Chapter One

It is week one of being trained to become an FBI Special Agent, and twenty-six-year-old Morgan Monroe, a trainee, has been accepted into the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Morgan and other trainees were sitting in a classroom learning about legal guidelines, ethics, behavioral science, forensic science, and investigative techniques. In the classroom on the second day of the academy, Morgan and other soon-to-be agents are being introduced to the FBI Academy's newest instructor named Justin Burton, a former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the New York's Field Office.

Justin introduced himself to the class and Morgan was excited for his first week of training to become an FBI agent. Ever since he was a young boy, Morgan was trained by his father on how FBI agents would change the world and make it a better place since Morgan's father is a retired FBI Director. Justin told Morgan and other trainees about his age, his marital status, and other things that he felt comfortable sharing with the newest agents. Justin continued to speak to the class and he and the other instructor Jonas Foster, who also works at the FBI Academy, were all excited for their newest instructor. Justin smiled and he thanked everyone for having him at the academy. Justin will be teaching firearms and defensive tactics at the academy, and is excited to start a new chapter in his career. "Well guys, I'm gonna head off. It was nice meeting you guys, and I hope your dream of becoming an agent comes through soon. Just remember to work hard and do your best. Not everyone gets to save the world. But you guys, you may if you graduate from this academy. Not everyone can do that." says Justin, before turning around and leaving the classroom.

"Thank you, Mr. Burton," Jonas said, before facing his trainees. "All right guys, class is now dismissed. Remember to turn in your assignments before Friday. You guys have a good day. I'll see you tomorrow."

Morgan and other students had stood up from their desks and they'd all grabbed their stuff together before they left the classroom. After Morgan and his best friend Thomas Jr. Lexson, another FBI academy student walks up to Morgan and sighed, he began talking to Morgan at the same time they left Mr. Foster's classroom, and he said, "It's the second day of being at the academy and we are already being assigned to do homework." Thomas said.

While walking together down the hallway, Morgan said, "Yeah. Tell me about it. I'm so done with this program now. I think I might have to drop out."

Thomas Jr said, "No. Bro, you and I have always dreamt of being in the FBI academy. Remember what Mr. Burton said, not everyone gets to do that." Thomas Jr. said.

"True," Morgan said.

They'd both head to their next class. New agents like Morgan and analysts acquire foundational knowledge on collaborating effectively, which they will apply in one of the FBI's 56 field offices post-graduation. Morgan must undergo over 800 hours of training encompassing academics, case exercises, firearms proficiency, and operational skills. He will study ethics, law, behavioral science, investigative methods, interrogation techniques, forensic science, leadership, and more.

A significant aspect of this training includes visits to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to understand the consequences of law enforcement straying from its fundamental values. Additionally, they visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to gain insights into civil equality. Given that carrying a firearm is integral to their responsibilities, all new agent trainees like Morgan are trained in the use of Bureau-issued firearms.

They learn the basics of marksmanship, safety protocols, and practical shooting techniques. Morgan must dedicate over 100 hours to practice with their FBI-issued weapons. Also, Morgan will acquire a range of operational skills, including tactical driving, physical fitness, physical and electronic surveillance, and executing operations.

At Hogan's Alley, they are trained to investigate incidents such as bank robberies and kidnappings. Therefore, Morgan will also engage in real-world case investigation scenarios to evaluate their skills. They receive tips and follow them through to apprehension. The investigations involve actors portraying criminals in Hogan's Alley. Trainees like Morgan will also navigate intelligence-driven scenarios and learn how to present evidence in court.

Up next, Morgan and Thomas Jr. were doing the physical fitness test. While Morgan and Thomas Jr. were doing sit-ups, a different instructor, Mike Yoland, was telling all the new agents to keep exercising. Everyone and all the new agents were also doing push-ups, running, a 300-meter sprint, and a 1.5-mile run. Candidates like Morgan must achieve a minimum cumulative score of 12 points, with at least one point in each event.

After October 5th, 2026, the minimum cumulative score will change to 10 points, with at least one point in each event. Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) candidates: Candidates applying to the Tactical Recruitment Program, which leads to the HRT, must also complete a fifth event—the pull-ups—even before the 2026 change.

Morgan and other agents must score a minimum of 20 cumulative points with at least one point in all five events. Morgan and other agents must take the PFT multiple times throughout the hiring process. During the initial recruitment phase, a minimum score of 9 points (with at least 1 point in three events) is required to pass and advance to the next step. A higher standard is enforced during the Basic Field Training Course (BFTC) at the FBI Academy. Morgan must achieve at least a 12-point total, with a minimum of one point in each event, to graduate.

Therefore, two weeks later, after starting their new chapter of becoming an FBI Special Agent, Morgan and his best friend Thomas Jr. along with other new agents were all outside with instructor Justin Burton and Justin was going over the instructions and explaining to all agents how to fire their firearms and the guns that they were holding in their hands. FBI firearms instructor Justin's explanation of how to fire a gun would focus on unwavering safety protocols and the fundamentals of marksmanship under stress.

