NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 1- FORGED IN FIRE

                The Combat Training Facility buzzed with energy of intense drills that morning. This wasn't just like any other training. This was one where she had to prove her worth to the Lieutenant Colonel, her mentor, her senior, her father.

               In the center of the combat mat was Diane, engaged in a fierce sparring match with two of her male colleagues, Sergeant Mark and Corporal Ryan. The three were all dressed in full combat gear, their movements sharp and precise.

                Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonel Warner Alvarin stood just by the sidelines. His eyes closely monitoring the fight. With arms crossed, his face was a mask of concentration as he observed every move.

              Diane had lurched an attack on Mark but in an unfortunate turn of events, he caught her by the arm, kneeing her from behind, causing her to fall on her knees and then twisting her arms backwards.

"Argh...!" She groaned in pains.
Warner's eyes locked with his daughter's before he gave the next command.
"AGAIN!" He barked, sternly.
The two disengaged as they braved themselves for the next round.
"Alright, let's begin!"

                Once again, with sweat glistening on her brow, she faced off against Sergeant Mark and Corporal Ryan. Her father's commands were relentless all the while, pushing her to her limits.
                 
"Boys! Don't hold back!" Warner yelled. "This isn't a play fight! Show her no mercy." His voice sounded yet again.

                  Diane clenched her jaw and fisted both hands as she engaged both opponents. Mark tried to grapple her but she used his momentum to throw him off balance. Ryan took advantage of the distraction, aiming a high kick. She ducked, narrowing avoiding the blow.

goddamn it!

"You'll need more than just strength, Diane" Came her father's commanding voice yet again. "You need speed, precision and most importantly, a working instinct."

A working instinct? She thought.

"Well, that's new." She muttered underneath her breath.

                 Mark lunged at her and she deflected his strike with a swift block. Ryan circled around, attempting to catch her off guard. Diane spun just in time, meeting Ryan's advance with a well-timed counter, sending him a swift kick to the abdomen, causing him to stagger backwards in pain.

"Excellent move, major!" Warner commended. "But don't get too comfortable! They're coming at you from different angles. You need to anticipate their moves. Remember, you're fighting against the odds. You need to outthink them, not just outfight them!"

              The two men pressed their attack, coordinating their efforts to overwhelm her. She fought back with determination, her punches and kicks landing with precision. Despite her skill, it was clear she was facing a formidable challenge. Her body began to tire out. _Shit!_

"Keep your focus, major!" Her father's voice was sharp and there was a frown on his face as he noticed her fainting. "You're showing weakness. The weak ones die in battle, must I remind you. NOW, GIRD YOUR LOINS!" He barked, harshly.

Oh, Father..... She thought, breathlessly.

              Diane's breathing grew heavier as the intensity of the fight increased. She executed a series of defensive moves. Her eyes darting between her opponents. With a sudden burst of energy, she executed a flawless sweep, taking Mark down with her leg and pushing Ryan back.

"Good technique!" The Colonel encouraged, pride swelling up his chest at the sight of his daughter growing up to be the son, he never had. "Now finish the drill!  Use everything you've learned! No hesitation!"

              Diane moved swiftly, taking advantage of the momentary disarray among her opponents. She struck decisively, disarming Ryan and pinning him to the ground. Mark, still recovering, attempted to rise but she turned around , taking her handgun from her pocket and pointed it at him, ending the fight.

           Given that, in real combat, she would have pulled the trigger, ending his life, there and then. So, Mark didn't really stand a chance. Thereby, declaring her the winner. Colonel Warner steeped forward as the combatants came to a halt. His expression was a mixture of approval and sternness.

"Well done, major. You've done well. A word of advice, combat isn't just about individual skill. It's about adaptability and resilience. I don't want to see no more of that act of weakness, next time."
Diane, breathing heavily, nodded.
"Understood, sir."
Warner turned to Mark and Ryan. "You both pushed the major hard enough. That's exactly what she needs. Keep your training sharp. Everyone, remember this, in real combat, there are no second chances."
"Yes, sir!" They chorused. The three trainees stood at attention, sweat-soaked and exhausted but visibly satisfied with their performance.
"Tomorrow, will be the actual test of worth." The Colonel said.
"Who will be my opponent this time?" Diane looked confused.
"Tomorrow, you're up against me."
"Wh-what?" She stuttered, uncertainty and nervousness gripping her like cold in winter. "Father, I don't think I'm...." Cutting her short was his death stare.
"You were saying?"
"Nothing."
"It's settled then."
"Ofcourse."
"You're all dismissed!"

         Walking away from the training room, Diane grabbed a bottle of water on her way out whilst shaking hands and half hugging a few of her colleagues at the corridor. She was going to need time alone. Time to gather up her strength and figure out how the hell she was supposed to beat her father in a fight the very next day.

              He was hard on her, yes but only because he wanted her to get better and she had practically been training her whole life since she was eight. Sometimes, it was more than obvious that her father wanted her to fulfill the role of a son that he never had. He loved her mother so much that he wouldn't cheat on her so he was basically stuck with her, as a child.

            Originally, her parents weren't Russians. Her father was only half while her mother was American. While he spent most of his time in Russia, Diane had to stay with her mom in the States until they moved permanently to Russia when she was age fifteen.