//------------------------------//
// Chapter.1 Deal with the devil 
// Story: Middle ground 
// by DarkShadow95 
//------------------------------//

It was a very grim day today, well I say grim it was clear skies and 23 degrees outside but nether the less it was grim for me. I was sat in the bar of our barracks watching the TV, the news to be exact. Everyone else was either talking, laughing or exchanging banter while I was the only one watching the plasma behind the bar. The news guy was just starting to read out the headlines. I only really watched the news for one reason, to hear of the Bermuda project.

"And our top stories tonight, Princess Twilight Sparkle from Equestria will be visiting earth for the first time. It has been 2 years since the royal sisters last visited earth," he spoke.

Okay I think I should mention that we now know we are not alone in this universe.
Around 3 years ago something happened that would change a lot for humanity. For years we had been the ones searching for life among the stars. Instead ET came to us on earth none the less. It was all over the news when the Portal that opened above the Atlantic just off Bermuda. Everyone in the world went ape shit over it on that day. Whole fleets were moved into the area to monitor it. Scientists running around trying to look at it. Even a few nutters saying 'it's a whole government conspiracy man!' I still remember watching it all on the news in the exact same spot I'm sitting now. The next few days had been quiet still the same portal lingering in the air above hundreds of naval ships, but people were still paranoid. Who knows what things lurked on the other side, the theories ranged from a barren wasteland to another star. Hell even a theory that said there was the sexy women who spoke French, that was the Sun newspaper so that was expected from them.

Our question was answered on the 5th day when something came through. An alien, a grey creature seem to fly through and just stop. Looking around in fear at all new world it accidentally stumbled in. It tried to go back but was cut off by helicopters and ordered by one of the ships if it made another move they would open fire, so basically we managed to capture this thing.

It did seem terrified but thanks to some talk and some good manners we had managed to calm it down, using muffins. They had manage to work out it was a she. She also reminded me of the Greek creatures pegasi. Curious still was her eyes they were huge and were gold, but the really strange was that her eyes seemed to be disorganised. No one was sure if this was natural to her kind or a defect, so no one dared asked in case we insulted her or her kind. She was grey with a yellow mane and by god did she look cute. She melted the hearts of many humans this way. If she came here with the idea to conquer our world with cuteness it was working.

Later it turned out she was a creature that could talk, well talk in her language anyway. Whenever I saw her on the news she seemed upset. They then tried using drawing to communicate with her. It seemed to be a success she drew a picture of what seemed to be herself the portal and a crying child on the other side. This way the team where they able to tell that she had gotten lost and just wanted to return home to see her daughter. Which in turn sparked a massive debate among the world whether or not to send her home. On one hand this was a massive breakthrough and we still was not sure what was happening on the other we had a parent that was terrified and it would be unethical just to keep her here, it could also cause problems in the future. In the end though we decided to send her home, for we all felt sorry for that cute grey Pegasus that came to visit earth for a day. We sent her home with a gift from earth, a package to remind her and to let her people know the humans exist and we mean no harm. It was on the 6th day we sent her back and humanity all said farewell to her. To be perfectly honest it was a pretty sad thing to see her go.

However on the 7th day the portal closed. That sparked the aftermath of the whole world debating 'what the hell just happened' but there was no denying it, we are not alone. Just a shame it was a short lived moment or so we thought.
6 months later it opened again and instead of 1 creature coming through a whole lot of them came through. Turns out two of the creatures came through where in fact royal sisters, and had came to visit thanks to our package! The news was all over it and so was the UN who had taken charge over all this. It was quite a spectacle to see more visitors from another world. Except these sisters were in fact the rulers of their world. After that we learnt of their world Equestria and the fact the creatures were actually called 'Ponies'. Which did in fact actually fit their description. The whole world was happy that they came back and where more than happy to exchange knowledge and become allies. Turns out it was a big enough event as it was for them.

