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Chapter 13

Leena and I have been helping Myka get situated with her new place of residency. Myka and Leena seemed to have been getting on pretty well since I have introduced them to each other. Since her promotion Myka and I have enjoyed being in the same dormitory as each other, let alone sharing the same bunk bed again and enjoying each others company.

I did eventually tell Myka that Leena knew about us and that it was not a problem. Surprisingly Myka took the news rather well... Well, after I explained everything that is.

Also, Myka's personal effects come a day after her arrival just like mine did when I was promoted, which is nice. I am glad that we are allowed little reminders of home, or people that are precious to us, but mostly I am glad we have something to remind us of who we are. I hope that it remains a reminder of who I am and not what I have become.

Within the rest of the week that Myka has joined the Salamander Army, Myka and I have been ordered to participate in private sessions with MacPherson along with the lieutenant and the 3 seat handy for anything that is needed. These sessions seemed to be more like tests, to see where we are, I assume. Myka and I never have been in the same room together at any length in time during these sessions, more then likely so that we could not help each other out or know what we will be doing till the time came. We both have no idea how well we are doing, or what is going to happen to us if we don't meet MacPherson's standards.

Pete is a little jealous of Myka and I, but mostly feel left behind. I have reassured him that he will be promoted soon, I told him that I could guaranty it. I didn't know when he was going to be promoted, but I knew it had to be soon, he is the next top Launchie after Myka and myself. He still looked a bit down after that so Myka said that we would all celebrate when we all have ascended into the program. That put a smile back on his face, then claimed that we were going to play lots of games and watch vids while we eat as much snacks as we are allowed to have.

The vids that we were allowed to watch were provided in our recreations on our tablets. There is also a room that we could watch them in to have a more theatrical experience, nothing over the top, just a place to watch a movie on a bigger screen. We were only allowed to go in there during our free time though. I have only been in there a few times when Pete wanted to show me some karate movies he was taking about. As far as I know, most kids hung out at the arcade and play games, not many of them seem to care too much about movies. They all are about the competition and getting as far as they can in the program.

Sometimes during free time Helena, Myka and Leena would practice together. Not just sparing, but would help with what each other lacked. They all wanted to better themselves, to get stronger and move up the ranks so they might get more of a foothold within the team and be taken seriously. The three banned together not realizing how this will effect their hold in the Salamander Army in the immediate future.

They were currently suited up in there silver/gray and green battle suits in the battle room for target practice and to practice maneuvering in zero G environment. Leena didn't have to much practice being in the battle room so she needed to work on maneuvering in it. She almost always was to hang back and stay in the hall entrance, during those rare times she was allowed in, she was supposed to hang back and not get involved, but relay information that she has observed. H.G. and Myka needed to practice firing their weapon in the battle room with moving objects so they could be ready to play in the games. They also planed on showing Leena as soon as she could get the hang of moving place to place in a zero G environment.

When Leena got to basics down they moved on to firing a weapon. Leena informed them that she has had some practice with a gun, which was a little shocking to Myka and Helena, but when they thought about it, it wasn't. Leena was in an army after all and was fit to be in the battle room or MacPherson would not have allowed her in there. She just didn't get as much of chance to move from place to place in it.

They all met up at one of the 3D diamonds in the room other wise known as a star, which Leena was kind enough to inform them of the term used for them. They gathered on the star next to each other in order to practice their shooting together.

Leena took a cartridge off her belt and informed H.G. and Myka what was inside and what the objective was when used. "Inside this there are training sensors that are used for targets. They are small spheres that glow red and when you hit it the light will go out for a half a second. So, first we have to throw and scatter the sensors out and then all we have to do is shoot at them. It might sound easy, but they are quite small and can be hard to hit from a distance."

Myka and Helena nodded confirming that they understood.

Leena asked if they were ready and they nodded again. She did a quick thrust with her hand that was holding the cartridge which propelled the red glowing spheres from if and then scattered away in airy, weightless motion.

She quickly put the cartridge back on her belt after releasing and drew out her gun. She took aim a fired as soon as she had a clear shot. She hit the closest of the 16 sensors that were released and aimed as soon as possible to the next in her sights and made a hit again. As they got farther away she started to miss more often then not. She was a better shot when they were within so many feet of her.

