-Keep it together I said!

  -What the Hell is up with you lot today? Do you want to scrub the deck with your feet so bad with some extra hundred laps?

  -Remember! The lone wolves always die. The pack will always survive. Applies even to you lonely hot shots that think you can cut through anything!

  -Keep line straight behind you! You guys behind the weak front! Don't have any fucks to give?!

  -Motivate and push the ones in front of you! I didn't put the weakest at the head of the running band for no reason!

  God, these people were worse than any bunch of misfits that I've ever met before. Either the Doctor just had a knack of making any team do the job, or I have been given the worse candidates to shape into proper elite operators. Either way one thing was for sure, I had my work cut out for me.

  ---Three weeks before---

  Somehow, I had found myself accepting doctor Kal'tsit's proposal of becoming an instructor as part of an Advanced Special Tactics & Operations course that would see a number of our operators become high tier operatives. There would be many faces under my tutelage, both new and some familiar. And it would be my and a colleague's task to shape them up into versatile and reliable agents under Rhodes Island.

  I knew there were already training regimens and other instructors doing similar jobs. But something in Kal'tsit's tone put me off. Things were more dire on Terra than she let know. And things would become worse I realised. This was one attempt to prepare Rhodes Island as much as she could, and its operators would be part of that preparedness for what was to come. It was probably what prompted me to accept so easily. Letting go of haggling for a better pay for once. Still, ten percent to my salary for the duration of the course was decent compensation, not gonna lie.

  It was a large training hall that I and everyone who needed to be present was there.

  -''I am glad you all came here today. If there are no more changes of last second I will let your instructors present themselves to you.'' Spoke doctor Kal'tsit.

  It was then that I shuffled between all the other operators who were leaving the hall, having finished the previous meeting. Tagging along five other colleagues.

  -''As all of you already well know I am instructor Dobermann.'' She said, stern and serious.

  -''And I as many of you won't know am operator Tacet.'' A few chuckles already rippled in the crowd of twenty operators before Kal'tsit continued.''

  -Operator Ansel here will be the main medic attached to our course in case of necessity. Operator Herinov and Astavo will be the designated watchers, making sure you do what you are supposed to do.

  -As mentioned before I am the director of this special course. Rest easy knowing that I will be more than aware of everything that happens and anything that shouldn't happen.

  -Now that the personnel in charge of you have been presented I will leave them to continue this meeting in their capable hands.

  -Do, what, they, tell, you, to.'' Kal'tsit spoke the last sentence slow and sternly before exiting the hall.

  -Right. Miss Dobermann, will you allow me to do the filling in?

  -''Go ahead.'' She replied more leniently, or rather, resignedly.

  -Alright kids. So tell me. What are you actually here for? What prompted you?

  Silence and awkward stares between the operators was what met me.

  -Come ooon! It's the money right? Let's not beat around the bush and ignore the proverbial fat originum slug in the room! Isn't it?

  At that voices began to agree and confirm more or less out loud.

  -Who wouldn't want a juicy three-month bonus along with an increase of fifteen percent on their salary! I would too, be damn sure of that!

  -Perhaps a few of you want to prove to themselves that you got what it takes. To prove that they are the hot shots they dream they are! Ah? Did I hurt any ego's? Don't worry. A lot else will hurt soon enough!

  -Now. Let me get this clear for everyone present. YOU. CAN. DIE. ON. THIS. COURSE!

  Suddenly the laughs and smiles were all gone.

  -The Advanced Special Tactics & Operations course is no God-damn child play. It's not some morning physical training and some mock combat situations.

  -We'll try our best NOT to kill you! But you WILL follow our exact instructions if you want to remain in the land of the living!

  -But this is not about discouraging you. I am telling you the truth as it is. It is a tough course but far from an impossible one.

  -Indeed, you will not be trained to be super soldiers. But you will truly be a level above most operators if you finish this course.

  -It will be a long three-month course. You already have passed the preliminary physical and medical tests, so I can tell for sure you all have the potential to graduate.

  -You will be trained. You will be given manuals that you WILL study diligently! And then put into practice what you've learned. You will be properly fed and attended to any injuries.

