The convoy arrived at Devil Maw early in the morning. Parking in the staging area, a crew of workers quickly started to unload, and make a list of the spoils. None of the New Bloods wanted any of the loot for personal use, so they sold it all to Devil Maw directly. Devil Maw will stockpile the raw resources, scrap the junk equipment for parts, and refurbish then sell the best quality loot. Doing it this way is how most mercs usually handle the loot. Including the money of the loot that was split 41 ways, as well as the payment from Langton (not including the companies cut of course), each merc will end up with 1750 credits.
Trainer Heathen approaches the New Bloods. A Red Scarf was next to him holding a stack of papers, he also has a hood obscuring his face instead of a beret. He then hands the papers over to Heathen, who casually thumbs through it before addressing the crowd.
"Alright everyone listen up! My associate here has led his squad to quietly write down, and rate your performance. It will take a few days to come to a conclusion on who passed, so head back to your barracks for now. Ah, don't forget to return your equipment to the armory on your way back. Dismissed."
The New Bloods were shocked by the news, and grew nervous at the idea of not passing. Marcus was equally surprised.
'Not just one man, but a whole squad followed us around to write a report on us?! I didn't even feel anyone watching us, even with my enhanced senses. Just how powerful are those hooded Red Scarfs? I might have to look into detection augments in the future, or I might get killed without even knowing how I died.'
After thinking for awhile, Marcus goes to the reception building to issue his report on the mission, and what they brought back. He also makes sure that the family they rescued was taken care of before making his way to the training facility. Each of the New Bloods went to the armory and turned in their borrowed gear before getting some sleep.
Two days after the raid a billboard was posted in the main lobby of the training Facility. On it were a list of names of those who past the final test. The list had a score next to the name, rating the New Bloods from 1-100. This score encapsulated the performance of the New Blood over the last two years of training. How focused they were on improving, overall capability, performance during tests, ect. At the top of the list was Marcus's name.
Passing Scores of Training Team 37
1st: A-84 Marcus Score: 97
2nd: B-21 Abby Craven Score: 91
3rd: A-164 Gavin Zander Score: 89
4th: A-63 Porter Score: 82
....
39th: B-17 Sky Score: 71
In the end out of the 41 remaining New Bloods, 39 passed.
'Guess they don't accept scores in the 60's as a passing grade.'
A notice that the graduation ceremony will be held tomorrow in the Bunker at 10:00am was posted at the bottom.
Suddenly Marcus was enveloped in the massive arms of Porter, and was shook around like a sack of potatoes.
"WE DID IT MARCUS!!! WE FUCKIN DID IT HA HA HA!!!"
"We did do it didn't we! Ow hey let g-OW PORTER! YOU'RE GONNA RIP ME IN HALF!"
"Oh, sorry."
Porter puts Marcus down and pats his back.
"I just can't help myself Marcus, your the Ace of the New Bloods! You came in 1st!"
"Sure, but you came in 4th, that's still a great achievement."
"Oh spare me. I wouldn't have made it past the basic test if I didn't stick to you like glue, let alone come if 4th!"
It was at this point Abby walks up to the two of them.
"You tend to forget how impressive you are Porter. You're by far the strongest of the New Bloods. I can only imagine how much bigger you'll grow after taking your first augment."
"I know right? I'll have to crane my neck just to look him in the eye.
Porter scratches the back of his head, embarrassed.
"By the way, congrats on coming 2nd. I knew you were a good marksman, but I didn't know you were that good."
"Thanks Porter, congrats on coming 4th."
Marcus thinks for a bit then, turns to the two.
"Hey how about the three of us get a few drinks at Cold Brew's to celebrate?"
"HELL YEAH! That's what i'm talking about!"
"Sure i'll come, but only a few drinks. Got to attend our own graduation in the morning, yes?"
Porter puts his hand over his heart.
"Of course! Only a few drinks!"
...
An hour later in a bar at the Merchant district, Porter is passed out, snoring at the bar with his head on the table, surrounded by beer bottles. Marcus and Abby are laughing at Porter, shaking their heads. After a while Marcus turns to Abby, his head a little fuzzy.
"By the way, I didn't know you had a last name, Craven right? Sounds familiar..."
Marcus turns to see Abby looking into her drink, a sad look in her eyes. Seeing the mood has changed Marcus quickly sobers up.
