Here we go again (EPSD 8)

[SOULS_LEADER]

Here we go again

A/N: Dang this took long. I?ve been sp busy with so many things all at once I couldn?t relax and write. Finally I have the Launching point of my story. Anyway, enjoy

It was dawn. The sun was glistening of the shoreline. It was the last week of Kaname?s summer vacation. She was invited to Merida Island for training along side with the newly revived unit. Kaname and Tessa were called to the Staging area in the middle of Merida Island. Kaname was wearing a yellow sweater, sitting down in a patio. Next to her were Lt. Commander Kalinin, Commander Mardukas, the lovely Captain Testarossa and a few Mithril Officers that Kaname has never met before. An Old woman wearing a Mithril Uniform Arrives. Everyone stands into attention. She gives a hand gesture and everyone sits down. Kaname looks at Tessa. Kaname notices that Tessa placed extra attention to her make up, and that she was wearing new perfume. Kaname giggles

?What?s funny Miss Chidori?? Kalinin asks

?Nothing?? She replies and smiles

?Where are they?? Mardukas looks at his watch ?They are late?

?Commander Mardukas, Please wait a little more? Tessa tells him

?Yes Ma?am?

Then from afar David?s voice is heard

?Hear We Go Again!?

Then followed by men and women chanting ?Hear we go again!? and feet stomping

?Same old Shit again!?

?Same old Shit again!?

?Marching down the Avenue?

?Marching down the avenue?

?A few more minutes and we will be through?

?A few more minutes and we will be through?

?I?ll be glad and so will you?

?I?ll be glad and so will you?

David was marching a Company of 76 men and women. One of them was Sousuke and Kurz.

?Company!? David yells

?Platoon!? David?s platoon leaders orders

?Halt!?

?Left!?

?Left!?

?Face!?

?Platoon leaders! Have your platoons open ranks, dress right, and be ready for inspection!? David orders

David?s platoon leaders turn around and give their commands.

Sousuke was wearing a heavy Olive Drab Uniform, with over 80 pounds of Equipment, an M14 rifle, A hand gun strapped to his leg, Complete body armor, Helmet, and an AT-4 strapped to his pack. He still stands in attention. David drops his pack and shoulders his weapon. He walks to the Patio and Presents himself.

?Good Morning, Sirs and Madams, I am here to present to you the graduating class of SOULS. For those who do not know me, I am Captain David Santiago. I am the SOULS st1 Commander. I have served Mithril for more than 6 years now. I am honored to have you for the Final Inspection of the New Company!? the crowd applause

?Yes? Captain Santiago.? One of the higher brass said ?What is the purpose of SOULS??

?Sir! We are a special Purpose team that can do anything, and will do anything??

?Anything?? The officer asked

?Yes Sir? My men are well versed in different combat specialties. Our First purpose is to be dispersed through out the Mithril Ranks in Different Units to provide Special tactics and techniques to their assigned units. We are like the Rangers of The US army. The second one is to be a Special Forces Unit in Mithril that is the sharp point of the SRT spearhead.? David responded with Military manner

Kaname was shocked. She couldn?t believe that one of her friends was really a ?hardcore? soldier

David faces the old woman. He renders a hand salute. The woman stands and salutes also.

?General, it would be an Honor if you inspect my company.?

?I would be glad to david.?

The old woman steps down the patio. She turns and says. ?Miss Testarossa, come meet your new soldiers?

Tessa stands and follows the old woman. David stands in the middle and orders ?Port Arms!?

All the soldiers place their rifles in their hands in front of their chest. The officers go around speaking to the new Soldiers. Then the general walks to a long haired blond Sergeant.

The General asks ?What?s your name??

?Sergeant Kurz Weber ma?am!? The soldier replied

Tessa was surprised; she has never seen Kurz have so much bearing.

?Captain Santiago, What are his designation and his Specialty??

?Ma?am he is URZU-6, a Sergeant in URZU team Pacific fleet. He is a Sniper.?

?A sniper huh?? The general asked ?Well let?s see how well you shoot. Please fall out??

Kurz runs to the back of the company and drops his pack.

?Captain Santiago please hand me your M14? The general ordered

?Yes, General.? David responds and draws his gun. He gives it to her. She reaches down and picks up a rock about 2 inches in diameter. She places it in David?s hands.

?Captain please go down the service way about 60 meters and place this on top of your head.?

David raises his eyebrows and responds with a grunt. He runs down and places the rock on top of his head.

?Captain? Take off your helmet??

David obeys and takes it off and places the rock back on top.

?Now Sergeant Weber, have you ever heard of William tell??

?Yes Ma?am?

?I want you to shoot that rock off of the Captain?s head.?

?Yes ma?am?

Kurz lies down on the ground and aligns his shot.

