Chapter One – Colin
Colin collapsed onto his bed with a groan, drills still echoing in his muscles. Across the room, Tyree sat grinning at his phone, thumbs flying—undoubtedly texting Olivia.
“I’ll never find love like you and Olivia,” Colin muttered.
Tyree looked up, his face lit with his usual spark. “Don’t say that, man!”
Tyree’s optimism was bulletproof. No matter the day, he always had a grin ready. Colin didn’t answer. He rolled over and grabbed a graphic novel from his bedside table, trying to disappear into the panels. But Tyree’s intermittent laughter kept tugging him back—each chuckle a reminder of everything Colin didn’t have.
Despite their tight friendship, they couldn’t have been more different. Tyree came from a picture-perfect home. His father was a decorated Army general; Tyree had practically been molded to follow in his footsteps.
Colin’s road to the academy had been anything but smooth. After his father died, life had gone sideways—bad choices, worse consequences. A social worker called this place a “chance for growth.” Colin just saw it as a last resort.
He shut his eyes, blocking out the noise. Eventually, exhaustion pulled him under.
Colin woke to an empty room. The clock blinked 11:34 a.m.—way later than he’d planned. Tyree was gone, probably with Olivia. Alone and facing a mountain of homework, Colin sat up—just as a knock hit the door.
Corporal Jenkins stood there, chest puffed like he was starring in a movie.
“Private Hitchcock,” he barked, voice full of theatrical authority.
Colin raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“You’ll address me as Corporal,” Jenkins snapped.
Colin didn’t bother arguing.
“Commander Arredondo’s requested your presence. Urgently.”
Still unmoved, Colin finally grabbed his jacket.
“That means now, Private,” Jenkins added, irritation thick in his voice.
They walked in silence down the hall. Jenkins strutted like he owned the place, but Colin knew better. At the Commander’s door, Jenkins straightened dramatically.
“Commander, I’ve brought Private Hitchcock as requested.”
“Thank you, Private,” Arredondo said with a subtle smirk, deliberately leaving Jenkins’ rank unacknowledged. Jenkins deflated slightly before retreating.
“He could use a little humbling,” Arredondo said, shooting Colin a knowing glance.
Colin smirked. Arredondo was one of the few in charge who didn’t feel fake. He balanced order with a kind of quiet respect Colin rarely encountered.
“Where’s Tyree?” Arredondo asked.
“With Olivia, I think.”
The Commander chuckled. “He must’ve gotten his romantic streak from his mother. His father was all business.”
Colin offered a faint smile.
“I’ve got good news and bad news,” Arredondo continued. “Which do you want first?”
“Bad, I guess.”
“You’re organizing the basement storage room. It’s a mess, and I want it handled. Tyree’s helping.”
Colin blinked. He’d never been assigned anything like this. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was something. A chance.
“What’s the good news?”
Arredondo leaned back. “Do it right, and you’ll move up in rank.”
Colin blinked again. “Seriously?”
The Commander grinned. “Hope you’re not afraid of mice.”
Colin walked back to the dorm with something new burning in his chest—pride. Small as the task was, someone finally trusted him. He couldn’t wait to tell Tyree.
But when he stepped inside, Tyree was already there, hunched on his bed, eyes red.
“Tye?” Colin asked cautiously. “You okay?”
Tyree swiped at his face. “Olivia… she broke up with me.”
Colin felt a flicker of satisfaction—he couldn’t help it—but buried it fast. Tyree didn’t need gloating. He needed a friend, but Colin wasn’t the best at expressing emotion. Empathy. The only emotions he knew were anger and pride. Tyree looked up at him, and Colin wasn’t sure if Tyree was looking for him to do something verbally or physically. Colin thought he needed something to get his mind off her.
Colin sat beside him, unsure what to say. After a long pause, he asked, “What happened?”
“She didn’t say. Just… it’s over.” Tyree’s voice was flat. cracking between words. Colin thought he was so full of life, and now he’s like death.
Colin reached out and patted his shoulder—awkward, but sincere. Tyree gave a weak nod.
“So… what’s this news you were gonna tell me?” Tyree asked after a moment.
“Arredondo gave me an assignment.”
Tyree perked up, just a bit. “No way. What is it?”
“We’re clearing out the storage room. Tonight.”
Tyree groaned. “Wait—we?”
“Yep. Commander said you’re my second-in-command.”
Tyree flopped back onto the bed. “Guess I can’t say no to that.”
Colin grinned. “Rest up. We will head out at 1300 hours”
He flicked off the light, the room settling into quiet. For once, Colin felt like he belonged.
