—Chapter 5—

Introduction ceremony

As we entered the front yard of what would become our home for the next couple years, one of the older cadets immediately rang out. “OFFICER ON DECK!” with that command all other cadets outside hopped to their feet in a position of attention.

“At ease everyone” Lieutenant Serena calmly answered with those words everyone began to stroll off the porch towards our direction.

“So are these our new greenies?” a girl asked.

“Look at their heads, nice and shiny. Almost need sunglasses to lo0k at them” one of the younger guys jokes.

“Hey now, you were just like them last year so you don't have much room to talk” Chavez interrupted “anyways let me show them to their barracks rooms and then we can take care of introductions afterwards.”

“Alright you heard the Chavez, stop hounding them. Besides, you all got chores to finish up before room inspections in an hour so get a move on” lieutenant Serena spoke up over the small crowd authority resonating in her voice again.

“Yes Mom” one of the third years called out sarcastically.

“I heard that Lev. Just because I'm more relaxed doesn’t mean I still won't whip you into shape” Lieutenant Serena snapped back, the fire in her eyes flaring up again.

“Yes Ma’am. Sorry Lieutenant Serena, won't happen again” Lev spoke up as he slinked back inside the building.

With that we finally entered the building and all the older cadets rushed to their rooms, all the while Lev was forced to do pushups as a punishment. As I looked around in front of me was a lounge-like room on one side and a kitchen set up on the other side.

“To give you all a quick tour, this is our common room and kitchen. Most of the time we all eat at the cafeteria since classes are by it but on the few days we don’t have classes we usually will make a meal and eat together here in the barracks.” Chavez started giving a quick rundown of the building's layout. As we took a right down a hallway he explained how the squad system works.

“Usually the platoon leads will just pick someone at random to be the first year squad lead but i'll just let you decide among yourselves who you want since first years typically really don't get the hang of things till your second year, anyways here's your guys dorm rooms. As you all walk down the hallway you'll see your names next to the door that is yours.”

“Thank you for giving us the rundown sir” Lily spoke up as she started looking for her room.

“Suck up,” her brother teased as he found his room.

“Also I'm sure I don't need to tell you all because you’re all adults, but men and women stay out of eachothers room. If found out there will be consequences.” Chavez's tone took a sudden cold and venomous turn with that last statement “oh and take an hour to relax and unpack then meet me in the common room, I'll introduce you to the rest of the platoon and determine your squad lead.” and with that he turned and walked away. Walking down the hallway I passed almost every room only to find my room was at the very end of the hallway, opening the door in front of me on the floor in the center of my room was my duffle bag from the bus with a pair of dog tags laying on top of it. Well home sweet home i guess might as well start laying out my stuff. As I walked in further there were additional uniforms laying on my bed neatly pressed and bagged. After putting all my personal belongings away I decided to relax on my bed till it was time to meet up in the common room for introductions. Staring up at the ceiling I noticed there was a speaker above my bed. No one mentioned an intercom system to me. It's probably for school announcements or something. I just hope it doesn't wake me up in the middle of the night, I thought to myself as I started to drift into sleep.

Suddenly I shot awake feeling a warm breeze on my arm. I quickly took in my surroundings, discovering quickly that I was no longer in my room instead I was in an open field. In a panic I jumped to my feet as a burning smell started to envelope my nose. In front of me was a row of hangers, one of them burning and before I realized I was sprinting in the direction of the flames. With every step while the smoke stung my eyes in front of me I could see fire rescue personnel trying to put out the flames but all around me people were running the chaos drowning out my sense till the voice of Ade called out next to me.

“What are you doing man? We gotta go help, there's still people trapped inside.” Ade shouted in my ear as he ran past me into the burning building. I tried to catch up to him but as I ran it felt like running in mud and after finally making it into the building I completely lost my sense of smell and sight as the smoke of the fires tried to suffocate me. Crouching down, I listened carefully to anyone who could be calling out for help.

“Is anyone there, call out for help!” I shouted as I started to make my way around the hanger.

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“MARCUS! Over here man, I need a hand!” Ade yelled out from the smoke. Following his voice, I found him trying to lift what was left of a wing that was trapping someone. Quickly helping grab an edge of the wing we managed to lift it despite the burning pain of touching the boiling hot metal. The person who was trapped managed to crawl out from under the wing and we dropped it back down onto the ground with a crash.

“Can you help them outside? I'm going to see if there are more people stu-” cutting off before he could finish his sentence, the roof starting to collapse in and I shoved him out of the way, but right as it was about to land on us I jolted awake again in my bed with a cold bead of sweat running down my head. The sound of someone banging on the door of my room helped me snap back to my senses.

“Royland it's time for the platoon introduction, hurry up and get out here it's bad manners to be late.” Rebecca's voice rang out from behind the other side of the door. Quickly changing clothes I looked myself over in the mirror once then opened the door. “Took you long enough, we're all waiting on you” She scolded.

