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(6.2) Shot in the Dark
(6.2) Shot in the Dark
Ganthery Military Proving Grounds
Core World of Acatmen
Reich of Humanity
November 2nd, 1936
It has been only a few minutes since the shuttle blasted its way from the air field and a large group of the slaves started revolting. The base had been divided in six major sections. The air base, the R&D Labs (where the shuttle was being held at), the motor pools (next to the air base), the barracks (where all the soldiers were housed at), and two slave holding areas (now one was in complete revolt). The base was laid out in such a way to maximize the ability to the troops to control out break of violence. Each section of the base was divided by three separate fence lines. Two ten feet tall, with a third between them that was twelve feet tall. The fence lines were built to be strong and resist hoards of bodies pushing and pulling against it. Fifteen foot concrete guard towers lined all the fence lines and were protected by their own fences. Each tower had four soldiers, food, water, and enough ammo to fight for hours if not days. The towers could seal themselves off by pulling up their own stairs making access hard.
Around the entire base was the same tri-fence line and towers. However, there was also almost a half mile of mines buried within the sands as well as sentry guns that pop up at the last minute to kill who ever crossed their sensors. The base was secured from the only threat that the Reich foresaw, slave riots. However, the Reich did not just relay on the physical barriers to protect the base. The soldiers were highly trained just to handle just this kind of event. Colonel Asurion had ensured that his troops trained heavily and drilled over and over again to be ready for riots and out breaks of violence. While his unit might not have the efficiency that Vandor might wish, however they were more than ready to handle tonight's riot. If Colonel Asurion could watch his soldiers, it would be clear that he would have been proud of their performance. However, he would not be watching from the command center. Psi-Colonel Heatem would be watching. His opinion of the performance is less than pride full. He watched the troops react to the situation with contempt and disappointment. The slaves should be lucky to have a place to call home and they dare revolt. They should be gunned down for this.
As the first alarm went out from the watchful eyes of the guard towers, troops within the sectors that were rioting rushed from the areas so not to be taken as hostage. Also to ensure that no weapons would fall in to the slaves' hands. Within seconds of receiving orders from acting base commander Lt Colonel Cipire to push to the rioters back, the towers opened fire. As the first shots were being fired at the rioters, the gunships were moving to the sections that were in revolt. Those troops who were cut off from retreat were picked up and rescued by the gunships. Sometimes under heavy, Reich soldiers were picked up by the brave men and women of the Gunship crews. Even with the gunships, some soldiers were lost behind enemy lines. Some losses are expected, however it had always been Colonel Asurion wishes that the few losses the better. It was one thing that won the respect of his men. Tonight, that respect will be tested on all levels.
Once the gunships finished their mission, they would turn their spotlights on and add the towers to keep the rioters away from the fence lines. Containment was the general order for riots and protests. It was a prove fact that time was the secret to disbanding a rioting crowd. Through a large number of studies which had been done, slave riots tend to last a few hours if contained properly. If not, than the revolt had a chance of breaking out and the entire base would be at risk. While the towers are doing their duties at maintaining containment, the motor pools would be getting the combat robots ready action. The entire mechanized battalion would move to their ready positions along the runway. From this position they could react quickly to any breach in the fence lines or rush to support any of the guard towers. Theirs was a duty of last resort according to Colonel Asurion's plans. And if all goes to Colonel Asurion's plans, the mechanized battalion would never be needed and the revolt would be over in just a few hours. It was a test by proxy for Colonel Asurion who had written a large number of papers that helped the Reich redesign the way their slave bases operated. His entire reputation was riding on the ability of his troops to preform their duties as trained. If not, than all the years that had been put in to changing how Reich slaves are treated during crisis would be swept away along with all the other changes the last Emperor had put in to place. And undoing this change was a personal mission of the upstart Psi-Colonel Heatem and his Psi-Troopers. There was more on the line tonight than anyone could possibly have foreseen. And one laser welding woman was about to become center stage for the events that would later shape this base and this world.
