Hot Soup

That was good. I enjoyed it.

Thank you for the birthday greetings I enjoyed them.

I loved it. That was a cool story. Have a follow up please.

Thank you. I wrote this probably about ten years and discovered a few months ago. I enjoyed working on it again today.

Loved it. Did not see that coming. I really enjoyed it.

I was in darkness, it swirled around me with all it pleasures. It knocked on my heart and I opened the door. It entered with many friends who thrilled me, and delighted me but when their season of friendship was over I was left empty. Alone. I was alone in the darkness. I called for it to come back and the more I came the more I wanted of it. Desire upon desire, lust upon lust, multiplied inside of me. The darkness could never satisfy so I searched for more. I wanted new pleasures but they came and disappeard as vapors leaving me to feel hallow. The pleasures it offered only soothed my soul for short times and then walked away cruelly leaving me to fend for myself. And when I thought I no longer need it, it would be there again calling to me, demanding that I accept it once again. Soon the darkness pierced through me and I cried for help. I realized that the darkness was a deception. It promised me love but it only feed me hate. The darkness offered joy but only brought sorrow. Instead of hope it only gave confusion. And its ultimate gift was madness. I tried to run away but I was trapped. My arms and legs were bound to the darkness. I was no longer in control of it but it was in control of me. I soon realized that control was illusion, I had always been its master and I was the slave. I could no longer see past my own pain. I cried for help but realized those friends could not help me because they too were imprisoned by the darkness. A hunger began to grow inside of me as I realized there must be a way out of the darkness. There had to be someone with the power to free me from the darkness. Then I heard a voice, it was gentle, kind not like the fierce tone of my hated master. I looked for the the source of the voice, but the darkness fought against me refusing to let me go. But I did not give in, I cried for help again. Then in the distance I saw a speck of light in the darkness. It was down a narrow road. I asked myself how many times had I passed this without seeing it. There was an invitation to come. I gave into the light just as easily as I gave into the darkness. I humbled myself before it as a child before a parent. The chains of darkness were broken as I accepted Him who redeemed me from its bonds.

One afternoon I was driving down the creek near my house when I spotted a half submerged boat in the middle of what was once a pier. The broken remains of the once proud boat caused me to imagine was it once was. A sixteen foot, gleaming red, vision of beauty that was the envy of those who were not fortunate enough to own it. The boat was not made for the ocean like the bigger boats but it was a proud boat. The poor useless wreck had carried many dreams. The dream of the man who saw it in his mind before he built it. The owner dreamt of long hours going down a crab line, pulling bushels of crabs from the water, and triumphantly bringing them home to his family. He saw an escape from the world's troubles in that little boat which faithfully carried him through the creek. The owner's children dreamed of using it for fishing, or racing, or taking it out so they could swim in the creek. There were many dreams and if the boat could feel it would probably express the joy it had in bringing happiness to so many. Satisfied in that it made so many dreams come true. Then I could see it in my mind, the owner and his family tying the boat to the pier and packing to go home believing that it would be there in one piece when they returned. In thier minds they would return next weekend as they always did and the boat would be fine. Then Monday night came and the water began to stir and the sky grew black. A storm was on its way, a creul storm that turned dreams into nightmares. The boat began to rock in the water, ever slowly, the ropes held it in place. Then the wind blew harder and the waves grew higher indifferent to the boat and the pier. The water threat boat almost bringing it crashing down on the pier but it missed. The first time anyway. The winds grew stronger and if the boat had a voice it would have cried for mercy. It had dreams to fulfill but the storm was uncaring, it had come to shatter the dreams. The water pressed against the side of the boat causing two lines to snap sending the boat into a pole. Wood and fiberglass gave way as a deluge of water rushed in. The sky light up in delight as the it destroyed dreams, shattered hope, and left a wake of devastation. The storm pounded the boat with more pressure slamming it on every side. A side gave way and the silver railing that ran across the bow was torn off by the winds. The waters pulled at the boat, the ocean called for it wanting to claim it. But the boat's last line held, refusing to give, dreams and hopes would not be stolen by the storm. The storm passed and the owner would return someday. Dreams would be rebuilt. The storms of life would not win.

