Page 67 of Bound By Valor

Sebastian laughed but it was Zane who responded, “Once we have the holding location schematics, I plan for us to practice mock missions on it. We have twelve pods, should be enough.”

“You and your fancy equipment, Seb,” Dylan chuckled, “Whatdon’tyou have?”

“A woman,” Delara mumbled and everyone except Sebastian laughed.

After the laughter died down, the team remained silent. There was no sound save for faint clinks of the cutlery.

“I have some good news,” Delara broke the silence, “My contact at Vortex Labs came through. We’re getting their newly tested and approved military gear. The bulletproof lightweight bodysuit and their new tactical vest. I’ve ordered twenty of each. They’re coming tomorrow.”

“Excellent work, Booth,” Sebastian smiled, “You’re all also getting a wardrobe change, Squad Six. We have a habit of going in with style. So, expect your new gear in your rooms within 48 hours.”

Kabir and Dylan were smiling at each other, while Logan wore his persistent scowl as he always did in Sebastian’s presence. Amelia nodded at her plate as she chewed and Zarek remained impassive.

We all ate and talked more, and soon our conversations shifted from the heavier topic of Operation Icarus, to lighter topics of American football and ice hockey. The boys laughed and Amelia and Delara chatted. I took a few pointers but overall I remained quiet. Every now and then, I’d feel Zarek’s hand on my thigh or a squeeze on my shoulder.

I didn’t feel as much out of place, as I felt a bitintimidated. These were highly trained individuals. They were morphed into deadly weapons for their country, while I was sitting here, at the same table, training to be at least half as good as them.

???

The next day, I stepped out of the small conference room near our rooms. I had just finished my online written test and my nerves were still on fire. I had been extremely anxious, but as soon as I saw the test countdown, I used those five minutes to calm my nerves. I felt a bit relieved, similar to how I felt after a test during my university days. I was pretty confident that I had done my very best in the written test.

The morning sun filtered through the curtains as I entered our room, its early light casting long shadows across the floor. Zarek had been up with me earlier, offering quiet support before we parted ways for my test. Now, the room was empty, the quiet punctuated only by the faint sounds of the facility waking up.

Eager to shake off the last of my test nerves, I decided it was the perfect time to try out my new M18. I strapped on the belt holster and secured the gun, its weight familiar and reassuring against my side. With a determined stride, I headed to Blackthorn’s gun range to get in some practice before my official training session with Logan later in the day.

I needed to be completely in sync with this gun. I needed to feel its rhythm, its vibrations, its recoil. I needed to know everything about it.

After turning the safety off, I practiced for three sprints using their practice magazines. With a satisfiedgrin on my face, I joined Logan near the range in the target practice room.

He whistled as he eyed my gun, “I heard you did some shopping with Zarek yesterday.”

“I did,” I smiled, “You like?”

“Yeah, it’s beautiful. You know you can customize it. Spray it pink or something.”

“Black is more my color, Lo,” I rolled my eyes.

“Oh, honey, make it yours. Bedazzle it.”

“You’re weird today,” I chuckled and flicked him lightly on his forehead.

“You’ll pay for that,” he raised his brows.

“Tell you what. If I maintain my high score of 19 over 20, or exceed it, you’ll train me in the VR locomotive machine.”

“And if you don’t win?” Logan asked.

“Then I’ll let you flick me on my forehead. Use all your strength.”

“I think Zarek will murder me if he sees you need stitches on your forehead,” he grinned.

“Fine, you choose.”

Logan rubbed his jaw, “If you get anything lower than 19, you can’t join Operation Icarus.”

“What?” I almost snarled.

He shrugged.

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