《The Flame Trooper: A Star Wars Fanfiction》 Chapter 1: The Birth of a Trooper In a Galaxy, Far, Far, away¡­ Blam! A bright light suddenly blinded Desmond Balincore, a young man who had just graduated from Harvard. Dez was not expecting this bright light; the surprise it gave him was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Then, without warning, a loud sound, louder than a freight train, filled his ears. His sight and vision were now both being overstimulated. He couldn¡¯t hear, and he couldn¡¯t see. After a few more moments, the light faded, and the sounds stopped. His emerald green eyes began to adjust and give Dez his vision back. He was shocked when he rubbed his eyes as if cleaning one of his historical relics. It wasn¡¯t what he saw that shocked him; it was just a normal forest. It was what he didn¡¯t see that caused him uneasiness. ¡°Where the hell is the street?¡± He said, in great surprise. There was no street, only a forest that was not there before. ¡°Where¡­ is everyone?¡± There was no one, the crowded city street, with people crossing the road on their way to work, was nowhere to be seen. There was only this forest. He could not believe his eyes. One second, he was walking to his part-time job at a local Restaurant, and now, he was in a forest. ¡°This isn¡¯t good. I¡¯m going to be late for work!¡± he panicked. ¡°My boss is going to fire me!¡± As he panicked about his current situation, he began to hear another noise. It wasn¡¯t as loud as the one he had heard before, but he recognized the sound. The noise was unmistakable, definitely, something he was well acquainted with. Dez¡¯s assumption became more obvious as the sound grew larger. It got louder and louder, then he saw it. A Tie Fighter, its beautiful muted blue color races over the tree cover. Instincts took over, and he ran after the flying death machine. He became more and more excited about what he was chasing after, even though he knew this wasn¡¯t possible. How could it be a Tie Fighter? He thought it might have been a plane dressed in a cardboard costume, or maybe it was a real Tie. He wasn¡¯t sure at first, but after a moment of his brain putting two and two together, he realized he could be in Star Wars. As he ran through the woods, the sound got quieter and quieter. Then it completely disappeared, and he stopped to catch his breath. ¡°I¡­ cough¡­ I don''t think I¡¯ve run like this since High School!¡± He was out of breath. Sweat or moisture, he didn¡¯t know which was running down his face. The forest was very humid but also cool. He sat down on the forest floor. ¡°Ahh, maybe I should come up with a plan.¡± He took out his cell phone, but there was no service. ¡°That''s just great!¡± He said, not in the best of moods. ¡°Where the hell am I!!¡± He yelled, not knowing anything about his situation, which is something that annoys him greatly. He sat up, ¡°That tie or plane¡­ whatever, was headed in that direction.¡± He pointed in the direction he last heard the monstrous roar of the Tie Fighter. He started walking in that direction, going at a pace he knew would get him the furthest. He walked and walked¡ªit seemed like he walked for miles. The humid and heavy air of the forest did not help Dez as he hiked up and down hills or around gigantic rotting trees that had fallen to the floor. ¡°This place is¡­ massive,¡± he said tiredly. It might get dark soon. What am I going to do?¡± He continued his hike til the sun began to set. When it finally did get dark he didn¡¯t know what to do. He couldn¡¯t make a fire, so he found a tree and sat under it. The night was brutal, the temperature dropped and he experienced a pain and misery he had not ever hoped he would. The cold seemed to lurk deep into his body, the humid air and periodic rain only made this worse. He wasn¡¯t sure if he would survive the night. Eventually, the morning came and he stood up. He did not get any sleep, now, he was more of a walking husk of the man he was yesterday. He mindlessly walked, the temperature did not improve even when the sun came up. He shivered while wildlife he had never seen before thrived. Birds with huge red gulls swooped around him happily and without worry. Somehow they knew Desmod was barely alive, and would be unable to catch them. Those birds seemed to mock him, laughing at his weakness and misery. The birds soon abandoned him after losing interest in bullying him. Desmond walked further and further, he did not stop. Soon, it began to get dark again. He just stopped walking and fell to the floor, once he could no longer see. No moon lit the night sky. As the sun rose once again, Desmond did not get up. He couldn¡¯t, he was barely alive. The cold had returned that night and seemed to be harsher than the one before.