FSE

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Chapter 9

Morning came sooner than expected. The lights came on and Alex's eyes clenched shut. He didn't know what time it was but it was too early for the yelling and banging that soon filled the bay. The drill sergeant's voices echoed through the room and they went by each bed, banging against the metal bunks. Alex rolled off his bed and onto the floor before lifting himself up. He opened his eyes to others scrambling around, and rummaging through their lockers.

"What are we doing?" Alex asked Finley who was throwing items into the rucksacks they had been issued.

"We have a formation downstairs we gotta hurry or they'll smoke us, they want us to bring... uhm..." he was starting to panic, dropping his canteens on the floor as his face scrunched up in thought. Alex looked up and saw Will putting his bag on his back and was stopped to fix his uniform. He ran over to ask what they were supposed to pack.

"You didn't hear?" he asked.

"No, all I heard was a bunch of yelling, and Finley said they were going to smoke us, what's that?"

"That means they are going to make us do exercises until we fall over." Will then listed seven items they were supposed to bring and then headed downstairs. Alex went back to his bunk and gathered what Will had told him, he noticed Finley about to walk out and asked if knew what the items were.

"I have no idea, I just grabbed some things." he said nervously as he turned and kept going. Alex turned to the pudgy cheetah next to him and asked him the same question. When he gave the same answer as Finley Alex gave him the correct list. After the cheetah thanked him he picked up his gear he looked towards the back where a few stragglers were still in the process of guessing what to bring. Alex called out the list and was immediately hushed by some dissenters, Polk and Vernon among them as they finished and headed downstairs together. Will shrugged it off and held his tongue, following them out and jogging his way down the stairs. There was a drill sergeant waiting at the bottom of the stairs from another platoon with a stopwatch in his paw. He shook his head side to side as the last few pack lugging recruits came down stairs and stood in formation.

Alex looked around in their formation and could see the different shapes of his platoon mates packs.

"Four minutes!?" one of the drill sergeants yelled. They all stood in silence, only the crickets and the distant darkness reminded them of what time it was. The concrete formation area on the first floor under the bays was lit so well you might have trouble telling whether it was dawn or dusk.

"We wake you up and tell you to get outside as fast as possible with a few items and it takes ya'll four minutes?" all the platoons had their drill sergeants standing in front of them, First Sergeant Radley was the one yelling. His voice was like a sonic boom in the otherwise silent air. He turned as he heard footsteps, a group of three stragglers coming down last.

"Five minutes and 37 seconds! I've never seen such an awful performance. AND YOU!" he stopped and pointed at one of the trio as soon as they reached the bottom of the steps. "Where is your weapon!" the poor marsupial had forgotten it upstairs. He directed them to fall into formation and then dropped their platoon to the ground. First platoon spent the rest of the inspections in the front leaning rest. The drill sergeants ordered everyone to drop their rucks in front of them and proceeded to check who had brought the right items. Not surprisingly there was a lot of confusion, every other bag had the wrong items. Kemp ended up checking Alex's bag and spit to his side once he was finished.

"How are you going to tell me the fox got it right but not of you other idiots did?" Alex heard someone scoff behind him, Kemp heard it too. "Something funny Private?" Vernon was behind him.

"No drill sergeant!" Vernon shouted.

"Now you're lying to me! You just laughed didn't you?" Kemp had Vernon on the ground in seconds, doing push ups like the rest of those who had brought the wrong items. At least half of third platoon and the rest of the platoons was on the ground. The drill sergeants finished their check and then returned to the front of the platoon with Beatty getting the attention of those who were standing.

"Do you know why your platoon mates are doing push ups?" he asked. A stallion near the front was brave enough to answer.

"Correct, and do you know why you're doing push ups?" he asked, some of those standing looking around confused. Before Beatty forced the rest of the platoon down join their mates.

"You're all going to suffer because half of you were not prepared, that means the half that was didn't help out their buddies." Alex gritted his teeth as he pushed with everybody else, he had tried to help but was brushed aside. There was nothing he could do except bear with it. The command to rise finally came and Alex didn't realize how tired he was until he stopped and stood. His vision blurred briefly but he could still hear Beatty shouting commands at the platoon. They were dismissed and headed back up to their bay, the clock above the desk at the front only showed 2:30 in the morning.

Alex had to be up for fire guard in a little over an hour and he grumbled something to himself as the bay quieted down and the lights were shut off again.

