“ENTER!”, a muffled voiced called from inside the heavy oak door.
Felix twisted the polished brass knob, opened the door, stepped through the threshold without turning, smoothly shutting the door behind him.
The room was large, with chairs surrounding a coffee table in the center, walls lined with old bookshelves, and a large executive desk at the far end of the room. Pictures hung on every wall depicting old scenes of battles and the faces of former military leaders.
Felix instantly recognized two of the men seated at the coffee table as Chief Brown, and Colonel Spencer. And elderly woman and a middle-aged civilian man also sat in the circle. One plain chair sat empty facing the group.
“Report. “, Chief Brown ordered, cutting through Felix’s gathering of his surroundings.
Felix snapped to attention and rendered a hard salute. “General. Airman Cassian, reporting as ordered, Sir!” holding the salute until released.
“You’re late”, Chief Brown replied in an admonishing tone.
No one spoke for several seconds as Felix stared straight ahead, feeling the tension rising in the room. He could sense the gravity of their appraisal.
General west returned, while remaining seated returned the salute. “At ease airman.” “Give the lad a break, Chief. I’m sure he was held up.”, he said to the Chief.
The chief gave an audible scoff, but relented.
“So, I’m guessing you met Lieutenant Blackwell?”, General West asked.
Felix was taken aback by the question…. “I, uh…. did sir, yes”
A long pause.
“Thoughts?” West pressed.
Another long pause.
“She’s…, um, disturbing……, sir”, Felix answered, regretting the selection of words immediately.
The General laughed aloud. “Take a seat Felix. We need to chat”
Felix walked around, and took a seat in the lone chair. It was stiff and cold, with an awkward height and straight back. Not at all comfortable. Looking out, the Chief and Colonel were in plush armed chairs of leather, leaning back with legs crossed. Their hands neatly folded in their laps, both looking Felix over with a calm curiosity.
Another long pause.
“Let’s cut to the chase, Airman Cassian. I’m guessing that you’ve come in response to the call to action that was recently distributed?” West asked.
“Yes, General.” Felix answered.
“Do you have the print out that was requested you bring? If so, could you read it”
“Sir”, Felix withdrew the printout from his breast pocket, unfolding it. Clearing his throat, he read. “My fellow warriors. Seeking volunteers to aid in the security of the future of humanity. Many will fail, and many will perish. If you think you have what it takes to give it your all, we need you”. Felix lowered the paper, and looked at each attendee in turn.
“And you understand what that means? That this call is special, but is asking a lot. Why do you think this would be a fit for you?” West continued.
“Well, sir…” Felix started but was interrupted.
“Look, Felix,” Colonel Spencer interjected. “Just be honest.” Sliding a piece of paper across the table.
Felix picked it up, examining in confusion. An NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), that had the signatures of everyone else in the room. He noticed that the lady was named Kimberly, from DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency), and the suit must be named “Marshall”, from some bland tach company.
“I’m sorry, not sure I understand.” Felix puzzled.
“It’s an NDA, Felix. We want you to be honest with us. Actually, we need you to be straight forward, but we realize that might be difficult considering the dynamic. And we’re going to be honest with you also. This is going to be an off-the-record conversation. Would you like a drink? Tea? Coffee? Water?” The Colonel explained.
They all stared at Felix… “Ummm, Coffee, if that’s ok”
Chief stood and walked to a wet bar in one corner of the room.
“Felix, this is a unique situation. We have a unique situation. There’s a real need here, and we’re interviewing candidates for this program. But, it’s most important that we get a good pool of the right personalities.” General West elaborated.
The two civilians nodded in concert, as Chief returned setting a warm cup of black coffee on the table before Felix, then returned to his seat. Felix accepted and took a sip, using the oportunity to avoid the need to speak.
