Make sure you are all caught up! Check out John’s previous diary entry.
Day 4:
I slept like crap. Again.
Wasn’t the only one, either. When I got to the shop, I could tell the guys had an “amazing” sleep, just like I did — judging by the matching dark circles under their eyes. Hah. In a weird way, it was comforting knowing I wasn’t the only one nervous about what we’d done.
After a cup of coffee, we tried to shake it off and dive straight into work. But our boss took one look at us and raised an eyebrow. We all had our notifications switched on — just in case — and would flinch at every ping. At one point, Chris dropped a wrench on his foot while reaching for his phone. Meanwhile, I managed to hammer my own thumb because my phone buzzed at the worst possible moment. Truly a masterclass in professionalism today.
We somehow made it through half the day, and then… it was like the world stopped. All our phones went off at the same time. Before even checking mine, I looked at the guys. Yup — we were all thinking the same thing: did they accept us or reject us?
And damn, none of us had even considered what we’d do if one of us didn’t get in.
As if reading my mind, Paul spoke up before anyone dared open their screen.
“If we don’t make it — or if anyone doesn’t — we keep trying until we’re all up in space.”
David let out a shaky chuckle and added, “Man, who would reject a bunch of hunks like us?”
The joke helped… but we still had messages to read.
My palms were sweaty, so I wiped them on my jeans before unlocking my phone. I opened the email: “Application – J. Kessler.” I tapped it and started reading:
“Dear Mr. Kessler, we were glad to receive your application. After a thorough health and background check, we are proud to announce that you have been accepted into the Helldiver Program.”
Holy shit. HOLY SHIT.
I looked up at the others and gave a shaky thumbs-up. Paul did the same. We waited for the rest. David glanced at us, then shot both thumbs up with a grin that practically split his face. Chris was still frozen, staring at his screen. David called his name like five times before he finally snapped out of it. When he saw our thumbs, he yelled,
“HELL YEAH, WE’RE ALL IIIIIN!”
Then chaos. High-fives, shoulder slaps, bear hugs — the works. Our boss came out mid-celebration.
When we told him the news, he smiled, disappeared for a second, then came back, handing each of us a hex nut. He told us to keep it with our dog tags, as a reminder of where we came from. Said he’d miss us… but that the work ahead was important.
He even gave a little speech. The man was this close to crying, — and I swear I saw Chris wipe a tear.
Man. It’s really happening.
I called my parents. Mom was bawling. Dad said he was proud of me and they’d try to write often. I don’t know how much time I’ll have to reply, but they said they understand.
We barely have time to pack before heading out — we leave for the training facility in two days.
David’s spending them with his girlfriend, and Chris’s family is throwing him a farewell party. Makes sense, considering his family’s long Helldiver history. Paul says he’ll call his parents and pack. I guess he and I have the same plan.
Honestly? I hope these days go by fast. I’m excited. Nervous. But excited.
Next time I write, it’ll be from space. I can’t freaking wait.
— John
