OK, so this is the first ever time that i've posted a story. It's all my own stuff, my own Characters, all of it, so i don't have to worry about putting a disclaimer, or what ever. I hope you like it.

Chapter One- First Impressions

"NO STOP... Please!" Whimpered Livi, as she struggled against her assailant. "Stop this Scott, this isn't you! You have to fight it! The shadow creature's making you do th-!"

"HAH! Your precious Scott is GONE!" Screamed the over-shadowed teen, as he proceeded to tear at Livi's already torn PJ's, exposing her front. She struggled fiercely, trying to break free from his hard grasp. Clawing at his arms and chest with her nails, tears started spilling down her face as fear setting into her vary being, fore she knew what was going to happen. She had to stop him at all cost.

"I have to stop him!... But how, I don't want to hurt him," she wailed pitifully in her mind, "I need to get help. 'HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!" She franticly screamed to anyone who might hear her. "HEL-!" Her screams suddenly get cut short by a sharp blow to the head.

Dazed, she goes limp in Scott's arms; small dots dance in her vision as she gets pushed aggressively agains the wall of her room.

"NO ONE CAN HELP YOU! Your all alone, and since everyone is at the meeting, NO ONE will rescue you." He sneered into her face, grinning wolfishly at her. Then it seemed as if a thought had made its way to the front of the possessed teens mind, causing him to grin even wider. "It looks like your precious Scott has finally revealed his most tormenting fear. Your little friend seems to have feeling for you, and he would do anything to keep you from getting hurt... To bad for him; he's about to fail to do just that..." His face split into that sharp-toothed wolf grin again. "And I know just how to do it, and to make it even more fun, I'm gonna make him watch too-as I rip apart his precious Kitten!"

"You a monster!" Livi spat back, hoarsely. "Scott would never let you do this, he would never give up so easily!" She started struggling furtively again, willing her cat claws back out. Only to be pressed into the wall even harder; his hand at her throat, sufficiently cutting off what little air she was able to get into her burning lungs.

"Here's a news flash for you little girl, he already has!" He yelled as he raised his free fist and punched her in the side of the head, making her head rebound against the wall.

As her surroundings started going dark with the heavy curtain of unconsciousness, she could hear him laughing maliciously into her face, as he started to rip away at her clothes, cutting her with his claws in the process. she could feel a cold sensation spreading though out her entire body, taking over her very being, swallowing her up. She no longer felt the pain she was in, the pain he was inflicting on her, she couldn't feel anything. Only the cold feeling of loneliness; of the complete and utter helplessness and loss, as the over-shadowed teen did what he had intended to do from the start. The shadow creature wanted her humanity, it wanted what made her who she was. That was what they craved after all. They fed on the fear of their host, using that fear against them to inflict pain and suffering on any and all that was near. That's when everything went dark, her body completely numb. She could only hear the distant sound of a blaring siren and the sound of hurrying steps as they went past her door and then there was-

-Banging on her door; suddenly shaking her from her nightmarish hell. Startled she sat up in bed and looked around trying to catch her breath. Hearing the banging again, she could hear the agitated voice of Brigadier General, John Sears. "Commander Romayne! Get up, we have a 'code S' down in the engine room! And I heard it's a big one!"

"Alright, I'm coming!" She yelled back, whipping the sweat off her forehead, pushing her dream, all together, to the back of her mind as she quickly strapped on her gear and morphed into her cat form. Steeling herself for another night of work, she stepped in front of her automatic door as it opened with a whooshing sound, admitting in the light and her subordinate from the hallway outside. She looked up at him, quirking and eyebrow expectantly.

"What took ya so long?" He said grinning down at her with that same wolfish smile from her dream. She stared at him for a moment before shaking her self and adapting a serious demeanor.

"Well, considering you woke me up from a sound sleep... And that's 'what took ya so long ma'am.' " She noted pointedly as she motioned to her plain-jane, outfit of a tank top and pajama bottoms. He scratched the back of his neck looking slightly abashed. "Well I didn't think you wanted to miss out on the fun... ma'am."

She smiled at him, nodding her approval, then turning to go down the hall where everyone else was rushing too, John following close behind.

