Following the events of New Year's it was safe to say that everyone had to spend the next day nursing a hangover, I particularly felt like shit since I went overboard like I normally do. Myself and Luna couldn't exactly get any time to ourselves once we returned to the party, not that I minded but I'd rather have spent some time with her before we left for the Griffin Empire. It wasn't until the morning after when Slicer pointed out something so basic yet somehow my stupid brain managed to overlook it, we are entering an environment primarily filled with snow wearing black uniform.

I had to mentally face palm myself for that one, not having to worry about issuing myself camouflage in the past I failed to even look into developing a combat uniform for the unit, we had a guard uniform but that wouldn't exactly be effective on the battlefield. Since I wouldn't be able to develop camouflage in a few short days I instead had to try and get some basic gear which would keep us concealed in the snow. Thankfully Rarity was able to save the day for me, she was able to produce another version of our guard uniform which switched the black and royal purple for a light grey which would provide better concealment in the snow along with some urban environments. She also threw in some thick winter jackets in white which would cover the armour but still allow our webbing to sit on top.

With this new uniform created I quickly dished them out to everyone to prepare and fully adjust their kit before we deployed, since we will likely see our first combat with the new rifles I ordered everyone to fully clean their rifles to ensure they were in working order. In the last day leading up to leaving the barracks received another shipment of ammunition to increase our stockpile, this would allow us to take more ammunition since we may not be able to easily resupply whilst we're away.

Since we still needed to look into developing new equipment whilst we were away I assigned Dawnstar a couple of research projects to keep her occupied and to ensure our progress remained constant. Some of the projects included the development of new munitions for training purposes and combat situations along with new armour designs including helmets for the Guard, since I used a Kevlar helmet It would be best to try and replicate it for the unit. Since Dawnstar needed a base to work from I decided to leave her my helmet in order to study it and to base the new design from.

I suppose we're as ready as we'll ever be.

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Sunday 5th January 2014

"Hey, be careful with those!" I shout out as Comet and Crimson nearly drop a create of ammunition whilst they load our equipment onto the train. Rubbing my hands together in an attempt to keep them warm I look over the rest of my team as they stack the equipment up to be loaded, the conductor was a bit annoyed that we were delaying the train however he soon held back his complaints when he was approached by a number of armed guards.

Sunny is standing alongside me ticking off a checklist as everything is loaded onto the train, "That's twelve-thousand rounds of ammunition, fifty grenades, three weeks worth of field rations for everypony, five spare rifles and everypony's personal equipment. I think that's everything, John."

Taking the clipboard from her I look over the equipment invoice and step into the luggage cart of the train. Checking everything off for myself I step back out to everyone as they look to me, "I hope nobody's forgotten anything, once we leave we aren't coming back for at least two months."

They all look to one another as they shuffle slightly as the cold winds bombard us. Chaser steps up to me, "We're all set."

"Good, Sure Strike and Silver Spark" -I point to the two as I call out their names- "Stay in the cart with all our supplies, keep it secure. Everyone else board the train and lets get moving," I remain on the platform as everyone climbs onto the train, once the pair are in with the equipment I take hold of the door and secure it behind them. Hooking my rifle over my shoulder I climb the small steps to join the others as they all sit within the train. Moving to the free seat next to Slicer I remove my webbing in order to remove the field bag clipped to it, with the field bag removed I rest it on the shelf overhead along with my unloaded rifle before reattaching my webbing and sitting down.

It doesn't take long until the train finally lurches before it begins to move along the tracks. As we start to move I look out the window over the countryside as it remains blanketed in snow, the only movement I can see are small groups of ponies walking towards Ponyville as they likely return from spending the holiday away with family. The usual trees which often seem to be radiate life now lie dormant as the snow clings to their branches making the surroundings seem like a totally different place. I never did like winter, I would happily prefer staying in the desert then sitting with my ass in the snow. It also didn't help that whenever it snowed back home it would just end up as sludge on the roads which somehow brought Britain to a standstill, we surely follow that stereotype where we make a big deal out of the weather.

When I turn my focus back to the others I notice Chaser looking to my sword and scabbard from the seat opposite me, "Since when did you get a new sword?"

