ã€ŠThe Commoner Nobleã€‹


 Encounter

    On a city neither too futuristic nor modern, civilians paved their way through the streets as crowds each to certain destinations while the rain was pouring. The heavy splashing of the on the rooftops and on the streets made it hard to hear the conversations unless close by. Rain fell, pattering and formed puddles on the ground while some descended on the people who were without umbrellas to shield themselves drenching them. Coupled with the increased rain and the busy streets it was impossible to hear a cry for help if made not that it would be helpful in this city. The city in and of itself was a poorly maintained one with crime running rampant and murder occur on the daily.

    Such a position did an old man find himself in, two thugs and huddled against and stabbed him. He was an elderly gentleman, old enough to have had grandchildren but appeared fit enough to be considered a middle-aged man. The two men with rough features on their faces on contrast, were actually noticeably young but developed those features because of the hard lives they have lived.

    ¡°Give us all the Credits you have old man¡± demanded one of the thugs. He was shorter than the other, they both were wearing jackets that hid the weapons they carried. They each carried a blade sharp enough to cut a person just by just touching them the edge. The old man had his hands covering his wound that was stabbed by the short thug whose blade was still dripping of the old man blood.

    The old man collapsed on the wet ground; his whole clothing was wet from the rain and now the rainwater would seep into his clothes. It was at that moment that the two thugs saw what was under the jacket covering the old man.

    They noticed the jacket itself was of high quality and the shirt, they punctured through was made of high-quality materials that would fetch for an exceedingly high price.

    ¡°It must be our lucky day¡± spoke the taller one, grinning at the score they had. The victim of theirs was wealthy, a golden goose and he would make them wealthy too. ¡°Oh, we hit the jackpot tonight man¡± added the tall one reaching out his hand to grab the old man who was holding back his stab wound.

    ¡°Spare me¡± he said, his voice faint.

    He did not have the strength to speak loudly. He began to regret going to town unaccompanied by personnel, because that led him to be at the mercy of thugs.

    He lived a sheltered life the past few years and never realised the state the city had become, foolishly thinking nothing had changed he ditched his security detail and came to the city in search for an old acquaintance and what he met was a cold blade puncturing him. He looked over to the streets, he saw people passing by not even glancing at him, everyone minding their own business. Just when he was about to lose hope, he saw a figure staring back at him. He could not see clearly but the figure was a young man under a large coat who was staring at his direction and at his assailants.

    The two thugs began to punch the old man opting to just kill him and strip him of all his valuables. As they gave him a beating the hooded man slowly began to walk forward. Then his speed increased, bit by bit until he could feel his heart racing when he sprinted to the thugs, jumping he kicked the tall thug with as much force as he could muster sending the man flying away and crashing on a dumpster bin not too far away.

    The short one was alerted drawing his eyes to the new opponent, before he could draw his blade at the hooded man, he received two punches, two jabs that left his nose dislocated. The man unable to ignore the pain on his nose tried to soothe it only for the hooded man to grab him by the collar and threw him to the tall one who just got up. The impact sent the tall thug back down, and it was then that the man saw the blade that was dropped by the short one.

    He reached for it, quickly grabbing it, he could hear his heart pumping so fast it was ringing on his ear. The tall thug was the first to get up and he drew out his blade. ¡°You will pay for that, you fool¡± he cursed leaping to the man. He threw his hand holding the blade he swung it hoping to cut the hooded man but was unsuccessful. The hooded man tried the same and only slightly cut his arm inflicting minor pain on the thug. The short guy stood up still covering his broken nose so that it was two against one. The hooded guy was short in comparison to the tall thug but slightly taller than the short thug, so he was at a disadvantage against the two of them. He glanced back at the old man who was still conscious but savagely beaten and thought about running.

    He did not come there to save the old man but was actually there seeking revenge against the thugs. The two thugs were part of a gang that had recently killed a good friend of his and he had been following them the past days because they were the ones who killed his friend. For days he could not find a moment for when they would be alone, and he would strike until now when they were mugging the old man. They were isolated and far from prying eyes and he thought he could take them out even if it cost him his life.

    Returning to the present, he knew he would not get another opportunity like this, so he could not run away he had no choice but to fight, even if he was inexperienced. If he let them go, they would hunt him down until they kill him, he raised his arms in a stance to show he would attack. He took off fast towards them, crouched lowly and scooped up water in his hands which he threw at the tall thug¡¯s face, this gave him a chance to attack the short one who was still covering his nose. He threw his hand to his stomach with all his force and could feel an impact of the blade thrusting into flesh, he felt the warm blood dripping on his hand.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± cried the short one abandoning his nose and he punched the guy so hard he flew a few steps back still blade in hand only for the tall one to swing his blade at him.

    On instinct the hooded guy raised arms to block the slash however useless it was, he was cut clean. He could feel with how fierce the slash was the blade did make contact with his bone. He cried at the surge in pain he got.

    He scanned the thugs and saw his handiwork on the short one, he stabbed him on the side of his stomach, it was a deep cut but not fatal. He cursed himself for missing because he knew he was in an even more disadvantageous position. His arm crying in pain as he held the blade with his other hand he observed his wound. It was red, his blood was spiring like a fountain, and he could see some of his flesh cleaved off. He looked down and saw red, the pool of red increased thanks to the water on the ground.

    He knew that he would not make it, he was unable to avenge his friend, but he had tried. His vision grew blurry as he tried to hang on to his senses.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to fuckin kill you, you asshole¡± said the short one still covering his stab wound. ¡°Stay your hand, he is losing blood. You will not get the chance to do it,¡± replied the tall one who noticed the man losing strength and barely standing up. Just as he said that the hooded man collapsed on the ground splashing on the puddle of water with his blood. The tall thug laughed as his prediction was correct. He slowly approached the slowly dying body. ¡°You should have not attacked us¡± he said standing over the body planted on the water, almost drowning because he could not lift his head. The short thug came over and proceeded to kick the fallen man over and over cursing him and then he stumped on him until the man fell unconscious.

    ¡°Hey stop, we have business to attend to before it¡¯s late¡± interrupted the tall one when he saw the old man who was barely conscious. ¡°You didn¡¯t think we forgot about you, did you old man?¡± he asked mocking him.

    They walked to the old man and before they could get within range to strike him dead, the short thug stopped moving. He remained silent like a statue. ¡°Hey man, what¡¯s your problem¡± complained the tall when he noticed the short one stopping. Without a word, the short one went on his knees and face palmed onto the ground and it was then that the tall thug saw what had happened. On his back was a burn wound, typical for those shot with a laser gun. It was an instant death sentence. He turned behind them and saw figures their hands stretched out with guns on them. He knew what would happen, and before he could act, the men rained hell on him, killing him on the spot. The two dead bodies lay before the old man and the unconscious hooded man who was near death.

    The armed men made their way to the old man and helped him up. ¡°My lord¡± they spoke lifting him, he was wounded and in pain. The old man glanced at the unconscious man who was face down on the ground, fortunately he was not drowning. ¡°Bring him back with us¡± he ordered. ¡°Yes, my lord¡± replied one of the men.

    ***

    The young man opened his eyes, he was in a strange room. He was curious where he was, the last thing he remembered was facing against two thugs trying to avenge a friend and the next thing he cut severely cut and lost a lot of blood. Thinking about the wound he examined his arm, there was a scar but everything else was fine, he was healed. He became shocked how was it possible for a wound as severe as his, to heal so quickly.

    He got up from the bed he was resting on. It was a metal bed, which he was used to, but this one was different in that it was fancy. It was built elaborately with medical tools mounted on it, they seemed to be tools used by the rich. When he thought about it the room that he was in was strange too. Everything was orderly and clean, with machine apparatus on the walls along with monitors on screens around the room. There were items and appliances that made the room feel more homely than a medical bay he was used to and on top of that they were expensive looking.

    He checked the clothes he was wearing, a white vest and grey track suit pants, its quality was an indication that it was used by very wealthy people.

    ¡°Where am I?¡± he wondered scanning the room. He got up from the bed and tried to walk to the door ahead but found his body was too weak to move. At that moment he heard a voice.

    ¡°Good morning, Wein Serin,¡± said the voice. Wein the young man was startled, he searched around the room and did not see anyone. ¡°Who is there?¡± he asked frantically searching the room thinking he lost his mind.

    A purple light flickered on a screen of a monitor not too far from him. ¡°I am Astra, an AI that was responsible for helping you heal from your wounds¡± replied the voice. Wein could tell it came from the screen. ¡°Where am I?¡± he asked. ¡°You are in the residence of Baron Neilson Albetron Voss¡± replied the screen monitor. ¡°What?¡± was all Wein could utter.

 New Path

    Wein¡¯s eyes widened, he rattled his mind of the possible scenarios as to why he would be in the residence of the baron. He had no connection to him and most importantly nobles treated commoners, the ordinary man less favourable as they would treat each other. Wein wondered what the possible reason was for the baron to bring him along from the alley he was dying in and stich him back to normal.

    ¡°Why am I here?¡± he uttered. ¡°After saving the baron he had you brought here for healing and instructed me to treat you¡± replied Astra, her robotic, cold voice ringing in Wein¡¯s ears as the memories of what transpired the night before came rushing back. He attacked the two criminals who were responsible for his friend¡¯s death, in search of revenge he had been stacking them and waited for the opportune time to pounced.

    Wein realised that the baron was that old man he indirectly saved, and he was a man who held great power and influence within the vast space that was the galaxy. ¡°I did not know he was the baron, I just¡­¡± he spoke incredulously. He tried to get off the bed and try to open the door only to feel a stinging pain on his arm that was cut not too long ago.

    ¡°Warning sensors indicate, there is pressure on your wound, suggesting you remain on the bed¡± flared the AI who immediately rang an alarm.

    Wein clenched his teeth, he was in a huge amount of pain. He remembered his cut arm and how he was able to see his bone and bone marrow leaking out in the pool of blood. The thugs did a number on him, not only did they almost take his arm away, but they also gave him a severe beating that he could still feel even after this time.

    Using his other hand he pushed himself back on the bed and laid on his back, there was no getting away now. He had to face the baron which was something he did not want. Based on how nobles treated commoners, Wein feared the baron would be offended that his reason for stepping in was not to save him but for revenge.

    He could lie but that would be far worse if his lie was discovered, so Wein needed to confront this head on.

    ¡°Vitals are returning to normal,¡± said Astra. Wein still facing the roof contemplated his bad fortune, he had planned on seeking revenge even if it cost him his life, but he never would have guessed that the action will end with him in the baron¡¯s residence.

    ¡°Notice! The baron is on his way to the medical room¡± spoke Astra after some time. Wein¡¯s heart jumped, he was going to meet the baron in person, something he a commoner would rarely be able to do. He had never seen the baron in person before and only seen him on screens and heard about him from word of mouth.

    He was well aware of the history of House Voss, the power and influence that came with that name and he, even though unintentional had saved the head of that house. Wein could not help but be anxious.

    ¡°Opening door¡± spoke Astra, the silver door opened with a quiet hiss and just as quietly it slid, retreating to the inside. A figure emerged from outside followed by two others who were wearing identical clothing. The two other figures were bodyguards belonging to the baron, being unmistakable in their black suits reminiscent to what bodyguards wear in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Their hairs were tightly made, both human and both wearing identical black glasses.

    On the other hand the baron, old as he were, was wearing casual clothes you would expect for a galactic noble. Wein was unable to mistake the baron for anyone even though he was not wearing his house¡¯s insignia. His heart skipped, the man before him paled in comparison to the man who was dying at the streets that he did not spare another glance at. This man just as he had seen on the screens exuded authority and prestige.

    As the baron came to a stop before Wein, he though still reeling from the agitated pain, opted to bow his head, in reverence of the baron. ¡°I greet you my lord¡± he spoke, his voice without confidence and being low. For a moment, there was silence between them but to Wein¡¯s surprised the baron Neilson placed his hand on Wein¡¯s shoulder directing him to raise.

    ¡°Lift your head, you saved my life and for that I owe you a great debt¡± said Neilson, his tone soft and light-hearted. It came as a surprise to Wein who always pictured the baron as a tough person with no warmth or softness.

    ¡°I am unworthy, my lord¡± Wein finally manged to say, his voice slightly trembling. ¡°Forgive me, my lord but I did not interfere last night to save you, rather it was for selfish reasons. I wanted to get revenge against them who killed a friend of mine. I apologise for the confusion¡± he said speed running through the explanation, his voice was trembling from fear until he finished what he had to say. Nielson smiled and let out a small chuckle after hearing the confession. He could see Wein was scared.

    ¡°Regardless, you saved my life with your actions that feat alone deserves compensation,¡± said Neilson.

    Wein did not want to argue with the man, why would he? It was true he did not save him from the kindness of his heart but rather by chance and he was to be compensated because he did save him. The baron¡¯s life was valuable more valuable than his so in a way the compensation was ideal even though his action were unintentional. Wein¡¯s mind whirled with conflicting emotions, he was torn between returning to his simple life and the underwhelming sense that he was not deserving of the baron¡¯s generosity.

    ¡°I will accept your generosity, my lord¡± he finally replied. Neilson smiled, relieved for Wein accepting his gift. Now he only needed to find out what Wein would want. ¡°Name what gift you would want if it is within my power I will grant it to you¡± he said. Wein had a hard time thinking what he would want.

    ¡°Of cause you cannot wish for the eradication of the members those thugs belonged too, I have already taken care of it all¡± added Neilson, there was a hint of anger in his tone. That was the conclusion of his revenge, he in his carelessness ventured out from his safety to the world to meet his old friend in secret without bringing his guards, and that led to him displaying an unsightly look of being beaten and nearly killed. He believed the world was safe based on the last time he dared to venture into the cities. But he was wrong, after awakening he ordered his men to purge all the known associated of that gang as his retribution which he was famously known for throughout the galaxy.

    In a way Wein would not have to worry himself again for them seeking revenge against him for the lives of their members given they were annihilated. He was surprised but was grateful, now all that he had to do was think of a fitting gift, that the baron would be pleased with and then he would leave for his simple life once more. Wein could not merely ask for some small thing and insignificant, that would insult the importance of the baron¡¯s life, so he needed to ask for a fitting gift however he had nothing to think about.

    ¡°I cannot think of anything, my lord¡± he confessed after thinking. Neilson placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled back. He could guess why it was so, a normal man being asked to ask for anything on the spot. ¡°I understand, say what. You can take your time in deciding¡± he replied. ¡°Until then, you may stay here for as long as you want¡± he added as he stood up. ¡°Thank you, my lord,¡± replied Wein.

    ¡°Astra will lead you to where you will stay.¡± The baron left and Wein was left with only silence and his thoughts. He retreated to the bed he was on and rested atop it, thinking about what he could possibly do in his situation.

    He did not want to be there, being with nobles, it was a danger itself. Because they were so removed from normal people, he was afraid the baron would want something from him, something he could not give. He took a deep breath and soothed the pain on his arm that had begun to ich him. What ever the baron wanted, he would deal with it later, for now he had to recover.

    The baron followed by his men walked past across the hallway. ¡°Astra, look into his past for me¡± instructed Neilson. ¡°Yes, master¡± she replied, after a light bleep sound was heard from the wall. On the side up the walls were panels with linear patterns flowing over them. When Astra spoke, the patterns reshaped to zigzags and were similar to a heartbeat sign on a machine.

    Neilson and his men went to his office where he immediately sat on his chair while his men stood behind him. The office itself was more modern than expected, there were few if any futuristic equipment to be seen. It was spacious enough to fit many individuals at once and had smooth walls in a white colour. The office had a wide brown desk with curved patterns that distinguished the Baron as a man with prestige. On top was a holo-interface built that enable projection of documents to the screen and up in the air like a 3D projector. Over the desk were stationary ranging from pens and other gadgets the Baron used in his everyday office work, along with small plants and statues that added more prestige and decoration. On the sides were larger plants put on stylish pots that were from different species and types. They ranged from exotic to clearly alien looking plants.

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.Behind the desk where the baron sat was a large black chair that was comfortable yet firm that was able to turn on wheels at will. The d¨¦cor in the room was fit for a noble, on the white walls were many relics along with artwork placed for decorations but also to show how wealthy of a man Nielson was.

    Behind him was the window that led to outside that offered him the best view that could be found on that planet, encased behind the glass made from the best technology in the galaxy that could reflect light, dim, and ensure privacy while also sturdy to survive a direct attack.

    ¡°What did you find Astra?¡± asked Nielson as he sat on his chair. Almost instantly charts were projected in front of Nielson, right above from the ground in front of the desk specifically. The source of the projection was from Astra who as an AI was deeply integrated in the barony¡¯s systems and could manifest what she wanted wherever the systems she had access to were.

    ¡°Subject Name: Wein Serin, Species: Human, Age: twenty three, Status: Commoner, origin unknown, Criminal Activities: none found in galactic database¡± replied Astra in her concise and systematic voice while projecting documents of Wein for the baron and his men to see.

    The documents included Wein¡¯s identity record and scanning results of Astra¡¯s search through the galactic database.

    ¡°Birth Data: No formal data found. First traceable event: Subject appeared as stowaway on a merchant vessel that was attacked by pirates. He survived and escaped to Velmora where he had been living doing manual and odd jobs. He has no significant affiliations or done any suspicious activities¡± added the robotic voice.

    ¡°He escaped pirates, how?¡± asked one of the men beside Nielson. Astra displayed a holographic projection of footage that was found on the ship Wein was first recorded on. The footage showed his younger self at most twenty-one realising the danger of the pirates that were attacking. The footage was interesting that raised Nielson¡¯s interest in Wein even more, from there Wein displayed exceptional skill even though they were faulty and unrefined.

    Wein was a survivor, a fact that was cemented in that footage of him, where he was avoiding the pirates¡¯ attacks by mere seconds. The decisions he made, though lacking in the situations he was in were smart and got him to survive with the limited knowledge he had about the technology of the vessel.

    He was cautious and skilful being able to think of effect actions no matter the stressful situation he was in. At times it felt like he knew the whole area, or he saw into the future of what would happen and prepare for it.

    That was made possible thanks to his skill, and gift partial photographic memory. It was an ability which when used with his critical thinking skills allowed him to have an overview and idea of the layout of the vessel. By remembering how the floors were laid out on one section of the vessel, he was able to guess and know about other sections without having seen them prior. That helped him, plan out how to conceal himself from danger and escape to Velmora without much trouble.

    ¡°Based on the footage, there are signs that the subject has photographic memory, though it appears to be limited compared to the recorded cases in the database. The subject is able to excel under stressful conditions, being able to make remarkable decision making though lacking and displays basic survival instincts¡± said Astra as she continued in her report.

    Nielson and his men watched the screen of Wein as he did just as the reported said he was capable of. Neilson was more intrigued with the footage and Wein¡¯s potential as he sat there watching.

    ¡°Recommendation: The subject may have more hidden innate abilities and capabilities, he may prove to be a valuable asset in the future¡± added Astra. Nielson stood up, a grin on his face. ¡°It is decided then, bring him in¡± he spoke, and he left the room. ¡°My lord where are you going?¡± asked one of the men clearly worried.

    Nielson had been exuding an aura that paled in what he had in the past. At present, he was a lazy old man who had given up on life and his subordinates knew. He did not care, at present he was just living and waiting for death. There was no more joy for him to enjoy in his life anymore, in fact it was that reason why he recently snuck out to look for his friend, to reconnect with someone even if it was one person.

    ¡°Do not worry. I won¡¯t sneak out. I will be in my room¡± he spoke as he walked out the recently opened door.

    ****

    The door to Wein¡¯s new quarters was slid open, a soft and smooth hiss was heard where a uniformed man entered. He was tall, with an imposing physique and an aura that distinguished him as a man of discipline and order. His uniform was the barony¡¯s officers¡¯ signature uniform, one worn by most of the officers under Nielson¡¯s control. It was deep blue with black and gold patterned edges over his neckline and arms, along with buttons going done the chest. On his heart along with minor medal tokens, was the silver insignia of House Voss positioned, that gave the man pride to wear.

    Upon entering the room, the man scanned through and laid his eyes on Wein who was rested on his bed. Wein was alarmed when he saw him and forced himself to stand much to the irritation of his wounds. ¡°Ah...¡± he grunted as he held his hand over where the wound was.

    ¡°Mr. Serin,¡± the officer began, his voice was steady and commanding. ¡°I am Lieutenant Commander Bollian Grus, an adjutant of House Voss. I have been sent to relay the lord¡¯s decision about your situation and his hopes for you.¡±

    Wein was alarmed, he had feared that the baron would want and expect something from him. Finding it hard to swallow he readied himself.

    ¡°The lord has reviewed your circumstances and your actions¡± continued Bollian. ¡°He has decided that based on the severity in saving his life, he will gift you with the opportunity to improve your life by taking you in as one of his people in the House of Voss. As such you will remain within the baron¡¯s services for the foreseeable future. Also note that it is separate from the request you could ask from him.¡±

    Weins thoughts were jumbled, he was aware what a great opportunity it was for a baron to sponsor and support him, but he also knew there was nothing that came that easy in life. It would have been safer to reject the offer, but Wein knew that refusing the baron would have consequences that he could not endure.

    ¡°I understand¡± he replied tilting his head down in submission. Bollian smiled as he nodded in approval. He pulled out a device from his pockets, a small metallic watch like device. It was silver and smooth with a clear screen on it. He handed it to Wein who accepted immediately.

    ¡°That is a good decision. Register yourself by pressing on that screen with any finger. From there you will find details about your new arrangements and what will be expected of you in your stay in House Voss. Go through the details if you want, and if you have questions Astra is always around, she will be able to answer whatever you want¡± spoke Bollian. ¡°Thank you¡± replied Wein.

    ¡°Additionally, remember this. The baron is a man who values discipline and order above all. House Voss is a noble and respectable house in the Empire. Make sure not to sully this great house.¡±

    With that Bollian turned and left the room. As the door slid shut before Wein, he retreated to his bed, wondering what he had gotten himself into.

    While leaning on his bed, he examined the watch given to him. It was stylish and futuristic. He felt it and could feel the smooth and cold surface while remembering what he was told to do. Taking his right thumb, he pressed it on the screen and a slight beep sound was heard as a green light emitted from the watch.

    After seconds of pressing and scanning the light turned off and he was alarmed. He saw a text that read ¡°wear the watch¡± and he wrapped it around his left hand. He pressed on the screen and from there a projection was pulled with a profile, his.

    ¡°Character Profile: Wein Serin, Status: Provisional Member of House Voss¡¯s forces. Assigned Role: To be determined, Species: Human. Age: 23¡±

    That was what Wein was able to read from the projection. Seeing his status, he could only accept that he was now a part of House Voss¡¯s forces, a person of the baron. That was his life from then

    <hr>

 Straining Limits

    Wein¡¯s eyes were blurry, a consequence of the strenuous tasks he had been doing the past weeks. He and over a dozen other recruits had been running a lap around the base that had become his new home. His breath was heavy, his body trembling from the strenuous task as he pushed past his limits.

    The sun had yet to rise, and the cold of the morning was still present, echoing in the silent and empty base save for him and the others. Few lines of sweat raced down his brow like a river, his legs burning with heat and strain. He was exhausted but not yet done with the training.

    It had been weeks since the baron had his men assign him to the base. At the time Wein was unaware of what awaited him besides the fact that Nielson had taken an interest in him.

    He knew he would receive training and resources to improve and find better opportunities for himself, but he was unaware of what that entailed. From then till now he had been undergoing ¡®training,¡¯ which had two parts. Physical training and intelligence training.

    In the morning, instructors would wake Wein and the other recruits, for basic military training after he would receive a brief education that gave him knowledge about a variety of things that span the entire galaxy and further. This ranged from alien races, star systems, noble territories, and such.

    After, they would get weapon training to be able to effectively manage the various kinds of weapons into which they would come into. After each phase of the training became bearable or they acclimated in, the instructors increased the difficulty to the next level.

    The military base was one of the numerous bases that was found spanning the entirety of planet Velmora. This one was especially large encompassing acres and acres of land, separated from civilization with the only access being through hoverships. The walls around were tall and sturdy, with limited chances of intruders breaching them while outside was nothing but barren land, filled with uncertainty.

    ¡°Keep moving recruits?¡± barked the voice of Sergeant Sol, a masculine and commanding man whose mere presence was a testament to his achievements and authority.

    Sol was a military man through and through, with just a glance one could see that the man had been through it. The large scar running down his left eye to his mouth was a dead giveaway about his experience. The pure white prosthetic eye which replaced his injured eye made him look like a playable character from a PVP game.

    He was significantly older than Wein in his fifties but was still a man who longed for battle.

    ¡°You think the enemy will be kind enough to let you catch your breath?¡± ¡°Move it!¡± His order was sharp and commanding like a whip. As if the Sergeant wiped them, the recruits pushed forth.

    By the time the lap had ended, Wein along with the other recruits had collapsed on the ground gasping for air, their vision blurred, huffing in increased paces while yearning for water to quench them of their thirst and exhaustion. Each one regretted even coming there, why torment themselves with such harsh training just to be soldiers?

    Right, soldiers. They wanted to be soldiers, those who fought at the front lines for their lord or their home. Being a soldier was not only a way for commoners to elevate themselves in society and be viewed as heroes but being soldiers was one of the most lucrative positions a commoner could get without a wealthy background. The income alone could allow you to afford to move to a good neighbourhood, let alone the status you could get from even the wealthy.

    In the Empire, among the many noble armies soldiers were differentiated with ranks, and with higher ranks came higher privileges. These ranged from Enlisted Rank, Junior Officer Rank, Senior Officer Rank, and Command which resided and held authority above all the others.

    From recruitment, a recruits would graduate into the enlistment rank, and they would become a Trooper. A trooper was the backbone of all the armies in the galaxy because they made up for over half of the manpower.

    They were the ones on the front line fighting in times of war and making sure the armies operated as desired. While it was easier to become a trooper, they had ranks amongst themselves as did all military personnel. Once you had the right number of stars (5), you would be promoted to the next level.

    The stars could only be obtained through skill, experience, and contribution. So, it took years for a trooper to move on to the next level.

    The next level under the Enlistment Rank was the Shock Trooper, they were an upgrade to the ordinary troopers, compared to the troopers they were advanced in terms of physique, skill, and combat.

    These troopers were able to go against three ordinary troopers single-handedly and were skilled in their use of weapons that ten Shock Troopers could accomplish a task that required fifty ordinary troopers. Shock Troopers were the ideal soldiers to have for all militaries across the galaxy, but it was hard to reach that position.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    The next level would be Squad Leader, a gifted trooper who had command of about ten troopers, be it during ground missions or in training. They had to be knowledgeable and perceptive enough to be able to strategies and give orders even in stressful times.

    Finally, under the Enlistment Rank would be the Honor Sergeant, which Sergeant Sol was though an Honor Sergeant was stationed in the enlistment rank, it was more so because they dealt with troopers but were in fact officers. An Honor Sergeant was a senior and experienced officer who oversaw the training and discipline of new recruits. They served as instructors for the recruits and helped them transition from recruits to troops and onto higher ranks.

    The next rank was Junior Officer rank which started with Ensign or Sergeant which was the lowest ranked officer, the ensign oversaw small units or stations and assisted lieutenants when needed.

    Next was Lieutenant, who commanded platoons or smaller squads. They led over 20 to 50 troops and had to be skilled and experienced enough. Lieutenants were also in command of smaller flying vessels and operations within larger vessels where they were separated and grouped for more efficient work.

    In this rank were also War-masters, junior officers who were responsible for producing tactical strategies or analysing strategies be it in space or on the ground. They had to be fast thinking, being able to get data and analyse it in time to be used by the forces with minimum causalities on the troops as possible.

    Next was Senior Officer Rank comprising of a Captain, who oversaw entire companies ranging from hundred troops to even higher numbers. They collaborated with lower officers to ensure a stable chain of command.

    Captains could also be in command of their own star ships and the crews that operated them, be leaders of squadrons of troops fighting enemies in space or the primary operators of larger star ships shifting through the galaxy on a voyage.

