The Flame

Sergeant Smith only got a few metres past the doors of the auditorium before he stops. The ten recruits who are wandering behind him nonchalantly stop in their tracks behind him.

"Right what are we to do now?" The Sergeant asks himself out aloud and ponders momentarily. The recruits all look at each other without answering, they are all still aghast with what that had witnessed in the auditorium to respond, not that the Sergeant is looking for an answer.

"We have the Commissioners speech at 1200 hours," he said, rolling his eyes in derision, "Then a meet and greet with the other new recruits after that. I think we have time to for a quick walk."

The Sergeants checks his watch, "Yes we have time, follow me recruits," he said as he starts his usual brisk march.

"You're walking in front of me this time," Robinson said to Farmer. She grabs his arm and jostles him into positions, "See how you like it big boy."

Farmer thinks for a moment, turns around and says, "You think you will be able to keep up little one?" He turns back around and has a cheeky grin on his face.

Robinson doesn't speak, she simply growls at his comment.

"Come on everyone line up, the last thing we want to do is get the Sergeant off side," Peppers told his fellow recruits, eager to keep the groups indiscretions to a minimum.

The ten recruits hustle quickly into two lines and chase after Sergeant Smith who is well ahead of them. Farmer deliberately positions himself in the middle of the line, hoping to avoid any confrontation with the Sergeant. The recruits catch up to him as he enters a large building that is weathered and somewhat dilapidated. The interior of the building is not dissimilar to that of the exterior. Its walls are dull beige, with the paint cracking and windows visibly dirty. The carpet is stained and worn down through years of use. This building is far removed from the flashiness of the auditorium.

Sergeant Smith stops and turns to the recruits, "This building isn't quite as nice as the auditorium. We don't bring visitors or dignitaries here for obvious reasons. The S.P.D. is a government organization after all, can't afford to much luxury," he said sarcastically.

As they walk down the hall the recruits scan each room, curious as to what is being taught. In one, a Sergeant stands in front of the class reading from a text book, the recruits appear bored and struggle to concentrate on what is being read. In another, the recruits are more energized, for at the front of the room three pixies hover in mid-air giving a lecture. Farmer and the rest of the recruits see the pixies and are amazed.

Robinson reaches forward and tugs on Farmers shirt to get his attention, "Oh wow, do you see those little pixies Farmer?"

"You're not much bigger than them little one. Are your wings under your shirt?" he cheekily replies.

Black is walking beside Farmer and heard his comment "Wow that's a burn. Don't take that Robinson."

Robinson is surprised at Farmers retort and has no comeback. Instead, she reaches forward and punches him in the back, hard.

"Ouch," he yells.

Robinson chuckles loud enough to ensure Farmer hears her.

The Sergeant, annoyed at the recruits for talking in line, stops and turns around. All ten, distracted by the pixies in the classroom did not realize the Sergeant had stopped. Rodriguez and Jones, who are at the front of the lines almost crash into Sergeant Smith but manage to stop in time. Like dominos falling in a row, the other recruits all collide with the one in front. They pull themselves together and line up. The Sergeant shakes his head in anger but doesn't speak. His look is enough to scare the recruits in to paying attention. He turns and heads off down the hall.

The recruits start up their disorganized march. As they continue through the halls of the building, they come across a room filled with officers who have plain, dark grey epaulettes on their shoulders, indicating the rank of Private. They are messing about and misbehaving, as there is no facilitator in the room. On the white board at the front of the room reads a sentence written in bold letters, 'FIRST MONTH REVIEW AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT'. The officers have recently graduated from the academy and have returned for a compulsory evaluation of their first month of service. They see Sergeant Smith and all hurry to look busy. Once he walks past, they all relax. The Privates in the room all stare at the recruits walking past, who in return stare back. The Privates are aware of what faces the recruits over the next seven months and start to mock and belittle them. "Fresh meat," yells one. "I vant to suck your blood," said another in a terrible fake accent. Others blow air kisses and one wolf whistles indiscriminately.

Farmer meets the eye of one of the Privates. He has a mean scowl on his face and his arm are crossed tightly. The two follow each other's gaze for a short time, then, for no reason, the Private hisses at Farmer. Farmer does not waver; his eyes remain transfixed on the Private until he walks past the walls of the room out of his vision.

