9 Int. Small Briefing Room - Morning 9
A large framed OFFICER is standing at the front of the room behind a long wooden table. Several officers are seated on either side of the one standing. His hands are pressed against the table under his weight. The room is filled with soldiers in formal attire attentively listening.
OFFICER
This may be a search and rescue mission but that does not mean the Old World is safe.
He stands straight up and begins pacing behind the seated officers maintain their forward gaze.
OFFICER
Our brothers and sisters have fought tirelessly to ensure this moment. However, there are still embers of savagery and danger around every corner.
OFFICER (CONT)
That is precisely why we are here. To talk about what will keep you alive. At any time you might have a question, fucking ask. It could be the difference between coming home or not.
A light, uneasy rustle passes through the room in response to the stark warning.
OFFICER
Now, you will all be deployed to Landing Base 158-B.
The touchscreen behind him lights up with images and schematics of the base. He taps on the photorealistic model and the screen zooms in.
OFFICER
Lovingly named, The Big Boy. LB-158-B is the pinnacle of our efforts in the Old World. It is armed with the highest efficiency defense system and maintains a minimum occupation of three thousand units. To put it lightly, y'all have it easy.
The officer taps on the screen again pulling up a new window with bulleted text and diagrams. As he discusses the slide the screen moves though diagrams showing detailed animations of different situations.
OFFICER
That being said, 158-B is one of the most important strategic locations for the Hegemony. The Big Boy is nestled directly in between two rivers that flow directly to the ocean. This is a position we cannot lose.
The officer taps on an overhead map of the area.
OFFICER
Located directly south of the Big Boy is the largest settlement of the Savages. Originally called Portown, the remaining combatants have taken root here.
The officer zooms in on the City.
OFFICER
As of right now, there has been a cease fire between the terrorists and the Hegemony which our leaders plan to honor. However, if a savage engages outside of this zone...
A red circle appears around the settlement.
OFFICER
Take no prisoners.
The officer closes out of the pictures of the City and the Big Boy.
OFFICER
Again, your job is S and R. Which means you will be deployed with the 'Medic Adjustment 3' loadout. Light load means light feet and that's exactly what we want from you soldiers.
The officer lowers his voice, becoming stern and menacing.
OFFICER
These savages will have a heavy loadout surrounded before the armaments can even be deployed. You must be fast, efficient, and invisible.
A soldier raises to their feet standing at attention inside the crowded room.
OFFICER
Ask your question, soldier.
SOLDIER 1
What is the likelihood of an encounter during our canvas?
The officer returns to stand behind the table. He places his knuckles on the table and leans forward placing more and more weight on his ringed knuckles.
OFFICER
Very low. But I want you to remember one thing. One mistake is all it takes, one broken twig, one late comm, a sneeze in the dark. That is the difference between your bothers coming home or dying with the Savages.
SOLDIER 1
Thank you, sir.
The soldier quickly sits back down and the officer returns to pacing in front of the table with his arms crossed against his back.
JOHNNY
So, are you going to sit here all night playing guitar by yourself?
OFFICER
If there are no further questions at this time we will move on to discuss the deployment schedule.
CUT TO:
Askia walks out of the briefing room. Several other soldiers are talking amongst themselves about the meeting. Askia can hear bits of the conversation as he passes.
SOLDIER 2
Yeah, pretty weird he didn't mention that.
SOLDIER 3
Also, why are they sending us with MED-LOAD_3?
SOLDIER
I was thinking the same thing! Isn't that for active combat zones?
Askia enters the commons of the station. A lounge style room with a bar to order food and drinks and different types of seating across the place. Some young soldiers sit in the lounge talking and laughing loudly while. The lounge has many sad-faced soldiers silently nursing a drink.
The world is just as busy before. A new band get's up on the stage, introducing themselves to the crowd. A group from 157. They complain about their travels to a group of people who can't relate. Askia contemplates the fact that life will continue on without him here.
End of Act 1
