December 15, 2022,
Staff Sergeant Doug "Cobra" Wilson woke up to the sound of Blackhawk blades, grunting as he looked around, hoping that they're about to land. His body told him to go back to sleep but his mind said no, the helicopter could arrive at its destination at any moment. Doug, as a member of the Black Mamba Ranger Unit, the best in the service, had to be awake and at his best, particularly for their mission.
On that day, the Black Mamba's mission was to secure a building on the docks that was housing terrorists in Yemen. The plan was to separate into three squads: first squad would land on the docks and set up security around the building, seconf squad would land on the roof and clear the building from the top down, and the third, lead by Colonel Brian Patrebski, the Commanding Officer of the Black Mambas, squad, Doug's team, wouldland in the courtyard and secure the building from the bottom up. The second and third squad will meet in the middle floor of the building. If done right the building should be cleared and secured in a matter of minutes, it's nothing the Black Mambas haven't done a hundred times before.
In Doug's helicopter his men were going over last minute preparations as "Sweet Home Alabama" was playing on the radio, keeping everyone entertained, particularly Doug and his friend Sergeant Nick Poster. Listening to music was their way of killing stress and anxiety before a mission. The only person who wasn't enjoying the music was First Lieutenant Tom Silversmith, the Platoon Leader. After a while he got up the turned the radio off, infuriating everyone.
"What did ya do that for?" Doug yelled at Lieutenant Silversmith.
"We will be at the drop zone in sixty seconds."
"About time, I was starting to think we were never going to get there." Nick shouted back.
They had been in the helicopter for three hours, as a result everyone was beginning to get a little air sick. The Rangers cocked their weapons and prepared to repel down the rope, waiting for Tom to signal them. After a few moments, the door opened to the eerie quiet of the streets. Even Doug, who the other team members said has ice in his vines, feels a little nervous; quiet streets were usually a bad sign, an indication of an ambush.
Doug was the first to repel out of his helicopter, with one hand on the rope, the other on his XM8 assault rifle. When Doug was on the ground he noticed that except for the Rangers, there is no one around. In his gut something didn't feel right, but Doug knew it was too late to stop, the mission had already started. Doug's instincts took over as he waited for the rest of his squad to make it down the rope. In less than twenty seconds every squad member was on the ground, none of them felt good with the eerie silence, but no one backed out for the mission took priority over their fear.
Doug's squad moved quickly to the door without any problems, despite feeling like they were walking into an ambush. The squad splits into two teams at the door, Alpha and Bravo. Bravo team provided security while Alpha team prepared to breach the building. Just as Alpha team was about to breech the door, gunfire echoed from the docks. The squad dropped the to the ground seeking whatever cover they could find.
Man down, Private Beans has been hit. We've got six hostiles on the docks.* Echoed in Doug ear piece.
"How bad is the injury?" Doug shouted into his mouthpiece.
He is alive but we need to get him to a doctor immediately.*
"We'll assist you if we can. Can you hold out till we reach you them?"
Yes sir, they got the drop on us but we got the firepower.*
"Alright, keep them at bay. We'll go as fast as we can."
Suddenly, a dozen terrorist rushed out of a tool shed new Doug's squad. His squad opened fire on them, Alpha team took cover and supported Bravo team who were taking the blunt of the ambush. Doug looked up on top of a shed in the court yard and saw two terrorist with an RPK machine gun, the elevated position giving them excellent range on the Rangers. Private First Class George Grieves took a bullet in the leg before they could take cover.
"MAN DOWN!" Doug yelled to the medic.
Doug ran over to where Grieves was lying, grabbed him, and started dragging him to cover. But, before Doug could get him to cover Grieves was hit in the head by machine gun fire, killing him instantly. A bullet caught Doug in the shoulder, clipping the corner of his Kevlar plate. The plate curved the bullet's trajectory, reducing the impact and damage, the causing it to go into Doug's right shoulder. Doug fell to the ground clutching his arm, feeling the bullet tear through his muscle and bone.
"Second squad, where are you? We could really use your help." Nick yelled into his mouthpiece.
Their response wss more gunfire from the terrorists, pinning down. Despite the incoming gunfire, Doug still managed to drag himself and Private Grieves to cover. As soon as he's in cover the medic rushed over, checked Grieves quickly, determined he was dead, and then went straight to work on Doug's shoulder. Despite the pain, Doug could see see that first squad was involved in the fire fight at the docks. They had nearly taken out their attackers, but most likely wouldn't do so in time to make it to Doug's position.
"Third squad, we really need your help down here." Doug yelled.
