***
. . . the screams surrounded him and echoed against the walls, ringing in his ears and running through his mind over and over again. Sienna's voice was so loud and full of pain it hurt his own ears to hear it screaming his name:
"Alex!!!! Alex, help me!!!!"
He ran to her as the mutants dragged her away, something hit him on the back of his neck and he fell face-first to the ground in pain. He looked up, reaching for her as they held her back:
"Sienna----no!!!!!"
One mutant raised a large, metal object over her, and in the next instant it came crashing down on her head with a sickening crack as it connected with her skull. Blood spurted onto the walls and floor, covering Alex's face; he tasted the liquid in his mouth and spat it out in disgust. Sienna's limp body fell to the floor . . .
A moment later, Bobby and Dana were dragged by him, already covered in their own blood and leaving a trail behind them as their bodies slid against the concrete floor. Dana moaned softly, her eyelids fluttering and her eyes resting on Alex as he struggled to get up.
"Alex . . . "
"Leave them alone!!!" Alex cried.
Suddenly, a larger form appeared in front of him and a hand reached down to grasp his throat; he felt himself being pulled up, and was soon dangling a foot in the air, Ransik laughing at him wickedly. He twisted away as something slammed Bobby against the wall, his head hit it with a force that knocked him down, he lay motionless on the ground.
"Bobby!" Alex gasped, choking as Ransik's fingers dug deeper.
A mutant grabbed Dana by her throat and lifted her high in the air before slamming her to the ground, her head split open when it hit the floor, blood and brains oozed out and Alex felt the sickness in his stomach increase.
"Now for you," Ransik said, "I'm going to strike you down, just like I did to your mother!"
Alex tried in vain to get Ransik to release his grip as the mutant leader produced a sword from his back, he felt it stick into his chest and go through the bone, blood shot up into his face as the pain exploded into agony . . .
. . . "No!!!!!"
Alex sat up in bed drenched in sweat and breathing unsteadily, he wiped his eyes and swallowed hard, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He raised his hands, only a moment ago they were covered with his own blood, and the blood of his only friends; they were clean, although trembling like never before. He tried to shake it off as he stood and walked into the bathroom, the lights came on and he stared at his reflection in the mirror; the dark circles beneath his eyes, the paleness of his skin stretched tightly over his skull.
He leaned over and splashed ice cold water on his face, blinking rapidly and trying to clear his mind of the horrible dream that resembled reality too much for comfort. The screams . . . the blood . . . Ransik . . . he shuddered violently at the memory, never had he seen such disturbing sites as when he watched his friends be slaughtered.
Eight weeks had passed since their violent deaths, since he said farewell to the only people left in the world that cared about him beyond his career as a Time Force officer. Bobby looked at him like a little brother that he would always take care of . . . Dana was someone whom he confided in when no one else was there to listen . . . and Sienna . . .
She meant even more to him than the others. His lover . . . the woman that met him at the door and in bed every night . . . the one who held him after a bad day . . . he hadn't loved her like perhaps a man should love his partner, but he had loved her very deeply anyway.
He grimaced, remembering thinking Sienna wouldn't have the nerve to fight in a real battle, to risk losing her life or---as he had once said in a joking way, but almost serious---"risk breaking a nail." He had certainly been proven wrong, for now her body lay in the ground alongside many others who had given their lives in loyal service. Just like his own mother.
"Sienna," he whispered, "I'm sorry . . . "
He had promised to look after her: "I'll be watching your back." But she had still fallen, he hadn't done anything to stop her death, he hadn't even known about it until he saw her body being carried away as he passed out . . . after the fight. Her face was covered in blood from the head wound she had sustained in the back of her skull, her eyes had been . . .
Alex leaned over and got rid of his earlier dinner, doubling over and holding his stomach, tears burning his eyes as he slowly sank to the hard, cold floor. He choked back a sob, trying to hold it back despite the fact that no one would know, for he was completely alone in his quarters late at night. He leaned against the counter and pulled his knees up to his chest, hugging them tightly and resting his chin down, closing his eyes in a vain attempt to sleep again, right there on the floor.
And so Alexander Collins, decorated 18-year-old officer of the Navy branch in Time Force, curled up on the floor and silently cried himself to sleep.
***
"Here we go again!"
The troop of marching cadets echoed after their leader as they walked around the Academy in perfect unison, shouting as loudly as they could; hundreds of neatly polished boots clomped on the pavement as one, Alex in front shouting off the cadence.
