Project Lightning, page 2
Colonel Barnum gives a nod, and the Second Lieutenant says, “Line up according to color.” The color system was a way to distinguish our rankings in the class. Red was for lower level students, Blue for middle level, and orange is for upper level. I’m in the Orange group. Computers and electronics are my strong suit. I can program or reprogram any piece of technology put in front of me.
Lining up with the other Orange students, I feel Colonel Barnum's assessing eyes run across me. A chill runs down my spine as I make a few last minute stretches. One of the things I love about the physical assessments is that it’s individually based. You aren’t a team or forced to maintain a steady pace with the group. Each cadet only needs to meet the common score or beat their previous time. I need to be better to secure my future, so I line up waiting for the chance to prove myself.
The starting pistol sounds with a resounding bang. Feet begin pounding on the pavement. My breaths come steady and deep, with the wind rushing in my ears. My mind clears instantly as I fall into the rhythm of my feet against the ground. Thump. Thump. Thump. Turning down the marked path, I check my time on my watch. Eight minutes and a mile to go. I need to pick up the pace. Twisting paths and rotten trees line my way as I run around the duck pond. Thump. Thump. Thump. Half a mile to go. My thoughts stray to my dreams. Are they really my parents? And if they are, what happened? Why did they abandon me? Who was the dark man?
The finish line approaches and I increase my pace. Thump. Thump. Thump. I run across the line, my chest heaving. I walk around for a moment before my hands land on my knees, my breaths quickening as I attempt to regain my strength. Two parts left to go. I check my watch and see I finished in 16 minutes 03 seconds. My new personal best. I smile, standing with my chest rising and falling quickly.
A shadow overcomes me and I look up slightly. “Good job, Cadet.” Colonel Barnum says with a slight smile.
My training kicks in and I jump to attention. “Thank you, sir.” I reply.
He walks slowly away, his stiff posture showing years of military service. His crisp black uniform clings to his massive body. His chest is filled with medals and badges. A leering smile spreads across his face. A group is gathering for the situps and pushups so I make my way over to them. Juliet and I pair up. I hold her feet as she executes her sit ups. I count silently before reporting to the second lieutenant.
We switch and I feel the pull of muscles in my stomach as I reach my chin to my knees. The repetitive motion gives me a few minutes to think about things. Colonel Barnum was vague about his program. But with the way Second Lieutenant looked at him reverently, I could tell he was someone important.
We finish physical assessment with pushups. I feel my muscles stiffening as this part comences. I stretch my body into position and flinch as my side cramps slightly. I adjust my position and wait for the whistle. A blast rings out and I let my arms go into a controlled free fall toward the pavement. Getting into an up and down rhythm, I clear my mind to focus on the task. A shadow pauses over me as I try to recover my strength in the up position. I force my body down and I feel the sun again.
Another whistle sounds and we all fall to the ground. My arms protest as I push my body into a sitting position. Stretching slightly, I see a hand thrust into my vision. Looking up, Juliet smiles brightly at me and I clasp her hand. For such a small person, she is surprisingly strong. She pulls me swiftly to my feet. Brushing dirt from my uniform, I smile back at her.
Our class mills around the common waiting for the results. Juliet and I make our way over to the dried up Frog Pond. We sit on the newly installed benches. She spreads on her back as the sun warms us. I look around observing the different groups of students. Several popular kids are gathered at the burned out shell of a carousel. I smile slightly as I watch one of the boys swing their way up the scaffolding. He squats on the top and I appreciate the way his fatigues cling to his muscular body. His eyes meet mine and he winks. I look away sharply. Internally berating myself for being caught gawking, I stand walk to the edge of the non-existent pond.
I feel a hand land on my shoulder and I turn quickly. My body pulled tight. Juliet’s eyes meet mine and I relax. “You okay?” she asks. Concern lacing her words and I consider her question. Am I okay? A part of me is okay. The part that is constantly fueled by consistency. But deeper inside, I am anything but okay. The nightmare surfaces and I shake my head. I can’t think about that now. Looking up, I plaster a fake smile on my face and nod. She cocks her head to the side. Her eyes narrow slightly and she opens her mouth to speak. A whistle sounds and I feel my body relax. I have never been more thankful for the whistle than I am at this moment.