Shots suddenly rang out from the top floor of the building. The machine gunner and two other terrorist fall down dead. The others jumped to cover but many were cut down before they could make it.
Staff Sergeant Wilson, my men have finished clearing the top floor of the building. You have our support." Colonel Patrenski shouted down to Doug.
"I owe you one Colonel." Doug shouted back.
Doug pulled out his Beretta .45 with his left hand and fires at the terrorist. He shot one of the terrorists as he popped his head out, hitting him between the eyes. The medic worked quickly, examining Doug's shoulder as he fired shots at the terrorists, keeping them pinned down. What medic saw didn't make him feel good.
"What are you waiting for?" Doug growled, wincing in pain.
"This wound is much more severe than you realize."
"What do you mean? Just plug the hole and send me back out there"
"I don't know where to start. The bullet shattered when it hit your arm. One of the fragments possibly hit a major artery. Another fragment broke through the bone. On top of that several nerves have also been hit." The medic answered.
"Well, just do something, me back in the fight."
"That's not a good idea, the wound is too severe. You need a hospital now. Any action could have premanent, if not fatal, consequences."
As much as Doug agreed with the medic his warrior spirit prevented him from staying down. Sitting back while others fought for him was not in his nature, even if meant risking death.
"Just do something and do it quick." Doug shouted.
The medic groaned as he stabilized Doug as best he could. Second squad showed up when the medic finishes. The remaining terroristed ran away when they see the other Rangers coming. First squad set up security around the building. Doug's squad moved up to breach the building.
Lieutenant Silversmith turned around and sees Doug standing with the squad. "What do you think you're doing?"
"The mission always comes first." Doug answered.
"Fine, just stay in the back."
By the time First Squad has cleared the third floor, Doug squad busts down the door and enters the building. As soon as the Rangers entered they receive fire from two terrorists. The Rangers responde back with quick and accurate fire, instantly drop one of the terrorists. The other took of running injured into another room, but the Rangers followed and killed him before he got too far. When the Rangers clear the next room Doug stayed the the middle room to rest, the blood loss was starting to exhaust him.
Out of the corner of his eye, Doug saw a terrorist running up the stairs to the next floor. He quickly turned and shoots him in the leg and Nick then puts two in his chest, one in his head. By the time they cleared the first floor five terrorist are dead.
Doug moved to the stairs to cover his team and a terrorist popped out of the corner. Doug put three in his chest instantly. He tried to reload his gun with one hand, finding it nearly impossible. The blood loss and pain was starting to wear him out.
As much as he hated it, Doug let his team continue up the stairs without him who met up with first squad on the next floor. With the two combined squads, they blow through the floor with ease.
Nick stopped at the last door on the floor, finding it locked. He looked behind him and sees Doug coming up behind him. Nick couldn't help but be surprised to see Doug behind him, he figured Doug would've held back.
"You don't look good man. Why don't you get to the medic?"
"I'll be okay, I can make it through this mission."
Nick nodded as he stepped back to let Doug kicked down the door. With what strength Doug had left he lunged forward kicked the door, breaking it in half. Nick rushed into the room as Doug stepped aside only to stop when he saw terrorist with a female hostage. Nick didn't have a clear shot at the terrorist, not without hitting the woman. The terrorist shouted at Nick to drop his weapon. But, before the terrorist could finish his sentence a bullet took off the top of his head. The terrorist landed on the ground in a heap. Nick turned around and saw Doug behind him with his pistol. The woman runs out of the room where two Rangers grab her and take her outside.
"Thanks, Doug."
"No problem."
Doug sat down in a chair to rest, the blood loss was getting getting to him. Nick stayed to help him as the rest of the Rangers started looking for Intel. Lieutenant Tom Silversmith stayed in the room as well, seeing an opportunity to do something he's wanted to do for a long time. In his peripheral, Doug saw Tom pull out a suppressed pistol and aim at Nick. At tge last instant, Doug pushed Nick out of the way, but it's too late, Tom shot Nick in the back, thankfully his Kevlar plate saved his life. Nick fell to the ground, injured, but not dead. Before Tom can fire another round, Doug kicked the pistol out of Tom's hand then elbows him in the face. Tom fell backward on to the floor. Doug pointed his pistol at Tom's head.
"What are you doing Tom?" Doug yelled.
"Simple, Terrorist groups pay a lot of money for secrets about the U.S.A."
"What about this mission Tom?"
"The plan was for the terrorist to set up defenses to prevent you for coming in. We just showed up half an hour ahead of schedule."
"Then why did you just try to kill me and Nick?" Doug asks.
"Because I really don't like you Doug. You two have always been going against my orders. You especially have always stood against me. I've wanted to kill you for a long time now."
