***
He raised the blaster slowly and steadied it against the brick wall, closing one eye and carefully aiming, his hand perfectly steady; he gently squeezed the trigger and felt the surprisingly large recoil of the weapon. The laser shot out and struck the target directly in the middle, a perfect shot that earned him praises from the instructors:
"Well done, Ensign Collins!"
Alex smirked, looking at the target with satisfaction and nodded sharply as he lowered his weapon to reload; he glanced up as others shot, the lasers striking near the middle of the target. He quickly snapped the magazine back in place and raised the blaster again, after aiming quickly, he squeezed the trigger once again and struck the bullseye.
He stuck his blaster in its holster and took off his protective glasses, he walked out of the shooting room and down the hallway to the break room. He'd been shooting for two hours straight, and he still had the test to come in a half hour; Sienna was sipping her coffee when he entered, and she smiled dazzingly for him.
"Are you ready?" Alex asked, pouring his own cup.
"For what?"
"For the test," Alex replied, "you know it's only in thirty minutes."
"Oh, that." Sienna shrugged. "I'm not worried about it, I can shoot straighter than anyone here---except you, of course."
Alex nodded his acknowledgement, he had to admit that Sienna was a good shot, and she was with very little effort as well, just a natural. He sat down at a table across from her, feeling her leg press up against his in a suggestive gesture, she smiled at him again, but he chose to ignore the offer.
"We have a half an hour," she reminded him.
"I'd rather take that time to relax," Alex said, stifling a yawn.
"I always manage to relax you."
Alex actually chuckled, his amusement reached his blue eyes and they twinkled uncharacteristically, he spoke softly so no one else could hear: "I wouldn't call it that, Sienna. I hardly feel relaxed when you're through with me."
She laughed quietly, leaning in close and whispering in his ear: "Tonight then?"
Alex swallowed his coffee quickly, he hesitated a moment as an instructor passed by and congratulated him on his excellent shooting, then he answered: "Maybe."
"Maybe?" Sienna pouted slightly, her full lips perfect.
Alex flashed her a smile before getting up a throwing his cup away, he left the room and headed back to the firing area to watch the others warm up before the test; they were only four months away from graduation, and most likely those who failed the test would be sent home. Alex felt no apprehension as he watched, knowing he was fully capable of passing with the highest scores.
It didn't feel like the time had passed when an instructor announced the beginning of the test and called up the first ten cadets, some looking too nervous to even hold their blaster steady; Alex watched almost sympathetically as they struggled to even hit the targets at all.
"I wouldn't have any of them on my squad," he heard one of the instructors say from behind.
"These are all seniors," another spoke, "there's no excuse for this kind of shooting."
Almost an hour had passed before Alex heard his name called out, he stepped forward and into one of the shooting boxes, uncomfortably small for a man of his size. When their targets reached for their own weapons, he and the others were to grab their blasters and fire as many shots as possible in a span of thirty seconds. They were judged not only on where the laser hit, but how fast they drew their blasters and put them back, and how many shots they fired.
He put on his glasses and watched closely, his target was like any other, a humanoid form with its "arm" poised at the holster; they blaster inside couldn't be fired, but when adrenaline took over, it felt like a life and death situation. He tensed, ready for any sudden movement, he waited and waited, knowing it usually took a while; two minutes passed, then five, and still he waited patiently. He could hear the others fidgeting nervously, but he remained still; finally, one target moved, but three cadets fired.
A common mistake. Two cadets had seen movement, and instinctively fired even though their own targets remained still; they were immediately removed, their tests over. They had failed. Alex didn't look back as they passed him, not wanting to see their despairing faces. One-by-one, the targets moved for their weapons, and some cadets scored high; but Alex's remained perfectly still, he knew they were testing him. The instructors pushed him hardest, daring him to make a mistake, they wanted to be certain he was as good as he seemed, and so far he hadn't failed them.
