Special Defense Force

Episode 3: The First Battle

The cricket's chirping was the only thing breaking the silence of the twilight hour. The woods were quiet and solitary. Through the foliage a small flame brought light to the dark woods. The tiny campfire kept the cold at bay as a man stirred his cooking pot. A small boy walked over and set some wood down by the fire, "Quiet tonight eh papa?" The father nodded, "Yes my boy. But it doesn't seem very peaceful." The son sat next to his dad, "I don't understand." The father looked around, "The silence can tell many secrets my son. Be on guard." The boy looked around carefully. A branch snapped, "Papa!" The father stared past the fire at a figure standing nearby. The father smiled, "Good evening. We have made plenty if you wish to join us." The figure swayed slightly and groaned. The father stood but did not approach, "Are you injured?" The figure leaned against a tree and held out a hand. The son gulped, "Are in trouble sir?" The figure's laugh was quiet and sinister, "Not me...you..." There was a bright red flash from his hand, and then once again....silence.

I sipped my coffee and watched the clouds roll by in the Commissary as I flipped through a journal of my progress. The doctors had given me a copy so that I could better associate myself with both what they monitor and how they do so. I didn't fully understand but I got the most of it.  I heard a giggle nearby and looked up to see Anna rolling over with another young girl. Anna waved, "Hi Daniel." I smiled, "Hello Anna. Who's your friend?" Anna rolled next to the table as her friend smiled at me, "Daniel, this is my friend April." April stood at about my belt level. She was about 8 years old and wore a blue and white outfit that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. Her shoulder length blonde hair seemed to sparkle with the light. I smiled, "Nice to meet you April." She giggled and sat next to Anna, "Nice to meet you too." I sipped my coffee, "How long have you been here?" She looked up at the ceiling in thought, "A year I think." I chuckled, "Wow, I've only been here two months." We all chuckled when another voice spoke behind me, "Oh so you're the new guy?" I looked behind me to see a very tall woman with red hair and glasses. I stood, "I sure am. I don't think we've met." She chuckled and shook my hand, "I'm Lily. One of the medics here as well as a "student"." I nodded and took my seat, "What can you do?" She sat by me, "I am an expert doctor and surgeon. But I can control plants in all ways imaginable." I nodded, "Very impressive." She smiled, "Thank you." I nodded, "Wow, we've been going out only a month and you're already talking to other girls." I looked up quickly to see Emily standing by the table, her arms crossed in annoyance. I gulped down my coffee, "Hey in my defense, I was here first." Lily grinned and put an arm around me, "What do you say we go back to my office for a FULL physical handsome?" I must have blushed hard because all of the girls began laughing. Emily held her mouth slightly, "I'm sorry Daniel but I just couldn't resist." I cleared my throat, "It's quite alright." I stood and walked past her. But not before jabbing her gently in the side. The tickle caused her to yelp ad jump slightly. Again we all laughed as she crossed her arms again, "Not funny." I chuckled and then put my arm around her waist gently, "Yeah you're right. My feelings for you aren't funny." I hugged her gently as she did the same. I stepped away and smiled, "I'll see you ladies later. I'm due for a combat exercise in a few minutes." They all waved as I left. Emily's smiling face stayed with me my whole walk to the dome.

I stretched in the main practice arena as Dr. Adams came on over the intercom, "How are you today Daniel?" I waved at the platform, "I'm great doctor." He laughed, "Excellent. We are doing a paired combat training assignment today. Alright?" I shrugged, "Sounds ok to me, but what is a paired assignment?" Dr. Adams nodded in the observation room, "You will be training against another student. Don't worry the energy suppressors will protect you both." I nodded, "Ok, we'll watch the control." He nodded, 'Ok then, April come on in." I looked at the other side of the room as she walked in, "April?"

April giggled and waved, "Hi again!" I pointed and looked up at the doctor, "No way! I'm not fighting a little girl!" Dr. Adams cleared his throat, "I wouldn't underestimate her Daniel." I looked back at her as she made a small yellow ball in her hands. She giggled, "Catch!" She threw it at me and I caught it with my hand.