Page 12 of Zero
“That’s Jasmine Caine.” Justice pointed to the woman tearing up the obstacle course. “She burned through the fallen brother obstacle in three minutes.”
“Three?” I was wide-eyed. “Is that even possible?”
“She figured out how to take him with her over that wall in the first ten seconds.” Justice explained. “It took me three minutes to figure that part out. She has a quick mind.”
Once the course was over, Justice used the speaker to ask her to remain on the course while the others were dismissed. We then descended the stairs to greet her.
She drew her body to attention and offered Justice a salute which he returned.
“At ease, soldier.” Justice said. “This is Rei Hakama—you’ve heard about the exchange program with Germany.”
“Yes, sir.” She replied. “Lovely to meet you, sir.”
I replied with a curt nod. “Same here.”
“We’ve selected two members to join me on our new team.” Justice continued. “Rei saw we were lacking females and has selected you.”
“Me, sir?” She looked from Justice to me. “Um…”
“What do you say?” I asked.
“Yes! I mean, I didn’t apply because I didn’t think I would be selected.” She admitted. “Are you sure you want me, sir?”
“I’m sure.” I replied. “We start training tomorrow at eight in the morning. Meet us in hanger D.”
“I’ll be there, sir.” Jasmine promised. “Thank you, sir.”
“Dismissed.” Justice said.
Jasmine pulled herself to attention and turned on her heels. After she left, Justice and I made our way back across the training space, along a specially marked trail. We talked about where we thought the team would be going, and what was ahead. We also spoke on my duties while I was there. Apparently, I’d be on duty—official duty—hence the badge.
With the day over, I accepted a ride back home and showered. While I warmed up some leftovers, I called home. My mother, as usual, was leaning a little too close to the camera, and all I could see was up her nose.
I smiled.
“Haha, you’re too close again.Tachisaru.” I told her. “Move back a little.”
She did as I asked and laughed. “Sore wa yoidesu.”
I agreed with her—seeing her face was much better. “Ogenki desu?”
“I’m okay.” She replied. “A little tired.”
“Gomen.” I apologised. “I didn’t mean to call so late.”
“Baby, the time difference is only six hours.” She told me softly. “I wouldn’t have been asleep anyway. So, how is it? I’m sure you’ve had your first day already.”
“I did. A couple of days but they were only admin and introductions, really.” I reported. “Today I met my trainees. There were no women. Can you believe that, Haha?”
She smiled. “I’m sure you fixed that.”
My mother knew me a little too well.
I nodded. “She starts tomorrow.”
“Watashi wa anata o hokori ni omotte imasu, Rei.” Her voice cracked.
My cheeks heated. Whenever she told me she was proud of me, those words always did something to my heart—to my very soul. I smiled.
