"You're ready, sir?"
That was Nelson.

"I think so."
That was an honest answer.
Though I hate to say that my ass was deep in fire or the other way round, because my tests start day after tomorrow.

**************

My lungs were on fire and my tongue felt burnt.

I was so wrong to think that it will be easy to clear the tests after having gone through everything at KMA and then CCTC trial.
It seemed to get more difficult with each step.

I was literally on my toes since my tests began and the tempo was only going up.

They tested my knowledge of the forces, weapons, warfares, international policies and border rules, and what not in a series of written tests.
Then they tested my will to survive in underwater tasks.

My fighting skills were tested thoroughly with Charles and his moves that he kept hidden from me all these days. Such a bitch. I was made to face each freaking instructor for all types of combats.

All this in barely 36 hours. I had no clue how long this would take to get over. And I had no fucking clue what were they going to test me for, after I had already given them everything I could?

I had put in my best in every single task I've been given. And since I failed in most of them, thanks to the impossible timing and milky-way standards set - I don't think I'm going to make it when my total marks will add up to be just a handful.

"I'm not really disappointed with your performance, Lieutenant."
General Warren began while I looked down panting.

"You have barely scored minimum marks in most of your tasks. Only the ones involving running have stopped you from breaking the record of 'worst ever test results'. Though I hope you know Agents don't run away. They stick and work and produce results - which you are failing at, miserably."
He said carelessly.

I had hundred thoughts crossing my mind each passing second. This was my only shot. How could I fuck up?
What am I going to do now?
He said this will be the first and last chance. I can't even say 'one more chance sir'.

"I... I'll give my best in the remaining tasks, sir.."
I said looking into his eyes, controlling my shivers.

He looked at me top to bottom.
"You are a failure. I don't need to test you more for that."
He said bending a little towards me.
I paused a gulp and remained stoic.

"But for your peace of mind, I'll give you one more task. You'll be the hero of your team. Or villain. It's upto you."
He said and turned around.

"Captain Neil Fermin!"
He called out loud.

What the fuck?
My team?
He means Neil's team?
He's going to bring his team to test me?
Damnit.

"Yes sir!"
Neil rushed forward.

"Fair chance, you said?"
He taunted Neil and I felt shameful.
Neil just looked down making me feel more miserable.

"But I'll make one of your wishes come true. You and your men - you all will work as a team, but only for his test. Anyways he's going to bring you all down, so there won't be any team after that- as per our deal."
Warren said casually and Neil barely looked up at me with hurt and anger in his eyes.

I felt my heart sink down.
He was going to lose everything because of me. His reputation, trust, selection, planning - I was going to flush all of it down.
God could I be any more pathetic?

He looked at me angrily now.
I couldn't look away from him.

"Call your men. I'll tell them what happens hereafter."
General said and went to his office.

Neil walked to me and scowled in my face.
"I'll punch your face if you deflate your determination now. He's playing with your mind, don't let him win. Use your brain in your tasks, not for calculating your odds of losing."

I just nodded and told myself to stop the bullshit going on inside my head.
I really needed to put my brain in use for the more important thing.

As I waited, one by one six people entered Commander's office. I was called in the last. They all looked tired and exhausted. What the hell happened with them?

"Gentlemen, I wasn't expecting to meet you all as a team, too soon. Heck I wasn't expecting to meet you at all. But thanks to this Lieutenant, here we all are. I came to know that you all have given him much needed support to survive through his trial period and were ready to risk your only chance of forming a team for his sake. I'm sure you'll regret that decision."
He said looking at all the faces.
I was barely holding myself up.

"He has undergone all the tests for his assessment and I must say I'm not surprised. I'll skip stating the obvious."
He said and looked at me apathetically.

"Your team leader asked me to give him a fair chance. I think I kept my promise. Didn't I Captain Neil?"
That was equal to pouring salt over a fresh wound. Agonising.

"Yes sir."
He said with his jaw clenched.

"Now I want to test all of you. Neil - you will be instructing the whole team for atleast 12 hours straight. Every hour, one member is allowed to break off if nobody takes a break of more than 100 seconds in that hour. If someone crosses 100, the breakout hour starts again. No rest shall last more than 150 seconds. James, however, will be the last one to break off. Let's see how much you guys are willing to take pain on his behalf. Report in the field thirty minutes from now."
General said without a heart.

I gulped at his words.
12 hours?
With no break lasting for more than 100 seconds

I won't last one hour in this state and he wants me to be the last man standing?

"Sir I-"
request you to please not involve others- was interrupted by Neil's "Yes, sir."

Now everyone was looking at him bewildered.

"You trust him too much for your own good, Neil."
Warren stated and Neil stood with a stern face. Thankfully he didn't speak any smart ass word back.

"Break off. We meet at 2300 hours."
We all saluted him and came out.
I was expecting everyone to shout at me, curse me or at least say any word of hate.

I got a totally opposite response instead.
They took me to mess, rehydrated me well, ensured that I ate enough to make up for the reserves I exhausted in past two days.

"You guys have nothing to shout at me?"
I said after I couldn't take the silence anymore.

"No."
"Not at all, sir."
"Not me atleast, boy."
"Definitely not, sir."

"But why? I'm dragging you along! And he has sworn to break your team before you even make it! All because of me! Why don't you hate me for that?"
I was shouting now.

Neil walked to me.
"I told you this before. I'm telling you this again - use your brain where it's needed. We've all been through the tests you just went and we were hell tired to think stupid. That's what you are doing right now. And that's why nobody is giving a damn. So you better come back to normal and keep that thing between your ears ready for some real hot roast later. He has planned a tough scenario and he's going to make it look impossible to you. Just keep your calm. And for heaven's sake, don't let any regret deviate you. Just do what you're told to do - something that you've been doing for past three years - survive."
He said calmly.

I couldn't believe how he was so unbothered with me almost fucking up him and his efforts.
And most of all, he really trusted me with lasting for twelve hours?

************************************

These Commanders are evil-minded persons, I tell you now!
Just look at Warren going all wicked with James, Neil and everyone!

And look at those men lifting his spirits up! They soften my heart!

************************************

Your concern for my absence really warmed me. Thanks a lot for patiently waiting and checking up on me.
❤️

Forgive me for what I'm going to do now.

*New characters spoiler!*
Are they coming in the next chapter?
Nope.
Next to next?
Nope again.
😁

(Sorry I'm too excited I HAD TO scream a little.)
Okay, you guess and I'll introduce them soon. 😛

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