Chapter 1 - Basecamp

08:00 hours Friday 25^th April 2003 on the assault course at Charwick base camp, regiment W810 already two hours into their morning exercises prepare for their upcoming assault course trials. Although normal routine for the soldiers , among the troops today a group of new cadets are on trial in an attempt to join the regiment in the near future. For the troops they seldom see new faces on camp and when they do it becomes a great opportunity to have some fun. For the five out of seven mornings the training procedures take place there is little or nothing that keeps the men going and the general consensus is if there’s something that makes it easier for you to get through the morning, do it. Everyone seems to believe new cadets are pieces of meat ready to be prepared for war, in reality troops see them as pieces of meat that need to be degraded, mocked and proded, it’s a sad concept but in a life full of little relief, making ones authority show is one of the important upsides to gain respect from fellow troops. In a masculine dominated environment showing your superiority is a key factor within the army and making it show is something any soldier thrives on. Taking an eye to the rookies it seems Private Toby McGrath, trying to impress the others, is planning on welcoming his potential new friends in a heart-warming way. The big Irish private remembers his first day on campus, very clearly, and recalling it, feels that it is his turn to pass the baton on and humiliate his new allies.

The 23 year old is seen as nothing but a bully to many of the troops, but is not alone in having a troublesome upbringing. Being abused in the past. Having been abused as a child McGrath has always kept his emotions about it bottled up inside him and as a repercussion has gained an extremely vigilant short-temper. He shows little remorse for anyone or anything, mirroring how he believes he’s been treated throughout his life; a past of beating the elderly, mocking the disabled and stealing drugs from hospital patients, McGart has seen his fair share of cell rooms, and although his heart is telling him he‘s doing wrong, the traumatic memories in his head keep him from repenting as his frustration gets translated into criminal acts.. Although his past is much a part of him even now, McGrath never got the right treatment, even when he moved in with his foster family, having nothing in the way of discipline from them meant that it didn’t prevent himself getting into trouble. Eventually he was given very little choice in joining the army. It was that or prison, for a long time, the way he was going. Seeing the number of his friends outside deteriate he looked into having a change, and he and a couple of mates were sat at a bus stop drinking one evening when an army leaflet blew into the shelter, looking at it in a drunken fit they joked and laughed at first about the squares in their uniforms but as the evening went on, the army was still very much a talking point and led enrolment within the week.

McGrath may have improved in discipline during his time at the base camp, but however much the army did for anyone, everyone knew that newbie’s meant mischief and with McGrath and his peers watching the cadets lining up, it was obvious something was enviably going to happen.

While approaching one of the most challenging wall jumps of Charwicks training course, the upcoming test for the rookies involves scaling the 30ft wall at the end of the troops morning assault course. It may be little or nothing to those who do it every day, most won’t admit it but is still challenging to even the fittest soldier who has completed the three mile trek before approaching the wall. No matter what state a man may be in though he will always complete the wall in one way or another as the punishment that would follow for not was never worth the extra pain exerted in the 2 minutes it took to defeat the wall.

For the rookie who didn’t like heights, looking at wall was terrifying and although concentrating on looking calm as to not show weakness to the moderator but by the look in the eyes of Parsons, even behind the field makeup, it was obvious a prayer was being said in the mind. He couldn’t help can’t help comparing the climb to the equivalent of scaling the side of a house, and that gave fears of vertigo, with no help other than a half chewed up tether to hold, that has badly succumbed to the elements over its years of use.

Given little in the way of confidence looking at it, the cadet hears the modulator call, signalling Parsons to prepare. Once again conscious of the importance the success of the jump will be in joining the troops putting one foot in front of the other and taking a deep breath in he and another cadet started trekking upto the wall. Getting closer in preparation for the jump Parsons steps widened slightly gaining momentum, ready to jump for the rope. With the adrenaline rush gaining full swing and heart beat rising Parsons initial nerves were pushed to one side and the task in hand was all that mattered now. Looking and ready to prepel himself the Cadet closing his eyes tried praying one last time, suddenly a new sensation entered the rookies body not knowing exactly what and a little weirded out the cadets eyes flung open. The sensation felt wasn’t realised until a few moments later the Cadet realised something wasn’t right, suddenly Lee wasn’t looking at the approaching wall, he was looking at his feet and his legs and his head was going over them, instead of the wall, the woodland floor was now prominent and it was getting closer. The cadet had fallen but all the cadet could think about was…

”How??”

