[h1]Tar 'Mdalak[/h1]
[h3]Paxopolis Simulated Training Centre[/h3]

The combat sim control panel was of Human design, like most of the equipment in Paxopolis. This meant Tar needed several tries to get the settings correct; none of the preset scenarios tested the skills she was instilling in the recruits. She growled in frustration as even the smallest digit on her hand still entered the wrong enemy combatants.

Starting again, she skimmed past the human configurations like ‘Insurrectionist hijackers’ and ‘angry urban mob’ to access Covenant-era hostiles.

Sangheili Zealots <- No
Mgalekgolo Pair <- No
Yanme'e Swarm <- No
[b]Jiralhanae Stalkers[/b] <- Perfect

She locked them in, selected the number and overall skill level, then checked the rest of the settings before confirming. Lights shining from the high ceiling switched from amber to green, another Human design which meant they were ready to begin. Satisfied the simulation was ready, she turned back to her recruits.

Four young Sangheili males stood awkwardly in the centre of the cavernous, empty sim room. They clutched their energy swords and stared suspiciously around as Tar walked quickly over to join them.

Among recruits to Paxopolis’ defensive garrison, there were few who were truly “green”, as the Humans would say. Among the UNSC, it was a secret facility, so they intended to insist upon soldiers with proven loyalty and ability. However, that did not mean that new recruits could simply be integrated right away. They still needed to be evaluated and trained to perform their duties. For some, it could be [i]more[/i] difficult to train them than fresh recruits, as some had just enough experience to be stubborn.

As Tar drew closer, she could see the four Sangheili recruits were awaiting the start of the simulation with varying degrees of eagerness or irritation. The farthest to the left, from Tar’s perspective, was considered by some to be an ideal recruit. He strictly adhered to hierarchy and would obey any order from a superior to the letter, without question or hesitation. However, he also seemed to lack much creativity himself. He was actually the most experienced among the recruits, but not the highest rank. 

The second in line was one who generally received little respect among his peers. Or at least, not from other Sangheili. He was often hesitant to fight, and though capable when motivated, he seemed to have little drive to improve himself. 

The third was the one among them who had ascended to Major rank. He was quite tall and strong, even for a Sangheili, and he already had proven skill in combat, but he was far from humble. He had already openly shown disdain for this extra training he was being put through, and he seemed to be somewhat dismissive towards Tar. 

The last in line was a recruit who was easy to forget about. He has no special experience nor accomplishments, though also no overt flaws. He tended to speak only when spoken to, and generally only said the bare minimum of what was required of him.

All four of them drew up to their full stature as Tar entered their space, as she’d noticed was usual for young males. She returned all of their stares to make sure they were listening before briefing them.

“Brute Stalkers have infiltrated the base. Their objectives are unknown, but they’ve infiltrated the Command room and deactivated our defenses. They’re contained within the Command complex, but the lights have been disabled and they’ll fight hard to break free. Our mission is to insert and kill or capture them all. Any questions?”

After a few moments of silence, the second Sangheili, the young warrior named Jurna, started to move his mandibles to speak, but the Major soon spoke over him, loudly and with no shortage of confidence. “I require nothing more than a target. We are not helpless younglings who have never gripped a plasma rifle. We shall slay these mongrels quickly and be done with this nonsense.”

Jurna did not continue his original thought, and neither of the others spoke up as well, for differing reasons. In any case, each recruit did seem to be ready to enter... They would be armed with simulations of their chosen weapons once the scenario had begun.

Tar chuckled at the Major’s arrogance. She moved closer, until she stood within an arm’s grasp. “Stalkers do not present targets - they are ghosts. Move too quickly, and they will tear you limb from limb. Split from your team, and they will slaughter you. Follow my instructions, stay in formation, and protect your unit, and you may all make it out alive. If you put your team at risk, I will kill you myself, am I understood?” She moved closer still, her head tilted slightly back to meet his gaze fully.

The Major just growled, exhibiting a string of body cues that spoke volumes about his displeasure.

Tar smiled and looked at the other recruits before hitting a button on her wrist interface. The amber lights above them began flashing.

“Prepare yourselves, the simulation starts in thirty seconds.”