Chapter 7 • Cartania
The steamcarriage was slightly larger than the wagon on Talin’s farm, and though similar in it’s basic concept, much different in many ways. By pushing on an etched panel on a door in the rear which hinged at the top, it opened upwards on a hydraulic arm, to a nook with a rack for stowing their gear. On the side of the vehicle were a set of doors that also opened up in a similar fashion to a clean, but sparsely outfitted compartment inside. A row of six thinly padded metal seats were on either side facing each other, and another single seat in front which faced forward for the driver. They each entered and took a seat, Aila and Talin on one side, Nayu Narshadda on the other. Segg Yo-Shay climbed into the driver’s seat and started the motor by simply depressing a button on the somewhat “We’ll be arriving at the Reception Terminal promptly.” Conveyed Lt. Vo Shay
“When we do,” advised Lt. Narshadda, “Grab your gear and make your way to the outer edge of the Emblem of the Alliance in the center of the courtyard. Do not step into the Emblem until instructed to do so. This also is very important, Do not walk nor stand on the heart of the Emblem, at any time. It is considered exceedingly bad form, particularly when one is within in the Citadel itself, and considered by many to convey extreme misfortune and disaster. Place your gear beside you, stand at attention as best you can, and quietly wait there, facing forward to the main entrance. Chief Master Advisor Sansia likes to make it a practice of hers to welcome all new recruiting cadets.”
“From here on in, it’s going to be a tough few weeks, until you get used to the regiment and discipline.” Cautioned Vo-Shay, “ But, we’re here to help insure that it’s as trouble free as possible and extend to you what guidance we have to offer.”
“Give the Chief Master your undivided attention and remain standing until she has departed. “Nayu proceeded with the instructions. “After that, we will proceed inside along the blue line, refraining from talking unless directly spoken to. Once inside the line will divide into three colors. Aila, you have been pre-approved we will follow the orange line, and Talin, Lieutenant Vo Shay and yourself will follow the yellow line. After processing is complete, you will be able to catch up with each other at mealtime.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a question?” inquired Talin.
“That’s what we’re here for.” Answered Vo-Shay assuredly.
“The difference between Aila and I, about her being pre-qualified and my not being. What if I’m not qualified or if I’m unapproved.? What happens then?”
“It won’t happen,” responded Narshadda, “The qualification procedure is not as restrictive as it sounds. It’s merely a necessary formality of sorts and only helps to determine your strengths and weaknesses in order to appoint which assignment of duty you may best be suited to serve. Everyone has a skill to contribute, no matter how grand or how modest it may be and oftentimes the talent is deeply hidden. Each of us possess value and worth and have something to offer another. No one has ever been unapproved to join the Coalition and it is everyone’s right to choose to do so.”
The steamcarriage rounded a corner and pulled to a stop in front of a pair of columns bearing the Emblem of the Alliance, which stood to either end and in front of a semi circular courtyard. The doors of the carriage opened with a soft hiss and they exited the vehicle. The Academy and adjoining Reception and Processing Terminal were located near the center of the Citadel, and all around towers of glass and metal reaching upwards dominated the view of the sky and blocking out a majority of the late afternoon sun. The city looked unnaturally dark considering the time of day, illuminated primarily by means of artificial light emanating from bulbs and tubes placed throughout the Citadel. They glowed a bright white, making the surroundings look shiny and clean. Polished surfaces everything had a rather unusual, dreamlike feel to it.
Talin and Aila retrieved their belongings and went to the center of the courtyard, which bore a huge Emblem of the Alliance set into stonework.
