The Beast Within (Book One of the Changes Series)

-Killian’s POV-

It was two hours before go-time, and luckily I had the elevator all to myself. A few more quiet moments before a mission were always a welcomed bonus. I watched as the elevator stopped one floor before my destination. I was half expecting to see Hardaway or Dr. Chaplin when the doors opened. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with either of them at the moment. I kept my eyes on the numbers above the elevator’s entrance.

“Hey Killian, are you on your way to the armory?”

My eyes fell on McPherson’s overly chipper face. This seemed strange, especially since he was convinced the major was out to put his dick in a vice only hours ago. So what had changed?

“Yeah, I am, and you?”

He winked, “Right behind ya, man.”

“So why were you on the officer’s floor? Did you get lost?” I asked as we exited the elevator.

“Nope, I’m right where I need to be.”

There was movement all around us. McPherson’s eyes seemed as if they might pop out of his head as he watched the scene unfold. The Osprey was being gassed up while all the equipment found its spot in the aircraft. I held the rest of my questions. With all the sounds echoing off the walls, I was sure he wouldn’t be able to hear me anyway.

The intensity of the noise was muffled once the door shut behind us. I noticed McPherson’s sunny disposition only got sunnier after reaching the soldier stationed at the exchange counter.

“Mission ‘Wolf’s Bane,’ team leader Killian,” I said to the waiting soldier.

The man looked down at his tablet, quickly finding what he needed on the screen.

“Collect your equipment out of slot three across the room over there, down the first hall to the left,” he pointed.

“What do you need?” he asked in McPherson’s direction.

I was already on my way to slot three before McPherson answered. The armory door opened, and the outside noise was once again all around me. I kept my stride towards my destination as I tried to ignore who accompanied the sounds coming from the hanger.

“I’m ready to get the show on the road! Where do I sign for my gravity check and G.I. gear?” Garvey announced to the room. I kept walking, happy to put some distance between Garvey and myself. I was sure he was still sore about not being chosen for the lead.

I made the first left as I was instructed and disappeared into a long hall. Instead of the same grey painted walls that dominated most of the base, these walls were covered from floor to ceiling with black panels. The brightness from the florescent track lighting seemed to be sucked into the black sheets, making the hall gloomier than the rest of the building.

“Hello, Sgt. Killian, please stop and place both of your arms out on either side of you,” an artificial voice stated.

“Holy shit A.N.N.A.! You really know how to make an entrance, huh?”

“Thank you, Sgt. Killian. Stand still please, this shouldn’t take long.”

“My title isn’t really Sergent.”

“Yes, I know. You’re a Chief Petty Officer, but you have earned the nickname Sergent... Am I wrong?”

I shook my head, “No, you seemed to have done your homework deep in my business.”

“Yes, now hold still, please.”

I flashed back to the first time I heard A.N.N.A. in action with the man tied up on the metal gurney. If I wasn’t mistaken, she asked him to be still, right before she turned him into a raging beast. The memory did nothing to help my nerves.

“I see you haven’t learned when a person is being sarcastic,” I said as I kept as still as possible.

“The definition of sarcasm: mocking, contemptuous, or ironic language intended to convey scorn or insult; the use or tone of such language. Were you being sarcastic with your greeting? If so, you’re correct. I didn’t notice.”

“It doesn’t matter. So what is all this for?”

“I just took last-minute measurements to make sure the slit in the micro chainmail is placed correctly on the deltoid to ensure everyone can administer the testosterone-lycanate through their protective gear.”

“I see.”

“You may proceed to slot three.”

I was just about to continue down the hall when A.N.N.A. stopped me again. “Sgt. Killian, should I give advanced notice to the rest of the operatives?”

“I think that would be a good idea. It may save your paneled walls from being damaged.”

I left before being asked any more questions. Once I reached the end of the hall, it veered to the right, opening into an area that resembled a high school locker room. I felt like I was teleported back in time. From the open showers to the long benches that sat in front of each row of lockers, I half expected my old football coach to walk out of some dark corner. The only alteration that didn’t fit was the lockers themselves. They seemed like large sci-fi pods with computerized keypads and huge black tubes that ran from the top of the lockers into the ceiling.

When I found my pod, the touch screen came to life, requesting a thumbprint. As soon as I placed my thumb on the pad, I heard the release of the lock. I went to open the door, but the door swung open before I had the chance.

I was left staring at six or so neatly sealed and stacked plastic bags that held all of my gear. I checked my watch: one hour before the mission’s official start. I picked up the pace.

Halfway dressed, I heard footsteps, letting me know I wasn’t alone.

“Killian, where are you at?” McPherson hollered out.

