Jack Evergreens journey began as he arrived at boot camp, a place where discipline and dedication were forged into warriors.
The warm rays of the summer sun shown over Jacks face The moment he stepped off the bus he was shoved by a brawny man who looked at him with competitive eyes then he was greeted by the stern-faced drill sergeant named Sergeant Avis Cordero.
Tall and sturdy, the sergeant's voice boomed across the camp, commanding attention from all the recruits.
Jacks heart raced as he joined the line of nervous recruits, all dressed in identical uniforms. The sergeant's piercing eyes swept across the group, evaluating their potential. With a voice that could shake mountains, he bellowed,
"Welcome to boot camp, recruits! Over the next weeks, you will learn discipline, teamwork, and what it truly means to be a super soldier. Are you ready?" The recruits, including Jack responded in unison, "Yes, Sergeant!"
From that moment on, Jacks journey into the world of military training began.
Jack arrives at the training ground with the other recruits where he meets with the two most powerful leaders.
Sergeant Cordero and Mr. Yoshi, they introduce themselves to the trainees and make a speech on what's to expect from them from a unique training that requires only the strongest and fearless to work in the secret agency of elite soldiers.
Cordero explains that they had joined the corps to fight alongside the country and protect the people from enemy's and entities and claims only the strongest will survive the brutal training and are hand picked to be the next elite team of fighters for the Cordero nation.
Jack endured hardships and brutal training, he wanted to impress his idol however he needed someway to stand out so he can be picked in the higher leagues and work for the president.
During the leg race warm up he catches a glimpse of the strong man who had pushed him. They lock eyes on the starting line.
The racecourse stretched through a winding path, filled with twists and turns that tested the contestants' skill and endurance.
As the starting signal blared, Jack and the man shot off like lightning, their legs pumping with determination.
For the first half of the race, the two men remained neck and neck, their strides perfectly synchronized. Each step they took showcased their progress of training and their unwavering dedication to their craft.
The instructors marvelled at their speed, their eyes fixed on the breathtaking display of human athleticism.
As they approached the final stretch, Jack with his eyes set on victory, summoned every ounce of strength within him. His legs moved with a rapid flurry, propelling him forward It seemed as though victory was within his grasp.
In a blink of an eye he reaches the finish line only realising he had lost to Quinn Gamel. Dripping with sweat and coated with dust he saw the rest of the recruits make it to the finish line. some where cheering Quinn while others called him over competitive.
Jack peered over Sergeant Cordero who scribbled something in his clipboard. Disappointed,
As things didn't go as smoothly as Jack had envisioned. From the very beginning, it became evident that he was slightly behind the others in his training.
He struggled to keep up with the physical demands and often found himself exhausted and out of breath.
But Jack was determined not to let his initial setbacks define him. He knew that true strength came from pushing through the difficulties and never giving up.
during a particularly grueling training session, drill sergeant Yoshi called Jack aside. With a stern expression on his face, he explained, "Most people quit when things get hard. They give up because they can't handle the pressure.
But if you want to succeed in this journey, you need to prove that you are worthy."
Jack listened intently, his resolve growing stronger with every word. He knew that this was his chance to show his determination and prove himself.
With a newfound sense of purpose, he threw himself into the training, pushing his limits and refusing to give in to fatigue.
As the days turned into weeks, Jack's hard work began to pay off. He started to catch up with the others and even surpassed some of them in certain areas.
The drill sergeants took notice of his progress and grudgingly acknowledged his dedication.
However, just when Jack thought he was on the path to success, an unfortunate incident occurred.
During an intense army crawl exercise, he accidentally hit his head on a low wooden board, causing a painful gash. The drill sergeant Cordero never one to miss an opportunity to test someone's resolve, seized the moment to humiliate Jack.
"Since you like that board so much you will carry this board with you until the end" the drill sergeant barked, handing Jack the very same wooden board that had caused his injury.
Jack's heart sank as he realized the humiliation that awaited him. But he refused to let it break his spirit. With the heavy board in his hands, he continued the course, determined to prove that he was not defined by a single mishap.
To everyone's surprise, Jack not only carried the board but also excelled in completing the course. The weight of the board became a symbol of his ascertainment, and he used it to fuel his strength.
Jack earned the respect of his fellow trainees and even the grudging admiration of the drill sergeant.
As the training progressed, Jack's physical limitations became more apparent during the log lifting exercise.
He couldn't help but notice that he was smaller and less muscular compared to the rest of the men. This realization filled him with self-doubt, as he wondered if he truly belonged among his fellow trainees.
