Prelude
June 15th, 2568
Fort Keyes, Minerva, Lambda Rho System
A sudden shout rang out through barracks followed by a loud thud, like flesh on metal. Heavy panting followed soon after. In the low light it was hard to make out who made the commotion. The panting stopped and a minute passed by in complete silence.
"Lights on," commanded a male voice. The barracks were empty aside from the lone man. It was a small building. Four racks lined one of the walls. Under each one was a foot locker and across from them were desks and wall lockers. He swung his legs over the side of his rack and stood up. Turning back to the rack one could see three dents in the wall. Third time this week. He walked to the desk and picked up a data-pad. Tapping a button on it brought up a voice prompt.
"Authorization gee one nine nine, alpha mike bravo nine three six. Log number … oh fuck it, I don't even remember at this point. It happened again. Woke up yelling. Punched the wall too. Third time in a week. Not sure how to process it. Scenery was familiar this time. The coat of paint on the armor indicated it was OUTCAST I was dreaming about. I'm getting the feeling it's that guilty conscience again. Doc told me not to sweat that anymore. I was following orders. I can't help it. I should've turned down that op.
"Details. Details, gotta remember to include those. I was looking up at the sky. No … I was on my back. Gunfire flyin' over me. My visor was tweaking out. That's right they blew open the gates. Compound was a fuckin' mess after it happened. I should probably document all of OUTCAST. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Sorry Doc, I'm cutting this one short. I need to get all this shit down in writing. End log."
The barracks fell silent again. The man stood up and walked into the restroom and washed his face in the sink. The cold water caused the skin on his face to tighten. The tattoo on his left cheek seemed to shrink as a result. An emerald green eyelash pit viper, fangs bared. His first tattoo, directly tied to the mission which haunted his dreams. The scar his other cheek ran from his ear to the edge of his nostril. He examined his face in the mirror. Harlequin eyes stared back intently, scrutinizing every detail; from wrinkles to stubble. He sighed heavily.
"In the morning. It can wait 'til morning."