Lowering my gaze to the sword I take it out and hold it towards him, "I got it for Hearth's Warming."

His eyes narrow as he looks to the handle, "How are we supposed to wield that? Nopony could fit their hoof under that guard."

"Well it's not for you, dumbass. It's my sword, not yours."

"Well it certainly looks impressive," Lowering his head his eyes focus on the rune at the hilt of the sword, "What's with the gem?"

Smirking I tilt the sword in my grip revealing it fully to him, "It's what makes my sword unique," As he tilts his head to examine it closely I run my thumb over the rune igniting the blade. Everyone's eyes immediately snap to the blade as I stand up and brandish the weapon, "I think this can trump any standard sword out there."

Staring wide eyed Sunny peels her eyes from the sword, "Is that a guardian rune?"

"Oh yeah, it makes this sword fucking badass. Is it bad that I've been trusted with a powerful sword when I haven't had any combat training with it?" Everyone looks to me again in shock following my statement, "What?"

Shadow calls to me from the opposite end of the cart, "You haven't been trained with a sword?"

Positioning the blade against the entrance of the scabbard I sheath the weapon deactivating the runes effect, "Not in combat, apart from the basic thrust and slash in emergencies. We're only trained to wield them for ceremonial purposes, swords are obsolete in warfare due to the weapons we have."

"So you've just been winging it?" Chaser asks, "You've been relying on nothing else but sheer luck for melee combat?"

"...I guess I have been."

"That's idiotic," Slicer says from alongside me with a serious tone to her voice, "You can't dive headfirst into something you haven't had any formal training in, especially with a skill which has the potential to take another's life."

I snap my head to her, "I'm a rifleman not a swordsman... but I suppose you're right. If I'm training you all to use rifles then I guess one of you should train me how to use a sword more effectively."

"I'll do it," Chaser volunteers, "I've got to make sure my mate doesn't poke his eye out or something," Chaser adds as he looks to me with a coy smile.

Grinning I nod my head, "We'll fit it in around all of your training."

Chaser pauses as he looks to me in confusion, "Training? What training?"

"Didn't I mention it?" Chaser along with everyone else simultaneously mutter some sort of disagreement, "When we've got free time you guys are going to be getting a crash course in training, get ready to complete phase one of the British army's training. I'll have to condense it down but we'll get it done, you'll be test running the new training requirement for anyone who is wanting to join the Everfree Rangers."

Everyone immediately groans and shares their disgust with me. I sit there momentarily as their complaining dies down allowing me to hear Janine, "What sort of training?"

"Fitness, field craft, first aid, tabbing, camouflage and concealment along with field exercises. You've already done military marching, weapons training and you won't have any need for CBNR so we can scrap them condensing the training down a bit. Before you all complain, everything I'm going to make you do is what myself and every other soldier in the British army had to do when they first joined, you all should have no problem completing this since you've already completed your own training to join the military."

As Chaser sits back down alongside Sunny he gives a cocky smile to me, "If you can do it then it'll be no problem for us."

I raise an eyebrow as I mentally want to slap the cocky bastard across the face for his cocky attitude, "I'm glad you think so, because as soon as all of our kit is unloaded at the barracks you'll all be doing your first test."

"Pfft... easy, what is it?"

"A three kilometre tab with full kit."

Everyone shrugs their shoulders in confusion. Sunny looks to me to ask the question on their minds, "What's a tab?"

Leaning back in my chair I fold my arms, "A loaded march."

Shadow and Chaser both let out a small laugh, "A march?" Shadow asks, "That's easy."

I raise a brow as I turn my gaze to her, "Oh, is it? I suppose you are right, that test is for new recruits when they first join so they can get used to it. Thanks for pointing that out Shadow, I guess I'll have to adjust it," Pausing I rub my chin as I look out the window with an expression of deep thought on my face as I pretend to try and think of a new drill, "How about you all do the test for the Infantry then? A twenty kilometre tab with sixty-six pounds of kit in three and a half hours."

Everyone's expressions drop once they hear the new test. Shaking his head Georg raises his talons defensively, "We'll stick with the standard."