None of the guard towers were designed to resist being shoved off their base by a powerful force users. Force users in the Core worlds were rare and far between. In fact, only a hand full of soldiers had actually seen a living breathing force user before. The word Jedi normally referred to gangsters who supported and helped slaves beyond the Core World. Once in a while they would cross in to Reich space, but that was rare. So when Angel reached out with the Force and knocked the first tower over like an angry child pushing tools about, it caused panic within the ranks of the soldiers. The lines shook with fear of this laser welding woman who commanded the power of the Dark Lord of the Abyss. Rumors had been whispered about earlier that day of how the Dark Lord was upset over the death of one of his minions. Even though these soldiers were harden and highly trained, the sight of the second tower being tossed to the ground was more than enough to break their moral. The panic caused those in the command bunker to take noticed. No one could touch her with their weapons as her laser sword was protecting her. Finally Lt Colonel Cipire gave the order to call in one of his best shooters. He had to give his men something to hold on to or that whole line would break and containment would not be possible.
The call went out for Staff Sargent Steltois to guard tower five over the open net. Lt Colonel Cipire wanted his men to know that not just any help was on the way. It was the one help that would stop this woman. Staff Sargent Steltois one of the best shots on the base and highly respected within the base. However it was his loyalty and trust in Colonel Asurion that won the love and respect of his fellow soldiers. A lone gunship flew in to position over guard post five as the side gunners kept a keen eye out. A lone man with a rifle leaped down from the back of the transport and on to the roof of the guard tower. He waved as the gunship moved off and then opened the top hatch of the guard tower. He leaped down and moved to the firing balcony. From here he could see the whole scene unfolding. It was not a pleasant sight. He grabbed the goggles and reviewed the situation. With the help of the gunship spotlights, he could easily see her. Her plan seemed sound enough. Clear the towers and push for the fence line. She was making good ground with the rioters behind her. He watched her used her laser sword to protect herself and the slaves as they marched on the fence. With a thrust of her hand, another tower fell over. 'she has to be stopped' he thought to himself. There was no hate for her. He knew that she was just another person. They were just on opposing sides. No, he didn't hate her. In fact, he actually respected her bravery and courage. She still had to be stopped.
He turned to the gun mount next to him which was being reloaded. He pushed the gunner aside while passing his rifle and the goggles to the gunner. He took the box of ammo from the loader with a nod. With a spring of the latch, he tossed off the lid. He slid the metal box in to the bracket which merged the box with the gun. He pulled up the brass cased, blue tipped belt of ammo with one hand and lifted up the feed tray with the other. With his eyes on the woman, he carefully laid the belt in the feed tray. He closed the lid with a clicking sound and locked the belt in to place. He pulled the charging handle and released the handle. The weapon made a metallic clicking sound as the first round was driven in to the chamber. Stel, as he is more commonly called, flipped up a metal flap on the butt of the weapon and tucked himself behind the weapon. He pulled the weapon in to his shoulder as he switched it from safe to fire. He adjusted the sights to compensate for range and windage. Watching her down the iron sights at nearly a thousand meters. It was a hard shot for most, not for him. This was his specialty and they all knew it. With the weapon ready to fire, he rested his left hand on the feed tray of the weapon as his cheek rested on his hand. Still he pulled the weapon in to his shoulder was he looked down the sight. He watched them cross the green line, a line of small plants designed to add beauty to the base. But also to ensure the guards know that the next line that is crossed is the danger line. The slaves had to be stopped!