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°... why,¡± he whispered, ¡°why is this happening to¡­ me¡­ what did I¡­ ever do¡­ cough, to deserve this?¡± He then lost consciousness. ¡­ Desmond''s eyes began to open slowly. His senses also began to reawaken as he did. ¡°Ah, Good Morning Patient. I am SM-32, a medical droid tasked with resuscitating you. How do you feel?¡± Asked a droid standing in front of the bed Dez was now lying in. As a heart monitor beeped, Desmond responded, weakly, but clearly. ¡°I¡­ am alright. Where¡­ am I?¡± The droid responded, ¡°You are in the Medical Bay of Imperial Outpost OR54. Can you please tell me your name?¡± Desmond sat up, slowly. ¡°My name is Desmond Balincore, what do you mean¡­ Imperial?¡± ¡°Ah, I see your memory must be incomplete. Allow me to rephrase. I am a part of the Galactic Empire, founded by The Great Emperor Palpatine 60 years ago.¡± Desmond was confused. His current condition didn¡¯t help. What did the droid mean 60 years ago? The Empire only lasted 30 years in the movies, not 60 years. The droid spoke again, ¡°Since your condition has improved, I will contact my commanding officer. Please stay here until I return.¡± The droid set its datapad down on Desmond''s bed and left the room. ¡°What did he mean by 60 years? Did the rebellion not win?¡± He sat up more and leaned over to pick up the data pad. ¡°How¡­ Do I read this?¡± Desmond could not read the information on the pad. He sat the pad down and laid his head on his pillow. He sat there, about to fall back asleep. It had felt like a while since he had experienced any warmth. ¡°Shhhk,¡± the door suddenly opened. The medical droid and an old man dressed in an Imperial Uniform entered the room and the door shut behind them. The Imperial Officer marched closer to the bed and leaned over to pick up the data pad. ¡°So, you¡¯re alive.¡± He said, reading the data pad. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure you¡¯d make it when one of my scouts brought you in.¡± ¡°Um, where am I?¡± Asked Dez, he sat up again, leaving the warmth and entering a cool air mass above him. ¡°You¡¯re in Imperial Outpost OR54¡­ on the planet Frallo, in the outer rim.¡± The Officer clarified. ¡°Oh, um, who¡­ are you?¡± Asked Dez. ¡°I believe I¡¯m supposed to ask you that.¡± Replied the Officer, setting down the data pad and folding his hands behind his back. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I know my name, but, any more than that and it''s kind of fuzzy.¡± Said Desmond, trying to hide his true story. ¡°I see.¡± He looked to the Medical Droid, ¡°Droid, is memory loss possible, given his condition?¡± The droid thought for a moment, little lights in his head turned on and off as the Droid searched through billions of files on memory loss caused by freezing temperatures. ¡°Yes, it is highly likely that the bellow freezing temperatures of Frallo and malnutrition caused this man to lose his memories. I¡¯m not sure if the damage is treatable or not.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± He looks over to me. ¡°We will assume that you¡¯ve lost your memories¡­ for now¡­ My name is Litentiut Commander Alamon. Since you don¡¯t have any identification on you, why don¡¯t you join the Empire?¡± He asked. ¡°Join the Empire?¡± Asked Desmond, both confusion and thankfulness filled his head. Maybe the Empire wasn¡¯t as evil as the movies made them out to be. ¡°Of course, if you don¡¯t want to join the Empire, you are free to leave. Just know that the nearest sign of civilization is 100 klicks from us. I doubt you¡¯d survive another night.¡± Replied the Officer. ¡°If you do decide to join, I¡¯ll train you myself, you see, we need a new Flame Trooper, our last one was killed in a speeder accident.¡± He said. The droid spoke up, ¡°Leitunent Commander? It was not a speeder accident, the fuel system on his pack leaked, and-¡± The commander stopped the droid with a death stare that even an emotionless droid could perceive. ¡°It was an accident nonetheless,¡± the Commander said, ¡°Well, Desmond Balincore, want to join the Empire or do you want to freeze to death?