Behind the Glass

Chapter 1: Assignment

***here you go guys. chapter 1. thanks you for reading our story. leave comments and suggestions. I'd love to hear your thoughts. :)***

   "Don't panic...don't panic...don't panic." I whispered, trying to concentrate on the hum of the transport engine. I knew I would have trouble with this mission before I started, but chief didn't give me much of a choice.

I had been assigned to C.E.S 005 immediately after my seventeenth birthday.  Cave Extermination Squads went deep into the mountain caves and cleared all life forms before the Renovators moved in. Nobody liked the Rens. And they didn't like anybody. We all learned the hard way not to interfere with their work. I can still feel the burns.... 

"Céline! Quit your day dreaming and get going!" Chief's gruff voice cut through my thoughts, causing me to jerk.

"Yes ma'am." The four hour ride seemed like it was four minutes. There was no going back now. I turned toward the door of the transport, my gut twisting. Putting on my P.A.R, I grabbed the handle and emerged into the barren wasteland that is planet Earth.  Without my personal air regulator generating oxygen for me, I would be dead in minutes.

My objective was about thirty meters from where the transport stopped. The rest of the squad was already at the cave entrance, waiting for me. I took in a shaky breath. This is your moment Céline.

            "Soldier!" Chief called over the noise of the transport. I turned on my heel, at full attention.

             "Yes ma'am?" I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking.

              "Good luck." She half grinned, saluting me.

Saluting back, I smiled, nodded, and headed over to my platoon.

As I approached, I was shot with dirty looks from some of the other privates. There were two girls, twins by the looks of them. They had golden blonde hair pulled back in military buns. Their small frames looked easy to snap like a pencil, and their large blue eyes and perfect faces showed no kindness. I could tell they had rich parents by how clean and proper they looked. Then there was a boy. The only one who wasn't glaring at me. He was tall, probably 6'0". He watched me with odd sand colored eyes that held a certain curiosity. Those eyes were strangely familiar, but I couldn't place them.   Lt. Zarana Brims, the commander of our platoon, approached me. She was massive. 6'2" of pure muscle and bad attitude. 

      "You're late Miss Dawson. Not a great first impression." She scolded, crushing me with her scrutinizing amber stare.

      "Apologies Lieutenant... I have no excuse." I said timidly, not making eye contact.

She huffed, spun on her heel, and headed back to the cave entrance, ready to give orders.  All four of us Privates lined up and followed.

"Dawson, you will be partnered with Private Newman. Get acquainted and be ready in five minutes."

The boy stepped forward and approached me. Newman...that name. I know it, but from where?

"Alright.. I don't do the sentimental bull crap. I'm Private Newman, but you can call me Storm, and you are...Cindy right?"

His voice was laced with a faint Scottish accent. Where do I know him from. "Céline." I said smirking. "Nice to meet you too."

              "Alright. We settled that, now-" he said clapping once. "Ready to dive into a claustrophobic hell hole and kill who knows what?"

He had a sense of humor at least.

              "Well, its not like I can say no. Uh, do I know you from somewhere?" I finally asked. He stopped and looked me up and down.