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Chapter 37

Well a few days have passed since then and boy they weren't kidding about working my ass to the limit. I thought that once I became a Joe, that it'll be smooth sailing from here on out, but nope. Hell, even when I even mention the word easy out loud, I could tell that some Joe's that I trained with had that evil gleam in their eyes looking at me.

Basically, I had the same training that most that every Joe had. Which mainly consisted of my primary two M.O.S.'s and doing everything that everyone else does. I also had a lot more responsibilities at hand. I guess It came with the promotion I received. I had to train a lot harder than before. In Pt I had to do a bare minimum of a hundred plus reps on all exercises, do a 5-mile run fully geared under forty-five minutes or less. And successfully do the obstacle course without fail in certain amount of time.

As for training, I had to become an expert on all fire arms. Which to me was no biggie since my special instinct took care of that part. I guess the exception was explosive devices, since I think they didn't want to overwhelm me. I had to know this pit inside and out. And as far as vehicle training, I knew pretty much how to drive all the tanks and vehicle transports. But when it came to planes, and helicopters I was really nervous to do this. Yet everyone I know had to do this at least once. Now I know why Strike and company would always be very tried by the end of the day.

But the great thing about me and my age, was that I was blessed with extra energy to burn. Even thought most would expect me to be as dog ass tried by the end of the day, I would still muster up a little bit of energy to keep going. Only I didn't show it as much, since it would be a sign to show to the rest that they are not tiring me out. And they'll make me do more chores.

But none the less Strike would always be there to encourage me on. so, I would always make the time to hang with her whenever she wanted to. I know for a fact that she really loved my V.R. set. She was always looking forward to trying something new from it, whether it be looking at all sorts of monuments or listening to some EDM via video format. I think I might have made a new fan of EDM.

Later on, during the night I laid here in bunk thinking about a few things. I looked over to my alarm clock only to notice that's is 0100. I know I should be getting some rest, but something kept keeping me up. I know for a fact that tomorrow I was going to do my mediation exercises with some Joe named Jinx. But more importantly I had to report to Hawk's office to give him my code name. I know for a fact that Strike had a few suggestions of her own, like triggerman, shooter, or kill shot. But none of those names really stuck or fitted me.

No, I had a name I think that is befitting to who I am but have some reservations on it since I don't want to cause a rift with my friends here. Needless the say I started to yawn a bit to myself as I just went ahead and fall asleep.

The next day went on as normal as it could've have gone. When I had some free time, I decided to go back to my dorm. I really didn't feel like sleeping or doing much. I just sat there thinking, till I started to get out my AS50. I looked over it to see if it needed a good cleaning. Yet instead I just stared at it. I looked over the scope, the barrel, and the stock in general. It wasn't loaded, but I continue to look at it. With a little bit of sudden urgency, I pull out my pit issue knife. Then for some reason I started to etch out three small letters on the rile stock. Three simple letters that had a special meaning to me. I etched out the letters K.B.D. I did the same for my A.C.R., my M110, and even the M40. Since those are the rifles I kept in my dorm at all times. AS for my SiG p226, I pulled it out thinking about doing the same. But then again, I never really used it all that much except for practice. Even though I carry this one throughout the pit the most. So, I just put it up. I put up most of my weapons as well, till I heard a knock on my dorm door.

I get up to answer it, not really thinking about who it is. As I opened the door, it turned out to be Strike. So, I just say hello to her as always. "Hello Strike, um can I help you with something."

"Hey Mark, um well I need you to come along with me."

"Uh yeah sure, just give me a sec." I quickly went back to my bed to put up my rifles. Yet I didn't realize that Strike started to come on in.

"Are you cleaning and detailing your weapons today Mark?"

"Uh yeah something like that Strike," as Mark turned around to acknowledge her." Don't worry Strike I'll hurry up."

"Hey no worries Mark, we don't have to be there Asap, but we do have to be there in about fifteen minutes." Needless to say, I still hurried up with putting up my stuff.

Soon we where out of my dorm. I knew what this was about. So, we headed off to Hawk's office as usual. When it looked like I was going to head over in that direction, Strike spoke up to me. "No Mark not this way." I looked at her a bit strangely and tried to ask why. "Before you ask, I got to take you to the Conference room, that's where Hawk wants to meet us."

"I see," is all that I said to her. As Strike led the way for me as I followed her.

When we arrived, there were two green shirt sentries in the front which kind of strike me as odd. But I guess it's so that we don't get disturbed by anyone. Of course, as a gentleman I open the door first to let Strike in. She just smiled to me as I let her in, but she kept her head turned around to make sure that I was coming in.