"Get up maggots!" the lights came on again much too soon and the first thing Alex heard was cursing from those around him. The instructors came through again and gave another list of items, demanding everyone be downstairs with them as soon as possible. This time though as the drill sergeants left a few went up and down the bay, repeating the items. The first two platoon member's ready stood by the door to make sure everyone had their weapon and ask about the items in their bags. The process felt much faster this time, probably because most had chosen to stay in uniform in case this happened again. Alex made his way down in the middle of the pack, lining up in his spot as Kemp counted off a timer. The last person came down the stairs at two minutes and thirty seconds.

"Still slow, now let's see those bags." they went through opening bags one by one, checking the items and moving on. Out of the corner of his eye Alex saw one of the other platoons go down. Someone must have forgot something. The drill sergeants returned to the front of third platoon looked about ready to let them go until someone sneezed. A sick smile curled on the Bull's lip and he ordered everyone down. Any little thing would have given the instructors a reason to get them down. He smoked them until a few collapsed and then made them get up and return to their bay. Alex and some others were still panting as they settled back on their beds. The clock read 3:20, dissuading Alex from trying to fall back asleep only to be woken in forty minutes.

He laid awake in his bed until someone came and patted his shoulder.

"Get up, it's your shift." Alex slid his legs off the bed and stretched before standing and walking to the front. The yellow lab at the front desk he replaced had bags under his eyes and practically crawled back to his bunk. The chubby cheetah who slept in the bunk next to Alex joined him at the front with the wolf who woke them. Teams of two were always required to watch together.

"This is the wake up time, you have to mop the bathroom and get a headcount for drill sergeant when he comes."

"That's it?" the wolf nodded and yawned before shuffling off. The door to the hallway way was open, letting light shine into the front of the bay and the desk.

"Your Rocker right?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Well it's sort of on your chest," he said pointing at Alex's name tag, the fox still wasn't used to that, "I'm Klaus." the cheetah extended his paw. Alex took it and shook it lightly, noting the cheetah barely had any grip on his shake.

"Thanks for telling me what the items were the first time, I was too nervous to ask anyone." Klaus said.

"I know that feeling. You have to just act sometimes though otherwise you'll be out of luck." Alex said.

"Probably, I'll get used to it I'm sure. Say did you want to mop the bathroom?" Alex sighed, looking down at his boots before back up to Klaus.

"Not really, how about we flip for it?" Alex asked.

"Do you have a coin? Check the desk." Klaus suggested. Alex opened the desk drawer and went through it quietly, not finding anything. He pulled out a piece of paper and ripped the corner, writing heads on one side and tails on the other.

"Will this work?" Klaus seemed unwilling, he bit his lip and paused before giving a weak "I guess..."

"What? It's not like its hard work. Haven't you mopped anything before?" the irony struck home for Alex as he said it, realizing he never had actually mopped anything before.

"Just do it." Alex held up the piece of paper and dropped it. They both watched it flutter onto the desk and it landed with the word "heads" facing up.

"We never called sides did we?" Alex asked.

"Heads" Klaus spat out, hoping to beat Alex to the phrase. The fox looked at his companion and couldn't help letting out a quiet laugh, he kept his paw over his muzzle to keep it down but stood and started walking around the desk.

"Does that mean you'll do it?" Klaus asked.

"Such a stupid idea." Alex said, still chuckling as he made his way to the bathrooms. He opened the door and found a mop and bucket in the corner. It didn't take long how to figure out the mopping business, he found himself humming along as he worked his way around the bathroom. When the smell of cleaning supplies was too strong Alex decided his job was done, he finished up and walked casually back down the bay. Klaus had his head down on the desk, if Alex didn't know any better it looked like he was sleeping. He was about 10 feet from the desk when he heard footsteps towards the door. He was too far to say anything loud enough to wake the cheetah so he stomped his left boot into the floor, making a vibration and thud the cheetah could hear. He lifted his head just as Hinde came through the door.

"Headcount?" he asked.

"60 drill sergeant." Klaus replied

"Uh huh, is that a number you counted or a number from the last shift?" the tiger's arms folded, a smug look on his face as if he was daring them to lie.

"From the last shift drill sergeant." Alex spat out before Klaus could make a mistake.

"Go ahead and count then, I'll wait." he walked to Klaus and stood next to him until the cheetah had the sense to stand up and give the chair over. Klaus and Alex went through the bay counting everyone, returning to give the same number.