    As the same with Lieutenants, to be a Captain, experience was a necessity and not just that, it was important to be knowledgeable. Displaying exceptional minds that allowed you to pilot a ship and make sound judgments in times of distress was an iron clad requirement as a captain.

    After the captain was Major, which as a rank meant you oversaw entire battalions and starship fleets. A major was like a captain to a lieutenant and at their order they could mobilise countless ships to attack.

    The final rank was Command, and it encompassed those of authority, who could decide the fate of the army themselves. It included the General, who led over Majors and their forces.

    A general answered only to the noble lord or head of the household and to the Marshal, who was the second in command. The marshal was the one who produced strategies and ideas for all military operations the noble house took. They functioned as advisers for the lord and in most cases where the lord was away from the military, they held absolute authority in the army.

    Finally, was the Commander in Chief, the true authority. The COC decided what the army did, if it was war, it was war. If peace, the army would stop immediately at their word.

    Besides the main ranks, there were specialist roles ranging from Master of Arms who managed all the weaponry of the army, Communications Officer who handled the coordination of information and intel for the army, all the way to Starship Personnel, those who manned and operated the ships like engineers and navigators. Espionage and Covert Ops were those who dealt with sensitive information and safeguarded the security of the house they served and the military, this included Agents and Inquisitors.

    For the specialist roles, only those who were truly gifted and skilled were chosen by the house as only talented individuals could perform these tasks.

    It was also important to note that there was another section of command, the Sentinel Tribunal.

    It served as the defacto advisory and judicial body within a noble¡¯s military forces, tasked with upholding discipline, adjudicating disputes, and advising on high-level strategies. The Tribunal was formed from the most trusted, loyal, and skilled individuals within the army whose main purpose was that the noble they served, governed more easily.

    It had ranks too, first was the Tribunal Chairperson, the highest authority being the noble in charge of the house. He had full authority in the tribunal and had the final say in matters of military justice.

    Next was the High Sentinel, often being a trusted advisor of the noble who led the tribunal in the lord¡¯s stead. They had the authority to act on behalf of the noble when not present and oversaw the deliberations. Because of the position, they had to be exceptionally experienced in not only legal frameworks but also tactics and battles to be able to understand the full scope of issues that would be raised in court.

    Next were the Judicial Sentinels who were mostly senior military officers and a few who were commands. These people were the ones who ensured that order and actions within the army aligned with the Imperial''s code of conduct. They also handled trials for soldiers who broke rules and customs.

    Finally, were the Sentinels, ranging from senior officers, command, and specialists. They were the ones who voted on decisions and gave advice to the council, providing an in-depth look in issues. Even though the high sentinel and the tribunal chairperson had the final say, it was important for them to listen to the sentinels.

    The military structure of a noble¡¯s house was ever changing and thanks to that all the troops within had a goal, to be promoted and elevated. Each level and authority came with tempting privileges that for a commoner in a world where nobles were regarded as superior beings was an allure.

    For instance, if an officer contributed enough their lord could make them an honorary noble and that way, they could enter the upper echelon of society and one day could get land of themselves. That was the dream of every trooper and officer in the armies of the Empire, promotion, and a better life.

    Wein gritted his teeth, he looked at the wristwatch he was given that time and wondered when he would get promoted and maybe be an honorary noble.

    From the screen, he read.

    -------------

    Character Profile: Wein Serin

    Status: Provisional Member of House Voss¡¯s forces.

    Assigned Role: Recruit

    Species: Human.

    Age: 23

    -------------

    Recruit, that was the word he kept reading in his mind, he knew he still had a long way to go until he could live a comfortable life.

 Straining Limits[2]

    ¡°On your feet!¡± Sol shouted, his voice jolting them from their rest. ¡°You have five minutes to get yourselves hydrated. Then it''s combat drills, let¡¯s see how long you last this time.¡±

    Wein groaned inwardly but forced himself to comply and accompanied by the other recruits, they went to the water station. All the while he wondered how long he had to endure this torment. Based on the knowledge he had obtained during his free time, within the baron¡¯s army there were many desirable positions for him to take.

    Being a trooper though easily achievable had its disadvantages, one being he would be exposed to dangers frequently on the battlefield. From what he researched the only position for someone who did not want to risk their lives in the army would be a specialist but that itself requires a lot, you had to have talent and knowledge.

    And he, being a commoner, was not someone who had enough education to qualify for those positions. So, if he were a specialist, he had to take full advantage of the baron¡¯s goodwill and stuff himself to the brim with as much knowledge as he could.

    It was doable mostly because, in the past, Wein was able to cram and retain anything he had ever read, now all he had to do was do the same and understand it.

    Marshal, the thought filled his mind, as he realized the end goal of all commoners troopers in the military. That role alone held more power than most people in the galaxy other than landed nobles. Becoming a marshal would elevate a commoner to the same height as the lord of the domain, it was something even Wein admitted desiring.

    For the moment he was a recruit, and he had a long way to go until he was a marshal, so it was better to start small, establish his foundation.

    Wein along with the group refreshed themselves and immediately lined up for their next destination. Their camaraderie had improved during the past weeks compared to their first meeting where their bond was non-existent. Now they all had in common the tough training they underwent that further strengthened their bonds.

    The sparring grounds were vastly different from the outside track. Here the recruits were instructed to face each other, each one armed with a wooden staff for practice. They were heavy enough to leave bruises on impact but dull enough that they were safe to avoid serious injuries.

    Each pair was to fight each other as if fighting an enemy to further reinforce their combat abilities. Wein found himself paired with one of the instructors there, Varon, a veteran soldier in the baron¡¯s army.

    Varon like Sol had a muscular frame and sharp eyes that gave him an aura of an experienced warrior. He held his staff firmly and positioned himself as expected of a veteran, there was no flaw found with his form. Wein tried to mimic him, trying to replicate the stance Veron took.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back¡± Varon said, his tone unamused.

    Before Wein could even respond with a nod, Varon lunged at him with great force. He swung his staff with great speed, forcing Wein to respond in kind. The clash of their staffs rang out as Wein had just mustered enough strength to oppose Varon¡¯s strength. He grunted cursing inside why he was always paired with Varon as his arms trembled under the force of the impact.

    Wein had countered the strike, but it was too sloppy, and he was pushed slightly off balance as a result. Varon did not hesitate to attack, pressing forward with a flurry of attacks swinging from left to right, right to left all in a firm form that left Wein struggling to keep up.

    Varon had skill and speed over Wein so when Wein tried to counterattack the blows, his staff would wobble at times, and he would be pushed back.

    ¡°Your staff is not firm enough,¡± Varon spoke, circling him. ¡°Grib your staff tighter and withstand my blows.¡±

    He continued his onslaught, but Wein did not give up and tried to defend. The blows came from all sides, Wein countered some rather sloppily, while the remaining struck him, on his arms, chest, and legs, the pain immense but bearable.

    ¡°Watch your opponent, think ahead. You can anticipate my moves if you do so.¡±

    It was easier said than done, Wein thought as he narrowly avoided another strike. He tried to focus on Varon¡¯s movements to read his body language, but the relentless pursuits made it hard for him to think. With the attacks that brushed past him and the shocking attack force his movements grew sloppier and within minutes, Varon¡¯s staff swept him from the ground and dealt a final blow squarely on his chest.

    That pain he truly felt.

    Wein gasped for some air, that last attack knocked the wind out of him, but he managed to stay conscious. As he sat there on the ground trying to find a way to breathe perfectly, Varon was studying him.

    ¡°Better, there is improvement¡± he finally spoke. ¡°But you are stiff too slow.¡±

    Wein pushed himself up and went for his staff while Varon waited for him to be ready, and they continued.

    The rest of the sparring session went on the same, Wein fought with every effort he had in him, but his inexperience showed. Each time he tried to counterattack, he was sent to the ground, and he had to crawl up again. Over and over and over again. He was weak, pitifully weak compared to the others and even though recruits like him had grown more refined in their attacks, he was just inexperienced. He hated feeling weak, he hated being last, but he knew deep down he was getting better.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Above, Sol was watching the recruits'' training, unmoving as he observed flaws and improvements he had witnessed so far, he was impressed.

    ****

    By midday, after showers, the recruits were led to a vast room filled with holographic data and displays. There they saw the Sergeant along with other instructors all in uniforms reading the data in the monitors.

    Beside Sol stood a woman an inch shorter than the Sergeant but had an authority of higher rank than him, Lieutenant Jones. She was wearing an eyepatch on her left eye and her black hair was tied in a ponytail. She was seriously focused, reading the data on the projections with her arms were crossed over her chest.

    Jones was unlike anyone Wein had ever met. She was the definition of beauty and battle-hardened intensity. Her beauty was alluring but her presence was enough to intimidate even the hardened criminals. Her remaining eye seemed to be able to see through your very soul.

    After the recruits aligned in formation, she stood before them on an inclined podium.

    ¡°Today¡¯s lesson,¡± she began her feminine voice alluring but firm, ¡°is on Jugtaci strategy. Tell me, recruits what is the most valuable skill that a trooper can have?¡±

    There was silence for a while, then one ventured. ¡°Strength?¡± his answer revealed that he was not sure himself.

    ¡°Incorrect¡± Jones replied sharply. ¡°Strength is ever fleeting. No matter where you go, there will always be someone stronger than you. Next!¡±

    ¡°Talent?¡± spoke another, also unsure but more firm.

    ¡°Incorrect. Not all troopers have talent, some are born average and will remain so no matter what they do,¡± said Jones.

    ¡°Discipline¡± another recruit suggested.

    ¡°Close but no¡± spoke Jones, nodding slightly. ¡°Discipline is needed but it alone is not enough. The most valuable skill a trooper can have is adaptability.¡± She gestured at a hologram showcasing some of the various monsters the troops faced in the galaxy. ¡°The creatures we face as troopers are unpredictable, not only are they fierce but some are intelligent not following any specific patterns and rules. Our enemies are not only limited to them but to people, intelligent sentient life, some similar to our skill sets, some superior, and some unpredictable. If you cannot adapt to a change in a situation, you will die. The battlefield is something that is ever changing but if you can quickly adapt you will be able to survive.¡±

    The recruits watched the hologram showcasing some of the vicious monsters in the galaxy, their form, and their known routines. From the screen, they could see the basic summaries of the monsters and where their weak spots were mostly located.

    ¡°Jugtaci is a martial art that all the troopers of the barony are fully knowledgeable in. With it, you can be able to adapt to any situation in a short amount of time and it can help you even go against stronger foes. The main components of this martial art are precision, speed, and agility. Once you master these, you can face just about anything. Exabit A¡± said Jones, gesturing to the projection.

    On the screen was a single trooper going against a giant monstrous creature, with nothing but a handgun and a knife. From the looks of it, he was exhausted but on edge facing the creature. It was huge, alien, and resembled a bull with tentacles.

    The trooper fired off his handgun at the creature and out came a purple beam shot at great speed and struck the creature on its head, leaving a scorched burn wound. The creature cried and attacked, using speed and precision, the trooper lunged to the side leaving behind his blade he pierced into the flesh of the creature forcing a cut using the creature¡¯s own momentum. After the lunge, the trooper rolled planted his stand and released a barrage of shots at the creature who had lost sight of its target.

    Not giving it the chance the trooper sprung forward while firing and he dived under it so that once it turned, he was out of the side. Below he thrust his blade and cut its abdomen causing the creature to wail in pain with is guts gushing forth on the man securing a victory.

    The hologram paused as the recruits were watching. ¡°As you just saw, it''s not only about combat or talent,¡± said Jones. ¡°It¡¯s about understanding your enemy, yourself, and your environment. Once you have a firm grasp of that, you can prevail no matter what.¡±

    The recruits along with Wein listened carefully as the lieutenant explained how the trooper was able to face off against the creature. They all had questions but remained to listen as the words spoken resonated within them.

    Wein felt uneasy, adaptability was not a skill he had really required before that was until he remembered the attack he found himself involved in at that ship. It dawned on him that skill itself would have been more in handy rather than him relying on luck. The skill was a necessity, but he was uncertain if he would be able to get it.

    The rest of the lecture boiled down to listening, teaching, and showing the recruits the many different ways to survive in an unfamiliar situation. From what to first prioritize and what to do.

    ****

    That evening, after the session the recruits were sent to a weapons training facility where they were taught how to handle the weapons mainly used by troopers.

    They mainly consisted of a futuristic handgun-like gun, a sharp metal blade, and a big gun made from the same technology as the handgun, those weapons used strange bullets. Instead of metals, the guns operated with an energy laser beam. It was not too strong as to instantly pierce through flesh and out the other way, but it was similar to bullets in a way that one beam had the same force and capabilities as a single bullet.

    The guns were powered by a purple crystal that served as a magazine and would get depleted after a certain amount of shots.

    For the time being the recruits were using low-level guns that weren¡¯t too dangerous and were shooting at planks to gauge their accuracy.

    Wein was sweating after his fifth round of shots, he had a 47% accuracy which was not too bad but not too good for his level. He was breathing heavily as he held the weapon with both hands focusing on the marks of his shots.

    He put the gun down and retreated to the chair behind him grabbing a bottle of water and gulped it in seconds. The other recruits were also wrapped up with their weapons training and remained in the facilities, after the end of day they were allowed to either remain or retreat to their dorms. Most had gone ahead but Wein chose to stay, to work on himself.

    Wein could feel that fatigue that had built up within him, so he wanted to go rest, he gave back the equipment and made his way to his room his steps heavy. All he wanted at that moment was a meal, a shower, and a comfortable bed, tomorrow was the same deal. He sighed.

    <hr>

 Straining Limits[3]

    Wein¡¯s legs and arms were sore from the day¡¯s exercises, and his muscles felt like they had been put through the meat grinding. Each step he took was like small needles stabbing his muscles, but he knew he would one day be grateful for this training.

    The evening was settling in, and the mess hall, where all the recruits gathered for meals, had become nearly empty save for Wein and a few who remained and conversed about the knowledge they had attained that day.

    With the noise having died down as the rest of the recruits retreated to their dorms to rest and await the following day, Wein achieved a moment of peace and silence. He walked to the counter and received a tray filled with the standard food for recruits, not mouthwatering but enough to give a man strength and energy suitable for training.

    Wein retreated to a seat further away from the other recruits and began eating his portion bit by bit. He took his time in no hurry finishing every bit of the food, a rule he learned the first time on the base: that a trooper always finishes what he is given. The meal itself had no taste, there was a chunk of bread and on the side some bean soup.

    The mess hall¡¯s artificial lighting cast a sterile glow over the few crowds of people remaining in the room and the smell of the metallic room mixed with the aroma of the recycled military food stuffed the air. It was all too familiar to Wein who had grown accustomed to it.

    From a distance, Wein could hear the conversations the other recruits were discussing, regarding what they learned from the lieutenant.

    Adaptability.

    The word once again echoed through his mind as he recalled the events from the holographic images about that warrior. Wein had seen the strategies from the hologram, all the different rules that they would be training to master soon. He knew of the principles and was confident he would know all there was to know of Jugtaci but whether he would be able to use it was a mystery of itself.

    Jones¡¯ words rang again, cutting through the air like a sharpened blade as Wein relived the lecture session he was in. Basic military training and strength meant nothing if you failed at the most important aspect, of life survival. And to survive you had to be able to adapt as quickly as possible.

    Wein could spend decades upon decades honing his skills, improving his techniques, and getting the best gear and resources possible, but without the ability to integrate into a situation and understand it seamlessly, he would not be able to survive in the harsh reality of the galaxy.

    Wein sighed, his demeanour that of exhaustion as he leaned back on his seat staring up at the ceiling. The artificial glowing lights drew his attention, but the brightness forced him to close his eyes.

    Wein thought back to the day he first arrived at the training base and flashes of his daily routine flooded his mind from waking up to running laps to meeting Varon for the first time. His encounter with the instructor was memorable, he remembered how Varon had been focused on him specially out of all the recruits.

    All Wein¡¯s past encounters in combat with the instructor were laid bare in his mind for him to probe through, in all the sparring sessions Wein was just barely able to keep up with Varon let alone deal a significant attack on him. In all his encounters with the instructor, it was as if he was fighting against a flood, an unsurpassable force and he was just a stick.

    Varon was a monster with that staff, his actions were guided with purpose, speed, and precision. But Wein¡­ he was unable to make sense of his own movements to counter properly. Against Veron, Wein was just a twig against a tree mindlessly swinging, he needed to find a way to become a twig that posed a danger to the tree, or else he would not improve.

    What would happen if in the future he encountered a powerful enemy, the warrior from the hologram was weaker than the creature yet he bested the monster? Wein needed to have the same insurance.

    ¡°I can¡¯t remain like this,¡± he thought. ¡°Being weak, I need to find a way.¡±

    ¡°You are different¡­ I hope you impress me.¡± The words from Sergeant Sol resurfaced in his mind from the first time he came to the base. Wein could still hear the firmness and excitement in the sergeant¡¯s voice when he read his form. He thought it was because the baron specially sent him so, he decided to not disappoint him yet after all the weeks, his results were below the rest of the recruits.

    Little did Wein know, the reason why his potential was great was because of his innate ability though currently weak. Nielson had it kept strictly confidential such that very few even knew he had it including Wein, being that he had photogenic memory.

    That skill combined with the Jugtaci martial art would make Wein a formidable warrior one day, but before that, he needed to take it a step at a time. First, be able to adapt to any situation, by mastering the skill then he would survive.

    ****

    Wein was thrown to the wall with so much force that the thud broke some of his bones. He grunted the pain surging from his left arm that he used to cushion the blow to the rest of his body. He gazed up and so the cause of his pain, it was a monster, to be specific it was the creature he saw from the hologram that was shown to him and the other recruits.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Was the first thing that came to mind along with fear for his life. How did he find himself facing off against the monster?

    It was a larger creature than he remembered, and its strength was great, his heart sank. His heartbeat faster, uncontrollably as he tried to support his broken arm and get up. The creature remained stationary while watching him as if a predator watching the last moments of its prey¡¯s life before it pounced.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Wein looked down briefly, in an effort to observe the situation he was in.

    At a quick glance, he saw he was in a strange uniform, the same military uniform as the trooper but with some torn marks coupled with his blood, there was a blade strapped on his right thigh. Wein realised that he was a trooper, and his mission; subjugate the monster.

    While still supporting his left broken arm with his hand his gaze reverted to the monster which was getting ready to attack. The rising growling of the creature was an indication that it was at its limit and Wein would have to fight back.

    Fight back, would he be able to? That was a creature, stronger and faster than he was, how was he expected to fight that thing?

    He was an unskilled and ordinary man just a few weeks ago who had never killed even an animal. He was not certain he would be able to fair well against the beast given among all the recruits he was the lowest.

    Wein recalled the day he saved the baron, and about how he was ready to die after avenging a dear friend by attacking the criminals who were more skilled than himself.

    Right, he did survive that ordeal, and he had no amount of training at all at that time, what about this situation?

    Wein resolved himself to fight so, he abandoned his left arm and equipped the blade with his right hand pointing at the creature. ¡°I can do this¡± motivating himself as he stared the creature dead in the eyes. The creature pounced, its speed, incredible and power, great.

    Wein was watching the approaching monster, his left arm dangling lifelessly while his right arm strong tightening the grip on the blade. He remained stationary as the creature came charging forward at full speed, his legs though strained were firmly planted on the cold ground.

    Just as the creature was in reach, Wein lunged to the right. The creature still in the air from the jump could not change course as it saw the wall, it would soon collide into.

    Thud!

    With a thud, it crashed full speed into the wall enough to cause a minor quake, but it did not end there, instantly Wein replied with a strong thrust from the side aiming at the creature''s right eye. Using all the force he could muster he thrust the blade so deep through the creature¡¯s eye he was certain the monster would die then and there.

    Before the creature could respond in its dying breath, Wein stepped back even tumbling as he realized the gravity of what he had just done.

    Jugtaci is a form of martial arts used by many noble troopers but was most popular with the forces of house Voss. It was a martial art that helped troopers fully utilize their physical and mental abilities in adapting and survival.

    Wein remembered the lessons and strategies of Jugtaci from lieutenant Jones from the day before, one such strategy said that: when faced between a creature and a solid object, wait for the last moment and dodge the attack. As soon as the monster is stunned by charging into the object without wasting time deal the final blow.

    It was a simple strategy but clear and effect.

    Wein grinned, he did as he learnt. He was able to use the strategy he was taught effectively. He did it¡­

    Beep!!!...beep!!!...

    Wein awoke from his bed, a siren rang waking all the recruits up.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he wondered.

    Just a moment ago, he was fighting against a creature, and he defeated it, the next he was in his bunker¡­, then he realized. It was a dream. His spirits were crushed, disappointed in himself, it was not real.

    The commotion from the dorm increased as he sat up straight. Just when he was gaining a feel of what Jugtaci was, it turned out to be a dream. How disappointing.

    Wein understood, how he was able to accomplish what he did in his dream, all the principles and timing, knowing was different from doing. Fighting the creature and killing it would be a major achievement, especially for him but still, it was a dream.

    Would he be able to do what he did in his dream should the time come?

    Even though it appeared to be a simple thing, that he did dodging and thrusting, Wein knew why adapting was important thanks to the dream.

    First, he needed to be patient enough to lure the creature for the attack and then dodge at the right time, not too soon which could force the creature to change course, or too late which would mean his death but at the correct time where the creature could do nothing about it.

    Also, he needed to know when and where to attack after the creature was stunned so that the attack would be both lethal and precise leaving no room for the creature to regain its senses and harm him or dodge his attack.

    Finally, he needed to have the right judgment of knowing which enemy, the strategy would work on and who it would fail on, for example, an intelligent being like another human would notice that unfavourable terrain and pick up on the trap he was lured in. Thus, he would not charge in recklessly.

    All this was what Wein learnt from Jones¡¯ lesson, for some reason, he could remember most of the content from that information, but how to use it in a battle, was what he severely lacked. The only way to know was through actual experience, he may know the theory, but the practicality was what truly mattered.

    ***

    The day as with all the others was with the usual rush in activities. After stretching and running laps until they were tired, the recruits were lined up in rows waiting for Sol¡¯s instructions.

    They all stood in silence as the sergeant and instructor Varon stood side by side, the air filled with tension alerted everyone that today would be different.

    Wein along with the other recruits knew despite being exhausted from the morning warmups that the training was going to get much harder. Cursing inside, they still accepted because they all knew, it was the only way forward for them.

    ¡°Alright, recruits¡± Sol¡¯s voice ranged out, as clear as a bell. ¡°Today, we are going to test, your progress from all the training you have received till now. You have been getting training in sparring, combat drills, and mental strategies. To test your progress, you will be thrust into scenarios that are aimed to gauge just how much you leant and you will adapt to them. Do not disappoint.¡±

    Wein¡¯s stomach churned at the thought. Adaptability, that was their test, as if Sol knew exactly what had been plaguing Wein¡¯s mind the past few hours. However, strangely he was looking forward to the test, not because when it came to combat, he was last in the class but because now he would be forced to test out his skill of adapting.

    ***

    The first test was sparring which was held at the sparring grounds. The atmosphere in that place was intense, each recruit fought another with varying degrees of success, and after the outcome was declared, they moved on to the next without resting.

    Some of the recruits were aggressive opting to finish the fight as soon as possible, others focused on defence hoping to tire out their opponents, and others giving it their best, but all had their eyes firmly placed on the same prize: survival.

    The veteran soldiers and the instructors stood along the sidelines, observing, and critiquing their performances. Among them was Varon and Sol who were specifically focused on Wein, stoically observant to not miss a detail.

    After another loss, Wein changed opponents and despite the fatigue that was gnawing him, stepped up. His opponent now was a recruit named Don, a bulkier soldier with powerful strikes and a well-built frame. He was one of the first recruits that term and had significantly more experience than Wein. His eyes were sharp and focused on the near battle a testament of his experience and skill, Wein was reminded why he had been one of the stronger recruits since day one.

    Huff¡­huff¡­...huff!

    Wein and Don tried to minimize their heavy breathing to lower their rate of exhaustion. They both raised their arms and staffs in preparation for battle, still physically drained from the other previous fights.

    They did not need a signal to be made for them to start, as soon as you won or lost to your opponent, you move to the next and you fight, and so they fought.

 Straining Limits[4]

    Pang!

    Wein¡¯s staff collided with Don¡¯s, and the vibration sent a ripple effect to the two parties. Wein could tell Don was truly gifted and strong, though they were both tired he felt more pressure. Don was the strongest opponent he had faced among the recruits so far, yet his strength was lacking compared to instructor Varon.

    Wein adjusted his grip on the staff, solidifying his form as he was taught, to better use the weapon. He remembered what he had learned the day before, Speed, Agility, and Precision.

    Speed, Agility, and Precision.

    Whoosh! Wein heard Don¡¯s staff swing right at him, using all the strength he had, he reciprocated, and Thud!

    He had successfully countered but Don did not give him room to breathe when another attack came, this time sweeping him from the ground. Wein tried to dodge but it was too late, and he was thrown off balance when another attack came striking his chest.

    Bam!!!....

    He grunted in pain but refused to stumble and held his ground, the wood of his staff burning his hand, and his grip unsteady. Observing the imposing opponent, Wein backstepped, to safety.

    ¡°Damn it Wein, adapt!¡± he cursed himself. ¡°You have been getting beaten every time since this test started. Improve, predict his movements, and do not let him attack! Force him to react.¡±

    Wein¡¯s mind was screaming for him to get it together. He could not keep being the one to get beaten while trying to defend all the time. His body was tired and sore, praying for a relieve but this was the moment. He needed to find a way, a way to win if only for once.

    Speed, Agility, and Precision.

    Those words ranged through his mind again as an epiphany came to him.

    Without waiting for Don to initiate the next strike, Wein pivoted, moving to his opponent¡¯s right. He raised his staff to strike Don, Don responded but realized when it was too late that it was a feign. Pushing his body through the ringer, Wein twisted and brought his staff across in a wide arc so fast that Don could not see most of it.

    Don barely had time to react. The staff connected with his ribs, sending him a few feet back, and disrupted his breathing a bit. It was not a perfect strike, since Don found a way to limit the force, but it was enough to throw him off rhythm and force him to react. Wein smiled, he had done something.

    Speed, Agility, and Precision. He was beginning to grasp how to use those words again. Speed, he needed to move fast in his battles, Agility, he needed to be flexible and move nimbler and Precision, he needed to be precise in the actions against his enemies.

    Wein continued to adjust his tactics, he let go of his hesitation and launched attacks on Don.

    Sometimes he was able to predict his attacks, using agility and speed, he would be able to evade the blows and try to strike but most times he failed.

    But Wein was not discouraged, for once his body was doing what his mind wanted it to do. Even when he failed at his attacks, each hit he got or evaded from Don, his confidence grew.

    By the end of the match, Don was standing victorious over Wein who was tired but still yearning for another fight after his major progress. As he lay there on the ground with Don¡¯s mighty figure towering over him, staff slick with sweat, hand callused from impact, body bruised from repeated attacks he was still proud.

    Wein had learned something vital: adaptability was not just about reacting to your enemy¡¯s movements or changes to your environment ¡ª rather it was about being proactive, taking control of the flow of a fight.

    ****

    After the sparring test, the next phase was assessing their thinking ability. The recruits were shuffled into a large, dimmed room filled with head console gear. On the walls around the room were various screens with projections and displays of past notable battles, holographic representations of alien creatures, and maps from the many different territories spanning across the galaxy.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Lieutenant Jones stood at the front, waiting for them to be settled, she could tell some of the recruits had barely recovered from the fatigue of the past exercise. Fortunately, that was intended, she wanted them to take this test as exhausted as they possibly could be to pose a much bigger challenge to overcome.

    ¡°Attention! Today, you will face a series of simulations,¡± she said, her voice cutting through the tension in the room. ¡°Using the principles I showed you yesterday, you will show us how well you will adapt to the situations you find yourselves in. Success means passing at least five trials, no one is freed unless otherwise.¡±

    The recruits looked amongst themselves, uncertainty written on their faces. Wein was no different, his mind was still processing the outcome of all his sparring matches which he had failed.

