Hector must of stopped researching everything military related around 10:30pm that night-he didn't make any official decisions though, he wanted to talk to the recruiter first. So far Hector had gathered that he would make the height and weight requirements of joining but there was so much more involved in joining apparently. Hector learned thus far that since he wasn't eighteen with a high school diploma, he would need a GED which he assumed wouldn't be very hard to obtain given his grades-school wasn't exactly a challenge for Hector. More that Hector read up on was that he had to pass a series of tests within the military to see if he was mentally and physically fit for such a lifestyle but other than that he didn't gather a lot so those were questions for the recruiter later today since Hector planned to go after school-he'd already called out of work saying he was sick and his siblings would be taking the bus home since they thought he had work tonight. Hayden read some of the benefits of joining-it just made him more interested in joining but he wouldn't decide for sure until he knew what he was dealing with.

"What time do you have work until tonight, Hector?" his mother, Val asked softly.

"Usual time, Mom. Seven-ish, maybe earlier-Boss said we didn't have a lot of bookings today because of the weather." Hector replied lightly while finishing up his toast.

"Well you be careful driving home if the weather gets bad," Val instructed, Hector nodded to her as he cleared his plate and washed his dishes then set them in the dish rack to dry. Around 7:20am-Hector, Darius, and Heather loaded into Hector's car as he drove them to school. Hector watched them leave as he checked the recruitment office's hours of business-they didn't open until 8am which is when he'd be in class. He'd have to call at lunch and hope he could get an appointment to go there and speak to Cody Greyson about the military, Hector had so many questions prepared and also made sure to grab anything he might need like his social, birth certificate, medical records, etc. He didn't want to be unprepared of course. He did know he'd make his choice today though after he found out more and what would go down as far as the starting processes were.

(School; Lunch Hour)

Before entering lunch, Hector stepped out to where the payphones were which was in the small hall way between the entrance from outside leading into the entrance taking you inside the actual building. Basically it was two sets of three doors making it six total but a small hallway split them apart. Hayden got the number and dialed it into his phone before pressing send and putting it to his ear while it rang. "Berk Army Recruitment," the voice greeted.

"Oh! Hello, I'm...looking for Sergeant First Class; Cody Greyson," Hector asked gently-he made sure no one else was around right now, he didn't need anyone knowing about this.

"One moment please," the voice stated as Hector could tell he'd been put on hold for about a minute and then, "Sergeant First Class Cody Greyson here." Hector was relieved he was there.

"Hi, I'm...Hector Haddock-you were at Berkian Academy yesterday. I stopped by the table and you...told me to call if I was interested at all," Hector said as simply as he could. It was only a few minutes of talking before Hector said goodbye then hung up as he slipped his phone in his pocket before heading into the lunchroom: just a few more hours and he'd be getting his answers. Hector began to eat his lunch quietly while thinking about it all-today could very well be the start of a new life for him. His appointment was for 3:15 at the recruitment office, he actually couldn't wait.

(3:05pm)

Hector had been sitting in the in the parking lot of the recruitment office for about ten minutes with slight nerves take over-this was big for him and no one knew what the hell he was doing. That actually made it all the more exciting for him-he was never one to keep things from his parents or siblings but this was something he didn't feel they needed to know about because they'd be against it. As the time on the clock continued to pass until the digital numbers changed to: 3:10pm, he shut off the car and stepped out facing the building and holding the folder with his documents in it while he locked the car then headed to the main doors. First thing he saw was a woman behind the reception desk who greeted him with a smile, "Can I help you?"

"I'm here for an appointment with Sergeant First Class; Cody Greyson," Hector replied lightly to her.

"Hector...Haddock for 3:15?" Hector nodded to her as she smiled and lifted her phone up-then pressing a button, "Sergeant, your 3:15 is here," she said, then a nod before she placed it down. "He'll be right out, just have a seat over there." Hector nodded to her as he went to sit down in one of the waiting chairs with the folder in his lap, he only waited about three minutes before a man came out and Hector recognized him right away as the man from the school yesterday.

