Can We Teach Them? (Sequel to Can You Teach Me?)

Chapter 16 Gaming

Chapter 16 Gaming

Bootcamp week 10 (continued Aug 14)

An Academy Elder addressed us, "This is how the games will play out.  We have split the teams to as even as possible.  Captain Rogers has the Green team."  Captain Rogers stood up and named off Sunshine's group and the small group of three girls.  He handed each of them an army green arm band.  Most of the team looked pleased, but PPM was pouting. "Gunner has the Blue team."  That team consisted of Jack and company along with the young pre-teenage boys.  Each slipped the blue band around their arm and fist bumped.  "And lastly, Sergeant Cane has the Red team." 

With his constipated shark smile he called out, "Barbie and crew, you're mine."  We stood and got all of our arm bands.  I noticed there were other people in the audience still.  They ranged from mid twenties to middle age.  I felt a gentle squeeze of my hand as I looked over the small crowd.  Kota nodded his head toward the Academy Elder that was still talking, pulling my attention back to the task at hand.

"Each event requires all eight team members to participate.  Red team, since you have ten, you will have to select two to not participate, but it cannot be the same two each time.  But one absolute rule, your inductee MUST compete in each event.  Equal participation among the other team members is required or your team will forfeit."  Owen nodded his consent.  "The scoring is three points for the win, two points for second and one point for third.  There is a total of five days worth of events.  Each event is an all day affair.  Every training session you have encountered while at Bootcamp will be covered during the war games."  The Elder clapped his hands together and rubbed them excitedly.  "Breakfast is at O-seven-hundred.  LET THE GAMES BEGIN!"

The entire room chorused, "Hoo-rah!"  The buzzed excitement of the games permeated the air.  If I wasn't competitive before, I sure am now.  We are going to kick major butt!

"Red team!  Your barracks, five minutes."  Sergeant Cane announced and went to the Elder that was speaking to collect a large Manila envelope.

Owen looped my hand around the crook of his elbow and Sean threw an arm over my shoulders as my family spoke animatedly to each other about the potential war games as we walked to our barracks.  From listening to bits and pieces of each of their conversations, the year they were here as the group of nine, they won hands down.  Looks like I have a lot to live up to.  I cannot be the family disappointment.

"How did you compete when there were nine of you?"

"Owen and I alternated sitting out.  He insisted that I take one less turn because I was just beginning medical school and was exhausted at the time."

"I like to refer to that time as the dark days of our family."  Owen teased.

"Why?"  I asked like a two year old.

"Because!"  Sean beeped my nose and smirked.

Owen rolled his eyes, "Sean was not nearly as carefree and playful as he is now.  It was all... go to school, study, sleep for four hours, repeat."

"I really am a bear when I have only slept for four hours on a consistent basis."  Sean agreed with a slouch of his shoulders.

"But never again, right Sean?"  He gave Sean a pointed look.

Sean eagerly agreed, "Never again."

Upon entering our barracks, Nathan pulled me to come sit next to him.  Luke jumped into the space on my other side, cackling like a loon, before Kota could park himself next to me.

"How are you feeling Peanut?"

"I'm feeling pretty good, why?"

"I'm just worried about you."