Don drives the car to the parking area, right in front of the entrance. Young man sitting next to him was now carefully staring the open gates. There was a huge guard tower next to them. The whole visible area behind those gates were surrounded by electric fences. Two huge buildings and several smaller ones could be seen from where they were. Even when it was sunny today, when there were no high buildings or even trees near by it looked somehow freezing out there. Very bleak. Like the autumn season was turning to winter and it was more clear here compared to their home city, 340 miles further.
After turning the key to the off position and removing it from the ignition, Don turns to look at Free. Young man doesn't move, but stares the area with a slightly charged look on his face. It was very clear young man didn't feel that thrilled. Not only he was tired after sitting still hours, this new era what was about to begin in his life was something he disliked and felt excited at the same time, making him have very mixed feelings about the whole thing. Getting in and finding his own unit was todays only goal. It was past seven already. The actual training will start tomorrow.
"From here on you are on your own. I won't come in," Don speaks out then.
Free hums and whispers. "Yeah.."
"Now you are nervous?" older smiles, teasing a little. This remind him the time younger went to his first health check, feeling damn nervous back then too. But of course kid would never admit such.
Free tsihs and turns his sharp eyes on Don. "I don't know that word," he spits and opens the door, gets fastly out. So does Don who slowly follows him out, can't help but show this gently smile to that too obvious reaction. Free takes his small bag from the back seats. That was all he has with him. All he needs.
"I will contact you some time later. Do as the ones above you say, don't be too much of a trouble to them," Don lists, adding the rest just to remind young man of his rights. "You are not here by force. Can cut out anytime you want."
"Like I would do that," younger sighs, sounding desperate but mad at the same time. "Gonna be here the whole four months and make you miss me so much you can't stand it."
"Call me if you miss me," older answers back, smiling.
They look at each other in silence. Until Free closes his eyes and sighs deebly, walks past Don, heading toward the gates. He should move before he really would back off. "See you later," Free quietly says, doesn't look back. Making sure not to slow his steps.
Don watchs Free walking in. And repeats quietly what the other just said. "See you later.."
- - -
Free walks through the inner court, eyeing the area around him, feeling very puzzled, like he had just step in a different world or something. There were people wearing camouflage clothes, walking lines. Some groups clearly having their breaks or something while just hanging out in front of this huge main building on the right what kind of lined this very front area from the rest. There were some low hall looking buildings further. The areas behind them were more open, looking like some sport fields. When Free looked more closely, there were indeed some people running through the obstacle courses. Climbing up some high walls..
Since everyone around him were looking quite intimidating with their military outfits and huge builds, Free surely didn't have courage enough to ask directions or where exactly he was supposed to sign in, so he eventually just gets in the main building here, thinking there must be some normal people here too. After a while seaching his way inside this low and dark floor Free found the front desk. There was a line there. 'Incoming goods' were written in the board on the wall.
"Goods..?" Free reads quietly out loud before taking his spot on the line. There were people here wearing normal clothes so he just assumed he has found the right place.
"Next!" man behind the desk calls. Free steps closer.
"Name?"
"Free Palenne," he answers.
Hearing this younger mans voice, man actually just now bothers to raise his look to the one in front of him, giving a very astonished glance. After that comes a long sigh. "You sure you are in the right place..? How old are you?"
This was nothing new to Free, people always questioning him. So he just calmly answers. "Sixteen.."
Man stares at him, first unbelieving, but eventually just checks his list and after confirming the name he puts a card on the desk. "Welcome to the recruit training, young man. This is your pass. Always keep it with you. You'll get your clothes from the material department, door on the right. Your stay is on the rookie building seven. Your identification number is twentyone. Good luck. Next!"
Free takes the card and steps away. "Thanks." Those were pretty clear instructions so it should be easy from now on. Right now he just wanted to find his building and get some rest, cool off his mind. And in no time he found the staff members who gave him his clothes and sheets. One of them even point out the right building Free was staying. Even when Free was acting just polite, his young appearance and cute face were once again enough to drag positive attention, him get some useful helping hands without doing anything.