"Good, you clean the bathroom yet this shift?" the tiger leaned over to check the desk.

"Yes drill sergeant." Alex said.

"Then why isn't it on the log here? Why do you think we have a log?" he referred to the piece of paper Alex had torn the edge off before.

"I just finished it before you came in drill sergeant." the tiger had been waiting for one of them to make a mistake, ready to pounce but they never did. He stood up and left, leaving the two with only the job of waking their platoon at five and having everyone outside by 5:15.

"That was close." Klaus wiped his forehead and sat back down.

"Close? You were asleep he probably would have flipped if he'd seen you."

"Sorry Rock I'm super tired.

"It's Rocker, and just be more careful okay?" Alex urged the cheetah, not wanting his relaxed attitude to get him in trouble.

"You got it pal." they chatted until it was time to flick the lights on. Trading stories and laughing, Klaus even revealed he had a secret for sneaking in food. He slid some peanut butter packets from his sleeves and had a devious grin.

"What the hell? You were serious? If they catch us were done for." Alex said, looking around them.

"No one has to know, look I just slip them up my sleeve when I go through the chow line, no one notices. I've heard stories of them using starvation as a tactic, but with these we'll be set." Klaus smiled deviously.

"I don't like it, you better have a damn good hiding spot, and I'm not talking the fall if someone finds those." Alex said as sternly as he could.

"More for me." Klaus smiled and opened one of the packets to squeeze its contents into his muzzle. Alex stood and walked towards the wall, not wanting to be part of the cheetah's crime. Good morning he thought as he flicked on the light switch, causing the groans of countless others. Him and Klaus walked the bay rattling the bunks of those reluctant to get up. Alex ended up over Will's bed and patted his cheek on each side.

"Wake up sleepy." he giggled. Will's face twisted as his muzzle was playfully patted on each side. Alex and Klaus went then their ways, getting dressed in workout clothes and heading downstairs for their second day. Third platoon made it out by 5:15 but fourth platoon didn't. As the rest were marched off to an area to start physical training fourth platoon remained on the ground doing push-ups. The morning PT as everyone called it was sort of like marching. Alex appreciated the simplicity of most of the routines, he didn't have to think and only had to listen. This day was slower as all the different techniques and styles of exercise were introduced which ended in some hill climbs. They headed back to the barracks with the other with the other platoons and up to their bays where they showered, changed and got ready. This would become their routine for the next eight weeks.

Breakfast followed, then by another briefing back in the bay. The materials handed out prior would be on a test and everyone was expected to study until the afternoon. On the test would be everything they had been taught about so far. Courtesies, customs, ranks and rules, most of it was a way the drill sergeants could prove you were actually paying attention and couldn't claim negligence if you made a mistake. Alex formed a study group with Price near his bunk, inviting Finley and Klaus over so they could help each other. By the afternoon the four were bouncing terms and historical facts off each other like ease. Will expressed some doubt to Alex when they had a moment before taking the tests but Alex patted his back and told him to relax.

Testing was done in a large cleared out gymnasium which had been lined with school desks. The room got stuffy after it had been packed full with the entirety of Charlie Company. Drill Sergeants walked the isles to deter cheating and the testing lasted into the evening. After finishing and collecting the tests third platoon had to stay and move all the desks into storage. Everyone lined up and passed desks down the hall into storage like a fire brigade passing down buckets to put out a blaze.

"Listen up!" Hinde got in front of them as they formed up, stomachs growling, "The testing took so long we missed the chow time, were going to march back to the bay but no food tonight." Groaning followed to Hinde's frustration. "You can go back hungry or you can go back tired and hungry." he said, his face giving away his thoughts, he was just waiting for someone to groan or complain. With no more interruptions Hinde marched the platoon back and sent them up to their places. Once in the bay Will found his way next to Alex who had opened one of the windows and was looking out with his arms on the windowsill.

"Something out there?" Will asked, sitting on a bunk nearby.

"No, just really green, I've never seen so much green in my life.

"I guess it does make things back home look a bit grey huh?"

"Yeah..." his voice carried a solemn tone, he could certainly handle himself if they were going to spend the next couple weeks taking tests. Too bad things were most likely only going to get harder from here.

"Thanks for helping us out by the way."

"The study group? No it was a mutual thing." Alex chuckled.

"Finley over there wouldn't have known his left foot from his right going into that stuff. I probably wouldn't have been any better." he paused as Alex kept his head looking out the window, a needed breeze flowing along his cheeks. "How do you remember things so well?"