I shake my head as I turn my focus between Shadow and Chaser, "No, these two made me realise that the initial test is too easy for experienced soldiers. You all can do it to the standard of the Infantry, thank Chaser and Shadow for correcting me," The pair shrink back into their chairs as everyone else stares daggers at them. As I smile to myself in amusement I look out the window as the train continues to traverse the country side, it should take us a few hours to reach the border of the Griffin Empire.

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It didn't take too long for everyone to go back to conversing with one another, I spent the majority of the trip trying to plan out a training programme for everyone in the team. As the train passed through the countryside of the Griffin Empire I looked out the window as we passed the familiar village of Woodside where our first battle of the war took place. Most of the buildings within have been repaired however the landscape clearly shows the extent of the battle which was previously fought here, a number of trenches and craters lay covered in snow as they're scattered across the empty fields from the previous artillery attacks and assaults.

As the train pulled into Wingston I'm able to see that most of the structures have been repaired following the previous occupation by Militarist forces, a few buildings still have some damage to them however a number of construction workers are in the process of repairing them to remove any physical reminders of the war. The train gradually begins to slow as it crosses over the river Guto, the bridge we worked on whilst I was waiting to return to front line combat was still standing strong and is clearly capable of handling the heavy loads crossing over it.

Once the train finally comes to a halt at the station the team quickly disembarks as I reattach my field pack onto the rear of my webbing, slinging my rifle over my shoulder I step off the train and look to my unit as they begin unloading all of our supplies onto the platform. As we're all unloading our equipment a large number of the locals watch us with interest, I can hear a number of them whispering to one another allowing me to pick up the informal title I was given following the war.

Turning back to the crowd I catch a small number of guards approaching us. Stepping up to me they all halt as their highest ranking member salutes me, "Sir, we're here to escort you to the capitol building to meet with the Minister of Intelligence and the Minister of Defence," As the Sergeant is addressing me his men start to position a carriage by our supplies and begin to assist my unit with loading the kit on board.

I should have guessed that Balbean would love using his title, I have no idea who the Minister of Defence is though. Reaching into my jacket pocket I take out my beret and fit it over my head, "Are we staying in Wingston?"

"We are, the Capitol building is only a twenty minute walk from here. After the meeting we will assist you with transporting your kit to MoD Fulwood where the majority of operations against the Children of the Motherland are taking place, an airship is waiting at an airstrip outside of town to transport us there."

"Where is MoD Fulwood?"

Reaching into his field pack he retrieves a map and presents it to me, "MoD Fulwood is located on the outskirts of Darkwood along the south coast."

I raise a brow as I pass the map back to him, "Darkwood? That's an odd name for a coastal town."

"It got it's name due to the woods surround it in every direction, the only two directions which aren't woodland are the sky and the sea. It acts as the main land route between the east and west of the Empire, the Empire is split down the middle primarily by a mountain range which is often too dangerous to fly over. Other then that there's a large woodland which you can travel through, however there's plenty of dangerous creatures lying within."

Stepping up to the carriage I watch as the last of the supplies are secured before two of the Griffin guards attach themselves to the harnesses in order to tow it. Pivoting towards the Sergeant I raise my hand to the main road, "Lead on, we'll follow," As he steps of I turn to my unit, "Fall in!" Once all twelve are lined up in front of me I come to attention in front of them, "Squad shun!" They immediately follow the order as they stamp their hooves down, "Squad will advance! Left turn!" Turning to their left of the spot they quickly come back to attention in their new position. Matching their action I turn to my right so I'm facing the same directions as them, "By the right! Quick march!"

As we march through the town we immediately gain the attention of everyone we pass, nobody in the Griffin Empire has seen any Equestrian soldiers in their territory since the end of the war. I can imagine seeing a unit marching down the streets so soon after the end of a conflict isn't the greatest way to make them feel safe, especially a foreign military unit in full combat gear. As we move from the south side of town to the north we cross over the Gutocross bridge, it was here where we conducted our infiltration and ambushed the Militarist forces during the battle. The concrete bunkers which were heavily damaged in the assault had been knocked down and replaced with large statues acting at memorial sites for those who died in the towns liberation.

