NationStates Jolt Archive

What a stiff... Blane thought as he watched Rico assemble the weapon. Rico was the one person who was already getting on his nerves; more so than Hunter, Alison, or any of the natives, Rico was annoying beyond compare.

Hunter was bored.

Alison shook her head at Rico's comment. She was also quite bored of waiting around, watching other people do things.

"Sir I will." Rico got up and went over toward the M-15. Seeing the M-15 parts Rico looked at it for a second. Seeing a couple M-15's before. The Canadstein army went from M-14 to M-16. During his basic training he took the M-14 as his training rifle. It looked the same as an M-14 except for the heavier barrel and stock, a hinged buttplate, a selector switch for fully-automatic fire, and an attached bipod. Then he got to work and in about 1 minute and 25 seconds he was done. "Sir I have completed the objective." Rico gave a salute to the professor. His hand still in place until the professor gave him a salute.The professor was pleased with Rico's work at first glance and then he exmained it more closely by picking it up and running his fingers along the edges. Then he said," Good work Rico. You have assemble it properly without any errors. You have earned your house a point."

"Thank you sir." Rico sat back down in his chair. He knew exactly what he was doing.

The old veteran then asked the class," I would like to ask all of you have succesfully repaired a weapon under fire? If you have please raise your hand."

Very quiclky half of the native students in the class rose their hands.

Rico raised his hand when the professor was done speaking. That was back in the desert. Where his weapon got jammed and he had to fix it. There had been that other time when there was something not work right. When under fire he checked the problem and fixed it.

Hunter looked around the room. Sure, he'd fixed various jams and double-feeds and such in the heat of combat, but rip a weapon down and fix something with the firing mechanism in the heat of it? Yeah right. If that happened in combat, and it didn't have a serious reason for it (such as getting hit by an enemy round or something itself), as far as he was concerned, you deserved it.

Blane raised his hand slightly into the air to signify that he had.

Surprisingly, Alison didn't raise her hand. She didn't think Basic would count.

Rusty declined to raise his hand. The man seemed to be talking about fully stripping and repairing a weapon in the middle of combat, something that, with proper care of the weapon before and after combats, would be entirely unnecessary unless someone stripped your weapon while you were in combat. Sure, his weapon had jammed before, in combat, but that was nothing compared to what the instructor was insinuating.

Titan raised his hand. Granted, the time he did have to fix his automatic grenade launcher during a pirate attack wasn't exactly regulation, but it had worked.

The veteran then said," Good, good. It seems most of you have had experince repairing weapons in combat. This will allow us to advance more quickly now."

Jack sighed privately to himself and shook his head at his desk.

Great. I don't know the first thing about guns and here I'm stuck in repair class with a bunch of natives and the all-star commando elite over there. I barely even know how to take one apart in the first place and we're going faster already?!?!?!? I'm screwed.

The old veteran then seeing Jack nervous look said to him," Please, tell me the best way to prevent a gun from getting water damaged due to rain, swamps, rives, etc.."

Titan noticed Jack looking nervous. He almost smacked himself when he realized that Jack wasn't prior service. He'd have to give him a quick run-down after class. The short answer was keep it above water, although you could do thing like wrap up the barrel and the firing assembly.

Jack gulped, well, here goes nothing...

"As I am new to his academy, sir, I have very little prior training in this subject. However, it would be reasonable to believe that the best way to keep a gun clear of jams and other malfunctions in inhospitable terrain is not to allow the inhospitable terrain to enter any mechanisms of the gun where the presence of said terrain would cause a malfunction. Other than that, regular maintenance of the weapon and ensuring that no parts are damaged or interfered with should suffice, ie, wrapping the gun in some waterproof material like syran-wrap or canvas in case of rain, or holding the weapon above the surface of the water when fording a river or swamp"

Jack breathed an inward sigh of relief as he completed his answer hopefully they don't frown upon BS here...

Good answer Blane thought, Especially one for who hasn't been in the service or training as of yet... quite good thinking.

Blane didn't not show any reaction to his comments but did take note of the man's quick thinking. I should remember that...

Jack gulped, well, here goes nothing...

"As I am new to his academy, sir, I have very little prior training in this subject. However, it would be reasonable to believe that the best way to keep a gun clear of jams and other malfunctions in inhospitable terrain is not to allow the inhospitable terrain to enter any mechanisms of the gun where the presence of said terrain would cause a malfunction. Other than that, regular maintenance of the weapon and ensuring that no parts are damaged or interfered with should suffice, ie, wrapping the gun in some waterproof material like syran-wrap or canvas in case of rain, or holding the weapon above the surface of the water when fording a river or swamp"

Jack breathed an inward sigh of relief as he completed his answer hopefully they don't frown upon BS here...The old veteran responded," Good answer, considering you have had no prior military service. As well everyone come down here and get your assembling, repair, and dissembling guides."

Blane stood up slowly as he usually did and walked to the front of the room where he recieved the guides. He quickly read through them as he walked back to his seat and sat down. Pretty standard... he thought.

As Jack got his book and leafed through it he thought
hmmmm, pretty logical stuff....This class might not be so bad after all with a bit of elbow grease.....wow. I need to cut back on the puns.

As Jack got his book and leafed through it he thought
hmmmm, pretty logical stuff....This class might not be so bad after all with a bit of elbow grease.....wow. I need to cut back on the puns.

Hunter walked to the front of the class and grabbed his book and tools from the professor's desk. Books are free here... sweet... he thought to himself, as he sat back in his seat. This here would help him with his chance of entering into the SOF-D after completing DB training. The SOF-D operators were proficient with hundreds of various weapons in use throughout the world. If the SCAF could get their hands on it, the SOF-D knew just about all there was to know about it. Hunter opened his book and began studying.

Rusty made hsi way down and collected the new books, taking them back to his seat and leafing through them. There appeared to be nothing out of the ordinary from what he had learned in Basic, at least at first glance. He assumed anything special would be mentioned in classes to come, and so simply sat there reading through the new books.

Blane continued quickly reading through the book as he sat silently at his seat; his eidetic memory absorbing everything his eyes came across and storing it in his unique mind. This class should be pretty easy... Blane thought. Though the way they do it here is quite different from the Dominion. We only had a couple classes which combined a lot of the subjects together... more realistic was the way they thought it was in DMG, he thought as he was remembering his home country.

The old veteran then said,” Well, this class so about to end. Your homework assignment for today is to read the first chapter. As well have a good day.”

As soon as he as was finished saying this, the bell rang symbolizing the end of the class. All of the native students got up and out of the room quite quickly, as it was a long walk to get to the Melee Combat Training class area.

Alison grabbed her books and cofidently walked out. She was confident she would fair well in the next class.

Blane stood up as he finished reading the page he was on. As he walked out of the door he realized that he had already finished his homework in both classes so far, for the night... and probably for a week or two. Perhaps he would finish books when he had free time later...

He walked down the hall until he arrived at the Melee Combat Training area. This ought to be fun... Blane thought as he smiled.

A tall, broad, and extremely muscled man was waiting for the students on a large outdoor battle area. The farthest walls were covered with weapons ranging from swords to pole arms. As the students arrived the man began to mentally place them into fighting groups for the first class.

Titan smiled.

Big Time.

Titan loved swordfighting, fencing, any type of melee combat. He ate it up. He was still armed with his NCO saber and he was eager to take some of these students on. He'd had world class training and he was ready for anything.

Blane looked over the variety of weapons. He eyed the one he wanted to use and hoped that he would be allowed to choose his own.

Alison smiled when she saw the weapons. Defiantly her type of class.