¡± ¡°Um, I¡¯ll join The Empire, I¡¯m not stupid, and I guess the Empire did save me, so how could I refuse your request,¡± Desmond replied, a small smile forming on his mouth. ¡°Good, do you have any questions about the Empire?¡± Asked The Officer. Desmond spoke up, ¡°What''s the pay like?¡± ¡°At first it''s terrible, but as you rise in the ranks, it gets better. If you have the skill, anyone can become high-ranking in the Empire.¡± ¡°I see¡­ is Healthcare covered?¡± ¡°Only at Imperial Medical Facilities, so yes.¡± ¡°How about time off?¡± ¡°Depends, here we mostly just sit around and play Sabak.¡± ¡°How about retirement?¡± ¡°The Empire has one of the best retirement plans in the history of the Galaxy.¡± ¡°After careful consideration, I¡¯ve decided to accept your invitation to the Empire.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it,¡± He turned to the Droid, ¡°Get him registered, and make him a new ID, we don¡¯t want him getting arrested at any naval ports.¡± The droid replied, ¡°Yes Commander, I will enlist him into the Stormtroopre Core.¡± ¡°Good,¡± The Commander looked to me, ¡°Training starts tomorrow morning, please recover until then.¡± ¡°Alright, thank you for the opportunity!¡± Dez replied happily. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re welcome." The Commander smiled. For all to see. Chapter 2 Desmond was sound asleep. The cold had no longer cursed him, he was healed and basking in the love of the warmth. A new appreciation for heat had been imparted to Dez¡¯s soul. Never again would he take the warmth for granted. The door to the medical bay swung open, and the bright lights turned on and blinded Desmond as he tried to cover his eyes. But he was too late, his eyes were now searing in momentary pain. ¡°Rise and shine cadet!¡± Announced the Commander, his Imperial Uniform in top condition, as if it was the last thing the Commander''s Grandfather ever gave him. Desmond was still glued to the medical bed. The Commander''s face grew a little red, anger bubbling its way up to the surface, about to explode. ¡°Cadet Desmond! Get your lazy ass out of bed! Your training starts today!¡± The Commander yelled. Desmond, still half asleep said, ¡°Would you shut up.. fucking alarm?¡± Silence¡­ ¡°What was that Cadet?¡± Asked the Commander in the softest voice possible for an old man like him. ¡°Do you want five more minutes?¡± Desmond, a gentle smile now on his face, ¡°Yes, I would love five more minutes!¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be back in five minutes.¡± Three Hours Later Desmond was staring at the ceiling for the past hour or so, just thinking. ¡°I thought he was coming back in five minutes?¡± He whispered. Desmond had enough, he got out of bed and wandered to the door. He was about to press the button on the panel before he realized something important. He was wearing nothing but a hospital gown. His cheeks were showing and he simply could not meet another person looking like that. Dez looked around the room, searching for any clothes. There was nothing. ¡°Ah, I see your game.¡± Said Desmond, realizing that this was his punishment for not following the Commander''s orders. ¡°Let''s get this over with,¡± he sighed. He opened the door, and as it swung open, the Commander, along with about 50 Stormtroopers and Officers stood in front of the door. All in formation. As the Commander realized the Medical bay door finally opened, his blank face grew into a smile. He slowly opened his mouth¡­ ¡°Two hours.. forty-two minutes¡­ and fifty-six seconds¡­¡± The Commander said. Desmond raised his hand and waved to the fully armored garrison that stood in front of him, the white helmets and uniforms seemed to fill up the room and the hall beyond. There was a pretty good chance that every person in the base was in front of him. The Commander waved back to Desmond. ¡°How was your beauty sleep?¡± Desmond froze, thinking of something to say. ¡°Well?¡± Asked an Officer standing behind the Commander. ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting here for three fucking hours, you damn retard!¡± ¡°Shit,¡± thought Desmond, he had just pissed off the entire base. Desmond spoke, ¡°What''s for breakfast?¡± The Commander let out a momentary chuckle, he lived for this stuff. The Commander threw a silver packet to Desmond. ¡°There, you can eat this.