"What do you think we should do, Jason?"
Malcolm couldn't decide on the spot and chose to pass the hot potato to an outsider, Red Squadron's team leader, Jason.
These trainees would eventually join the teams, so a captain like Jason did have a say.
"I think, before we discuss this intriguing trainee, we should probably take care of that guy first. He looks pretty rough right now." Jason pointed at the burly black man lying on the ground.
"Of course."
Malcolm didn't object, shrugging as he glanced at his assistant instructor nearby.
The instructor, tasked with this grunt work, immediately signaled to the people outside the Killing House, "Medical team, enter the field! Get the injured out first."
"This batch of trainees has a strange one amongst them. Usually the medical team's the most idle out of everyone, but now they've got their hands full, haha."
Ray cracked a joke before offering a suggestion, "Looking at this trainee's performance, do we really need to continue the assessment? I don't think a few words from the chief would faze him. Just declare him passed and call it a day."
Jason chimed in, "The third scenario tests independent thinking, sir. Do you really think he's lacking in that department?"
Jason didn't give a direct answer. He took one last look at Long Zhan waiting below, smiled, and turned to leave the elevated walkway.
Ray jogged a couple steps to catch up, looking quite pleased.
Clearly, after watching all the trainees' assessments, both were satisfied with this scouting trip of theirs and had their preferred foreign aid candidates in mind.
Right outside the Killing House doors, Ray couldn't wait to ask, "Hey, Jason, which trainee do you think fits as foreign aid?"
"I'm leaning toward Gibran, he’s bold, meticulous, and has solid fundamentals. Doesn't seem like a trainee at all. We need someone just like that."
Jason removed his helmet, holding it as he reminisced, "Especially that last move of his, really fascinating stuff.
“It didn't look flashy, but the way he channeled his power was brilliant, and the force was ferocious.
“In under two meters of acceleration, using pure body strength to send someone flying…first time in my life seeing that. It’s almost unbelievable even though it happened right in front of my eyes.
“If I get the chance, I'd like to learn that move from him. Hope he won't mind, haha."
Long Zhan's Iron Mountain Lean had such a visual impact; for lifelong students like special forces operators, this force-application technique was something worth studying.
"That kid's strong alright. His overall ability outshines the other trainees by a country mile. Once trained, he'll be the one every captain fights over."
Ray agreed with Jason's view, then changed the topic, "The other trainee, Clay Spencer. I think his performance was outstanding too. In some ways, he’s no worse than Gibran."
"You mean the one whose dad wrote a book? I don't think he's ready to join us on this mission." Jason furrowed his brow.
"Not ready? Maybe, but you've got to admit, he's a clever one. Our Bravo Team's full of old timers, we could use a sharp mind like that." Ray said.
"Heh, clever or just a smart-ass? We all saw him get taken out by a woman, while Gibran survived, and that’s putting it lightly." Jason countered.
"Remember us back in Green Team? You and I both know that scenario is unwinnable. Gibran's different, he's a monster. He shouldn't even be in Green Team; I wouldn't be surprised if he became a Tier 1 operator tomorrow. We need to promote trainees with potential."
"Fine, you have a point. But I still say Gibran's better for this operation’s foreign aid spot. Since we're deadlocked, how about we head back and let the boss decide?"
"Oh, that's a great idea, I like it."
...
Jason and Ray debated the foreign aid picks as they left Green Team, heading back to headquarters on the second floor to let their commanding officer make the call.
Meanwhile, the S&T course assessment in the Killing House officially wrapped up.
Long Zhan, having aced the second scenario and caught all the examiners off guard, skipped the third scenario entirely.
In the final rankings, Long Zhan placed first once again.
Clay, with his skill, luck, and good timing, as well as the first-mover advantage, “only” secured second.That score ensured he wouldn't get eliminated in this round for being voted bottom five by the other trainees.
As for who snagged the foreign aid spot, all the trainees, including Long Zhan and Clay, could only wait for word from Bravo Team.
Long Zhan figured the notice would come late, so he planned to hit the local bar that night with Clay and Brian.
With the next two days off for the weekend, and having just finished phase two of training, it was time to find some company and address those physical needs that had been boiling up.
If he ran into the cutie in the tight jeans from last time, it would be even better.The three of them had just changed into casual clothes that afternoon and were about to head out to find a restaurant for dinner, when an E6-class non-commissioned officer, black and incredibly sexy and captivating, came to visit
Clay and Brian didn't recognize her, but Long Zhan did.While her appearance meant his chances of a relaxing night out were over, considering what was about to happen, his physical needs were of little concern.
Because this woman was Bravo Team's logistics sergeant, Lisa Davis, responsible for getting everything that Bravo Team needed.
From prepping mission gear for the team, to relaying requests to superiors…
Davis showing up for Long Zhan meant the Bravo Team foreign aid spot was about to be revealed.
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