"Same old stuff again!" he yelled.
"Same old stuff again . . . "
"Marching down the Avenue!"
Alex allowed their voices to fade away as he led them back to their starting spot, finally shouting out the order: "Company . . . halt!!!" He did an about face and stood at attention facing them, making eye contact with each cadet in turn, and even allowing a small smirk.
"Well done," he said, "this is the start of your short vacation from the Academy . . . enjoy your holiday. Dismissed!"
They joyfully fell out of formation and headed in their own directions, most of them going home, and all of them headed someplace where they relax and enjoy their holiday vacation. Alex stood at ease and watched them disappear, he caught sight of Katie running to meet up with Lucas, who was headed for his car. He found himself wondering where Cadet Scotts was . . . soon he was lost in thoughts of Jennifer.
"Lieutenant?"
He turned quickly, he hadn't realized he had been standing still for quite a while. "Yes, Cadet?" he said expectantly, pretending to be as uninterested as most of the officers were. Jen looked up at him through hopeful brown eyes, strands of hair blowing into her freckled face as the wind picked up.
"Don't you have anyone to spend the holidays with?" she asked, noticing how he hadn't rushed off like everyone else, even the other officers were gone.
"No," Alex said, "I'll spend them here."
"I see." She hesitated. "You could spend them with my family, they'd be more than happy to meet you."
Alex gave a small smile at her eagerness, but he replied in a well-trained fashion, knowing all-too-well the consequences of growing too close to someone, remaining emotionless toward the people he met was much easier.
"No, thank you," he said, "it wouldn't be right anyway. An officer and a cadet."
"Oh."
Even the slightest twinge of disappointment in her voice cut him to the bone, but she gathered herself together and gave him a dazzling smile that he couldn't help but return; then she snapped to attention and did an about face, walking away quickly. He stood still and watched her white-clad figure disappear into a car, then drive away; on some ridiculous impulse, he turned away right before she rounded a corner and went out-of-sight.
*****
Pulling up a chair, he sat down at the table and folded his hands silently, staring at the plate before him, filled with food that looked incredibly appetizing after so long without nourishment. He had forgotten to eat breakfast or lunch, and now it was late into the night, far past the time for Christmas dinner; yet there he was, alone in the mess hall, chewing on a piece of turkey.
"I'll be home for Christmas . . . you can't count on me." His face softened slightly as he smiled, singing the old Christmas carol quietly. "Please have snow, and mistletoe . . . and presents under the tree."
He took a breath and sipped his coffee thoughtfully, silence reigning through the room as his voice faded away, soon replaced by a higher, sweeter one:
"Christmas Eve will find me, where the love lights gleam . . . " he heard footsteps and someone coming up behind him " . . . I'll be home for Christmas! If only in my dreams."
Alex twisted around in his seat to see Cadet Jennifer Scotts smiling shyly at him, she spoke quietly: "I thought I was the only one who knew that song. It's so old."
Alex smiled faintly, pulling out a chair and gesturing for her to sit as he replied: "I'm a history buff, all the classics . . . traditions . . . " he shrugged.
"So am I," Jen said.
"Why are you here?" Alex asked, "I thought you'd gone home."
"I did," Jen said, "for Thanksgiving, and I will tomorrow. But tonight is Christmas Eve, so there's no harm in spending it here, I guess."
Alex nodded, they were silent for a few moments, then Jen reached for the pitcher of water, saying hesitantly: "May I?"
"Of course, Cadet," Alex said, "go right ahead." He smirked. "I made too much for myself . . . I always do."
"Why?" Jen asked, pouring herself a drink.
Alex paused, he knew the reason all-too-well, but revealing the reason to a young cadet he hardly knew didn't seem right . . . "It makes me feel like there are people here." But he went and blurted it out anyway. What was it about this girl that made him act so odd? He was out-of-character, open and smiling, something about her made him so comfortable and willing to talk about everything---even personal things.
Something flickered behind Jen's doe brown eyes at his words as she gazed at him over the rim of her glass, when she was finished drinking, she spoke: "How about I join you from now on? It's not really inappropiate, even though you're a higher rank. We're just eating."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"No one should have to eat Christmas dinner alone," Jen said, "it's wrong. Now let's see, what do we have here?" She rubbed her hands together and looked at the plate in front of her----turkey, pudding, potatoes, too much for one man to eat. "Looks delicious. Are you a chef, Lieutenant?"