As we marched along the north side of the river my eyes locked onto the tower which I used as a sniper position, the opening have been sealed off with stained glass windows which showed portrayals of myself during the battle. I guess since I was the 'Liberator of Griffonstone' and my first key battle took place here so it only made sense that if they were going to put up something in my honour it would either be here or within Griffonstone itself.

When we reach the Capitol building we are initially halted at the gate as the guards stationed there send a messenger to inform the Ministers that we've arrived. Stepping up to the gate leading into the compound I look over the building, the walls are made of what appears to be large limestone blocks, large marble pillars with a golden trim rest at the top of a small staircase leading into the main entrance. Small guard posts are spaced at equal intervals along the outside perimeter, each guard is wearing some sort of ceremonial version of the old Royalist uniform and is equipped with the muskets which were first developed during the war. The roof of the building has a large glass dome resting over the centre, a number of spotters in combat armour patrol the rooftop back and forth.

It doesn't take long before the guard returns alongside the Griffin I met at the Gala, she's equipped with a lightweight variant of the combat armour. Stepping up to me she smiles as she extends her talon, "Captain, good to see you again. You're free to come inside but we have to ask the rest of your unit to remain out here."

Taking her talon I shake it as I turn back to everyone, "Very well," As we make our way through the compound I look over her military uniform to see two silver bars on each side of her shirt collar. It may be the American symbol for Captain but I still recognise it, "You never mentioned that you were a Captain."

"I also never told you my name. Captain Gabrielle, Royal Reconnaissance Regiment. We'll be working closely with one another as we fight the Children of the Motherland, the Minister specifically requested that my unit is to assist you in your operations," Entering through the main doors we enter a large hallway, numerous Griffin government officials are moving from room to room as we pass through the crowds, I can even see a number of other races within the building including Zebra's and Minotaur's.

As we start to climb a staircase to the side I look to Gabrielle, "What can you tell me about their activities?"

"They've been laying low since their failed assassination in Ponyville, there's been the odd attack here and there but nothing significant. We've slowly been uncovering key locations they're operating from and sending in our units to detain them," Stopping outside an office door she rests her Talon on the handle, "Ready?"

Looking to the door my eyes lock on the plaque stating that this is the office to the Minister of Intelligence. Nodding my head she knocks on the door before holding it open for me. Stepping inside the office I find Balbean and another black Griffin stood at the desk as they turn their focus to me. Balbean is wearing a charcoal coloured blazer with a silver shirt underneath. Stepping up to me he holds his talon out, "John, good to see you made it."

I eye his talon curiously for a moment before grasping it to complete the greeting, "Well this group is causing a few problems for us, the more people you got trying to eliminate them the better."

"Very true, with your assistance I'm sure we'll be successful. This is the Minister of Defence, Christoph," Balbean raises his talon to the Griffin alongside him who remains quiet. Balbean glances quickly to my rifle, "What happened to your rifle? Why have you replaced it?"

"Your friend Silverwing is responsible for that. I had to make a new rifle, I've also been able to adapt it for the Equestrian military."

Christoph finally breaks his silence, "So that's the reason the Equestrians are no longer ordering our rifles, you finally made your own?" Unlike the other government officials I passed in the corridors he is wearing a military parade dress, if I had to guess I'd say he was ex-military.

"We have, fighting the Children of the Motherland will be the first time they're seeing combat."

He starts to move around me slowly as he examines the weapon which rests over my shoulder, "Where is the ramrod? How are you expected to load this in combat?"

Turning my head to look at him I take control of my rifle, "It doesn't have a ram rod, it's a bolt-action rifle."

Balbean steps up as well to view the rifle, "Bolt-action? Like your old rifle?"

I shake my head, "No, the SA-80 was fully automatic and had a fire selector for single fire. A bolt action loads the round by pulling the bolt to the rear and positioning a new round in the chamber," Raising the bolt I pull it to the rear showing them the internals before locking the bolt forward and firing off the action, "It's magazine fed, fitting into the bottom of the rifle it allows me to fire off ten rounds before it needs replacing."

