Rodriguez wasted no time, "I came here to present Sergeant Jackson's new contract and outline the terms of your, Maria's, and Luke's contracts as well. Solaris takes excellent care of its soldiers, even those who may doubt my intentions," he said with a sly smile.
Each soldier is paid every day. Your account details can be found on your OmniCom, swipe around the menu, and you'll see the bank symbol with a dollar sign. Once on the app, you can view your balance or use the pay feature.
You are paid $85 daily, $595 weekly, or $30,940 annually. That's a considerable sum since room and board, medical, dental, and life insurance are all provided by Solaris.
Each day you participate in combat, you earn an extra $50. That adds up. Say we get into a sticky spot, which we have and will - you could easily make an additional $250 weekly. On average, we have about five weeks like that out of the year, so there is an additional $1,250 on top of the average one battle a week which brings in $2,600. Close to $35,000 at the end of the year.
You're also able to participate in special cargo transport missions during downtime. These missions involve safely delivering valuable resources, equipment, or even classified information between Solaris bases or allied territories. You transport them in a space freight liner in person. It's an incredible experience, but it comes with risks now that the Xenobots can penetrate lower-level shields.
On the bright side, this has created another job opportunity for a third crew member who pilots Nanos and provides security for the freight liner. Since these missions are high-priority, you can earn an additional $150 per completed transport. On average, soldiers can take on about two of these missions per month, bringing in an extra $3,600 annually.
With combat pay and transport missions combined, you could make $38,600 per year, all while contributing to the Solaris Republic's efforts and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. In addition, there are other incentives and ways Solaris reimburses you for particular efforts. You can read those in the contract on your own time.
Despite the generous compensation, Maria couldn't help but question the need for personal expenses. "That sounds great, but what would we spend money on? Everything is free to use."
"It is here in the military part of the ship, but the civilians, which take up 85% of the vessel, live as if they were in an ordinary world because, for them, this is ordinary. Their ancestors refused cryo. It wasn't pushed one way or the other. The Noah was equipped for that, or they'd all be dead. So most everyone aboard is seven to eight generations removed from our original timeline," Rodriguez explained, his revelations becoming increasingly shocking with each word.
"But what can we buy, sir?" Luke asked.
"You can buy personal VR simulators to play video games or watch TV, equipment for hobbies like rock climbing, and even jewelry. Speaking of jewelry, that brings me to an exciting bit of info.
You can't wear any jewelry or civilian clothes in the military section of the ship, but you can wear whatever you'd like as long as you follow the law in the civilian part. So when can you go there? You are allowed one break each month, a vacation for three days or four nights wherever you like in the civil part of the ship."
"Where is there to go? And where can we stay? Like, is there a specific spot soldiers vacation?" Maria asked with a new excitement in her eyes.
Sergeant Rodriguez smiled at Maria's enthusiasm and replied, "There are so many places to go.
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Everyone aboard the Noah stepped onto the loading dock in South Carolina, and each ship was built to replicate the world the passengers and soldiers lived/served in at the time of the escape from Earth. The Noah is designed to provide that lifestyle for its original passengers and maintain it for their descendants. Because of that, there are vacation spots tailored to those in the Southeastern region of the United States.
The Green Oasis is a popular spot for soldiers to unwind and reconnect with nature. It's peaceful and reminds us of home. But, if you're looking for something more adventurous, the HoloVenture Zone has special programs tailored for soldiers, with challenging simulations and team-building experiences.
If you prefer a warm atmosphere, Coastal Cove is an excellent choice. You can relax and sunbathe, or swim and enjoy water sports. For those who want to soak in the local culture rather than the ocean, the Southern Town Square and Arts and Heritage District offer a variety of events. Last, the Smoky Mountain Retreat, where you can enjoy a lake house in the mountains.
Every place provides excellent service and ensures you can relax and recharge before returning to your duties. We want to make sure your first vacation is the best it can be."
"So, there's something for everyone, and you can explore and enjoy these vacation spots according to your preferences and interests. Any more questions?"
"Looks like we're all set, Rodriguez. Thanks for laying that out for me," Jackson said.
"It's my pleasure. Let me know if I can help with anything in the future," Rodriguez replied.
He walked toward the door before turning his head back and saying, "Oh, and I wouldn't be shy about spending my money." Then he left.
"Sounds like our money will be worthless when General Vega and his henchmen overtake Solaris," Belsky yelled.
"Indeed," Sergeant Jackson said, putting his hands on the table.
"What's our master plan?" Luke asked.
"It's not a master plan, but I think I know our first point of interest," I said.
"Let's hear it," Dr. Li said with a smile.
I made eye contact with Maria and Luke to ensure they were okay with my telling of our discovery. Then, when I got approval from them, I began.
"Yesterday, Maria, Luke, and I noticed a latch in the arcade. We thought exploring it would be fun and had no malicious intentions. But, instead, we saw a machine. When we started reading documents about it, General Vega and a First Lieutenant named Drew walked into the chamber. Long story short, Vega has the SRG up and running and is planning to distribute what appear to be hundreds of heavy machine guns to the other rebels."
"Of course, Vega would repair that," Jackson said, standing up with his fists on the table, knuckles white. "Thank you, Private Moore. I have a plan."
"Wait!" Private Harrison interrupted.
"Are you serious?" Sergeant Jackson asked with a disgusted face.
"Rodriguez proposed stationing our troops on Verterra and fighting a more physical war. He's the guy who supposedly went Comet but miraculously had a full recovery. Whatever his problem is, I think we should avoid getting in the way," Private Harrison said with conviction.
"Have you thought about the consequences of allowing the distribution of machine guns to other ship's Rodriguez equivalents?" Jackson asked.
"Yes, Sergeant. I have thought it over and considered the potential harm it could cause. But would you rather have the Republic sort it out, or investigate risking our squad's lives? It's not like we wouldn't serve in combat or transit missions.
"I'll send out two invisible drones to perform surveillance in the chamber. They'll silently record their operations," Jackson chimed in.
"What about the hundreds of guns John saw?" Dr. Li asked.
"That will be a separate mission. I know we don't have much time, but I'll need until tonight to decide on the squad."
"Look, I don't think they're as keen as you give them credit. There were three kids down there, after all," Harrison said.
"Maybe not, but I don't want anyone harmed if they knew John, Maria, and Luke were there. The drones will provide the information I need."
"Yes sir, understood," Harrison replied with her hands up, her face disapproving of the choice.
"Alright, that'll be all for today's meeting. Monitor your OmniComs. I’ll alert the selected soldiers when it's time. You're dismissed."
All in all, it was a good meeting. We have a plan for General Vega, and I'm getting paid. Private Harrison's disdain for Sergeant Jackson's plan was the only troubling part.
"So, where are we going for our first break?" Maria asked, putting an arm around Luke and me.
I say the Coastal Cove," she added with her nose up and a smile.
"Sounds good to me," Harrison said from behind, putting her arm around Luke.