"It's a synthetron, Cadet."
Jen laughed lightly and placed a drumstick on her plate, Alex blinked in surprise at the size of the piece she chose. "You are not going to eat all of that," he said.
"Oh really?"
"Where would you put it?"
"You'd be surprised how much I can pack away." She hesitated, taking a bite out of the meat before speaking again. "You know, sir, I really am gonna miss you when I'm gone. You're the best commander we have here."
Alex was taken aback. "Where are you going?" he asked quickly.
"I'm quitting," she answered, "the Academy. I-I'm just not made out to be a Time Force officer, I guess---you've seen my scores, I'm failing everything." She smiled the same shy smile again, and he swore he could see tears glistening in her eyes. "It's just not meant to be."
"I disagree," Alex said, "you've shown a great deal of promise, especially recently. You're determined, and strong, as well as courageous---all qualities of a good soldier."
Jen nodded. "I know," she said, "but you also need brains, something I obviously don't have."
"You are not stupid, Jennifer," Alex insisted, not even noticing the use of her first name, something he never did with a cadet. "Many cadets struggle through the Academy, and all of them do during their first year, it's only natural. It will get better."
"Did you have a lot of trouble?"
He paused, he had never struggled with any classes during his time at the Academy. "No," he admitted, "but I was trained for this since the day I was born, both my parents were Time Force, and it was always assumed I would be. I knew exactly what to expect."
"You really think I could graduate?" her voice was filled with hope.
Alex allowed her a genuine smile. "I know you can do it," he replied, "now where's the determination I saw shining through the first day I was here? I was sure you wouldn't complete one more push-up, and you did five, although in a great deal of pain, I could tell."
"That's different," Jen said, "I can make myself get stronger, but I can't make myself study any harder. I'm trying really hard already."
"I understand that," Alex assured her, "maybe you just need a little help, some of these classes are extremely difficult. They're supposed to be."
Jen fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat. "Who do I ask to help me?" she wondered aloud, "I-I don't know anyone here . . . "
"I'll help you," Alex volunteered, "you should get help from someone who has gone through this before, and succeeded."
"Lieutenant---" Jen sighed. "I don't want to bother you, I know you're really busy."
"Not really," Alex said, "I have plenty of time, and I want to use it to help you. I'd hate for Time Force to lose a promising cadet before we ever got the chance to see what she could do."
Jen smiled. "I'd really appreciate that," she said.
Alex shrugged one shoulder and looked back at his plate, pretending it was no big deal and he was just doing his job, but inwardly he rejoiced. 'I'd really appreciate it, too,' he found himself thinking.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Alex placed his hand under Jen's arm and raised it slowly, he felt her tense up and silently wondered if it was because she was nervous about shooting, or affected by his touch. "Relax," he said, "you'll never pull off a good shot all tensed up."
Jen nodded and he felt her shoulders droop slightly as the tension was released. "That's it," he said softly, "breathe deeply . . . in . . . out. Good. Now, hold the weapon steady, but don't lock your arms---you won't be prepared for the recoil if you do."
"Okay," Jen said quietly, gripping the blaster.
"All right---" Alex leaned in from behind and looked at her aim "---now fire three shots without moving at all."
She did so, and three holes appeared in the middle of the target; she smiled excitedly at him, and he nodded slightly, saying: "Good job. But let me show you how to improve even more." He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her in a surprisingly intimate pose; his arms extended with hers and his hands closed over hers around the blaster.
"Hold it steady," he said, "your messing up your aim by letting it move in between shots."
"How do I do that?"
"Well . . . " Alex moved her to the side slightly and pressed her hands to the wall so that the blaster was pressed solidly up against it. "That will help, and in the field, you'll usually rest it on something."
"But you're not allowed to do that during the test," Jen pointed out.
"You'll pass with flying colors during the test," Alex said, "I'm teaching you how to survive after the Academy. Don't get me wrong, Cadet, most of the time, your shots will be effective. But suppose in order to take out a mutant, or some sort of weapon, you must shoot the target only---your life depends on it."
Jen seemed to understand, and she lowered the weapon onto the counter in front of her, closing one eye and taking aim carefully; she fired three shots. One hole appeared, the edges of it shot out with her other two shots:
"I did it!"
"You sure did," Alex said, smiling broadly. "I told you."
She laughed and turned back to the target, raising the blaster again . . .