Hunter looked at the swords and staffs decorated around the room. He didn't really see the point in sword fighting and melee combat. To him, and most of the SCAF, you either killed the enemy with your firearms, or with your bare hands. He'd have fared pretty well in a combatives course, but this? He'd probably only be able to use his raw power to do any real damage. Man... even bayonets were discontinued in the SCAF over a decade ago...

The melee trainer noticed the bell ring signally the start of the class. Then he looked around and said,” Welcome first years, as I know most of either have former melee training through either previous military experience or through training that you received as young nobles. Today I wish to test you to better know where you stand in melee training and/or experience.”

Good, thought Titan. He needed the exersise.

Rusty barely managed to slip into the class at the back before the bell rang. He had been about to finish reading Chapter One when the instructor had announced it as homework, and had rushed through the last page to finish, making him very nearly late for a class that would probably not tolerate such things. He groaned inwardly as the instructor announced melee combat. He'd never received formal training in this. A little bit of combat knife skills as standard issue, and hand-to-hand incapacitation, fairly swift and deadly, and one instant where he'd cut a man's throat from behind, but that was it. In a head-on fight with melee weapons against a skilled opponent, he'd stand no chance.

"What would you have us do, sir," Blane asked as he was curious if they would be fighting today.

The melee trainer replied to Blane,” Well today class, we will be practicing initial hand to hand combat. I will be using thee results of today to help me see who needs the most training.”

I guess we are going to fight, Blane thought as he stood waiting with anticipation for the instructor's next orders.

Hunter rolled his eyes as he stood toward the back of the class. He noticed Rusty rush in as the bell rang, and gave him a thoughtful smirk and nod. Hunter listened to the instructor's directions. So... we're going to beat the piss out of each other, huh. I'll have no problem if I can get them on the ground... he thought to himself as he thought of the seemingly few CQC moves they were taught in BCT. It suddenly hit Hunter how much the SCAF focused on firearms when it came to types of fighting/combat. He could probably outshoot any homeboy (or girl) in here, but as for the other types of combat, he was scant on knowledge. He knew he could put the hurtin' on somebody if he got them on the ground; he'd throw down a rear-naked-choke and have them out in five seconds, or a bent-armbar and have them out in half a second. Whatever was about to go down, if he was to go out, he'd give it what he had.

The melee trainer remembered the news he heard about what had happened at role call and decided that he should try to use this to his advantage. Looking around the first year group he was able to find both Hunter and Blane, though they had not been the leaders of the problem he decided that he should test these skills. One being a well trained soldier the other being from a country of hillbillies. He then said to them,” Blane and Hunter please come to the front of the class so that you can be the first two to fight.”

Blane almost let a smile go as he heard his name called. He was quite a physical person and hand to hand fighting was one of his specialties. As he got to the front he looked up and down Hunter; he figured that he was about half a foot taller than Hunter and outweighed him by about seventy-five pounds. I guess they could have picked someone smaller... like Rico or Alison, but still... Blane thought as he began mentally preparing himself.

Spectacular... Hunter thought to himself. He made his way to the front of the class, as he shook out his arms. He looked up at Blane, and sighed. Wearing this goofy looking uniform would really help if he got in a position to utilize the cross-colar-choke, which he could do straight off the bat if he desired. He waited for the instructor.

As Blane approached he muttered to him,” I have heard you were displeased with the behavior of some of the other foreign students and that this is one of them. I wish for you to punish him for his disrespect of an officer and to make an example of him in front of the other students.”

Thne after both Blane and Hunter had taken postion he waved his hand for them to start fighting.

OOC: I have to go to sleep now, I have a big test in the morning. But, feel free to fight until one of you gives up or gets knocked out.

Blane grinned and then winked at the teacher to show that he understood and was planning on giving Hunter an ass kicking. He removed his coat and dropped it on the ground, revealing only a thin undershirt that showed off his muscles. He then stepped into position and was ready to fight...

As the instructor waved his hand, Hunter immediately dropped to his knees and dove forward, sending his right fist directed straight toward Blane's crotch.

Blane had barely gotten his jacket off and stepped into position when Hunter launched an attack at him. Though thanks too his football days back at The Forge, he was used to reacting quicky to a blind side attack. He quickly side stepped the punch and gave Hunter a little push on the back that could potentially send him off balance and to his stomach.

Hunter landed flat on his stomach, and turned his head to the side, watching Blane out of the corner of his eye. He heard students around the room laughing to themselves, but Hunter was where he needed to be. He made a coughing sound, acting out as if he'd had the wind blown out of him. He'd been running all his life, and therefore he knew he had the lung capacity for a lasting fight. He lied still for a moment.

After Hunter hit the ground, Blane began circling him carefully, like a lion stalking its prey. He knew that Hunter couldn't have been defeated by something so basic as being lightly "helped" to the ground, and so he remained skeptical of his act.

He continued to circle, military boots stepping carefully on the ground, as he eyed Hunter. Suddenly, when he was out of eyesight, he kicked out at Hunter's ribs, hard.

Alison watched the fight intently, a bit of sweat trickling down her head as she observed the massive Blane kick Hunters ass. At that moment, her badass bitch attitude faltered. She considered her self-lucky that it was not her out there right now.

Rico couldn't watch anymore this fighting, so he faced the other direction.

[Out of eyesight, delivering a kick to the ribs? I could contest it, but what's the use?]

Hunter felt the blow of the boot to his rib, as he let out a breath of air and flinched. Yeah, he's still sore about this morning... Hunter thought to himself. There's no way I can take this guy standing up.

Hunter quickly stammered to his feet, a good five feet or so away from Blane; out of the way enough that a shot from the arm or leg from Blane wouldn't reach. I've got to get him to come after me first... Hunter thought again, shaking out his legs.

Blane felt the pain he had caused Hunter as his boot collided with Hunter's ribs. He let him get to his feet and watched him stagger a few feet away. Cleary having the advantage, Blane slowly made his way over towards him and proceeded to launch into series of quick and heavy jabs and punches.

Rico couldn't watch anymore this fighting, so he faced the other direction.Two native students seeing that Rico didn;t want to see the fight grabbed him by his arms and turned him back around so he could see the fight.

Hunter stood his ground as he blocked Blane's punches with his forearms and biceps. At one point during Blane's assault, Hunter felt the opportune time to launch a counter-attack, as Blane's arms were both blocked - almost simultaneously - by his triceps. Hunter reached in toward Blane's neck, grabbing his collar, and immediately placing him into a cross-collar choke. Just five seconds... Hunter thought to himself, as he began rushing forward, attempting to knock Blane's balance, as he had to stagger backward. If they didn't hit the ground, they were headed right into a bunch of students. But five seconds was all Hunter needed... five seconds and he'd be out cold...

Rico watched the fight, but didn't want to see it anymore. Fighting was useless and just caused more pain. He learned that back in the desert.

ooc: To the best of my knowledge, the cross collar choke requires the victim to be wearing something with a collar, no? Though correct me if I am wrong. Anyway, Blane removed his jacket and is only wearing an undershirt (i.e. a "wife beater")

(decided to add this here also in case you missed it)

"Your a pussy, Rico."

Alison whispered as she saw him try to turn away.

"Have you ever seen one of your friends screaming in pain from a bullet wound and him dying in your hands? Have you ever seen combat. If not shut the hell up!" Rico stated and didn't bother to whisper. He wanted everyone to hear this.

"It's ok Rico. War isn't pretty. To keep the wolves at bay we must fight like bitter beasts with dragon's teeth." Titan remarked.

"No, but have you had two of your siblings sent home to you from the front in a damn envelope? If not, I suggest you shut the hell up."

