I'm Johnny Sasaki!
Who am I? Well, simple; my name is Johnny Sasaki. My story however, is altogether much more complicated then I'd like it to be. Why is that, you ask? Because of me mostly. I'm a fairly efficient person when it comes to most things. I've served in the Army for just over ten years. Taken part in some pretty interesting experiences too. The two most prominent being that incident on Shadow Moses back in 2005. You remember that? That was the most significant for me, it's where I met her-- but I'll get into that later. Of course afterward I found myself listed as KIA by the Army. Most of my fellow GENOME soldiers were taken to Pease Air Force Base. But my Sergeant beat me up and left me locked in a closet after he found out I let Snake 'escape'. Seriously though, the guy was bleeding, how was I supposed to know it was ketchup? I can't apologize for being a compassionate person. When I finally busted my way out of there everyone was gone. So I wandered around the world.
I visited Russia (my Grandfather is from there), and when I was in St. Petersburg I met some tough lady named Olga. She and I spoke in a bar and when she found out about my stellar military career ( I might have fibbed a bit) she offered me a job in her father's Mercenary Army. I thought why not? Took the job and ended up in some place called the Big Shell. Well, that didn't go over too well. I was arrested by the authorities after it all. They yanked me out of the water as I was swimming for shore, asked who I was. I'd ditched my clothes so I didn't look like one of the Mercs. I told them, and after tons, and tons of investigating as well and some DNA testing they confirmed it, and my KIA status was changed. But then they said I still had to serve out my damn contract! Can you believe it? I spent a little time with the 75th Rangers, but I wasn't great at keeping up with the unit and since they couldn't figure out why they said they were going to transfer me. So I asked about a certain someone, a Meryl Silverburgh. Apparently she'd made quite a reputation for herself and was assigned to CID. So I asked if they'd transfer me there. Funny cause they didn't like me much but transferred me right away. Nice guys.
The very first day I arrived at Fort Belvoir, Virginia I was very excited. Not just because I was in a new place (one where I didn't have a reputation), but also because maybe I'd get a glimpse at Meryl. I hadn't seen her since 2005. Nine years! Can you believe it? It might seem kind of creepy that I remembered her all that time, but boy there was just something about her. I've had other women since then, I swear. She was just always in the back of my mind.
Coming through the gate didn't go so well, and I could tell I was going to make another reputation here… damn.
The bus I was on board came to a screeching halt at the gate outside the Fort. Two Military Police stepped onto the bus to check Ids of the people trying to enter the base. All the other military members had their military Id cards out, so naturally I got mine out too.
The police officer was a Corporal. He looked at the picture on the Id then at me. "Sir, please remove your mask…" he said in a suspicious tone.
"Oh this?" I asked pointing to my black balaclava. "Yeah, I can't."
"Why not?" His hand slowly came to rest on the handle of his pistol.
"Because it's tradition." I replied genially.
"Uh-Huh…" his hand gripped the pistol and he shot a quick glance back to his partner doing the same. "Sir, please remove your mask so we can identify you. Who the hell comes onto a secured military base with a mask on anyway? Be reasonable." he warned.
"I told you I can't! Are you freaking deaf or what!?" Sometimes I lose my temper easy, I said shouted this while standing up hastily. Maybe a little too hastily.
I have to admit the Corporal drew his sidearm very fast, and he struck me in the forehead with the it even faster. I must have blacked out because I woke up in a jail cell with a throbbing pain in my forehead. My mask was rolled up to the top of my head.
"Damn them. No sensitivity whatsoever!" I cursed them.
Just then a man wearing a Class A Army uniform entered the room. His pants were bloused and he wore spit shined black combat boots, ah Airborne. His beret was Green. Gee, I wonder who he used to serve with? He boasted a great deal of ribbons on his chest, and a combat infantryman badge. Impressive, a little better than mine but not by much, I swear. He wore the rank of Captain.
"Sergeant Sasaki?" he asked in an irritated tone.
"Uhm yeah?" I responded, clumsily stumbling to my feet. He looked at me with distasteful stare. I couldn't help looking foolish. I just got pistol whipped!
"How about yes, sir?" he inquired, his frustration showing.
"Yes, yes, sir?" I said back, unsure.
He shook his head. "I'm your CO with CID, Captain Hollis. Now that you've been identified properly and I've claimed you, the M.P.s are letting you go with no charges."
"Oh, thank you, sir." I said straightening my body to attention.
He raised his brow and then shook his head again. "Yeah, whatever. Get your stuff and let's go."
The door of the cell slid open and I walked my way out, grabbing my sea bag and uniform bag as I did. Oh, then I pulled the mask back down over my face, and threw on some Oakley sunglasses.
"What's with that stupid mask?" Captain Hollis asked as we got into his Humvee.
"Just tradition, sir!" I announced proudly.
"What tradition?"
"Well, I come from a long line of proud serving military men, all the first born sons are named Johnny and well--" he interrupted.
"I don't really care, thanks, Sergeant." he said, again shaking his head.
The rest of the trip we didn't speak. Well I tried to, but the Captain just raised his hand to silence me. Not very nice.
Finally we arrived at my barracks.
"The duty NCO should have a room for you. Tomorrow be out front in PT gear. You'll report to your new team then. 0530 hrs." he told me, he motioned for me to get out of his truck.
"What team am I going to, sir?" I asked nervously.
"Rat Patrol Team 01." he said plainly.
"How will I know who they are tomorrow?"
"Well, it shouldn't be too hard. Their team leader is a woman, and the other two members are pretty big guys. In fact one of them is practically a giant. Good enough description?" he seemed irritated by me now. "Remember, 0530. Don't be late. Silverburgh doesn't like when people are late, and I wouldn't want to get on her bad side when you're new around here."
"Okay, thanks, sir. I'll--" He sped off before I finished the sentence, leaving a cloud of dust in my face. Haha, joke's on him, though. I didn't cough at all-- cause of the mask duh!
One I got settled in my room I wasn't altogether that impressed by it. Fort Belvoir was nice, but this looked like an old building. Well at least I had no roommate to share with since I was a Sergeant.
I was a little giddy. Captain Hollis had said 'Silverburgh' hadn't he? What are the chances I'd be not just in the same unit, but the very same team!? Wow, incredible. I wondered what she looked like now. It had been nine years. She must be far different than she was then. She seemed so young back on Shadow Moses. She was definitely a rookie then, but I was a pretty big boot as well. Despite her lack of experience she was pretty proficient. Definitely got the drop on me well enough, pretty embarrassing when the others woke my bare ass up…
In any case, I was excited to see her tomorrow. I'd do my absolute best to perform to my utmost and make myself a great reputation. I'd be the best member of the team. I'd excel in everything from weapons handling and military operations in urban terrain all the way to advanced satellite communication and land navigation! She'd be stunned by my performance. I couldn't help but revel in my own abilities as I slowly drifted off to sleep that night.
