Training a leader
So, I was to become a leader. But how to learn was the next question. Seeing as video games weren't invented, simulation was out. Weeks after that first day, I was told what the solution was. Live fire over watch command. I sit in a glass room above a combat zone, and give orders. And face the consequences of mistakes. Here is the full uncensored report.
July 10th, 1974, Firebase Echo.
All participants in this exercise have been briefed and divided into teams. Those led by commander in training, Delta, and those under Commander in training, Liz Dorian. As noted on Dorian's record, she has only lost once in this firebase, and this is Delta's first exercise.
We now go to Delta's view on this day.
As I walk in the control room, I see one similar across the war zone, seeing Liz for the first time. Quickly I look away, scanning the floor only to see a barren field. "where is everything?" I ask, "there aren't always barren fields". "Its to keep a clean slate and stop pre planning. Gotta think on the go today" the lady says. She always accompanies me, I'm never alone.
As a timer counts down on a clock above the glass, the field starts shifting, sand dropping through the floor beneath it, revealing a village, similar to those in Africa. Suddenly a voice booms through the area "green light, engage at will". Immediately I thumb the talk button and command a split team, one group going to a high point covered in a stiff grass, and another splitting amongst the buildings. Scanning the field, I see a skirmish of troops marked in Dorian's colours approaching, and order those up high to sight tem, and wait for my mark, telling the ones in buildings to hold fire.
Suddenly I hear bullets rip the air, seeing Dorian's team sweeping through houses methodically and ripping bullets through the weak wooden structures. Telling guys to get down, I signal the vantage point team to fire, and see bullets rip through armour, dropping h advancing crew. Shortly after, a few sharp cracks sound out, and my crew get dropped, leaving lower team in the houses left. Signalling them forward, several cracks sound out and everyone drops, and a voice calls "red light, simulation end. Safeties on, and weapons down". "Its all right. No one survives her" I hear a voice in the room, and turn. "Who are you?" I ask. "her trainer. I got her as good I could, but she's missing something you have. Which is why I want to train you. You can surpass her, but not on your own". "Alright. What's the catch?" I ask. "There is none" "I accept"
End report.
As I head back to my room, I see the sparring ring is being used by Dorian, and walk in to watch, which gets her attention, and she stops the match, looking at me. "You come to whine? Cause if you are, get in the ring and I'll be happy to beat it out of you" she says with venom dripping from her voice. Removing my shirt, I put it aside and adopt a slightly more professional stance, watching her eyes roam, waiting for her to sight a target. Slowly, I step forward, making her step back, before diving forward and knocking her down and pinning her. "I'm not easily beaten one on one. Now, if you'll excuse me" I state, heading to the door, shirt in hand and navigate the rest of the way to my room to read up on other powers.
As dinner comes around, I head to a hall near my room, and find the other recruits are still eating, so I get my food and sit near a corner so I can watch everyone, and start eating. Looking up between bites, I see Liz walking around and then her eyes meet mine, and she walks over, navigating the tables without breaking eye contact. when she reaches me, she puts her food down and takes a seat. "you know you only won because you cheated" she says dryly. "it's not cheating if it can save your life" I say between bites "your opponent wants to live, you want to live, so being underhanded will be your saving tactic". "I see. Have you thought of who to take on as your team? A commander needs to be able to rely on those they lead" Liz waves her hand, and a list of all the recruits appears on the table "besides, with the war going on, pieces of hardware have been put to use in our ranks when they go missing up top. The mechanic apprentice Hannah will be a good asset to the team if you get some of those hardware". "and why are you helping me?" I ask, noticing a few names and their profession. "because you need it. For your first fight, you did better then others" Liz responds, putting the list away. Looking back to my food, I take a few more bites, thinking things through. "i want you as my second in command" I say suddenly breaking the silence. "I don't do following. There is an entire division being trained for that" Liz snaps, walking away. After dinner, I leave the hall and return to my room and read up on the detailed history of champions until I fall asleep, the names on the list echoing in my head.