"It certainly seems impressive, "Christoph comments, "However only combat will let you know if it's effective."

"That's why I'm eager to fight the Children of the Motherland" -I turn my gaze to Balbean- "So where are they?"

Stepping up to a map Balbean points out a number of small settlements on the eastern side of the mountain range, "We believe they are operating from one of these towns, however we are unable to confirm it. We've got a lead but we won't be able to follow it for another week."

"What's the lead?"

"We've received intelligence courtesy of Gabrielle that Silverwing's Lieutenant will be attempting to recruit new soldiers to their cause in the former Militarist stronghold of Threlkeld. He is however conducting meeting with former high ranking officials who only speak Imperial Griffonian during their meeting, only a small number of our population uses the language anymore so attempting to infiltrate and translating their conversations will be difficult."

"I speak it," All three of them look to me with doubtful looks on their face, "Niemand glaubt mir jemals, wenn ich ihnen sage, dass ich es sprechen kann."

They remain silent as all three look to me with dumbfounded expression. Balbean shakes his head, "Okay, maybe you can speak it, though you defiantly won't be able to sneak in. Most of the former Militarist high command know who you are, not to mention you're a human and not a Griffin."

Scratching my beard I look to everyone, "What about Georg and Janine? They can speak Imperial Griffonian, I doubt that they're known by the Militarists."

The three look to each other before Balbean turns back to me, "That may work. We'll give you more information closer to date, for now though you should get moving to your barracks. Until any operations arise you are free to use the bases facilities as you see fit," Leaning over his desk he picks up a large dossier and passes it to me, "Read up while you can, this contains all the intelligence we've gathered that we're happy to share with you. Obviously some information is being withheld, though you're here to assist us we still need to keep some information restricted."

Taking the dossier I turn to the door to leave, "I'll get up to speed."

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After the meeting we were lead to the airship where all of our supplies were loaded up, with everything packed we get settled in for the flight to our new home for the next few months. We wouldn't be alone at this new base, we would be sharing it with Captain Gabrielle and her unit along with the military garrison based there. It only took a couple of hours to travel to the south coast of the Griffin Empire, the airship was able to land directly in the centre of the base at the airstrip.

Unloading the kit we were able to secure everything away in the storeroom underground bellow our barrack, to ensure it was safe I had Colbalt cast a spell on the door and all the locks to allow him to tell if anyone was attempting to tamper with it, Silver was also able to cast a spell which causes the door to heat up upon contact causing it to burn anyone who tries to access it while the spell is active.

Our barracks above was a metal hut which stretched out to provide enough room for twelve soldiers and a small private quarters for the CO at the end. The hut reminded me of a Second World War air raid bunker you'd see in someones back garden during the Blitz, the curved metal structure meant that I couldn't stand up straight when I move to the side walls of the barrack. Everyone is provided with their own bed, locker and footlocker to store their kit, as part of my training I'm gonna carry out regular inspections to ensure they can keep everything tidy and secured.

As everyone got all of their personal kit sorted I stand alongside the door as I look over them, "Everyone I want to see you outside in two minutes! You will not require any kit, you will be carrying out a timed run!" Without waiting for a response I step outside into the snow and make my way over to the track. Since the track is a standard four-hundred meters it would take six laps to complete the standard army running test of one and a half miles.

Once everyone is gathered on the starting line of the track wearing nothing at all I look to them all as I pace back and forth, "Before you all begin the tab I'm gonna make you all complete a timed run, you can only use your hooves, no wings or magic allowed to help you. The test is simple, six laps within a set time," I stop in front of Shadow and look down at her, "But since I was told the basic recruit tests were too easy for you all how about you complete the officer run time instead of the regular time? You have ten minutes and thirty seconds to complete six laps, that's the equivalent of what I had to do during my basic training."

As I step back from Shadow I watch as she shrinks slightly whilst everyone looks to her and Chaser in annoyance, however they don't seem to look particularly worried for it. Smirking I move to the side and take out my phone, "You all could have had the basic fourteen and a half minutes but that would have been too easy," Switching to the stop watch on the phone I look back up to everyone, "You've got three minutes to warm up before the run, do whatever you wish."

