Somnium Online

Commander Anne

Eric was hot. The sun beat down on the neat rows of brand new soldiers. They stood at ease, waiting for their orders. Their white uniforms and blue coats seemed out of place against the hard-packed dirt of the parade grounds.

Anne stood atop a hastily constructed wooden podium, pacing back and forth.

"Attention Soldiers." Anne barked. The line of stone-faced uniformed teenagers snapped to attention.

"For those of you who somehow remained blissfully unaware, our kingdom is once again being threatened.

Beings of uncertain origin known as players are appearing the streets of our very own capital. They possess no special abilities, and no particular discerning traits except that they regenerate after being killed, and are generally hostile.

They have no regard for our laws, or our people, and are sometimes violent. To help contain and regulate this threat the crown has ordered new to form a task force to deal with this new threat.

And they've given me you soldiers to do it."

There were murmurs, and whispers of nervous excitement. Anne glared them into silence.

"There are currently 51 of you. 25 mages, and 25 knights. You will each be divided into five squadrons of ten each. Now, normally you would be placed in groups depending on your social rank, and your ability levels."

Anne surveyed the recruits.

"That's not how I operate. You'll be placed into groups at random. Each group will have both knights and mages, and they'll each be led by soldiers that I choose personally.

Your groups have already been determined, and you won't be permitted to change them. Anyone with a complaint can go talk it up with me."

Her expression almost dared them to. With that, she began calling out names, slowly splitting the mass of trainees into ten groups of five.

"Alright, now, lastly I'm appointing Eric as my vice-commander. Anyone with a complaint can duel him later, but be warned, I won't be handicapping him like you're used to."

Anne gestured for Eric to stand next to her. He complied, remaining at attention.

Anne turned back to the assembled soldiers.

"Your units will be referred to as A, B, C, D, E, and so on.. My vice-commander will personally supervise company E. I will be taking command of company A. Dianna Tempus will be commanding company B. And company C will go to Owen Griffith." Anne proceeded to assign leaders to the remaining units.

Eric recognized Owen from combat training. He was actually a decent fighter, but he was a master tactician and the obvious choice for leadership. He had a sort of class president vibe.

Anne took a deep breath.

"Now that that's out if the way, welcome to the Player Containment Force. I know most of you are new recruits, and if it were up to me, none of you would be anywhere near the front lines, but you're all thing kingdom's got right now.

Each unit will be given a sector of the city. Your job is to patrol it regularly and keep disturbances to a minimum, handling any situations with force if necessary.

Housing will be provided for you, and the government has allotted money for your expenses. You are expected to make do with what you're given, and do your best to keep the city safe."

Anne surveyed the soldiers again. She shook her head in disgust. Most of them were barely qualified to swing a sword. They were cannon fodder, none of them would last a day on the battlefield. This is what she had to work with?