Helena and Myka were impressed especially for someone that has had limited practice. If she was trained up a bit she could be a decent shot.

Leena looked over to them and said with a smile, "As you can see it is not as easy as it looks, but with some practice I am sure we will get better."

Helena smiled back and nodded.

Myka unhooked her gun after seeing Leena shoot. She wasn't really paying attention to what Leena said after she was done. She pulled out her gun and took aim. She had her sights on one of the spheres and fired, making a solid hit. She kept going, squeezing five rounds in 5 seconds all connecting perfectly.

Leena and Helena looked over to Myka as soon as the heard a Light Gun being used. They watch her take her first shot followed by several more one right after each other. Both are amazed by Myka's skill, it was quite impressive.

When Myka was done she holstered her gun and then looked over to her girlfriend about to say something when she realized the way both of them were looking at her. "What?"

Helena snapped out of it right away and replied as casually as possible, "Nothing."

"Seriously guys what is it?"

"It nothing darling, I assure you. It's just I-we were not expecting that. What you did was quite impressive."

"Oh. Ah...thank you, I guess." Myka said biting her lip nervously. She had the urge to scratch at her head in discomfort, but remembered half way through her action that she was wearing a helmet, so she put her arm back down trying her best to not look as uncomfortable as she feels.

Helena put her hand on Myka's shoulder making Myka look at her. She smiled warmly trying to make her less self conscious. She then teased, "I suppose I should have a go then..." Helena's smile turned into a mischievous grin. She leaned into Myka a little bit more and lowered her voice to more of a desirous tone, "...though I doubt I will be as good as you, but you can always give me some tips."

Myka blushed, but tried to remain composed and nodded.

Helena moved back out of Myka's personal space with an accomplished smile on her face as she tries to contain her laugher that wants to come out from seeing Myka's face as she once again tries to compose herself from her flirtations.

Leena watched the both of them interact with each other and found it stifling and intriguing. Their interactions were always like that, like they need to consume each other. Their auras were always reacting to each other. Within close contact from each other one or both of their auras would reach out to the other, intertwine within each others presence, like they wanted to join and be one. It was something she has never seen before.

H.G. unhooked her gun and aimed at the spheres hoping to make a solid hit. She missed by an inch, the shot was slightly above the sensor. Helena took another shot and missed again this time an inch from below her target. H.G. tried once more this time aiming between her two missed points and fired, landing a hit. She smiled triumphantly in accomplishment, but realized that these sensors are a lot harder to hit then the target boards at the shooting ranges, like Leena said they were a lot smaller and further away. She fired off more shots, but become more and more frustrated as she went on. She made a few hits and also quite a few misses on several occasions. She wasn't awful, but realized Leena and her needed a lot more practice.

Myka observed and realized that Helena was trying to shoot to soon not allowing herself to allow time for her to breath and relax and take in the shot and then fire. She was just aiming and firing, straining her eyes to take aim, which always had her missing because she wasn't really allowing herself time to really analyze. "You know you can't just keep your thumb on the trigger you need a half second to recharge, which I am sure you already know."

Helena nodded. She did know that, but in her frustration she was shooting faster hoping to hit something.

"Good. Ok, now come here please."

H.G. looked confused but went over to Myka with out complaint.

Myka grabbed Helena's hand and pulled her over so she was right in front of her. She steadied Helena by grasping her waist so she will not float further away. She took it to her advantage though and leaned forward like they were cuddling and said in payback, "I guess now is a good time for me to give you those tips you were talking about, huh?"

Helena smiled and laughed. She replied with, "Really now, and what tips might those be?"

"Well for starters you need to relax."

"Well you are doing a marvelous job." H.G. said a overly cheerful voice. "What else darling?"

Myka chuckled at Helena's reply shaking her head in amusement. She gabbed H.G.'s right arm that held the Light Gun and lifted it up. She shifted her hand down to Helena's to setup her aim while explaining, "Now relax. The further your target the longer you have to hold the beam." She let go as soon as she was done explaining so Helena can take her shot. She watched H.G. relax and focus on her target. "Ok now, fire."