Cadet Preston Armstrong felt a maelstrom of anger and humiliation surge through him as he stood at attention in the barracks. Not because he was being punished, no he broke the rules and understood that he had to be disciplined for it. But it was the method of punishment that Captain Thomas had chosen. When he was ordered back to the barracks Preston thought that he would have to do sit-ups, or pushups or would be restricted to quarters. He would not have enjoyed those punishments but at least they would have been preferable to what he was forced to endure. Preston stood at attention in the corner like a five year old. During this time he could hear cadets come in laughing, talking, and then grow silent when they saw him. Then the whispers came and even a few smirks. Preston made a note of each of those smirks and promised himself that he would take revenge upon those who had the gall to laugh at his humiliation. This was unneccessary he thought. I made a mistake but I did not deserve to be treated in this fashion. If anyone should be treated this way it should be Martin. He was the fop who deserved to be humiliated every second of his life. Not me. Preston then heard Wells voice. "Okay Cadet turn around." As Preston turned he glowered at Wells, his eyes shot invisible daggers at him. "What now?" The cadet asked. He looked at Spencer and could tell that he enjoyed this. He thought it was funny to embarrass him in front of his fellow cadets. "Your all done. One hour in the corner for defying the chain of command." He then asked "So do you have a complaint you wish to share with me." "No sir." "Then you can go." Preston saluted him and then walked off shooting dirty looks at those who dared to make eye contact with him. Wells knocked on Scott’s door. He walked in to see Scott going over the class schedules. It was up to each team leader to look over the cadet’s schedule, approve it, and then said a copy to the cadet’s faculty advisor for final approval. Scott could not help but think of this as useless busy work. It would have been better for the cadets to submit their schedules to their advisors personally and then for them to send him copies of the cadets’ schedules. At least that is what he would do if he was in charge. But I am not in charge. Maybe someday he joked inwardly. Scott looked up and asked "Is our errant squadron leader finished with his punishment." "Yes he is." Scott stamped approved on a schedule, initialed it, and then placed it in a red folder. He would have to go to the library later to make copies of the schedules and send them to each faculty advisor. He thought how when he was a first year cadet he could not wait to be a team captain. To lead a team into the wargames, the honor of seeing his team in the top five standings. He placed another schedule in the folder. He was now realizing it's more than precision drills, battle games, and tactical excercises. Its endless paperwork, it's having to play disciplinarian, and making sure that your doing what is right for those under you. Not that he was having second thoughts. He was glad to be team leader and was excited about the coming year. The burden was beginning to weigh heavily on his shoulder. Scott picked up Spencer’s schedule. "Are you positive you need to take Weapons of the Middle Ages?" The class met on Thursday nights between seven until nine that meant Spencer would be unavailable for training sessions on Thursdays. Which also meant that he would have to rely on both Martin and Preston more on those nights. "Yes its a fascinating course from what I understand. Plus I need it for a history elective." Scott shrugged his shoulders and approved the schedule. A knock came at the door and Martin walked in. Scott quickly asked "Did you get the reservation made?" "Well you see." He stammered and could not make eye contact with Scott. I take that as a no Spencer thought "Martin pull yourself together." Scott ordered in a civil tone. "Did you make the reservation." "There were no slots open. So I had to schedule it for tomorrow at fifteen hundred hours." "Very well." Scott said. Scott walked over to him and stood about three inches from him. "The next time I give you an assignment I expect you do it. I forgot is not an acceptable excuse cadet." "I will try better." Rowe said. He disliked being dressed down but did not show it. "You will not try you will do." Scott said. "I made you a second officer because I believed you could handle it. Do not disappoint me." Martin stuttered. "I won’t." Scott walked over to his desk and picked up a piece a paper. "For failure to do tasks assigned to you, I have no choice but to place you on report." Scott handed Martin the paper and saw fear grow in Martin’s eyes. Martin took the paper and read over it. It informed him that he was on report and the reason why. Since he was on report he was restricted to campus for one week and was restricted from all recreational activities for five days. The paper also warned him that if he was placed on report two more times he would be demoted, and if he was placed on report five times he would be expelled. Neither set well with Martin. Martin laid the paper on the desk and then signed it and handed it back to Scott. "I won’t let you down sir." "You best not." "You are dismissed." Scott said to Martin who hurried out. "I better go sir." Spencer then said. "You’re dismissed." Scott sat back down at his desk and looked over another schedule while Spencer walked out. Spencer caught up with Martin in the stair tower and said "Cadet Rowe we need to talk." Martin who had been fighting the urge not to cry turned to his first officer and said "Yes sir." He hoped this lecture would not be long. He was not sure how long he could fight the tide of emotion that was building inside him. He wanted to find some dark corner of the campus to let it out. "Not here." Spencer said. "Lets go where we can talk in private." "Okay." Martin said looking away telling himself that would not embarrass himself by crying in front of Wells. Louis Grammar and Jonathan Pike had thought that registration would never end. They had spent three grueling hours in lines, in rooms waiting to be moved to other rooms where they would wait in more lines, being told that classes had filled up and they would have to rearrange their schedule in order to get that class for another hour. After an hour the two had given up the fantasy of having all their classes together. They had managed to be in the same English class but all their other classes were at separate times. Which bothered Louis a little, he would feel more comfortable sharing the same classes with Jonathan but he would make do. "So I wonder what team we will be in?" Jonathan asked. "I hope its a good one." Louis replied. "Same here." Jonathan agreed. "I would like to be in a team that’s won a lot." He then saw a girl with long brown hair talking to another girl with short blonde hair. The brown hair girl wore a brown and red arm band. "Brown and red I wonder which team that is." "I am not sure." Louis said "I don’t see an armband on the other girl so I guess she is a first year like us." "She probably is." Jonathan said. The two girls shook hands and to their surprise the older girl walked over to them. "May I join you?" She asked. The two stood and Louis clumsily said "Yes ma’am or sir." "Captain Murphy will do." The three sat down and Jonathan asked "So how long have you been here?" "Four years." Murphy replied. "I was one of the first women to enter the academy. I considered myself an pioneer. That is when they gave me my own team last year I renamed it the Pioneers." Grammar’s eyes widened. "Your over team. Is it an all girl’s team?" "No, not at all. Actually the boys outnumber the women." As usual she thought. "So what are your names?" "Louis Grammar." Louis said chiding himself. "Jonathan Pike." "So how is your first week going?" "Fine." Jonathan said before Louis could say anything. April could tell by the look in Louis’ eyes that his week was not going fine. "Is anything wrong?" "We were kind of embarrassed last night." Jonathan replied. "Kind of?" Louis replied. "You are making way too much of what happened." Jonathan scolded. "What happened?" Murphy asked but the two fell silent. "Gentlemen if something happened last night I want to know." "We were the victims of a practical joke last night." Louis told her. "Which one." She said with disdain in her eyes. She hated practical jokes especially when they were inflicted on the new recruits. She informed her team members that they were not to engage in practical jokes. "A couple of cadets told us that Callahan dorm had pool tables open to the general public." Jonathan saw anger fill her eyes. "How far did you get?" Murphy asked. She thought if any of her officers were involved in this she would have them doing push-ups until their arms fell off. "Actually we never made it out of the commons. We asked Officer Bobbit and he told us that it was a joke." "I felt so stupid falling for it." Louis told her. "Hey your not the first cadet to fall for that joke." April said in a consoling tone. "There have been a lot of cadets who fell for that joke. At least you guys did not walk into the lobby or to one of the floors like some other cadets have done in the past." "I bet Officer Bobbit never fell for that joke." April suppressed a grin and Jonathan let out a laugh. Louis looked at them confused. "What?" "You didn’t catch that." "Catch what?" April then said "When Fred was a first year cadet he fell for that joke as well. Unfortunately he did not ask anyone about it and walked into the dorm." "Really?" Louis said in surprise. "Yes. It happens to the best of us, so don’t worry about it." Murphy was about to say something when she heard. "So are you recruiting cadets Captain. Trying to get an advantage over the rest of us when it comes time for trades." Murphy smiled "Hey in a male dominated society a woman needs to every advantage she can get." She joked. Douglas Turner scoffed as he said "Even when it comes to your own boyfriend." "Especially when it is my own boyfriend." She shot back. "Captain Turner allow me to introduce Cadets Grammar and Pike, gentlemen this is Captain Douglas Turner of the Wolverine team." The two stood and shook hands with Douglas. April then stood up and said "Louis, Jonathan it was nice meeting you." "Nice to meet you as well." Louis said. "See you cadets." Douglas said and the two walked off. Jonathan looked at Louis and then asked "So are you starting to feel better?" With a slight smile Louis replied. "A little." "Good." Douglas and April walked over to a small table and sat down both sharing a large smile that was borne out of three months of separation. The first few minutes were spent in telling each other how much they missed the other while nearby cadets watched in amusement. The two were oblivious to the fact that they were a source of entertainment. After twenty minutes they drifted into casual conversation. "Did you know fifteen new girls have been admitted to the academy. That brings our number up to eight-five." April mischievously smiled. She enjoyed the awkwardness that crossed Douglas’ face at that comment. Not because she was a feminist who enjoyed getting under the skin of a "Neanderthal" male, actually she was quite conservative in her views especially when it came to women in the military. She just enjoyed teasing Douglas, which his sister Candace agreed was quite fun to do. "Soon we will be running the place." That’s an encouraging thought Douglas mused. He guessed he was old fashioned like his father in that he felt uncomfortable with the concept of women in combat. Not that they did not have their place in the military but combat was not the place for them. "So have all your veterans returned?" She asked. "Yes they did. Actually Howard Scott has returned to school and been put into my team." April’s face transformed into a look of pure displeasure. "What’s wrong?" "I can’t believe they allowed Howard into your team." "What’s wrong with Howard." "Nothing besides that the fact that he has a history of getting you into trouble." "I get myself into trouble." Douglas replied. "I never needed Howard’s help." "But he always seems to be at your side when you do." April shook her head. "I thought he quit the school for good." "He decided to come back." Douglas then said in assuring tone. "April trust me both Howard and I have done a lot of growing up. We are not first year cadets anymore and I will not be getting myself into any trouble because of him." "You I trust, I just don’t trust his influence over you." "He won’t influence me." Douglas said. "Believe me." She wished that she could but she knew that Howard could manipulate him quite well. She then let out a sigh and said "Have you seen your brother?" "Which one?" He said with a grin. "Scott." "Briefly." Douglas said. "I was leaving my father’s office and he was entering." "Oh you spoke with your father." She said. "I hope you two had a civil conversation this time." "Don’t worry we did." Not that he wanted to have any kind of conversation with him. He would be happy if he did not have to speak with his father for the rest of the year. April saw the bitterness cross his face and hesitantly asked "So how long do you intend to hate your father?" "Forever." Douglas answered with hate etched in his voice. "Forever is a long time." She could not stand seeing him so angry. Sooner or later he was going to self destruct, if he did not stop feeding his hatred. "Don’t you think its time you made amends with your father?" "I am not making amends with him." The anger and hate boiled inside him forcing its way up through him. "Come on you can’t hate him forever." "Watch me." He said resisting the urge to tell her to shut up and leave him alone. "You know this anger you are carrying around is not going to do you any good." Douglas then lashed out and said "You know if I wanted to hear a sermon I would go talk to my brother Scott." April blinked at the forcefulness in his tone. "Excuse me I have to go." April said and got up to walk away. "April." He called out as his anger was abated by a wave of guilt. She ignored him as he called out for her a second time. "Way to go." Douglas muttered under his breath. "Captain Turner." A voice called out. Douglas turned to see Marshall hurrying towards him. "Not now Marshall." "We have a problem sir." What part of not now did he not understand Douglas wondered. He looked back to see that April had left the commons. "What’s wrong?" "Darien Mewshaw. I just saw him at registration." "Darren’s back." Douglas said in shock. "Does my brother know?" "I doubt it." "Find Scott let him know." Douglas said as he started to walk. This is bad he thought "I am going to talk to my father." Why in the world did they allow Darien back in here he thought. He was expelled from the school, kicked out in shame and disgrace. And Scott was the one responsible. I just hope that he was not placed in the Knights Douglas thought.