His right hand rested on the pistol grip of the weapon while his index finger rested lightly on the trigger. He slowed his breathing as he took aim at her left flank. All things around him seemed to slow till they stopped all together. It was only one moment in time and he and she were the only two living beings in his little world. He watched her actions carefully and saw how she defended herself. He knew that a midsection shot would be pretty futile, so he took aim lower on her body. One final adjustment and he was ready to open up on her with over five hundred, seven point six two millimeter, rounds a minute. He took in a breath as his finger slowly squeezed the trigger. The sounds of everything around him diminished till all he heard was the sounds of the weapon moving its metal parts around. The flash at the end of the barrel told him that the round had fired. He watched it land right behind her left foot as the blue round shot up in to the crowd behind her. He knew what he was doing and meant to miss the first round. He gave him vital information about the wind, and her movement. Even before she realized that she was under attack from the side, the weapon had reloaded the next round and it too was speeding its way towards her. However, this round he pulled more to the right a bit. The blue round slammed in to her ankle causing her first reaction to the attack.
The brass from the first two rounds were sent flying along with the metal links that held the rounds to the belt. The suppressor at the end of the barrel shot three blasts of flame down and away from the sight picture as the weapon continued to fire. The next round slammed in to her calf muscle causing her to twist towards the incoming fire. Even as she was bringing her laser sword to block the incoming fire, the next round landed against her thigh. The first three impacts sent the woman stumbling back as she lost her balance. Sargent Stel, held the sights on her as he continued to fire at the staggering woman. The next round slammed in to her gut causing her to double over a bit. Sargent Stel walked the nest two rounds up her torso slamming in her her chest forcing her body to shake and bounce under the repeated impacts. She was actually driven back by the fire as the first rank of slaves tried to stop her backwards motion. It was to little avail and only left her open for the next incoming fire. The last round hammered her right shoulder with so much force that it sent her flying backwards off the ground. Her body twisted in to the air and disappeared in to the hoards of slaves as the most of them already started to flee for cover. The last two rounds slammed in to rioters who had been standing near her. She had been stopped.
Stel let his breath out as he lost sight of her. It was just a short burst from the weapon but it was enough to break the will of the rioters. He lifted himself up from the weapon and checked the crowd as they started to flee. He shook his head at the scene. There were pats on his back over a job well done. Still he knew that this night was just getting started. They had a lot further to go. He turned the weapon on the rest of the slaves. With a few long bursts from his weapon, the rest of the slaves quickly retreated from the green line. With the help from the other towers and gunships, the slaves were sent fleeing from this fence line. Sargent Stel rose up from behind the weapon once more and looked over the scene. He turned to the other troopers in the tower who were now applauding him and patting him on the back. The smile on his face didn't betray what his heart was feeling. He doesn't like killing like this. Shotting fish in a barrel so to speak. He only nodded as he get the weapon back to the gunner and radioed back to the Command Bunker that the woman had been stopped and that the slaves were retreating from the fence line. He asked for further orders and got his next assignment. He turned to see the rioters pushing once more. 'They shall have the night' he thought. He also knew in his heart that by the light of morning, this revolt would be over.
Ogon's head snapped up as he pulled on the controls. The shuttle fought for altitude as he pulled back on the controls. He didn't know what he was doing just moments before, but he did know that he saw something. He turned to see Birgr walking up to the flight deck. The fighter had been driven away and they were for the moment, safe. Ogon saw everything through the eyes of Sargent Stel. It was a remarkable shot that spoke of the Reich soldier's skill and dead aim. However he also knew that the woman he was shotting at was Angel. He watched in slow motion as each round hit her and her body's reaction to each round. Ogon saw everything! Ogon just looked at Birgr, trying to find the words to tell him that Angel had been gunned down by a Reich soldier. Everything in his eyes, were mirrors in to his soul. He couldn't hide what he saw.
Its not just any day that you get to take on one of the most advanced fighters in the known galaxy, and win. The Birgr's shot had hit the fighter somewhere in the engine causing it to smoke and the pilot to turn for space. There was a great sense of pride in his smile as he walked up to the flight deck. After all, it was a one in a million shot. When his eyes fell upon Ogon, he could tell something was up. The look in Ogon's eyes told of something tragic. “What is it?” Birgr asked holding his cool against the fears of what could cause that look on Ogon's face. Already he had had his mind messed with and his temper was not under full control.
