I groaned as my alarm blared it's obnoxious sound beside me. I never really was a morning person, especially this early. After shutting my alarm off I quickly showered then did a simple makeup style, foundation, powder, eyebrows, and mascara. I tied my wet hair back into a tight bun, then pulled out my military wear out of it's bag and suited up. After putting my beret in it's proper placement, I placed my wallet in a suitcase pocket, as well as my phone charger. I checked the time on my phone, and smiled at my good timing. I would arrive at the airport early, which was perfect. I picked up my bags and left my apartment, locking the door behind me. I used the elevator to get to the main floor, then made my way to the parking garage, where my vehicle sat. I unlocked my Toyota Venza and placed my bags in the back seat before getting in the driver's seat. I pulled out my phone and plugged in the aux cord before grabbing my keys and starting my vehicle. I clicked my seat belt in place and turned my attention back to my phone, shooting William a text that I was just leaving the apartment, then choosing some music. Shrugging to myself, I clicked shuffle, then put the vehicle in reverse, pulling out of my parking stall and driving out of the parking garage, and making my way to the highway that would take me to the airport. I smiled as one of my many favourite songs began to play. Fake You Out by Twenty One Pilots. My fingertips drummed on the steering wheel to the beat as I drove on.

I smiled as I finally reached the Houston airport. I parked my vehicle, and hauled my bags out of the back seat before locking the Toyota. I made my way inside the airport and walked through the large crowds of people, searching for the private personal sign. I received many looks from people as I passed, and I quickly realized that it was because of my dress: military wear. At last, I found the sign, and I headed down the hall before reaching the end of the hall. Three men stood outside of the door, one of them I recognized instantly. At the sound of my approach, they all turned to face me.

"Hey! There she is!" William called, smiling.

I greeted him, and he politely took one of my bags, lessening the load. "It's good to see you, Major. You look the same as ever,"

He chuckled. "Thanks, I guess. Captain, let me introduce you to a close partner of mine, Robert Epps, Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and General Morshower,"

I shook both of the men's hands with my free one. "It's an honor to meet you both. As I'm sure you already know, I am Captain Maria Roskowick, also a psychological operations officer with the Special Forces,"

Robert's eyes widened, impressed, while the General simply nodded once. "If everyone is ready, I think it best to head out now,"

"Yes, Sir," I said formally, letting everyone know that I was ready to go. Robert held the door open for us all, and Will followed me through the door and down a set of hallways, and outside, to where a private jet waited for us. A staff member of the private jet took my bags, but I didn't have the opportunity to watch where they were taken. Will led me up the steep stairs and onto the jet, where we walked to the very back. The interior of the plane was quite fancy, it was nothing I had ever seen before, at least in real life. Movies didn't count. General Morshower sat down in one of the leather chairs, and the rest of us sat around him.

"Well, Captain Roskowick, I was hoping to conduct your interview on our way to base, rather than wait until we got there. Is that alright with you?" The General asked me.

"Yes, Sir." I replied.

Will handed him a file, and General Morshower opened it, skimming through the contents before smiling. "I can see you have quite some training, Captain. Can you tell me why you entered the field of psychology?"

"Quite honestly it was something I always held interest in. Once I started studying it, I quickly realized my passion for the field, and I wanted to use it in correspondence with my military training,"

He nodded and snapped the folder shut. "On paper it seems that you have all the needed qualifications. Your missions list is long and detailed, obviously you're a hard worker, dedicated to your task. That's something we'll always need."

"Thank you, Sir."

"What have you been told in regards to this operation?" He asked.

I glanced at Will before answering. "Not a whole lot, Sir. I was told that all information involving the operation is highly classified."

He nodded, satisfied. "Good. It's imperative that you understand that, Captain. This operation is extremely important for the safety of our world, and to keep that safety, the information must not be discussed to anyone outside of the operation, is that understood?"

"Of course, General, I understand perfectly."

"Can you tell my why you chose to participate in this operation? Other than, of course, that you would be working beside Major Lennox, here," He asked.

"I suppose that after hearing about how important this operation is, I wanted to become apart of it. I think that by joining this operation it will allow for me to expand my expertise and gain more experience in the field, as both a psychologist and Special Forces officer,"

He nodded a couple times before saying: "Very well. Well it seems that you meet all of my qualifications just by talking with you. However I am sure you are aware that there is a physical component for your complete evaluation,"

"I am, yes,"

"And how do you feel about that, exactly? Do you believe that you'll be able to manage?"

"With all due respect, General, I have no doubts in my capabilities, and therefore I am quite confident in my abilities as a soldier." I replied, an eyebrow raised.

"I certainly admire your confidence, Captain. Make sure you don't lose it,"

"Thank you, sir."

A staff member of the plane made her way to us. "The plane will be landing shortly,"

"Thank you," General Morshower replied. He handed Will the folder, who placed it in a bag. I smiled and glanced out the window, admiring the view while I could. The clouds were fluffy, but spread out enough so I could see the ground beneath us. I always had loved looking out the windows of airplanes. It was a totally new perspective from this far up in the air.

"Beautiful, ain't it?" Robert Epps said from behind me, peering over my shoulder and out the window.

I nodded. "Yes, it is,"

He smiled kindly and leaned back in his seat, striking up a conversation with Will, who sat across from him. Soon enough, an announcement was made to inform us that we were to be landing soon. We all buckled our seatbelts and waited patiently for the plane to land and come to a complete stop. When we were allowed to exit, we left through the same door we originally entered. Once my feet were on solid ground, I was handed my bags.

"I can take you to your barracks. You can put your bags there for now." Will said to me.

I gestured for him to lead the way, and as he led me forward, I took in my surroundings as much as I possibly could, trying to quickly place the halls and doors to memory. Eventually Will came to a stop outside the a door labelled barracks, and opened the door for me. I entered a long hallway with doors on each side, white numbers painted above each of the doors.

William stopped at a door labelled 17. "Well here we are,"

"Am I roomed with anyone else?"

"No, and I don't think you ever will be while you're here. Perks of knowing me," He winked.

I laughed. "Or perks of being Captain,"

"Well, that too," he said as I entered my new room. The walls and floor were gray, nothing spectacular, but not disappointing in the least. The bed was made neatly with all white sheets, blankets and pillows. A wooden nightstand stood next to it with a single lamp placed on the left corner. I set my bags down on the bed, then met Will outside of my room. "I'll take you to where your training will take place. I think you'll be put with a group of other training soldiers, but that depends,"

"Alright. As long as it gets done, I don't have a problem. How long did you have to train for?"

He chuckled. "You're gonna hate me, but I didn't have to train. I was one of the people that created this operation in the first place. This whole thing is like, 70% my baby,"

"70%, huh?" I asked, laughing.

"Hey, don't make fun. You'll be jealous of that number once you start really working here. I think you'll love it,"

"I'm sure you're right. I can usually adapt to a new situation fairly quickly. In other words, I've mentally prepared myself for what you've got planned to throw at me once I'm trustworthy,"

He chuckled. "Well I hope what you're saying is true, 'cause it might take a lot of mental preparation for what's coming your way."

I raised an eyebrow in question. "That big of a deal, huh?"

"Trust me. You have no idea,"