Team leader Quinn, having noticed Jack's insecurities, decided to test his resolve.
He ordered Jack to carry the log first, knowing that it would be a challenge for him. Jack hesitated for a moment, his doubts creeping in, but he quickly brushed them aside.
He was determined to prove himself, no matter the obstacles.
With a deep breath, Jack positioned himself under the log and lifted it onto his shoulders. The weight pressed down on him, making his muscles strain and his body shake.
He struggled the most out of all the trainees, his smaller frame making it harder to bear the burden.
As Jack fought to keep the log steady, the drill sergeants began to sense weakness in him. Their eyes narrowed, and they exchanged knowing glances.
It seemed as though Jack's struggle had confirmed their suspicions that he was the weakest link in the group.
Quinn, taking advantage of the situation, shifted the log higher on Jack's shoulders. It was a mocking gesture, a visual representation of Jack's shorter stature.
But Jack refused to let their mockery break him. He clenched his teeth and focused on maintaining his balance, determined to prove that his physical size did not define his strength or worth.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the training ground. A log from the other team had failed, crushing one of the trainees named Alec beneath its weight.
Panic and confusion filled the air as the rest of the team stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
In that critical moment, Jack's instincts kicked in. Without a second thought, he raced towards the fallen trainee and mustered every ounce of strength he had left.
With a surge of adrenaline and determination, he lifted the log with all his might, freeing the trapped trainee.
The drill sergeants, who had been observing the situation closely, were taken aback by Jack's display of bravery and selflessness.
In that single act, Jack had proven that courage knows no physical limitations. They saw beyond his struggles and recognized his true value as a soldier.
As the dust settled after Jack's heroic act, Sergeant Cordero was ready to unleash his anger at Jack for leaving his post without permission.
But before he could utter a single word, Sergeant Yoshi intervened, stepping between Cordero and Jack.
Sergeant Yoshi, a seasoned military veteran known for his wisdom and fairness, raised a hand to stop Cordero's impending tirade. With a calm and assertive voice, he began to explain his perspective.
"Cordero, I understand your concern about Jack leaving his post, but let me shed some light on the situation," Sergeant Yoshi said. "While Jack may have technically deviated from his assigned duty, he did so for a noble reason.
"He was the only one who took immediate action to help a fellow trainee in distress."
Cordero, still seething with frustration, crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. He was skeptical of Yoshi's defense of Jack's actions.
Yoshi continued, undeterred. "Look around, Cordero. Take a good look at the rest of the trainees. Do you see anyone else putting in the same level of effort as Jack? They were faking their effort and got someone injured for it."
Cordero reluctantly glanced around and realized that Yoshi was right. The other trainees stood frozen, their faces filled with shock and fear.
It was evident that their initial training had not instilled in them the importance of teamwork and looking out for one another.
"The core principle of our training is to develop soldiers who will not only fight alongside each other but also support and protect each other," Yoshi explained.
"Jack may have momentarily left his post, but he demonstrated the true spirit of camaraderie and selflessness. His actions embody the values we strive to instill in every soldier."
Cordero's anger began to subside as he absorbed Yoshi's words.
He shifted his gaze towards Jack, who was now being congratulated by the rest of the team. He observed Jack's determination, his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his comrades.
The final training for today was pull ups and sit ups and now it was time for Jack to meet his bunk mates.
Jack settled his stuff by his bunk, the camp reeked of sweat and musk, he placed his comics in one corner and scanned the room while the rest settled in. Sergeant Yoshi was right, most people had gave up during day one.
A boy no older than Jack who looked pale and scared almost hurried in the bunk, Jack had remembered this boy as Alec who was last in the leg race and always panicked when the drill sergeants yelled at him.
Jack introduced himself to the boy as Alec climbed on top of Jacks bunk, he seemed to have a lot on his mind and almost ignored Jack.
Jack asked him for his name and waited for an answer but Alec was searching frantically for something in his bed.
Jack looked down at the ground and spotted a device that wasn't his and held it up to his face "looking for something?" Jack asked his strange bunk mate. The boy paused and looked down below at Jack and said "yes thank you!" He quickly snatched the device "what is it?" Jack asked
"I made it myself" the boy said "I'm Alec by the way!" Jack nodded as he made himself comfortable, he closed his eyes As Jack could hear murmurs from his bunk mates, he would have to start the day off tomorrow training so he let his mind wander before falling asleep.
As his bunk mate Alec and Jack shared the cramped quarters, their initial awkwardness gives way to camaraderie.
Late-night conversations become a sanctuary, where they confide in each other about their fears and aspirations.
