Chapter 8: Surprise training

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The scene around the center was so full filling! Tan and Chen were still working on the best angles, poses and trajectories for an invasion of the center, using as guide the amazing replica they completed out of the carton boxes. It was amazing how much they had in common with each other. They were able to communicate in their mother tongue, talk about their heritage and the battle they fought with their family's expectations. The biggest difference was that unlike Tan, who at least had reestablished his relationship with his mother, Wy's mother had called it quits many months ago. She had given up on him and his two siblings, leaving him with too much to handle. Unfortunately, her opioids addition had gotten worse and worse. He confessed the amount of pressure took a toll on him, and the indifference from his mother was too much. Getting Tan's support meant the whole world to Chen because he was the first person to actually see potential in him. Everyone looked down on him, especially because of his physique. Tan encouraged him to keep working, because he himself wasn't the biggest kid either.

Luca and Kelly had moved on to other topics and even did some physical exercises. Those two were having a total blast! Much more than SWAT, Luca saw himself reflected in the girl. They shared so much in common, Luca couldn't help but to feel bad when they girl shared her experiences of persecution due to discrimination against her culture. She had been born within the Muslim community, but she absolutely loved everything beach and fun. Just like Luca, the beach was her sanctuary. Her personality was very outspoken and outgoing, just like the 15 yr old Dominique Luca.

Hondo, Marv, Deacon and D were working full on physical strength and endurance. Both teenagers enjoyed every single minute, because in between the exercise they were able to talk and clarify many questions they had. The chemistry between the four was amazing! While Marv looked up to Hondo, the latter couldn't help but to identify with the daily struggles in the young man's life. He kept encouraging Marv to continue the fight, but doing it the smart way. Deacon echoed these words, as he shared his faith with D'Andre. Those two bonded over their believes and shared experiences of self discovery through the practice of their faith. It was truly eye opening for Deacon how much he saw of himself in D.

Chris continued to work with Leyla, and Rubio continued to learn more about self control and body maintenance with Street. The more and more they shared together, the more mirror image each became. It wasn't just the romance between the young couple, it was specific traits and behavior that made it easy for the officers to identify with.

It was now almost 4:30pm, and the sun had begun to come down in South East LA. Miss Rita sounded one of the bells used by the center for the Christmas Bell Concert. It was the sound to announce the end of the fraternization period.

Sweaty and stinky, most of the teenagers were still hyped up. One would expect them to be extremely tired by now, but no! These teens were definitely full of energy. Miss Rita approached Hondo, and as the others settled and went for a water break, she consulted with him for a final activity.

"Hey, Hondo, what do you say we wrap up the day with a final activity? Maybe one to get everybody to release all the energy left?"

"Well, we can always go for a jog around the block, maybe 15 to 20 minutes?" he paused, he thought as he could really go for a nice light jog. "Do you think the kids will be up for it? I can get my guys to follow."

"Oh... that would be wonderful!" -she nodded- "Aw, don't worry about them kids, they don't even come with an off button, officer." she finalized with a light giggle

As she predicted, the kids were excited to go for a jog with the officers. All officers were instructed to jog alongside their recruit, never lose sight of him/her, and take their service weapon, just in case. They decided they would leave their cellphones, so they wouldn't have to carry too much, and would stay in their basic uniforms instead of the heavy gear. Only Deacon was to have his phone, only because his youngest daughter had been feeling ill the day before. It was just in case!

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