If anybody is reading this... huh... Didn't expect that to happen. Enjoy
Chapter 1
I had just got to the top of the mountain, as part of my daily hike, and found my usual resting stop next to the cliff. This was my favorite way to stop, relax, and ponder about what I needed to do next with this chapter in my life. I didn't have to decide anything right away since I had enough funds to last a few years, but I needed a plan. Nothing lasts as long as you want it to, but I did take some time to just close my eyes and listen to the wind as the sun warmed my skin.
Everything seemed simpler up here with hardly a soul around, but life always finds a way to ruin your personal peace. The sound of heavy footsteps and even heavier breathing started to register to my ears. I sighed knowing from experience that I would have to at least acknowledge the other person when they got to me or the more likely scenario would be an ill-suited person collapsing in front of me with heat stroke. The heavy panting and slow footsteps got closer and closer as I saw a very sweaty, red faced man dressed in a full black suit complete with dress shoes and tie. His pace slowed to a stop as he reached the top, hunching over with exhaustion. "Oh thank god…" he gasped out with a quick look at me. "A-a-are you…" His voice fails him as he falls on his butt. "Private… Marshall?" Words coming out in between breaths of air.
I go to my bag and dig out a spare bottle of water and toss it to the man. "It's just Debra now." I grab my own bottle and take a small sip. The man however drinks half of the bottle in just a few swallows and pours the rest over his head. I am a little concerned for his well being, but his face's color is starting to return to a more pink hue. "Are you going to live?" I ask with a slight hint of amusement. He just responds with a thumbs up while closing his eyes and taking deeper breaths.
We stay like that for a few moments til he speaks again. "Thank you for that Pri-" He catches himself. "Ms. Marshall. I thought I might have passed out." He stands up and straightens out his suit. "I have come up here to see how you are doing."
I just look at him with annoyance. "You didn't hike all the way up here for such a simple question. What do you really want?"
"Fair enough." The man laughed. "I am here to see if you are happy with your life after your "retirement" from the US army."
"Oh yes!" It was my turn to laugh. "Being forced out of the military after 5 years of loyal and dedicated service due to a butt hurt general and a few scratches was my top accomplishment next to binging 5 seasons of Grey's Anatomy last week."
"Ah yes…" He cracks a smile. "Time is something you have had a lot of, but I was hoping to take some of that free time to help our small organization. With talents such as yours, it would be a waste not to use them"
I gave him a questioning look. "And why would I join your little group of which I have no name, purpose, or values?" This was not the first time someone had approached me to use my name to sell a cheap product or service. Some of them would even give me the honor of being a spokeswoman wearing close to nothing.
"I can understand your hesitation." He reached into his suit and produced a card. "We do pride ourselves in staying out of the spotlight as much as possible." Handing me a matte black card, he continues his salesman speech. "The HC PMC is excited to see your abilities on and off the field."
A private military company wanted to scout me. It was the first time since my release to civilian life, but I had questions. "Why me and why now?" I ask as I study the card. My question was simple, but posed great weight. The card was simple with HC PMC in white lettering on the front and a blank background.
"We have to do a very extensive background and personality check before we look into any jobs that may be suited to them. That is also why we are needing you now as an urgent assignment has come in and your skills would be extremely valuable to us. I know it is very sudden, but time is of the essence." The man is beginning to sweat from the heat but from the unsure nature of our conversation."Do you accept?" He sticks a hand out to shake.
I just look at his hand for a second. "If I accept to go with you, I want the option to leave at any moment without repercussions."
His face lights up. "I can guarantee that Ms. Marshall." I groan internally, but grab and shake his hand. I knew that this was a very fast decision that could end my life, but I was too curious about everything and I had nothing else to do. "Great!" He said with excitement as he lifted a radio to his mouth. "Luna do you copy?, over" A response came back, but it was too garbled to understand. "We have 2 to pick up ASAP, over and out."
As he put away his radio, I grabbed my hiking gear and fixed my hair into a tight bun. A fast pickup would have to be by helicopter to our location and soon enough I heard the sounds of rotor blades slicing through the air. This PMC must have money if they can afford to send a helicopter for just 2 people. It soon came into view and I was prepared for anything until I saw the symbols for the Autobots and Decepticons on the nose of the craft. As it landed nearby the man presented the way to the doors. "Welcome to the Human Cybertronian PMC. It is a pleasure to have you with us."
