Hello! I just wanted to ask what the daily routine of Ruby and Diamond elites looked like. I’m making an OC, and I want him to be as accurate as possible.
Also, I love the books. I’ve literally read them all twice, despite only having them for a few months. Keep up the good work!
I'm glad you're enjoying the books ;o;!!! Thankyouu!!
The daily routine for Elites is pretty similar to a military school with a mixture of physical and martial training, but also standard education with literacy & languages, STEM subjects, history, geography, as well as vocational Studies and other smaller specialist areas of learning. This usually goes on alternating days with one day of pure rest in the week.
The only difference for Diamonds is that they have more days off than Rubies/Sapphires, and focus mainly on their vocational studies and personal training between missions and fieldwork rather than education and core training. Rubies and Sapphires also have missions and Field work but these are are usually reserved for teams that are Ranked, meaning that they've shown exemplary work and dedication in their team, and even then it isn't every week.
The quality of their routine however depends entirely on the facility they're at and can range from the best summer camp you've ever been to, to an actual prison with certain times you must be locked away by.
Training also takes place 3 out of 7 days for short burst sessions throughout the day with lots of breaks in between. Depending on where they're based this is usually this is with other Elites and with their teams. Working with younger or lower ranked Elites can be a frustration but improves communication and determination because no one likes being outdone by someone younger or lower than they.
Training also includes sparring, yoga, obstacle courses, cross country, and a lot of games such as capture the flag, manhunt/tag, ball games, and paint ball. Drills are only done in short bursts and usually during seasons where Elites are likely to try and rank up or compete in events such as the gauntlet to become Diamonds, but generally on a daily basis, it's all about strength and cardio training.
The idea of making training as 'fun' and engaging as possible is intentional so that it enforces positive associations with their teams, makes training to not be a chore but something to look forward to, and also teaches skills that cant be taught in classrooms, such as communication, critical thinking, resource management, and adaptability.
Vocational studies and education are done 3 out of 7 days per week, and run similarly to school days with hour to two hour long sessions. At least once per month there are taster days for Synths to try new vocations as it's seen as better for a Synth to find their niche interest and be good at it, than be forced into a role that they'd grow to resent and ultimately mutiny against.
Vocational Studies include:
Animal Handling & Critter Care
Natal Care (Nursery Work)
Care Training (Therapies and Recovery)
Construction & Engineering
A lot of time is given to making sure that Elites and Synths in general like and are interested in what they do and have something they enjoy and feel proud of, as it means they are less likely to cause trouble, defect or run away. Positive reinforcement is utilised often but doesn't always means it works on everyone.
Rest days are usually one day per week, where they have a chance to use any of the facilities they want including libraries, greenhouses, sports halls and gyms, or go to the Shop or Mess to get treats with credits they've earnt through either completing studies or tests well, or winning in team games. They're not allowed off-site or to go too wild on their days off however, because they'll still face repercussions.