He stepped through, the heavy gate clanking shut behind him, the sound echoing in the sudden hush. A wave of cool, recycled air washed over his face, a stark contrast to the humid outdoors. Beyond the door there was a large open space with a number of people similar in age to Vlad gathered there.
The air filled with the scent of air conditioning, a low murmur rising from the many voices speaking simultaneously - Everyone there was also a fresh recruit just like Vlad. He was a little taken aback by the number of people there. His expression filled with confusion, a slight furrow appearing on his brow as he tried to process the unexpected crowd.
Damn. Aren't there a lot of us?
They all looked at Vlad as he walked in. Everyone with different views, some with curiosity and others had their guards up and some held an air of intrigue.
This must be how celebrities feel.
Vlad went around what seemed to be a training ground for the force members, his surroundings filled with weaponry, energy rifles hung on racks, inert projectiles lay on workbenches, and training blades, a side of it had a large table with Rad-suits. Vlad was searching for someone in the crowd but to no success.
Where is he…?
His mind was too focused on searching for him to notice the sounds of steps getting closer to him from behind. By the time he did end up hearing them and turned around, someone had bumped into him whilst holding a large box of small weapons.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."
"It's okay."
The agent quickly picked up the things he dropped and ran with the equipment in a hurry.
Vlad took a step forward but hit something metallic with his leg. He looked down to see there was a pen on the ground. He picked it up.
He dropped one.
He looked around trying to find the person who bumped into him but they were nowhere to be seen.
The pen's weight in Vlad's hand was unsettling - different from any other writing instrument he had held. A faint, almost chemical tang entered his nose. The body made of titanium felt off to his touch.
This doesn't feel like a regular pen.
He put it in his pockets not hindering on it for too long and moved on with his search.
I'll give it back later.
Two figures in crisp, authoritative uniforms strode into the training ground from a side entrance. They scanned the assembled recruits with keen eyes, their very demeanor commanding attention.
The murmured conversation died down, replaced by a hushed silence.
The instructors are already here. I'll find him later.
The instructor at the front stood a head above the rest around him, his glasses momentarily blinded Vald - reflecting the overhead lights. His facial muscles were in complete stillness, a face with a complete lack of emotion that offered no hint of his thoughts.
"I'm Vice-Commander Kaff but you are to address me as "instructor" or "Sir" until you are finished with this training exercise." He said with a commanding voice, "understood?"
"YES SIR!" Everyone shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the training ground.
"Good."
The sound of steps filled the silent room, a figure stepped forward with a Spectra-Pad.
"This time we're doing something a little differently. Everyone get geared up and put on your Rad suits."
This is unexpected. They want us to put on Rad suits on the first day?
"We have sightings of a few dozen mutants near gate eleven. All of you are to eliminate them but since you are still cadets you are to do so in a two-hundred-meter radius of the gate," Kaff stated with a stern expression.
Many were visibly shaken hearing what Kaff said. The room exchanged wide-eyed glances, a handful looked straight ahead with determination in their eyes.
Vlad was one of them.
Finally! Excitement coursed through Vlad, I'll give the bastards the payback they deserve.
"The mutants are mostly category 2 and lower. Stick to your training and you'll be fine," The instructor beside Kaff informed everyone.
The statement of the instructor lifted a massive weight from the cadets. Sighs of relief was scattered throughout the room - many maintaining an upright form. The excitement of many to show off their capabilities now replaced the tension.
A smile filled with determination illuminated Vlad's face - his fists clenching neigh instinctively, now eager to finally unleash his hatred on the creatures he despised.
Kaff spoke coldly as if to snatch away the little breathing room the other instructor gave.
"Just so you know if the need arises for the instructors to step in consider your application to the Mutant Extermination Force denied, and you will no longer be considered for recruitment."
A stunned silence fell over the trainees. Vlad's eyes widened upon hearing Kaff's words; he'd been told prior the consequences of failure were significant but he had not expected expulsion. Several trainees exchanged nervous glances, their earlier relief completely shattered. A wave of fear and uncertainty rippled through the group.
So this was why they accepted so many. They were going to cut down the number using this. Vlad thought.
The instructor next to Kaff did not allow any time to grasp what was said prior.
"Go to the changing rooms and put on your Rad suits, and pick any weapon that suits you from the ones provided or if you have personal weapons you'd like to use that is fine as well."
Everyone finally coming to terms with the situation started picking Rad suits and weapons. Few were those who had personal weapons. Forming a line everyone headed to the changing room to get ready and put on the Rad suits provided by the Mutant Extermination Force.
The suit self-adjusted to fit Vlad perfectly.
I can't believe I'm wearing mutant skin right now.
Vlad rummaged through the pants he was wearing before and pulled out two small cylinders with a scale-like design. Holding one in each hand he squeezed them with a small amount of strength. Starting from inside his palms up to his elbows got covered with metallic gauntlets made of dark materials.
Obsidian-steel is great. Hard and sturdy yet doesn't take away any mobility.
Vlad clenched and opened his hands making sure they got put on correctly.
While contemplating whether to take the pen with him or not a voice familiar to Vlad called his name. He turned to see Kel, a friend from way back.
"Where were you? I couldn't find you anywhere."
Kel let out a sigh.
"I was a bit late, I barely got here when the two instructors came."
Before they could chat further, the speakers in the changing room replayed, "Everyone head to gate number eleven."
"Let's get moving then."
A large crowd of a few hundred gathered in front of the gate. Armed guards both on top of the walls and on the ground heavily guarded the area. The gathered trainees talked amongst themselves about the Rad suits, some were checking their weapons and other equipment.
The murmur of the crowd shifted as the two instructors arrived, their appearance immediately garnering attention. Following them, a small number of agents carrying sleek Quantum-Comms.
Kel bent a little towards Vlad.
"Those look a little different."
"Yeah, they have a part that's sticking out."
Both spoke in a low voice.
The agents went around handing each trainee a Quantum-Comm. Vlad and Kel were trying to figure out what was different apart from the obvious part that everyone had noticed.
Kaff's commanding voice cut through the crowd.
"Put on the QC's. These are only for cadets. Official MEF personnel have QCs different from the ones you're used to seeing."
These are already very different. Vlad thought.
"The QCs will display a mini Spectra-Pad which will provide much assistance during the exercise. Just think about the Spectra-Pad and it'll activate."
Heeding the instructor's words everyone put it on one of their ears. Just as the instructor had said; the Spectra-Pad popped up in front of the corresponding eyes of the trainees.
"Whoa," Kel murmured under his breath.
Vlad blinked several times, adjusting to the translucent overlay in his vision.
A series of icons floated at the periphery of Vlad's vision, each labeled with cryptic abbreviations. One pulsed gently, and beneath it, the words 'Synchronization to Rad suit completed' appeared in crisp blue text.
"You guys can figure the rest out as you go."
Kaff looked at the cadets, his expression robotic.
"We will start in 7 minutes, be ready."