[center][u][color=82ca9d]Francis Newman - Prelude to a Shot at Redemption[/color][/u][/center] 

After the long morning run, the sun soon stretched high across the sky as the day grew hotter and more dry while squadron 1 finally finished the thirty three kilometer run through the dry woodland. Sticky sweat began to trickle down Francis's face from exhaustion and rained on his PT shirt, hitting his shoulders and chest like bullets, although his minor discomfort was nothing compared to what he experienced in his earlier years as an initiate. The earlier days of children being driven out into the heat with hardly enough water to keep them going as some even died. Children including his dear friends during these "mandatory exercises" as Castle put them - It was not a memory Francis enjoyed returning to. 

When they had returned to the end point of the race, they had only the commanding officers to greet them with even more hostility, especially Castle who implemented "discipline" more than any of the other officers did. Francis deeply loathed him more than anyone else in the entire establishment. Shorty after finishing the run, The children were then allowed to take a short ten minute break before cooling off and stretching before being called to do the next activity where they were to be hauled out in front of the capture the flag area. Their gear had been already carefully placed in crates and the children changed while cooling off. Francis looked into the crate and reached for his ACU uniform, complete with a soft cotton shirt, comfortable pair of Nylon/Cotton pants and Jacket. His brightly, slick leather boots were cleaned to a high shine as was the rest of his uniform. Afterwards, the children were then called on to run half a kilometer north to the capture the flag area, where they would meet their next challenge. 

To his surprise, Squadron 20 was there. But how? Could it be the officer's way of testing Squadron 1? Or was it just plain coincidence? It certainly couldn't have been, especially since they competed against each other quite often. Whatever it was, Francis took this as an opportunity to finally get back at the squad who is hated the most. Across from him was Squadron 20, a group of belligerent, apathetic individuals who would do anything if it certainly meant winning. Francis could easily read it in their brute, emotionless faces while they stood inanimately at attention - the pretentious mark of condescending demeanor, all of which were drawn deeply in their faces as their chins were held high and he could almost feel the intensity of hatred they must have felt for him and his squadron. Most importantly, in that Astrid Frisk who was called on to represent the flag, she was a very incisive and was crowned for her brilliant tactical mind. She is the only person throughout the entire establishment who has ever beaten Francis at a game of chess. The young boy then almost wondered about how each of them thought individually instead of as a team, clearly with Astrid removed from the equation, this would leave them without their "brilliant tactician" and a slight hint of a devious smile soon arose from Francis's face. 

[hr]
Base 21 
Haoma
12:10 PM

When they arrived at Base 21, the children immediately gathered around to plan what to do next while Astrid was placed into the shack, completely isolated. Once again, Francis was quiet and reclusive while he imperturbably listened to his teammates, but he could not remain that way for long; Soon enough, he would have to think of a way to beat Squadron 20 before they beat him. [i]In a game of two, there is only one victor and one loser. What would I be if I kept my mouth shut?[/i] Francis cogently thought to himself as he then hesitated to speak with his squad for the first time in months, taking his first breath he then spat it out.  

[color=82ca9d]"I am not entirely convinced that a simple defensive strategy will work, at least not in the way we'd want it to."[/color] Everyone soon turned to Francis, almost in surprise that he would even utter a word to them. [color=82ca9d]"If we all stay here - there's only a certain amount of time before they breach our defenses and get us one by one. As much as we all need each other, we all need to win as well as having the most desired outcome."[/color] He then promptly looked around to find a proper position for himself to hide in, which was part of his plan. [color=82ca9d]"How about we keep Astrid as bait and gag/torture her, like what Rei suggested, while I and several others take positions in those trees?"[/color] He then pointed at a group of tall, thick redwood trees that were completely covered in lush green leaves that could easily serve as a Sniper's Nest for himself and any other initiate who was a decent shot. [color=82ca9d]"It may leave her her somewhat exposed but I am certain that Squad 20 is foolish enough for fall for something like that. They'll close-in while we rain hell down from above - Just think about it, we could easily get the upper hand on them, you guys know I'm a decent shot... They'll never expect it coming."[/color]