She snapped back quickly.

Rico left the class and took his books. He walked back to his room and shut the door. It was still some time before the next class started, so Rico started the homework assigned to him. It didn't take that long to finish. After finished he set the alarm on his clock to go off five minutes before the next class started. Then he sat on his bed with all the lights off and the blinds making little light coming inside.

"It's ok Rico. War isn't pretty. To keep the wolves at bay we must fight like bitter beasts with dragon's teeth." Titan remarked.A native student replied," You think you have seen the true horrors of war? I fought in the 2583rd legion during the Great Revolt of the Southern Desert Tribes. Ninety Percent of my legion was killed in a single campaign of that war. As well nearly all of the survivors of the 2583rd had received permanent wounds or were crippled during the remainder of the war.”

Rico left the class and took his books. He walked back to his room and shut the door. It was still some time before the next class started, so Rico started the homework assigned to him. It didn't take that long to finish. After finished he set the alarm on his clock to go off five minutes before the next class started. Then he sat on his bed with all the lights off and the blinds making little light coming inside.Few of the native students saw Rico leave and the melee trainer didn;t becuase his attention was directed at the fight. As well none of the native cared because he was a foreigner and hoped he would get in trouble for this.

"Bella detesta matribus" [ War is the horror of mothers ]

Titan hadn't heard this latin pharse since high school, but his mother uttered it often anytime he had to go off on a deployment.

Nobody liked fighting. It was just one of those curses God handed down when Adam ate the from the forbidden fruit. The best material for swords came from the tree of knowlege. Most terrible tree.

"Bella detesta matribus" [ War is the horror of mothers ]

Titan hadn't heard this latin pharse since high school, but his mother uttered it often anytime he had to go off on a deployment.

Nobody liked fighting. It was just one of those curses God handed down when Adam ate the from the forbidden fruit. The best material for swords came from the tree of knowlege. Most terrible tree.Upon hearing those words the native replied,” Vini, vidi, vici.. That is what all Imperial Scandinvan Soldiers are taught in training. In that war that is what we remembered and what kept us going was remembering what we were fighting for Emperor, Land, and Lord.”

"Vini, vidi, vichi, aye? Not quite as catchy as what they taught us in basic. Für die Ehre für den Ruhm. Für das Reich."

She repeated, remembering those words by heart.

Titan nodded. Dead language my ass...

"Una salus victis nullam sperare salutem. [ The one safety for the vanquished is to abandon hope of safety knowing there is no hope can give one the courage to fight and win ]

He wondered how long the instructor would let the two pound on each other.

The native thought back and then said,” Sententia bellum may exsisto an terminus ut vita , palma forever est won per is.” [Thought war may be an end to life, glory forever is won by it.]

Titan smiled, "It's nice to see Latin isn't a dead language after all."

Although I'm pretty sure 'forever', 'is', 'an', and 'won' arn't Latin.

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something," Blane said annoyed at the other's exchanges, as he continued to pound on Hunter.

OOC: Sorry I am using a translator becuase I don't know how to type Lation.

IC: The native responded," Nearly all Valgardians know how to speak Latin, multiple Valgardian tongues, English, Scandinvan, and variety of different tongues. We learn these languages due to our good memories and our very long life spans.”

"You both are pissing me off. Later."

She said, moving away from the talking fools and to a more silent group of natives.

OCC: It's ok. I figured that you didn't really know a lot of latin when your first phrase was "I came I saw I conqured" The historical aspect of that originates with Julius Ceaser. The mix-match makes for a more realistic RP. ICly, Titus assumes that your native is just doing some good old fashion one-up-manship and is humoring him. And Blane's comments are just hilarious!

EDIT: Allison is hilarious as well.

Titan couldn't help but laugh at the young girl's temprement. Latin was the 2nd tounge of Fourhearts. Most adults didn't really remember that much, but Titan could get along pretty well.

The native laughed a little then said," Where are my manners I am Duke Edward of the Pure House of Frinona. As well I am Valgardian and by the grace of the emperor I attending this military college."

The Fourheartsmen stuck out his hand, "SGT Jack Titan, Fourhearts Airship Fleet

Edward reached out his hand and said," Welcome to the Imperail Military College and to the Glorious Empire of the Scandinvans."

[Didn't notice that. Rewind.]

Hunter raised his arms to block Blane's quick punches. Keeping his arms in tight around his body, Hunter continued to thwart serious hits by Blane. As soon as the opportunity provided itself, as seemingly both Blane's arms hit, Hunter threw out a punch with his right arm as hard as he could, straight clocked at Blane's jaw.

[No Problem]

Hunter's punch collided with the left side of Blane's jaw, his knuckles drew a small amount of blood, but it was not a big deal. After the blow, Blane took a couple steps backward and in a pissed off tone said, "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." It was his hint to them to shut up or he was liable to turn around and slug one of them in the face.

He continued back at Hunter after the brief exchange. This time he kept Hunter on the defensive as Blane's arms allowed him to keep Hunter out of reach... that is, without leaning in to what would most likely be a knock out punch to the side of his head. After a few quick jabs and hooks that kept Hunter back, Blane prepared a massive punch from his right fist as a decoy, and as he was about to throw it, he instead launched into a powerful roundhouse aimed at the same bruised rib area in which he had kicked Hunter earlier.

Hunter watched the swing of Blane's arm, as he began to lean into it, as to lower the infliction by the blow. After tensing up for the blow, he realized Blane was in fact spinning around. Chuck Norris...? he thought as he dove forward, into Blane. He caught the kick to the back of the ribs, as he groaned in pain. He was, however, on a collision course with Blane - as he was practically in mid-dive when he was hit - which Hunter hoped would bring them both to the ground.

Rusty just stood and watched as the two men beat on each other and the others spoke in various different languages. He didn't speak Latin, although he had rudimentary French and Spanish from his days in high school, and so didn't know what the other two were saying. However, he sort of sidled over to them, standing beside them, and heard the Scandinvan introduce himself. He nodded to him by way of introducing himself and also a method of respect for the royalty, and introduced himself. "Thank you. I'm Rusty Barnes, from Haraki."

Hunter watched the swing of Blane's arm, as he began to lean into it, as to lower the infliction by the blow. After tensing up for the blow, he realized Blane was in fact spinning around. Chuck Norris...? he thought as he dove forward, into Blane. He caught the kick to the back of the ribs, as he groaned in pain. He was, however, on a collision course with Blane - as he was practically in mid-dive when he was hit - which Hunter hoped would bring them both to the ground.

As the blow collided with Hunter, Blane spun around and realized he had dove at him. Unable to avoid the contact, Blane was hit on his left side, as the colission of his foot to Hunter's side had adjusted his path slightly. The two fell to the ground, though separated by the opposite directions in which the force of contact threw them.

Blane rolled over once as he hit the ground and quickly was able to regain his stability and get to his feet. This was all familiar to him from his days of football. When you hit the ground, you get your ass out of the dirt! he remembered his coach always yelling at them. When you got tackled, you made sure you got up quick; something that had stuck with Blane still.

After getting to his feet and regaining his fighting stance, he looked down and realized his undershirt had been torn slightly. Bastard is going pay...

This is going absolutely nowhere, Hunter thought to himself. Blane had the balance that seemed almost supernatural. Hunter leaned over to where he was essentially sitting on his rear. He stabalized his stance with his right arm behind him, and faced Blane. He was in the basic fighting stance, and could handle his own from this position, even if his opponent was standing. His left arm was up, covering his face from a head attack. He could shuffle any direction, and at a good rate of speed. Hunter's legs held the most strength in his body, and this stance utilized the legs to the furthest extent possible. He looked goofy as all get out, but this was one of the most recognized and used stances in modern militaries.