“Its Angel, I saw her.....” Ogon started but was cut off by Birgr.
Birgr felt his heart sank, “What happened?”
Ogon took in a deep breath as he continued. “She was leading the riot from the front” Ogon explained. He knew all too well that Azgardians were not known for the level tempers.
Birgr spoke back quickly, “Damn Loki and his tricks, she is still alive!” He saw the look in Ogon's eyes and the tone in his voice. He knew something had happened, but his heart refused to let her go.
Concern grew in Ogon as he tried to explain. “I never said that she wasn't, Birgr, I saw her.....” Was all that Ogon was able to say before being cut off by Birgr once more.
Ogon took noticed of the desperate tone in Birgr's voice. “Tell me what you know Ogon!” He knew that if he would just shut his mouth, Ogon would. But part of him didn't want to hear what his heart feared. He couldn't explain it. His rational mind never considered how much of an affect his heart would have over him. He wanted details, he needed details. He just didn't want to hear them.
“Listen, I saw her through a vision. She took shots. I don't know what her condition is.” Ogon explained what he saw in limited details. It was the truth, from what he saw. But at the same time, there was one thing resting heavily on his mind. Something that his eyes could not hide from someone so close to him, like Birgr. A simple feeling of, 'Urgent!' He turned the shuttle around and noticed the sand storm in the distance. 'Great, more storms” Ogon thought as he noted it was heading for the base.
Rage filled Birgr's heart and mind as images filled his mind of what Ogon could have possibly saw that would shake him so much. Still, she was alive and his heart believed it. It had to believe it. He needed her. “We are getting her back. Nothing else matters.” even as the words crossed his lips, Birgr couldn't believe he said them. The mission always came before anything else. However this was a matter of the heart. Something else drove him and his actions now. He loved her, and now she needed him. “Those bastards will pay!” he sore as he stormed off the bridge. The Psi troopers had gotten in to his mind and fucked with him. They messed with his actions and now because of that, she could be hurt. Or worse. 'They will pay!'
Flashback, Ten Years Ago
Ganthery Military Proving Grounds
Core World of Acatmen
Reich of Humanity
December 10th, 1926
Acatmen has been a hot, sandy, whole in the wall assignment for as long as anyone can remember. It offered no prestige or perks as assignments went. In fact, Acatmen only claim to fame was one hell of a desert survival school. Beyond that, there was nothing else to it. Most soldiers assigned to Acatmen often considered their careers tanked with no hope of salvage. Life on Acatmen boiled down to a simple rotation. One month deployed to the deserts while the slaves built a few cities. Two weeks of watching star boys in orbit try to blast their cities to dust with running repairs here and there. This often meant rushing in to a city to repair buildings while other cities were being hammered. One week of review and reports for the big wigs while the troops and slaves rested. Then back to the deserts all over again. One can only get worked up over watching orbital bombardments so much till even the light and show offers nothing. Plainly, it was a long, boring four year assignment. Well for most. Some actually sought out this assignment. They came to test their metal against the desert. Others came to prove something to someone. While others had even more personal reasons to seek out Acatmen.