Doug shook his head in frustration, Tom's explanation for his actions were, at best, moronic. He knew that Tom was always crazy and untrustworthy, but he never expected Tom to actually commit treason. The very thought of it made Doug's blood boil. Doug saw it as an opportunity to finally do something he's wanted to do since he met Tom. He dropped the magazine and unloaded the bullet in the chamber. Doug then drops the pistol.
"Then why deprive yourself of some pleasure. " Doug said, smiling.
"Are you kidding me? You can't even use your right arm and you've lost so much blood. You can barely even stand."
Doug just stood there smiling. "Then you should be able to beat me no problem."
Without warning, Tom lunged at Doug and knocked him to the ground. Before Doug could recover Tom had him in head lock and was choking the life out of him. Doug's vision started getting blurry as he comes closer to unconsciousness. He couldn't get Tom's arm off him with just his left arm.
I must've lost too much blood, no way Tom could be doing this good against me if I was half as injured as I am.
Doug concentrated on moving his right arm, managing to get it to move. He grabbed a piece of metal lying on the floor and slammed it into Tom's head. Tom released his grip around Doug's neck and fell backwards clutching his head. Doug took advantage of Tom's pain and shock to sraw his bowie knife and stab him in the stomach. The knife went through Tom's body to the hilt, the tip sticking out the other side of his body. Doug looked deep into Tom's eyes as he screamed and seeing fear. In one strong effort, Doug ripped the knife across Tom's stomach ripping his guts.
Doug grabbed Tom by the collar and looked into his eyes as the life drained out of them. "I hope it was worth it traitor."
Tom tried to reply but no sound came out. After a few agonizing moments his life ended. Doug felt nothing for the traitor, he had always hated Tom. He knew that Colonel Patrenski would understand and cover for him at the review board that would no doubt take place, at least Doug had Nick as a witness.
Nick and Doug helped each other to the helicopter, Doug needing it much more, to be taken to the hospital. Only one Ranger had died on the mission: Private First Class George Grieves. That didn't make it any easier. Two Rangers, including Doug, were injured. The Rangers loaded all the Intel on the three Black Hawk. Nick explained what happened for Doug, who was close to collapsing from blood loss, to Colonel Patrenski what happened to Tom. Colonel Patrenski was understanding on the matter but still furious that it happened. His main concern at the moment was on getting Doug to a hospital as soon as possible, he'd worry later about Tom's betrayal.
"Load up boys, we're headed back to base." Colonel Patrenski shouted.
The Rangers quickly boarded the Blackhawks, wanting to get home as soon as possible. Doug's vision starts getting blurry as he was about to board. He felt exhausted and sick, his body barely obeying his mind. Doug tried to jump in the helicopter but collapsed. Corporal Dave Grant and Private Zack Haynes jumped out to help him.
"I'm okay guys, just get me back to base."
Dave and Zack hold onto Doug as they yank him onto the Blackhawk and sit him down on one of rthe empty seats. The medic immediately began working on Doug, looking worried as the wound has gotten very severe. The last thing Doug remembered before passing out was the medic sticking an IV into his arm.
X
Jeremiah, two years later
Katrina, member of the Celtic Clan, stood in the middle of the forest, clenching her fist, ready for the eminent fight approaching. The setting sun and the shadows of the woods madd it difficult for Katrina to see, but she relied on her ears and nose instead of her eyes. Her nose allowed her to smell several people approaching from all directions. She had been smelling them for a while, unfortunately, they were too far away to hear. All she could hear is the wind blowing through the leaves.
Suddenly, Katrina heard movement deep in the woods. She took a defensive fighting stance drawing her tomahawk and bowie knife. A quick look around revealed nothing out of ordinary, however, her ears picked up movement and her nose detects multiple opponents, seven of them. She tightened her grip on her tomahawk and knife. Strapped to her sides are a short sword, two daggers, and ten throwing knives. Katrina also bow strapped to her back as well and a couple dozen arrows; she was more than ready for a fight.
Katrina slowly and cautiously moved toward the sound, keeping a tight grip on her weapons. Suddenly, a darkly dressed figure jumped down from a tree above her, aiming a spear at her chest. Katrina jumped back, easily dodging the ambush, her attacker figure landed on the ground in front of her. Before her attacker could recover Katrina spun and slamed her tomahawk into his chest. The attacker was flown backwards from the impact, dead before he hit the ground. Another attacker tried to sneak up on Katrina from behind but she sensed him coming. She spun around, her sudden movement catching her off guard, and threw her tomahawk at her attacker, hitting him in the head. Two more attackers jumped out of the bushes and rushed at Katrina before their friend had hit the ground. Katrina pullsed out a throwing knife and threw it at one of her attackers hitting him in the head, the other attacker continued to charge at her. Katrina drew her sword and effortlessly deflected the attack. Her attacker launched a fury of offenses at Katrina, hoping to cut her, most were precise but sloppy; she easily blocked every attack. As Katrina defended she sensed another attacker coming from behind. Katrina waited till he was directly behind her then spun around and stabbed him in the chest while he was preparing for a deathblow. Her action stunned her previous attacked long enough for Katrina to rotated and block another attack. She quickly created an opening finishes him off with a swift slice across the chest.