As everyone starts to perform a number of stretches to prepare for the run Gabrielle leaves the neighbouring barrack and stands alongside me, "Training your unit?"

Turning my head to her I look to the stopwatch as the stop watch continues to run, "I don't know the standard level of Equestrian training, I'm gonna be putting them through their paces."

"Mind if I watch? I'd like to see how your training matches up."

"By all means. How about you get your unit to join in? We'll see which one of our units are better."

The Captain chuckles as she turns to move to her barrack, "My units are highly skilled, I'm sure they can out perform yours."

"We'll see about that," As she disappears I get my unit to line up as we wait for the Griffins to turn up, after a few minutes they join up with my unit providing me with thirty soldiers in my training group. The Captain joins alongside me with her own stop watch as I look over everyone, "You've got ten minutes and thirty seconds to complete six laps! Get ready!" I look over everyone as they get ready for the run, "Three! Two! One! Go!"

Myself and the Captain watch as everyone runs around the track, she will be timing her own units whilst I'm timing all of mine. Tilting her head to me she scratches her neck, "I take it you've done this test?"

"Yeah, it's the basic for army officers which I did when I first enlisted. However I'm giving them an easy tab compared to what I had to do when I was in combat, before you ask what a tab is it's a loaded march."

Flicking her eyes to those running Gabrielle steps to the side to look past me, "What did you have to do?"

"Well I'm making them carry sixty-six pounds of kit for twenty kilometres in three and a half hours, I've had to carry more whilst in combat. During my first deployment to Afghanistan I was involved with patrols for five hours where we carried a Bergen weighing roughly one-hundred pounds, not to mention I also had to wear a bomb suit which weighed over eighty pounds when I had to disarm IED's. If I can do that in combat then I expect them to be able to do it, especially since they can carry more weight on their backs."

As we watch the others run the track they actually complete the test with time to spare, I suppose I shouldn't have really been surprised though since horses back home were obviously faster than humans. The ponies aren't as fast as the conventional horses back home but they're still able to easily outpace a human by completing it in an average time of seven minutes and twenty seconds, they had speed but since they were smaller than me they didn't have steps as long as horses or even humans when it came to running. The Griffins generally were able to beat the running time but just barely, they didn't seem to be that tired from the run compared to the ponies though making me believe that they would perform better on long distance runs. Humans may not be very fast, but we have endurance to make up for it so I think the tab should be roughly the same result as what humans would get back home.

As everyone lines up again in front of me a cocky smile spreads across Chaser's muzzle, "Your army must be really unhealthy if they need over ten minutes to do that."

Stepping up to him his demeanour drops as I glare at him, "So you can run fast? Let's see how you handle heavy kit, since you had such a leisurely stroll on the run I'm gonna up the weight on your kit. Everyone load up your field packs with thirty-five kilograms, or seventy-seven pounds of kit, you'll also need to be in your full standard kit including your weapons, armour and ammunition! You've got twenty minutes to get your kit gathered and back out here!"

Once everyone moves off I make my own way into the barracks and head straight to all my kit, I filled my field pack with extra clothing, twenty-four hours worth of rations, additional ammunition, a basha and any spare kit I could load into it. Attaching the final hand held shovel to the rear of the pack I move out to join the others as they try weighing their kit, since Equestrian kit wasn't as heavy as the kit I was used to we packed water canteens into our packs allowing us to add to the weight but would also allow us to empty them if needed to reduce weight in emergencies.

With everyone being fully kitted up we all met outside with the fully loaded field packs, I meet with Gabrielle at the front as we both look over a map. Tracing her talon along the map she points out a route, "Would this do?"

I scratch my beard as I look to it, "No, it's too flat. We need a route which has a number of ascents, descents and a wide variety of terrain. We need to head out ten kilometres then turn around to come straight back."

"I know the perfect route," A smile spreads over her beak as her talon points to the forest to the west, "Two kilometres from here across the beach, this will allow them to traverse in shallow water along with uneven terrain as they climb natural rock barriers. From there we can move into the forest where there is a number of hills to climb as we navigate around the tree lines. The ten kilometre mark will be here at the top of the Kloln Highland within the forest, from there we can turn around and make the journey back."