Trainees are taught that correct handling is not just a skill, but a life-or-death responsibility. The instruction would be direct, commanding, and focused on building confident and precise movements. Justin at the firing line is addressing a group of new agent trainees (NATs), holding a Glock 19M, the standard-issue FBI sidearm.

"Alright, listen up! The object you are holding is a tool. It represents your authority and serves as your final line of defense. However, it is only a tool, and how you use it is what truly matters. Within this training and in the field, there are four absolute, non-negotiable rules. Now, I want you to commit these to memory. Rule #1: Always treat every weapon as if it is loaded. Each time you pick up a gun, every time you lower it, and every time you hand it to me, you must assume it is loaded. If it is your firearm, you must ensure it is safe and confirm that the chamber is empty. But until you do, it is considered loaded. Understand? Rule #2: Never aim a weapon at anything you are not willing to destroy. The muzzle is a killing tool. It will never be pointed at another person, either intentionally or unintentionally. It will either be pointed directly at your target or, if you are not shooting, it will be in a safe, low-ready position. No exceptions. Rule #3: This is your 'thinking' finger, not your trigger finger. It should rest along the side of the firearm frame, outside the trigger guard. The moment your finger enters the trigger guard is the moment before you pull the trigger. Control your finger, and you control your shot. Rule #4: Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it. What is behind your target? What could happen if your shot misses? As professionals, every round you fire has a purpose. We do not engage in target practice; we engage threats. That requires both precision and judgment. Now, let's move on to the mechanics. I will break this down into a step-by-step process that is simple and repeatable. Your focus should be on consistent movements and muscle memory, not just speed. Adopt the fighting stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your firing-side foot slightly back. Keep your knees slightly bent, and your shoulders rolled forward slightly. Lean in as if you are preparing for a punch. This stable position helps manage recoil and maintains balance for movement. Get a firm, high grip. The web of your firing hand should be as high on the backstrap as possible. Your support hand fills the space left by the firing hand, wrapping your fingers tightly over it. Grip it firmly, but do not tense your shoulders. You are acting as a shock absorber. You must have a clear, uniform sight picture. The top of the front sight post must be perfectly level with the top of the rear sight. They should be equal in height and equal in light. Your eye cannot focus on both the front and rear sights at the same time, so focus on the front sight. If the front sight is clear, the rear and target will appear slightly blurred, and that is correct. This is where most people fail. You do not slap the trigger. You press it. Use the pad of your index finger, not the joint. Press it straight back, smoothly and consistently, without disturbing your sight picture. The shot should catch you by surprise. That is how you know you did not flinch. Once the shot is fired, do not jerk the gun away. Keep the sight picture. Keep pressing the trigger back. As the slide moves forward, slowly release the trigger just enough until you hear and feel the reset. At that point, you are ready for your next controlled shot. Now, we will dry-fire and practice the draw. Every motion must be deliberate. Index the weapon, clear the holster, bring it to the center line, get a solid two-hand grip, extend, acquire your sights, and press. Do this slowly. Get it right. Accuracy comes first, speed follows. I will be watching every move carefully. Any mistake in safety or fundamentals means we return to the beginning. This is not about being fast; it is about being correct—every single time. Now, everyone stands in a straight line beside one another. Aim your gun at the target. When I say fire, you fire. On three... two... one... AND FIRE!" Justin said.

Morgan and the other agents all fired their weapons at the target at the same time. After everyone fired, they reloaded and fired again. Once all had finished, they had used up all their bullets.

"Great job, everyone. You all did well," Justin said.

Morgan sighed. He looked at Justin. "Okay. Let's do this again," Justin said, walking up to the agents. After an hour of training, Morgan was with Thomas Jr. talking about the fact that Justin seemed like a cool guy.

"I wish I had a guy who would have taught me how to fire a gun when I was younger. My father is so strict with me when it comes to wanting to work for law enforcement. He'd always made me feel like I should listen to him." Thomas Jr. said.

"So your dad finally accepted the fact that you've joined the academy?" Morgan said.

"Yep. He hasn't been able to look me in the eye and I guess he doesn't want to be proud of me." Thomas Jr. said.

"Well, that's his problem then. I've known your dad since we were kids. Trust me. I think my dad would probably tell him to accept you as his son to be a hero in this world." Morgan explained.

"My dad doesn't listen to anyone. Not even my mother, I don't know how I'm gonna get him to the graduation ceremony if I do complete the academy," says Thomas Jr.

Morgan nods his head. "Just accept the fact that you're here and you're becoming an agent," Morgan said, smiling. Thomas Jr. smiled at Morgan. Justin walked up to Morgan and Thomas Jr. and said, "Gentlemen, great job on the training. I just wanted to say that if you guys have any questions, I'll be in my office," said Justin.

"Thanks," says Morgan. Justin nods his head and smiles at Morgan, before walking past Morgan and Thomas Jr. Morgan and Thomas continue the conversation about Justin, until it is time to go to their next class.