Dragon Team Seven

by Toby Neighbors

  “This should be the goal of any attack,” she said calmly, not even breathing hard. “My opponent is incapacitated and incapable of escape. From here, I can interrogate him, secure him for detainment, or terminate him.”

  “Please,” Nick managed to groan.

  Gunny Tveit stood up and released Nick’s arm. The pain subsided. She released his legs, which flopped onto the mat. He managed to roll onto his side.

  “Who’s next?” Tveit said.

  “Wait,” Nick said, breathing hard. “I’m not done.”

  “Sure you are, recruit,” Tveit said. “You’ll get another chance.”

  Ember and Ty helped Nick back to his feet. He felt shaky, but also embarrassed.

  “Let me show you how it’s done,” Kal bragged.

  As soon as Nick was off the mat, Kal charged, but it was only a feint. When Tveit spun, he stopped and swung a roundhouse punch toward her head. Nick wasn’t sure if Tveit saw the punch coming or just anticipated it. She ducked, then stepped toward Kal. Her left leg planted behind his and with an easy shove, he toppled backwards.

  To his credit, Kal rolled onto his side and got back to his feet before Gunny Tveit could incapacitate him. Unfortunately, he was barely upright before she grabbed hold of his arms, threw her hip into his midsection, and tossed him back onto the ground. He landed hard, and she came immediately down on top of him. Kal squirmed, but Gunny Tveit had her legs around his body and her arms around his neck before he knew what was happening. He struggled in vain for a few seconds, then sagged.

  “Oh damn,” Ty said. “She choked him out.”

  “That was fast,” Jules said.

  Tveit rolled Kal onto his back and stepped away. His eyes fluttered for a moment, then he writhed suddenly as if he was still in the fight. Nick couldn’t help but laugh. Kal scrambled for several seconds, managed to get to his knees, then looked around.

  “What happened?” he asked.

  “She choked you unconscious,” Ty said, not trying to hide his amusement.

  “No way,” Kal said.

  “It was a good effort, Phillips,” Gunny Tveit said. “I like your initiative, but you were outmatched.”

  “Do we all have to be humiliated?” Ember said.

  “No,” Tveit said. “The point of the lesson is that size or strength isn’t what’s important. Knowledge of your opponent and experience are what really matters.”

  “But you don’t know us,” Jules said.

  “I don’t know you as individuals,” Tveit explained. “But I know the weaknesses of humans. I know how to move to get you in compromising positions and how to incapacitate you. That knowledge gave me the edge I needed to end the fight quickly.”

  “So you’re going to teach us how to do those things?” Ty asked.

  “Yes,” Tveit said. “As soon as you’re ready to learn.”

  “I’m ready,” said Nick.

  “Me too,” Jules added.

  “Very good. Recruit Phillips, are you okay?” Tveit asked.

  “I’m fine,” Kal said.

  “Good. Let’s start with hip tosses. They can be accomplished against a stationary opponent or one that is charging at you,” Tveit said. “We’ll learn all the basics against human adversaries. Once you are well-versed in hand-to-hand combat, you’ll be prepared to adapt those techniques for use against non-human opponents as well.”

  They trained for hours. It wasn’t as rigorous as running, but they were exhausted by the time Gunny Tveit finally called it quits. She led them in a long, thorough stretching routine, then sent them off for another liquid meal. They were too tired to complain, and once they had downed their meal, it was time to rest.

  “We will sleep six hours each night during your training,” Tveit explained. “And you will all stand watch for exactly one hour. Shifts will be rotated. Tonight, we will start with Nichols, then Lonzo, Ormond, Gracie, and Phillips. I will take the final watch. Any questions?”

  “You want us to just stand around for an hour?” Ty said.

  “You’ll take a post by the door, Lonzo,” Tveit explained. “If anyone tries to come in, you will stop them.”

  “But no one is coming to attack us here,” Kal said.