A blue line began at the outer center of the Emblem and led up a broad set of low steps and into a large arched set of double doors. Surrounding the courtyard on both sides were high, curved walls with water spouts towards the top creating a cascade of bright blue liquid which emptied into two ground level pools at their bases. Talin and Aila stood at attention at the outside edge of the emblem, while the two Advisors stepped just within it. Without delay, the doors opened and three figures emerged from within. A man and woman dressed in uniforms slightly different than those of Lieutenants Narshadda and Vo-Shay were on either side of a much older woman wearing a long, cream colored robe with a short lavender cape. She walked slowly and with a mild stoop, but still retained “Welcome to the Academy of the Allied Coalition, cadets of the Realm. I am Master Advisor Sansia.” She stated with an authority that belied her frail appearance. “You have elected to contribute a term of commission in the service of the unified domain. Upon completion of your fundamental instruction, you will be granted full citizenship and entitled to all rights and privileges afforded as such.” She looked at Aila, “Lieutenant Narshadda, you have presented a cadet for initiation to the Alliance, do you confirm?”
“I do, Master Advisor.” Nayu replied.
“State your name, cadet.” requested Master Sansia.
“Aila Anak.”
“Lieutenant Vo-Shay, you have presented a cadet for initiation to the Alliance, do you confirm?”
“I do, Master Advisor.”
Sansia looked directly at Talin, examining his face, “State your name, cadet.”
“Talin Gables.”
“Aila Anak, Talin Gables, your names and faces shall remain forever known to me. Do you, of your own free will, confirm your desire to join and serve faithfully and with honor the Allied Coalition?”
They both affirmed simultaneously. “I do.”
“Then please step forward into the Emblem of the Alliance and join us by standing beside your designated Advisors.”
The pair stepped into the Emblem and Master Advisor Sansia gave a nod of her head and without another word, turned, went back up the steps and disappeared inside as abruptly as she had appeared. When she had gone, Talin and Aila grabbed their gear and the four of them followed the blue line in single file up the steps and through the entrance way. The interior of the Reception and Processing Terminal was lit by the same type of tube lighting as outside, and was very straightforward and unadorned with a cold, sterile look and feel to it. The blue line continued to the center of the spacious, but empty main hall, where it then split off into yellow, green and red lines that led down three different corridors. No words were exchanged, only brisk, apprehensive glances between “All, right Talin, this is the first and most important step towards completing your processing. The Coalition wants to be able to utilize your abilities where they would serve the best purpose for all concerned. This is not to say, that you have no choice in determining your assignment. Quite on the contrary. Studies have shown that one achieves optimum results when they are in a field of their preference, so we are inclined to try and place you where you would feel most suited. Of course, your skill and aptitude assessment are the factors which initially place you for training. So I’ll begin by asking you where you might perhaps desire to serve. Here’s a list of the basic branches and divisions available at cadet level. As you can see, there’s a wide selection to choose from, so take a look “I don’t know much about ranches, we grew jackberries on our farm, and I’m pretty sure the Ministry of Agriculture is what my family had in mind, either that or my father was in the Ministry of Engineering as a boiler mechanic, but...”
“But what, Talin? As admirable as it is, forget about what your family would choose for you. What duty would you really want to do?”
“I want to join the Air Corp.”
“The Air Corp? Whoa! That’s a mighty big bite to take. Are you sure you want the Air Corp? It’s the toughest assignment in the Alliance. I’ve seen guys bigger and stronger than yourself break like dry twigs under the training alone. Sure, you’ll get plenty of fresh air and wide open spaces, but you must realize what a monumental task you would have ahead of you. Are you sure you don’t just want to take a moment and look over the list?”
“I’m sure, sir. I made up my mind before I got here, that if I could, I would apply for the Air Corp.”
“Well then, I’m not here to talk you in or out of anything, I’m just here to advise you and give you some guidance. I don’t mean to turn you away from it, but that’s some really difficult physical training and comfort is not exactly what the Air Corp is known for, not to mention the increased position of harm you’d be placing yourself in.”
“With all due respect, sir, I was raised and worked on a farm in the Green Belt region my whole life, not in some city or town, and I’m quite used to physical labor. My aunt used to say something like ‘Comfort is an acquired luxury that one gets accustomed to.’ I imagine comfort won’t be much of an issue.”