“Why??”

Hitting the ground hard, the feeling of disappointment as the adrenaline rush left the body, there was no pain other than that of utter embarrassment, falling in front of the other cadets and more so the moderator. Seeing his fellow Cadet successfully clamber over the wall, Parsons realised he had failed, there was no way back. Yes he could try again but already other troops were completing it this would be a huge mark against his name. Having wanted this so much, wanting to prove a point to himself, Parsons thought against the emotions and let it out in whispers to himself. ’Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit’ Looking over beside the wall Parsons saw who was marking looking at the ranking on his arm, it signalled ‘Major’. Parsons thought it couldn’t get any worse.

“God why do you taunt me?”

“Why on this day does a Major have to be marking me ?“

The Major was walking over, Major Robert ’Bobby’ McGee was a man who owned the respect of everyone on the camp and as predicessor to the the camps most outstanding Major, Mj. Trent respect came with the territory of being picked as his replacement. A towering man of 6ft3 a man who looked a young 40 was at his peak in fitness himself and was always interested in new meat to see what they had to offer. It is very rare for Major’s to give up their time to opening trials and is why when Parsons saw Mcgee walking over he wanted to dig a hole and hide in it. To the cadets amazement though the Major was smiling there was no

“Get up you worthless Maggot”

Nor even a

“On your feet Soldier”

Instead McGee small little grin was offered and an outstretched hand for Parsons to take. Confused Parsons went along with it

“Thankyou Sir” Saluting as he said it

“Now don’t you worry about it cadet, the situation is being sorted right now”

“Sir” a confused cadet was trying to make sense of what was going on

The major indicated for Parsons to look over his shoulder where he would see what was happening. Looking behind him to of the Majors Marshalls were trampling the plants in the woodland that lay beside the courses track. A call came over

“Got him Sir”

“Good, good, bring him hear”

“You got tripped cadet, now I will sort it, I will not tolerate insolence on my assault course, there is a time and a place, and this is not it, on you’re way cadet I expect you will be trying again.

“Yes Sir” finally realised what had happened, the sweat on the brow of the cadet was just starting to make the field make-up drip, so Parsons was quite relieved to be dismissed before it got noticed

“Actually, cadet, wait there a moment”

“I may need you”

“Damn, Just my luck” Parsons thought

As the Major waited, the culprit could be seen being dragged out before the Major. It was Pve. McGrath he had a smile for the effort he caused the Marshalls in finding him, but the smile soon went when he realised who was going to. He realised it was the Major and McGee realised it was McGrath shaking his head he addressed him in a angry, condescending manor.

“Ah, Mcgrath, why oh why do you think you are better than me, why do you think you are better than the men, and why oh why do you have to be try so hard to be such a pain in everyones ARSE!!!!”

“I can tolerate a bit of masculinity soldier, in fact I expect it, we’re not a bunch of sissy’s, but I cannot tolerate insolence, I cannot tolerate indiscipline, where the hell would that get us in the fields of battle. We’d be dead Private. But what I really can’t tolerate private is the mistreatment of our the opposite sex”

That had McGrath stumped

“The other sex Sir???” forgetting everything else the Major had said

“My god Private, can’t you tell the the difference between your arse and your elbow Son, How old are you?”

“Um..er…23 last week sir” not trying to sound condescending back”

“Um..er…Speak clearly boy!!!“

“23 Sir”

“23 …23!!! And you still can’t tell me the difference between your mother and you’re father, you need some schooling boy, and you know you’re gonna get it”. The grimace aimed towards McGrath really screwed into McGrath.

“I…I’m sorry sir but I don’t underst….”

