Variant: The Inception

Consecraverant.

Two weeks have passed since the combat assessment. The list for the new twenty top ranking cadets is out. Although there isn't much difference to it; Mark replaces Seun as the new top recruit, with Seun taking his place as second. Also, there are three new names on the list. 

A few days before the announced date of the surgery, the cadets are gathered in a up hall. They are seated facing a large whiteboard. Some officials are present, the usual attendees; Mr Yohanne, the commander of the base, his assistant, and a few others. They are seated backing the whiteboard and facing the recruits. The hall in itself is not so large although it is able to contain them all with enough room to spare. It is painted white and blue. It is adorned with grey drapes and is also air-conditioned.

Mr Yohanne walks towards the whiteboard which is placed directly in the middle of the hall on the wall facing the recruits. He clears his throat and speaks, "morning recruits. A total of twenty five of you will not be undergoing the procedure. This doesn't mean you can't help in the fight against the vampires. There are other areas your skills can be useful. You can join the trainers school so you can train new recruits. You could also join the weapons development department, where you can help develop or create new weapons to aid in our fight against these bloodsuckers. There's also the research department which is responsible for the procedure. And also, there's the base security department responsible for maintaining the security of the base against external and internal threats. Take your time and pick a department most favorable to you. Furthermore, you will be compensated for your time in training. Visit the human-resources department to collect your three years worth of pay." He opens a blue envelope and brings out a bunch of papers. He further continues, "when I call your name, walk to me." He calls some names one after the other and the recruits answering to those names walk up to him and collect a folded paper. He adds on, "take this to the human resource department when you're ready." Some of those who were scraped from the program are looking bitter and dismal. He pays them no mind. There's one more paper in his hand. He looks at it with disdain and then looks towards the officials. The commander's assistant motions for him to bring it to him. He in turn takes Yohanne's place in front of the recruits. He is a lean smallish man with a serious but not cruel look on his face. He is looking morbid.

He clears his throat and speaks up, "Donny McFarlane". Donny is shocked as he is motioned to the come. "After much investigation, it has been confirmed that you are responsible for the actions of your team in the last assessment test. You cajoled them into submitting to your selfish desires, resulting in them using live ammo and real weapons which could have caused serious harm to others or themselves. You also used my name to get a micro console connected to a recruit's GPS band. As a result, you have been kicked out of the program, and won't be accepted into any of the other departments related in anyway to combat. Furthermore, your pay for the last three years has been halved." He whispers into Donny's ears "son you've disappointed me. And you certainly can't blame this reckless behavior on your mother's death." He hands Donny the paper angrily. Donny takes it hesitatingly and walks away with a defeated look in his eyes. Donny's father walks back to his seat. Mr Yohanne gets up to meet him, and puts his hands on his shoulder in an effort to console him. Henry McFarlane simply nods at Yohanne, and heads back to his seat.

Mr Yohanne walks back to the whiteboard with a marker in hand and starts writing on it. It reads:

Hanchou-> Oberleutnant -> Kornet-> Officer Cadet.

He turns and faces the cadets. "After your surgery, you're going to be divided into twenty buntai  which is 'squad' in Japanese. The top twenty cadets are going to be leading each squad. They will be ranked as captains, but will be called hanchous, which is also Japanese for squad leader. The second highest ranking recruit in every squad is the oberleutnant, which is German for First Lieutenant. Furthermore, the third highest ranking recruit in every squad will take the position of second lieutenant as the kornet. It is Russian" he says, pointing at the word on the board. "The rest of the squad members will have the rank of officer cadet", he adds." In order for an organisation or body to function and flourish, there is a need for a chain of command. In that note I would like to point out that the top ranking cadet will have the rank of Major, to which all the other captains report to, hence making it a battalion. Having said that, I wish you all success in your surgeries. The next time I gather you here, you will be commissioned officers, so I'd like to congratulate you all in advance. Dismissed!"