Page 115 - Demo

114 JAGGEDEDGE
I don’t even know why we are here in the first place. “It’s about as useless as windshield wipers on a goat’s ass.
“I don’t think I would have rated it that high. Mark, I know we’re from different agencies, but I’m glad you are in school with me. I hate putting up with these bozos without knowing any- body.”
“Brother, believe me, being on the task force makes all the difference. These guys don’t have a clue.
“I think we’ve warmed up enough. Let’s get in a good run.”
The two men ran, returned and were cleaning up as they realized it was getting late. Both came dashing around the corner to join the class just before the instructor appeared.
“Alright men, today is the day we separate the artists from people who just blow shit up,” said Jose, the instructor. “Don’t forget, I will be monitoring you by camera. When you are fin- ished, come to your feet. I will give all of you permission to initiate and come back at the same time. When you do, there will be no running and no peeking over the protective barrier to see the blast. If you do and survive, I will personally kick your ass just before we boot it out of here. Is there anyone here who does not understand? You will be going downrange by groups of four, so put your armbands on now. The number on the armband corre- sponds to the lane you will be working in. You can gain a total of 200 points for doing everything right. Each mistake will cost you 25 points. As much as you have to do you had better stick with the sequence. The camera tells no tales. Move to the briefing area, we will begin in 10 minutes.”
“Rick,” Mark called, “I am in lane four first. I’ll lead the way and breathe some life into this joke. Everyone except the first four move to the safety area.”
The sun was relentless and second to the beating of hearts on the ready line.
“Move out!” the instructor shouted.
The first four contestants walked fast as possible to their re- spective bays. Hands got busy trying to follow the practiced