Chapter II At nine o’clock the next morning a teen on a motorcycle pulls up outside the academy. He skids the bike to the halt by the welcome booth. A perturbed John Meyers stepped out of the booth not impressed by the person. "Can I see your ID?" The teen pulled off his helmet. "Oh its you." the corporal said with annoyance in his voice. "You were suppose to be here an hour ago." "I got a little tied up a mile back." Douglas Thomas replied. The teen had wavy black hair and blue eyes. He stood five ten and was stocky built. "Sure." The guard said with disbelief in his voice. "You better report to the commandant’s office." Douglas frowned at the mention of the commandant’s office. "Actually I should register for my classes first. I don’t want all the good classes to get filled up." Douglas slung his duffel bag over his shoulder and pulled his sword to his side. The rest of his stuff was being shipped to the academy or was at his father’s house. Douglas then handed him his keys. "Remember I am a fifth year cadet so I will be able to gain access to my bike on the weekends." "I know cadet." He said a bit impatient. "Just making sure you do." Douglas smiled. "So private when they said be all you can be did you imagine that you would be an overpaid valley." The soldier did not enjoy his humor. "Tell me cadet do you have a brother other than Scott." "Yes I do." "Is there any chance he will ever be attending the academy?" "I doubt it." Douglas told him. "You don’t know how happy that makes me." Meyers said as he got on the bike. "I think you should be going cadet." Douglas saluted. "Yes sir." He watched Meyers drive off and wondered what that was about. As he walked down the sidewalk he hoped that his number one took care of matter competently while he was gone. He did not want to be swamped by paperwork on his first day back to campus. At least he was only a day late and not a week. Even two days late would have been unbearable and probably would throw off his first quarter. Douglas went to the second floor of Cotton dorm where his team the Wolverines resided. From the files he had received he knew he had thirty returning students assigned to him. Twenty of which were on his team the previous year. They were bound for a successful year as long as they get good first year cadets. One lone cadet sat on a bunk with several files spread out before him. He was so engrossed in his paper work he did not realize that he was no longer alone until Douglas coughed. As soon as he saw Douglas he stood at attention knocking some of the papers to the floor. "Captain Thomas sir." "Hello Cadet Todd." Douglas said to his first officer. Marshall Todd stood five seven and had light brown hair that he parted on the left side. He had been the team’s second officer the year before and moved up in rank when the previous number one graduated. "I take it the rest of the team is registering for classes." "Yes sir. I finished my registration early." He picked up his class schedule that had fallen to the floor and handed it to Douglas. "I will look at this later." Douglas walked into his room with Marshall in tow. He placed his stuff on his bed and the schedule on his desk. "Did you know that your brother has made Captain?" "Yes that was in the email package I received from Colonel Thomas yesterday." "So how was your summer?" Marshall asked as they walked out. "It was enjoyable." Douglas answered with a small smile. "I had fun." "That’s good sir." Marshall then said "By the way your father wants you to report to his office." Well I really don’t want to see him Douglas thought. "I will see him when I have time." Douglas remembered last year when he was brought up on charges for insubordination. A disciplinary board was convened and he could have been demoted or spent the last two months on restriction. There was even the chance that he could have been expelled. The board had decided that this was a matter between father and son and not between commandant and cadet. They gave him ten demerits for improper conduct and warned him if it happen again there would be severe penalties. Douglas told them that he would be a good boy. Not because of any respect for his father, but he did not want to be drummed out of the academy. "Are you sure you won’t…." Douglas interrupted forcefully " I will see him after I register." Marshall took a step back about to concede but then steeled himself and said "Sir I must warn you that your failure to report to Colonel Thomas’ office will be considered an act of gross insubordination which may result in you being removed as team leader. Even though I would love to be a team leader I don’t want to become one so soon. It would be best if you went and saw your father even though you have animosity towards" Douglas did not look convinced. "If your brother Scott was here he would ask you what God would want you to do…" "Okay I will see him." Douglas said cutting him off. He let out a sigh. "Thank you." "Just doing my job sir." As Douglas walked out he turned to Marshall and said jokingly "By the way your not allowed to talk to my brother anymore." He then walked out wishing he could put this reunion off. Colonel Thomas sat in his office as anxiety began to fill him. He was informed that Douglas had returned to campus and any minute he would be reporting in. He hoped that they could talk to each other civilly. He looked at his clock and saw that twenty minutes had passed since Douglas had arrived. He would be there soon. A knock was at the door and Matthew said come in expecting his son to walk in. Macgruder walked and said "Cadet Armstrong is here to see you sir. He says its urgent." "Is it something you can handle?" "He says he needs to speak to you." "Send him in." Cadet Preston Armstrong was a fourth year cadet who had spent his last three years in the Gecko team. He was not squadron leader in the newly formed Knight team. He stood six one and was muscular built. He had jet black hair which combed back and brown eyes. "What can I do for you cadet?" Armstrong boldly walked to his desk as he said "Sir I am here to protest Cadet Rowe’s placement as second officer." "Really now." I should have expected this. "Yes. Cadet Rowe is a incompetent foul up and is only a third year cadet. He is not qualified for the position." Armstrong stated. "However I am a fourth year cadet who has spent the past two years as squadron leader in the Gecko team. That position should be mine." "Tell me did you go to Captain Thomas or Cadet Wells with this complaint?" "No sir." He said. "Cadet Wells is a fool sir. I would rather not deal with fools." "Really." "Yes." Armstrong laughed. "I mean the guy is nothing but a clown." "You have pretty strong opinions about superiors. What do you think about Captain Thomas? Armstrong shrugged. "He’s a solid leader. I don’t mind being under his command." Matthew then stood up. "Tell me cadet have you read the regulations?" "Yes sir." With unconcealed ire in his voice he said "I don’t know if you noticed a little thing we have called the chain of command. The chain of command states you are to go to your immediate superior officer first and then work your way up to me." His brow furrowed as he asked rather loudly "Do you have a problem understanding this concept cadet?" "No sir." He shifted uncomfortably. "I think you do cadet." Thomas said as he walked around the desk and stood a few inches in front of Armstrong. "Or you wouldn’t have stepped out of the chain. What you did was a violation of procedure and disrespectful to both Cadet Wells and Captain Thomas. You may not like Cadet Wells or Cadet Rowe but they are your superiors officers and you will have to accept that. Do you understand." "Yes sir." Armstrong said as his boldness evaporated. "Now you will leave my office and follow proper channels." He then asked forcefully. "Is that understood?" "Yes sir." He chided himself for his stupidity. He should have known better. "Dismissed cadet." Armstrong clumsy saluted and turned to hurry out. "One more thing." Colonel Thomas said as his hand touched the door knob. He slowly turned around to face him. "Yes sir." "The next time you come to my office with an urgent matter. You better make sure it is an urgent matter." "Yes Colonel." Armstrong left the outer office and quickly stood at attention when he saw Douglas and Macgruder who were having a pleasant conversation. He quickly saluted the two and then hurried out. Matthew Thomas’ voice came over the speaker box as he said "Get Cadet Scott Thomas up here." "Yes sir." "Sir Cadet Douglas Thomas is here." "Send him in." Macgruder then said "He will see you now. It was good seeing you again Douglas." With an amused grin Douglas said "You as well sir." Douglas walked into the office and the sight of his father caused his anger to flare up. The playful grin that had been cross his face disappeared and turned to stone. Matthew could see the resentment in his eyes that bore into him. "Cadet Douglas Thomas reporting as ordered sir." "Have a seat cadet." Douglas sat down hoping that this would not take long. He was not sure how long he could keep his anger in and did not want to get in trouble again with his father. He wondered if he should have just gone to registration like he planned. Perhaps he would have calmed down a little by then. "How was Annapolis?" Matthew asked. "Good." Douglas replied. "Did you enjoy yourself?" "Yes." "Can you give me more than a word answer Douglas?" Matthew asked. Douglas let out a small laugh as he said "I apologize sir. Yes I did enjoy myself in Annapolis even though I did not actually get to ride on a sub." "Did you get to see much of Maryland?" "Yes I did. I spent a weekend in Ocean City and I took of the inner harbor. I also went to Glen Burnie to check out that restaurant you told me about." "Jaspers." "Yes." "Did you try the crab cakes." "Actually sir it burned down five years ago." Matthew looked at him in surprise. "Really." "Yes. The owners moved to Florida after it happened." Douglas told him. "That’s too bad." "A bank is there now. But one of the tellers did tell me that they had very good crab cakes." Douglas felt the anger slowly subsiding. "They were the best." "Speaking of food would you like to come over the house tonight for dinner?" Douglas shifted uncomfortably as he said "I would like to sir." He lied. "But I have a lot to do. You know how stressful this first week can be." "Yes I do." Matthew said with disappointment in his voice. "But I will take a rain check. Maybe in a couple of weeks." "Okay." Matthew said trying not to allow the disappointment show. Its going to take time Matthew told himself. Douglas stood up and said "I should go and get registered for my classes." "Okay cadet your dismissed." Douglas saluted and walked out. Macgruder then spoke through the box. "Colonel Cadet Scott Thomas is here." "Send him in." he said as he pushed the thoughts of his strained relationship with Douglas from his mind. He needed to focus on his job. Fifteen minutes later a irritated Scott walked to the annex to meet with his officers. As he walked to the annex he wondered what part of respecting the chain of command did Armstrong not understand. One thing he was certain about, when he was done with Cadet Armstrong he would understand it fully. He walked up to the annex to find his officers standing outside. Scott asked Wells "Why aren’t you guys in the annex?" "It appears that the Minutemen have the annex reserved for the next hour." Wells explained. Scott felt the ire boil inside of him a little more. "Didn’t Martin reserve it for us?" "Apparently not." Wells replied. "I looked at the schedule and our name is not there. It appears that Martin forgot to reserve it for us." "Figures as much." Armstrong said. If he was second officer he would not have forgotten to reserve it. Scott turned to Armstrong and scowled. "If I were you Preston I would be silent right now." He then asked Wells "And where is Martin?" "I don’t know he should have been here by now." Great not only did he forget to reserve the annex he is also late. He better have a good explanation for not reserving it. "There he is." One of the assistants said. Martin came running up clearly out of breathe. "Sorry I am late." Scott glared at him and then said "Squadron leaders and assistants dismissed. We will have our meeting later." He then looked at Armstrong. "Squadron leader Armstrong you are to return to the barracks and wait for me there." "Yes sir." Armstrong said nervously. It did not take a genius to figure out what this about. Martin then watched them walked off and asked oblivious "What’s wrong?" He looked at Scott whose eyes were boring into him. "Did I do something wrong?" "What’s wrong?" Scott said trying to keep his temper under control. "You did not reserve the annex like you were suppose to." A dumbfounded look crossed Martin’s face. "You were given a simple assignment. Why didn’t you do it?" Scott asked. "I forgot sir?" he said. "Scott I apologize." "That is Captain Thomas to you cadet." Wells said. Martin was flustered as he spoke. "I forgot that you told me to reserve the annex. I was going to do it but I got busy and it slipped my mind." "Tell me did you also forget about the rifle range as well?" A blank look crossed his face. "Yes I did. Sorry." Scott got within a few inches of his and said quite loudly "Stop being sorry and start doing things right." "Yes sir." "Go to the rifle range and see when you can reserve it. Once you are done inform the team members!" Scott said with ire in his voice. "Yes sir. I won’t let you down." He then hurried off. Scott looked at Wells who stared back in shock. Scott sat down on a stone embarrassed and said "I am sorry that you had to see that." "No need to apologize sir. Martin messed up and he needed to be dressed down." Wells said as he sat down next to him. "Sir I strongly request that you demote him and make someone else second officer. For the good of the team and yourself I urge you." Scott felt himself calming down. The temptation to remove him abated. "I am not ready to give up on him yet." Scott then said "After all it is only the second day. He should do better as the week progresses." "Or he could do a lot more damage." Wells said.

