Chapter Four
The training had been slow, but now the five men were gaining momentum. In two weeks, the obstacle course no longer offered any of them challenge, they were all quite familiar with their weapons, and they had been completely briefed on their assignments and the steps to reestablishing a lasting government. All they had to do now was complete tomorrow's assignment: First Aid and advanced medical techniques, and they would be finished. This crash course had run them ragged, although it seemed as though they were not learning the material, rather, remembering it. Viktor lay on his cot smoking one of his cigarettes in peace while the others were engaged in a conversation. Yuri, also outside of the conversation, sat down next Viktor and looked him over, "You think you're up to this?" Viktor cocked a brow, "I don't really have a choice in the matter, do I?" Yuri nodded in silent agreement, "So that picture of yours, you think she's your girl?" Viktor opened the small compartment and looked the photograph over. He had spent the majority of his free time glancing at it. For some reason unknown to him, the woman in the picture was so alluring, everything about her seemed to meet his expectations of perfection. He glanced over to Yuri from the picture, "Maybe. But she could just as easily be my sister so I won't jump to any conclusions just yet." Yuri nodded again. Viktor winced as the cigarette he had ignored had broken its ash and landed on the back of his hand, burning him lightly. After a string of curses, Viktor mashed the cigarette out and placed the picture back in its compartment. He tuned into the other's conversation. Hamilton was bragging about his aim with an old .44 magnum he had found on the ammo cart. Viktor spit on the floor and stood up; he wobbled over to a small cart that had an assortment of torn pouches on it. He skimmed the packets until he found one labeled, 'Coffee'. He then grabbed a tin mug from the bottom of the cart and a bottle of water. He tore open the packet and dumped the powder in, he then made his way to a small stove and dumped the water in a pot. A click as the stove came signaled that the water would take a few minutes to boil. Viktor turned back to the cots to find Yuri now engrossed in the conversation with Hamilton. Viktor glanced around for a moment. Dimitri had skulked off yet again, probably to take a piss. Viktor shook his head and turned back to the pot which was at mid-simmer. He shrugged and poured the almost scalding water in his mug and then walked back to sit on his cot. Hamilton and Yuri plopped down in front of him. They both stared at him intensely for a moment until he answered, "What?" Hamilton inquired, "So what's the first thing we're going to do when we hit the surface?" Viktor shrugged, "Inhale dirty air?" Hamilton sighed, "I mean, how are you going to handle this 'New Government' issue?" Viktor scratched his chin, "You know, I hadn't really thought about it. I suppose we will just offer the service and if they don't want it, we'll move on to the next settlement." Yuri chuckled, "Olive Branch approach? Then why are we training for combat?" Viktor thought again, "For meditation purposes?" A roar of laughter erupted from the whole group. Viktor slapped his knee as he howled. Hamilton wiped a tear from his eye and asked, "So why do you think my suit is thicker than yours?" Hamilton pounded a fist on his three inch thick, power steel chest piece. Viktor shrugged, "I guess you're our meat shield. Every infantry needs one." Yuri interjected, "Then what is Dimitri's purpose?" Viktor was surprised by Yuri's jagged question; Yuri had proven to be a well-spoken individual and had also proven to be delicate with fragile situations. Viktor was shocked but understood the man's concern. "He appears to be here for stealth missions and silent kills. I suppose he was part of a black ops department. As to which one, I can't say I know." Yuri nodded in silence yet again. Viktor sipped his coffee and caught the sight of Benito hovering, "Ben? You don't speak much do you?" Viktor asked politely after lowering his coffee. Ben shrugged, "There's not much to talk about, chief." Viktor agreed, "Yeah but you could talk to us, we are your brothers after all." Just then Dimitri rounded the corner and made a beeline for his cot. Without saying a word he went straight to sleep, without even eating supper. Viktor advised them all to do the same. They all went to their respective cots and dozed off.
The next day the first aid training went swimmingly, expect for an incident involving Hamilton and a roll of bandages. When they finally untangled his hands they were given instructions to get in the elevator. They shuffled in obediently and rode to the designated floor. The doors slid open revealing what appeared to be an indoor race track. Yet another Gutsy unit, this one painted in white and black racing checkers, hovered over to them. "Gentlemen, I hope you are ready for vehicle training. All we will do now is teach you how to drive a vehicle, each of you. When you are proficient in that regard, then you may continue your other training. Any questions?" The robot waited a moment and then continued, "Then let's get ready to race!" five floor panels opened on the track and five small go-carts emerged from the floor. The robot barked, "Gentlemen, take you seats." They all climbed in and the unit went about the basic instructions of how to operate a motor vehicle. When it had finished it raised a small checkered flag and signaled the race to begin, "GO!" The engines roared like lions as each of them zoomed past the finish line. Benito claimed the victory for the first couple of races until Hamilton collided with him and caused both of them to slam into the wall. It was Dimitri who claimed the final victory. The all filed out back into the elevator and rode to the previous floor, where they were given the rest of the night off. Each of them, feeling as though they earned it, had a large meal of dried rations and each turned in early. Tomorrow their training would be complete and they would begin their assignment in the new world. Anticipation ate at them, as well as fear.