Chapter 5
Squad 16 sat in the debriefing room looking at a plan view of the simulation, their positions in green pointers and the enemy in red. A Tactical analysis officer was giving the debriefing.
�...Textbook deployment and ground formation. You are covering each other as well as yourselves. Swift progress towards the enemy. But, you failed to properly engage the MAW N-types that the enemy had, resulting in a catastrophic failure in the reactor which caused it to go critical, resulting in the explosion, which wiped out he enemy and the squad.�
Private Anderson was looking rather sheepish at this last remark.
�The proper way to deal with N-types...� The screen changed behind him to a 3D model of the N-type, �...is to preferably aim here...�
Pointers appeared over the arms and legs of the model,
�... These points can be used on any MAW and is the safest way to take out a MAW by destroying its movement and offensive capabilities. Of course this is not always possible given combat circumstances; therefore try to aim for the Central Command System, or CCS. When destroyed, a safety system on the reactor will be triggered and it will safely shutdown. The CCS can be found here...�
A pointer appeared over the chest area of the MAW.
�...Notes on MAW engagement are available on the server for any individuals still unsure of proper procedure. Just log on to any data terminal and search for MAW engagement. That�s all for today. Next simulation will be tomorrow at 1015 hours. My suggestion, get some sleep tonight; you have been training a lot recently. Study the notes and get some sleep and we�ll see if you are better tomorrow. Dismissed.�
It was true, they had done a lot of training Sims recently and being on alert quite often meant sleep was scarce and, although they didn�t show it, they were highly strung, and it was getting harder and harder to hold it in.
Squad 16 left the debriefing room; some went towards the Rec centre, while others left for their bunks. Jason headed straight for his quarters. Privates still had to share rooms with several bunks in each room. Sergeant rank upwards meant you could have your own quarters. You didn�t get much personal space, only a little more than if you were in the bunk rooms, but it was private and quiet. When Jason entered his quarters he didn�t put the light on. Instead he went to the window. He was one of the ones that got a room with a view. It was a bit of a mixed blessing in that you had scenery, but there was only one wall protecting you from the cold harshness of space. He put his arm on the window and rested his head on his arm. He stared out into space, not thinking, just staring. He stood there for several minutes before the door intercom chirped.
�It�s open,� Jason said so the intercom could pick up his voice and transmit it outside the airtight door.
The door opened and Sergeant Madison stood there.
�Just came to see if you were alright Sir,� She said.
�I�m fine. Why?�
�Well you did try to bite the head off of that private earlier�
�Oh yeah,� Jason thought. His anger had gotten the better of him.
Jason thought about it a few moments longer before saying, �I�m just a little tired. We all are.�
Madison nodded and went to leave.
�Oh Sergeant,� Jason said. Rose half turned to see him. �Thanks for the assist earlier.�
She gave a small smile and left the room. Jason went up, locked the door and sat on his bed and looked around his room illuminated by the outside star fields. It was 8ft by 6ft. It had a bed and desk taking up a lot of the floor space. A wardrobe and computer console were sunk into the wall. The desk was clear except for a few bits of paper, pens and a lamp. Even though that digitization had already come into effect a long time ago, Jason still liked to do some things on pen and paper. Mainly that someone couldn�t hack into a piece of paper on someone�s desk, several million miles away from anywhere.
He rubbed his temples and went over to the computer display and started tapping on the keyboard. When he was done he pressed the send command. A PA system came to life.
�This is a page to all members of squad 16. Training simulation briefing will begin at 0915 hours sharp. All members are required to attend. Alarm clocks set to 0800 hours� The computerised PA announced. The message would also be sent at an e-mail to all the accounts and alarm clocks were automatically set.
Jason put the screen into sleep mode. He walked over to the wardrobe and pressed the button to open it. He took of his clothes and neatly folded them into the wash section of the wardrobe; they would be automatically taken and returned washed later. He put on a clean pair of underpants and went over to his bed. He slowly climbed in and rested his head against the pillow, pulled up the covers, and closed his eyes. Within 30 seconds he was asleep.