The commons was a two story red bricked building where the cadets could meet and relax through out the day. It sat next to the administration building and directly faced several of the dorms. When one entered the commons they were met by a sea of white tables in which several cadets where usually gather around. Also on the first floor was an eight lane bowling alley, a small café that sat on the north end and a series of silver mailboxes that lined the south wall. Located on the second floor was two pool tables, several booths where one can make a private phone call, and a small area where couple could meet privately under the supervision of the academy staff. It was normal a place of where one could put the stress of the day behind them and relax. Unfortunately for Spencer Wells he was not relaxing and his body was slowly filling with stress. He sighed in dismay as he listened to his companions unending banter. "I can’t believe that I am a actually a second officer, the third in command of a team." Martin gushed. "I mean last year I was just a lowly assistant squadron leader and now I am a high ranking officer." Martin was one big smile as he spoke. "I just can’t believe it." Spencer forced a small smile as he listened and wished that he could make a hasty retreat. But he knew Scott would not be happy if he cut this evening short. He had ordered Spencer to spend sometime with Martin and get to know him. And Spencer was determined to obey that order no matter what. "I mean I did not think I made that good of an impression last year. But I guess I did or they would have made me second officer." "Look Martin I know your excited about this but can you calm down a little." "Sorry." He apologized. "I am just easily excited." "I can be that way as well." Spencer admitted. "I can’t wait to tell my parents they will be thrilled." "You mean you haven’t told them yet?" Wells questioned. Wells thought how he had told his parents within the first hour of finding out he was a first officer. His father General Sterling Wells IV was quite proud of his youngest son. "I tried to call them but there was no answer. I guess they were out." "So what do you parents do?" "My mom is a school teacher. She teaches seventh and eighth grade music. My dad was in the Army but now is a Senator." Wells looked at him in surprise. "Is your dad Senator Miles Rowe?" Former Army General Miles Rowe was a legend in the military. His name was a highly esteemed as MacArthur’s or Patton’s, his autobiography was required reading at West Point. Martin smiled broadly. "That is him." "Can I get his autograph?" "Certainly." I think I just made a new best friend Spencer thought. Over the loud speaker a voice announced their order number. Martin quickly volunteered. "I’ll get our food." Martin walked to the counter. Spencer felt a slap across his back. "I see you have become an executive officer." A black teen said as he sat down in Martin’s seat. "Congratulations." "Hello Brody." Spencer replied. "I see they made you team leader." Brody Young had been Spencer’s executive officer the previous year. "Team leader of the Lexington team." He said proudly. "A good team with a good history." Brody thought how they were the first team to win the war games. "As you know they won more championships than any other team, they held the title for five years in a row." "Until last year when Douglas Turner’s team beat them in the games last year." I guess I should say us. But then again I am no longer apart of the Lexington team. "Yes they did. He will definitely be a challenge for me." Brody grinned. "I thought that the Knights were going to be a challenge with you and Turner in command. But I stopped worrying about it when I heard that Rowe was your second officer." Wells’ brow furrowed as Young let out a laugh. "What was Turner thinking when he made Rowe second officer." Before Spencer could reply, Martin who was making his way to the table tripped over his own feet. He fell to the floor spilling food, the commons area burst out in laughter. A smiling Brody stood up and teasingly said "Perhaps next year." Wells rubbed his face. We’re a laughing stock, a laughing stock in the eyes of the other teams. Louis and Jonathan headed up the stairs as the sounds of laughter filled the commons area. Jonathan could not help commenting on the cruelty of the people laughing at someone’s embarrassment. Louis did not respond lost in thought as they passed a few couples chatting at a couple of tables. "So our first day did not go so badly. Except for the pushups and the mile run but we expected a lot of physical activity when came here." "That’s true." Louis said. "But overall it wasn’t so bad. Wouldn’t you agree?" Louis remained quiet as he looked around the commons. "Are you okay?" Jonathan asked but Louis did not respond. "Hey earth to Louis." Louis looked at him confused and asked "I am sorry Jonathan did you say something?" "Are you okay man?" He asked with concern in his voice. "Yeah I’m just a little tired." Louis said. "So where are the pools tables?" Louis then saw the three pools with about four or people around each and several people waiting to play. With disappointment in his voice Louis said "Looks like we won’t get a chance to play." "That’s too bad." Jonathan said. "There are other tables." A voice said from behind them. The two turned to see a sixteen year old boy with blonde crewcut hair and light blue eyes. He stood five eight and had a yellow and green arm band around his left arm. "Where?" Jonathan asked. "On the third floor of Callahan hall." "Isn’t that the girl’s dorm?" Louis asked. "Yes it is." He replied. "We can’t go into the girl’s dorm." Jonathan said. "Callahan dorm is off limits to male cadets." "That is true except when the commons gets full, they then open the third floor to the entire campus." "Is this a joke?" Louis asked. "No I am totally serious." The cadet replied. "The third floor is a rec. area, there are no rooms on that floor. Just go into the lobby and use the stair tower by the elevators." A hurt expression came across his face. "You guys don’t believe me." "Well…." Jonathan began to say. "Ask anyone and they will tell you." The cadet turned and tapped a second cadet on the shoulder. "Hey Pete don’t they open the third floor of Callahan to male cadets." "Yes they do." A cadet with a red and yellow arm band said. "If they do then why are there so many people here?" Jonathan asked. Peter smiled. "Cadet there are over two thousand students at Whitten Academy do you actually think they are all in the commons." "No." Jonathan said a bit embarrassed. "I assure you that I am telling the truth." The other cadet said. Peter then said "Yes lying is really frowned upon at Whitten Academy. If Cadet Coles was lying as a squadron leader I would have no choice but to discipline him for it." "And if I was lying I would be pretty dumb to do it right in front of a squadron leader." "We are telling the truth." Cadet Le Masters said with sincerity in his voice. "Go check it out." Cadet Coles said. The two looked at each other uncomfortable. "I don’t know." Louis said. Le Masters took a step forward and said "I hope you are not accusing me of lying." "No sir." Louis said a bit nervous. "You are accusing me of lying." Peter said raising his voice. "No we are not." Jonathan said. "Then prove it and go to the Callahan dorm." "Yes sir." Louis said and the two hurried down the stairs. Once they were gone Le Masters and Coles let out hard laughs. The two walked down the stairs as Louis asked "I hope we did not get him mad at us.’ "Same here." "So are we going to Callahan dorm?" Louis asked. "If we don’t and he finds out we didn’t he may make life miserable for us." "That he may do." Louis replied. Jonathan stopped and said "I bet this is a joke." "You think so." "I am sure of it." Jonathan then saw two of the cadets who had taken them on their mile run. "Come on." Cadet Fred Bobbit first officer of Nova team looked up from Uno cards he was holding and said "Cadet Pike and Cadet Grammar." "Can we ask you something sir?" "Make it quick." Cadet Victor Rosenberg said rudely. "We were wondering sir is it true that they open the third floor of Callahan up to male cadets." Rosenberg laughed scornfully. "Don’t tell me you guys actually fell for that. That is the oldest joke on campus. How gullible." Louis felt his cheeks glow red with embarrassment. "Well they were pretty convincing." "I am sure they were." Rosenberg laughed. "Victor." Bobbit said sternly. "Look guys your not the first people to fall for that and joke you won’t be the last. At least you guys asked someone before you entered Callahan’s lobby." "That would have been really embarrassing." Fred looked away and said "Yes it would be." He looked back at them and said "Don’t worry about it gentlemen." "Thank you sir." The two walked away and Louis said "I can’t believe we almost fell for that." "Same here." Jonathan then asked "You want to go to the swim center?" "No, I am going back to the dorm." Louis said and walked out. At the Thomas home Scott took his father’s knight with his bishop. "Check mate in four moves dad." "I see it son." Matthew thought how he started teaching his sons how to play chess when they were eight years old. He thought it was a good way to teach them strategy. "Scott I was wondering, you have never felt forced into entering the academy? Have you?" "No, sir." "You do know that I will be happy with whatever choices you make. As long as you do your best at what you were doing." The colonel said. "I mean if you want to go to regular school or enter college after this year that’s fine with me." He then asked "Do you want to transfer to a regular school?" "No I am content with being at the academy." "Are you sure?" Scott looked at his father confused. "Yeah I’m sure." "Why are you asking?" The colonel shrugged. "I was just curious. I wanted to make sure that you were doing this because you wanted to." "I am dad." Matthew Turner was not too sure but he dropped the subject. Scott then said "Check." In the next move was able to take his king. As they set up the board for another game Matthew wondered how his reunion with his older son would go.

