Welcome ..... leave your pride at the door

Marcus fell into the line with the others of 3rd platoon.  A whirlwind of nerves, excitement and wonder filled his body.  His family wished for him to stay and care for the ranch but it was not him.  He longed for adventure and glory.  His country needed him and he felt it was his duty to defend her.

Sgt. Recco walked the line barking orders to the recruits as fast as his mouth would allow.  Unfortunately the recruits could not comprehend the orders as fast.  The resulting backlash was fast and swift physical punishment.  A volley of pushups, sit-ups and flutter kicks came at the recruits.  Marcus thought he was in shape but was proven wrong.

"UP!" barked Sgt Recco. The recruits jumped up from the flutter kick position.

"Recruits, this is judgement week.  Judgement week allows the drill sergeants to see which recruits have the right stuff for the positions we need to fill.  Combat arms and support roles will be filled by the completion of the 8th week.  Some of you may even be fortunate enough to steer a Mech on the field of battle.  You have 3 minutes to get into my barracks, find your rack and report to the front of the chow hall."

Recruits didn't move.  Sgt Recco looked at them in amazement.  "You now have 2 minutes and 30 seconds. MOVE IT !"

A blur of recruit fatigues and dust headed towards the barracks.

Academy .... starting from the ground up.

The bus driver pulled the parking brake after coming to a stop. Marcus Moundges looked out the window. Standing in front of the building was five sharp dressed non commissioned officers. Not one seemed to show one sign of emotion or concern. If Marcus did not know any better one would think the group were statues.

One NCO at a time left the group and got on each bus. Swallowing and reminding himself to breath, Marcus looked forward to glimpse at his new NCO for the next eight weeks. The whole bus was quiet. The NCO stood there for a moment and then relaxed.

"Soldiers, my name is Sgt. Recco. I am your drill instructor for the next eight weeks. You will address me as drill sergeant. When I call your name, you answer MOVING DRILL SERGEANT. When I speak you listen. When I sing you sing with me. Remember you all can do this. You all signed the dotted line and volunteered for duty."

Some of the new recruits relaxed some while others still gazed at the drill sergeant wondering what was next. Soon enough everyone would find out.

" Now ..... GET OFF MY STINKING BUS! MOVE MOVE MOVE !!! " boomed Drill Sgt Recco's voice throughout the bus. All at once the bus's occupants stood up and attempted to leave the bus as fast as they could. Duffel bags, garrison hats and recruits piled in front of the door.

Drill Sgt Recco stepped over the large pileup and then squatted down in front of the first recruit he saw. " Why are you BLOCKING my recruits from exiting ? " "MOVE IT !"

The pile surged forward as recruits and materials began to separate. Recruits began grabbing items and moving to the assembly area. Drill Sergeants were yelling at anything wearing training fatigues. It reminded Marcus of his younger days herding cattle on the ranch. The drill sergeants were the cattle dogs while recruits looked like scared cattle.

Instead of thinking, Marcus grabbed his gear and headed for the assembly area.

Every story has a beginning ....

2340 AD

** Official Transmission to all Planets, Colonies and citizens ... **

In these troubled times one must make decisions that affect many. Times like these require unity, honor and strength to overcome all whom oppose. Strength in numbers is vital but drive and determination is what fuels the pact. Time and time again our leaders have determined that unity and strength are important to keep order and peace. The Tamar Pact, Federation of Skye and the Protectorate of Donegal are prime examples of working government protecting and caring for its citizens throughout the known space.

Now is the time to act. Now is the time to band together and protect what is ours. I, Alistair Marsden hereby announce from the Capital City of Arcturus, the decree of unity and strength will be forever known as the Lyran Commonwealth.

Signed into effective enforcement in this year 2340 AD.

Archon Alistair Marsden

** End of Transmission **