Dolph and Saul

Anna tripped and fell to the ground. Dolph tapped Saul on the shoulder, and they left the front of the pack.

"You're really going to help her?" Saul said.

"We could help her get better. Push her to her limits. Unless you're afraid of some competition" Dolph said. The two loved to tease each other.

"Alright, you're on." The two helped her up.

"Thanks Dolph, and..."

"Saul. Saul Eitan" he said. He and Anna shared a look that was more than friendly. Dolph laughed uncomfortably as the three ran. Anna struggled even with the encouragement that Dolph and Saul gave her.

Soon, it was time for dinner. The three recruits sat together.

"Why aren't you sitting with Felix? I thought you two were good friends." Anna said.

Caught off guard, Dolph didn't know what to say. Why didn't he sit with Felix?

"Because Saul's my best friend. He's my comrade."

Saul nodded. "And Dolph's my best friend, and comrade."

Anna smiled. "Well, I'm just thankful that you helped me today. I know it must have been difficult."

"What's going to be difficult are the runs. The old bastard expects us to move faster every day. You have a lot of catching up to do." Saul said. Anna looked anxious.

"B-but you can do it. Don't feel too bad." Saul said, changing his tone.

"I don't know. It was so hard today. And you just told me it's going to get even harder? What am I going to do?"

"Don't sweat it. It's mental. You need to grit your teeth through the pain. Every time you do it, it gets easier." Dolph said.

"Mental discipline. The books I read said that discipline was the most important trait of a soldier. I guess I don't have an option to retreat" Anna said.

"That's the spirit." Saul said. "The only way is forward."

Saul and Dolph pushed Anna to her limits, and there were many times where she almost gave up. The three of them were always there to support each other, and soon Anna was able to keep pace.

Her 3DMG skills, while not the best soon became competent. She was deemed acceptable.

Before they could graduate, humanity was given a grim reminder.