  -You will be given all the necessary attention you need from the instructors presented in front of you. However, all depends on you and your will to succeed.

  -As for being disqualified from the course there are three possibilities for that.

  -First is for you to announce that you do not wish to continue anymore.

  -Second is that you acquire a debilitating medical condition.

  -Third is if the instructors consider you unfit or not up to the requirements of this course.

  -But be at ease knowing that it is in our interest to instruct and help you in any way we can for all of you to succeed!

  -Now, before we go any further. Does anyone here, now, wishes to opt out of this course? There is no shame if you do.

  -Is there anyone with certain known or less known medical conditions that prevents him to attend this course? Anyone? It will spare me a lot of paperwork and a lot of trouble for you. No? Alriiiight!

  -Now we will go through a short summary of what the course will be and what will be needed of you. Ansel, if you may switch on the projector and bring up the first slide?

  -Sure.

  ---An hour later---

  -Now that all that blah-blah is done, are there any questions? Anything at all?

  -None? Alright! Let me all tell you one important thing. The dumbest question you can come up with in this course is the one which you DON'T ask!

  -Whatever it may be, just ask. No matter how silly you think it may be.

  -I want us to have an open communication. So whatever thing you may be distraught or mind boggled about, ask one of the instructors. We will make it clear for you without any repercussions.

  -The Advanced Special Tactics & Operations is a big thing. You will be considered elite operators with superior abilities to adapt and overcome most situations thrown at you once you complete the course.

  -As such so will your responsibilities and expectations of you will be higher. Keep that in mind.

  -For example your instructors, bar the assistant staff, have been chosen by strict conditions of experience.

  -Instructor Dobermann as some of you may know has six years of combat experience and has long been a distinguished instructor for Rhodes Island.

  -As for me, they somehow fooled and bamboozled me from teaching classroom lessons on advanced tactics to being an instructor for it.

  -''Sir, how many years of combat experience do you have?'' Asked a nondescript operator who was one of the newer recruits on the landship.

  -Oh... about ten from my past, over twelve in total with the ones added with Rhodes Island.

  -Alright! ''I said, changing the subject.'' So your asses will sure hurt by the end of this course. One way or another, be sure.

  -But once the course is over you can all get shit-faced on alcohol, then macho-operators that you will be. And talk smack-shit about us hard ass instructors.

  -Oh don't deny it, we all did it. I did it in my time!

  And the tension was relieved as most of them went into a good, healthy laugh.

  -Is there anything you would want to add, instructor Dobermann?

  -''No. I believe you said about everything that needed to be said, and even some that didn't.'' She replied with only a small hint of disapproval.

  -''Oh, there will be plenty of time for strictness along the road of this course.'' I responded placatingly.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  And there sure would be. They were worse than I could have ever thought. Some didn't seem to have a guiding clue on how to operate some of the equipment. Some would even lose it or make it ''disappear''. A problem I rectified later with one particular problematic cautus. Some couldn't seem to study even if their lives depended on it. They could barely form a coherent team and some were more eager to smash their bodies and subsequent health in the physical training!

  -''Instructor Dobermann, please halt the exercise just a few moments!'' I said before focusing my attention on the eager operator I've spotted.

  -Hammer head! Take it eaaaasy! It hurts just watching you!!!

  -The movement must be fluid on your approach! Feel the momentum you are going with and channel the impact force along the body line we have shown you!

  -Or else your joints will torture you soon if your bones don't break before that!

  -Please continue instructor.

  -''Line up! Prepare posture! Jump! Roll! Strike! You there! Sloppy work. You will give me ten laps for each mistake!'' Dobermann barked sharply.

  One thing I had to give credit to. For each mistake they made they would improve their cardio with the additional laps. And oooh boy, they sure made a lot of mistakes. Fortunately not too debilitating.

  It was one day that I was running with the trainees on the landship's surface. Ansel was along besides me on an electric scooter. An emergency aid backpack ready and strapped on his ride in case of any incident.

  -''So far so good. Nothing but a few nasty bruises and some blunt trauma here and there. I was honestly expecting worse.'' Said Ansel.

  -It's not my intention to break them. But help them get through it.

  -I know. But it's inevitable that more serious wounds will happen sooner or later in courses such as these.