"What?" the fox turned to face Will with a furrowed brow."

"Half the time when they give us information it's yelling or while were doing something else. Like earlier when you pointed out the portraits on the wall how did you even see that?" Will said.

"I guess I'm used to getting yelled at already. I don't really know. I've always had a keen eye for details though." Alex shrugged his shoulders.

"Well keep it up, I think they said that next week is the obstacle course so I'll make sure and stick close in case you need me." Alex smiled and nodded, Will stood to walk away but not before you could see the slight movements of a flicking tail tucked down his leg.

"Lights out!" someone yelled as the room went dark. Rocker made his way to bed and was just grateful not to have watch duty tonight. As he laid in bed he figured this was the nicest part of the day. Despite the yelling, stress and panic induced moments each day ended in a quiet respite.

The next day was all about weapons, manuals and practice. They went over how to disassemble their rifles and clean them. Not surprisingly that is what the platoon spent the whole day doing. Rocker brushed and scrubbed every inch of the rifle inside and out, he had pieces and cleaning materials scattered around him just like the rest. The drill sergeants walked up and down the line, answering questions and making demonstrations to those having difficulty. They even corrected a few for using the wrong terminology with a new series of physical challenges. A husky who had misspoke held his arms out until his was squirming around his spot.

Beatty challenged any who thought they had thoroughly cleaned their weapon to come forward. Challengers soon learned their mistake, each fur who brought up their weapon was forced to do some outlandish exercise as punishment. To be fair though each time Beatty managed to find carbon build-up somewhere. Eventually volunteers stopped attempting to say they had fully cleaned their weapons. Beatty made a point to reassure them that no amount of cleaning would ever make their weapons completely clean. The last part of day was spent on learning how to quickly assemble and disassemble their weapons after cleaning them for hours. They held contests which Vernon managed to win, no doubt boosting his ego as he looked down on those who lost to him.

The day wasn't without bad incident though, there was quite a bit of fooling around by the guys. Some didn't treat the weapon with the respect it deserves and were punished for it. They were punished by the weapon themselves, not the drill sergeants. A collie that had gotten too rambunctious had released the bolt carelessly and caught a digit in the chamber. The bolt slammed forward with enough force to cause the dog to howl with pain, his weapon and part of his uniform quickly becoming painted red. Kemp came over to take control of the situation, freeing the collie's paw and practically carrying him down the bay screaming at him to get to the company's medic downstairs. Beatty took the chance to lecture everyone what happens when you don't treat the weapons with respect.

Polk was near the bloody mess near the back of the bay and everyone quickly found out how squeamish he was.

"Drill Sergeant I need to-" he couldn't finish, the stallion curled over and threw up the remains of his dinner onto the floor. The sight of blood was too much for him to handle. Those near the front laughed but for those close to the mix of blood and puke it was no laughing matter. The smell was soon overpowering and Rocker never thought he would welcome the smell of bleach so eagerly. Hinde took over the group, ordering everyone to the front where they were smoked for whatever reason he could come up with. Beatty supervised the cleaning in the back, holding his nose as he shook his head. When order was restored the drill sergeants called an early lights out and sent everyone to bed. The collie that left never returned.

As the week continued everyone began to settle into their new lifestyle. Alex started making mental notes to help keep himself out of trouble. By listening and observing his platoon mates interactions with the drill sergeants he was able to judge their personalities a bit. Hinde was more willing to help when asked than Kemp. Hinde was also a bit more forgiving, preferring to correct deficiencies than simply punish you for them. Kemp on the other paw caught someone trying to touch his hat and Alex was sure the poor fella was going to faint before his punishment was over. He was mean, almost sadistic in his execution of authority. Beatty was harder to figure out than his subordinates, his expressions rarely changed from blank or neutral and his tone was almost always level except for when he led marches and runs.

Figuring out the drill sergeants was only one element of survival though. With the initial fear and intimidation of the Army fading Alex's platoon mates began to reveal their personalities as well.

Chapter 10

The morning runs were getting more intense in week two. Physical fitness standards were emphasized as the platoons went on strenuous treks in the surrounding forests on paths and around the base roads in the mornings. There were two running groups, a fast one and a slow one. Hinde and Kemp led the slow group, keeping everyone together and chastising those who couldn't keep up. Beatty led the fast group but Alex never saw him look even a bit tired. Alex had started out in the slow group and ran next to Klaus, trying to keep the pudgy cheetah going.

