Page 17 of The Outcast
Nausea spread in my body. From the day Aubri had sent me a vid explaining her plan for us to train Explorers, I’d been on board and excited. Now that things were going from the planning to the doing phase, I was struck with a feeling of being underqualified.
Aubri laughed and there was glee in her eyes when she smacked my butt and exclaimed, “This is the day we’ve waited for. It’s finally time for us to boss some big-ass men around!”
Her enthusiasm helped me feel a bit better and after taking a deep breath, I walked with Aubri to stand next to Banni and Indiana watching a large black drone land and drop off ten candidates.
I knew every one of them by name, although I’d never met them in person before today. We had selected the recruits based on their application vids in which we had seen them do physical challenges and explain about their background and motivation for applying to be an Explorer.
“Welcome!” Aubri said when the eight men and two women stood in a half circle. “My name is Aubri Aurelius and you already know my face from the ad you responded to. I’m in charge of this operation and behind me I have my fellow instructors who will introduce themselves in a minute. First, let me congratulate you on being the first recruits at the Explorer Academy. Over the next years we plan to train many superior Explorers to do important restoration work in the world. We believe in setting the bar high from the beginning so that the recruits who follow in your footsteps will have something to aim for. In time this field will be full of buildings and look like a real academy. But today, we start in an empty field with nothing. Today we make history!
“We hope that five of you will be on the first team of Explorers from the Northlands, but it all depends on how you do over the next weeks and months. I’ll be honest with you. Working as an Explorer is physically hard and mentally challenging at times. You’ll be far away from home and you’ll have to deal with a different culture that’s the opposite of your own in many ways. However, it’s also the coolest adventure you’ll ever experience and if you can embrace the European culture, you can have the time of your life.
“Out of thousands of applications, we selected you ten to be our first trainees. You are here because you’re strong, like outdoor living, prefer to be physically active, want to make a difference in the world, and are curious about the French culture.”
The ten candidates stood like soldiers listening attentively to Aubri speaking.
“In a few weeks, ten more candidates will arrive. Those of you who are still here will help us teach them what you’ve learned from us. If everything goes well, we’re sending the first team of Northland Explorers to Europe in six weeks. You have a lot to learn before we’ll let you represent our country as an elite unit with a high level of expertise and competence.”
Some of the candidates smiled and exchanged glances of excitement.
“My husband Indiana and I just returned from working as Explorers in Old Europe for a full year. We brought our boss with us, Banni Armel. He has more than a decade of experience as an Explorer and he will teach you what you need to know about the French culture.” Aubri nodded for Banni to speak to the group.
“Hello.” His gaze glided over the ten candidates. “I became an Explorer when I was seventeen and can testify to Aubri’s claim that Exploration work is dangerous and should be taken seriously. I don’t foresee any challenges for any of you in learning how to handle the practical side of the job. You all look strong, motivated, and capable. I predict that the part of the job that will take you some time to get used to is dealing with our culture. I assume you’ve all heard rumors about the French culture, but it will be my job to explain the do’s and don’ts before you go there yourself.” His tone hardened. “Let me be perfectly clear, we’re not just looking for amazing Explorers, we’re looking for openminded, adaptable people who can thrive in Europe even though the culture is radically different from yours.”
One of the candidates raised a hand.
“Yes?” Banni pointed to him.
“Is it true that we get to sleep with a bunch of women?”
“It’s possible,oui. Is that your motivation to be here?”
“No, but it’s a major bonus.” A few of the other men smiled.
Next to me, Indiana cleared his throat, and I could tell he wanted to educate the young men, but Banni continued his introduction.
“We’ll talk more about the rules of intimacy and the expectations for your behavior over the next weeks as we’ll go over some practical exercises to prepare you.” With a hand gesture, he signaled for me to introduce myself and it made my heart race.
Hiding my shaking hands on my back, I managed to speak with a strong voice. “My name is Sparrow Rex. I’m in charge of most of the practical details that make this academy run. I’m also a specialist when it comes to survival in nature.”
They all stood with respectful silence and listened to me before they turned their attention to Indiana when he began speaking.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Indiana Boulder. This past year, I’ve worked with Banni and Aubri as an Explorer in Old Europe. I won’t be your instructor on a permanent basis, but I’ll pop in once in a while when I can. Now, just in case someone here hasn’t watched any news these past six months, I want to make it perfectly clear that I’m Aubri’s husband.” Indiana looked into the eyes of every male candidate. There was no need for him to threaten them further. They were Nmen and understood his warning to behave around her.
Aubri shifted her balance. “All right, now that you’ve met us instructors, let’s get back to the practicalities. As Explorers you’ll go on many expeditions into the wilderness. You’ll bring provisions and tents to sleep in but today we’re giving you no such luxuries. Instead, we’re splitting you into two groups and giving you three hours to build the best possible camp. Explorers in France work in teams of men and women and they sleep in tents together. If anyone here has a problem with that you might as well leave right now.” Aubri waited but none of the candidates protested.
“If any of you men think that you can’t keep your hands to yourself, speak now and we’ll give you a ride home.” Again, there was nothing but silence.
“Good. As I said, we’ll split you into two groups. Each group will build a solid shelter for the night and you’ll also cook your first meal together. We’ll allow a few useful tools for the assignment but it’s up to you to find the materials.” Aubri split the ten candidates into two groups with four men and one woman on each team. “We’ll be evaluating teamwork and attitude along with creativity and knowledge. Your three hours starts now!”
As the candidates set into action, Aubri came to stand next to me with her arms folded as we watched group A and B approach the assignment.
“Are you taking notes?” she asked me.
“Of course.”
“What’s the name of that guy with the red beard?”
“That’s Keith Moore. He’s the man from Alaska.”
