NOVEL NEXT Ch15- Cadet Erwin Taking the Field
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Erwin looked at the man and saluted, "Sir, yes, sir!" It had been almost a month since Erwin joined SHIELD. He quickly adapted to the rigorous schedule and the high expectations, demonstrating his leadership skills and strategic thinking.
During a training session, Erwin stood among his peers, all dressed in standard SHIELD uniforms. The training field was a sprawling expanse of high-tech equipment and obstacle courses designed to push recruits to their limits.
"Alright, listen up!" barked the instructor, a seasoned SHIELD agent with a no-nonsense demeanor. "Today, we're focusing on tactical maneuvers and team coordination. Smith, you're leading Team Alpha."
Erwin nodded sharply, his mind already working through the various strategies he could employ. He scanned his team, assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
"Move out!" the instructor commanded.
As they started, Erwin quickly took charge. "Jones, cover the left flank. Rodriguez, you're on recon. Matthews, stay with me. We're taking the center." His orders were clear and decisive, reflecting his confidence and tactical acumen.
As they navigated through the obstacle course, dodging simulated attacks and coordinating their movements, Erwin's strategic mind was evident. He anticipated threats, adapted to changing scenarios, and kept his team focused and efficient.
After successfully completing the course, Erwin's team gathered around, catching their breath. The instructor approached, his expression stern but approving. "Good job, Team Alpha. Smith, your leadership was exemplary. Keep it up."
Erwin saluted again, feeling a sense of pride. "Thank you, sir."
Later, in the mess hall, Erwin sat with his team, their trays filled with standard SHIELD fare. The conversation was light, filled with camaraderie and the occasional teasing.
"Nice moves out there, Smith," Jones said, clapping Erwin on the shoulder. "You make it look easy."
Erwin smiled modestly. "Just doing my part. You all did great too."
Rodriguez grinned. "Yeah, especially when you told Matthews to 'do it now before it is too late' like some action hero. You got a catchphrase we don't know about?"
Erwin chuckled. "I'll work on it. Maybe something dramatic, like 'for the glory of SHIELD.'"
Matthews rolled his eyes, laughing. "Oh, please. We need something cooler, like 'time to tip the scales.'"
The table erupted in laughter, the bond between the team members growing stronger with each shared joke and victory.
As the days passed, Erwin's reputation within SHIELD continued to grow. His strategic mind, honed by years of leading the Survey Corps, was invaluable.
Erwin knew he was still far from catching Director Fury's eye. Just a cadet, while Fury was one of the most formidable people on the planet. SHIELD had 10 levels of clearance, and Erwin wasn't even at the first level yet. His path was long, but Nero had entrusted him with an important mission.
"Hey, Erwin, you think we can catch the eye of the big shots soon?" Jones teased, nudging him with a playful grin.
Erwin smirked, "Maybe they've got a special file on us labeled 'future legends.'"
Rodriguez laughed at the ridiculousness of the thought, "Yeah, right next to the file on alien hazards and gods that can join SHIELD."
The next day, Erwin awoke hours before the rest of the recruits, his body attuned to the rigors of his new life at SHIELD. His mornings started with a run through the empty training fields, his breath visible in the cool dawn air. The solitude gave him time to plan, to think about the day ahead.
After his run, Erwin moved to the training facility. He tackled the obstacle course with precision, his movements fluid and efficient. Climbing, jumping, and maneuvering through the various challenges.
Once the sun began to rise, Erwin joined his fellow recruits in the mess hall. The growing friendship was palpable, and despite the rigorous schedule, there was always room for light-hearted banter.
"Morning, early bird," Jones greeted, clapping Erwin on the back. "You're making the rest of us look bad."
Erwin chuckled, grabbing a tray of food. "Gotta earn my place in that legend folder."
Rodriguez grinned, "We appreciate the challenge, but give us a break sometimes, yeah?"
Erwin smirked, "No promises."
As they ate, Matthews leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "So, what do you think instructor has planned for us today? More tactical drills or another round of combat training?"
Erwin shrugged, "Could be both. Whatever it is, we'll be ready."
Jones rolled his eyes, "You and your endless optimism. Seriously, do you ever just take it easy?"
Erwin smiled, "Not really in my nature. Besides, if we're going to be the best, we need to be prepared for anything."
Rodriguez raised his cup, "Here's to being the best then."
The group clinked their cups together.
Later in the day, the recruits gathered for another round of training. This time, it was a simulation exercise designed to test their teamwork and strategic thinking. Erwin was once again appointed as the team leader.
"Alright, Team Alpha," Erwin began, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Our objective is to secure the building and neutralize any threats. Jones, you take point. Rodriguez, you're on support. Matthews, stay close and cover our flank."