Ten minutes after the last target had moved, his finally reached for its blaster and he snatched his own before anyone could even catch any movement on his part; he squeezed the trigger each time, his finger moving as quickly as he could make it. Five . . . ten . . . fifteen . . . by the end of the thirty seconds, had had fired eighty shots. The target was completely destroyed, the lasers having struck the head and chest areas each time; Alex stuck his blaster back and walked calmly out of the box, all eyes were on him.
"That's what I call shooting."
"He's a senior?"
"Graduating this June."
"Should've graduated last year."
He stood in the hallway with the others, leaning his back against the wall and closing his eyes, relaxing visibly, his shoulders sagging ever-so- slightly. He heard Sienna's name being called and silently wondered how she would do, but chose not to go watch; fifteen minutes later, she walked over, giggling ridiculously.
"How'd you do?" Alex asked.
"How do you think I did?" she replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Fantastic."
"Of course!"
Alex slipped his arm around her waist, and she eagerly pressed herself to him, her eyes sparkling as she gazed up at him. "We're free to go," she said, "they'll call us in for the results in an hour."
"Why would we want to 'go'?" Alex teased.
"Don't play with me," Sienna scolded, "I'm dying here!"
Alex laughed a little and took her hand to lead her out of the hallway and into her room, his body ached painfully as his desire for her grew, and she felt her legs trembling as she followed him to the bed. He lay down first and pulled her down on top him with too much force to resist, she landed on him hard and moaned quietly as his lips began to caress her neck.
"Oh, Alex . . . hurry up," she cried, "I can't take it any longer!"
His hands raced to her pants, and for the next fifteen minutes, neither could remember anything as they were engulfed in pure ecstasy . . .
*****
Alex wore a pair of dark sweatpants and a white tank-top, he ran through the park, breathing heavily and sweating from head-to-toe, his legs ached but he pushed himself further. He winced as a cramp began to form in his left side, finally, he slowed down and paused for a few moments to take a breath; he heard footsteps rapidly approaching, and a young man's voice:
"You're not supposed to stop, your legs will cramp up."
"I won't stop long enough for that," Alex gasped, annoyed that someone presumed to think he didn't know what he was doing. He straightened up and turned to the young man, surprised to find that he was no more than a boy; recognition flashed in his eyes, and for an instant they were both silent. Then they spoke in unison:
"Alex!?"
"Lucas!?"
Lucas Kendall smiled and reached over to slap Alex on the back, they hadn't been very close friends back in the school, but they'd had no one else. They were the youngest in the school, all alone, although forced into the life by different circumstances; Alex's parents were dead, and Lucas' parents had given him up.
"How've you been?" Lucas asked, "I guess you're graduating this year, huh?"
"Yes," Alex said, "and you'll be entering the Academy soon, won't you?"
"This September." Lucas nodded, smiling but not looking the least bit excited. "Training is finally almost over, only two years left. Are you excited about getting out? It's been forever!"
"I'm looking forward to it," Alex admitted.
"Do you have any idea where you're being stationed?"
"Not yet."
"Lucas!"
Alex looked over Lucas' shoulder as a familiar face trotted down the sidewalk, he recognized the pretty young woman as 'Katie', the person who had taken him home after a late night months ago. He smiled as they recognized each other, and she patted his arm, saying cheerfully: "Hello again."
"You know each other?" Lucas said, confused.
"We met briefly," Alex explained, "quite awhile ago."
Katie smiled at the memory. "You're looking good," she said, "though I can't remember your name, what was it now?"
"Alex."
"That's right!" she laughed, "sorry."
"Like I said," Alex repeated, "it's been quite awhile."
"So," Lucas said, "are you busy, Alex? Katie and I were about to pick up some friends and go for the night."
"I have a lot of work," Alex said, regretfully, "you have the night off, Lucas? I don't remember any free time at the school."
