I'm Grant Ward

Chapter 84: Training Begins

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the S.H.I.E.L.D. shuttle, reflecting light on the still-under-renovation interior. Ward was back on the shuttle after a quiet night with Maria, and his expression showed a mix of satisfaction and determination. He was ready to start Skye's training again, and to that end, he prepared himself for a productive day.

Ward entered the shuttle and, with a smile, greeted the team that was busy with various repairs and tasks. Fitz and Simmons were adjusting equipment, while Coulson was on the phone with a supplier, arranging for necessary repairs. May, who was checking some documents, looked up and waved to Ward.

"Good morning, team!" Ward said, his tone light and cheerful. "I hope everyone had a good night. Skye, are you ready to start training?"

Skye, who was in the bus's cafeteria with a coffee in her hand, stood up immediately.

— "Sure, Ward! I'm excited to get started."

Ward waved at her, indicating for her to follow him.

— "Great. Let's go to the cargo bay. Class will start now."

As they walked to the cargo bay, Skye watched the shuttle undergoing repairs. The structure of the shuttle was visibly damaged, but the repairs were progressing.

— "How are the repairs going?" Skye asked.

Ward looked at her and smiled.

— "They're going well. The maintenance team is doing great. But today, the focus is on you and the training."

Reaching the cargo bay, Ward gestured for Skye to sit down. The space was simple but functional, with a work table and a few chairs. He pulled out a set of maps and diagrams he had prepared and began to explain.

— "Today, we're going to start with the basics, but essentials. The first thing you need to learn is how to analyze an environment. The ability to quickly assess a space can be crucial in a mission."

Skye nodded, sitting up attentively. Ward unrolled a map of a fictional building and began pointing to various areas.

— "See, each building has its own characteristics and quirks. What you need to identify are the entrances and exits, the control points, and any potential cover areas. It's also important to know where the critical points are, like security systems and potential threats."

Skye listened intently, taking in every word.

— "How do you do this in practice? Like, on a real mission?" she asked curiously.

Ward smiled, appreciating the question.

— "On a real mission, you start with a preliminary assessment. Look at the structure, identify strategic points, and plan your approach based on the information you've gathered. The idea is to have a flexible plan that can be adapted as the situation unfolds."

He then presented Skye with a practical exercise. He placed a series of objects in the cargo hold and asked her to identify the best entry and exit routes, as well as the critical points in the space.

— "Now, I want you to analyze this space and tell me what the best strategies are for a safe and efficient approach. Remember to consider all variables."

Skye dove into the exercise with enthusiasm. She examined the objects and the layout of the cargo bay, moving with determination and logic. After a few minutes, she presented her conclusions.

— "I would identify this entrance as the main one, with an alternative escape route here. This point here could be a good place to hide or observe. And this object, here, could be used to block the entrance if necessary."

Ward listened attentively and, after analyzing her answers, smiled with satisfaction.

— "Very good, Skye. You did an excellent job. Your analysis was accurate and your recommendations are solid. You are showing great potential."

Skye smiled, clearly excited and pleased with the compliment.

— "Thank you, Ward. I am really enjoying the training. I feel like I am learning a lot."

Ward nodded, showing his appreciation.

— "I'm glad to hear that. In high-pressure situations, staying calm and making quick, informed decisions is crucial. You're doing great, and this is a great start."

He stood up and began to dismantle the drill, while Skye stood up to help him.

— "So, what's next in the training?" she asked, still excited.

Ward thought for a moment and replied,

— "Next meeting, we'll work on practical application of the skills you learned today. We'll simulate some high-pressure situations so you can practice decision-making and stress management." Skye nodded enthusiastically.

— "I'm looking forward to it. And thanks again for all the support." Ward smiled, pleased with how the training was progressing.

— "You're welcome, Skye. It's a pleasure to work with you and see your progress. Now, let's clean up here and then we can discuss what to do next."

As they cleaned the cargo hold, the conversation between Ward and Skye flowed naturally. They discussed other techniques and approaches, and Ward took the opportunity to share some personal stories and experiences that helped illustrate his points. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and learning, with Skye showing genuine enthusiasm and Ward being a patient and dedicated mentor.

By the time they were finished, Skye felt more confident and prepared for the challenges ahead. She was looking forward to the next training session and grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone with so much experience. Ward, in turn, was pleased with his student's progress and the chance to teach again, something he had always valued.

As the morning wore on, Ward and Skye prepared to continue their tasks, knowing that the training was just beginning and that many challenges still lay ahead.