It is the last month. I had, in my own opinion, been doing well enough. I had tried my best, been told I'm "okay", which I hope was an understatement.

  Today, though, was range day. Even naval personnel needed to know how to shoot in case of boarders.

  Officers were given pistols as their side arm, though they weren't expected to use it. That's what marines were for. I, personally, found that mildly amusing.

  We had been taught how to assemble, disassemble, clean, and so on. As the cadets stood on the firing line, I had my hand on the grip. When the call came, I whipped my M6 out and up like a whip.

  I fired three shots one handed, then lowered my pistol. Hmm, bit spotty from not practicing, but good enough for now...

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  I emptied the rest of the mag, getting a tight grouping center mass. I dropped the mag, grabbed it, and inserted a new one. I holstered my pistol, then I cowboy draw'd again (saying that needs to be done in an old 18th century accent. It's a law, I swear.)

  I repeated my drill three more times, getting my placements closer together. "Cadet, just what the fuck are you doing?" The range officer, a grizzled chief petty officer asked flatly.

  I debated. I didn't want to do it. It was a bad idea. But... I twitched visibly, not replying. He raised an eyebrow. My face reddened with effort. MUST... NOT... CRACK WISE....

  I cough. "U-uhh chief petty officer- uh" I clam up again.

  "Go on." His eyebrow is at astronomical heights, an unimpressed look on his flat face.

  I eventually Marshall myself. Jesus christ, I almost just made fun of the navy, while being part of the navy. Damn you army humor!

  "Practicing, sir. Ahem. Just practicing. A quick draw can save you in close combat if you can't get your rifle up or just plain run out." I say finally.

  He looks me over, and nods. "You been in it?" He asked, eyebrow lowered, now just assessing.

  "7 years, Army infantry, chief petty officer." I say. Best not mention that hush hush mech project.

  He simply nods, and claps me on the shoulder. "Carry on then Cadet." He says, before moving to another cadet.

  I return to my position, and fire three shots yet again. Once more, damn you army humor...