by Brad Carr
“Yessir, I will do my best.”
Brakion was about to dismiss Loft for the night when he had a terrible thought. “Loft, I just realized. Sparks knows the tunnels and caves connecting all the districts just as well as we do. He helped design them, remember. The district tunnel entrances must be doubly guarded.”
“I will get on it right away.”
Chapter 12
Angus felt like he was in grade school again. Days were filled with lectures. Abundant socializing made him feel squeezed, without ample breathing space. He enjoyed silence. Angus was an introverted man. He wasn’t anti-social, he just preferred a small amount of interaction with people in intervals. Time had to be set aside everyday where he could be alone to gather his composure and thoughts.
Throughout his life, Angus was not the social type to have multitudes of friends. He enjoyed keeping his circle of friends small. When he was married, it was easier. Angus had his wife and son to talk to. Angus used to enjoy stocking shelves, preparing orders, and filing paperwork at his general store. Back then, he hired one employee to help with customers so he wouldn’t have to be bothered. When out of his comfort zone, nervousness can set in. Angus felt intense pressure of being crammed into barracks full of soldiers. When another person strolled by his bunk, he would hold his breath for a few seconds so he wouldn’t get a whiff of their body odors. Angus’ sense of smell was sensitive. Invading too closely to his personal space could release feelings of danger within him; causing a self defensive flex in his muscles.
Reeves on the other hand enjoyed being one of the comedians of the team. He constantly told lewd jokes, and helped Doyle with pranks. Although Angus and Reeves were opposites in personalities, they acquired a bond of friendship. Reeves knew when to be serious if required; unlike one of the other recruits in their group. Her name was Neda Kameer.
Neda was known as the bully of the Emerald Team Three. She was extremely independent and liked to question any authority. Many viewed her as “cocky” or “haughty.” Another person could prove her wrong, but she would never admit to making mistakes. No one could peel back the layers of her abrasive personality to reveal friendly qualities. Yet the biggest questions about her was why she chose to enlist to this outpost. Was it a sense of duty, or did she enjoy being a disturbance to others? Neda Kameer was a tall, athletic woman with walnut skin and short blonde hair. Her high cheekbones gave her a strong appearance. Sloping to a point, her nose widened slightly at the nostrils. However, she was an attractive woman, but upon speaking, her mean spirited personality would diminish her beauty. Neda specialized in heavy weaponry, the same job that Angus excelled in.
James Cash was the guy who seemed to excel at everything in life. With beige caucasian skin, medium build, light hazel eyes, and bright blonde hair; his clean shaven face made him appear much younger than he really was. Cash was intelligent, good looking, brave, yet conservative in military strategies. He was not the type of soldier to rebel against any order from his superiors. Cash also enlisted for the Exploration Commission. The group respects him as a born leader.
The complete opposite of James Cash was a man named David Van. He was more of a follower, lacking skills of leadership. Van’s eyes were deep set behind his cheekbones. He had long blue hair that he kept up in a bun with a matching thin beard outlining his jawline. Something about him made Angus feel uneasy, yet he couldn’t think of a reason why.
Montel Grail was the second oldest member of the team (Reeves was the oldest). He had chestnut skin with dark freckles outlining his thin nose and cheeks. Light grey eyes suited the appearance of his long grey dreadlocks. Grail was the best marksman of the group. Along with Reeves, they knew how to kill a target from a one point five kilometers away. Yet Grail has a slight edge over Reeves in distance accuracy.
Rodriguez “Crazy Eye” Martin was probably the scariest man in the group. Standing at a short height of one point seven meters, he was wiry. Crazy Eye had a rosy complexion hidden behind the tattoos from the top of his neck, down to the bottom of his toes. A slashing scar ran across his forehead. Sun kissed brown hair tightly curled over his ears. Mutton chop hair dropped down the sides of his cheeks.
