Post graduation all personnel were required to stay on campus. In fact, no one was allowed to leave their city or town that they were in unless approved by the military. Some Military families who had soldiers in the higher echelon were allowed to relocate to serve with their families, everyone else were required to stay. Of the 10000 students in my university only 5 were able to leave. Everyone else was under Marshall law.
Two days after graduation everyone was informed to gather at the auditorium for further instructions. We were also informed previously to have all our rooms cleared as everyone will be relocated. After graduation, I had officially moved everything from my dorm room into the Space, excluding a medium suitcase. We were all told to mark our belongings and they were all moved to a separate room where we will be able to collect them later. I packed a large water bottle with space water as we were not sure how long our meeting would take. That morning I had a full meal within the Space. While we sat on the bleachers we were informed that due to the potential threat and immensity of the projected war that has already started, all citizens will be required to participate. Those of us with a degree would be trained for an officer position, and those without a degree will be trained as enlisted soldiers. We were also informed that everyone will be trained partially like those in basic training. We were also informed that all persons 18-30 within the town will be joining us training on campus. Everyone above the age of 33 will be trained in a separate facility.
We were then separated by those who graduated with a degree (BA, MA or PHD) and those who were not. We were then further divided by our areas of studies. Students, like me, who had a double major were separated based on immediate needs of the military, and those whose subject matter was less important were further separated based on the adoption of their majors. For example, those whose studies were in the humanities like philosophy, anthropology and history were relocated to another section together. According to rumors, the military will attempt to convert their area studies to what will be needed. If they had double majors or minored, they would be placed on a needs basis. For the past 2 days the military has been sectioning off parts of the university. Apparently the military have repurposed our university to its best potential for housing and space for military training and use. Excluding the cafeteria, library and campus housing, the university had 5 other buildings that were used for classes. As a Catholic university, it came as a surprise that the military could utilize it, however since the area is in a town the university is the largest building and it does make sense. We were carted back to St. Theresa (One of the science buildings), which is where most of my classes have been. There were not a lot of us studying alternative medicine, so we were placed with the other students who were studying medicine. In my class , all 50 of us went to room 123, which is close to the entrance. All of us found seats as we looked at each other and waited.
"Good morning everyone!" Says someone in uniform who walks in with a folder in his right hand tapping his right shoulder. He too is in his black military dress uniform. Behind him are
two other soldiers, but who are in their camouflage green/brown uniform. "I'm Lieutenant Rodriguez, behind me is staff sergeant Gil on the left and Sergeant Park on the right. We will be taking turns briefing you on the expectations for this month. It has been confirmed that all countries are on lock down and in a stage of emergency. The elderly and children, as well as those with disabilities based on documentation have been called to safety. A bunker is being constructed, and many architectural students/graduates have already started to work. Is there anyone who wishes to join the war by having extra training? You will basically start basic training immediately and in full. Some steps may be cut by a week, but your bodies will be pushed to the absolute limit. If you wish to join, please stand"
At the mention of basic training, the system issued a quest. Quest: to become strong- join the military for full basic training. All additional quests will be waived during basic training and additional rewards will be given. Accept?
"Cephirah?" I asked through telepathy, "what happens if I don't accept?"
"Nothing will happen. You will continue to receive small quest as you have been doing. Now that you are at level 8, it will be much harder to level to 10. If you do complete the quest, you will be pushed physically, mentally and emotionally to your limits. Your stats are just a little above average, and basic will actually benefit you. This is especially true when you drink spiritual water when you're tired. This quest will also allow you to get to level 10, as well as additional equipment. It would definitely be worth accepting and challenging yourself." Responded Cephirah.
"I see" I responded while thinking. I stood up in order not to second guess myself. I realized no one else stood up. Officer Rodriguez raised an eyebrow but otherwise said nothing. They were all surprised, even the other students around me.
"A girl stood up, but not even half of you who are males want to challenge yourself. And you call yourself men" sneered SSG Gil. One of my male classmates who played on the soccer team also stood up. "I was just thinking. You can't expect us all to just agree without the chance to weigh the pros and cons. After all we're talking about war" he responds. "In any case the world's screwed regardless, I might as well travel since we aren't allowed to leave otherwise. I don't plan to stay stuck in this town" he responds. "Anyone else?" Staff sergeant Gil asked. 8 more people stood up, 2 other females and the rest males. "We have a lot of men who are afraid of a little pain" he sneered again as he looked at the class with the remainder who were still seated. "By the way" Said Lt. Rodriguez, not joining does not guarantee your safety or that you would not be used by the military. It simply means that you will be on an as-need basis and will take over the rear. Other instructions will be given, and a similar process will still be done. The difference is that unlike those who go through the fast track basis training, you all will probably become contractors or affiliates, whereas those who have decided on fast track basis will become soldiers." After his explanation, those sitting remained seated, looking at each other.
"You 10, follow me" says Lt. Rodrigues as he leads us to another classroom. "We will be waiting for 50 more people before assigning you to a platoon. In the meantime, we will be screening all of you medically. All of you can have a seat" as we sat down the door opened again and another group walked in, this time it looked like there were 20-30 people. This classroom is the second largest with the capacity for 50 students. Many of the other classrooms are 30-40 people. There is even a small classroom for 15 students max. This time it was the rank of an E-5 sergeant who led a group of people to join us in the classroom. According to his name tape, sergeant Soh. He also told the group of people to have a seat as another NCO followed by another group of 10 students filed in. "That's 50 to volunteer for fast track basic" he said to Lt. Rodriguez as he went to join the other 2 other noncommissioned officers at the front of the classroom.