“If you have your sights set on the Air Corp, and it certainly sounds like you do, then let’s get started with the assessment and see if we can get you accepted in.”
The first section of tests involved basic knowledge of mathematics, language, history, applied sciences and rational thinking. Next Talin was asked a series of questions distinctive to the military and in particular, Air Corp assessment, pertaining to specific experience and information regarding airship knowledge, operations and associated skills. He was glad of the time that Captain Anak, his crew and even Aila had spent helping him to prepare during their voyage to Cartania, as much of what he learned related directly to exam. When they had finally finished with the assessment, they left the cubicle and Vo-Shay gave the test sheets to the woman in the office to be evaluated.
They exited the office and continued to the next phase of processing. The door was marked “Fitting and Effects Audit”. Once they entered the room, a senior officer standing behind a narrow desk instructed Talin to set his footlocker beside a low table in the middle of the room and disrobe to his under garments. The officer took out a long ribbon with markings on it and measured Talin for his cadet uniform, jotting down a few notes on a writing pad. He handed the sheet of paper to Lieutenant Vo-Shay who glanced at it and put it into a leather satchel he had under his arm. The officer then asked Talin to open his trunk and remove all of the items and lay them out on the table. Items of clothing were put into a lightweight metal container and marked with Talin’s name and a specified “An old combo-tool,” he commented, “don’t see many of these around anymore. It’s a nice one, too. Would you be interested in selling it?”
“No, sir,” Talin answered resolutely, “My father gave it to me and I doubt that he would want me to part with it. I’m sorry,sir.”
“Well, unfortunately cadet, you’re going to have to part with it, for the time anyway. No contraband or prohibited items, such as unauthorized weapons, are allowed beyond this point. This combo-tool could be conceivably used as a weapon, and we can’t allow that during your duration of fundamental education. Upon commencement of your initiation, all items will be returned to you, including this.”
Talin thought to himself that even the pen the officer held in his hand ‘could be conceivably used as a weapon’, but knew better than to argue or pursue the point. He was only allowed to keep his grandfather’s book which was put into an official duffle bag that the officer issued him. Everything else he had brought along was to be placed into safe keeping until his graduation from the Academy.
Next Lieutenant Vo-Shay accompanied out to a short hallway that led to the “Health Examination and Fitness Evaluation” room. The room was chilly, made even more so by the fact that Talin had very little on at present, and was full with an assortment of various medical instruments and equipment. Another man wearing a uniform identical to Vo-Shay stood just inside of the door and upon entering, he and Segg exchanged short salutes. A middle-aged woman in a physician’s smock and two comparably attired attendants were gathered around an examination table in the center of the room, just completing their final review on another cadet about Talin’s age. He had long, curly hair that was dark green in color, light olive skin and a short, somewhat slim build. Rising to a sitting position “Thank you, Yark.” The Physician said, scribbling data on a diagnostic chart and handing it to one of the attendants, who put it into his individual records dossier and delivered it back to the cadet’s Advisor. “Thank you, Lieutenant Ocarrez. You may proceed.”
The two of them exited out of another door at the far end of the room and
the Physician turned to Vo-Shay, who gave her Talin’s dossier. She looked it over with a cursory scan and asked Talin to remove his under garments. He had not been completely unclad in front of a woman since the time he fell sick with a very high fever and his aunt put him in a tub full of ice chips from the chill house. The only other times were when he was young infant, running wild and free about the farm. He felt quite uncomfortable and extremely self conscious about disrobing in front of a strange woman, but having little say in the matter, he did as she requested and tried to avert his eyes towards the ceiling as he stood while she conducted her initial examination. The Physician took a temperature reading on a thermomatic meter, checked his pulse and heart rate, his muscle The ensuing door was inscribed as the“Uniform Dispensary”. It was much warmer inside than the previous room. They entered and Lieutenant Advisor Vo-Shay withdrew from Talin’s dossier the sheet of measurements taken in the first room and presented it to a stout man sitting behind a glassed off counter. The man looked carefully at the sheet , mumbled to himself and disappeared into a back area for a few brief moments. He returned with another younger man, both with bulky bundles held out in their arms which they set down on their side of counter. The portly man began reading off a checklist of accoutrements as the other one distributed the corresponding item to Talin’s side of the counter.
