The dawn was breaking.
On the military vehicle carrying the female soldiers, no one had dared to utter a word since they climbed aboard.
The uncertainty and confusion about the upcoming operation, fear and anxiety towards the new Instructor, left them all overwhelmed and in turmoil.
In contrast, in the vehicle up ahead filled with male soldiers, there were loud chatter and occasional bouts of hearty singing. However, amongst the female soldiers, there was only silence. An endless silence.
It was unnerving.
Nancy Phillips, seated in the middle, was scrutinizing them intensely. Every look resulted in heads being lowered a little more. The effect was apparent.
This mission was of paramount importance. Failure was not an option.
What they needed was not communication nor tranquility and relaxation.
But tension.
Constant, nerve-wracking tension that wound every nerve tight.
After about two hours, the two vehicles finally drew to a halt.
Dawn had almost broken.
"Disembark!"