I get up and dust my uniform off again. Her eyes narrow on me. “We are going to talk about this.” Her voice is low and growly. I meet her eyes and nod. She gazes intensely at me. I feel like my whole mind is out in the open. Like she can see my deepest and darkest secrets. We stand there staring for a moment before she nods and turns to walk back to the memorial.
I sag in relief as I follow after her. Making my way to the orange group, I slip in next to the boy from the carousel and I blush slightly when he looks over at me. His eyes meet mine and I see a small smile tug at the corner of his mouth. Shit, he remembered me. I feel a slight blush creep into my cheeks as I turn to face forward.
The scores are posted by group. Orange is always posted last, ostensibly as a way to motivate the other groups. It encourages them to strive to be better. However, it’s really just another thing to divide us. The first scores posted are the red group. Some make the designated level. Some do not. I’ve never known what happens to the cadets who fall below the line. They never make it back to class. I suspect that the government takes them somewhere. Zeus wants leaders and if you aren’t a leader, then you are not worth their time.
Blue does slightly better. I watch with bated breath to see where I ranked. Finally, the Orange group is posted. First, Sozanski 13 minutes 56 seconds. The second name posted is Koller 15 minutes 59 seconds. And then, St. Pope 16 minutes 03 seconds flashes on the screen.
Third. I close my eyes and smile. I’ve never made the top ten. To make third...a personal best. My heart lightens as cheers go up and I’m pulled into a hug. Juliet and I jump up and down. “We did it!” she cheers. Of all my classmates, I am closest to her.
“We did!” I gush as I throw my arms around her. A smile plasters my face as I think about my achievement. I am filled with elation as I think about what this means for recruitment. I desperately hope that I have made it into the Natick program. Despite the fact that I have no idea what the program is, I want it.
She hugs me again. My smile is bright against the graying skies. A horn sounds through our cheers and I straighten, my smile falling we race into ranks. Juliet and I stand next to each other, our eyes on the Second Lieutenant. Pacing in front of the cadets, his slight smile betrays his rigid stance. I hope he is proud of us.
“Good job, Cadets,” he commends as he gazes over our ranks. “Those who have fallen below the line will report to administration upon return to school.”
I shiver, thinking about all the cadets that won’t make it and will be gone tonight. They are taken on buses from the school. I worry they are somewhere like the work camps from history. I heard from one girl that they are imprisoned in Hades and made to work until they drop. But that is just a rumor. I don't know where they go, but I hope wherever it is, it’s a good place. However, I fear I’m wrong.
“Colonel Barnum,” Second Lieutenant says as he looks to his left. My eyes are drawn to him and I shiver involuntarily. There is something about him that scares me. His rigid posture belays that of a man of many years in military leadership. But I realize it is his eyes that concern me. The dark piercing stare that feels like it is puncturing my very soul. I look away and stare straight ahead as I try to dispel the feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach.
“Congratulations, Cadets.” Colonel Barnum booms as he looks out over the ranks. “To those of you who have made the grade,” he briefly makes eye contact with me, “well done.” He pauses as he paces forward several steps. “To those of you below, I wish you the best of luck.” Several heads fall down and I hear a stifled sob from the back rows. Colonel Barnum's seething eyes fall on the back of the ranks. I can't believe someone would break down. Zeus doesn't tolerate weakness. “For my purposes, I will call names and you will step forward. Sozanski, Copeland, Perreira, Davies, Koller...” I glance slightly to my right as Juliet steps forward. “Storey, Havers, St. Pope,” I step forward. My heart clangs hard in my chest. Sweat gathers in my palms. “ Lancer, and Klingmann.” The last student steps forward. “Form ranks over at the monument. To the rest of you, good luck in your futures.” I glance back at the other students. One girl’s shoulders slump. She looks almost relieved that her name wasn’t called. Our valedictorian's mouth drops open in shock. He can’t believe he wasn’t chosen.
