"Sir!" I raised my hand into the air with force.

"Are you including me in this mission?" My heart pounded.

"Have you got wool in your damn ears? I said, everyone." The chief glared at me and returned to discussing the task.

The others turned around to make snide faces, but I didn't care. I was already grinning from ear to ear.

This was it. I had a reason to get up in the morning.

***

For the next five months, we had to undergo extensive training not only for the operation and the target but also for adopting our new identities. We had to memorize intricate details about our cover stories and learn to think on our feet in high-stress situations.

Some of us couldn't handle it. Two of the six officers dropped out halfway through, and soon more would follow.

One person was rejected due to mental health concerns, and another withdrew after considering the possibility of something going wrong. Knowing this operation would be long-term increases the risk of danger.

The mission came with risks, as one could expect.

When you work as a police officer, you never know what situation you'll end up in. Any day could be your last day. Some of the others haven't come to terms with it, but I have. It never phased me. It didn't keep me up at night, and I wasn't afraid of dying.

I welcome it.