KI Prologue

It was the last day of boot, commencements and farewell parties we
already starting. I on the other hand was dreading my up and coming
assignment, I didn’t want to go into battle nor did I agree with the
war at hand. Never the less it was coming and I had no control over it.
I sat on my bunk packing what little belongs I had, my BDU’s, a picture
of my mom and a camera 27 exposure only 4 pictures taken. “Hey man
aren’t you gonna come out of there and party down with the rest of your
squad?” It was Hal Peterson 19 years old and itching to kill some
al-queda. “Come on man the rest of the squad is waiting”, I didn’t look
at him I just raised my head slightly and responded short “Not
interested”.

I was the outcast, I never really fit in nor did I
want to. The way I figured it half the people I met in boot would end
up going gun-ho and rushing into battle without thinking, most likely
ending up dead. I was a tech; I fixed things like weapons, computers,
observation equipment and such. I had no use for battle or shooting
people. “So are you coming or not?” Lost in my thoughts I had totally
forgotten that Hal was still standing there. “No thank you Hal.” I
responded “I think I will just turn in and call it a day.”

The morning sun broke into the barracks rousing me from my sleep, I
glanced around and saw that most of the men, soldiers were still
asleep. I got dressed and headed out to the courtyard, cup of coffee in
hand. The American flag was briskly blowing in the wind. A soldier in
full dress started walking my way, I knew that this was it, I was
getting my first assignment. “Lewis Stark?” The man said and I nodded.
“Lewis Stark you are to report to the runway for immediate reassignment
buy orders of General Fortwite himself”. Well this is unusual I thought
to myself. “Grab your rook soldier and follow me” with that the solder
turned and started toward the heli-pad. I did as the man asked and
grabbed my shit, I was annoyed now, and I didn’t even get to finish my
first cup of coffee.

At the runway a C130 cargo plane sat
prepped for take-off and general Fortwite himself was standing there
waiting for me. “Lewis nice to see you again, god look at you I
remember when you were just 10 years old playing soldier with your
father, god rest his soul.” I smiled a polite smile; you see general
Fortwite was my uncle. “I’m sorry for sending for you so early in the
morning but today you will be getting your first assignment.” A chill
ran through my very being. “I am sending you behind enemy lines son, to
Afghanistan.” I started to open my mouth in protest but he continued on
“You see there is a, well guess you could call them a black opps unit.
They could use your very unique talents”. A black opps unit, I knew at
this point the the old man had lost his mind. “You have to understand
something Lewis, the government doesn’t even know that this unit even
exists.” I nodded slightly and climbed aboard the C130. “The road will
be dangerous Lewis, look for a man they call Lucifer when you arrive.”

The C130 powered up and we were on our way, the the flight was very
uneventful and before I knew it we had landed in a large military
encampment. “This is were your grab your changeover flight” the pilot
chuckled. A Blackhawk stood in wait about 100 yard to the south.
“That’s your ride” the pilot said as he disembarked. I moved swiftly to
the Blackhawk and nodded to the pilot. “I guess you’re my ride” the
pilot a yourger man in his mid 20’s replied “sure am, you better hop on
I’m not waiting around this hell hole. Sand nothing but sand and small
villages for the rest of the flight. “Right over there the pilot stated
that’s your drop” It was a small desert encampment, the only buildings
to take note of were a small warehouse to the southern side of the
encampment and an instant pop up office to the north. There were
various tents strewn about the encampment, probably sleeping quarters
and stock tents. I hopped out of the helo and headed down to meet the
soldier standing in wait. “Lewis Stark reporting for duity” I flashed a
quick salute and continued. “I’m looking for a man they call Lucifer”
The soldier visibly shuddered and pointed to the southern warehouse. I
nodded and headed off. Soldiers were rushing about carrying supplies
and weapon stocks to various tents. I noticed that there was a huge
stockpile of crates and boxes outside the warehouse, sitting at the
door. The door was slightly opened and I started to peek in but before
I could get a good look inside the door swung open.

“What the
fuck do you want” The voice was short and very noticeably English. “I
will say again what the fuck do you want” I was a bit unnerved I
responded “I’m looking for a man they call Lucifer” The Englishman
nodded and opened the door “Well don’t just stand there get your arse
in here, I’ll take you to him” There were about ten soldiers inside
that I saw. Two men off to my left were polishing and sighting sniper
rifles, to the right there were three men watching me, they were
heavily armed with M249 Saw’s. Another was going over papers at a small
desk. There were three other men standing around what looked to be
orders arguing. One a smaller well built man another in a cowboy hat
and then there was a larger man arms as large as my thighs. The
Englishman nodded to the larger man as we approached “Oy Lucifer looks
like we got some fresh meat!” The Englishman chuckled, “This soldier is
looking for you.” I moved forward and gave a salute “PFC Lewis Stark
reporting for duity” He returned the salute and responded “At ease
soldier” his voice was deep and almost unnerving.

“I am
Lucifer, you must be the the new tech head that Fortwite sent me.” I
responded, “Sir Yes sir”. Well the let me introduce you to some of the
guys. He motioned to the two men standing next to him these two; he
pointed to the smaller soldiers Animal and Destination. I saluted both
of them in turn. “They are my right hand men take their words as if
they were my own” Those three over there” he motioned to the three with
the M249 Saw’s. “They are Cleppy, Evo and Jangokiller. They all nodded
almost in unison. “The two over there babying the rifles are Havoc and
MechaTrav.” They did not even turn to acknowledge me. “The squirrely
guy over there riffling through papers is ZaakHimself our intelligence
officer, and of course you already met our UK brother in arms Phil” The
Englishman nodded “Nice to meet you and stay out of my way!” Lucifer’s
voice boomed again, “This ragtag group of assholes make up part of what
the big wigs call KI, Killer Instinct and we are out for blood!”