Ann scanned the mess hall, looking for other subordinates to talk to. She held the gray plastic tray loosely as she crossed over to a table with two brown haired men. They were in a heated argument over something she didn't bother to listen to, and she pulled a false smile on as they turned to her.

"Room for one more?" Ann's eyes flashed to both of their insignia's for a split second.

Both were Privates, and they followed the form of command. They slid over to allow her room at the small circular table. They tensed up as her presence, and didn't even speak for the rest of the meal; leaving hastily together once they were finished.

Why do I even bother?

The thought bounced around Ann's head as she coddled the mashed potatoes in her mouth. The stale apple juice in her styrofoam cup did nothing to clear the gunk from her throat. She found the meal to be rather dry, and discarded it shortly after.

She looked back around the mess hall again before making towards the exit. She fiddled with the strap on her holster as she made her way out only to find the man from earlier strolling down the hall.

She stood erect, and raised her hand for a salute before he spoke, "No need for that soldier. I have need of you, and you might be interested."

Ann glanced at his arm bands again. They confirmed it once more that this was the same man from earlier, Sergeant Brutus, also known as the brute around others.

She wondered what he needed of her, a soldier just a few ranks lower than himself, "Sir, what do you need from me?"

Sergeant Brutus replied, "What I want, Soldier, is that you follow me."

Ann nodded for affirmation, and waited for Brutus to start walking before falling in line. She focused on the older mans graying hair, and looked at the spots of black that accompanied it. She was barely shorter than him by a few inches, and she guessed his height to be somewhere of around 5'10".

They walked in almost echoing steps with Ann's strides being slightly shorter. The halls were empty, and most men would be working now. She didn't expect to encounter any other people wherever she was being taken to.

A few long minutes later Ann found herself in front of a room used for briefing of missions. She glanced at Brutus while he knocked on the door. A strong male voice called from inside to let them come in. Brutus opened the door, and waited for Ann to enter.

She did so, and slid next to the door. Then, she stood at attention as superiors were present in the room. She watched as a young man with red hair stand up from his desk. Brutus delivered a salute before reaching to shake his hand.

The young man went first, "Ah, I see you have gotten my message Sergeant."

Brutus replied with a softer voice that my many have heard, "Yes Markus. I believe this one will do just fine for the job!" He gestured to Ann with his left hand.

Ann was confused enough, but let we face remain stone as she starred straight ahead. Her body was completely rigid until the younger man spoke to her.

"What is your name? I don't mind much for protocols unless it's for a more known meeting." His hazel eyes flashed slightly, showing curiosity set close behind.

Ann was quick to go slack in her stance, and replied, "My name, sir, is Ann."

Markus's lips pulled into a slight grin. "You've got yourself a real obedient one at best Brutus! I'm surprised she hasn't shot through the ranks yet. I wouldn't mind her being in charge of me, not one bit!"

Ann glanced down, letting her lengthening hair cover her red cheeks for a moment. She looked back up, and swiped her blonde hair to the side before showing a small smile.

Markus room a seat, and spoke aloud to both of the others, "Why don't you two take a seat. I'm sure your dying to know what happens next, aren't ya?"

Ann walked slowly forward, grabbing a chair placed across from Markus. She glanced at his insignia for the first time to see his rank. She stifled the urge to salute him at that moment because of his status: Warrant Officer.

Ann flipped her attention to Brutus who was easing himself into the chair of his choice. He stretched his legs out slowly as Markus gestured for them to be ready.

Markus began a short statement that turned out to be a long talk. "Brutus, I am honored by your ability to pick the best things for what I need. Now, what I do need is for our to leave."

Brutus practically jumped from his seat as he heard this. To Ann it looked like the Sergeant had gotten used to being in charge a little to much. He spluttered uselessly before apologizing. He walked out of the room with a slight slump, but straightened up immediately once he was outside.

Now Markus focused on Ann, the only other person in the room. He tapped his fingers against the desk in a fast paced rhythm made by both hands. He stopped suddenly, and grasped them together before even moving again.

Markus let loose another smile, rare to see by higher ranks, before speaking, "You are very quiet. I can see your eyes taking in everything I'm doing here. Your a thinker, and I knew Brutus wouldn't fail me."

Ann nodded slowly, not sure if she should reply or not.

Markus continued on with his talking, "Your probably wondering why I had him leave, and you stay. Well, the reason is so that no one else knows about this meeting."

Ann blinked a few times, not even trying to ask questions. "I needed someone to help me with a little project I had put together in the beginning days of the outbreak. When the Quarantine zone actually worked. It goes by the code name 'Project Reunion'. We had other squads used in it before, but most had limited supplies, and eventually perished."

Ann caught her breath before replying, "What is project Reunion, and what is its goal?"

Markus only smiled before saying, "Project Reunion is our only chance for an end. Eliminate Reunion, and you eliminate the spread of this disease."

Ann watched as Markus leaned back in his chair, kicking away, and spinning slowly around. She glanced down at the table, already knowing what she was going to say.

"I accept the mission."

========

I told you that random chapter in the first book was important!

My mind is blowing up. I'm sorry about the sudden plot turns everywhere, but it's got to happen.

Now, any ideas that the readers want to share out loud?

Hope you enjoy.