FIVE

June

Four weeks passed into a blur. 

At first, the rhythm was unbearably exhausting and drove me to the edge of my physical abilities. I nearly threw up and fainted multiple times and I considered calling it quits. That's to the extent it has broke me.

But I couldn't. No matter how hard they pushed me. I won't give up on finding him.

But on the bright side, my endurance has increased overtime and I'm getting better at sparring these days.

When the captain caught me on my challenge, I thought I would never get far with it but as he told me, it's only mind games and once I learnt the rules, it's a lot easier.

He has no intention of making me buff just focusing on my strengths and giving coping mechanism for my weaknesses.

He mainly focused on my speed and my aim.

“It's time for the morning meeting,” the newcomer announces in a gruff, unwelcoming voice.

He's Lieutenant Viktor. The Captain's right hand man. Or more like a persistent shadow.

I prefer the Captain's company. No, not company. He's not here to be my friend obviously but I prefer his guidance and training to Viktor’s.

Viktor glanced my way with a harsh look. He always regards me like I'm some dirt under his shoes. Hell, like I'm not even worthy to be under his shoes.

He starts moving down the hall and I follow behind. We arrive at a room where breakfast is served. I took my own portion of bland food and sit on an empty bench.

I craned my head to catch a glimpse of the special ops table. They are all dressed in black, a sharp contrast to our green uniforms. 

Some are young, cheerful. Some have harsh exterior like Viktor's. Some have loyal, welcoming exterior.

Anton clicks his tongue then whispers some bullshit about them not being really Russian. Another talked about them leaving very soon and that piqued my interest.

They were leaving? 

Turns out, they wanted to recruit some soldiers for their own use. This was my chance to get in and find my husband.

I needed to get into his army of personal recruits. The meeting will start in a few minutes time and this might determine my stand.

The chatter dies down and everyone stands and salutes. I follow suit as the special ops and our unit stride in, following the major and general lieutenant.

I can't help but be drawn to him. Rhys Morozov. That's his name.

He's the tallest of the bunch and he has this mystic aura that's impossible to miss.

His purposeful strides eats up the distance as he approach us. For some reason, he seems like the most authoritarian figure here, the most commanding too.

“At ease,” Our Captain says once they are all at the podium overlooking the entire hall.

A collective lowering of hands echoes in the room, followed by a deafening silence.

“As you all know, the special operation unit was with us for a special collaborative training but this has presently come to an end.” He announced in a semi bored tone.

“The known information is that the squad will be leaving in two days and their prime objective to scout recruits. He has observed each and every one of you and will be picking the best five who will leave with his unit.” He then salutes the Captain who climbs the podium.

Captain Rhys calls the first man, a buff guy great in hand to hand combat that even Anton doesn't go near him.

Then the second, then third and fourth is called. And with each name that isn't mine, my heart falls to my feet. But I don't lose hope just yet.

His eye studies the crowd until they fall on me then he calls the last name. Vasily Korosov.

I failed. I wasn't among them.

I improved. I worked so hard. But I still failed. I blinked back the tears and slowly I backed away. It's time to call quits.

“There's one more thing.” He announces. “I asked for five but there's a soldier who's has been improving since I got here and has what it takes to be in my special squad. June Lipovsky, step forward.”

The next thing I see is the blurriness of my vision but I hold back the tears of my immense triumph and victory.

I don't know how I managed it but I did. I salute the Captain. I looked into hie eyes that looked like that if an Arctic wolf. There was no approval in them, just cold and emotionless.

The Lieutenant congratulates us but my eyes were on him. My new Captain.

They say he comes from a shady family that deals in shady business. Even his enlistment here is shrouded in mystery and reeks of unusual circumstances.

But I'm ready to forget all that and focus on becoming strong enough to find my husband. 

I caught a glimpse of Anton’s open-mouthed expression that reminded me of a fish outside water.

The congratulatory party went on for hours with the recruits drinking and dancing. Captain Rhys and Viktor was nowhere to be found either.

I took out my burner phone from my waistband and headed towards the bathroom.

“I'm in,” I typed.

I took a deep exhale. It was time.