“Sorry, sorry I fell asleep. Also… why did you call me Royland? You know you can just call me Marcus.” I questioned as I put my new dog togs on with my necklace.

“I don't know if you noticed but typically you're called by your last name in the military and most instructors, as well as higher ups, are gonna call you by it. Did you not read your introduction manual?”

“Yeah sorry, I haven't really gotten around to it. First day nerves have been causing my mind to wander a little.” We continued our conversation as we walked down the hall till we came upon our platoon leader and advisor waiting for us.

“Good. You guys have a sense of punctuality, there's hope for you yet.” Lieutenant Serena said sarcastically.

“Okay now that you're all here, have you all decided on who you're gonna have as your squad leader?” Chavez quickly interrupted.

“Uhhhhh” a collective groan rose up from the group as we all realized we had forgotten about that key step.

“Well just to spitball ideas, what about Ade- I mean chiro, he's pretty outspoken. I suggest him” I quickly blurted out.

“Alright congratulations Royland, you just volunteered yourself. A good leader needs to take initiative just like you” Chavez announced with an evil smirk.

“Hey wait- but I didn't say that”

“Are you disobeying a superior Cadet Royland?” Serena spoke as a grin stretched across her face as well.

“No ma’am i just-”

“Good now form up your squad and follow me” Chavez interrupted again. I looked back at the rest of the group and Ade just shrugged his shoulders and Rebecca just put her face in her palm, shaking her head. I couldn't really tell what Evaldo and Lily were doing but it sounded like they were trying to hide their laughter.

“Yes sir. Alright guys, go ahead and form a line behind me.” A sigh escaped my mouth as I gave my first ever order.

“We're gonna have to work on your command presence but it's a start at least” Chavez chuckled as he led us out of the house. In front of us were three squads lined up side by side from left to right, it looked like it went from oldest to youngest.

“Here. You all stand in front and face the rest of the platoon. Oh and Royland, stand in front of your squad so you can introduce them to everyone.” Serena whispered, giving me a quick rundown of the traditions that are involved with this small introduction as Chavez took his place in front of the platoon. “So first things first you'll render a salute. I know you don't know exactly how to do it correctly so just try to put the tip of your middle finger at the edge of your eyebrow. Second, while maintaining that salute you'll introduce yourself and the rest of the squad. Finally, you'll ask to join the platoon and when Chavez accepts, then you'll take your squad and put them at the end next to squad two, easy enough right?”

“Yes ma’am thank you” As she walked away I saw Chavez give me a nod to go ahead and start out a little ceremony. I quickly turned and faced my new squad, realizing I didn't know their rest of their last names. In a hurry they quickly told me before I turned back around to give our introduction.

“Sir my name is Cadet First Class Royland, I was chosen as the leader for the squad behind me. My Squadmates include Cadet First Class Chiro, Cadet First Class Marin, Cadet First Class E. Hawkins and Cadet First Class L. Hawkins. I would like to request permission for my Squad to officially join Platoon X.”

“Very well I accept your request to join us. Your squad will become our new squad one. Let me introduce you to your fellow squad leaders. In Charge of Squad Four is Cadet Fourth Class Carmen, Squad Three is lead by Cadet Third Class Lev and finally Squad Two is run by Cadet Second Class Hines. With that you may take your place with the rest of the platoon first squad.”

“Yes sir. Squad One follow me to our new position.” I led everyone to our spot next to squad two and once there I could hear some chuckles from the older cadets.

“Alright everyone, that concludes the introduction portion of today so fall out so we can hold our last party of summer.” Chavez announced with a smile I hadn't seen before. While we stood around confused, the rest of the platoon dispersed with the older cadets starting up two grills while others brought out yard games and drinks.

“Well Squad One don't just stand there, come join the party. This is your welcome party after all” Lev spoke up, helping us snap out of the confusion. The rest 0f the day we spent mingling and getting to know the rest of the platoon before Chavez and Serena called me over again.

“Well done squad leader, you didn't stumble over your words like I expected you too” Serena's tone now became more teasing as the festivities started up.

Chavez chuckled “Well we really got to work on your command ability some but that's what happens when you get thrust into an unfamiliar position. Now I'm sure you wanna know why I chose you even though I said to choose among yourselves.”

“Yes sir if you don't mind me asking.” I finally mustered up the courage to answer him.

“Well right now just call it a gut feeling. If that doesn't satisfy you then ask me again in a couple months, now go enjoy the party.”

“Will do platoon leader” I nodded with a grin before heading off. Maybe this academy thing won't be too tough I thought as I enjoyed the party. The rest of the day flew by and before I knew it the weeks were flying by just as fast as the party, freshman year ending in just a blink.