“understand…UNDERSTAND!!!” the majors tone echoed round the woodland and everyone in the vicinity who wasn’t watching before, was now. The Major whose eyes were still piercing with rage now towards Mcgrath signalled towards the Cadet standing behind him

“Cadet come here please, Parsons isn‘t it”

“Yes Sir” feeling lucky that the sweat on the brow had gone now

“McGrath what was your purpose of stalling Cadet Parsons trial.

‘Um…Er…I was just trying to say Hello Sir, and welcome to regiment W810’ Mcgrath answered wittily thinking he was in enough trouble already that a clever answer would gain him a little respect later with the boys who were listening. Little did he know however that ten seconds later that wish would go out the window.

“Parsons remove your helmet for Pte McGrath Cadet” The Major ordered

“Yes Sir” Regrettably Parsons did so understanding what was going on now. realising what this may be about, unfortunately.

Parsons removed the helmet and to the shock horror of McGrath and those watching a load of long Brunette locks came rolling down the back of the Cadet and her blue eyes became effeminate with the new look.

From the soldiers watching there were a few groans when they realised too what had happened, followed by a few wolf whistles when they too realised she didn’t look to bad. It was quite amazing how the girl of 21 was hidden behind the black field make-up and it was extremely difficult for any person to see the difference. Although petit there were tens of soldiers in camp that had the same build. McGrath’s eyes bulged in amazement, at the same time realising what he had done. The Private started backtracking

“He a She-She- He’s A She” he muttered.

“Yes Private and we don’t tolerate physical violence towards the opposite sex, not in this regiment, NOT ON MY TURF!”

The Major signalled to a couple of Marshall’s to take him away.

“Take him away, give him an ice cold shower”

Though taken back and a bit bewildered by all that had just happened Cadet Rachel Parsons didn’t like to think if she were to be a troop that she would be treated any differently than the men.

“Sir” she stated “ As much as I appreciate a man of your stature standing up for me, I wouldn’t like to think that I as a wooman would be treated any differently to any of you’re troops. From what I see W810 has its characters but if I am to get through these trails I would like to think I merited it through my effort not for my sex. Thankyou Sir”, stepping back not quite believing whom she’d just said that too.

After a moments silence The Major turned around confronting Parsons

“Cadet, not many people have the outright guts to do what you did just then, You don’t want to be treated any differently, then you won’t…You will complete the full three miles of this trek and the wall for you to pass this trial. Do that and passing the final medical you’re in. “Now on your way Cadet”

“Yes Sir” she replied not happy about the new trial, but she felt ready with a new vigour after the respect she felt she’d just received from the Major.

****

A large group of troops had gathered for their morning trek, but the news of a cadet completing the three mile course was all the rage, it had never been completed by a rookie. From what troop’s were hearing, Cadet Parsons was the first in what will be the new trial format to find the best of the best. The feat itself was being passed round as a rumour and few took it as the truth. No soldier could believe that a rookie on trial could complete it without learning to manage the pain barrier, but it had been done. Pve. Mark Connors was one of the first to question its authenticity, remembering his trials he couldn’t nor wouldn’t stand for it being the truth without a respectable source. At 6ft 3in Mark was about average height in the regiment. His rugged looks and dark features made him a bit of a stud to the ladies off duty but on duty made him more prominent. Well respected by his peers great things are to be expected of Connors.

Connors was waiting for his turn to do the assault course when looking over at the wall he saw the Cadets together collecting their assessments. A few remarks were being made, as were the norm but then as the Cadets were removing their helmets Connors became mesmerised, believing he recognised 0ne of the cadets. With the field makeup still on and messy greens it was hard for him too be sure, he had to have a closer look.

The Marshalls were presenting the cadets with new uniform it got to the girl

“Well done Private, report back 11:00hrs here for final medical results and debriefing of your new life, welcome to Winchester 810 regiment Private Parsons.

Hearing the name the story became clear for Connors it dawned on him.

“No way…Rachel?”

Connors approached her, while the other troops noticed, they egged him on, expecting a prank. His peers looked puzzled, not knowing what he was doing. Mark walked upto the Cadets tapping Parsons on the shoulder.