Fear swelled up inside fourteen year old Louis Grammar as he and his friend Jonathan Pike entered the first year door. He tried to fight against the tide of nervousness that wanted to overwhelm him, tried not to be intimidated by the campus. But found he could not. "I think we are in over our heads." Louis announced to his friend. Louis had curly blonde hair, stood five seven and was light complicated. Jonathan placed his duffel bag on the top bunk as he said "Well it is a little late to do anything about it now. Our parents have already left and they said we have to stay for at least one semester." Pike had coal black hair, deep brown eyes, and was tan complicated. He stood three inches over his Louis and he was lanky in build. "I know, I know." Louis spoke in a low voice so the other cadets could not hear him. "I am just wondering if we made the right decision in coming to the academy. It seemed like a good idea but now I am not so sure." A few months ago a representative from the academy had visited their school. He told them about the great opportunities that the academy offered. He made it seem like some grand adventure. Now the excitement he first felt had been replaced with fear and anxiety. His stomach twisted itself into knots as he placed his clothes into a trunk. "I am sure we did." Jonathan said. "We spent a lot of time praying about this, seeking out God’s will and I know he did not lead us in the wrong direction." Jonathan then said in assuring tone "We are going to be fine." "Attention." A uniform adolescent yelled as he entered the barracks. The new cadets made way a he walked through the bunks flanked by two other cadets. Jonathan noticed that they all wore red and yellow bands. "I am Captain Wayne Cook of the Nova Team and I am your welcome wagon. Now to start off each of you drop and give me twenty." The boys looked around hesitantly unsure what to do. "Now!" He yelled and the thirty cadets dropped to the floor to start their pushups as a couple of more cadets walked in. As Louis started he pushups he prayed that God would strengthen him through the next weeks. A couple of hours later the upper classmen belonging to Scott were all gathered in the barracks. Each of them stood at attention as Scott stood in the center with Wells and Rowe beside him. Scott exude confidence as he spoke "From this moment on each you are Knights." Scott said referring to their team name. "You are no longer Hawks, or Cobras, or Falcons. The Knights are you new team, your new family and who you owe your loyalty to." He knew it would be a hard adjustment for them to forget their old teams. Some of his men had been in their former teams for three or four years. "Unlike the rest of the teams the Knights are new. We are starting with a clean slate. We have no reputation. Yet." He put the emphasis on the word yet. "But it won’t take long until we gain a reputation. The Bible says that a ‘Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches’ and I want us to have a good name more than anything else. When the other teams think of us I want them to think of us as honorable both in and out of the games. And I want to be thought of winners." He thought how the other teams will try everything in their power to make sure that they do not win any games. And he would make sure to do everything in his power to insure they did not succeed. "The choice is yours." Scott then said "To my left is Cadet Spencer Wells my first officer. If you have any complaints you will go to him first and then to me. You will respect the chain of command in this outfit. I have no toleration for those who break the chain of command." He then said "To my right is Cadet Martin Rowe my second officer." Scott saw some looks of disgust at the mention of his name. Evidently they did not believe Martin deserved to be third in command. "He will oversee duty assignments, allowances, and Saturday inspection." Spencer looked at Rowe as if to say do you think you can handle it. Rowe quickly looked away. "Tomorrow at six hundred hours we will have calisthenics, at six thirty we will have breakfast and at seven thirty morning inspection. At eight hundred hours you will register for your classes and submit your cards to me and Cadet Wells for approval. At thirteen hundred squadron leaders and assistant squadrons will join me in the annex for a meeting and at fourteen hundred hours we will met on the rifle range for target practice. Make sure none of you are late, I really frown on tardiness." Martin thought how the previous year Scott had his entire squad confined to quarter because one person was twenty minutes late. Of course that one person was me Martin thought to his chagrin. "You will attend the assembly in dress uniforms." Martin heard Wells say and then dismissed them. Scott walked into this room and sat at his desk. "Thought that went well." "It did sir." Spencer agreed. "What do you think Cadet Rowe?" Scott asked. Rowe whose mind had drifted replied "Huh?" He looked at the two of them dumbfounded. "That is not answer I expect to hear a second officer." Wells replied a bit annoyed. "Martin could you please do us the honor of paying attention." Scott said. "I will sir." Martin replied a bit embarrassed. "Martin I want you to reserve the annex and the rifle range for us." "Okay sir." Martin then asked "What times do you to reserve them." Ire filled Well’s voice as he asked "Weren’t you paying attention. Captain Thomas gave the times during the briefing." He had a sudden overwhelming urge to slap Rowe which quickly resisted. "You do remember the briefing don’t you?" "Yes I do." "Here." Scott handed him a piece of paper with the times on it. "Don’t put this off cadet. The other teams will want to make us of them as well and I don’t want to have to wait three days to use them." "I will get it done sir." "See that you do." Wells said. "You are dismissed." Scott said. Martin saluted Scott and then walked out. Wells then began to say with a plea in his voice "Sir…" "Don’t say it." Scott said cutting him off. "He is going to do fine Spencer you will see." "I wish I shared your faith." As the two discussed the assembly Wells could not help but wonder what else was in store for them. "The kid has an attitude problem." Captain Macgruder said referring to Danny Card. The boy had left the office a few minutes ago informing Colonel Thomas and Captain Macgruder that in no uncertain term would he conform to the academy’s rules. Thomas only said that they we will see and told his parents to take him to the first year dorm. "I noticed." Thomas replied. The boy was brash, arrogant, insubordinate, and disrespectful, he would be a definite challenge to any team leader whose command he was placed in. "So what do we do about his long hair and earrings?" Macgruder was surprised that Thomas did not have the boy report to the barber and remove his earrings. "We do nothing." The colonel replied. "Nothing sir?" "Nothing." Matthew took a sip of his coffee. "We will let his team leader handle it." Macgruder did not like that idea. They should deal with it he thought. "Put him in my son’s team." "You mean Douglas." "No, Scott’s." Matthew answered. "He would be the perfect challenge for Scott." "But sir doesn’t he already have enough challenges. I have looked over the people you placed in team and I think you have staked the chips against him already." "Scott is strong he can handle it." "And if he can’t?" "Then he can’t." Thomas replied nonchalantly. "This is going to be a test of his leadership abilities." Macgruder then said "With all due respect sir it looks you are setting him up to fail." "That is not my intention Captain. I do not want my son to fail but I can not treat him with kid gloves." "And you shouldn’t. But sir you are being harder on him than you were on Douglas or your nephew Kyle. Why is that?" "That is my business and not yours." Thomas replied. Macgruder did not accept that as answer. "Sir it is my job to inform you of when I believe you are being too hard on a cadet. Even when that cadet is your son." Macgruder tried to control the tone of his voice not wanting to put him on the defense. "Sir I believe that stacking the odds against Scott will prove detrimental." "You know how they make diamonds Captain?" he asked. "They take a piece of coal and put it under great amounts of pressure. And when they are done the coal is transformed into a beautiful diamond." Matthew picked up his son’s picture and said "Humans are that way as well. Many of them are at the coal stage, never reaching their full potential. And I believe Scott needs a little help to find his potential." "I understand Colonel but humans are not coal and they are more frail than diamonds." "Believe me Sam I would never hurt my son." "I hope you don’t do anything you will regret." Macgruder than walked out. Scott looked at the picture of his older son Douglas and said under his breathe "Same here." A couple of hours later Scott walked to his home after the assembly. He found himself wishing he could spend the night in his bed but knew that was impossible. He would not be allowed to get a overnight pass for a least a month. The administration thought it would help the cadets adjust better if they spent the first month in the dorms. Scott could see the logic in it but wished they could be a little more flexible with the upperclassmen. His mind then went to the assembly. It felt strange sitting on the platform with the other team leaders. Scott felt out of place, it was like he did not belong on the stage. Any moment he would be revealed to be an impostor and be forced off the stage. He realized that was just his nerves and in a few weeks he will adjust to the idea of being a team leader. Scott walked in and found his father in the kitchen setting the table as two thick steaks cooked on the oven. The aroma triggered memories of happier times, when his family was together. When his parents were still together and in his mind the perfect happy couple. A sensation of sadness went through him. He was not sure why his parents had separated. As far as he knew they had a good marriage and was shocked when his mother informed him that she was leaving. Neither told him for the reason for the break up, Scott assumed that she got tired of the military life. He prayed that someday his parents would get back together. Scott was pulled from his musings when his father asked "So how was your first day as team leader?" Colonel Thomas placed a steak on Scott’s plate and then his own. "It was okay. Nothing too exciting." Matthew smiled. "That will change in a couple of days." "I am sure it will." Scott’s steak vanished under a lake of steak sauce. "I was surprised by the number of cadets I had with disciplinary problems. I mean they are not severe problems such as fighting but I was surprise to have so many who spent most of the past year on restriction." "I am sure you will be able to handle them." He then said "And I know you have some good cadets on your team as well who will be able to help you. For all of Spencer’s foolishness he is a good cadet and a good officer." "That I do not doubt." "Just make sure he comes to the war games in the proper attire." Scott cut his steak as he said "Believe me sir he will." Scott took a bite of his steak and asked "So did Douglas contact you often this summer?" "He sent me a weekly email telling me how everything was going. We spoke only twice." Matthew thought how both times were when he called him. "Did he call your mother?" Scott answered hesitantly as he said "Once a week." He saw the hurt in his eyes and felt like a complete heel for bringing up the subject. "I assumed so." Matthew’s relationship with his older son had soured over the past six months. Douglas had accused him of driving his mother away and a wall of bitterness grew between them. The last time they had saw each other they had gotten into a heated argument which ended with Douglas storming out of the house saying he never wanted to speak with him again. After his first two weeks in Annapolis Douglas had sent him an email apologizing for his behavior. Matthew had suspicion that Scott and his daughter Candace were more responsible for that email than any guilt Douglas may have felt. "I am sure you and Douglas will reconcile your differences." Scott consoled. "I hope we do. Maybe you could pray for us." "I already am." Scott said. A few moments of silence passed between them and Matthew asked "Have you held any bitterness towards me?" "No." Scott answered. "I reserved my anger for mom." Matthew looked at his son in surprise. He did not believe that Scott would be capable of being angry with mother. "After all she was the one who left us. She ran away from us." "She didn’t leave you Scott, she left me." "She abandoned all of us." Scott said as the old pain began to return. Pain and anger that thought he buried four months ago. He began quoting a verse on not letting a bitterness to spring up. "But that is all ancient history now." Scott said as began to slowly calm down. "I learned to forgive mom this past summer and I am sure Douglas will forgive you." Matthew thought how his older son did not share the same commitment to forgive as Scott did. And their next meeting may not go so well.

