My Step Brother's Obsession - Carly #2

The Games (Prototype)

Caspian

It's been three long months since the incident at this year's games, but the prototype is finally here. Well, be the first to try out the prototype for those who are suffering from some type of PTSD. We had first put this to our superior years ago but nothing had come of it there had been many discussions on how we could help combat PTSD. There have been many prototypes in the making over the last ten years, most have worked but mine for noise cancellation have, until now. They finally think they've cracked it and our camp will be the first to try it out. They look at us as their guinea pigs as we requested it to be looked into again as we can't let the games commence without something done to cancel loud noises out.

The scientists making this prototype have been trying to get it ready for the games which we decided would be best to take part in the summer as the weather would be a lot better than it was during the easter months and half term and we would be able to spread it over two weeks instead of one.

With all the committee in agreement, the work commenced as soon as we left the board room. Now three months later. The prototype is safe to use. Well, let's hope so anyway. Four SUVs pulled into the camp yesterday with men in suits getting out looking like they were some kind of FBI agents.

A lot of comments and sniggers. They had us all in the mass hall aka cafeteria for a debrief and how to use the micro headset and earphones which must've cost a fortune. But, let's not get into it.

It seemed so simple it was all lined up by the Bluetooth device hidden inside the headset and headphones. All we had to do was pair them together and voila.

That was the easy part, the hard part was getting my voice to connect to all of them at the same time. It took a while but we managed it then we had a hard time making sure that all the campers could hear me loud and clear, especially those hard of hearing. Their devices were in place of their hearing aids and had a more powerful strength than their usual hearing aids. God only knows how these guys got these babies done in time.

Then we had to make sure that everyone could hear me, when they were happy with the outcome we did a trial run before the traitorous things had to be taken out and charged for them to last a whole day.

After a not-so-early night and not a lot of sleep the day of the games was here. All the dampers were at the starting line waiting for further instructions, everyone was entered in the games and were participating in the ones they were strongest at.

"Good morning everyone, can you all hear me?" I asked through the miniature sized microphone that was on my shirt and linked up to the earpiece.

"Yes."

They all said.

"Good." I then went on to explain the games in which they would be participating in today there would be four in total.

"Are we all ready?"

"Yes."

"Remember this is all for fun no matter who wins or losses. You're all the best." I tell them though they probably won't listen to me. "The first event is the obstacle course. Those who are participating please make your way over to the course, for those who aren't they can spectate."

We all headed over to the obstacle course and the participants all lined up. "Good luck everyone."

They took their marks. "Go."

The first two ran up to the first obstacle and so it begins the first day of the games with the new technology.

I look back to see Jonathan smiling. He's standing to the right of Carly and to the left of Kyler. Sear standing beside them with Conrad beside her. I smile. I'm glad they all got their act together and decided it was best to share her than to argue the possibility that she would choose one and not the other.

Jonathan turns his head and smiles putting his thumbs up which means only one thing the prototype is a big hit with him as he's still here watching and mot in the hospice after having another attack. This could be a new beginning for all of us.

As the two weeks of the games continue the guys in suits stick around and watch the games and make notes about how the prototype is effective and defective. It's pros and cons. By the end of the games, they approach me. "Thank you for trusting us to share our prototype with you."

"Pleasures all mine. Having one of my officers here watching the games without him having an episode is the best news I've had in a long time."

He smiles. "The prototype was a success, Sergeant Hollingway. This is the first prototype in existence now we have all the information we require to further our discovery and let the General know what our findings are. He will be as pleased with the results as we are and hopefully we can get the ball rolling so we can help many others through their trauma."

He held his hand out and I shook it. "I'm sure he will do anything that helps towards conquering PTSD. I'm sure he'll be a hundred percent behind."

"I hope so."

"Me too."

"It was an honour meeting you Sergant Hollingway."

"You too."

He dropped my hand and walked away heading to the SUV getting in. Closing the door before it pulled away.

"So what's the verdict Cas?"

I looked at Jonathan, his eyes hopeful. "It's got to go to the General where they'll discuss their finding, but it looks good, so hopefully by next summer we'll be using the not-so-prototype headsets."

"We can all but hope."

Yes, we can.