"Wow, they seem like a lovely bunch, don't they Farmer?" Robinson asks Farmer, punching him in the back to ensure he is paying attention to her.

"Yeah, delightful," he replies.

Sergeant Smith stops in front of a classroom and turns to the recruits who lag behind. They eventually catch up with him, "You all need to walk faster," he growls, "Wait here."

The Sergeant stands in the doorway to the room and knocks loudly, "Hello, Sergeant Cook, it's just me."

No one answers, the room appears to be empty. Sergeant Smith scans the room from the doorway.

Suddenly, a head pops up from behind a desk to the front of the room. Sergeant Wendy Cook appears, she is dressed in a dishevelled uniform and is clearly flustered. "Oh, Glenn, hello, what a pleasant surprise, always lovely to have your hot, manly presence in my room-"

"Ahh Sergeant Cook I want to introduce you to my new recruits," he said hastily trying to cut off her off mid-sentence, but it's too late, the recruits heard what she said. The surprising remark made the recruits eyes light up, but none dare laugh or make comment.

The Sergeant, embarrassed by the comment, refuses to turn and face the recruits. Sergeant Cook stands with her eyes wide open unsure of what to say, so she doesn't say anything. She puts the paperwork she is holding on the desk and readjusts her hair and uniform.

After a few seconds of awkward silence Sergeant Smith moves out of the doorway to let the recruits through, "Umm, well come in recruits and say hello to one of the academies finest teachers."

Sergeant Cook blushes at his comment and gazes at him adoringly.

The recruits shuffle into the class room and head toward Sergeant Cook.

"Well, what a good-looking bunch of recruits we have here," she said as they stand before her.

Sergeant Smith who is standing behind the recruits hears her comment, "Good looking? You need a new prescription in those glasses Sergeant."

"Oh, behave you," she replies with a grin.

Sergeant Cook addresses the group, "So, my name is Sergeant Wendy Cook. In class you can call me Wendy, I hate all this Sergeant blah, blah, blah crap. But out of class call me Sergeant, so you don't get in trouble." Sergeant Cook points to Sergeant Smith, "I'm not sure if Glenn, sorry, I mean Sergeant Smith has told you, but I will be teaching you the finer points of witchcraft and spells."

"The finest teacher of witchcraft in the academy, so think yourselves very lucky," Sergeant Smith interjects.

Sergeant Cook looks at him adoringly, "You're to kind." Sergeant Smith smiles back.

Farmer looks at Sergeant Smith and Sergeant Cook, he is surprised to see them behave like star crossed lovers, as if two teenagers back in high school, especially Sergeant Smith. His hard exterior may disguise a soft inner self, a man not totally void of love and friendliness. Maybe he has judged the man to quickly he thought to himself.

Sergeant Cook regains focus on the recruits, "This class will be tough, so don't expect an easy ride. If you want an easy ride you will have to wait until you get to the broomstick riding course."

The recruits all snicker in unison.

"That's not a joke. You will be riding broomsticks in a few weeks, wont they Sergeant Smith?"

"I look forward to watching them fall of a few hundred times," he replies with a big grin on his face.

Sergeant Cook giggles at his comment, "You are terrible. Behave. Anyway recruits, I can't talk long, there is some trouble brewing downtown and head office has asked that I go and assist."

Sergeant Smith shakes his head, "Which coven is it this time?" he asks.

"The usual bunch, the Massachusetts coven."

"Again? Something must be done about them, it's getting out of control. Well we will let you go and get ready."

"No, its fine, I have ten minutes. I'm waiting for lift."

"Ok then, as long as you don't mind."

"You know I don't mind." The two stares at each for a short time until Sergeant Cook snaps out of the interlocking gaze.

"So, who does, or has tried witchcraft here?" she asks the recruits.

They all stand and look at each other. No one puts their hand up or speaks.

Sergeant Cook curiously looks around at the recruits.

"Ok, I know a lot of witchcraft is illegal and I'm sure you're all perfect civilians, but this is the academy people, you'll be members of the Supernatural Police Department in a few months, you are going to learn some illegal witchcraft soon, and because you will be confirmed officers, it makes it legal. What a wonderful system we have," she said emphatically.

