RECRUITMENT

Pilots for the Sabazius Program are recruited using a variety of methods. First priority candidates are current Empire employees, followed by military and airforce personnel. As this is something of a covert operation, Empire can't freely advertise that it's looking for pilots, so they must use less direct means. One method that has proven fairly successful is to hold contests or competitions in various sports or other events as a means to weed out suitable candidates (usually the winners). These competitions are held under a variety of fake organization names, and those who do well enough to impress Empire's judges are offered a chance to test for a possible position with a large company. Candidates are generally sweet-talked along until they are either rejected, or make it far enough to qualify for the program and get an official invite. To date, no one has turned one of these invitations down - Empire uses a slow and extremely thourough process to eliminate those it does not think match its goals and needs. Another method which has garnered some criticism is to test for neuronol compatibility and physical and mental strength through scientific experiments, normally marketed at college students. As with the competitions, a considerable cash incentive is offered to entice people who may otherwise miss the opportunity.

Pilots admitted to the program must meet certain stringent requirements, and must pass regular physical exams to ensure their continuing participation in the program. Amongst the many requirements, the following are largely non-negotiable. In order to enroll in the program, you must:

  Be at least 18 and not passed 29th birthday (special waivers considered up to age 34).
  Pass the basic admittance test (BAT) with a score of 200 or higher.
  Pass a series of neuronol compatibility tests (with a minimum of "acceptable").
  Pass a drug/alcohol screening.
  Pass a character and background investigation.
  Pass physical exam and meet height and weight requirements (be deemed "fit").
  Color vision - must be able to distinguish vivid red and vivid green.

Once admitted, pilots go through a long series of trials to get them acclimated to neuronol and the piloting system. Empire strongly encourages Pilots to be able to fight outside of their Sabazians as well as in, and is sure to provide adequate training space to ensure the pilots stay fit, as well as providing all required training materials and weaponry. Pilots are offered one-on-one training with experienced instructors in many fields, and encouraged to spar and train with each other. A gym is available for use 24/7. The pilots are based in a secret Empire Research facility north of the city (of Lydda). In addition to their salaries, which are considerable, they receive free room and board (and the dining halls and meal service are, of course, top-notch) and free access to anything in the vicinity (including a pool hall, mini-theater, indoor pool, etc).

If they do not already have their own, pilots are provided weapons dubbed suitable by the company. Even if they do have their own, Empire would be more than happy to replace it with something better, provided the pilot allows it. (Empire's weaponry department is quite impressive, and they can procure - or design - for you any type of weapon imaginable.)

In addition, pilots are expected to begin actually practicing inside their Sabazian Machines as soon as they are deemed ready. Empire hopes to have a pilot in the simulator after two weeks, in his physical mech after 6 weeks, and combat-ready by the end of six months. These trial runs and practice sessions usually take place in secluded areas in the less-developed areas of Aristes, particularly in the mountain range to the west of Lydda and, for water mechs, off the Eastern coast.