Rusty just stood and watched as the two men beat on each other and the others spoke in various different languages. He didn't speak Latin, although he had rudimentary French and Spanish from his days in high school, and so didn't know what the other two were saying. However, he sort of sidled over to them, standing beside them, and heard the Scandinvan introduce himself. He nodded to him by way of introducing himself and also a method of respect for the royalty, and introduced himself. "Thank you. I'm Rusty Barnes, from Haraki."Edward noticed gestures and vocal tones seemed to hint Rusty thought that he was either royalty or an extremely high ranked person. Edward the replied,” I notice that you seem to think that I am an extremely important person or of the Imperial family, but I am only a Major in the Scandinvan Army and I am not at all closely related to the current emperor. Yet I only say this because I do not like being treated in the way my position I was born into is that of a high ranked and extremely wealthy noble.”

Won't even fight like a man... what a shame, Blane thought as he started approaching Hunter. He stopped midstep as a thought hit him...

"What do you say to upping the ante a little bit?" Blane questioned him with a grin appearing on his face. "Melee weapons... each combatant chooses the weapon he wishes..." he paused as he waited to see the reaction from Hunter.

"First to draw blood..."

...cocky but humble... Hunter thought of the words one of his instructors advised his Basic Training group so long ago. "Blane, I think both you and me know you could whip the tar outa' me in unarmed or melee combat."

As he said this, he rose to his feet, and stared Blane in the eyes, awaiting a response.

The melee trainer marhced between them both carrying a pair of long swords of the same length and said," Use these swords in the fight becuase it will make it a traditional fight and neither of you will have a longer weapon."

He then tossed them the swords and looked back out.

In one continuous motion, Blane caught the sword by its handle and then did a loop with it, bringing it at guard. "I do suppose you are right..." he said as he remained with his sword pointed at Hunter's chest.

"What the..?" Hunter blurted as he caught the helm of the sword. It was the first time he'd ever handled a sword in his life. The SCAF didn't teach anything to do with swords, only weapons that would serve real use in the modern battlefield. Fighting bare-handed seemed like more sense than this crap. Hunter looked around at the class, at the instructor, and back at Blane. He dropped his sword, and turned to walk out of the room.

Blane turned his head to look at the instructor as Hunter made his way out of the class. In his mind at least, dropping his sword and walking a way was a forfeit, and Blane was not in the business of attacking someone's back...

The melee instructed walked forward, picked up the sword, and then said,” Hunter if you do not come back here now you will automatically forfeit and Blane will be the winner by default.”

"I don't think he cares," Blane snorted.

Hunter kept walking straight out the door. There are no default winners in war. Then again, there ain't no bullcrap either.

Most of these people wouldn't last a day in the Dominion Blane thought to himself as he still stood holding the sword. Don't they realize that sometimes you just have to follow orders whether you like it or not...

Hunter walked outside and sat on the front steps. He looked off into the distance of the campus, and watched students walking around, mostly in the proper military attire. He watched a few walk past another, as they rendered a salute and received the same back.

Adapt and survive, as cliched as it was, he'd heard it from several of his mentors before coming to this school. But how was he supposed to adapt in a group that still taught sword fighting as a valid fighting technique in today's modern warfare? The SCAF had even discontinued teaching bayonets over five years ago after citing their uselessness. How was he supposed to adapt, when there was so much bullcrap going on? An officer wanting to fight students to prove his "toughness"? What kind of crap was that? It seemed as if the people here simply demanded respect, and didn't bother trying to earn it. Blane was awesome at hand-to-hand and melee combat. Hunter'd give that to him anyday. But getting pissy because Hunter called it like he saw it? Back home, somebody may have pulled Hunter over to the side and talked with him; but holding in your anger and trying to beat someone down with it? Yeah right.

Hunter stood up and slid his hands into his pockets. He began to walk back over toward the dorms. He wondered if there was anywhere to do any climbing on the campus as he looked around, noting several physical fitness facilities. He nodded off the thought and continued walking. He was tired of being here. He already had a Bachelor's degree, so what was the point?

"I don't think he cares," Blane snorted.
The instructor nodded and then said,” Blane you are the winner by default and feat of arms. To show that you have achieved glory and honor on the field of hand to hand combat please take this dagger made of pure silver as mark of your victory here.

A student came up to Hunter and said to him,” I saw you walk out of your class and what you did at role call. I want to tell what you did was brave, but fool hardy. The reason why so many of the students and teachers act the way they do is because nearly all of them have lost many of their relative while serving in the army and they do not want to see more blood split in war. This academy was built by the emperors of old in order to bring peace and order to my people’s empire, but we Valgardians are an ancient warrior that conquered all the lands of the current empire so we will never truly know peace. Yet so many of our us and our ancestors have died for this we have it imbedded in our culture . Yet one prophecy says this in the contrary War, war shall last unto the children of Valgrad until one ancient comes again and sits up chair of gold."

Back home, somebody may have pulled Hunter over to the side and talked with him; but holding in your anger and trying to beat someone down with it? Yeah right.

OOC: If you are referring to what Blane did, I believe he did talk to you about it... (remember at breakfast?)

IC:

"Thank you, sir," Blane said smartly as he took the pure silver dagger. He held it up to his eye level and examined it carefully with his astute eyes. Very nicely crafted... he thought. He wondered if they used something like this in battle or whether it was just a symbol of honor.

The bell then rang and upon hearing the bell the instructor said,” You have no homework for today and for now just go use your free time wisely.”

At the hearing the bell and dismissal, Blane gave the man a semi one-fingered salute as he left. He pulled off what was left of his torn undershirt and threw it in the trash, leaving his washboard abs and muscles glistening with sweat.

Might as well take a shower, Blane decided as he walked slowly along the path.

It was 10:10 and Rico had finished all of his homework. He left his books and his room to go to his next class. Knowing exactly where it was so he walked around the campus. He kept to himself and hoped that the natives wouldn't bother him.

As the students most of the native students either went to the library, their rooms, the cafeteria, the gardens, or just walked around the campus. Most of the native students just kept on ignoring the foreigners, but a few were beginning to warm up to them.

While not really thinking Rico acidentally bumped into a female student. Rico fell to the ground and noticed all the native students were looking at him. Picking himself up Rico was a little stunned.

Maybe that's what the issue is Hunter thought to himself as he opened the door to his room. All these people have ever known has been war.

Sniper Country wasn't a warmongering nation. It was actually pretty peaceful. The gorgeous landscapes, the high-rising mountains - many of which had never before been conquered - that rose above the limits of sight, the eternal vegetation; it was just how the people lived. The SCAF was almost looked at as a dream job. The basic pay for a Private was C100,000, which was the precise equivalent to $53,000. And all this was tax-free. Nowhere else could anyone get the training, comaradarie, and assurance. Sure, there was the everpresent threat of going to war, but the Omzian War was the only real "war" the SCAF ever engaged in. Otherwise, it was just, "Send this unit there, this regiment over here, yeah yeah yeah." But growing up in a wartorn country? Sniper Country was about the exact opposite. Aside from the Rebellion last year, it was the only conflict seen on Sniper Country ground, well, ever. Everybody seemed to pretty well get along back home. Nobody really had anything to prove to anybody else. There were four megalopolis' in the nation, where a lot of people resided, but still a majority of people lived in the Backwood. This was where Hunter had grown up.

