Chapter 1 Betrayal

Adam Hills jumped out of the helicopter and walked quickly toward the General's office. His boots made a loud noise on the hot asphalt. The helicopter's roar faded as he approached the building.

Adam entered the office, saluted the General and said, "Reporting as ordered, sir. We achieved an amazing victory over the separatist group in Blackrium desert."

General Jameson returned the salute. "At ease, Captain Hills. Congratulations on a job well done."

Adam relaxed, thinking about the successful mission. "Thank you, sir. Our information was correct. We stopped the separatist group's leaders and avoided civilian casualties. We lost a few good men, but they all died as heroes. We raided their warehouses and got our hands on all their ammunitions and future plans."

The General nodded, reading Adam's report. "Your strategy was excellent. You've earned a commendation and a promotion to Major, starting immediately."

Adam felt proud, but he noticed the General's aide, Colonel Reed, looked uneasy.

"Sir, I.." Adam was about to continue, but he noticed Colonel Reed raise his hand.

"Major Hills," Colonel Reed interrupted, his voice tense, "your new assignment will require some changes. You'll receive briefing papers soon."

Adam's instincts warned him something was off, but he focused on the praise. This promotion secured his future.

As Adam left the office, fellow officers congratulated him. But amidst the praise, he sensed whispers, hidden glances and resentment. Of course it's just human nature, you can't expect to be a saint to everyone regardless of how much good you contribute.

Adam shook hands with colleagues congratulating him.

"Great job, Major!" Captain Lewis said. He was one of the very few people Adam could comfortably talk to.

Adam smiled humbly. "Thanks, just doing my job. By the way, heard you got a new kid."

"Yeah, a bouncing baby boy. Lewis Jr." Captain Lewis said with a wide smile on his face.

"Yo dude! Can't believe you leaving us behind!"

Two men dressed in military uniforms approached him, Lieutenant Tom Bradley and Sergeant Alex Ryan, approached. They wore big grins. These were his friends. They grew up together and joined the army together.. they were like brothers to him.

"Hey, congrats, Adam!" Tom exclaimed. "We heard the news! You're a Major now!"

Alex nodded. "Time to celebrate! You deserve it."

Adam hesitated. "Guys, I appreciate it, but I'm not really up for-"

Tom cut in. "Come on, Adam! One drink won't hurt. We'll catch up."

Alex added. "Yeah, just a few hours. Meet us at McGillicuddy's Bar at 7 pm."

Adam wanted to refuse, but his friends' enthusiasm won him over.

"Alright, 7 pm," Adam agreed.

Tom grinned. "See you tonight, Major!"

As Adam watched them leave, he felt uneasy. Why were they so eager?

Hours Later...

Adam prepared for the night, wearing civilian clothes for the first time in months. He checked his watch: 6:45 pm.

Time to meet Tom and Alex.

Grabbing his wallet, Adam headed out into the fading sunlight toward McGillicuddy's Bar.

Adam pushed open the door and stepped into McGillicuddy's Bar. The sounds of laughter, music and clinking glasses enveloped him. He scanned the room, spotting Tom and Alex in a cozy corner.

As he approached, Adam noticed a young woman sitting with them. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her bright smile lit up the space.

Adam's curiosity piqued, he walked over and took a seat.

"Hey, Adam!" Tom exclaimed. "Glad you made it!"

Alex nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've got someone special to introduce."

The woman turned to Adam, her eyes sparkling.

"Adam, this is Emily," Tom said. "A friend of ours. We thought it'd be great for her to join us and keep you company tonight."

Adam raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Nice to meet you, Emily."

Emily's smile widened. "Likewise, Major Hills."

Adam's instincts whispered caution, but Emily's warmth put him at ease.

As they ordered drinks, Adam wondered how his friends knew Emily. Her presence seemed convenient, but he brushed off doubts.

The night wore on, filled with laughter and stories. Adam found himself enjoying Emily's company.

But as the conversation flowed, Adam began to notice a few things. First Emily seemed overly interested in his military career, Tom and Alex exchanged subtle glances, The celebration felt orchestrated. Adam's unease grew, whispering warnings of a hidden agenda.

Adam sipped his Bloody Mary, feeling the alcohol warm his senses. A few drinks in, his head began to spin. Tom and Alex laughed, urging him to finish his glass.

"You've earned it, Adam!" Tom said, grinning.

Adam chuckled, his words slurring. "Yeah...guess I have."

As he rose from his seat, the room swayed. Tom and Alex rushed to support him.

"Time to call it a night, buddy," Alex said, holding Adam steady.

Emily stood, concern etched on her face. "I'll make sure he gets home safely."

Tom nodded. "Great, Emily. Thanks."

Adam's foggy mind wondered why Emily was taking care of him, but he couldn't protest.

With Tom and Alex's assistance, Adam stumbled out of McGillicuddy's Bar. The cool night air hit him like a slap.

"I'm...fine," Adam muttered, trying to walk straight.

Emily took his arm, guiding him. "Let's get you home, Major."

As they walked, Adam's thoughts blurred. His friends' faces faded into the darkness.

"Thanks, Emily..." Adam mumbled, his vision spinning.

Adam's haze began to clear, his instincts screaming warning. He tried to pull away, but his drunken body betrayed him.

"Let...me go," Adam slurred, struggling.

Tom, Alex and Emily held firm, their grips like vice.

"No, Adam, relax," Emily cooed, her voice laced with deceit.

A speeding military truck emerged from the darkness, headlights blinding.

Adam's panic spiked. "No...no...!"

Tom, Alex and Emily exchanged cold glances. With chilling precision, they pushed Adam toward the oncoming truck.

"Have a nice Hell's Fest, Adam Hills!" Tom cackled.

Adam stumbled, helpless. The truck's roar engulfed him.

Everything went black.

Adam's Life Flashed Before His Eyes

Memories of his promotion, celebration and betrayal blurred. The truck's impact loomed, a fatal certainty.

Adam's thoughts faded to darkness...