    ¡°Find a console!¡± Jones said. ¡°Your objective is to survival, it is simple. Adapt to the environments you find yourselves in and survive.¡±

    The recruits matched to their own chosen consoles, equipped themselves and awaited the simulations to start. The consoles were simple, it was just a helmet that the recruits had to wear, and it would take them to a virtual reality realm. They could move, run, and do anything all while being stationary in the room.

    The recruits remained still as they waited there for the simulation to start. With a slight nod from Jones, the operators in the room began the simulations.

    Each simulation for a recruit was different from the other but at the core evaluated similar concepts for all of them.

    Sol was given a tablet by an officer which he skimmed through. He was standing on the high platform while the recruits were below beginning their trials. From their observations, the various and erratic movements of the recruits meant, their trials had begun.

    Sol was focused on the information that appeared on the tablet. His reactions were a mixture of disappointment and pride. Across from him was the lieutenant who was watching the recruits diligently.

    ¡°How are they?¡± Jones asked.

    ¡°Nothing seems to be wrong. Vitals show that they are all mentally exhausted, but they are all functioning as expected¡± replied a voice from an operator reading data from the screens behind Jones.

    Jones placed her hands on the rails as she watched the recruits, some were evidently in precarious situations.

    The cries and grunts coming from the consoles were evidence of the difficulty they had faced, reinforced by those who failed their first trials by being ejected. Scattered glows of red filled the room from the consoles, an indication of rejection from the trial i.e. failure.

    But that did not end there, they would be sent to another trial after a few seconds not giving them time to rest.

    This test was difficult, it forced them into states of mental and physical exhaustion and asked them to fend for themselves.

    ¡°10% of the recruits have passed the first trial at the moment¡± spoke another operator while reading through the data.

    Jones tapped her fingers on the rail, a smile appeared on her face. ¡°It appears some of the recruits are adapting rather well. What do you think Sergeant?¡± she asked Sol who she then noticed was reading something.

    She walked over to him.

    ¡°Apologise Ma¡¯am. I was going through the results from the sparring matches¡± Sol replied when he saw Jones before him.

    ¡°What do they say?¡± Jones enquired after she noticed an excitement from Sol.

    ¡°The overall number is more than great. The recruits'' physical and combat abilities are above average. It might be the best results at this level for the past years,¡± replied Sol as he scrolled passed the data of each recruit marvelling at their improvements compared to their first days.

    Jones was intrigued and curious. ¡°What about the one sent by the baron?¡±

    Sol paused as he searched for Wein¡¯s data. With his fingers scrolling through the table, Wein''s information finally appeared. With a flick, Sol sent the data to appear in front of the lieutenant as a projection.

    ¡°It appears, he is severely lacking. Not a single victory¡± Jones said, as she read through the results of Wein sparring matches with the other recruits. Disappointment was written all over her face as she compared Wein to the rest of his comrades. She reached her hand out and clicked on his name to get more information. ¡°What did the baron see in him?¡±

    More information about Wein''s time in the base appeared. The information ranged from Wein¡¯s initial abilities, current abilities, and theoretical knowledge which was surprisingly higher than she expected.

    ¡°What is he doing here as a troop, he should have gone to take an exam and work as a civil servant. His physical abilities are lacking, too lacking¡± said Jones skimming through Wein¡¯s details.

    ¡°I agree with your assessment, Lieutenant. Even accounting for his late entry, recruit Serin is lacking however he is improving albeit slowly¡± spoke Sol. ¡°Based on our observations and instructor Varon¡¯s insight, Serin¡¯s abilities have been constantly slightly improving.¡±

    Sol showed the lieutenant the data, Varon had been reporting back to him. From which were documented results of their spars since enrolment. Jones was intrigued when she saw the data, particularly Wein¡¯s later spars after the top recruit Don. Though Wein eventually lost against Don and the rest of the other challengers, there was a drastic improvement in his combat ability.

    Since then, Wein¡¯s duration in each spar increased from before, and more and more he appeared to be closing the gap between him and his peers.

    The two pulled up recordings of the spars and witnessed Wein, Sol had seen Wein fighting Don, but he was eventually defeated so, he took his attention elsewhere, he also was surprised when he saw how Wein though sloppy was taking the initiative to attack, dodge or parry his opponent''s attacks.

    ¡°Would you look at that? He is getting better with each fight¡± Jones spoke, a hint of a smirk raised from her lips. ¡°Pull up Recruit Wein Serin¡¯s simulation trials, I want to see something.¡±

 Straining Limits[5]

    As soon as Wein¡¯s form materialized into his trial simulation environment, he tumbled but knew he had to move quickly. Wasting no time, he searched around to get an idea of his environment and identify any potential dangers.

    Wein was inside a jungle, a foreign place he had never been to in his entire life, around were countless trees covering his sense of direction. First, he caught his breath as he examined himself.

    While crouching Wein noted that he had nothing on but a military training uniform and a blade on his side. He sighed in relief that he had something to work with. He scoured the forest and saw nothing but trees and flowers no clear path, he had to do something.

    Recalling what was said the previous day if a trooper found themselves in a similar situation, Wein resolved himself to follow as stated. He picked himself up and made sure no one or nothing was around, and he sought a tall tree. For him to survive, he needed to get an idea of the environment he was in.

    The sky was covered by the many trees making surveillance difficult, so Wein knew he either had to run through the forest hoping to find a pathway or find a tree strong and tall enough to hold him. Wasting no time Wein opted to inspect the trees around, they weren¡¯t too far from him, but most were thin.

    Surprisingly, there were no carnivorous or strange alien trees or plants among them, which caused Wein to relieve some tension.

    As he sat there in the middle, observing the visible trees, crouching with his right hand tightly gripping the blade he had, his heart beating rhythmically slow, he saw a candidate: a big tree that appeared secure, sturdy, and taller than the rest.

    When he decided to head to and climb that tree, his heart rate increased. He rose and walked over steadily. But wait¡­

    Wein realized something.

    Ever since he arrived in this forest, it had been oddly quiet, of course at the time he needed to establish and compose himself and was looking for any signs of danger he forgot one thing: to listen.

    The forest was quiet, too quiet, not a sound of a bird chirping, no frogs croaking, nothing. A big forest quiet only meant one thing, there was a predator within, one so dangerous it sent even small animals, not its prey running,

    With that realization, wasting no time at all Wein made a run for it. With his fists clenched and resolve firm he ran to the tree with all the stamina he had.

    Immediately as if Wein had anticipated a figure appeared lunging from his initial position, a hungry growl could be heard. Wein did not even spare the courtesy to look back as he ran with all his might to the tree with one goal, climb and climb fast.

    The figure growled again pouncing from the position aiming for its prey. Its pace increased as it closed the distance with Wein who was a few feet from reaching the tree.

    Wein could hear, the growls of the hungry creature behind him, his heart beating erratically at the idea of being devoured. He was scared, sweating, and coupled with the mental fatigue he had gained after the day''s work, Wein was slowly losing consciousness.

    Staring at the tree in front of him, Wein could see, it was wide with almost nothing for him to grab onto. Shifting upwards, he saw branches to grab onto but attaining them would be hard given they were higher than jumping distance, but Wein did stop. He figured he would try to climb, and if he failed, he would hold his ground and face the monster as he did in his dream prior.

    Reaching closer to the tree, Wein¡¯s speed increased and without thinking he found himself running up the tree.

    Pushed by his initial speed, he went up a significant height such that when he felt like he was slowing down he used all his strength to jump up as if even the little distance could keep him from being prey.

    As planned, he succeeded, and using the blade on his right hand, he held firmly, Wein thrust it into the tree like a hook and was able to remain dangling there.

    Wein looked down and saw the creature that had slowed down, it was a tiger-like monster with black fur and sharp large claws. It was thrice his size and had shark-like teeth while it had a face similar to that of an alligator.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    The creature strolled at the base of the tree, with no indication of it desiring to go up but Wein was not about to rely on that chance. With his hand holding tightly on the blade, he stretched out his other hand to find something to grip onto. As soon he was certain, his grip was secure, he pulled out the blade from the tree and struck the tree higher up and pulled himself higher. He did this until he got to a big branch that was sturdy enough to hold him and he was able to rest.

    He leaned against the tree and tried to catch a breath, even though this was a simulation, failure meant death and death meant being forced into more scenarios like this. Wein needed to survive, at least he needed to find the objective of that trial.

    Wein peeked from the side and saw the creature that was going in circles before was now stationary staring back at him.

    ¡°Damn it¡± he cursed.

    Wein knew it was only a matter of time till the creature scaled the tree and went after him. He had to get to higher grounds, he was no match for the huge creature even with the blade in his hand. Thinking about it, he was pissed that just when he was finally going to rest for a bit, he now had to move again.

    Not wasting any more time, Wein resolved himself once more to climb the tree, and using the blade and his hand he ascended higher and higher but so did the creature.

    Wein knew the creature was just behind him, he did not need to look back to know he was in danger and he did not dare too, one because if he did he would be terrified after all behind him was a huge feline alien monster growling at the prey before it and second if he turned back, he would waste the limited time he already had.

    Stab and pull.

    He went on like that, increasing his speed as best he could until he could see the tree bark itself had shrunk in width. A thought occurred to Wein, the creature was intelligent, so it would know that as they both ascended the tree eventually, they would reach the top and the heavier being would be at a disadvantage, if they fell from that height, death was certain if not severe injury.

    Soon Wein could climb the tree with only his bare hands, so he clutched the blade with his teeth and gritted as he pushed himself up, increasing his speed and efficiency.

    He was reaching the top, he could tell as a result of the tree beginning to wobble. Wein hugged the tree firmly and then observed the situation below, true to his assessment the creature was intelligent, it had given up. Wein sighed in relief, he had survived.

    With no looming danger, he decided to pause his ascent, steadying his breathing and calming his mind.

    When he was finally able to relax, he searched around and wondered where in the vast forest he was and what he was supposed to do.

    Almost after, Wein saw from a distance a cliff positioned outside of the forest, though it was far away, he could tell that he might be able to find other people or sentient intelligent life judging by the remains left there. If he was to survive the trial, he had to go there.

    Just after he made that observation, a green light flashed in the sky and a notification could be heard all around the forest.

    -------------

    Trial passed!

    Recruit: Wein Serin

    Trial [1]

    Actions

    - Assessed the environment- Grade A

    - Searched for a weapon- Grade A

    - Searched for vantage Point- Grade A

    - Assessed dangers- Grade D

    - Survived- Grade B

    Overall Evaluation B+

    Passed Trials [1/5]

    -First trial, over. Spawning at a random situation in 10 seconds, get ready!

    [9]

    [8]

    ¡­

    [2]

    [1]

    Initiating the next Simulation.

    -------------

    Without giving Wein to revel in his first success, he felt the world fade away like pixels folding into themselves changing the environment he was used to into something entirely different.

    The first thing Wein felt was cold, an overwhelming cold that washed over him causing his body to tremble. After opening his eyes, the first thing he observed was pure white to as far as the eye could see: it was snow.

    Wein did not need a map to know that he was not only in a different environment but also on a different planet. He noted that a snowstorm was approaching, within it consisting of strong winds and hardened hail.

    It was difficult to see anything passed the fog caused by the snowstorm, but Wein knew the storm would kill him, he had to do something.

    He turned back, in hopes he could outrun the storm, it was then he realized he had a handgun in his hand. He was confused about how he got it, last he checked he was holding a blade. He figured it came with the simulated trial, he was glad it was better having a gun than a blade.

    Wein once again ran for his life but then almost in an instant, he felt the world had gone dark, a glimmer of red light flashed in the creamy sky through his eye lids and his vision went dark.

    He knew what had happened, he had died.

    Wein was impaled by a large spear through his chest that held his body up in place while he dangled there like a flag. His gun fell to the ground, and his hand was beginning to fade away as pixels.

    -------------

    Trial Failed!

    Recruit: Wein Serin

    Trial [2]

    Actions

    - Assessed the environment- Grade B

    - Searched for a weapon- Grade A

    - Searched for vantage Point- Grade E

    - Assessed dangers- Grade E

    - Survived- Grade F

    Overall Evaluation F

    Passed Trials [1/5]

    -Second trial, over. Spawning at random a situation in 10 seconds, get ready!

    [9]

    [8]

    ¡­

    [2]

    [1]

    Initiating the next Simulation.

    -------------

 Straining Limits[6]

    The simulation trials were set up in a way that forced the recruits to challenge their limits. The recruits had to take them exhausted as they were because the instructors wanted them to be able to think on their feet to survive even in times of distress, extreme exhaustion, and chaos.

    The main components that were assessed in the trials were environmental assessment, weapons retrieval, and awareness, identification of dangers, and survival.

    The recruits were required to understand their environment as soon as they arrived and make quick decisions based on that information, i.e. if they were in an unfavourable position that risked their safety like an open clearing, they would need to go to a safer location where they could defend themselves.

    The recruits needed to find weapons they would use to secure their lives and how to ration them so that they don¡¯t run out of ammo at critical times. They needed to utilize their minds and strategize when to use the guns and when to use different means.

    Next, the recruits needed to identify how much danger they were in, where the danger would be, and how to limit the possibility of danger.

    But the most important thing that was assessed was whether they survived or not, if they failed, they would restart on a different scenario and did so until they had five successes, suffice to say it was a difficult task and most even failed the first trial which was generally the easiest.

    A few of the recruits passed the first trial and almost all failed the second, but as the trials increased some adjusted to what they were tested on and were able to pass. Knowing what was wanted, they grew used to strategies they had learnt, and they became stronger, but with an increase in level, the trial¡¯s difficulty surged.

    Some trials were survival in dangerous exotic areas with foreign dangerous animals, some harsh environments that meant certain death, and some were them having to go against programmed illusions of enemy troops with their weapons.

    Eventually, they were victorious and victorious with the trials after many failures and could confidently say they knew Jugtaci very well.

    ****

    -------------

    Trial in progress!

    Recruit: Wein Serin

    Trial [14]

    Passed Trials [4/5]

    -------------

    Wein was sprinting through the streets of an abandoned town, as if he was running for his life. On his back was a big machine gun strapped so as not to fall off and on his person was nothing but a white vest and torn uniform pants with blood all over both his and green that of an alien lifeform.

    The town itself was a ghost town and appeared to have been long since abandoned. There were no animals nor people and everything had broken down if not it was at its limit.

    There was a strong wind blowing sand partially obstructing Wein''s line of view making progress difficult but thankfully the clearing made it easier to move quickly.

    Wein could hear from a distance, his enemy or rather his objective swarming over to him.

    They were some insectoid creatures that moved as fast as he was, and they were swarming towards him. Before Wein had scouted them and saw about twenty of these alien creatures swarming over his direction like a wave.

    At the time Wein had nothing but his machine gun, with the crystal in the magazine not having much power to last the incoming onslaught. Wein knew his abilities in shooting at a distance were lacking and he did not want to waste the already limited ammunition he had. He knew in order to end this trial he had to make a last stand in a place where he could defend himself and deal enoough damage to the creatures.

    Right now, what he had to do was get to a secure location and prepare before the creature caught up with him.

    Up ahead he saw a stairwell that went to higher ground, on top was a cleared pathway. An idea came to him, if he was to fight his way through the monsters, that place was a great option.

    He soon arrived and the position was more than favourable, first, it was at a higher ground so that he could have a clear line of view when the creatures arrived.

    Second the walls in the path were high up so that the creatures would have to enter the pathway if they wanted to get to him.

    Third with a limited space, even if he was a bad shot, Wein was confident that he would not miss the monsters in front of him.

    Wein entered the pathway and saw on the other side an opening that might lead somewhere, so at least he had an escape route. Wein was relieved, he turned back to get a better view of the ground of his final stand. It was very ideal, it was elevated and would allow him to be able to see the creatures coming up the stairs.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    He observed the layout of that compound, the clearing was open enough that he wouldn¡¯t be able to miss sight of the creatures that would spread out. Additionally, because of the stairs, it would take time until the creatures reached him.

    He took out the machine gun he was carrying to inspect, discharging the magazine he saw the crystal inside had enough power for a few shots.

    That was regrettable, he knew the many monsters coming his way were in the twenties. Fortunately, he had an extra clip, and he would use that as a substitute when he ran out.

    On his side was a long blade, strong enough to pierce the monster¡¯s tough skin. Wein knew he would have to alternate between the two weapons he already had to save ammo.

    Unfortunately, he did not have grenades or rocket launchers, they would make his life much easier. He sighed at the limited weapons he had but resolved himself when he heard the creatures getting much closer.

    Being at a higher altitude, Wein had front-row seats to see the creatures appearing in the clearing below, each emerging from the shadows, one by one. The critters screeching while searching for traces of Wein.

    Wein held his gun firmly as he observed the monsters. They appeared like praying mantis but with arms as sharp as a blade. Their faces unlike a mantis were imbedded in their abdomen as if they only had arms and legs as the only protruding organs in their bodies.

    The creatures were a mixture of green and brown colour with little to no difference between each other. Their screeching sounds were irritating but served as a form of their communication.

    Wein was well aware of the kind of monsters they were, the Chintaads.

    These were some of the most invasive monster alien species in the whole galaxy. They reproduced at great rates and were aggressive in invasions of other territories. There were many ranks amongst the Chintaads, and those before Wein were of the lowest rank, soldiers.

    Compared to the other types, the soldiers were weaker, slower, and unintelligent but their strength was that they were abundant.

    Thankfully Wein was able to memorise most of the information he got during the past weeks in training, and he knew about them. He was thankful that, it was not the elite type which had more intelligence and tougher bodies.

    Before the creatures could identify him, Wein counted twenty-five Chintaads. His ammunition was enough that each monster would have about 2 shots until he went out, so Wein knew he had to be careful.

    The creatures made their way up the stairs still hadn¡¯t caught Wein¡¯s scent. Wein knew that was the best time to start the attack, so while gripping the machine gun with both his hands, he appeared in the line of view.

    Screech¡­!

    The Chintaads went crazy when they saw him and swarmed up the stairs not minding or caring about the danger they put themselves in.

    Tew¡­ tew¡­

    Two laser beams were released, their speed great and force enough to tear apart the closest Chintaad.

    Wein smirked. He was successful in his first attack. He knew he was not a great shot, but he was glad that he took it down so easily. The two shots were quick and vicious, the first one tore off the right arm of the Chintaad and the next burned its face killing it instantly.

    Wein did not have time to celebrate, he had to take on the remaining twenty-four monsters that were not discouraged by the death of their comrade. Without warning he released another round of shots.

    Tew¡­tew¡­tew¡­

    These shots were sent to the Chintaads that were the closest to reaching him, alternating between them, Wein was able to strike two and missed one. The first he tore off its leg hindering its movement and the other was a critical hit on its head killing it instantly. The final shot missed and hit the worn-out stairs spreading dust into the air as a result.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± he cursed. He was reminded that his shots were too lacking. A sloppy shot would waste the already limited ammunition.

    Wein raised his aim, he decided that if he missed the ones he wanted to hit, the shots would fly off to the other creatures behind. And like that, he released a barrage of shots in quick succession moving from across the field, felling as many Chintaads as he possibly could.

    Upon emptying his clip, Wein wasted no time and replaced it with the other one and resumed his barrage. He knew he had taken down a significant number of Chintaads, but they had reached the top, so he could now only shoot back while slowly retreating into the passage.

    ¡°Die already, you monsters!¡± he cried.

    Wein was aware that his ammunition was running low, if he was going to survive, he would need to slice some of the monsters up rather than shoot.

    He retrieved his knife, as sharp as it was on his right hand and the machine gun on his left, he waited for the Chintaads to enter along with him.

    Tew¡­

    He shot one that appeared in front of the passage. While the monster was stunned, he took the time to land the final blow and cut it down. Making sure it was dead, Wein retreated into the passage.

    With that strategy, he dealt with the remaining Chintaads one by one until there was a trail of dead Chintaad corpses in the passage. He had won.

    Immediately Wein stumbled down when he could not hear a sound from the creatures anymore. He was happy and relieved.

    He inspected himself, he was filthy with Chintaad blood all over him but fortunately, he was not hurt. He lay down on his back and chuckled.

    Damn, the trials were hard. Not only were they challenging but they had to do them as exhausted as they were. And if they failed, they would have to do it over and over again until they were successful.

    After a few seconds, Wein got up to observe his situation. He checked his clip, there were still a few shots left.

    ¡°Good at least,¡± he thought. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the notification rung yet?¡±

    Wein looked up, but there was nothing. The Trial was not over, Wein felt drained, but he resolved himself.

    Taking the machine gun, he searched for another way around, being silent and covert Wein arrived at the clearing below the stairs and there he saw the immobile corpses of the Chintaads he had slain. There was no movement he could detect, so he went closer thinking maybe he had left one still breathing.

    With a gun in hand, he walked over the corpses until he went up the stairs and there, he saw one slightly moving. It was closer to death than anything, but Wein was done with the trial, extending his left arm pointing at the Chintaad struggling to raise its arms, he spoke as if speaking to the evaluators.

    ¡°Let me out of here!¡±

    Tew¡­tew¡­

    Two shots were enough, and a green light filled the entire sky. Wein smiled, rejoicing in his heart, it was over, finally. Feeling devoid of strength, he let go of the gun looking up and saw his final evaluation.

    -------------

    Trial Passed!

    Recruit: Wein Serin

    Trial [14]

    Actions

    - Assessed the environment- Grade B

    - Searched for a weapon- Grade B

    - Searched for vantage Point- Grade A

    - Assessed dangers- Grade C

    - Survived- Grade A

    Overall Evaluation B

    Passed Trials [5/5]

    -You have passed your simulation. Congratulations! Find time to rest and calm your mental fatigue.

    -------------

 Capsule Rehabilitation

    ¡°Recruit Wein Serin has accomplished his trials,¡± said an operator after reading from the computer screens. The instructors had been observing some of the battles taken by the recruits on the holographic screens plastered all over and noting the achievements.

    ¡°The Number of trials taken was 14.¡±

    ¡°That is not too bad,¡± Jones finally said, her eyes shifting to Wein''s body, which was still in his console. ¡°Get him to the rehabilitation capsule room.¡±

    ¡°Pull up his final trial footage,¡± ordered Sol. He was also eager to see how Wein had eventually performed.

    The screen lit in front of them, and the familiar environment appeared, showing all the actions, that Wein took to defeat the Chintaads.

    The instructors were very pleased with Wein''s performance in the final trial, he used his senses and mind exceptionally well.

    He identified his enemies, his ammunition, and the best place to make a stand all in a short amount of time. Not only was he able to identify his own weakness and make up for it, but he also made good use of his limited ammunition and was even left with spare.

    He passed the test.

    Wein along with the other recruits who were finished with their simulations were taken out and sent to a rehabilitation room, made for them to recover from the severe mental fatigue they would have accumulated.

    During this trek he at times stumbled and fell onto one of the examiner assistant¡¯s arms who would lift and carry him, he pitied them who were so exhausted and weakened.

    Wein felt his consciousness drift and he wanted to sleep.

    While staggering, he raised his eye up to the instructors specifically Jones, Sol, and Varon. He saw smiles on their faces, an indication that the results of the simulation for the recruits had more than great numbers and he Wein was part of the reason why.

    He was proud of himself, he had grown stronger, and he would continue to.

    The assistant helped him walk out of the room behind other recruits in a single line heading for the same destination.

    ¡°This batches¡¯ first simulation was more than great,¡± Varon spoke while discussing with Jones and the others. ¡°60% of the recruits took less than ten trials to pass and the rest took less than fifteen¡±.

    ¡°You say that when they should all take below ten trials¡± retorted Sol, though he was proud of the improvement of the recruits, he was a little disappointed in the results.

    ¡°This is their first time in this type of simulation, and they had just learned Jugtaci only yesterday,¡± replied Varon. ¡°It is understandable that some would fall below our expectations, sir.¡±

    ¡°You expect me to be pleased with that, the simulations were made with the recruits'' level in mind,¡± said Sol.

    ¡°Still¡ª,¡±

    ¡°Enough! Sol is correct, the simulations were made taking into account their inexperience but still as compared to other years and recruits these results are pleasing.¡± Jones interrupted. She turned her back on the men, to leave. ¡°The barony is getting a great number of talented troopers. Wrap everything here!¡±

    The remaining instructors saluted, ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡±

    ****

    The room that Wein and the other exhausted recruits were sent to was broad, and clean, filled with dozens of pods placed all over. The pods were large capsules capable of containing a full human no matter the size.

    Inside were some of the recruits who finished their tests earlier, they had been stripped of their clothing except undergarments and suspended in the liquid inside of the capsule.

    The liquid was greenish and was able to fully cover the recruits from head to toe, making it possible to swim. To breathe, there were breathing masks put on the mouths and noses of all the recruits that were connected to an outside air tank.

    Besides each capsule, there was a monitoring screen that showed the body state and vitals of the recruits.

    Wein was taken to his own capsule, still feeling weak and tired from the mental stress he had been holding himself from crumbling in. He opened his eyes and saw the empty capsule.

    He looked to the sides, to his comrades, some were being stripped some climbing into the capsules. He knew he had to do it too, so without wasting time he, being assisted by assistant took off his clothing.

    His actions were useless, he could not even lift his arms properly as they felt limpy and he was falling in and out of consciousness.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Each time Wein closed his eyes he would blank out, once was taking off his pants when he opened them again, he was already stripped. Again, he blinked and opened them to find himself inside the capsule with a breathing machine already fitted in his mouth.

    Again, his eyes were weak, and after drifting into sleep he was jolted awake by a stinging pain at the back of his head.

    As soon as he felt that sting Wein could not struggle or protest and he finally went to sleep, his arms and legs suspended in the liquid while a metal tentacle was sticking inside of his brain.

    The rehabilitation capsule did as the name implied, it rehabilitated exhausted troopers and even healed some minor injuries. The metal tentacles connected to the brain helped calm the human brain by inducing the recruits to sleep allowing them to rest easily.

    With advanced technology and the green fluid imbued in them, the recruits could be able to sleep for days without waking up.

    This was very important for them because no matter who you are, having to go through those daunting trial simulations over and over again while you were already exhausted beyond means and not recover, severe consequences would follow.

    So, for the next few days, all the recruits were subjected to the rehabilitation capsules until further notice.

    ****

    ¡°How is his progress?¡± Neilson spoke while accompanied by his assistant as he was walking down a hallway with just the two of them. He was wearing a large thin coat that swept over the floor and his assistant was wearing formal attire: a suit, tie, and all.

    His assistant was a tall and handsome younger man compared to him, his features captivating, and yet his aura was that of a skilled fighter. He had no noticeable flaws both on his face or physique, and his mannerisms mimicked those of sophistication.

    The halls they were walking passed were similar to those in the military base training rooms. With silence other than their steps, the assistant spoke after reviewing the data he was reading.

    ¡°He has improved immensely¡± he spoke, his tone indifferent nor curious. ¡°He is among the lowest in his division but the remarks from the instructors are favourable.¡±

    ¡°Oh, come now Eric, you have seen his footage. What do you think?¡± Nielson asked, his tone playful and inquisitive.

    ¡°Based on what I saw in his simulations, he has a great understanding of Jugtaci even at his level. His potential is great¡± Eric replied, still with no facial reaction.

    Nielson smirked as if he had anticipated the results.

    The two gentlemen arrived at a door guarded by two troopers both wearing silver uniforms. As soon as they saw Eric and the baron, they saluted in unison and precision then they cleared away.

    Eric took out a card from his pocket and opened the doors. Click!...

    Shh!!!...

    The door hissed open and before them were dozens of capsules having bodies inside. The two men walked in slowly.

    ¡°Everyone out¡± Eric spoke, his voice was not too strong but all the scientists and monitors immediately flocked out of the room.

    Shh!!!...

    The door closed behind them as the two men were left alone in the room. Eric led the baron to the capsule that had Wein.

    There he was, Wein still sleeping in his capsule unaware of Nielson''s watchful gaze.

    Nielson smiled when he saw him and stretched his hand out.

