She was just about to begin the mile long run around the perimeter of the compound when she heard the commander’s voice boom with authority. Along with the other recruits she paused, ceasing her stride and slowing till she was standing in the middle of the field behind him. With a soft sigh, she heeded his demand, moving toward the start of the rigorous course with the few that managed to keep up with her. Even this activity wasn’t an “every man/ woman for themselves” punishment. Though she could have easily taken the lead in motivating and encouraging the group, she was content to allow those who were naturally more inclined to take charge do so since it was less of a test of her ability to lead and more of a test for the new blood that would join their ranks--should they make it through training. Ava was in the middle of a set of pull-ups when the alert from Nick’s computer sounded. It was only when she heard her name that she let go of the bar, dropping to the ground to land on her feet.<br/><br/>It was an ATCON alert, and as her bright eyes skimmed over the words she was left to wonder what the cause for change in level due to the vague nature of the email. It mentioned war, which was foreboding, but not much else. Like him, she assumed that he would be called to a meeting very soon, meaning that she would be left with a bunch of agitated and worn-out recruits to handle. “Of course. No more cutting them slack.” She nodded. It was a great deal of responsibility, considering whatever threat they would soon face. She now understood that it wouldn’t do anyone any good to go easy on them. Their enemy certainly wouldn’t. As the commander turned and left, Ava resumed the completion of the impossibly difficult death sets, no longer beside them but watching over them carefully. She upheld the same stringent standards as the commander, demanding perfection and fostering comradery while leading with an iron fist. After seeing what she was capable of, and confirming the slightly inaccurate rumors that circulated the compound, the recruits were quite obedient. No one questioned her or took advantage of the commander’s absence.<br/><br/>It was nearly early afternoon by the time the recruits completed the death sets. They were making their way back to her after their last lap, depleted and exhausted to the point where they looked as though they were corpses. She was actually quite proud of them as they rounded the bend, glad to see that those strong enough to carry their fellow soldier had done so and that they were praising and encouraging one another. A smile curled onto her lips as they collapsed to the ground, mere feet from her boots. Ava gave them a moment to catch her breath before she dismissed them. “Well done. Rest up for an hour and we’ll meet up in the gym for CQC.” She informed them, instantly depressing those who believed that their day would end there on the worn grass of the compound.<br/><br/>Ava left them to rest and grab lunch, doing the same for herself. Since Nick was in a meeting, she simply had lunch in the cafeteria. She was fine eating by herself, and after spending so much time surrounded by other people she actually preferred it, but she was joined by Bradley and Hathem, who had worked up the courage to apologize to her for their earlier comments. She expected them to leave, but they stuck around despite the stares in their direction from onlookers who thought them fools for sitting beside her.<br/><br/>After CQC, where she taught them basics and a few simple take-downs, she approached one of the maintenance managers who was able to give her access to the apartment. Ava took a cold, ice bath and then a hot shower before taking a long nap. When she woke up, she checked the computer to see if Nick was able to give her an update on what was going on, or at the very least when she could expect him to return.