Lucas smirked, looking around as if expecting some guard to come and drag him away. "Well . . . " he said, "I'm pretty good at sneaking back in without anyone seeing me, or even noticing I was gone." At Alex's shocked expression, he laughed aloud. "I was always a rule-breaker, remember?"
"You would get kicked off if you got caught," Alex told him.
"I know." Lucas shrugged. "I don't really care either. Besides, I won't get caught."
"Well, I've got to go," Alex said, "it was good seeing you again though, and I'm pleased you're doing well." He suddenly remembered his last conversation with Katie. "Oh, are you and your friend enlisting?"
"Yes," Katie answered, "she's too young right now, but we've made up our minds. We're enlisting at the same time, so I'm waiting."
"Good," Alex said, "I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Thanks," Katie said, "good luck getting out into the real world."
Alex smiled and turned back toward the Academy, starting off at a slow jog to warm himself back up before running the ten miles back to the building; he thought of Katie, and Lucas, silently wishing he could have spent more time with both of them. Despite Sienna, he had been lonely since Dana and Bobby graduated, missing the companionship of a fellow man, someone who understood him better than a girl.
He made his way back to his room and got into the shower as quickly as he could, stripping himself of his sweat-soaked clothes and letting the lukewarm water run over his sore body. He yawned in spite of himself as he grabbed a bar of soap and rubbed it on his body, hearing the door open and light footsteps outside.
"Back already?" came Sienna's voice, "that was a quick run."
"Twenty miles," Alex replied.
"You're fast."
Alex paused, rubbing the shampoo into his wet hair. "Do you remember Lucas Kendall?" he asked, "he's a couple years younger than us, but we knew him when we were younger."
"I remember him a little. Why?"
"I saw him in the park."
"Oh? How's he doing?"
"Fine."
The curtain slid open and Sienna stood before him, he smiled and rolled his eyes, groaning: "Sienna, I'm exhausted. I just want to get done and go to sleep, okay?"
"Okay." She shrugged as she stepped in and started bathing, the water running down her firm body and soaking her long hair. "I ran too, and I'm a mess."
"You ran?"
"So?" Sienna blinked. "I'm a good runner, Alex, you know that!"
"You're a natural," Alex said, "you never have to run."
Sienna giggled, her bare leg brushing against his thigh, he gasped sharply and moaned: "Sienna . . . please, don't do this to me now. I'll wear myself out even before I start my work!"
"Aww . . . poor baby," Sienna purred.
His instincts took over and the passion surrounded him, his nude body pressed against hers as he kissed her hungrily, his tongue exploring; his hands pressed to her back, rubbing the skin and sending chills through her body. His body was so perfect, his abs tight and well-defined, his arms muscular and legs hard; she was aroused just by looking at him, and his touch intensified it.
"Make love to me," she whispered, " . . . now."
***
"And," Admiral Dillingham announced, "our highest scoring student this year, is a young man promoted to the rank of ensign even before he entered the Academy. He comes from a long line of Time Force officers, his mother gave her life in loyal service . . . Ensign Alexander Collins!"
Alex stepped onto the platform in his new uniform, a feeling of pride overwhelming him as he walked up to the admiral and accepted his Certificate of Completion; he had finally done it, he had finally graduated from the Academy.
"Congratulations, Ensign," Dillingham said.
"Thank you, Admiral." He snapped to attention and saluted him smartly. "May I ask, where will I be stationed?"
"Of course," Dillingham said, "you're going to be stationed on Delta V orbiting Mars, they need extra security there."
Alex nodded and passed by to stand with the others, looking into the crowd and envisioning his mother and father sitting in the front row, smiling at him with those expressions of love and pride they reserved for very special occasions. He sighed without a sound, imagining their voices, although he barely remembered how their voices sounded:
"We're very proud of you, son," his father said, "you'll make a fine officer."
"We always knew you would," his mother said.
He swallowed hard, it was time to put that all behind him, he was a man now, and a soldier; he had no time to dwell on the past, he needed to look to the future. And the future was looking bright . . .
