Today was the first day of all the kids (combatants) being home, all.day.long.
It went far better then I had anticipated. There were of course some snares along the way, and only a few hand grenades thrown at me. I had the eerie feeling that they were having pity on me today, and that the full onslaught of torture, will begin in earnest tomorrow. But I am jumping ahead. The official report is below.
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0800 hours-- I received the combatants, and let them into the confines of this prison(read home). I had enough time to instruct my second in charge before I left on a covert secret ops mission, that the four were not to be trusted, and to not let his guard down.
0830 hours-- Upon returning from my successful secret ops mission, it was time to round up the combatants, and get them ready for work detail. Since the second in command, had another post to man for 8-10 hours of the day, it was up to me to ensure his safe travel to the destination. Of course, having to bring the combatants along added an element of danger, but it was a risk I was willing to take. Having safely secured the combatants into their locked down confinement chairs (read van seats with seat belts/carseat for the little squirt), I felt safe enough to attempt to drop the second in command at his other post. All systems go. No problems, other then a few smart remarks of their invincible nature (read wise acre remarks). These were quickly taken under control, and the rest of the work detail went smoothly.
0900 hours-- We returned to the prison/confinement camp. The combatants were again read the rules of conduct, and then left to have a short 30 minute period of self reflection. In this time, I made and secured plans to transport combatants to a physical fitness complex. The combatants needed their daily dose of yard time, and with the weather being inhospitable for outside activity, other means of physical fitness were needed. Having gotten permission from the King of Burgers himself, that he would in fact be open to this idea, I put the idea into motion. The King of Burgers informed me, that I would be able to purchase MRE's for the combatants. They would even provide a small token of their gratitude with each MRE, to keep the combatants occupied during the transportation from the physical fitness complex.
0930 hours-- It was now time for the daily housekeeping of their living quarters. After a long discussion on the merits of keeping his or her area clean, the work soon commenced. Upon inspection, I found that the cleanliness of the quarters was sufficient enough to allow a little time for arts and crafts, and again some more personal reflection. All went according to plan. There were no problems.
1030 hours-- Having arranged for transport to said physical fitness complex, all that was left to do was to secure the combatants in their confinement chairs. Being the only Officer around, I was hesitant. Would they turn on me, maybe even try to overthrow the order and rules that had thus far been adhered to? I would not however allow them to see my fear, or sense that my confidence was on shaky ground. One whiff of fear, and the whole mission would be compromised. Onward we marched. No fear sensed. No problems encountered.
1045 hours-- During the course of my mission to transport the combatants to the physical fitness complex, I discovered one of the combatants was feeling ill. I took it upon myself to get the appropriate supplies to help the combatant. After all, we are nothing if not just and merciful. Said combatant felt better after receiving said treatment.
1100 hours-- Upon entry to the King of Burgers personal physical fitness center, we were greeted by his emissaries. They made sure to let us know that there were many other combatants and officers there, with the same goal of working out the pent up energy of the combatants. The combatants were stripped of their heavy outer wear(winter coats) and shoes, so that they could not leave the area. Security measures in place, I went and got the MRE's so that after a work out, the combatants could have sustenance. We stayed without incident for an hour and a half. I could tell the combatants were thankful to have a merciful Officer such as me, in charge of this their motley crew. I think they may be coming around.
1245 hours-- We had to make a short stop at the local px to pick up necessary supplies. This took a little longer then I had planned, but there were no major infractions, and it went as smoothly as it could have gone.
1300-1500 hours-- We made it back to the prison/confinement camp. At this time, those who needed it, were taken to solitary confinement (naptime), until a time where they were more pleasant to be around (not tired and mad as a hornet). The others then had a little free time. I used this time as an experiment, to see how much I could trust them. So far, so good. No major issues. The combatant who was feeling ill earlier, decided she needed to rest, and she took a bit of a kip. It was a pleasant afternoon of harmony.
1500 hours-- It was time for the afternoon nourishment ritual to begin. As such they had the options of fruit, or popcorn and a drink. All went well. No incidents to report.
1600 -1700 hours-- We waited for the parole officer to return to pick up three of the combatants. It was completely uneventful. I think they trust me as their leader and commander.
My report is this:
While still a stressful day of careful planning, and the occasional correction, it went on without too many issues arising. Tomorrow will show if the combatants have turned the corner and now trust me completely as their commander. Until then.....
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