Helena was still missing, she got a few good hits, but was still rushing her shots.

Myka took hold of H.G.'s arm once again and instructed, "Even longer." She gabbed Helena's other arm and pushed it to meet her gun hand, instructing Helena to use both hands to fire her gun. "It's a difference between a tenth and a half second, but in battle that is a long time."

She hung onto H.G.'s upper arms right next to her shoulders and continued instructing Helena while she starts to shoot. "Aim. Fire. Pull. Recharge." She let go as soon as H.G. started getting the hang of it.

Helena was making all of her shots now and the more she made the more confident and relaxed she became.

"That's it. Now remember where your trigger action is and ride the edge."

Helen squeezed off a few more rounds following Myka's instructions to make sure she familiarize herself with the new adjustments she learned.

"Now your getting it!" Myka said proudly.

Helena looked back to look at Myka and smiled she really wanted to lean in and kiss her, though that would be hard to do anyways with their helmets on. But that didn't mean that she was not willing to try and take a risk of someone seeing and she could always take off their helmets. She started to lean forward towards Myka she put her hands on Myka's helmet about to left it up when they heard a clearing of a throat. They looked over to find Leena smiling a know-it-all smile.

"I just thought I might remind you that I am still here. I did take notes, but I thought we all were going practice together not have private lessons." She loved teasing them. It was something she has never done till she met H.G. and it was a guilty pleasure of hers.

Myka blush once more and cleared her throat trying to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling of embarrassment. She backed up from Helena and turned her undivided attention to Leena not chancing a look at Helena in order to stay in control of her bashfulness. "Right. Sorry Leena. Ah...would you like me to help you out as well..."

Leena smiled warmly at Myka, but eventually she had to bit her lip in order to trying to contain her giggles at Myka's bashfulness. She cleared her throat and replied, "Umm...yes if you don't mind, that would be very helpful."

Myka gave her a curt nod and push off a little from the star in order to get next to Leena to give her instruction.

H.G. just stared at the two giving them a slight pout not liking that Myka and her were interrupted. She eventually cracked a smiled though watching Myka help guide and instruct Leena on how to shoot long distance. She enjoyed these moments that made her forget that they were in the middle of a war, were the reality was all the recruits in this school were in a competition with each other in order to become useful to the International Fleet to defeat their enemy.

Meanwhile in the Salamander dormitory MacPherson is having a little competition of his own with his own crew. Currently right now James was going against his lieutenant, Raymond and his 3 seat, Sandra. They typically competed to have bragging rights claiming that they were the best. MacPherson allowed competition with almost everything and if you become good enough, proved you were good enough, you might have a chance at a promotion. Right now they were seeing who can reassemble their Light Guns the fastest.

All three had both of their fists straight out in front of them. All touching against one another forming a triangle in the negative space in the center of the ring of hands.

MacPherson counted down to start, "3, 2, 1, Go!"

All three of them dropped their fists and grabbed parts that were laying out unassembled in front of them trying to put them back together as quickly as possible. The crowd around them that were overseeing them were cheering them on and making bets with one another of who they thought would win.

MacPherson was the first one done yet again and couldn't help himself to inform everyone that he was the best. "That's Five in a row now, I believe. Raymond you might want to try stepping up your game, you two my dear Sandra. One might think you are letting me win."

Raymond was the second one done yet again, no matter how many times he challenged James he always seemed to be second best. MacPherson knew that he was trying his best, but made that comment to further irritate him and to prove how inferior he is to James. "I'll try my best, sir."

Sandra finished last only seconds behind Raymond. She was frustrated that she was always third best at this, but when it came to shooting she beat Raymond all the time. She wanted to be the best. She thought she had more right to be James second hand then Raymond did. She was devoted to James through and through, unlike Raymond. She should have that seat. "Yes, sir."

"Good. Let's go again, shall we. I'll make this six. Ready?"

All three started to dissemble their guns to go again.

Raymond was getting rather annoyed with MacPherson and his need to gloat, but wouldn't say what was on his mind for he knew it would cost him dearly if he did. He also found Sandra's infatuation with MacPherson annoying and got especially annoyed with her need to please him all the time. He was really sick of taking their crap on a day to day basis. In his opinion he thought he deserved to be captain and he knew that he would make a far better one then James. All James did was use people to his advantage, he had skill, but was corrupted by greed and envy. He didn't treat them fairly nor did he ever help train them to get stronger it was all about him.