Hours later Free has found his punk, got settled down and was now paging his studies while eyeing people coming in and out. This low barrack building has two different areas; an entrance with restrooms and this big room with beds, which actually looked more like a huge hall, fiveteen beds on both sides. There was no privacy, but a small individual area around the beds. To Free this was just fine. He's slept in way worse places. His bed had his number on it, twentyone. One of the beds on the back so he has pretty nice view from here.
"Why there is a kid here..?" Free heard someone whispering further from him. Ignoring them, Free kept just eyeing around. That wasn't new to him either. Where ever he went he was always too young or too pretty. This place might not be any different. People sitting on their beds or hanging around the hall were all kind of young compared the people Free saw outside earlier. All in their twenties, maybe. But Free was definitely the youngest. Definitely drawing attention just because of that fact.
Older man walks in the hall, calling everyone to hear him out. According how he act he must be the person in charge here. His voice was very strong and clear, making everyone in instantly pay attention. "Okay, rookies. Welcome to your basic combat training. I am Aron Schimanski, your first Captain," he states out clear while letting his eyes go though the young men in. "You are all here for different reasons from different states but you all have the same goal; get though this program and prove me you are worth my time." After that, man turns halfly around. "If you have still something to do outside you do it now. When the call comes you do not leave the building after without a permission. Our first class will start at 8 a clock. Before that you have done your morning routines and will stand ready waiting on the right side of your beds when your Captain arrives. Normally you will be up at 6 am. Feel privileged I will go easy on you this one time. That's all!"
- - - -
In the middle of the night, about two am, a loud sound breaks the silence. Free was immediately awake and instinctively rolls over from his bed, hiding under it, looking dark figures coming inside the hall and kicking sleeping people to wake up while yelling loudly.
"Come on! Wake up! Come on, come on!"
Men were laughing and moving people from the beds to follow them out. "It's time to get to know you guys a little better! Let's go!"
"It's shower time!" someone yells and laughs.
The hall was still dark, only small night lights were on. With either cursing or marveling words everyone eventually leave the hall. As fast as it came everything was over, leavinf the one under the bed damn confused about what just happened.
After confirming he really was left alone, Free sighs out and gets slowly up, looking around. Indeed everyone was gone. Carefully Free moves next to the windows and peeks out, sees men walking in line, five man around them leading them away. Should he have gone with them? His body reacted faster than his mind when he just automatically went hide. Maybe it was too late now. He might get in trouble if he goes out alone. Was this part of the training? Was he missing something now?
Free snorts and simple walks back to his bed. What ever. He was tired. All he knew was that everything starts at 8 a clock.
- - -
About an hour later people were slowly walking back in their rookie building.
"That was a shitty welcome party..," someone whispers. Others with him were mumbling and cursing. Free who was still calmly resting on his own bed was about to ask what he missed, but cut the idea. Everyone looked tired, cranky. Free could swear he saw some of them giving him an angry glare. But eventually they all came back and went back to sleep. And silence fell in the room.
And the next morning Free could tell the clear difference of everyones mood compared to last evening. Some didn't seem to be bothered about that unpredictable call. But some looked tired, complaining loudly. What was new was the way how people looked Free. He was about to ask what was going on, but felt the gap between them and kept his mouth shut. Maybe it was better be quiet for now. Watching, learning and then speaking. That was something Don had said before. Reminding Free to not act too cocky, as he was sometimes fast to act.
Eight a clock. Precisely. "The second Captain is in the building!"
People move on their spots, next to their beds. Free learns from example and rushes stand on the right side to his maked bed.
"Attention!"
People take the pose. Free surely doesn't.
"Good morning, rookies! I am Second Captain, Mirades Cust," man steps in, showing a wide smile, hands behind his back. With his large size and severe face, he was looking awfully high and mighty in Frees eyes. "I see olders took a good care of you last night. It's our tradition for newcomers. Those who don't belong here can make the decision and leave right away. This place is not for weaks." While man walked slowly forward, his eyes meet with Frees, halting. The smile on his lips turns to spite. Fastly, he walks in front of Free and gives him the most disparaging look. "WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?!"
Albeit feeling quite stunned from that sudden yell, Free kept his calm, just staring back. That question was so weird somehow, like out of context. But since the question was clearly pointed to him, he couldn't stay quiet. "A random man yelling at me? Not so sure why..?" Free frankly asks back.