The shuttle had landed and taxied to the tarmac just a few moments ago. A large number of veteran soldiers had gathered along the hangers to watch the show of new recruits. Watching the new recruits come in was just one way to break up the mundane existence that was forced upon each of them. The shuttle rear door had opened and the troops filed off the shuttle in military fashion. Each had their weapon slung on their shoulder and carried their entire lives within their duffel bags. A group of officers and senior NCO's watched as the leaders of the recruit platoons gave orders and ushered the troops in to their formation. Their uniforms were clean and sharp just like they were, fresh. Their movements were crisp and precise right down to the distance each recruit stood from the other. As the four platoons started to form up on the tarmac, it was clear that they were a symbol of pride for their training commands. As was expected from any Reich soldier just coming from the training command. The veteran soldiers hardly looked as professional in their dress or demeanor as the young recruits. The commanding officer didn't mind though. After all, it was Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day is one of the most important holidays celebrated by every human within the Reich. It marks two great events in Reich history, the day the Reich launched its first attacks against the Varl during their first uprisings. What started out as a minor slave revolt against their masters, turned in to a movement that nearly toppled one of the most powerful empires in the galaxy. The First Reich of Humanity paid a horrible price for trying to win their freedom. The Varl were brutal and savage in their revenge for the humiliating defeats at the hands of mere slaves. Decades later, the Varl would come to blows with a human uprising again. The Second Reich of Humanity was born out of those fires. And this time, humans from near by empires and worlds flooded to the cause. The Varl were helpless to stop the massive influx of humans taking up arms against them. Above the ice world of Cigna VII and on its surface, the Varl planned one last counter offensive aimed at crushing the humans once and for all. It amassed nearly all of its military for one of the largest military operations since the Golden Days of the Republic. However, the Reich caught wind of the build up and launched their own surprise attack. That day so long ago occurred on the same day that the Reich first fought for freedom. On that day, the Second Reich of Humanity handled the Varl one of its most humiliating and crushing defeats ever. On that date, after that single battle, the Reich had kicked the Varl from the Core Worlds, once and for all.
The base commander looked over to his Sargent Major and gave a little laugh, “I really hope you are enjoying yourself today.”
The old Sargent Major was a three time combat veteran against both pirates and the Free Worlds' Council. He was the most ranking enlisted man on the entire base. His role was the middle man between the enlisted soldiers and their Officers. A trusted position that gave both great respect and honored responsibility. He gave the commander a big smile, “Oh Sir, you have no idea how much I enjoy new recruit arrival day.” It was clear by their tone that the two had been close personal friends for some time.
The commander shook his head, “You are a very sick man.”
“That maybe Sir, but you are the one actually doing this. Again!” The old Sargent Major said with a smile and added, “And how many times does this make now?”
“Too many times. I think during the next batch, I will have Jack do it.” motioning to the Base Executive Officer. The other ranking NCO's and lower level officers laughed at the comment.
“Um Sir, with all do respect” said the Base XO, and then added, “The men really get a kick out of the way you deliver the, um, message, Sir.” He motioned to the troops gathering at the hangers, “All of the men, Sir.”
The command group looked over at the gathering of soldiers watching the scene unfold. The Base Commander sighed, “I hate this part. Somebody please tell me why I keep doing this?”
The Sargent Major laughed once more, “Because it works Sir. Not all of your ideas work. Hell thats why you have me here. But this one is all your's and it works.” He pointed out at the recruits and singled one out, “Thats our boy. That's the one I pick.” The Base Commander nodded his understanding and started to walk towards them. “Sir, your side arm” he said as he checked the pistol before handing it to his commander with the grip first.
The Commander turned around and took the weapon. He checked it and then slid it in to its holster. He smiled, “Come guys, its the only day we get to be movie stars. Lets have fun with it.” His voice lifted as he turned and started to walk towards the group of recruits now in a formation.
With a final call to attention, the cadet commander spun about and faced the gathering of officers and NCO's the recruit unit now faced. “Sir! The recruit detachment has been formed and waiting your inspection” he yelled out with a shape salute.
The Commander walked up to the cadet commander as the others took their positions behind the formation. “You have a fine unit, son” the commander said looking over the unit. “You should be proud of yourself.” He added as he returned the salute.
The Cadet Commander smiled as he dropped his salute, “Thank you sir. I am”
He nodded, “Okay, I will take it from here. You are relieved son. Take your place in the back.” he said then fired a sharp salute at the young cadet officer. The cadet returned the second salute and turned in proper military fashion. He walked briskly along the front of the unit till he was clear of the unit and then turned towards the rear of the unit. “At Ease!” The unit shifted from a position of attention to a more relaxed state. “Good Morning, I am Colonel Asurion. I would like to take this time to welcome you all to my command. This command and all that you see is special to me. My father was a base commander here. He was a Captain when this base was built. My grand father built the original base which this base later replaced. And his grand father fought to make this world free from alien influences. So when I say that this base is special to me. I really mean it.”