Just when they were about to start their sixth round MacPherson saw his two new recruits walk in with Leena wearing their battle suits. He got up quickly ignoring the confusion around him and closed in on them. They stopped as soon as they saw him. James leered down at them and asked, "Where were you?"

Everyone become quiet within seconds. They all knew something was about to go down.

Leena answered first not wanting to get her two friends in trouble. "Practicing, sir."

Helena spoke up, continuing off of Leena's statement, not liking the annoyed glare he was giving Leena. "In free time."

He then shifted his gaze to H.G. not liking her out of turn reply. "I never gave you permission to practice or to practice with anyone for that matter. Especially with her." His eyes moved to Myka who was standing quietly holding her tongue.

Helena glared back at MacPherson trying to contain her snide remarks that were just waiting to be unleashed.

MacPherson bore his eyes back to H.G. and snarled, "You will not practice with her, in fact you will not practice at all. I will not have you cheat and conspire with one another while I am testing you."

"With all do respect sir, we are not cheating or conspiring with one another. We are allowed to practice during our free time according to school policy. It clearly states in Section 8, paragraph 6 that all recruits are allowed to practice in their free time with the allotted time given if they wish." Myka stated bravely hoping to settle this argument before it become destructive.

"Miss Bering if I wanted your advisement on the matter I would have asked for it." MacPherson shifted his eyes back to Myka to make is point clear. He will not tolerate being undermined. He is the commander of this army and he will do as he wishes.

Helena had enough. She walked the last few steps to MacPherson and growled in a low tone trying to contain her anger. "Can I speak to you in private, sir?"

James looked at her with interest deciding that he will humor her. He gave a nod. "Yes, why don't we take this overly compelling, alleged litigation to my office, shall we." shifting his head to follow him. But before he left with H.G. he looked back at Myka and Leena and informed the to come with.

Everyone else remained quiet until all four were out of the room. Everyone started whispering and contemplating what was going to happen to them.

MacPherson led them to his quarters which was also an office, much like Sergeant Nielsen's in the Launchie dormitories. They all went inside and James told them to close the door as he went behind his desk and sat down. Their was only one chair in front of his desk so the three soldiers stood in front with their hands behind their backs waiting for orders, hoping they will at least continue the conversation not for them to have their punishment be delivered in the silence of this room.

They all sat in silence for a few moments all still stewing waiting for someone to start off.

H.G. decided to kick off the start of the conversation that has yet be resolved getting tired of waiting for something to happen. She tried to even out her voice so it sounded calm, but it sounded strained with anger still. "If I am going to be useful in this team, sir, I have to practice."

MacPherson did not like her tone or her need to defy him. He stood up and slammed his hand on the desk in anger and to enforce that he was in charge. "You will do as I tell you!"

"I will follow all orders that you are authorized to give, but if you take away my free time, our free time, I'll get you ICED!" Helena forced out in a growl trying to not yell at her commanding officer.

Myka and Leena looked over to Helena not believing what they just heard. She just threatened their captain that she will get him sent home, or get him killed. Either way she meant it, it was still a threat to have him removed from service.

James really had it now, he walk out from behind his desk and strode right up to H.G., getting in her face and asked "Are you threatening me Wells?"

The room was filled with thick tension in the air while H.G. and MacPherson glowered at each other, while Myka and Leena looked on in concern.

Helena finally answered his question after thinking of away to get what she wanted. "No." She stepped back a step to give space between the two. "I know you don't like me and that you wish to trade me as soon as possible, but no one will take me if I lack skill. Not to mention no one will even consider the offer not even seeing me perform either."

"I already gave you an order-"

"I know in front of everybody, and you don't want your soldiers to think you backed down. So for tonight you can say that you won this argument and tomorrow you can tell everybody that you changed your mind. You look generous and I-we get to train, It's a win-win."

James just glared at H.G. not liking that she one upped him and made him look like a fool. His only reply was, "You better watch you back H.G." He dismissed them all shortly after that.