After all that a treaty was signed saying that the exchange of worlds would commence, alongside the research into the portal. No one knew how it happened even the Equestrian's had no clue to it either. Even today no one is sure  how the portal works, what we are sure about is they open every six months and only stay open for 3 or 7 days. So getting people through and supplies is hard to do. We had manage to set up a small research base in Equestria, as well as a Equestrian research base in Bermuda. Hence the news reader saying the Bermuda project.

And so conclude the brief history of the Bermuda portal. Now back to more important issues, the bar.

I was sat there on the stool in my civvies leaning towards the bar, returning my attention to my nearly empty pint of cider. Out of everyone in here I think I was the only guy who drank whisky and cider. The staff behind the bar knew who I was and what I did so I pretty much got first serve whenever I walked in. After all my platoons motto was 'first in' or in my case first in line.
"Don't you look sorry for yourself hun?" I looked up from my drink, standing before me was the barmaid Beth. She was younger than me only 19 but her whole family ran the bar and the shop on base. If anyone could cheer me up from my bad day it was her, she was always smiling no matter and didn't take shit from no one.

I smiled back at her, she was a good kid went to University studying biology, now her year was over and was back here on base working for her family.
"C'mon mister Adam's smile like you mean it, tell auntie Beth what's on your mind huh?"

"Hey I'm old enough to be your uncle so shush," I replied mockingly, she chuckled at the idea. 

"You know when I gave in my notice of me leaving the army after the next trip to Cyprus?"

"Uh huh"

"Well Cyprus just passed I got back 3 days ago"

"Oh jesus!" she gasped and recoiled back a little "Seriously why are you doing this Adam? You loved the Pathfinders, you keep coming in here with a massive grin on your face every time you've come back from in the field." She was right about that I did love the Pathfinders but after a while it got boring just jump after jump training exercise after training exercise, it was all getting a bit boring. Hence why 2 months ago I gave in my notice I was leaving after the next trip to Cyprus. But I wasn't just leaving the Pathfinders I was in fact leaving the army altogether.

"Beth, you know I told you, I got bored, I've hit my limit and achieved all I wanted except one thing, prove myself in combat," I could see her frown at the idea of me in combat. It was true I never been in a real firefight, all theatres of war had ended for the UK around 6 years ago when we left Afghanistan which was the time I roughly joined up.

"Well do the selection for the SAS, I know I don't like the idea of you going to a warzone, but if you really want to do it join those guys. They are always up and about doing missions"

"Ha! If I do that Beth I'll be looking behind me all the time, those guys do missions that end up with a revenge target on their back, plus god knows what kind of dark shit they get into" I took one last gulp on my cider finishing it off, might have the day off but I still have to pack my gear up to move out.

"You always were stubborn weren't you?" She sighed.

"Eyup" I then proceeded to get of the stool and walk away when she made a move to grab my arm.

"Adam just... make sure you making the right decision, don't rush into anything you will regret, okay?" She then leaned over and gave me a light peck on the cheek which made me smile, she may not be family but she sure seemed like a little sister to me.
I then started to walk out of the bar and climb the steps onto the road, when I saw a very lost looking runner above me.

"Excuse me?" He grabbed my full attention now "Do you know where I can find corporal Jones do you?"

"You're looking at him" I replied. The guy (well kid really) looks surprised at the fact he found me. It was clear that he was a FNG as he still has the 'kid' look about him from when you come out of training right down non scratched boots. He pauses for a second taking in how I looked not expecting me to be in civvies.

"Well what is it private? I have things to do"

"Ah yes um... The brigadier wishes to see you in his office his exact words where 'I need him 5 minutes ago' he said"

"Oh shit" I exclaim "better get going then, cheers private!" I start break into a jog, making my way to the Officer HQ. I suppose this would be the appropriate time to tell what I am exactly. I'm a Pathfinder, UK special forces, the eyes and ears of the 16 air assault Brigade. We were tough trained to go behind enemy lines, gather intelligence or cause some sabotage. That's what we did, we were however only deployed to war zones, not special missions like the SAS or SBS. So essentially we were the one down from them. If you wanted to join the SAS from the pathfinders there was a good chance you would get in. Except I wanted to get out.
Back in reality I was still jogging, this camp was big well it was one of the new camps built designed to house full battalions and carry out full blown war exercises. I had just ran past the cook house receiving some weird looks from some of the troops at the sight of a guy jogging in jeans, but hey needs must especially with the boss. I eventually got there and walked past the reception straight to the Brigadiers office avoiding his prized bulldog in the hall grunting past me. It wasn't the first time I caught that thing trying to rape the receptionist leg, which was weird.