"Come on buddy were almost back." Alex said, his speech coming easily.

"I'm not going to make it Rock, go on without me." Klaus replied, he was winded and clutching his side.

"Cut it out you say that every time."

"No I mean it I'm-" he left the group off to the side of the road and hurled into the grass. Hinde was keeping track of stragglers so he stopped to check on him as the rest kept going. Alex could hear chuckling at the cheetah's expense as they topped a hill and their area came into view. They came into the formation area and started doing their cooldown exercises. Beatty was walking up and down the slow group pointing out furs.

"You, you... you." he got to Alex, "You- You're not even panting! What are you doing in the slow group?"

"I didn't feel good this morning drill sergeant."

"Bullshit, Private Klaus felt a lot worse." Kemp chimed in, getting a few laughs.

"I want you in the fast group next run." the doberman kept his intimidating gaze locked on Alex until he affirmed the command. The stragglers came jogging up eventually with Hinde at the rear. They chatted briefly until everyone was in formation, then ordered it to attention.

"This is the easy part privates, if you're struggling now you might want to think about your career choice." Beatty paced in front of the group as he talked, casually berating those who hadn't run well that day. He dismissed the group and everyone went up to the bays to get ready for the day. This week was going to be all about obstacle courses and similar team-building exercises. Alex wasn't too enthused, especially after learning part of the training involved some sort of rappelling. He had never been a fan of heights.

"You ready for the tower?" Finley asked as he gathered his things next to Alex.

"I will never be ready for any tower." Alex said. He was anxious, his paws would fidget whenever he thought about how high they would be. He had everything packed and asked Finley to tighten his vest.

"These things are a pain." Finley muffed as he pulled at the straps, trying to get the vest to be a snug fit on its small wearer.

"I know, do we have to wear them the whole time?" Alex asked.

"I think so but not for the climbing, just for one of the courses." Finley said.

"Great, only one of them?" Alex asked sarcastically. Finley finished tightening the vest, it was a little more comfortable when snug but still was awkward to move in. The vests were made of Kevlar and had ceramic plate inserts, though thankfully those were left out for now. Rocker looked over his shoulder to tuck a strap in and saw Klaus was ready and eating one of his peanut butter packets.

"Klaus what the hell?" Alex asked.

"What?" the cheetah said with a puzzled look.

"Stop eating! The runs aren't going to get any easier." Klaus paused before walking away, Alex watched him toss the packet into the trash before he turned around to finish getting ready and head downstairs. He sat his things down in front of him in the formation area and waited until everyone had made it down. They double checked their gear and headed out carrying everything they needed. With weapon vest and pack Alex guessed it was about 40 or more pounds. He knew there was a long march at the end but walking with the gear for a short distance wasn't bothering him.

The formation marched in two columns, one on each side of the road. Despite the fact Alex was wearing a uniform and carrying a bunch of stuff it almost felt like a walk in the woods. He didn't have anything on his mind except the obstacle course that was coming up. There was nothing else to worry about, no parents, no homework and no stress. It was serene and in a strange way the freest he had ever felt. As they approached the course though his heart fell into his stomach. Over the tree tops he could see the wooden structure they would be descending from. It only got bigger as they got closer, inspiring awe in a unpleasant way. What must have looked like some rickety wooden contraption to passersby would most certainly be his death. They lined up in the clearing that held the structure and Alex could see the entrance to different obstacle courses in the edge of the clearing.

"Remember our briefing privates, nothing bad is going to happen as long as you follow instructions. This exercise is 100% safe." Beatty finished, standing in front of the formation with the tower to his back. Something was moving on top of the tower though everyone's head glued to it instantly like it was shooting star streaking through the sky. Then it fell but there were limbs, a head, Oh shit! The same thought probably racing through everyone's mind as a dummy hit the ground with a twisting whack. Some gasped and then a figure appeared atop the tower waving a paw.

"That's what happens when you don't follow instructions. Get it?" Beatty said.

The group chanted, "Yes drill sergeant!" in response. The unloaded their gear in neat rows and stacked their weapons nearby so they could put harnesses on. The platoons went in number order, meaning third platoon did some rope exercises while they waited. None of them managed to calm Alex down though, when it was time to harness up his paws were shaking so bad he couldn't tighten the ropes. Hinde came over to help after he raised his paw.