"So what do we got? Dungeon dwelling gremlins, shadow creatures... that nasty, slimy, giant slug?" she said checking to make sure her com-link worked properly.

"Well... we're not precisely sure what it is. The workers in the engine room heard a really loud crash and when they went to investigate they found half the hot water tank completely crushed in and ripped from the ground- as well as several other machines... almost looks like the domino effect, only life sized. My guess? It would probably be the gremlin's, they always get into everything.

"OH great! Out of everything in the entire bace they had to pick the one room that powers half the stuff in this place. So much for hot showers for two weeks." She huffed.

"More like three months. Its a months for us to get there and ask for the stuff, another for them to ship the stuff here with out being detected and then another month to get it all hooked up properly, I'm just glad we still have electricity."

"Oh happy day..." She said frowning at the news, but then went back to business at the sound of another loud crash and the yells of men barking orders at their squads to go this way and that. "Well, no use crying over spilt milk I suppose- Brook!" She yelled down the hall catching the attention of said person and several other in her squad, as she neared them.

"Commander!" He announced, snapping to attention at did the others.

"At ease, so are we ready to tackle what ever it is that's down there?" She asked, looking over her rag-tag team of skilled soldiers. It was still hard to believe that these people would ever take orders from such a young person, especially since a few of them could easily pass to be her parents, being that they where probably in their 30's. Half of them were her age and some younger, even. She herself was only 19 and she carried to rank of a Major General, though they insisted on calling her Commander.

"I guess it all started when Scott went missing..." she mused absentmindedly.

"Ma'am, we have reason to believe that it's something big and dangerous, and likely deadly to those who get too close," said Brooks, as he tapped on his little hand held computer; an ear piece in his ear. "Just minutes ago the other squad had to pull out- to many injured."

"Thank you Major obvious, 'Well, did any manage to get a look at this thing?" said Livi, not surprised at this tidbit of not-so-good news.

The looks on their faces basically gave her all the answer she needed. Striding forward, she motioned for them to follow her lead, as she went down the hall to the engine room. "Sears! I want you on my back, when we get in there. Brooks, your on communications and audio. I need your eyes in there watching for anything we don't catch, the rest of you, fan put and cover all the exits, no one gets in or out, any questions?" She turned to them, waiting for any objections as they stopped at the door, seeing none she turned and grabbed the knob. "Good. Lets get this over with so we can all have a good night sleep."

Opening the door, she stuck the mussel of her blaster though, going from right to left. Seeing the all clear she moved forward, Sears close behind, and soon followed by the rest, minus Brooks who was manning the computer just outside the door.

After a few minutes of prowling around the dark room, and running into nothing, Livi looked at her watch, seeing it blink back the numbers 2:36 AM. Sighed, she was starting to feel like this was a big waist of time.

"Do you think it went back from where it came...?" Whispered Sears, basically voicing her next thought, as he glanced around apprehensively. "Its too quiet for something to make such a big racket."

"Startin' to wonder the same thing... I'm callin' Brooks." Activating her com-link, she still looked around. "Brooks you got anything?" Thats when she thought she say something move off behind some of the machines.

"Uhhh... No I got nothin' Commander, its like it disappeared out of thin air- Oh wait, I got something moving at the far end of the room to your right. It looks small, so it should be easy to take it out." He finished.

"Don't forget, Brooks, looks can be deceiving." She said before clicking over to Tiara. "T, where are you?" Thats when she felt a tape on her shoulder.

"What is it, Sears?" she said without looking at him.

"Ma'am, I think we have bigger problem on our hands..." Sighing she looked up, and just when she was about to say something, she stopped short, finally seeing what had riled him. But the creature was't facing them though, it seemed to be too busy munching on one of the machines that powered the bace.

"What is that thing...?"

"I'm not sure, but it can't be good if its after the machines in here." Said Livi, brandishing her weapon, "lets get this over with, so I can go back to bed." Just when they were going to blast the thing to oblivion, her com-link blared to life in her ear and Tiara's voice came in loud and clear for all to hear... including the creature.

"I'm on the far side with Lochlainn and Fatín, we got nothin' here commander."

