A New World Begins

Hands across the sea…

“Oh, hello Mandy, do come in. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Hi, Mrs Wright, good to see you. I’ve just brought a couple of books over for Craig. Is he in? If not, I’ll leave them with you. They’re just a couple of my text books from last year which I thought he might find useful now he’s been advanced a year for his maths.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you, Mandy, I’m sure he’ll appreciate them. He’s up in his bedroom doing his homework right now. You remember which it is? First door at the top of the stairs. Just pop up and you can give them to him yourself. How are things with you anyway?”

“Oh, I’m good. Missing Carl a little now he’s gone off to university but we chat on the phone most nights. I’m planning to go to the same university when I finish school this year so we’ll be together again. Meanwhile, it’s good to have Craig back, I can spend some time bugging him, just like old times.”

“Yes, you two were more like brother and sister than just neighbours. It’ll do him good to have you tweaking his ear again, take his mind off all that nonsense in America. Did I tell you he’s taken up music too? He’s joined the cadet band. The bugle of all things. And drums. I’m surprised you can’t hear the racket he makes all the way across the street in your house.”

* * *

“Mom, can’t you knock before charging in? I could have been… Oh, sorry, Mandy, I thought you were mom.”

“Well, that’s a charming welcome, brat. And just what might you have been doing, anyway? I’m sure it can’t be anything we haven’t all seen pictures of already…”

“Mandy!”

“I’ve only popped over to bring you a couple of books, they’re my old maths ones. I thought they might be useful to you now you’ve jumped a year. Oh, nice band uniform, Craig, my dad always keeps his blues hung up in a protective wrapper from the dry cleaner’s just like that on the back of the door too.  Your mum just told me you’d joined the cadet band. Come on then, let’s hear you play your bugle.”

“Mandy, I’m trying to work. Anyway, mum’s in, so I don’t want to disturb her. I usually practice when she’s out. At least until I’m good.”

“That’ll be never, then...”

I know it sounds like Mandy doesn’t like me, but she does. The real time to worry is when she says something nice about me. That’s when she’s softening me up for the killer blow. She’s had years of practice at that. I bet she treats her boyfriend, Carl, just the same. No wonder he fled to the most distant university he could find. Aberystwyth of all places. What do they teach there? Sheepology?

“What are you thinking, Craig? You’ve got that vacant look on your face again…”

“Oh, nothing, Mandy.”

“Your laptop’s screensaver has just cut in, Craig. Is that a picture of you at your posh American school? Who are the guys you’re with?”

“What? Oh, yes. That’s me and my dorm mates. We were just getting ready to line up for a parade.”

“Why are you in a different uniform to them? And who’s the hot guy with the sword?”

“That’s Kyle, he’s an officer cadet. Probably the same age as you. He was in charge of the dorm. He’s a quarterback in the football team. American football though.”

“He’s quite a hunk! Look at those muscles. You should have brought him back for me as a souvenir.”

“What would Carl have to say about that? Anyway, you’re wasting your time looking at Kyle. He’d probably prefer Carl. He has a thing for dark haired guys with big brown eyes.”

“Oh, really? Speaking of which, who’s the cutie by your side, the guy with the smile?”

“That’s Noah. Doesn’t say much, but he does smile a lot, and he’s brilliant at art. He’s even had some pictures in an exhibition. Did mom show you that picture of me at the exhibition? In the dinner jacket? I was escorting the Pennsylvania Governor’s wife, Mrs Bauer, she opened the exhibition. Dad said I look like James Bond. You think he’s cute? Noah?”

“Yeah, he’s a cutie. Going to be a real heartbreaker in a year or two with those eyes and that sultry smile. And who’s the foxy guy behind you? The coppertop?”

“That’s Nathan Bauer. He’s the Governor’s son. I call him ‘baby Governor’. I guess he is a bit like Brer Fox though. I’ll have to tell him that. We used to joke that he was a werewolf. Always shaving himself, all over. He used to say it was for streamlining when he was swimming but we weren’t fooled…”

“And who’s the other blond guy, with the curls?”

“That’s Shane. He’s some kind of distant cousin to Kyle. Anyway, Mandy, thanks for the maths books, they’ll be useful. But I don’t want to keep you, so if you have something important to do…”

“Important? What could be more important than keeping an eye on you, brat? You trying to get rid of me or something?”

“No, of course not. It’s just that I’m kind of busy. And it’s near my bed time too. I have to be over at the pool every morning at six for Swim Club. Dad had to pull a lot of strings to get me in there, strictly speaking it should be service personnel only, but they decided they could make an exception as I’m a cadet…”

“Bed time? It’s not quite half past nine yet, Craig. Even if you do need to be up for swimming, half-nine is still early. Come on, out with it. I know when you’re up to something. Have you got an online session set up with your cheerleaders or something?”