¡± The Commander turned to the base personnel. ¡°Go on, you have your duties for today. Captain Frisken, please wait here.¡± The Stormtrooper and Officers all vacated the area, all pissed off at the newbie. Only the Commander and a Stormtrooper Captain remained. The Captain wore the signature orange shoulder piece, had a blaster on his hip, and wore a leg cape. His armor was scratched up and a dry mud covered the lower half of the armor. Desmond spoke up, ¡°So, training starts today?¡± ¡°Yes, it starts today, Captain Frisken will oversee your initial stormtrooper training.¡± The Commander replied. The Captain let out a sigh, though the microphones in his suit barely picked it up. Another trooper approached the group, carrying a white box, probably the size of a large suitcase. ¡°Here you are, Commander.¡± The Trooper saluted. ¡°Good job TK-1801, you may return to your duties.¡± Replied the Commander, saluting the trooper. With a nod, the trooper left. ¡°This is your Stormtrooper Armor and E-11 blaster rifle. Captain Frisken will teach you everything you need to know about them. If you can master the Stormtrooper Armor and its weapon, I¡¯ll move you up to Flame Trooper. Think you can handle it?¡± ¡°Yeah, how hard can it be?¡± Replied Desmond. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°That''s the spirit, oh, here is your Imperial TK number and identification, along with an Imperial Checking Account, you¡¯ll get your pay every two standard weeks.¡± Desmond took the chip and card from the Commander. ¡°Thanks, when do we start?¡± He looked to the Captain. ¡°Right fucking now!¡± He yelled, ¡°Put your damn armor on! You have ten fucking minutes!!¡± ¡­ Desmond looked in glee at the Stormtrooper armor, the nerd in him came racing to the wheel. ¡°This is awesome.¡± He said. He picked up the instruction manual, thankfully it was a diagram and not a worded instruction. First, he put the black undersuit on, it was similar to a scuba diver suit. Then he put on the socks, the boots, and the leg armor. Next were the knees codpiece and utility belt. He put on the chest plate and then the arm armor. Lastly, he put on the shoulder plates, gloves, and Helmet. As he put the Helmet on, it spoke to him. ¡°Designate your TK number,¡± It said in a female robotic voice. ¡°One moment.¡± he leaned over to the bed where he placed the chip and card. The card had his Imperial checking account information and the chip had his TK number. ¡°Here it is¡­¡± he looked at the chip and read its contents, ¡°TK-2165.¡± ¡°Registering TK-2165 to Storm Trooper Armor¡­ Registering successful, unlocking visor and wrist pad functions. Please create a verbal password for unlocking armor functions.¡± Desmond thought for a moment, he wasn¡¯t great with passwords. ¡°For the Empire!¡± He said. ¡°Password accepted.¡± Desmond picked up his E-11 and closed the box, dragging it along with him. He opened the door, Captain Frisken was standing there waiting for him. ¡°Cutting it close rookie.¡± The Captain pointed to his wrist pad. ¡°Sorry,¡± said Desmond, the Helmet speakers jittering his voice due to not being properly calibrated. ¡°Whatever, let''s get you a bunk.¡± The Captain started to march away. Desmond followed. ¡­ They entered a new hall, along this hall, there were dozens of doors. Troopers entered and left in their casual uniforms. This was the crew quarters. The Captain led Desmond to a room, the door slid open and inside Desmond could see two other troopers, wearing red shoulder guards, watching a broadcast on the Holonet. They stood once they saw their captain, then they saluted. They also wore casual uniforms. Captain Frisken spoke up, ¡°This is TK-2165, he will be TK-2586¡¯s replacement.¡± One of the troopers looked over to Dez, ¡°Is that the prick who made us wait in front of the Medical Bay for three hours?¡± ¡°Indeed, sigh, go easy on him, he¡¯s got the Commander''s promise for training.¡± Replied Captain Frisken. ¡°Ah, I see, Mr. Bigshot here is special. That''s some nice shiny armor too.¡± The Trooper stood up and walked over to Desmond. ¡°How about a trade? My dirty armor for your clean armor.¡± ¡°No thanks, you can keep your armor.¡± Replied Desmond. ¡°What did you say, little brat?