TBC
. . . the screams surrounded him and echoed against the walls, ringing in his ears and running through his mind over and over again. Sienna's voice was so loud and full of pain it hurt his own ears to hear it screaming his name:
"Alex!!!! Alex, help me!!!!"
He ran to her as the mutants dragged her away, something hit him on the back of his neck and he fell face-first to the ground in pain. He looked up, reaching for her as they held her back:
"Sienna----no!!!!!"
One mutant raised a large, metal object over her, and in the next instant it came crashing down on her head with a sickening crack as it connected with her skull. Blood spurted onto the walls and floor, covering Alex's face; he tasted the liquid in his mouth and spat it out in disgust. Sienna's limp body fell to the floor . . .
A moment later, Bobby and Dana were dragged by him, already covered in their own blood and leaving a trail behind them as their bodies slid against the concrete floor. Dana moaned softly, her eyelids fluttering and her eyes resting on Alex as he struggled to get up.
"Alex . . . "
"Leave them alone!!!" Alex cried.
Suddenly, a larger form appeared in front of him and a hand reached down to grasp his throat; he felt himself being pulled up, and was soon dangling a foot in the air, Ransik laughing at him wickedly. He twisted away as something slammed Bobby against the wall, his head hit it with a force that knocked him down, he lay motionless on the ground.
"Bobby!" Alex gasped, choking as Ransik's fingers dug deeper.
A mutant grabbed Dana by her throat and lifted her high in the air before slamming her to the ground, her head split open when it hit the floor, blood and brains oozed out and Alex felt the sickness in his stomach increase.
"Now for you," Ransik said, "I'm going to strike you down, just like I did to your mother!"
Alex tried in vain to get Ransik to release his grip as the mutant leader produced a sword from his back, he felt it stick into his chest and go through the bone, blood shot up into his face as the pain exploded into agony . . .
. . . "No!!!!!"
Alex sat up in bed drenched in sweat and breathing unsteadily, he wiped his eyes and swallowed hard, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He raised his hands, only a moment ago they were covered with his own blood, and the blood of his only friends; they were clean, although trembling like never before. He tried to shake it off as he stood and walked into the bathroom, the lights came on and he stared at his reflection in the mirror; the dark circles beneath his eyes, the paleness of his skin stretched tightly over his skull.
He leaned over and splashed ice cold water on his face, blinking rapidly and trying to clear his mind of the horrible dream that resembled reality too much for comfort. The screams . . . the blood . . . Ransik . . . he shuddered violently at the memory, never had he seen such disturbing sites as when he watched his friends be slaughtered.
Eight weeks had passed since their violent deaths, since he said farewell to the only people left in the world that cared about him beyond his career as a Time Force officer. Bobby looked at him like a little brother that he would always take care of . . . Dana was someone whom he confided in when no one else was there to listen . . . and Sienna . . .
She meant even more to him than the others. His lover . . . the woman that met him at the door and in bed every night . . . the one who held him after a bad day . . . he hadn't loved her like perhaps a man should love his partner, but he had loved her very deeply anyway.
He grimaced, remembering thinking Sienna wouldn't have the nerve to fight in a real battle, to risk losing her life or---as he had once said in a joking way, but almost serious---"risk breaking a nail." He had certainly been proven wrong, for now her body lay in the ground alongside many others who had given their lives in loyal service. Just like his own mother.
"Sienna," he whispered, "I'm sorry . . . "
He had promised to look after her: "I'll be watching your back." But she had still fallen, he hadn't done anything to stop her death, he hadn't even known about it until he saw her body being carried away as he passed out . . . after the fight. Her face was covered in blood from the head wound she had sustained in the back of her skull, her eyes had been . . .
Alex leaned over and got rid of his earlier dinner, doubling over and holding his stomach, tears burning his eyes as he slowly sank to the hard, cold floor. He choked back a sob, trying to hold it back despite the fact that no one would know, for he was completely alone in his quarters late at night. He leaned against the counter and pulled his knees up to his chest, hugging them tightly and resting his chin down, closing his eyes in a vain attempt to sleep again, right there on the floor.
And so Alexander Collins, decorated 18-year-old officer of the Navy branch in Time Force, curled up on the floor and silently cried himself to sleep.
***
"Here we go again!"
The troop of marching cadets echoed after their leader as they walked around the Academy in perfect unison, shouting as loudly as they could; hundreds of neatly polished boots clomped on the pavement as one, Alex in front shouting off the cadence.
