Chapter 13: Bunk Mate
Dutch didn't complain when Kate handed over her responsibilities to him. He understood how stressful the situation that had just taken place was for her. After all, she was convinced that she and everyone here would die.
"Follow me," Dutch gestured to the trainees as they exited the hangar into the main facility.
He didn't believe for a second that the knights were too scared or uncertain to talk about Arbus's identity. But there was nothing he could really do about that, especially since three white Mornans were present. They were basically nobles of the Mornan race, so he had to be careful despite being their instructor. The white Mornan boy Jet was also right; Kate was at fault in this situation, so there wasn't much he could do to help her when the commander arrived.
After they exited the hangar, they arrived at the central hub of the Tomber base, where various lower-level administrative personnel could be seen moving about. The central hub led to four main areas that were further divided by rooms. The hub itself was a circular structure with high ceilings and reinforced walls.
He led them into the first area. "This is the combat training area. Here you'll be trained in hand-to-hand combat, melee weapon use, and long-range weapon usage. There's a sparring room for close combat and a shooting range for long-range weapons," Dutch explained as he showed the knights around.
The sparring room was filled with all sorts of close combat weapons hung on the walls. They ranged from basic metal swords to high-tech energy blades, maces, and staffs, created by the Mesh Department. The floors and walls were made of an impact-absorbing material, which made sense considering the different species that would be training here. Various training dummies were also kept in the corners. Arbus was excited by the prospect of finding a weapon that suited him since he preferred close combat to ranged combat.
The shooting range was naturally filled with all types of Renegade weapons created by the Mesh Department. Long metal tables lined the front of the range, where various high-tech firearms and weaponry were kept. Target projectors stood at the far end, capable of creating both stationary and moving targets. Dutch made it clear that they weren't allowed near the shooting range without supervision.
"This is the simulation area, where you'll be required to take on various bots. Each of them is divided by levels, so we can determine what level of mastery you've reached in each aspect," Dutch explained as they entered the final room in the combat training area. The room was larger than the others, with a central control panel and observation windows overlooking a spacious, empty chamber.
After that, Dutch led them out of the combat training area and into the support facilities. This was where the physical training room, the pilot simulation room, and the mental training room were located.
The physical training room contained various equipment tailored for different species physiologies. "The physical training room is where you can train your strength, endurance, and various other stats. It's designed to suit each trainee's current limit perfectly and push them past it slowly," Dutch said before ushering them to the next room.
"In here, you'll learn basic piloting skills," Dutch explained as they entered the pilot simulation room. "Every Vanguard team requires at least one pilot, so we don't waste resources. Some of you will specialize in this area, others won't. Either way, knowing the basics could save your life someday."
The room contained several pilot stations with control panels and projection screens, each mimicking different Renegade spacecraft cockpits.
Dutch led them to the final room in the support facility section. Inside, rows of beds lined the walls, each with a neural interface helmet positioned nearby.
"This is the mental training room," Dutch said, his tone growing more serious. "Here you'll undergo simulation missions that feel completely real. Each of you will face different challenges based on your abilities and weaknesses. Complete more missions successfully, and your final evaluation scores will improve. Fail too many... and well, you fail," he said before motioning them to continue the tour.
After that, Dutch led them through the operational area of the base.
"The command center, administrative lounge, and equipment storage are all restricted areas," he informed them, gesturing to each sealed doorway they passed. "Trainees aren't permitted entry without direct authorization from an instructor."
The cafeteria was the only accessible part of this section for them. A simple space with metal tables bolted to the floor, automated food dispensers along one wall, and recycling units along another.
"That concludes our tour," Dutch said, stopping at the final section. "This is the resting area. You have access to only two rooms. Female trainees in one, male trainees in the other. All other quarters are for administrative staff and workers."
He surveyed the group, his gaze lingering on Arbus slightly longer than the others.
"That will be all for now. Rest today. Tomorrow your training begins in earnest," he stated firmly before turning and heading toward the administrative lounge.
Dutch sighed heavily as he entered the administrative lounge, where Ty was still sprawled lazily across the couch.
He was stressed out from having to walk around with a half-human right behind him. He already knew that Arbus technically wasn't the enemy and that he was just as much a Renegade as anyone else. But it didn't make things any easier. This was the closest he had ever been to something having to do with a Reincarnator.
He glanced over at Kate, who stood by the communication hub, visibly furious.
"They really expect us to teach that half-breed? What kind of sick joke is this?" she fumed. "According to them, it's an unchangeable command from the Sentinel himself. This is too unfair!. Especially after what we just went through, what is he thinking!?".
"It's alright, Kate, it's only for a few months. After that, we'll be done with this batch. I understand how you're feeling quite well. I had to keep my guard up the entire time I was with him."
"Exactly!. Now just imagine how bad it is for the other knights, who have to share the same sleeping area with him. We'll have to do something about that later," Kate said as she stood up. "I'll head back to the hangar and wait for the commander to arrive." She left the room with a resigned sigh.
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"That outburst was hilarious to watch, man. She literally locked down the entire base," a blue Mornan boy said, laughing. "I had to hold myself back from bursting out in laughter, especially seeing her tremble like that."
By now, the knight trainees had already had time to settle into their rooms. Each room had a rather simple design, and only contained the exact amount of bunk beds needed for them.
"Can you blame her, though?" another blue Mornan chimed in, his voice edged with disdain. "After what happened at Terytl-B? The whole star system is on edge. And now the Sentinel expects us to train alongside a reincarnator half-breed? The same kind of thing we're literally here to learn how to kill!" As he spoke, he shot a pointed glance towards Arbus, who was resting silently on the top bunk of the bunk bed not too far from them.
"At least pretend to keep your voice down," Arbus thought with a sigh.
"That's pretty inconsiderate. They could at least try whispering," came a voice nearby, mirroring his thoughts. Arbus looked down at the origin of the voice. It was his bunkmate, who was busy unpacking a few things. He was a white Mornan with raven dark hair and jet-black eyes, dressed in the same trainee outfit as him.
"Guess you're the unlucky guy who got stuck with me," Arbus muttered, a bit surprised. He knew these white Mornans were a big deal. It was only natural that they would get first pick when it came to choosing beds, yet this one had taken the bed no one wanted.
This was the only white Mornan in the group that didn't seem to care about his existence earlier, unlike the other two.
The white Mornan looked up and smiled, extending a hand. "Hey there, I'm Alexander."
"Looks like we're bunkmates. Let's get along well, Arbus."