    ¡°Not too long from now,¡± he said in his voice low, but Eric had heard him and showed no reaction.

    ¡°Any news on his past yet?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, my lord. It appears whoever he was had been removed from records by skilled individuals¡± replied Eric.

    ¡°Enough that even a noble¡¯s people cannot find them?¡± inquired Nielson, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

    ¡°Apologise, my lord.¡±

    ¡°Have him trained thoroughly but make sure not to damage him¡± spoke Nielson. He ran his hand on the glass of the capsule as if to touch Wein. ¡°If he dies, there will be hell to pay!¡±

    His tone had determination, it was obvious that Wein was an important person to him.

    Why? That was a mystery.

    ¡°I will do as you desire my lord¡± replied Eric as he bowed his head.

    ¡°Wein my boy. You are my final gift to the Empire, my final fu¡­¡± spoke Nielson while stretching his hand over the glass when he began to cough.

    Hghh!!!¡­hghh!!!¡­

    Eric responded quickly retrieving a handkerchief from his pocket and offering it to Nielson who followed with another round of coughing.

    After clearing his throat, he got himself up.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have enough time,¡± he said, his eyes going to Wein¡¯s floating body. ¡°Hurry up,¡±

    He turned to leave, and Eric followed him.

    ****

    After several days of recuperation, all the recruits emerged from their rehabilitation capsules feeling, more refreshed. The experience sharpened their resolve and motivated them for the following training which they knew would be much more challenging.

    What followed was months of intense training, the recruits were put through various drills testing their physical endurance, tactical ingenuity, and their ability to adapt under pressure.

    Each recruit was assigned a senior trainer to specially look after and turn into an elite soldier, and for Wein that was once again Varon.

    These officers documented the recruits training, how much they improved and what level of training was needed. When the recruits grew accustomed and used to certain trainings, the trainers were the one who would tailor new regiments fit for their disciples.

    Among the many sessions they now had to go through, the recruits would be paired up and tasked with leading simulated squads through a series of mock battles against each other.

    These sessions tested their leadership capabilities along with how well they would analyse terrain and deployment of their troops.

    Next came weapons training.

    The recruits were introduced to more advanced combat techniques and weapons that far surpassed what they had grown accustomed to. Along with that, they were introduced to the different kinds of weapons available for troopers to use, from big heavy machinery, grenade launchers, sniper guns, etc.

    The final lesson was tactics training, where the recruits were thrown into more advanced simulations than from the test, that mirrored real-world combat scenarios, and they had to use their skills to achieve the mission objectives.

    These simulations were designed to further expand on the skills they already had and force them to challenge their limits whether their strategic or tactical capabilities.

    During these lessons, the days turned to weeks, weeks to months and soon it had been nearly a year.

    As the training continued, the focus shifted to more advanced scenarios that the recruits would not even think of. Not only that but it forced them to have increased leadership abilities that they would be able to make decisions hard or simple no matter what.

    Through a year of rigorous training, Wein along with the recruits had far surpassed their former selves. No longer were they just recruits but they were soldiers, their aura and physique were similar to those of experienced veterans. Among them were leaders, strategists, and tough soldiers who were ready for the harshest battles: they were now Troopers.

 Graduation

    On the day the recruits were elevated from that status as recruits to troopers was a grand day, the grand hall in the capital city Eclipseon was the location where the official ceremony would take place. The hall was unlike any other facilities in the entirety of the Barony¡¯s military complex the recruits had been to.

    The towering columns of polished stones rose high above the hall, supporting the various gilded banners clinging from the ceiling. These banners bore the insignias of many noble vassal houses under house Voss, including the Barony¡¯s crest.

    The floor beneath was made of reflective marble, shiny enough to mimic a wet mirror-like floor, all while covered with an intriguing, beautiful pattern designs crafted by skilled artisans.

    Upon entering the enormous hall, the first sight was the many rows of guests seated in accordance with their ranks both within the military and society.

    They ranged from generals, admirals, high-ranking military and civil officials, and to many noble vassals.

    Among them were Trooper veterans, those who had served for years and had long since retired. Though their faces were hardened, the slight glimmer of pride in their eyes for their years or service and the graduation of new Troopers was present.

    Including everyone the number of guests in attendance was overwhelming, ranging from hundreds of thousands of people.

    At the front of the hall, behind an elaborate podium stood a projection of all the dignitaries of house Voss. Because of the many guests and large hall, those at the back would watch the holographic projection, which was at the moment showcasing the noble family house Voss limited with Nielson, along with other high-ranking officials of the noble house and noblemen seated in a throne-like arrangement that showcased their hierarchy in the planet with Nielson at the middle.

    Above him was elaborately and intricately placed, the banner of the Baron¡¯s household. Draped across it was the mighty and glorious crest of the Barony, a symbol of both its power and heritage.

    The Crest of House Voss was a masterful design, a testament to the noble house¡¯s legacy. At its heart was a silver shield, a simple yet intricate design that symbolized both strength and protection.

    The shield was flanked by two stylized white wings, wide and sweeping, symbols of the Barony¡¯s influence and reach within the Empire and the galaxy.

    Beneath the shield were three black planetary objects, laid in an intricate, linear form, they signified the Barony¡¯s role to protect and shield their people, along with those of the Empire.

    Above the shield were five golden stars smaller than the planetary objects but still visibly laid in a sort of zigzag formation, these symbolised the fallen heroes to come out of house Voss along with those who gave their lives for the family.

    Enclosing the whole crest was the Barony¡¯s motto inscribed in an ancient language that ran down the sides from the wings below three planetary objects and up the wings in an arc form:

    "Our Legacy Lies in the Stars, Our Will Commands the Void.¡±

    That motto served as a guiding principle for all those who wore the crest, it was a reminder that the path of the noble soldier was that of honour and loyalty in house Voss, and their legacy lies within the success of the noble house.

    ¡­

    The recruits stood in formation, all dressed in their new Trooper military uniform, each felt a mixture of excitement and solemnity. They had trained for this moment, where they would finally become troopers of house Voss.

    Wein was also excited, being a trooper not only brought them honour and elevated them in society but by default their families would be entitled to certain benefits that many families in the Empire did not have, even if they did had money.

    For one, the recruits had the right or qualifications to move to a better neighbourhood and rent or buy homes there for themselves and their closest families to use.

    Second, they could begin earning enormous amounts from graduation granted they would be immediately deployed, but that meant their families would be living very respectable lives.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    After deployment, the life of a Trooper was luxurious, from the money you get as payment, you could live a comfortable life, develop a business, invest or aim for a higher position in the society.

    Wein was looking forward to this even more because he, unlike the other recruits was already set for what he would do after deployment.

    Once during training, Wein and the recruits were talking about the benefits troopers get and better accommodation for oneself and family came up.

    Wein remembering the favour that the Baron owed him sent his intentions for desiring a beautiful mansion that would be his with no rent, nor taxes in a good neighbourhood forever.

    After his deployment, Wein would have a mansion, a trooper¡¯s income, and connection to the Baron at his will. He would be able to live a very comfortable life and might even move up in society if he played his cards right, he could not wait.

    ¡­

    The hall fell silent as the Baron himself took to the podium wearing his ceremonial military attire worn during the most important occasions of the Barony.

    Nielson was an old man and as he stood there on the podium, that fact was cemented on the new troopers but Wein, though he was further back behind the stationed recruits and was watching through the projection could tell there was a difference between the man on the podium and the man he once met at the infirmary.

    ¡°Today,¡± Nielson began, his voice commanding yet weaker, ¡°we gather to honour and promote our newest generation of Troopers.¡±

    Before him was a tablet written with what he had to say and around was nothing but silence in that massive hall. His voice reached the ends of the hall thanks to the speakers placed on the many sides.

    ¡°You have risen from being recruits, endured through daunting and straining trials that would break lesser men, and emerged stronger for it. Today, you shed your recruit status and become troopers, the sword and shield of the Barony.¡±

    He paused, his gaze sweeping through the thousands of new troopers, who stood tall, shoulders squared and pride radiating from them. Faced with that sight, expected to be proud Nielson was indifferent, he continued:

    ¡°With your induction, you are entrusted with a sacred duty- to serve and defend the Barony with your lives, strength honour, and loyalty. From this day forth, your names will be courage and discipline.¡±

    Nielson raised his hands, a signal to the recruits to kneel, one by one they all knelt. Nielson who saw this stretched his arms out wide towards them as if to embrace the troopers into himself.

    At that moment a metallic liquid-like substance descended slowly before his eyes and swam around him in a secular pattern like a planetary ring. From the substance bits of itself emerged as if plucked out by an invisible force, revealing silver pins refitted with the crest of the barony.

    The pins flew away from the Nielson over the recruits, each stationed above a recruit until all the recruits had a corresponding pin, and in unison, they descended and fitted themselves into the uniform of the recruits, signally their new status as Troopers.

    After getting their pins, Nielson rested his arms and the troopers each stood and saluted, directed to the Baron and the crest of house Voss. They each stood uniformly, their posture firm and in sync silently.

    From the right side of all the new troopers emerged poles, rising like an elevator which were clear and flat with nothing on top. At the end, the tips of all the poles opened like a lid to show a small compartment, small enough only allowing a finger in.

    ¡°Pledge your oath!¡± spoke Nielson.

    The troopers put their thumbs into the compartments and each face slightly contorted as they felt a stinging pain even when they tried to hide it. With their left hands placed across their chest, the troopers recited the Oath of a Trooper aloud:

    ¡°I pledge as the Sword and Shield of my lord, to stand as a protector of this land, to defend its people with unwavering resolve. I vow to uphold the honour of House Voss, to fight with courage in the face of my enemies and be a beacon of hope in times of despair. I promise to honour the fallen and carry their legacy with pride. With my strength and power, I pledge my all to House Voss and its cause.¡±

    The hall returned to silence as the recruits finished the oath, their voices from thousands of recruits all speaking at the same time were clear and concise because of their uniform declaration.

    After the oath, the steel poles descended and disappeared leaving behind a stinging pain on the fingers that were put in them. All the troopers knew that just then, as they recited their oath their blood was taken.

    Nielson stepped down from the podium and threw a look at a nearby high-ranking officer as if to instruct him with the following step in the ceremony. He went back to sit down on his seat and watched the next item of the ceremony.

    The high-ranking officer did as Nielson intended and went to the new troopers, he was followed by two young men, possibly his subordinates all wearing the same greyish military uniform.

    He went and stood before the first trooper and received a salute, he started his duty and led the graduates in the formal March of the Troopers. This was a ceremonial act where the troopers marched in uniform in perfection to note their accession as Troopers.

    The officer was stern looking, his posture leaving no room for criticism, he and his subordinates marched in unison a perfect gesture that invoke pride from the veterans who responded with a salute, and after the troopers followed.

    The hall erupted with all the guest saluting to the march save the high-ranking officers who watched from their seats.

    As the Troopers marched, their destination leading them out of the hall, the audience stood and began to applaud and cheer, their cheers filling the air.

    Each Trooper¡¯s movements like the three officers were precise, synchronized, and confident. Their posture spoke volumes of their training- the preparation, mental conditioning, the gruelling battles they faced in the simulations, and the solidarity they had found in each other.

    After that straining training, the recruits were now Troopers.

    <hr>

 The Orion Sett

    Wizz!!!...

    A small transport ship soared through the sky, its destination outer space. Wein stood in the cargo hold of the ship, gripping a railway above just to gain balance. He was the only one in the already cramped space. It felt suffocating, but Wein had grown accustomed to the feeling and was unbothered.

    He adjusted the stiff collar of his uniform, the fabric scratchy against his neck. His military hat, perched neatly against his head matched his grey uniform while he was observing the ship and its contents.

    The ship''s cargo hold was plain, only serving its main functionalities. Across from him, Wein could see the ship speeding past clouds through the small circular windows of the ship. Right above the windows was a compartment where he had stuck his suitcase, containing the daily necessities that a trooper would need.

    Wein was reminded about the events following his and his comrades'' inauguration and how many of the other new recruits went back to their families to celebrate and reunite before being deployed on their first mission. He on the other hand had no one to go home to, so he was deployed first.

    Wein glanced at his free hand, and over he saw the watch he was long given by the baron that one time. He pressed it to display his information:

    -------------

    Character Profile: Private Wein Serin

    Designation/ID: V55-D124

    Affiliation: House Voss.

    Occupation: Trooper (No star)

    Species: Human.

    Age: 24

    -------------

    Wein smirked, this was his life now, and for the following years, all his possessions would be what he had in his suitcase. He was not certain if he would return home from his mission, but he was optimistic that he would perform well.

    Before he had no desire for anything even to live and had risked his life for a dangerous endeavour to avenge his friend but after meeting the Baron, Wein was able to add meaning to his life.

    If he survived and returned from his deployment, what was waiting for him was wealth, security, and status. Being a trooper was lucrative and with that financial security, he might even start a business. His future was looking much brighter now with more opportunities that he never had.

    Wein even pondered what if he had just asked for money instead from the Baron as a gift and not risk his life on missions, but he remembered in the Empire, success and sustainable life were only guaranteed by oneself.

    Relying on the goodness of the Baron and others, though tempting might end with him regretting it. Besides enemies were everywhere, to protect his life and future wealth he needed strength and status of his own.

    In a galaxy that values nobles as superior beings and commoners as inferior, just a little bit of status was better than anything.

    The Wein from before was poor and insignificant who no one would care for if he were killed but the Wein right now was a man of the Barony, and messing with him would invite consequences.

    This Wein could exert some influence in his environment and those around him.

    Wein watched from the window as the ship went higher and higher eventually emerging from the planet''s atmosphere. The cloudy sky turned to the dark void of space where stars glimmered on sight.

    He had seen the stars like that before when he was but a lowly wandered in the vast galaxy and could only travel as a stowaway risking his life.

    The ship went further and further in space, Wein wanted to take a better look at the planet but was not able to. His attention was drawn to the ship''s pilot who suddenly spoke.

    ¡°Transporter J4.33, requesting permission for docking.¡±

    ¡°Transporter J4.33, you are cleared for docking¡± The voice came over the comms systems, so crisp and direct that even Wein heard it. He knew what would follow so he turned his eyes to the windows.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Wein narrowed his eyes as he focused on the distant object that began to materialize the more the transporter ship went further into space, and then he took a deep breath.

    A colossal ship emerged from view and was waiting in orbit, it was a massive structure that dwarfed the transporter ship he was on.

    Wein was aware of the size of Transporter J4.33, he had seen it when he got on the ship and was transported. The Transporter was as big as a house, built in an oval shoe-like shape, behind and on the sides below it had thrusters that would propel it up or forward.

    By comparison, the large structure of the ship was like a small dog to an ant. The ship could house many similar Transporters and still have space for other ships to dock on and living quarters for the people in all those ships.

    The colossal ship glimmering under the light of the stars revealed a magnificent and advanced mega ship look which Wein immediately recognised as the Orion Sett. Wein knew all about the ship, it was one of the mega-ships mostly used in the military that the recruits were taught about back in his days of being a recruit.

    The Orion Sett was a symbol of the fleet¡¯s power, it boasted incredible stealth abilities, impregnatable defence, and unparalleled speed. It was the base of operations for many of the Barony¡¯s military activities and was mostly deployed to places where the Barony was more active.

    Wein¡¯s eyes widened as the figure of the Orion Sett grew larger, its sleek cold surface glinting in the cold distant light of the stars. He had seen this enormous structure before, but from models, and simulations, nothing could prepare him for seeing it up close.

    Like the transporter it was thick in height and width, its sleek and geometric shape resembled a corn seed extending forward, with sharp aerodynamic edges designed for swift space travel. The hull was a mix of matte grey and silver paintings with smaller indentation of wings on either side for stabilization and fast efficient appearance.

    From the Orion Sett, an opening was visible with lights emanating from which massive hanger bays and platforms with other smaller ships and transporters were laid and visible.

    The transporter slowly entered the structure.

    Inside were many other ships, most were transporters and similar to the one Wein was on but there were also other kinds of ships vastly different from the transporters that were made for other things other than transporting passengers.

    The humming of the ship came to a stop after its thrusters flared and it was laid on the docking bay.

    Wein inhaled deeply as he peered through the window, and he saw that there was someone waiting in front of the transporter.

    Shh¡­

    The doors of the transporter opened with a hiss, Wein knew he had to get out. He retrieved his suitcase and slowly ventured out.

    Emerging from the transporter doors, Wein was welcomed by a sight, all over he saw many workers tending to their duties, others were troopers like him in military tactical uniform and others were mechanics observing the many ships in the docking bay.

    The metallic floor stretched endlessly in front of him, reflecting the harsh and sterile lights glowing from above. The air was thick with the buzz of activity with construction sounds coming from all corners of the hanger.

    Before him was a female officer in uniform with her hands behind her back observing Wein emerge from the transporter. She was shorter in stature compared to him and appeared to not be a very fierce person rather she was disciplined.

    Wein walked up to her with one hand on his suitcase, he saluted the officer.

    ¡°Private Wein Serin!¡±

    ¡°Sergeant Angela Cooper¡± she returned the salute. ¡°Welcome abroad the Orion Sett.¡±

    Angela turned back and began walking.

    ¡°Follow me, I have been waiting for you.¡±

    The walk to the end of the hanger was long but fast, along the way, Wein got to observe the many people who worked on the ships, the pilots, and mechanics on their vessels along with technicians doing their jobs all over the hanger.

    After the two reached the end, there was an elevator Angela stepped forward and a green flash of light scanned her retina.

    ¡°Access Granted¡± spoke the robotic voice of the system followed by a hiss of the door opening and the two boarded.

    Angela pressed the coordinates on the touch screen and the doors closed in front. The elevator moved. Wein stood behind her and observed as she did everything.

    ¡°I heard, you graduated just today¡± spoke Angela staring at the closed door as the elevator went upwards at great speeds.

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± replied Wein respectfully.

    ¡°You are unlucky, to be deployed immediately after graduating.¡±

    She did not expect an answer from Wein, the door opened, and she walked out. Wein followed closely behind.

    ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t matter, I assume they wanted to send you here immediately so as not to miss our voyage. The Orion Sett will be going into hyperdrive soon¡± spoke Angela as she walked through the hallways of the floor they were on.

    The floor they were on was filled with many interconnecting hallways each having plain metallic walls that might cause loss of direction for the ill-informed.

    As the two went over the interconnected hallways, they appeared before other troopers all in their uniforms.

    Some of the troopers were immersed in discussions about data and work while others were gossiping about personal matters.

    Almost all the troopers were wearing the similar military uniform that Wein and the Sergeant were wearing with the pins and other badges that distinguished them from Wein who was a newbie while others were wearing casual clothes, like vests and sweatpants.

    The walk to their destination was long and was spent with Angela telling Wein about what he would be doing, what he had the authority to do and not, and the basic knowledge required from him about the Orion Sett¡¯s facilities.

    Not long after they appeared before a door and Angela got it opened.

    Inside was a dark room and in front was a holographic projection of a planet. Angela switched op the lights much to the discomfort of the people inside and walked to the front.

    ¡°Alright everyone, allow me to introduce you to your new squad member Private Wein Serin our newly graduated Trooper¡± spoke Angela as she pointed at Wein who was still standing by the door.

 The Orion Sett[2]

    Besides the Sergeant, there were about six other people in the room, mostly men and one slender yet slim woman.

    Across from the door next to Angela was a fit and stern-looking man in a white vest, his aura that of a leader. He appeared to be conducting a briefing with the team, Wein deduced he was the team leader.

    ¡°Private Wein Serin, Designation V55-D124,¡± said Wein as he saluted.

    The team leader was uninterested and irritated that his session was disturbed just then and paid no attention.

    ¡°This is your squad leader Sergeant Derek Thorne¡± replied Angela pointing at Derek who retreated to his seat.

    Angela moved on to the others in the room, from the front were two men, one was a textbook ¡®nerd¡¯, accompanied with documents, writing materials, and glasses. His demeanour was not too threatening but behind those harmless eyes, Wein knew he was a monster in himself.

    ¡°This is Private Kol Karn our resident smartass, he is a 5-star Trooper¡± introduced Angela as Kol stood up to shake Wein¡¯s hand who had ventured deeper into the room. He was a welcoming man and was kind in how he received Wein¡¯s handshake.

    Besides him was a large, masculine and imposing man. He was much taller than Kol, even when they were both sitting, one could only wonder how giant he was.

    ¡°Private Mace Korr our tank, he is a 2-star Shock Trooper.¡±

    When he stood to receive Wein¡¯s handshake, Wein was alarmed and intimidated. This huge moan towered over him like a hulking monster, he could tell that he was indeed a Shock Trooper.

    Mace though a terrifying man was also kind and welcoming.

    Behind them was one man seated in the middle of the room like a buffer, the rest were saturated in the corner of the room. The man was average-looking in both his body build and threatening aura save for his better-than-average facial appearance.

    In fact, as the introductions were going on, he was busy combing his hair with a small mirror in front of him.

    ¡°This is¡­¡±

    ¡°Private Sienna Aldar, I know, my name is feminine, my mother wanted a girl, but she got me,¡± he interrupted to shake Wein¡¯s hand with a cheeky smile.

    ¡°Right, he is a 1-star Shock Trooper¡± continued Angela irritated. Sienna wicked back at Angela and retreated to his seat.

    Behind him were the rest of the group, two men and a woman. One of the men had a low presence, less than a civilian but Wein could tell he was a strong trooper. Besides him was a war-torn man, his face was covered in scars and was the oldest amongst all those in the room.

    Next to him was the girl, who was extremely attractive much more than Angela who herself was an attractive woman.

    With her red hair tied in a ponytail, she was wearing a tracksuit and had a toothpick tucked in her mouth that distinguished her as one of the ¡®bad crowd¡¯ girls. Her face though attractive, was mean and not inviting.

    ¡°That is Private Harlan Tesh, a 4-star Trooper, besides him is Mark Randdol, a 5-star Trooper and finally Lara Smith, a 1-star Shock Trooper¡± spoke Angela introducing the group.

    Wein nodded after each introduction, he was nervous inside meeting his new comrades but stood tall with confidence.

    ¡°I thought the replacement was arriving later¡± Derek spoke directly to Angela. ¡°Didn¡¯t he graduate just recently?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me what the superiors decide. Anyway, continue with the briefing¡± replied Angela.

    ¡°Right¡±

    Angela turned the lights off, and Wein was forced to find a seat and watch the screen for his first mission. Sienna pulled him closer to sit next to him.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind the squad leader, he is a work-always kind of man¡± he said to Wein. Wein awkwardly smirked.

    ¡°Our mission objective is planet Thalsaris.¡±

    At Derek¡¯s words, a projection of a planet appeared on the screen. A zoom-in revealed a barren war-torn world marred with scars from many battles. There was little to no vegetation and the atmosphere was polluted barely habitable.

    ¡°After the last Great Galactic War, Thalsaris was one of the many planets that fell under insurgents. They have taken over the planet and subjugated the inhabitants under their cruel rule. Scans show they have fortified their positions and made occupation difficult for the Empire.¡±

    As Derek spoke, various projections of the insurgents appeared, from their forces, weapons, and known stronghold bases. Among them were the inhabitants of planet Thalsaris a blue alien race known as the Nol¡¯vs.

    The Nol¡¯vs were humanoid in their appearance save for the fact they were on average far shorter than humans, they were bald and in place of a human face, they had a long face with eyes on two antenna-like organs stretching from where their eyes would be. They did not have noses, and their mouths were hidden behind their long faces.

    Similar to humans they wore clothing too, though their clothes barely passing as clothes, as a race from a war-torn planet their hygiene and everything about them was severely bad and they all appeared to have diseases and malnourishment.

    ¡°Our mission is to infiltrate and eliminate their defences so that the Empire can be able to establish a base which will be used for future subjugation and incorporating the planet into the Empire. Our squads along with others will be sent to secure key critical infrastructure and secure the inhabitants under the insurgents¡±.

    Derek continued with his briefing while Sienna scooched closer to Wein and began whispering in his ear.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry much, the insurgents are not that strong compared to our forces. Besides, I heard the training these years has increased significantly, so you have nothing to worry about for your first mission.¡±

    Wein nodded, he knew that though it would be his first official mission, he was not afraid to go to war, after all with the training he went through he was confident in his abilities to do anything.

    ¡°We will deploy as soon as the Orion Sett enters the Thalsaris¡¯s star system. Prepare yourself for deployment¡± spoke Derek.

    Angela turned on the lights in the dark room.

    ¡°Alright guys be sure to be ready as soon as the jump is done, we are to deploy for Thalsaris, Sienna I will leave Mr Wein¡¯s accommodation tour to you, I have something to talk to the squad leader with.¡±

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± replied Sienna gesturing a minor salute with his two fingers and a wink.

    They all began filing out of the room and Wein followed the carefree Sienna to his dorm room while Angela remained with Derek for a talk.

    ¡°Our squad is Squad 5555 or Dv55,¡± Sienna said, grinning as they walked down the corridor. He shot a quick glance at Wein as he wrapped his arm around Wein who was holding his suitcase in his other hand. ¡°It''s not the most prestigious but we¡¯re one of the best within our platoon.¡±

    Wein was led by Sienna through the corridors of the massive ship, he learnt that squads shared the same bunk dorms so he would be living with the others in the same dorm room while on the Orion Sett. Additionally, Sienna told him about the group and its dynamic.

    ¡°So, about Derek¡­¡± he continued his tone light. ¡°He¡¯s a bit¡­ how should I say this cold. He is a cold and cruel man but behind that, he is a great leader. Though he does not usually show it, Derek knows his stuff and has a keen sense of strategy and welfare for his subordinates.¡±

    Wein nodded, reminded of the introduction to the squad and how Derek paid him no mind. ¡°He seems distant.¡±

    ¡°Great observation, that is just who our squad leader is,¡± Sienna shrugged. ¡°He doesn¡¯t care for small talk or group settings and likes to spend his time alone but when it comes to leading us in battle, he is the first to speak and get the job done.¡±

    Sienna stopped in front of a door, he stretched his finger over the panel that scanned him, and soon after it opened with a soft hiss. He stepped inside and a light flicked illuminating the entire room.

    ¡°This is our doom room,¡± he said casually. He ventured deeper over the beds and spaces that belonged to the other troopers in the squad. He reached an unoccupied bed in the middle of the room. It was a bunk bed, but the free space with at the top.

    The whole room at most had ten beds, five bunk beds with two beds each, all were laid on one side of the room, and on the other side was a desk and compartments for the troopers to place their gears in.

    ¡°This will be your bed, we all get a bed, a desk, and a chest to store our gear. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s all we get in these ships. With this I welcome you to the life of a trooper serving House Voss.¡±

    Wein placed his case on the bed assigned to him and eyed the modest space which was not a new experience to him because he had been in a similar situation back in training camp.

    The beds were modest, just a pillow and a thin blanket folded and placed neatly, other than that there was nothing significant. He walked to his desk which was more modest than anything, there was basic equipment like a screen embedded in it and a small lamp and pen. This was the same for the other desks stationed next to his except that some had magazines and books atop with some personal items.

    Atop was a window that stretched across the room that allowed everyone a chance to see the beautiful cold vast space.

    The room itself was functional, the walls were bare and looked utilitarian, just as expected of a soldier''s quarter to be. If Wein wanted books or other materials of his own, he would have to place a request but for now that was his life.

    ¡°Thank you, Sienna,¡± he replied.

 The Team

    ¡°You will get used to it. Anyway, is there anything else you want to know?¡± asked Sienna. ¡°I know almost everything there is to know about our squad.¡±

    ¡°Then tell me more about our squad.¡±

    Sienna grinned leaning against the bedpost across from Wein.

    ¡°No problem. As you have heard our squad is led by Sergeant Derek, he is a 3-star Shock Trooper and has a decade of experience on his belt. Besides what I have told you, our leader was an active fighter during the last Great Galactic War. They say he contributed a lot that his rank should have been increased but he turned it down.¡±

    ¡°He turned it down. A promotion to a higher rank is the dream for us all. Why did he?¡± asked Wein, who was now leaning on his desk.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that, anyway our team leader is the strongest and most experienced among us. Next is Sergeant Angela Cooper, she is the assistant squad leader besides the leader she is the second most experienced.¡±

    Wein was reminded about Angela, though she was a senior in the military, he did not get the feel of her being impressive or notable.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her small physique fool you, she has countless kills under her belt,¡± spoke Sienna after sensing that Wein was underestimating Angela.