The commander turned to walk up and down the front of the unit, “Many of you might see the sand of this world or you might see the slaves in the distance. What you see on this world CAN be far from the truth. Do not ever take anything for face value. Take in point, right where you are standing. You see the airbase, but that is only skin deep. Almost a mile below us is the ruins of one of the largest cities on this world.” Noticing their disbelief, “Its true. But don't take my word for it. Come down to my office and I will show you. I want you all to know, I have an open door policy. Come by and talk about anything. I can not promise that I will be available all the time. But I can promise that I will try to make time to hear any problems you might have. Or make an appointment with my lovely secretary. Oh by the way, she is a Twi'lek.” He knew that this statement would get the reaction that he wanted from them. Their shocked looked almost made him laugh. “Why is my secretary a Twi'lek? Cause she is good at. The slaves here, are here doing their jobs because they are good at what they do. Just like all of you, they are here to do a job. Your job is to make sure that they are safe from the desert and theirs is to build the targets to be blown up in the name of training. We do our part, they do theirs and the Reich Navy gains valuable training. The Reich is enriched by what is being done here. It is a simple relationship.”
He continued to walk up and down the formation, “A simple relationship as long as we keep it simple. Tell me, what makes the green grass grow!”
Almost in prefect harmony, they all screamed out, “BLOOD! BLOOD MAKES THE GREEN GRASS GROW, SIR!”
He nodded to the automated reply, “Yes, the blood of our enemies. These slaves are not our enemies. They are our property and as such our responsibility to safe guard. You would not break your car. Or your bike. Or your house. I don't expect you to break my slaves. You will treat them with respect and if they don't return the respect then that slave will be dealt with. This base operates like no other Reich facility you have ever heard of. Because of the special conditions out there in the desert. We have to operate differently.” he walked up to the recruit who the Sargent Major pointed out. “Revolts are handled very carefully. In my entire tour here, I have never had a revolt that the guards were not able to regain control with very few casualties on either said.” he said to the entire unit then looked to the young man, “Have you ever taken a life before, son?”
The young soldier shook his head, “No Sir” he said plainly.
Colonel Asurion nodded as he issued the order, “Port, Arms” softly to the soldier before him. The soldier took his weapon from his shoulder and moved it to a diagonal position in front of his body with both hands. Colonel Asurion took the weapon from the soldier. “You take good care of your weapon.” the soldier nodded but didn't reply. He knew better than to speak out of turn. “I promise each of you” Colonel Asurion said in a loud booming voice, “that there will be hard times ahead. This is not an easy assignment. But how we lean on each other as well as preform our duties will define how hard this assignment has to be for each of us. I have loose regulations on what you do with your free time. I encourage you to further your professional and personal development. I have made sure that you have access to some of the best educators in the Reich. I do not mind you socializing with the slaves either. In fact I encourage it. Most of them have been here longer than all of you will be. There is much you can learn from them. There is much we can show them and teach them. Do not fear building friendships with them. Yes we play hard during our down times. However, we WILL work hard when called upon. During rotations, I will expect more from you than anyone else has ever asked. We build cities here. Our best record is a medium sized city in three weeks. A record that no other gunnery range has come close.”
