Chapter 1-Death

Edwin McCray was living his life furthering his military career in the US Army, part of the 4th Brigade 2nd Infantry Division. Stationed at JBLM (Joint Base Lewis-McChord), one of the larger military bases in North America. Joint Base Lewis–McChord is a training center and is the only major military base west of the "New" Peterson-Jackson Air and Space Force Joint Threat Base near the Rockies.

He was an exemplary Infantryman. Today was like any other day for Edwin; it was Monday, which meant 0600 wakeup for PT. Edwin Struggled to get out of his sheets, a small bed barely as long as him.

Man, this dam bed, can't the military afford to buy a mattress that at least cost more than 100$? This shit sucks! He growled for the last time and finally got up and put on his PT uniform. I can't forget the bright yellow PT belt, safety after all! Edwin Buckled the belt around himself and took stock. Everything seems sufficient with his uniform.

I may be many things, but I do value discipline and integrity. The quality of your uniform is part of personal integrity, after all. He saw his rank on his belt was a little scuffed, the rank of a SGT. Sergeants are responsible for the individual training, appearance, and general cleanliness of soldiers under their command. In Edwin's case, Infantryman. To Edwin, there is no Higher Honer in the U.S. ARMY than an Infantrymen or 11 Series MOS (Military Occupational Specialty).

He replaced the rank on his belt

He grew up in West Texas, and patriotism and hard work was engraved in his soul sense at a young age working on his family's farm. The only thing he had more loyalty to than the U.S. Army was the loyalty he had for his family and friends.

He opened his barracks room and walked down the hallway to the stairs. The structure is three floors and has 40 rooms a floor. That's two people per barracks room. But since he is an NCO, he gets a private room. Something Edwin values is privacy, sweet sweet privacy without a roommate up his ass. Something Edwin just got back after his promotion last month.

As he walked outside he could see the rest of his company in a "cluster fuck", getting ready to form up at the parade field. The field had a track going around it for running, mostly used for the month PT tests. Off to the side there was a raced cement platform with metal benches seating used for ceremonies. Mostly for family members of the soldiers that are getting awords or change of command ceremonys.

As he walked up PVT Davis, a man of Southern upbringing and PFC Jackson a dark skin man born in Nigeria that recently got his citizenship after joining the military. They Faced him, and came to parade rest. "Relax guys it's to early for that shit", Edwin said with a wink. Where is Peterson, that guy better not be late again or I'm going to smoke the shit out of him.

Davis go check his barracks room, make it quick. I can't deal with that turd being late yet again. He probably forgot to set his alarm, as always. Yes SGT will do, I will try get back quick Davis bellowed.

"Why does there always have to be that one person that makes shit harder than it has to be" Edwin thought.

A few minutes later Edwin could see Davis and a "sleenking" Peterson. Walking down the pavement to the parade field at a moderate pace.

The rest of the morning for formation went smoothly, tell about 30 minutes into there 6 mile team paced run. The path snaked up the side of a hill, with large trees and thick overgrowth throwing the sides. Edwin was there encouraging the rest of his team on the run. The rest of the Platoon was like 20 paces or 16 yards away but they where staying with Peterson because he was falling behind and breathing heavily. The rest of the Squad much less there platoon will end up with a better time, yet again. Come on you can do it Peterson! You got this! Control your breathing and run man!

Just as they where cresting the hill there was a large gust of wind and a few loud cracks. Edwin. Slowed and looked to his right and a big hemlock cracked and hit another one and it snapped. Just as they started to bow outwards towards the trail right towards Peterson he jumped into action. Edwin jerked towards the distracted Peterson, to push him out of the way of the falling trees. But as he did and, was just about to make it clear a long branch hooked on his PT Belt and a sharp and gnarled branch impaled SGT Peterson right through the throat. Just as Edwin was breathing his last breaths, he thought how the bright yellow PT belt definitely did not save his life.