A.N.: This Chpater was written by my good friend and fellow author Fourth Remnant - read some of her stories they are good!

Thanks to all who read this story and remember - reviews are the life blood of an author(s), just remember that any and all flames will be used to keep us warm in the snow we are getting.

Chapter 2

Hailstorm. Riley 'Hailstorm' Haile (Silent 'e'). That's what they call me now. I wasn't always called that you know. There was a time when I was innocent. Hard to believe isn't it? Let's start at the beginning so you get the full picture…

I was born in Michigan, you know, the Lady of the Lake. Yeah, I practically grew up around the army… Sorta figures, that's how I ended up in the National Service…You probably expected that didn't you? Any way, back to my wonderful place of birth…I grew up in a pretty average family, you know, a mom, a dad and two kids…Except we weren't a happy family forever...

You see, when I was twelve me and my family were involved in a car accident. Mom and dad died on impact and my brother and I were taken to the ICU. He died a little while later…I still miss him. I am the only survivor from that accident, the bastard that hit us died as well. Well, with no parents or any other family members to turn to, I was sent to live with my aunt, uncle and their daughter, Sarah Williams.

I love them. They are my family now but I'll never forget my parents. It's not like I can either. According to my aunt and uncle, I have my mother's raven hair, her bubbly personality and her tendency to be a bit hyper. My grey eyes, height (6 foot even) and (rare) seriousness are all inherited from my father. It's a nice mix isn't it? Heh, did I tell you I also happen to have a temper? Going back on what I've told you, I can truthfully say that I've been desensitized to death, destruction and the like.

I graduated from college as one of the best, loved Chemistry - the blowing things up part. Made a few friends, dated a few guys until I saw the notice. The National Guard was looking for recruits and I just so happened to see the notice on the bulletin board. I signed up immediately. I was looking for adventure in my life and joining the National Guard was the perfect way to get some.

I trained as an Army Sniper for two years before being sent to Iraq. That's where I met my soon to be brother-in-law. William Lennox, more affectionately known as Will. We were both rookies so we got along well. I thought of him as the big brother I wish I still had. He saw a picture of Sarah in my wallet one day and wanted to know who she was. I answered truthfully and told him that she was my cousin, and that she was still single if he was interested (Ha, gotta love playing matchmaker). He seemed to be thinking the same thing I was, he needs to get to know my lovely Sarah.

And thus they met. We spent another 8 years posted in Iraq, going home occasionally. Sarah and Will got married and now they have a lovely daughter, little Annabelle Lennox. As for my love life, I've dated, been proposed to, engaged and almost married until that bastard cheated on me. He was a pilot in the army and I loved him a lot. But I think I can do better.

I've spent years honing my skills and am now one of the best they have. That's why I quit and joined the Reserves. Will is now part of the newest section of the army called NEST (whatever that stands for - no-one knows here). Apparently they deal with nuclear emergencies so I don't get to see him much. I've been posted at Camp Grayling Army National Guard Base and now spend most of my time with rookies over there.

I didn't get as much adventure as I'd hoped for. Little did I know that my entire life was about to be turned upside down…