Morphine - Sequel to Adrenaline

Chapter 7

One Month Before Present Day
Jason

The final test was upon us. One year in training had passed yet again, this time my teachings included the art of torture. It wasn't easy to stomach the first few weeks, but the GFA was good at suppressing emotions. I'd learned to tune out of what I was doing, especially when it reminded me of what I had seen Joseph Turner do to Mr. Winters. I stood at attention as the trainers walked our line. They studied our attire, our appearance and where we had so perfectly concealed weapons. Moving forward, at any given moment, I would be carrying at least three knives and two guns. They'd made me an expert in handling both types of weapons to ensure I could protect myself in the field.

When inspections were finished, they ordered us out to the shooting range to qualify our ability to shoot and reload four different guns of their choosing. I'd become very fond of bolt actions rifles and excelled in accuracy and efficiency. My trainer watched me quickly load four bullets into the small magazine and insert it into the belly of the rifle. The motion of sliding the bolt back and forward was smooth, like it was an extension of my own hand. I closed my left eye, setting my gaze into the scope. My target had been set out to 600 yards. I adjusted the zoom, making mental calculation of where the bullet would drop. I slid my finger over the trigger, taking in a deep breath to relax. Another breath before squeezing the trigger. The recoil slammed into my shoulder as the bullet sailed towards its target. We heard a faint metal ping marking my shot. My trainer looked through a spotting scope and took note of where my bullet had hit. Bullseye.

I tried to smile as we moved to the next round, revolvers. These were my weak point, but I dropped 6 bullets inside, took aim and fired at a target fifteen yards away. The recoil was a little more significant, but the trainer seemed pleased with my shots. Next were semi-automatic handguns, then we finished with my choice of long guns. Semi-automatic were the most fun, so they watched me shoot an entire clip of 556. They tallied up my score, keeping it secret until I completed the next portion of my final test, knife throwing.

Our trials continued with hand-to-hand combat, code breaking, and escaping. By the end, my group and I were exhausted, sweaty, and dirty. Our trainers spent the next hour tallying scores and preparing statements of criticism. We waited patiently in our break room, nervously keeping an eye on the clock. Claudia served as a distraction, as we had spoken just that morning. The Headmaster Chambers had allowed a brief interaction so she could wish me luck. If all went well, then I'd be in Mexico tonight with her in my bed. Finally after another fifteen minutes of waiting, the trainers entered our space, posting the final results on the wall. We formed an orderly line, checking for our name and whether we passed or failed.

Each agent took the news quietly, but from the sparks in their eyes, I could tell it was good. When it was my turn, I broke into a small smile then turned and exited the room, towards the main hall. We didn't get much of a ceremony in this rank, they didn't feel that we needed anything fancy. But, as I walked into the main hall, I received a round of applause from the trainers. Mr. Carter had been flown in especially for this event, and was the one to pin me with my new platinum GFA pin. I shook their hands, taking my leave quickly. Arriving in Mexico could not come soon enough.

***
Two Days Before Present Day

Alyssa

Our final moments in training were coming to an end. Elaine and I waited patiently at the Night Hound training facility located in Malibu. My heart ached to know that I was so close to family, but couldn't see them. They were scattered to the four winds, likely to never be in the same place at the same time until the pinning ceremony. My body tingled with the anticipation of finally seeing my family for the first time in three years. Alex would be there too, and my promise was still ever present. Once Jason was dead, Alex and I could be together if he still wanted me.