“Alright, team,” Claude said, “We’ve been asked to designate three people for a capture-the-flag exercise. I’ve already designated Edward to lead it, so we just need two more people! Otherwise, I’ll voluntell people.”

Cornelia excitedly tapped her pen on her desk and raised her hand, “I’ll do it, Cap! Think it’ll be fun!”

John Watson, silent as ever, leaned against the wall, “I’ll participate as well, Captain, I’d like to put my name out there a little bit more.”

“Well, that was a lot easier than I thought, though Class C’s always been a bit competitive, yeah?” Claude chuckled, “Get your gear ready then, you’ll report to Betham Field at 0600 tomorrow morning. Get some good rest tonight. I’m giving you three the rest of the day off.”

“Oh, and one more thing, Class,” Claude paused, “If anyone from another class tries to intimidate you, let me know immediately. I won’t hesitate to handle them myself.”

“And you already know what’ll happen if I get involved,” Edward shrugged, “It ain’t gonna be pretty for them!”

Claude raised an eyebrow, “Am I gonna have to revoke your weekend pass for next weekend too?”

“Aaaand with that, I should go strategize with my teammates for this exercise! Catch ya later, Cap!” Edward fled, “John, Cornelia, follow me if you would!”

“Alright, here’s the layout of Betham Field,” Edward said, “Since the teams are split into groups of three, it’s going to be a pretty small-scale exercise… I’m thinking stealth is gonna be key here.”

Edward pointed to an area of the map, “Over here by the treeline is where we’ll set up initially, we’ll keep along the treeline and scout out the enemy forces. Once we’ve successfully done so… We’ll split up, John, you’ll swoop in from this flank and distract any enemies,” Edward motioned to the map, “I’ll come from over here, Cornelia, you’ll support our rear in case we need to retreat.”

“Awwwww what?!” Cornelia squeaked, “So I’m not even gonna be doing any of the cool stuff? What’s the point?!”

“The point,” John started, “Is that it’s a team building exercise, it’s not meant for personal glory… No matter how much we’d like to get our names out there.”

“Hey Cornelia, you’re not gonna be left out or anything. It’s still plenty cool to cover the rear! You’re there for a reason, after all!” Edward said.

“The Lieutenant is correct, you may well still see plenty of action, we are hardly the only strategic minds in this Academy. There’s plenty of teams that will think about sneaking up behind us.” John said.

“So…” Cornelia sniffled, “I’ll get to do cool stuff and beat people up?!”

“Correct!” Edward exclaimed, “And just remember my go-to saying! ‘Sometimes, you don’t think it’s the way it is, but then it is, and then it’s like that, for real.”

Cornelia stared at Edward for a few moments, “Whaaat?! That doesn’t even make sense!” She snorted.

Edward shrugged, “You laugh now, but you’re smiling and having a good time, plus, I’m sure that phrase is gonna be buried in your head now, so you’ll think about it and then remember this really good moment you’re having.”

John smirked, “You know, the Lieutenant’s right… However odd his phrasing or words may be… If things go south, be prepared to dig your heels in, clench your teeth, and take it.”

Cornelia shrugged, “Y’know, I guess you two do have somewhat of a point, however weiiiiiiiird you guys are.”

Edward smirked, then straightened, “Now then, tomorrow morning at 0600 is when we’re reporting, let’s get there around 0500, make sure we get our weapons checked out from the armory, and scout out the field a bit, yeah?” Edward said.

“Whaaaaaat?! That’s so early!” Cornelia whined.

“Hey, early bird gets the worm or whatever, right?”

The sun began to rise as the trio finally began their exercise, the sky painted a warm orange and the wind blew peacefully across the field. Atop a large hill on Betham Field sat a flag they were meant to secure. Edward and John ran off ahead while Cornelia lazily trailed behind them.

Edward fired off three rounds, striking an entire enemy team down instantly. John followed up behind him, firing off another round and striking another enemy down.

Each of the struck individuals raised their hands and were escorted off the field.

The two advanced up the hill, checking each other's blind spots for any signs of enemies as they approached the flag.

Meanwhile, Cornelia trailed behind them bored out of her mind. She rested her rifle on her shoulder and yawned, “Maaaan, they both get to do cool stuff and here I am… This sucks! Bored outta my mind!”

“We’re almost there, keep it up John!” Edward said as they neared the top of the hill.

John nodded before firing another round off, striking another enemy. However, before he knew it, a red paint splat stained his blouse.

“Aw man, just as I was about to make a name for myself…” John raised his hand and waited to be escorted.

Edward charged up the hill firing wildly at anything and anyone. Paintballs whizzed through the air and dirt kicked up around him, but none of his shots landed.

In the blink of an eye, Edward was surrounded by an enemy team. They raised their rifles at him and slowly closed in on all sides around him.

Edward heaved a sigh, dropped his rifle, and raised his hands, “Any way I can talk you guys out of shooting me?”

The first man tried to speak, but was interrupted by a red paint splat hitting him right in the face.

The other two turned quickly—but not quickly enough. Cornelia emerged from behind a tree. Two quick shots and they were tagged out.

She smirked as she looked at Edward, “C’mon already, what’s with the long face? Grab your gun and let’s get this flag!”

“Shit, how’d I let you outplay me? Whatever, let’s get this thing!” Edward picked up his rifle and the two quickly ran up the hill unopposed.

Cornelia and Edward finally made it to the top of the hill. Edward placed a hand on the pole of the flag, “Wanna snag this thing together?”

Cornelia placed her hand just above Edwards, “Oh, so now you see how good I am.”