Passion: Hunger: Dominance
The rules in military schools are comparatively better when compared to the training academy, the trainees bitterly thought. There were around 40, well versed in their fields. Usually, the mentors are responsible for taking roll calls every morning and evening. That being said, Duncan rarely appears. As the NIS director, he has many country affairs on his plate to deal with. But to their surprise, the trainees saw him walking towards the ground, with the assistant trailing behind him. The chattering in the ground immediately went to a standstill. His stoic expression gave them a chill, making them wonder if someone had pissed him off.
''Positions!'' Duncan commanded authoritatively, scaring the wits out of the crowd. He scanned the heads, and with one glance, he sensed the missing presence of someone. Where is this punk wandering alone when his friends are here? Duncan thought hard. Let's see how he is going to escape the punishment today. With a snort, Duncan began calling the trainees sorted according to alphabetical order.
Xanth, Knox, and Dustin stood side by side, looked at each other.
''I doubt he will make it,'' Xanth whispered.
''Charcoal Latte in psycho's office is confirmed,'' Knox said, in an undertone.
"I hate to say pineapple is winning," Dustin muttered.
Standing behind Knox was Evandre, stroking his crowned green hair. Although his attention was on the director's command, his nose sniffed for gossip. His curiosity piqued hearing the muted conversation between Knox, Xanth, and Dustin. Where did the pesky Leandre go?
''Hey, Knox.'' Evandre poked Knox's back with his index finger. ''What are you guys gossiping about? Tell me."
''Stop poking me, dumbass.'' Gritting his teeth, Knox slapped Evandre's hand. If pineapple knows Leandre is not here, the news will immediately reach the director's ears. After all, Evandre is Duncan's pet.
Swearing under his breath, Evandre poked Dustin, who was diagonally opposite him. ''Hey, Dusty.''
''Take off your hands, pervy fruit.'' Dustin swatted his hand away, an annoyed expression on his face. He is still furious over the fight that happened last week.
Evandre shamelessly ignored Dustin's remarks. He asked. 'Where is Leandre? He is not_''
''Evandre!'' Duncan's voice echoed into his ears, alerting him. Evandre gave a shrill shout of yes to the director and continued pestering Dustin. When he didnot respond, his eyes fell on Xanth.
When the names proceeded to the alphabet L, Xanth understood Leandre would not make it. Knox had a crazy idea of giving a proxy to Leandre. But then, he snubbed the thought thinking how risky it was. Duncan will slice him alive and feed his remains to his favourite birds.
''Leandre.''
Duncan gave a pause for a couple of seconds. ''Leandre!" He repeated. "This is your second call!'' As hard as a stove lid, Duncan's flat voice echoed into the crowd.
The trainees started looking around for Leandre. Xanth sighed deeply. Knox's shoulders dropped. Dustin blankly stared at the ground. Meanwhile, Evandre was on cloud nine. So, Leandre is not here? Since morning, he was in a bad mood because he missed getting into the top five in rifle shooting. But his spirits lit up, knowing Leandre's punishment was on the way.
''Leandre!'' The director repeated for one last time. ''This is your final_''
Suddenly he heard a noise, something landed on the ground with a loud thud, followed by Leandre's storming voice of "I am in". The crowd gasped and turned back, assuming the noise was from a tree's branch that had fallen on the ground but found nothing except darkness.
''Quiet, everyone!'' Duncan roaring voice boomed. He grimly walked past the trainees to the last row, his menacing eyes not leaving the sight of the tall figure for a nano-second. It didnot escape the sweat drops dribbling down Leandre's temple.
''What were you doing during the first and second calls?'' Duncan questioned, scanning the dried leaves on the ground. How did he manage to climb the lofty compound walls? There is no anxiousness or rapid breath to catch Leandre off guard.
''I didn't...hear your voice?'' Taking a controlled breath, Leandre questioned in return. "Since I was standing in the last row."
''Is it?" The ace director gave a dark chuckle at the challenge. "We will work on your hearing ability after we have a cup of latte at my_''
''The rule you posed was to respond before the third call, and I answered it. I don't see a reason for the punishment. Let's save your latte for a better reason, director.....'' Leandre paused before giving a sarcastic...'' Sir.'' at the end.
Duncan tightly gripped the file transmitting his anger over the poor object. If there is anyone who could boldly talk back, looking into his fierce eyes, it's none other than Leandre. Everything about him speaks of passion for work, hunger for power, and dominance for authority.
He can reload the gun faster than a chef switches the knife between hands. His impeccable record of shooting eight rounds in a second is something Duncan is proud of. He can empty a five-shot revolver in point six seconds. Duncan hates to admit he has never seen a sharpshooter like Leandre. The list goes on if he has to add about Leandre's potential...Along with the records, Leandre is the most troublesome punk he has witnessed.
Breaking his thoughts, Duncan gave a blank look at Leandre before throwing the file to his assistant. Ordering him to continue with the remaining students, he walked away.
Xanth, Knox, and Dustin turned back, giving a double thumbs up to Leandre. A smile never left Leandre's face, realizing the director would be knocked six today.
Post the roll call, Leandre and his friends started to their room while Leandre explained his adventurous run from the coffee house to the academy. On the way, a certain dimwit appeared in front of them, blocking their way.
Leandre exhaled a deep sigh! Can he have a minute of peace?