"Crossland, when we get out of here, you better hope I don't make it out alive."

"Huh-" But she cut off the line, ending all conversation as she ran for cover, Sears not too far behind. The creature roared in agitation, now intent on getting at what ever had interrupted its mid-night snack.

"Well that was odd..." Said Tiara as she looked at her two friends. They shrugged their shoulders not sure what to say, when they suddenly heard a loud roar off in the direction that their commander was in.

"What was that...?"

"We'd bes' go help... She didn't sound t'pleased on the link." Suggested Lochlainn in a strong Irish accent, as he got out his blaster.

"Umm, sorry to interrupt, but it seem we have our own uninvited guest." said Fatín in an Israeli accent, as she pointed to a shape coming toward them.

"Alright! looks t'me like we get our own action!" Lochlainn piped in excitedly. "Crossland you take left, Fatín, Right.

"Sir!" They both said moving into place.

"Man, That feels soo much better." said Brandon as he left the restroom. "Though I don't know why its so far away from the barracks... It took forever to find this place." Stretching and letting out a big yawn, he started on his way back. "Lets hope I can find my room now.-"

Then suddenly he found himself flat on his back with a heavy weight on his chest and staring down the barrel of an armed blaster. Dazed he looked past the blazing weapon in his face to the person in question, behind it. Seeing it was a fellow soldier he put his hands up in surrender, not wanted to provoke her. Tiara, mean while, took a moment to realize that it wasn't a creature that she had tackled but a human.

"You?" They both said at the same time, Brandon just looked at her, waiting for her to go first.

"Your that new guy, who just transferred right, from the west branch?" She said putting her blaster down.

"Yes, now can you get off me, I can't breath."

"Ah. Sorry... Hey guys, it's just the newb, false alarm!" She yelled as she helped him up.

"Newb..." He thought frowning. "What rank are you, soldier?"

"Uh, Sergeant, what's it to you?" She stated as her friends came up to them.

"Dis guy causin' ya trouble, Crossland?" Asked Lochlainn as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Are you the one in charge, here?" He gave him a curt, "Aye"

"Good, now maybe you can shed some light on the situation. why did you have her attack a commanding officer?" He looked at him in the eye, waiting for an answer.

He started laughing.

"Aye, tha's rich! You a Commandin' officer. Listen here boyo, my Commandin' officer s'a higha' rank thin you. She a Major General. An a damn good'un too. She told me to apprehend any 'suspicious' persons in tha area. An tha's just what I'm gonna do." But before he even got the chance, there was a sudden explosion that rattled the entire room. They all went on their guard, ready for an attack. Brandon's animal side showing through in the form of dog ears and a tail- a german shepherd to be exact. But no attack came.

"What was that?" said Brandon, still looking around.

"Shush!" Came the answer he wasn't looking for. "I think tha' came from the Commanda's area... Crossland, Fatín, follow me," then he rounded on him again. "An you be quiet if in ya know wha's good fer ya."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Just then another crash, and the sound of steel being ripped could be heard through out the room.

"Le's go." Commanded Lochlainn as he hurried ahead.

"Damn, this thing just don't give up!" Yelled Sears as he pushed the creature off him and moved before he got hit with a swipe of its claw. The sound of ripping steel was almost deafening as its claw became imbedded into it.

"Just hold on a little longer! I'll contact Brooks, he might know something about this thing!" Livi yelled back, taking shots at it with her blaster- which did nothing. "Damn it." she finished frustrated. "BROOKS! You better have something for me, or its your hide when I'm done!" She yelled into the com-link.

"Sorry Commander... From what I can see in the files it's a metal eater. Its called a Steeler on account that thats all it eats-"

"Thats all very riveting, Brooks, but how about some useful information! Like how do we take this thing down!" She spat back, trying to dodge an attack. "The blasters don't work on the thing!"

"Right, let me see- ok I got it. The acid it spits to make the steel easier for it to eat, is the only thing that can inadvertently kill it. And get this! The exoskeleton is made of the steel it eats."

"Great now how do we do that!"

"I don't know, wave a piece of steel in front of it or something!" Thats when an idea came to her.

"Brooks, have I ever told you your a Genius."

