THE RECRUIT

JENTH: CTF

Classified Imperial Base
Training Sim Pad 003
Daro
LST: 15:20:58 // DAY: 14
Taipan

Standing at attention shoulder to shoulder with eight other recruits gives Taipan the feeling of lining up for the first time in Sycorax. Except there was no pep talk before they were marching into the sand pit for their first and— for most— their final time. This lineup rests their helmets on the left side of their hips awaiting instructions.

Commander Sid, the man in charge while the Admiral is away on business, released her from the brig once Tapcaf cleared her vitals. He figured if she had the energy to 'pull that stunt' then she's capable of continuing her squad training on the simulation floor.

The rectangle platform the squad stands on is outlined in yellow and black caution trim. The large room stretches out as far as the Training Simulation Pad reaches. Its purpose is similar to the hypogeum of Sycorax with other platforms lining the floor. Rows of metal droids in black armor plates hang on their hooks waiting to be activated.

Captain Mech stands tall in front of the squad. His hands clasped behind his back, his voice coming from the external audio of his helmet. "Today's objective is to capture the flag."

Taipan can't help a little smile forming. CTF was a regular game in Sycorax. She was rather good at it too.

"You will be split into two groups each lead by Squad Sergeant and Squad Specialist." His Blue visor nods at the two leaders. "You will work as a cohesive team to retrieve Red Team's flag while simultaneously retaining possession of your own. If your flag is taken before you can bring Red Flag to base you will need to regain possession to earn the point."

Taipan can't see through the blue glow of his visor but she feels Mech's eyes on her as he says, "And please, for the sake of sanity this is a training exercise. Do not kill, maim, or severely injure the opposing team."

Taipan frowns a bit confused. In Sycorax, you had to, it was mandatory, to kill the other team to get the flag, and even then, taking possession of the piece of cloth didn't guarantee success. Curators could unleash a beast at the last moment with a wave of their hand. From trapdoors, the animals would leap starving for anything in their path.

"You must be in possession of both Blue and Red Flags in order to win the match. Any questions?"

"Is there a time limit, sir?" Says Taipan wishing she could just do this alone. She never had a squad to help her take down the beasts of Sycorax nor was CTF a group effort. It was always every man for himself. But Mentor and Uncle Mando had taught her some lessons in the art of war. 'Flank 'em and spank 'em.' Is what he used to say.

"There is not, Squad Specialist," says Mech. His blue-lit visor moving on down the line. "Even if there is one member of Blue Team left standing and you manage to get the flags to base, Blue Team will win."

"What if Red Team downs all of us, sir?" Says Blue Three. "Is that an automatic win?"

Mech shakes his head. "Red Team would still need to have both Red and Blue Flags in order to win. Although, if you all manage to get yourselves wasted you're practically serving Red Team your flag on a chrome plater."

Taipan adjusts her grip on her helmet itching for the fight. The silence and lack of a roaring crowd twist her stomach into a knot. Her heartbeats pulse against her chest plate.

"Alright," Mech says clasping his hands behind his back, a pose that Taipan has come to know as parade rest, "Blue Team Leaders, sound off."

"Squad Sergeant Blue Null," says a trooper on her right.