¡± The Trooper shoved Desmond to the wall, Dez fell back slightly and got in the troopers face. The two armor-clad troopers looked into their opponent''s eye holes in their helmets. Both not saying a word, trying to intimidate the other. A few moments of this passed, and then the Trooper still inside the room started to burst with laughter. ¡°Hahahaha, we really got you, hahaha!!¡± The Trooper in Dez¡¯s face also started laughing, then the Captain started as well. Soon every trooper in the halls was laughing and smirking. The Captain then spoke up, ¡°You¡­ you actually thought we all hated you,¡± he knelt down, laughing hysterically. ¡°We got out of the morning run thanks to you.¡± The Trooper still in Dez¡¯s face paused his laughter as well, ¡°You¡¯re alright in our eyes¡­ hahaha, just don¡¯t tell the Commander, he¡¯ll go berserk if he knew. Desmond was still a bit confused, then it all made sense in an instant. Once he realized that the base personnel didn¡¯t hate him, he palmed his forehead, hitting the top of his helmet. Come on in, have a seat. Desmond nodded and walked into the Quarters. They all sat down in chairs pointed toward the Holonet broadcast. One of the troopers paused the hologram and initiated the group in conversation. ¡°My name is Goran and the guy who just shoved you to the wall is Corel.¡± Captain Frisken spoke, ¡°These are my Squad Leaders, I oversee them, they oversee four other troopers each.¡± Corel nodded, taking off his helmet, his face was pale, he hadn¡¯t seen the sun for a while. A giant scar also jetted down his upper cheek and down to his chin. Atop his head was not a single strand of hair, bald as can be. Goran then also took off his helmet, took Desmond''s hand, and gave it a firm shake. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± Goran, on the other hand, was not bald. His hair was long and blond, no scars on his face. He also looked a little younger than Corel. Captain Frisken kept his helmet on. ¡°I¡¯m not taking mine off, I¡¯m still on duty.¡± ¡°Sure Capt¡¯n,¡± joked Goran. Finally, Desmond took off his helmet. He was the youngest of them. His hair was longish and brunette. ¡°Desmond, it¡¯s great to be here.¡± They had a conversation for a few moments before there was a knock on the door. Captain Frisken stood up, Corel and Goran put their helmets on, and Desmond mimicked the Squad leader''s Actions, putting his helmet on quickly. ¡°Lieutenant, how may I help you.¡± Asked Captain Frisken, it seems he didn¡¯t know her name, just her rank, indicated by her uniform. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s right in here, I can give it to him.¡± Replied the Captain. ¡°Here you are. This is a confidential message only for you.¡± She gave the data pad to Dez, who kind of just sat there frozen. Corel moved his hand over Dez¡¯s helmet, checking to see if he fell asleep. Desmond snappend out of it with a slight shake of his head. ¡°Oh my, Dez, are you okay?¡± Asked Goran, in a joking tone. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m fine, thank you.¡± He took the data pad from the Lieutenant and began to use his helmet''s text to speech function to read the information. ¡°Hello, Desmond, I have a proposition for you. The lovely lady in front of you is, fresh out of the Imperial Academy, Lieutenant Rennia. Shes by far the most attractive girl on this base, if you can finish Stormtrooper basic training, get Captain Friskens recommendation for the rank of Captain, finish Flame Trooper training, and pass the ISTFTO (Imperial Standard Test For Troopers and Officers), in two weeks, I¡¯ll assign Rennia as your subordinate officer (basically a secretary/2nd in command). Of course, you¡¯ll have to do the rest¡­ if you know what I mean?¡± The text to speech stopped and Desmond looked up. ¡°You¡¯re answer?¡± Asked Lieutenant Rennia. Desmond paused for a second before answering, ¡°Tell the commander I agree to his little bet.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± she leaned up, took the data pad, and walked out the door. Before she left the room, she looked down to the pad, reading its contents which should have been gone by now, if Desmond knew how to use a data pad. After reading it, she exited the room. Before the door closed, she turned to Desmond. ¡°Good luck,¡± she said, red as a cherry. The door closed, and Desmond had three Stormtroopers turn to him, about to berate him with curiosity. Determination for Termination Chapter 3 ¡°What a hot chick,¡± sighed Captain Frisken, ¡°So, what was that message, Dez?