Introspection

Chapter 1 - Induction

The sun was a relentless force, pouring down waves of brutal heat. The deep blues of their uniforms seemed to draw in its intensity, making the temperature feel even more unbearable. They had been standing idle on the asphalt of the compound's training yard, sweat trickling down their brows, for what felt like an eternity. The well-built Doberman, who they were fairly sure introduced himself as Drill Sergeant Dimitri, silently reviewed the clipboard in his hand. His sharp yellow eyes occasionally flicked up to scrutinize their faces. Until, finally, the silence was broken.

"Alright, recruits, it's time to break you down into your units. These are the teams you'll be working with throughout your induction into G.U.N." The Sergeant's gruff voice barked out with an almost growl, setting his audience of recruits on edge. However, finally being given direction seemed to counter his intimidating tone. The collective sigh of relief from the cadets didn't escape his notice and Dimitri's brow arched as he began to pace in front of the first row of cadets. In the second row, Amy had to resist the urge to hide behind the red panda standing before her, desperate to avoid Dimitri's piercing gaze.

"Don't think for a second that being on a team makes your life any easier. You're expected to work, eat, sleep, and shit together! So if any one of you is dragging your heels, you'll be dragging the rest of your team with you." An insidious smirk curled across his muzzle as he stopped in front of an orange male ferret, who was openly bent over, inspecting his boots for scuffs.

"For example,"  The asphalt crunched under the weight of his steps, "When pups like you aren't paying attention, it won't just be your scrawny ass dropping and giving me 40." Dimitri snarled, his bared teeth just inches from the smaller male's face. The ferret, who had staggered to collect himself and stand at-ease, could only stare back in bewilderment. Dimitri narrowed his eyes, flicking them to the floor in a silent command.

"I'm s-sorry?"

"What's your name, pup?" Dimitri's voice was quiet, but for some reason, it only amplified his presence.

The ferret stuttered a reply, "Phi- Gunner, Sir."

"Well, Phi-Gunner. I believe I gave you an order? How about we make it 80?" The snarl on Dimitri's face curled into a grin that reached his tall ears. With barely a second to process the Sergeant's command, the ferret, Gunner, dropped to his knees. His gloved hands pressed against the sun-baked asphalt as he began to count aloud the push-ups he had been ordered to do.

Amy was only standing a couple people away, and with a quick surveying glance knew she wasn't the only one that seemed to snap to attention the moment Gunner had hit the ground. Dimitri turned without a second glance and continued to march down the line. He knew the pool of Mobian cadets was shallower than years prior; the Commander had warned him. Still, after reviewing their intake documents, he had expected more than twenty.

"You will be enduring ten weeks of basic training with me. I will break you down and sculpt you into warriors worthy of the title "soldier." His voice returned to its original gruff barking as he re-centered himself in front of his litter. "You all will be divided into seven squads, each representing one of the seven Chaos Emeralds. We will start with Squad White! Cadet Rei..."

"Idiot, there is no white chaos emerald, it's clear." The honeyed voice caused Amy's ears to flick behind her. She risked a quick glance over her shoulder to try to find its owner. The cyan blue Great Horned Owl that had spoken had a smirk plastered across his beak as his head and eyes followed each cadet that was called up to the front. His appearance was stately, as were most avian Mobians. Well manicured feathers that stood tall at the tips of his brows and grew shorter as they descended to meet at the edges of his gray beak. It made him appear as though he was wearing a masquerade mask that was further complimented by the array of feathers that curled skyward extending from the back of his head. His long tail feathers flicked lightly as he shifted his weight and it wasn't until he cleared his throat that Amy lifted her eyes to meet the gold of his own. Only for the owl to respond to her observations with a playful wink.