Hexagon Day 01

Hexagon is one the highly classified projects, establishing an all-female unit whose members are capable of handling all means of undercover and civil operations across the spectrum. Only a handful are selected for the project every year from all over the country after being vetted extensively in all concerned areas. The mission of the project is to cover routine civil operations in all sectors by highly efficient and effective all female units in addition to intelligence related operations under critical circumstances within the nation's own jurisdiction as well as outside as undercover.

The recruitment process begins with handpicked candidates who were selected by senior officers of the units from undergraduate programs across the country, covering all major fields of education. The candidates are selected based on their intelligence as well as their ability to withstand critical circumstances both physically and mentally. The recruitment and training for the project is undertaken in one of its remotest and almost untraceable facilities situated in the middle of the plateau and surrounded by the conserved sanctuaries. The only access to the facility from the nearest public transport is a fifty-kilometer-long single lane stretch that is out of bounds for the public. The candidates were picked at a specific pickup point and transported to the facility in a vehicle of its own.

Six candidates, who were all in their early twenties, were hand-picked at the final rounds of the selection based on the intelligence gathered across the country even without interviewing them face to face or by any other means except for the consent being obtained at the final stages of the process. They were all taller than five feet two inches and weighed between fifty to sixty kilograms as specified in the project manual for enlistment. Divya Thakur, an undergraduate in biotechnology from Mumbai, Leilani Pereira, with majors in business management from Cochin, Pooja Mahalingam, an engineering graduate from Trichy, Shreya Gowda, a software applications specialist from Bangalore, Shazia Ahmed from Hyderabad who's an attorney at law and Aishwarya Rao from Chandigarh who holds a degree in political science are the candidates to be recruited into the facility and are being transported.

The list of officers at the facility, which is in turn an all-female crew includes its director, physical education instructor, medical officer, administrator and two technical officers. The candidates, having reached the facility, were required to stay overnight at the visitor's guesthouse before having to report to the admission process the following morning at the open arena.

The candidates had been asked to line up at the arena at 6am in the morning in formal clothing for the admission procedure. Divya was clothed in a salwar and kameez followed by Leilani in a Keralite sari. Pooja too was clad in a sari while the other three candidates, Shreya, Shazia and Aishwarya were seen in formal shirts and trousers except for Aishwarya who went with a knee length skirt instead of trousers. The process was supervised by the directress herself who's a well-built woman in her mid-forties.

Once their identifications were confirmed they were escorted in a line into the inspection area where their attendance was signed and provided with the paperwork to be completed. The candidates who by then had become recruits were called one by one towards a weighing scale placed at one of the corners of the inspection area. They were asked to remove their footwear and to stand upright on the scale where their weight and height were marked by the physical education director. The breakfast was served at the lunchroom adjacent before they were escorted into the confidence room through a corridor. They were briefed in general about the institution, their mission and especially the rules and regulations that are to be followed and the importance of discipline and order during their training. Their basic routine was explained forthwith which started with physical training from 6am onwards followed by breakfast and formal classroom sessions. The evening schedule began at 4pm which consisted of games and outdoor activities followed by study hours and dinner to wrap up the day by 10pm.

They were allotted in the common female dormitory for the fresh women and asked to report back in half an hours' time for an ice breaking session, which was largely eventless followed by lunch. The recruits didn't have anything scheduled for the evening and night which they spent leisurely in the premises while getting to know each other. They were asked to be in their dormitory by 10pm after dinner for roll call and inspection.

All six of them were present in the dormitory, having already changed into their night clothes, for the roll call when the directress, accompanied by one of the instructors came in for the inspection. Having responded to their roll call standing upright beside their beds, they were asked to march towards the garden outside the dormitory in their night clothes itself by the directress.

There was a fire setup in the garden where all six of them gathered along with the staff. The flickering flames cast eerie shadows on the determined faces of the six recruits. Their eyes, filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity, remained fixed on the directress as she stepped forward, her authoritative presence commanding attention.

