The mission room is like the observation room above the training arena at the academy. Instead of theater-type seating, this one is set up for meetings and debriefs. A large oval table sits in the center. A holographic touch screen monitor is embedded in the table to project 3D images when needed.

　　I`m early, first one here. With a team as tight as the Elites are known to be, I don`t dare select a seat yet. They`ll each have their usual spots, and I have no desire to be put in my place. I move to the far corner of the room, where the shadows are thickest. I want my back against the wall as I wait for the rest of the squad. Suddenly, Kane steps out, as if he materialized out of the corner I was aiming for. I shake my head in disbelief at not being able to sense him sooner. He eyes me with a smirk, pleased at catching me unaware.

　　What`s with my powers lately? They`re either in overload or dead asleep. I didn`t detect his breathing or heartbeat. And my sharp eyesight can see through the deepest of shadows. It has to be me. I`m distracted more than I`ve ever been. General Targe`s insinuations about the breeches, Buckler`s invitation to learn about my family, and now my powers doing new things.

　　I take in his confident stance and thick biceps bulging with his arms crossed at his chest. He doesn`t give a hint of emotion or sign of what he might do next. It`s the same way I present myself, and the desired effect really is uncomfortable.

　　I tilt my head toward the door when I hear the rest of the squad`s chatter coming towards us. Kane`s eyes narrow at the direction of my attention. The captain reminds everyone not to take a seat until I choose one. Suppressing a grin, I give Kane my attention again before I walk around the table to choose my chair. What conclusions could they draw about me from the seat I choose? I honestly don`t know. Still, my tendency to be unpredictable always throws people off, so I`ll go with my gut.

　　I walk around the table in its entirety waiting for the squad to come up the steps. Right before they enter, I choose the seat with my back to the door. Not being able to watch the only entrance is counter to a warrior`s instincts. But I don`t need to protect my back with my senses. And from here, I can see the layout of the entire room. The observation window overlooking the training arena below is dead center too.

　　Kane`s quick intake of breath as I roll out the high-backed black leather chair, lets me know I chose well. I sit in the plush, cushioned seat and wait. The conversations stop when the squad enters the room. A few hushed snickers come from Fletcher and Iva.

　　"Warrior Oren." The captain`s deceptively sweet voice rings across the silence.

　　I rise to face her in a salute. Her eyes go to Kane`s, and whatever secret communication they have ends in a small shake of his head.

　　"At ease. No need to salute me when it`s just us. We don`t keep formalities in the squad unless other officers are present. Let`s get started, everyone take a seat."

　　I turn to sit back down as the rest of the squad pulls out chairs around the table.

　　"And Oren." The captain pauses, waiting for me to turn back around. "You`re in my chair."

　　With everyone settled, I take the open spot to the captain`s left. This puts me directly across from Luce, who still seems pissed. She`s practically snarling in my direction. They spend time discussing ongoing missions around the nation and training objectives. With a new member added to the elites, Centrum paused the squad`s missions for the next month to help everyone acclimate.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

　　"Oren, during these next three weeks, you will train under each member of the squad. You will learn their specialty, and they will each evaluate your performance, identify areas for additional training, and get insight into your strengths to determine your specialty." The captain speaks to me in a monotone voice without looking up from the touch screen before her.

　　"You will also learn how to work with a team." Her head raises to meet my eyes in challenge. "You must learn how to blend into the squad. We are a seamless unit. Determining your specialty is not just about skill but where you can provide the best advantage to the squad. Do you understand?"

　　"Yes, captain." My reply is immediate.

　　I have to admit I`m excited to learn about their special skills. All we learned at the academy was how to fight with our warrior weapons and basic defensive combat. I`ll always be deadlier and more efficient thanks to my abilities. But I can use this time before I go home to add to my combat skills and how to adjust my style to avoid relying on my powers.

　　They`ve never had an unsuccessful mission. And I`m ready to see it all come together. I`m a little nervous to train one-on-one with each of them. In group training, it`s easy for me to hide. Easy for me to fade into the background where everyone wants me. Now I`m going to be the focus. Assessed on my skills to see where I fit. I can`t show them what I can really do and I can`t hold back too much.

　　"Fletcher will take Oren first, followed by Iva and Addy." The captain looks up from her schedule to address the squad. "I`ve seen Oren in action. He excels in strength and combat, so we`ll focus on accuracy with Fletcher today."

　　The captain locks onto Kane`s narrowed glare. A hush falls, and the room instantly feels uncomfortable as the others try not to fidget. I hear heart rates pick up, and breaths quicken. I look at the others and our surroundings to identify the threat. Sensing nothing, I watch the captain and Kane appear to be having what looks like another silent conversation. With her eyes on Kane, the captain clears her throat to continue.

　　"Iva, you will work with Oren tomorrow, followed by Addy the next day."

　　Kane`s body shifts to study me hard. I listen to the captain`s instructions but keep Kane in my sights.

　　"Luce, you will report to Buckler for an ETA of the new tactical gear they want us to beta." Only a low slight hum indicates her acknowledgment.

　　"Alright, Elites, the floor is open." The captain says and sits back, eyes falling on each member.

　　Not understanding what that means, I wait for cues from the others. Do they take turns debriefing on assignments? Are we leaving to do our duties now?

　　"I`d like to request switching places with Fletcher to assess Oren today." Kane`s deep voice is rough and clipped as if it took everything he had to get the words out.

　　My eyebrows twitch in surprise. It`s the most I`ve heard him say, plus he`s directly questioning our commanding officer`s orders.

　　"Yeah." Luce grunts in agreement. Her raspy, smokey tone fits her perfectly. "We all had to get the shit kicked out of us the first day as an Elite. What makes him so special?" She gestures to me with her chin in irritation.

　　I study the captain. Her shoulders stiffen. This must be why the tension and anxiety spiked earlier. The rest of the squad knew Kane and Luce would speak out against their commanding officers orders. This is the famous Elite Squad; surely, they have epic punishments for something like this. Back at the academy, I saw cadets run from sun up to sun down with meal privileges revoked for lesser offenses.

　　"C`mon captain, I have to agree." Fletcher swings his arm around my shoulder as if we`re lifelong friends. He gives me a couple of hard pats, making my hair fall into my eyes. "Seeing Kane kick the newbie`s ass is the best part." He says with one of his megawatt smiles.

　　The captain shakes her head, golden brown strands of hair swing as she allows the smallest of smiles. I look between the squad. Not sure what`s happening here. She`s not upset or angry about them questioning her authority. There`s a genuine warmth in her as she looks over her team. Fletcher`s eyes widen a fraction at her smile, nodding in agreement, before he lets out a loud yes, pumping his fist in the air.

　　"Oren, you will spar with Kane for combat assessment today and work with Fletcher tomorrow." The captain says.

　　She asked for and welcomed their feedback. Is this a onetime occurrence or their normal relationship? As I look over Kane`s bulking form overloading his chair, all I can think about is, how the hell am I going to spar with him and keep my powers in check while everyone watches?