again.

"God, when was the last time you had some decent food?" I was again without answers. I loosened her other restraint. "Look, give yourself some time, I will be back later tonight. Gather the strength the best way you can." With that, I exited the room, seeing it was effecting me more than I thought.

I continued to keep my head down, not showing my face anymore than necessary. I would need to wait for a few hours and I already had plans in my head. I was going to pass time to allow myself to grab a bite to eat and perhaps something for her once I had the chance. My heart was racing. I know I wouldn't have done this to my own daughter even if I thought she might have been changing. I would try to understand it.

As parents, we can never accept the fact that someone is changing and having their own experience, instead we say it's all about the age. Only sometimes that was the case. As for Alyssa's case, she was abandoned by people who cared about her the most. She ended up being my only lead.

Time ticked on as I had settled for something not so filling. I felt remorse once more upon looking at a situation I would only get deeper into. I was willing enough to risk anything I had, helping both me and her when I could. I watched outside the Toyota as the sun set. It was something I wouldn't get an often chance to watch, but as I did, I gathered what I deemed necessary for my mission.

I flung my favorite rifle on my back, the SC-20K M.A.W.S. Sure the rifle wasn't that much, seeing everyone preferred the SC3000, but I have been attached to the weapon, seeing it got the job done. I had checked the ammo for my Five-seveN, sticking that in its right holster.

I had then slipped on my night vision goggles. The pair I was wearing were called Sonar Goggles. My favorite, but not the best while moving with them switched on. They had the ability to sense guns, items, flammable items near by and even other people. It was also clear it could see through walls too. I mean, come on who wouldn't want something to that standard.

Equipping all that I could think of, I had made my way to the entrance of the facility once more. It was reminding me of how many times I stopped terrorists, but here I was now, breaking out what could possibly be a terrorist or threat. This wouldn't stop me in getting information to get back home. Alyssa was the only person that I thought of upon leads.

This was something I haven't checked into since I got here, perhaps even a hope was forming into my mind without question. Perhaps I could see why they didn't like her. From my first impression of her, I could tell something went deeper than suspected. If Alyssa isn't lying, I have a ticket out of here.

Checking the entrance of the place, the door was locked, but within seeing, there was various keypad like entry points. Usually I would get the numbers, but by now, I had no choice but to see if I could get it open without the numbers. That was with another pair of goggles I had left behind upon being in this world. I had no choice.

It didn't take long for me to find a way in. Some idiot had left a window open. I smiled as I easily slipped inside. It was dark, the way I liked it. I had switched on the goggles, perhaps to get a good, quick look on my radar who was around. Three people patrolling, I could tell that other "patients" were sleep, in bed, perhaps some of them restrained.

I made my way through the entrance as I observed earlier. I had no choice but to take out the first security camera. I had only two to take of, but shooting them, unless necessary was growing on me. I wanted to get my job done and get out unlike my last assignment. Up ahead, I was stopped. A security personnel made himself known. I was able to knock him out by placing him a choker hold. I had then dragged him aside. He would feel the effects in ten minutes. By then, I would be gone.

Clicking on the goggles again, there seemed to be no more surprises waiting for me. I decided to risk it by running down the hall, shooting the camera that was pointed toward Alyssa's room and was continuing to feel closer to my goal than imagined. There was a bit of a stall as I had to lock pick the door, but that wouldn't hold me back for too long.

"Alyssa, are you here?" I asked. I once again got that indication with my Sonar Goggles. I slipped them to the top of my head as I attended to her. I loosened the restraints as she gained sense of what was happening around her. "As promised, I am here to get you out. Can you walk?"

As I asked, she was doing the best she could to walk. That would mean that by all reason, she would need to be carried out. Not too much of a deal, seeing I knocked out and got what was necessary out of the way. I was quick to act, lifting her over my shoulder. I made sure that upon my leaving, there was no one else around.

The area was clear. I was surprised on how quiet Alyssa was keeping. Perhaps it was how many would thrash about or be running out the door, causing some sort of alarm. For her case, that wasn't true. She was weakened, perhaps from not eating well as I had indicated before. I was then escaping the best I could with Alyssa in my arms.

I was once again a success. It was all in a day's work. Nothing that I couldn't handle. My skills are my own. No one would match me. It was my job.

My name is Sam Fisher. And I am a Splinter Cell.