    He smirked as he continued, ¡°She is a 2-star Shock Trooper and she like the leader was popular during the war. I heard she and her last squad once infiltrated a stronghold with just six people and burned it down. Granted only she survived but rumours say they went after one hundred shock trooper level enemy combatants, and she was able to rescue a valuable hostage from that ordeal.¡±

    Wein was amazed at the feat, one because six people went against a hundred and were successful in their mission, and the second was that someone was able to survive even against those odds.

    He knew how hard it must have been to go against hundred enemies who were off similar skillsets as yourself not only being outnumbered but surviving. Fighting against other sentient lifeforms and Shock Trooper level meant going against people, smart people of similar skill levels or even better who had the same chances as oneself or more. So, to go against those people and still survive, was something to be proud of and a hard feat to achieve.

    Even Wein had to admit, that the enemies he faced in the simulations though they mimicked reality, they were not real and did not pose as much of a danger to him. But in reality, it would be different, in reality like him they had potential to be successful.

    Sienna who noticed Wein''s realisation smiled. ¡°That feat was what propelled her to jump from 0-star Shock Trooper to be a Sergeant.¡±

    ¡°Next, we have Kol the brains, he is our tech and strategy guy. He can operate almost any machinery with grey precision, he is also good at hacking. Oh, he also knows over five alien languages off by heart. Mace is our tank, a bulldozer of a man. He may look threatening but when you get to know him, he is a softy.¡±

    Wein pictured the large man beside Kol, he was huge and threatening but he knew better than to judge a man by his looks.

    ¡°Harlan is the most silent in our squad but his skills in his profession are second to none, he specializes in scouting and retcon along with stealth operations. His past is mysterious, but no one really knows about him. I for one think he was raised by some assassin secret order¡± Seinna suggested jokingly as he winked.

    Harlan was a man with a low presence, Wein was surprised when he met him, he was such an intriguing man. And the guess that he was once a secret assassin had some truth to it, that man¡¯s presence was practically non-existent even when Wein was in front of him.

    ¡°Mark¡¯s the hardest of the bunch, but don¡¯t let his gruff exterior fool you, he is loyal to the squad and will risk his life for the mission. Finally, Lara¡­ well she is a tough case. She was once in the special forces through her talent alone, fighting among the best talents in the whole army. She is fast, the fastest in the whole squad, and can take on a whole squad all by herself. Well, you will see for yourself.¡±

    Sienna paused for a moment and eyed Wein carefully.

    ¡°As for you, Wein, I can¡¯t wait to find out about you. Don¡¯t feel too pressured, no one expects you to pump in results so soon, just do what you can, and you will be fine.¡±

    Wein nodded, trying to reassure himself. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit,¡± Sienna said, giving him an exaggerated thumbs up. ¡°Oh, I forgot to say this, you have noticed that we have two squad leaders, the thing is, we were once fourteen in our squad total, one half under Derek and the other under Angela but after a mission, we lost our brothers and sisters. There might be some blood there, be careful. So, with that, I hope you can integrate well.¡±

    He walked out of the room and turned back to face Wein.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll leave you to get settled in. The ship will jump soon, and our mission deployment is coming so be sure to be ready, and get some rest while you can, from now on you are a Trooper. See ya¡­¡±

    As the door closed behind him, Wein was left alone in the room. He tried organising his thoughts about his new comrades, these were going to be people he would have to place his life and trust in.

    Wein did get a brief report about this squad before, Squad 5555 was a squad that routinely took dangerous missions, but they had very skilled professionals. They were not amongst the best but in all the army they were skilled enough.

    I mean it alone had what four...five Shock Troopers which were an upgrade to the normal Troopers. Even the pay was not too bad either given they had to do dangerous missions.

    The squad appeared competent and skilled enough that Wein figured the risk would be mitigated.

    Not wasting any more time, Wein removed all his belongings and put them neatly in his own compartment. Inside he saw that there were assigned clothes to wear leisurely like a different pair tracksuit and vests. He replaced his uniform for them and neatly stacked it in the compartment.

    Then he climbed on his bed and rested, he had been through a long day, and he knew that that the time to rest was slowly ending.

    He closed his eyes and instantly fell into a slumber.

    ****

    Beep!!!...

    The siren ring jolted Wein awake from his slumber, upon waking up he searched the room and found that the only other person in the room was Lara who sitting at her desk was writing something.

    Wein was taken aback a little, the concept of guys and girls sharing the same quarters was a little foreign to him.

    Yes, he was in the military and that would be the case in most situations for comrades, they showered together, ate together, and slept together but from where Wein was trained there were no girls.

    In fact, he was under the impression that there were no females in the army, and if they were they would be separated but seeing Lara shattered that expectation.

    He rose from his bed, his attention being drawn by the ringing siren then a message aired in the comms heard throughout the ship.

    ¡°Attention all passengers, we are about to jump into hyperdrive in a moment!¡±

    Wein jumped out of bed still feeling the effects of his nap. The ship was about to go into hyperdrive, and he would be deployed, there was no time to waste. As soon as they arrived at the system of the planet Thalsaris, he had to be ready for deployment.

    ¡°You are up,¡± spoke Lara not facing Wein as she continued writing. ¡°Get ready our squad is almost up.¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you¡± replied Wein he went to grab a toothbrush and a towel. ¡°What about the others, are they waiting?¡±

    ¡°Newbie a little advise, don¡¯t worry about the rest of the squad, rather focus on yourself¡± Kara spoke as she stood up, she was done with what she was writing.

    ¡°Why was I sent to get him ready?¡± she enquired her voice low, Wein couldn¡¯t hear.

    It was at that moment that Wein noticed that Lara was already halfway prepared for deployment. She was wearing the tactical military suit Troopers wore in battle. Though she was only wearing the below part at the moment.

    The Barony¡¯s tactical military suits were similar and different to those of other noble houses.

    First were the boots, they were firm and stable black boots that enabled the troopers to walk comfortably in harsh environments. They were durable and matched well with the whole grey suit that was House Voss''s signature colour.

    The pants of the uniform were the standard model but made with a material that absorbed at best 5% of laser beams destructive power. The pants had many pockets that were used for many things like ammunition, grenades, compasses, etc.

    The grey pants were broken by a black utility belt that was connected to a strap where the blade was placed on. The belt¡¯s purpose was mostly as a container for smaller weapons and tools Troopers used for diversions.

    From the belt to above was an armour-like chest plate, it was buff for both men and women. Wearing it was like having a buffed chest with smaller normal-sized arms stretching out.

    The buffed part was made of a material that could absorb a great deal of energy and force, it was instrumental in saving the Troopers'' lives. Because only that buff part was on the suit it was not too heavy to carry.

    On the left of the chest area on the suit was the Barony¡¯s crest positioned in its mighty glory.

    The suit chest plate was grey as well but the extension to the arms turned darker grey until it was black. At the end were black standard military gloves.

    Troopers of most noble families carried specialised backpacks with them on their campaigns, House Voss was no different.

    The backpack was like an extension of the suit and was always firm at the back of the Troopers. They were big enough to carry various necessities, like food, and extra ammunition.

    Additionally, it had the function of storing a heavy gun so the Trooper would have free arms to use other weapons.

    The other function of the pack was to provide oxygen for when in hostile environments through a tube that was connected to the mask or rather helmet of the Troopers.

    The helmet was the final component of the suit, its purpose was clear from viewing it. It stretched from ear to ear, covering the brains and back of the head, leaving the front of the face open.

    There were goggles built into it that could recline to cover the eyes or pushed to the top. Additionally, there was a firm mask that was hanging stably below that was enough to cover both the nose and the mouth.

    The helmet was grey in colour matching the suit with the goggles emanating a dark purple colour.

    ¡­

    Lara was only wearing up to the belt, but she was only waiting to be deployed, Wein knew he had to get ready too.

 Jump

    He rushed to the bathroom stall in the quarter that the squad all shared. There, he stared intensely at his reflection and sighed.

    He brushed his teeth and splashed water on his face freshening himself up and spoke words of affirmation.

    "Let''s do this."

    From his compartment, he pulled his suit and began wearing the boots and pants one by one. He felt the boots were firm and conformable, and when he stomped on the metal floor, the boots seemed to ground him.

    He looked up, Lara had gone out and he was alone in the room. He grabbed the belt and refitted it in, it was firm and fit him well. He put the top part of the suit on, it slid in perfectly.

    The suit felt like a second skin¡ª designed to allow for maximum flexibility and protection. He stretched to get a better feel of his new skin, it was great and his movements were unhindered.

    "Hey rookie!" called Lara, she was already done and appeared at the door to find Wein also almost done.

    "Coming."

    Wein grabbed his helmet, the rest of the gear he would get later and followed Lara, who appeared to be impatient.

    Behind in his compartment left neatly stacked with his uniform was the pin that distinguished Wein Serin as a Trooper of House Voss.

    ****

    From a minor jog, the two arrived at the Troopers'' locker room. They had happened across other Troopers on the way who like them seemed to be in a hurry to their stations.

    The locker room was like any other, there were benches and lockers stacked around for the Troopers. The room itself was beautiful and neat, it was spacious and on the side was a big wide glass window that stared out into the stars and the cold space.

    Wein followed Lara who led him to his locker. It was similar to all the other lockers in the room, plain locking and with a biometric lock that allowed entry to the owner only.

    Near Wein saw the other members of the squad, they were all more or less ready and in the suits.

    The group was clustered together in one position in the room which gave Wein the thought that each squad had lockers closer to each other.

    "There you are rookie" spoke Derek, his eyes went to Lara, he wanted to know why they were late.

    "Found him still sleeping" she replied.

    "Come on guys he must be tired, besides he might not get a moment''s sleep for days through this mission" interjected Sienna who noticed the disappointment in Derek.

    "Anyway, your gear is in the locker get ready."

    Wein nodded as he opened his locker.

    Inside was a backpack at the bottom placed perfectly, grey in colour. Over it was an Energy Rifle/Laser Rifle big enough to be held firmly with both hands.

    The colour was black, and its design was simple yet futuristic, its functioning was simple: simply pull a trigger, and off it goes.

    The kind that Wein saw was the MA-25 , he knew it as soon as he saw it because he had seen and used it before. Back at training camp, he had used that model during training in both simulations and weapons training. It was a good model and the most popular rifle in House Voss''s forces.

    He picked it up and inspected it, it was exactly like the one he used in training, and he checked the functionality of it.

    The MA-25 was good, it could fire powerful and sustained energy blasts that could tear through or burn opponents with one shot. The energy came from the magazine clip that could be refitted and replaced quickly and easily.

    Upon further inspection, Wein saw that within the locker, there were replacement or extra clips and tools laid out. He put the rifle back in and focused on the handgun stacked nearby.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Alike the rifle was grey in colour and more futuristic in build, Wein also recognised the handgun as the Ceres-Blaster.

    It was a big handgun, unlike the traditional handgun with a free handle, the handle of the Ceres-Blaster was connected to the slide like a circular loop that slightly extended. It was slower at firing than the rifle, but it was strong and light.

    The locker had other tools and essentials but before that Wein got distracted, he could tell that the ship was about to Hyperdrive.

    The air in the room was thick with anticipation as all voices descended to silence, and the low hum of the ship''s systems filled the room.

    Everyone knew what Hyperdrive meant, the ability to do that was in itself an exciting and horrifying fact. Everyone''s eyes were fixated on the space outside the glass window.

    Outside, the vast expanse of space seemed strangely still, as if the stars themselves were holding their breath waiting for what was to come.

    Wein abandoned what he was doing and walked over to the glass as the other Troopers were still and also watching.

    His boots felt strangely heavy as he took steps closer and closer to the window, as he went further, he distinguished himself as the only trooper to walk out to the window.

    While the others were stationary quiet and observing he was the only one who appeared intrigued about what was going to happen.

    His heart pounded fast until he stopped midway.

    Wein had undergone Hyperdrive before, but at that time he was more or less unconscious so to experience his first Hyperdrive was an exciting situation.

    Before them, the massive Orion Sett was preparing to initiate its jump into Hyperdrive.

    "Beginning Pre-Hyperdrive Initialisation" rang a voice on the comms spreading across the whole ship.

    As soon as that system spoke, everyone could sense that the Orion Sett had begun moving. The movement was slow, but it was accelerating just that it was unobservable.

    The speed increased more and more until the passengers could notice that it was moving at a greater speed.

    From the locker room, the view was first stationary stars that were simply watching them, then the stars moved slightly.

    Then little by little it appeared as though the stars were sent falling back until only white streaks of light remained in the glass to show they were from the stars.

    The Orion Sett was now moving at dangerous speeds.

    The vibrations beneath the ship intensified as the engines surged to life, propelling it to greater speeds. They weren''t at light speed yet, but the acceleration pulling the ship was enough to make them believe that.

    The stars and space outside the viewpoint began to blur together and merge as the Orion Sett gathered enough speed, that would rapture and create faster-than-light travel.

    "Entering Hyperdrive in three¡­ two¡­ "echoed the voice once more, its cold voice sending chills to all who heard it.

    !!!...

    The air went electric. For a split-second, time seemed to stretch.

    An indescribable colour appeared surrounding the whole of the ship and almost like it did not exist despite the great speed it was moving the Orion Sett disappeared into thin air.

    Before that point, the ship appeared to have momentarily stopped despite the speed for a milli second resulting in sparks from the remnants of the indiscernible light to remain in the position it disappeared from.

    They flickered there for a few seconds and were gone.

    ¡­

    Inside the ship what Wein and the others witnessed was the glass window radiating a bright light and before they could cover their eyes, they felt a strange sensation as if something was going out of their bodies.

    It was for a split second and before they noticed they witnessed the ship go into Hyperdrive.

    The ship surged forward with everything it had, outside everything was pure darkness and nothingness. The fabric of reality seemed to have been erased, and they had entered into the dark cold abyss called the void.

    There was nothing but pure black, no colour of stars passing by at great speed or at a distance, no colour of anything just nothingness.

    The Troopers around Wein who had remained silent began to loosen up, it was over, and they had jumped through the fabric of space safely.

    "So, this is what it looks like" muttered Wein to himself so no one would hear him. He was watching the darkness of the abyss and wondered what was beyond there.

    The ship itself was just moving forward, lights could not penetrate the darkness nor emerge out, so it was as if the ship were blindly moving forward without direction.

    ¡­

    "Hey newbie, get yourself ready" spoke Mark jolting Wein up from his amazement. He walked back to his locker and checked his gear.

    It did not take him much time until he was fully equipped, his backpack hung full of resources on his back. His belt filled with all the extra clips he would need along with some supplements for later.

    On the side, his army blade was shining in its strap and on the opposite side, his handgun was firm in its holster.

    Wein was ready, his MA-25 was staring at him as he calmed his last nerves. On top of the locker was his helmet and with that, he would be ready.

    At that, he felt the ship vibrate just a little and he realised, they were about to arrive at their destination.

    "Exiting Hyperdrive in three¡­two¡­" rang the cold voice.

    Weins eyes went for the window and the previously black void was replaced by the unfamiliar light from before and in an instant the Orion Sett disappeared just as it did when entering Hyperdrive.

    ¡­

    Upon emerging from the void, the Orion Sett came to an immediate stop as if it were forced.

    "Hyperdrive jump success. Welcome to the Bolj star system" rang the voice to all over the Orion Sett. "Entering camouflage mode!"

    Almost instantly the ship merged with the space as if it were never there, blending into the space around it.

    "All Troopers for deployment assemble!" the comms went out all over the locker room like a drill.

    "Come on we are up," said Derek, he took the first step. The rest of the squad followed closely behind all holding their own MA-25 with both hands and wearing their helmets, jogging in unison behind him ready for battle.

    Wein took his MA-25 from his locker and locked it, grabbing his helmet he was also ready, and he followed behind the line.

 Assault on planet Thalsaris

    While following in a singular line, Wein and the squad jog-marched behind Derek, their similar suits providing a present uniform sight. Behind he could sense other squads following them.

    The boots thudded in rhythmic sounds against the floor as the marching commenced, all the Troopers had on their very own rifles in their arms. Under the suits and helmets, they were all identical like clones.

    After moments, they reached the hangar.

    In front were other Troopers who had long since arrived in front of their own squad leaders heads down, weapons in hand, and waiting for orders. Separated, the many groups were lined up facing the same direction: the dropships.

    The low hum from the dropships¡¯ engines reverberated through the metal floor of the hanger, vibrating against the boots of Wein and the rest of the squads.

    ¡°Alright, listen up,¡± barked Derek, his eyes scanning the faces of the squad members. Let us begin our mission. Enter, go¡­go¡­go!¡±

    As he gestured in Angela was the first to lead the team, march-jogging up a platform ramp inside the dropship. In front of the other dropships, the other squads did as they did and began filling in the empty ships.

    ¡­

    The dropship itself was a hulking machine compared to the Transporter. Reinforced with thick, weather-resistant plating designed to withstand the brutal conditions of some of the planets in the galaxy, it was a beast.

    Compared to the Transporters, which were shoe-like ships, the dropships were bloated machines.

    In front were two cannons for firing, and on the corners of the back were thrusters that helped propel the ship through the tough atmosphere of most planets in the galaxy.

    Unlike the Transporter, the dropship had small wings sticking out on the side that it used to glide through the air.

    ¡­

    The sirens on the ships rang as the squads entered the dropship, Derek was the final one to enter, holding his gun in one hand he pressed on a panel on the wall, and the ramp platform reclined and closed the entrance shut.

    Darkness befell the whole inside which was replaced by red lights that allowed the Troopers to see each other and the inside.

    Inside the air was stale and heavy with the scent of recycled oxygen rushing through all corners of the ship.

    The Troopers had already gone to their seats in front of them, on the sides were hooks that they could secure their heavy weapons on. After securing their weapons they were all seated.

    The seats on the dropship unlike the Transporter which were normal, here were much different, they were more like personalised hooks that locked and secured the Troopers together with the ship.

    The Troopers had to stand in the opening and a large mechanic harness would lock them in place. All that was left was for the ship to disembark and leave for Thalsaris.

    Derek sat at the door of the ship, while Angela was on the other side. The dropship could fit nearly twenty people, so that was some free space but as leaders they had to be closer to the entrance.

    Because of the big dropship, there was a significant distance in-between the two sides, resulting in a clearing in the centre. The ¡®aisle¡¯ went up to the front where there was a door that led to the cockpit of the ship.

    Derek observed the squad, they were all identical in their suits and helmets. Because they were going into hostile territory, they all had worn their masks and goggles. What was reflected back to Derek was the same face.

    After everyone had settled, they felt the ship shake slightly and its engine revved as it powered up in preparation for lift-off. With a slight jolt, the squad could feel that the dropship had lifted off from the hanger and moments later it began moving forward.

    ¡­

    The dropship moved seamlessly through the air and not long other similar dropships followed in the same path flying to the clearing in front leading outside. Soon they all exited the see-through force field that protected the hanger and crew from the cold uncaring outer space.

    Like a line of ants, the dropships emerged from an invisible object their destination the planet Thalsaris.

    Thalsaris was a big planet but compared to most in the galaxy it was average, the ships in the fifties had clear destinations and as they were flying in a linear line they suddenly dispersed to separate locations of the planet.

    They all moved at great speeds, blitzing to their predetermined locations and began entering the atmosphere. Surprisingly, all the locations were in places where the sun had not yet risen, so it was darker.

    ¡­

    The dropship blitzed into the atmosphere of planet Thalsaris like a missile, resulting in the occupants experiencing some rumbling vibrations.

    Outside the view was great, they passed through the grey clouds and calm winds. The front of the ship had some droplets gathering on the windows obscuring the sight that the pilot had to wipe clean.

    The descent was done at great speeds as if slowing down would alert the enemy and put them in danger of being shot down. The engines roared as they pushed the ship through the limit and like a jolt it suddenly slowed to a halt, and it was revealed they were at the surface of planet Thalsaris.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The dropship hovered stably above ground, its big presence obscured by the darkened night sky. It moved forward in the silence of the night sticking as low and close to the surface as possible to avoid any chance of detection.

    Inside the Troopers were stabilised and ready to spring into action, based on the movement of the passing trees outside the windows they surmised that they had not reached their drop point coordinates, so they could only wait.

    The ship flew passed the trees that were found everywhere in that area. Just like the plan, they would infiltrate from the forest under the cover of the trees where it would be hard to see them coming from.

    Most of the places in the planet had been levelled by the war with most intact and firm buildings they could infiltrate from being too far from each other so, the squad would be coming from the forest which luckily was not too far from their target.

    After a few minutes, the dropship came to a stop and began descending, they had arrived.

    It was silent as it landed on the ground hidden by the trees, the ground was dusted by its thrusters that scared the small animals that were roaming away. Fortunately, there was no loud sound made and it landed safely undiscovered.

    Slowly the ramp door was opened and landed on the grassy ground. Derek was the first one to go out making sure that there were no enemies or hostile forces in the vicinity. With his hand in his gun ready to fire he ventured forward and then stopped.

    ¡°Clear!¡±

    His reply was confirmation for the rest of the squad leave the dropship, all hands on their weapons ready to fire. They were careful in their walking, making sure their attention was spread in all directions looking for possible dangers.

    Wein was the last to get out, as soon as he set foot on the ground, he assumed his position aiming at the distance.

    ¡°There are no hostile forces near, sir¡± spoke Mark.

    ¡°Alright, ease up¡± replied Derek.

    The squad eased up and retreated closer together, Angela went back to the dropship and closed the door.

    ¡°You can go back.¡± She told the pilot.

    The ramp reclined inwards and closed. Then the ship went back up in the air and turned direction then flew forward as if backtracking its steps. The squad was only left with the sight of the dropship zooming away as fast as it came.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± asked Harlan.

    ¡°We must be near the base¡± replied Kol, as he spoke Wein was busy inspecting the environment with his eyes trying to get as much information as he could from what he could see. From the trees, the spot they were on including the ground structure, and any noticeable structure to the sky and clearing of the forest.

    ¡°What are you doing rookie?¡± asked Lara who noticed this behaviour. Mark was the first to chuckle, he knew what Wein was doing.

    ¡°The newcomer is just doing what he was taught. Observe the environment and identify everything before you make a move, right? That¡¯s what they taught you during training?¡±

    Lara and Mark were the only ones to laugh, they found it funny how Wein was too by the books. The team had already observed everything that might put them at a disadvantage when they first stepped on the planet, from their point of view it was unnecessary for Wein to do that.

    It was funny because Wein was doing it again mostly because before he would have always been required for him to do it himself during the simulations.

    ¡°Enough! Kol, Lara do your jobs¡± instructed Derek.

    Like that Lara took off with great speed from the group. She was fast, far faster than anyone Wein had ever seen, even during his training. Her swift speed and agility took her soaring through the forest all with her gun in her arms and determination.

    Meanwhile, Kol had remained and took off his backpack, inside was a big box with a seal he opened. Inside the box were four small drones and a controller which he equipped on his arm.

    ¡°Drone deployment set.¡±

    Four fly-like drones emerged from the box flying high up in the air and sprinted away in an instant. Kol closed his backpack and re-equipped his gun while the controller was fixed on his left arm.

    ¡°Ready to move sir.¡±

    ¡°Alright everyone, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ****

    Not far from where they landed was one of the bases the insurgents had established. Much like the infrastructure of the planet, it was rundown but still functional. The base was established alongside the broken-down homes and facilities of the Nol¡¯vs people.

    Before the settlement was a deserted area with wreckages of ship parts and other metallic objects long since fallen. From the forest to the base was quite some desert land that would reveal their location if they stepped up too lightly, so they had to be careful.

    They all assembled at a cliff that looked down on the settlement, albeit it was small and did not provide them a layout of the whole base.

    ¡°How does it look?¡± asked Derek, his hand on his ear taking to the comms.

    ¡°Hostile enemies ahead¡± replied Lara. She was lying on a rock at a higher altitude than the group which gave her a great overview of the whole area. She could see the settlement, the base and neighbouring structures from her vantage point and on her hands was a sniper rifle similar to the MA-25.

    The thing that made the MA-25 popular was that it was a weapon that was easily customisable, so you could make other weapons using it as a base, obviously, you needed other components to assemble the new weapon, but you could easily customise it.

    Lara had done that, using the equipment and tools in her backpack she made a makeshift sniper rifle and took up position scoping the area.

    ¡°I have located 25 hostile forces, no civilians yet¡± spoke Lara, her eye glued to the scope of her rifle and finger ready to fire.

    ¡°Be patient. Kol, scan the land from here to there and provide an optimal path to take¡± replied Derek.

    The drones spread over the land scanning to see if there were any mines or enemies hidden.

    ¡°Clear, sir¡± Kol replied.

    ¡°Lara what is the status?¡± asked Derek.

    ¡°The hostiles are leisurely and unaware, you can attack I¡¯ll provide cover¡± replied Lara.

    ¡°Rookie, at training what was your best firing proficiency?¡± asked Derek.

    ¡°89% sir¡± replied Wein.

    ¡°Not bad. Alright everyone, let''s begin. Angela, take Mark, Sienna, and Kol, move on the left, Rookie, Mace, and Harlan with me on the right. We will flank them and Lara, make sure our positions are not compromised along with yours. Let¡¯s go, go, go.¡±

    The two teams separated down the cliff moving as fast as they could with their weapons. In the darkness of the night, they could only see a path thanks to their googles and Lara who was rested with a sniper rifle scope in her eye over the enemy combatants.

    The two teams moved forward over the desert area and reached the settlement. In front, they could see two squads with rifles of their own patrolling.

    ¡°Silencer¡±

    Derek¡¯s voice was transmitted to all the members through their comms, and they equipped their silencers on their MA-25s. After he aimed his gun at the men ready to fire.

    ¡°Lara?¡±

    ¡°No chance of detection¡±

    They knew if they started, they needed to move fast to not let the enemy get a firm standing and fight back, besides other teams were about to cause their own ruckus, and the enemy would strengthen their base when alerted of an invasion.

    ¡°Second team ready sir¡± spoke Angela, her team was also ready to fire.

    ¡°We move together, quick, and not let the enemy recover. Three¡­ two¡­ one¡­¡± spoke Derek. In that instant, beams of energy flew heading to the two squads and in seconds they all fell, their heads blown off.

    ¡°Six down¡± noted Lara on the comms.

    The two teams moved and invaded the base.

    They were careful, always interchanging when one was searching one served as cover, and behind Lara was the eagle that could see the whole picture. They went through the corridors of the makeshift base looking for a path through and when they encountered enemies, without wasting time they fell them.

 Assault on planet Thalsaris[2]

    "Team one, three hostiles ahead" spoke Lara.

    Derek and his team moved forward, ahead were three armoured men talking and drinking by a fire, they were human and had weapons placed beside them with their backs turned on the team.

    Derek, Harlan, and Wein went after them while Mace was their cover with his gun pointed at them. The team as if powerwalking caught up to the men and pulled out their blades. Before the enemies could realize it, they were all stabbed in the neck with great force.

    There was no struggle, and before long the men lost strength and collapsed.

    Wein pulled the body of his kill down and laid it, hidden from view at the nearby cover.

    "Their weapons and ammunition are incompatible to us and far lacking" noted Harlan after the group searched the disposed bodies.

    "Move out" ordered Derek.

    Under the quiet hum of the night only broken by the rustling of leaves and dirt made by the group, Derek and his team ventured deeper toward the settlement. The group was paired with each backing another, so their backs were not exposed.

    Wein as a rookie was paired with Derek and Mace with Harlan. They went over the narrow passages of the base, moving as best as they could in the paths available to them.

    They moved searching each house from one side to the middle, the other side was left to their comrades, Angela''s side. Their mission was not only infiltration but hostage rescue, so they needed to be certain no one was left behind.