“Form ranks!” Second Lieutenant calls. The students scramble to fill the holes we have made and return to attention.
Colonel Barnum walks over to the monument. We all stand still as the Second Lieutenant lines the others up. The rest of our classmates march off toward school.
“Cadets. Fall into ranks.” Colonel Barnum commands. We all line up as best as we can with limited time. Normally, it is done by class rank, but with this group the rankings are unknown. “Follow me. March!”
We begin marching in the opposite direction, heading toward Tremont Street. I rely on my training to keep my feet moving. I keep pace as we make our way to the waiting bus. My mind races through what could be ahead of us. Am I making the right decision? Do I even have a choice? Where are they taking us? Am I ever going to make it back? My stomach churns fiercely as I walk slowly toward the waiting stairs. My mind wars with my heart as I look slightly over my shoulder and gaze at the park. My eyes skirt across all the familiar landmarks of the only home I have ever known. Am I really capable of leaving? But if I don’t...what will happen to me?
Chapter 3
Large black gates loom in front of us. A man in dark gray fatigues holds his hand out as we slow to a stop. A lump forms in my throat as we halt. I look over at Julie. She wrings her hands slowly as she scans the area. Looking around the bus, a sea of solemn faces greet me. Fear is tinged in several eyes. I gulp as I look out the window. Multiple large concrete buildings litter the landscape. A small park with blooming plants comes into focus. An oasis in the desert. My heart lightens as I take in the beautiful sight. Maybe I can do this. I shake my head slightly. There is no maybe. I will do this.
I made the decision as we made the forty five minute drive to Natick. Despite my initial hesitation, I realized that this might be the best opportunity for me. A secret program that could be anything. It would give me the opportunity to figure out myself. Without the pressure of family.
Barnum steps out and they talk for a moment. The Colonel boards the bus again as the black gate slowly slides open. My mind conjures an image of two little hobbits entering the land of Mordor. A nervous smile spreads across my face at the thought. Of all the things to think about, I think of a really old film from before the war.
I hope my aunt and uncle will be proud. My smile falters as I think about them. Maddy’s shining face blooms in my mind’s eye. My resolve weakens momentarily as I think about her youthful optimism and bubbly personality. Can I really do this?
Upon entering, a huge concrete building grows closer. The bus stops. Colonel Barnum rises, executes an about face and addresses us.
“You are about to enter a top secret facility,” he informs us. “The penalty for revealing what’s behind these doors is death.” His cold eyes make contact with mine and I shiver. His menacing tone sends a chill down my spine. “Not the easy kind of demise, either. No. Horrible, painful deaths will come to you and your family.” My chest becomes heavy. My sister, aunt and uncle, I wouldn't do anything to put them in danger. “Are we clear?”
“Yes sir!” we shout in unison. But I can hear the strain in my own voice and several voices around me. We all worry about what we are walking into.
“This is your last chance to opt out of this program. If this is not what you want, you are to stay on the bus and return to the city. Once in the city, you will return to upper school and get assigned to a different unit. However, I can guarantee it will not be anything you’ll enjoy. There is a reason why I’m feared by the instructors.”
I gulp quickly. Now that I’ve come here, I can't go back. No matter how scared I am at the moment, I have to keep going. The doors open and one by one all my classmates exit the bus. Some with more fear etched on their faces than mine. Most of them have more to lose than me.
The Colonel walks up to the door and puts in a thumbprint. The screen prompts for a retinal scan. The door buzzes and he opens it. We all file in behind him. One long, white hallway glowing with flourescent lighting stands in front of us. Several doors stand open leading to empty rooms. I peek inside seeing nothing but a table, chair and mirror hanging on each wall. My brows furrow as I ponder the room’s use. They look like interrogation rooms. But why would they need interrogation rooms? I shake my head of these thoughts as we continue through a set of double doors into a large auditorium.
The Colonel orders us to have a seat and then walks out another door. We take seats in the center. Juliet and I sit next to each other so we can talk.
