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eyes turn to him. He was beginning to hate the word ‘challenges’.
    “A holo-square,” said TAC Officer Myers, “is an advanced, simulation device used to train special operation teams in scenarios which would be deadly if attempted under actual conditions. It’s a very expensive piece of equipment, but you will be seeing a lot of it during the next four years. In spite of my protests to the contrary, the higher ups believe you’re now ready for actual Academy training. As such, you are going to be introduced to scenarios reflecting actual combat conditions. Are there any questions?”
    Silence. No one ever asked TAC Officer Myers a question. He was not one of those who believed there was no such thing as a stupid question; quite the contrary. TAC Officer Myers believed every question asked by a cadet was a stupid question.
    “Fine,” said TAC Officer Myers. “Then since you’re all experts, I think we can begin. Cadet 303, since you missed the last part of the road march, you can go first.” Pointing to a pile of black, leather-looking clothing on the ground, TAC Officer Myers said, “Put it on.”
    “Sir! Yes, sir,” said cadet 303. She ran to the pile of black clothing indicated by TAC Officer Myers and started to pull on a pair of pants over her training shorts.
    “No, you idiot!” said TAC Officer Myers. “That’s a wizard scout training uniform. You have to be bare skinned.”
    “Sir! Yes, sir,” said cadet 303 as she hurriedly began to strip off her clothing.
    Stripping naked in front of other cadets was not that big of a deal. They had all shared common latrines and showers for the last two years. Still, Richard couldn’t help but notice 303 had a very nice body. She was small, but she was well shaped. Richard noticed 303 turn a light shade of pink as she removed her clothing. It was one thing to not have the protection of clothing when everyone else was naked. It was a little different out in the open air with nine other cadets staring at you. Apparently, TAC Officer Myers thought so as well.
    “What are the rest of you waiting for?” yelled TAC Officer Myers. “Don’t you see the other piles of clothing? Do I have to hand feed you idiots everything? Find the pile with your number on it and get dressed.”
    Richard ran along with the other cadets as they hurried to find the pile with their number. He had a feeling the last one dressed would feel the wrath of TAC Officer Myers. But in spite of his efforts, he did not find anything with his number. Soon, all the available piles were occupied by the other cadets.
    “Well, 832,” TAC Officer Myers said as Richard looked around confusedly. “I don’t believe you’ll need a training uniform. They provide far too much protection for someone with your high skills and abilities. I don’t believe this training would be a challenge for you if you were wearing armor. All you’ll need is these goggles. Put them on.”
    TAC Officer Myers tossed a pair of goggles in Richard’s direction. Richard caught them with his left hand. He donned the goggles. Two ear plugs dangled from the strap, so he placed then in his ears. The ear plugs were lightweight, and they did not seem to affect his hearing. Although he did hear what he thought was the sound of a stiff breeze. He was surprised when he looked back at the holo-square. The area inside the square was no longer the open area of the hilltop. Instead, it appeared to be a frozen, windblown wasteland.
    The wonder of holograms , Richard thought.
    The other cadets were soon dressed in their wizard scout training uniforms. They were not actual wizard scout battle suits, of course. Those would be issued later once the class had been reduced further. Instead, the pants, top, and boots appeared to be made out of thick, black leather. The helmet appeared similar to a wizard scout’s battle helmet, but Richard doubted it had any of the advanced electronics. They were just too expensive to waste on first-year