{"sf1_id":126964,"sf2_id":"Xek9vPpn","title":"The Academy - A New Challenge","author":"SrA havenofimage","words":1946,"posted_at":"2010-02-19T15:29:00.000Z","tags":["Bear","Bird","Fox","Hostage","Military","Otter","Snow Leopard","Story Series"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/126964-the-academy-a-new-challenge","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/Xek9vPpn","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/95/16/9516f15f-27e4-4e23-ab4f-becc08788b0e","description":"#7 of The Academy","content":"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Congratulations to the new cadet privates of the class of 37!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I clapped with the rest of the school as the forty two cadets who had just been recognized walked off the stage.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; It was Monday, a week before the start of term.\u0026nbsp; Most of the upperclassmen had moved in and were attending our recognition.\u0026nbsp; They had handed out some awards and now we were in the process of officially becoming cadets.\u0026nbsp; I received the marksmanship ribbon, and Tank had gotten a physical fitness ribbon.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"As we all know, the cadets who win the squad challenge receive an extra promotion, so could we have those cadets come up?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I walked onto the stage with the rest of the squad and Lewis.\u0026nbsp; We were all awarded commendations and made cadet PFCs.\u0026nbsp; Lewis was given a metal and promoted to cadet sergeant first class.\u0026nbsp; We returned to our seats to listen to the rest of the ceremony.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Alright, unless there are any other announcements?\"\u0026nbsp; Cadet Reese looked at someone off stage.\u0026nbsp; \"Right.\u0026nbsp; For those of you who are interested, there is a meeting for all squads who want to participate in a special event at the mess hall right after this.\u0026nbsp; Room Ten Hut!\u0026nbsp; Dismissed.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I turned to my squad mates, \"You guys want to check it out?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; They agreed and we headed out of the auditorium.\u0026nbsp; We walked to the mess hall, admiring our new rank and ribbons and wondering what the meeting was about.\u0026nbsp; What sort of special event could be coming up?\u0026nbsp; We filed in with a small group of squads.\u0026nbsp; I recognized one other as being freshmen, but the rest were all older.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Alright.\"\u0026nbsp; It was Cadet Reese again.\u0026nbsp; Did he do everything around here?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Some of you have done this before, but for those of you who don't know, there is a small competition at the beginning of each year.\u0026nbsp; If you chose to compete, you will attempt a multi day task that will most likely push you beyond what you are capable of.\u0026nbsp; It will test your strength, problem solving, and most of all teamwork.\u0026nbsp; We haven't had a squad successfully complete the event in seven years but if you do, you and your squad will be given a special reward.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What the reward?\" someone asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Complete the challenge and you will find out.\u0026nbsp; This event will take place over dead week before term, so your would-be free time will be taken up.\u0026nbsp; I'll give you some time to talk about it.\u0026nbsp; If you decide to attempt the challenge, come up to me and I'll take your names.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I turned around on the chair I was sitting on to face my squad to discuss the competition.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What do you guys think?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Let's do it!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I don't know, some of these guys look like seniors.\u0026nbsp; Do you think we have a chance?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ya and no one's completed it in seven years.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So what?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So, I don't want to waste my time on something that we can't even do.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"How would it be wasting time?\u0026nbsp; Sitting around here doing nothing would be wasting time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So what if we fail, it would be a new challenge, and it will be fun.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Fun!\u0026nbsp; By the sound of it it's going to be a pain in the ass.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Come on.\u0026nbsp; Didn't we just complete a huge pain in the ass?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Ya, if we can do that, we should at least try this.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"But Lewis isn't going to be with us.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We don't need Lewis.\u0026nbsp; He's taught us well.\u0026nbsp; We should be able to do this.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"If we don't make it, we at least can be prepared for next year.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"And imagine if we do succeed.\u0026nbsp; The first squad in seven years.\u0026nbsp; Probably the first freshmen, and who knows what the reward is.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"The only way we can find out is by doing it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So let's do it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hooa?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hooa!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I led the squad up to Cadet Reese.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We're in.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Alright, that's three.\u0026nbsp; You will be Charlie.\u0026nbsp; There will be a bus at the basement entrance to the barracks tomorrow mooring.\u0026nbsp; Meet it at o four hundred.\u0026nbsp; Where you're ACUs and bring only you're empty packs.\u0026nbsp; Good luck.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; We walked outside to find Lewis waiting for us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So, are you guys going to do it?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I wish my squad had done it freshman year.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Why don't you do it now?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, now that I'm a squad leader, I'm not technically in an eligible squad.\u0026nbsp; I we won't have a chance again till next year.\u0026nbsp; I was really hoping you guys would.\u0026nbsp; Good luck.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He ran off to meet a friend of his.\u0026nbsp; We walked together back to the barracks.\u0026nbsp; Some of them were going to the lounge, but I said I was going to my room to sleep.\u0026nbsp; It was going to be an early morning tomorrow and who knew what they had in store for us.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I got back to the room, sat down at my desk, and shot off an e-mail to Traci.\u0026nbsp; We had all been issued brand new tablets that we could keep after graduation.\u0026nbsp; I powered mine off and let it charge using the barrack's broadcast power system.\u0026nbsp; I set my alarm and fell asleep.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I was woken next morning at 0315.\u0026nbsp; I shoved Teague out of bed and whet to the closet.