"Everyone onboard, this is Captain Henry Hawks speaking. I will oversee your training in Southern Evolutionary Camp where you will spend the initial six months. Rest of your training will continue in the Arctic where you will serve for 2 years after your training is over. We will be arriving at S.E.C. in approximately 6 hours 43 minutes. For the time being you can get to know other enlisted and read the rulebook that is above your seats."
After the Captain's announcement Sean took the rulebook from the overhead rack, where he also found a smart uniform. It wasn't about the style but rather its capability to fit every size. Evolutionaries tend to have transformational abilities that could compromise their defensive clothing that is mostly designed for humans and these smart uniforms were the baseline of many defensive clothing. Unfortunately for Sean, they were as bare as they could get. Grabbing the book Sean started reading. The rules were listed as;
The **Southern Evolutionary Camp** is a rigorous military training facility designed to prepare and mold Evolutionaries into disciplined soldiers capable of defending against threats to humanity, particularly the ever-looming Abominations. Below are the rules governing the Southern Evolutionary Camp, reflecting both military discipline and the unique aspects of the story setting.
1. Hierarchy and Discipline
- Chain of Command: Respect and obedience to the chain of command are paramount. Orders from superiors must be followed without question unless they contradict established protocol or endanger lives unnecessarily.
- Uniform and Appearance: Trainees must maintain their uniforms in immaculate condition and adhere to strict grooming standards. Any deviations will result in disciplinary action.
- Salutes and Protocols: Trainees are required to salute officers and follow military protocols at all times. Disrespect towards superiors or fellow trainees will not be tolerated.
2. Training and Conduct
- Daily Schedule: Training begins at 0500 hours and concludes at 2100 hours. This includes physical training, combat drills, tactical simulations, and theoretical lessons on Evolutionary capabilities and Abomination encounters.
- Physical Fitness: All trainees must meet and maintain the required fitness standards. Failure to do so will result in remedial training and potential expulsion.
- Combat Training: Regular sparring sessions and live combat drills with simulated Abominations are mandatory. Injuries are part of the process, but reckless behavior endangering others will lead to penalties.
- Weapon Proficiency: Trainees must demonstrate proficiency in various weapons, including firearms, melee weapons, and specialized Evolutionary gear. Weapons are to be handled with utmost care, and unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
3. Evolutionary Training and Engraving Protocol
- Engraving Rules: Trainees are strictly prohibited from attempting Engraving (the process of infusing Abomination Cores into their bodies) without direct supervision. Engraving must be conducted in designated facilities, and only after an Abomination has been personally killed by the trainee or the cores are cleansed of their remaining will. Every Engraving should start with the chest and end with the head. If left in extreme conditions, the trainees may Engrave without permission given but will still be held accountable and disciplinary action will be taken.
- Abomination Encounters: Field exercises involving real Abominations are part of advanced training. These exercises are heavily supervised, and all kills must be reported immediately and correctly.
4. Conduct and Behavior
- Code of Honor: Trainees are expected to uphold a strict code of honor, including honesty, integrity, and loyalty to their comrades and the military. Acts of cowardice, betrayal, or dishonesty are met with severe punishment.
- Respect for Civilians: Interaction with civilians during missions or leave must reflect the highest standards of military conduct. Abusing Evolutionary powers against civilians is a serious offense.
- Fraternization: Relationships between trainees and instructors are strictly monitored. Any relationships deemed detrimental to military cohesion are forbidden.
- Mental Fortitude: Psychological resilience is crucial. Trainees must attend mandatory counseling sessions to ensure mental stability. Any signs of mental deterioration or instability must be reported immediately.
5. Punishments and Rewards
- Disciplinary Actions: Infractions of the rules will result in punishments ranging from extra duties, confinement, or reduction in rank, to expulsion from the camp. Serious breaches may lead to court-martial.
- Merit System: Exceptional performance in training, combat, or tactical simulations earns merit points, which can lead to promotions, specialized training opportunities, or other rewards.
- Expulsion: Trainees who fail to meet the camp's standards or who consistently break rules will be expelled. Expelled trainees may be reassigned to less critical roles or, in severe cases, discharged from the military.