  -''Perhaps. But we'll see about avoiding those if I can help it.'' I spoke before laying my attention on someone else. ''Hey! Keep the pace! Not so hot shot now?!'' I interrupted my discussion with Ansel to reprimand a trainee.

  -Operator Catapult. Since I see you can't keep in line behind the group I will assign you sixty laps around the landship tonight since you're so eager to advance your cardio capacity. Then you can run as fast or as slow as to your heart's desire.

  -Uuuh!

  -Want more? Do you want a subscription?

  -No sir!

  -Attagirl. Now get back in line and hold it.

  We were passing by the main ''island'' of the landship. It was not dissimilar to what aircraft carriers had, that we read in historical textbooks. Which housed the command centre and the bridge. It was also a place from which was of primary use for many operators to go in and out above the landship. As we were jogging along we would pass by many operators on their own business. Including a few lupos which seemingly didn't have much business but to stare and judge the recruits under my command.

  Parallel to the island we passed by an aircraft which landed not too long before. I noticed the Penguin Logistics team headed by Texas unloading a lot of cargo and hauling it to the designated lift. Besides her, I could notice a funny looking creature. More than certain the enigmatic and eccentric Emperor.

  -''Huh. Didn't expect the Emperor to visit Rhodes Island again so soon.'' Ansel noted.

  -Means that business is flowing. A good thing for us.

  -They're eyeing us.

  -Let them gawk, Emperor was never one for subtlety. Anyway, it's a little past twelve. Up for some lunch? It's on me.

  -Yeah, count me in on that!

  It was then that I noticed the pained face of Adnachiel in front of the running squad. He was struggling to keep the pace of the jog I forced them to hold for fifty laps already. The angel boy was a good operator. Bright as a light bulb, literally. He diligently memorised everything in the manual given to each student in this course, and more importantly he understood the information. Easily assimilating and implementing the instructions given by me and instructor Dobermann.

  He was putting all his knowledge to good use, such as controlling his breathing. Procuring dedicated running shoes. Choosing the best moments to hydrate and consume small amounts of dried fruits and sweets to keep his metabolism up to the physical demands of this training regimen. Yet where he excelled in terms of tactics and team cooperation he was facing the real challenge in this one department.

  His teammates behind him were doing their best to encourage him, yet I saw in him the tell-tale signs that he might just collapse. I gave it a fifty-fifty chance of him failing this march. I decided to boost those numbers a bit and I turned left, closer to the band of recruits and close to Adnachiel.

  -Come on Adnachiel. You can do this. I know you want to. Think of... a certain sarkaz girl that would belittle you if you stopped now.

  At those words something in his expression seemed to change, I believe I had pulled a nerve.

  -Don't you want to impress her? Maybe get back at her for handling you as she did? You will need stamina for that.

  -I... I d-don't know what you're implying!

  -Come on angel boy. Let's leave the pretence here just between us. You will need to have a fit cardio if you want to dominate a vigorous sarkaz girl such as her.

  -''Haaargh!'' Adnachiel suddenly burst with newfound strength.

  -''Keep formation and match speed with me! This is the last stretch, now or never!'' I yelled, speeding the pace up gradually while everyone followed.

  I was pleased to see that not only all of them kept the formation but matched their speed with mine accordingly. Reaching the established starting and finishing line for the cardio test of that day. Of course, nearly all of them collapsed after, but they succeeded in what was asked of them. And I could almost feel a tinge of pride for them. I waited for Ansel to do his rounds, making sure everyone was in living shape after this march before I gave up the mantle of their care for the rest of the day.

  -Alright! Nice enough job everyone! Tomorrow we will add five more laps, and five more the day after!

  At that a cacophony of displeased groans were heard.

  -''Oh stop complaining ladies, yeah I can very well read your expressions.'' I started, about to dish some out.

  -You. The guy sitting down and rubbing his head, that means ''what the fuck am I doing here?''.

  His surprise at being caught at the reality of his thoughts obvious on his face. And I grinned.

  -If he wipes his forehead he's saying ''fuck this shit''.

  -If he breathes in deeply then he's saying ''fuck these people''.