?Sergeant Weber! I did not order you to shoot in prone. I want you to shoot it standing?

?Yes Ma?am!?

Kurz Stands and aims, takes him five seconds to aim and he takes a shot. The Captain was still standing. The General gives David a hand Gesture. The captain bends over and picks up something and runs back.

?Ma?am? David offers the rock back to the General. It was split into two pieces.

?Captain Santiago? Sergeant Weber took too much time on that shot. In real life, he would have been killed.?

David kept silent.

?As punishment, 100 pushups in full gear?

?Yes Ma?am?

Kurz immediately puts on his pack. David drops to the ground with his company.

?Permission to begin ma?am!?

?Granted?

?1 General! 2 General! 3 General!?

David kept on counting

Kaname thought ?Wow, this woman is brutal? But I guess it?s nothing new?? Kaname haves a flashback to last month

(Tokyo)
David, Kaname, and Sousuke were sitting in David?s living room.

?So here?s the Deal Sousuke? If you work for me? You will have a permanent position here in Japan, Your job will be protecting Kaname, You will be in the secondary deployment list, and will be only utilized if, there is an opponent equipped with the Lambda driver.?

?Sir? It sounds very good!?

?? What, you want more??

Sousuke?s head jolts back

?Fine sergeant, you drive a hard bargain, you will be paid, Hazard pay, SOULS pay, Jump Pay, Dive pay, and guard pay, plus a bonus? You will be paid Ten thousand US dollars a month?

Sousuke was speechless.

?So what? Do we have a deal??

?YES SIR!?

?Great! We will start training ASAP which is by the way paid too?

?But Sir, I would ask if I could go to Merida and Say goodbye to my old team??

?No??

?I see??

Kaname was lost in the conversation. But she understood that Sousuke?s only request was shot down

?That?s kinda unfair David?? Kaname added

?Hmmm?? David said will sipping on his drink ?Unfair? Sousuke is a soldier? He is malleable; he will adapt and overcome? Besides we will be based in Merida, Japan, and the TDD1?

?Really Sir?? Sousuke asked

?Yes? And the best part about it is that the old SOULS will be leading the new SOULS program. So Melissa and Bel will be with us.?

?The Sergeant Major and the Lieutenant was in SOULS?

?Yes, they were, they were some of the best Soldiers that I?ve ever seen in action. What do you think Melissa was doing before she joined SRT??

?Well sir if I may ask, when is this training going to commence and what are we going to be doing??

?Well Sergeant, It?s more of a test than training. To see the Soldiers will and strength. We have selected Excelling Soldiers in the Pacific Battle Group.?

?I see??
?Wait?? Kaname butted in ?What is this SOULS??

David smirked

?Special Operations Unit Land & Sea? We are the Spear head of Mithril. We?re basically like the US Army rangers with a mix of green beret and a dash of Navy Seal.?

?Really??

?Yeah, we?re the guys who go in missions which are super hazardous, which Intel marks as Null in Mission probabilities? Have you ever heard of the Nuke in San Antonio??

?No??

?Thanks to us? That nuke was already ready to blow up in 5 minutes in the middle of the airport. But we stopped it, with the terrorist, with out being spotted.?

Kaname didn?t know whether or not he was lying.

?Anyway? Summer is coming soon. That?s when we are going? Also Miss Chidori??

?I would like to invite you to training with us. If such an occasion if Sousuke or any of us is incapacitated, and no one is there to protect you, you would know how to defend yourself??

?MA?AM! PERMISSION TO RECOVER!? David yelled. Kaname was brought back

?Granted, get your company up Captain??

?Yes ma?am! On your feet ST1!?

?YES SIR!?

The old lady turned around and faced the officers.

?Ladies and Gentlemen? I present to you, the new SOULS Company? She turns to Captain Santiago

?Congratulations Captain?

?Thank you ma?am??

?Captain, we have a banquet for your men and women, please have them clean up. It would start at 1800 hours??

?Yes Ma?am!?

?Company!?

?Platoon!?

?Fall Out and meet in Hangar 53!?

?YES SIR!?

As the men were starting to walk away. Kalinin came closer to David
Sousuke was staring from afar.

?Oh shit? Sousuke, I really thought I was going to hit the Captain? My arms were tired already and it took me so long to acquire the sights?

?I never doubted your skills Kurz??

Kaname came closer to Sousuke.

?Congratulations Sousuke!?

Kurz runs in.

?Well hello Kaname? Come to see me??

Kaname shook her head

?Well? Good Job sergeants??

Kaname turned around, it was Tessa smiling. There was tension filling the air. Sousuke knew something was about to happen, and He will get hurt because of it.

?Thank you Ma?am!?

?Sergeant Sagara!? Kalinin called

?Yes Sir??