6. Field Operations and Missions
- Mission Assignments: Advanced trainees may be assigned to real missions involving Abominations or Evolutionary criminals. These missions are critical for assessing a trainee's readiness for active duty.
- Teamwork: Missions are carried out in squads. Team cohesion is paramount, and failure to work effectively as a team will lead to reassignment or expulsion from the squad.
- After-Action Reports: Detailed reports are required after every mission or field exercise. These reports are reviewed by instructors to identify strengths and weaknesses in the trainees.
7. Graduation and Deployment
- Graduation Criteria: To graduate, trainees must pass final exams that include both physical and mental tests, as well as a real combat evaluation against an Abomination. Only those who meet all criteria will be deployed to active duty.
- Deployment: Upon graduation, trainees are deployed to various military units, including those stationed at the Arctic front or other critical locations. Their deployment will be based on their performance and specialization during training.
8. Medical and Mental Health
- Medical Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups are mandatory to monitor the physical health of trainees, especially following Engraving procedures.
- Psychological Support: Trainees have access to mental health professionals at all times. Mental health is considered as crucial as physical health, and all issues must be addressed immediately.
- Injury and Recovery: Injured trainees are placed on medical leave with mandatory rehabilitation. Returning to training requires medical clearance.
"Seems basic enough, right?"
Unexpected question startled Sean. "Huh, who are you?"
"Well, my name is Jayden Jarrick but everyone calls me JarJar. I actually entered a while ago but you didn't notice."
"Is that so... I'm Sean, by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Sean. I see that you've already worn the uniform, comfy isn't it. I heard we will be able to modify these with Merit Points. I will add mine a diving equipment. They say there are alot of Abominations and Gates underwater."
"That's because without aquatic evolutions it's extremely hard to fight those, and terrestrial Abominations don't really help with that. You have to either find one in a lake or river, or completely ignore it."
"Hoooooh, you know your stuff don't you. How about this, at the camp I will be the leader and you will be my aide!"
"No thanks."
"That was fast enough to be hurtful, you know. Fine, do whatever you want, but I'm still the leader." Thanks to JarJar, Sean did not have any time to ponder on Ms. Hudson's words.
----
"6 HOURS AND 40 MINUTES LATER"
"Everyone, we are approaching the S.E.C. Put on your Uni-forms and hold tight."
When the captain made an announcement again, JarJar was still talking.
-"And then she said we had no chemistry. I can't believe I got dumped just because of that. Think about it; you confess, she accepts, you go on a date the next day, and get dumped! Who dumps their boyfriend on the very first day? She's a demoness, I tell you. A demoness!"
"Haaaah. Maybe she couldn't find her boyfriend amongst all that yapping... JarJar, it's been over six hours. Please, shut up!"
"Well, we were about to get off anyway. Talking about that, did you see the Camp? Outside is all wilderness as far as it goes."
"Yeah you're right. Shouldn't we able to see-"
The train burrowed underground without slowing down, making those who did not heed the captain's words regret doing so, like Sean and JarJar. With sharp turns and up and downs, the train kept moving forward, and in a short while it started to slow down. Compared to regular trains this one did not make much noise. It was designed so as to not alert Abominations above ground. The Camp was designed this way to reduce the risk of hordes of Abominations' raiding the Camp. It would also allow them to have a constant supply of Abomination Cores nearby, and would serve as missions to trainees.
"Woah. This place is so huge." Said JarJar after pulling himself up. "Totally not a place where shady things happen. A normal, underground, military base."
"You watch too much TV. Although it really doesn't give the best vibes, being underground and all."
"Gather up!" Captain Henry Hawks ordered. "As it's your first day I wanted to take it easy on you. You will be touring around the camp for 10 laps, those who can't finish are to be discharged tomorrow. First 10 to finish will be getting hot baths and a clean room. Now, when I blew this whistle you will start. Three, two, one, ready!
~FWEEEP
Everyone started running, despite not knowing where to go. Meanwhile Cpt. Hawks leisurely went to his cabin, poured himself a coffee then went back to the station where the train stopped. It would take a while for them to run those 10 laps.