  “Are you sure of that, Phillips?” Tveit said. “Let me be clear; Dragons never rest without at least one person on watch. That’s SOP, so we will train for it here. If you fall asleep on watch, I will know it. You will be removed from the division and given the worst duty that can be found for the duration of your enlistment period. In a hostile environment, we must presume there is danger at all times. Situational awareness and safety precautions are to be used at all times. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, Sergeant,” they all replied in unison.

  “Good. I suggest you all get some sleep. The nutrients and electrolytes in your shakes will repair and rejuvenate your body while you rest.”

  Nick was tired. The thought of standing for another hour seemed like a unique torture, but he didn’t complain. He took his position by the door and kept his back to his friends. He heard them climbing into bed. They didn’t speak, but there were sighs of relief as they laid their weary bodies down. Soon the room was dark and quiet. Nick stood by the door, which had a small, rectangular window. The glass had a finish that allowed him to see out into the brightly lit corridor but didn’t allow the light to shine into the dark room.

  The chrono on his data-link counted down his time on watch. He had to stifle his yawns and focus on the activity beyond the doorway. Humans and Proxy moved down the corridor. None gave the room even the slightest notice, and soon Nick’s mind was wandering. He began to move, rotating his arms and lifting one foot at a time. The motion helped keep him awake. He contemplated the BIO-suit he was wearing. It was still comfortable and dry, despite the fact that Gunny Tveit had them all sweating during combat training.

  Finally, after what seemed to Nick like eternity, his data-link buzzed. He had completed his hour of watch. He turned the device’s screen brightness to full so that he could see in the darkened quarters. Ty was already getting up. Nick waited until his friend was on his feet and headed toward the door before lying down. He didn’t even bother with the covers, but just flopped down on the bed and fell instantly asleep.

  Chapter 24

  The gunnery sergeant roused them with a simple tap on the leg. Nick was surprised at how refreshed he felt after only five hours of sleep. His mind longed for more, but his body felt strong and energized. They got to their feet and followed Tveit out of their quarters. They made their way back to the gym at a fast walk and she led them out onto the jogging track without a word.

  “Here we go,” Kal said.

  “I can’t believe how good I feel,” Jules said. “I didn’t think I’d be able to move after yesterday.”

  “What do you think is in that drink they gave us?” Ember said.

  “I don’t know,” Ty replied, “but I’m not complaining.”

  The jog turned into a run. Nick had been on his high school’s track team. He guessed that the track in the gym was half a kilometer long. They ran ten laps before individuals began to lag. Tveit was like a machine. She set an aggressive pace and didn’t waver. Ty followed her, his long legs eating up the distance easily. Jules and Kal followed closely behind Ty, but Nick stayed with Ember. She wasn’t faring as well as the others.

  “I don’t know,” she said, panting. “I just...don’t feel any different.”

  “You don’t think the energy drinks help at all?” Nick asked.

  “I’m sure...they do, but...I’m dying here.”

  Nick was tired as they passed the five-kilometer mark. He didn’t mind running, but he didn’t enjoy it. And while he considered himself to be in fairly good shape, he couldn’t help but wonder how hard Gunny Tveit planned to push them.

  “Just remember what Tveit said the goal was,” Nick said, hoping to encourage Ember. “Functional strength and endurance. You can do this.”

  “I don’t know,”
Ember replied.

  “I do, so just stay with me. Don’t worry about anything else.”

  They fell farther behind, but they kept running. Tveit pushed them around the track fifteen laps. When she finally came to a stop, Ember groaned with relief.

  “Come on,” Nick said. “Let’s catch up before we stop.”

  “You’re...a slave...driver,” Ember said. Her face was red and covered in sweat.

  Nick was hot too. Sweat ran down from his stubble-covered head and across his face. He was sure his body was sweating too, but the BIO-suit seemed to absorb it, and the springy outfit didn’t chafe or get uncomfortable the way Nick feared it might.

  “Gracie, Nichols,” Gunny Tveit said as they finished the run. “You need to improve your pace.”