TBC
He raised the blaster slowly and steadied it against the brick wall, closing one eye and carefully aiming, his hand perfectly steady; he gently squeezed the trigger and felt the surprisingly large recoil of the weapon. The laser shot out and struck the target directly in the middle, a perfect shot that earned him praises from the instructors:
"Well done, Ensign Collins!"
Alex smirked, looking at the target with satisfaction and nodded sharply as he lowered his weapon to reload; he glanced up as others shot, the lasers striking near the middle of the target. He quickly snapped the magazine back in place and raised the blaster again, after aiming quickly, he squeezed the trigger once again and struck the bullseye.
He stuck his blaster in its holster and took off his protective glasses, he walked out of the shooting room and down the hallway to the break room. He'd been shooting for two hours straight, and he still had the test to come in a half hour; Sienna was sipping her coffee when he entered, and she smiled dazzingly for him.
"Are you ready?" Alex asked, pouring his own cup.
"For what?"
"For the test," Alex replied, "you know it's only in thirty minutes."
"Oh, that." Sienna shrugged. "I'm not worried about it, I can shoot straighter than anyone here---except you, of course."
Alex nodded his acknowledgement, he had to admit that Sienna was a good shot, and she was with very little effort as well, just a natural. He sat down at a table across from her, feeling her leg press up against his in a suggestive gesture, she smiled at him again, but he chose to ignore the offer.
"We have a half an hour," she reminded him.
"I'd rather take that time to relax," Alex said, stifling a yawn.
"I always manage to relax you."
Alex actually chuckled, his amusement reached his blue eyes and they twinkled uncharacteristically, he spoke softly so no one else could hear: "I wouldn't call it that, Sienna. I hardly feel relaxed when you're through with me."
She laughed quietly, leaning in close and whispering in his ear: "Tonight then?"
Alex swallowed his coffee quickly, he hesitated a moment as an instructor passed by and congratulated him on his excellent shooting, then he answered: "Maybe."
"Maybe?" Sienna pouted slightly, her full lips perfect.
Alex flashed her a smile before getting up a throwing his cup away, he left the room and headed back to the firing area to watch the others warm up before the test; they were only four months away from graduation, and most likely those who failed the test would be sent home. Alex felt no apprehension as he watched, knowing he was fully capable of passing with the highest scores.
It didn't feel like the time had passed when an instructor announced the beginning of the test and called up the first ten cadets, some looking too nervous to even hold their blaster steady; Alex watched almost sympathetically as they struggled to even hit the targets at all.
"I wouldn't have any of them on my squad," he heard one of the instructors say from behind.
"These are all seniors," another spoke, "there's no excuse for this kind of shooting."
Almost an hour had passed before Alex heard his name called out, he stepped forward and into one of the shooting boxes, uncomfortably small for a man of his size. When their targets reached for their own weapons, he and the others were to grab their blasters and fire as many shots as possible in a span of thirty seconds. They were judged not only on where the laser hit, but how fast they drew their blasters and put them back, and how many shots they fired.
He put on his glasses and watched closely, his target was like any other, a humanoid form with its "arm" poised at the holster; they blaster inside couldn't be fired, but when adrenaline took over, it felt like a life and death situation. He tensed, ready for any sudden movement, he waited and waited, knowing it usually took a while; two minutes passed, then five, and still he waited patiently. He could hear the others fidgeting nervously, but he remained still; finally, one target moved, but three cadets fired.
A common mistake. Two cadets had seen movement, and instinctively fired even though their own targets remained still; they were immediately removed, their tests over. They had failed. Alex didn't look back as they passed him, not wanting to see their despairing faces. One-by-one, the targets moved for their weapons, and some cadets scored high; but Alex's remained perfectly still, he knew they were testing him. The instructors pushed him hardest, daring him to make a mistake, they wanted to be certain he was as good as he seemed, and so far he hadn't failed them.