    The team had long crossed enemy territory lines, and they knew the danger would increase but they were competent and thorough in their work.

    ¡­

    "Two guards on the ridge," Harlan whispered into the comms, his eyes scanning the area ahead.

    "One across" added Mace, facing a different direction.

    Derek and the two aimed their rifles at the enemies while Wein surveyed the area for any hidden threat.

    "We go in¡­" spoke Derek, his finger over the trigger. "Three¡­two¡­one¡­"

    Silent beams of energy flew across the air, two for the ridge and one for the lone insurgent walking towards them. The two beams hit with perfect precision the enemy''s heads causing them to be stunned and die immediately, only to descend slowly.

    "Two down"

    The other beam was followed by another and hit the enemy in the head forcing off the helmet he was wearing, he faced upwards. What followed was a direct hit to his throat exploding it and killing him.

    "¡­three down"

    The two men who were falling caused a sound that was heard by another man who was across from the ridge, sitting and drinking something from a cup. Alerted he wanted to raise the alarm and warn everyone but almost as soon as he heard the sound he was sent back down.

    He was still sitting with perfect posture, the only difference was that on his head was a hole from a rifle.

    "¡­make that four" replied Lara who was lying marvelling at her work with a smirk.

    The man was away from view so no one other than Lara could have spotted him thankfully. She moved the scope of her sniper to the other team which like this team was also engaged in combat with insurgents.

    Angela was holding a blade in her left hand and a blaster in her right, with her MA-25 tucked into her backpack, she ran across the battlefield and engaged in physical combat.

    She slit the throats of two men before her and proceeded to fire two shots of the blaster that was customised into a silent weapon.

    The enemy numbering six did not have enough time to act, as soon as Angela slit the throats of the two men who were more preoccupied with stopping the blood from flowing than to call for help, the rest of the team followed up with shots at their heads at point blank.

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    They all fell like poles.

    The two shots Angela shot were fast and killed two enemies who followed the other two almost as soon as they came into view. This did not stop there as Sienna who was right behind Angela and also had a silencer of his blaster followed with two shots at the heads of the enemies.

    "Six down here," said Angela. She searched for more enemies but could not find any while her team disposed of the dead bodies.

    "Team two, you are cleared."

    Team, one found themselves in front of an entrance inside a broad and huge settlement, they were at a distance from it but knew they would have to approach it if they wanted to pass.

    The thing was, there was a watchtower with lights that exposed the entrance, up ahead were two scouts monitoring and there was one standing on the tower.

    If they ventured in, they would be discovered and if Lara took one down, the others would notice and ring the bell. The team was not in a position to get clean shots, it was a gamble to take one.

    "Angela what''s your status?" asked Derek.

    "We will be able to move around the settlement without detection" replied Angela.

    "Scans show there is an entrance on the side, we can rendezvous inside" noted Kol.

    "Alright, move be careful. Harlan, take care of the one in the watchtower and provide Lara with assistance in taking down those two monitors."

    "Sir" replied Harlan.

    He put his MA-25 in his backpack retrieved his blaster and ran towards the watch tower. He was nimble and fast and before long he was at the base hidden in the shadow away from the light source.

    "Lara, do you have a clear shot on the one over me?"

    "Negative, he is hidden behind a pole and in line of view of the two."

    Harlan looked up, climbing would take time and there was a chance he would be exposed to the light. What he had to do was take him down and then take out at least one on the roof while Lara took on the other.

    "As soon as I fell the one on the roof, take out the next. I will finish the one on the watch tower."

    "Got it" replied Lara.

    Harlan took out his blaster and stretched his arm out aiming at the patrolling men on the roof. He was hidden and had clear shot to take out the men, but it would raise the danger level.

    He took a deep breath and without word, he emerged from the shadows aiming at the men who had not taken note of him. His arm stretched up, he pulled the trigger and two shots were sent.

    The silent energy went straight for the head and immobilised the man instantly, before the shots even hit, Harlan changed target for the one on the watch tower and released five shots continuously.

    He was certain four hit the mark, the fifth missed but he was fine with that. He had to be certain to take him down before he could alert the others.

    Behind him the gun of the other men fell on the ground, felled by Lara.

    "Three targets down"

    He returned to the team.

    "There is no sign of enemies anymore, I''ll keep watch, be careful" added Lara.

    Harlan returned to the team who were huddled at a mechanic door, there was a button that would open it. Thankfully, it did not require biometric scanning, or they would be found out.

    "Entering the base"

    They pressed the button and pulled open the metallic door, it slid perfectly open, and they all safely entered paying mind to their environment and dangers.

    The inside was vastly different from the homes and the outside environment, it was metallic and had foreign technology to that world.

    There were no windows showing the outside nothing, but walls of metal and crates of essentials used by the insurgents. The room itself was dim with the only source of light being a flickering bulb that was almost dead.

    The team searched the whole room for clues about the base and the hostages for a while, finally they saw another door leading further in. They carefully opened it and ventured in.

    "Sir" spoke Mace.

    The team stopped. "Look, it''s their schedule. It looks like they send the natives to mine at 06:00 in the morning."

    Ahead was a document pinned on the wall with the schedule for the operations. Not too far from the document was a table with map of the area. On that map were markers, the base, and the mine not too far off.

    "What time is it now?" asked Derek.

    "04:45, sir" replied Wein.

    "We need to hurry and find the hostages before it is time for them to go to work. Let''s go."

    They wandered through the base, and when they came upon enemies, they stabbed them in their throats not leaving room for noise and as quickly as possible. Then they hid the bodies carefully moving on to the next target.

    The base settlement was huge with many corridors and rooms, they searched them all meticulously and carefully to cover the backs of their partners.

    One time they entered a room with some of the insurgents sleeping without worry in their bunk beds.

    There were about eight of them and all snoring as loud as they did. The team entered stealthily and positioned themselves ahead of the sleeping men. Each crouching on the bottom bunk bed, they took out their blasters with silencers and their blades.

    They went over the sleeping heads stretching their knives over the necks of the helpless victims, ready to thrust and kill them.

    Wein stood over his target, he could hear the irritating snore and wanted to end him soon. He raised his blade and as he was about to thrust, the man opened his eyes and saw round purple eyes staring back at him behind the darkness.

    Wein thrust the blade into his neck as did the others and the men struggled with blood gushing out of their necks unable to call for help. Tears streaming from their red eyes as they realised, they were being killed.

    The team as they watched their targets crying to death raised their blasters directly up to the other sleeping members in the top of the bunk beds and they released each five shots, to make sure they killed them all.

    Now only blood was dripping to the floor of the dead corpse and the heat from the energy blast could still be felt overhead.

    "Let''s move on to the next room" suggested Derek, the purple-eyed monsters stained in the blood of their enemies nodded in agreement.

 Assault on planet Thalsaris[3]

    The team strategically moved through the rooms of the sleeping insurgents swiftly killing them all in their sleep. Moving to the next after a kill until they found a clue as to where the hostages were being kept.

    They found a miniature map of the base and found out where the mine minerals were being kept, along with where the natives were placed.

    ¡­

    ¡°I think, they are kept outside. Let¡¯s secure them first before it''s time to wake up, once the guards find out we have infiltrated the base, they might take it out on the hostages¡± noted Mace.

    ¡°Lara, how are things out there?¡± asked Derek.

    ¡°Still quiet, no movements yet.¡±

    ¡°Angela?¡±

    ¡°We have taken care of things on our end, we can regroup outside.¡±

    They opened the door and ahead was a pathway that led to a large shed-like structure, it was old and worn out but firm and secure.

    In the disguise of the dark, they went towards it, in front were two guards standing watch. They were firm and dedicated making sure they paid attention to detail even though they had become sleepy, and they were waiting for the post to be relieved.

    Derek was worried that getting in the shed would be dangerous if there were other enemies inside who might use the hostages as shields. He opted to wait for Angela¡¯s group.

    ¡°Hurry guys, I see movement far ahead. Ships are heading your direction¡± spoke Lara on the comms.

    She had observed five flying ships coming towards the settlement, possibly management who oversaw the running of the mining. The ships hovered above the air was not too fast, but they would arrive soon. They had weapons refitted all over them as if made to scare the natives forced to work.

    ¡°Kol, send your drones to scan the area thoroughly and provide a path to take the natives safely in. We are about to engage in full combat¡± ordered Derek.

    ¡°Yes sir¡±

    Derek and his team pointed their guns at the door and let it rain, felling the guards in one fell swoop. They immediately ran to the door forcing themselves in and began searching for the hostages.

    The guards inside did not stand a chance and were killed on sight, each two shots in the head to make sure. The team searched the whole shed and there they found the place with the hostages.

    They were kept like animals in large fence-like cages, there were hundreds of little blue alien people who were huddled together.

    Among them, some were far smaller, children and some were coughing possibly sick. They were all sitting with their knees rolled just waiting for their next task. The shed was massive but there were many sections with the groups separated.

    The team moved over the corpses of the guards standing watch and reached the cages.

    ¡°Hello, we are here to help you¡± spoke Derek.

    His voice woke nearly all of them, they made sounds of joy when they observed the dead bodies of their captures and reached out to their saviours.

    ¡°Shh¡­ we quiet, we will help you escape.¡±

    The Nol¡¯vs responded in a language the team could not understand.

    ¡°Anyone speak Nol¡¯vian?¡±

    There was silence.

    ¡°Ah¡­ Follow us¡­shh¡­ Not safe talk¡± Derek spoke as he gestured. The Nol¡¯vs did as instructed and followed Derek to lead them out of the shed while Wein, Harlan and Mace freed the rest from the cages.

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    In the massive shed were about two hundred Nol¡¯vs cramped up in that tight space barely living. Thanks to their short and small stature it was easy for four men to lead them.

    They reached outside where Angela¡¯s team was waiting with their weapons to provide cover.

    ¡°The ships will arrive in 10 minutes, hurry¡± reminded Lara.

    ¡°What¡¯s the status Kol?¡±

    ¡°I have a perfect map that will lead the Nol¡¯vs to the forest, which is safer in the shortest time. Also, no remaining enemies detected¡± replied Kol.

    ¡°Great. Kol, you, Harlan, and Mark take them to safety first. The rest of us will hold the line. Lara, estimate their numbers.¡±

    ¡°The ships are as big as the dropships. I estimate about thirty enemies.¡±

    ¡°The total in this base was about eighty and it was mostly because we had the element of surprise. No, we are in more danger than we thought¡­¡±

    Derek scoured the area once more to look at the place where the enemy would most likely land. He remembered the map, on the way to the mine, there was a landing area.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, hurry.¡±

    He and the team hurried.

    The landing pad was not too far from the base, they were just a few feet away. The team readied themselves in an advantageous position, refilling their ammunition and ready to ambush the unsuspecting ships.

    ¡°Any other signs of movement?¡±

    ¡°Negative sir¡±

    Derek was calmed, about five Troopers were remaining with a sniper as support. With the element of surprise, they had a chance.

    His eyes went to the mine in the distance, there might have been someone there and if not, they needed to secure the area.

    ¡°Angela, secure the mine, we will protect the base. Kol once you have secured the civilians begin transmitting back to headquarters.¡±

    After issuing out orders he crouched and aimed at the distance for the ships hovering ever closer. The team got into position, and Angela was the only one who took off for the mine.

    The mine was not that far from the base, following the path the hostages took every day it was easier to find. Through the darkness of the night, she sped across the land, dashing on the ground.

    The path was clear with small metallic fences for direction and to dissuade wandering off, it was impossible to miss. There was no lamp post, since the civilians mainly went to work when the sun was up.

    The path went on until it became steep, but Angela kept her composure until she reached the base of the cliff, or rather the entrance of the mine. There were lights shone everywhere, and she could hear sounds and voices inside.

    The whole mine was out of view from Lara so, Angela was by herself. She pulled out her MA-25 and aimed at the distance. There she saw two guards talking, unaware of their base being overrun.

    ¡°Found hostiles¡±

    ¡°Copy that, eliminate them as quickly and silently as possible before the ships arrive.¡±

    Angela stared at the two and sighed inwards. Then she pulled the trigger¡­

    Three shots were fired at the one whose back faced her, the shots were precise killing the man on impact. The other who faced her was shocked when he saw his friend fall, taken aback he searching for the source when Angela emerged from the shadows.

    Two shots were enough to render him useless.

    ¡°Clear¡±

    Angela ventured further and infiltrated the mine alone.

    ¡­

    ¡°No sign of suspicious activity sir. They must be expecting an easy landing.¡±

    Lara¡¯s voice crackled through the comms.

    The ships descended like massive shadows, their engines screaming through the air as they lined up above the landing pad. Derek and his team were hunkered down in their hidden positions, rocks, crates, barrels and the remains of broken walls.

    From the crevices of the spaces, their guns poked out, aiming at the direction of the ships.

    ¡°The ships are ground-bound, they have not suspected anything yet,¡± Lara said, her voice low but determined waiting to strike. ¡°We can take them on now while they are not suspicious.¡±

    ¡°Hold your ground, not yet,¡± Derek replied, never taking his eyes off the ships. ¡°Don¡¯t attack until they have stopped their ships. Fighting an aerial force will be to our disadvantage.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir¡±

    Lara turned her scope to look at the pilots of the ships, it would be better to get a clear shot, as quickly as possible if there was a skirmish to limit the chances of them fleeing.

    She could see the unsuspecting pilots, chatting and laughing none the wiser. From one ship she saw a female human pilot. She was beautiful and to her side was a copilot or maybe a friend.

    From watching their interactions, she could tell they had a relationship if not a history and based on the smiles the two were showing, they were having a great time.

    As the ships descended, and Lara watched the smiles she was conflicted.

    The first of the ships touched down, the ground shaking violently under the force of its landing. After some time, the door was opened and the team could make out faint outlines of the enemy combatants disembarking¡ª tall, and armoured they were hauling large boxes.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t the rest descending?¡± asked Sienna.

    ¡°They know something¡± Mace added. ¡°They must suspect a trap.¡±

    Derek clenched his jaw, his fingers itching around the grip of his rifle, he did not want to put his team at risk, he had to attack now before they could recover.

    ¡°Kol what¡¯s your status?¡±

    ¡°The natives are almost at the edge and will be safe in the forest.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Derek muttered. ¡°Keep them safe even from wild animals, we¡¯ll hold out here.¡±

    Suddenly, the crackling sound of static interrupted their conversation.

    ¡°Sir this is Mark,¡± his voice was filled with urgency. ¡°We have a problem. Ahead there is a second wave of ships, coming from the forest, numbering seven.¡±

    Derek¡¯s mind raced. A second wave? They were being flanked, the hostages would be greeted by shots if not bombs. And to add there were seven ships which was more than the current predicament.

    ¡°Damn it¡± he cursed.

 Assault on planet Thalsaris[4]

    "Lara, can you get a view?"

    "Negative sir"

    Lara was not in a position to scout the ships that suddenly appeared from the forest. The team found themselves between a rock and a hard place, in front was a team of five ships fully armed, and across was another team of seven incoming.

    If a battle erupted, their positions would be easily discovered which would put the natives in more danger. They needed to be careful but the more time they wasted, the more dangerous it would become.

    "How far off are they?" asked Derek.

    "Ten minutes tops"

    "We can''t attack now, that will alert them, and they will intercept Kol."

    "Permission to speak, Sergeant," asked Wein who had remained silent this whole time. He was next to Derek as he had kept near him this whole operation, he too was crouching hidden from view waiting to rain fire on the ships that were only now landing.

    "Speak."

    "I suggest Private Kol, bring back the natives and bring them back to the base. In the enclosure there was a mess hall of sorts, it will be big enough for them all to fit and secure them from stray attacks."

    Just as Wein said, the settlement the insurgents used had a big enclosure, big enough for all the natives to be hidden from sight.

    Wein was reminded because he recalled something he read about the materials the hall was made of, they were strong enough to withstand a few rounds of attacks and bombs. He had seen that in passing with one of the labels as they were searching for the base.

    "The entrance is not within view of the landing bay, and they can retreat as quickly as possible without being seen. We will hold down from there."

    The suggestion by Wein was feasible, and Derek thought it was good. He did not have time to think for another and it minimised the risk of casualties.

    "Kol, you heard him. You know where the hall is. Quickly return, we will also begin our attack" he commanded to Kol.

    With that, Kol stopped the convoy and sent them back, running as quickly as they could. While he and Harlan we on guard duty on the sides, Harlan at the rear, and he at the front, leading. Because of the situation, they ran as fast as they could taking into account the hostages past the desert and back to the base.

    ¡­

    The rest of the ships had landed and the soldiers from each disembarked with large crates and ammunitions in hand, their numbers far outnumbering the squad.

    "Once we take care of these guys, we will need to retreat to a safer location and wait for the rest to come. Let''s begin before it is too late," said Derek. "Three¡­two¡­."

    Lara''s aim was back at that couple who had now gotten a little too close to each other, watching them laughing together, she sent a single shot out.

    Pew!!!....

    The squad hailed shots and shots of energy beams at the enemy like a heavy rainfall shower. The shots were not merely directed at the soldiers between the crates but also at the ships themselves.

    The ambush had begun, and the enemy soldiers were caught completely off guard, the squad''s weapons unleashed a relentless storm of energy, their beams sizzling through the air, some even causing minor explosions from crates and the damaged ships.

    Lara ever helpful targeted the pilots and prevented them from changing the flow of the battle. Her aim interchanged from one cockpit window to another, taking out everyone that came into view. They didn''t spare the chance to verify her kills and moved to the next because she trusted her.

    Within the whole chaos that erupted the soldiers scrambled for cover trying to identify their attackers and releasing their shots albeit in every direction, but the squad was too well hidden.

    Between this skirmish, one of the ships went up in a massive explosion that even the squad had to take cover. Derek was certain that the reinforcements would have heard them and be alarmed.

    "Dammit Kol, tell me the hostages are in the clear."

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    He, the leader was more worried now, with that explosion the reinforcement would have to hurry to identify the problem, and if they saw suspicious movement they would rain fire on the natives running back to the base.

    "Hu¡­ we have reached the entrance, it will take a few minutes for all natives to enter¡­" Kol was tired himself from the running. He was also carrying three of the Nol''vs who had fallen from the hurried running.

    Behind were a few who had trailed behind, thankfully in front a swarm of the little guys was entering the base as suggested by Wein. Mark was watching the skies on the side to see how far off the ships were.

    To limit chances of being discovered they had shot down all the light sources so there was only darkness and the movement of the Nol''vs flocking into the base.

    ¡­

    "They are not letting up, at this rate we will be surrounded," said Sienna.

    "Yeah, I know, right Sienna and Mace follow me and have my back. Wein provide us cover. Let''s show them the strength of a Shock Trooper"!

    With his determination, Derek flew out from his hiding spot heading to the soldiers who were hidden in the storm of retaliatory shots. On his left hand he had his knife, and, on the right, he had his blaster which he unloaded on them.

    Behind the mayhem of the shots, Derek infiltrated the enemy insurgents and began his close combat battles.

    ¡­

    The thing about Shock Troopers in comparison to normal Troopers was that they were the peak of humans. They were the best versions humans were capable of being, their thinking was better, and their speed, agility, and strength were far better than when they were human.

    Granted Troopers were also far superior to normal humans but when you were a Shock Trooper you were able to unlock all your potential, you weren''t superhuman per say, but you were the closest thing to it.

    ¡­

    In the brief seconds that Derek was able to jump over from his hiding spot, he was able to move and identify his enemies. He could dodge the shots fired at him granted he had to time it perfectly, but he was able to move nimbly and close the distance to get to the enemy.

    Derek encountered three combatants first, he could see the shock and terror written on their faces, wasting no time he stabbed one in the shoulder and proceeded to shoot another in his face.

    As he did that, he pulled his blade out and stabbed the last one under his chin. The blade went so deep it poke through the roof of his head, killing him in an instant. The blood spilled like a fountain from that, spraying even on him.

    He proceeded to kick the first one he wounded on the shoulder far off to the crate where he had noticed other enemies hiding moments ago, all the while shooting multiple shots from his blaster.

    On the sides Sienna and Mace emerged from the shadows also moving at peak human speed, granted Mace the largest of the three was slower but he was far faster than the average man.

    The three moved as one, using the fallen corpses of the enemy as human shields, dismembering their enemies, blowing their faces with blasters, and doing so with precision and skill that was only possible because they were Shock Troopers.

    Wein the only Trooper there followed with his MA-25 and took out the enemies who showed themselves and provided him a clear shot. With meticulous and excellent work, the team was able to clear out the whole landing area in minutes.

    Wein could feel his hand wanting to shake along with his legs, he was trained but this, this was next level fighting.

    In the end, they were all spilled with the blood of their enemies, the area a mixture of torn metal fragments from explosions, fire and the blood of the enemies. There were some body parts and corpses spread across the battlefield that laid a testament to the gruelling battle that just took place.

    "We cannot rest yet, we need to retreat to the base and secure all positions," Derek ordered as he took off running his breathing heavy. "Lara, cover our backs if we missed any."

    The four did not waste time and ran as fast as they could to the base where the Nol''vs and the rest of the team were. In the sky, they could hear the sounds of ships getting closer and closer.

    "All Nol''vs are secured along with the front entrance" reported Kol on the comms.

    "They have arrived, sir. They have also drawn out their weapons" noted Lara.

    "Thanks, keep yourself hidden, for the time being, let''s hurry."

    ¡­

    "Ple¡­ase spare me¡­" a broken voice cried out belonging to one of the insurgents, blooded and on death''s door. His eyes cried for mercy but from the cruel look of Sergeant Angela who stared back with her blaster pointed at him, replied with a blast.

    "The mine has been cleaned, returning to base" she spoke as she calmly made her way back, her steps elegant.

    "Don''t be hasty Angela, you and Lara will be our hidden aces, don''t show your positions until the enemy is compromised" replied Derek.

    Angela began running to the mine exit, passed the flickering lights and the dead bodies she had killed herself scattered through the tunnel of the mine. Her suit was dirty with the blood of her enemies mixed with the soil she had rubbed on by rolling and dodging.

    "We have entered the base" spoke Derek. "How is the situation now?"

    Angela was reaching the exit and even she could hear the sound from the ships that had begun searching the base. She ran even faster.

    ¡­

    "For the time being they are clustered at the landing sight, sir" spoke Lara, she was watching through her rifle scope and could see the ships up close from her distance.

    From her observations, a few ships were investigating what had happened to the others ships while the rest moved over the base.

    "Two have peeled off and are over the base. Will it hold if they dare attack" she wondered.

    "It will, the reason they installed it was to protect themselves and give themselves time in case they were attacked from the air. After all, they never expected to be infiltrated and attacked like this. It will hold" replied Wein.

    ¡­

    "We have movement, they are disembarking from the two ships. Also, the rest of the ships are swarming over to the base. They will be coming from the sides and the front entrance" spoke Lara.

    This meant the insurgents had decided to attack the team, two lines of men climbing down ropes were seen from the two ships that hovered above the base.

    Once on the ground, they pulled out their weapons and approached the front entrance with caution, while a few were headed to the sides.

    "It''s beginning boss," said Lara.

 Assault on planet Thalsaris[5]

    ¡°Great, Kol, deploy your drones and keep watch for any surprises, we will have to hold out for the time being.¡±

    Derek and the squad had reached the centre and reunited with Kol and the others. Because of the enemy reinforcement, they replaced their ammunition and rechecked their weapons, but they knew that they would not hold out for too long, they needed an alternative.

    ¡°Don¡¯t these guys have anti-aerial weapons, if we get them, we could deal significant damage to their aerial advantage?¡± wondered Mark.

    ¡°You are right, I remember seeing something of the sort earlier¡± replied Kol as if a light bulb was lit.

    ¡°Ok search for it, the rest of you mind the entrances. Get the natives to duck for cover¡± ordered Derek.

    He put his MA-25 down on a crate and inspected the ammunition he had left. Because they were from the landing pad the group was still by the entrance, exhausted but were huddled beside him.

    ¡°The enemy will anticipate that our plan will be to hold out here so they will try to flank us from all directions, cover all the entrances, and push them back if they enter. By me some time, I will go after them myself.¡±

    He picked up his gun determined for his next objective.

    ¡­

    The base was now fully surrounded by the enemy operatives, each too suspicious and cautious enough to attack prematurely. They were mostly grouped at the many entrances of the base while the others went to the shed to investigate the situation there.

    Only two ships were in the air flying about, watching and served as cover and the eyes in the sky.

    ¡°There have been no actions for forced entry yet, they have however stationed snipers all over, I have identified two but there might be more.¡±

    Lara¡¯s warning was heard by the whole team, they knew they had to fight within closed quarters which was riskier and placed the natives in more danger.

    ¡°They have rocket launchers too.¡±

    Lara went through all of the squads one by one, her scope identifying the enemy¡¯s combat capabilities and locations. Not only that she investigated the ships that roamed the air and the ones on the ground.

    ¡°Counting over sixty enemies. They have containment crates I believe were meant for minerals. They all are similar and there appears to be no high-level member among them. Risk assessment minimum.¡±

    ¡­

    Derek was soaring through the passageways of the base with his gun in hand, in front, he could see the exit sign, he knew the enemy was just over the door as he could see the doors being breached.

    He pulled his gun up and before the enemy knew it, he released his blasts on them in quick succession. The impact was loud and strong enough that it caused a disturbance heard around the base.

    ¡°Be careful they will flock in a different direction now, probably mine. Lara, how many are at my position?¡±

    ¡°Five sir¡­ There is a ship going your direction too.¡±

    ¡°Damit¡±

    It did not stop Derek though, he pushed through into enemy lines, when he emerged from the door he could see the disoriented enemies. Proceeding with his advantage he smashed one of the men with the rear of his gun as hard as he could knocking him out on the spot.

    After that he was facing two of the men and behind him another aiming his weapon at Derek. Because the barrel was pointing back at that man, all that Derek did was press the trigger, then he abandoned the gun pulling his knife out and the blaster on the other hand.

    He stabbed the closest one to him on his rib and pulled the blaster on the other, before he could pull the trigger, he noticed on his side the final target was ready to shoot at him and the others if needed be.

    Like the MA-25 he abandoned his knife and pushed himself back while firing three shots at his target. As he switched back, he could see the enemy¡¯s blasts zooming past him, one passing in front of his eye with just an inch.

    The enemy adjusted targets but Derek had already taken cover and crouched behind a disposed crate. He could hear the cries of his targets, especially the one he stabbed and the one shooting and cussing him out.

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    ¡°Now Lara!¡±

    Speaking that he emerged from his hideout and put a hole in the man he had stabbed. In front, his other obstacle stood with a hole in the head, taken out by Lara whose scope was still burning with heat.

    Derek did not waste time he retrieved his weapons and made sure that the enemies were really dead then he retreated back inside the base.

    Just as he entered, he was just barely missed by a shot from a sniper.

    ¡°I was just missed by a sniper Lara, find the location.¡±

    Lara searched for the sniper mark and from that she retraced the location and found them.

    ¡°Found em¡±

    ¡­

    Angela who was at the mine finally appeared into full view, though it was dark, she could see the base from how high she was. The burning ship remains along with the ships flying overboard.

    With her done with her part, it was time for the team to be done with theirs, so they began their operation. The first thing done, was Lara took out all the snipers she was aware of, she knew that she would reveal her location, but she was willing to risk it.

    In the meantime, the team found the anti-aerial weapons and shot down the two ships that were monitoring them. With those obstacles removed, they engaged in full battle.

    The enemy finally infiltrated the base and was met by the Troopers and learnt what it meant to fight a Trooper, much more a Shock Trooper.

    The Shock Troopers in the group such as Derek, Sienna, and Mace were able to attack multiple enemies at once. Being faster and stronger than the average Trooper they were able to contend against the odds.

    Granted there were injuries, no matter how talented a Shock Trooper was in the end they were human too.

    The likes of Mace accompanied by Mark were able to bulldoze through the enemy using their physical strength to punch mane and snap the enemy. While Sienna and Derek used speed and skill, moving in between, and cutting up their enemies before moving to another all before the enemy knew what was happening.

