Chapter 6
The time was 1045 hours and the simulation was well underway. Squad 16 showed a greater degree of skill during this than others, the rest had done them good. With great precision they were closing in on the objective, this time a MAW manufacturing plant. They had already gone past the outer defences and were on the grounds of the plant, which was no easy task, even for the best pilot. It was going just like in the briefing.
In the briefing they decided on a lightning approach, to cause mayhem and confusion for the enemy, and right now, the AI processors for the enemy were going into overtime for the fear subroutine. The AIs were designed to try and best replicate human behaviour, including varying degrees or moral and focus. At the moment, most were panicking, and panicking soldiers are not as effective in combat as calm and collected soldiers.
It was bedlam.
They had gone with smoke launchers than the shoulder missiles. The enemy would think that they were fighting ghosts. And that�s precisely what was happening. The enemy was firing wildly in a attempt to hit something, mostly their own men.
The commander looked on.
It was a rare tactic to use and not very versatile. If the enemy was given a chance to regroup then chances of success was greatly cut.
Jason was in the zone. It took less than a second after seeing the enemy before they were taken out. They never stayed in the same spot for more than 2 seconds.
When he had reached the main building the smoke had started to clear. He stayed on his guard for more enemies, but there were none to be seen.
Jason scowled. They couldn�t all be dead, could they?
Voices came over the intercom.
�Alpha here. Sector 3 secured.�
�Bravo here. Sector 2 secured.�
�Delta here. Sector 4 secured.�
Jason looked around more. Nothing.
�Gamma here. Sector 1 secured. Stay on your toes.�
He brought up the console and put in the command for the orbital communication.
�Command, we have secured the objective. Please advise.�
The commander looked at the screen in somewhat disbelief. The entire enemy force was either incapacitated or destroyed. The original idea for the mission was to destroy it, although capture was a possibility, but due to the enemy numbers, was a lot harder to do.
He pressed the intercom button.
�Roger that, squad 16. We are reading no enemy activity. Hold the position while we send down a task force to capture the objective.�
�Confirmed command,� Jason replied. He switched the channels. �All troops hold defensive positions, we are capturing the building.�
Within 10 minutes the silhouette of 5 drop ships was visible in the sky.
�Phoenix 1 on final approach.� The pilot�s voice said over the intercom. �Squad 16, after squads 39 to 41 are deployed, you are to board drop ship 4.�
�Roger that, Phoenix 1.� Jason replied, and after the holding force had been deployed, they boarder the drop ship.
A message came up on the screen.
Mission successful
All enemy units neutralized
0% loss rate
Simulation terminated
The screen died and the pods opened.
Squad 16 stepped out of the pods in high spirits, and why not. The destruction of the objective was hard enough, but to capture the objective... it was practically unheard of. The privates were celebrating with each other. The commander�s voice came over the intercom.
�Well done squad 16, excellent work. Get changed and report for debrief. Lieutenant Lawson, please report to me. Thank you.�
�What does he want?� Jason thought. He noticed a man in a suit in the observation room. Jason was starting to become concerned. He made his way to the observation room.
When he entered the commander and the man were huddled over a screen. The commander turned around fully while the man just turned his head before turning around.
�Ah, Lawson. Great job there. Feeling any better?�
�Yes Sir� replied Jason.
�Good to hear. I would like to introduce you to someone. This is Dr M. Biggington.
A chill went down his spine. Dr? Had he really gotten a shrink to evaluate him?
�He is the chief administrator from the R&D department.�
Jason just felt himself relax at that. He wasn�t a shrink after all. He extended his hand.
�It�s a pleasure to meet you.�
�Likewise,� replied Biggington. �I saw your performance. I must say, I�m impressed.�
�Thank you sir.�
�Now,� the commander said. �Dr Biggington has been analysing the data from hundreds of pilots. It seems you were chosen for a special project.�
Jason had a puzzled look on his face.
�Allow me to explain,� Biggington said. �We have been developing a new type of MAW. Our test pilots have already tested them, but we wish to see how actual soldiers handle them and any feedback will be greatly appreciative, because, well, it is you guys that use it at the end of the day. We want you to test pilot it�
Jason was taken by surprise.
�This is of course classified for the time being and must not be relayed to anyone outside the project. Will you accept the invitation? It will only be a few training courses, no actual combat. And it will not interfere with your duties. It has been approved with the commander.�
Jason was nearly speechless. Here he was in a position to test pilot a new MAW.
�Thank you sir. I accept� he managed to say.
�Splendid, splendid. The first test will begin after the debrief.� Biggington said. �Report to cargo bay 15 after the debrief. Dismissed.�
Jason sharply saluted and left the room.
�Like a kid in a candy store.� Biggington said smiling.
The commander just nodded, smiling as well.