"What's the matter private I thought you were one of the smart ones?" the tiger joked.

"I can't get my harness tight enough drill sergeant." Hinde tugged on the ropes and adjusted one piece but then stood with his paws on his hips.

"It's plenty tight private now stop shaking. This is the easiest thing you'll do all day." he headed off to help someone else leaving Alex just as nervous. The harness was so tight he walked a little funny to prevent circulation getting cut off in his legs. The platoon lined up to go up the backside of the wooden structure. They climbed cargo net ladders to get to the top, exhausting most and helping Rocker take his mind off the height. Once at the top he watched the line in front of him slowly move forward, each fur leaning off the edge and disappearing one by one.

"Come on! Look pussy, you get over that ledge or I'll shove you over." Kemp was at the top. Of all the drill sergeants they stuck the most intimidating one at the top? A terrified canine wiggled his way over the edge and took a slap on his muzzle before he started listening to commands again. Then he was gone. Alex crawled forward on his paws to the edge and Kemp hooked his harness up to the anchor. Alex turned his head and Kemp gave him a cold, dead look. The bull wasn't about to have any of his shit so the fox took a breather and slid himself off the edge without incident. He stopped once his boots were against the solid wall he'd be descending down. Kemp gave a few more instructions and Alex abandoned his instincts, kicking off the wall and throwing his arm out. He descended a good distance and came smoothly back to the wall, again he kicked off, his fear fading as he continued down.

His boots touched the solid ground and he froze for a moment, overwhelmed with a feeling of success. He walked to the side where a course worker undid his harness and released him from the ropes. He took his equipment and turned it in to go join the rest of his platoon as they readied for the obstacle course. A few others had an ecstatic look about them, no doubt as thrilled that it was over or that they managed to do it at all. Before Alex had a chance to talk with Will about how good he felt they were being lined up to start.

"For this course you will work in your squads, the first squad to finish eats first tonight." a simple reward, but worth it nonetheless.

"We will be watching you progress, remember to keep your weapons out of the dirt." Beatty then blew a whistle and they were off. There were four lanes that each squad of 15 or so followed. Carrying a weapon and wearing their Kevlar vests wasn't a problem until they started leaping over holes and barriers, then crawling under tree limbs and through the dirt. Even Will was beginning to look a little winded, he was in front of Alex and his steps started to drag on the ground.

The first parts were easy but the soon found themselves on the team obstacles. The four squads had kept pace with each other but now there was a disparity. The first was a pipe they had to crawl through, the end of which came out into a pit. The first few into the pipe climbed their way out and kept going, leaving the rest to climb out on their own. Alex left the pipe just in time to call out to Will who had just made it.

"Price!" the wolf turned and looked down curiously.

"Help me up I can't climb this." Alex held up his weapon and Will grabbed it, placing it aside and the reaching down to help pull the small fox up the side. Once up Will picked up his weapon and was about to keep going before Alex stopped him.

"Hey slow down, it's faster if we help each other. Look." Alex reached his arm down and took the next squad mates weapon, reaching his paw down to help pull him up. Will followed, pulling the feline up much easier than the fox had been managing. They got the next few up quickly and proceeded on their way. Their squad mates seemed to like the idea of teamwork and when Alex and Will arrived last at the next obstacle they were helping each other through it. After wiggling his way under some barbed wire Alex reached the end and held out his arms, two heaves later he was on his feet and they were moving on.

Alex looked to the other lanes and saw the others were catching on. Next it was up a 10 foot wall, two stronger wolves perched atop and helped pull everyone up and over. Like clockwork they were onto the next, climbing up and over a net wall one a time in a relay fashion. By the time they reached the end everyone was hunched over or leaning against a tree, panting. They had one more obstacle to go, dropping off a ledge and crawling through mud to the finish line. Their squad lined up on the edge where they looked over. Vernon, Polk and a few others from another squad stood by watching, unable to continue because they had to wait for the rest of their squad. They had decided to go through as fast as possible without knowing everyone had to finish together.

"You can't jump down that, don't even try it." Beatty said as he watched on.

"Let's lower each other down." Alex suggested, some didn't even hear him say anything they were so tired. He sat by the edge and someone laid on the edge next to him so they could slide off.

"Come on guys I can't hold him by myself." Alex held one arm and a cougar held the other. They lowered the first squad mate down where he reluctantly dove into the mud and began crawling.

"You next?" someone asked. Alex shook his head to decline.

