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墨書 Inktalez
As I stepped out of the hospital, I took one last look back, pondering that perhaps this was just the result of meeting the right person at the wrong time. How sad it was; this was already the second time. I wondered if this city would ever feel like home to me.
With a bitter smile, I waved down a taxi and returned to the unit. Maybe I had grown a lot, or perhaps it was because nothing had truly begun, but parting ways with Xi didn’t leave me too heartbroken. I decided to focus on my work instead; matters of the heart cannot be forced. Who knows? It might just come when I least expect it. Thinking this way made everything feel much better. I slept soundly through the night without dreams, waking only to the sound of my alarm.
The first Water Training began. Morning runs, meals—everything was as usual, though there were many new recruits who brought a fresh sense of excitement since it was their first time participating in Water Training. The first phase of Water Training was quite simple: we were to unload equipment from the vehicle, assemble it, and push it into the water. Our unit was responsible for ensuring that our gear entered the water within five minutes after the vehicle stopped at the shore.
Each operational unit had a Vehicle Company assigned for support. My Vehicle One Squad Leader was Zhang Wenling, five years older than me and an old company commander from Hunan. He was somewhat familiar to me; he had supported our company during Ground Training in Guangxi last year alongside our old company commander. He was a decent person but rather rigid and principled. By 7:45 AM, Vehicle One had already delivered our unit's equipment to the road in front of our unit, waiting for us to board. All personnel were gathered, awaiting my command to get on.
“Old Zhang!” I cheerfully opened the door to the driver's cabin of the front truck, pulling hard on the handle and jumping inside without hesitation.
Zhang Wenling glanced at me and nodded without saying a word.
“This year, I’ll be counting on you again for support! Old Zhang, please take care of my brothers for our old company commander’s sake!”
Old Zhang replied with a nonchalant “Let’s follow the procedures.”
I didn’t mind; that was just how he was. I rolled down the window and shouted to the duty squad leader, “Everyone board!”
With a long whistle, the soldiers quickly organized themselves by squads and boarded their respective trucks. Within moments, everyone was on board. Old Zhang looked at me in surprise and said, “Not bad with your speed.”
I smiled back, “Thanks to our old company commander.”
Old Zhang said nothing more and patted the driver’s shoulder. The driver started up the truck, and we headed toward the operational dock.
The convoy drove all the way into the dock area and stopped by the riverbank, with all vehicles facing toward it. I thanked Old Zhang for his hard work before turning around to open the door and jump out of the truck. I blew a whistle and shouted loudly, “Get off!”
Immediately, the back doors of all trucks swung open as soldiers jumped out one after another. The transport trucks headed toward designated parking areas while those carrying equipment remained in place.
At that moment, I noticed that we were the first unit to arrive at the operational site. Squinting against the sunlight, I saw training zone markers already set up on the water's surface. Checking my watch, I realized it wasn’t even eight o’clock yet and decided to start training ahead of schedule.
Previously during land training, soldiers had only learned about equipment weight, usage, assembly, and disassembly without actually handling anything directly. So I instructed each squad to begin unloading their respective equipment from their trucks before starting disassembly and assembly as units without rushing into water training just yet.
At this point, other units began arriving at the operational area as well, starting their equipment unloading and connection training in preparation for water exercises.
As I watched, I noticed that with the foundation laid by Strength Training, the warriors were clearly more relaxed when carrying equipment compared to those from other Units. Particularly, the warriors from other Units often had to take breaks while moving gear. In some cases, due to uneven strength among those lifting the Bridge Board, injuries had already occurred.
I thought to myself that focusing on Strength Training was indeed the right choice. If this continued, efficiency would be effectively guaranteed, and I felt more confident in my decision.
In the past, training according to the textbook requirements required many personnel, consumed a lot of energy, and progressed slowly. It was necessary to change the training methods and seek out the best training pathways.
After much contemplation, I explored a new training method of "differentiating tasks and cross-training." In addition to fixed group training, I planned to mix personnel from rowing machines, Speedboat teams, and Bridge Board teams for joint training sessions. This would break the conventional model of specialized training within battalions. With this approach, my Unit alone could both set up docks and conduct disassembly and assembly of Bailey Bridges.
