A Soldier In Sky

Chapter Two

 ANTARES
 

Sinundan namin ang heneral papunta sa isang malaking amphitheater, pumasok na kami sa centro ng estatsyon, at sumakay sa lift, may 15 floors ang center, ang unang limang floor ay mga hanger, ang floor 6 hangang floor 10 ay para sa gym, floor 11-12 ay ang mess hall, may dalawang floor ang amphitheater na umukopa sa dalawang sunod na floor, ang simulater deck naman ang nasa floor 14, at ang mga garden ang nasa top floor.

We took a couple of trips in the lift due to the size of of our group. Pagdating namin sa amphitheater, sinenyasan kaming umupo sa lugar kung saan kami pinaupo ng Heneral.

Agad naman siyang pumunta sa stage, nilibot ko naman ng tingin ang lugar, libo-libo ang narito. Parang naging isang malaking picture ang mga tao sa stadium, kapag tinignan mo ito sa malayo, naalala ko ang isa sa mga picture ng Earth sa nakita ko.

"It looks like they are reminding us," sabi nung lalaki sa kanan ko, "many recruits are from all parts of the world, these colors are a reminder that we all share the same planet, I'm Nick", sabi niya habang inaalok ang kamay niya para makipagkamay

"Jhon Rigel", sabi ko.

Pinatahimik ang mga tao sa paligid. Tumingin ako sa stage at nakita ko si Heneral.

'Mukhang mas importante ka pala kaysa sa inaasahan ko, Heneral...'

"Welcome recruits, I am General Santiago, I am entrusted by the Council to oversee your training, this is definitely not a vacation, and you will not be treated as tourist. Each of you had been choosen through several test and trainings that allowed you to reach this point."

"This serious business. I really hope that you give this calling the seriousness and respect it deserves." Nagsimula na ang speach ng Heneral.

"The very first topic that I would like to discuss is the most important, so listen carefully because, harsh punishment will be given for the one's who will break this rule, you may notice that the barracks are co-ed, for primitive terms, there are no separate quarters for those who are in opposite sex, any violation of privacy will be dealt swiftly and harshly, any sexual harrasment and sexual misconduct will not be tolerated and those who are  proven guilty that broke this role will immediately dismissed and sent back to their homes, dishonorably", tumigas ang mukha ng heneral matapos sabihin ang huling salita.

"The next topic I want to disscus is security, all the things that you'll learn here is highly classified, this means that we will be screening evereything coming in and going out of this station. The safety of our fleets are far more important than trying to keep your privacy. I know that this considered as an offence, but this is what you've signed up for, we are only doing this for the safety of our fleets."

"Physical security is another concern, I myself, will not tolerate any kinds of violence like bullying, hazing or any acts that are meant to demean, harm or cause shame. Understanding and patience are required by all."

"And now let's talk about your training, the first two months are spent in familiarizing the the different ships that consists the fleets. After that you will receive your assignments, this will determine your future position in this division."

"Please remember, somebody assigned as a fighter pilot or a battle ship commander does not make them better than an engineer or any of our thousands of support personnel. We are choosing not in prestigue but for aptitude."

"After your assignments had been given, you will be rehouse with the cadets that has the same assignment of yours to make the training easier. At the end of the second phase you will receive your final orders, this will give all the details of what fleet you are part and your future position in that specific fleet. The last four  months will be spent to train you on your day to day tasks, we are also be recieving our ships in this final phase of training."