During one particularly challenging training exercise, Jack found himself paired up with Alec. Alecs confidence grew around Jack as he always seemed to know what he was doing.
Alec admired his skills and wondered if he could ever measure up.
Through the trials and tribulations of training, their friendship strengthens, providing a sense of support and encouragement.
As the final weeks of boot camp approached, Jacks heart swelled with a mix of pride and anticipation. The transformation he had undergone was incomparable to anything he had experienced before.
He had grown not only physically but also mentally and emotionally and was pleased to have Alecs company even though they both stood out as an underdog.
The day of graduation arrived, and Jack stood tall among his fellow soldiers, his uniform crisp and gleaming.
Friends and family gathered, awaiting the moment they would witness their loved ones' transformation from recruits to soldiers.
Sergeant Cordero now wearing a proud smile, stood before the graduating class with his faithful brother Mr. Yoshi.
He delivered an inspiring speech, praising their commitment and resilience.
Each recruit's name was called, and they stepped forward to receive their well-deserved accolades.
Jack looked over his certificate, he couldn't believe he had barely made it into Cordero's super soldiers, this was his chance to prove himself a hero.
Jack looked over to Mr. Yoshi who was talking about assigning military positions based on ranks and made a list on a nearby table.
Jack went over to the table and scanned each paper looking for his rank and finally he found it, his rank read 'last hope' puzzled at the name at first but he realised he's important and he planned to do it his all.
he was assigned to a special mission with Alec alongside a group of soldiers he had trained with.
Little did Jack know, this group he was assigned to was actually a secret terrorist organization disquised as soldiers.
Their plan was to infiltrate a highly secure government facility and steal classified information that could put the entire nation at risk.
As they embarked on their mission, Jack noticed some unusual behavior from his comrades. Their conversations were laced with hints of malicious intent, and their actions seemed to be driven by ulterior motives.
Deep down, Jack knew something was amiss, but he couldn't put his finger on it just yet.
As they reached the government facility they stole numerous documents while Alec reluctantly looked out for any guards and would spook at any noise.
Jack couldn't let his doubts go unanswered, so he discreetly began gathering evidence once they went back to their base.
Late at night, while the rest of the group was asleep, he accessed their personal belongings and discovered documents linking them to the terrorist organization and the same device Alec had been looking for was in fact a handcrafted bomb.
Realising the gravity of the situation, Jack knew he had to act swiftly and discreetly.
He managed to discreetly contact his superiors and share his findings over his radio, providing them with crucial information about the terrorist group's plan however he looked over at Alec who was awake and watching him fearfully as Jack was crouched over their bag of stolen documents they both locked eyes like a deer in headlight while Jacks radio crackled.
Alec saw the betrayal he had made Jack feel In his eyes and guilt washed over him while his comrades slept and who relied on him to befriend Jack and kill him once the mission was over.
Jack found himself face-to-face with a notorious terrorist in which it was his own friend. Alec had been a part of a radical group that had caused immense destruction and suffering. Determined to make a difference.
Jack saw an opportunity to convince Alec to abandon his violent ways and join the side of peace for all he saw in Alecs eyes was a scared misguided boy.
Jack's heart sank as he discovered the disturbing truth about his bunk mates. They were all members of a terrorist organisation.
As he turned to face his friend Alec, he saw the fear in his eyes and noticed Alec reaching for his pistol.
The weight of the betrayal settled heavily upon Jack's shoulders, but he saw an opportunity amidst the chaos.
In that critical moment, Jack's instinct to protect his friend kicked in. He understood that Alec had been coerced and peer pressured into this life of terror.
Jack knew that if he could convince Alec to abandon the terrorist organization, they could both escape the grips of this dangerous path and preserve their friendship.
With a firm yet empathetic voice, Jack pleaded, "Alec, I know this is overwhelming, but we have a chance to change the course of our lives right now. You don't have to go through with this. We can both walk away from this darkness together."
Alec's hand trembled as he hesitated, torn between the loyalty he felt towards his fellow terrorists and the bond he shared with Jack.
The internal struggle was evident on his face as he weighed the consequences of his actions.
Jack continued, his voice filled with conviction, "Think about it, Alec. We've been friends now and I know the person you truly are. You're not a terrorist at heart.
"We can choose a different path, a path that doesn't involve violence and destruction. We can make a difference in the world in a positive way."
Alec's grip on the pistol loosened slightly, his eyes darting between Jack and the weapon in his hand. The conflict within him was palpable, but Jack refused to give up on his friend.
"Remember all the good times we've had together, Alec," Jack pleaded, his voice filled with sincerity.