Ten minutes after the last target had moved, his finally reached for its blaster and he snatched his own before anyone could even catch any movement on his part; he squeezed the trigger each time, his finger moving as quickly as he could make it. Five . . . ten . . . fifteen . . . by the end of the thirty seconds, had had fired eighty shots. The target was completely destroyed, the lasers having struck the head and chest areas each time; Alex stuck his blaster back and walked calmly out of the box, all eyes were on him.
"That's what I call shooting."
"He's a senior?"
"Graduating this June."
"Should've graduated last year."
He stood in the hallway with the others, leaning his back against the wall and closing his eyes, relaxing visibly, his shoulders sagging ever-so- slightly. He heard Sienna's name being called and silently wondered how she would do, but chose not to go watch; fifteen minutes later, she walked over, giggling ridiculously.
"How'd you do?" Alex asked.
"How do you think I did?" she replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Fantastic."
"Of course!"
Alex slipped his arm around her waist, and she eagerly pressed herself to him, her eyes sparkling as she gazed up at him. "We're free to go," she said, "they'll call us in for the results in an hour."
"Why would we want to 'go'?" Alex teased.
"Don't play with me," Sienna scolded, "I'm dying here!"
Alex laughed a little and took her hand to lead her out of the hallway and into her room, his body ached painfully as his desire for her grew, and she felt her legs trembling as she followed him to the bed. He lay down first and pulled her down on top him with too much force to resist, she landed on him hard and moaned quietly as his lips began to caress her neck.
"Oh, Alex . . . hurry up," she cried, "I can't take it any longer!"
His hands raced to her pants, and for the next fifteen minutes, neither could remember anything as they were engulfed in pure ecstasy . . .
*****
Alex wore a pair of dark sweatpants and a white tank-top, he ran through the park, breathing heavily and sweating from head-to-toe, his legs ached but he pushed himself further. He winced as a cramp began to form in his left side, finally, he slowed down and paused for a few moments to take a breath; he heard footsteps rapidly approaching, and a young man's voice:
"You're not supposed to stop, your legs will cramp up."
"I won't stop long enough for that," Alex gasped, annoyed that someone presumed to think he didn't know what he was doing. He straightened up and turned to the young man, surprised to find that he was no more than a boy; recognition flashed in his eyes, and for an instant they were both silent. Then they spoke in unison:
"Alex!?"
"Lucas!?"
Lucas Kendall smiled and reached over to slap Alex on the back, they hadn't been very close friends back in the school, but they'd had no one else. They were the youngest in the school, all alone, although forced into the life by different circumstances; Alex's parents were dead, and Lucas' parents had given him up.
"How've you been?" Lucas asked, "I guess you're graduating this year, huh?"
"Yes," Alex said, "and you'll be entering the Academy soon, won't you?"
"This September." Lucas nodded, smiling but not looking the least bit excited. "Training is finally almost over, only two years left. Are you excited about getting out? It's been forever!"
"I'm looking forward to it," Alex admitted.
"Do you have any idea where you're being stationed?"
"Not yet."
"Lucas!"
Alex looked over Lucas' shoulder as a familiar face trotted down the sidewalk, he recognized the pretty young woman as 'Katie', the person who had taken him home after a late night months ago. He smiled as they recognized each other, and she patted his arm, saying cheerfully: "Hello again."
"You know each other?" Lucas said, confused.
"We met briefly," Alex explained, "quite awhile ago."
Katie smiled at the memory. "You're looking good," she said, "though I can't remember your name, what was it now?"
"Alex."
"That's right!" she laughed, "sorry."
"Like I said," Alex repeated, "it's been quite awhile."
"So," Lucas said, "are you busy, Alex? Katie and I were about to pick up some friends and go for the night."
"I have a lot of work," Alex said, regretfully, "you have the night off, Lucas? I don't remember any free time at the school."