He was nicknamed “Crazy Eye” when got in a bar fight in the city of Passadonia, on Phantom Island. It was an infamous tale spread throughout the Capital Kingdom. News reports would portray pictures of him in a full rage. His right eye had a strange reddish tint to it, which suited the nickname. Eight men and one woman were killed with his bare hands after they attempted to murder him as part of their gang ritual. All of their skulls were crushed, and he tore into their chest cavities removing their hearts after they expired. Rumors circulated of cannibalism, but it was never proven. The video cameras confirmed his story of self defense, but his brutality became notorious. All charges of murder were dismissed. But he didn’t fit into society after being labeled a monster by public opinion. This caused the alpha males of the area to challenge him daily. So the Capital Kingdom did him a favor by sending him to the Tyra District of Mitton for his safety, and for the security of those foolishly seeking fame by creating conflict with him.
Lisa Quarry was the most caring and friendliest individual of the entire group. Known simply as “Doc,” because of her years of medical experience; she fit in perfectly as the team physician. Doc was a young and vibrant dark skinned woman, with a shaved head, and bright green eyes. Pleasing others created a sense of joy for her. Sometimes this was a disadvantage. Some were known to take advantage of her kindness and generosity.
Although Angus had a quiet and shy nature, the one who rarely spoke was Meishen June. With large almond shaped eyes of green, her long violet hair reached the middle of her back. To keep the hairs from getting in her view, she kept it pinned up and back into a loose bun. Small in frame, athletic, and petite, Mei’s speed was remarkable. Standing at one point six meters, her specialized training was in stealth and assassination techniques; she mastered these abilities during her time in War Pig Island. Mei also enlisted in the Exploration Commission. Because of her talented skills, it seemed like the natural choice for her.
The final member of Emerald Team Three, was Cole Doyle; the other prankster in the group. Cash, Crazy Eye, and Kameer did not appreciate his sense of humor. With a natural born talent for chemistry, he excelled at creating or defusing bombs. But he instead liked to use his chemistry for making mischief. Doyle was a heavy man, which was unusual in this area where food rarely contained a lot of sugar or desserts. His pale skin refused to tan, only burn with exposure. Because of his short orange-red hair and long shaggy beard, he stood out from the others. Many thought the “ginger gene,” as they called it, had been eliminated through natural evolution. But clearly, the genetics were stronger than anticipated.
The recruits had to keep a rigid training schedule. According to Bittersmith, the intense danger wouldn’t start until midway through the winter when they travel to the expansion beacons. Boot camp would prepare them for the perils ahead. Mondays were the only days of rest. From Tuesdays till Sundays the schedule was as follows:
06:00 - Wake Up Call
A loud screeching alarm would wake the recruits. It was impossible to sleep through unless the person was comatose. Angus and Cash would typically wake up a few minutes before the alarm and dressed in uniform. Van was repeatedly the last to exit the barracks.
06:30 - Breakfast
The morning food at the Kitchen House consisted of a few hard boiled goose eggs, haleroom tea, an apple, acorn butter, and a small loaf of bread for carbohydrate energy. Treento mash was added recently as an alternative to the goose eggs. However, due to the experimental growth, treento supplies were inconsistent.
07:00 - Morning Run
Cold mornings were brutal on the lungs. The recruits were required to run eight kilometers in total distance near the interior walls. Meishen and Doc would sprint in front of the group with ease, with Cash trailing slightly behind them. Van, Grail, Crazy Eye, Neda, and Angus stuc
k close to the middle of the pack. Reeves, being the oldest recruit, would trail behind them, breathing heavily. But farther behind Reeves, Doyle gave his best to keep up, carrying his large frame. If the rest of the group finished early, Doc would sprint back to Doyle and jog beside him for encouragement.
08:15 - Weight Lifting
Each recruit was required to lift efficiently, allowing only thirty seconds of rest between each set. Exact time was kept by a timer on the walls. After six sets of a particular exercise, the recruits switched weight machines; allowing another recruit to rotate their spot. Doyle and Angus could lift the heaviest weight in the entire group, with Crazy Eye slightly behind them in strength. Van, Doc, and Meishen concentrated on higher reps and less weight. Neda’s leg strength was unbeatable by the rest of Emerald Team Three. Cash seemed to be consistent with all of the exercises. Grail and Reeves remained close to minimal requirements. Gabriella Bittersmith spent her time observing and logging their progress on her tablet.