?Come here please?.?

Sousuke stood next to David.

?Well Sergeant, I?ve heard very good reports from David. Good Job.? Kalinin offered his hand for a hand shake. Sousuke shook his hand. Sousuke offers his hand to the Captain and he shakes David?s hand. Sousuke notice something dripping on David?s forehead.

?Sir? You?re bleeding??

?Really?? David checks his head. He had a small flesh wound on his head ?Anyway, Sousuke I have to give you something?? David reaches in his BDU pocket. He gives him a case. Sousuke was surprised, he opens the case. ?It?s a challenge coin?? David said. It was a piece of metal of Shinny Titanium with the Mithril Sword in the middle.

?Thank you sir??

?Take care of that Sousuke? There is a meaning to that coin? Only the best of the best receive it. I?ve forwarded your Records to Mithril Brass for Officer Promotion.?

Sousuke was speechless again.

?Sousuke, you?re a hard working Soldier, I believe that you would be an Excellent Combat officer. But don?t get your hopes up yet, it would take about four to eight years for them to keep track. You would be promoted to 1st Lieutenant.?

?Thank you Sir??

?Very good Job Sousuke? Kalinin said

?Lt. Commander can we be excused for a few minutes? I need to speak to Master Sergeant Sagara for a couple of minutes.?

?Of course?? Kalinin said and walked off

?Sousuke, I also would like to give you this.? David reaches in his butt pack and gets a blued Colt .45 Mk IV with Special engravings in it. It had an Engraving of the Mithril Saber. ?This is the SOULS Colt .45; the best of the Best receive this weapon?? David places it in Sousuke?s hands but doesn?t let go. Sousuke looks at David with a dumbfounded look

?Sousuke I?m asking you, to join the Elite SOULS ST1??

?ST1? Sir??

?Well, remember the men and women in black uniforms with the Balaclavas??

Sousuke remembers the training

(Merida Island, Three weeks ago)

Men and Women with G36 wearing a Black Coveralls and face masks were walking around the room. The hangar doors open and about two hundred candidates walk in. A man walks in the middle of the hangar.

?COMPANY FALL IN!?

The candidates scramble to align themselves.

?You are all here to be tried out to be a SOULS operative. If you succeed in this Testing, you will be promoted, sent back to your old units, be paid more, and so on and So forth! You were sent here by your Commanders because you are the best and brightest!?

?YES SIR!? The men responded

?FROM NOW ON YOU WILL RESPOND TO ME AS SIR KAISER!? The man yelled

Another man stood beside him

?THIS IS SIR KNIGHT!? Kaiser yelled

?YES SIR KAISER!?

?Sir Knight, kindly take charge??

?YES SIR!? Knight responded ?LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! I AM YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE! I WILL WORK YOU TO THE BONE, AND WEED OUT THE FUCKING PUSSY FROM THE REAL MEN!?

(Blag) A woman in the same attire smacks Knight on the back of the head with her rifle

?Hello everyone! I am Ma?am Hawk?

?HELLO MA?AM!? The company responded

?First of all, all military rules must be executed here? Second of all and probably most important rule is Keep control and be ready to respond at all times??

(BRATATATATATATATTATAT)

A staccato of gunfire was heard behind the company.

Some of the men jumped and aimed their weapons at the person shooting.

?FOR THOSE WHO DID NOT AIM THEIR WEAPONS AT SIR KAISER FALL OUT? YOU HAVE FAILED!? Knight shouted

Fifty men failed that test. Hundred fifty men were left.

?THE REST OF YOU! GO TO THE SOULS S4 AND GET YOUR EQUIPMENT!?

?Yes? Yes Sir? I do remember those men and women.? Sousuke replied

?Well those men and women were ST1 operatives? They are the best of the best.?

?I can tell sir??

?Well Sousuke training and fighting isn?t the only thing we do? We go deeper than what you think? David gets closer to Sousuke to whisper ?We are also the secret internal affairs of Mithril? This is a new thing? ST1 exists because of High risk missions against Mithril personnel that are a hazard to Mithril itself??

Sousuke?s eyes grew wider in intrigue

?We weed out all the corrupt men and women of Mithril? We believe that some of the members of this organization don?t believe in justice anymore??

David backs up. ?Anyway, I?d like you to meet someone tonight; He will explain everything to you?? David turns around and begins his trek back to Hangar 53

?SIR!? Who else got accepted??

?Well Ryo??

Sousuke has another flashback.

(Jendai High school Approximately 3 months ago)

David just raveled his true identity. It was their last week in school before school starts again. Everything was slowly going back to normal. Miss Kagurazaka walks in peeved. She slams her folder on the table.

?OKAY CLASS LISTEN UP! WE HAVE A NEW STUDENT!?