\u0026nbsp; As I pulled on my uniform, I noticed the single celestial still sitting on the floor.\u0026nbsp; Odd that it was still so alive.\u0026nbsp; I grabbed my pack and dumped out the few remaining oddments left over from camp.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I walked out to the lounge to wait for the rest of the squad.\u0026nbsp; Tank and Trestan were already there, playing a silent game of cards.\u0026nbsp; Trestan nodded at me.\u0026nbsp; I sat down and watched them play in silence.\u0026nbsp; We were soon joined by Jessica and Teague.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;We got up and walked out toward the loading docks.\u0026nbsp; In the basement, we passed and open box of apples.\u0026nbsp; I nabbed a few for myself and the squad.\u0026nbsp; We got outside to find the sky black and overcast.\u0026nbsp; It seemed to fit the mood of the morning.\u0026nbsp; A white van pulled up.\u0026nbsp; A buff rabbit wearing black sunglasses stepped out of the passenger seat.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You Charlie?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Get in.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; We climbed into the side door of the van.\u0026nbsp; Despite its outward appearance, the interior was luxurious.\u0026nbsp; The rabbit explained that the van was usually used to transport high profile individuals who didn't want their presence known outside of the fort.\u0026nbsp; We rode in the back of the van for about fifteen minutes before coming to a stop.\u0026nbsp; We were let out and I saw that we were at an airfield.\u0026nbsp; We walked in a line, all carrying our packs to the open door of a nearby office where there was some sort of reptile waiting for us.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Hurry up Charlie, we don't have much time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; We walked inside to find a group of chairs around a Smart Board.\u0026nbsp; The reptile, a lieutenant, flicked on the projector and a topographic map appeared on the screen.\u0026nbsp; He indicated us to sit in the chairs.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Here's the mission cadets.\u0026nbsp; A hostage has been taken by a rebel force.\u0026nbsp; They are holding the hostage in a weather monitoring station they are using as a bunker located on top of eagle peak.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A dot was highlighted on the map.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Your task is to infiltrate the bunker, retrieve the hostage and escape.\u0026nbsp; Due to its view of the local terrain, we will have to drop you fifty miles away here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A second dot was highlighted.\u0026nbsp; The map rotated, showing a 3D view.\u0026nbsp; A small image of a helicopter traced a flight route from their current position to the DZ.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Now's the part where it get's difficult.\u0026nbsp; If the hostage dies, the mission is failed.\u0026nbsp; If more than one of you is killed, the mission is failed.\u0026nbsp; If you take more than four days, the mission is failed.\u0026nbsp; If another squad gets the hostage out first, your mission is failed.\u0026nbsp; Are there any questions.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Dies sir?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Simulated.\u0026nbsp; Follow me.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; We got up and were led to a second room.\u0026nbsp; This one had weapons lockers around the walls.\u0026nbsp; The lieutenant handed me a weapon.\u0026nbsp; It looked like a cross between a paintball gun and an assault rifle.\u0026nbsp; I looked over it with curiosity.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"These are nark rifles.\u0026nbsp; They're what we use for more intense training.\u0026nbsp; They have greater range than a paintball and shoot a small dart loaded with a powerful tranquilizer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He began handing out equipment which we quickly loaded in our packs.\u0026nbsp; Along with the rifle, we were each issued a sidearm.\u0026nbsp; We got N2 tanks, remotes, smaller cartridges for the pistols, two days worth of MREs, and small handheld radios.\u0026nbsp; We were each given a small signal flare and I got a copy of the map we had seen earlier.\u0026nbsp; Finally, he handed me a green box full of ammunition for the nark guns.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"There's also one clip of pellets in there so you can get some practice without using up ammo.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The sound of rotors was heard overhead.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That's your ride.\u0026nbsp; Good luck cadets.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I led the squad outside as a personnel transport helicopter was landing in front of the building.\u0026nbsp; The van had gone.\u0026nbsp; I saw the pilot motioning to us.\u0026nbsp; I ran, head ducked to the open door and climbed in.\u0026nbsp; I saw a rack of headsets and put one on.\u0026nbsp; The noise was instantly silenced.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A female voice came over the line.\u0026nbsp; \"Alright, buckle up so I can get this thing off the ground.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I strapped into a seat facing the squad.\u0026nbsp; When we were all in and seated, a motorized system shut the door and I felt my stomach settle as the pilot lifted the helicopter off the ground.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I switched my mike to the squad com.\u0026nbsp; \"This is intense so far.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Tell me about it.\" Trestan's voice crackled in my ear piece.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Alright Charlie,\" it was the pilot again; \"There's no safe LZ so you're going to have to repel out.\u0026nbsp; Are you okay with that?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Roger that.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; We sat in silence as we flew over the beautiful mountain terrain.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We'll be there in one, prepare to drop.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I unstrapped myself and walked, three pointed to the door.\u0026nbsp; There was a coil of rope hooked to the ceiling.\u0026nbsp; I strapped onto it and grasped the coil in my hand ready to throw it out when the door opened.\u0026nbsp; We had practice this procedure at camp so I wasn't too worried about it.\u0026nbsp; The pilot put the chopper into a hover.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks for the ride I called as the door slid open.\u0026nbsp; I hung up the head set and threw the rope out the door.\u0026nbsp; I back out, feet on the edge of the fuselage, rope in my gloved hands and dropped.\u0026nbsp; I free repelled fifty feet and checked my speed only when I was about to hit the ground.\u0026nbsp; My feat landed on dirt and I ran out of the way as the rest of the squad joined me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The pilot gave me the thumbs up.\u0026nbsp; I returned it and she flew off, the rope pulling itself back up.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, here we are.\u0026nbsp; Let's get moving.\"\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"The Academy","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/126805-the-academy-the-final-chalenge.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/127103-the-academy-on-the-mountain.json"}}