  “Yes, Sergeant,” Nick said.

  “We will grab chow, then the technicians will make adjustments to your suits,” Tveit ordered. “Let’s move.”

  “Kill me now,” Ember said in a quiet voice.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll feel better after we eat,” Nick said.

  “Yeah, and you’ll get used to it,” Ty encouraged.

  “Maybe it has something to do with your suit,” Jules suggested.

  “What do you mean?” Nick asked.

  “Well, if the technicians are going to make adjustments, it could be that her suit isn’t doing what it’s supposed to.”

  “Mine feels good,” Kal said.

  “Yeah, like a second skin,” Ty said. “I wonder if we’re supposed to shower with them on.”

  “That’s weird,” Jules said. “What’s the point?”

  “I’m just saying,” Ty continued. “I don’t think they’re made to come off.”

  His guess was confirmed by the technicians, who took readings and made adjustments to the suit’s bio-organic systems. Nick learned that the suit could mimic his body but also protect him. It could keep him warm in a cold environment or shield him from excessive heat when needed.

  The Proxy technicians took their time, and the session lasted an hour. Then Gunny Tveit continued their combat training. In the afternoon—or what Nick thought of as afternoon—they did bodyweight exercises.

  “Control is the key to success in the field,” Tveit explained as they took turns doing pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups. “A strong core and a sound body, all controlled by your mind.”

  “My mind gave up yesterday,” Kal said.

  “Can that chatter, Phillips,” Tveit shouted. “Focus on the task at hand.”

  Nick had never been pushed so hard. His body was sore and shaky by the time they went for their third meal shake of the day. He craved solid food, but also the physical boost the shakes gave him.

  “Man, I’m worried about Em,” Ty said as they finished their meal.

  “She’s really struggling,” Jules said.

  “Maybe some extra sleep will help,” Nick said. “I’ll take her turn.”

  “I’ll split it with you,” Kal said. “I’m on rotation after her, anyway.”

  That evening was spent in combat training. Fortunately, Gunny Tveit spent most of the time explaining the moves. Nick was relieved to be able to sit on the mats and rest his weary body.

  They returned to the mess hall for a fourth and final liquid meal. Nick was convinced they got different ingredients at different times of day in the strangely bland drink. It didn’t taste any different, but after their final meal he felt relaxed and ready for sleep.

  “Kal and I are taking your turn on watch tonight,” Nick told Ember.

  “You can’t do that,” she argued.

  “Yes we can. I’ll take the first half, he’ll take the second. You can get a full night’s sleep.”

  “You’ll get in trouble,” Ember said. “I can take my turn.”

  “I know you can. And if it were necessary, I’d let you.”

  “You’d let me,” Ember bristled. “You’re in charge of me now?”

  “Of course not,” Nick said. “No one is trying to control you—we just want to help.”

  “Maybe I don’t need help,” she said angrily. “I can pull my weight.”

  “I know that, really I do,” Nick said. “But we’re a team. I’ll clear it with Gunny Tveit.”

  “No,” Ember said. “I don’t want you to. I appreciate your concern, Nick, but I have to do this on my own. I have to make it without your help.”

  “Why?”

  “Because if you help me, I’ll always be afraid,” she explained. I have to know I can do this on my own. That I can pull my own weight and that I’m not just slowing the rest of you down.”

  “Come on, Em. No one would think that.”

  “I would think it. I already do, Nick. Can’t you see that?”

  He could, and while he hated to admit it, she made perfect sense. The last thing he wanted was for Ember to struggle. They had known each other since preschool. There had been periods of time when they were busy with other interests, but Nick had always felt close to Ember, protective. He thought of Kal as his best friend, but Ember knew him in ways the others didn’t. And his feelings for her were growing.

  “Okay,” Nick said. “I just wanted to help.”

  “I appreciate it. But this is my burden to carry. My task to pass or fail. I have to make it on my own.”

  “You will,” he said.

  “I wish I had your confidence.”