"We can reclaim that friendship and build a future free from the shackles of this organization. We can help each other heal and find a new purpose."
As the seconds ticked by, the weight of the decision hung in the air.
Jack held his breath, hoping that his words had resonated with Alec and that he would choose the path of redemption and friendship over violence and destruction.
Approaching Alec cautiously, Jack acknowledged the pain and anger that had driven him towards terrorism.
He listened attentively to Alecs grievances, giving him the chance to express his frustrations and told him Alec's hand trembled as he listened to Jack's plea.
His eyes darted around the room, searching for a way out, as he struggled to find the right words to explain his situation. Finally, in a quivering tone, Alec began to share his truth.
"Jack, I... I understand your shock and anger," Alec started, his voice filled with a mix of fear and resignation. "But you have to understand, I come from a family business that goes beyond what meets the eye. We're not just terrorists, we're... we're spies."
He paused, taking a deep breath, before continuing. "I was raised to believe that sacrificing my life for my country was the highest honor. In Russia, my family has been involved in these activities for generations. It's... it's a duty we've been assigned."
Alec's voice wavered as he struggled to convey the weight of his upbringing and the conflicting emotions he felt.
Jack could see the flicker of doubt in Alecs eyes, a sign that there might be a chance for change.
With unwavering conviction, Jack appealed to Alecs sense of justice and compassion.
"You don't have to live this life, We can create peace together if you join me!" Jack coached Alec reminding him of his own goals of wanting to restore peace if they followed Cordero.
Alec on the verge of breaking down, afraid of loosing his only friend and his own life. Understanding that Alec needed support and an alternative path, Jack offered him a chance at rehabilitation.
He assured Alec that he would be treated fairly and given the opportunity to rebuild his life.
Jack presented options for education, and psychological support, emphasizing that Alec had the power to make a difference in the lives of others.
Morning was approaching and Jack had not finished his message on the radio and he soon called for backup and promised Alec that he will not get him involved once they arrived.
Soon after soldiers and officials crowded the base and arrested the remaining terrorists, Jack knew that the punishment for treason is death and was glad he saved Alec.
Alec started to question the violent ideology he had once embraced. He realized that he could contribute positively to his community and create a more peaceful future.
With Jacks guidance, Alec found his purpose in helping others affected by the conflict, using his experiences to prevent others from falling into the same trap he once did.
It had been a week before the incident and Alec had been more closer to Jack and he showed Alec his favourite comics however a new person moved into his bunk base and Jack recognised him immediately.
He was the team leader, Quinn who beat him in everything during training, he was an overachiever but so was Jack but Jack did not want to see anyone as competition and wanted to work on his first impressions on this man.
On the loud speaker Jacks name was called up by an office lady and Jack sprung up and headed for the door but he paused was he in trouble?
Did he forget something? He went to the drill sergeants office and there stood the two leaders and the office lady named miss Peggy who was Cordero's assistant.
Mr. Avis and Mr. Yoshi were both smiling "we wanted to thank you for capturing those terrorist, we were able to track down their credentials and handle the investigation..." Yoshi inhaled.
"we wanted to invite you to dinner with our wives and offer a gift." Jack blushed he was being invited to the White House! Jack didn't know how to respond formally so he excitedly accepted the offer
"however" Mr. Avis added "you may not tell anyone about this, information about terrorist are confidential."
Jack nodded and thanked them and trotted back to his base his mind raced he wanted to put on his best suit and act fancy around his idols and he was finally being recognised as a hero.
Jack went over to his fellow soldiers who were training and told Alec about the news on how he'd been recognised while doing push ups with him.
Alec had then told Jack that he and him would be paired up in a group of four and said that Quinn Gamel would be with them, Jack groaned there's no way avoiding him and they will have to find a way to work together.
Soon came the evening and Jack had finished tugging at his tie he waited for the limo to pick him up from the base and two body guards opened the door for him they looked a lot like Mr. Yoshi.
Inside the limo was four figures, Mr. Avis and Mr. Yoshi and there gorgeous wives named Sofia and Yuki.
Mr. Avis poured a glass of whiskey and handed it to Jack, Jack had never drank before but wanted to look mature in front of them so he drank it all and held back the bitterness.
They all chatted about events and family and Avis lit a cigarette in which Jack opened a window he almost felt out of place but still wanted to make a good impression but stayed silent as Avis was uncomfortably close to him.
They arrived at the White House and were greeted by more guards and Jack was in awe as he stared at the decorations in the corridors. He was struck by the sight of Cordero, who exuded authority and charisma. He wore several shiny rings that caught the light, adding to his commanding presence.
