Chapter 4: Knowledge is Power
(Boiler Plate Disclaimer: Not all gene mods will take, due to each strand of DNA being different. Oh shit, wrong disclaimer. *Clears throat* So, here I go giving you the whole shpeel: I do not own Mass Effect, the characters, or anything from the Mass Effect universe but any OC's they're mine, Oh and Kitrina is still my co-Authors but Hew popped from my head fully formed...And they all said it was a stress headache. Shows what they know.)
(Author's Note: Yeah I know my updates are a bit random. All the other authors make this look easy. Hell, my co-author can put out 2-3 chapters in the time it takes me to do one, so I can tell you if you don't prep right it's really hard. Mad props to everyone who can post regularly. Believe me, I try.)
Hew was worried. It was the night before the knowledge test and he was only reading at a 6th grade level. Problem was, he needed to read, at least, at a 11th-12th grade level to understand the test...let alone pass it. The weird thing was, he was more worried about how it all was affecting Wolff. The test, the fight in the chow hall, which after some time he was able to get the whole story from her. For two days after the fight, she wouldn't talk to him, let alone look at him as they went about their business studying, going through the physical training and all the other bullshit they had to endure. He finally had to ask her flat out what was wrong and that's what caused her to finally tell him about the riot. Hew shook himself from his musings and refocused his attention on the datapad in front of him, looking at the words that were slowly beginning to make sense to him. Wolff had weaned him off of the child's helper and switched him to reading the actual Recruit Knowledge...as best as he could anyways.
"A un..units str..eng..th streng...th strength is de...cide decided by it's Es..pri..t Espr..it E...sprit?" Ah fuck it...I'll ask Wolff. He cringed.
"Hey Wolff, what's this mean...here?" he asked, pointing at the word he couldn't put together.
Kitrina looked up from what she was doing and looked at Hew's datapad, "Um...'Esprit De Corps'? Let me see f I can explain it...Oh! How about this. Group spirit. Sense of pride, honor, etc. Shared by those in the same group or undertaking...Basically it means Morale...You get it?" she tried to explain as best she could.
"Well why didn't they just say that? It's simpler." Hew muttered with a grumbled, looking back at his datapad to find where he left off.
"Well...The Military loves to use Latin and Greek and not to mention it's own unique language when ever it can. It adds character I guess." Kitrina replied with a small smirk and a shrug.
Hew's brows furrowed, "Wait...I have to learn Greek and Latin now?" he asked with a hint of fear in his voice.
"No no no. You don't need to learn those. All I'm saying is that the Military likes to incorporate aspects of it to add to itself. Like the old Military branches from Earth had Latin Mottos unique to themselves. It gave the members something to believe in and aspire to. Make sense?" Kitrina tried to explain.
"Oh...That makes a little sense...I guess. Thanks." Hew went back to his reading, even though it was slow, he was actually starting to understand. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. A quick glance towards Wolff was the only hint to the thoughts that were running through his head.
After several hours of studying the DI came out and announced lights out with that same, stern tone that every DI had. As Hew was climbing into his rack, he heard Kitrina's soft whisper flutter up to him from her rack below his.
"Hew...You'll do fine. You can read well enough to pass the exam. So don't worry...Ok?" she reassured, tugging the thin blanket up to her shoulders as she got comfortable.
"Thanks Wolff. I appreciate the help. If I fail...you can punch me." he grinned as he rolled over to his side with his arm hanging over the side.
"It's a deal." Kitrina didn't have to worry about hiding her smile as she buried her face into her pillow, ready for some long awaited rest.
"Do you think he stands a chance Gunny?" Sgt Johnson asked as he stared out into the Squad Bay.
"To be honest Johnson...I really have no idea. I know Recruit Wolff has been helping him with his reading problem, but under stress, I really just don't know. Come tomorrow I guess we'll find out wont we," Gunny Ellison sighed, "You and Cpl. Fredricks can head on home. I'll hold the fort down tonight."
"Aye aye Gunny," Johnson nodded before looking over his shoulder, "Fredricks grab your trash and meet me out by my truck. I'm taking you home."
"Thanks Sergeant. I could use a good night sleep on a real mattress tonight. Gunny got the good rack." Cpl Fredricks respond in good humor and with a small laugh.
