Chapter 103 The Volunteer Corps Graduation
Chapter 103 The Volunteer Corps Graduation
September 15th, 2023. Blackwatch Military Camp.
Richard, the commanding officer, adjusted his stance as he faced the Volunteer Corps on the raised platform. The podium stood solidly before him, a symbol of authority and experience. It was a crisp morning, and the air was filled with anticipation. The Volunteer Corps, a diverse group of men and women, stood at attention, their faces showing a mix of determination and pride.
They had undergone two months of grueling training and practice, pushing themselves to their limits and beyond. They had learned to work as a team, to trust one another, and to operate with precision and efficiency. Today was the culmination of their efforts, and they were ready.
"New recruits," Richard began, his voice clear and authoritative. "Today marks a significant milestone in your journey with Blackwatch Military Camp. Over the past two months, you have demonstrated immense dedication, resilience, and tenacity. You have transformed from civilians into soldiers, ready to stand and defend our military camp."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, and scanned the faces before him. "You have learned the importance of discipline, of working together as a cohesive unit, and of upholding the values and standards of Blackwatch Military Camp. You have proven yourselves capable and reliable, and for that, you have earned my respect and the respect of your fellow soldiers."
Richard took a moment to let his gaze linger on the Volunteer Corps, his expression serious yet filled with pride. "As we stand here today, know that you are a vital part of our defense strategy. You play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our camp, and I have every confidence in your abilities."
He straightened, his demeanor firm. "Moving forward, you will continue to hone your skills, to push yourselves, and to strive for excellence in everything you do. Blackwatch Military Camp demands the best, and I know that each and every one of you is up to the challenge."
With that, Richard nodded, a subtle gesture of approval and encouragement. "Welcome to the Blackwatch Private Military Company, where our mission is to exterminate all zombies that destroyed the very foundation of our society and to protect the remaining survivors. Your training has been rigorous and demanding because that\'s what the situation calls for. We are in the midst of a crisis, and there is no room for error."
Richard\'s tone became even more practical and direct as he continued to address the Volunteer Corps. "The world we knew is gone. Zombies are a real and present threat. They have taken our homes, and our cities, and caused unparalleled destruction."
He stepped back, concluding his address. "Your training may be over, but your real test begins now. Stay sharp, stay strong, and show the world that we are not defeated. Dismissed."
With a sharp salute, Richard ended the ceremony, watching as the recruits dispersed, and formed cliques. Just like every soldier in the Blackwatch, they are wearing an active combat uniform.
The Blackwatch combat attire underwent a significant transformation, deviating from the previous design inspired by the United States Marine Corps uniform. The new ensemble embraced a more modern and sharp aesthetic. The soldiers were clad in black uniforms, adorned on each arm with a distinctive patch featuring a skull impaled by a knife. Their gear included coyote brown body armor vests contrasted with black MOLLE strips, as well as matching combat gloves that boasted black fingertips and reinforced knuckles for additional protection. They also wore coyote brown knee pads for added support during field operations, and their attire was completed with sturdy black boots.
The fabric of the uniform is thick so that it won\'t be simply pierced by the teeth of a zombie, ensuring an added layer of protection for the soldiers. It\'s designed to be both durable and flexible, allowing for ease of movement in various combat situations.
The body armor vest is specially constructed to distribute weight evenly across the soldier\'s torso, minimizing strain and fatigue. The black MOLLE strips provide a versatile platform for attaching additional gear and equipment, allowing each soldier to customize their loadout based on the mission at hand.
The combat gloves and knee pads are made from high-density foam and reinforced with hard plastic, offering both comfort and protection. The gloves are designed to provide a firm grip, essential when handling weapons, while the knee pads cushion the impact of kneeling or diving, reducing the risk of injury.
The black boots are constructed with slip-resistant soles, providing stable footing on various terrains. They\'re also reinforced in key areas, protecting the feet from potential hazards while ensuring longevity and durability.
Richard walked towards one of the formed cliques and it didn\'t take long for that clique to notice his arrival.
"Brother!" Lisa exclaimed as she rushed up to him and pulled him in an embrace.
Richard greeted Lisa with a warm smile, returning the embrace firmly.
"Lisa, good job," he responded, his tone genuine. He stepped back, taking a moment to look her over. "You\'ve done well in the training; I can see it."
"Yes, I can\'t wait for our first deployment," Lisa enthusiastically said as she glanced over behind her shoulder, looking at Denise, Angela, and Ella. The volunteer forces were arranged in a squad consisting of four individuals.
"Alright, but remember, it\'s not about being eager to get into the field. It\'s about being prepared and doing the job right," Richard cautioned. "It\'s not an adventure outside those walls. And your deployment would be about you and your squad scavenging for food from convenience stores nearby."
"I know that brother, and if zombies were to appear during our mission, we wouldn\'t have a problem dealing with them," Lisa responded confidently with a smug face.
Richard\'s heart fluttered for a moment. He had intended for Lisa to join the Volunteer Corps so he could learn the basics of self-defense and she could protect herself when he was not with her. Though originally, it was to appeal to her emotions back then, wanting to be useful for him.
Richard swore that he\'d protect her as she is the only family he has left, and allowing her to join the volunteer corps may be quite the opposite of keeping her safe. Nevertheless, seeing her determination and how well she has adapted and trained, he couldn\'t help but feel a sense of pride. However, the protective older brother in him couldn\'t be completely at ease.
"Lisa," he started, his tone shifting to a more serious one. "I know you\'ve trained hard and I trust in your abilities. But promise me, promise me you\'ll stay safe out there. Don\'t take unnecessary risks. Remember, your safety is the priority."
Lisa seemed to sense the concern in his voice, and her confident demeanor softened as she nodded, "I promise, brother. I know what\'s at stake, and I won\'t let my guard down. I\'ve got a good team, and we\'ve got each other\'s backs."
"That\'s what I need to hear," Richard responded, his tone softening. "Now I\'m going to let you four celebrate. I\'ll be in my office if you need me."
"Oh brother, before you go, there is something that I have to tell you."
"What is it?"
Lisa beckoned him to lean over so she could whisper in his ear. Richard bent down slightly, his expression turning curious as he waited for Lisa to speak.
"Gunyu…gunyu…gunyu gunyu," Lisa whispered into his
Richard\'s eyes widened.