Chapter 8: The Silent Warrior
Captain Agatha Cook, that was her name. Her resolve was palpable. She began her inspection, her hawk-sharp eyes scanned each recruit with an intensity that could unsettle even the boldest spirit.
“Welcome to Fort Vanguard,” She declared, “First thing, forget everything you’ve heard about the military. Here, it doesn’t matter if you’re the son of a minister or a cowboy from Texas; you will only survive if you follow my orders. You are now a unit. Individualism ends here. And as such, you will work as a team and push beyond your limits. Our mission, as you all know, is to gain the strength and knowledge to defend our planet from an alien invasion. So, failure is not an option!”
Her words ignited a spark in my determination. That was exactly what i was looking for; a team i could trust and the spirit to exceed my limits. After outlining our training schedule, she departed to her separate room. Growing up, I hadn’t thought much of the military. Living in a country without war where academics were the ultimate guarantee of success, I was unprepared for the life I found at Fort Vanguard. I had anticipated adventure in my quest to grow stronger, but the atmosphere in the room was awkward, with everyone defensively intense. I attributed the cold silence to the diverse professions of the recruits.
As I sat on my bed contemplating on my new life, a voice reached my ear across from my bed.
“How old are you? Aren’t you too young to be here?” William Cage asked. I recognized everyone in our squadron from the file, but his question caught me off guard.
“I’m old enough. Seventeen years old.”
Even I could hear the arrogance in my words. Having been alienated growing up, I had become socially awkward without realizing it. I was raised with the mindset that my abilities and results would speak for themselves.
I expected him to scold me, but William Cage suddenly laughed loudly.
“I like your bravery, young fighter! The body follows the soul. Those who stand unyieldingly strong at heart will never taste defeat, even in the face of death.”