He came around the bend before I could answer him, still all smiles, “You were slot three, right? I’m looking for number four. Ah, there it is. Isn’t this shit crazy?! I mean, I knew special ops would be cool but not—”

“What the hell thirty-day wonder?” Garvey said as he burst into the room. “You had the line more backed up than an impacted elephant. I thought your only duty on this mission was to watch the baby carriage and maybe let a few rounds go.”

“Who the hell are you calling a thirty-day wonder? I’m in the Navy SEALs shithead, not the fucking Reserves.” McPherson barked back.

The rest of the operatives entered the room, finding their slots and not paying much attention to the locker room squabble.

“Oh, it looks like I touched a nerve,” Garvey chuckled. “Look, I’m just saying you should make room for the people that actually have a real piece of the mission to complete; that’s all.” He turned his attention back to his gear.

“Fuck you, Garvey.”

All eyes were now on the situation that was unfolding. I turned my focus onto Garvey and the apparent cool he was moments from losing. I usually didn’t interfere with a fair fight, but we didn’t have time for this.

The others seemed to share my thoughts and went to stop the fight before it started. Hernandez and Davis went to hold Garvey while Washington stood in front of McPherson. I wasn’t worried about McPherson, but I knew Garvey would be an issue. True to form, he broke away from Hernandez and sent Davis flying into the bench. I only had a moment to react, and I knew I had to do something to catch his full attention.

Jumping on the bench behind him, I placed the blade of my forearm over the front of him, creating a vice over his nose. Before he could react to my presence, I tightened my grip over one of his pressure points.

“We don’t have time for this bullshit, and before I let you compromise the whole mission, I’d rather take you down. Because as quiet it’s kept, your role in the mission is pretty fucking redundant. So what will it be?” I asked as I kept a constant pressure against his face.

Garvey put his hands up in surrender as I slowly released my hold, readying myself for anything. But nothing was given other than some dirty looks.

“I don’t know what just happened, but we need to get it together, especially since we only have each other. You know what I mean?” Washington rallied.

“Is this where we break out in song and swap BFF necklaces?” Davis joked.

“Kumbayah, my Lord. Kumbayah,” Hernandez sung.

“See, that’s why I don’t bother to talk to any of you because you all are ignorant,” Washington joked back.

The room broke out in laughter. Even Garvey had to chuckle. The room kept a lite buzz after the ice was broken. McPherson walked toward the bathroom with most of his equipment bags in hand.

“Hey, if I can get dressed in front of a handful of men, what do you have to be embarrassed about? Is your package a little on the small side?” Davis asked.

“You’re just Miss Hilarity today, aren’t ya? If you must know, I’d like to drain the lizard before I’m stuck in this getup. Is that okay with Your Highness?” McPherson questioned as he walked towards the restroom.

“I still think his member doesn’t stack up,” Davis teased.

Another fit of laughter echoed throughout the area. I left the locker room suited with thirty minutes to spare. I headed toward the hanger, knowing the major would be waiting to see us off.

It was even louder in the hanger now than it was before. I would’ve sworn we were readying for an invasion. The swarming personnel gave way to the lit Osprey sitting under a massive opening in the building’s ceiling.

I was taken out of my thoughts when Major Hardaway came walking out of the Osprey’s loading dock. She was busy talking to one of the many uniformed soldiers.

“…you’ll be responsible for the loading ramp’s M240.”

What in hell was she talking about? I thought McPherson was going to operate the gun. Who was this guy?

The major looked over in my direction. “Team Leader, come and meet the co-pilot, Matthews.”

I closed the gap, taking the man’s hand. The question of whom was answered, but I still didn’t get what had changed in the plan.

“There has been an obvious change. I believe McPherson would better serve the mission placed on A-team, so he’ll dive with the rest of you. McPherson will tail Davis and Garvey if they need his assistance, or he could assist you on your side objective. The choice is solely up to you.”

The expression on her face let me know her decision was final. I still didn’t understand her change of heart, but now I understood why McPherson was all smiles, and it explained why he felt the need to stand up to Garvey.

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Go ahead and find your seat. Your helmet and parachute are underneath it.”

Looking over my shoulder, I see the rest of the team making their way toward the aircraft. I found my spot, discovering the rest of my equipment where she said I would.

McPherson’s glance towards the major wasn’t lost upon me. I wasn’t born yesterday, and I knew when something didn’t quite fit, but it wasn’t the time to concern myself with someone else’s personal issues. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t make a practice of it even when I did have the time. Hardaway seemed to be aware of McPherson’s attention and did what any supposedly hard-nosed officer would do. She ignored it.

“Aten-hut!”

Everyone stopped what they were doing and gave the major their full attention.