Scout

I was in my baseball team; we were tied. This was gonna be our last game of the season. It was the last inning, and I was up to bat. 2 outs, and 3 chances.

I swung as hard as possible. All I heard was that beautiful sound when a baseball and metal bat clank together. Then, the crowd cheered. Everyone was standing up and cheering except a couple of people, which were obviously rooting for the other team. Some people were in suits, which I assumed that they had to go to their job after the game. It hit the wall, but was still in the out field.

I ran nonstop towards first base. I slowed myself a bit near first base, then moved left. I made it to second, then automatically went for third. They hadn't caught it, but they had it in their hands now. I was still bolting, after third base, my coach was screaming to stop, to go back. I didn't want to give up or else we may lose. The person on home base, caught it and was ready to tag me. I still didn't stop and closed my eyes. I jumped over him with instinct and hit the base below me.

I opened my eyes, still some dust floating around. I hear, "SAFE!"

I look up to the stands and see everyone cheering. I see my mom's proud face. I was happy. We gained the trophy and my team cheered, high fiving me.

We partied and ate some fried chicken at coach's house. The coach scolded me for not listening to him, but was also praising me at the same time.

"Damn Nathan, if you got out. Boy, you would know how pissed off I would've been." Our coach likes to win, but absolutely hates losing. "You won it for your team. That seemed like luck, but that was an impressive jump. You have hustle. I like that, you will make a great baseballer like your brother."

My older brothers and mother were congratulating me. My eldest brother was in baseball and had the same coach.

"Good job little guy," my eldest brother said. "Remember though, I'll always be the best."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." I responded.

"Grass grows, birds fly, sun shines, and brother, I'm great."

We laughed it off and continued to party.

Afterwards, we went home. Our home is pretty cramped. But, I still went to sleep happily.

The next day my mom was calling me "NATHAN! Some people are here to see you!"

I went downstairs and I see some men with sleek black suits. They had ties and one of them had a black briefcase in hand.

"Hello, may we sit down."

"Ehh..." I was still a bit unsure of what was happening, "Sure. Welcome to our small apartment."

They face my mother and my oldest brother, "I would like to ask your son to join a team."

"Like a professional team." My brother spoke with his mouth open.

"Ummm. Yeah something like that." One of the men spoke.

"Do I have to try out?" I asked.

"Oh no, you are already a perfect candidate, but of course you will need some training."

The other man took out a piece of paper from his briefcase, "Sign here and you will join this team." He pointed to the bottom of the page.

"How many others will join?"

"Eight others, and including yourself, it will be nine."

"Ahh, so a full baseball team."

"Ok so write your shirt, pants, and shoe size here. And all I need are two signatures from your mom and yourself."

We both signed it quick, then they stood up and walked towards the door.

"We'll be back tomorrow to get you. Pack up your stuff and say good bye."

The next day, I packed all my stuff and said goodbye. The men in their suits came by.

"Ok so, if you would please come outside and get into the back of the limousine."

I heard my mom whisper, "Oh wow a limo, this team must be loaded."

One of the suited men got my suitcase and put it in the trunk. I got into the black limo and the other two followed. I got in and I already saw three people in there; one of them were all the way near the front. He had a mask over his face, so I couldn't see it. He was wearing some sort of gas mask. Another one was in an army type of helmet. The last one had an orange construction helmet. They just stared at me. I turned back to look at the suited men. They signaled me to go inside. I went in and sat in the back. The suited men followed. The limo started and we went off.

"Ok look, we are going to cut to the chase, that document you signed wasn't for baseball."

"WHAT!? But, you said that it was baseball."

"We never said, we just ignored the fact that you brought up baseball. But, we weren't lying that you were going to join a 9-man team."

"What type of team is this?"

"We were sent to hire the four of you. The other five you will meet soon."

"So this is the rookie." The army man said.

"Yes this is, Nathan."

Two of them came up to greet me.

"Hello rookie! I'm Rick!" The army person said in a sort of screaming, but excited voice. He shook my hand with both of his, vigorously.

"Hey partner, I'm Dell." The construction worker said.

"Hey guys, like that suited man said, I'm Nath-"

One of the suited men interrupted, "Ok, introductions aside, Nathan, you are now part of this team. You will treat them like you treat your family. You will be killing other people in this team."

My mind rushed as soon as he said this, "Whoa, wait what! I can't be killing others."

"Well too bad you will be. You signed your contract. We already have other copies and are sent to Mann Co."

I was beaten. I couldn't do anything against whatever company they are talking about. I still wondered why did they choose me. "But, why are we chosen?"

"You will find out later."

The other suited man said, "Also, sit tight, this will be a long journey. We'll be here for a while."

I couldn't do anything. So I accepted my faith.