"Privilege of rank there Corporal. I also get the good chair." Ellison replied with a smile, "Now you two get out of here before I change my mind."
"Aye aye Gunny." they both replied in unison before heading out of the Squad Bay.
Day of the Exam
As the squad woke up and formed up outside, Hew was going over all the 'pictures' of the Recruit Knowledge to make sure he had the whole thing in his head. Satisfied that he had everything and was as prepared as he was gonna get, he led his squad into the assembly hall where the knowledge exams were to be administered. As he stood by the door, Wolff slide up beside him and squeezed his hand which caught him off guard. She actually squeezed my hand? She's really hoping I pass this damn thing isn't she. Hew glanced over at her kind gesture and gave her a smallsmile to reassure her that he was ready. There was no turning back now. The two temporary Squad Leaders gave the pair a wide birth as they passed by and headed into the hall with their squads.
"Your ready Hew. I for one know you got this. You know the information. All you have to do is apply it." she whispered, still with a soft smile across her lips.
She really does care...Why the hell does she care? "I know Wolff. Thanks for everything you've done," he whispered back, drawing in a long breath to help steady his nerves, "We're up. Good luck Wolff."
"You to Hew." Kitrina watched as Hew walked towards his seat and she found her's not to far away where she settled in for the exam.
"GOOD MORNING RECRUITS!" a DI bellowed.
"Oorha!" they all replied.
"YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! I'LL TRY THIS AGAIN! GOOD MORNING RECRUITS!" the DI bellowed again.
"OORHA!" the assembly erupted into noise as every recruit yelled the war cry at the top of their lungs.
"THAT'S FUCKING BETTER! GLADE TO SEE YOU'RE ALL AWAKE. MY NAME IS MASTER SERGEANT FULLER! I'LL BE ADMINISTERING THE TEST! SQUAD LEADERS...STAND UP!" his booming voice echoed through the whole hall.
Somewhat confused, Hew, along with Wolff and the other squad leaders...stood up and stood at attention.
"ALRIGHT SQUAD LEADERS! FILE OFF TO THE FRONT AND COLLECT THE DATAPADS! YOU WILL THEN PASS THEM OUT TO YOUR SQUADS! ANY QUESTIONS...NO...GOOD."
Hew and the others went up to the front as instructed and collected the datapads to pass them out to their squads, walking down the aisles and placing one on each desk. Huh...If the test is given on this, it should be easy. Hew mused, as he thought the test was going to be verbal. If it was written, which it was becoming apparent that it was, then his 'pictures' would help him greatly.
"EVERYONE HAVE THEIR PADS? GOOD! LOG IN AND START TESTING!" the DI bellowed before he nearly marched off and sat in a singular chair at the head of the hall.
Hew took a moment to log in, flicking his hand over the interface to enter his log in information without a problem. Thank you for Bio-Metrics. Hew thought to himself as the datapad quickly processed his data and opened the test. Once the first page of the test appeared, Hew couldn't believe his luck. I can't believe it...It's taken straight from the knowledge but it's just got some words missing! It's fill in the blank and multiple choice...All I have to do is match it to what's in my head. This will be simple but time consuming. Well...Let's get this going. He thought with a subtly growing smirk.
Across the assembly hall, Kitrina saw how the test was set up and she too...grinned. Oh thank God...It's a simple fill in the blank. Hew should have no problems. She thought, breathing a sigh of relief as she started her exam.
Gunny Ellison was chosen to be a Procter for the exams, as he had nothing else to do he simply watched as after several minuets a handful of his recruits finished up and reported to him.
"Go form up outside and wait for the rest of the squad." he blandly ordered the recruits.
"Aye aye Sir." each one replied.
After the recruits left, Gunny Ellison settled in for the long hall. After three hours of testing, very few recruits were left...unsurprisingly Recruit Shepard was one of them but what surprised him, is so was Recruit Wolff. I wonder what is taking her so long. I figured she would be one of the first ones out. He thought, his attention being drawn as both Recruit's Shepard and Wolff stood and turned in their datapads into the administrator.
