Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 203

Chapter 203 Two Teams 

Seventy–seven girls got split into two squads: Q–1–A and Q–1–B. 

Ava and her two friends landed in Q–1–B, with thirty–nine girls total in their 

group. 

Finished 

From across the field, a rhythmic chant rolled louder as Unit A jogged in tight formation. 

“Reporting in, sir! Instructor squad fully assembled! Awaiting orders!” 

“Proceed with the training schedule!” 

“Yes, sir!” 

Q–1–B’s instructor went by Ivan Cavalli. He looked fresh out of college, baby–faced and way too green to hide how nervous he was standing in front of a full lineup of girls. 

He still couldn’t believe it. He’d actually beat the senior instructors and scored his first assignment. A full girl squad, on his very first round? 

No wonder the others had gritted their teeth earlier, complaining that he’d just gotten lucky. 

Ivan’s hands were clammy. He’d never been in front of this many girls at once. His voice came out shaky. “Hi everyone. I’m Ivan Cavalli. I’m thirty–three, and I’ll be your instructor.” 

The second he finished talking, giggles broke out all across the formation. 

One girl shouted, bold and loud, “Instructor Cavalli, your whole face is turning red!” 

That only made his blush worse, which sent the rest of the squad into louder laughter. 

A second instructor walked up with a scowl. “What’s so funny? Shut it down and stay quiet!” 

He pulled Ivan aside for a brief talk. Judging by the tone, it wasn’t casual advice. 

Ivan returned a few minutes later, a bit more grounded. His voice came out stronger. “Squad, attention! Stand at ease…” 

After running them through some basic commands, he continued. “Alright. Time to turn in your Holobands.” 

Ava slipped hers off and handed it over. There went two weeks of connection. 

All the Holobands were sealed inside a large box in front of everyone. Ivan looked up again. “You’ll get them back in two weeks. That’s when you’ll be allowed to contact your families.” 

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Chapter 203 Two Teams 

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Finished 

“Training starts officially tomorrow. Be here for breakfast at 7:40 AM. Drills start at 9:00. Lunch is at noon. Training resumes at 2:30. Dinner’s at 5:30. From 8:00 to 9:30, squads will rotate with talent shows. It won’t be all training.” 

“During this whole program, follow the rules. One violation loses you two credits. Rack up three, and you’re pulled from training. You’ll lose all your credits. So tonight, study the dorm rulebook carefully. No one’s allowed outside after 10:00 PM.” 

“Understood?” 

“YES, SIR!” 

“If anything’s unclear, ask now.” 

“Sir, I’ve got a question!” a girl yelled, raising her arm. 

“Go ahead.” 

“Instructor, are you allowed to date students?” 

The room froze. The young Ivan stared. “What did you just say?” 

“I asked if dating between instructors and students is allowed.” 

“You’re here to train. Not to date.” 

“I never said I wanted to date you, Instructor Cavalli. Calm down. You’re not even my type.” 

Ivan turned red all the way to his ears. He looked like he could melt on the spot. 

“If you don’t break any rules, no one will pry into your personal business. But this is a military base. Discipline matters. Don’t test it.” 

Every year, stories came out. Students and instructors always ended up in something. The higher–ups usually looked away–so long as no one got caught doing something off–book. 

Two guys walked over carrying a giant fabric sack. They dropped it in front of the group. 

Instructor Cavalli cleared his throat. “I’ll call names. Come up when I say yours and collect your uniform.” 

Once all the uniforms had been handed out, Ivan rushed to dismiss the group. He clearly needed to find someone to give him pointers. This squad had attitude. 

That night, a breeze drifted across the base as Ava walked alone under the streetlights. She 

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Chapter 203 Two Teams 

passed a few scattered soldiers along the way. 

P: 

34 

Finished 

She hugged the folded uniform in her arms and glanced up at the moon. Her breath left her in a soft sigh. 

“Why the sigh?” 

A familiar voice came from behind her. She spun around, startled, and spotted Laurent standing just a few steps away. She hadn’t even noticed him. 

Under the glow of the light, his shadow stretched beside hers. She frowned. “Do you sneak up like that? You almost gave me a heart attack!” 

have to 

Laurent reached forward and tapped her forehead. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’ve been behind you for a while. I didn’t appear out of nowhere. 

“I already heard what happened at your dorm. Sorry you had to deal with all that.” 

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