"Same old stuff again!" he yelled.
"Same old stuff again . . . "
"Marching down the Avenue!"
Alex allowed their voices to fade away as he led them back to their starting spot, finally shouting out the order: "Company . . . halt!!!" He did an about face and stood at attention facing them, making eye contact with each cadet in turn, and even allowing a small smirk.
"Well done," he said, "this is the start of your short vacation from the Academy . . . enjoy your holiday. Dismissed!"
They joyfully fell out of formation and headed in their own directions, most of them going home, and all of them headed someplace where they relax and enjoy their holiday vacation. Alex stood at ease and watched them disappear, he caught sight of Katie running to meet up with Lucas, who was headed for his car. He found himself wondering where Cadet Scotts was . . . soon he was lost in thoughts of Jennifer.
"Lieutenant?"
He turned quickly, he hadn't realized he had been standing still for quite a while. "Yes, Cadet?" he said expectantly, pretending to be as uninterested as most of the officers were. Jen looked up at him through hopeful brown eyes, strands of hair blowing into her freckled face as the wind picked up.
"Don't you have anyone to spend the holidays with?" she asked, noticing how he hadn't rushed off like everyone else, even the other officers were gone.
"No," Alex said, "I'll spend them here."
"I see." She hesitated. "You could spend them with my family, they'd be more than happy to meet you."
Alex gave a small smile at her eagerness, but he replied in a well-trained fashion, knowing all-too-well the consequences of growing too close to someone, remaining emotionless toward the people he met was much easier.
"No, thank you," he said, "it wouldn't be right anyway. An officer and a cadet."
"Oh."
Even the slightest twinge of disappointment in her voice cut him to the bone, but she gathered herself together and gave him a dazzling smile that he couldn't help but return; then she snapped to attention and did an about face, walking away quickly. He stood still and watched her white-clad figure disappear into a car, then drive away; on some ridiculous impulse, he turned away right before she rounded a corner and went out-of-sight.
*****
Pulling up a chair, he sat down at the table and folded his hands silently, staring at the plate before him, filled with food that looked incredibly appetizing after so long without nourishment. He had forgotten to eat breakfast or lunch, and now it was late into the night, far past the time for Christmas dinner; yet there he was, alone in the mess hall, chewing on a piece of turkey.
"I'll be home for Christmas . . . you can't count on me." His face softened slightly as he smiled, singing the old Christmas carol quietly. "Please have snow, and mistletoe . . . and presents under the tree."
He took a breath and sipped his coffee thoughtfully, silence reigning through the room as his voice faded away, soon replaced by a higher, sweeter one:
"Christmas Eve will find me, where the love lights gleam . . . " he heard footsteps and someone coming up behind him " . . . I'll be home for Christmas! If only in my dreams."
Alex twisted around in his seat to see Cadet Jennifer Scotts smiling shyly at him, she spoke quietly: "I thought I was the only one who knew that song. It's so old."
Alex smiled faintly, pulling out a chair and gesturing for her to sit as he replied: "I'm a history buff, all the classics . . . traditions . . . " he shrugged.
"So am I," Jen said.
"Why are you here?" Alex asked, "I thought you'd gone home."
"I did," Jen said, "for Thanksgiving, and I will tomorrow. But tonight is Christmas Eve, so there's no harm in spending it here, I guess."
Alex nodded, they were silent for a few moments, then Jen reached for the pitcher of water, saying hesitantly: "May I?"
"Of course, Cadet," Alex said, "go right ahead." He smirked. "I made too much for myself . . . I always do."
"Why?" Jen asked, pouring herself a drink.
Alex paused, he knew the reason all-too-well, but revealing the reason to a young cadet he hardly knew didn't seem right . . . "It makes me feel like there are people here." But he went and blurted it out anyway. What was it about this girl that made him act so odd? He was out-of-character, open and smiling, something about her made him so comfortable and willing to talk about everything---even personal things.
Something flickered behind Jen's doe brown eyes at his words as she gazed at him over the rim of her glass, when she was finished drinking, she spoke: "How about I join you from now on? It's not really inappropiate, even though you're a higher rank. We're just eating."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"No one should have to eat Christmas dinner alone," Jen said, "it's wrong. Now let's see, what do we have here?" She rubbed her hands together and looked at the plate in front of her----turkey, pudding, potatoes, too much for one man to eat. "Looks delicious. Are you a chef, Lieutenant?"