“What do you think this is about?” Juliet whispers to me. Her voice wavering as she glances around the room.
“I don't know. But hopefully it’s good,” I respond swiftly. Not that I believe what I am saying. Something about this place is ominous. A top-secret facility. Am I really ready for this?
“Yeah. I guess.” Juliet says as she looks around the large room skeptically. I look around too. There is a large podium in the middle of the room. Large concrete walls surround us. Hard plastic cradles my body and I shift uncomfortably. Military banners are scattered along the walls and I scan them unconsciously.
“You don't want to be here?” I question lightly as my eyes dart around the room. The boy from the carousel is a few seats down from me. His eyes are downcast and his leg bobs furiously.
“No. It's not that,” Juliet shrugs. Her fingers twist in her hands as she manipulates them slowly. She looks nervous.
“Then what is it?” My voice low and I catch her eyes. She wipes her hands on her pants and returns them to her lap.
“I'm just scared I guess,” her shoulders slump forward and her eyes stare at a spot on the floor. My eyes widen at her admission. But soften as I realize that I am scared too.
Looking away briefly, I mimic her gesture with my hands. I am scared. Scared that I may be good enough to be in this program. But also scared that I am not good enough.. “Yeah,” I reply in a whisper. “Me too.”
Her eyes leap to mine and I see the fear I feel is reflected in her eyes. I close my eyes and look away. I can't handle seeing the unease in her eyes. My chest is heavy and my gut churns as I think about what I might’ve gotten myself into.
The door on the right slams open and I jump slightly in my seat. A tall woman, her dark gray fatigues hug her athletic figure. Her bright red hair is pulled into a bun at the base of her neck. Long legs quickly propel her across the room. She hands a folder to each of us before returning to the front of the room.
“Good afternoon, Cadets,” she sharply addresses us. “My name is Major Evelyn Halley. Welcome to Project Lightning.” My mind began to race. Project Lightning? What the hell is that?
“Project Lightning is a top secret military training program. For the past forty-five years, Project Lightning has trained over ten thousand cadets to become the brightest and the best. We are the ones that are called when shit hits the fan.” She stares at each of us almost like she is assessing to see which one of us might be the best. “You were recruited to our program after intense pre-consideration in one of four areas. Strength. Stamina. Intelligence. Or Technology.” She walks sharply to one side with military precision.
As she turns back, she eyes us again. “You will go home tonight, pack your belongings and meet the bus at Tremont Station at 0600 tomorrow morning.” The realization that she’s given us orders hits me. This is not a choice. I swallow hard as my stomach continues to churn.
“For the next two weeks, you will be evaluated in all four different areas. You will be scored in each of the four areas. Only the top three initiates will be accepted in the program. Scoring is weighted towards your area of specialization. Your packets state which area you have been recruited for.” A mass shuffling of papers echoes in the auditorium as we all turn to the front page. Technology. Yes! “Training for the accepted initiates begins in eight weeks. Are we clear?”
“Yes, ma'am!” We all answer in unison. Perreira carefully raises her hand. “Yes?” Major Halley says as she points to her.
“What happens if you don't get in the top three?” she asks nervously. Several other heads nod as if this was a collective question.
“You will be returned to Zeus and given a different assignment.” Major says briefly as she looks around again. “Any other questions?” A collective deep breath is heard through the auditorium. I am thinking about the veiled threat of Colonel Barnum on the bus. As I gaze around, I can tell everyone else is thinking about his words. The boy from the carousel, Sozanski, raises his hand. “Yes?”
“Will anything happen to us if we don’t make it?” His voice is gravelly as if he is trying to be cautious with his words.
“You will be returned to Boston and made to sign a non-disclosure agreement. However, I will warn you that if you think of breaking it at any time, you will be punished to the full extent of the law.” Her voice is low and menacing as she gazes at each person. “Any other questions?” The room is silent. All seem to be considering what she’s just said. At the end of two weeks, seventy percent of us will be going home. No one else raises his or her hands. “Good. Private Warner!”