"I'm the lightest, I'll go last." with that they continued to lower each other down, Alex was replaced on the edge by someone stronger and he waited until it was his turn. He helped the second to last fur down and wiggled himself off the edge. A slight fear returned as he felt the open air beneath him.

"Come on, drop, I got you." Will said beneath him, if it would have been anyone else's voice he might have hesitated but he let go of the edge and the wolf caught him with ease. They dove into the mud and crawled their way to an easy finish over the other squads. Alex and the others high pawed each other and refilled their canteens to hydrate after the vigorous course. He never thought he'd by gleaming and excited while covered in mud.

The other squads finished with Vernon's coming in last. Beatty gave a quick lesson to them by smoking them when they finished. Everyone watched as he drilled the importance of teamwork over and over. He let them up and everyone picked up the rest of their things to march back. The longer it took the more disgusted Alex felt, he fatigues were still wet but the mud had begun drying in his fur. Back in their bays they took longer than normal showers and then marched to dinner.

When they returned they expected a briefing on the next day but instead they were put on their paws. Alex immediately felt uncomfortable doing push ups with all the food in his stomach. Kemp came down the stairs with a trash can in his arms and set it down in front of the formation.

"Has anyone been bringing food into the barracks?" he asked calmly while keeping everyone on their paws.

"No takers? That's okay I've got all night." he had them down and pushing until someone's arms collapsed. Alex was hurting after everything else they had done today, having to go to his knees at points. Kemp pulled a wrapper out of the trash and held it out for everyone to see. Damnit Klaus. Kemp ordered everyone up and made them hold their arms out at shoulder length. He paced between the ranks grilling each fur about whose wrapper it was. He made it a point to remind everyone of the forms we signed and the penalties for breaking the rules. No one spoke up though, Alex wasn't willing to give up the cheetah either.

Next he ordered them to run in place with their rifles above their heads until someone puked. A tiger three furs down lost his dinner all over the pavement. Then like a chain reaction others started to hurl as if the sound and stench of the first was too much to handle. Alex knew it was coming, he cursed himself for not being able to tune out the others as he too furled over and threw up. Holding his rifle at his side he coughed and wheezed, starting to feel light headed. He stood when he was able, noticing that at least half of them had suffered the same fate.

"It was him!" someone shouted. No... he didn't... it was Vernon, and he was pointing at the fox.

"His area always smells like peanut butter." another said. Kemp looked at Alex and stomped his way over, managing to avoid stepping in anything unpleasant. He grabbed Alex by his mud-crusted fatigues and pulled him off to the side.

"Is this you private? Are you the one sneaking food into my bay" Kemp fumed.

"No drill sergeant!" Alex's voice shook as he spoke, not helping his case.

"Bullshit! I've been waiting for you to fuck up, we're going to see first sergeant." over his shoulder he could he the others be released up to the bay. Kemp took Alex down a hallway and stood him outside a door. The bull flung the door open and walked in, leaving Alex there in the open hallway. He looked down both ends at the forest in the distance and briefly thought about running for it. He'd never felt so tired, filthy and betrayed at the same time. The door opened and Kemp came out, closing the door behind him.

"Knock on the door three times, first sergeant will tell you to enter and then you march in front of his desk and await further orders. Understand?" Alex nodded but Kemp took the liberty of knocking before he could even raise a paw.

"Enter." It was a chilling thing to hear, like he was being called into a courtroom on a murder charge. Alex opened the door and made his way to First Sergeant Radley's desk, the burly fox sat proudly behind it.

"Private Rocker," he paused to raise both his paws and fold them on his desk, "I figured you were going to end up in my office at some point. Just not for this. You're aware that the policy of no food in the barracks is an order from Brigadier General Hunt correct?

"Yes first sergeant." Alex replied.

"Now I can see that you're a tiny thing, we could have put you on double rations but now my paws are tied. You realize I have to recommend your dismissal for this?" Alex felt like his tongue was caught in his throat. It wasn't right though he had to say something.

"No first sergeant I don't think that's fair." Radley pulled his paws off the table and leaned back in his chair, amused by the private's response.

"And why is that?" his tongue flicked across his lips when he was finished.

"Because it wasn't me first sergeant." Alex wasn't sure how bad he was shaking, a combination of nerves and exhaustion overpowering his will to be still.

"Are you saying your platoon mates are lying? Why would they frame you?" Radley asked.