  Nick tried not to think that Ember might not pass the training. He tried to stay positive. It was a trait that had served him well during the difficult times of his youth and the rigors of athletics, but things were different now. The training wasn’t simply an effort to get them into shape; it was preparing them to survive dangerous situations and hostile environments. He understood Ember’s desire to make it on her own and to know she could handle whatever they faced, but Nick feared they were just getting started. If the training grew more intense, she might fail, and that would mean splitting up the group.

  Chapter 25

  For five days they trained hard, and each day was a little more intense. The runs lasted longer, and the combat training grew more rigorous. What little fat they had on their bodies disappeared, and their muscles grew hard. Nick could handle the physical training, but the mental isolation wore on him. He needed a diversion, or at least mental stimulation. All they focused on was running farther, running faster, and fighting. Despite the fact that they were on a space station, they learned to be situationally aware of their surroundings. Tveit stopped and drilled them at random times.

  “What was that officer wearing?”

  “Fatigues,” Kal answered.

  “With ribbons?” Jules added.

  “What ribbons?” Gunny Tveit demanded.

  “Strategy, Pathfinders, Marksmanship...” Nick started.

  “And Legion of Merit,” Ember supplied.

  “What rank was he?” Tveit continued.

  “Major,” Ty said.

  “What direction was he going?”

  Nick sometimes lost his sense of direction on the space station. It was a sprawling installation, and they operated in a very small section, but Gunnery Sergeant Tveit had insisted that maintaining a sense of direction was vital in any operation, especially in space.

  “East?” Nick said.

  “No,” Ember said. “South. He was headed south toward the administration section.”

  “Correct, recruit Gracie. Nichols, drop and give me twenty. You get your directions mixed up again and you’ll run during your next meal.”

  “Yes, Sergeant!” Nick said in a loud voice before dropping down and starting a set of twenty push-ups.

  On the eighth day of their training, things changed. They did their normal morning run, but after breakfast Gunny Tveit took them to a room with a variety of VR stations.

  “Today we begin your introduction to the vast array of weapons used by deep recon,” Tveit explained. “I assume you’ve all played a variety of interactive computer games. The simulations are similar, with th
e exception of the equipment. Each station has weapon simulators that are identical to those we will deploy in the field. You will get to see the result of the ammunition used by each weapon, but the real value is in the reaction of the weapon itself. Each one has the weight, recoil, and sound of an actual weapon. You will know what it is like to fire them. With computer-aided aiming, marksmanship is less of an issue than familiarity with the ordnance we will be using. Each one has a tutorial program that lasts half an hour. Today, we will work through the entire arsenal. Let’s move with a purpose, people. Time’s wasting.”

  Nick was excited. His mind was hungry for something new, and the prospect of a break from the intense physical training was more than welcome. He moved to a large weapon that was connected to a chest harness via a reticulated arm. He snapped on the harness, set the VR helmet over his head, and took hold of the big gun.

  “Welcome to the Trident Plasma Cannon,” a voice said.

  On the virtual reality display, Nick saw a simple firing range with targets at various distances. He could also see the cannon he held in his hands, but he couldn’t see his hands, so the gun seemed to float in the air even though it mirrored his movement with the simulator he held.

  “We will begin with safety precautions,” the simulation continued. “The TPC is a traditional human weapon with a manual safety and simple trigger-firing mechanism. The plasma is produced by combining hydrogen with a magnetic field. That requires the TPC to have both ammunition and a power source.”

  The program spent the first ten minutes showing Nick how to handle the weapon safely. It was large and too heavy to be wielded without the hydraulic arm, but other than its size the weapon was fairly straightforward. The ammunition consisted of a hydrogen canister. The cannon sprayed the liquid element down a barrel that doubled as an electromagnet, which transformed the hydrogen liquid into a plasma gel that was hot enough to burn through ten centimeters of solid steel in just a few seconds. The cannon’s range could be adjusted using dials at both handgrips, and the recoil was directly related to the weapon’s range.