¡± He sat back down. The other troopers, also interested, began to prod Dez about it. At first he resisted, but after a campaign of questions, he finally snapped. He told the troopers the contents of the message. ¡°Those are some pretty high expectations.¡± Said Captain Frisken, ¡°Completing Storm and Flame Trooper training, passing the ISTFTO, and getting my recommendation. That''s no easy task.¡± ¡°But, it is possible, Stormtrooper training is only three 2 hour courses with a test at the end, Flametrooper training is two 2 hour courses and the certification, the ISTFTO is really just an intellect test, and that recommendation is already in the bag, no?¡± Corel said, as he looked at Captain Frisken. Captain Frisken replied with, ¡°Yeah, of course,¡± looks to Desmond, ¡°anything to help a friend get a crazy girl like that Lieutenant.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± Desmond was in shock, so much was happening in that moment, he just made three lifelong friends, made a bet with the Commander, and got a recommendation for the rank of Captain. ¡°Well, let''s get started with Stormtrooper training!¡± Captain Frisken stood up and motioned for Desmond to follow. They exited the small room and made their way through the halls. At the end of their trek through the base, Captain Frisken stopped at a door, opened it and led Desmond into the room. Inside was a few tables, some desks, a shooting range, and a holo projector in the center of it all. ¡°This is our training and testing room, here I will teach you everything about being a stormtrooper. Let''s get started.¡± ¡­ 10 Days Later ¡°Desmond, this is it, our last day of Flame Trooper training, I am truly impressed, not only did you complete the ISTFTO with a great score, you also got Captain Friskens recommendation for the rank of Captain. I don¡¯t know how you¡¯ve managed this, but I¡¯m impressed.¡± Said Commander Alamon, a white armor box behind him. ¡°Thank you sir!¡± Desmond was extremely proud of this accomplishment. Apparently his ISTFTO score was a big deal, but it wasn¡¯t that hard. The only questions he got wrong were the questions that were asked for pre Republic history, he didn¡¯t know anything about the Old Republic or Sith Empire. Stormtrooper training was a breeze, it consisted of fire arm training, military etiquette, and security protocols. Nothing hard at all. Flame trooper training was just learning how to use a flamethrower, fire control, and safety. The only thing Dez found annoying was how much Commander Alamon talked about the greatness of the Flame Trooper. After a bunch of that, Desmond started to get a little cocky about his new position, but nothing extreme. Being a Flame Trooper consists of a few things: Burning obstacles, light scout work, and having the guts to keep the flames hurling at your enemies, before they shoot back. A Flame Trooper is really just an over-decorated Stormtrooper. ¡°Now, Desmond, you¡¯re finally ready, however, before I can give you this armor, you have to¡­ kill.¡± The Commander patted the armor box. ¡°Bring the prisoner!¡± He yelled. A door behind the Commander opened and two troopers dragged out a man bound in shackles. He wore a yellow jumpsuit, and had a serial number on his back. A criminal. The two troopers threw the criminal to the floor, then they set a dagger next to him.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°These troopers and myself will leave this room, and unlock the prisoners'' shackles, you will be locked in here until you burn this¡­ man.¡± He said, not sure if the criminal was a man. ¡°He¡¯s a murderer and an evil person, you¡¯d be doing the galaxy a favor. If you can¡¯t kill the prisoner, he will kill you, then we will kill him. Either way, the Prisoner dies. Do you have the guts?¡± Asked the Commander, he then backed away towards the door, the troopers following him. ¡°Good Luck, TK-2165.¡± The door suddenly shut, and now Desmond and the Criminal were all who remained inside the room. Then, the prisoners'' shackles unlocked and fell to the floor. The criminal''s blank face then immediately went into a crazed smile and wide eye stare. Desmond was unprepared, he didn¡¯t know if he could do it¡­ ¡°It¡¯s either me or you.