Nothing Special V (Nothing Special 5)

“Great job, Shawn. I liked that last shot. Dead center. I think your score is even higher than last time.” Chen nodded approvingly. “I can tell you’ve been putting in extra time at the shooting range, too.”

“Yeah, I have,” Tech answered. He took off the hi-tech helmet and set it down by the others on the shelf, along with the electronic vest that would vibrate if he got shot.

“When you go in the field, you’ll be ready. I promise you.” Chen looked like he truly believed what he was saying. “Everything you do now is just keeping you sharp, Tech. You’ve got this.”

“I’ve been working on some new simulations, too. The algorithms are almost done and I can send them over by the end of the week so you can see what you think.” Tech had designed most of the real-life law enforcement simulations for Chen’s training program so that the user didn’t have to enact the same scenario repeatedly. It would defeat the purpose if the programs could be memorized. The unexpected was exactly why his heart always tried to beat out of his chest when he did the simulations.

“Sounds great. You’re making my business skyrocket. I’ve never imagined the program would end up like this.” Chen laughed, looking around the massive structure.

“I’m just glad I get the discount, otherwise I’d never be able to afford to train like this.”

“Well, I feel guilty for even charging you one hundred a month, but you won’t let me go any lower.”

“Nope. That’s already a crazy discount. I at least want to pay for the personal instruction you give me. I get all the program benefits for free. So this works for me. I spend more than a hundred dollars a month on Starbucks.” Tech laughed.

“Alright, then. We’ll call it even. I’ll walk you to the lockers; I wanted to ask you about that Marine at your job. Is he giving you any more problems?” Chen asked, looking serious. Tech appreciated his concern, but he really felt he had it under control… especially after yesterday.

“Oh, he apologized. Even patched me up, I guess you can say. I really believed his apology was sincere and that it won’t happen again.” Tech pushed open the heavy door to the locker room.

“Okay, if you’re sure. Because I’ll be happy to come down there and do a little friendly sparring with the guy,” Chen offered.

Tech didn’t want anyone fighting for him. He knew his teacher meant well, but this was exactly why he was getting up so darn early and driving the hour and a half to Gainesville three times a week. He could take care of himself.

“I appreciate it, Chen. But I’d rather spar with him myself.” Tech winked.

“Oh god. Okay fine, too much information, Shawn.” Chen waved dismissively at him. “I’ll see you on Friday.”

Tech made his way to the sauna to relax before he had to head back to Atlanta. He tilted his head back against the warm bamboo walls, sighing and letting the heat encase him. Tech’s mind immediately wandered to Steele when all was calm and quiet. He wondered if the man would be surprised by Tech’s skill if he’d seen his shooting. Maybe he could invite him to see it one day. No, that was dumb. They weren’t partners at work or privately. He was probably far from Steele’s type, although Steele seemed to love flirting with him. That was kind of trending right now if he recalled correctly. Dating nerds. Tech shook his head at his silliness. A man like Steele probably wouldn’t mind bedding him a couple times before he moved on. And not just to the next buff lover, but to the next city. The guy just didn’t strike him as the settling down kind. Steele had lived in six cities in the four years since he’d been discharged.

Tech had tried a relationship and gotten burned hotter than the coals of hell. He wouldn’t put himself through that again. Maybe just tapping that fine Marine a few times wouldn’t be a terrible idea – he’d just leave his heart out of it.

Tech

He no longer needed the bandages Steele wrapped around his elbows yesterday. The bruises were gone and both arms felt wonderful, maybe that’s why he’d done so well in target simulation this morning. But now he was hiding in the equipment room, pretending he was checking inventory. God and Day came in separately this morning and it was clear they weren’t in good moods. Tech liked the funny, teasing Day. Seeing him hurting and depressed was not only affecting Tech but their entire team. He shook his head and tried to think of a way he could help, but nothing came to mind. He’d just do his job as efficiently as he could, in hopes of making things flow easier for his lieutenants. Besides, he was confident Syn would take care of everything.