"Took you two long enough. Get your asses out and form up your squads. It's time for chow." the administrator snarled as he grabbed the tests from the recruits.
"Aye aye Sir" both replied at the same time.
Hope nothing fun happens at the chow hall this time. Ellison mused to himself as he wet to march everyone to the chow hall.
After chow, which had nothing interesting happen, the platoon went to the drill field which of course, led to time in the pit where the recruits had the tar beaten out of them for awhile, so by the time the platoon got back to the Squad Bay...they were tired and dirty.
"ALL RIGHT SHIT STICKS, HIT THE SHOWERS AND GET CLEANED UP! YOU ALL SMELL LIKE SWEAT AND SHIT! FIX THAT!" The DI ordered as he walked into the Duty Hut.
The recruits quickly stripped and headed for the head, all except Kitrina and the other female recruits for obvious reasons. As soon as all the male recruits finished, Hew placed himself at the entrance to stand guard, as was usual, as the few female recruits entered the head so they could get cleaned up as well. After everyone was washed and dressed, the DI's came out and did the customary hygiene check before he released the recruits to their coveted free time.
"How do you think you did Hew?" Kitrina asked now that they could talk in relative privacy.
Hew looked up from his foot locker and thought for a moment, "Pretty good I think. It was all multiple choice and fill in the blanks. My mental pictures were very helpful and I was actually able to read some of the simpler parts." Hew replied with a slightly growing smile.
"That's good to hear," she smiled herself, "Um...did you want me to keep helping you with your reading? That is...if you want." Kitrina asked, almost in a whisper.
Why would she still want to help me? The knowledge tests are over? Hew wondered, "Uh...Sure, if you want to. I mean, I could use the help but do you really wanna waste your time with me?" Hew asked in good humor however, her reaction was not expected.
"What! It's not a waste of my time! Reading is very important and a required skill in the real word. Time with you is not a waste Hew...Never think that!" Kitrina responded a lot loader then she meant to as she realized what she said. I hope he didn't catch that...Oh God I hope he didn't! She inwardly cringed at herself whilst trying to hide her face.
I did not expect that reaction...Wait a second...What did she just say? Time with me isn't a waste? I couldn't have heard that right. He thought as his brows began to slightly furrow.
Before Hew could ask her, a bellow from the Duty Hut broke his train of thought.
Ellison was sitting in the duty hut unwinding after a long day when his terminal beeped. Glancing at the screen, Ellison saw it was the results of the exams. That was quick. Usually it takes a day or more to get the results. Wonder why it went so fast. Ellison opened the files and started scrolling through the list of scores. Two perfect scores...That's impressive...let see who they are...Wolff is one... that's expected and the second one is...
"You have got to fucking kidding me! There is no way that can be right." Ellison yelped out loud once he read the name of the second recruit whom had gotten a perfect score.
Sgt. Johnson snapped his head around at the Gunny's outburst, "Whats up? You usually don't raise your voice this late. Is something wrong?" he asked simply.
Ellison looked towards Johnson, than the screen, than back to Johnson, "Is something wrong? You bet your ass there is! get Recruit Shepard and Wolff in here right the fuck now!" he harshly ordered.
"Right a way Gunny," taking a deep breath, he bellowed, " RECRUIT SHEPARD! RECRUIT WOLFF! REPORT TO THE DUTY HUT!"
Ellisonwas reading the results list when the two recruits entered.
"Recruits Shepard and Wolff reporting as ordered Sir!" Wolff hollered, standing at attention.
Ellison let them stew for a while as he read the results report one last time before he finally looked up and regarded the two recruits, "Do either of you have anything you want to tell me before we start?"
Shepard and Wolff glanced at each other in complete confusion before Wolff responded, " I'm sorry Sir but Recruit Shepard and this recruit have no idea what the Senior Drill Instructor is talking about Sir."
Ellison regarded the recruits for a moment longer, "Do you really expect me to believe that Recruit Wolff? Give me a little credit. I got the results from the Knowledge exams. One result was expected, the other...not so much. Now...this is your last chance to come clean." he angrily glared, watching as both recruits seemed to start shaking.