“Mandy! Don’t even joke! Of course I bloody well haven’t!”

“Well you’re looking pretty furtive, and you were quick to shield your laptop when I walked in. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you’re trying to figure a way round the censor settings on your browser…”

“I’m not doing anything like that. Dad would murder me if I did.  If you must know, I was actually about to make a Facetime call. Well sort of. Via my webcam anyway, but only with the guys back over at Allegheny College. So you’d be bored stiff. We’re just going to talk about cadet stuff.”

“Not interested in your American friends? Especially that quarterback? Don’t be daft, of course I’m interested, brat. Move over and make a bit of space for me beside you. I’ll have milk in that coffee you’re going to make for me, but no sugar. You must remember the way I like it. And don’t look at me like that. I’m not going to intrude for long. I’ll just say ‘Hi’ and dig up any juicy gossip they have on you, then I’ll go and leave you to talk about the best brand of boot polish or steam irons or whatever you nerdy cadets do. I promise…”

* * *

*Ping*

Press ‘Start’ to initiate video call. Your microphone is currently muted.

“Here we go, it looks like it’s starting, brat. The picture is appearing.”

“Mandy, stop calling me ‘brat’. And be quiet while I set this up.”

“Yes, it’s definitely connected. Is that your dormitory? Oh, and there are some guys there. Looks like they’re dragging a bed over to those chairs or something. I don’t think they can see us. Who’s the guy in the chair? Is that the coppertop? It is, I think. Yes, it’s definitely the foxy boy. He’s not bad looking at all for a ginger, even in real life.”

“Mandy, be quiet. I’m about to switch our microphone and camera on, so they’ll be able to hear and see us. Watch what you say.”

* Ping *

“Hi Nathan, Craig here, can you hear us? Just going live now on my webcam. We can see you already.”

“Oh, hi Boots. Dead on time. Twenty-five past, on the dot. Quiet guys, settle down. Travis, stop scrunching the popcorn right next to my ears will you? Boots is online, he’ll be on screen any moment.”

“Boots? Is that what they call you? Why do...?”

“Shut up, Mandy, we’re live.”

“He’s online, guys, keep the noise down so we can all hear. Will, sort the speaker volume out can you? Sorry, Boots. what was that?”

“No, sorry, I wasn’t telling you to shut up, Nat. Yes, I can hear you fine. Can you hear me?”

“Yes, I’ve got you now. Will’s just sorted the casting stuff. We’re transferring you to the gaming screen.”

“Wow! Hey, Boots, you never let on you had a sister.”

“Hi, Boots.”

“Hi.”

“Cut it, Travis, watch what you say. Everybody stop talking all at once. Sorry about that, Boots.”

“Hi Nathan. That’s okay. It’s good to see you all again.  Oh, and this isn’t my sister. I don’t have a sister, Travis. This is just Mandy. She’s from next door. She’s not staying long. She just wanted to see you all. She’s from school. I’ve known her for years.”

“Hello, I’m Amanda, pleased to meet you all. Just excuse us and look away for a moment while I kick Craig. ‘Just Mandy’ indeed. And ‘No’, even before you ask. I’m not his girlfriend either, no matter what he might have told you…”

“She sure behaves like a girlfriend…”

“Travis! Do you want to spend the rest of the night down the gatehouse opening the barrier? I can organise rain.”

“No, sorry, Nat. Sorry, Boots. Sorry, Amanda.”

“Don’t pay any attention to him, Mandy, he’s from Dakota. Doesn’t get to speak to real people often.”

“Craig, stop being mean. I thought these were meant to be your friends. I like your accent, Travis.”

“Why, thank you, Miss.”

Did Shane just poke Travis in the ribs? I’m sure he did. I knew this was a bad idea, letting Mandy stay. I should have tried harder to get rid of her. Well, that’s easier said than done. Travis is right though, Mandy does behave like a girlfriend at times. Just like she owns me or something. Not that that just seems to be a girlfriend thing. Nathan does too. Even when we were out of college, staying at his house that weekend, he was always making the decisions and expecting me to just tag along. Even Elizabeth said he was treating me like his puppy.

“Hi Amanda, we should introduce ourselves,” said Nathan, taking control. “I’m Nathan Bauer. I’m officially in charge of this rabble but, as you can see, they do tend to take a fair bit of controlling. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. Guys, introduce yourselves to Amanda. Shane, you go first…”

“Hi Amanda, I’m Shane Lundgren. I’m a freshman like Craig was. We’re all freshmen. Apart from Nat, and Kyle of course. But Kyle’s not here right now. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Hi Amanda, I’m Will Brooke, from Connecticut. Me and Noah Mason here are both artillery cadets, aren’t we, Noah? We taught Craig how to play lacrosse.”

“Hi Amanda. I’m Noah Mason.”