Robinson places her hand high, almost jumping in the air and excitedly yells, "I DO MAGIC."

The recruits all turn to Robinson, surprised by her keen admission.

"Well aren't you the little criminal Robinson. I should have you arrested," Sergeant Smith said in a joking manner.

"Oh, stop it you," Sergeant Cook cheekily tells Sergeant Smith.

Sergeant Cook leans into Robinson and points at Sergeant Smith, "If he gives you a hard time, let me know, I will sort him out."

Robinson is unsure of what to say or do, so she awkwardly smiles at her. She then turns around to Sergeant Smith who gives her an evil look. She quickly turns back and faces Sergeant Cook.

"So," Sergeant Cook quires Robinson, "What can you do? Don't be shy."

"Umm, not much, I just played around with a few spells and hexes, pretty boring really."

The room is silent. Everyone is looking at her. She senses their gaze and is embarrassed by the attention.

"Well, don't just stand there girl, do something," Sergeant Smith insists.

Sergeant Cook puts her hand below the desk and retrieves a candle. "I will make it easy for you. Bring a flame to this candle."

Robinson, still uneasy with everyone watching her, raises her hand and points to the candle. She concentrates very hard and whispers something under her breath, not loud enough to be heard. A flame quickly emerges on the wick of the candle but then fades away. She tries again, this time focusing even harder. She again whispers to herself and a flame reappears on the wick, but then quickly disappears. She is frustrated and puts her hand down.

"Wow, good job Robinson, not embarrassing at all," blurts out Tobin.

Robinson turns to Tobin who has a big smirk on his face. She is clearly annoyed by his comment. She raises her hand in his direction and says, "Flame burn bright, in my line of sight." Suddenly, a small flame appears on top of Tobin's head. The recruits and both Sergeants are taken back and impressed by what they are witnessing. Tobin, unaware a small portion of his hair is on fire, stands and smirks at Robinson thinking her spell had failed. Sergeant Smith quickly realizes the flame on his head may cause injury. He approaches Tobin, takes off his hat and slams it on Tobin's head, extinguishing the flame. The Sergeant removes the hat off his head, examines it, and sees a small burn mark.

"You owe me a new hat," he growls at Tobin.

Tobin starts sniffing the air, the scent of his burnt hair reaches his nostrils. He places his right hand on his head and feels the bald patch left by the flame. His eyes light up realizing what Robinson has done.

"YOU," he yells aggressively as he points at her. "Sergeant, Robinson has used her powers for nefarious purposes which I know is grounds for dismissal in the academy. I want her dealt with accordingly right now."

Sergeant Smith, not accustomed to recruits yelling demands at him is instantly annoyed. He casually walks up to Tobin and puts his hand on his shoulder, "You Sir, are exactly right. It is grounds for dismissal. Robinson come with me, you're out."

The recruits are all stunned. The situation went from comedic to serious within seconds.

Sergeant Smith walks to the door, he turns around and gestures to Robinson in a come here motion with his hand, "Let's go."

Robinson is dejected and is at a loss for words.

"You too Jerry, you're out," Sergeant Smith said, remembering the nickname he had given him.

The recruits look at Sergeant Smith in confusion.

Tobin protests, "But I didn't do anything Sergeant."

"Yes, you did. Robinson was attempting some magic at the request of Sergeant Cook, she failed, and you saw it fit to humiliate and demean her. I would call that harassing and bullying which is also a ground for dismissal. So come on, both you, let's go." The Sergeant is not smirking nor did appear to be joking. All the recruits stand dumbfounded as to what is transpiring, none brave enough to intervene.

Tobin looks at the Sergeant then looks at Robinson, he is panicked as to what to do, "Fine, nothing happened," he said in an angry tone.

"Can you repeat that please, Jerry," Sergeant Smith insists.

Tobin takes a deep breath, he is annoyed, but he knows he has no other choice, the Sergeant has him in a precarious situation, again.

"Let's move on shall we. Nothing happened," he said begrudgingly.

"That's what I thought," replies the Sergeant while glaring at him, "Carry on please Sergeant Cook."

