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.
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.
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 projectile launchers lay on workbenches, and training blades, a side of it had a large table with Rad suits.
Vlad continued searching for someone in the crowd, sounds of steps getting closer to him from behind. They bumped into Vlad whilst holding a large box of small weapons.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."
"It's okay."
The person ran with the equipment in a hurry. Vlad continued walking but he hit something metallic with his leg. Vlad looked down to see there was a pen on the ground.
He picked it up to return it to the person who bumped into him but they were nowhere to be seen.
He could tell by just holding the pen it was not something a regular person would use. The pen was made of titanium and had an unusual smell to it.
I'll give it back later. Vlad thought while putting the pen in his pocket.
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. Vlad and everyone's attention was aimed at them.
The instructors are already here. I'll find him later. Vlad thought with a sigh of resignation.
The instructor standing at the front was tall, with glasses reflecting the overhead lights and 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." He said with a commanding voice, "understood?"
"Sir yes sir!" Everyone shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the training ground.
"Good."
The other instructor 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? Vlad wondered.
"We have sightings of a few dozen mutants near gate eleven. All of you are to eliminate them but since you are still in training 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. Some trainees 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 them what they deserve.
"The mutants are mostly category 2 and lower so you guys don't have to worry." The instructor beside Kaff informed with a reassuring voice.
Being informed that the mutants category won't exceed two, the trainees sighed with relief, some now excited to show off their capabilities.
Vlad smiled with a determined look, clenching his fists. He was now eager to finally unleash his hatred on the creatures he despised.
"Oh and 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," Kaff said coldly.
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 tocut down the number using this. Vlad thought.
"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," The instructor said.
Everyone finally grasping the situation started picking Rad suits and weapons. Few were those who had personal weapons. Everyone headed to the changing room to get ready and put on the Rad suits provided by the Mutant Extermination Force.
Vlad put on the suit which adjusted itself to fit perfectly. He then pulled out two small cylinders with a scale-like design. He held one in each hand and squeezed them with a small amount of strength. Starting from inside his palms up to his elbows got covered with metallic gauntlets made of Obsidian Steel. It was hard and sturdy yet didn't take away any mobility.
Vlad clenched and opened his hands to make sure they got put on correctly. Suddenly a voice called his name behind him. It was a familiar voice. He quickly turned to see who he was looking for.
"Hey, Kel where were you? Why didn't I see you before at the training ground?"
"I was a bit late, I barely got here when the two instructors came," Kel replied with a sigh.
Before they could chat further, the speakers in the changing room replayed, "Everyone head to gate number eleven."
"Let's get moving then," Kel said to Vlad.
Everyone gathered in front of the gate. The area was heavily guarded with armed guards both on top of the walls and on the ground. The gathered trainees talked amongst themselves about the Rad suits, some were checking their weapons and other equipment.
The two instructors arrived as well and with them a few men holding Quantum-comms.
"Those look a little different," Kel said.
"Yeah, they have a part that's sticking out." Vlad added.
The men went around handing each trainee a Quantum-Comm. Vlad and Kel also took one each and were trying to figure out what was different apart from the obvious part that everyone had noticed.
"Put on the QC's. These are only for the MEF personnel, different from the ones you're used to seeing." Kaff said.
"The QC's 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, they did as the instructor said. The Spectra-Pad popped up in front of one of the eyes of the trainees.
"Whoa," Kel murmured under his breath. Vlad blinked, 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.
"We will start in 7 minutes, all of you get ready," Kaff told everyone.
The instructors started discussing amongst themselves. The trainees were getting ready both mentally and physically, some were stretching to get warmed up. And some making up strategies on how to deal with the mutants.
Vlad was looking at the tall gate that protected humans from the mutated creature. Some soldiers worked to get the gate ready for opening.
His attention quickly shifted to Kel looking at him with a smile.
"The Rad suit looks great on you. Must run in the family huh?" Kel said to Vlad with a playful smirk.
"You look great yourself. The color suits you really nicely."
Kaff stepped forward taking everyone's attention from what they were doing and onto himself, looking at the cadets, his gaze sweeping across their faces.
"I hope you remember what was said earlier. Your performance out there will determine your future here. Stay within your perimeters, and try not to get injured."
Vlad and Kel shared confident glances. Kel took out his Neucleon rifle strapped onto his back. Vlad's fingers flexed within his Obsidian-Steel Gauntlets. Everyone grabbed onto their weapons tightly as the time for the gate to open was upon them.
I'll finally have the chance to make them pay. Vlad thought, a fierce determination hardening his gaze.
A soldier standing next to the gate signalled to Kaff. Kaff nodded slowly, a sense of finality in his gesture.
"Open the gates," Kaff ordered, his voice firm and unwavering.
The barrier protecting the gate turned off. The creaking of the gate's mechanisms slowly got louder, a sudden rush of stale, oddly scented air gushed out from the panels of the gate. As the gates opened a sudden rush of strong winds blew in carrying a lot of dust.
Vlad looked beyond the gate, running towards it filled with adrenaline. Suddenly his QC beeped loudly, the Spectra-Pad turning red from the usual blue tint. It displayed 'High Bio-Rad detected near the host caution advised.'