I marched up to the door with his rank and name on it and switched on, I may be in civvies but now was irrelevant this was the big boss. I knocked on the wood door and came to attention "Come in!" I heard in a deep posh accent. I opened the door with a creek and took one step in, slammed my right foot into the ground and began with the standard greeting.
 "Sir I am Corporal Jones serial number 177638296, you requested my presence sir!" 

Whenever I said that I always put on the deep voice, to seem professional of course.
From there I was now scanning the room, It looked quite old fashioned. In the middle was the wooden desk where the Brigadier sat, the walls where white with the occasional notice board and a giant UK fag directly behind the desk. Creepier still was the picture of the queen to the left, it was like she was staring at me which put me off.

What I failed to notice in the first place was the 2 men beside me. I only just noticed them when one of them coughed. They were both sat down one in a black suit the other in the standard MTP parade uniform. The MTP guy I recognised as the captain of the pathfinders, my personal boss, as for the guy in the black suit I had no idea. However he did have a canny resemblance  to bobby out of law and order.

The brigadier sat behind the desk kept typing on his laptop, it was as if he did not notice me but he knew he did so I stood there, waiting patiently for his response. The thing he said next was not what I was expecting.

"Get off my leg you hump machine! I'm not a bitch you stupid mutt!" I heard from behind me. This made everyone in the room chuckle, except the guy in the suit, who still had his stern expression on.

"Sir Shagalot! LEAVE!" the Brigadier shouted trying to command his dog to get off the receptionists leg. "Sorry about that, Corporal stand at ease and take a seat".
I took a seat in front of the desk, The Brigadier proceeded to take out a file and open it reading it over briefly. "It says here that you wish to leave the army Corporal, my question to you is why?"

"Well sir, I have been doing this for a while now and I think I have reached my limit," He then put the file down and leaned in to listen more. "I have been in the army now for 6 years and well... I've done all that I wanted to do, I have proved to myself I can be special forces, I've done all the courses weapons, signaller, intelligence even hand to hand. Done all the training exercises and even became a fully qualified parachute specialist. But there is one thing that makes a soldier, a firefight, a real one," at those words he slumped back down into his chair, knowing that I was right. "I know it sounds stupid, but to me it means the world, it proves to myself I am strong. Then I can say to myself that I am a soldier."

"Well corporal I can also see that in your resignation letter, I know how you feel, you want to prove yourself. But if you leave what will you do then hmm?" I knew what he was trying to do, he was trying to convince me to stay. But if I did I would just be stuck in the same place again, craving a way to prove myself. I wanted to be the best pathfinder, but I could not do it here.

"Sir I already thought this through," I tried to argue "I would leave and join a PMC that way I would get paid enough to actually retire," It was true PMC's get paid a wad full a 6 month deployment was 100K. "And also finally prove myself..." I was cut off at that point.

"Mr Jones, where in the world does this 'need to prove yourself' come from? You're a pathfinder for Christ sake! One of the best we have. If you leave we will be one skilled man down and if you do join a PMC do you know what kind of work you will get into? Dark work that is what. Yes the pay is generous, but could you live with yourself once you have done it?"

"Sir since I was a kid I wanted to be a soldier, soon as I left college I went to the recruitment centre. I went through training with flying colours, then I did every courses I wanted to do trying to build myself. I did the selection to see if I could do it and I did! Now its all just the same shh..." whoops almost swore then "S-stuff every day."

"Mr Jones..." he sighed pinching his nose to compose himself "You are one of our best soldiers right now, and I would hate to see you leave. My opinion is that you are making a very bad decision, I also think you would benefit from joining the SAS. But there is no way of me stopping you then, so be it" Knowing he was not going to change my mind he got up out of his chair. "Mr Kodak, you're are up".