  -If he wipes again on the other side of his face and temple he's saying ''to Hell with all this fucking shit!''

  -Anyway. You have two hours to get refreshed and grab lunch. After which you will all gather in study hall A2 at approximately, hmm, 14:20! Under the supervision of instructor Dobermann.

  -Dismissed, you can disperse at will.

  -Ansel, see you after I get a refresher?

  -Sure thing, Ursian place?

  -Fine with me.

  I must've been more tired than I realised. For I failed to notice a certain wolf approaching until it was already too late. Her large tail coiled around me as Provence settled onto my left shoulder.

  -Hello Tacet~.

  -Hello there, gorgeous lupa.

  At that she playfully bit my cheek. Taking a lump of it between her teeth.

  -''Heheh, easy.'' I said as I grabbed her by her hips, pulling her up onto me. Her feet leaving the ground.

  She was so alluring. Her playful nature was endearing to my mind that was prone too often to gloominess.

  -''Off duty?'' She asked.

  -Yes. I have to catch lunch with a friend soon.

  -I guess I'll see you after then?

  -I would hope. My heart would ache without you.

  -What happened to that oh so lonely wolf inside of you?

  -He got the taste of a mate, and can't live alone any longer.

  -How pleasing to my furry ears, my dear fallen human.

  She was a playful and teasing one as well, but unlike others she had tact and good taste. She was the finest lupa to have by my side in life.

  -I'll see you not too late tonight?

  -Yes, I don't think I'll stay that long. Why do you ask?

  -So that the bad wolf knows for sure when you are home to prey upon.

  -I very much want that.

  -''What a reckless man you are~. Fine, maybe I'll give you a surprise.'' She said as she winked with a mischievous smile at me.

  ---Little over an hour later---

  -''That was a tough march. You extended the route twice over from what miss Dobermann had in mind initially.'' Said Ansel before he took a bit out of the Ursian speciality before him.

  -I know, but they toughed it through.

  -You're straining them.

  -They will make it, or they will not, simple as that. And if they will not then they will walk back to their original jobs.

  -Hmm, I guess so. It is your department to push them beyond their limits.

  -And yours is to make sure they still breathe. And you're doing an excellent job my long eared friend.

  -By the way, thanks for recommending me for the medic post on this course. I'm fairly sure someone else would have been chosen for it.

  -You deserve opportunities my friend.

  -''Why?'' Ansel asked genuinely.

  -Why do I deserve them? Just because I was the first responder to have reached you when you were near death that one time?

  -You deserve it for you are a good doctor. Also that, yes.

  -Wouldn't that be called favouritism?

  -You are a qualified and experienced medic. I simply believe you just deserve more credit.

  -And I am inclined to give it whenever I can for you are my friend, Ansel.

  -Friend, huh? I heard from others that this certain word was practically non-existent in your vocabulary.

  -It was. Once I was too detached from... hmm, everything, and everyone.

  -I'm glad that changed. You just needed the right people around. Still I just don't see why I would be special.

  -Call it circumstance, call it fate, call it being at the right time and the right place for it to have happened. Are you perhaps... uncomfortable with me?

  -No, not at all! I hope I didn't imply that. It's just that I know many have tried to get closer to you with no success.

  -Some say you are nearly, if not as rejectful as Executor. Just with a lot more tact.

  -I guess it's true. I am mostly a solitary person. It is hard to find comfort in others.

  -Perhaps trust is a better word?

  -Hmm. Maybe that as well.

  -I noticed from the beginning that Provence must have been somewhere high up there on your short list then. With how open she was in approaching you.

  -It was mutual. Even from our first meeting I could say there was something special in her. A goodness and a liveliness rarely met in these wastes.

  -I know exactly what you mean. You know, when I first received April as my patient she... was far from herself as we know her today.

  -Of course, she had been through a rough time before arriving here. Becoming infected and everyone turning their backs on her. It is always a disparaging thing when one visibly contracts oripathy.

  -But even back then I saw a glimmer of the lively girl she was before. After going through therapy with me, I saw that I was right when her spirit was raised once again.

  -''One could say you saved her soul. No wonder she stayed glued to you since.'' I said with a smile.