Once I enter the first thing I notice was all the people inside, making me think that this was a mission briefing. I mean I never knew that the pit had this many Joe's. For a second, I thought that every single one of them was in here. I mean there were a lot that I haven't met or introduce myself to. Almost everyone that I knew on a training basis was here. Heck even Captain Psy was in the crowd near the front.

For the most part all of them seem to be conversating we each other, till I enter the room. I was a little taken aback as if I started to turn around if anyone was behind me. Yet as I walked in I did notice that there were no seats, apparently everyone was just standing up. I thought for a moment, thinking that I could use this to my advantage. So, without really thinking I just start to try and blend in with the crowd.

Which was easier said than done, since everyone around me seemed to have to get in my way from keeping me. So, to improvise, I started to reach for my wallet and pull out twenty bucks to see if I can get any takers. Till I heard a voice in the crowd. "What have I told you about bribing Joe's Private." I just cringed by lowing my shoulders knowing who that was. I see Lady Jaye next to Cover girl who just smirking at me. "Well Private, what have I said about bribing?"

"That I should never do it."

"Yeah that's pretty much it."" Much like the last time private you're not getting out of this one."

I just sigh a bit out loud in defeat and just tucked my twenty bucks back in my wallet. I turned around completely, till I felt a slight hand on my shoulder. "Now that's better private, but don't worry we'll be here for you," Lady Jaye insisted. I just nod my head to her even though my back was turned.

Soon enough the side door to Hawk's office opened up the first to come out was of course Hawk, which in an instant someone sounded off to stand at attention. He was also followed by Duke and some other guy that I heard of, but never really talked to all that much. I think his name was Flint.

The first words out of Hawk's mouth was for all of us to stand at ease. Only to be promptly followed by another order. "Private First-Class Mark report to me front and center," Hawk said in a demanding tone. I didn't need to be told twice on what to do, so I came to him obediently.

Once I came to Hawk I immediately saluted to him while sounding off as usual. "Private First-Class Mark reporting as order sir." I stare off into nothing, when Hawk returned my salute to me.

"At ease private."" Well P.F.C. Mark, today is the day, have you chosen a suitable name for yourself and for the rest of your fellow Joe's to refer to you?"

"Yes sir I have."

"Well then Private don't keep us waiting let us here it."

"Before I do sir, can I say a few things?"

"Go on."

"Well sir, I guess things kind of turned out for me a bit differently. "" I would've never have thought that I'll be doing this."" But once it happens, it just came natural to me."" I cannot deny who I am, or what I will eventually become."" So, I accept my fate willingly with open arms."" My only wish, is that everyone will respect the choices that I make sir." I see Hawk nodding his head to me. "The name I have chosen, is a befitting name of who I am."" I chose the name Reaper."" As I will Reap the enemy from ever hurting my friends, my comrades, and the innocent."

"Very well then private, from this day forward we will all refer to you as Reaper," Hawk exclaimed out loud for everyone to hear. "Now Reaper give me your dog tags and Identification." I swiftly give him my I.D. card and blue and red tags. In return Hawk gave me newly minted dog tags that bear my code name along with id numbers and blood type. If I had to describe it, I would say that they look almost in a dark black color but not quite. There was a little grey in there as well. I think the color is known as gun metal. What ever they were they had a little bit of weight to them. Same for my Identification card as well. "Reaper do not lose these; do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir."

"Very well then you may go back to rest of your brethren."

I did as he said as I started to go back to the rest of the Joe's. For the most part a good part of them were looking towards me with some approval. Once I turned around about face. Hawk opens up again. "Well Joe's you are dismissed, be sure to watch and take care of your little brother."

Soon enough the crowd started to disperse to go about their day I suppose. As for me I was about to make my way out, till I heard someone calling to me. Only it was in my code name. "Hey Reaper I need to see you for sec," Psy said out loud. I was about to point to myself, only to realize that he was referring to me. So, I just went ahead and met up with him.

"Yes sir, what can I do you for?"

"First off, Private congratulations."" Second, I have your orders for you right here so you can go off to your special exercises."

"Oh, I see then sir, well thanks."

"Don't mention it, now go and have a nice day." I just nod back to him as I took the orders from him. I open it up, only to read the section that was intended for me. All it said was to report to the third level gymnasium, in ten minutes.

Luckily for me I already know where to go. So, I was about to head on till I hear Strike calling to me. So once again I came to her. "Hey there Reaper, where are you heading off to in such a hurry."