Sergeant Cook struggles to hide a grin but carries on. "Thank you. So class, magic, as you just seen, is a perilous thing. It is often scoffed at and made fun of as being easy and boring, almost childlike behaviour, but let me tell you, it is serious. In the right hands magic it is a powerful tool in the fight against evil, but in the wrong hands, it is an extremely dangerous weapon with unmatched potential to wreak havoc and destruction. More members of the S.P.D. have come to their demise at the end of a witch's wand than anything else, isn't that right Sergeant Smith?"

Sergeant Smith ponders on his thoughts for a moment before speaking. "Vampires, zombies and werewolves are all intrinsically one-dimensional beings. The need for human flesh or blood drives them, it's instinctual and essential for their survival. Even vampires, many of who possess intelligence and acumen, and indeed partake in other devious proclivities, will succumb to their craving for blood at the detriment of those proclivities. Evil witches and warlocks on the other hand, they want for nothing and lust after nothing. They are dangerous because they have no purpose, no drive, no ambition. They pursue disorder and bedlam, nothing more. You don't know what they want, what they are thinking, or what they are going to do. Disorganized chaos is a far greater danger the organized chaos." Sergeant Smiths comment silences the room and the recruits all contemplate the seriousness of what he had said.

Sergeant Cook breaks the silence, "Couldn't have said it better myself. And now, if you will excuse me, I must go, duty calls. It's been lovely meeting you all, I'm sure with Sergeant Smiths fine tutelage you will all excel in every aspect of the academy."

Sergeant Cook nods to Sergeant Smith, "Yes recruits, let us leave Sergeant Cook to get ready. We must get to the group meeting in the dining hall anyway. Lovely seeing you again Sergeant," he said as he gave her a sincere smile. She didn't reply, she simply smiles back and winks affectionately at him.

Sergeant Smith exits the room and the recruits follow. Once outside they form two lines and follow the Sergeant.

"The tour is over for the day, let's go and meet the other new recruits," the Sergeant said as he storms off in his usual frantic march.

As they walk down the hall, they again pass the classroom full of freshly confirmed officers. They are still without a facilitator and are being noisy and are messing around. The Sergeant notices this and stops at the doorway to their room. He opens the door and puts his head in but does not enter. The Privates, unsure of what to do, become silent and all take a seat.

"Recruit Pfiffer, oops sorry, its Private Pfiffer now isn't, is this the way a confirmed officer within the S.P.D. would behave? Like a two-year-old in preschool." The Sergeant singles out Private Ryan Pfiffer, a cocky, arrogant egotistical officer, and the same one who hissed at Farmer previously.

"No Sergeant, it's not," he replies sheepishly, embarrassed from being singled out by the Sergeant.

Sergeant Smith continues with his fixation of Pfiffer. "Have you forgotten how to stand when you speak to a superior officer Pfiffer? I would hate for you to have to come and see me during your break to give you a few lessons. My recruits could teach you, they are fantastic at standing when required."

Pfiffer grunts softly in annoyance and stands, "No Sergeant," he said begrudgingly.

"Good," he replies, then focuses his attention on the whole class, "I expect all of you to maintain yourselves and act accordingly, this is not high school. You only graduated a few months ago, don't let it go to your head." He removes his head out of the doorway, closes the door and marches off down the hall with the recruits following.

Farmer begins to walk, as he does, he eyes off Pfiffer who has a pout on his face and his fists clenched. Pfiffer turns to the passing recruits and meets Farmers stare. Farmer points his finger at him, produces a massive smirk then gives him the thumbs up while miming 'Good one' to him. Pfiffer in return puts his finger to his neck and runs it across his throat then points at Farmer. Farmer laughs and winks at Pfiffer then turns his head to the front. Pfiffer watches him intently as he walks out of view.

As they walk to the dining hall to meet the other new recruits, Farmer is feeling more at ease with himself. The nerves that have hounded him since the morning are slowly fading away. The witty banter with Robinson and his mockery of Pfiffer boosts his spirits. Farmer looked down at his uniform and smiled. All I need to do is relax, stay focused and just be myself and everything will be ok he thought to himself as he marched proudly with his fellow recruits.