"You said you were expecting me to be in your office at some point first sergeant, everyone else probably did too." Radley nodded his head slowly while leaning forward to stand up. He approached Alex from the side and spoke directly into his ear.

"Do you feel discriminated against?" Alex's head started to turn, his eyes moving to look at Radley before the first sergeant grabbed his muzzle and held it forward. "You're not supposed to move in this position are you?" he commanded.

"No first sergeant." Alex muttered.

"Good. Now frankly I don't know why you're here. I know it's not because you thought this was a good career path. I can see through you and I know this isn't where you want to be. My guess is either you're running from something or you were forced into service to get out of doing time. Regardless you better put your heart into it if you expect to stay in my Army. Understood?" Alex nodded and Radley relieved him, allowing him to leave.

He kept his head high, unwilling to show any more of his nerves to the senior soldier as he reached for the doorknob. It opened inward, shocking him but not as much as the cheetah standing there. Klaus stepped in and addressed Radley.

"What is it private?" the interruption had come just soon enough to prevent Radley from sitting back down, flustering him.

"It was me, Private Rocker was just taking the blame but it was me." Radley looked between the two, he was probably more inclined to believe a chubby feline had been responsible.

"Why didn't you speak up when asked in formation private?" Radley asked.

"I didn't want to get in trouble first sergeant." Klaus said.

"So you were going to let your fellow soldier take the blame? Disgraceful." Klaus opened his muzzle but Radley silenced him immediately. His voice shook the office as he called Kemp into the office.

"Get this pig out of my sight. And get his paperwork started." Kemp nodded and stomped his foot as he was dismissed, Alex was curious to see the bull who commanded such authority and fear within the platoon taking orders directly from a fox. Kemp grabbed Klaus by the shoulder and escorted him out, leaving Radley staring at Alex.

"What are you still doing in my office?" Alex nodded and turned to exit, closing the door behind him and leaned against it briefly to let out a sigh of relief. He headed for the stairs with that immense weight lifted from his shoulders. The bay was preparing for bed when he entered but Will and Finley were talking by the front. When they saw him their faces lit up and they hopped over. Finley raised his paw and slapped it against Alex's. Will hesitated for a moment before doing the same his eyes hinting that he wanted more than just a high paw.

"What happened?" Finley asked, the raccoon was jittery.

"I told him it wasn't me and then he dismissed me." Alex said.

"You told first sergeant it wasn't you and he let you go?" Will didn't look convinced.

"Well Klaus came in and admitted to it too." Alex held up his palms up in front of him, not sure how to explain it.

"Why didn't you start with that?" Finley asked, getting nosier.

"I figured I would tease you guys." Alex smiled.

"You should be thanking us." Finley chuckled. Alex shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what they were talking about.

"Actually you should thank him," Will pointed at a husky that was lying in a bunk on the other side of Klaus's.

"Yeah he caught Klaus trying to flush the rest of the evidence down the toilet." Finley said.

"Oh so he told drill sergeant?" Alex asked.

"No he told the rest of us though." Finley hopped in place, getting excited by the retelling of the story.

"Did you guys tell drill sergeant?" Alex asked again.

"Not exactly, Klaus wasn't going to turn himself in so we had to persuade him." Finley took a few jabs at the air.

"Who's us?" Alex was trying hard to get answers.

"Just me and Price, the others didn't really care so we had to take matters into our own paws." Finley said.

"Jeez you guys didn't hurt him did you?" Alex said. W_hy do I feel guilty that someone got beat up over me?_

"No, Price got him a few times in his gut and that was enough." Alex looked to the wolf who now had his arms crossed.

"You didn't have to hit him for me, it probably would have worked out." Alex said with a quieter voice.

"Why are you defending him? Fuck that guy." Alex paused for a moment, surprised by the coldness from his crush. Will stepped back and unfolded his arms as he walked away.

"Man he's touchy huh?" Finley joked.

"Yeah... thanks for doing what you guys did." Alex said to the raccoon.

"No problem, you'd do the same for me right?" Finley winked and headed to his bunk as the lights turned off. Will headed to the bathroom and brushed his teeth, looking at himself in the mirror as the bristles slid loudly. I hope he's not mad at me... I guess I should have been more thankful. Alex couldn't keep his mind off those thoughts as he returned to bed, dropping carefully onto his sheets so he wouldn't mess them up. Will was laying the other way on his bed and Alex couldn't tell how he felt.