Shadows of JiangXi

[arvg]

The Social Credit hung over the ground, resting on it's VTOL jets as Vance took the controls.

Moving his way back along the ship, holding a mug of coffee, Captain Enrico Alvarez smiled at the ragged and weary faces that greeted him down in the ships hold.

The recruits, tired because they hadn't slept in about 36 hours, were dressed in whatever radiation gear the PX on Zhukovsky station could spare for them. Bits and pieces, odds and sods of gear and equipment. Each was armed with an AK-74 rifle and a TT-33 pistol, each had a TAC, not that it would do much good in the Radiation, but it was more to make them feel comfortable... and their all important radiation meters.

"Good morning Campers," Enrico called, moving through the cargo netting and past the Jeep that was snugly filling a third of the cargobay. "Today you begin your survival training. This is an initiation rite for the Coalition, one that will test your individual skills. You are required to participate, if you choose not to participate, I am authourized to take you back to Zhukovsky station, where you will answer to Colonel Rhade himself." He smiled coldly.

"JiangXi used to be a lush and verdant paradise, until the Phantoms arrived and turned it into the post apocalyptic hell you are about to be dropped into." He began keying the rear ramp, and rigging the drop lines for them to abseil their way to the ground. "There are things down there that will try to eat you... there are things down there that will try to kill you, and there are things down there that will weed the weak from the strong."

He sipped his coffee and smiled around the cup, "there are those here who will not be coming back. Say your good byes now. The rules are simple... this is the Northern Hemisphere. Due south of here are two Island chains, Santiago and L'Acadie. You are going to be dropped here, and you are to make your way ALONE to one of these settlements... before your radiation meter reaches dangerous levels."

He looked at each of them as he hit the ramp, a red light and klaxxon blaring as the hatch opened on the rain swept and cold field below.

"Miller, you're first. Then the rest of you at ten minute intervals. Go!" he sent the first down the line, dropping to the ground and sprinting off towards the tree-line.

Staring at his watch he counted down, and gestured to the next Coalitioner, "Go!"

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