Scott stood silent as he considered the risk he was about to take. He knew that Martin had what it took to be a good leader but was he willing to sacrifice his own academic career. "Well, cadet." Matthew Thomas said. "I do sir." "Very well then." Matthew said showing no sign of disapproval. "I guess you really believe in Cadet Rowe." "I do sir. I know he will not let me down." Matthew then said "I am going to be nice and give you two weeks to change your mind." "That is very kind of you." "By the way Cadet Rowe is on probation this semester. If he is expelled or demoted from second officer…" "Then I will fail." Scott finished. "Correct." Matthew sat back down and said "Dismissed cadet." "Yes sir." Scott walked as doubts began to fill him. He hoped he knew what he was doing. Danny Card was accustomed to a life of privilege and luxury. The son of a wealthy businessmen, he viewed the world as his personal playground that he was the master of. He only lived by the rules that he set and he would allow no one to tell him what he should or should not do. Which was why Danny was filled with anger as he pulled up as his parents pulled up outside the administration building. He stepped out of the car and scowled at his parents. He did not want to be and he was going to make certain that everyone knew it. The sixteen year old boy had long reddish orange hair that was pulled back in a pony tail. His parents had asked him to cut his hair and get rid of the earrings that adorned both of his ears. But he refused not wanting to conform to the academy’s standards. "Danny." The boy’s father said. "Danny I want you to be on your best behavior." "Whatever dad." Danny replied not looking at his father. "Son this is your last chance. If you get expelled you will be spending the next year in prison." Randolph Card said. "Don’t mess this up." "Why did you allow them to send me here." Danny said accusingly. "Weren’t there some strings you could pull to get me out of his." "No I couldn’t. I used up my last favors with the last incident you pulled." He said. "You were lucky that I was able to convince the judge to send you here instead of prison." "You would have never allowed Robert or Andrew be sent be to a place like this." Danny said with anger in his voice. "Of course you never loved me as much as you loved them." Sharon Card put a hand on her son’s shoulder. "Danny you know that is not true. You father did everything he could to keep you out of here. And believe me if there is a way to get you out of this place he will find it. You just have to be patient." "Whatever." He replied. "So lets get me register." As Danny walked in he felt sorry for anyone who tried to tell him what to do. Scott Thomas sat in his room going over the files of his cadets. He took notes about each of them, writing down their strengths and weaknesses. To his dismay he found few strengths and several weaknesses. Many of them had been the misfits of their former teams who spent most of the previous year on restriction. And they were the veterans, the new recruits had been yet assigned to his team. A knock came at his door and Scott said "Enter." The door opened and a cadet with dark brown hair walked into the room. The cadets brown eyes were playful and he had a large smile plastered across his face. He looked as if he had some grand joke that he was playing on the world. The cadet stood ramrod straight as he cheerfully said "Cadet Spencer Wells reporting for duty sir." "At ease cadet." Scott motioned for him to sit down. Wells face filled with excitement as he said "I just want to say sir what a pleasure it is to be working with you. I was overjoyed when I learned that I was assigned to your unit. And I promise I won’t let you down sir." "Thank you cadet." Wells said. "I was looking at your file this summer I must say I was impressed. Assistant Squadron leader third quarter of your first year, squad leader your second, and second officer under Tom Marshall your third year." Tom Marshall was the former leader of the Lexington Team. "Tom had nominated you to be a team leader but withdrew his nomination." Scott then asked "Can you tell me why?" Of course Scott knew why it was in his file but he wanted to hear Wells side of the story. "After a series of practical jokes I played last year he decided that I needed some more time to grow up." Embarrassment crossed his face for a brief second but then his playful look quickly returned. "But the jokes were really no big deal sir and I never allowed them to interfere with my duties as second officer and I took my job seriously." "Really now?" Scott questioned. "You consider showing up in a gorilla suit during the battle games taking your job seriously." "Well I was just trying to add a levity from the battle games." "From this point on Cadet the practical jokes stop. You are an officer on my team and you will act accordingly. The gorilla suit will remain in storage." "Yes sir." Spencer said a bit disappointed. "Can I keep the werewolf suit though." "No." Scott said sternly. "Yes sir. I will try to be on my best behavior." Wells then asked "Sir I was curious who did you select as your number two?" Scott answered "Cadet Martin Rowe." Wells’ smile quickly evaporated giving way to a look of complete and utter shock. "Martin Rowe." Wells said in disbelief. "Your joking right sir?" "Do you know Cadet Rowe?" "Yes sir. He was in my cousin Jeremy’s squad two years ago." Jeremy Price was a fifth year cadet and team leader of the Hawk’s. "Jeremy did not think highly of him." "I know." Scott said. But I did not know you and Jeremy were cousins though. "When he joined my squad last year I read Jeremy’s report." "If you did why is he our number two?" he asked. "How did you manage to get approval?" "That is none of your concern." "Sir as executive officer it is my concern." The seventeen year old cadet said. He was correct Scott thought. Scott then told him about the deal which resulted in Wells saying quite loudly "Are you insane?" "Excuse me." Scott said sternly. "Sir." "No I am not." You have to be Spencer thought. "Scott I understand the need to help your friend but his is going way beyond the duties of a friendship. You have to go the commandant and tell him you changed your mind." "No." Scott said firmly. "I believe I made the right decision." "For your sake and the sake of the team I hope you did." Scott was about to say something but he was interrupted by the sound of loud crash and several objects hitting the floor. The barracks then erupted in laughter. The two walked into the outer room and saw several cadets standing at their bunks watching a cadet haphazardly place items into a trunk. The blonde hair boy then tripped over himself as he tried to pick up a item which earned him more laughter. The cadet whose face red with embarrassment then saw Scott. He quickly jumped to his feet and said "Cadet Martin Rowe reporting in sir." Wells let out a painful sigh as he shook his head in disbelief. This was going to be a long year he thought.