Surrounding him, the officials looked impeccable in their tailored suits, exuding an air of professionalism and dignity.
They arrived in the dinning room in which miss Peggy greeted them and seated them, the banquet of food stretched, Jack had gained an appetite and felt very satisfied.
Jack was thrilled and felt incredibly honored to be chosen for such an exclusive event. However, little did he know that his excitement would soon be overshadowed by his own awkwardness.
As the day of the dinner approached, Jack began to feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
He meticulously planned his outfit, rehearsed his conversation topics, and even read up on current affairs to ensure he would be well-informed. He wanted to make a good impression on the president and his fellow guests.
As the dinner progressed, Jacks anxiety started to manifest itself in the form of awkward moments.
He found himself stumbling over his words, forgetting names, and inadvertently knocking over his glass of water.
His attempts at humor fell flat, and his nervous laughter echoed through the room, drawing attention to his discomfort.
Despite his best efforts, Jack struggled to engage in meaningful conversation with the other guests.
He would either overshare personal interests or find himself at a loss for words, resulting in uncomfortable silences.
His attempts to impress the president with his knowledge of current affairs only led to tangents and rambling explanations.
Yoshi broke the tension and asked one of his body guards for wine and had told Jack that all twelve body guards are his children then changed the topic relating to his award and motioned Avis to explain further.
Avis was watching Jack pick at his food "right" Avis answered, Jack looked at him curious about the reward for him.
Avis began explaining "we've seen your work and we know what your strengths are and we thank you for foiling the terrorist movement however upon investigation we found out there's more of them."
Jack froze, he thought of Alec, Avis continued "we want to reward you with the highest position as a part time and will pay you handsomely" Yoshi interrupted "millions to billions" he added.
Jack blushed what could be the highest position? He was ready to battle anything and take down foreign enemies and was eager to know what it takes to be in that rank.
"We have a younger brother" Avis says "he's in charge of all the secret weapons and works in a secret laboratory, he's a scientist but also a tailor as he works with high tech gear and everyone wants him dead for his success."
Jack was surprised he had never seen any history books explaining a third brother let alone a secret laboratory hidden from the public.
Yoshi chewed his food as Avis explains further "your job is to make sure he is protected and I mean it." Avis was stern and narrowed his eyes at Jack.
Jack saw this as a challenge he was supposed to protect the most important person ever while working both shifts as a super soldier.
"I won't let you down" Jack said to Cordero he paused "where exactly is he..?" Jack asked and miss Peggy handed him a letter of the address of the location and name which read 'Dr. Wormsly office 600' along with a passcode Jack took the paper and tucked it into his shirt pocket.
The dinner was concluded and everyone said their goodbyes but Jack was so focused on his promotion that he forgot to shake hands with Cordero.
Saturday came by and when Jack was finished his training he packed up and drove over to the location of his new mission 'body guarding..' he thought to himself how hard can that be?
As he made it into the secret laboratory it was heavily guarded and located remotely away from anything else, a helicopter hovered overhead as Jack stepped out.
He flashed his ID several times just to get in and soon he could see scientists working on experiments of some sort.
he felt like he was walking in circles trying to find the room until someone pointed him down a dark hall in which looked abandoned yet had heavy surveillance.
He reached the door and knocked on it, the door was cold as if no one had came in or out, he entered the passcode and the door opened to a dark messy room.
Glassware and laboratory equipment are scattered across the room, giving the impression that experiments are perpetually underway.
Test tubes, beakers, and petri dishes share shelf space with microscopes and centrifuges, all bearing the marks of countless experiments and discoveries.
The whiteboard on one wall serves as a canvas for the scientist's thoughts.
Equations, diagrams, and hastily scribbled notes cover its surface, capturing moments of inspiration and breakthroughs.
It is a living document, a visual representation of the scientist's thought process however it seemed to Jack that the rouge scientist went insane at one point.
Jack walked over wrappers and water bottles, he notice the amount of potted daisies that were present and called out for the scientists name "Mr. Wiggles where are you!"
He moved some boxes and clutter which revealed a computer desk and a lone scientist hunched over nursing on a bowl of noodles while staring at the computer screen.
Jack pulled out the card and read the name "are you Dr. Wormsly?"
YOU ARE READING
Green Valor
AkcjaJack Evergreen's world is shattered when a devastating war erupts, leaving destruction in its wake. In the chaos, a terrorist attack claims the life of his mother, igniting a fierce desire for revenge within him. Determined to honor her memory, Jack...