The Epherium Chronicles: Embrace by Wilson T.D

Author:Wilson, T.D. [Wilson, T.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 2014-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

EDF Armstrong

Proxima System Exterior Zone

Monday, January 20

Earth Year 2155

Six Hours to Next Jump

Raf Sanchez wiped the sweat from his face and arms with a towel as he sat down on one of the benches that lined the outer edge of the Recreation Deck. The deck itself was one level above and forward of Engineering, but was uniquely positioned to provide an open layout, spanning nearly one hundred square meters.

Scientists back on Earth had constantly studied the effects of bone loss on humans during long space flight and even exercise itself did not seem to reduce its effects. Those early space travelers who returned never regained the lost bone mass, despite many trials and treatments.

Once graviton drives were invented and instituted on former EEF vessels, there was a dramatic shift. Fewer and fewer cases were reported. Coupled with proper diets and strong cardio and weight training exercises, humans not only prevented the effect, but were able to prosper for long intervals. In some reported cases, bone densities would increase in those who exceeded the minimum required exercise regimen. Before the Cilik’ti encounter, the EEF instituted new rules for all spacecraft and orbital or low gravity planet side station construction, which included recreational areas for all crew members. The Armstrong was built according to those rules.

Divided into four areas, the Rec Deck, as it was referred to by much of the crew, offered a variety of different recreation mediums. The area nearest Sanchez contained a multi-purposed floor for smaller floor sports such as basketball or volleyball. The equipment for the various sports or activities was stored in lockers next to one of the few pillars that were visible on the deck.

Just to the left of the multi-purpose area was an open exercise floor. One large mat covered the majority of the floor and the rest of the space was consumed by stationary exercise equipment and free weights.

The remaining half of the Rec Deck contained tables and even a dropdown movie screen to provide entertainment at designated hours. At this time, however, this entire section of the Rec Deck was consumed by Marines, and Major McGregor already had his troops hard at work.

McGregor had split the remaining open section into two halves and stacked the tables along the wall to maximize the space. In one half, two squads worked through weapons drills. Individual Marines and some in teams of two or three competed for the best time in disassembling and reassembling their slung weapons and some of the larger mortars and field cannons.

Major McGregor didn’t like the cushiness of the mats and personally led another set of squads in physical training exercises. As each group finished their exercises, they would move on to hand-to-hand combat training. McGregor stayed with the groups rotating into PT, as they called it, and pushed each group to best him. The training was hard and fast-paced, but McGregor wanted to make sure his troops were in peak condition. Combat offered no second chances and little mercy for the ill prepared.

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