Lights out was a couple of hours ago, everyone was sleeping soundly with in the Salamander dormitory.

This was her chance to sneak out without anyone noticing she was missing. She got out of bed and tiptoed her way out of the dormitory and into the halls. She needed to make her way to her destination as fast and as quietly as possible. No kids were allowed to walk the halls at night, but the risk was something that was needed to be taken.

Major Frederic was enjoying some tea when she heard a knock come from her office quarters door. She told them to come in and waited for their entrance while taking another sip of tea. "My dear Leena, how nice of you to visit. What may I do for you this evening?" Major Frederic said with a kind smile as she put down her teacup and saucer down on the table.

Leena closed the door behind her and stepped further into the room, greeting back in acknowledgment. "Mrs. Frederic."

"Come. Sit. Would you like a cup of tea?" Major Frederic said offering the chair in front of her desk.

"That's kind of you, but no thank you." while Leena walked over to the chair provided and sat down.

"Aright then, shall we get to business?" Major Frederic offered.

Leena nodded and smiled warmly at the major.

"Alright, so what information do you have for me then?" the major asked diving straight to business.

"Well... I have made contact with H.G. like you requested and we are good friends."

"Good." Major Frederic said with a warm smile

Leena nodded her head again while forming a smile pleased that Mrs. Frederic is happy for her. "She is very special to the colonel isn't she?"

"She is."

"What does he plan to do with her? She revealed some things that make no sense to me... like why is he so controlling over what H.G. does and who she was with?"

"I am not at liberty to say right now. All I can tell you is that he is concerned that she will get soft on him and he can not have that. Ms. Wells knows this as well."

"Does Myka know?"

Major Fredric smiles and replies, "Yes she does, along with their other friend Pete Lattimar."

"Oh. Well that's good. I am glad she has friends to help her with this."

"As am I. Speaking of, how is Ms. Wells?"

"She has been doing pretty well. She has been teaching me how to fight and protect myself." Leena smiled at one of he memories came to mind where H.G. was teaching her how to block and how to get out of holds.

The major was happy to hear someone has helped out this lovely girl who was taught so little in the program something useful. "That is nice to hear, I am glad that someone has taught you. I wish I could have helped, unfortunately I can't do to much for you in your situation and I apologize. If only things have gone differently." At the end of her statement she said it in regretful tone. She was regretful that she could not do much for the girl. It was her doing that landed Leena here.

She quickly moved on before she drowned her thoughts with the burden of regrets. "What of Ms. Wells' aura?"

Leena saw regret in Mrs. Frederic's eyes for a second, but she most definitely saw it in her aura a lot when she talked with her, she knew it had to do with what befell her when she was found for her talent. She however did not regret it. She did not regret meeting the major, she gave her a purpose and a family and she was going to serve them in any form she could. "It's fine, well, most of the time. I can see her anger just underneath the surface. She has a lot of anger and pain buried deep within that she carries around all the time. I would like to help, put I don't think anyone really can. Well... except maybe Myka."

"I thought as much, but clarify for me please."

"Well, Myka and her seem to be very close with one another. They help each other when needed and they protect one another..."

"I am scenting there is something more that you are trying to avoided."

"I-Well... When in each others company their auras behave very differently then anything I have seen before."

"Really... Describe it to me."

"Well... Umm... Try to imagine to different forces colliding, but not with destruction, but with harmony. They try to infuse and become one, but they never do. They mix and mingle, almost like they are trying to caress the other, to be close to each other as close as they can. Depending on the moments I feel their longing to be in each others company and others I feel their joy of being close enough to touch, to try to become one with each other again."

"Mmmm... So they have progressed I see."

Leena looked a little worried. She didn't think Mrs. Frederic would do anything harmful to H.G. or Myka, but she didn't want to get them in trouble either. "Will they be in trouble now with the information I have brought you?

"Well, yes, very much so."

Leena looked devastated. She could not believe she caused her first two friends harm. She betrayed them, She betrayed their trust. She went back on her word when H.G. asked her not to say anything.

The major looked upon Leena as she was informing her of the consequences of what Myka and Helena were doing and noticed that Leena stopped listing and started to berate herself for giving out that information that would condemn her friends. "Leena my dear, look at me, please."

