The History of an Evil CEO

Chapter VI The Big Shot Part 1

Wo Ho! We are now back in the States in perfect condition and the situation seems surreal. It is hard to believe that just two or three months ago we were in the middle of a war zone and now we are here, taking on a completely new role. The Army kept its word and brought us back home, but with one important condition.

And that was to be instructors for 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 is 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 that 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 try to pass on all the good and bad that war taught us, in the hope that they will never need it as much as we do.

The military has also started 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 never liked to think of myself as a "champion" before, but if it's a way to demonstrate strength without war, then maybe it's worth it. We also used to play occasionally as our band, going to bars and places like that to get money that also helped us when needed.

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 shooting competitions. But the sessions have been eye-opening. My psychologist has encouraged me to face my fears head-on and try to turn them into strengths.

One fear that persists is feeling trapped—a feeling that started since I got here. The psychologist says I have 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 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 for all the other fears I've had, I haven't thought about using what I know, like creating toys or art, to express it. I created a couple of prototype toys, though I didn't end up using them for anything, maybe I'll use them later. From there, I've come up with quite a few cool ideas, like those cats that wouldn't let me sleep, that smoke from battles, the hyperactivity I had 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 a reality. You know, creating a toy factory would be a great idea for a job when I'm done being an instructor. Don't you believe it?...