“Hi Miss, I’m Travis Larson, from Dakota. Me and Shane tried our best to keep Craig out of trouble. Sometimes we even succeeded.”

“I guess that wasn’t easy, Travis. I’ve been failing to do it for years,” laughed Mandy.

“You’re sure right it wasn’t, Miss. Did Craig tell you about the time when we …”

“Okay, I think that’s enough for the introductions,” smirked Nathan, cutting Travis off mid-sentence. “If I let him, Travis will go on for hours…”

“Well, I’m afraid I’m going to have to go too, Nathan. Boys. It’s nice meeting you all, but I did promise to Craig that I wouldn’t intrude on your call for too long,” smiled Amanda. “Hopefully, I’ll get to see you all again, and Kyle too. Do say hello to him from me. Now, enjoy your poetry readings or whatever you plan for tonight.”

I swear I could see all the guys’ eyes pop out on stalks, following Mandy round the room, as she smiled one last smile at them and casually strolled across my bedroom to the door. And she’s wiggling her arse at them, just like Shane on his cat walk. I jumped up and closed the door behind her. Mom might bloody well come charging in next.

“Nice…” It was Nathan who spoke first as I dashed back to my desk and angled the camera up a fraction, “but as Travis says, are you sure she isn’t your girlfriend? Maybe she’s just not told you that bit yet…”

Shane’s laughing, Travis and Will too. Even Noah is smirking.

“Nat! No way is Mandy my girlfriend. She’s loads older than me for starters and a right pain in the arse at times. I might get a DNA test done though, just to make sure she isn’t my big sister, she definitely acts like one.”

“Yes, she’d probably get on well with Elizabeth, and my mom too,” said Nat, still smiling. “I can just imagine them exchanging gossip about us.”

“Is there any gossip, Nat? That we should know?” asked Noah.

Bloody Hell! What’s Noah just said? The rest of the guys are just laughing, but Noah’s not. He’s serious. Like I told Mandy, he doesn’t say much, but when he does, well, he’s a bit near the nerve at times. Nat is just taking it in his stride though, not looking the least bit bothered.

“Plenty, Noah. Loads of talk about me back home,” grinned Nat. “Craig’s bound to catch some of the fallout from it. You’ll be the first to know if there’s anything worth repeating though. You can count on that.”

Noah just smiled, “Thanks, Nat.”

“Right, now this lot have got over lusting after Mandy, Craig, we need to get this show on the road,” said Nat. “Guys, like I said to you earlier, I know you have loads of questions you want to ask Craig, and loads of stuff you want to tell him, but I’m afraid it’s going to have to wait. You’ll get a chance another day. I told Boots about your upcoming Drill Assessment and he’s keen to carry on helping you, so let’s not waste too much of his time. It’s later at night over there in England. Craig is willing to help get you through your drill assessment so we need to show him what we can do. I’m hoping he’ll help out with tips on fieldcraft skills too in future. Now, everybody take up your squad positions on the space this bed came from and I’ll march you over here for Craig to watch. Clear?”

“Clear, Nat,” all the guys chorused, tumbling off the bed eagerly.

Shane, alone, hesitated. “Nat, can I just say something to Craig, before we start?” Before Nat could respond, Shane stepped right up, his face filling my screen. “Craig, I just want to say, we miss you. And,” – he fingered the St Christopher medallion I could now see around his neck – “I just want to say ‘Thank you’ for giving me this. It means a lot to me, Craig.”

Travis was by his side in an instant. “Yes, me too, Boots, thanks for giving me your knife. I always have it in my pocket.”

“And the pen, too,” said shouted Will from halfway across the room.

Noah paused by his bed, turned and smiled. Before he could say anything, I laughed and nodded at him. “No problem, Noah, I know you liked my razor. Just try not to cut yourself as much as I did at first.”

“Right, come on guys, fall in,” said Nat, “The party’s over. Time to concentrate now. Will, kick those shoes off, barefoot practice, remember? Don’t want every other dorm on the floor knowing what we’re up to. Everybody ready?”

As I watched, the guys lined up, just as I’d suggested to Nat: Will and Noah forming a rank at the front, Shane and Travis, slightly taller, behind them. Nat himself took up a position one pace to the rear and side. Quietly, so as not to be heard outside the dorm, Nat started his commands.

“Squad, ‘shun.” Almost in unison, the guys snapped smartly to attention.

“Squad, by the right, quick… march!”  Together, the five of them stepped smartly forward, took the five paces of clear space in front of them, then as Nat spoke again, his instruction almost inaudible to me over the sound of the feet slapping onto the parquet floor, they wheeled round to the left, marched down the centre of the dorm, almost to the camera, then came to a halt. A pretty good halt at that. No-one almost running into the back of the guy in front, which was what I’d seen before on their first Muster Sunday parade. They were clearly learning fast.

Five expectant faces were looking right at me.