The class started to burst into talk. People were confused because, it was only five more days until School was over. David looked at Sousuke and nodded. They knew that there was something going on.

?His name is Ryo Iwamura? You?re from the US if I am not mistaken.?

?Yes Ma?am? I was in High School??

?Well then take a seat??

?Thank you ma?am.?

Ryo sat beside Kaname. He turns to her and Smiles at her. Kaname blushes. David leans to Sousuke.

?I don?t like the looks of this sergeant? Keep a close eye on those two?? David whispered to Sousuke.

A few hours passed and it was lunch time. Ryo took off his blazer and placed it over his shoulder and stepped out. And the girls began to Giggle. Kaname was surprisingly sitting alone contemplating in what she should do. When the girls sat around her.

?My God? That Ryo is sexy?? One of the girls said

?I know? I think the boys? Kyouko points at David, Sousuke, and Shinji ?Might be Jealous??

?(Sigh) I think I?ve fallen in love with Ryo?? Mizuki said

Kaname choked on her lunch and began to laugh.

?First you were with Shirai, then with Sousuke, then with Issei, then Chased David, now Ryo??

?Well first of all, Shirai is an asshole; Sousuke, Issei, and David are gay??

David spat out his drink.

?Damn I forgot about that? David said among his group.

(Downstairs)

Ryo was walking around looking through the school. He bumps into Miss Mikihara.

?Hello, Miss Ren?? Ryo said

?Hello, you must be the new student? Ryo Iwamura??

?Yes I am??

?If you don?t mind me asking, who did you know my name???

?Well for a beautiful young woman like you, it?s difficult not knowing your name.?

Ren smiles at him.

?I?ll show you around Mr. Iwamura??

?Thank you very much??

Ryo looks up to the building and sees David looking down at them.

?Pssh?? David said ?What a lame lin~? David stops himself and remembers that he has heard that before from somewhere. ?Hmm??

(After School Jendai High School)

Students began to pour out of their classrooms. When Ryo was sitting down and the girls were flocking around him. Sousuke and David kept close attention. They both walked out

?Sir? I don?t know, I don?t trust the guy?

?Well? I have an Idea? give me your Glock and get your revolver ready.?

Sousuke drew both guns and gave David the handgun. Kaname walks outside to the corridor and shuts the door

?What are you guys up to??

?Oh nothing? OH SHIT!!!? David suddenly yelled. People in the corridor looked at David. ?Sousuke rigged the hallway explosives everyone run!?

The students began to run downstairs. David checked if the area was cleared.

?WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!? Kaname yelled

?Trust me??

David opens the door. The girls were wondering what was going on outside.

?Ryo can I have a word with you??

David immediately pulls back and closes the door.

?Sousuke get ready??

Ryo opens the door and comes out alone. He shuts the door behind him. David aims the Glock at him. Ryo immediately responds by pulling his own Glock 26. Sousuke aims his revolver at a safe distance at Ryo.

?I knew it? Who are you??

Ryo did not say anything. He looked at the window and he dashed and jumped of the corridor window. David tried going after him but it was too late. Ryo was running full speed at ground floor.

?DID YOU SEE THAT GUY! HE JUST JUMPED OFF A TWO STORY WINDOW!?

(Somewhere in Tokyo at night)

Kaname was walking alone. She had an ear piece on but it was hidden by her hair.

?Are you guys sure about this??

?Okay??

Kaname walked around the park and right on cue high school boys from a different school came along.

?Hey? who is this cutie??

?HELP!? Kaname yelled

?No need for shouting help babe? you ain?t going to where.? One of the boys said

Kaname began to think ?Oh no? I don?t think he?s coming.?

?Guys? Help? Kaname whispered to her Hidden microphone.?

?Whoa, man? She?s insane? But whatever, come on let?s finish this??

?Let her go?? Someone said behind them. It was Ryo.

?Who the hell is this pretty boy??

Ryo lunged forward and drew a baton.

?A Shlagstock?? David muttered

Ryo swung his baton at the man knocking one of the men unconscious. Then he followed up a reverse roundhouse kick, catching the guy in the throat. The third man ran away in terror.

?Okay Kaname get ready?? Sousuke said

Then the grass began to move. It stood up it was David with a M4. To the right of Kaname it was Sousuke with the same attire. Sousuke began to move in with Caution.

?Sousuke stay back!?

David dropped his gun and reached to his back pocket. David drew the same baton as Ryo.

?So? You?re a master of Kali Silat huh??

David prepares himself. Ryo smirks and Lunges in. With a barrage of attacks. David was surprised. He thought ?Damn it he?s faster than I thought? Suddenly David twists around to round house kick Ryo but Ryo dodges it by sliding to the side and he hits David. David spat out blood. Sousuke thought ?We?re wearing Level II armor. He couldn?t have?? Sousuke immediately aims his rifle at Ryo and activates the laser. Ryo stands up and faces Sousuke

?Sousuke? Stop? He?s Mithril?