Lifting my field pack I attach it to the rear of my webbing and immediately feel the weight upon my back, I've had plenty of experience with carrying heavy weight on my back so it shouldn't be too much of an issue for me. The ponies had a pair of saddlebags which attaches to their flanks from their webbing along with the top of their back allowing the weight to be spread out, this should make it a bit easier for them. The Griffins have a similar set up however they seem to be a bit more uncomfortable with the weight upon their backs. Stepping in front of everyone I look to them all, "Everyone here will follow Captain Gabrielle along the route, I will stick to the rear to ensure none of you fall back! You have a time limit to do this test, your pace will dictate how fast then Captain goes! If you go too slow she will slow down, if you speed up so will she! If you fall back and can't recover quick enough you will fail the test! Those who fail will do it again with me tomorrow morning for every day until you pass!" Pausing I look over to Gabrielle, "Captain once you're ready we will begin."

Once Gabrielle begins to move I set a timer for three hours and thirty minutes and start to follow from the rear. It's only a short walk till we leave the base and move through the outskirts of the nearby town to reach the beach, the surface if fairly uneven causing everyone to slip as they attempt to run over the gravelly beach and scale the rock walls.

Moving into the first stages of the woods everyone is made to weave between the trees as they have to move over various roots and potholes which are hidden by the layer of snow. Everyone's pace seemed to slow at this point as they continued along the route, I often had a couple of the Griffins falling back to me along with Comet and Colbalt falling back from my group. A quick shouting session and a boot up their arses got them moving again to catch up with the rest.

The final hill climb proves to be their biggest struggle, trying to traverse a steep incline covered with frost and snow isn't exactly easy for anyone. I was able to keep everyone moving however as I kept pushing them up from the rear, I've had plenty of experience of tabbing and moving around while carrying lots of heavy kit whilst on the field. By the time we reached the summit of Kloln Highland I could see that everyone was feeling the strain of the exercise, so far it has taken them just under two hours to reach this point giving them an hour and a half to return to base.

Luckily for them the way back was primarily downhill allowing them to recover on their time, however due to the frost on the slopes many of the runners lost their footing at one point causing them to slip or fall over. Reaching the thick woodland near the bottom gave them better ground to walk on, they were physically able to use the trees to help support them as they navigated the terrain. Finally they had to push themselves as they reached the beach, climbing down the rock walls they tried to pick up the pace once they realised they were close to home. As we got closer to the base I sprinted past the group and joined Gabrielle at the front as we made the last few corners, when I looked over to her I could see that the drill had also gotten to her.

Returning back to the front of our barracks everyone is more then happy to rest their kit down as they slump down to either sit or lie on the cold floor as they pant for breath. Panting myself I remove my field pack from my back and rest it on the floor, moving my shoulders I stretch the joints in an attempt to relieve some of the pain from carrying the heavy kit.

Taking out my phone I step in front of everyone and turn the screen to show them it, "You all had ten minutes to spare, you came this close to failing. You may have the speed for sprints but you all need to also work on your endurance, combat situations can last anywhere from minutes to hours, even days. However I suppose you all passed, congratulations. The good news is that none of you will have to do this again tomorrow, the bad news is that there's a second part of this test."

Everyone's eyes raise from the ground as they look to me in disbelief, "Tomorrow morning at 08:00 you all need to be back out here in full kit and a field bag packed with a weight of twenty kilograms or forty-four pounds to complete the exact same tab in three hours. You'd all better get some rest, you've got a busy day tomorrow."

As I step off I pass my team as they all look to me in a mixture of exhaustion and annoyance, after doing that run their bodies will likely still be sore for when they have to do the tab again. Like it or not there are times where you'll have to traverse long distances with all your kit, since they lack ground and aerial transport for large bodies of units they will need to get used to potentially having long walks in full kit.

I've still got plenty more training to throw at them, I'm just getting started.

Author's Notes:

Minor characters roles will be opening up for members of the Griffin military and the Children of the Motherland.

If you wish to submit a character name or idea then send me a private message.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter