2. Base
We rode a Hummer to the base we’d be staying at. Our job-to overtake Death Valley, captured by Spanish soldiers. Two miles from camp, they dropped us off and we had to walk.
“Anybody have any interesting to tell?” Will asked bored. Twitch turned. “I have Optimus Prime tattooed on my arm.” We all felt nostalgic of that show that seemed for the Transformers show that seems to last till’ the end of time. We all gawked at his tattoo until he said: “You know I can draw him?” Twitch dropped to the floor, about to draw him in the sand. “Give me one minute.” I timed it. A minute later, he had a basic outline of Optimus Prime. We all laughed and rose up to go to the base. I looked at Trent. Behind me, he had drawn a full, detailed version of Optimus Prime off hand. He kicked the sand, destroying the picture as he got up. He put his finger over his lips, telling me to keep quiet about it. I would.
When we reached our barrack (or ‘The base’) it didn’t seem big. It was just a small building with five rooms. We all picked our rooms and went to sleep.
We woke up today, no general, no leader, not yet. For now, we lead ourselves. I cooked breakfast. I made eggs and bacon. We didn’t have much food in the small refrigerator, but we could always call for more and they’d drop us off. After all, we were fighting this world in Death Valley, not the opposite side of the world.
I started passing the food around, six eggs, and twenty- four pieces of bacon. We all started eating. The food seemed good to me, but after the second bite, Will commented. “This food sucks.” Abe rose up, towering over Will. The anger in his eyes seemed to burn a hole through Will, because he stared at the floor. Abe grabbed Will’s plate, sat back down and started eating again. “Screw you Will.” Everybody knew I was the quiet one, so everybody stuck up for me.
We walked outside after breakfast. Our mission was today was to remove landmines from around the base. We tightened the goggles that detected them onto our heads.
After a while, the heat was unbearable, our water became warm, and our feet blistered. On the brighter side, we found eleven land mines, saving our lives for now. We were happy to see our beat up fortress after that. We went in relieved and ready to sleep. But first, we got something to eat and drink. While we ate, Abe spoke up.
“Well, what are we all in the army for?”
The room was quiet for a minute. I was the first one to speak up.
“Tuition money.”
“Me too.” Trent agreed.
“Drafted” Ty said
“To serve my country” Will added.
(We all waited for Twitch to answer.)
“Because I have nowhere else to go.”

We all felt bad. “It’s okay Twitch.” Abe comforted him. “You belong here.” We all agreed.