Academy Days XI: The Squad Test

02nd March 2030

08:30

Training Ground-02, New Eden

The four were listening closely as Maj. Lopez explained to them the test.

"It's a simple seize op. The building's that big warehouse. The warehouse is a huge open space with a few racks scattered throughout. In the middle of the warehouse is a safe that contains a brown briefcase. The location is guarded by 30 hostiles. You are to go in, take the briefcase, and get out. You have one hour to plan and execute the op. Everything you may need you will find behind that door."

He shows them a black full-body suit with red lining.

"This is your combat Uniform. The suit's made of Kevlar, so you'll be safe from pistol shots at least. The red linings are sensors that record and relay all your body information like blood level, heart rate, etc to your overwatcher and squad leader. You'll wear a plate carrier over this suit to protect you from larger caliber bullets with this helmet."

He shows a full-head helmet with a glass in front from forehead to nose only leaving the mouth area open.

"The helmet is the most exciting prospect of the suit. The glass you see on the front side doesn't only block bullets but also works as a monitor. It's connected with ARIA to help you in battle. You already did practice with this thing so I won't elaborate anymore. That's all. Stay frosty."

All of them salute Maj. Lopez and get inside the prep room. They suit up and take their weapons.

Sohel takes a Heckler & Koch HK 416 A5 (Aimpoint red-dot sight, IR Laser, and muzzle suppressor)as the main, a SIG Sauer M17 (Muzzle suppressor and 21-round extended mag) as his sidearm, and an Eickhorn KM2000 Combat Knife as melee.

Naomi takes a Heckler & Koch MP5 (Sig Sauer Romeo MSR Red-dot sight, 40-round extended mag, TDi SVG short vertical grip, muzzle Suppressor, and IR Laser) as her main, a Beretta 93R (muzzle suppressor and 17-round extended mag) and a Ka-Bar combat knife as melee.

And Jacob only takes an M240 saw. Sohel asks him, "Shouldn't you take a sidearm too?"

Jacob laughs, "Who needs a sidearm when you can fire 200 rounds at once."

Sohel shrugs. Naomi asks, "So, What's the plan, leader?"

That was the 2nd time in the last two months that Naomi's behavior shocked Jacob and Annabelle. Sohel noticed their reaction and smirked. After that Sohel analyzed the situation for a moment and told them his plan.

09:05

Training Ground-02, New Eden

The guards lost their focus while waiting for the Bravo squad to attack. At that moment, suddenly the gate of the warehouse opened and Jacob got in while firing his LMG. Before they could get into position 9 people got caught in Jacob's bullet rain. The others hid behind those racks. The squad's commander tried speaking in his comms, "All hunters, give me a sitrep. How many of us are out?"

But he was shocked as the comms were not responding. Jacob was still yelling and firing his LMG nonstop. The commander instructed others to stay put and wait for Jacob's bullets to end.

Eventually, Jacob's bullets ended and he hid behind a large rack. The commander indicated 3 soldiers to move forward. The three soldiers started heading in the general direction of Jacob. Just as they got close Jacob got out with his hands up. He said with a mischievous smile, "Hey. hey. Don't shoot. I surrender." The commander was skeptical because of Jacob's expression but he still apprehended him. While they were taking him away suddenly the lights of the room went out and the sound of an MP5 in full auto was heard. The commander yelled while running behind cover, "What happened to the light? Somebody get it on." By then the crackling of the MP5 kept on coming in short bursts. The commander took his helmet off as it was not working and the glass was blocking the little light he could get. He waits till the sound of the MP5 stops. He then gets out with his m4 aimed straight forward. 3 other men joined him. Jacob and Naomi stood beside each other facing toward the commander and his 3 men. The commander said, "Looks like you're out of bullets. Better luck next time." The commander instructs one of his men to shoot them. 3 gunshots are heard, not not from m4s but from an HK416 A5. He looks back at the sound of people falling and sees Sohel and Annabelle standing with the briefcase in Annabelle's hand. The commander quickly aimed his weapon at them but couldn't fire his weapon as he felt a knife at his throat and a cold female voice behind his ear, "Uh, uh. Don't."

Sohel aimed his rifle at the commander and fired his rifle after saying, "I'm afraid we won't have to come here a second time."

Naomi slowly put the unconscious body of the commander on the ground and the four of them got out of the warehouse. The major greeted them and told them to wait in their classroom.

02nd March 2030

13:00

Bravo Squads Classroom, Academy Building, New Eden

The bravo squad was talking among them as Major Lopez entered the hall. After getting everyone's attention he started, "Congratulations on passing the test, everyone. I've got your ranks and callsigns with me. But before I reveal them, Sohel, can you explain your strategy?"

Sohel nods and gets up. He starts, "At first I had Annabelle disable their HUD so that they couldn't use ARIA against us. Then Jacob attacked and got all their attention on him. As Jacob got captured I cut the electrical line to cause a blackout and create an opening for Naomi to strike. Well, both their attacks worked as good diversions, and because of that I and Annabelle could sneak straight to the locker. There Annabelle cracked the locker while I stood guard and we got back just at the right time to save our teammates from getting disqualified."

The Major clapped as the strategy had impressed him. He then started talking again as Sohel sat down, "Okay. Now I'll state your ranks and callsigns one by one. 1st Lieutenant Sohel Chowdhury. Your unrivaled talent at marksmanship mixed with your ability to practically disappear makes your abilities seem otherworldly, almost paranormal. Hence you've been given the callsign Ghost.

2nd Lieutenant Naomi Kobayashi. Your superiority in hand-to-hand combat as well as smooth movement like a snake that even bullets can't hit you. You've been given the callsign Medusa.

2nd Lieutenant Annabelle Josephina Watson. You've been given the callsign Princess. Because you are a princess.

And lastly Sergeant Jacob Willaims. Your extensive knowledge about explosives and heavy weapons and likeliness of using them granted you the callsign Blast

That would be all. I hope you do well in your field practicals as well as finding your last teammate. Dismissed."