Confused I turned around seeing the suited man get up and sit down right where the Brigadier was sitting. To say I was confused was now wrong, I was now scared, this guy is sat in the big boss chair. For him to be sat there means he is important.

He pulls out a pair of glasses and places them on himself, then reaches towards the folder on the table. Reading it he then glances towards me, the silence in the room is eerie.
"Mr Jones my name is Mr Kodak, I work for the UN security council," okay this is weird what does the UN want with me? "I understand that you wish to leave the army, now I am here to offer you a job," and now the penny drops "We are in need for a man of your skills base and background. Which believe me is very hard to find."

"Okay but what does the UN want me for?" I asked.

"Specifically a job has just opened with some very specific needs, you meet nearly all of those needs. You see this role is for the best, and we only take the best especially in this sort of work. I can see here from your file that you are indeed one of those people and you wish to become more. We need that," Returning his attention back to the file he proceeds to read it out loud to me "'Corporal Jones is a very fine soldier, a jack of all trades in a manor. He has done multiple courses that have given him a number of skills from combat to intelligence gathering. Although he has cut ties with his family he has adopted the army as his family, this has lead his whole life to revolve around a military lifestyle. However he has proven himself to get along with anyone, military or civilian. He is open minded and if tasked with an objective will complete it with the utmost efficiency. Although his stubbornness can get in the way at times especially when trying to prove himself, for which he has no need for. If he overcomes this personal need he could be one of the best soldiers I have ever commanded. I would highly recommend  him to join Sandhurst officer academy if it weren't for his stubbornness.' That Mr jones was your CO's statement about you." I turned around to look at my captain who just smiled and nodded, to which I returned the gesture. I always thought that guy hated me. Because I hated him that was for sure.

"So Mr Jones the job that I am offering is a simple security job. We need a military liaison that can adapt. The role involves making sure personnel are safe and deal with and threats or risks. Also to work as a go between for us and the local military. The work is only contracted for a year for now, but the pay is 500 thousand pounds," he ended at that, smiling knowing everyone in the room was gobsmacked. Even the Brigadier had his mouth open, not even he gets that kind of pay!
I was shocked for sure. That kind of pay I could happily retire, maybe buy a house, get a car, try to pick up women using that car but failing.

"What's the catch though?" I asked.

"Well you are wise in asking, but I am afraid that some of the details are on a need to know basis, details said that can only be disclosed once you have signed the contract." He then took out a bunch of papers out of the folder, placed them on the desk and slid them towards me smiling. It was if the devil was trying to make me sell my soul, which I can admit now was working.

I picked up the contract and started to read through it, scanning for any odd clauses but there seemed to be none. That was until I noticed the last page, it was a secrecy form. One that you sign to stop people from saying things. Normally you do sign these things in the army but this was UN version. So my suspicion was raised at that. "What's this?" I held up the form.

"Just a simple secrecy document saying you won't mention any of your work to anyone. Like the one you signed when you joined special forces." he said in a manor of fact. I then took placed the rest of the forms in my hands on top of the secrecy form.
It then hit me that one major feature was missing from all of this. One that would determine the nature of the work.

"Where will I be placed location wise?" asking bluntly.

He paused, then leaned in placing his hands together leaned in and looked me directly in the eye's. "That Mr Jones is one of the pieces of information that is on a 'need to know basi-'"

"Oh c'mon!" I reacted slamming my hand down on the desk. He then immediately and calmly lifted his hand in the air silencing my outburst.

"That information will be given once you have signed these papers. Also If you do sign these there is a promotion in it for yourself AND Especially good benefits including a company car, so to speak," I was then hooked that was for sure, large pay, fixed term work, promotion and benefits. All of this on paper.

That doubt voice in the back of my head was now silenced by the sound of all those perks. I was now sat there with a smile growing on my face, with a smile growing on Mr Kodak's as well. I picked up a pen from the desk and started to sign the papers with the tag 'sign here'. I set down the papers once all signed and asked "So where is it?" While still smiling.

"Equestria Mr Jones"
"FUCK!"