Being new wasn’t easy, but with Major by your side you knew it’d be alright.
The malinois trotted by your heal as you walked through the barracks. His tactical vest headed all the warnings and “do not pet” and “don’t fuck with me” patches.
You walked towards Captain Price’s office, ready to report for what the pair of you had been called in for. You learnt not to give into the stares or the taunts from other soldiers, Major largely ignored it too apart from a growl here and there to remind them who was really in charge.
You tightened Major’s leash and got him to sit at your heel before you knocked on the captains door. A gruff voice invited you in. Sucking in a breath you opened the door and were met with your new captain.
Turning the handle you pushed the door open. Your new Captain, sat at his desk scribbling away at the files scattered across his desk. He placed down his pen and sat back in his chair, almost as if he were sizing you up.
“You must be our new handler,” he said. Major sat at your side, eyes scanning the room and nose twitching as he took in his new surroundings. “He looks meaner than half the soldiers here.”
“Depends on the day, Captain and who pisses him off.”
You saw the hint of a smile flash across his lips, “good. I think you’ll fit in just fine.”
He gestured to the seat opposite him, “take a seat.” He collected up the papers on his desk, neatening up his workspace. “You’ve been assigned to Task Force 141, captained by yours truly. We’re a squad of four, two Sargents and a lieutenant who you’ll be meeting this afternoon,” he explained. “Training session is at 13 hundred. I want to see what you and your mutt can do, I’m sure the others will too.”
You nodded. You were used to this, being new, always having to prove yourself to others. The weight of his words settled heavy in your stomach. No matter how many times you were the new kid it never got easier, but with Major by your side you weren’t scared.
“Looking forward to it, sir.”
Major gave a short deep bark at your side. You stood and he followed, always to your heel to the point you didn’t even need the lead attached to his harness half the time.
As you left the captain’s office you took a deep and steadying breath, “we got this, boy.”
Part Two HERE
