The Arkhe Principle by Maxwell Rudolf

Author:Maxwell Rudolf [Rudolf, Maxwell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-10-03T06:00:00+00:00

27 For King and Country

D.K.E.

Year 318-324

In the middle of John's junior year, he was pulled from class and marched to a private office. Their plain uniforms, without a name badge, medals, or markings of any kind made them look like civilians dressing up. One of them dropped an E-Reader in front of him and activated the device.

"Cadet Rex. You have been chosen to enlist in the prestigious 2nd Sun Tank Division, 'For King and Country.' We maintain extreme levels of excellence, bravery, comradeship, and for this, we are the King's dagger in his most intense ops. What is the problem? You look like you just came down with Cherokee Fever."

"Sir, I expected to be a MECHA pilot with my scores. I am honored at your offer but..." He flicked the E-Reader off.

"This is not an offer, this is an order. Did you think once you graduated you would just be able to avoid the needs of the Kingdom because of your own selfish desires? Why do you think they spend so much money on the likes of you? So you can do what you want? You've been given a great honor! Now turn this E-Reader on and watch our promotional vid."

The screen came to life and their phrase glowed in front of a grav tank. A woman walked forward from a battlefield into view. "We pride ourselves in discipline."

The image changed to two men picking up a piece of melted Plasstien. "Working hard together, fighting as one." And they changed again, each phrase showing an element they wished to display. John's boredom and disappointment melded together.

"Is there not some way to appeal this?"

"What the fuck did you just say? There is nothing to appeal."

John spent more and more time with the 2nd during 12th grade and was released early from school to begin training as a fill-in 2nd lieutenant. The work was easy, and soon he was commanding from the field. Out in the cold and far from the front, he spent his time learning commands, the control terminals, sec phrases, and leadership skills. He worked constantly and spent most of his time away from the Institute. When he was in school, the staff treated him like one of their own.

Neil Nirvana graduated 16th in his class and was voted to be most likely to be arrested first for public intoxication or disorderly conduct. Yet despite his constant write-ups and rebellion against authority, Neil got the job he wanted and was selected for law enforcement duty. Before graduation, they drank as much as they could find and felt hung over the next day, popping endless breath mints and puking their guts out. The ceremony was tedious and John's heart filled with joy to finally be leaving. But his mom was there to see him march at the front of a platoon and give a speech about the King. That made the affair perfect.

Chester Floormat, aka Koala Joe, started getting into trouble his junior year and stayed on the bad side of the administration for the remainder of his stay.

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