“Issued to Talin Gables, cadet of the Realm, two pair of fatigues, two unadorned tunics, one pair of dress trousers, one dress tunic, one pair of soft, low boots, one pair of high dress boots, two pair of work out shorts, four pair of undershorts, four pair of stockings, one pair of work gloves, one pair of parade gloves, one belt, one overcoat, one dress jacket and lastly one cadet’s cap. You are also supplied by the Alliance with an allowance of fifty Coalition credits for miscellaneous expenses you may dictate or incur during your initial deferment. Supplemental equipment for your assigned duty will be subsequently issued as deemed necessary by your immediate superiors.” He took a labored breath and a thin bead of sweat dripped from the tip of his nose. “In addition, you are issued “Not that I can think of, Sagretta. Talin, go ahead and get yourself suited up. Don’t bother with the dress attire, the next round doesn’t officially begin until after tomorrow, so tonight will be the usual casual dress. I’ll explain it all to you later at mealtime. Stow the rest of it neatly in your duffle.” He turned back to the man behined the counter and joked, “You know, Sagretta, you really should listen those words you have written down there, and take your own advice about personal health and all. You look like you could use a stretch of leave the way your huffing and sweating like that. Why don’t you take a moment and go have Doc Preena give you the once over-twice.”
“You’re a genuine jester, Vo-Shay. A veritable comic, never one to be at a loss for amusingly droll banter.You were assigned the wrong duty, Segg. With your sharp wit, you ought to be entertaining the High Counsel at flashy, official functions. It’s neophyte officers like yourself that give me cause for such affliction.” The young man next to him tried his best to refrain from chuckling. “You have something to add, Ellsbek? Out with it, then!”
“No, sir, nothing to add.”
“Then go find something to busy yourself with, other than standing around acting like a buffoon. You’re as cocky as this joker!.”
The young assistant Ellsbeck shrugged his shoulders and retreated into the back storage room with a muted snicker. Sagretta then craned his neck and brayed across the counter, “Carry on, Vo-Shay, I mean Lieutenant Advisor Vo-Shay, sir. Have a ‘superior’ evening.”
After Talin and Vo-Shay had exited from the Dispensary, they turned a corner and strolled down a long hallway, it’s walls inscribed with row upon row containing the names of Coalition members killed or lost in the line of service. Talin was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of those listed and preferred to get his mind off of the inherent dangers and onto something possibly less disquieting for the moment. He asked Vo-Shay what Sagretta had meant by the term “neophyte”, never having heard the word used before.
“He means a young novice, a beginner, a newcomer, a rookie, a greenhorn, an upstart in his opinion. Sagretta was once a fairly respected officer of moderately high status, on a solid path to the upper ranks. But he was afflicted with an penchant for beverages of a highly fermented nature, if you grasp my meaning, that oftentimes rendered him quite erratic and impulsive.
One night, at an elegant Officer’s Cotillion, he over gratified his thirst, shall we say. It’s never really been determined what actually started it, but he was engaged in a lively and spirited debate with an officer much younger than himself, but nearly equal in terms of rank. Due to the rather ample quantities of libation he had consumed, the spirited debate soon turned to a heated argument and before you know it fists were flying all about and then Sagretta, in a fit of blind, intoxicated rage, reached for his dress saber. Some of his officers were barely able to hold him back and prevent him from running that young officer through like a skewered pieced of meat. Included in attendance were all of the members of the High Counsel and invited dignitaries. Sagretta was politely, but forcefully The tiny room was nothing more than a waiting area with two chairs and a man in a cramped booth. Vo-Shay stated Talin’s name and the man sorted through a short stack of paperwork until he found the outcome of the assessment. The man looked at the results and then raised and eyebrow and looked at Talin. Without a word, he handed the findings to the advisor. Vo Shay scanned the sheet and smiled.
