Mitchell and Gary were racing around the headquarters premises early that morning. Despite losing to Gary the day before, Mitchell was determined not to give up. He had a bet on the line for a free drink and was eager to win it.

“Give it up, slowpoke!” Gary taunted.

Mitchell, out of breath, finally stopped. He couldn’t keep up with Gary, whose fitness level was clearly superior. Gary jogged back to him and asked, “You alright?”

Mitchell pulled a towel from his pocket, wiped off his sweat, and said, “Geez, I can’t lose another bottle.”

“Ease up, man,” Gary said, chuckling.

“Whatever, I’m hungry. Wanna grab some chow?” Mitchell asked, his stomach grumbling.

“Whoa!” Gary exclaimed, surprised. “Sounds like you could eat a ton!”

“Indeed, I can, and will! I wonder what’s on the menu…” Mitchell said as he and Gary headed to the mess hall.

Meanwhile, in his office, Major Galahad sipped his coffee. He wasn’t planning to go to the mess hall, preoccupied with paperwork and screening candidates for a mission, pending approval from his superiors.

“Lyla Evans, Lucia Marche…” he murmured, scanning their resumes. He had to choose one medic to assist Mitchell on the mission.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Enter,” he called.

Lucia Marche, in her white dress uniform, entered, accompanied by Lyla Evans, carrying a message from the Infirmary.

“Good morning, ladies!” Major Galahad stood up.

“Good morning, Sir Galahad!” Both women saluted.

“No need for formalities here. You’re both on time. I want a word with you.”

Lyla and Lucia exchanged glances, curious about Major Galahad’s words. He continued, “I am planning to assign one of you to a mission.”

“What mission would it be, sir?” Lyla and Lucia asked in unison.

Major Galahad observed them, thinking, “They seem inseparable…”

“I see that you two are close friends,” he said, looking at blonde-haired Lucia and then at black-haired Lyla.

Both women displayed unique beauty that momentarily captivated the major. He composed his thoughts and spoke again, “It’s a paranormal mission. I hope neither of you is averse to dealing with such phenomena. You can back out if you don’t wish to be sent on this mission.”

Major Galahad expected both women to back out, but Lucia stepped up. “I have no problems with such assignments, sir!”

“Good. What about you, Lyla?” Major Galahad asked, noticing her reluctance.

“Are there other duties I could handle? Like assisting with paperwork or providing aftercare... maybe medical care after missions?” Lyla suggested uncertainly.

“Thank you for your honesty, ladies,” Major Galahad replied. “Lyla, you will stay here with me. I need help with the paperwork, and it’s time-consuming!”

Lyla smiled appreciatively. “Sure, sir! It would be my pleasure!”

Major Galahad was pleased, knowing his new team was coming together. After the brief discussion, he asked, “Do you have any questions?”

“No, sir, I’m good!” Lyla replied.

Lucia, however, raised her hand. “May I know more about this new team you’re planning, sir?”

Major Galahad, noticing Lucia’s serious expression, sighed. “I will give you the details in two days. However, I believe you know about the newbie we recently hired.”

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Lucia thought for a moment, then realized who he meant. “I see…,” she said.

The room was silent for a moment before Lucia continued. “I have no problems with him, if you’re referring to Mitchell Saunders.”

“Good!” Major Galahad smiled, thinking the team might get along.

“However, he’d better not be a dead weight. I hear he always loses to Gary Towers in their morning races. I don’t like ordinary or weak men,” Lucia stated firmly.

Major Galahad was concerned by Lucia’s demeanor. She seemed tougher than most men, even himself. He cleared his throat and replied, “I’ll make sure he’s of use to us. You don’t have to worry about Mitchell.”

“Good!” Lucia replied. “We will be off, sir.”

Lucia and Lyla left his office. After the interview, Major Galahad relaxed, reflecting on the tense conversation with Lucia.

At 0800 hours, Mitchell and Gary were in the mess hall chowing down their breakfast. Gary noticed two women approaching the counter. It was Lyla and Lucia.

Gary waved at Lyla, who responded shyly while Lucia ignored him. Gary remarked, “What gives!”

“Give it up, Gary… You’re bothering her,” Mitchell said.

“You don’t know women, Mitchell!” Gary said confidently. “Watch and learn!”