"If we weren't in the middle of a fight, I'd tell you to put that in writing." He answered back flatly and Livi laughed. Then throwing away her useless blaster, she grabbed up a piece of mangled steel and rushed at the thing. Sears saw what she was doing and tried to get to her, but the creature bard his way.

"Commander, what are you doing, that thing's gonna kill you!" He yelled from where he was.

"Not if we can help it!" Yelled Lochlainn as he and his team raced in. Brandon just watching what was happening from the side lines, not sure what to do exactly.

"Oh good, just the man I wanted to see, here, catch!" Throwing the piece of steel, it sailed over the creature, catching its attention. Every one watched as it jumped into the air and literally snatch it in its claws and proceeded to eat it.

"Brooks, you could have told me the stupid thing could JUMP, now it thinks we're trying to feed it!" Livi yelled into the com-link.

"Sorry boss, won't happen again..."

"Ok so that didn't work, so... what can I do...?" She thought as she looked around. Spotting Brandon, she skirted the area and rushed over. "You, whats your name?"

Brandon jumped when he was suddenly addressed by a girl that looked about his age. "Brandon Melville...What is that thing?" He said, pointing at the creature, which seemed to have its claws full at the moment, dealing with the rest of the group, and the others that rushed it, from the other side of the room.

"Its called a Steeler, it ate the steel from the machines... I've never seen you before, what Squad are you from?"

"I'm not in one-yet, I'm from the West Branch, I'm the new transfer," thats when they heard another roar and see Lochlainn get thrown pretty hard into one of the machines. "Are you the commanding officer...?"

"Shoot! Ok Brandon, how well can you throw?" Said Livi as she grabbed another piece of mangled metal.

"Um pretty good. 'She ignored my question." He thought; a bit irritated at how rude she was.

"Good." She thrust the metal into his hands. "Your gonna throw that up to me when I give the signal." Then proceeded to climb up one of the machines to the ceiling above and swung herself up onto one of the support beams. He stood there dumbstruck at just how strong she was considering her small size.

"OK THROW IT UP!" She shouted back when she righted herself.

Shaking himself out of it, he threw it up just in time to almost get pommeled by the creature. He managed to dodge one of its swings and go into a crouch, knocking its feet out from under it with a kick. It went down screeching. Livi, who had caught the metal, watched as he did that, impressed, as she waited for her chance from above. The creature got up, infuriated that it was bested by a human and proceeded to go after Brandon, screeching all the while.

Seeing her chance she stood up on the beam and proceeded to do the following. "HEY, YOU, FREAK WITH TINFOIL FOR A SHELL, LOOK AT WHAT I GOT FOR YA!" She yelled, waving the piece of metal in the air. Her yelling did just what she wanted it to do- get the creatures attention away from the new guy and train on her. Said creature hissed and went down into a crouch. It jumped for the metal but missed since the ceiling was too high.

"What's wrong am I too high for ya! Come on you can do better than that, JUMP FOR IT!" She watched it land on its side and get back up. Shaking its head from the impact, it righting itself, then screeched at her in clear frustration and anger. Then it launched itself into the air, again, spitting its acid at her, unfortunately for it the acid didn't reach its intended target. Instead of the stuff hitting her and the metal it fell back onto the face of the creature, and instantly started to burn it.

The Creature's screams of agony could be heard through out the entire place as it fell to the floor with such a bone chilling crunch that it make chills go up your spine. Livi watched as its screams slowly went silent as the acid burned its way though it body, efficiently killing it, and leaving behind a husk of an outer shell, made purely out of metal, corroded by what was left of the acid.

Of course the screams of the creature was replaced by joyful cheers from her team as they celebrated. Enjoying the moment Livi sat there on the beam thinking of how great her bed would feel after she got out of her sweaty clothes and under the covers. But upon hearing her Lieutenant happily shout up to her to join in on the small party, she sighed and got up.

"I'm comin' hold your horses!" She shouted down, with a smile on her face. Then proceeded to jump the 30 feet from ceiling beam, to floor, not only scaring half her team but nearly giving the new guy a heart attack as she landed in a crouch next to him. Standing up, she brushed herself off, and smiled at her team like it was nothing at all.