Again, the two recruits just stood with confused looks, but this time, it was Recruit Shepard that spoke up, "With all do respect Sir...could you just explain what it is that seems to have you so upset? As you can see, both Recruit Wolff and this recruit are completely lost and in the dark."
Ballsy little fucker, "If you really want to play this game, then lets get this ball rolling. I have the results from the exams. This Platoon received two perfect scores. One, was Recruit Wolff and the second, was you Recruit Shepard." Ellison paused to let it all sink in.
"This Recruit doesn't understand...Isn't that a good thing Sir? Does that not raise the platoons standing?" Recruit Shepard asked, his confusion plain in his voice.
"That's correct...but only if the prestige was not gained by falsehood."
"Falsehood Sir? This recruit doesn't understand."
Ellison pinched the bridge of his nose, "You want me to spell it out for you Recruit Shepard? Oh that's right, you wouldn't be able to read it anyway isn't that right?" he watched as he struck a nerve with the young man. Maybe I went a little far.
The Gunny watched as anger rose into Shepard's eyes but that's when the damnedest thing happened, Recruit Wolff reached out and gently touched Shepard's hand which caused the anger to fade almost instantly. Did I just see what I think I saw? That can't be right. She calmed him with a touch?
After taking a calming breath Shepard responded, "I don't see what my reading ability has to do with anything. Recruit Wolff has been helping this recruit with that." he flatly answered.
"I know, Recruit Shepard, and though I applaud her initiative, I really doubt she got you to a high school reading level in three months. If you couldn't read the question on the exam, there is no way you could have gotten the right answer. Hell, even if you guessed there is no way you could score a perfect. So that means, you have to have cheated and Recruit Wolff helped you some how. You two took the longest out of everyone in the Platoon and both ended at the same time. What else am I supposed to think huh? Tell me...Give me one good reason that explains how you could score a perfect while not being able to understand a damn thing you read." Ellison explained, folding his arms across his chest as he continued to stare angrily at the two recruits.
Recruit Shepard and Wolff just stood there, Shepard most likely due to Ellison revealing his deficiency, and Wolff, due to the accusation of cheating.
"Well I'm waiting." Ellison snarled.
"Give me the test again and I'll show you I didn't cheat." Shepard glared, staring Ellison straight in the eyes.
Ellison thought about that. Hell, it's no skin off my back and if he fails then it would prove he cheated, "Ok...I'm game, but if you fail this test, then not only you get dropped, but Recruit Wolff as well. Remember what I said? 'If one Fails, then both fail." Let's see if he is willing to drag her down with him.
After a look to Recruit Wolff and a subtle nod, Shepard looked back to the Senior DI, "Accepted Sir."
Well either he's arrogant, or infinitely confident, "All right...I just happen to have a copy of the exam right here. You have one and a half hours to finish it. Will that be enough time Recruit Shepard?"
"Yes Sir."
After handing the datapad to Recruit Shepard, Ellison leaned back to wait, "Recruit Wolff, stand in the corner and look away. Recruit Shepard Ready...Begin."
As Recruit Wolff stood in the corner, the three Drill Instructors watched as Recruit Shepard began taking the test. At first, he was going slow but as time wore on, he started to move faster. At some points, it looked as if he didn't even read the question and just knew what the answer was. What Recruit Shepard didn't know, was that Ellison was grading the exam in real time and more to the Gunny's surprise, he hadn't missed a single question yet. How the hell is he doing this? Was all the Gunny could think.
After forty five minutes, Recruit Shepard finished the test. Gunny Ellison was surprised, to say the least as according to his real time grading, Shepard not only finished faster, but still achieved a perfect score.
"How the hell did you do that?" Ellison asked with furrowed brows.
"Do what, Sir?"
"How the hell do you keep passing the exams?"
"I make the pictures match Sir" Shepard answered, looking Ellison straight in the eyes once more.
"Oh, you make the pictures match...YOU WHAT!"
"I make the pictures match. The ones on the paper to the ones in my head Sir."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Ellison was confused.
"If this recruit can explain Sir." Wolff stated from the corner.
"Well I would really like an explanation Recruit Wolff and if you can enlighten me, then I'm all for it." the Gunny crossed his arms tightly.