“Well, cadet Gables, It looks like you’re going into the Air Corp.”
“When we do,” advised Lt. Narshadda, “Grab your gear and make your way to the outer edge of the Emblem of the Alliance in the center of the courtyard. Do not step into the Emblem until instructed to do so. This also is very important, Do not walk nor stand on the heart of the Emblem, at any time. It is considered exceedingly bad form, particularly when one is within in the Citadel itself, and considered by many to convey extreme misfortune and disaster. Place your gear beside you, stand at attention as best you can, and quietly wait there, facing forward to the main entrance. Chief Master Advisor Sansia likes to make it a practice of hers to welcome all new recruiting cadets.”
“From here on in, it’s going to be a tough few weeks, until you get used to the regiment and discipline.” Cautioned Vo-Shay, “ But, we’re here to help insure that it’s as trouble free as possible and extend to you what guidance we have to offer.”
“Give the Chief Master your undivided attention and remain standing until she has departed. “Nayu proceeded with the instructions. “After that, we will proceed inside along the blue line, refraining from talking unless directly spoken to. Once inside the line will divide into three colors. Aila, you have been pre-approved we will follow the orange line, and Talin, Lieutenant Vo Shay and yourself will follow the yellow line. After processing is complete, you will be able to catch up with each other at mealtime.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a question?” inquired Talin.
“That’s what we’re here for.” Answered Vo-Shay assuredly.
“The difference between Aila and I, about her being pre-qualified and my not being. What if I’m not qualified or if I’m unapproved.? What happens then?”
“It won’t happen,” responded Narshadda, “The qualification procedure is not as restrictive as it sounds. It’s merely a necessary formality of sorts and only helps to determine your strengths and weaknesses in order to appoint which assignment of duty you may best be suited to serve. Everyone has a skill to contribute, no matter how grand or how modest it may be and oftentimes the talent is deeply hidden. Each of us possess value and worth and have something to offer another. No one has ever been unapproved to join the Coalition and it is everyone’s right to choose to do so.”
The steamcarriage rounded a corner and pulled to a stop in front of a pair of columns bearing the Emblem of the Alliance, which stood to either end and in front of a semi circular courtyard. The doors of the carriage opened with a soft hiss and they exited the vehicle. The Academy and adjoining Reception and Processing Terminal were located near the center of the Citadel, and all around towers of glass and metal reaching upwards dominated the view of the sky and blocking out a majority of the late afternoon sun. The city looked unnaturally dark considering the time of day, illuminated primarily by means of artificial light emanating from bulbs and tubes placed throughout the Citadel. They glowed a bright white, making the surroundings look shiny and clean. Polished surfaces everything had a rather unusual, dreamlike feel to it.
Talin and Aila retrieved their belongings and went to the center of the courtyard, which bore a huge Emblem of the Alliance set into stonework.
A blue line began at the outer center of the Emblem and led up a broad set of low steps and into a large arched set of double doors. Surrounding the courtyard on both sides were high, curved walls with water spouts towards the top creating a cascade of bright blue liquid which emptied into two ground level pools at their bases. Talin and Aila stood at attention at the outside edge of the emblem, while the two Advisors stepped just within it. Without delay, the doors opened and three figures emerged from within. A man and woman dressed in uniforms slightly different than those of Lieutenants Narshadda and Vo-Shay were on either side of a much older woman wearing a long, cream colored robe with a short lavender cape. She walked slowly and with a mild stoop, but still retained “Welcome to the Academy of the Allied Coalition, cadets of the Realm. I am Master Advisor Sansia.” She stated with an authority that belied her frail appearance. “You have elected to contribute a term of commission in the service of the unified domain. Upon completion of your fundamental instruction, you will be granted full citizenship and entitled to all rights and privileges afforded as such.” She looked at Aila, “Lieutenant Narshadda, you have presented a cadet for initiation to the Alliance, do you confirm?”
