The Pause

Chapter 3

Nathan wondered up to the gate of the military training facility, he looked around and saw massive rows of barbed wire surrounding the fence and gunmen keeping watch, he felt like they were watching him. "State your name and your reason for being here" a voice blared from the other side, Nathan could see the gunmen were locked in him, there was nowhere to run. "My name is Nathan Hendrix and I'm here for the training course to join the military, I have my form right here" Nathan proclaimed, more nervous and confused than ever. There was a brief moment of silence as Nathan waited for a response, the gate slowly churned open and Nathan saw a man standing on the other side. He was moderately tall in a traditional army uniform, he looked about in his thirties, Nathan tried to make out his name tag that he believed stated "Andrews".

Andrews saluted at Nathan, to which he did the same. "Welcome to military base and combat school of The New Government, my name is Private Andrews and I will accompany you on your tour of the facility and make sure you settle in before training begins" Andrews stated in a very serious emotionless voice. "If you would follow me" Andrews says as he turns to walk Nathan around the camp.

As they stroll Nathan notices an older man pacing from a window a few floors up in the apartment building, neither Nathan or the man can see each other properly but there is no question they are staring directly at each other. "You will be staying here for five weeks" Andrews says breaking the silent tension, "during which you will be taught in the way of combat, stealth, traversing and more" Andrews adds, Nathan hasn't said a word since he walked into the camp, and he doesn't exactly hear everything Andrews tells him as he is too busy being in awe at what he's seeing in this facility.

They approche a small building in the courtyard, there are many of these scattered throughout the camp "this is where you will spend your time when not in training, you will be sharing a room with two other students" Andrews adds. Nathan is horrified, he's had little to no experience with people outside his family, never mind spending five weeks with complete strangers, he starts to panics but tries to keep it under control as he wants to make a good impression. "Any questions?" Andrews asks, getting no response he leaves. Nathan stood staring at the door, wondering what the hell to do. Remember why you're here Nathan he thinks to himself, now go in there and be who you were meant to

Nathan walks in to find two other boys, both look about the same age him, unpacking their things. One has a blonde quiff, green eyes, a poor excuse for a beard and is dressed like your typical army trainee with a grey t-shirt and camouflage cargo pants, he's significantly taller than Nathan. The other boy is almost the complete opposite, scrawny, small, with short black hair, wearing a white t-shit and jeans.

"Welcome to hell Dirtbag" the taller boy says to Nathan, his voice is strong and gravely with a thick accent. "Umm excuse me?" Nathan asks confused, he wasn't sure if this was some kind of friendly greeting or if he was getting insulted, "you got the renegade look, therefore your nickname is Dirtbag" the boy adds seeming to think that makes it better. "Don't take it personally, he does it for everyone" the other boy chirps in, shy and nervously. "Shut up small fry!" The first boy shouts, "my real name is Elliott, and that's Mike" Small Fry chirps in.

Nathan extends his hand to shake, Mike glares at him then walks over to his bed, Elliott runs over and shakes Nathan's hand excitedly "pleasure to meet you sir" Elliott buzzes, clearly just as new to people as Nathan. "My name is Nathan, Nathan Hendrix" he says happily to Elliott. Nathan can already tell that this could be the start of a great friendship. "Save the pleasantries for another time and unpack your shit, and get some rest. The sergeant wants us to be completely ready for our first exercise" Mike butts in sternly before throwing himself onto his bed. Nathan and Elliott both finish unpacking and try to get some sleep which has been completely been thrown off since 'The Pause' took place, even with the New Government's time system .

So these are my first friends, if I can call them that Nathan thinks to himself. I need to be ready for training tomorrow, it's all becoming real now, I'm in this for a reason, and I'm not gonna let the New Government down