Recon 6

Part 10 Ana: The Range

The sun was blinding as I stepped out onto the range. Worn targets scattered the field riddled with holes. Shell casings littered the ground as if it hadn't been cleaned in a long while. I kneeled down under the wooden overhang and slung my gun in front of me. I ejected my magazine switching it with another that was attached to my belt. I wouldn't dare waste armor piercing rounds on rickety targets. I placed the butt of my gun into my shoulder turning it sideways to use my red dot sight. I flipped my switch to single fire and pulled the trigger landing a solid shot to the neck of the closest target. I took a deep breath, slightly turning to my left and pulled the trigger again. A headshot that would have been between the eyes if it were a real person. Images of my captain assaulting me and being killed flashed in my head as I pulled the trigger over and over onto the targets in the field. I felt a tear escape my eye as I relieved myself from kneeling any longer and sat on the ground. I laid my weapon in my lap as I breathed deeply trying to compose myself.
My previous lieutenant knew of the incident and I was offered counseling which I abruptly declined. I didn't want to seem weak. I didn't want to seem mentally screwed and get discharged. Burdening others with my problems was never an option. Williams tried to get personal with me on occasion to get me to open up but was always unsuccessful.
My thoughts were broken as I heard yelling outside of the range. I quickly got up, grabbed my gun, and sprinted towards the noise. It was two plainly dressed soldiers about to fist fight with a growing circle around them.
"What the fuck is going on here?" I yelled. My voice was angry and even shocked me.
The men instantly put down their fists as their faces went white seeing me. I hadn't been introduced to these men yet but they looked like they've met me.
"I asked you a question soldiers! I expect an answer!" I screamed, getting in everyone's faces.
They started stammering all trying to give me excuses that would make me less angry.
"Get in formation!" I yelled. They scrambled quickly trying to obey orders. The men got in rows putting their hands behind their backs and stared straight ahead.
"If I catch any one fighting again, you will have to fight me personally." I said loudly, trying to simmer down my anger. I heard someone laugh under their breath as I slowly paced in front of them. A soldier from the second row who was roughly six foot in height tried to hide his smirk as I met his gaze.
"Is something funny?" I stopped in my tracks staring him down. "Get up here." I ordered. He sighed walking up to me.
"I'll ask again soldier. Is something funny?" I snapped.
"No ma'am." He said with slight attitude in his tone.
"Do you know what happens in war recruit?" I asked. "Nobody wins in war. You may come out on top, you may come out alive, but you're stuck with the memories of fallen comrades and taken lives." I looked around at everyone's faces before focusing on the troublemaker before me.
"Do you have the capability to take someone's life in cold blood recruit?" I asked.
"I'd like to think I can sergeant." He almost stuttered.
"Thinking you can and actually doing it are two very different things, recruit. Get your ass back in line." I ordered. He immediately followed orders his face was red like he was embarrassed. I turned to face the rows of men getting a good look at each of their faces.
"Do not let me catch any of you fighting. Am I clear?" I said. The response was underwhelming.
"I said am I fucking clear!" I yelled.
"Yes sergeant!" All of the men shouted.
"You're dismissed." I announced and I watched them head towards the building. I hadn't realized someone was spying on me from afar. It was Kayo.
"You had me shaking in my boots there too, sergeant." He chuckled.
"I didn't tolerate that shit with my last squad and I won't tolerate it now." I replied letting go of the tension in my body with a sigh.
"You should be getting ready for the mission, we will be leaving in only a few hours." He said. I nodded as I headed inside.