Tegan spent the rest of the day, running, climbing, jumping, and running some more. Gowans ran them hard, just like Captain Clement had told him to do. Muscles were aching that Tegan didn't even know she had before then. She was proud of herself for being the only girl that didn't throw up at some point, though. And with the way training was going, that was quite a feat.
The battalion was back where it had started the morning: in formation outside the barracks. Clement was there, standing quietly as Gowans briefed the recruits on what would be happening the rest of their day. He wasn't shouting anymore, and Tegan was pretty sure it was because he voice was worn out from all the screaming he had done already.
He explained where the recruits would eat dinner, where they would shower, and where they would sleep. Tegan was only half listening because she couldn't tear her eyes or attention from Sara. No, Captain Clement, she reminded herself. It was true what they said: everyone does love a man, or woman, in uniform. Tegan had never seen someone who could be stunningly beautiful and yet fiercely intimidating at the same time. Her high cheekbones and angled jawline were… beyond words. Tegan couldn't keep her eyes off her, and she was thankful that Clement's military composure kept her eyes from wandering.
Unfortunately, Captain Clement was an Army officer for good reason. She could feel someone's gaze boring into her, and with a quick flick of her gaze toward Tegan, she knew the recruit was staring her down.
Without a word, Clement marched to where Tegan stood in the middle of the front row of the formation. She stopped mere inches from Tegan's face. Gowan's stopped talking and stepped back, giving Clement the battalion's full attention to their captain.
Tegan could barely breath. She clenched her hands at her sides to stop them from visibly shaking. The captain had caught her staring. And now she was going to pay hell for it, she knew. Clement didn't move, her eyes darkened with anger as she stared directly into Tegan's eyes. Tegan was sure she could read every thought passing through her mind.
"Is there something you'd like to say to me, recruit?" Clement said, her voice hard.
Tegan gulped visibly. "No ma- sir."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir."
"Lieutenant," the captain said without turning. "Send the rest of the recruits to the mess hall." She continued to stare at Tegan, who didn't move and barely breathed. Clement was still only inches from her face and Tegan felt like she might actually be leaning back from her slightly.
"Yes, sir," Gowans said firmly. "Alright, get to the mess hall and get yourself some chow!" he shouted. As the other recruits filed past, Tegan didn't move. Her eyes were still locked with Clement's.
Tegan didn't know what was going to happen, but she was sure that it would be bad. Damn, she dared to think, still worried that the captain might be able to read her mind. This was not how I planned to start the first day of my military career.