“What in tarnation are you talkin’ ’bout? … uh sir?” Private Stone stood dumbfounded as he stood at attention.

“It means Private,” the Sergeant said staring Stone down, “you do not exist anymore. The life as you knew it before changed as soon as you took possession of this cargo.”

The train started to depart from the station as Stone looked back at the cargo crate he had been guarding. Stone thought this was a milk run. A way for him to get some R&R without really taking his leave. But now he had so many questions and it looked like the Sergeant wasn’t going to answer them.

“Sit down Private,” the Sergeant said as he sat down against the crate. “We have a long journey ahead of us.”

Stone still stood, he didn’t know what to do, “Do I sit? Do I stand? Who is this guy? What is in this box?”

The Sergeant gave Stone a stern look, “Sit or I’ll make you sit.”

“This is ridiculous!” Stone thought, “What about my wife? My daught—-”

Stone’s thoughts were interrupted when he saw the crate move.