Ryo?s eyes flinched.
?He sent you didn?t he? I should have known? Anyway come on? let?s go? David said and Stood up. He slips and Ryo helps him stand.

?Are you okay David?? Kaname asks him

?Are you okay David?? David heard again. ?Your head is bleeding??

?I?m fine Miss Chidori.?

?By the way have you seen Ryo??

?Yeah, He headed on to the hangar.?

?Okay.? David placed his hand on his Side arm and aimed it at Kaname. Kaname immediately pushes the gun sideways forcing David to drop it.

?Oh Very good! You?ve learned well.?

?Yeah I guess so? Kaname responded. She smiled. Even though in the beginning she didn?t like the idea at she had fun working with Mithril. She learned how to use radios securely. How to use weapons and other useful self defense techniques.

?Oh! I almost forgot? My technicians made something for both of you guys.? David said to Kaname and Sousuke

?Come with me.?

(Hangar 53)

Some of the Soldiers were inside the building. It looked like a normal small aircraft hangar. It was filled with useless junk. David walks in with Sousuke and Kaname.

?Ryo!? David shouts. Ryo runs to him

?Yes sir??

?Come with me too please.?

They walked into a massive semi truck container. It was pitch black. David shuts the door. Then lights turn on. David reaches to the ground and pulls a chord. And a stairwell appears. They walk down. And they see a very accommodating space. Like the ones in the base.

?Welcome to the cemetery.? Kaname read off one of the walls. They walk through the hallway and they hear laughing and Television. They stop in front of room with a Camera.

?HEY! LET ME IN!? David yells

The door opens. There was a well furnished living room. There were 4 doors. One of them was open and glowing lights were coming out of it.

?Sir! The equipment is there on the table!? Someone said from the glowing room.

?Okay thanks Rina!? David replied.

David picks up a box. He reaches in and passes out smaller boxes. Kaname opens it and finds a neck piece, an ear piece, a Watch, and a very high tech looking cell phone.

?What are these sir?? Sousuke asks

?Those are your brand new, Covert Monitoring Devices. Those cell phones, can make calls anywhere in the world. It is also level IV encrypted, Only Mithril Satellites can pin point your location, It is tactical proof, water proof, Can send Email, take pictures, GPS? David gave a long explanation

?Why are you giving this to us?? Kaname

?It?s a very good way to keep in touch. Oh by the way! That Cell phone, you can open it side ways and a keyboard will appear. You can access Websites on it. Now these other pieces are optional. The neck piece and ear piece can be used as a wireless mike and receiver. The watch also has a SOS button and it can monitor movement and the person?s heartbeat. Anyway my point is, I want all of you to wear it? It is precaution.?

?Precaution?? Kaname asked

?Yes, In any case where you are taken from us, or, we are incapacitated, Mithril can find you.? David said and looked at his watch. ?Oh man, I have to go to a debriefing?

David walked Kaname, Sousuke, and Ryo to the secret doorway.

?Oh by the way?? David suddenly said ?This place does not exist; You did not go to the cemetery? Got it??

Both Ryo and Sousuke said ?YES SIR!?

?Good, Then I?ll see you at the banquet?? David shuts the doorway.

?I?m off?? Ryo said

?Bye? Kaname told him

Sousuke and Kaname walked out from behind the massive containers. The other soldiers looked at them and they began nudging each other and laughing.

?So? How was your training?? Sousuke asked

?It was fun? I learned a few things??

?Like what??

?Like this!? Kaname exclaimed, She grabbed Sousuke?s shoulder pushed it forward, swept his right leg, and before he fell, Kaname drew his pistol and aimed at him.

?Ow??

?Cool huh? David, actually taught me that one?

?It Shows?? Sousuke turned and said. His forehead was bleeding.
?Sousuke, I?m so sorry??

?It?s okay??

Kaname pulled out a med kit from her pocket. She immediately tended to his wounds. She remembers;

?Okay? First thing you have to know is that ?anything that can go wrong will go wrong? It?s Murphy?s Law. So you have to prepare for anything.? David said

?Okay, what if what you prepared went wrong to?? Kaname asked

?You know what scratch that? Just remember be prepared??

Kaname placed a band aid on Sousuke?s forehead.

?That?s really handy??

?Always be prepared??

The other soldiers were laughing. Hearing from afar they hear ?Get a room you two!? Kaname turns red. Sousuke stands up. They walked out the hangar.

?I?m really glad I came here?

?Why??

?Well I get to spend time here with you??

Sousuke kept quiet

?Sousuke??