As they moved through the simulated environment, Erwin's leadership proved itself once again. He coordinated their movements with precision, anticipating potential threats and adapting their strategy on the fly. The simulation was intense, but Erwin kept his team focused and motivated like a natural leader.
By the end of the exercise, Team Alpha had successfully completed the mission with minimal casualties. The instructor approached, a rare smile of approval on his face. "Excellent work, Smith. Your leadership continues to impress."
Erwin nodded, "Thank you, sir. Just doing my part."
As the weeks passed, Erwin's reputation within SHIELD continued to grow, and he often found himself in discussions with high-ranking agents, analyzing missions and developing plans.
In the evenings, after the day's training was done, Erwin would retreat to his quarters. There, he would review his notes, study tactics, refine his strategies, and train in Haki. Only sleep when his body couldn’t take it anymore.
One night, Erwin woke with a start, the darkness of his room broken only by the sliver of moonlight peeking through the curtains. The knock at his door was firm, insistent. He opened it to find the instructor standing there, his expression unreadable.
"Smith, you're needed," he said curtly.
Without another word, Erwin followed, his mind sharp despite just waking up, something he picked up on the battlefield. They moved swiftly through the compound, the halls silent save for their footsteps. Each door they passed required a swipe of the instructor's card, a reminder of the security levels within SHIELD.
Finally, they reached a heavy door marked "Restricted Access." The instructor swiped his card, and the door slid open to reveal a room filled with high-ranking officers. Their badges displayed ranks of 2 and 3, a stark contrast to Erwin's unranked status. The air was thick with tension and curiosity.
"Is this him?" The lead officer, a man with sharp features and a commanding presence, spoke first.
"Yes, sir. Erwin Smith. Best cadet with leadership abilities I've ever seen," the instructor confirmed.
Erwin stood at attention, his gaze steady as he assessed the room. The officers looked at him with a mix of skepticism and intrigue.
"We have a situation," the lead officer began, pointing to a large holographic display at the center of the room. "An enemy cell has taken control of a vital communications hub. Their tactics have stumped our best strategists. We need a fresh perspective."
Erwin's eyes scanned the display, quickly taking in the layout, the positions of enemy forces, and the critical points. The hub was a fortress, heavily guarded and well-fortified. Traditional approaches had failed, leading to significant losses.
"Smith, we need a plan that minimizes casualties and maximizes efficiency," the officer continued. "You're known for your strategic thinking. Show us what you've got."
Erwin stepped forward, his mind already racing through possibilities. "First, we need to divide their attention. A direct assault would be suicide, but if we create diversions at key points, we can force them to spread their defenses thin."
He pointed to three locations on the map. "Here, here, and here. We'll initiate small, coordinated attacks to draw their forces away from the main hub. Meanwhile, our main strike team will infiltrate from the south, where their defenses are weakest."
One of the officers, a seasoned veteran, frowned. "We've tried diversions before. They didn't fall for it."
Erwin nodded, anticipating the objection. "We need to make the diversions believable. Use real firepower, but keep the teams small and mobile. They should hit hard and then disappear, creating confusion and chaos."
Another officer, a woman with a keen analytical mind, leaned forward. "What about the hostages? They have civilians inside the hub."
Erwin's gaze hardened. "That's why the main team will include our best operatives, trained in extraction. Once inside, they split into two groups—one to secure the hostages, the other to neutralize the enemy command center."
The room was silent as the officers digested his plan. The lead officer broke the silence, a hint of a smile on his lips. "It's risky, but it might just work."
Erwin stood tall, his confidence unwavering. "It's our best shot. We need to act fast before they can reinforce their positions."
The lead officer nodded. "Alright, Smith. You're in charge of this operation."
The woman frowned, "He is not ready to enter the field. I admit his strategic mind is strong, but this is no joke."
The instructor took a step forward, his tone firm but respectful, "Ma'am, I assure you, Erwin is not like other cadets. His tactical acumen and leadership skills are exceptional. I've seen him outperform seasoned agents in simulations."
One of the officers, a grizzled veteran, chuckled dryly, "We've all seen fresh recruits with a bit of promise fall apart under real pressure. Simulations and theories are one thing; real combat is another."
Erwin remained silent, his gaze steady. He knew better than to interrupt when his abilities were being discussed by higher-ups.
The lead officer glanced at the holographic map, then back at Erwin. "Smith, you think you can handle this operation? It's not just about brains. It's about guts, determination, and the ability to adapt under fire."
Erwin nodded, his voice calm and confident, "I understand the stakes, sir. I also understand the risks. But I believe I can lead this team to success."
The woman officer crossed her arms, skepticism still evident on her face. "And if you fail? What's your contingency plan?"
