Target In Sight

Chapter 1

As I walked down the hall I straightened my tie for the thirtieth time and swallowed nervously. For some reason I can never stand the thought of talking to the Chairman. Something about him, it just puts me off. I got to his door and knocked three times, as I always do. There was a muffled cough and a quiet "Come in." I stepped inside and stuffed my hands in my pants suit pocket so he wouldn't see my fidgeting. "Mr. Isaac Harmon, welcome."

"The pleasure's mine," I blurted customarily. I scanned his office, which still looked as sterile as it always did. Grey walls, bland fluorescent lighting, and his desk which looked much too organized. The Chairman's hair was graying further and he had more of a hunch than he did a few months ago. He even took to finally wearing his prescription glasses. "I'm sure you know what this is about, Isaac."

"What else could it be about? I assure you sir, Project Jericho is going to finish strong this year."

"I would hope so. What is the new batch of recruits like?"

"Some of the best I've ever trained. They all are confident in their abilities and show a craving for knowledge."

"That's good. Great, actually. Who have you chosen to be the team leaders?"

"Shelly Duran and David Leslie, sir."

"Hm." The Chairman tilted his head in mild surprise. He cleared his throat and said, "I've read Shelly's file already. She's skilled but she's not very ambitious. Why have you chosen her?"

"It'll help her develop her leadership abilities. She's a good student, I trust her."

"... Okay. I've always trusted your judgment. I'll back up your decision. Are the two candidates prepared?"

I allowed myself a confident smirk and answered quickly. "They're more prepared than they'll ever be."

The Chairman seemed to find my confidence amusing and smiled as well. "You're a good man, Isaac. I expect this to end well."

"I haven't failed yet, have I?"

"No, Isaac. Not yet."

* * *

This is it. I can't believe it! I've been waiting all summer and now it's finally here. I left the airport in my trainee fatigues, my duffel bag heavy on my shoulder and breathed in deep. As soon as I got the letter I knew I'd be having an amazing experience. In fact, I feel it deserves a flashback moment...

A Month Earlier, Because Exposition

"Shelly, you got a letter from your school."

"Alright, Mom. I'm coming." I ran from my room to the kitchen where there was a letter addressed to me sitting on the kitchen table. I saw Harlow East Military Academy's seal and tore it open immediately. I sped through the the letter and gathered that my grades were so high that I was handpicked by the principal, Mr. Harmon himself, to participate in a super special awesome secret project. I responded in the only way a cool, collected military student would. "YES!!!! OH MY GOD! Mom, we're going out to eat tonight! Whoooo!" The absolute definition of cool. Anyway, back to the present.

Pretty Much Right Now

Aw, yes. My pride is more inflated than a morbidly obese walrus, but I feel I've deserved it. I heard that only eleven other people were chosen for this honor. I wonder if I know anyone? I looked around for any academy personnel who might be picking me up and found a chauffeur holding a card with my name on it standing in front of a limousine. A limo? Hehe, didn't know to expect such a fancy welcome. The chauffeur stowed my bag in the trunk and opened the door for me politely.

I slipped inside and looked around at the other passengers. Wow, I know everyone in here. There's three girls and two boys, one of whom is my closest friend Harriet Summers. Her chocolate hair is perpetually curly, complementing her fair complexion and shining teal eyes. We had been keeping in touch over the summer and practically squeed when we found out we both got the same project letter. She beamed when she saw me and handed me a soda from the limo's mini fridge.