After Lyla and Lucia had seated, Gary approached them. From his seat, Mitchell could tell it wasn’t going well for Gary.

Mitchell watched as Lucia glared at Gary. She then stood up and grabbed him by the ear, scolding him inaudibly. Gary returned to their table, looking defeated.

“I’d call that a victory, or at least you tried!” Mitchell said.

“Shut up, man. There’s always a chance. Just you watch, I’ll make Lucia fall for me!” Gary declared boldly, catching Lucia’s attention.

“Shhh! Careful there, you don’t want someone like Lucia glaring at you,” Mitchell cautioned.

After finishing their meals, Mitchell and Gary left the mess hall. Lyla and Lucia continued their conversation.

“Something the matter?” Lyla asked Lucia, who was watching Mitchell leave.

“That guy, Mitchell. Something’s strange about him… I can tell,” Lucia said.

“Oh, you’re interested in him?” Lyla teased, making Lucia blush.

“No, it’s not like that! He looks wimpy, and a loser like Gary could beat him in a race. He’s no good for me!” Lucia justified.

“I see…” Lyla replied.

“I hope you’re not making any deals by making that face…” Lucia warned.

“It’s not. I’m not!” Lyla teased again.

After breakfast, Mitchell and Gary went their separate ways. Mitchell smelled himself and realized he needed a bath. He rushed to his quarters and removed his soiled clothes before stepping into the shower, washing away the grime and sweat.

Mitchell leaned his hand on the wall of the shower, thinking about his last mission defeating the Tongan bear. Knowing about his 'pure flame' abilities, he decided it was better to use them sparingly.

After his shower, Mitchell changed into a fresh set of khaki clothes meant for recruits. He sighed, knowing it was the only option. As a civilian employee, he wasn’t allowed to wear civilian clothes inside HQ.

With his money running out, Mitchell needed to find ways to earn a living. Despite the promise of a decent salary, he could earn more by taking missions. Mitchell could borrow money, but he despised loans. He preferred eating gruel every day to splurging on loaned money.

Mitchell went to Major Galahad’s office to ask for any missions or tasks. It took him a ten-minute walk from his quarters to the major’s office. Outside of the Major’s office, there were personnel lining up to see him.

Mitchell approached a personnel and asked, “What happened here?”

“The General and the Lt. Colonel are inside. They’re talking about something.” The personnel said to Mitchell.

“What something?” Mitchell asked.

Just then, the General and the Lt. Colonel exited the major’s office. Everyone saluted them as they left. After they left, the personnel took their turns to see the Major.

After waiting for almost an hour, it was Mitchell’s turn. He knocked on the door three times, and the Major told him to come in. Mitchell’s presence surprised the Major, thinking the man might be there to complain about something.

“Good morning, Mitchell… It’s a surprise to see you here!” Major Galahad greeted him.

“Good morning, sir!” Mitchell said and continued, “Do you have any tasks or missions that I could take? As a civilian personnel, there’s something that I should be able to do.”

Major Galahad, seeing Mitchell’s eagerness, shifted through his papers. He scanned the documents and saw a minor task that might prove useful. Major Galahad thought this could be a good test of Mitchell’s capabilities.

“Actually, Mitchell, I have a task that I would like you to try! If you are interested, I believe this mission would prove your abilities,” Major Galahad said to Mitchell in his seat.

Upon hearing this, Mitchell felt pleased. Even if the pay may not be good, at least he could have an extra income. Seeing Mitchell’s face, Major Galahad knew what Mitchell wanted.

“About the rewards for this mission, don’t expect much. However, it will cover at least for a month.” Major Galahad explained.

“How much are we talking here, sir?” Mitchell asked curiously.

“About fifteen grand, give or take? The Legion is generous with its rewards. If I were you, this mission would be a good test of your abilities,” Major Galahad replied.

“I’ll take it, sir!” Mitchell replied.

The mission required Mitchell to head to a remote village where strange occurrences had been reported. The villagers claimed to see apparitions and hear eerie sounds at night. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to test his skills.

Mitchel exited the Major’s office with a big smile on his face. He was to wait for a day for the mission to be cleared. All he needed now was to prepare and plan his equipment. He headed to his quarters again to prepare himself. It may be an easy mission, however, he could not take any chances.