Erwin's eyes sharpened, "If Plan A fails, we move to Plan B. We adapt, improvise, and overcome. I've analyzed the enemy's tactics, and I'm confident in our ability to counter them. But, ma'am, failure is not an option I'm willing to entertain."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Finally, the lead officer sighed, "Alright, Smith. You've got the operation. But remember, one misstep and it’s not just your career on the line—it's lives."
Erwin saluted, "Understood, sir. I won't let you down."
As the officers dispersed, the grizzled veteran approached Erwin, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Good luck, kid. You'll need it."
Erwin nodded, "Thank you, sir."
Erwin was led to another barrack where agents were gearing up. His old team, much like the female agent suspected, weren't ready for the field, thus Erwin needed to lead agents who were in the field for years.
Erwin stepped into the barrack, where a group of seasoned SHIELD agents were suiting up. Their uniforms were crisp, their equipment state-of-the-art. As he walked in, conversations halted, and all eyes turned to him.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in," a tall, burly agent named Thompson said with a grin. "You the new kid they’re sending out with us?"
Erwin nodded, his expression serious. "Erwin Smith. I’ll be leading this operation."
A chorus of murmurs followed his introduction. One of the female agents, Martinez, smiled charmingly and raised an eyebrow. "A cadet leading us? This should be interesting."
"Don’t worry," Erwin replied, his tone steady. "I’ve studied the mission parameters extensively. I know what we’re up against."
"Studied, huh?" Thompson chuckled. "Well, let’s hope your book smarts translate to the field."
A lean, sharp-eyed agent named Foster adjusted his gear and stepped forward. "Alright, Smith, what’s the plan? We’re ready to move."
Erwin walked over to the holographic map on the wall and began explaining his strategy. "We’ll create diversions at these three points," he said, indicating locations on the map. "Thompson, you’ll lead the first team. Hit hard, then fall back. Martinez, you take the second point. Foster, you handle the third. My team will infiltrate from the south."
Martinez studied the map, then nodded. "Alright, sounds solid. But what about the hostages inside?"
"We’ll split once we’re in," Erwin said. "One team secures the hostages, the other neutralizes the command center."
Thompson smirked. "So, who gets the fun job of taking down the bad guys?"
Erwin met his gaze. "I’ll lead the hostile team."
Foster clapped him on the shoulder. "Alright, Smith, you’ve got guts. Let’s see if you’ve got the skills to back it up."
The agents finished gearing up, their movements efficient and precise, no time was wasted. Erwin took a deep breath as they approached the transport vehicles. "Remember," he said, his voice carrying over the noise, "stick to the plan, adapt as needed, and watch each other’s backs. We’ve got this."
As they boarded the vehicles, Thompson leaned in and whispered to Erwin, "You get us through this in one piece, kid, and drinks are on me."
Erwin nodded, a small smile breaking through his serious demeanor. "I’ll hold you to that, Thompson."
The engines roared to life, and the vehicles sped towards their target. Erwin could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. This was it—the moment he had to prove himself and first mission to climb the stairs of success.
The transport stopped, and they moved out swiftly, taking their positions. Erwin watched as the diversion teams launched their attacks, explosions and gunfire erupting in the distance.
"Move in," Erwin ordered, leading his team towards the south entrance. They navigated through the shadows, bypassing enemy patrols with practiced ease.
Inside, the building was a maze of corridors and rooms. Erwin’s mind raced as he directed his team. They encountered resistance, but the agents’ skills and Erwin’s leadership kept them moving forward.
“Split up.” Erwin nodded, as half of his team nodded and separated to save the hostages.
"Hostages secured," Hazel reported over the comms.
"Good," Erwin replied. "Command center is next. Thompson, Martinez team up and make way to me."
They moved swiftly, taking down guards and clearing rooms. As they approached the command center, Erwin’s instincts kicked in. "Thompson, watch the left flank. Foster, cover the rear."
They breached the door, and a firefight ensued. Erwin’s mind was in overdrive, directing his team with planning akin to foresight. Within minutes, they had neutralized the enemy and secured the command center.
"Mission accomplished," Foster said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Erwin allowed himself a moment of relief. "Good work, everyone. Let’s get the hostages out and regroup."
As they exited the building, Thompson clapped Erwin on the back. "Not bad, Smith. Not bad at all."
Erwin nodded, feeling the weight of the mission lift slightly. "Thanks, Thompson. Let’s get everyone home safe."
Back at the SHIELD base, the agents debriefed, their respect for Erwin evident in their eyes. The lead officer approached, a rare smile on his face. "Well done, Smith. You exceeded expectations."
Erwin saluted. "Thank you, sir. Just doing my part."
As the team dispersed, Thompson caught up with Erwin. "Drinks are on me, remember?"
Erwin smiled. "I won’t forget."
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