Callie, Sniper Country. Population: 4,942. This was one of the average towns in the Backwood. Hunter could remember working on the farm as a child, going to school with the other kids, and going hunting at all hours. Almost all the older men in the town had an M4A1 or an M16A2 or some sort of weapon strapped to their backs at all times. The gun laws in Sniper Country were so lax, that at many times were almost non-existant in the Backwood...

Hunter snapped back to reality. He laid down on his bed, kicked his shoes off, and slowly fell asleep.

While not really thinking Rico acidentally bumped into a female student. Rico fell to the ground and noticed all the native students were looking at him. Picking himself up Rico was a little stunned.The girl’s third year boyfriend went up to Rico and picked up two feet of the ground so he could bring him in level with his face and then he said,” Apologize to her right now, or you might not be able to walk for a while.”

The other students formed a circle around Rico and the third year native students and made it wide enough for them to fight in.

"Hey, guys," Blane said as he strode into the circle, still shirtless. "Just cool down... it was a mistake. He meant no harm by it."

Rico looked at the meathead. "Can't you see it was a accident? Or just a cockbite? You want to fight than come and fight me!" Rico knew that he couldn't match this guy in strenght, but he could probably surpass him in brains.

The native students then threw Rico up against the ground. Then he sent his foot crashing down upon Rico’s rib cage.

"Nervermind," Blane said after Rico was dumb enough to insult them. "He deserves it... carry on," Blane strolled to the other edge of the circle and proceeded to make his way out.

Rico picked himself off of the ground. He stared at all the native students. Then he smiled and started to laugh.

The native student, angered by his laughing, threw a punch right at Rico’s face while he was still laughing.

Rico picked himself up and kicked the third year student. Then threw a punch at him.

The native student took the kick with little pain and then blocked the punch with his elbow. Then the native threw a punch at Rico’s stomach.

That boy is going to get himself killed before this is all said and done, Blane thought as he continued up the path away from the fight.

Alison wasn't hungry, and she really didn't want to be around anybody right now, Rico having pissed her off greatly earlier, and that combined with the Latin non-sense had her fuming. She found a sturdy looking exposed pipe somewhere in a corridor near the cafeteria, and decided now was as good as time of any to exercise. She took off the top part of the uniform, leaving her only in a black bra. She jumped up and wrapped her legs around the pipe, and began some upside down sit-ups.

Blane made a detour on the way back to his dorm. Entering the cafeteria, he walked over to where there was a little snack table and grabbed some food to keep him until lunch. He got two apples and began eating one as well as picking up three bottles of water, that he would drink on the way back to his room.

With the apples and water in hand, he exited the cafeteria and proceeded down the corridor....

Alison heard what sounded like foot steps somewhere in the corridor she was currently exercising in. She mentally shrugged and continued, not really caring if anyone saw her like this or not.

Blane walked down the corridor and turned a corner to see Alison hanging upside down doing crunches. "How's it going, Alison?" he said as he bent his to the side in order to get by her.

"Good, I suppose."

She responded, finishing up her exercises and then flipping gracefully back down to the ground. She turned to face him while wiping some of the sweat from her forehead. "So what are you up to, Blane?" She asked.

"Not much," Blane responded as he admired the grace of her movement. "Debating what I should do with my free time mostly. I was thinking that I should work out... but I figured with those laps this morning plus the fight, I pretty much already got that."

"Ironic," he said after a moment of thought. "So little free time we get each day... and I am here not having anything to do."

"Yeah, the fight. To bad it wasn't Rico you were fighting."

She replied, her tone not really giving away rather she was joking or not. "And I can think of a few ways to pass the time." She ended. She looked and saw he had a few bottles of water in hand, and the work out had made her thirsty.

"You going to drink all of those?"

She asked rather gingerly, not wanting to piss him off again.

"Yeh, too bad," Blane agreed, unsure if she was serious, though he guessed she was. "Though I think he is getting the worst of it as we speak."

He stood for a moment contemplating before tossing her a water. He had finished off one bottle and an apple, leaving him with one of each. "Oh yeh, what's that?" he replied curiously in reference to Alison's comment about knowing how to pass the time.

OOC: Wait... when did she piss him off originally?

Rico fell to the ground. When he got up again blood came out of his mouth.

The other native students that were watching the fight stayed silent awaiting for the third year to deliver the finishing blow. Looking around the third year students reach down and grabbed Rico by the neck and picked him up with one hand. When he lifted Rico up a meter off the ground he said,” Apologize to her now!”

"Harlan Ellison was right when he said 'The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen...and stupidity.. '" Rico uttered the words barely, but loud enough so the native could hear it.

Hearing those words the native began to crush Rico’s neck, slowly suffocating him slowly and painfully.

OOC: Wait... when did she piss him off originally?

((OOC: Back in the cafateria at breakfast, or at least she took it that way.))

She screwed the cap off the water and took three large gulps before taking it away from her mouth and sighing in relief. "Oh, you know. Reading, writing, daydreaming, bathing. Then there are the more unorthodox ways." She replied.

With his last breaths Rico stated. "Most fools think they are only ignorant. --Benjamin Franklin." After stating the quote he passed out.

Upon him fainting the native students just dropped him and walked off. After that all the other native students just went their separate ways without even giving notice to the body in the middle of the hallway.

Rico was still knocked out. Out of his mouth came blood. All over the floor was blood. A couple of his ribs were cracked.

OOC: Can't do anything until someone does something.

((OOC: Back in the cafateria at breakfast, or at least she took it that way.))

She screwed the cap off the water and took three large gulps before taking it away from her mouth and sighing in relief. "Oh, you know. Reading, writing, daydreaming, bathing. Then there are the more unorthodox ways." She replied.

"I am intrigued," Blane replied. "Reading and writing are all fine and dandy, but well... let's just say they become boring quickly," Blane didn't want to seem like he was bragging so he decided not to remind her of his reading and memorizing skills, which made it hard to take any fun in reading.

"As for daydreaming... I will leave that for those who are passive. And well, bathing... I don't really see that as something to do to pass the time, though maybe you do," he said as he began working on the second bottle of water.

"But then we come to the more unorthodox ways..." he said allowing her to fill in what she meant.

OOC: Oh yeh... I forgot what I said though, lol.

"Back home, there are a lot of brothels around the base where I was stationed. They are real popular with the guys and some of the girls...allot of them used to spend their entire paychecks their while on leave. The base was pretty empty for those few hours, and not everyone liked the whores you found outside. And since men and women serve together in the Tocrowkian Military, many of the soldiers had relationships...and like I said the base was pretty empty during leave...so I bet you can fill in the blanks about what most everyone was doing."

She replied, taking another cautious sip of water, a little embarrassed at what she had just told him.

"Ah," Blane said simply as if it wasn't a big deal. He took the momentary silence to drain the last droplets of water from the bottle and eat the last bites of apple. He tossed them into a trash can that stood against the wall about ten feet away.

"A relationship is a dangerous thing..." he joked with her, though in his mind it was true.

Rico got up but barely. He made his way over to get some help. When he collasped in the corridor. Rico could make out two shapes and then slumped to the ground.

Rico was still knocked out. Out of his mouth came blood. All over the floor was blood. A couple of his ribs were cracked.

OOC: Can't do anything until someone does something.A professor was walking down the hall when he saw a student laying on the floor. Upon which he got out his cell phone and called the medical wing. Within two minutes two nurses with a stretcher put Rico on it and got him to the medical wing where he was treated for his injures.

"What the hell happen to me?" As Rico noticed in was inside a room.

"Yeah it is. Especially in the Military...but I wouldn't personally know. I haven't had but a few flings....what about you?"

She ended abruptly, trying to shift the conversation away from the subject of her self.

"Yeah it is. Especially in the Military...but I wouldn't personally know. I haven't had but a few flings....what about you?"

