Obey and die.

[Xing]

The first two weeks were hell, I thought.

Alright, it wasnt exactly passed two weeks, but we were close. I looked around at the others, mostly male recruits, and saw my exhaust reflected in their eyes. Not too surprisingly, considering what we went through. Even with my already athletic body, I was having trouble following rhythm, especially in this cold mountain air where oxygen level was slightly lower than where I used to live. Another handicap the L-15 complex was especially designed for.

Sergeant Elwin marched in front of us, writing down the final results of our last 20 km march, holding a heavy backpack and in full combat uniform. It took us somewhere near 5 hours to complete, and we were all sweating hard despite the chilly environment. I looked around, and saw Aurelia looking at me. When our stare crossed, we smiled weakly at each other, as I crawled near her. We always talked in whisper when sergeant Elwin was around, for he could yell at us for being undisciplined. But right now, discipline really didnt go through the head of each other.
I dont think I can go through any of this anymore the older woman whispered to me.
Cmon, just hold on a bit longer. Well finish down this week, and everything will go smoother.
Thats what you told me last week!
I smirked to her. Thats true, and kept her working hard for another week.
Elwin glowered slightly, still looking at his pad, as he finished to write, but we knew it was intended to me the boys never talked, too focused on their role of super soldiers to give away any discipline, trying to impress the sergeant. I wasnt sure their tactic was in fact directed at our sergeant rather than trying to impress us, the few girls in the section.
Anyway, we both shut up, as I resumed a straight sitting position, as I saw a faint smile on the corner of Elwin lip, which he tried to hide as soon as it appeared.
Right. 928 Kaitlynn, thats 30 push ups for disturbing the group with your useless chatter. Next time, you will make the whole group pay. He added, looking down on me with a hard stare.
I wanted to sigh, but knowing better, repressed it as I pulled myself on my hands and feet, still holding all my heavy equipment with me, rifle on the other hand rule number one in the army, never loose hold of your weapon.
And as I began working up and down my body on my arms, I felt the gaze of everyone around looking at me, only making my shame grow worse. Damn it, it wasnt like as if I was an animal in a zoo!
5 10
I closed my eyes, watching the ground lifting and lowering under me was getting dizzying
15 20
More than half done my arms ached as if they were burned in the fire of hell. I felt them go shaky, a bad sign. Sweat was running down from my face despite a refreshing cold wind blowing upon us. Yet, I thought I was being drowned by a river of acid warmth, barely feeling the air
25
29
Elwin made an amused grin, and despite my closed eyes, I felt, I dont know how, that wicked grin as he put slowly his foot on my backpack. It was enough to my pained arms, who just waited the moment to crumble down. I fell hard on my chest, as my sergeants foot pushed me down on the ground, making my growl in frustration. I felt hot tears of shame coming to my eyes, but forced myself to repress them, despite being observed by the silent recruits sitting in a half circle near me. As if I was an entertainment. I refused to look at them, refused to look at the triumphant grin of Elwin. With a howl of half contained rage, I used the last strength in my arms to pull myself off the ground: it lasted barely a second, but my sergeant was so surprised, for a few second his balance was seriously compromised as he risked to fall backward.
When I finally lay down on the ground, feeling dust in my mouth, he knelt down to me, not grinning anymore. His face was serious, cold as it has always been in the last few days.
But his baritone, severe voice, was for once smooth and relaxed, nearly a caress to my ears.
Hope you got the lesson. Was all he said.
Deep inside me, I knew he was impressed. What he didnt said, wasnt allowed to say,
Well done.

We headed back to L-15 for the night, our exhausted body barely supporting us anymore. Once I saw my bed, I fell unconscious upon it, not even taking the time to go get a shower or even remove my heavy backpack crushing me.
I however felt the amused giggle of Aurelia, as she sighed in relief.
Well done, Isabelle. I heard her say, just before I was knocked out to dream land.

