Chapter Three: Dissension
Near Temporary Covert Operations Outpost - New Mexico Desert (Sector 3327)
=== 42 minutes after Black Operations Evac ===
Trenton could see the lights around the landing pads clearly now. From his vantage point inside the helicopter, he estimated they were but five minutes away. Some of the other men were becoming nervous, their uneasy faces illuminated by the red interior lights.
"Sir, what the hell is this?" one of the men in black asked Trenton.
"We're regrouping for another assignment," Trenton heard himself mutter.
"Fuck no man!" yelled a particularly angry soldier, by the name of Evans. "We barely pulled our asses out of Black Mesa, and now we're already on another mission?"
The squad's discord slowly grew. Their bickering concerned a range of things, from the men in charge, to the lack of sleep, and the lack of preparation.
"If you're supposed to be professionals, act like it." Trenton said in a calm, but very serious tone. Trenton sympathized with the other men, but he could not let himself, or any other man, lose perspective, or control.
Everyone's face froze, and only mere mumblings of discontent could be heard afterwards.
The sand was swept into the air in large circular patterns as the three helicopters made their final descent. Trenton felt the helicopter touch down on the soft desert sand, and motioned for his squad to grab their gear and exit. Trenton climbed out of the helicopter last, holding his mask in one hand and his rifle in the other. Climbing out, he slowly made his way toward the center of camp.
From the looks of things, base camp was made up of fourteen tents and five hummers. The base itself was lit by only three huge florescent lights hung up on poles around the camp. Armed guards could be seen walking all around the sandy ground of the camp. Trenton's attention was immediately drawn to an older looking man walking briskly across the camp. Even though the sun had set only minutes ago, he still recognized the only man who knew what was going on, Commander John Ryan.
The commander made his way to the center of the camp, and with a loud "Attention!" addressed the less than thirty men.
"Put your gear in those two tents over to your left," he pointed, and proceeded to shout, "rations are in those four tents to your right, if you need sleep, any available tents are yours. Eat, get rested, and report back here in one hour."
A few men replied, "Yes sir", but most simply nodded and proceeded towards the tents. Trenton approached the commander and saluted, Commander Ryan did the same.
"Alright Trenton, put up your gear and meet me in my tent in five minutes."
"Yes sir." Trenton said, "What's this all about?"
"Just meet me in five minutes," the Commander said, shaking his head and walking away as briskly as before.