Special Defense Force

Episode 2: Trials and Teammates

I opened my eyes to the darkness of my room and sat up from my sleep. I looked at the clock, "5 in the morning." I rubbed my eyes as I looked back on the time since I arrived here.

It has been two weeks since my arrival, and like many have said, I have come to fit in perfectly. Bobby and I have become fast friends and with his help I'm learning a lot about the facility. Sharon and Anna are close to me as well. Sharon has taken sort of a big sister to the group attitude and Anna is as precious as ever. Sam has been teaching me some basic engineering skills, but I'm light years behind him. And Emily has become somewhat of a combat tutor for me. Her experience and previous knowledge of martial arts has been the kind of training I needed.

My room phone rang and I answered it. I was surprised to see it was now 8, "Hello." Dr. Sarah answered, "Good morning Daniel." I smiled, "Dr. Sarah, how are you?" She chuckled a little, "Doing well. I'm sorry to ask, but I need a small favor. Could you meet me in the commissary in a few minutes?" I nodded, "If you don't mind my eating breakfast." She laughed, "No not at all." I nodded to myself, "Then I'll shower and meet you in a few ok?" "That'll be just fine. See you soon." I nodded again, "Yes maam."

I showered quickly and dressed in jeans and a red golf shirt with black striping down the side. I walked over to the commissary and found her sitting by the window. I walked over and tapped her shoulder. She turned, smiled and shook my hand, "Daniel, thank you for coming." I sat down across from her, "What can I do for you?" She sighed and removed her glasses. She looked like she had been up for a while, "Daniel, remember how I told you we receive training materials and funding from the military?" I nodded, "I do." She put her glasses back on, "Well, the General in charge, wants a demonstration of the new...guests." I pointed a finger at me, "Yours truly I take it?" She nodded, "Yes, I tried to dissuade him but he was very adamant about observing you." I leaned back, "What does he want?" She nodded at the Dome as we had come to call it, "You are to go through a series of combat exercises. Like you would in the Dome, the only difference is that you will be off sight." I thought for a second, "They're going to use live ammo." She gasped slightly, "How did you come to that conclusion?" I looked at her, "Why else for the change of venue? The Dome can't handle live weapons of strong parameters. So, we will be going somewhere where they can use whatever they want. Probably a desolate area far away from any innocent involvement." She sighed once more, "I'm sorry. He said it wouldn't be a true test unless there was some danger." I laughed, "It's not your fault doctor. And don't worry. I'll be ok." She sat back slightly, "You're not mad?" I shook my head, "As I see it, it's my first true combat test. No suppressors. No androids. Just me. And in the field it might come to that. I don't mind at all." She smiled weakly, "Alright then." I smiled, "When is it?" She looked at the clock, "Two this afternoon. It will take us a few minutes to get to the testing area via helicopter." I nodded when a voice answered nearby, "Can we come?"

I looked over to see Anna and the others. I waved, "Hey guys. Where's Sam?" Bobby laughed and rubbed the back of his head, "He's in total Zen mode in his shop. Cant pry him out of there." I laughed as they joined us. Emily sat by the window next to me as Sharon sat next to Dr. Sarah. Anna looked at me from the head of the table, "So, what's going on?"

I explained the situation and Sharon scoffed, "I remember this guy." I looked at her, "You know him?" She nodded but sneered a little, "Yes. General Harold Clayton. He's like Patton on steroids. And he's a major creep." I looked in confusion as she gripped her shoulder, "I know I'm a bit of a flirt, but there are limits." I nodded in realization and patted her hand on the table, "Sorry." She sighed and relaxed back to her normal self, "No I'm sorry. I shouldn't gripe." Anna sipped her drink, "But Sharon, you shouldn't need to keep feeling from friends. We'll help if we can." She smiled, "You're right little one." I chuckled, "But I wouldn't mind ya'll being there if it's ok with the Doctors." Dr. Sarah nodded, "You're allowed friends and support." She leaned in closer and so did we, "And I don't care what the General has to say about it." We all laughed at that and the tension passed.