?Oh, I?m sorry, I?m just tired? Before we marched up to the staging area, we ran.?

?Oh, I?m sorry??

?Actually it?s not to gripe about but, I am actually impressed with The Captain?s leadership skills?

?Why??

?Well, When were in training.?

Sousuke was running with the instructors. It was 4 in the morning. They were all just running with the Basic equipment. Their combat gear and their weapons.

?KEEP RUNNING!?

They get to the beach.

?In to the water!?

The water was 40 degrees. Some of the soldiers were having a hard time swimming.

?DAMN IT! TEAM WORK! NUMBER 43! IF YOU DROWN YOU KILL THE WHOLE COMPANY!? One of the instructors yelled.

Some of the instructors were in a small boat.

They swam half way around the island and got back on the beach.

?DEFFESNSIVE PERRIMETER!? Sousuke yelled

All the soldiers grunted in agreement

?MOVE!? The instructor said.

They ran up and went in the rifle range. They shot 3 magazines into a target 250 yards away. After with the range they all stood up one at a time

?WHAT THE FUCK!!! UNIFORMITY DAMN IT!? The instructor yelled

They kept running for 4 miles more. They all ended up in the Hangar. The soldiers were tired.

?REST!?

The men dropped their equipment and laid on the floor. Then a man in the same uniform came out. It was Kaiser.

?OFFICER ON THE FLOOR!? One of the instructors said

Everyone stood up slowly.

?WHAT THE HELL! WHAT IS YOUR BALLS TO HEAVY??

One of the soldiers had it. It was Kurz.

?WE RAN FOR 8 MILES! WE HAVEN?T SLEPT IN THIRTY SIX HOURS! GET THE HELL OFF OUR BACKS!?

?Well, then sergeant! EVERYONE LISTEN UP! THANKS TO THIS SERGEANT! EVERYONE IS RUNNING ANOTHER LAP AROUND THE BASE!?

?Awww?? a moan was heard

?WHAT! FINE EVERYONE DROP DOWN TO YOUR SKIVIES!?

?Awww?? Another moan

Everyone was taking off their clothes. The women candidates were hesitant. But when they saw Kaiser was doing the same

?Sir? What are you doing?? The Lieutenant asked. Kaiser was taking his jacket and his pants off.

?What ever the subordinate does, a leader is able to do it his or herself??

Kaiser took his balaclava off. It was David. He was down to his underwear. He turned to his Company and yelled

?LADIES AND GENTS RALLY UP! MOVE OUT! FOUR MILES UP AND FOUR MILES DOWN! HOOAH!?

There was a sudden charge of unexplained enthusiasm in the company.

?HOOAH!? the company replied

They all ran outside

?Wait? they made you run in your underwear in the cold??

?Uh? Yeah?

?So what?s your point Sousuke??

?Well, the point is that he does know how to lead. And I have seen him fight. At the same time this is what worries me??

?Huh??

?It?s just too sudden that we trust this guy??

?Actually? I had the same feeling about him, but then again??

?What??

?A few days ago we had a talk?

It was a few weeks ago. David walks in the Officers Bar. Kaname was sitting with Lieutenant Chang. The lieutenant has been teaching her basic hand to hand combat and non lethal weapon usage for the past few weeks

?So Kaname how?s your training going??

?It?s going great??

?Yeah, she?s a quick learner Cap?

?That?s good? David turns to Kaname ?So what have you learned??

?Well, she taught me Taekwondo and Hapkido. And how to use this.? Kaname pulls out an X-10 long range Taser.

?That?s good, Check this out? David hands her a black Plastic case ?It?s a modified Glock 26. There?s an Internal laser aiming module? David went on and on about the Specs of the Weapon, but Kaname felt like it was one of those Sousuke moments where her dreams are put up and then broken.

?Kaname??

?Huh??

?I?d like you to have this? In any case where any of us get incapacitated, you?ll have a way to defend yourself.?

Kaname suddenly felt peeved. She felt that David was anticipating, for something terrible to happen. She didn?t want to lose Sousuke again

?Incapacitated? Don?t even say that. Sousuke has been a good body guard. I?d be damned if he was killed.?

?I see??

?It?s really nice of you to do this for me, but I have to decline??

David turned around ?Michelle be sure, that she can defend herself by the end of the target date.? David walked off. David was slightly angry.

?C?mon Kaname, he didn?t mean it like that??

?I don?t know? Michelle can I be honest with you??

?Yeah?

?I still don?t trust him? I know I should but, it?s going against my intuition?

Michelle began to laugh.

?What??

?Would you believe this is the second time I?ve heard this.?

?What do you mean??

