"As for our Top Story, the mysterious phenomena, colloquially known across social media as Summoners Syndrome, continues to incite panic among the populace. What started as outcries by discredited conspiracy theorists with shakey camera footage has rapidly evolved into what could be an international epidemic. The disappearances of popular figures, idols, diplomats, and ordinary people is being punctuated by the appearance of monsters. That's right, Monsters! I could hardly believe it myself, but the most recent footage of Senator Crane vanishing in a flash of light and the appearance of a lumbering green creature larger than Senator Crane's ego is impossible to deny.

Despite the suspicious lack of bodies, Senator's Cranes security detail and ogre alike, leaked photos of the aftermath confirm that something wreaked havoc within Senator Crane's compound.

If a Senator is not safe. Are any of us? What are these strange creatures and where are they coming from? What has happened to those who have been summoned and who is next?

Unconfirmed reports continue to roll in as the country's crime rate sets a new record for the third week in a row-

We will continue to update you as reports come in to be sure to stay tuned-

"Kowalski. It's Lights out, mate."

*Click*

Kowalski brushed off the sweaty pillow that hit his face and promptly turned off his portable radio. Yesterday's broadcast continued to replay in his mind. Adapting to the situation and turning disadvantages into advantages was what Army Rangers were bred for. Monsters though...

Rolling over on his bunk, Kowalski discretely removed the bare-knuckle gloves he refused to take off recently. Grimacing, his thumb fruitlessly rubbed across the orange ink imprinted on the back of his hand.

He'd kept the ominous horse-head tattoo secret from his squad for an entire week. The dark brownish ink had grown brighter, becoming almost fluorescent orange. Rubbing a shakey hand through his sweat-soaked hair, he whispered a word.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

[ Character Sheet (Limited) ]

[ Name: Joseph "Nobody" Kowalski ]

[ Skills: Reconstruct, Juryrig, (Locked) ]

[ Destination: The Unmade Expanse ]

[ Time Remaining: 000:00:07 ]

Seven seconds!

"Allister! Tomeron! Wake up, it's about to-"

His last warning was drowned out by blinding light.

=

Fort Lewis, Washington

2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

Incident Report *Unredacted*

Summary: As per the accounts of those present, witnesses, and subsequent involved personnel, the event that occurred within 2nd Squad's barracks at exactly 0200 hours started with a bright flash visible from outside. The casualties are as follows:

4 Injured parties with Minor-Moderate Injuries

2 Injured parties with Severe Injuries. Rushed to Surgery. (Not Likely)

2 KIA (Pronounced dead on scene) - Refer to sections 02A and 02B for Preliminary Autopsy Report -

1 ATS (Assumed to be Summoned)

1 Asset Captured - Detailed Information Authorized for those ranked Lt. General and Above.

...

- Three Hours after the Incident -

After reading the report, it was immediately crumpled and incinerated.

*Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap*

"General, your orders?"

*Tap-Tap-Tap-Ring*

Lt. General Kensey picked up the phone on the first ring, listened for a moment, then hung up. He went back to tapping on his desk as he processed the information. Squad Leader Henry Allister died on the operating table.

The impulse to reach through the fiberglass and strangle their newly acquired asset was locked in his jaw. As fast as the impulse came, it was washed away by decades of experience. This was the first time they had a live, humanoid, captive from these events. So far, the subjects had all been animals or unintelligible monsters. This creature was different.

Covered in a polymer armor from head-to-toe, it was clearly intelligent by the way it methodically examined its surroundings, especially the vents. The barren cell needed to be continuously supplied with a high concentration of Oxygen for the creature to remain alive without its rebreather.

Kensey didn't like how it was plotting an escape.

"Reduce the filtration by 20%."

"Yes, Sir."

Kensey watched with satisfaction as the creature became sluggish and eventually fell into slumber.

Then the phone rang again. This time delivering orders.

"Yes, Mr. Vice President. I understand."

*Click*