--

As we sat down in the bore some looking briefing room as every morning we were at L-15, sergeant Elwin came in with rather good news. In fact, excellent news. But nobody said anything, merely contending with smiling wide. I think my punishment last night was restraining everyone from showing their joy, and it made my cheeks colours rise slightly as Elwin smirked,
Go ahead boys, just dont get me deaf, Im still a bit young for that.
What was so awesome: we were, for the first time, going to get a week end. A shuttle was awaiting us outside, ready to ship us back to L-9 planetary base, where we had the choice to go back home to profit of two days of well earned leave, or stay at the larger, more comfortable military base free of service.
We boarded the shuttle later on the morning, everyone still beaming brightly under the cold mountainous air. Aurelia sat next to me as expected I had actually came to enjoy her presence, seemingly always there for us to support each other in our military training. I didnt thought I could become friend with her ever since the incident, something in me automatically blocked all friendship attempts despite myself. Maybe it was my inside trying to prevent further damage if it ever happened.
So, what you intend on doing? Going back home?
I reflected slightly on this question, before answering without much hesitation by the negative.
Why? she said surprised as she adjusted her seat to lay down on her back comfortably.
I merely shook my head, and she understood the sign I preferred to keep it for myself. A good thing with the older girl was that she knew to respect others privacy.
The answer in my heart was unfortunately heavy to myself, especially looking at everyone who were sighing in contempt to go back home and probably paying a visit to their parents
Parents.
Dad was of course not on planet. Some days at noon, when Elwin didnt wanted us to go back in training too soon, we were allowed to use the holonet of the L-5 complex to communicate with others. Once, I managed to contact father, who took my news with a bright proud smile as I enthusiastically told him everything Ive lived so far. He, on the other hand, informed me he wasnt going to be home for another 3 months, so he wouldnt be able to track my progress other than through his data terminal. It made me a bit sad then, but now to know all I was going to find home was a distant mother even more distant with my decision
Oh well.
In case you forget sis, but you are still alive. Enjoy that fact instead of complaining on your every whim in the life like a cry baby, will you?
I abandoned my saddened face to look with determination outside. Of course. I havent forgotten why I was here.

--

The shuttle descended gently on the immense domed base of L-9, as everyone applauded and cheered, for the pilot, but also to themselves for having survive the two first weeks. Sergeant Elwin appeared from the cockpit room along the pilot behind him, both of them smiling with a knowing veteran look. They must have seen so many rookies the day after the first two hellish weeks. I joined in the applause, smiling as well. Yes, we deserved it indeed.

Aurelia and the others bid me farewell as they all went to another shuttle that would bring them back to their respective home. As for myself, I went alone the separate way, toward the immense concrete menacing looking base.

I was slightly surprised as Elwin came to join me, dressed in his light cammo uniform just like myself. By habit, my hand rose to salute him, as the words sergeant El blurted out of my mouth, but he rose a hand to stop me, smiling calmly.
Hey, we are both off duty, Isabelle. You may just call me Elwin for the next two days.
I was slightly astounded by the unusual familiarity, but then again, we were alone in this emptied, large landing area. I smiled back pleasantly, as we continued toward the base.
Okay then Elwin. Enjoying some refreshments before going back to L-15, sir? Err I mean
He chuckled gently, his dark eyes showing amusement.
Its fine. No, Im staying here for two days as well while another sergeant takes another section to train there. You might have noticed L-15 is very small compared to here, as such, we cant have more than 15 sections training at a same time there. So, sounds like we both are going to enjoy the entertainments at Homebase.
He nodded to himself, as he pushed the door leading inside, holding it open for me to pass in first. Feeling a bit more familiar with my sergeant already, I allowed a little comment, how gentleman
Yknow, Im not such a bad person! he said jokingly. Being a training sarge is so tough, everyone thinks your attitude in the training is how you are daily. Heck, what kind of people wed be then! He chuckled again, as we headed inside. Since I didnt really knew the place around, I merely followed him, intimidated by all the complex set of labyrinth like corridors, void of decoration and seemingly only built with the very purpose of practicality.
Where are we going then? I asked him, before adding Im just following since I have no where else to go!
Yeah, I figured that out. First Im leading you to your room for your stay here. Take a shower, because I dont think you took any yesterday He looked back at me with a little apologising smile before continuing, after what, well, depends on what your moods up for, but Id bet alcohol is on the top priority.
Actually, it wasnt, but I saw nothing better anyway, so I agreed.
I took a quick shower that felt like heaven on my exhausted body, as I watched with a numb smile the water dripping off of my nude frame, the hot water reddening slightly the skin. I didnt cared I was having this shower in the presence of a few more soldiers, I was in my own bubble for these few seconds, and I only reluctantly closed down the water dozens of minute later.
Elwin awaited my outside, as I came out smiling to him, back in my uniform and feeling clean and restored back to full energy again.
Yep, time to enjoy some refreshment I thought, as I headed with my sergeant downstairs to the military bar, a world itself inside of a military world.
Go ahead, enjoy yourself Isabelle. Youve earned it. Elwin said. He made a small wink, fully knowing I wasnt in official drinking age yet but heck, this was California Minor after all!
Oh, I was going to, even if it was the only entertainment around!

---