Tales from the Coalition

[mtjsmith]

The wait was over for the latest four muppets to find out which ones had managed to pass the written exam. Xu didn't enjoy this bit. Equations, variables and statistics were brought into this part of recruitment. A never ending matrix of data to determine who was good enough, and who wasn't. He was passed a sheet of paper from the Invigilator.

"Junior-Lieutenant Masha Biach. Report to Hangar bay two and prepare yourself for the rigours of Coalition life. I expect you to be well versed with the Partisan Interceptor."

The recruit stood up and left the room promptly. He waited for her to leave and move out of earshot of the test room.

"Junior-Lieutenant James Blackburn. Report to Hangar bay one for assignment to Colonel Rhade's wing. He will direct you further."

Again, the recruit moved quickly out the room, daring not to look the Commandant in the eye.

"Junior-Lieutenant Vladimir Orlov. Report to Hangar bay two, you lucky soul will be fly with me. May whatever mythical God help you. Move."

As the recruit moved out, the Commandant closed the door behind him and moved towards Recruit Canis Domrey. Waiting several seconds to ensure the recruits were out of ear shot, the Commandant spoke slowly and deliberately.

"We have a dilemma recruit. You showed you could only answer half the paper. Which shows you only have half a brain. Since that half is the bit we're interested in, we can dispense with the rest of you."

He grabbed the recruit by the head with both hands before he had a chance to move. With a swift and deadly movement, Xu's left hand snapped right, and his right hand left. The recruits neck cracked with a satisfying bang and as he let go, the recruits head thudded limply on the table. He summoned the two guards by the door.

"Send this one for medical processing. See if half his brain is of any use in a combat simulator program or something."

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