But Brandon, who's heart nearly made friends with his teeth, looked at her shocked. That she would ever attempt to jump from such a hight, was something even a crazy person wouldn't do. And the fact that she was smiling only confirmed that she very well might be crazy, but he did have to admit she was very skilled in fighting these creatures.

"Yo you nearly gave me a heart attack when you did that, Commander!" scolded one of her team mates, jokingly, as they came over to her.

"Yes, well when you have a combat partner, who's a Cheetah, and can jump from 50 feet with out even breaking a sweat, it rubs off on you." Said Livi as she put an arm over Tiara's shoulders and pulled her close; none to gently either.

"Yea well, if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even be in the position you are now." She said back, trying to push her commander off.

"If it wasn't for all of us, you mean." said Brooks as he joined the group. They all laughed at this in agreement.

Brandon stood by watching them as they laughed and make jokes at each other, not sure what to do. It amazed him that their commander would freely let her subordinates talk to her in such a way. His commanding officer back in the West Branch would have had him court marshaled if he ever did that. But then again, with the war the way it was, you would take all the time you could get to have a moment to just relax and enjoy each others company. Thats when he felt a hand clap down on his back, shaking him from his thoughts.

Looking up, he was startled to find the same guy that had let Tiara tackle him earlier, smiling down at him. Now that he was closer he was able to get a better look at the man. He was wearing a military issue, camouflage shirt, that looked as though the sleeves had been ripped off, and matching pants. He looked very well fit and as if he weight lifted large boulders for fun.

He even had an AK-47 strapped to his back, a weapon that you never see these days, and it was in great condition. Looking at his face, the smile he held told him that he was friendly, but if you attacked a team mate he'd be your worst night mare. Brandon made a mental not, not to get on his bad side. And from the animal treats that he carried, he could tell that he was pine marten. Which was a very weary creature, by nature.

"What ya doin' standin' here all on yer own. Come on, I want ya to meet a few people." He said pushing him forward.

"What happened to turning me in to the authorities?"

"HA HAAAH! Nah, I saw ya help th' Commander with out a second though', an she seems impressed wit' you. Wit her, Firs' impressions are ver' important."

"I see..." He said as they got to the group.

"Yo Commanda,' why don' we give th' new guy our 'group welcome," He clapped Brandon on the back again. "Come on, tells us yer name an' where you come from." He finished, smiling at him.

"uhhm, my names Major, Brandon Melville, I transferred from the West Branch, yesterday." He finished, feeling some what unnerved at how they all stopped what they were doing and stared at him, almost as if he intruded in on the group.

After a moment of awkward silence Livi decided to break the ice. "Nice to properly meet you Major, Melville, my name is Major General, Livi Romayne, I'm the leader of this little rag-tag team, you may call me Commander." She held out her hand, he took it and shook it, nodding.

"So she really is the Commander they kept talking about." He thought to himself.

"We don't look it, but we're the most skilled out of all the Squads here in the bace, and the four branches."

"I can see that. Your Sergeant, tackled me so fast I didn't even know what hit me." He stated, looking at Tiara. "You said your name was Tiara, right?"

"Yep. I'm the fastest one on the team." She smiled as he shook her hand.

"And I'm sure you already met Second Lieutenant Grady Lochlainn." Livi motioned to the Irish man standing behind him.

"uh, you could say that..." He answered back, smiling sheepishly.

"Ah, we foun' this guy by the res'rooms, lookin' mighty lost." They all looked at him; some with looks that clearly said that they thought that was funny, but were trying to hide it. Thats when one of them piped up.

"You do realize that the restrooms for the soldiers are just down the hall, right?" asked a women, who looked to be in her 30's. She had long wavy, brown hair, and wore a red leather jacket with black skinny jeans, and a black tank top. She was still in her animal form; a fox, and she looked to have the attitude of a fox as well.

"Jamie, be nice, he's new," said another soldier, as he smirked at him, "besides I'd be glad to show him around tomorrow... If you'd be willing to let me skirt combat practice, with the jack rabbit, Cheetah over there." He finished pointing a thumb at Tiara, as he asked Livi.