She ended abruptly, trying to shift the conversation away from the subject of her self.

"Few girls here and there," Blane replied not wanting to give the exact number or a ballpark guess. "Like you though, nothing serious."

"So what got you into this life?" Blane asked curiously.

"I was conscripted when I was seventeen. I chose the Army, infantry MOS. The Luftwaffe really didn't interest me, I'm a terrible sailor, and an extra six months in training for the Marines really didn't sit well with me. I had the choice to go on reserve after I passed basic, but then my siblings got blown up in Malgeria, so I stayed on active duty. I guess it's a family honor kind of thing."

She replied.

"Ah..." Blane replied not knowing what to say. Her story wasn't quite a faery tale and probably not something she liked talking about so he dropped it from discussion.

"Care to take a walk?" he said as they had been standing in the corridor for a few minutes.

"What the hell happen to me?" As Rico noticed in was inside a room.A doctor came up to him and said,” Well, the student you were fighting choked you until you fainted and after that you were let go. Then a professor saw you lying in the hall way and called us to get you. Then we brought you here and corrected all the damage that was done to you in that fight and plus a few other things.”

"So I'm fine also what do you mean by plus a few other things?" Rico wondered what they meant.

"Sure."

She replied. Standing around talking for entire length of leave didn't really appeal to her either. She picked up her discarded uniform jacket and put it back on, but didn’t button it back up all the way, seeing no reason to whilst on leave.

The doctor then sighed and said,” Well, your ribs and a few other bones were pretty banged up. So we had to use a laser surgery to mend back the bones and correct the damage done to them, but we were not sure about what caused them.”

Rico didn't tell the doctor who caused him pain. He knew if he did it would get out and the natives would kill him. Rico left the medical wing and down a corriedor to see Alison and Blane. The corriedor pasted him as he made his way up.

"Interesting place, don't you think?" Blane commented as they walked slowly down the corridor. What to talk about... he thought as his mind raced, searching for something to say.

"Yeah it is. A lot of the natives seem kinda stuck up, though...."

She replied, realizing the irony of her statement.

"Well I guess I have to...but I'm not normally like that. Guess I am just trying to impress everyone."

Rico made to Alison and Blane.

"So what are you two doing?"

"Yeah it is. A lot of the natives seem kinda stuck up, though...."

She replied, realizing the irony of her statement.

"Well I guess I have to...but I'm not normally like that. Guess I am just trying to impress everyone."

"I don't think you are stuck up," Blane replied wondering what gave her that idea. "Actually, I think some of the foreigners are the ones acting like jerks..."

OOC: Is she a native?!?

OOC: Is she a native?!?

((OOC:To Tocrowkia, yes.))

IC:

She was about to reply when Rico showed up. She rolled her eyes. "Uh...nothing. See ya later, Blane." She stated, turning a corner and disappearing down the hall. Rico made her blood boil for some reason, and she didn't want to be around him.

Blane just gave Rico a blood curtling stare and continued down the corridor on his way to his room.

OOC: Oh... I knew that. Nevermind.

'Whatever' he thought, but something did feel right. Rico ran after Alison. Stopping in front of her Rico looked at her.

"Why the hell are you mad at me?"

'Whatever' he thought, but something did feel right. Rico ran after Alison. Stopping in front of her Rico looked at her.

"Why the hell are you mad at me?"

Blane passed by Alison and Rico a short time later and ascended the stairs without giving them a backwards glance.

"Well Rico, you got me in trouble earlier. You seem to want to start a fight with someone here, and then there’s that little incident back in melee class."

She replied, pushing him aside and walking past him.

Rico ran in front of her again. "I'm sorry I did those things, but I love you. You are the only girl in the world who I thought is beautiful."

"What ever. Apology accepted. Please get out of my way."

She said, pushing him away again, but this time more voilently.

Blane had reached his room and taken a quick, military shower in less than two minutes. After stepping out, he quickly dried off and changed into his uniform again before stepping back into the hallway.

With his heart broken Rico made his way to the next class. He went inside and sat at a desk for the class to start.

Hunter jerked up. He glanced at his watch - great, ten minutes of sleep. Wow. He stood up slowly, and slid his feet into his shoes. He walked over to the door, yawned, opened it, and proceeded to walk outside. He began walking in the direction of his next class.

Alison took a quick shower, getting all the sweat from her crunches out of her hair and off her body, giving her a fresh feeling. She changed her undergarments to complete the feeling before dressing back in her uniform and leaving to wait in the corridor until the next class came around.

"What did he want?" Blane asked as he was leaning against the wall in the hallway.

"What did he want?" Blane asked as he was leaning against the wall in the hallway.

((OOC: Assuming he was talking to Alison...))

"He told me he loved me and went on about how beautiful he thought I was. I basicly just told him to bug off. Maybe I should have told him I was a lesbian or something."

She replied.

"Hehe.." Blane chuckled. He began to mock Rico, "But you are... you are the most beautiful person I have ever met and after only a few hours of knowing you... I am in LOVE!" He chuckled as he walked over to her.

"Are you?" Blane said jokingly as he raised an eyebrow.

"Nah." She replied. "Bi...maybe." She joked with a smile and a wink. As she began walk with him toward the next class. "Looks like we have military formation's next, followed by marksmanship...and that's always been a favorite of mine."

As she jokingly mentioned that she was bi, Blane gave her an "Oh really!" look.

"Marksmanship, eh..." Blane said. "Should have brought my own gun... it's just not the same when you have to use someone else's, ya know?"

A bell rang symbolizing that free time was over and that all students should headed towards there next period classes. All the natives left where they were and header towards there classes hoping to get good seats.

"Yeah, I know the feeling."

She replied, stealing a quick glance at her watch to make sure they weren't going to be late.

"Hmm..." Blane said as he heard the bell. "Best not be late on the first day..." he suggested as he quickened his pace, hoping Alison would follow suit.

Hunter reached the class and sat down toward the back. Basic Military Formations. Hunter really hoped they meant tactical formations like the File, Wedge, Ranger File, and Protection. If they meant like accountability formations, Hunter might as well hang up the phone. They didn't exist in the SCAF, and therefore knew almost nothing about them.

Alison also quickened her pace, not wanting to find out what exactly the school meant by harsh penalties for messing up the schedule.

Hearing the bell ring Rico was already in the class. He decided to look around alittle more from his desk. Back in Canadstein he was one of the best snipers in his unit.

Blane hurried into class before the bell sounded that would indicate its tart. As usual he took his seat in the back corner, where there is nobody in front or to the side of him.

((OOC: I'll wait for The Scandinavians to post before my character enters the classroom. It’s Military formations after all, so it might not be a classroom at all.))

A bell rang symbolizing that free time was over and that all students should headed towards there next period classes. All the natives left where they were and header towards there classes hoping to get good seats.

OOC: You already posted this and we our responses.

OOC: Sorry about that, I had multiple screens opened and I made used the same post again because I pasted it on to of them.

IC: A second bell rang for the start of the class after free time. In the Battle Formations class a tall man entered and said,” Welcome to your first Battle Formation’s class. We will most often meet in this class, but when there is a need we will meet in the school’s fields.”

Perhaps we could do some football formations, Blane thought as he grinned; he was trying to make light of what he though was an otherwise boring class.

The instructor said,” Today we will be practicing basic formations outside in the fields so that I may get to know what you have previously learned or it you have never been through training.”

Blane prepared himself to get up out of his seat, no easy task in the small chairs, as they were about to go outside.

OOC: Heh. Using word to write your posts Scandinvans...

