Chapter 1: Introduction
The diesel fumes of the open-topped transport vehicle had long since faded behind the retreating convoy, leaving only the crisp scent of pine and the faint metallic tang of gun oil lingering in the mountain air. Liz adjusted the strap of her M14 across her chest, the weight of the rifle familiar and reassuring against her back. The OD green uniform clung just slightly to her curves, the loose coat swaying with each step as she strode toward the main SOG base. Her long black hair was tied back in a tight braid, a few strands escaping to frame her sharp features.
“welcome home” Liz said quietly to herself as they approached the entrance of the main SOG base.
The base itself was a sprawling complex nestled between dense forests and jagged peaks, a fortress of order in the chaos of the wilderness.
the gates stood open, flanked by weathered concrete barriers and armed sentries—though their rifles were casually slung, not yet raised in alarm.
The sound of boots on gravel, the metallic clink of gear, the distant hum of generators—it all blended into the rhythm of the base, a heartbeat of discipline and purpose.
Liz adjusted her patrol cap, the brim casting a shadow over her dark, piercing eyes.
She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze locking onto Jager, who walked just a step behind her. He wasn’t a SOG like her especially since his uniform and gear screamed ‘REG’ or regular infantry grunt but she found him to be very reliable compared to most and he show unique potential for a REG soldier. His cold blue eyes scanned the perimeter with the same sharp focus she did, but there was a quiet warmth to his expression when he caught her looking back at him. His M16 with the M203 grenade launcher slung beneath the barrel rested easily slung on his back, the weapon’s bulk contrasting with his lean frame.
“Relax, if anyone gives you grief for being an outsider amongst are ranks they will answer for it” Liz said with a smirk, her voice carrying just enough edge to suggest she meant it.
Jager exhaled through his nose, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “I’m not worried about some SOG grunt’s ego. I just don’t want you getting in trouble for bringing me along.” His voice was calm, but there was a thread of something unspoken beneath it—something that made Liz’s pulse quicken just a little.
She rolled her shoulders, the harness straps shifting against her skin. “You’re not some random REG. You’ve got skills.
More than most of the SOG recruits I’ve seen,” Liz said, her voice carrying a hint of approval. She slowed her pace slightly, letting Jager catch up to walk beside her. The gravel crunched under their boots as they approached the main barracks, where the scent of coffee and gun oil hung thick in the air.
Jager glanced at Liz, his cold blue eyes flickering with something unreadable. "That’s because I had a good teacher” he said Liz nudged him lightly with her elbow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Dummy" she responded coyly her voice playful but there was something else there too, a quiet acknowledgment of the bond between them.
Liz suddenly stopped in her tracks Jager quickly did they same
, his eyes narrowing slightly as he scanned their surroundings instinctively.
Just before them they see the fighting ring area of the SOG base, it was an open space of packed earth and worn-out canvas mats, surrounded by a low barrier of sandbags.
the ring itself was marked by a circle of chalk that had long since been trodden into the dirt.
It was a place of both discipline and release, where soldiers burned off tension after missions or settled disputes with fists instead of words.
Commandant Ryner stood near the edge of the ring, his hands clasped behind his back, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp.
His white hair was cropped short, his face lined with years of battle and wisdom, but his eyes still held the brightness of a man who had never lost his curiosity.
A faint scar ran along his jawline, a souvenir from some long-ago skirmish, but it only added to the aura of quiet authority that surrounded him.
“Alright that’s enough for today boys go and wash up” Ryner’s voice cut through the air like a blade, his tone warm but firm.
Liz and Jager exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.
Liz stepped forward, her boots kicking up small clouds of dust as she approached the commandant. “Commandant Ryner” she greeted, her voice respectful but carrying the easy familiarity of someone who had spent years under his guidance.
Ryner turned to face her, his sharp eyes taking in her uniform, her gear, the way she carried herself. A slow smile spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Liz,” he said, his voice rich with affection like a father proud of his daughter. “You look like you’ve been wrestling bears again.”
Liz grinned, the tension in her shoulders easing at the familiar tone. “Only metaphorically, Commandant. Though Jager here keeps trying to convince me he’s tougher than he looks.”
Jager stiffened slightly at the comment but didn’t protest, standing with the easy discipline of a soldier well-acquainted with Ryner’s sharp wit. The old man’s gaze flicked toward him, appraising.
“Ah,” Ryner said, his voice taking on a tone that was both amused and probing. “The young recruit from the regulars. You’ve got good eyes, Liz. He’s got potential —more than most,” Ryner said, stepping closer, his gaze lingering on Jager with the same quiet intensity Liz had come to recognize over the years. The old commandant’s presence was always a mix of warmth and sharp observation, like sunlight through a magnifying glass's