Chapter 9

The days flew by, and everyone had fallen into a routine in the barracks. They still looked to Sam as team leader, mentor, instructor, and friend. Two more recruits left as their numbers dwindled.

Sam was changing, even if he didn't realize it. He had become a good leader and felt responsible for his fellow recruits. When on maneuvers, he always looked at the big picture and thought four steps ahead to ensure that they were on top. He excelled in strategy and mission planning, impressing his drill sergeants who passed his name along to the higher up as an excellent candidate for Special Ops, along with two other recruits.

Before Sam knew it he was standing at attention, in his dress uniform, for graduation from basic training. He held his head high and wore the uniform with pride, not believing that he had made it through the grueling ordeal of basic training. There were some tough times, but he endured and graduated.

"I'm so proud of you son," Bobby preened as Sam walked to him with a big smile plastered on his face. He pulled him into a hug and fought the tears filling his eyes.

"Thanks Bobby, and thanks for coming," Sam replied beaming down at the older man he considered family. He was so touched that the gruff older man had drove all that way to be there for him. His heart ached that his father and brother were not there to see this.

"So, where to now? Do you know?"

"I was chosen for continued training to join Special Ops group. My drill sergeants recommended me, and I leave in a couple of days from here. There's a transport I'll be flying on. From there, I don't know yet."

"I have a motel room nearby, come stay with me and I'll bring you back to catch your flight."

"That'd be great Bobby! I have scheduled leave until then. I really can't wait for the next phase. DS said I was a natural at planning missions and research."

"I knew you'd do good. C'mon, let's get your things and we'll head over to the motel. There's a couple of restaurants nearby that we can eat at. How was the food here?"

"It wasn't that bad. You got a couple of choices, but basically you ate what they gave you and didn't complain. On Sunday's, our down day, we could go to the PX and there was a place to eat nearby. Some of us would usually go there to relax and talk."

They went by the barracks where Sam gathered his duffle and pack with his civilian clothes. Sam showed Bobby around and told his fellow recruits goodbye and then they headed off base to the motel. Bobby had gotten a room with two beds hoping Sam would have a little time before going to his next assignment.

Bobby enjoyed the time he was able to spend with the youngest Winchester and marveled at how much Sam had changed and had grown both mentally and physically. He was not the same young man that he remembered when John would stop by with Sam and Dean in tow. He couldn't be prouder of what he had accomplished and hoped when John found out he would be just as proud.

Spn

Before they knew it, it was time for Sam to head back to the base to hitch a ride on the transport for his next assignment. Bobby was able to drive to the airfield where he wished Sam the best of luck and made him promise to stay in touch. He watched Sam walk to the back of the C-130 and waved back as he gave him a salute before disappearing into the belly of the plane. He watched it taxi away to get in line for takeoff and sighed softly, hoping Sam would take care of himself and prayed he would stay safe.

The time flew by for Sam at Spec Ops training and soon he was on his way to his first deployment overseas at the base in Rota, Spain. He'd get his incoming briefings there and find out more about his assignment. Two of his fellow recruits were going with him and he was happy that there would be someone there that he knew.

Sam had never been out of the country, so this was a whole new experience for him. He was at the top of his group in Special Ops training and devoured everything he could to improve his knowledge and skill set. He wanted to be the best at what he did and knew that meant studying and learning from his superiors.

Spn

The plane touched down in Rota, Spain and taxied to the hanger where the replacements would unload and be taken to a barracks to get settled and rest from the flight. They would get their assignments the following day and be grouped with senior Marines.

Sam and his two fellow Marines spoke softly as they followed an older Marine sergeant to their living quarters. They were given maps with the mess hall and PX marked and given a brief rundown of how the base operated. Left on their own, they unpacked and checked the place out before heading off to find the mess hall and then they were going to get some rest.

The pen moved quickly over the pad as Sam wrote a letter to Bobby to give him his new address and to let him know where he was. He knew he couldn't tell him anything about his assignments but at least wanted Bobby to know he was okay. He hoped they could stay in touch, so he'd know how things were going at home, especially with his family.

Noises drifted into the barracks from outside as Sam lay on his bed trying to unwind and relax. He was still wired from the trip over and the time change. All this was so different than what he had gone through so far, and he felt anxious, uncertain, and if he was honest, scared. He didn't know what lay ahead of him but was going to give it his all to be the best.

A/N: Special Ops, Sam has done good. He's in his element. Thanks for coming along for the ride. I do like reviews/comments. NC