"WHAT?" Cust spits surprised. Could not believe what he just heard. "We have a troublemaker here, I see. Why you have not cut your hair? That kind of ladyhair is not accepted here!"
"I didn't know I should have cut it..," young man just answers.
"I see. You didn't know..," man smiles, snorting. Others in this building with a little longer hair all get their hair cut last night. It was a custom to keep hair short here. "You were not here last night!?"
"I was here. But it's not my habit to follow some random intruders when the orders were to stay in until the morning and not leave without permission," Free clears, trying to speak as politely as he could. People here weren't actual danger but they surely were scary. "Where I come from, coming back alive would have been very unlikely. I'm not stupid.."
Cust stares Free unbelieving. Then laughs. "WHAT IS WITH THIS KID! You skip the last nights training?"
"..It was part of the training?"
"Then you will be happy and do it now! Give me fifty push ups. NOW!"
"..Push ups?" Free repeats, feeling damn confused. He kind of couldn't keep up what was going on. Why suddenly push ups?
"PUSH UPS!"
Since man looked very angry, Free just sighs and gets down, starts to do push ups.
"And so you others too will remember not to behave like him.. Fifty push ups! ALL OF YOU!" Free could hear people cursing around them. Everyone get down and do as told. While they were doing push ups, Cust continues his walk. "After the name call and our first morning run, you, Junior, go and get your hair cut!"
"Okay," Free quietly says back, feeling annoyed, thinking this couldn't be possible right what they were suddenly doing here. Wasn't this just bossing around? Not training what they were supposed to do here?
"It's 'Yes, sir!'"
"Yes, sir!"
- - - -
Frees time in this training could not have started any way worse. After the first intense training Free eventually found a staff member in charge who cut his hair away, leaving it so short Free couldn't remember has it ever been this short before. Following todays schedule and the members from his unit Free manages to clear the first day. It was most likely just their instructors introducing the military area while keeping up this bruising physical training. Like they were clearing out each individuals basis. It was very hectic, leaving everyone very tired but still enthusiastic. Like this was just the beginning. Even Free, albeit spending most of that time just alone, felt this place wasn't that bad after all.
But when he came back to their building the reality there made him realize his time here might just get even tougher from now on. His bed was turned upside down. Sheets were lying on the floor. Free stops his steps in front of the bed, closing his eyes and letting out very loud and deep sigh. "Really?" he asks out loud. He knew what was going on. This was their way to thank Free from this morning. He actually turns and lets his eyes round the hall. Everyone in was staring at him, then turning their looks away, keeo doing what ever they were doing, ignoring him.
Well, Free wasn't here to make friends anyway. This might actually be easier when he can just focus his own business here. And while keeping that attitude, first two weeks went by, quite fastly actually. It became a habit to Free find his bed turned upside down, every single evening. The more he ignored the whole thing and let it just slide, showing how unbothered he was, the more determinedly it continue. Still, it could have been worse. This was just annoying teasing and Free was very adaptable naturally.
Training their bodies took most of their time during the first week. During the second week came the fighting and defending trainings. Those were the only times Free was actually interacting with others from his building. Even when there was this silent gap between them, no one really ignored him. Outside the combat trainings, he was always alone. But he get along with the staff members so at least there were some to chat with from time to time. As usually he actually became quite popular among them. Getting a little spoiled even compared to other rookies. There was always someone ready to offer their help what ever he need.
Free was now sitting against the wall, drinking some water, watching a group of men looking up the ceiling where this small item was hanging. Their Second Captain had note them the very first day, who could get 'the golden apple' down and has it safe with them the last day of their training time would earn extra points. Ever since trainees have tried to figure out a way to get it down. To Free points didn't matter, what ever for they were. He was here to make it to the end. But the group there was seriously talking and thinking ways to get it for themselfs. So without anything to do right now Free ended up watching their struggle. They used rope. Throwing things at it. But their every attempts only made it sway.
