The History of an Evil CEO

Chapter VI The Big Shot Part 1

Now we are back in the States and the situation seems surreal. It is hard to believe that just a few months ago we were in a war zone and now here I am, taking on a completely new role. The military kept its word and brought us back home, but with one important condition.

And that was being instructors to young people in the use of weapons and war material, during Fridays and weekends. Adjusting to this new life as an instructor has been quite an experience. Xavier, Matthew and I now work together, training young recruits. We teach them everything we know: how to handle weapons, understand tactics and, most importantly, stay calm under pressure. It's strange to see their young faces and realize that not so long ago, we were just like them, eager to do our best and not knowing what to expect.

I find myself emphasizing precision and control. I know these skills saved my life and the lives of my friends more than once. Watching these young soldiers learn, I realize that these lessons may be what stands between them and harm one day. Xavier teaches them about navigation and strategy, while Matthew focuses on physical fitness and endurance. Together, we are trying to pass on everything the war taught us, in the hope that they will never need it as much as we do.

The military has also begun entering me into world shooting competitions. It's strange to represent the U.S. in something like this, but it feels like another way to fight, a symbolic battle. In recent competitions, I've faced countries like South Yemen, North Korea, Red Congo, and China. Defeating them feels like a small victory, almost like winning a round in this larger, ongoing fight. I've never considered myself a "champion" before, but if it's a way to demonstrate strength without war, then maybe it's worth it.

Last month, I started seeing a psychologist. At first, it felt strange to talk about what I've been through — the war, the capture, even the shooting competitions. But the sessions have opened my eyes. My psychologist has encouraged me to face my fears head-on and try to turn them into strengths.

One fear that persists is that of feeling trapped — a feeling that began since I got here. The psychologist says I need to face it, even accept it. So I've been working on handling stressful situations calmly and in control, like I would on the range, letting focus and precision keep me grounded. Somehow, every competition and every lesson with the recruits helps me process what I've been through. Every time I focus, every time I teach, I try to take that fear and turn it into something powerful, something that propels me forward.

And in the case of every other fear I've had, I haven't thought about using what I know, like creating toys or art to express it. From there, I've come up with quite a few cool ideas, like those cats that wouldn't let me sleep, that smoke left by battles, the hyperactivity I used to have when I was young.

Well, I think I've had a great idea, but I don't know if I can get help to make it happen. You know, creating a toy factory would be a great idea for a job when I'm done being an instructor.                                                                                                                                    You don't believe it?...