Chapter 1: Farewell party
June 15th 2001, Czechia
Mikaela and Sara were standing in front of the pub, where the party was taking place, waiting for Michael and Abigail. "Sara, are you absolutely sure about your decision? You can still come with me and become a military medic. I know, that it is a place for you." Sara looked Mikaela in the eyes: "Thank you Mikaela, but I just can't. I want to help people and becoming a paramedic is the best way to achieve it." Mikaela sighed: "OK then it's ultimately your choice, but I just feel that my suggestion is better. Hey, aren't those our lovers?" Michael and Abigail were walking towards them holding hands and kissing. Mikaela said smiling: "Very enthusiastic huh? Did you 2 fuck before coming here?" Sara slapped her. "Mikaela!" "Ow! I was just trying to lighten the mood. Sorry." And they all laughed. Mikaela then continued: "So I've found us a table. It's in the corner, but I'm sure none of you mind since everyone in our class just wants to get wasted with alcohol and god knows what else."
After fighting through the already drunk classmates, they managed to sit down at the table. Michael opened the window. "Ahh fresh air. You can't imagine how much I hate the stench of alcohol and nicotine." Mikaela smirked: "You're not the only one. I just don't understand the appeal of these things. They're destructive, expensive and definitely not fun or cool." Sara and Abigail simply nodded. Michael added: "You should take them to Detroit to give them a first hand experience about what these things cause." Mikaela started laughing: "Ha! I think, they wouldn't even survive the first day there, but otherwise you're right. Those, who would survive would never touch alcohol or ciggies ever again." They all laughed for a while and after they calmed down, Abigail said: "So Mikaela, how's the situation with the University of defense?" Mikaela answered: "Well I've been accepted without tests and the basic training starts in September." Abigail continued asking: "What unit would you like to be in once you finish? Sorry if I am too curious." Mikaela smiled and said: "No you're not, but my ideal unit would be a part of Paratrooper Platoon. I don't think I'm strong enough for 601st group of special forces and the other elite units don't appeal to me. I'll also take part in optional course for commanders of small units." Abigail said: "Well good luck then Mikaela."
A few minutes later a waitress came to their table and asked: "What would you like to drink?" Mikaela looked around and everyone nodded and said: "4 large kofolas* please." The waitress responded: "Right away." And went to get the drinks. One minute later she came back and served the drinks and handed everyone paper slips and left. Sara looked surprised: "What is this?" Micheal answered: "This is where you write your first name and how many drinks of what type you had and you hand it to the waitress when you're about to pay. It serves to keep the track of what everyone had throughout the evening. It's a tradition since medieval times." Sara said: "Thanks, sorry." Michael continued: "Don't be. Anyway, how about you and the medical school?" Sara answered: "Well I did the entrance exams last week and they accepted me." Michael said: "Well congrats, so cheers to both of you." They stood and clanked their glasses. Michael continued: "I sincerely hope, that you both will be very successful and become a great soldier and medic." Mikaela responded: "And I hope your relationship will last for a long time and that we see each other again still in good shape and form." And they sat down and started drinking.
*Kofola - Czech soft drink based on Coca-cola, but uses different ingredients. Contains less sugar and uses citric acid instead of phosphoric one. Overall less harmful.
