To all of their dismay (except Travis, who being able to see the future already knew that it would be much longer than just a week) the combat training continued. Day in and day out they went to the gymnasium, practicing what they learned with all sorts of punching bags and regular sparring sessions with each other and sergeant Moreno.
For an entire month they trained, never even stepping foot on the range. Finally at the end of their second month of training sergeant Moreno started weapons training.
"Turner you're up first." He gestured towards a rack with all sorts of different weapons. "Try them one at a time on that training dummy over there."
Justin walked over first starting with a gladius. He hit the dummy a few times, seemingly well. Then he tried a spear that he didn't like before trying others out. Ultimately he found that a gladius, a karambit, and a scythe worked best for him.
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Each of them went through the process trying out all sorts of weapons. Victor found that a saber, a flail, and a zweihander worked best for him. Kiara found that a war hammer, a mace, and a sword and dagger combo worked best for her. Finally Travis found that a glaive, dual wielding spathas, and a long sword worked best for him.
"Well done everyone, each of you has three that you like, which gives us some variety. Campbell, grab your hammer, Turner, your scythe, Gonzales you're zweihander, and Miller your glaive, we will start with these, since range is your friend."
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They spent two weeks learning their ranged weapons, then a week on each of the others. By the end of the final month, they were proficient in the basics of all of their chosen weapons, and hand to hand combat. The four stood before sergeant Moreno two days before the graduation ceremony.
"Trainees, youve done well. I've already sent your weapon preferences on to your unit. Good luck, and go wreck those power hungry bastards for me."
They exited the building where drill sergeant Fields was waiting for them. "Privates, here are your orders." As he said it he handed each of them a piece of paper saying: Private ______, as of graduation you will be transferred to the Capital of the Republic of the Americas. Upon arrival please report to High General Percival McEntire for further orders. "Please return to the barracks to pack your shit. Your flight leaves in four hours so make it quick."
Travis was caught off guard by this. "Drill sergeant, what do you mean our flight is in four hours? What about the graduation ceremony?"
"Private Miller, it has been determined that because you all didn't train with the rest of your class, it isn't necessary for you to participate. They want you starting with your new unit as soon as possible. Now remember you leave in four hours, so be outside the barracks in 3 to ensure you don't miss your flight."
"Yes, drill sergeant!" They all sounded off, before running back towards the barracks.
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Travis and Justin (women have separate sleeping areas and Victor was part of a different platoon) packed as fast as they possibly could. Just throwing things in the bags without trying to organize anything.
Then they ran downstairs and out the front door with 30 minutes to spare, as they set their stuff down Kiara ran out the front door. With Victor following a couple minutes later.
"Man," Justin said, addressing the group. "We barely made it. Travis and I just threw things in our bags, unpacking it is gonna be a nightmare."
Kiara looked relieved. "Oh thank God I'm not the only one. You guys get to suffer with me."
Victor scoffed at all of them. "Hah, losers. I have everything packed neatly and orderly. It'll be a breeze for me."
The other three looked at him with outrage. "Fuck you Victor! Teach us how you did that, its not fair!"
"Hahahaha, you guys are a riot. If you keep all of your shit dress right dress it will be a lot easier to pack quickly and easily."
They waited until drill sergeant Fields pulled up with the truck. "Get in Privates. Its time for your all to get going."
They quickly threw their gear into the truck and climbed in themselves. They shut the back gate before sitting down, using their bags as makeshift seats.
Kiara looked at them. "So what do you think this assignment is? Anyone have any ideas?"
"I think they're going to make super soldiers, and we're part of the first batch." Travis said, conveniently leaving out that he had already seen that was where they were headed.
Victor looked at him, confused. "You sound certain, why would you think that? I haven't heard even rumors about super soldiers. And I try to stay on top of anything that will give us the edge in this war."
Justin turned as well. "And what kind of super soldiers are we talking? Are they going to make whole a whole company? Or maybe even more than that?"
Travis put his hands up. "Guys, guys, I don't know their exact plan. The only reason I know they're making super soldiers is because I already am one. And I don't even really know the details of what has been done to me. All I know is they want more."
Kiara turned to him, eyes wide in shock. "You said you were in a coma for four years. During that time... you were..."
Before she could finish the thought, Travis confirmed it. "Yeah, I was taken by some cult and experimented on during that time. They kept me under, though I dont know how, and when I woke up I had already been rescued by the military."
"Wow dude," Justin said, giving him a pitying look. "Thats so much worse than being conscripted out of a coma."
Victor also looked stunned. "So during that time, your family didn't even know you were alive? Then you wake up only to be forced into the military almost immediately? I'm sorry man."
"Nah its cool." Travis said brushing it off. "I don't mind, my sister is my only family, and shes already in, so this just means I get to serve alongside her. And if I can help end this war I will. Then we all can rejoin our families."
With that, they all fell silent, they got to the airport and unloaded their bags.
"Alright Privates, this is where we part." Drill sergeant Fields said addressing the group. "You've done well these past few months. I'm glad you are going out there to represent the best of the best of us."
And with that he drove off, and the 4 friends headed inside to board their flight.