    Kol and Harlan remained as guards for the Nol¡¯vs who were terrified and held covering themselves in the hall under the tables.

    Other than that Kol was also watching the action through his drones that showed the entire situationship outside and inside. He not only was able to watch but he gave the directions and the number of the hostiles to the team, while also identifying sniper locations that Lara couldn¡¯t see to located and took down.

    Because of Lara¡¯s involvement, she had to move constantly from her location. After some time after snipping a man, she would jump from her cliffy position, run across to another location, and get a better, secure view.

    After some time, Angela entered the battlefield as the wildcard that the enemy was unaware of, using her skill she was stealthy and was able to attack the enemy from behind.

    The enemies who had diverted their attention to the base and the mysterious sniper did not see her coming and only noticed when their comrades were quickly falling.

    After the change in the flow of the battle, the squad abandoned their defensive position opting for offense instead. Emerging from their corners, they killed the few who were still alive and had infiltrated the base, then they exited the entrances shooting down their foes until the battlefield was filled with death and destruction.

    ****

    At the distance, the first light of dawn cut through the smoke and ash that still lingered from the wreckages of the battles. Derek¡¯s team emerged from the shadows, weary and bloodied from the battle but they were still battle-ready, their weapons firm in their arms.

    Their suits were bloodied and streaked with dirt and ash. All around them, the remnants of the battle were scattered---burning ship husks poked from the ground, smoke curling up into the pale sky as from the fire remaining from explosions.

    On the scorched earth and walls of the base were the blood and human remains of the enemy soldiers who were dismembered and killed in the battle. They ranged from severed head and limbs all scattered everywhere.

    Derek and his team were tired, their breaths heavy and their legs forcing them to knell from the straining activity of running, dodging, crouching and evading of the over numbered enemy.

    ¡°Kol, status check!¡±

    ¡°No sign of enemy movement detected sir. It¡¯s over¡± he replied, his voice relieved.

    On Kol¡¯s arm was his controller with multiple screens, one screen was glitching probably from a drone that was destroyed and only three remained showcasing the entire area.

    ¡°Affirmative, the area is clear¡± Lara added as she too was scouting the area.

    ¡°Alright, regroup everyone,¡±

    Lara and Angela were already moving towards the base, more specifically to the location of the natives. The others were making their way to Kol''s position as he was the one in the squad with a radio to call headquarters.

    Wein was the last to join, his eyes were busy scanning the area for just the chance there was another ambush. His eyes were also fixed on the distance in the sky which thanks to the goggles zooming was made possible.

    ¡°Kol contact headquarters, tell them we have secured the location and the hostages.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir¡±

    ¡­

    They made their way to the others, the sun was now fully rising, and it shone across the land. The team was exhausted, some holding their guns with one hand resting them on their shoulder as they walked.

    ¡°I bet the Nol¡¯vs chief leaders are happy. With House Voss participating they will finally get the planet back from the insurgents,¡± Sienna was the one to talk. His voice was heard by the whole squad breaking the tired atmosphere.

    ¡°They must be, but now they will fall under the authority of the Empire¡± replied Mark. ¡°Nothing in this world is free after all.¡±

    ¡°Do you guys think House Voss will claim dominion over this planet this time?¡± Lara¡¯s curious voice interrupted the conversation.

    ¡°Not, a chance. House Voss is not the only one deployed here, there is Count Melle who also interfered¡± replied Sienna. ¡°House Voss will relinquish ownership rights as it has always done.¡±

    ¡°I wonder how much we will get this time, Thalsaris is a huge planet and filled with many resources¡± Mark spoke.

    They reached the others, the Nol¡¯vs were terrified but joyous that their saviours were back and helping them even though there was a language barrier.

    ¡°I have sent the report sir.¡± Kol spoke, he unlike the rest still with energy.

    ¡°Good, now we wait.¡±

 Securing the Frontlines

    The sun had risen to a significant height, and from outside, the group could hear loud sounds. They all flocked outside, and low and behold, multiple ships were descending from the atmosphere.

    They immediately recognised them as belonging to House Voss. Among the ships were a few dropships and massive ships carrying large cargo holds.

    Wein counted three of these cargo holds, they were carried by three pairs of ships slightly bigger than the dropships. Freight Shuttle is what Wein recalled reading about during his training. These were used to carry heavy machinery and other weapons into warzones.

    The Freight Shuttles were rugged, heavy rectangular ships with wings that were wide and flat. Below were retractable thrusters for controlled descent and heavy-duty landing gear. Ahead on the centre was a strong hook that was connected to the cargo hold a rectangular grey metallic box object.

    Derek fired a shot to the sky showing their location within the rubble of the base and a few dropships flew towards them.

    ¡°They are huge,¡± said Wein staring at the cargo holds carried by the Shuttles.

    ¡°Of cause they are, they have the equipment necessary to establish a base here¡± replied Mark.

    From the view, they witnessed the three pairs separate heading in different directions. One was heading for the desert area between the forest and the base, the second near the mine on an opened area, and the last just across from the shed.

    ¡°Alright, everyone. Angela with me, the rest of you help the natives out of the base. Medics will arrive soon to treat them.¡±

    Derek and Angela dispersed from the group, they went to the landing strip where some ships remained but dead enemies bodies where everywhere.

    Up, a dropship was descending their way, the rest accompanying the Shuttles. The dropship violently landed before them, the air strong enough to blow them away, but the sergeants were strong and remained firm.

    With the battle over and them having secured the base and the area, it was evident that a senior officer would expect a briefing and tell them their next task if not inform them of the situation with the other locations. That was what Derek expected.

    The dropship finally touched down with a heavy thud, its landing gear screeching against the ground. A ramp lowered and from within a squad of House Voss Troopers, decked out in their signature suit armour rushed out weapons drawn and helmets on, eyes scanning for any threats.

    ¡°Sergeant Derek of Squad 5555 reporting in. The base has been secured and the Nol¡¯vs are safe¡± spoke Derek as he saluted the incoming men.

    From behind the new squad a man not wearing a helmet emerged strolling without a care for his safety. His authority and aura were great because he was the one Derek was saluting, the commanding officer of the squad and of Derek.

    Angela, who was beside Derek, mimicked him but remained silent and just watched. She knew who that man was Lieutenant Kovac Miles, a 5-star Shock Trooper and the superior of Derek and other squads.

    The commanding officer was way older than Derek, a man in his fifties, his grey hair showed, with his face mean yet handsome. He had a scar that ran over his left cheek from a claw-like attack of three marks that ran parallel.

    He was fit and imposing with his aura more threatening than Derek, Mace, and Sienna combined.

    ¡°At ease Sergeant, Sergeant¡± spoke the man also replying to Angela. ¡°You did great, we will have to secure our position right next to their main base before they can mount an attack and do anything about it.¡±

    Behind him, a Trooper approached him whispering in his ear, he was informing the lieutenant of something. The news was satisfactory because Kovac smiled after hearing it, then he instructed his men.

    ¡°Scan through everything here and find anything valuable. Sergeant, have your men rest for a while, our job is not yet done.¡±

    ****

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    Squad 5555 learned from the reinforcement that the multiple teams that were dispatched with them to infiltrate the many bases on Thalsaris were all mostly successful. They had taken over key locations and separated the insurgents from their main forces.

    Particularly they had freed many Nol¡¯vs all over the planet and taken positions that would buffer Voss¡¯s main camp yet to be built from any enemy attacks.

    In the case of Squad 5555, the enemy base they had taken over was far away from the main base but was important site because, within the forest behind, it was said some of the Nol¡¯vs had escaped there to hide from the war.

    They had been trapped there all that time and were only going to be freed now, the information came from the leaders of the Nol¡¯vs who fled to request help from House Voss and other noble Houses of the empire and the free systems.

    Among the Nol¡¯vs it was said there was a bunker that could house millions in fact, there were many of these bunkers spread across the world.

    So, while other Nol¡¯vs were taken hostage and advantage of after the war by the insurgents, same went to the bunkers to wait it out and had remained there ever since.

    The cargo holds were placed safely and the Shuttles went back to space to get more resources. Many tools would be needed to house the sick and homeless Nol¡¯vs who were hungry and sick. To add to that the Troopers needed to place self-defence weapons around the military camp, which would limit the chances of the insurgents retaking the base.

    Some tools would also be needed to track down the location of the bunker and rescue the citizens within them, thankfully among the Voss Troopers there were a few Nol¡¯vs who would lead the soldiers to rescue their fellow brethren.

    ****

    The new squad did as they were told by the Lieutenant and searched around the base, retrieving any data they could get and securing the places with proper security.

    Among the cargo holds were makeshift medical centres that were placed and the Nol¡¯vs were taken there for monitoring. The other had materials to help build the camp like fences and watch towers along with machinery that scanned the areas and shot down suspicious aircraft.

    After being relieved Squad 5555 rested together as they watched the rest of the troops working by setting up the camp and helping the Nol¡¯vs get treatment. Not long after there was a change in the environment, and progress was being made.

    The second trip of the Shuttles came, and they dropped even more resources and flew back to space. Then the camp was cleaned with Troopers walking all over and dropships dropping more and more while leaving to get more.

    ¡­

    Inside a makeshift camp tent, Derek and Angela were debriefing Kovac about their encounter along with the gains they found being the mine. It had a large untapped mineral core beneath the metal already being mined. The discovery would make the planet more valuable to House Voss than it already was.

    Along with that, they were told about the situation at other sites, the squads of House Voss had secured key positions around the world and the main base that would use these positions for future battles was currently being built. It would serve as the main headquarters for the entire time House Voss was busy in Thalsaris.

    ¡°Besides that, we will be attacking the stronghold not too far from here, get your team ready. The captain has asked that you participate Sergeant¡± spoke Kovac to Derek beside him.

    On the side was a wall with projections that showed the map and topography of Thalsaris more specially the area they were currently at.

    Derek and Angela saluted Kovac and got up. They grabbed their helmets and walked out of the tent.

    Outside lines of Troopers were marching and machinery was busy constructing with help of engineers. Along with mechanic weapons walking around with Troopers piloting them spread all over the camp.

    ¡°The captain must hate you¡± spoke Angela jokingly, they walked holding their helmets on hand, backpacks in hand through the base. ¡°She is requesting for us when we have just finished our objective. She does not want us to rest.¡±

    Derek was slightly bothered by it but remained professional.

    ¡°Captain O¡¯Conner is our superior officer, we do what she instructs us.¡±

    Angela burst into a chuckle at the words but followed him.

    ¡°Funny, not too long-ago Diana was your subordinate and now she is your superior. Man, how things change.¡±

    Derek ignored her and they met up with the team who were resting in another tent that had just been built. They had removed their weapons and backpacks placing them aside and resting on the cool ground while listening to music.

    Well, most of them, Kol was on a chair reading something from a pad, Mace was lifting weights and Sienna was by the side talking to another female Trooper flirtatiously.

    ¡°Gather your gear, everyone, our job is not done.¡±

    ¡°Ahh we can¡¯t catch a break¡± complained Mark.

    ¡°Stop complaining, everyone be at the landing strip in 30 minutes¡± answered Angela.

    ¡­

    The team assembled in front of a dropship and like before they entered and sat down. This time they were accompanied by the lieutenant and a few Troopers under him. In the landing strip were three additional dropships with other squads entering too.

    Before long, the ships took to the sky and flew forward through the air in a V-formation. As the ships flew forward, the barren land that stretched below them was now marked by the presence of House Voss and its Troopers.

    On the corner, there were many Troopers preparing to enter the forest with vehicles assistance. On the sides, the medical facilities were fully operational, along with many tents for proper productivity. There were also many lines of Nol¡¯vs who now gathered to be fed by the workers under House Voss.

    As the ships soared into the sky, the triangular structure of the new base was being completed.

    It had become like that thanks to the work of Squad 5555. But now there was a new mission, to take out the enemy stronghold and liberate Thalsaris from the insurgents once and for all.

    The dropships flew forward with the sun high up in the sky shining over them, their destination not visible through the barren land of that war-torn planet.

 Chronicles of a Trooper

    A pitch-black screen appeared with a single flickering movement from the centre, a green block. As the block flickered for a few seconds, words began appearing at great speed, as if someone were in putting them in real-time.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    Character Profile: Wein Serin

    Rank: Private

    Designation/ID: V55-D124

    Affiliation: House Voss.

    Occupation: Trooper (No star)

    Species: Human.

    Age: 24

    Entry: #2245HU

    I have been on Thalsaris for about a month now.

    We were tasked with removing the insurgents who took over this planet after the great war and they have been a pain. It has been daunting work, I thought we would take them out in under a week when I first came here.

    I was proven wrong.

    The day we first attacked the stronghold near our camp, I came to realise that there were many talented and strong people in the galaxy. First, we were ambushed and shot from the sky, but we survived thanks to the Sergeant and the Lieutenant.

    Then we engaged in battle for about three days and nights without sleep. It took that long to pass through and regroup with the rest at the front line. Not to mention the frontlines, they are chaotic and dangerous with bombs going off every hour.

    A few weeks in, we encountered missile launchers that killed some of our troops and a few civilians that took refuge there.

    I still see that child''s face when I close my eyes. Their blood seeping into the soil as they take their last breath. I promised myself to avenge her.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2252HU

    We liberated Thalsaris.

    Finaly after many weeks in this planet. We broke their last strong hold and arrested their leaders. Majority surrendered, others poisoned themselves to avoid prosecution.

    The Troopers are happy, we are done with the mission. It means we will leave this planet and back to the Orion Sett.

    There are many reporters broadcasting our feat to the rest of the galaxy. We are not allowed to talk to them, but they are persistent.

    Anyway, I think things will get back to normal very quickly here after all this planet will be welcomed under the Empire. Which is good the Nol''vs have suffered long enough.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2260HU

    Today I met the captain in charge of our company.

    She is a short woman, smaller than myself but I can tell she is high star Shock Trooper level. I have never felt this way since I witness the lieutenant himself, she is leagues above the Sergeant.

    I heard she used to work under the Sergeant, he doesn''t want us talking about it. I don''t think he likes that.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2307HU

    It is another assignment.

    We have been stationed on Dirx-668 for two weeks now. It is a desert planet in the Ghx-star system, neighbour to the Bolj star system. Another casualty of the great war filled with lawlessness.

    The heat is unbearable, and the sandstorms are constant. The base is small for the three squads here to use, but we are making do. With more people means more eyes and reinforcement.

    We have been tasked with securing the mining facilities on the outskirts that are prone to bandit attacks. Compared to the assignment on planet Thasaris this mission is simpler. The bandits are weaker and less organised than the insurgents, it will be a piece of cake.

    The problem though is the air, it is always dry and blurry thanks to the dust, the sky is never clear, and every day is a challenge with the sandstorms that are nonstop. It is hard enough to spot movement or detect the enemies, but we have to be mindful of our allies too.

    I go on routine patrols every day with Sienna, he has become a close friend of mine in the place. Sienna says he wants to be a model after his term as a Trooper, he is from a wealthy family, but he wants to create his own company. He is a good-looking guy, I think he will succeed.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2439HU

    A lot has changed in a span of a few months.

    A new assignment came through, and I''m piloting a KART-7 fighter.

    It is the new model that House Voss has introduced and my first time operating a space fighter ship other than in training. The transition from ground to space combat wasn''t easy but exhilarating.

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    The ability to travel from one side to the next in a matter of seconds is addictive. I was one of the best pilots in training more so compared to combat. I find it easier to operate an aircraft almost as if I have been flying one my whole life.

    I am enjoying this new life.

    We were tasked with helping to safeguard the miners on the JV5-astroid at the behest of the Empire. They have been attacked by the pirates that have grown confident in the years throughout the whole region.

    The first few dogfights with them were a blur, the pirates are skilled. They are quick and ruthless but not as fast as we are. That is thanks to the technology we have as Troopers of House Voss.

    It has been weeks since I first flew my first ship, I can now move at better speeds than before. I am confident in my skills at more deadly environments¡ªmanoeuvring at breakneck speeds, dodging enemy fire, and then lining up for the perfect shot.

    I have found my calling as a pilot, I was meant to be a pilot.

    The rest of the squad is equally great and better than me except for Mace, who has refused to operate a KART since the incident. I think he was traumatised, but he will get over it.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2489HU

    Ncra.

    A frozen hellscape of a planet. I''ve never felt a cold like this before it''s almost as if we are in a giant refrigerator. The wind howls even under the suit armour we have, with the snow never ending.

    We were assigned to guard a research facility in the eastern region of the great plateau, and I''ve been stuck on perimeter duty ever since.

    Thankfully, the facility is isolated with a clear overview of the area, the few hostiles here are the Chintaads but thankfully they are limited. They aren''t as much an issue as those from the simulation.

    I have never seen snowstorms as severe as the ones like these even during my research of the place. They come out of nowhere on a quiet day, and visibility drops to nothing in seconds. We have to hurry back to base while on outings if we want to survive and that itself is a hassle. It''s like being trapped in a vast cold desert.

    Beside that it has been a year since my deployment and with the merit I have accumulated with my squad I was promoted to a 1-star Trooper in less than a year. I am glad because it means I have shown improvement.

    We also got a new recruit, I am now a senior. Her name is Bianca Roanov. And she is talented more so compared to me while I was a rookie. She is disciplined and organised, she will fit well here.

    An attack came in the middle of the storm, I didn''t hear them coming but a swarm of Chintaads suddenly appeared. Bianca and I managed to hold them off and we were successful, I can feel that my accuracy is getting better than what it was a year ago.

    Bianca thanked me for helping her.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2689HU

    I am back in the cockpit once more. This time our enemies are the KOL''TT an alien race at war with the Empire. It belongs to one of the numerous enemies the Empire has accumulated during the years of its reign.

    The dogfights have escalated into full-on battles in space, they are now involving the Destroyers and massive fleets. These are said to be the deciding factor in a space fight for any army. Our side has two Destroyers and the enemy has one, but they put up a fight.

    I have grown more accustomed in the use of my ship and my reputation as a pilot is increasing in the army. Even my senior who are full pledge pilots acknowledge my talent.

    The newcomer Bianca has adjusted well with our squad and she and I have grown close. She is as talented as she is beautiful.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2759HU

    We''ve moved from the void of space to the jungle of the world Borraris. It''s almost unbearable here, the humidity, the insects, and the constant feeling that we are being watched is eery. The jungle itself seems alive, teeming with creatures I have never seen nor read about before.

    Our mission is to help a research company establish a base here. Apparently, there is a valuable resource here that can be used to make a breakthrough in the medical field. The prospect is great so we must do what we can.

    In my time here I have honed my combat abilities and I am now able to keep up with the Shock Troopers in our squads just like the rest of my squad mates. Bianca has become the me from before.

    Speaking off, Bianca and I have been seeing each other for weeks now. Relations between squad members are not prohibited in the army but we have been hiding it. Bianca has insisted we hide it, but I think the team already knows.

    Just a day ago Sienna told me he envied how I get action routinely. I find it funny how the guy who always has girls around him when we are within civilisation says that. But I am content with my life.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2799HU

    Today we were ambushed by an enemy House, Harlan was able to save me when I came face down with the elites of that house. We were able to repel them off, but many suffered heavy injuries.

    I have been in countless battle as a Trooper, but this is my first time seeing our forces being one sided overwhelmed.

    Bianca was terrified, she too like me got a brush of death. We will remember this defeat for years.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2839HU

    My relationship with Bianca has strengthened. We have shared our past with each other, and I have learnt a lot about her. She tells me she enrolled in the army because her family was slaughtered by bandits.

    I feel a connection with her and relate to this based on my past with criminals.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2889HU

    It''s been two years since my deployment, Sienna, Kol, and Mark were relieved of their duty. They went back to their homes, to settle down, start business or acclimate in the positions available there.

    They are free to live the rest of their lives without needing to come back to duty, I heard I will have to serve for another two years thanks to special circumstances. It must be the influence from above.

    Angela has retired and our only superior is Derek.

    This time there are no new recruits.

    ¡­

    Entry: #2959HU

    I lost Bianca¡­

    We were tasked with escorting a merchant vessel and were ambushed mid-route. Many Troopers lost their lives, and we learned it was one of the Houses that were bold enough to oppose House Voss, and that the merchants betray us.

    Bianca lost her life trying to save me. She took a shot meant for me and she fell, I never got to properly say goodbye.

    I can see her face every time I close my eyes. It feels unreal and the anger is bubbling inside of me, I want revenge I want to avenge her, I have to.

    ¡­

    Entry: #3859HU

    It''s been three years, and I have worked up to being a 4-star Trooper.

    I have raised my value in the army immensely and have provided insight into many situations. I am part of the strategic minds who is responsible for analysis and prediction. I have settled in well in this role almost as if it was made for me.

    I heard they want me to be a team leader, I am eager but not sure of that. I need more experience for that role.

    ¡­

    Entry: #4459HU

    I have worked up the ranks of the army and in my quest have finally avenged Bianca. Through my ideas, we were able to cut off the forces of the enemy House and have crippled them greatly. To say they would kill me if they knew who I was is an understatement.

    After that conflict I changed. I am now an officer who is akin to a senior officer who sends others to do tasks. Before I did not fully understand the mind of a leader now I have a firm idea.

    ¡­

    Entry: #4467HU

    I am too busy with work. I have been getting paperwork nonstop for days now.

    ¡­

    Entry: #4496HU

    I have become a lieutenant and that as a 5-star Trooper. One of the few in history without ascending as a Shock Trooper. Derek has been promoted to 5-star Shock Trooper Captain his growth is immense compared to when I first saw him.

    The rest of the gang left with the exception of Harlan who is now a 4-star Shock Trooper. He is strong but something tells me he has been hiding something, in the years I worked with him I have always felt this way.

    ¡­

    Entry: #4567HU

    Under the command of Captain Derek, we were able to claim victory in three major battles.

    I smell a promotion if I go to another mission, but I turned that down. Sure, it would be nice, but my term has ended, and for the time being, I want to return home. It has been years, and I want to rest.

    I can always volunteer if I want to, but I will be going back home to Velmora, I can''t wait.

    End of Journal

    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    With the remaining flicker, then screen shut down.

 Troopers Homecoming

    Location: Planet Velmora

    The Transport ship descended with a soft hiss, the familiar humming of the engines cut off as the massive ship came to a complete stop. The landing zone was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos of the battlefield and the clamour of the space stations that Wein had grown accustomed to.

    He stepped out and felt the fresh air of Velmora, he could feel his body had become lazy unbothered by the constant surveillance needed by an officer in the army.

    Wein stood still for a moment, his boots firmly planted on the cold tarmac of the platform, suitcase clutched in his left hand and the other free.

    His suitcase was different from the one he used when he went up, this time it was bigger and better. It had everything that was his, his uniforms, and items he had gathered throughout the years.

    It had been four years since Wein was first sent to his deployment and he had gone on a number of missions since then.

    The number and experience were enough to promote him to a 5-star Trooper and a lieutenant at that.

    But now he was home and no longer on duty.

    ¡­

    Wein stepped forward, the area was clear and quiet, and the path went on for meters with no vehicle in sight, ahead he could see a cab waiting for him by the curb.

    Its sleek black frame reflected the light of the sun that had begun to sink on the afternoon sky. The driver, an older man with silver hair and a weathered face, waved at Wein as he approached.

    Wein had been notified what would happen prior, he knew who would pick him up and send him to his new home. He was not surprised when he saw the man wave at him.

    The big suitcase rolled behind him, it appeared to look heavy, but Wein showed no signs of discomfort. He had grown more masculine, and in his uniform was akin to the definition of the ¡®military man¡¯.

    ¡°Welcome Sir,¡± the driver said with a low grunt, his voice was rough but kind.

    Wein could see the acknowledgement from the man¡¯s eyes. It was no surprise at his age he must have seen many men like Wein come and go for the honour of serving their lord and home.

    Seeing a Trooper return after serving brought pride to him.

    ¡°I have been notified and informed about everything. I will now take you to your home.¡±

    He reached out for Wein¡¯s suitcase and put it behind the truck of the cab. It was so heavy he had to use two hands.

    Wein entered and sat in the back seat of the cab. He rolled down the windows as the driver started the cab.

    The cab¡¯s engine hummed to life, and the vehicle lifted off smoothly, gliding through the air but close to the ground. Wein stared through the window, watching the city in the distance as everyday life took effect.

    The cab glided through the massive streets and entered deeper into the city. Wein could see the multiple sky-high city buildings through the window and the people outside going about their everyday lives.

    Velmora was a unique planet, compared to most planets in the Empire and the galaxy, it was not a futuristic influenced society. Where you would expect towers of technological buildings and facilities with acres and acres of metal over the surface, were normal homes and limited technology.

    The perfect description of Velmora was, it was a hybrid between the Victorian Era and a small influence of modern-looking futuristic technology.

    By this it meant, the buildings found all over the planet of businesses and homes were akin to those found in the Victorian Era. The only noticeable difference was that there was an influence of alien technology integrated such as flying cars.

    Some of the buildings were tall, reaching the clouds others were massive taking lands, while others were inaccessible and required hover ships or cars to fly to.

    Additionally, there was modern technology like electricity, electric signs, and modern facilities. These were hung on the sides of the roads and buildings advertising and informing the passing people.

    The cities of Velmora were all advanced technologically and could fit in with the rest of the galaxy. The only difference was that they felt different, like they were from a different era, it was not just the buildings but the fashion the people wore.

    Similarly, the fashion in Velmora was a hybrid between Victorian Era and modern fashion. Many people wore those stylised suits while women wore thinner but elegant dresses. That is the more wealthy people, the less fortunate wore what they could afford.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    When it came to transportation, most of the hovercars were similar in build and were leaning more into modern style than Victorian.

    There were many modes of transportation on this planet.

    There were hover buses, trains, and ships that flew ahead, they were mostly forbidden from flying on ground level to limit traffic congestion.

    Because of the similarity and the uniformity between the cars and the buses, coupled with the atmosphere of the Victorian feel, there was a beautiful style and trend in Velmora that was unfound in other territories of the galaxy.

    ¡­

    Velmora was a beautiful planet to look at, it had an enviable culture but there were some drawbacks within it too that made it unsightly.

    From the corner of his eyes, Wein could see in passing that the baron neglected his duties as lord over the city and planet.

    Because of the high crime rate, which Wein had experienced, there were many sketchy people in the dark corners of the alleyways along with the poor who were aimless. Poverty along with homelessness and plagued the cities of Velmora.

    ¡­

    The cab zoomed through the streets and went to the freeway which was filled with other cars, buses, and scooters. After time it was in the forefront at great speeds, zooming through the traffic.

    Wein watched as the city was behind him, being hidden from view. Up in the sky, he could see sleek cargo ships and small, private transports zipping to and from the city. Even higher up he saw the gargantuan silhouettes of mega ships as if they were surveying the surface.

    ¡°You know where to go right¡± Wein finally spoke, he did not know where his new home would be. ¡°You were given the directions?¡±

    ¡°Yes sir¡± replied the old man, his eye connected with Wein¡¯s in the rearview mirror.

    Wein rested his back, looking out the window once more.

    The cab went on for what seemed forever as the road stretched on endlessly, winding between trees and facilities on the road and then it came to its destination.

    The place where the elites of elites in the whole Barony had homes and estates. This was one of the many places from many other cities in the planet.

    The cab had entered the suburbs of Eclipseon the capital of Velmora, Echelon District .

    To qualify to enter, there were some severe security protocols hat had to be followed without question but since Wein was a special case, they were able to enter much more easily.

    Once inside they encountered a serene and quiet way of life vastly different from the city and countryside. Like the city, the suburbs had a Victorian aesthetics to them but there was a calm atmosphere that was boasted wealth and power.

    On the sides there were many massive estates, some were lone covering acres of land and some combined together. Others were tall stretching to the sky and had landing platforms on their tops.

    The whole suburban area was massive, it was like a small city in itself, but it was still part of Eclipseon.

    The cab had not reached Wein''s home after driving for what seemed like hours, passing through these multiple homes. On the side, Wein spotted the ocean, at the distance connected to the area, he could see water-bound ships heading to the city¡¯s port others on their voyages.

    Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the cab reached Wein''s new estate, it slowed down and came to a stop in front of a large gate.

    It was hard to see further but besides the gates, were interface platform which the drivers could converse with.

    The old man interacted with it offering credentials and got in.

    The gates themselves were high and fortified, made of black iron, with sharp angular designs that gleamed in the setting sun.

    The cab passed through without a hitch, there were no security guards yet, but they were not needed. Something told Wein it was still very much secure without them.

    ¡°We are here¡± the old man spoke as he glided passed the gates and onto the long, sweeping driveway that led up to the mansion.

    Wein¡¯s eyes scanned everything as it came into view.

    The mansion stood as a striking blend of old-world elegance and modern world influence. Its tower, ornate spires and rooftops were made from polished dark metal alloys, gleaming with a faint glow, while intriguing patterns of vines wrapped around the whole building.

    The mansion was much larger than he had ever pictured, the thought of him owning and living there was unreal. Sure, it was smaller and more simple compared to the others he had just seen, but the building was too much even for him.

    Wein studied the mansion from the window of the cab, the walls and compound were very secure and futuristic for a Victorian-era estate. The whole place had high-tech security systems on the sides that did not stand out too much and took away from the aesthetic.

    The area around was green and clean with not a hint of pollution compared to the city he had seen.

    The cab passed through a fountain with spring water in a Cal de sac and came to a stop in front of the mansion. The cab hovered for a while and then descended and lay on the ground, making a soft hum and then silence.

    The door slid open, Wein stepped out and marvelled once more at the mansion, there was no movement from the inside. The air was refreshing and pleasant to smell the fragrance of nature, a stark difference from what he was used to both off-world and during training.

    The driver pulled his suitcase up to him and handed it back to him.

    ¡°I apologise I don¡¯t have anything to give you,¡± said Wein, he realised he did not have money to give to himself.

    ¡°I was already paid, sir. Right I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    Wein nodded as the driver entered his cab started it up again and drove away.

    He was now alone once more staring at the massive house that would be his forever unless he sold it. Come to think of it he should be very rich now, compared to the average Trooper he was deployed for four whole years. He had to have gained a bonus.

    He couldn¡¯t wait to check it.

    Wein approached the mansion, when he reached a certain distance there was a light that appeared running up and down his face.

    ¡°Scanning¡­ please place your hand on the console and let your eyes be scanned¡± spoke a cold familiar voice. Wein could remember when he had first heard it, it was back when he woke up in the infirmary at the Baron¡¯s home.

    The cold voice belonged to none other than Astra.

    Wein complied.

    ¡°Scanning Successful. Welcome Lieutenant Wein Serin¡±

    The front doors suddenly slid open automatically and Wein approached, as he stepped inside, his footsteps echoed in the empty home. The interior was cold and sterile, its high ceiling and structure reminded him of the homes of the important people he once guarded as a Trooper.

    Truly this would be a life far different than he was accustomed to.

 A Nobles Gift

    Inside, Wein was met with a grand staircase that curved all the way to the upper floor. Its frame was made of stylish and glowing wood carved in intricate patterns by talented craftsmen.

    On either side of the room, plush velvet furniture was spread across the space, ranging from luxurious couches to small ornate tables. The d¨¦cor was further elevated by angular holographic interfaces embedded into the walls, their sci-fi elements disrupting the illusion of the purely Victorian-era world.

    "Welcome to your new home, sir"

    Astra''s voice broke Wein''s amazement, forcing him to turn his attention to her.

    "Astra, what are you doing here?"

    "I will be assisting you for the foreseeable future as your personal AI assistant."

    Wein was momentarily dazed, he had expected to be assigned an AI assistant, but not Astra. There were many AIs used in the galaxy, Astra was exclusively used by nobles and the highest elites of society.

    In fact, he was under the thought that Astra was reserved solely for the Baron, and he would be given a lesser tier AI. This was unexpected.

    "I will assist you in any services you might require, be it cooking, cleaning, and even act as your security detail."

    "Sorry¡­ I wasn''t expecting that. I thought you were only available to nobles."

    "You needn''t worry, this is a personal gift from the Baron."

    Wein was surprised. He had assumed his gift was limited to only the house, but it also extended to Astra.

    During his term as a Trooper, Wein had learned a great deal about the functions in the Empire and part of that was due to Astra.

    Astra was an AI that was far superior to any other AI in the Empire and perhaps even the whole galaxy. She was so advanced that it was virtually impossible to hack into the systems she governed over. Her intelligence allowed her to perform more advanced calculations and execute actions that would short circuit lesser AIs.

    At a command, Astra could oversee and regulate the systems of Velmora, ensuring stability and security in matter of security, whether it was governing economic infrastructures or managing vast networks of information with inhuman precision.

    The Astra AI model could enable even the most incompetent ruler the ability to govern over vast territories effortlessly, all while safeguarding and maintaining the systems of their territories.

    There were many AI models, but the Astra model was the best, and that was why nobles preferred her.

    Fortunately, the Astra models were independent from others, meaning one Astra could not infiltrate or override another Astra in another''s domain being restricted to a single lord. This limitation was embedded in their code as an immutable rule.

    "Thank you. Where is my room?"

    Wein realised he was still carrying his suitcase and wanted to find his room first.

    A soft beep sounded across the room.

    "The elevator will take you there."

    A door slid open, revealing the elevator. Unlike the cold, metallic elevators Wein had seen in the military and the command ships, this one had a homely touch. Its design blended seamlessly with the mansion''s aesthetic complete with plants and paintings in its interior.

    Wein steeped inside and it lifted him, while he listened as Astra continued her explanation of the mansion''s features.

    "There are only androids that I control within the estate. They will handle all your needs, including maintenance and meal preparation. Should you desire anything, arrangements can be made."

    Wein nodded as he admired the artistry on the walls and the technology that allowed Astra to project visuals of what she was talking about.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    When the doors opened, a long corridor stretched ahead, leading to an intricate set of doors with traditional handles an odd contrast to the sleek high tech interface panels surrounding them.

    Wein, still carrying his suitcase made his way forward.

    "Astra does this mansion have a pool?"

    "Yes. There is an indoor pool, which I believe will be very much to your liking."

    Reaching his room, Wein opened the doors. They swung open seamlessly, revealing the inside.

    The room, his new room was unlike anything he had expected. It felt almost like a hollowed-out shell devoid of any personal touches, but despite that he could tell it belonged to a wealthy man.

    Inside was a massive bed situated at the centre, its soft, sleek surface covered with pristine white sheets and maroon covers. There were large see-through curtains that extended from the ceiling that were tied neatly to the sides.

    The walls were made of polished dark stone, but what caught Wein attention was the ceiling. Upon closer inspection, it had some artificial mechanism that could project things.

    The entire room had that technology which gave Wein the idea that it was possible to change the view and style of the room at command, it was an intriguing feature though not his immediate concern.

    On one full side, there wall was replaced by massive technological windows that at a glance, Wein could tell their function. The windows were made of a durable material making them as secure as the walls.

    Additionally, the windows could also shift between transparent and the colour of the walls, providing either a scenic view or complete isolated privacy.

    Through the glass, Wein could see the large garden of his new estate, it was not anything too big nor fancy, but it was refined enough for a high society person. Outside the sun had begun setting on the horizon and Wein witnessed the golden glow lying on the manicured garden and fountain which was twice as big than the one in the front.

    At the far edge of the garden, the neighbouring property stretched wide. Wein suspected it belonged to another high-status individual.

    He set his suitcase down and wandered the room before stepping through the open glass doors onto the balcony. The view was breathtaking.

    Wein could see the city buildings in the far distance along with the sky vehicles doing their day''s work.

    On the other side, he could see the golden ocean gleaming under the glow of the setting sun.

    Silence filled in and Wein stood still basking in the fresh and tranquil atmosphere he felt. There were no roaring ships overhead. No distant hum of machinery and no chattering of the working class bustling about their lives.

    It was pure, undisturbed silence.

    This was the life.

    When it had become dark, Wein re-entered his room and began disrobing his uniform.

    "Astra I''d like to have the best food, you can make on short notice. I am starving, while I wait, I will be going for a swim. I assume I don''t need to buy groceries?"

    "I will prepare it for you, sir."

    Wein picked one of his shorts to put on. He took his uniform and found a wardrobe that was hidden within the walls. He stuffed all his military uniform neatly inside and the rest ''common clothes'' he just threw on top of the suitcase he had opened on his bed.

    There were other items inside, but Wein would deal with them later.

    After while in his shorts, he strolled through the mansion following the suggestions of Astra and arrived at the indoor swimming pool, which was far massive than he expected.

    The room was massive, almost as his room. Encasing it was glass which Wein could tell had the same technology as the wall in his room.

    Below the glass reflected a white solid surface but, on the sides, it reflected the outside world. It felt like Wein was swimming outdoors.

    He stood in front of the water and jumped in without hesitation and began stroking and swimming, to and from.

    The water was perfect, not too cold, not too warm.

    After a few minutes Wein resurfaced from the water, the wet liquid dripping down from his face with his long-wet hair sticking to his back. During his time in the army Wein had grown his hair, now it reached past his neck, but it was not too long to be a hindrance.

    He stood up at the edge of the pool, dripping wet. On the side, he saw some towels neatly stacked on a rack.

    He took one, dried himself and put on the slippers he came with, he then went to his room.

    "Astra, when will the food be done?"

    "It will be done in a moment sir, you can come to the dining room in the meantime, I have already prepared the setting."

    Back in his room, Wein refreshed changed into his simple clothes, a vest and a tracksuit. He made a mental note to buy more clothes when he got the chance.

    ¡­.

    The dining room was as big as he had expected, the table stretched across the whole room, covered with white expensive looking cloth. Eight chairs were spaced evenly, three on either side and one each at the end.

    The chairs much like the table were long and made of material that were reminiscent of what kings had in their dining halls.

    As Wein approached his seat, he noticed the first android assigned to serve him in the estate.

    It was grey, humanoid, and clad in a butler suit, though its design was simple. Its skeletal frame consisted of metal limbs covered with synthetic skin like material. The distinguishable feature was the oval head, which bore no facial details aside from a slightly darker grey indentation.

    On the back of its head, he read the words.

    ''RXT68''

    These were helper robots commonly employed by nobles and the wealthy across the galaxy who did not want sentient workers. The RXT was their model, sixty-eight was the unit number. It was currently carrying utensils and cleaning tools.

    Wein nodded at the work it did and went to sit at the edge of the table. Sitting there he couldn''t help but feel like a king.

 News, Wealth, and Crime

    ¡°Astra could you please turn on the news.¡±

    There was a brief silence, and then a projection sparked into life, its shimmering colours filling Wein¡¯s entire field of vision. After, the screen dispersed backward and then expanded, hovering in midair covering most of the room.

    Images began flooding in, the first being the emblem/crest of House Voss, and then there was the brand icon for one of the news channels popular in the Barony. The image filled the whole screen then was pushed to the left lower corner and words appeared from it:

    ¡®House Voss Remains Strong amidst the rising power of noble houses in the Empire.¡¯

    The voice of an anchor-woman cut through the silence, her tone was polished and captivating. She as he profession intended was the picture of professional while across her male cohost.

    ¡°Good evening, citizens of Velmora. We begin tonight¡¯s coverage with the summary of events that have unfolded over the past few days in the galaxy¡± she spoke while staring directly at the camera before her.

    ¡°Tensions continue to rise between the Celetrial Empire and the Republic of Independent Systems as various factions from the two continue to vie for control of the systems and planets ravaged in the war. The Barony under his lordship Nielson Voss has reissued its statement to maintaining its current territories and will refrain from the Empire¡¯s efforts in fighting for more land unless it is to aid suppressed civilians.¡±

    As the news anchor spoke, a series of holographic images appeared on the screen rotating above the headline. There were news clips that interjected once in a while showing soldiers armed from both the Empire¡¯s side and the Republic, ready for war.

    The clips even extended to the numerous fleets of ships belonging to the many nobles in the Empire and from the other side, diplomats of each side who were in high stakes heated negotiations and the systems that were the cause of this which had been ravaged by the war.

    ¡°This action by the Barony has been hailed throughout the galaxy as the ideal stance which the rest of the galaxy leaders should follow behind much more since it comes from the great House that saved the galaxy. Multiple star systems and group who refused to participate in this territorial war have hailed House Voss as a true noble House embodying the ideals of its ancestors.¡±

    Wein¡¯s interest was piqued.

    He knew all too well about House Voss¡¯s reputation in outside the Empire, House Voss was like the black sheep of the Empire. It had more authority that other houses didn¡¯t and governed differently from others, but the most shocking thing was its refusal to gain more land than it already had while being rightfully able to.

    House Voss sold the rights of the new territory it had liberated away to other houses and remained as small as they were. This action though complex painted the image of House Voss being a dignified house unseduced by power, choosing to remain unchanged.

    This boosted its reputation all over the galaxy spreading from the Empire and beyond. To add to what their role was in ending the Great War, House Voss was more revered even higher than noble houses higher than itself.

    ¡­

    The male anchor¡¯s voice interrupted Wein¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°In other news, the diplomatic relations between the Empire and the neighbouring Nova Confederacy have soured further. As alliances shift and more conflicts emerge, the Empire¡¯s resources are stretched thin. This latest conflict which is expected to escalate in the coming weeks has led to calls for increased vigilance in the defence of the Empire¡¯s borders.¡±

    The anchor continued, ¡°On other news the trade between¡­.¡±

    At that moment, a few androids carrying trays and trolleys with covered food strolled into the room in a single line. Wein¡¯s attention was split between them and the many trays of food they brought.

    Based in his observations the androids were of the same model as RXT68.

    Astra decreased the volume of the broadcast.

    ¡°Your dinner is ready sir,¡± she spoke.

    The androids neatly placed the bowls of food on the table before Wein then they uncovered them to a Wein who¡¯s mouth was beginning to water.

    The whole table was filled with different foods he had never seen before, but he could tell they would be very delicious.

    There were over five trays on his table and set before him were eating utensils, ranging from fork knife to chopsticks. There were also two wine glasses, one with water and the other empty but currently being filled with the best wine brand Wein knew by one of the androids.

    The aroma of the steamy meal caused Wein¡¯s stomach to grumble.

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    In his time in the military, he had never eaten anything so expensive looking. There, he only ate for sustenance and to get energy for his job. But now with the smell filling the room, it was so appealing.

    Wein was looking forward on trying all the best food the planet had to offer.

    After the androids were done, they excused themselves and lined up on the side waiting to take further orders.

    Wein began his feast, at first, he tried to mimic high society¡¯s etiquette, being careful and taking small bites but after some time he just devoured everything.

    The meat on the plates was ripped from its bone and drowned with the wine, which was refilled. Spoons of the tasty soup were scooped and drank like tea, everything drowning in his mouth until the table was devoid of food with just the remains and the dirty plates needing cleaning.

    Wein took a wiper and cleaned his face stroking his stomach and leaned back, he was full and wanting nothing more.

    ¡°That was great, thank you, Astra.¡±

    ¡­

    As he was picking his teeth Wein saw something on the news.

    Many graphs showing the crime statistics of Velmora and how order had been decreasing since the war were on full display.

    ¡°Astra, please raise the volume.¡±

    ¡°The crime epidemic has reached an all-time high, with almost all major cities of the planet having different criminal factions vying for control. Chaos is the only thing that awaits Velmora unless something can be done¡± said the news anchor.

    Wein found himself agreeing with her, even before he was a Trooper, crime was a problem, and the criminals had grown uncontrollable and brave in that time. He had wondered why the Baron had let something like this happen but after being in the military he came to understand Nielson just a bit.

    House Voss lost a lot during the Great War compared to most houses, it lost most of its military and had been severely weakened.

    At the current time, it was in the process of restrengthening its weakened forces, so it did not have too much time to deal with internal problems when the outside was ready to attack at any time.

    Additionally, the Baron had also lost a lot personally, because of that he was never the same.

    Wein understood better than the average civilian but even he wanted something to be done about the increased crime.

    He flicked his hand and turned off the projections then stood up, his full belly making it hard.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to bed. I¡¯m tired¡±

    As he left the table the androids began taking the plates away and cleaned the table back to what it was.

    ¡­

    While Wein was slowly walking through the hallways of the mansion, a thought came to him.

    ¡°Astra, you have access to almost everything about me, right? Can you tell me, my bank balance? I haven¡¯t even checked how much I have.¡±

    A faint blue light shimmered beside him, and projections of Wein¡¯s account details were revealed.

    -------------------------------------------------

    Personal and Service Profile

    Name: Wein Serin

    Rank: 5-star Trooper (Lieutenant)

    Age: 28

    Species: Human.

    Service: House Voss, Celetrial Empire

    Years in Service: 4

    Financial Data

    Balance: 240,000 Galactic Credits/ 24,000,000 V Units

    Income stream: 20,000 GC per year for 5 years [Reserve]

    Conversion Rate: 1 Voss Unit = 100 Galactic Credits

    Galactic Tier System: Tier 3 (Professional Class) + (Lieutenant 5-star Trooper)

    -------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Your current balance is 240, 000 Galactic Credits,¡± Astra spoke. ¡°This is from your four years of service as a Trooper and your recent promotion combined.¡±

    Wein was taken aback by the amount 240,000 GC was a large amount even for a Trooper. If he was smart, he could live wealthy for a long time even with that amount without the need to go back to duty.

    On Velmora it meant he was a multi-millionaire.

    With all that said, a line caught his attention from the projection.

    ¡°Astra what does Teir 3 mean on the tier system?¡±

    Astra proceeded to tell him about the purpose of the tier system.

    In the galaxy encompassing most star systems and planets, the Galactic Credits were the basis for trade, exchange, and basically it was the dominant currency. One¡¯s wealth was decided solely by how much GC one had and because of this, there were different tiers for people.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Tier 1: Worker Class

    Wealth Range: 0- 25,000 GC

    Privileges: Access to housing and rations provided by star system ruler. Access to public transport and healthcare. Limited savings capabilities with no investment opportunities. Tax rate 10%.

    Tier 2: Merchant Class

    Wealth Range:25,000-100,000 GC

    Privileges: Eligibility for small loans (max 40,000 GC). Access to more advanced savings accounts with minimal returns. Discounts on commercial licenses and small property purchases. Priority access to mid-level transport systems. Tax rate 8%.

    Tier 3: Professional Class

    Wealth Range: 100,000-250,000 GC

    Privileges: Eligibility for medium loans (max 150,000 GC). Investment options in the ruling star system-approved ventures ranging from trade routes, small starship companies, etc. semi-luxurious housing and healthcare packages. Access to personal transportation options. Invitations to local noble events. Tax rate 6%.

    Tier 4: Aristocrat Class

    Wealth Range: 250,000-1,000,000 GC

    Privileges: Eligibility to high loans (max 900,000 GC) with very small interest rates. Ownership of vast land, estates, and trade routes within local noble territory. Invitation to high society events. Access to high-security banking services and private personal AI assistants. Tax: 4%.

    Tier 5: Elite Class

    Wealth Range: 1,000,000-100,000,000 GC

    Privileges: Unlimited loan eligibility with no interest. Ownership of large-scale ventures e.g. mining colonies, star fleets, etc. Priority access to all services in the local noble territory. Access to elite real estate. Tax: 3.5%

    Tier 6: Titan Class

    Wealth Range: 100,000,000 GC +

    Privileges: Privileged access to the ruling star system, Senate membership and decision-making influence. Exclusive control over intergalactic trade networks. Personalised planetary/ large land estates equivalent to noble domains. Priority Access, even over nobles lower-rank, based on the star- ranking system (1-9). Private star fleet under the protection of the ruling star system for personal use. No taxation.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Wein was amazed by all the benefits that came with wealth, the rich could get richer if they tried but the poor only had enough to make ends meet. Still, it was a sturdy system that lasted years.

    In his case he was rich even for a Trooper, having stayed for consecutive four years after his deployment Wein qualified to be added on the Tier 3 rank. To add to that he was a Trooper which had advantages of itself, one being there was little to no taxing on Troopers.

    Wein new position in society placed him in a position of extreme comfort, he was content with life.

 The Baronéˆ¥æªš Departure

    After checking his wealth, Wein retreated to his room, which had already been sorted mostly by the androids that Astra controlled. Being too tired, he collapsed onto the large, empty bed and drifted into a deep sleep.

    ****

    Somewhere in Velmora.

    A door hissed open, and a man dressed in full black entered. The room was silent, save for the low hum of machinery and the cool appliances.

    "Good evening, Mr Merlin. The Baron is still asleep" Astra''s voice echoed as she appeared in front of him. The AI''s holographic form flickered slightly before stabilizing.

    Eric, Baron Nielson''s assistant, nodded, his gaze settling before a large pod placed at the centre of the room. Many machines were connected with it as multiple wires converged at its position. There was a huge glass dome covering it where inside was someone lying in.

    "Please, inform his lordship that Wein Serin has returned and that everything is set" spoke Eric.

    "His lordship has already been made aware of that" replied Astra. Eric showed no reaction remaining unreadable. "He is ready for the trip to the Imperial Capital."

    "Please confirm the readiness of the transport fleet," Eric spoke.

    "The fleet has also been notified and is awaiting the Baron''s arrival" confirmed Astra.

    Eric nodded, his eyes fixed on the interface on the console that showed the Baron''s vitals. "Good. Then we are ready"

    There was silence for a moment and then a sharp hiss came from the capsule. The capsule then suddenly opened, and Nielson emerged, old, and sickly. Eric grabbed the robes that were close by and helped him up.

    "Be careful, my lord" he cautioned.

    "The time has come" murmured Nielson. His voice was weak and strained, he had difficulty in breathing. To add to that his body was also weakened and on the verge of death.

    Eric the ever-loyal assistant helped him to a nearby advanced wheelchair. After Nielson was seated Eric took control and drove him out of the room. The hallway was eerily silent with the only presence being the two men and the ever-present Astra.

    "So¡­ how is he?" asked Nielson after a moment.

    "Don''t strain yourself my lord" advised Eric.

    "Ay¡­ tell me."

    Eric hesitated before replying. "Mr Wein has come a long way, my lord. The military reports say he is one of the best they have ever had."

    "That is good, he has to be that competent. Everything I wanted has been arranged, correct?"

    "Yes, my lord" replied Eric. He seemed to be bothered about something while Nielson spoke. Finally, he spoke. "My lord, if I may ask why him out of all people? There are many who are more qualified¡­"

    Nielson raised his hand to interrupt the rambling.

    "Enough¡­ I have my reasons."

    "Yes, forgive me, my lord."

    The two went through a series of pathways and elevators until they reached the ship''s docking area. At the centre was a more sophisticated ship, better than the Transporter, bigger and refined. Its ramp extended with a soft mechanical hiss, the polished metal exterior gleaming under the hanger lights.

    The sleek vessel bore the unmistakable insignia of House Voss emblazoned prominently on the sides. The colours of the insignia complemented the grey signature colour of the ship being elegant and prestige as its owner.

    Nielson who was now clad in a tailored dark coat with the insignia on the side of his chest strode forward to the ship with measured confidence. On his hand was a staff that aided him and with his attire, he commanded respect.

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    His long slow strides exuded authority that were evident even with his weakened state bringing awe from all those who saw him. Behind him, a small group of attendants followed closely behind, each bowing their heads in respect led by the assistant Eric. They were careful in their walk so as to not get too close to the Baron nor be left behind.

    Inside the ship, the entrance was different from the normal ships, it was clean and orderly. They passed through the entrance and entered the main chamber which was a marvel of luxury befitting a Baron.

    Gleaming metallic walls were softened by dark wood and fine metal compounds perfectly fused to the wood. A long table dominated the room, its surface embedded with holographic displays of important and real-time data. The air inside was cool and crips, scented faintly with a refreshing smell common to high-class vessels.

    Nielson and the attendants settled in the ship from which a holographic projection of a female figure appeared on the side.

    It did not startle anyone rather it was expected.

    "I will be piloting the Voltron-5 " spoke the figure who turned out to be Astra.

    "Thank you, Astra," Nielson gave a slight nod, his hand on his metallic staff serving as a walking cane. "Notify me, when we have joined the fleet and are ready for the journey."

    "As you command, master" Astra flickered and disappeared.

    The Voltron-5 was more than a transport ship, it was a big and luxurious ship only reserved for the truly wealthy.

    Being big it had enough space to carry multiple people and had other capabilities including combat and the ability to perform hyperjumps.

    Inside his private quarters, Neilson settled in, his room equipped with comfortable seats and a small table. There were other services available to pass the time, like stacks of magazines.

    Besides him Eric stood to keep him company, he knew the Baron hated long travel.

    Fortunately, the ship did not stay for long, Astra closed the doors and launched the ship into the night sky. Then in an instant the Voltron-5 zoomed out the planet''s atmosphere heading outer space at a great speed. Inside the passengers could not feel this and remained relatively stable, a perk of such a ship.

    The ship flew higher and higher exiting the atmosphere and then went forward into space. There was smooth sailing from then on and the ship soared through the space, behind were two pairs of fighter ships serving as escorts and guards for the Voltron-5.

    Eric standing was reviewing data on his handheld pad to Nielson.

    "The escort fleet consists of six vessels: there is one Command ship, two Destroyers, and three Frigates. All have been outfitted with the latest defensive and offensive technologies in case an incident occurs. The route to the capital has been scouted prior and we are prepared to respond for any situation."

    Nielson gave a slight nod and reclined to rest on his seat.

    The escort fleet came into view as the ship got closer. The first visible structure was the Command ship, a behemoth of engineering mastery. It loomed at the centre dwarfing the other five vessels.

    The ship was circular at the rear with the front extending forward to become a flattened structure. Its smooth sides gleamed under the starlight like polished obsidian.

    On either side were the two Destroyers which were smaller than the Command ship but were behemoths themselves. They were symmetrical warships designed to withstand heavy engagements.

    The final were the three Frigates one in front of the Command ship and the two others positioned at the rear end. Though they were the smallest, they were fast and had firepower of themselves.

    The Frigates were unique in structure, they were elongated vessels like shortened needles.

    They had a circular rear while the front stretched for some distance as a result for that they were more agile and faster than the larger ships. This build made them ideal for rapid response and precision manoeuvres.

    ¡­

    The Voltron-5 approached the fleet, and they could see swarms of fighter ships deployed to patrol the area. They received the Voltron-5 and guided it towards the Command ship.

    Inside a lever hooked them firm into the ship and brought them to a different platform reserved for special people.

    As the Voltron was being moved a projection appeared in front of Nielson of a middle-aged woman with sharp features and uniform of House Voss''s personal fleet, who was also the captain of the Command ship, Captain Levara.

    "Greetings my lord" she spoke respectfully, saluting and all.

    "Captain Levara," Neilson acknowledged her, inclining his head slightly. "I trust we can get going now."

    The captain eased up.

    "Yes, my lord. The fleet is ready for the journey to the Imperial Capital."

    ¡­

    The ship''s engines rumbled softly as it moved into formation, and the fleet began its steady course toward the Capital.

    The smaller ships slowly returned to the bigger vessels, the escort would have to undergo a synchronised Hyperdrive if they wanted to get the Capital quickly and it was recommended that there be few ships as possible so not to get lost.

    After a few minutes, in a coordinated unison the ships accelerated and then in a blink of an eye they were gone.

    Having entered Hyperdrive they had exited the system.

    *****

    Wein yawned as he woke up, stretching lazily feeling refreshed. It had been one of the best sleeps he had in his entire life. He stretched his arms looking over the room, it was dark besides the thin ray of light that shone through the glass window.

    He rose up from his bed, on the side were slippers from last night and a robe for him to wear. He put it on and got ready for his morning.

    "Good morning, sir, it is 06:00" Astra''s voice greeted him.

    Wein was reminded that back in the army he would already be awake at that time, it had become a habit, but he didn''t have to anymore.

    "The weather today is promising, there will be sunlight all day long" added Astra.

    Wein went to the bathroom and freshened up. After a quick shower, he decided to do something familiar, for old times'' sake, a jog.