09:10 - Capital Kingdom Martial Arts
Training in the use of mixed fighting techniques, was by far the hardest physical exertion. Using the art of hand to hand combat, the recruits of Emerald Team Three practiced with many instructors. On Sundays, recruits were required to “square off” against members of the other teams in the circle ring. Grail, Reeves, and Doc were exempt to spar in the circle due to their importance as steady marksmen and a field surgeon. Their occupations compelled steady hands. Mei was ranked as the best fighter. No one on any team could defeat her in the circle. She was swift and precise with her strikes to another’s body.
10:00 - Break
Most of recruits took naps because of exhaustion. Trekking back to the barracks would soak up too much time. Members of Emerald Team Three would slumber against any wall nearby to recuperate. Doc however would spend her time reading romance novels on her tablet during break time.
10:30 - Yoga and Pilates
Meishen was the most flexible and graceful. Cash, Doc, Grail, Reeves, and Van could do every pose without strain. Crazy Eye complained every day before beginning the first pose. With regularity, he would repeat, “This is fucking stupid.” Neda, Angus, and Doyle had difficulty attempting to be flexible enough for the exercises.
11:20 - Meditation
During this time, the team would sit in total silence in a sensory deprivation chamber together. It was a concrete pool filled with water near the depth of zero point three meters. Floating on the water, their ears would muffle underneath. Stomach noises of hunger could be heard, which increased Crazy Eye’s inner rage instead of calming him down. Most of the others were able to “clear their minds” and relax. Reeves would occasionally fall asleep. Loud snoring would interrupt the other’s meditation.
11:40 - Battle Simulation
Bittersmith programmed encounters on an electronic tablet. The simulation room produced holographic buildings, or wilderness settings of ancient locations. All training teams in the entire outpost would participate. Safe weapons were provided with a special vest. Attached to the left breast was a false heart monitor. If they “died” in the practiced battle, a flat line would present itself on their front vest. When losing, the recruit was ordered to leave the room. Non stop push-ups and sit-ups served as a punishment, until the simulation had a victor.
The holograms varied. Options of dangerous wildlife attacked them; such as gristols, lobsters, venom crickets, boa cobras, or vulture dragons. In other instances, battle against teams were ordered. Occasionally recruits were stripped of weapons, and commanded to improvise with hand to hand combat.
13:00 - Showers at the Bathhouse
The bathhouse was coed. Men and women would shower in the same rooms. Waist high partitions walls separating each recruit. Most would try to take a few moments to rest aching backs and sore muscles with the soothing hot water. Instances occurred of men or women masturbating in their stall. Crazy Eye, being the sexual exhibitionist of the group, had a few women or men, from the other teams, whom he would fornicate with in the showers. At first, most would stare and watch with excitement. But it soon became so common for everyone to witness. They became bored and carried on with cleaning the sweat and grime off their bodies.
13:30 - Classroom: The Beasts of Mitton
This was the only class Angus was excited to be in. Learning about the biologies of creatures documented in Mitton, peaked his mind. Many creatures still remained a mystery. Living beings had evolved rapidly over the relatively short period of time; since the Exodus Coalition gassed the entire Earth. Many species died off, but strong species survived, changing their characteristics to suit their enviroments. Angus felt a sense of respect for them. It encouraged him. “If they can adapt, then so can I,” he thought to himself.
14:30 - Classroom: Science and Mathematics
Neda dreaded going to this class everyday. Although she was smart enough to basically comprehend, she didn’t excel above others in this course. Neda despised being “average”. To make herself feel better she would endeavor to bully Doyle and Doc for being the brilliant scientists of the group. She would avoid teasing Cash because she respected his leadership. Doc did her best to ignore her, although she was sensitive to the names. Nothing phased Doyle. At times, she attempted to start a physical fight with him, because his apathetic approach to her bullying frustrated her. Bittersmith treated her like a parent disciplining a child; ordering her “not to move from her seat or she would revoke a day food rations.” In one instance, Doyle sought revenge on Neda. He created a special epoxy and brushed it the bottom of her seat; it attracted fire ants. Neda had bite marks on her legs for over a week.