The Colonel turned and tossed the weapon to the soldier next to the man who gave it to him. “Now for the most important note” he said still being loud. “During my time as commander of this base there have been five protests and riots on record. Hardly a record considering the vast number of slaves under my direct control. However what is a record is that during the same time, only two beings have ever been killed during these events. One was a soldier on a tower. He got tangle in his gear and fell from the tower and broke his neck. The other was a slave who got stampeded. Many of you have been taught that we are superior to aliens. And this is true, we are. However remember this, we do not slaughter our workforce. This would be stupid. So what happens during a riot? As I have said, we handle things differently here. I expect you all to shot them. Keep them contained at all costs. I expect you to do your duty to this base.” He walked back to the soldier who was now weaponless. The old Sargent Major walked up behind the soldier. He drew his pistol as he thought of how much he hated this part. “I expect you to take your weapon and fire” he explained to the men. Then lowered his voice, “Take my pistol son. Aim at my chest and shot me.”
The Colonel forced the pistol in to the shocked soldier's hand. It was clear that he was more nervous over the order than the rest of the soldiers who were all shocked at it. The Colonel backed up a few feet and the Sargent Major started to yell in the soldier's ear about following orders and to shot the pistol at his own commanding officer. Near panic ran through the large group of recruits as the other members of the Command group urged them to hold their ground. The on lookers paid closer attention to the scene as this was what they came to see. Still the soldier refused to follow the order issued as the Sargent Major continued to yell in the soldier's ear. Slowly and with a great sense of resistance to the order, the soldier raised the pistol. Still unsure if what he was doing was right or not. The rest of the recruits were in shock over the order and it was clear that their panic was growing. They were trained to follow orders and never question a superior officer. Also they were trained to never take up arms against a superior officer as well. This was a nightmare for most to comprehend. With all the pressure to fire, the soldier finally gave in. The pistol range out three times as he squeezed the trigger. The Colonel took all three shots in the chest as he was thrown to the ground with a loud grunting sound. Everyone watched wish shock and horror over what they had seen. The Colonel laid motionless for what seemed like forever.
Till the Commander rose his fist up and slammed it down, “SON OF A BITCH!” he half grunted and half yelled. He slowly got up from the tarmac and walked back over to the soldier. It was clear that the Commander was hurt now. The soldier had this look of terror on his face, “Relax son, though I should kick your ass for the extra two shots.” he ripped open his uniform and lifted up his white under shirt. There were three bright red marks on his chest. “Your shot group is a little open” he said pointing them out, “Wouldn't you think?”
The soldier nodded, “Yes Sir” he paused a moment, “I will work on that, Sir. But Sir, how I watched the round hit you.”
The Colonel took the pistol from the soldier and removed the magazine. He then pulled out a single round, “Let me introduce you to the Nonlethal round! Something unique to this base.” he said holding up the blue tipped round for all to see. “I had them specially designed for my command. They are being tested for all Reich slave camps as we speak. It has a slightly reduced range than a normal rounds and it will fly differently. Each of you will be trained to fire these rounds with accuracy. These rounds will break bones and will cause a lot of pain. However, if used correctly, they will not take a life. Your trainers will guide you through how to fire them, what parts of the body to aim for and where not to aim for. These rounds have ensured that we maintain order and respect here on this base. You will learn to use these rounds effectively.” he lowered his hand while handing the weapon and round to the waiting hand of the Sargent Major. “Whats your name son?”
The soldier stood their like a professional soldier. Shock and terror had worn off, “Private Steltois, Sir!”
The Colonel nodded, “All in all, you did a good job. Just work on your accuracy son”
“Yes Sir!” Steltois said with pride.
The Colonel turned to walk back towards the front of the unit and yelled to his new recruits, “welcome to Ganthery Military Proving Grounds.” In the same military fashion as before, he handed the group of recruits back over to their cadet commander. Once that was completed, he turned and walked away from the group. He was joined by his command staff. “Did you enjoy the show”
The Sargent Major smiled and nodded, “Its not every day you get to watch your Commanding Officer get shot by one of my privates. Oh yes, I really did enjoy the show.”
The Colonel laughed with clear pain in his voice, “You are a sick man....yes, a very sick man.” The rest of the group joined the two laugh as they walked to the infirmary.
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