While eyeing the ceiling and the wire road where that gold item was attacked, Free had an idea how they put that thing there. It was pretty clear to all. But the door which lead up there was always locked, so everyone just assume breaking in wasn't allowed, of course. Work smart, not hard. Free would have definitely just break in and get it the same way how they have put it in. But since he wasn't that interested in the first place and men didn't seem to proceed in any way, Free finally stands up and leaves, getting himself mentally ready. Next glass was about to start.
After a few obligatory theory lessons about firearm safety, the basic rules of safe gun handling, they were finally introduced for the real deal. For that the group Free was with were now gathered inside the shooting range. Fiveteen men stand on their own lodges, in front of the table where their guns were resting all apart. Further, 10 m from them according the signs on the walls, were the targets. One for each lodge.
"Let's start then. Now for those who have never seen or used guns..," intentionally Cust looks at Free and smiles widely. "There is an instruction paper in front of you. Your first mission is to assemble the gun, load it, take the safety off, shoot the target three times, safety on, loose the ammunition magazine, dismantle and call it ready. Any questions?" Without even giving any time to answer, he calls the mission started. "Good. Go!"
Men take their parts and start their mission. Some of them were used to this, some haven't use this gun before and took their time. Some really needed the instruction papers. There were many without a gun training under. People from different basis. But even when their captains guidance was very trivial, men weren't intentionally left alone with their first task for nothing. This was part of the training. Everyone moving on their own speed for now. Everything they needed was right in front of them. Reading clear. But Free wasn't a fan of reading.. To him that thin book looked as booring and futile as the books Don made him read about law and society. In this case he didn't even need to open that book to know what to do.
The first one shooting startled everyone, breaking their focus. It was so sudden. Way under ten seconds. Free shot three times, after that turns the gun down, puts the safety back on, looses the magazine and then fastly breaks the gun apart and puts the parts back on the table. "READY!" Men near him were now staring at their youngest one here, who was just keeping his eyes ahead, very aware of the looks turned on him. Free surely didn't assume he would be the first one to go, so he too felt a little puzzled. But didn't he do good here? Were they really supposed to read first?? Should he have act a little slower..?
Cust walks next to Free. Looks at Free who eventually turns his own look toward the man, meeting his cold stare. "Again!" was all man yells, very commanding.
Feeling a little startled Free immediately starts over. Safety off. Raises the gun, aiming, shooting three times, then redoing everything backwards. Last part on the table. "Ready," he says calmly, not so sure was he in trouble or something. Their Captains reaction was very intimidating.
Cust hums acceptably. "So you can really do something, Junior," he suddenly laughs loudly, waving his hand. "This is what we want from all of you. Now! Keep going!"
- - - -
"You should take part of the shooting competition," Cust says to Free when young man was about to leave the area.
The glass was over now. Everyone moving to their own scheduled functions. Since Free didn't have anything major for the rest of the day before their shared evening training in the field later he was planning just take his rest. "Not interested," Free gives his indifferent answer, letting his honest thoughts be heard.
Already been used to this young mans cocky attitude, Captain doesn't give up. "You would get points from that. I admit I don't like your attitude, but I like how nicely you handled that gun. Who ever taught you knew his thing." He has met many difficult people during the years of commanding these units. So far this young man has been one of the most weirdest ones, lacking some serious common sense at times, but since he could generally behave and worked as hard as anyone here, Cust chose to give this one a change. Overall his skills were something he have to acknowledge. Who ever sent him here has already seen his potential. And it was Captains job to shape this incomplete prospect to something greater.
Since this man was praising Don here, Free didn't completely ignore his words. But some competitions were still sounding too pointless. He wasn't here to play. "Can I ask what are these points for?"
"What? No one have told you?"
"There was nothing in the tutorial and no one talks to me here so.."
That almost made Captain burst out laughing, but he kept his calm, barely. Kids unsocial attitude was known among people here and him becoming an outsider wasn't that strange, but likely anticipated. If he plan to keep his distance, he would be alone for the rest of his time here. What made it sad was the fact he didn't even seem to be bothered about it at all. "So you became a lonely wolf, ha? You get points from your trainings and can earn some extra points too. For example, taking part of this competition."
Extra points? Was there really such a system here? "Does it matter in the end? I will pass this training without those points, right?"