Twenty yards away, two more attackers jumped out of the bushes with bows and shot at her. Katrina, using the distance between them as her advantage, effortlessly dodged both the arrows. She grabbed her bow, loaded an arrow, aimed, and let the arrow go in a fluid motion. The arrow flew straight, hitting one of the attacker in the chest. The final attacker dropped his bow, pulled out at a sword and charged Katrina. Katrina dropped her bow as well and waited for her attackers to get close. The attacker stabbed at her chest but Katrina twisted her body causing the sword to miss. The thrust put her attacker off balance, allowing Katrina to grab his arm and deliver a powerful elbow stroke to the forearm, making him drop his weapon. She then swept his leg out from underneath him, making him land on the ground with a thud. Katrina jumped on top, grabbed his arm, and twisted it, causing her attacker screams out in pain.
"Do you give up?"
"Yes, I surrender."
Katrina let go of her attacker and walked away, only to stop when she heard someone clapping. She looked up at the audience sitting high up in the branches above her, at least twenty teenagers. A middle-aged member standing up was the one clapping.
"Exercise complete, good job Katrina."
"Thanks Judas"
Her attackers slowly stand up and take off their hoods, revealing each of them as s Celtic trainee. The whole thing was a training exercise; no one was in any real danger. While the weapons were real they wereall covered with protective material that prevented them from causing damage. Even the knives and arrows had adhesive materials applied to their tips, allowing them to stick to just about anything. The trainees jumped out of the trees and formed circle around Judas.
"You can leave now Katrina. I got it from here." Judas said, patting Katrina on the back. "You're one of the best students I've ever trained, and that's saying something."
"Oh,I know, no need to continuously tell me that." Katrina replied, smiling back. "If you need any more help just ask."
Katrina walked into the bushes and disappears like a ghost, As she walked away, Katrina can hear Judas talking about her, which brings a smile to her face.
"There goes a real warrior. You trainees should strive to be as good as her someday."
X
An hour later
Katrina is walking through the middle of the Celtic village looking for something to eat. Out of the corner of her eyes Katrina sees her cousin Zathora waving at her. Katrina walks over and sits down.
"So how did it go Katrina?" Zathora asks.
"It was no problem. I made them look like a bunch of amateurs."
"You always do."
"Unless I have forgotten Zathora you are almost as good as I am. You have come close to beating me a few times."
Katrina and Zathora smile and walk through the village looking for something to eat. After a while Katrina notices Zathora looking at something. Whatever she is looking at is disturbing her.
"What is it Zathora?"
"How did you get used to it?"
"How did I get used to what?" Katrina asks.
Zathora points to a bunch of guys sitting at a table a short distance away. They are all staring at Katrina and Zathora. Katrina doesn't need to be a genius to know why they are starring at them.
"How did you get used to all the stares?"
Katrina laughs quietly to herself. She and Zathora are two of the most beautiful and powerful warriors of the Celtic Clan. Katrina is twenty – nine and Zathora is twenty - five. Katrina knows that she is almost past the normal marriage age. Zathora is still in the middle. Even Katrina's younger and Zathora's brother Salvador, who is seventeen, gets a lot of stares from the younger women.
"I just ignore them." Katrina replies.
"How do you do that?"
"Simple I remember how bad my marriage turned out."
"You are still holding on to your marriage? Katrina, you have got to let that go. We all make mistakes." Zathora responds.
"I know that God has forgiven me for it, but I just cannot forget about it."
"Ok, can we please change subjects?" Salvador says."Sure, I hate talking about it anyway. Now seriously Zathora, the best advice that I can give you is to try to find that one man that God has planned for you. When you find him take it slow, do not make the same mistake I did."
X
That night, as soon as Katrina fell asleep,she started having a dream. In the dream, she saw herself standing on top of Mount Zion, looking over the Israel countryside. The view from the top of the mountain was truly beautiful; Katrina could see for miles around her.