The administration building sat in the midst of the campus, and was two blocks away from the dorms. It was a two story white building that was five sided. Many people jokingly referred to it as the little pentagon. The commandant’s office was on the second floor and sat in the center of the building. As Scott walked into the reception area he could not help but worry about why he was being called into the commandant’s office. He was not due to meet with him until later that evening and he wondered if he was in trouble. Perhaps Corporal Meyers did not appreciate his sense of humor. Maybe he wanted to see him about his request and rebuke him for resending it. He then realized that Macgruder could not have gotten to the request that quickly. He then told himself to stop worrying about it and just see what he wanted. The commandant was in his late forties with thinning brown hair and warm brown eyes. He was husky built and light complicated. His demeanor was rough from years of command and intimidated most people who he came into contact with. Intentionally or unintentionally Scott was never sure. He stood looking out the window watching as the arriving cadets unloaded their cars and prepared for the new year. "Cadet Thomas reporting as ordered sir." Scott said standing at attention. "At ease cadet." The commandant said in a gruff tone. Colonel Matthew Thomas turned and allowed a small smile to cross his face. "Have a set." Scott sat down and Thomas sat down behind the oak desk. "How was your drive back to the academy?" "It was fine sir." Scott said as he began to calm. He was not in trouble, his father just wanted to see him. "How is your mother?" Scott could see the pain that just asking about her brought to his father’s eyes. Six months earlier his parents had separated and his mother moved to California with Scott’s two younger sisters. His mother had told him that there was no hope of reconciliation and she wanted as much distance between the two of them as possible. "She’s fine." Scott then added "Why don’t you give her a call." "I doubt your mother would want to hear from me Scott." Thomas fell silent for a few seconds as he pushed the pain aside. He could not allow it to eat away at him and consume him "I must say the house was quiet while you were gone this summer." "I found it a difficult adjustment not having you around sir." Scott then said "Candace and Jane send their love. They said they would call you this weekend." Scott shifted uncomfortably as he asked "How is Douglas?" Douglas was Scott’s older brother was a fifth year cadet and had spent the summer training in Annapolis. Between the fourth and fifth year the cadets were sent out to extensive training to prepare them for their chosen fields. Douglas’ field of choice was the submarine service. Of course being only eighteen and not officially in the navy the he probably was only allowed to clean the subs. "He is fine. He will be back tomorrow." Thomas replied. "I look forward to his return." Scott thought how his brother was the leader of a rival team and he would be facing him in the battle games. "After the assembly tonight come over to the house so we can talk in a less formal manner." Thomas told him. "Yes sir." He thought like father and son instead of like commandant and cadet. Scott then wondered if there was truly a difference. "I will see you at the assembly tonight." Scott stood up and said "Yes I will." "Dismissed." The colonel said but Scott did not leave. Thomas looked up from his desk and asked "Is there something else you want to discuss cadet?" "Yes sir. I would like to discuss my selection for my first officer." He leaned back in his chair. "What about it?" "Well it appears that my candidate for officer was rejected. I would like to you to reconsider approving Cadet Rowe to be my number one." "Cadet Rowe?" Thomas questioned. The name sounded familiar but he could not place it. "Yes Cadet Martin Jonathan Rowe." Turner called up his file on the computer. The information scrolled down the screen. "Lets see Cadet Martin Rowe, age sixteen year, third year cadet. He has had a history of tardiness, messiness, missing classes, and overall failure. His first semester he carried a one point eight G.P.A because of incomplete assignments." "But he did get his act together and ended the year with a two point nine." Scott interjected. "That he did." Matthew continued. "His second year he made assistant squadron leader during the Spring semester because of Cadet Davis’ illness only due to the fact that his fellow squad members had worse records than him. He did manage to maintain a three point two G.P.A. even though his lateness to class did not decrease. He was put on report four times by his squadron leader." He then raised a curious eyebrow. "That squadron leader was you." "Yes it was sir." Matthew let out a cough as he said "You said that he struggled with laziness and tended to have his head in the clouds." He read. "Correct?" "That is what I said sir." A look of confusion crossed the older Thomas’s face. "So tell me why have you nominated a constant foul up to be your number one." "Because I believe he has the potential to be a good officer sir. He just needs the right motivation." "Cadet there is nothing in this file that proves to me that he has the potential to be anything but a constant failure. What makes you think he can be an effective first officer." "I don’t know sir, its a gut feeling." He answered. "A gut feeling." His father said in dismay. "You want this person to be your number one based on a gut feeling." "Yes sir. I believe he can handle the responsibility. I have seen him in the games he is a natural leader and he never once lost focus during the games. I believe he is the best person for the job." "I do not Cadet Turner. And right now I am doubting if we made the correct decision in making you a team leader." His words stung Scott like a physical blow. "I do not believe you made a good choice in your command structure and I think you are allowing your friendship with Cadet Rowe to cloud your judgment." Tuner felt his throat tighten. Was he right Scott questioned. Was his gut feeling based on nothing more than a desire to see his friend succeed. No it was more than that he told himself. He believed that Rowe was the right choice for the job and he would not begin doubting himself. "Cadet Spencer Wells is your number one and that is final." Cadet Wells had been Scott’s choice for leader of squad one. But instead they put his choice for number two as squadron one’s leader and made Wells his first officer. "The number one is a key position and could make all the difference between success and failure. You owe it to yourself and to your team to have the best qualified person in that slot." "Yes sir." Scott said knowing that he could not change his father’s mind. But he knew Rowe was leadership material. "Sir I respectfully request that Cadet Rowe be allowed to be my number two." The colonel gave a wry smile. "You don’t give up do you?" "No sir. My father was a wise man who taught me to fight what I believe in." "Flattery will get you nowhere cadet." "It was not flattery sir it is only the truth." Matthew thought for a moment and then said "Okay Cadet you win but only one condition." "Condition sir?" "If cadet Rowe fails you fail." "Sir?" "If Cadet Rowe fails then you will have to retake this year." He replied. "That means all the classes and all the training. But not as a team leader, as a normal cadet." Scott blinked in surprise. Never before had he heard of such a thing. His father must be testing him. "Do you agree to these terms?"