"Hey sorry about asking, we don't have to talk about it if you don't want too."
"No, its fine."
Abby downs the rest of her drink before continuing.
"My family rules over New Craven City, one of three cities in the Drylands. I'm the youngest of eight children, and the third daughter. I came here to make a life for myself, with my own two hands."
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Marcus nods his head, through his training, he knows roughly what city politics is like. Most cities have a ruling family, or faction. All the other powers in said city bend the knee to them, at least on the surface. If a particular family is the ruling faction of a city, having a lot of kids is mandatory as 'insurance'.
"What's it like?"
"What, having money? Influence?"
"Having a family."
Abby turns to look at Marcus, stunned. Nobody has ever asked her what her family is like.
"I grew up in the outskirts, in a small settlement. Never knew my family. Dad died before I was born, mom died giving birth to me. I was taken care of collectively by the community until I was ten. I was then thrown out on the street, forced to survive however I could. I had a few friends that I could rely on, but not a family."
Abby turned to look at Marcus, he could see empathy in here eyes. An emotion Marcus rarely sees from people.
"The thing is Marcus, my family might not be the best representation of what a family is usually like. Didn't see my Mother, and Father very often. They were busy with ruling the city, and competing with rival families, and corporations. Most of my siblings were assholes, seeing each other as 'competition' for the inheritance. Did have a good relationship with my big sister Cassandra though, she looked out for me. Cass is probably the only person I miss from that city."
As Marcus listens to Abby he finishes his drink, then looks back at her.
"Well at the very least you got something now that you didn't have then."
"What?"
Marcus leans back to show the sleeping Porter.
"You've got us! Friends are hard to come by, especially in the wastes."
"Heh heh, you got a point. Life has been more fun with you around."
Abby looks down and pulls her hair in her face behind her ear, revealing her red cheeks.
'Why did I say 'you'? I'm such an idiot!'
Marcus looks at her shy demeanor and his chest tightens. He can practically feel the mood change. As Marcus's mind starts to turn, thinking on what to do next, he hears Porter stir behind him.
"Huh? Wha? Where am- I'M AWAKE, I'M AWAKE!"
Porter suddenly slams his palms on the bar, and straightens up, a blurred looks still on his face. Marcus shakes his head and sighs before putting a few credits on the bar.
"It's getting late Abby, I'd better get this Lug back to the barracks to sleep this off."
"R-right, i'll see you two tomorrow. Goodbye."
"Bye Abby."
Marcus has to practically drag Porter back to the barracks. When they get their they find a small box on their beds. A note on the boxes simply read 'wear this to the ceremony tomorrow'. Inside were the black uniforms, and red berets of a Red Scarf. Marcus moved the boxes under their beds and layed Porter down, before going to sleep himself.
...
Marcus and Porter overslept. They were awoken by their bunkmates yelling that they only had an hour to get to the Bunker before leaving themselves. Scrambling, they quickly took a shower, put on their new uniforms, and ran to the guard post in front of the Bunker. The guard sticks out his hand, and stops them.
"Halt, state your purpose."
"New Bloods A-84, and A-63 reporting for the ceremony."
"New Bloods? It's already 9:45, your going to be late! Quickly, take no detours and head inside the bunker. The Main hall is where the ceremony is taking place, you can't miss it."
"Thanks!"
The two start sprinting down the main road. As they are running Marcus spots large artillery batteries to the left and right of the bunker. Devil Maw was known to be unassailable exactly because of these artillery pieces. Able to fire rounds up to 100 kilometers away, they are able to decimate any threat long before they get to Devil Maw.
Eventually Marcus reaches the Bunker door, the large solid steel door slowly opens for them. Heading inside, they are checked for weapons by a squad of guards before opening another set of doors leading to the main hall. The Bunker was made primarily of Concrete and metal, with not much decorations, or flair. the Hall is filled with chairs with a large stage at the end. Marcus and Porter spot Abby in the front row, and makes their way over, sitting in the two empty seats beside her.
After only two minutes all the Trainers enter the room and walk onto the stage followed by 13 Red Scarfs, all of whom had unique uniforms, Captain Wolf was among them.
'Must be the Captains of the various 13 Red Scarf Companies' Marcus thinks.
And finally the Commander herself enters the hall, all the New Bloods promptly stand, and salute. The Commander motions them to sit, then addresses the crowd.