“Rachel?” Connors asked

The Cadet turned around looking at the man in front of her

“Yes, do I know you? She asked abruptly

Realising how he was attired the Private removed his helmet and smeared of part of his field make-up.

“It’s me Mark, Mark Connors, remember.”

“Mark, As in Pondtail Secondary’s Mark Connors, No way!!!, What know way!!! Seriously is that you??” “How are you skid mark its been years”

Remembering how that name came about was painful, none the less embarrassing, but even more so in the scenario they were in. Advantage Rachel.

“Sssh, keep it down will ya” he quickly blurted quietly.

With the other Cadets hoping to turn into Private laughing, Connors quickly hoped they won’t be making the grade to get in or his life will be over.

“I’m fine anyway other than that little blurt” he laughed “ I can’t believe you’re here” “Its been a while” Reconciling in disbelief how long its been

“It has, what is it six, seven years?” she nodded in agreeance to the impossibility it had been that long it seemed only yesterday they were sitting in that weirdo Mr. Evans’ Science Lessons together. Breaking the memories she broke thought to ask about what Connors had been upto.

“You been here long?”

“Um coming up three years”

“What are you doing here?” “ I mean you were always clever I thought you’d have settled down into a well paid job”

“Yeah well that was then alots happened since those days, here I am anyway and I’ve passed the trials. I‘ve got Private status now, so its Private Parsons now, I just need my secondary medical results processed but I‘m in either way.”

“hey that’s great. Guess we might be seeing a bit more of each other in future then” he blissfully thought.

Suddenly in the background a commotion could be heard The Activities Marshall was shouting “Private Cousins and Private Connors”, Private Cousins and Private Connors”.

“Sir” Cousins stated

“CONNOR’S, GET YOUR LOUSY ARSE UP HERE BOY, THIS AIN’T NO PLAYGROUND! the marshal shouted looking over the field of other troops waiting. Where the hell are you Connors”

Realising suddenly Connors quickly signalled to a fuming Marshall, and turned back to Rachel.

“Guess I’m in a bit of trouble now eh.” Oh well, nothing new”

“Sorry” genuinely saddened by the trouble she may have just caused him.

“No bother” “Hang about won’t you, we’ve got so much to catch up on”. Where will you be?”

“ Yeah that’d Be cool, my final mediacal results come in about ten, fifteen minutes” looking at her half muddied watch. Then I’ll be in the canteen, I think”

“OK meet you there in a couple of hours”

“Sure”

Connors sprinted off not to keep the Marshall waiting any longer. As Rachel looked on she saw how much flak he got for being late she turned round feeling sorry for him but content that they’d crossed each others paths again.

****

Turning his attention to the task ahead Connors prepared himself for the heated race on the assault course between Pte. Chris Cousins and himself. It has become customary practice for W810 to bet on each other in these relays. With odds of 3/1 to beat Cousins it was basically a sinch that Connor’s would win today, so nobody was taking much notice. The man to beat at the moment is Leiutenant Gary ‘G-Man’ Smith, a self-righteous officer, who had gone up in the rankings with blatant blagging and sucking up. G-man is the name given in recignition of his traidmark arm flexing resembling a G when showing off. It was such a sarcastic name in pity for his actions but he didn’t realise that, Even right now he was posing to the troops, trying to psyche the troops out. However this never worked, it was more like waving a giant red flag in the eyes of a dozen bulls. Fortunately for Smith though that whenever he canived to do this he’d make sure he had an entourage of Marshall’s watching, so nobody could touch him as much as everyone wanted to. The ranking of Lieutenant didn’t mean much without the respect, If you didn’t respect the individual you would be treated like crap, For most his ranking wouldn’t last very long, Having only had it for upcoming two weeks, there were many complaints coming in about his attitude and lack of leadership skills. How ever no matter what was going on he’d always be confident and many of the troops would brag and be cocky if they’d also gone the assault course 23 head-to-heads in a row. He was ultra confident with his new popularity found through winning so many people these bets there were a lot of extra treats being passed around in the canteen and money exchanges were happening even though this wasn’t really condoned by anyone in the camp.