Cust hums agreeing. But doesn't give up that easily still. This brat needed a good push. "If you make it to the end, yes. Points really doesn't matter. But what does it hurt to be a little competitive. You have the right skills. Make a name out of yourself."
- - - -
After giving it some serious thought, Free eventually accepted their Second Captains deal. He would take part of the game. And after learning more about the points system, he start filling his hours with different tasks from the staff members aroud their base. Was it about cleaning after classes or helping out in the kitchen, Free did it. Getting some more points. Making the time here go even faster.
Even when it sometimes didn't feel moving fast enough. Once again Free was standing in front of his upside down turned bed, feeling damn frustrated. The faster this all was over the better. He was so sick of finding this same scene every night..
Looking around Free confirms he was alone still. And decides to act back.
A little later more people start coming back in. And immediately they could see every single bed there been turned upside down. Only Frees bed was fine, owner himself sitting on it reading, ignoring everyones angry glance.
"Now you are just making them angrier, Junior," one of the guys says smiling, calmly walking next to his own bed place and starting slowly turn it around. Free doesn't answer. Keeps just reading.
But his stunt surely add more heat in. The next day brought something very new to Frees routines. He has just come back, standing now in front of their rookie building number seven, staring this familiar looking bed on top of the roof. They had seriously drag his bed all the way up there..? Feeling dumbfounded, Free couldn't but breathe his anxiety out while showing a desperate smile. He was so losing this cold war..
Accepting his defeat, Free had no choice but to climb up to get his stuffs and the mattress down, leaving the bed frame up there. After carrying everything back in, Free places the mattress on the floor, makes his bed and sits down to finally take his rest. Ignoring others in who were all quietly staring at him, smiling.
Well, even Free think this shit was kind of funny. Just hoping he wouldn't get in trouble for this. Their training have just begin.
- - -
Two men were running in this narrow alley, now climbing over the fence, glancing behind them were their chasers still behind them. Even when they couldn't see anyone, they keep running as fast as they can. These streets were familiar to them. Hideouts everywhere if they just could shake off those cops.
But their own narrow thinking was going to fail their plans. These chasers weren't normal cops. They were pros. Knew these streets better than their own mothers. Not only they have already tracked them down what area they were hidden, getting out from there was impossible anymore without running straight on the next ambush.
"Freeze!" Larx yells while raising his gun toward his targets. Because there were a busy road behind him, his main goal was to keep men inside their definited area to catch them. And as assumed, the moment men saw him, they turn to another alley, continuing their run, Larx behind them.
Don climbs over the fence and runs after them. He wasn't as fast as Larx was and indeed he wasn't a runner type when he usually just avoid anything heavy work. Was it in the office or field, his center was to organise and lead, use his head, rather than run like this. But at times even he has to step in with his men and do his duty. Regardless of the risks. Adrenaline was his worst enemy.
Two men split up. Larx runs after the other guy on their right while Don keep going straigh after the other. Since man was clearly heading toward the main street instead of staying in hides anymore, Don knowingly slows his speed down a little. No one in their right mind would rush blindly in a busy street like that. Not only the walking side of the road was very minor, you couldn't see anything from this narrow passageway where they were coming. If man runs to the crowd, they could spot him easily, he wouldn't get far when they have already surrounded the area.
And indeed man runs there without slowing down, getting almost hit by a biker, making him lose his balance. Brake noises. Man got hit and end up on top of the car. The second car hit that one. And another. Car alarms went on and the lane was blocked in a split second.
While walking toward that chaos Don was calming his breathing, smiling. He pushs the mic on from his earphone. "This fucker got hid by a car.."
"I can hear you smiling," Kiho speaks out, sounding cold, like ready to give his Boss an earful if he start acting there out of manners. "Please behave.."
"I am. Just enjoing the moment," Don smirks and walks closer. He shows his badge to the person who just got out of his car, shocked after realizing there was a body above his car. From Dons silent instruct men steps further, giving him some space to check wounded mans condition. "But I'm afraid he might not be dead yet.. No, I need him alive.." Don usually didn't hide his varying moods from his men. And in fact he has to speak straight around them. To give an open warning, like. He trys the pulse from unconscious mans neck. "Still alive.. Send an AD. Where is the other one?" Like with a switch his voice changes back to his normal. This guy was caught and couldn't move so there was nothing Don to do anymore. The other guy was still on the run.