Lucas smirked, looking around as if expecting some guard to come and drag him away. "Well . . . " he said, "I'm pretty good at sneaking back in without anyone seeing me, or even noticing I was gone." At Alex's shocked expression, he laughed aloud. "I was always a rule-breaker, remember?"
"You would get kicked off if you got caught," Alex told him.
"I know." Lucas shrugged. "I don't really care either. Besides, I won't get caught."
"Well, I've got to go," Alex said, "it was good seeing you again though, and I'm pleased you're doing well." He suddenly remembered his last conversation with Katie. "Oh, are you and your friend enlisting?"
"Yes," Katie answered, "she's too young right now, but we've made up our minds. We're enlisting at the same time, so I'm waiting."
"Good," Alex said, "I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Thanks," Katie said, "good luck getting out into the real world."
Alex smiled and turned back toward the Academy, starting off at a slow jog to warm himself back up before running the ten miles back to the building; he thought of Katie, and Lucas, silently wishing he could have spent more time with both of them. Despite Sienna, he had been lonely since Dana and Bobby graduated, missing the companionship of a fellow man, someone who understood him better than a girl.
He made his way back to his room and got into the shower as quickly as he could, stripping himself of his sweat-soaked clothes and letting the lukewarm water run over his sore body. He yawned in spite of himself as he grabbed a bar of soap and rubbed it on his body, hearing the door open and light footsteps outside.
"Back already?" came Sienna's voice, "that was a quick run."
"Twenty miles," Alex replied.
"You're fast."
Alex paused, rubbing the shampoo into his wet hair. "Do you remember Lucas Kendall?" he asked, "he's a couple years younger than us, but we knew him when we were younger."
"I remember him a little. Why?"
"I saw him in the park."
"Oh? How's he doing?"
"Fine."
The curtain slid open and Sienna stood before him, he smiled and rolled his eyes, groaning: "Sienna, I'm exhausted. I just want to get done and go to sleep, okay?"
"Okay." She shrugged as she stepped in and started bathing, the water running down her firm body and soaking her long hair. "I ran too, and I'm a mess."
"You ran?"
"So?" Sienna blinked. "I'm a good runner, Alex, you know that!"
"You're a natural," Alex said, "you never have to run."
Sienna giggled, her bare leg brushing against his thigh, he gasped sharply and moaned: "Sienna . . . please, don't do this to me now. I'll wear myself out even before I start my work!"
"Aww . . . poor baby," Sienna purred.
His instincts took over and the passion surrounded him, his nude body pressed against hers as he kissed her hungrily, his tongue exploring; his hands pressed to her back, rubbing the skin and sending chills through her body. His body was so perfect, his abs tight and well-defined, his arms muscular and legs hard; she was aroused just by looking at him, and his touch intensified it.
"Make love to me," she whispered, " . . . now."
***
"And," Admiral Dillingham announced, "our highest scoring student this year, is a young man promoted to the rank of ensign even before he entered the Academy. He comes from a long line of Time Force officers, his mother gave her life in loyal service . . . Ensign Alexander Collins!"
Alex stepped onto the platform in his new uniform, a feeling of pride overwhelming him as he walked up to the admiral and accepted his Certificate of Completion; he had finally done it, he had finally graduated from the Academy.
"Congratulations, Ensign," Dillingham said.
"Thank you, Admiral." He snapped to attention and saluted him smartly. "May I ask, where will I be stationed?"
"Of course," Dillingham said, "you're going to be stationed on Delta V orbiting Mars, they need extra security there."
Alex nodded and passed by to stand with the others, looking into the crowd and envisioning his mother and father sitting in the front row, smiling at him with those expressions of love and pride they reserved for very special occasions. He sighed without a sound, imagining their voices, although he barely remembered how their voices sounded:
"We're very proud of you, son," his father said, "you'll make a fine officer."
"We always knew you would," his mother said.
He swallowed hard, it was time to put that all behind him, he was a man now, and a soldier; he had no time to dwell on the past, he needed to look to the future. And the future was looking bright . . .
TBC