“I do, Master Advisor.” Nayu replied.
“State your name, cadet.” requested Master Sansia.
“Aila Anak.”
“Lieutenant Vo-Shay, you have presented a cadet for initiation to the Alliance, do you confirm?”
“I do, Master Advisor.”
Sansia looked directly at Talin, examining his face, “State your name, cadet.”
“Talin Gables.”
“Aila Anak, Talin Gables, your names and faces shall remain forever known to me. Do you, of your own free will, confirm your desire to join and serve faithfully and with honor the Allied Coalition?”
They both affirmed simultaneously. “I do.”
“Then please step forward into the Emblem of the Alliance and join us by standing beside your designated Advisors.”
The pair stepped into the Emblem and Master Advisor Sansia gave a nod of her head and without another word, turned, went back up the steps and disappeared inside as abruptly as she had appeared. When she had gone, Talin and Aila grabbed their gear and the four of them followed the blue line in single file up the steps and through the entrance way. The interior of the Reception and Processing Terminal was lit by the same type of tube lighting as outside, and was very straightforward and unadorned with a cold, sterile look and feel to it. The blue line continued to the center of the spacious, but empty main hall, where it then split off into yellow, green and red lines that led down three different corridors. No words were exchanged, only brisk, apprehensive glances between “All, right Talin, this is the first and most important step towards completing your processing. The Coalition wants to be able to utilize your abilities where they would serve the best purpose for all concerned. This is not to say, that you have no choice in determining your assignment. Quite on the contrary. Studies have shown that one achieves optimum results when they are in a field of their preference, so we are inclined to try and place you where you would feel most suited. Of course, your skill and aptitude assessment are the factors which initially place you for training. So I’ll begin by asking you where you might perhaps desire to serve. Here’s a list of the basic branches and divisions available at cadet level. As you can see, there’s a wide selection to choose from, so take a look “I don’t know much about ranches, we grew jackberries on our farm, and I’m pretty sure the Ministry of Agriculture is what my family had in mind, either that or my father was in the Ministry of Engineering as a boiler mechanic, but...”
“But what, Talin? As admirable as it is, forget about what your family would choose for you. What duty would you really want to do?”
“I want to join the Air Corp.”
“The Air Corp? Whoa! That’s a mighty big bite to take. Are you sure you want the Air Corp? It’s the toughest assignment in the Alliance. I’ve seen guys bigger and stronger than yourself break like dry twigs under the training alone. Sure, you’ll get plenty of fresh air and wide open spaces, but you must realize what a monumental task you would have ahead of you. Are you sure you don’t just want to take a moment and look over the list?”
“I’m sure, sir. I made up my mind before I got here, that if I could, I would apply for the Air Corp.”
“Well then, I’m not here to talk you in or out of anything, I’m just here to advise you and give you some guidance. I don’t mean to turn you away from it, but that’s some really difficult physical training and comfort is not exactly what the Air Corp is known for, not to mention the increased position of harm you’d be placing yourself in.”
“With all due respect, sir, I was raised and worked on a farm in the Green Belt region my whole life, not in some city or town, and I’m quite used to physical labor. My aunt used to say something like ‘Comfort is an acquired luxury that one gets accustomed to.’ I imagine comfort won’t be much of an issue.”
“If you have your sights set on the Air Corp, and it certainly sounds like you do, then let’s get started with the assessment and see if we can get you accepted in.”
