Chapter 9

After a month, I am now departing going to the United Kingdom. I practiced myself to death over the last few days, doing 110 push-ups in under 2 minutes, 110 sit-ups in under 2 minutes, 5.1 miles in 1 hour and 10 minutes, and 7.2 miles at night carrying my 30lb equipment.

I was exhausted at the end of the day on day one, but after 10 days, I'm getting used to it; on day 29, it's tiring, but not as much as the first. I just have a few minutes to train with my gun. Maj. Arthur, my drill instructor, hitting my abs nonstop during my 110 sit-ups before I'm finished. The goal is for my mind. Also, I have 15lb on my back for my 110 push-ups.

I'm on my way to Maj. Arthur's office to speak with him about something. My seniors welcomed me politely on my way. I thanked them and proceeded on my way. I had just walked up to the office door and opened it.

"Sir!"

We exchanged salutes before he put his arms on my shoulders. He gestured for me to take a seat, which I did. We spoke for 2 minutes after I sat down before our coffee arrived. As I was sipping my coffee, Maj. Arthur glanced at his watch and said, "It's now 8:00 a.m., and your departure time is 1:00 p.m., so you've got a lot of time to rest," Maj. Arthur said before sipping his coffee.

We talked for an hour in his office before going outside and walking around the camp. He also said how much fun my father is to be around. I just laughed it off and asked about my dad. I have heard that my father was a Captain before he retired.

It's already 11:30 a.m., which means it's time for lunch. We both go to our resting place. We're relaxed, feed, and chat to each other under the trees at the resting spot. We were greeted by two long tables and five people seated on either side as we made our way to the resting spot. When we arrived, they all applauded and got up to place us in our seats while offering various types of food. We chat, laugh, and make jokes. We wrap up an hour of chatting, feeding, and laughing with a huge group hug.

I've now washed my body and dressed fully, and I've put everything I own into my large backpack. I went to the helicopter landing pads and waited. Maj. Arthur and all of my seniors were also there to say their final goodbyes. After 10 minutes, three Blackhawk helicopters arrived on our three helicopter pads. I took a step towards the middle helicopter and stood tall. When the door opened, a man stepped out of the helicopter and stood directly in front of me. We both saluted each other.

"Private Valentino, Sir!"

"Second Lieutenant Luca Greco, Private"

After that, I went to salute all of my seniors as well as Maj. Arthur, my drill instructor. I sat in the back with the 2nd Lieut Luca. Our destination is Maj. Nicostrato's airbase. Maj. Nicostrato greeted us as we arrived at the base. As we marched towards our Military Aircraft, I said my goodbyes and exchanged salutes. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III will transport us to the United Kingdom. There are only 15 of us, including me.

We arrived at the UK Airbase after 2 hours. We then boarded the helicopter and headed to SAS headquarters. When we arrived at the headquarters, Maj.-Gen. George greeted us. After exchanging salutes, Maj.-Gen. George led us to the SAS office's Director. We were now in front of the Director's office door after 5 minutes of walking. Before entering, Maj.-Gen. George knocked on the door.

"Private Valentino has landed safely, Sir," Maj.-Gen. George said, saluting.

As I was standing straight saluting, the Director walked in front of me. He walked to his seat after 30 seconds of observing. Before sipping his coffee, he gestures for us to take a seat with his hands. We both took a seat.

"You're the only candidate this year," said the Director.

"Sir, may I inquire as to why?" I said.

"Last year, we had over 500 candidates, and no one succeeded," The Director said, while Maj.-Gen. George chuckled.

"That's why the Queen ordered us to take a year off and resume next year," Maj.-Gen. George said as he sipped his coffee.

I found that Queen Elizabeth II is no longer the current monarch, but Queen Helena and King Archie are. There were also their kids, the first of whom was Prince Louis and the second, Princess Emma. The Queen is 38 years old, the King is 39 years old, the Prince is 20 years old, and the Princess is 18 years old.

"Private Valentino, you will be trained for a year in Wales, mainly Sennybridge and the Brecon Beacons," the Director said.

"Yes, Sir"

"Please address me as Lieutenant General Henry Walker."

"Yes, Sir—Lt.-Gen. Henry," I replied.

"Go to Wales with Maj.-Gen. George now. He'll be your drill instructor, and keep in mind that because you're special, your training will be more difficult than standard SAS training." When patting my back, Si—Lt.-Gen. Henry said.

"Yes, SIr"

"What are you waiting for, both of you?" Lt.-Gen. Henry pushed me and Maj.-Gen. George.

After an hour and 30 minutes, Maj.-Gen. George and I boarded our helicopter and flew to Wales Airbase. We arrived at the camp, ate dinner, and then went to our reserved quarters.