Chapter 1
Jake ran through the trees, breathing hard from the desperate sprint. He knew he was making too much noise but he had to hurry. If he didn't make it in time-
He didn't even want to think about what might happen.
He ducked under a low lying branch, clutching his rifle close as his eyes darted back and forth between to brush in front of him. As he approached a clearing he heard a shot ring out. Jake immediately dropped to the ground. His helmet fell from his head, Jake made a grab for it but missed as it slipped further down the slope. His blood was pumping hard from the exertion and he heard slow footsteps approaching. Jake ducked behind a tree, alone and helmet-less he was more then a little worried.
'I know you're there' a voice rung out 'Get out here or the next shot will go between your eyes'. Jake wondered who had been hit, and hoped it hadn't been any of his team-mates.
At least he doesn't seem to know I'm here Jake thought.
He slowly stood up, keeping his gun close, ready for whatever may happen. The sound of Jakes heartbeat was so loud he was worried the man would hear him. As the footsteps got closer Jake made a decision, he would face this threat, but he had to hurry.
The footsteps were almost upon him. It was now or never Jake thought. He looked to the right, ducked lower and jumped out from behind the tree, rifle raised, his finger pulled the trigger and a 3-shot burst felled the man in front of him.
Jake heard a groan and looked down. The man was big, very big. While not as tall as the other instructors; Sgt. McKay was stronger than any of them. The other recruits joked that he must have been a body builder before he joined the UNSC.
'Well ain't you a sight for sore eyes Richards. I think I capped one of your buddies back there, but if I did he ain't there now.'
McKay took a white handkerchief out of his pocket and wrapped it around his head. 'Now, why the hell are you out of uniform soldier!' Jake walked down the slope a little and picked up his helmet, he brushed it off before placing it on his head. "Sorry Sir, it won't happen again".
Sgt. McKay stood up and looked down at his chest, there was a large patch of blue paint just above his heart. 'Well, at least I cant fault your shooting' Jake smiled up at his Sergeant, while he looked big, McKay understanding leader, and was always the first superior a recruit would turn to with a problem. 'Yeah, yeah enough prancing, or you'll get a bigger head then you do already.'
It's getting real late Richards, if you don't hurry you're going to fail' Jake nodded, cocked his rifle and ran into the clearing and beyond.
Mckay looked again at his chest. Shaking his head he shouldered his rifle and started on the long trek back to camp.
(A.N: The next two chapters should be up by next monday.)