The first section of tests involved basic knowledge of mathematics, language, history, applied sciences and rational thinking. Next Talin was asked a series of questions distinctive to the military and in particular, Air Corp assessment, pertaining to specific experience and information regarding airship knowledge, operations and associated skills. He was glad of the time that Captain Anak, his crew and even Aila had spent helping him to prepare during their voyage to Cartania, as much of what he learned related directly to exam. When they had finally finished with the assessment, they left the cubicle and Vo-Shay gave the test sheets to the woman in the office to be evaluated.
They exited the office and continued to the next phase of processing. The door was marked “Fitting and Effects Audit”. Once they entered the room, a senior officer standing behind a narrow desk instructed Talin to set his footlocker beside a low table in the middle of the room and disrobe to his under garments. The officer took out a long ribbon with markings on it and measured Talin for his cadet uniform, jotting down a few notes on a writing pad. He handed the sheet of paper to Lieutenant Vo-Shay who glanced at it and put it into a leather satchel he had under his arm. The officer then asked Talin to open his trunk and remove all of the items and lay them out on the table. Items of clothing were put into a lightweight metal container and marked with Talin’s name and a specified “An old combo-tool,” he commented, “don’t see many of these around anymore. It’s a nice one, too. Would you be interested in selling it?”
“No, sir,” Talin answered resolutely, “My father gave it to me and I doubt that he would want me to part with it. I’m sorry,sir.”
“Well, unfortunately cadet, you’re going to have to part with it, for the time anyway. No contraband or prohibited items, such as unauthorized weapons, are allowed beyond this point. This combo-tool could be conceivably used as a weapon, and we can’t allow that during your duration of fundamental education. Upon commencement of your initiation, all items will be returned to you, including this.”
Talin thought to himself that even the pen the officer held in his hand ‘could be conceivably used as a weapon’, but knew better than to argue or pursue the point. He was only allowed to keep his grandfather’s book which was put into an official duffle bag that the officer issued him. Everything else he had brought along was to be placed into safe keeping until his graduation from the Academy.
Next Lieutenant Vo-Shay accompanied out to a short hallway that led to the “Health Examination and Fitness Evaluation” room. The room was chilly, made even more so by the fact that Talin had very little on at present, and was full with an assortment of various medical instruments and equipment. Another man wearing a uniform identical to Vo-Shay stood just inside of the door and upon entering, he and Segg exchanged short salutes. A middle-aged woman in a physician’s smock and two comparably attired attendants were gathered around an examination table in the center of the room, just completing their final review on another cadet about Talin’s age. He had long, curly hair that was dark green in color, light olive skin and a short, somewhat slim build. Rising to a sitting position “Thank you, Yark.” The Physician said, scribbling data on a diagnostic chart and handing it to one of the attendants, who put it into his individual records dossier and delivered it back to the cadet’s Advisor. “Thank you, Lieutenant Ocarrez. You may proceed.”
The two of them exited out of another door at the far end of the room and
the Physician turned to Vo-Shay, who gave her Talin’s dossier. She looked it over with a cursory scan and asked Talin to remove his under garments. He had not been completely unclad in front of a woman since the time he fell sick with a very high fever and his aunt put him in a tub full of ice chips from the chill house. The only other times were when he was young infant, running wild and free about the farm. He felt quite uncomfortable and extremely self conscious about disrobing in front of a strange woman, but having little say in the matter, he did as she requested and tried to avert his eyes towards the ceiling as he stood while she conducted her initial examination. The Physician took a temperature reading on a thermomatic meter, checked his pulse and heart rate, his muscle The ensuing door was inscribed as the“Uniform Dispensary”. It was much warmer inside than the previous room. They entered and Lieutenant Advisor Vo-Shay withdrew from Talin’s dossier the sheet of measurements taken in the first room and presented it to a stout man sitting behind a glassed off counter. The man looked carefully at the sheet , mumbled to himself and disappeared into a back area for a few brief moments. He returned with another younger man, both with bulky bundles held out in their arms which they set down on their side of counter. The portly man began reading off a checklist of accoutrements as the other one distributed the corresponding item to Talin’s side of the counter.