"Out of the 314 New Bloods, 39 of you have made it here. That's 12.42 percent. All of you struggled, bled, and grew stronger. All of you have proved to me that this class performed better than most. You make me proud to stand here today, as your commander. Begin the ceremony. "
The Commander took five steps back, and Trainer Heathen took her place, a large box placed at his side.
"When I call out your name, make your way on stage. B-17 Sky!"
A girl in the back row quickly stood up and made their way on stage. Trainer Heathen then took a red scarf out of the box, and wrapped it around her neck. He shook her hand and congratulated her. The 13 captains and trainers clapped for her, prompting the other New Bloods to do the same. One after another the various New Bloods went onstage, received their scarf, then walked back to their seat. As Abby was given her scarf Marcus knew he was up next. He could feel his heart trying to beat out of his chest. He was doing his best to maintain his composure when he heard the Commander speak.
"A-84 Step forward."
Marcus looked up to see that the Commander has replaced Trainer Heathen at the front of the stage. Quickly standing up, he made his way to the stage. As Marcus reaches the stage he spots Porter at his seat, giving him a large stupid grin, and two big thumbs up. Marcus smiles, and realizes that the big Lug actually calmed him down. Stepping forward, he stood before the commander with confidence, meeting her gaze that shone through her gold mask.
The Commander takes a scarf and wraps it around his neck. The second it touches his neck Marcus feels his whole body cool down to a comfortable temperature. It reminded him of when he first entered an airconditioned transport.
As the Commander wrapped the scarf, she spoke to Marcus in a voice only they could hear.
"You know, when I heard Wolf brought a New Blood back from a mission, I was surprised. Wolf has never backed a New Blood before. When a Captain recommends one, they put their reputation on the line, essentially stating 'this one will become my replacement one day.' If you didn't perform well, Wolf would have become a laughing stock. Not only did you perform, you excelled."
The Commander then takes a step back, and presents Marcus with an ornate box. Opening the box, he finds that inside is an intricately decorated combat knife. There is a small switch on the hilt, with a wire pattern flowing up the blade.
The Commander than speaks in a louder tone.
"This is a shimmering blade. Made by Master Smith Anderson. It can cut through flesh and bone like butter, and can even pierce the hide of a Kaiju, if given enough time."
Marcus closes the box and bows his head in thanks. As he is about to head down, the Commander stops him. She then turns to face the crowd.
"A-84 has become the Ace of Team 37. He stood out amongst his peers, filled with the greatest talent, and the brightest young minds in the Drylands. He led 41 New Bloods against a gang of raiders more than twice their number, without suffering a single fatality. He possesses a perspective, and foresight rarely seen among the youth. His marksmanship is only out matched by his tactical mind, and his drive to grow stronger.
For these reasons, I believe A-84 has earned a new Callsign. From this day forward he will be known as Viper! May his future deeds, and exploits bring honor to the Red Scarfs!"
The Commander then turns to Marcus, shakes his hands, then promptly walks off the stage.
The New Bloods erupt in cheers. Marcus spots Porter jumping up and down in the front row, hooping and hollering. Abby is beside him, trying to calm him down. Marcus then looks to the trainers all clapping, Heathens smirk has turned into a full grin. Marcus also spots Wolf among the 13 Captains, when their eyes meet, he gives Marcus an approving nod.
As Marcus walks down stage, he is scooped up by Porter, and is hoisted onto his shoulder.
"LET'S GO TO COLD BREW'S TO CELEBRATE!!!" Porter yells.
"Porter! It's 11:00 am!" "Oh lighten up Abby! Are you coming or not?" "Hey can I come?"
"Sure! Everyone's invited!" "Hell yea! Count me in!" "I'll get the other girls from B barracks!"
"Hey who's fitting the bill?" "Of course 'Viper' will right?" "Hey, don't I have a say in this?"
"NO!" "Of course not." "What do you think?" "NOPE!" "HA HA HA HA!!!"
As Marcus gets dragged away by his friends, he thinks about how his life has led to this moment. From the raid on Dirt Mound, to Wolf offering him a place in the Red Scarfs, to the two grueling years of training, and tests. He also thinks about the dangerous road he decided to walk down. One of blood, and strife. A life as a mercenary.
'Viper huh? It's good a nice ring to it.'