"Hello there, Hector, I'm glad you decided to make an appointment-I had a feelin about ya from the minute I saw ya at the table. Come on inside my office and we'll talk," Cody greeted with a handshake to him as he returned it and followed Cody into the office just on the right of the reception desk. Cody closed the door as Hector took a seat in front of the desk while Cody sat down on the opposite side. "Now, let's start with the basics. How old are ya?"

"Seventeen as of last week sir," Hector answered.

"And still in high school, correct?" Hector nodded, "Well, the first thing I can tell ya now is that due to age-you'd have to have your GED to join. I can also add that we offer that test right here just down the hall. All five subjects into five-two page tests. Should you consider joining today, that would have to be done first and the results are almost instant since they are the scan-tron tests that we run through the machine," Cody explained.

"Well that does answer one of my questions. So, if I took the GED now and passed am I...out of high school or do I still have to drop out?" Hector asked.

"Generally how it works is you have your pass or fail before you leave the office on test day-we share those results with the school and once they've seen you have your GED-which is the high school diploma equivalent-then they just mark that you've completed your studies and the drop out is immediate. As such-your actual GED will come by mail in about a week once it's sent to the board of education that you passed," Cody says.

"That's...easier than I anticipated. What would happen after that-is there like...a step by step process to follow to joining?" Hector inquired.

"There is. I'll give you the simplified version for now and if you want to question certain parts of it after then proceed," Cody said as Hector nodded to him, "The first would obviously be passing your GED," Cody began to list off different things Hector would have to do that even after leaving the office today if he decided to join he wasn't an actual member of the army until he went through the MEPS or Military Entrance Processing Station. A place where he had to undergo a bunch of testing then if all that passed-he'd be sworn in before getting his date to ship off to Basic Combat Training-ten weeks of going from Civilian to Soldier. It was actually nine weeks but the first week was called Reception Week and that is where he'd be setting up his financial, getting his uniform, shots, and a bunch more things-then from there the new recruits were transferred to their Basic Company for nine weeks.

The more Hector listened to Cody explain-the more interested he became in this lifestyle but had been warned it wouldn't be easy. "So it's a long process of paperwork, tests, and physicals?" Hector asked him.

"In short, yes." Cody stated to him. "And everything stays completely confidential," Hector glanced to the clock-it was already 4:30pm, he'd been there an hour and 45 minutes listening to Cody talk and ask questions about MEPS-where he'd apparently take the ASVAB test to determine which military job he's qualify for, this is also where the physicals happen and more, last thing if all goes well was swearing into the military by oath, signing the contract for service, and getting his shipping date to BCT or Basic Combat Training. Hayden had a lot to think about but he didn't want to just be coming back and forth to the office-he had his questions answered from about ranks, pay, rooming, and more. He got all his answers now he had to make his choice and give an answer. The military could offer him so much-it could change his life from is dull boringness to something...amazing, incredible, wonderful, and good. That's not to say his life wasn't good now but it actually in truth wasn't going anywhere-joining the military meant it could go anywhere. Knowing that, his choice was made.

"Where do I sign, sir?" Hector asked.

"Nothing yet, GED first and after that we'll start your paperwork. I can make that appointment for ya right here if ya like?" Cody asked.

"I'll take the first available you have," Hector smiled, the male checked over his calendar on the desk now.

"I've got one on Friday at 9am. Each test takes about an hour or so to complete-reading is about half an hour. You'd be here about four hours and you get a break in between each one," Cody offered.

"Pencil me in, I'll be here sir." Cody nodded as he wrote it down and put out his hand to Hector to shake his-of course he returned the handshake.

"I'll see ya Friday-I have high hopes for you, Mr. Haddock," Cody smiled.