“Issued to Talin Gables, cadet of the Realm, two pair of fatigues, two unadorned tunics, one pair of dress trousers, one dress tunic, one pair of soft, low boots, one pair of high dress boots, two pair of work out shorts, four pair of undershorts, four pair of stockings, one pair of work gloves, one pair of parade gloves, one belt, one overcoat, one dress jacket and lastly one cadet’s cap. You are also supplied by the Alliance with an allowance of fifty Coalition credits for miscellaneous expenses you may dictate or incur during your initial deferment. Supplemental equipment for your assigned duty will be subsequently issued as deemed necessary by your immediate superiors.” He took a labored breath and a thin bead of sweat dripped from the tip of his nose. “In addition, you are issued “Not that I can think of, Sagretta. Talin, go ahead and get yourself suited up. Don’t bother with the dress attire, the next round doesn’t officially begin until after tomorrow, so tonight will be the usual casual dress. I’ll explain it all to you later at mealtime. Stow the rest of it neatly in your duffle.” He turned back to the man behined the counter and joked, “You know, Sagretta, you really should listen those words you have written down there, and take your own advice about personal health and all. You look like you could use a stretch of leave the way your huffing and sweating like that. Why don’t you take a moment and go have Doc Preena give you the once over-twice.”
“You’re a genuine jester, Vo-Shay. A veritable comic, never one to be at a loss for amusingly droll banter.You were assigned the wrong duty, Segg. With your sharp wit, you ought to be entertaining the High Counsel at flashy, official functions. It’s neophyte officers like yourself that give me cause for such affliction.” The young man next to him tried his best to refrain from chuckling. “You have something to add, Ellsbek? Out with it, then!”
“No, sir, nothing to add.”
“Then go find something to busy yourself with, other than standing around acting like a buffoon. You’re as cocky as this joker!.”
The young assistant Ellsbeck shrugged his shoulders and retreated into the back storage room with a muted snicker. Sagretta then craned his neck and brayed across the counter, “Carry on, Vo-Shay, I mean Lieutenant Advisor Vo-Shay, sir. Have a ‘superior’ evening.”
After Talin and Vo-Shay had exited from the Dispensary, they turned a corner and strolled down a long hallway, it’s walls inscribed with row upon row containing the names of Coalition members killed or lost in the line of service. Talin was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of those listed and preferred to get his mind off of the inherent dangers and onto something possibly less disquieting for the moment. He asked Vo-Shay what Sagretta had meant by the term “neophyte”, never having heard the word used before.
“He means a young novice, a beginner, a newcomer, a rookie, a greenhorn, an upstart in his opinion. Sagretta was once a fairly respected officer of moderately high status, on a solid path to the upper ranks. But he was afflicted with an penchant for beverages of a highly fermented nature, if you grasp my meaning, that oftentimes rendered him quite erratic and impulsive.
One night, at an elegant Officer’s Cotillion, he over gratified his thirst, shall we say. It’s never really been determined what actually started it, but he was engaged in a lively and spirited debate with an officer much younger than himself, but nearly equal in terms of rank. Due to the rather ample quantities of libation he had consumed, the spirited debate soon turned to a heated argument and before you know it fists were flying all about and then Sagretta, in a fit of blind, intoxicated rage, reached for his dress saber. Some of his officers were barely able to hold him back and prevent him from running that young officer through like a skewered pieced of meat. Included in attendance were all of the members of the High Counsel and invited dignitaries. Sagretta was politely, but forcefully The tiny room was nothing more than a waiting area with two chairs and a man in a cramped booth. Vo-Shay stated Talin’s name and the man sorted through a short stack of paperwork until he found the outcome of the assessment. The man looked at the results and then raised and eyebrow and looked at Talin. Without a word, he handed the findings to the advisor. Vo Shay scanned the sheet and smiled.
“Well, cadet Gables, It looks like you’re going into the Air Corp.”