16:00 - Classroom: Advanced Battle Strategy & Survival Techniques
Cash was a decent strategist. Looking at a hologram map, he could find ways to outflank or retreat safely from any enemy. Crazy Eye was the survival expert, knowledgable in finding water, hunting food, and building shelters that the instruction tablets didn’t mention. If he couldn’t figure out a survival problem, he was noted saying, “I will kill and steal from my enemies.”
17:30 - Dinner
From Tuesday till Sunday, any team could be randomly chosen to cook or clean with the staff in the Kitchen House. According to Bittersmith, it was a “lesson in humility.” When Emerald Team Three was selected, most would obediently follow their instructions. However, Van would find ways to remove himself from the kitchen to “run an errand” for the culinary workers. But of course he would take an unnecessary amount of time to avoid work.
18:30 - Barracks cleaning
Because the barracks were kept tidy every day, and there were enough recruits to accomplish the chore; it didn’t create opportunities for notable accumulations of dirt. The bathrooms were cleaned by the first three individuals who lost a battle simulation earlier.
18:45 - Leisure Time
Many would lounge around, telling stories by the stone fire pits outside. Angus spent most of his recreation time playing rounds of chess with Mei. Doyle, Reeves, and Doc took a stroll outside the walls to moderately drink ale nearly every night. Angus would join them once or twice per week, mainly due to humoring his close friend Reeves. Otherwise, he would spend time relaxing on his cot. Neda and Van enjoyed watching re-runs of programming on the tele screen. Cash practiced his acoustic lute outside so he wouldn’t disturb them.
22:00 - Lights out!
Fire pits smoldered. Lights inside and outside the barracks turned off automatically. Stars would glow brightly in the night sky, as the recruits walked to their cots. At 22:10, all barrack doors were locked. Anyone arriving late would have to find another source of shelter from the frigid air outside. It rarely happened. But no one wished to sleep outside.
***
The bars and kitchen house were crammed full of patrons on the Winter Solstice. The Solstice signaled a new year. Two months passed since Angus and Reeves’ arrival to the Tyra District. Outside the walls, patrons gathered together drinking ale and celebrating. The popul
ation dwelling outside the walls had been reduced by twelve percent to date; since Brakion announced new expansion.
New citizens were adjusting to their life inside the safety of the walls. Ninety meters away from the barracks, a village of tents took up residence. Temporarily nicknamed “Tent City,” many of the dwellings were refurbished from the Veterans of the Island Wars. Construction and farming families were loaned the tents until the district housing projects were completed.
A concrete foundation was poured over a month ago, only a skeletal steel frame of the four story building was erected thus far. Temporary bathhouses were constructed one week after the expansion began. Bathing in shifts, restrictions were enforced to ensure prohibiting recent citizens from using the larger bathhouse of the recruits.
In the middle of Tent City, a large circle of people stood around a blazing bonfire. Harmonies of lutes, drums, and pipes filled the night air. A large woman with voluptuous bosoms, vocalized perfect keys with the musical instruments. When the chorus began, the boisterous crowd would join in singing along. It was a new song that was gaining popularity through the Tyra District since the expansion announcement. The lyrics read as:
Let us go! Let us go! To the district we all know!
All is well! All is well! Laugh at the face of hell!
Let us go! Let us go! To the district we all know!
Come with me! Come with me! This is the place to be!
Here on the seven, we fight for our ground,
Warrior champion, spreading hope around,
O’er all the dangers, we made our way here,
Living day to day, through sweat and tears.
Let us go! Let us go! To the district we all know!
All is well! All is well! Laugh at the face of hell!
Let us go! Let us go! To the district we all know!
Come with me! Come with me! This is the place to be!
