Distant Lands
Pride

I’m so proud of myself right now. I turn to the right; I turn to the left. I’m standing here in front of the mirror. Holding my shirt up, just admiring my abs. I slowly trace my fingers down my abdomen, feeling my toned, lean abs… wow. I’m not just proud of my abs. I’m also proud because I completed my military training. I hear a knock at my door, and I quickly pull my shirt down and go to open it. Ivan is holding neatly folded navy clothes, and on top of the clothes, a pair of black shoes.

“Hi Ivan, what do you have there? I ask.

“This is your Military uniform.” His eyes are full of pride, “It took hard work, blood, sweat, and a lot, a lot of tears, but you did it, Elizabeth, congratulations,” he smiles proudly and hands them to me.

I feel my heart swell with pride. I reach out and take the uniform. I never thought I would complete a Military program in an Alien World. I worked my ass off, and It didn’t feel like it would pay off, but it has. But this wouldn’t be possible without my teachers. I put the uniform down on my bed.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without your guy’s help and not giving up on me, so, thank you.” I hug him.

“Can you put the uniform on? I want to see it,” he says.

I happily nod, and he walks back downstairs. I close the door, and I quickly undress. I unfold the uniform and put on a white blouse, a navy blue long-sleeved blazer jacket with four brass buttons on the front, and solid navy blue-colored pants. I comb my hair up in a tight bun and put the black shoes on to complete the look.

I look at myself in the mirror, and I stare at the person standing in front of me. I almost don’t recognize myself. I am not the same Elizabeth that walked through the shed doorway. My experience living here has changed who I am.

I walk out of my room and down the wooden staircase. As I walk down, I’m surprised to see everybody there, Ivan, Ethan, Rita, Alan, the girls, and Damon, just sitting there, like a small audience, looking at me with a proud look. I realize that this is like a small ceremony. Emerald is the only one standing.

She is wearing her military uniform. I didn’t think she could get any more intimidating. The uniform makes her look powerful. She has a uniform similar to mine, but it is black and has a lot of pins on it. She stands still with a commanding look on her face.

I step off the last step and walk towards her. She calls for my attention, and I automatically respond with a Ma’am! Saluting her, I quickly put my arms at my sides, staring forward. She comes closer to me and stands in front of me.

“Elizabeth has demonstrated with her hard work and dedication that she is ready to serve. Although she has been a big pain in the ass, she always demonstrates that she can complete tasks effectively and efficiently,” she shows me the pin she is holding in her white-gloved hand. It’s a double infinity pin.

“I am proud to present you with this pin. It is a symbol representing our values, courage, and commitment; wear it proudly,” she says, pinning it on the top left side of my blazer. Then she salutes me again, and I do the same. Everybody claps and cheers. My Alien stepmother grabs my shoulders and pulls me in for a tight hug.

I tap her back a few times. She lets me go, and I see her teary eyes. Everybody comes toward me to congratulate me. I feel overwhelmed with happiness and the attention I’m getting.

Everybody talks and laughs with each other, and I see them as friends. I will always be grateful for their support.

Isa, Nina, and even Adira come to hug me, congratulating me.

“We are so proud of you,” Isa says.

“Now we have a forever bond, comrade,” Nina laughs.

“Wait, did you guys complete the program too?” I ask, surprised.

“Yes, everybody that attends the Academy does,” Adira says.

“Yes, but your training was tough; you did everything all at once; good job,” Isa says.

I smile, but I feel in the dark. What else don’t I know about?

I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to look at Damon. “I’m very proud of you. I remember going through this; it was difficult for me to get used to following orders,” he laughs, “I got my ass beat many times.” I laugh with him.

“Well, I need to go, but don’t forget about me,” Damon says, hugging me.

I hug him tighter, “Damon, we have a bond now. I can never forget about you.” I release him. He smiles broadly, revealing his fangs, and it doesn’t scare me. I mirror his smile, and he squeezes my shoulder and walks off to say goodbye to Ivan.

Emerald turns to me. “Alright, Elizabeth, now go get your bag ready; we’re leaving soon.”

“Where are we going?”

“On our first mission.”

I am speechless. Wait a minute, I thought I just had to complete the training, and that was it. They never mentioned anything about going on any missions after?

“Mission? You never said I had to go on missions after training,” I say.

Surprisingly she doesn’t get angry; she doesn’t have any expression on her face. “We said you would serve in the military, not just train. Now go get ready,” she says and walks off.

I feel my gut drop to the floor. What on earth, no, what in Azure did I get myself into?

I guess that happens when there’s miscommunication, and like always, I forgot to read the fine print. I feel my heart pick up speed, but I calm my fast breathing. The urge to run is pretty damn strong; put yourself together, just do what they say.

I walk up the stairs and into my room. I take off my uniform, fold it nicely, and place it inside my dresser drawer. I change into my black jeans and white shirt. I put on my black leather jacket and boots. Grab my bag, and pack.