"Well Strike, it's just that I got to be somewhere in ten."

"Oh, I see, well this won't take long." I looked at her seeing what she wanted. "Yeah so I was wondering if you could come by to my place after dinner and hang out."

"Uh sure Strike."

"Great well be sure to bring that V.R. thing of yours, Lady Jaye wants try it if you don't mind."

"No, I don't mind."

"Good then, well I guess you better get to it then."

"Sure, thing Strike I'll see you around."

In that instant I took off in a run to get to the third level gym. After all I got to be punctual since I'm a Joe now. I always got to show up at least five minutes if not ten minutes before whenever I'm order to do so. Soon enough I make it with five minutes to spare. Once I came inside I was huffing and puffing for some air. When I caught my breath, that's when I notice that I was in an empty gym. I mean there was nothing in here, not even gym mats. I quickly checked my watch to see if I was on time. And sure, enough I was.

So, I just stood here waiting thinking that maybe my teacher was running late I suppose. That is until I heard a voice coming from behind me that really spooked the crap out of me. "Huh you must be my four o'clock."

I quickly jumped up while turning around in shock. "Gah don't scare me like that I said," while I saw nothing behind me. "What the." Then I felt another tap on my shoulder. And again, I turned around, only to see nothing again. "Please stop scaring me ok."

"Ok, since you asked me nicely."" Just turn around."

I turn around a bit slowly this time hoping that whoever it was, wasn't going to try and do something to me. I sighed a bit in relief when I saw someone real this time. To me this person wore some sort of tight uniform that was mostly of black and red. Her hair just was tied in a pony tail that just rested on her back side for about half way. To me she looked a bit Asian. She was rather slender in my eyes, but none the less had a nice warm smile to greet me with. I still didn't let my guard down though, I mean these creepy ninja types had all sorts of tricks up their sleeves. Also, I never really had any good experiences with them, i.e. the salt and pepper ninjas.

It feels like it's been forever since we said a word to one another. But this lady starts up again. "So, you must be private Mark then?"

"My friends call me Private Mark."

"Am I not you friend then private?" I chose my words rather carefully this time around.

"You can be friend, if you want to be ma'am."

"Oh, where are my manners private, my name is Jinx." I was about to respond back to her, when I accidentally drop the orders from my hand.

So, I reach down to get them with much haste. Not realizing that my tags started to hand down from the outside of my shirt. When I came back up I handed them over to her. "Uh here you go um Jinx."

"Why thank you private." I see her opening up the orders at hand. Which I guess was to reaffirm why I was here. I see her reading it rather quickly while looking at me for a split second.

When she was done she came a bit closer to me, as she brought up her hand to take look at my exposed tags. "Ah I see newly minted Joe tags."' Very well then, I shall can you by your code name if you prefer or until I earn your trust to call you by what you please then Reaper."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Well then Reaper, you wish to learn how to meditate?"

"If it helps me to relax a bit mentally, then yes ma'am."

"You know Reaper you don't have to keep calling me ma'am, you can call me Jinx."

"Yes, I'm sorry Jinx."

"You don't have to apologize either."" But it would help if you can may be take it easy." I did as she asked and did my best to calm down. "Well that's much better."" Now take a seat please." I looked around only to notice that there were not chairs in this gym.

"Uh there are no chairs in here Jinx."

"That doesn't mean that you can't take a seat." I see my teacher siting down on the floor, so I follow suit with her." Now then Reaper, I'll try and explain a few things to you first." "Meditation is a practice or a technique in which you can use through activity or focusing one's mind to achieve complete calm."" So, in other words meditation can be in many forms Reaper."" From ether practicing some martial arts, to siting here with complete crystal clarity of your mind."" So, the first obstacle, is finding a method or a technique to help you reach that complete clarity with your mind."

"So, you are saying that I have to find my own niche on my own then?"

"Not on your own, I'll be there to help guide you."

"Well should we get started then Jinx?" Jinx nodded back to me with much approval. And soon enough we got started. For the entire session I was trying to find the best method of meditation to suit me, but none of them seemed to work or fit. Yet I could tell that Jinx wasn't going to give up on me so easily. I tried everything from doing certain positions, to martial arts not that I knew any other than basic self-defense, to doing some chanting. Once our hour was done, I didn't have to report back until next Wednesday. Yet Jinx did give some good advice before I left so that I don't get discouraged after today.

"Reaper before you leave today I just want to share something with you." I looked at her and nodded to go on. "What \ever form of meditation you chose, just remember that it will be special only to you." "When seeking it out don't try too hard to find it, just let it come naturally to you. ""You may not know it, but it's probably something that you are already use to."

