Nighttime, April 16, 1986 CE
Secret ballistic missile launch site somewhere over Liberty County, Montana, United States of America...
A US Army soldier, Private Daniel Areus, walked slowly on patrol at the perimeter of his base. As he finally finished the last sweep of his sector of the fence, he returned back to his barracks.
"Quiet night, huh?" His comrade, Corporal Eric Bruse greeted casually, looking up from the newspaper he was reading. "I guess it's time for my shift."
"Quiet, huh?" Daniel grunted. "Now that I think about it… haven't heard the usual frogs and stuff…"
"No, not that," Eric scoffed dismissively. "Can't believe it's all peaceful here when our boys are risking their lives overseas." He waved the newspaper, which featured an article about the US military's bombings of Libya the day before. "Word is two poor airmen are still missing after their plane went missing. Can't imagine how their families must be feeling. Doesn't feel fair we get to live so peacefully at home."
"Well, it's that peace they're fighting for, right?" Daniel shrugged. "Besides, our job is important too. Who knows when the Soviets might drop out of the sky right here, Red Dawn-style?"
"You've watched too many film, Private."
"Perhaps. But, Corporal?"
"Yes?"
"What about your shift?"
"Oh, right!"
As the Corporal stood up, there was a sudden flash of light in the distance. Seconds later, a loud, sharp crack filled the air like a burst of thunder.
"What- the hell was that?" Daniel exclaimed. "Was that a bomb?!"
"Looks like it came from that patch of woods over there," Eric pointed. "Maybe a lighting strike?"
"Yeah... or maybe a crash?"
"Either way, the trees could be on fire soon," Eric pressed his radio. "We need to call for backup."
Neither realized they had just witnessed something whose far-reaching consequences would change the fate of the world forever, nor the bloodshed that was to come.