The Collection by Shannon Stoker

debated screaming but thought any noise would burst his eardrums. He keeled over; his stomach was too empty. Andrew didn’t understand why Carter was getting the praise and attention. This whole situation was his fault. Andrew was the good soldier, not Carter. Andrew had the discipline. He had to get outside, speed up his training so he could . . .
    Again Andrew’s thoughts betrayed him. Why did he want to get outside so bad? He stared openmouthed at the ground. He didn’t think enlistment would be like this; he had thought it would be more formal. Was this enlistment? Andrew asked himself. It didn’t matter. He had to show these men he was a good soldier; now that Carter was gone he could prove his worth. The noise returned at full volume. Andrew didn’t bother covering his ears. He picked the rag back up and started wiping the counter.

Chapter 17
    A global governing board should be created to monitor human rights around the world.
    â€”Comment from the Global Reporter message board
    The quiet was deafening. Mia stood on guard around the small patch of trees and relied on her ears to guide her, but they were giving her nothing to work with. She tried to ignore the pain in her thigh from the giant bruise growing under her shorts. Mia lifted her hand to touch the welt, and it was at that moment her attacker came barreling out of the trees.
    Mia moved out of Riley’s way and gained herself an extra second, but the redhead wasn’t about to waste her lead. Mia tried her best to defend herself from the blows and still look for a moment to land one herself, but Riley was as quick as ever. Their sparring came to an end when Riley’s fist broke through Mia’s defenses and came just short of knocking Mia to the ground.
    â€œThat was better,” Riley said. “I waited till you were distracted. It only takes a second.”
    â€œMe checking the bruise?” Mia asked.
    Riley nodded.
    â€œA lot of fighting is waiting around,” Mia said. “I get bored and my mind wanders.”
    â€œThis is a controlled exercise,” Riley said. “The next step is to have you prepared for random attacks. We could be playing chess and I’ll try to pounce on you.”
    â€œYou’d risk your precious board?” Mia asked.
    â€œIt’s all about the timing.”
    Mia swatted her arm and killed a mosquito. She didn’t know why she bothered. After a week out here her body was covered in bruises and bug bites. Killing one wouldn’t make that big of a difference.
    â€œDo you think they’ll attack me when I get to town?” Mia asked.
    â€œThey might,” Riley said. “But not right away. If things go according to plan it will be you doing the attacking.”
    â€œGet close enough to Dalmy and find a way to hold her hostage. Trade her freedom for our men,” Mia said.
    She went over the plan in her head again and again.
    â€œDon’t let them know what you’re capable of,” Riley said. “Even though it’s not much.”
    â€œI’m getting better,” Mia said.
    â€œI could take you with both arms behind my back,” Riley said. “I don’t have enough time to turn you into a fighting machine.”
    Mia frowned.
    â€œDon’t get down on yourself,” Riley said. “You’re doing fine for what we need.”
    â€œWhen will I be ready?” Mia asked.
    She was getting antsy about Carter and Andrew. She couldn’t begin to guess what they were going through.
    â€œI don’t know,” Riley said. “Soon.”
    The days and nights were becoming a blur. All they did was play chess and work on Mia’s defense abilities. She’d yet to beat Riley at either.
    â€œI don’t think I’ll get much better,” Mia said. “We should go now.”
    â€œAnd what will you do when you get our men back?” Riley asked.
    â€œLeave,” Mia said.
    â€œHow?”