RavynCrow
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Preview The Scarlett Soldier
🕑 Added 2023-08-10 20:53:39 +0000 UTCThis is the first chapter of The Scarlett Soldier a story I've been working on for a while I plan to start releasing it next week
Chapter 1: The Call
The low hum of fluorescent lighting filled the room, casting a harsh glare over the solid oak desk, laden with various papers and memorabilia, marking decades of military service. At the head of the desk, General Patton held a manila folder, its contents spelling out a remarkable military career. Across from him sat the owner of that file, Captain Mike 'Rhino' Ryan, a man as physically imposing as his military record.
"Captain Mike 'Rhino' Ryan," General Patton began, his voice echoing with a distinct air of gravitas, "Born and raised amidst the lush green landscapes and rugged terrains of Arkansas, a place known for producing resilient souls. Recipient of the coveted Purple Heart, lauded with the esteemed Navy Cross, and a myriad of commendations that portray a picture of valor and courage that's hard to match."
The words hung in the air like a solemn hymn, painting a picture of a man whose life was deeply intertwined with his country's service. Rhino, a nickname bestowed by his comrades, reflected his bulldozing determination and unyielding strength, perfectly echoing his solid frame and the brawny build that filled out his uniform.
Despite the glowing record and the general's praises, Rhino sat in silent stoicism. His granite-like features were carved in a mask of focused intent, his steel-blue eyes piercing, betraying nothing of his thoughts or the mounting curiosity under his hardened exterior.
General Patton leaned back in his weathered leather chair, his fingers interlacing over his chest. The silence was punctuated only by the ticking of the military-grade clock on the wall, its hands inching towards a moment that would change Rhino's life forever. "Rhino," he finally broke the silence, "You're a damned fine soldier. One of the best we've ever had. But what I'm about to propose is... unconventional."
That got Rhino's attention. His bushy brows twitched, furrowing into a frown that etched deeper lines on his weather-beaten face. Unconventional? In his tenure, he had seen it all - covert operations, rescue missions, battles against insurmountable odds - what could possibly fall outside his purview?
“It's a deep-cover espionage mission. You're the best candidate because, well, you have no personal attachments," the general continued, his gaze steady. "No wife, no kids, parents deceased, no siblings. Your solitude, though unfortunate, is an asset in this mission. It's an unpalatable fact, Rhino, but it's the truth."
The words hit Rhino like a punch to the gut, a bitter reminder of his solitude. He had always considered his loneliness a strategic advantage, never allowing personal ties to distract him from his service. Now, it was the sole reason he was sitting across from the general, on the brink of a mission unlike any other. His response was a curt nod, urging the general to get to the point.
"We have a mole," Patton’s voice took on a graver tone, the room growing colder at the revelation, "There's classified information leaking out of our ranks. We believe it's coming from inside, from our training camps for fresh recruits. Someone's grooming these recruits for espionage."
Rhino stiffened. A traitor within their ranks was an extreme liability, a threat to national security that needed to be addressed urgently. He understood why he was here, but there was still one question lingering in his mind: why was this mission so unconventional?
"The suspect's connection seems to be predominantly with female recruits," Patton stated, carefully watching Rhino's reaction.
The air in the room turned heavy. A sinking realization began to dawn on Rhino. But it was so absurd, so unimaginable, that he had trouble wrapping his mind around it.
"You can't be serious, General," Rhino rasped, his deep voice almost a whisper. But the general's stern expression didn't waver, didn't offer the reassurance he was desperately seeking.
"Deadly serious, Ryan. We need you to go undercover. As a woman."
The world seemed to lurch beneath Rhino. He was a soldier, built like a brute force, a mammoth on the battlefield. And they wanted him to become a woman? A fresh recruit? It seemed like a bizarre, ludicrous plan.
"But why can't we send an actual woman?" Rhino asked, desperately trying to comprehend the radical strategy laid out in front of him.
"The mole has been successful in spotting our undercover agents. They seem to have a sophisticated system or a connection high up, who's alerting them about new deployments. We need someone completely new, someone they wouldn't expect," the general explained.
"We have a cutting-edge procedure ready for you. Once you accept this mission, Mike Ryan would cease to exist. You'll start a new life, as a female recruit."
The silence that followed was deafening. Rhino found himself in the eye of a storm, a whirlwind of thoughts churning his mind. This was far beyond anything he had ever anticipated. But if his country needed him to undertake this colossal change, could he refuse?
"Alright, General," Rhino's voice finally broke the silence, hoarse with trepidation and an odd sense of resolution, "Let's do it."
A nod of approval from the general followed, relief flooding his weathered features. Rhino had accepted the call, albeit obliviously, not fully aware of the magnitude of transformation this mission was about to bring about.
Coming soon