The native students began to file out of the doorway and walked towards the training field. The instructor stayed at the door in order to make sure all the students would leave the room.

OOC: Yeah, I am using word so that I will not make any spelling mistakes.

Alison wondered why she had even bothered to sit down if they were going to get right back up when the teacher entered as she got up and followed the native students out the door.

After working his way out of the tight chair, Blane exited the room and followed behind the other natives to the outside area.

Hunter got up and walked outside. Whew, battle formations... he sighed.

As the all the students went outside the instructor said,” Everyone form a basic formation of twenty wide and five wide.”

Upon his order all the native students got into formation leaving holes in a few place for the foreign students.

Blane filled in an empty spot near the back so as not to block any from seeing the instructor. In front and to the left of him stood native students, facing forward and awaiting their next instructions, so Blane followed suit.

Hunter walked over to an empty position in the formation. He looked around, and noticed a few of the other foreign students. Is this a battle formation? he wondered. Nothing like I've ever seen...

The Instructor making sure everyone was in line said,” Now form a line two people wide, shoulder to shoulder.”

Hunter maneuvered himself into position, next to one of the native students.

Well shit... Rico got into a two man line and was right next to a native.

Hunter maneuvered himself into position, next to one of the native students.

As did Blane, though the person next to him was considerably shorter then the rest of the natives, and thus looked slightly akward next to Blane's figure.

The Instructor then reviewing to make sure everyone was in the two ordered lines and then said,” Good, now march towards the forward mark.”

Upon his order the native students marched forward, with no questions asked.

Rico followed the natives. This seems pretty easy he thought.

The Instructor then reviewing to make sure everyone was in the two ordered lines and then said,” Good, now march towards the forward.”

Upon his order the native students marched forward, with no questions asked.

Towards the forward? Blane thought. What is that suppose to mean? Forward isn't a noun.... Still confused, Blane moved with the rest of the natives.

As the students advanced what seemed to be bullets and artillery shells appeared to be fired at them. Most of the native students took cover qucikly, while the others kept formation, but ducked and covered.

You have got to be kidding me... Blane thought as he heard the plesant day erupt with noise. Instinctively he hit the ground quickly and began crawling towards cover, just a short way away.

As the artificial fire dyed down the sound of feet charging could be heard all around and then sound increased until they could see a number of people coming in all around. Then the hundred retainers assaulted the students in all directions. The native students fought engaging them in hand combat, but a number of the students were quickly taken out by the well trained retainers.

I wonder how far they want us to take this... Blane said as he jumped to his feet, ready for combat.

Ripping off his jacket he threw it to the ground, enabling better movement and fighting ability. "Stay together!" he roared to the students.

A few of the students rallied around Blane, but a majority of them continued to fight on their own due to arrogance or not wanting to associate with a non-native. The native students began to knock out the retainers one by one slowly narrowing the retainers’ ranks. Then on of the large retainers, standing at about seven feet in height, came right at Blane with a plain wood staff.

"Oh, sh-it!" Blane said vocally as he noticed the man running at him with a large staff. "I don't suppose any of you happen to have a bat on you?" he joked to the native students; though he really shouldn't of as he didn't have time to be talking. Soon the man was nearly on him and Blane had to react quickly.

Diving to the side, he barely made it out of the way. "Little help!" he said to a pair of students who hadn't engaged anyone. He began looking around for anything he could use to his advantage, though he was carefully watching the man with the staff also.

As the rounds began coming in, Hunter tackled the native marching next to him. As they fell to the ground, Hunter threw his counterpart toward some cover. Seeing Blane being rallied against, Hunter, against his own wishes, took off in a dead sprint, coming in right behind the large retainer from the rear. Just a few feet away, Hunter dove at the retainer with the staff, arms opened wide, ready to take him to the ground.

After helping a pair of natives take down one of the retainers, Alison decided to go around, helping who she could fight them off, despite not really thinking much of some of the natives.

The Instructor himself was fighting against the students. He surrounded by three native students took them all out in less then thirty seconds. The retainer that Blane and Hunter were fighting took out a second staff weapon and tossed it at a nearby retainer who grabbed it and approached Hunter, while the other stepped up to engage Blane again. Around them the native students and retainers fought with neither side being able to get an advantage over the others, save one giant native student who was using his bare hands to cut a suave through the retainer with little effort.

Blane gave Hunter a short look and flicked his head to the right, indicating to regroup over by the large student. While the retainer was regrouping himself, Blane made a dash for it and was back to back with the giant kid.

Hopefully if another person could make it over, they could for a three hundred and sixty dree triangle defense.

Seeing most of the other people go down next to him Rico ran and found Blane. He made his way into the triangle. Rico dove for a retainer and kicked him in the leg. As the retainer fell to the ground Rico punched him in the stomach. He looked over toward Blane.

Blane was of course, not looking at the ground as he had no reasont o be, instead he was focusing on the fight at hand...

"Hey Blane what do you think we should do?" Rico looked around to see the retainers attack a group of native students. That will teach them.

"What the hell do you think," Blane responded as he struggled to fight off a retainer. "Fight back..."

One of the retainers charged toward him. Rico jumped at him and threw him to the ground. He started to punch him in the face. The retainer kicked Rico off of him. Rico flew a couple of meters. Picking himself up Rico sidekicked the retainer. The retainer fell to the ground. Rico then kicked him in the stomach.

All of a sudden all the retainers withdrew in a shroud of fog. Then as the fog cleared only the instructor and all the students remained. The instructor then said,” Good work students you have successfully held your own against a surprise attack. All of you have received good marks for your first test, especially those of you who still stand.”

"Thank you, sir."

Alison replied, snapping back into attention mode.

"Wow this class will be intersting." Rico looked around to see how many people still survived the ambush.

I guess formation's class won't be so bad after all... Blane thought, Especially if we continue doing stuff like this.

Blane didn't say anything but merely relaxed his muscles and turned to face the instructor.

"That's it?" Hunter mumbled to himself. Where was the formation? he asked in his head. They had begun walking in a two-man-abreast file, which was not even a real, or slightly effective, formation. Hunter shrugged and stood around with the rest of them.

The Instructor saluted the remaining sixty five native students and the foreign students. Then he said,” You are dismissed and now go to your next class. Though your class will be short a few students due to injuries.”

The next class was Marksmanship Training. Rico was one of the best snipers in his division. This class was going to be easy. Making his way over Rico made his way to the class. He sat down in a desk.

Not a terrible thing to happen, Blane thought as he left to find the marksmanship class. Perhaps with less people we will be able to get more shooting in...

Hunter began to walk behind Blane toward the Marksmanship class. This should be taught on a range, but there may be classroom work too, if they're teaching ballistics and variable calculations and such. Hunter continued to walk, wondering what the next class would have in store.

A Trainer came in and reviewed the students standing at ready. Then the trainer said,” For today we will just go out to the firing ranger and practice firing with assault rifles.”

A Trainer came in and reviewed the students standing at ready. Then the trainer said,” For today we will just go out to the firing ranger and practice firing with assault rifles.”

"Sounds like a plan," Blane replied, clearly thrilled about the idea of being able to fire off a few rounds.

Hunter spoke up, "So, we're just going to go to the range, and just randomly shoot?"

The Trainer replied,” Everyone will fire at the targets they can. We will be displaying the final points on the electronic board over there. The scoring system will be head and heart and lung area: 3 points, torso: 2 points, limbs: 1 point.”

"So, let me get this straight," Hunter said with a confused look on his face. "We're just going to pick up some rifles, and shoot? We're not going to group and zero or anything? Just sorta pull the trigger and hope the bullet goes where we aim?"