“So, Craig, how did we do so far?” asked Nat. He knew they had done well.

“Not bad, guys, not bad. On that left wheel though, Noah and Shane, you need to slow down just that bit more on the inside, allow time for Will and Travis to cover the greater distance they need to move because they’re on the outer track. Keep your heads up and looking forward, don’t try and catch a sly glance sideways to make sure they are keeping up. Same goes, but the opposite, for a right wheel. Then it’s Will and Travis who need to slow a fraction, Noah and Shane to speed up. Always, inside men, always keep your hands moving high even though you’re slowing down.”

“How did we do at the halt, Boots?” asked Will.

“Don’t worry about the halt, Will, one thing at a time. We’ll fix that in a minute, but it wasn’t bad. Now, Nat, turn them around, march them back over to the corner, then repeat the drill. Got that?”

“Got that, Boots.” Nat smiled. “Squad, about….TURN!”

I know how the Grand Old Duke of York felt. I had Nat marching the guys up and down for ages, tweaking their drills here and there. Again and again. Getting it right. Properly right. Even the ‘about turn on the march’. Not just good enough to pass their assessment. Good enough to make sure they set a high standard. A standard it would be hard to match.

Nobody complained. They were getting hot, tired and sweaty, but they were still concentrating, no matter how tedious the repetitive drills. That’s what drills are. Tedious and repetitive. But you do them again and again until you can do them in your sleep. The guys really want to win this. It’s obvious.

“Okay, Nat, fall them out. Take a break guys, we’re getting there. Sit down on the bed for a minute. Have a sip of water. You’ll need to do that on the Muster Parade too. Keep hydrated. Nat, can you sneak some bottled water into the chapel so you all get a chance to sip some when you get there, and before you match back? Just small bottles. The aim is to keep you hydrated, not fill you up so you all need to break off mid-way back and pee.”

“Yes, sure Boots,” laughed Nat. I’ll get some small bottles stashed up there so we can have a quick drink whilst everybody else is marching up and we’re inside getting ready to collect caps and hand out hymn books.

“Right, everybody, listen in while you take a breather. Your drills are getting pretty snappy. Much better than I expected. It definitely looks like you’ve put a lot of effort in so far. Now we just need to make them perfect. And sort a few other things out too. Shane…”

“Yes, Boots?” said Shane, looking up, his blue eyes sparkling.

“You need a haircut. Well, not a full haircut, the sides aren’t bad. Just the top trimming back a fraction. Get those curls under control. You need to look just like the other guys. Uniform. That’s what drill and presentation is about. Uniformity. Everything the same.”

“It’s okay, Boots, I’ve got it sorted. They are all getting a haircut tomorrow, right after sports,” said Nat. “Don’t look so worried, Shane. It’s a proper haircut, over in town, not the college barber.”

There was a moment’s hesitation as the guys processed what Nat had just said. Will was the first to react, a smile growing across his face. “All of us? In town? Tomorrow?”

Nat smiled. “That’s assuming you all want a pass out for Wednesday evening. It’s not compulsory. I just thought you might appreciate it after all the extra effort you’ve put in so far. I think you’ve earned it, and I know you won’t let me down on Sunday. You could call in at the Post Office and send those letters to Travis’s parents while you’re there.”

I let the guys have a moment or two to savour their promised reward for all the hard work they had been putting in, then grabbed their attention again.

“Guys, I’ve had an idea. Tell me if you think it’s a step too far, but I’m pretty impressed with what I’ve seen tonight. There’s a way we can push it a bit further. Really impress the Commandant and Captain Davis when they’re assessing you. It won’t be easy, but I think you can pull it off. It’ll take a fair bit more effort, especially by you Noah, and Nat, but if you’re willing…”

* * *

*BRRRRR-BRRRRR*

*BRRRRR-BRRRRR*

*BRRRRR-BRRRRR*

Who’s calling at this time of night? I stretched over to reach my phone from my desk and almost fell out of bed.

* Incoming call: Bauer, Nathan *

“Bloody hell, Nat, what do you want? Do you know what time it is? It’s half eleven here. I was already a - frikkin’ - sleep.”

“Sorry, Craig. I just wanted to let you know. We’ve talked it over. The guys are up for it. Kyle too, I just asked him on the way over here to dinner. We reckon we can pull it off. Noah can definitely do his bit.”

“Is that it? I thought college was burning down or something. You could have waited until morning, Nat. Or sent me a text to read tomorrow when I woke up.”

Nat was chuckling. “So, it’s not just your girlfriend you get snarky with then…”

“Nat, I told you, Mandy isn’t my girlfriend. She’s just a friend. End of.”

“Craig…”

“What now, Nat?”

“Nothing, Mister Grumpy. I just wanted to hear your voice again. You can go to sleep now. Good night. And Craig, thank you.”