The Academy Chapter I "The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership" was a quotation that went through the mind of Scott Thomas as he drove down a small dirt road. One of five different quotes that his troubled mind contemplated as he returned to school. His mind was assaulted by doubts and fears as he thought in fifteen minutes his life was going to be changed forever. For the past hour he fought the temptation to turn his car around and return to the safety of his mother home and avoid the responsibility that was being thrusted upon him. Mixed feeling went through the seventeen year old boy as he neared Whitten Military Academy. He was excited about returning to school, seeing his friends and getting back into his routine. But at the same time he was terrified. He was an upperclassman which meant more responsibility, responsibility he was not sure he wanted. Of course Scott had no choice but to accept it, it was his duty to accept the responsibility to given to him by his superiors. His only other option would have been to resign from the academy, which was something Scott could never do. Scott had worked too hard for the past two years to quit. He had too much time, too many tears invested. The teen could not just walk away. But he was not sure he would be able to do what the administration had asked of him. A verse went through his mind. "I can do all things through Christ which strengheneth me." As he mediated on the verse he began to feel at peace. He realized that God was with him and would help him with his new responsibilities he was going to face. Scott’s tires screeched as he made a sharp turn. He then slowed as he pulled up behind a car that waited outside the academy’s gate. Scott watched as a guard gave the driver directions and a young teen waited patiently in the back seat. A freshman Scott thought. More like fresh meat. He wondered if the boy knew what he was getting himself into. Nah, he probably has no idea Scott laughed to himself, but he will soon find out. Scott then pulled up as the arm descended. A guard in his early twenties walked up beside Scott’s car and looked at his dress uniform. The dark blue uniform was neatly pressed and creased to academy standards. Beneath the dark blue jacket were a white shirt and a black tie. A red and white arm band adorned his right arm. "Your identification card." Corporal Jack Meyers said. Scott pulled out his wallet and handed him his id. The guard looked at the picture and then at Scott. "Welcome home fourth year academy cadet." He then handed him his id. "Please step out of the car." Scott stepped out of the car and the corporal said "Please remove all personal possessions from your car." "Yes sir." He saluted. Scott opened the back door pulling out a ceremonial sword that he received after completing his second year. He slid the sword on right side of his belt and then pulled out a suitcase and a garment bag. The guard then asked "Do you have any drugs, alcohol, or other contraband in your possession or in your car." "No sir." He answered. If I did would I really say yes Scott thought. "Please hand over your keys." Academy cadets were not allowed use of their cars during the school year with exceptions of fifth year cadets who could use their cars on the weekends. His vehicle would be kept in the academy parking garage and he would not see it until the Christmas break. When he got the opportunity to leave campus it would be by the academy bus. Scott though how he hated the bus. Scott pulled them from his pocket as he said "Sorry habit." As he handed over the keys he said jokingly "Don’t scratch the paint." "Smart alec." The guard muttered as he got into the car and then drove off. Well, I am here Scott thought and there is no turning back now. He prayed that he was making the right choice. Scott walked down a pathway that led through the campus. He passed the first year dorm and watched as tearful parents said goodbye to their children. As he looked at the anxious faces of the cadets he remembered his first day on campus. The place had intimidated him, he could not help feel insignificant among so many people. He had almost told his parents that he wanted to go home. Scott felt empathy for the new cadets. He understood the terror that many of them were going through. How they were drowning beneath a tidal wave of emotion desperately seeking a life line to hold onto. Thomas could not help but feel sorry them. Of course he could not show it. He was an upperclassmen which meant he had to distance himself from the new recruits. He had to be hard, cold in his dealings with the first years in order to toughen them up. In theory anyway Scott thought. Scott soon arrived at his dorm and then walked up to the fifth floor. He opened the door that revealed a series of bunk beds. Soon there would be fifty cadets residing in the room, all of which would be under Scott’s command. He hoped that he was capable of leading them. He walked passed the bunks to the door that lead to his personal quarters. He opened the white door and stepped into the cramped room that was now his home. His room had a bed and a desk in it which were three feet apart, across from the door was a small closet that he would have to cram all his possessions into. He placed his bags on the bed and then walked over to his gray metal desk where a small laptop sat. A perk for being team leader. The cadets used personal computers that were located in a small room off to the side of the barracks. Unfortunately there were only ten computers to each team so the fifty cadets had to find a way to share the computers. Scott lifted the top and typed in his password which allowed him on the system. A small blue box welcomed him to school and informed him that he had an email. He clicked on the email and a message from commandant's secretary appeared on the screen. It was the list of approved squadron leaders for his team as well as for his first and second officer positions. He had submitted seven names and only six appeared. The missing name was his submission for the first officer position, a name he knew would be rejected. He was told to choose someone else for the position and was given three names of suggested candidates. Scott sent an email resubmitting the name for approval. He knew that his friend had potential to be a good leader. He just needed a chance to prove himself. He closed the laptop and then walked out. As walked amongst the bunks he thought about those under his command. There would be three types of cadets he would have to deal with. The society misfits sent to the academy in hopes of reforming them. Then there would be the children of military officers sent to the academy to follow in their parents footsteps. They would be either over confident snobs who thought they knew everything or they would be bitter about being sent to the academy and would let everyone know that they hated being there. The third group would be recruits who decided that attending a military academy would be fun and did not exactly know what they were getting themselves into. I’ll definitely have my work cut out for me he thought. Scott’s musings were interrupted when a young private entered the room. Scott stood at attention as he said "The commandant wants to see you on the double." "Yes sir." Scott said as a twinge of nervousness went through him. (A little rough but I believe the story has potential).

I wrote this ten years ago and found it today in the attic of my parents house. It was with a collection of very short stories that I had written. Surrender There once was a rich man who wore fancy clothes and had the right toys that made the world envious. His wealth was beyond imagination and he was loved by all. His heart was lifted in pride as walked about the city believing that he needed no one but himself. Then he lost everything. The expensive clothes were gone to replaced by dirty rags. Instead of living in the comfort and security of a mansion he lived on the streets in despair. All those who loved him now depised him. His cries for help did not reach their ears and he was the object of ridicule and shame. He was alone in a cruel darkness with the ghosts of the past haunting him. All he could see was what he lost. The wretches he once despised he were now his companions. He was nothing without his fame and fortune, a vagabond without friends. In the midst of his tragedy and despair the once wealthy man ran from the great city. But wherever he went he was reminded of what he had become. A shipwrecked, waste of human life. He was in chains and bonds that he could not break. He was tied to his sin with nowhere to go. He lifted his eyes to heaven and said to the King of kings "Not your will but mine."