The training continues

Vanessa agreed with Reaper's idea of military espionage.

" One thing that may be of importance is the spot which the scientists disappeared. There may be a secret cabin or hidden area, which someone can hide, and then grabbed the scientist and escaped to the outside. I am almost sure that the area had been searched for hidden areas and such, but not finding any does not mean that there is none, only that it may be well-hidden. The occurance of lights in the sky may be a helicopter, which also explained the whirring sound, or a more advanced air borne equipment, used as a mode of escaping. It would be quite difficult if a submarine is used for escaping. I would need to know more details regarding the sea region which the ship was in. The whalesong might be real, or it might not be. The cold war may be over, but that does not mean that there are no unfriendly countries that are interested in getting the sonar system, especially if its use is more purposeful than what we had known. Two other things that should be looked into is the type of equipment that is reported missing with the scientists and the particulars of the missing scientists. A link may be found there. "

Josh had listened to both of the trainees very intently.

"That sounds very good. To answer some of you questions Jim, a local airforce base reported tracking an anomaly which moved in a way inconsistent with any known USAF craft. In other words," he smiled, "a UFO. Also, all military units within travelling distance are accounted for, according to their commanding officers. The hunch about the local fisherman was good, too. One man claimed to have seen bright lights in the sky. Descriptive, as usual, these UFO spotters!" he grinned. "He also reports that after the craft passed overhead, he felt very nauseous."

Reaper and Vanessa were curious about the case. The military theory did seem to be the obvious one. However, Reaper had begun to think that perhaps he had made a mistake. After all, why trust the Russian? Just because the cold war was over, the military still had powerful friends in the Politburo. There were many other government agencies who might mount such an assault. Josh was staring at him intently.

"What are you thinking, Jim, hmmm? 'Could be bloody anybody?'," he laughed.

"Yeah, something like that," Reaper grinned.

"Well, you're right. That's the first lesson. No one is immune from suspicion here. No theory is impossible. Remember that. It could save your lives. When you went through the academy, you learned all of the investigative techniques. The theory, anyway. In practice, the X-Files division is unique. You must remember that our purpose is to document cases no one else can. We must look beyond the possible, beyond the confines of the easy explanation, and discover the truth. 'The Truth is Out There'. We want to find it."

After a somewhat dramatic pause, in Reaper's view, Josh began to speak again.

"Let's get you down to the firing range, see what you can do."

The firing range was deeper into the already subterranean part of the structure they were in. The quartermaster asked if they needed any rounds. They did not, and Josh seemed pleased. As they both drew their weapons, Agent Lee drew her .38 snub-nose special. Reaper drew out something a little more powerful. The automatic pistol gleamed, even in the fluorescent lighting of the armory. He checked the weapon quickly and thoroughly, ejecting the cartridge, ensuring its was well-stocked and the chamber of the gun was empty, he clicked it back into place and filled the chamber with a tell-tale 'click-click'.

"That's certainly some weapon, Jim. Question is, what can you hit with it?"

Almost before the question had been asked, Jim spun from his position of back-to-target and fired of 2 rounds. As they brought the target forward, the results were plain. One in the center of the forehead, one in the heart. It was clear that when Reaper shot something, it stayed shot. Vanessa and even Josh looked impressed.

"Been practicing," said Vanessa, smiling. "I like to keep my hand in," said Reaper.

"Now I now another reason why your instructors recommended Tactical Operations. How about you, Vanessa? Going to show us your stuff?"

"You two are pretty good. Still, the day's not over yet," Josh smiled. "Let's go back to Classroom C. There's something I want to show you."

Intrigued, they followed Josh back through those most secret of corridors.

NRPG:

Fancy taking over, Sau Woon. Just write a post however you want. Write dialog for Josh and Reaper. The only stipulation is that you stick to character. Oh, there is another one, actually. HAVE FUN.

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Respectfully submitted,

FCO Ens. Olivier Patru, USS Orion,
Special Agent Jim Reaper, Station X,  X-Files.
Eoin McDonald, Ranger, RAGANOK.

aka Peter Shillan.
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