"It's a synthetron, Cadet."
Jen laughed lightly and placed a drumstick on her plate, Alex blinked in surprise at the size of the piece she chose. "You are not going to eat all of that," he said.
"Oh really?"
"Where would you put it?"
"You'd be surprised how much I can pack away." She hesitated, taking a bite out of the meat before speaking again. "You know, sir, I really am gonna miss you when I'm gone. You're the best commander we have here."
Alex was taken aback. "Where are you going?" he asked quickly.
"I'm quitting," she answered, "the Academy. I-I'm just not made out to be a Time Force officer, I guess---you've seen my scores, I'm failing everything." She smiled the same shy smile again, and he swore he could see tears glistening in her eyes. "It's just not meant to be."
"I disagree," Alex said, "you've shown a great deal of promise, especially recently. You're determined, and strong, as well as courageous---all qualities of a good soldier."
Jen nodded. "I know," she said, "but you also need brains, something I obviously don't have."
"You are not stupid, Jennifer," Alex insisted, not even noticing the use of her first name, something he never did with a cadet. "Many cadets struggle through the Academy, and all of them do during their first year, it's only natural. It will get better."
"Did you have a lot of trouble?"
He paused, he had never struggled with any classes during his time at the Academy. "No," he admitted, "but I was trained for this since the day I was born, both my parents were Time Force, and it was always assumed I would be. I knew exactly what to expect."
"You really think I could graduate?" her voice was filled with hope.
Alex allowed her a genuine smile. "I know you can do it," he replied, "now where's the determination I saw shining through the first day I was here? I was sure you wouldn't complete one more push-up, and you did five, although in a great deal of pain, I could tell."
"That's different," Jen said, "I can make myself get stronger, but I can't make myself study any harder. I'm trying really hard already."
"I understand that," Alex assured her, "maybe you just need a little help, some of these classes are extremely difficult. They're supposed to be."
Jen fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat. "Who do I ask to help me?" she wondered aloud, "I-I don't know anyone here . . . "
"I'll help you," Alex volunteered, "you should get help from someone who has gone through this before, and succeeded."
"Lieutenant---" Jen sighed. "I don't want to bother you, I know you're really busy."
"Not really," Alex said, "I have plenty of time, and I want to use it to help you. I'd hate for Time Force to lose a promising cadet before we ever got the chance to see what she could do."
Jen smiled. "I'd really appreciate that," she said.
Alex shrugged one shoulder and looked back at his plate, pretending it was no big deal and he was just doing his job, but inwardly he rejoiced. 'I'd really appreciate it, too,' he found himself thinking.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Alex placed his hand under Jen's arm and raised it slowly, he felt her tense up and silently wondered if it was because she was nervous about shooting, or affected by his touch. "Relax," he said, "you'll never pull off a good shot all tensed up."
Jen nodded and he felt her shoulders droop slightly as the tension was released. "That's it," he said softly, "breathe deeply . . . in . . . out. Good. Now, hold the weapon steady, but don't lock your arms---you won't be prepared for the recoil if you do."
"Okay," Jen said quietly, gripping the blaster.
"All right---" Alex leaned in from behind and looked at her aim "---now fire three shots without moving at all."
She did so, and three holes appeared in the middle of the target; she smiled excitedly at him, and he nodded slightly, saying: "Good job. But let me show you how to improve even more." He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her in a surprisingly intimate pose; his arms extended with hers and his hands closed over hers around the blaster.
"Hold it steady," he said, "your messing up your aim by letting it move in between shots."
"How do I do that?"
"Well . . . " Alex moved her to the side slightly and pressed her hands to the wall so that the blaster was pressed solidly up against it. "That will help, and in the field, you'll usually rest it on something."
"But you're not allowed to do that during the test," Jen pointed out.
"You'll pass with flying colors during the test," Alex said, "I'm teaching you how to survive after the Academy. Don't get me wrong, Cadet, most of the time, your shots will be effective. But suppose in order to take out a mutant, or some sort of weapon, you must shoot the target only---your life depends on it."
Jen seemed to understand, and she lowered the weapon onto the counter in front of her, closing one eye and taking aim carefully; she fired three shots. One hole appeared, the edges of it shot out with her other two shots:
"I did it!"
"You sure did," Alex said, smiling broadly. "I told you."
She laughed and turned back to the target, raising the blaster again . . .
TBC