  -''Yeah, I found a joy of life that I never knew much of myself until then.'' Spoke Ansel before he continued on the string of another idea.

  -You know. The little you told me is enough to deduce a good theory of why you are like that.

  -I presume it would be, and?

  -It's enough to tell me you had a rough past.

  -Hah! That's putting it lightly but you're there. Though, as much as that might have contributed I was always one who kept mostly to myself, even since when I was young.

  -Either way, thanks for considering me as a friend. The diligence and professionalism that my post requires doesn't often lead me to forming close connections.

  -Indeed, besides you only the crew of my team A4 I can truly consider friends besides colleagues.

  -''Don't mention it.'' I said as we lightly knocked our beverage glasses together. ''In our good health my friend.''

  -Cheers.

  -So what is your medical opinion regarding the recruits so far?

  -They are handling the intense training fine as far as I can observe. They should all pull through, if nothing debilitating occurs in the meantime.

  -What's your input on Adnachiel?

  -He's hanging there all things considered. His mobility is standard, yet he is making efforts to surpass his limits.

  -I have prescribed him a special diet and additional supplements to help him better handle the effort.

  -''Despite being one of the lowest in shape I did notice a slow, but gradual improvement.'' I added.

  -I was a little worried today.

  -Thought he might have failed the course?

  -Yes. You're a good instructor, having helped motivate him back on that last stretch. I know that you were not supposed to prompt individual trainee's on exam runs.

  -Would have been a waste if he failed. And I know for sure he wants to be there, I saw the determination in him.

  -What did you tell him though?

  -Oh... well, that's a thing between me and him. If he decides to tell you then it's not a problem.

  -Heh, must have been something to rile him up that's for sure. What do you think of the newer recruits that joined the course?

  -A wild bunch. I know Rhodes Island has... ''malleable'' standards for inducting new people. But sometimes they get close to surprising even myself.

  -Really? How so? I haven't had the chance to examine newcomers this year.

  -''They are as different as are the levels of unhinged they are at. Personally I'm not sure how some of them got past the security check up.''

  Though in truth it was hypocritical of me to say that, even if I meant every word of it. After all, where I came from... what I did... it was a sea of immeasurable suffering that I provoked. Yet here I was. But I was different now, and I was not a danger to Rhodes Island, unlike some other current operators. And unlike some of the more dubious recruits. Yet it was not my department to decide. They chose to give them a chance. The repercussions, if there were any, would be on them. And hopefully not a blunder on their part that would affect me or my close ones.

  -Any doubts about them?

  -Not sure I could really say. Some don't inspire me trust on different levels.

  -Yet I cannot act on that alone. The respective departments told me they are bona fide moulding clay to shape into operators, and so I will do my job nevertheless.

  -''None have given me real reason to exclude them from this course.'' I had finished speaking my thoughts.

  -''Well, Rhodes Island is such a place that would attract all kinds of individuals from all over Terra.'' Ansel replied.

  -And I somehow have to mould them into a coherent fighting force.

  -I don't envy you the task. No matter what bonus Kal'tsit might have given you.

  -It is what it is, I'll carry that weight.

  -''We have neglected joining the meetings with the Wine-Tasting Society lately.'' Added Ansel.

  -Hah. I know, this course eats up a lot of our time. Hate to have to message Tequila that I can't arrive.

  -We should catch up after this is over.

  -Well aren't you a brother for a fine wine. I'll take you up on it happily.

  ...

  I entered my apartment, and not even a few moments later after I locked the door behind me that a wild lupa appeared. Lunging straight at me! I caught her mid-air and swung halfway with her in my arms.

  -What a ferocious guardian you are!

  -''Rawr~.'' She roared in a feral but playful tone at me.

  I kissed her forcefully, and I felt her body mellow onto mine.

  -''Mmmh.'' She moaned pleased before she would speak more.

  -Welcome home, my mate.

  -Hungry?

  -Will be soon, making something for dinner?

  -Home-made shawarma.

  -''Hmm?'' She hummed. Unfamiliar with my old world term.

  -Wrapped sargonian speciality.

  -I'll help you make them. Negroni before we start?

  -I see you're warming me up to it. Yes, pour us some, mia dolce lupa.