After a moment Leena had enough courage to look up with out showing emotion, she did not want to show her guilt of betraying her friends.

Major Frederic looked into Leena's eyes and held them hoping to make Leena understand her intentions. She wants Leena to always remember what she stands for and what she/they are up against. "Listen to me very carefully Leena, I am not going to punish you, or Ms. Wells, or Ms. Bering. All I am concerned with is your safety and theirs. You know as well as I that being close to another is not something that is tolerated much in this facility. It is not a written rule here, but more of an unsaid one. The point of this program is to compete and achieve the promised position. Everyone wants to be the best, to get to the next point. The students here have been raised in an environment that is toxic. They mostly hold malice towards one another because they are taught only to achieve, to win, no matter the cost. Most of these kids don't know the joys of friendship, or the wonderful feeling you can get when you are in love. The colonel does not like the idea of relationships romantic or other wise. He does not want his potential candidates to become soft. He does not want to teach compassion because he thinks it is something that will not save us in the battlefield. This place is a school to teach you how to fight and win in battle. Never forget what this place is and what it does to others."

Leena calmed her earlier panic and nodded her head in understanding. She was grateful that Mrs. Frederic was not going to punish them and was on their side.

"Now that you know where I stand, please inform me that they are at least trying to keep a low profile."

Leena cracked a small smile and replied, "Yes. It appears to be very hard for them at times, but they try as best as they can. So far they only have shown their true intentions toward each other with me around, other wise it just looks like they maybe good friends when in the presents of other company."

The major cracked a small smile herself after hearing Leena's reply. "Good. Hopefully it stays that way. Now, I would like to talk about MacPherson."

"Very well. What would you like to know?"

"Is James finally training H.G. now that Myka has joined his army?"

"No, but he has started testing them. It seems he wants to make sure they are worth keeping."

"How has that been coming along?"

"I don't know, but... The three of us, Myka, H.G. and myself have been training together during are free time, so odds are pretty good. unfortunately though MacPherson spotted us coming back tonight after some training in the Battle Room and informed H.G. that she was not to practice with Myka or to practice at all. He claimed that he didn't want Myka and H.G conspiring together to cheat his tests. Myka made a point in stating that school policy stated that they could train as long as it was in their fee time. MacPherson didn't take to kindly to that and H.G. jumped in and asked if she could talk to him privately. He agreed, and told H.G. to follow him to his office along with Myka and myself. In is office the argument became heated. H.G. claimed that we needed to practice to become useful to the team and MacPherson didn't like that she was not complying to his commands. She told him that she knew of his plan to try to trade her, but she informed him that no one would take her if she had no skill or if no one saw her perform. He did not like that she took the upper hand. He agreed to letting us practice, but not before informing H.G. to watch her back."

"It sounds like she is doing alright there for now. Keep me apprised of both of them please."

Leena gave her a curt nod informing that she will.

"Before you go, I would like to know if you have seen any movements yet from MacPherson. We need to figure out his plans soon before it becomes to late."

"I have not, but I know that he has something planed. The way he informed us that Myka was coming, and the looks he has been giving the both of them since her arrival, I would say they are a part of his plan some how, or maybe they just give him more opportunities to play with. I am sorry I can't give you more then that, but I am sure H.G. and Myka will not play into his hands willingly."

"It is fine Leena and thank you. I am sure your two new friends will not either. H.G. especially can be very stubborn." The major smiled amusingly at the last part of her statement.

Leena nodded once again. She then stood up and started to make her way to the door.

Before Leena left Mrs. Frederic wanted to thank Leena once again and to inform her that she will be in touch. "Thank you again Leena. I will contact you soon for another update."

Leena nodded again complying that she understood and said her good byes before disappearing through the door and back to her dormitory as quickly and as discreetly as possible.

The games have began. I got my way with MacPherson this time, but I know it is not the end, so I guess I will have to be on guard.

In other news I am quite happy with the quality time I have with my friends and my secret girlfriend. I don't know what will happen as we move further into our journey here, but I know that I want and will always enjoy the time I can be with my friends.

To Be Continued...