"Well Sir, Recruit Shepard has a..." How can I put this? "I guess the best term is a photographic memory, Sir." she simply explained.
"He has a what? A photographic memory? With no mental or physical issues, That's a load of bull. That's an urban legend." Sgt. Johnson stated from the back of the duty hut.
"It's the truth Sir. Recruit Shepard can remember everything he sees and hears. This recruit didn't believe it at first until she watched him rewrite the Recruit Knowledge's first chapter verbatim. Sir." she, herself, couldn't look the DI's in the face.
"Are you telling me the truth Recruit Wolff? If this is just a way to cover his ass and by association yours, you will not like the consequences." Gunny Ellison replied to Recruit Wolff's defensive statement. Why does she care so much about Recruit Shepard?
"Why don't you test him Sir? Show him something and see if he remembers it. It can be as simple or complex as you want it to be Sir."
That's one way, "I have just the thing...It's a relic from the old land nav courses. Recruit Shepard, how long do you need to see something before you memorize it?"
"Depends on how complex the item is Sir. A string of numbers is easier then a map, a map is easier then complex computer code, so on and so forth Sir." Shepard responded with a light shrug.
"I'm gonna give you thirty seconds to look at an old map, then you will redraw it from memory on this data pad. Understood?"
"Yes Sir. I understand Sir" Shepard nodded.
"Well here you go...Time starts now."
At that, Ellison tossed an old topographical map before Recruit Shepard so he could look at it. Ellison noticed Shepard's eyes were scanning the map in the same fashion a computer would...quickly. After the allotted time was up, Ellison reached forward to retrieve the map and handed Shepard the datapad.
"Ok...Here's the datapad. Dazzle me Recruit Shepard." Ellison couldn't hide the challenge in his voice.
Shepard reached for the pad and started drawing the map without a moments hesitation. The strange thing was, he started in one corner and only moved once the detail was completed.
Ellison couldn't believe it, he was drawing the map, not coping it, but actually reproducing it. He was even adding the crease marks and the old coffee cup stains. This can't be real.
When Recruit Shepard finished the map, he handed it back to the Senior Drill Instructor.
Ellison compared the drawing with the original. There were few discrepancies, but most were due to condition of the original map as it wasn't a great copy to began with.
"I have to admit, this is impressive Recruit Shepard. In all my years in the service, I have never seen this." Ellison looking over his shoulder, "Have either of you seen anything like this?" the question directed to the other two DIs.
"I've never seen someone able to do it with that level of detail Sir and especially not in someone so young." Cpl Fredricks responded.
"Myself included Sir." Sgt. Johnson added.
"Well I'm convinced, but you have to tell me something Recruit Shepard. Do you have the entire R.K in your head?" Ellison leaned forward as he asked the question.
"Yes Sir" was the simple reply Recruit Shepard gave.
"That's fucking outstanding...You have all the creeds, oaths and such. Now here's the big question can you actually recite them or do you have to write them down?" Ellison inquired.
Shepard nodded, "Yes, I believe I can. That's what Recruit Wolff was teaching me with Sir"
"How long will it take for me to get you spooled up to be my Guide Recruit Shepard?"
"What do I need to know Sir?"
"Mostly the Guide-on movements and commands." Ellison replied.
"Is that the stuff you showed the current guide about two months ago Sir?"
"Yes," that caught his attention, "Wait...are you telling me you know every command just by watching the other Drill Instructors teach him?"
"I know the basics but catching up on the finer points shouldn't be an issue Sir."
"Sergeant Johnson get the guide in here." Ellison commanded.
"With all due respect Sir, are you sure now is the time for this?" Sgt Johnson asked.
"Oh please...The current Guide can't keep the platoon in line and has no respect from the squad leaders. So yes I do think it's time Sergeant."
"Understood Sir," Johnson went to the door, "Guide...Report!"
Several seconds later, the Guide was standing front and center of Gunnery Sergeant Ellison, "Do you know why you're here Guide?" Ellison asked.
"The Guide was told to report Sir." the Guide responded.
"Not even close Recruit Kahoku, you are being replaced by someone who can control the platoon, Your lack of control was proven by the riot in the chow hall and poor leadership and decision making skills was evident by your choice in Squad Leaders. All that leads me to believe that you are not the right choice for the position. You are to hand over the Guide-on and all other taperings of the post at once. If you wish to challenge my decision, you can take it to the mats."