¡± Desmond said, though the Prisoner could not hear his words, he said them just soft enough for just him to hear. The criminal ran for the dagger, picked it up and started running to Desmond. But, he would not make it. The veracity of flames shot out of the Flamethrower, it covered the entire half of the room in a fiery ball of death and pure destruction. The criminal yelled in agony, falling to the floor, Desmond kept it up, not straying from his path. He got closer and closer to the immobilized criminal. It was as if the fires of hell had been tamed by Desmond, he showed no fear in the face of the enemy. Inside a control room, just next to the training room where Desmond was, Commander Alamon and the two troopers watched the live feed in terror. They had never seen someone so merciless. Desmond kept the flames going for what felt like an eternity. ¡°Commander, the Prisoner''s vitals have flatlined, should we stop¨C¡± ¡°No¡­¡± interrupted the Commander, ¡°He needs to do this.¡± The Commander folded his hands behind his back and stared into the glutinous flames beyond the glimmering screen. ¡°He needs to do this.¡± ¡­ Desmond sat in his room, the Flame Trooper Armor sitting out in front of him. Captain Frisken, Corel, and Garon stood there with him, looking down at the beautiful Flame Trooper Armor, with an orange pauldron attached to the shoulder, giving him the rank of Captain. ¡°Congratulations Captain Desmond.¡± Captain Frisken said, I¡¯m¡­ we''re all impressed by you.¡± ¡°Thank you Captain, couldn¡¯t have done it without you.¡± Desmond replied. ¡°Sure thing.¡± ¡°Well, try it on already.¡± Corel said, holding the Flame Thrower, as if to use it. ¡°I want to see that beautiful armor moving around.¡± ¡°Alright, alright, get out, I¡¯ll put it on since you¡¯re all so desperate to see it.¡± Desmond said, motioning for the three to leave. They left, and Desmond was left to his own. He sat in silence, staring at the Flame Trooper armor. Its polished surface reflected the dim light of the room, a constant reminder of what he had just done. His hands trembled as he ran his fingers along the edges of the pauldron. His mind replayed the moment¡ªthe searing flames, the screams, the silence that followed. He clenched his fists. ¡°This is what it takes,¡± he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the pounding in his chest. He closed his eyes, but the memory was already burned into his mind, as vivid as the flames themselves. ¡°What choice did I have?¡± he thought. ¡°It was me or him.¡± This galaxy isn¡¯t kind. The weak don¡¯t survive. This isn¡¯t the movies. If I want to make something of myself, if I want to be someone, I can¡¯t hesitate. I can¡¯t let doubt hold me back. His thoughts raced, conflicting emotions tearing at him. The old Desmond would have flinched, maybe even walked away from the challenge, but not anymore. That moment¡ªhis first kill¡ªwas a point of no return. He stood and looked at himself in the reflection of the armor¡¯s polished chest plate. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken the first step,¡± he said, his voice growing steadier. ¡°I¡¯ve proven I can do what it takes. If I can survive that, I can survive anything. If I have to burn down every obstacle in my path to thrive, so be it. I won¡¯t go back. I won¡¯t suffer like I did those cold nights. Never again.¡± Desmond¡¯s trembling stopped, replaced by a cold determination. He reached for the armor and began to don each piece with purpose. The weight of it felt different now¡ªless like a burden and more like a symbol of the man he was becoming. As he grabbed the final piece, the helmet, he paused. He looked at it, the visor staring back at him like the soulless eyes of his enemy. He knew what this armor represented: power, control, and the strength to shape his own destiny. Desmond placed the helmet on his head. The world around him became quieter, more focused. The helmets advanced features began to turn on. ¡°Please Designate your TK number.¡± ¡°TK-2165¡± ¡°Please designate a Password for this Armor.¡± ¡°For my Empire.¡± ¡°Password accepted, welcome to the FT-Advanced Version 10 Imperial Militant Armor, All Features Unlocked.¡± ¡°This is who I am now,¡± he said, his voice echoing slightly inside the helmet. ¡°This is what I must become.¡± He stepped toward the door, each movement deliberate, the weight of his resolve heavier than the armor itself. Desmond wasn¡¯t just a Flame Trooper now¡ªhe was a man willing to do whatever it took, no matter the price.