In fact, I was reflecting on my painful experiences from last year when I first arrived at this training ground. Due to my different specialty, I knew almost nothing. Not only could I not give commands, but I also found myself asking questions left and right. The first thing Garfield said to me was, "Squad Leader, stop asking questions so you don't disrupt our training!" At that time, the Instructor's words left a deep impression on me: "College Student Leaders have broad knowledge but lack practical skills; they are full of bookishness but lack military flavor."
Later on, in order to master my professional skills, I humbly sought guidance from the old Squad Leader, class leaders, and soldiers. I practiced during the day and digested what I learned at night. "Ferry Bridge Equipment is all metal; a little bump can cause bleeding; floating bridge equipment is all steel; if you're not careful, you can get hurt." This was my deepest realization. When I first encountered the equipment, my body was often covered in wounds; sometimes I would accidentally tear off a piece of flesh…
I had come into contact with the Type 74 equipment last year. The Old Company Commander even had me teach a training team for a week. Many Cadets and Squad Leaders would finish their required movements and then take breaks. However, fearing that my foundation was weak and that I wouldn't learn well enough, I went to the training ground every night to practice all nine operational positions and procedures of the Bridge Squad. While others took a month to master it, it took me an additional month after returning home to fully grasp all the skills required for professional training.
Training requires effort and wisdom; as I watched the busy warriors around me, I thought quietly.
This year, naturally, I took on the task of understanding and guiding others as I moved back and forth across the Riverside Training Ground. From time to time, I demonstrated how to dismantle and assemble equipment while reminding everyone to take proper precautions.
Just as things were heating up with activity, I suddenly heard someone calling my name loudly. Looking up, I saw Old Bi had arrived at the training ground without me noticing.
I waved my hand and instructed a few Squad Leaders on important points before walking over to Old Bi. "What brings you here?"
"Ah," he replied, "this year it's required that everyone in the Special Operations Unit comes to maintain order except for those on guard duty. Every year during Training Commencement, civilians come to watch and take photos; I've got to send out sentries."
I nodded in agreement; it wasn't easy for anyone. It was fine now, but once noon hit and the sun blazed down while we were still in winter uniforms—oh that heat! Experienced warriors often wore very little under their winter gear before changing after Training Commencement.
"Hey, your Unit is impressive! They seem strong enough to keep up with each other in pairs; their coordination is quite balanced," Old Bi remarked after observing for a while.
"Heh heh," I chuckled. "I noticed this soon after arriving last year: when dealing with steel equipment, strength is fundamental. Only when strength is sufficient can we talk about technique. Unfortunately, everyone seems a bit too eager; many warriors could adapt given more time. Rushing things will only lead to discomfort and injuries."
"Who will give you time? These days assessments keep piling up! The first phase assessment for water operations is just two weeks away! You know that!"
"Let me provide them with time," I replied calmly. After all, since our last assessment was poor, it couldn't get much worse next time. I've already been scolded; I'm not worried about losing face or being dismissed—if it means giving my warriors more time to adapt for the second half of our training season!
Just as I was thinking this over, Old Bi suddenly said mysteriously, "Oh right! There's something else you should know..."
"What happened?"
"Old Zhang, Zhang Xing, has been transferred to be the Fire Brigade captain! Right here in our district!"
"What?!" I was taken aback. I hadn't been in touch with Zhang Xing for a long time. How could he leave the Special Police Unit to become a Fire Brigade captain?!
"I only found out yesterday when I ran into him while shopping with my girlfriend. It's been ages since we all got together."
"Yeah, it has been a while." I realized that it had indeed been too long since I last hung out with my friends.
"How about this? This weekend, I'll treat everyone to a gathering." I thought for a moment and said to Old Bi.
"Hehe, great! I'll let everyone know!" Old Bi said with a big smile as he started making calls.
I couldn't help but feel nostalgic; everyone was slowly carving out their own little piece of life.
(To be continued, more exciting content tomorrow!)
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