The team had assembled in front of the barracks in a quick enough order into a single file. Maria and Johnathan had finished the run last. David had expected Maria taking her time in the Currahee, but Johnathan, too... it seemed he had helped and encouraged the tempting viper to try to move a bit faster. [i]If they get even a bit closer, that's good. If not, it will not end well for any of us[/i], David thought.

"Attention!" David started. He weighed his words.

"As I have promised with my big mouth, a reward is given to the man or woman who could break the record. Private Renner, step forward", David ordered. He took the step forward, and David came closer to the private. He took a look at him, and then continued. "Private Renner has used his powers in a creative manner, but also showed backbone by running the course with the others normally, It has shown the most important thing in the Army; we work as a team."

David took a look at the team for a reaction. "Private Renner, later this day you'll be given the M1911 pistol our dear Colonel Clarke used during the Great War, and it will be your official sidearm."

David ordered the man back to the formation, and took a sharper tone with his voice. "Turn left, and towards the canteen. March!"

They marched the distance in quick pace and in silence. A few groups of regular soldiers came across, and some of the GIs gave the team curious or even skeptical looks, David noticed, as he was shouting at the team the pace. The team entered the canteen and took their meals. David looked for Colonel Clarke, and he found the old man quickly with his eyes. He was sitting alone with his meal, reading a book. David took his portion and walked to Clarke, sitting face towards him.

"You know, you shouldn't sit with your superior officer without permission, Captain" Clarke said with his usual, sarcastic tone. He had a wrinkled face of a bulldog, and light, sand brown hair. He was around fifty, and had quite a habit for speaking his mind out.

"We know each other too well for that, sir" David responded. "What is the business with the federal man?"

Colonel Clarke laid the book down and gazed at David. "Well, the special agent told me about his situation in the morning, and it appears your team gets to go to a ball. Get to the usual classroom for briefing with your team. Special Agent Hanks will be waiting for you."

"Right. Don't you think Hanks is a bit odd?" David asked. The man had felt odd, by the looks of him.

"Every fed is an odd man out in my eyes, Stevens. But get your team there", Clarke said, and rose up, taking his dishes and book with him. "I'll be there, don't worry about it."

David watched as the Colonel walked away, leaving him sitting alone into the table with the spaghetti.