On the Outward Edge by C.P. Night

Author:C.P. Night [C.P. Night]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.P. Night
Published: 2022-03-07T00:00:00+00:00

8

Break From Routine

Serina’s squad trudged over the black, grated metal floor. She could hear them coming even before they rounded the corner. Folding her arms, she tapped her foot and waited for them outside the door of Sim Room 4-21.

Right on time.

The eight women lined up in the triangular corridor.

“Let’s go,” Serina said, entering her access code for the sim room.

“Sims again?” Jumper mumbled, a little too loud.

“We need to stay sharp, even out here,” Serina replied,.

“That’s what you told us yesterday,” replied a tall and lean pilot, talking over Jumper’s “Sorry, ma’am.”

Here’s she goes. Dancer was often too snarky, pushing the bounds of respect for a superior officer. Many times Serina had thought about transferring her to another unit because of it. She’d always refused to give in to the temptation, and never quite had cause to justify it logically. It’s likely what she wants, anyway. “And I’ll say it every day, again and again—and even louder when the lot of you complain!”

Most of the women turned their heads away as if someone had slapped them, and stood there looking a bit sheepish. Dancer smirked.

Breathe. “Gear up,” Serina commanded, walking into the room. She turned left and tapped the control panel in the wall. As the squad geared up, she changed her planned program. Time to mix it up.

Black backpacks pre-filled with basic supplies hung to the right of the door. A standard issue CM14 pulse rifle sat in a slot next to each pack except for one. Dion stepped up to it, disassembled the RFM24 sniper rifle into three interlocking pieces, and placed it in her pack. The others grabbed a pack and slid their weapon into a holster on the side that kept it within easy reach. Once geared up, they each pulled a silver transhex disc from the dispenser on the wall and slapped it on to the left side of their chest. The discs created individual holographic environments, ensuring each person experienced their proper perspective in the simulation.

Except for the supply wall and the control panel, the room was empty. The light gray walls, ceiling, and floor connected seamlessly, making it impossible to tell exactly how large it was. It felt cavernous, yet confining at the same time. It was part of the illusion that made the sim so easy to believe, even before it began.

Serina punched a few buttons on the controls, hesitating for a moment before finishing. She dialed up the randomness factor higher than usual. Let’s make this interesting for all of us.

“Line up!” she said, grabbing a disc. She didn’t inspect every day, but often enough that they knew she expected them to keep up to standards. She often wished she could do away with it all, despite learning the hard way that every rule had its purpose.

“Razor, didn’t I tell you to clean the scuffs out of your boots last time?”

“Yes, ma’am. I did. See?” The petite soldier held her black booted foot out and up for inspection.

“Yes, I see. You did an excellent job.

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