The Game

Team Positions: Weapons, Vehicle Operations, Medic, and Foot Soldiers

Weapons Expert.

"Now," continues Dr. Donovan, "this is a tricky one. All of you are trained in weaponry and will continue with that training but going forward those assigned to this position will have more in-depth classes and physical tests. They are responsible for the armory for each mission, when needed."

Voices begin to raise in the crowd as everyone gets nervous. I've been handling multiple weapons for a few years now so I've always been comfortable. J.T. doesn't look worried but both Sydney and Tom shift uncomfortably in their seats.

"Moving on," Dr. Donovan says. The next slide reads Vehicle Operations.

"Again, each of you took a class to learn how to properly handle any vehicle. So if needed anyone is able to drive but this is a specific position will be assigned to one person per group."

Driving a car could be fun. Not exactly the most interesting position but I can imagine myself whipping around chasing or running away from something. I probably wouldn't be that good at it though and the classes last year proved that. I am a decent driver but not sure how well I would do with defensive driving.

"The lab mentioned earlier will also contain resources for fixing any vehicle damage or improving the vehicle." Dr. Donovan continues explaining. "This position will also work as the group mechanic."

People groan in the group.

"Yes, that might require further classes for some people, but as mentioned before, the other teachers and I worked very hard to place each student in the position we feel they would best succeed. Many of you have already proven to have great mechanic skills, so no groaning." Dr. Donovan pauses, waiting to hear if there are any more noises of complaint but no one speaks. "Good. The last position is without a doubt the most important. The medic."

Medic.

"One person will have this position but again all team members have basic training in first aid. You all should be able to take care of yourselves and your teammates, if needed. Some of their responsibilities include getting all supplies needed to aid team in case of emergency. This position is also in charge of making sure the group is well hydrated and always carry snacks." Again there is laughter throughout the group and Dr. Donovan allows that and chuckles as well. "You might think I am kidding but it's always a good idea to keep a snack on you."

Sydney reaches into he pocket and pulls out a granola bar and raises her eyebrows at me, smiling. This gets a laugh out of me. I would have pictured Sydney as communications but I guess she has always taken care of our group, she patched J.T. up when he got into a bad fight last year. She did a pretty good job too. I can honestly see her doing either of those positions, although for her safety I would rather her be in the communications position. 

"Each of these positions, aside from Technology and Communications, fall under the Ground Team and are called Foot Soldiers." Flipping back a few slides, Dr. Donovan pulls up one titled Foot Soldiers. "All of you in the Foot Soldiers category will of course be working primarily in the field, completing each mission."

Dr. Donovan pauses, looking around at all of us. The room grows silent and the nerves return. Tom begins fidgeting again an Sydney looks stressed again. I reach across the table and squeeze her arm. She tries to smile reassuringly but she still looks nervous. Tom notices our movement and turns his attention to us. He sees Sydney's worry and he takes her hand which also settles his fidgeting. I sit back and let them comfort each other. J.T. and I weren't always able to be there for them last year so they grew to be close friends.

"Thank you for your attention. I won't take up anymore time. Loralee will give you further directions." Dr. Donovan interrupts my thoughts then steps away from the podium and Loralee takes center stage again.

"Alright students, now it is time to get in your groups. I will announce the teams and their locations to meet and then when you get together, you will find the information containing your position and your first mission."

Cheers go up in the crowd, mostly from Matt's crew and those surrounding. Loralee waits until the room grows quiet again.

"Please read each slide carefully to find your name. Let's begin," Loralee says as she turns back to the PowerPoint and clicks on the first slide of teams. "Team 1, you will be meeting in the dormitory boardroom A.  Team 2, you will be meeting in the dormitory, boardroom B."

Loralee waits a few seconds for everyone to read the names. One of the teachers I recognize from the Medical classes taught last year, comes up besides Loralee and says something quietly to her. Loralee nods and says something back then the teacher walks away. Loralee clicks to the next slide.

"Team 3, you will be meeting in the Academic building. First floor Conference room. Team 4, you will be meeting in the Academic building. Third floor conference room." Loralee again pauses to give everyone a minute to read the names. Again I do no see mine. But I do see Sydney's name. Team 3. I scan the rest of the names to see if anyone sounds familiar and can only place a few faces. This school isn't very large but I don't go out of my way to know everyone. I look over at Sydney and she seems a little more relaxed so she must know a few people on her team. She turns back a smiles at me then her smile turns down.

"Oh no, this means I'm not with any of you." Sydney begins to look worried again and looks over at Tom worried for him the most.

"We will all be fine, Syd," J.T. reassures her and I know he's trying to let her know Tom will be okay. We will figure out a way even if none of us are on the same team as him. Loralee's voice draws our attention back to the projector.

"Team 5. Academic building. Laboratory Room 3B. Team 6. Academic building. Computer Laboratory on the Second floor."  Loralee again pauses and waits for the names to be read.

J.T. shifts beside me and I quickly read through the names on each team. Team 5 includes his girlfriend's name so that must be the list of those who have outside offers or other opportunities for this year. I keep reading the lists and find J.T. on Team 6. Still no mention of my name of Tom. I guess that means we are both on Team 7. The team with only 8 people. Shit.

"And lastly, Team 7." Loralee goes to the last slide and finally I see my name, right between Tom and Matt Grisham. Double Shit. I mean I am glad I at least have Tom but if Matt Grisham is going to be in charge of all of us, I do not know how well this is going to end up. I am too distracted that I don't finish reading the rest of the names, nor do I hear Loralee call out the location. When I remember to check, the projector is turned off. 

"Alright, hopefully everyone remembers their group and where to meet. You will be meeting with your group for as long as needed tonight. Although, we do recommend stopping for dinner at some point. Rejoin your other classmates for the evening because you will be spending a lot of time with your Team."

Murmurs and mumbles begin in the room, my group of friends stay silent. J.T. nudges me and I barely turn to him. He gives me a strong look, then his eyes dart to towards Tom.  I let my hand fall into his lap, I squeeze his thigh and nod. I've got this. I am actually very confident with Tom behind the computer. For sure nervous about other things but I know Tom will have my back and I will always have his as well.

"You all are dismissed."