"We are in the building..," Larx calls.
Don turns his eyes up, trying to figure what building they we in. Leaving the chaos and confused people behind him he walks back to the alley, looking up. Since they were basically surrounded by buildings with narrow alleys, without precise location it would be just a waste of time Don to run aimlessly. So instead of just walking too far, he remain still the area where he saw Larx going.
And after a short while, he could see some movement, someone opening a window in one of the building. Man looks around him and actually climbs out from the window, jumps on the fire escape ladders next to him and starts fastly climb down. That was their guy. After verifying that, Don steps out to this little wider area between the buildings, walking closer, keeping his eyes on the man. "He's out, coming down, on the ladders. Fourth floor. I'm right down him." Man could definitely hear him, now looking down and after cursing he starts to climb up toward the roof. "Spot me. Going up.."
"I close the way from in. Make him go all the way to the roof. There is only one way out there, I will meet him there," Larx notes through their earphones.
"I got the location. I'm coming," Milos voice speaks next. Now that men were all still, they should surround them as soon as possible.
"Roger," Don says and after a deep breathe in he takes a hold of the ladders, starts to climb up after the guy. His move made man rush and he get on the roof in no time. The air was freezing and without gloves the ladders feel very cold, so Don took his time to not lose his hold or slip. They weren't in a rush anymore, and his role was to keep man from coming back down, force him go in. After all they were sure men were unarmed. And against pros with combat skills like Don and Larx, if man was smart he would surrender immediately.
When Don was just past the half way, man suddenly appears back in Dons sight, spots him, curses and angrily he starts to kick the railing where the ladders were attached. Intenting to break it, or at least stop Don from getting closer. The fear in his eyes made it clear he was close to panic, scaring to get caught.
That surely was unexpected move. The creaking sound came out from the metal, giving Don this first warning something really bad was about to happen. Don moves back, almost slips, strongly holding on the ladders while moving evenly lower. But the more man kick the more loose the bolts with what ladders were attcked on the wall become, eventually making the top part of the ladders give up. Pulling the bolts totally out, the weight made the ladders fold off, fall down, Don with it. They hit the wall of the next building, momentarily staying still. Now Don was hanging, keeping his hold.
"This ain't ending fine..," Don whispers smiling, but as always he could naturally keep his calm. Only the upper part of the ladders were disconnected. The rest were strongly still attacked to the wall. If he could make it back next to the wall, he could just keep climbing down. He only need sto move carefully. First he stays still. Then finally makes a bold move. He moves fastly his other hand to the next rung. Waits still after the first move. Then dares to move the other hand. This should work. As long as he could keep the weight still.
Milo drives the car to the alley and immediately sees this unreal looking situation above him. That very same second the ladders keep moving and folds more, ramming Don between the ladders and the wall. He loses his hold, starts to fall. Looking down now he trys to kick further away from the wall, but his speed was way too fast his kicks to have any effect. Milo drives the car below him and brakes. That's where Don falls on, sliding from the car window down the street.
The hit mashed the front window slightly in so Milo had to cover his eyes during it. Now, Milo gets out of the car, desperately searching Don under his eyes. "DON!!" he takes his phone while running to Dons side. "I have an officer down. Need emergency vehicle!"
Don slowly opens his eyes and sees Milo speaking to the phone. But he couldn't hear him. There was just this loud beeping filling the air. He trys to move his arms. Other doesn't work at all. Draging his left arm to side he pushes himself up to sit, coughing, almost losing his balance. There was blood. Coming out from his mouth. He couldn't breathe..
"Don't move on your own, man!" Milo yells. "Keep your neck still." But Don doesn't seem to hear him. Really, he couldn't hear anything anymore. It felt like he was under water. His sight was wavering. There was his own hand. And this grey ground under him with blood drops which were becoming larger the more he look. He has to focus breathing, not to swallow the blood. Just breathe slowly, then let the blood flow out of his mouth. Repeat.
His sight went darker. He wanted to close his eyes so badly. No matter how he tried he couldn't move his body anymore. And he falls down. Passes out.