?A few years ago, there was a young woman, who I taught. She was being body guard by David. His cover was blown by some organization. So Mithril decided to pull him out. Before leaving her, he had the bright idea of teaching her how to defend her self in a high risk situation. So she was brought here in Merida for training and one day David gave her a handgun. He gave her one because she was going to be sent back to her supposed normal life, while Mithril watched from afar. The woman refused to accept it. David got mad and stormed off. Time passed and the woman was back to her old school. She was assaulted by some rapists or something like that?

?Really? So what happened??

?Out of no where David pops out like Superman beating the shit out of those guys. Then one of them pulled a gun out and shot at her. David covered her with his body. He took three rounds for her.

?Wow??

?Yeah, not only that, He disobeyed direct orders, He flew thousands of miles just to watch over her. And you know what his justification was.?

?What??

?I?m going to quote him on this he told her ?I warned you, you should have taken it??

?Okay? So what?s the point of this story??

?My point is that he really means well.?

?I don?t know?

Lieutenant Chang took a sip of her drink. She leans back on her chair. Tilting the chair a little bit.

?You know Sousuke was discharged and be shot on site if he goes to Tokyo??

?What are you talking about??

?Well before summer started, David pulled some strings to put him back into Mithril.?

?Wait? Sousuke was discharged? Why??

?Well seems that Sousuke didn?t want to leave you. He gave the top brass an ultimatum and he got canned for it?

?I see??

?Now, you get what I?m saying? This guy will work hard to please everyone.?

???

Sousuke and Kaname walked into the NCO bar.

?So, he fixed my status?? Sousuke asked

?Yeah.?

?FUCK YEAH!? A familiar voice was heard. It was Melissa standing in front of the Bar.

?SOUSUKE! I WAS JUST PROMOTED TO 2nd LIEUTENANT!?

?Congratulations ma?am?

?They?re going to promote me during the ceremony tonight!?

?That?s great Melissa? Kaname said

?Well, that?s not the only good news? Sousuke, You and Kurz have been promoted to Master Sergeants?

?What? I?m only part time though??

?Doesn?t matter, this came from Top brass.?

?Who referred me??

?Probably it was part of your contract that you signed with David?

?I see??

Melissa checks her watch.

?Oh shoot! It?s four already! C?mon we need to get dressed!?

Sousuke shook his head and said ?I?m sorry; I got to go get my Class A from the cleaners.? Sousuke ran outside.

?(Sigh) that guy?? Melissa shook her head.

?But I don?t have anything to wear? Kaname said

?Don?t worry, come with me.? Melissa took her hand

(Merida Island Around Six o?clock in Hangar 53)

Everyone was in Class A uniform. The instructors were already at the ceremony with Miss Chidori, except for David. He stayed to make sure that his company was ready. David was in full uniform. He had numerous medals and awards, but he did not have his captain ranks on.


?Everyone listen up. Most of you have been selected to be here. I know that these past few days have been horrible and the training flew by in weeks. It might feel that this has been more of a test rather than training. But, this has strained the group to the best of the best. You are now officially called SOULS. You are the best of the best that Mithril can offer??

There was a moment of silence

?Now, we are offering specialization training for those who feel that this training session was lacking raise your hands?

A few of the soldiers raised their hands. One of them was Sousuke and Kurz. There was a common feeling that, since we are here we get the money anyway.

?I see? Those who didn?t raise your hands, you are forgetting, you will be put in harms way; you will be expected to perform better than the rest. It?s okay if you don?t take the offer, but remember, a lot is at stake with your lives. Not just yours, but the success of the mission and your fellow soldiers.?

Another moment of silence

?Now who is interested??

All of the soldiers raised their hands

?Very good? Thank you very much for coming here and training. Don?t be a stranger, please come and drop by and visit me and the instructors.?

?Yes Sir! Thank you for having us here!? the company replied

?Now, please let us all go to the main hall for the banquet and ceremony.?

David jumped off the stage and Sousuke and Kurz came up to him

?How can I help you guys??

?Sir, Thank you??

?No problem guys??

?No sir? Sousuke said ?I know what you did for me and I am grateful for what you have done??

?Again Sergeant it?s not a problem, now let?s go before the ceremony ends.?

They walked to the main hall. They opened the door and the people stood up and clapped.

?Welcome back Captain!? was heard over and over again

David walked towards the General.

?Ma?am!? David salutes

The general salutes also she puts her hand down and hugs him.

?It?s so nice to have you back?

?Thank you ma?am?

Sousuke was walking around. He saw Melissa was sitting drinking with some people she has never met. Sousuke felt misplaced. He didn?t know where to go.

?Sergeant Sagara? Someone said. Sousuke turns. It was Colonel Testarossa. (I call her Colonel because that?s her designation unless she is on the ship)

?Ma?am!?

?Come with me please.?