Up next for Lt. Smith on the course today was against Pte Scott Mitchell whom had enough of the Lieutenants behaviour, With everyone around smith he saw Mitchell and started to syke his opponent. It wasn’t impressing him or many though, it just made it increasing harder not to punch him, Pte. Mitchell kept on telling himself “Get it done on the course“

.

The Marshall gave the traditional heads up to Cousins and Connors and Connors looked over to his left to size up his opponent. Cousins looked nowhere near the physical athlete Connors was a measly 5ft7in, a skinny runt who seemed quick but lacked stamina. He was capable of having the occasional good day on the course and was just about worthy to be an opponent, but it would be a huge shock if Connors would loose out there today, the muddy conditions could only cause problems to people of Cousins stature. The two privates shuffled into position on the start line and waited for the signal to start. With both competitors giving the thumbs up the Marshall signalled.

“Are you ready…Set….Go!!! Giving a sharp blow on his whistle they were off and it was as clear as day who was the more popular. Connors got a rapturous sending off and slightly threw his opponent for a second, it was always hurtful not hearing your name being cheered off behind you as you left.

Approaching the ground nets where the troops scramble under heavily roped meshes for 100yards, maybe surprisingly first down to the ground was Cousins, but only as he’d tripped, he’d been over eager and had dropped a good 2 metres before he should have done giving Connors an early advantage. With both soldiers wading the full length of their bodies through the freshly watered soil it wasn’t long before the clean greens they had been wearing were washed fully in mud. Moving on up from the nets they sidestepped the 20 odd shaped stones while running with each stone slippery with water and barely big enough to fit two feet on Both men amazingly crossed the broad canal opening with ease, keeping their balance perfectly. With not a lot between them Connors, with Cousins stature helping cross the river, they saw the downhill section of the course, A man mad mud had been created from the contiuos use of the course and when it use to be a horrible part where troops would pick up cuts and bruises off branches and stones, it was now a lot smoother and was quite fun. Reaching the bottom of the hill side both men found that the rainfall overnight had created an mini flood at the bottom. What ever was seen to be skin or green before was now covered with new, fresher mud coating. Both men reached the bottom of the hill performing a forward shoulder roll controlled to perfection getting them to their feet as quickly as possible. With no time to think the privates darted in and out of several strategically placed trees for a good 200yards, marshalls paraded to see if any were missed. Not one drop of sweat was on the brow of either man yet and breathing was very relaxed as they gained momentum though the opening adrenaline rush of the opening obstacles was starting to wear off. Just treking along the concrete track suddenly the vision of Rachel filled Connors head.

Losing focus Connors head hazed over, thoughts of seeing Rachel on camp amazed him, and all the memories sub-consciously came flooding back to him in abundance.

****

After school on Monday’s was so important to near enough everyone in his year back in the day. Two groups The Bullets’ and The Sharks’ would compete with each other week in week out and both groups were represented by all the year groups in Pondtail Secondary, being selected in an out of hour elite test.

Bullet Members Mark ’Colonel’ Connors, Mohammed ‘Hitman’ Shah, Johnny ‘Twister’ Adams, Rachel ‘Candy’ Lee, Andy ‘Jet’ Dickson and Sara ‘Nails’ Vyse vs. Shark members Ryan ‘Bulldog’ Williams, Suzie ‘Vixen’ Goddard, Sean ‘DC’ Taylor, Teri ’Rosebud’ Harding, Ross ‘ Spike’ Willis and ‘Davy Boy’ Greenwood made it there aim to gain bragging rights in a series of events taking place over the weeks including football, arm wrestling, a Steal-a-thon (consisting of a race against time to bring back as much property from the area as they can), Sprints and team relays round the local industrial park and the big one the wrestling. Although childish, it was everything back then, the winners would bask in the glory of being able to brag for the week while the losers would be shunned by about half the school within a day. Everyone admitted it was well worth taking the flak for anything they did, it was what made you popular.