Recruit Kahoku just swallowed. Being the Guide came with tremendous perks but spending time in the infirmary was beyond what he was willing to do to keep them. Seeing as he really had no choice in the matter, he handed over the Guide-on and the armband to the Senior Drill Instructor.
"I was hoping you would at least attempt to prove me wrong but I guess sometimes the apple does fall far from the tree. Dismissed."
As the former Guide left, GySgt Ellison turned to Recruit Shepard and held out the Guide-on. At first Shepard didn't know what to do, then it hit him that the Senior Drill Instructor just said what he wanted. Shepard reached out and grasped the Guide-on in a firm grip.
"This is mine. If any so chose to dispute my claim then let them dispute it by force. For the only way this shall leave my possession is by command of my Superior whether that be by rank or strength so let it be known. This I swear" Shepard recited, still staring the Senior drill instructor straight in the eyes.
Ellison was a little taken back by the proclamation. That sounds like something a warrior would swear...or a man who has proven himself in violence. I wonder which Shepard is. He thought briefly as he relinquished his grasp on the Guide-on.
"That's what I wanted to hear. You can pick your new Squad Leaders tomorrow. For now, get you gear and the rest of the Platoon packed. We're headed to Titan tomorrow."
Recruit...No...Guide Shepard griped the Guide-on and simply nodded in agreement. The last thing Ellison heard was his new Guide's bellow for the Platoon to pack their gear and much to his surprise, the Platoon started right away with absolutely no hesitation.
I made the right choice in him. Ellison thought, looking towards the corner as he noticed that Recruit Wolff had already joined Shepard at his left hand side. A small smile turned the corner of Ellison's lips. Those two are going to do great things, If she can keep him reigned in and he protect her there's nothing they can't do.
"Gunny...you have a strange sense of humor. I think you either did something great or very foolish." Sgt. Johnson stated as he went to supervise the pack up.
You and me both Sergeant...You and me both. Ellison mused as he went to sit at his desk again, These next two months will be quiet interesting.
After everything was packed for the trip, to the Drill Instructors satisfaction mind you, the Platoon was settling in for the night. Kitrina was still excited that they passed the exams and were going to Titan. She couldn't believe it.
"Aren't you excited Hew? We passed and we get to go to Titan." she asked, sitting on her rack.
Hew regarded Wolff for a moment, "Didn't you grow up in space? Why are you so excited about Titan? It's a moon right? What's the big deal?" he grinned as he plopped down on the floor.
Kitrina just looked at him, "It's...it's Titan. We're past the halfway point. All the real training takes place there. Don't you realize that?" she watched as he leaned his head back to rest it against her rack.
"What? You mean all this marching and book stuff isn't real training. And here I thought I would intimidate my enemies with my vast knowledge of military history and my ability to right face. You mean we get to learn more? Well...why didn't you say so. Hurry up and get ready so we can learn all that new stuff on Titan." Hew replied, barley able to keep a straight face as he teased her.
At first, Kitrina lit up then her face fell, "Your making fun of me aren't you?" before Hew could respond, she hit him in the arm, "You know, it's not smart to pick on your reading teacher."
"I think we've established I'm not the brightest bulb but the strongest quite some time ago." He joked.
"You're not stupid Hew...How many times do I have to say this?" she groaned with a light eye roll as she slipped off her rack to sit on the floor next to him.
Hew looked at Wolff for a bit, "We should get some sleep...After all...we're going to Titan tomorrow and we need our rest."
Kitrina punched Hew in the arm again, "Stop picking on me. It's a big deal to me ok."
"Ok I give. I'll save judgment till I get there but until then I'll keep an open mind."
Before Kitrina could respond the bellow from the Duty Hut cut her off.
"LIGHTS OUT!"
As they crawled in to their racks Kitrina whispered, "Good Night Hew...Sweet dreams."
"You as well Kitrina...You as well." was all she heard in response before the steady breath set in from Hew. Wait...did Hew just use my name? But before she could ask all she heard was the light snore that indicated that he was asleep.