"I have high hopes for it all. Thank you for seeing me today," Hector said to him, the man nodded as he led Hector out. When he got to his car he sat there-this was really happening. He was going to join the army and he wasn't telling a soul about it because they'd just fight him-although he was going to have to find a way to not have his parents freak out when he disappeared for nine weeks-possibly more. Cody also mentioned that AIT or Advanced Individual Training for his specific job choice would follow BCT so he very well might be gone fourteen weeks instead of nine-also factoring in that after all that, he'd get stationed somewhere in the Archipelago and it might not be Berk. Cody admitted that Hector might not get to go home right after training. Hector would figure it out later on, for now-he had a lot of studying to do in the next three days. Hector went home-if anyone asked why he was home so early he would just tell them that Anthony said he could leave early because it was slow.

(Friday)

Sure enough at 9am-Hector was put in a room by himself to take his GED exams. Each test was timed to be sixty minutes except for reading which was thirty. He was given a number two pencil, eraser, few pieces of paper, calculator, the test packet, then the scantron sheet for his answers. By the end of this, there would be five scantron sheets to turn in and he'd have his score for all five test within fifteen minutes of finishing. The first test given was Language Arts, second was Algebra. He took a fifteen minute break after those two, then after it was Science, Reading, finally after a quick break and snack because he was hungry-World History last. He'd started at 9am and by the time he put his pencil down after answering the last question-it was 2pm. It had been a little harder than he expected but then again-he was taking a test of something that covered all four years of high school when he wasn't even done with his sophomore year yet. He was testing on information he hadn't technically learned yet so he prayed he did alright.

According to Cody, he needed and seventy-five to pass all subject except algebra which required an eighty to be passing. The examiner took the scan-trons from Hector and told him to wait there until she returned. Hector got some water in the meantime, along with some crackers he'd brought from home to eat while waiting. Fifteen minutes passed as Cody and the examiner walked in with a piece of paper. "Well, how bad did I do?" Hector asked nervously.

"Not bad at all, Hector. You passed them all with an eighty or higher," the examiner smiled placing the sheet before him on the table as he looked it over. Language Art; 85. Algebra; 93. Science; 80. Reading; 97. World History; 82. He passed everything with what would be a B or higher!? He was actually beside himself-this meant...he had his GED and no longer had to go to high school-it also meant he could join the army!

"Ready to start that paperwork lad?" Cody asked, Hector nodded as the examiner took the sheet which would be sent over to the school and Hector had been told it'd stay confidential that he dropped out-even if asked by parents-they couldn't divulge the information without Hector's permission. Good for him indeed. Reaching Cody's office-everything began in filling out forms for everything. This took another almost two hour to do from weighing, measuring, small PT or Physical Training test to see if Hector could do push ups, sit ups, and a run in a certain allotted time frame. Just ten push ups, sit ups, and a mile run in the course of fifteen minutes. Two minutes each for the push ups and sit ups, then do a mile run in eleven minutes. Most of the paperwork was Hector's medical history-which went easy because he brought it all with him.

Around 4:15pm, all the paperwork with Cody was completed-next step was MEPS which Cody was apparently going to take him to himself in a week. Hector was warned in advance that it was really a lot of standing around and waiting to be called. Hector knew he'd have to play sick that day since no one knew he dropped out and he'd still be working for Anthony up until he left for Basic. Hector went home again-he was two steps closer to becoming a sworn in member of the army.

(A Week Later)

Thankfully, Cody wasn't coming until after 10am-meant no one would be home when he arrived. Hector played sick well too and he was allowed to stay home because of his fever and throwing up which was all an act. Hector knew the it wouldn't start until the next morning so he had that covered by saying that he was staying at Freddy's house for two nights-and likely to not be going to school-his parents hadn't really cared so it was better for him. He guessed there were upsides to having parents that were too busy for him. Hector would be staying in a hotel with another recruit then at 5am-they'd be taking a shuttle bus to the location for MEPS-which was sure to be an all day process but possibly shorter if everything was in order. By the end of tomorrow he'd know when he was going for BCT. Getting to the hotel-Cody said he'd hang there to take Hector home on Tuesday afternoon when MEPS was over and Hector was sworn in. Hector appreciated it for sure-after that he got settled in his hotel room and relaxed.

