NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 19- TAUNTING

The very next morning, Diane arrived at the boot camp. The crisp air was thick with the smell of damp earth, the ground beneath her boots still slick from the night's dew. The sprawling camp was lined with dirt paths winding around obstacle courses, weapon stations and firing ranges.

As she strode towards the training grounds, her footstep felt heavier than usual as the weight of her demotion still hung over her. Once a Major, she now wore the rank of a Sergeant. A stark reminder of her recent fall from grace.

Around her, comrades stood in groups, their uniforms matching hers but with varying ranks and statuses pinned proudly on their chests. Their military gear was standard: combat boots, tactical vests laden with pouches and gear, and belt that carried their sidearms.

Slung over their shoulders were M4A1 rifles, the cold steel glinting in the rising sun. Knives were strapped to their thighs and their helmets hung from their belts ready for when the training intensified.

As She walked past, the murmurs began . Some Soldiers exchanged glances, others whispered, their voices barely audible over the sound of rifles being loaded and equipment being checked but it was enough for her to hear bits and pieces.

"Hey look who's back....In Sergeant's stripes." Came a voice with distain.

"Thought she was still a major."

"Guess the General's wrath is real."

"Wonder what she did to get demoted."

"And to such a low rank."

"Must have been one hell of a fall from grace."

"Guess she still thinks she's one of us."

"Arrogant even in demotion."

"I think it had something to do with the scene she caused at her father's funeral."

"Should've stayed out of trouble, Diane."

Diane ignored the murmurs, her expression stoic. She had expected this reaction. Her jaw tightened, her fingers curling into fists as she forced herself to remain calm. Ignore them and focus on the task ahead. She wasn't going to let their gossip get to her. But it only got louder and soon jeers and laughter could be heard. These assholes were openly taunting her. Having just about enough, she turned around, ready to give them a piece of her mind.

But then, the atmosphere shifted. Suddenly, they all fell silent by the sharp crunch of boots on the gravel. Diane could see that it was Russo Fedorcenko that had walked into their midst on the open grounds. His tall commanding presence silenced the entire camp as they all stood at attention.

His black combat uniform had the insignia of a General and his cold demeanor was already doing the talking before his mouth even opened. From the displeased look on his face, it would appear that he heard all the noise earlier. He walked to the group of six who were the ones doing all the jeering.

"Is there something you all find amusing?" His words cut through the air sending an icy chill down their spines.
The men shifted uncomfortably as one of them bravely answered. "No, sir. Just....talking."
"Talking?" Russo's gaze flickered to the rest of the group who were now staring at the ground, trying to avoid his gaze. "Fill me in on this discussion."

There was a long pause as no one dared to speak. A corporal opened his mouth, then closed it, realizing there was no good answer. Russo took a slow step forward, his cold gaze drilling into the corporal, who happened to be their leader.

"When I give you time to talk, you'll know it. Until then, keep your mouths shut and focus on your duty."
The corporal nodded quickly, his face pale. "Yes, sir."
"This is a military camp, not a gossip circle, goddamn it!" Russo scolded loudly. "If you have time to whisper like schoolchildren, in that case you have time to run. One thousand laps!" He ordered sharply. "Now!"

The group shared shocked glances with each other and Diane was no exception from feeling surprised. Why would he punish his men? Certainly not because they were trash talking her? Without another word, they sprinted off toward the track, their faces flushed with embarrassment and fear. Russo turned his eyes onto the rest of the Soldiers who had been watching. His voice cut through the air like ice.

"That goes for the rest of you. If I catch anyone else wasting time with their mouths inside of their work, you'll wish you were out there running laps too. Do I make myself clear?"
"YES, SIR!" They chorused.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the group , making sure his message had been received. When he was satisfied, he turned his attention towards Diane. For the first time, since he stepped into their midst. Their eyes met and for a second, she wasn't sure what he was thinking. There was no softness in his gaze, only that cold, hard exterior that he always wore like an armor.

"You. With me." He suddenly said before turning around and walking away.
She gulped down the nervousness in her throat as she nodded and followed him. Once they were far away from sight, Russo stopped and turned to face her.

"Is something wrong, sir?"
"I don't need to tell you this, Sergeant but I will anyway." He began, his voice low and strict. "You're not here to make friends. You're here to prove yourself."
"I know that, sir." She said, straightening her posture as she met his gaze head-on.
"Do you, though?" Russo took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Because right now, it looks like you're letting their words get under your skin."
"I'm not." Came her voice, firm. "I can handle it.
"Good." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping even lower. "Because I won't tolerate weakness. Not from you or any one else. If you can't rise above this, then you'll have no place here."
"I'm not going anywhere, sir." She said firmly, trying her best not to break eye contact with his intimidating ones as that would only show weakness.
"Then show them why. Prove to them that you belong here and if anyone tries to stand in your way...." His voice turned dealt cold. "All I need are names and I'll deal with them."

Her eyes widened in surprise at his last statement but before she could utter a word, he turned around and was already walking away to the command center. His upstairs office where he could watch them train from down below. This Man stood up for her even when he didn't have to. But why? She was confused. Some kind of test?

"Thank you."
He heard her say, behind him. He turned his head and looked back at her.
"Go join the others." Russo simply said, before walking into the building and shutting the door behind him.