Olivia set her granola bar down, leaned forward just enough to make Tara flinch. \u201cI\u2019m here to train,\u201d she said. \u201cNot to make you feel better about yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tara froze, her cheeks reddening. \u201cWhatever,\u201d she muttered, turning away. \u201cWeirdo.\u201d<\/p>\n
The navigation drill was a new kind of hell. Cadets had to cross a forested ridge, map in hand, under a strict time limit. Olivia moved alone, her compass steady, her steps quiet against the pine needles. A group of four cadets led by a wiry guy named Kyle spotted her checking her map under a tree. Kyle, who\u2019d been vying for Lance\u2019s spotlight, saw his chance.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Dora the Explorer,\u201d he called, his voice cutting through the quiet. \u201cYou lost already, or you just out here picking flowers?\u201d<\/p>\n
His group laughed, circling closer.<\/p>\n
Olivia folded her map, her fingers deliberate, and kept walking. Kyle jogged up, snatching the map from her hands. \u201cLet\u2019s see how you do without this,\u201d he said, tearing it in half and tossing the pieces into the wind. The others cheered.<\/p>\n
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