Exterior – Outside the School

A cool breeze swept through the school courtyard as students slowly trickled outside, gathering in small groups while waiting for the buses. The morning sky was overcast, the dull gray clouds hinting at the possibility of rain later in the day. Conversations buzzed among the students—some excited about visiting a real military base, others half-awake and indifferent.

Near the front, a few teachers stood in discussion with a group of soldiers, going over the day’s schedule. Among them were Captain Price and Gaz, standing slightly apart, observing the students with practiced vigilance. Price, dressed in his usual tactical vest over a dark jacket, had his arms crossed as he listened to the conversation, occasionally glancing over the gathering crowd.

Gaz, hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, nudged Price slightly. “Looks like we’ve got a lively bunch,” he remarked, nodding toward a group of students playfully shoving each other.

Price exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. “Teenagers. Just keep an eye on ‘em—don’t want any of ‘em getting bright ideas before we even get there.”

A soldier not part of the SAS turned toward the teachers. “Buses should be here in about twenty minutes. Once we arrive at the base, we’ll have a quick briefing, then move on to the demonstrations.”

The supervising professors did a quick headcount as more students trickled outside. A few still lingered inside the school, taking their time.