Chapter 14

He had been standing like this for a while now. His mind turned itself into an enemy every moment he spent here. He kept seeing that boy's body on the ground.

"Private Vincent, the Major will see you now" he heard a voice behind him. Turning around he saw a young soldier standing in front of him, this was an Original, and for a moment Vincent wondered why he would choose to join the Army.

Thinking of himself, he let out a small chuckle. When he first joined, it was for excitement, after all, it was a game. If he was going to play, of course, he'd participate in all the fun activities.

Nodding, he straightened himself and walked into the small office not forgetting to offer a military salute and stand at attention awaiting orders.

"At ease" the order came from the Major. A white haired man who to Vincent's surprise was a ... Player!

Keeping his thoughts to himself, he held his hands behind him above his bottom and spread his feet, taking a relaxed but proper stance.

"You did a good job today son. Saving that boy's life" the Major started. Efficiency was indoctrinated into the military, a High Ranking Officer would not leave a soldier standing before him simply to assert dominance. Only civilians had that luxury.

"The Boy is not a Serlant Citizen but the runaway son of General Henz. The boy will be fine, he was just discharged today and an escort will be taking him back. I would like to reassign you to be part of that escort. This is not an order, the choice is yours, if you would prefer to stay with your friends and finish your training after, that will be respected." The Major looked up at him and adjusted his glasses.

Vincent had a surprised expression on his face still baffled. He saved the boy's life? How?

"If you need some time to decide..."

"No Sir, I'll like to be reassigned" Vincent quickly replied. He knew he was getting a shortcut to completing his military training and he would be a fool not to take it.

If only he knew...

"Private Vincent, this assignment will be more dangerous than your last. There are some things you have no clearance to know but for the sake of this decision you have to make, I'll tell you. The attack on your Team was a cover for an assassination. It was perpetrated by Originals who long before the Players' arrival had been trying to instigate a war between Serlant and Nahima. Now if you are sure about your decision, report here at 0100 Hours. Dismissed"

While startled by the change in the Major's hospitality, Vincent remembered to salute before leaving the office.

Life Online was more than he bargained for but his expression was squeezed in determination. He was tired of hearing his friends talk and laugh about their adventures in other games, adventures he could not be a part of because of his lack of understanding of game mechanics. Life Online had no game mechanics, it was basically life as a game. And while he could hardly learn theory, he was a fast learner with practical things. And the military was all about practice and actions. This was his opportunity for adventure and he was going to take it.

Private Vincent was still taking Life Online as a game. Partly because he did not recognize the major he just saw as a bonafide military personnel in the real world and partly because he was only a young boy who had no interest in the depths of matters and so night came and found Vincent with a new Team in the Major's office.

"Staff Sergeant, this is the new addition to your squad Private Vincent" the Major introduced with a glint in his eyes that Vincent was oblivious to.

The Staff Sergeant, a female Original glanced at him with a complicated expression on her face. Offering a curt nod, she returned her attention to the Major.

Feeling a little out of place because of the introduction, Vincent stiffened where he stood.

"The boy you are protecting is a fool but what he represents is all that matters. His name is James Nahima of his mother's Royal blood, so expect some pride and stubbornness. His father is a nutjob himself so you can understand the situation. Your Captain will brief you on the details of your mission but know this! A lot of hanging on this mission, the boy must be led into Nahima safely, nothing can happen to him within our borders, am I clear?"

"Yes Sir!" the soldiers resounded, they lacked the determined and excited scream of fresh boots. That was instead replaced by a solemn firmness and dull confidence. These were experienced soldiers without a doubt.

"God be with you," the Major said with a seriousness that made Vincent begin to reconsider his willingness to join in.

The Squad consisted of fifteen soldiers with Vincent making them one more. The Staff Sergeant, their Commanding Officer was a slender but muscular woman. Being a hormonal teenager, Vincent couldn't help but steal glances at her behind as they walked through the corridor. Fortunately, the discipline from his training was not lost on him.

At the gate of the Base were four Humvees. Seeing them in person made Vincent reel at their majesty. He couldn't help but subconsciously stand straighter and hold his weapon more firmly.

"The Subject will be in the second vehicle with his two armed guards and two of ours, Sergeant Omar and Brute you go with them. Fresh Boots you're with me, we take lead." The Staff Sergeant ordered her tone commanding obedience.

"Staff Sergeant" one of the soldiers called hurriedly.

"You have your orders Soldier!" she growled in response.

Not knowing what the whole interaction was about, Vincent followed into the Humvee. It wasn't his first time in one, but it was his first time combat-ready in a Humvee which made him very nervous despite having broken his boot at the checkpoint.

"We'll be picking up the Package from your previous post. We don't expect any hostiles until then but keep your eyes open. I hear you saved his life?" the Staff Sergeant addressed him.

Vincent could only nod skeptically.

"Good, he will be under your direct care. Your responsibility will be to make sure that his requests are considered and met if reasonable and uncompromising of the escort or his safety. At the same time, make sure he stays put, I hear he's quick on his feet."

Vincent listened intently as she spoke and nodded when she finished.

"There's no need to be nervous, keep your eyes down stay level" she encouraged.

Knowing it was her responsibility to keep his spirit up made Vincent ignore her efforts but he did try to project some calm.

The Vehicle came to life and started with a gentle crawl till eventually it was speeding through the streets.

Vincent was in his head the whole ride and soon they were at Gliding City Checkpoint. Seeing the mood at the checkpoint, Vincent confirmed once again how dire the situation was. Unfortunately, it was too late to back out and even if it wasn't, within his nervousness was a burning excitement and determination.