My Mecha System

The military transports came into town and parked along the square, opening their doors to let the recruiters step out. Each recruiter held a tablet that the future cadets would have to sign to start their processing into the academy.

”This is a sorry looking lot ” said Staff Sergeant Payne as he motioned the prospective cadets forward. ”Lets go cadets, we are on a schedule and don have time for your goodbyes. Take your luggage and grab a seat after signing. Lets get this shit show on the road! ”

Arthur quickly said his good byes and walked forward to put his information in the tablet held by SSG Payne. It required a thumb print and a signature. Apparently the Imperial defense force has all the basics of its citizens to make things like this easier. Arthur placed his thumb on the pad, signed the next few years of his life away, and proceeded to walk onto the transport. He glanced back and waved at his parents before finally turning, walking onto the bus and grabbing a seat next to a cadet built like a mountain.

”My name is Arthur Wright, its a pleasure ” said Arthur looking at the cadet next to him.

”Strong ” replied the cadet. ”First names don matter here anymore. You are Wright and I am Strong ” Said Strong with a chuckle.

With the ice broken, Arthur had a laugh and began asking Strong what he was hoping to achieve in the academy.

”I want to be a mecha pilot ” said Strong.

”As do I ” Replied Arthur. ”I think we are going to get along great. I may not be as strong as you are, but I don plan on sitting in a mech and soaking up all the damage either. Youd make a great shield ”

The cadets continued to talk as the transports left town and moved on to the next. The trip took 12 hours after Arthur got on board. They went to 3 different towns and picked up 50 more hopeful cadets. Most looked out of their element but there were some that stood out to Strong and Arthur.

Finally they got within sight of the academy grounds.

”Its amazing! ” Said Arthur as he looked at the academy through the window. Strong proceeded to give him some background on the academy as they waited for the transports to stop.

Arthur learned quite a bit from Strongs extensive knowledge on the Academy. The academy served all the fringe worlds in this sector of the empire. Every year, several worlds would send their prospective cadets to train here. That meant it was well funded, but the competition was fierce among the different programs. On top of boasting a top notch mecha program, they also had several other specialties including the mechanized infantry, an aircraft fighter program, and everything in between. If you wanted to do something in the imperial defense force, chances are you could do it here.

The academy also had their own small shipyard where Arthur could see several ships touching down and letting off prospective recruits. Arthur noticed there were several small mecha stationed outside the ship yards, he wasn sure what their purpose was but it looked like they were there as guards or maybe for unloading when requested.

The transports finally stopped and SSG Payne stood up and opened the door.

”Lets go ladies, you have 30 seconds to exit this transport and fall in outside with your bags, anyone left after 30 seconds will be sent packing back home! Time starts now! ”

Arthur and Strong quickly stood up with their bags and rushed out the door. They both had a feeling there would be something like this once they arrived so they had both chosen one of the front seats for a quick exit.

Arthur and Strong threw their bags to the side and stood at attention with their hands to their sides and eyes straight forward as they waited for the rest of the cadets to file out and take appropriate positions. The cadets exited and, noticing what Arthur and Strong were doing, quickly filed in beside them and did the same.

”Good, good! ” yelled Payne. ”Maybe this class won be as disappointing as the last, or maybe they will ” as he looked at the cadets floundering around with the other recruiters. This transport group was the only group to fall in and present themselves appropriately.

”Parade rest! Shouted Payne as he walked the column of cadets. ”Parade rest is executed by moving your right foot over shoulder length apart from your left foot with your hands clasped behind your backs and your eyes straight forward. I will be leaving you here in this position to get room assignments. Do not move from this position until I return. do I make myself clear cadets? The appropriate response is, sir, yes sir! ” Yelled Payne

”Sir, yes sir! ” Shouted the cadets standing in parade rest.

It was already after midnight when Payne walked away with Arthur wandering how long they would be standing at rest. An hour turned into two without any word from Payne and their room assignments. Arthur watched group after group walk by with their bags and a basic bedding set with a standard issue pillow and dreamed of nothing more than laying his head down anywhere to get rest.

The group stood silent for 6 hours in parade rest waiting for Payne to return. A couple of individuals could not stand any longer and sat down where they were standing prior. Arthur said nothing as he saw the sun start to rise. Payne returned at 6:30 in the morning with a drink in his hand looking suspiciously well rested.

”Sorry ladies, I got sidetracked and forgot you were standing out here. One of my peers had to remind me you were waiting out here for me ” said Payne as he looked at the cadets sitting on the ground. ”Cadets, what was the last thing I said to you before I left? ”

”The appropriate response is sir, yes sir! ” yelled a cadet to Arthurs left.

”Ahh, we have a smart ass here among the ranks. Cadet…Sandler, remind after I release you from this formation to take a shit in a box and send it to your parents for sending me theirs! ” yelled Payne.

”Sir, yes sir! ” yelled cadet Sandler.

”You two on the ground, you owe me two laps around the academy before you get room assignments. 30 minutes left for breakfast so you better hurry or you wont eat till lunch! ”

”Sir, yes sir! cried the cadets as they got up and took off running as fast as they could in an effort to not miss the only meal opportunity they had for the last 18 hours.

”Lets get those room assignments then, shall we? ” said Payne as he prepared to read the list off his tablet.