Chapter 18: - History and Tactics

"Unfortunately, the modding market is something that we will be covering at a later date, once you have a better grip on the equipment available to you. Trust me, it's better to have a deeper understanding of the rest of the equipment first," Jet informed them. "And, that is all we have time for today. It's flown by, I know. At least, it has for me."

The next lesson that they had was the history and Corporations class. Some of the students were indifferent to it, and only wanted to learn how to fight. Others were actively interested in everything that was on offer to them.

For Gus, each lesson was not just learning a little about the state of the galaxy, it was another way to grow stronger. Having been surrounded by those who humanity now treat as gods for a significant portion of his life, he knew just how outclassed he was, even with the gift of the system. Therefore, he would do whatever he could to to gain any advantage, no matter how small it might be. If learning something about a weapon could allow him to use it a fraction of a second faster, then he would be willing to learn it.

Unfortunately, the next class was a waste of time. Perhaps it was because it was the first lesson, but their first two hours of History and Corporations was dedicated entirely to Solus Supplies, the company behind the academy's funds. For some companies, a two hour lesson would not begin to cover the intricacies of their setup and history. But Solus was not one such company. They were essentially just an everyday goods seller that spread through space as humanity expanded. And that was it.

There was nothing special about them. They were created by some rich kid who had the financial support and facilities of their parents at their disposal. They did not innovate or invent a corner of the market, nor did they make any meaningful strides forward for the sake of humanity, if any strides at all. They were simply wealthy, and they existed.

The boring feel of the lesson was only amplified by the teacher. Employed for her expertise in the area of corporate knowledge from a previous career, Mrs Blake was the most boring, bland, uninteresting person one could imagine. Her voice was flat and monotone, as though she herself was completely bored with the subject she taught. Her hair, face, clothes, and attitude were also utterly unoriginal. It was as though she was an amalgamation of many negative character stereotypes rolled into one person.

Thankfully, the tactics class was far more promising and exciting during the first lesson. The instructor, an older man named Francis Dorrian, was far more lively and enjoyable. He was energetic in his movement, and as he talked about the subject he actually sounded like he wanted to be there doing it.

Much like the room for the equipment class, the room they were in for the tactics class housed five identical tables, each with enough space to house a full squad.

The first lesson was fairly simple. Dorrian took the time to introduce himself and his qualifications, as well as explain the material of the class. A lifelong soldier, Dorrian retired after a stint as a General in the last expansion efforts into the frontier almost fifteen years ago. He was present at the first battles against the alien foe, and was present right until human forces were withdrawn from the frontier.

After this, he spent the remaining time explaining just what a tactic was.

"It is not merely a tool for victory over the enemy," he said, forcing the information into their minds. "It is something that you will use every single day. If you want to get somewhere, you will instinctively begin to form a route in your mind, provided you know the area, at least if you're me. This is just one of the many examples of a tactic that you can use.

A tactic is little more than a plan. In fact, if you want to call it a plan I will not stop you. It's not some special military thing that you have to have a high IQ to make and carry out. Anyone can do it, anyone can be successful with them. As long as you remember this, I think you'll be fine."

A few minutes later, the class and by extension their first day, was over. At least for some.

"Gus Braye, Lianna Tynnes, can you both stay behind for a moment?"

Gus approached Dorrian at the front of the room, glancing to the girl who mirrored his movements.

'Her hair is long. Very long,' was Gus's first impression. The ends of her brown hair hung down to her legs, resting just above the back of the knee. As she glanced back at him, he noticed she had a pair of purple eyes. Thinking back to throughout the day, he could not remember ever seeing her in the class.

Gus noticed a formal looking sheet of paper on Dorrian's desk. Printed onto the sheet were two tables, one of which was filled with the names of Gus's squad. Noticing his gaze, Dorrian slid the paper behind himself.

"This won't take long, don't worry. I'm not at liberty to disclose why, but you two are required to assemble your squads outside of your platoon house at eight tonight."

"Why?" Lianna asked. "One of my squad is in medical."

"Not to worry. Timber was released earlier, and was sent back to the house instead of to class specifically due to this thing tonight. He'll be fine for it, don't worry."

"Timber?" Gus exclaimed.

"The one you put on the floor, yeah," Lianna confirmed.

'Thought as much.'

"There was nothing else," Dorrian confirmed. "Remember, eight sharp."

Sorry about him earlier," Gus said to Lianna as they both left. "I felt a bit bad when I woke up and saw him."

"You shouldn't have. It was a fight, and you won. I'm surprised you didn't go down, though."

Gus knew she was right, and knew that he had done the right thing in winning. But he could not help but feel a little bad for what happened, especially when the thought of him on the medical bed entered his mind.

CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Stormzz

Apologies for not uploading for a little while. It's exam season so I've had limited writing time. I'll be done soon so hopefully uploads can come quicker.

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