(Tuesday)

All day indeed. Starting as early as 6:30am too-there really was a lot of standing around and being called for different things. First thing was the ASVAB test-needed to determine which careers he'd be eligible for, he didn't remember how long he'd been in that room taken the test but he was glad to get out. Next was the physicals-and not just your normal doctor ones either. These started with clothes on and being in a room full of guys in your boxers-it sucked for sure and Hector was damn glad he was one of the first ones to be checked because that was single handedly the most awkward moment of his entire existence to stand almost naked in a room filled with about fifty other guys at one time-more awkward when they had to go behind screens to actually drop their boxers and be checked that way too. Oh he was glad to be dressed out out of there in under twenty minutes. After all that-it was more PT tests and by that time-his ASVAB scores were in and he had to go see the worker about picking the job he'd take.

"Well, Mr. Haddock. Interesting line scores but overall score," the woman paused now as Hector got nervous, "ninety-six," Hector's eyes widened. He scored a ninety-six!? "This qualifies you for just about any job-so what will it be?"

Hector had so many choices now-this was turning out to be the best decision of his life, but now he had a choice to make. He thought about it hard but knew he couldn't take forever so he went with the most common that Cody told him would probably be best, "11B Infantryman," Hector answered.

"Excellent choice. Now-just take this and head over to that line, its your final step. Swearing in and you'll be given your BCT start date," the woman said handing him the paper. Hector got up and moved into the line-this was it. The last step. It was about 2:45pm and he'd started at 6:30am in all this. He was four hours and fifteen minutes short of a twelve hour day. Stepping into the room after another twenty minutes-Hector saw Cody sitting quietly as he was about to be sworn in to the Archipelago Islands Military-Berk Army division.

"Left hand up, right over your heart and repeat after me," the commanding officer instructed as Hector did as told. He stated the lines and Hector then repeated perfectly

"I, Hector Haddock the Third, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend rights of the Barbaric Archipelago against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and I will obey the orders of the president of the Archipelago and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Military Code Justice. So help me Odin."

"By the power vested in me, I welcome you to the Archipelago Islands Military. You'll receive your OSUT orders outside this room. Dismissed and best of luck," the male said as Hector offered a salute-he didn't know if he was supposed to but it seemed fitting to do so. Hector left the room as Cody was right behind him.

"Well done lad-ready to start your transformation from civilian to soldier?" Cody asks.

"Definitely. Out of curiousity-what does OSUT stand for?" Hector asked.

"One Station Unit Training. It just means that right after you graduate BCT, you'll stay on that base to do your AIT training as well-after that you may or may not be moved to another base." Cody explained as Hector nodded standing at the table where letters were being passed out.

"Name and home island?" the male asked.

"Hector Haddock the Third, Isle of Berk," he answered-the man filed through a few things then pulled out a letter and handed it to Hector who stepped out of the way with Cody now to open it and find out when he left for Reception Week, then to BCT-followed by AIT. Hector took a deep breath now and read it over.

"So when do ya leave?" Cody asked him.

"Next week on Monday at 10pm. I have to be at the Berk bus station to go to Fort Striker," Hector said.

"I'll take ya there if ya like, I can grab you from your house at 9:30pm." Cody offered.

"Thanks-park a few houses down though, you...remember what I told you right?" Hector asked.

"That no one knows you decided to join and don't want them to know. How are you going to get out of the house-they'll worry about you," Cody stated.

"I got it covered," Hector smiled, Cody nodded as the two got back to Cody's car and headed towards the recruiter office where Hector's car waited for him. They'd be back in roughly half an hour making it close 4:05pm when he got back to the recruitment office, then a fifteen minute drive home put him at 4:25pm-just before Darius and Heather would get home from the game. He closed his eyes relaxing in Cody's truck-one week and he'd be two hours away the Reception Battalion-from there he'd be going to Fort Striker-another forty minutes away. Honestly, he couldn't wait. He was officially a member of the A.I.M now-things would only get better for him and when the time was right-he'd come back and tell everyone just where he took his life. He wasn't a nobody, he wasn't a nothing, and his life was definitely going somewhere-not even he knew it yet.