It has been two weeks since the firing range. Today was the standard. Go to our history/theoretical classes, go to our practical training classes, and depending on the day, either the range or PT.

  Before we headed out (today was PT, I could hear some cadets moaning already, heh), we were stopped by our instructor for the class.

  "Before I forget, in a week's time, you will head to muster. You'll likely be reminded the day before, but best prepare before hand. Anyhow, get along." She said.

  As we walked out, I turned to the Cadet next to me. "Prepare for what, exactly? Is top brass going to grace us with their magnanimous presence? Are we being shot like dogs in the street? What's your bet?" I ask.

  She turns to me and just raises her eyebrows. I couldn't surprise and shock the cadets with my humor anymore. The day it began I cried. I swear, I did. Oh, I also kissed the UEG prez, so.

  "No clue, Niv. You ask around, and I'll do the same. My bets on Terry knowing something. Bastard always does, then gets smug. Shoulda joined the spooks, that one."

  "Yep, on that I agree. Tell me if you break his legs, I wanna watch and laugh." I say. She laughs. I don't. She starts at me. After a solid minute, I smirk.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Heh, still got it.

  "Still nothing?" I ask as we get dressed. The week has passed, and no news was found. The instructors were keeping mum, letting nothing leak.

  "Nothing." My bunk mate said. She looked nervous. So did the rest of my bunkies. I would bet good cash the others did as well.

  I had my practiced, army grade air of aplomb active. Every good lance Corporal and above practiced this religiously. I was no exception.

  "Well then, we go in blind. Cheer up, and get your faces straight. What happens, will happen. And just think, it could be strippers." I say.

  "Pft- HA!" One girl laughs. The others follow, and I nod shallower. Good, now they are focused instead of worried. The worry would return, but be lessened due to this. Good trick.

  We eventually headed out, and we arived 15 minutes early. So did everyone else. Palpable proof everyone was learning. Soon enough, one of our instructors arived, and called out. "ATTENTION ON DECK!"

  We all straightened and stared blankly ahead. He eyed us critically, and nodded. Another man came forward, and spoke.

  "I am rear Admiral Harlow. I will be brief, as I don't have much time. In a week's time, your class is being split 3 ways. We have three hulls in need of officers, and they need them now. After your shakedown cruise, you will be rallying with the Nile, my flagship. That will be all." He said.

  The Admiral turned, and walked away. When he had left fully, the instructor called. "CADETS, DISMISSED!" And we began filing out and away in an orderly line.

  When we had all left, some congregated to discuss what the hell the Admiral meant. "So, we're going on an operation. With green crews. Thank christ were getting seasoned captains." I say to my bunkies. We were at the outer edge of the Cadet crowd, so we could talk easier.

  "I guess. Just what the hell is going on, you think? Cus I have no damn clue." One said.

  "Don't look at me, I've no clue either."

  "Not me either."

  "Hmmm. Maybe we're nuking innies?" I say jokingly.

  "HA. Not likely." We sigh. "Well, I guess, for better or worse, were going to find out the hard way... Hey Niv, you mind teaching us to shoot better?"

  "Not at all mate. Not at all."