"HEY... That was one time, OK! Gosh, do you have to bring up everything!" Tiara shot back. The other soldier was about to say something back, when Livi cleared her throat, getting every ones attention.

Satisfied with the reaction, she continued. "Sure Sal, but you'll have to make up for it later, I hope you didn't forget that Tiara doesn't take being picked on lightly." She finished with a smirk.

"How could I forget. I thought she was going to kill me last time... But you have to admit that was pretty funny, I mean she literally-" He was cut off by a growl coming from Tiara's direction, "... Ehhh, never mind..."

"Now that thats settled I'll introduce you to rest of the team." Interjected Livi, trying to get Tiara to calm herself. "This here, is Colonel, Joey Steels," she motioned to a burly man with a mullet. "He's in charge of the weapons distribution in the squad, he's the guy to go to when you need a weapon of any kind." He waved a hand in greeting, but didn't say anything. "He may look all big and scary, but he's the kindest man you'll ever meet." Then motioning to a small, petite girl next to Joey, she continued. "That there is Sergeant Major, Amira Fatín Steels, her, along with Tiara, are in charge of combat practice and training, her specialty is martial art. Which from what I've seen, you'll be in her sessions with in the week. She's married to Steels, so she's off limits." She nodded her head in an equally quiet greeting, Brandon nodded back. Livi was about to continue, but Sal interrupted her.

"Um, with all due respect, Commander, but its really late and some of us want to get some shut eye before another busy day." Every one looked at Livi waiting for a response, when she didn't say anything right away. Brandon could have sworn he felt the temperature drop several degrease, and the look she gave Sal matched. It was devoid of all emotions and Brandon was actually finding it heard to read her face, and it looked like Sal was ready to start pleading for mercy.

Thats when she smiled at him before she finally spoke, the icy temperature dissipating instantly. "You do have a point there Sergeant, and you just reminded me of an important matter I need to address," she turns to Brandon, "one of my subordinates can show you how to get back. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to be going." And with that she left.

Brandon watched her leave, he had noticed that her shoulders where stiff and that her mood had changed drastically. "Scratch Lochlainn, I don't think I want to even cross her path." He thought, making a mental note. As soon as she left the room, the sound of a resounding smack echoed through the room, jolting him out of his thoughts.

Turning, Brandon saw Sal messaging the back of his head and cringing. The man that had issued the slap stood about a foot and a halt taller then him, and looked mean. This guy was even taller then Locklainn, and looked powerful. The presence of wolf ears and a tail, testified to that, and the toothy snarl that issued from his mouth, definitely added to the effect.

"You have some nerve, interrupting the Commander like that, Morrone." he growled. "Do you have any clue what she has to deal with on a daily basic. She doesn't need to be reminded about how little sleep she gets, that was a stupid move."

"My bad Sir, I didn't know-"

"No, I suppose not, since your the one who sleeps more then the rest of us put together." He was about to issue another slap when Tiara stepped in front of him, barring him form Sal, and Lochlainn stopped his arm; slapping it away.

"Look here, boyo, jus' cause, yur her, right hand man, doesn't give ya the righ' ta issue punishment when ever some'un speaks outta turn." He stared at him in the face, daring him to make a move. Though this guy was taller then all of them, it was clear that Lochlainn had the upper hand in the muscle department. Brandon watched the other guy; as did everyone else, waiting for a reaction. The guy definitely meant business.

John stared at Lochlainn for a long moment before growling in frustration; yanking his arm away, he turned and left.

After a moment of silence, Brandon heard Tiara speak,"You alright, Sal?" said Tiara as she turned to him, a look of concern on her face.

"Yea, I'm fine, it was just a smack to the head, it's alright," he said brushing it off as nothing.

"I wonder if anything gets on his nerves..." wondered Brandon. "If that was me, I'd be pissed." That's when he felt a tap on his shoulder, turning to his right he found Amira at his side. He looked at her questioningly.

"If you'd follow me I can show you the way back to your room." She said in a soft voice and without getting a response she turned and started toward the door her commander had left. Catching up to her before she got to the door, he stopped for a moment to look back.

Seeing his glance she smiled, "They'll be fine, we take care of our own in this team."

