Abby propelled herself forward, landing forcefully on the ground as her hands secured the flag. Glancing up, she observed the opposing team lowering their guns to the ground. In the distance, a whistle sounded. Did I do it? I did it! Abby shot up as she picked the flag out of the stone block it was in, and she waved it in the air. Putting two fingers in her mouth, she whistled loudly.
"That was awesome," Rosemary says as she ran into the stone structure. "Everyone else was pinned up front and you did it." Rosemary couldn't contain herself and wrapped her arms around Abby.
"I didn't know you were so affectionate," Abby giggled as she put the flag back down.
"I'm not, but I am very affectionate about getting out of the sun and going to get a nice, cold shower. I may even take a bath in the lake if they let me," Rosemary chuckled, brushing the powder off Abby's shoulders.
Abby let go a sincere smile as she nodded, letting go of Rosemary and shaking her hand. "I'm glad we were able to win."
"That was an excellent display of professionalism and tactics." A man with a commanding voice walks into the main area of the enemy fort.
"General," Rosemary says, startled as she snapped to attention, putting her hand towards her head at a 45° angle in salute.
Before Abby could even respond, she just stood there the massive man in front of her. His bald head was shining, and his thick mustache covered the top of his mouth.
"You two can stand at ease, but thank you for the salute. But I owe you one. I was hoping the northern garrison would take the win today, but you guys were the better trained regiment. I think you're going to do great work out there," the general says as he eyed Abby. "I do know of you Abby and what your grandfather did for us. I would expect no less from a protégé."
Abby nodded and she wiped her head of some beads of sweat. "It's a privilege to serve, general, and I'm doing my best to make my family proud."
"I like to hear that. The exercise is over and everybody else, your squad is probably heading back to the rally point to chat about the battlefield. And who knows, maybe I'll see you too out there one day." The large man turned around, exiting the fortress, his dark blue uniform blowing in the wind.
One hour later
Abby strolled down the hallway with Rosemary beside her.
I'm elated," Abby says, taking a sip of her water. Turning around the corner, the two women entered the room.
"Alright, give it up for Abby!" Monica ran forward, putting her arm around Abby's neck. "You really did us proud!"
Abby looks around the room. Everyone's eyes were full of courage and kindness.
"Way to go kid," Cody says, whistling from the corner of the room.
"Did you see the shot that I took to protect you?" Luna squeaked up. "I took out that guy in front of you."
Abby's cheeks were flushed scarlet as she felt Monica's grip loosen. She turned and nodded at Luna who met her gaze.
"Take a seat, will ya?" Monica let go of a smirk as she walks towards the front of the room. "Alright everyone, wonderful job out there," Monica yelled across the room. "You all performed with the utmost proficiency."
"We showed the northern garrison how we roll," Marcus states, taking out another toothpick and chewing slowly. "I took out three of them people with one powder grenade."
"It was a glorious sight to behold, the whole affair. Taking two shots to the chest for Luna was the best thing I could've done." Ian took his fingers and placed them on his heart. "My beating heart stood still as Luna lifted her sniper rifle and took so many shots. It was a beautiful array of metal and sweat that filled my heart with glee."
"You know what? For the first time I can understand what you're saying," Cody chuckled, shaking his head, looking down at the table and smiling. Maybe after this you can go into theatre and make a whole bunch of money."
"That would be quite elegant," Ian says as he looks over at his comrade with a cheeky smile.
"Alright, settle down everybody," Monica states as she pointed towards a chalkboard. "We have a week and a half left of training before we're sent downrange for our first operation. I spoke to the two-star general today and I assured him that I didn't want anyone on my team transferred. I particularly heard that he was very impressed with you, Abby and Rosemary. He saw what you two did through most of the event."