A competition? Now I really wish I had brought my own gun, Blane thought. He was a decent shooter, though clearly not the best, having had only limited training - which would expand in the future. He had no expectation of winning or even coming in near the top...

"So, let me get this straight," Hunter said with a confused look on his face. "We're just going to pick up some rifles, and shoot? We're not going to group and zero or anything? Just sorta pull the trigger and hope the bullet goes where we aim?"

"Yo, lay off man," Blane said to Hunter, "It is only the first day... they are just trying to gauge what we know and how we learn."

Hunter glanced at Blane. "Yeah, exactly. It is the first day..." Hunter replied, but felt no need in arguing. He looked back at the instructor. "If I can ask, will we be using the same weapons the entirity of the semester?"

The Trainer responded,” Stop asking questions and just pick up a gun. Unless if you want to be a target.”

"Sir I was just wondering what type of gun is this?" Rico picked up the gun and looked at it. He was trying to get a feel of the gun.

The Trainer stated in response,” That is type NW-143assault rifle. It is now a more special force weapon now because of its versatility and accuracy, but it was discontinued in the main military due to its long time of production and new rifles of the same that were more easily manufactured replaced them.”

Getting the feel of the gun Rico wanted to see some other people test the gun before him. He was alittle rusty from using a gun, but he would manage.

Hunter had to get used to everyone calling it a "gun". If you called it a "gun" in Basic with the SCAF, you got lit up like the Fourth of July. It was "weapon" or "rifle" and nothing else. Hunter walked over to the cage and pulled out one of the rifles, put it to his shoulder, and aimed toward the ground. He knew he could hit whatever his target was no matter the situation, but it would take him a few rounds to be able to adjust. They obviously weren't going to group and zero beforehand, which made Hunter doubt the actual professionalism of this military, but nonetheless he went ahead and waited to be waved onto the range.

Alison picked up one of the Assault Rifles and waited to be waved onto the range with the others, adjusting to the feel of the weapon.

"So you put your hand here?" Blane joked as he picked up a rifle, quickly getting the feel for its weight and size.

"May the best man win..." he said as he moved over to the range. "Or woman," he quickly added so as to not upset anyone. For this class, Blane had his eye on Hunter as he had heard him saying at a prior time that he was a good shot.

OOC: Bah... let's just say he gave the green to fire.

As the instructor signalled the okay, Blane raised the rifle to his shoulder so that he was staring down the barrel. He put slight pressure on the trigger as he aimed at the target in the sights.

Pulling the trigger, he fired off a few rounds at the head before moving on to the chest area. Next he took a shot at each arm for good measure and then fired the remaining bullets into the neck/head/upper chest region.

Hunter walked onto the range, and picked up a pair of binoculars from a local table as he walked.

Hunter took a knee and took aim at the target, which he estimated was one hundred meters away. He locked and loaded his first magazine, and put the rifle to his shoulder. He aimed for the chest, center mass, and pulled the trigger. He put the weapon over his knee, as he looked downrange through the binoculars to see where his shot hit.

"Down four and left six..." he mumbled to himself, twisting the sights into place. He pulled the weapon to his shoulder again, aiming down the range once again, and pulled the trigger. Once again, he placed the weapon over his knee and gazed downrange through the binoculars. On target. Hunter put the binoculars down and picked his weapon back up.

Breathe, half way out, fire... he thought to himself as he placed the slight pressure needed to pull the trigger and fire. He continued to place centered shots into the target.

Rico looked at Hunter. He thought Man Hunter knows exactly what he is doing.

Many of the native students were utterly destroying their targets and a few of their targets were already blown in half in multiple place.

Alison crouched down on her knee and thigh, and closed her left eye. She held the rifle up to her shoulder, and fired three shots, each shot striking the target in the head.

Pretty nice shooting by everyone else, Blane thought as he watched Alison popped a few in her target's head. I guess that is what I get for only shooting a couple times a year...

How suttle... he realized sarcastically as he watched a couple of natives blow away their targets.

Rico came up and aimmed for the neck. He pulled the trigger. The bullet went into the shoulder. So this gun is alittle off he thought. Aimming for the neck, but this time a little to the left he pulled the trigger. The bullets ripped threw the neck. After depleting the magizine there was three big holes in the neck. Turning to the left he saw some of the natives put blow apart the target.

Hunter looked around. Students were blowing their targets into shreds. Hunter looked back at his target. There was but one hole, about the size of a quarter, in the square of center-mass on his target. He'd fired forty rounds, all hitting within that quarter. Of course, aside from that first round, which hit way off. Not exactly economical, and don't say too much for their zeroing skills Hunter thought. He was trained to be profiecient, not just to blast away at something.

Blane found a pair of binoculars over to the side and picked them up, bringing them to his eye level. He glanced down the range, examing where his shots had landed. They certainly weren't as good as Alison or Hunter, but better than most, and while they had not all been in the head, they had all been where he aimed them...

Some of the native students were checking their targets and then checked the scoreboard to check their scores. The scoreboard so had quite high scores for nearly all the native students and the foreign students had scores ranging from extremely good to above average.

Alison shook her head. How blasting away at ones target got them a high score was beyond her. Still, she continued firing accurate shots, now poised at the targets chest.

Rico wondered how he did. He went up to the teacher and asked. "So how was my marksmenship? Also who is the best native student here?"

The Instructor responded to Rico,” Well, you did quite well in hitting the targets and were effective in hitting the high point areas. As for the best native students that would be Ragnar of the house of the royal house of the fourth kingdom.”

Rico thanked the instructor and tried to find Ragnar. Then he found him. Rico looked at the target and then back at Ragnar.

"Man you are good. Oh sorry I'm Rico Featherson. You are one of the best marksmen I have ever seen."

Ragnar looked at him sternly and replied,” I gave long trained on my own and in the service of my emperor. You see I have had more time to train during my lifetime than yours, but all of came become greater then what we currently are.”

OOC: Do you mind if I include in this thread the fact the Valgardians (my ruling class of people) live lives that are three to four time longer than those of other humans?

Hunter got up, grabbed his rifle, his magazines, and headed to the range control. He handed in his weapon and magazines, and looked around to see anyone else he knew. Most of the native students were gathered around the scoreboard to see how they had shot. Hunter knew he'd done fine, and wasn't worried about a score, and actually got quite a kick out of the natives. He noticed Blane still shooting, and walked over to his position. Hunter grabbed the binoculars, and stared downrange at Blane's target.

"I have been training since I was about 14. But you are turely the best marksmen I have ever seen. My glad I meet you." Rico put out his hand toward Ragnar.

Ragnar looked at Rico’s hand strangely and said,” I thank you for the compliment, but my people have are trained in the art of war since we are able to speak and walk. As well my province does not use hand gestures when greeting and we are unfamiliar with them.”

OOC: lol, he wasn't still shooting, but what the hay... I will go with it.

IC:

Kneeling on knee, Blane was carefully staring down the sights of his rifle. He made a slight adjustment to them as he focused in on the target down range. Grasping the trigger with a heavy finger, Blane put minimal pressure on it so as not to fire it yet.

Blane took his time on choosing the specified area of the target he intended to hit, before finally settling on the crotch... for laughs. After another moment of waiting, he pulled the trigger twice, adjusting his gun ever so slighty before the second shot when off.

Intending for them to hit about a centimeter apart from each other, he slowly got up and without turning asked Hunter, "Where'd they land?"

"Well," Hunter began, "homebody don't got balls anymore..."

Hunter laughed and extended his hand to help Blane stand up.

"Sorry I hope I can meet you again. So take care of yourself." Rico walked over to watch Blane.

"So how did you do Blane?"