"Well then what was with the other guy? He didn't seem to keen on being helpful." He said back, quirking and eye brow. She chuckled softly in amusement before answering. "John has a habit of seeing himself as the Commanders defender. He feels he must protect her title as a commanding officer."

"How long have they known each other?" He asked curious.

"Long before any of us really. Tiara's also known her longer, I guess. since Sal is the newest team member in our squad, John takes it upon himself to show him who the boss is." She sighed.

Brandon looked at her, she had a sad look about her, as if she wanted to help Sal but didn't know how to. Deciding to change the subject, he asked another question. "So how long have you known Joey?" She looked at him questioningly, "Uhh, not that I need to know, just curious... You two seem like you enjoy each other."

She smiled again; this time sweetly. "I've known him since we were kids and we've been through hell and back together since the beginning of the war... what's the number of your room...? We've bee walking for a bit." She said, changing the subject.

"Uhhm, room 127... 'I guess she doesn't want to talk about it..." He finished as a thought.

"I see. You room is just down the hall, it seems the General gave you the room that use to belong to and old friend of the Commander's-" She stopped short, not sure if she should go any further

"An old friend? Did they get transferred?" Asked Brandon; noticing the way she stopped short.

"I've said to much. If you want to know more about the Commanders life you must ask her yourself." She stopped walking; looking back at her, he realized they had arrived at his room. "Just don't be surprised if she refuses to tell you. Our team has secrets that we don't want the other's to know about. If that trust is betrayed, there could be dire consequences."

Looking at her, wide eyed, his mind begged the questions, "what secrets, and what kind of consequences..?" He suddenly felt like he had gotten in way over his head. Realizing that Amira was still there he smiled at her. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for showing me back to my room."

Amira bobbed her head and started to leave, when Brandon suddenly remembered something that would be very helpful in the future. "Um, wait.-" "Yes?" She answered back, looking at him. "Could you tell me where the bathrooms are... So i don't get lost again?" He asked sheepishly.

Smiling she pointed down the hall in the direction she was headed. "Down the hall on your right. Anything else?"

"No, thank you though." She nodded again and bit him good night, before leaving him alone in the hallway.

Opening the door, he entered his room, and looked around some what put out of sorts. He had met, possibly the weirdest group of soldiers that seemed too dysfunctional to work together properly, yet they managed. And to top it all off they're commanding officer looked to be his age; 19, much too young for such a high rank. It just seemed all to confusing. "I guess I'll just have to ask the General about them when I see him tomorrow, but for now I'll just sleep on it." He mumbled out loud to himself as he grabbed up his bible and placed in the bed stand next to his bed. He had been reading before he had to go find the bathroom.

Plopping down on the bed, he reached up and pulled the string to the lamp, plunging the room into complete darkness.

Unbeknownst to the two in the hall, Livi was still very much awake, and hearing the new guy asking about her, set her on her toes. She wasn't sure why she cared what Brandon thought of her, but some how she did. Laying still in her bed she listened in on their conversation.

"I see. You room is just down the hall, it seems the General gave you the room that use to belong to and old friend of the Commander's-" Then there was a pause, before she heard Brandon Speak. "An old friend? Did they get transferred?" Livi froze, holding her breath. "Would Fatín tell him?... No I made every one swear to me that they wouldn't unless I said otherwise." She thought wildly. Thats when she heard her speak again. "I've said to much. If you want to know more about the Commanders life you must ask her yourself." There was another pause, but it was enough for Livi to breath again. "So she's not going to tell him, ok good." She thought relieved.

Thats when she heard her continue. "Just don't be surprised if she refuses to tell you. Our team has secrets that we don't want the other's to know about. If that trust is betrayed, there could be dire consequences." Livi made a face at the ceiling from hearing that statement. "Great going Fatín, Now I'll have to tell him." Sighing in slight agitation she rolled over into her side, no longer interested in the conversation. But hearing Brandon's next statement only confirmed that the conversation was over anyway. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for showing me back to my room."

After that Livi drifted off into an unrestful sleep.

Well thats chapter 1, i hope you liked it. i want reviews to know how i did and if i need to fix anything. thank you for reading! ^.^