Tessa took Sousuke?s hand. She led him to a table in the corner of the room. There was Kurz, Grouseaux, and Kaname. Kaname stood up and greeted him

?Hello Sousuke?

Kaname took Sousuke?s breath away. She was wearing a black evening dress with a slit in the side. She was wearing red lipstick. She was gorgeous.

?Uh??

?Sit down.? Tessa told him. Tessa was wearing her usual uniform, but she was wearing make up. Sousuke didn?t know who to complement or what to do.

?So, are you excited?? Grouseaux asked

?Yes, Sir I am? I?ve heard that, you?ve been blessed and you?re going to be based in Tokyo??

?Yes sir??

Tessa suddenly felt sad. She wasn?t going to see him that much anymore

?Very good, but still that doesn?t mean that you?re out of URZU team.?

?Not all sir?

?Ummm? Excuse me?? someone said

?Yes??

?I am looking for a Miss Chidori??

?Yes, how can I help you?? Kaname replied

?Can you please come with me? One of our Mithril officials wants to speak to you about your training session??

?Sure?

Kaname stood up. Most of the men?s eyes followed her across the room and out the door. Then the microphone had a feedback ?Ladies and gentlemen May I have your attention. We are going to commence the ceremony?

One by one each of the soldiers were called up and given their new ranks and new uniform items.

?Sousuke Sagara?

Sousuke stood up, walked briskly, and went in front of David. He placed the new ranks on his shoulders. Then he whispers ?Sousuke I need to speak to you and Ryo in private later.? After Sousuke received his ranks he turned around and saluted. The ceremony went on without a hitch. Even though some of the guests were drunk from the free bar. The banquet went on. David sat down with Sousuke at their table. There was an odd feeling between Tessa and David. David tries to speak to her, she replies with short and tactless responses.

?Seems I?m not wanted here? David said jokingly

?WELL WELL WELL, IF IT ISN?T THE DEVIL HIMSELF!? someone said. It was a middle aged colonel from the Malaysian battalion.

?Sir, C?mon you?re drunk.? A major tugged at his shoulder.

?Nah, Fuck this GOD DAMN CREATURE!?

David stood up.

?Sir, please stop? David told him

?Fuck you? The colonel replied and Punched David in the mouth. David fell backwards and slammed his back at the table. David rubs his lips. He was bleeding. The banquet became quiet, and everyone was looking

?You bastard!? The colonel said and spat at him. He hits David in the eye. David kept quiet and whipped the spit off.

?HEY!? Melissa shouted ?What the hell is your problem??

?Ah, don?t get in the middle of this you bitch!? The colonel said, pushing his major and then shoving Melissa. Melissa was about to fight back, but her heel from her shoes broke off. She fell backwards slamming her head on the chair. She began bleed also. David saw what the colonel did. He stood up. Grabbed the colonel by his shoulder. He pulled him and punched him. The colonel fell a few feet away.

?DON?T YOU EVER, FUCKING TOUCH MY SUBORDINATES YOU SECOND CLASS PIECE OF SHIT!?

David walked closer. The colonel pulled out a .45. With speed David rushed forward and kicked the handgun away from him. He grabbed him by the collar. ?GET YOUR ASS UP!? he yelled. David looked around. He saw everyone was looking at him. The general was shaking her head. David dropped the colonel and walked out. Melissa staggered towards the door following him. So did a few Officers and NCOs. The banquet went on like nothing happened. David walked all the way towards the beach.

?CAP!? Melissa yelled

?Are you okay??

Melissa pushed David.

?WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?

?I?m sorry??

Melissa sighs. ?Look don?t play this macho bullshit, I know what he did was wrong, but you can not show any aggression here? You know what your situation is?

???

Brandon walked towards them. While some of the people that followed stayed on the less sandy ground.

?Nice one sir?? Brandon said

?Yeah what ever?? David got a better look at Melissa?s head. ?Shit?? He reached at his pocket and took out his handkerchief. He wiped the blood of her forehead. ?I just hate it you know??

?It?s okay?? Melissa said and embraced him

?Sir?? Someone said. It was the Major that was trying to stop the colonel

?I apologize for what happened??

?No problem Sir??

Sousuke walked towards them with a distraught look.

?What?s wrong??

?Sir?? Sousuke handed David a video camera.

?What?s this??

?I found it on her seat. It was tied with Kaname?s Ribbon?

David played it. It was Kaname. ?If you ever want to see me alive again, you must drop off an M9 series AS in North Korean border. Please do this or else they are going to kill me and Experiment on me. Please SEND HELP!? Then the video abruptly stops. It was not a normal hostage video. Kaname?s tone did not sound like she was reading it off cue cards and she was doing odd hand gestures

?Oh my God? Kaname has been abducted?? Melissa said

?Shit here we go again?? David said rubbing his forehead