"Welcome to Hexagon," she began, her voice steady and strong. "You've been chosen for a mission of utmost importance, one that will demand unwavering dedication and discipline. Here, we are not just a unit; we are a family. We look out for each other, trust each other with our lives, and uphold the highest standards of excellence. You have passed the first test, but this is only the beginning."

The instructor standing beside her nodded in agreement, a silent affirmation of the directress's words. The recruits exchanged glances, their resolve strengthening with each passing moment.

"You will undergo rigorous training, both physically and mentally," the directress continued. "But remember, it's not just about physical prowess; it's about the strength of character, quick thinking, and adaptability. You will be tested in ways you cannot even imagine."

The recruits listened attentively, their hearts beating in sync with the fire's crackling. This was the moment they had been preparing for, the opportunity to prove themselves in a league of extraordinary women.

"As the night symbolizes the beginning of your journey with Hexagon, let this fire remind you that you will face challenges, but you will emerge stronger from them," the directress concluded. "Now, it's time for each of you to say your commitment pledge."

One by one, the recruits stepped forward and, with unwavering determination, recited their commitment to Hexagon, pledging to uphold its values and serve their nation with honor and courage. The fire's warm glow seemed to acknowledge their words, and the instructors nodded in approval.

With the pledge completed, the directress gave a nod of satisfaction. The recruits, having made their commitment pledges, were ready for their first test as members of Hexagon - a tug of war challenge in their nightwear suitable for the warm Indian summer night. Each recruit had chosen their nightwear to ensure comfort and mobility during the physical activity.

Divya wore lightweight cotton pajamas in a soothing shade of lavender. Her top had short sleeves and a loose fit, allowing her arms to move freely. Leilani had opted for a comfortable yet stylish option, wearing a sleeveless, and knee-length nightgown made of breathable cotton. The floral print added a touch of femininity to her attire. Pooja was clad in a sleeveless silk nightgown with intricate embroidery along the neckline. The silk fabric kept her cool, and the length of the gown allowed her legs to move easily. Shreya had chosen a pair of soft, knee-length shorts made of lightweight, moisture-wicking material paired with a loose-fitting tank top. Her outfit was perfect for agility. Shazia wore a simple, sleeveless, and comfortable cotton nightdress. The plain design was in line with her no-nonsense attitude. Aishwarya opted for a knee-length, cotton nightshirt with a playful pattern of stars and moons. The loose fit allowed her to move freely.

The recruits assembled on the grassy field where the tug of war challenge was set up. The night air was warm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves in the surrounding trees. The recruits were divided into two teams, with Divya, Pooja, and Shreya on one team, and Leilani, Shazia, and Aishwarya on the other. The instructors explained the rules, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and determination.

As the whistle blew, both teams dug their heels into the ground and pulled with all their might. The ground beneath them shifted slightly as they strained against each other, their nightwear fluttering in the breeze. The recruits' faces were etched with determination, sweat glistening on their foreheads.

The tug of war continued for several minutes, each team giving their all. It was a test of not only physical strength but also teamwork and mental resilience. The recruits encouraged each other with shouts of motivation, their commitment to Hexagon driving them forward.

In the end, after a fierce battle, one team finally managed to pull the other across the line, securing victory. They collapsed onto the grass, panting and laughing but victorious. Sweat dripped from their foreheads, the grass spangled with the shadows cast by the moonlight. Each recruit collapsed onto the ground, huffing and puffing, their nightwear disheveled, but with a glint of victory in their eyes.

It was a symbol of their unity, their willingness to face challenges head-on, and their readiness for the rigorous training that lay ahead as members of Hexagon.

"Now, get some rest, for tomorrow, your real training begins. Sleep well, ladies. You have a long journey ahead."

The recruits returned to the dormitory, their minds buzzing with the significance of this moment. As they settled into their beds, the fire's glow still fresh in their memories, they couldn't help but feel a growing sense of camaraderie and purpose. This was the start of their transformation into the elite operatives of Hexagon, a unit like no other, where these remarkable women would prove that they were more than capable of handling any mission, anywhere in the world.