"Thank you Jinx, um have a nice day."

"You too Reaper."

I left there thinking that I've just wasted my time and hers. How the hell am I gong to find my own meditation technique. Any ways I brushed those thoughts aside since I started to get a rumble in my tummy. So, I made my way to the chow hall. After all I got an appointment to keep with Strike.

Once there I a quickly look at the menu for today. All right I get a choice of tacos and spaghetti with meatballs. As always, I get the best of both worlds on my tray. I made no qualms on filling up my tray with the very best of chow I could lay my hands on. As for seating I chose the first table I laid my eyes on, which happens to be in the center. The great thing was that no one else was sitting there. It was mine all mine. Which only lasted for about a few minutes till some familiar faces started to show up.

The first two to show up was my roomie Dusty only to be followed by Tunnel Rat. The both said in unison, "hey Reaper."

"Hey guys," as I acknowledge them back. Next to follow was Sergeant Jaye. She decided to sit across from me to the left.

"Hey reap," Jaye said.

"Hey yourself Jaye," I said back. Last but not least was Strike who as always chose to sit right across from me.

"Hey there Reaper."

"Hay is for horses Strike," I said back with some amusement in my voice. Everyone to my knowledge was chowing down, till I heard a voice from Lady Jaye.

"Hey reap are we still on for tonight?"

"On for what Lady Jaye."

"What you forgot already Reap," Strike said.

"Forgot what Strike."

"You know that thing you were going to bring to our dorm."

"You mean the V.R. set?"

"Yeah that's it, Jaye is a bit anxious to try it out if you don't mind of course," Strike said.

"No, I don't mind Strike, right after dinner ok." They both just smiled and nodded to me as I continue to eat on.

After dinner I make way back to my dorm to pick up the stuff and head straight over to Strikes Dorm. I only to had to knock once, when Strike answer the door. Soon enough I give the same instruction to Lady Jaye about the device when I shared it with Strike. The only difference was that Lady Jaye wanted to see simple places in the U.S. like the Blue Ridge Mountains, Death Valley, or the Bad Lands of South Dakota. All of these places I've never even heard of before. But the way Strike described them to me, it sounded like they were really cool places to visit here in America. I never knew that such places existed until now. I guess that's what happens when you are cooped up in the pit training and doing duties.

When I guess Lady, Jaye was done watching sites and scenery, I thought it would be nice for her to listen and see some music content. I was about to suggest my usual edm to her, but instead she wanted to listen to some country music. So, I let her pick the artist that she wanted and let her sit in her chair while she listens and maybe sings along. Me and Strike just smiled and laughed a bit to her. In the mean time I was sitting down near Strike, while she was sitting on her bed. We just sat smiling in amusement to each other. When it felt a bit awkward, Strike broke the silence between us.

"So, um do you want to watch some T.V. Reaper."

"You know Strike you don't have to keep calling me that all the time."" I kind of have grown accustom to you calling me Mark."" But to answer your question Strike, not really."

"Hmm, well what do you want to do."

"Honestly I don't know, maybe we could just talk if you want Strike."

"That I could do Mark."

I"'ll start first, so how come you don't take vacations or go out on liberty Strike?"

"What I go on vacations Mark."

"Yeah but that's only when you go and see your family."" I never seen you take a vacation for yourself."

"Well to be honest with you Mark, I've never really given any thought on it."" And that goes the same for liberty."" But I might change my mind when you turn 21 next year."

"Huh, why do you say that Strike."

"Well Mark, its just that the drinking brigade will most likely will track you down to do a ritual hazing with you."

"You mean Shipwreck, Clutch, and Grunt."

"Yup, but don't worry I'll be along with you when the time comes. "'You know to make sure things don't get too out of hand."

"Thanks Strike, I would really like that."" And maybe I'll get you to come along with one day to go out on and adventure just for the two of us."

"OH, are you asking me to go out on a date with you Mark," Strike said teasingly.

"If you want to call it that Strike."" But I do like your company and I like it when we do stuff together."" I know it seems a bit lame that I can't think of the words to say to you, but…."

Strike just cut's Mark off my shushing him with one finger to lips. "Shhh., hey its ok besides I think Lady Jaye over there is sleeping." I look over to Sergeant Jaye only to see her in a relax state. I looked to my watch only to notice that its close to lights out. So, I bid Strike a good night, while I removed the V.R. Set gently from Jaye so I don't wake her. I then helped Strike to place sergeant Jaye in her bunk gently and made my way out saying good night