[Slokais]

Martino walked through the iron gates of the San Miguel de Las Colinas Catholic School. The main buildings were separated by a courtyard with a chapel and sanctuary directly across from the gate. The new year brought a sense of near accomplishment for all students, especially those in Year 12. In a big city high school, most students would be hard at work studying for the Collegiate Exam yet at Las Colinas, the only future was either to be a farmer or work in one of the many state-run factories. Martino however was different, he wanted to see the world and study its wonder. He had talked to every teacher at Las Colinas who had done mission trips abroad, hoping their stories would take him there. He didn't hate where he lived, but seeing the same sights and sounds daily was boring. Last year, Martino and several other Young Reformist Trade Union students got money to attend the National Trade Union Conference in New Liverpool.

“Martino!” said one of his friends from across the hall, leaning against his locker
“You look well, Robert” he responded
“We have an assembly on the school pitch just for Year 12s,” Robert said
“Brillante Robert, You think the girl’s section will be there?”
“Hope so”
The school pitch was a simple wood stand, lined along a football field. A group of around 100 or so boys in matching red uniforms, eagerly wondered what the point of the assembly was.
“Does this have something to do with what is going on in the Dual Monarchy?” Robert asked Martino. Martino was a well-known expert on current affairs, even some of his teachers had quizzed him on what was becoming known as the Global Anti-Imperialist War. He had heard of reactionaries brutalizing civilians in East Xiang and elsewhere. In fact, their last assembly was a class on identifying possible violent elements within their community.

Down on the field, a large screen and projector were being hauled in. “This must be another informational picture film” Martino observed. As soon as the projectionist turned on the film, everyone in attendance was shocked by a familiar face. Before them, Juan Costa in full military regalia, sitting at a desk of sorts.
“As the Global Anti-Imperialist War continues, something has become undeniable. As a matter of the security of our great society, I have begun the process, dear citizens, of creating a modern defense force. All of you watching this are eligible to join in the higher pursuit by joining our army or the newly created, Reform Party Brigade. The Reform Party Brigade is an alternative, created to respect the efforts and labor you have as citizens. Instead of serving full-time, those with good standing shall have the ability to pursue their studies at any trade school or public university, free of charge. This is being done, to make sure their own great progress and labor are not slowed down by the admirable pursuit of fighting imperialism and defending our nation. After this film, please talk to any of our honorable recruiters to join in this glorious pursuit. Long live the people, long live the workers, and long live our great Slokais”

As soon as the film concluded, Martino knew this was his ticket to see the world. Not only would he be able to see the world, but also serve a higher purpose. However, most importantly, being able to pursue a degree concurrently.
“I’m going to the recruiter,” he told Robert
“Good luck, I don’t think I have the grades to do so,” Robert said wistfully.

Martino stood in line for what seemed like hours behind several dozen students. It seemed like every male student still bothering to show up this late in the year was desperate. When he finally got to the front, he got a good look at the man. He was a middle-aged man who looked far too happy about his job. He then read the name “Sergeant Primus”
“Hello, young man you interested in joining the Brigade”
“Yes, sir my name is Martino Tejada”
“Oh, yes your teachers spoke of you”
“Really?”
“You would be the perfect person, we strive the Brigades around”
“We can actually get you into service, and start receiving benefits for a program we have in the Northern Isles”
“What is going on in Northern Isles?”
“Something great, I can’t say but you will be a part of something big, In fact, your school will take care of everything”
“Really, when do I start?”
“Come here on Wednesday at 0800”
“Thank you, sir”

That day, Sergeant Richard Primus signed up almost a platoon’s worth of high school students. Of the 58 Brigade Soldiers who attended San Miguel de Las Colinas Catholic School in 1962-1963, only 19 would return uninjured or killed. It’s estimated that the initial drive among high schoolers for the Reform Party Brigade would recruit over 25,000.