As Katrina looked out across the land the earth suddenly started shaking violently. The surface cracked open and out of the depths poured out millions of Lizard-"like men. The Lizards attacked the human civilization and slaughtered them without mercy. Within minutes, humanity was almost wiped off the face of the planet, the few survivors that remain were captured and forced into slavery.
Watching it all from the mountain, Katrina fell to her knees and prayed to God. "God, what can I do to prevent this evil from happening."
Suddenly, a bright light shined above her. Katrina looked up, covering her eyes, and saw a the most magnificent sword she's ever seen producing the light. The sword was a yard long, the hilt covered in gold and precious gems with God's name on the pommel. The blade was double sided and straight, appearing to be razor sharp. The light the sword produced was so bright that Katrina could hardly see.
The Sword of God
"You are correct young one." A deep, but comforting voiced, replied out of nowhere.
Katrina looked around frantically for the person that the voice belonged to but found no one. She suddenly realized that God was speaking to her. Katrina fell on her knees and worshipped Him.
"Who is the one my Lord? The one who can wield your sword?"
"It is not yet time for the one's face will be revealed to the world, but I have chosen you, and only you, to know who he is. I will reveal to you ways to know who he is, but I will not show you his face. There are a few qualifications that you can tell others and there are some that you can reveal to two people who you can choose. The qualifications that you keep to yourself are so that you may know immediately who it is, for you are to guide him."
"But why me Lord? I am not worthy of this responsibility." Katrina asked jumping to her feet. "I am no one my Lord, far from perfect."
"I choose you for two reasons: while you guide him he will also guide you, and even though you don't think it I assure you that you are indeed worthy of this task."
Suddenly the skied opened above Katrina and God showed her the four qualifications that she is supposed to reveal. First, she saw eleven humans climbing up onto her home, Jeremiah. Every one of them was armed, some more than others. They made their way to the Celtics and lived with them for a while. Nine of them appeared to be in their late twenties or early thirties, the other two appear to be in their fifties; several appeared to be related. Next, she was shown all of them demonstrating their combat skills at some point during their stay. Of the eleven, only six would stand out amongst the others, both of the older men and four of the younger ones are in the group. Third, she was shown that all eleven of them will go back to Earth. However, four of them would come back to Jeremiah shortly after leaving. Once they were back on Jeremiah, they wof go through the trials to become part of their culture. Two of them would try out for the Celtic clan, one for the Roman clan, and one for the Claw clan. Finally, she was shown that the chosen one will be the best fighter of the four.
"Not a lot of detail in those qualifications" Katrina said.
"Correct, I do not want it to be obvious because I want the others to be trained to the same quality as him. But, there are some qualifications I want you to keep to yourself."
The sky opened up again and Katrina was shown what she supposed to keep to herself. First, Katrina saw herself and three other Guardians being attacked by a Bear, with the humans fighting alongside them. Katrina saw the bear knock her down and come at her. Suddenly, one of the humans jumped in the way and killed the bear, saving her. Second, Katrina saw that his right arm is missing, in its place was a prosthetic arm. Third, Katrina saw tattoo on his neck. The tattoo is a knife with a snake wrapping itself around the knife, a Black Mamba by the looks of it. Fourth, Katrina saw her sin displayed in the sky, looking at it nearly made her cry. The chosen one appeared out of nowhere and wiped the sin away like it never happened. Finally, Katrina saw herself standing on a porch on Jeremiah. The chosen one walked out of the building and approached her. Katrina saw herself wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. The sky closed leaving Katrina standing there dumbfounded.
"I fall in love with the chosen one?" Katrina asked, very shocked.
"Yes, you will. You will fall in love with him on your own terms. You will guide him and he will guide you. Do you understand?"
Katrina looked down at the ground deep in thought. Seeing the chosen one not only erase her sin but that she's also going to fall in love with her was almost too much for Katrina to take. Her sin had haunted for a long time, so for someone to just show up and erase it seemed impossible. Falling in love with someone also seemed highly unlikely, particularly with someone she hadn't even met yet. But, Katrina remembered that with God all things were possible, even fulfilling the signs God showed her.
"Yes, I do."
"Good, now . . . awake."
Suddenly, Katrina woke up from her dream, panting heavily and confused. It took a moment for Katrina to calm down. After a while, Katrina stood up up and walked outside to think on her dream. Katrina stood outside for hours thinking about the dream. As the sun started to rise, Katrina heard someone coming up behind her. Katrina turned around to see Zathora standing behind her.
"Katrina, what are you doing up this early?"
"Just came out here to think. I had a dream from God last night. It was . . . well, revealing."
"Revealing about what?"
Katrina looked up at the sky and smiles. She has just found one person that she would reveal her entire dream to.