“Would it be ok if we asked you some questions, Felix? I’, m Kimberly Nixon with DTRA, and I’ve been tasked with interviewing people to get a feel for who they are, and maybe what drives them. Does that make sense to you?” Without waiting for a reply, Kimberly pulled a large folder from a briefcase beside her chair, splaying it on the table before them all. Felix recognized his PIF (Personnel Information File). It would contain all of his records of training and assignments. It would also contain his decorations and admonishments, and there would be plenty of both.
West picked up the file. “I’ve read you have a rather colorful past. Seems you’ve ran into some trouble, but have also been pretty active during your service. I see you joined straight out of high school, and went for TACP (Tactical Air Control Party); graduated that and basic with honors, then had a couple successful deployments. I also see some VIP support around the world, and a few redacted mission files. 3 years, pretty impressive. What would really help me here, Felix, is why? See, for me, my dad was a low-life, and so as a young man did whatever it took to shake that stain, to prove to myself that I was not that. Then one day it occurred to me that what I afraid would be my weakness was actually what gave me strength. I’m asking you to be a little vulnerable with me for a moment, Felix. Can you tell me what drives you? Or what you may be running from?”
Felix stared into his coffee for what fealt like several minutes before speaking. The others in the room simply waited with patience and calm understanding. Their postures relaxed. “Yes, sir. Things weren’t always easy growing up. It was a rough area, and I didn’t always know how to respond. “, Felix added.
“Right, but it says here that you were arrested for aggravated assault?” the Colonel asked.
“Not my finest moment, sir. I had this neighbor, and she was being harassed by this guy. She seemed uncomfortable, and I stepped in. Things got out of hand, and we got into an altercation.” Felix explained.
“Would you do it again?” Chief asked. The question caught him off guard.
“Chief??….” A long stare.
“Would you do it again?” The Chief repeated.
“It sounds like you’re asking if I would commit violence to defend someone that’s afraid? Yes. I know it’s probably not the best answer, but that’s how I feel” Felix confessed.
“Thank you for that” Kimberly sympathized. She wrote a few notes on a legal pad. “And how did that make you feel?”
Felix gave her a look of knowing. “It Made Me Feel Mad, Dr”
“Let’s change pace, Felix.” The General cut in. “I’m very curious why your here.”
“I think it was the line about the future of humanity, sir” Felix elaborated. “What’s that about?”
“We’re just trying to be prepared. This is an unprecedented opportunity to safeguard the future of the human race. Seriously, our world is dangerously vulnerable, and even the slightest tip could spell doom for all of us. We have an imperative to prepare. That’s what this is. It’s an effort to be proactive, and prepared for something that we know is coming. I’m sorry if I can’t say more, but that’s what it is. We need to prepare. Hopefully, you would be willing to contribute to that?” The suit said without introducing himself.
“Listen, Felix. Here’s the deal. If you’re willing, we need volunteers. Chief… Colonel, what are your thoughts?” General West asked.
“Felix is a little above his element. But he lacks some military bearing. I’ve found him to be a bit disruptive occasionally. But I will say that he can be handy in a pickle.” The Chief Complimented?
“He’s been instrumental to me. Airman Cassion seems to care for people, but has displayed some theatrics that make me think he’s not one hundred percent committed to enlisted life.” Colonel Spencer replied.
“Again, Felix. Look, I’ve been through some shit as your file indicates you may understand. I need to know if you understand what we are asking, and if that is something you would be willing to participate in. There is a substantial amount of training that gives ample opportunity to opt out later, but at this moment, we need an answer. Are you in a position to participate?” General West clarified as he slid yet another piece of paper across the table. “These are orders, airman. If you’re interested, the plain leaves tonight. 21:00hrs from hanger 5. Take this. If you’re on the plane, that would be outstanding. But if not, we ask that you return to your duties and keep this conversation to yourself.”
Several seconds passed as the members of the room exchanged glances. Seeming satisfied, they all looked to Felix.
“You have until tonight to decide. It’s your choice, and we appreciate you whichever path you choose. Thank you for your time, and God speed airman” The General concluded. Standing, handing the orders to Felix, he announced “Dismissed, Airman.” and smiled.
