Disclaimers: Although I wish I were the creative genius behind John's and Robert's character, they belong to Julian Fellowes.

Chapter 2: Baptism by fire

They had arrived at the base late in the evening. They had been given a good meal and had been sent to bed as they were to be up early in the morning to begin their training. There were dormitories of ten, exactly the number of new recruits. John was a quiet young man who kept himself to himself and hadn't made mates unlike the others except with the young lad who had slept next to him. His name was Peter Lenox and his family were farmers in Sussex. John enjoyed hearing about the countryside he had so little seen of. It reminded him of the few times he had gone to Ireland and Scotland to meet some family who lived there. John couldn't relate to Peter's life, which appeared to have been a happy childhood. John's childhood had been rythmed by poverty, his father's drinking and beating him up and his mother, until his father had died and John had to man up at 14 and provide for his mother. John had had to toughen up early on, and had often been involved with thieving and small crimes. But all of it was in his past now. Even if he couldn't relate to Peter's upbringing, he could relate to his eagerness and urge to serve for something good. It hadn't taken him long before falling asleep after their little chat. The day had been eventful and full of surprises. John was looking forward to turning his life over and to become someone decent. Someone his mom would be proud of.

Shouts and banging on the door woke John with a start. He glanced at the clock and saw it was 4 am, time to dress and head outside for his first day at the base. After freshening up, he was surprised to discover a uniform on his bed with an insignia saying 'Private Bates'. He took his old clothing and without regrets threw them away. It was time to start anew. With that, John headed outside accompanied by Peter, both wearing their new uniforms.

Once outside, he took a look around. The Union Jack flag was floating in the air on the walls of the barricades, and a group of young men were gathering at the center of the park inside the walls. Peter and him joined them. A commanding voice he recognised echoed in the confines of the base.

"Attention privates!"

The men aligned and straightened up. John, distraught at what was happening, imitated them. Regimental Sergeant Major Watson walked through the ranks, inspecting his new recruits.

"I am glad to see that you are all up and dressed in time. Today is the beginning of your new life. Discipline is the keyword. If one of you is caught being late or not properly dressed, you will face the consequences. You are not here on holidays, lads. You are here to train and be ready to serve your country and fight for your King and Country", he said.

"You've all heard of news of war in South Africa?"

"Yes, sir", nodded the men in unison.

"Then you know that your first missions will be on the fields fighting the Boers. This war hasn't been as easy as we thought it would be. This is why we need more men. Men with skills and well-built to defend our territories."

John looked around. The men around him were all young and seemed fit. They were all the finest young men you could find in England. John didn't know why he had been accepted in the group. Yes, he was tall and broad, but he was from the poor boroughs of London, while his camarades all looked like dashing young men. Only Peter, his new friend, came from a lower background.

"You have been selected, but the real test has yet to come. This coming week, you will be training and evaluated. Those deemed unfit to be sent in Africa would be sent away back home. Is that understood?" Asked Watson.

"Yes, sir!", answered the men. And with that, John's new life began.

After three days of training, running under the rain and crawling in the mud, John's body was sore. But it wasn't over. He had yet to start the fighting training and learn how to use guns.

Peter and him had done well throughout the three first days, ranking among the top five of the new recruits. John, proud of his new changes in his life, had sent a letter to his mother to tell her where he was and that he was determined to turn his life over. He also promised her to send her his army money and that he was thankful for everything she had done for him. He was still waiting for her letter, but he knew he had made the right choice by joining the army. John was surprised to see he excelled with weapons. He was shooting right in the intended place, every single time. All the others were impressed by his ability, and he started to gain the respect of his mates.

On the sixth day, Regimental Sergeant Major Watson had brought them to a fighting room. He paired John with David, a dark blond and brown eyed young lad, approximately of the same height and weight as John. He learned the basics quickly and started experimenting with David. John was happy to be able to fight legally. It had often happened to him to fight in the streets, either to defend himself or to defend someone helpless. And with David as his opponent, it was a fair, balanced fight. It was a real challenge. Obviously, David had some experience in fighting. John was just throwing punches, trying to reach his adversary. David was nice with John and showed him some techniques. After watching closely all the groups, Regimental Sergeant Major Watson asked them to stop. They all straightened up as his voice resonated in the room.

"Very good Privates! Now that you have learned all the basics, I will organize a little boxing match. You have trained with people of similar strength, but this won't be the case on the field. I have put down your names on paper and put them on this box," he said as he moved to the side to let a cardboard box appear behind him. "Bates, you will be the first to draw your opponent."

Peter gave him a slight tap on his shoulder, and John moved slowly towards the box. He took a paper and gave it to Regimental Sergeant Major Watson.

"Wickham", he called.

Peter sent a frightened look to John as the largest man of them all detached himself from the group and walked towards the ring. John joined him while the others gathered around.

"Good luck lads", and with that, Regimental Sergeant Major Watson blew in his whistle to begin the match.

Wickham didn't waste any time as he threw a punch that John blocked immediately. He knew that he had no chance in front of this giant, and his only options were his brains, his speed and his defense. To the surprise of everyone, John was still standing after ten minutes in the ring. And he had even managed to punch Wickham a few times. But one mistake changed everything. Wickham threw a punch in his guts and a second one in his face. John, who had let down his guard for a second, hadn't seen it happen. He fell to the ground, and as he tried to avoid falling flat, he felt a sharp pain in his left ankle when reaching the ground. He let a cry escape his lips, and Regimental Sergeant Major Watson stopped the match. Kneeling beside John, he palpated his hurting limb. John grimaced as he felt the sharp pain again.

"I'm afraid we're gonna have to stop for today. It looks like it may be broken. I hope it isn't that bad, Bates, because after what you have shown us this past week and today, we definitely want you in our troops" he smiled at John.

"Lenox, help me carry him to the infirmary"

Both putting his arm around their shoulders, they helped him walk there.