While officially property of Planetform corporation, in a terraforming process, California Minor has long since been inhabited, and within the last centuries, the first colonial settlements became village, which in turn became cities. But that was it.
The planet was incredibly boring for an outsider, and cold. In all the good term of the words, it was a backward, backwater planet within Liberty.
Yet, it's population, mostly made up of the canadian ancestrors of the Old Earth, strived on the little planet. Mining operation was a good business around, ensuring the economic viability of the place. Important pocket of deuterium were also found in the ground, enough to produce a self-sufficient amount of H-Fuel for the planet's need (though not enough to exportation).
In this cold, northern planet in a southern system, things were calm. People had jobs, were healthy, strong. They weren't the bored, lazy citizens of Manhattan, sitting all day long in front of a TV screen. California Minor required you to work for your very survival everyday: violent snow storm could simply bury your home under 10 metres of snow if you didn't took attention. This kind of event hapenned at least every few weeks.
Transportation was often restricted, the powerful wind of the storms made the flight of shuttles extremely hard, and the planet only had 2 star ports, often very far away from local cities and villages. Long trips by the land were necesary to bring the supplies...
Yes, despite it becoming more civilised every years, California Minor still had the feel of a colonial planet.
The younger generation, at the age of 16, like Isabelle herself, didn't really strived on the place. Sure, skiing down the various mountains of snow was an entertaining activity few on the other worlds of the Liberty Republic could claim to have access everyday. But, when you've been doing that since childhood, and know of a wonderful world of light, technology, soft climate, exotic foreigners, just a planet away...
Few really wanted to stay on the poorly-populated planet. They have become strangers to their own home, finding it incredibly boring and too cold and harsh to live on the rest of their life, at the dismay of their parents. Sure, the mining operations were very profitable. Most of them would become future owner of a mine, or become a well paid miner, but what was money without fun?
And, the damned planet nearly just had that. Mining.
Oh, and a few other jobs around.
The younger Isabelle Kaitlynn looked with boredom through the viewports of the school shuttle heading her back home, and saw the immense planetary base of L-9. The thing looked like a huge stadium like construction, half burried in the snow. Around, military crafts were moving to their business, while the shadows of a few men in formation could be seen doing exercises outside.
She smiled, a bit perverse. Among the few distractions of the younger female generation of the planet, watching the military boys going around was certainly a popular one. L-9, along with L-4 and L-15, were three planetary bases of the Liberty army on the planet, created especially to train the local militia forces into some of the best land troopers of Liberty. Since everyone on California Minor already lived daily in a harsh environment, no need to say it was a good choice to begin the formation of elite squadrons there.
The shuttle landed finally a few minutes later near a beautiful 2 stories house. It was probably the most beautiful house of the little miing village, and quite understandable: it was the Kaitlynn's mansion, and Elizabeth Kaitlynn, Isabelle' mother, was the CEO of a powerful mining operation on planet, whiler Jhon Kaitlynn, Isabelle's father, was a respected libertonian fleet admiral with his share of combat. A decent income meant a very decent house indeed.
Not so decent the relationship of mother-daughter, though...
And they often passed months alone together, since Jhon Kaitlynn was often away somewhere else in Liberty, commanding his fleet and attending to meetings with the libertonian high command.
Being alone with her mother in the house nearly came to being alone. They barely talked to each other. Elizabeth never showed any form of love to her daughter, other than through a harsh education to keep her in excellent academic grades. As such, Isabelle mostly hated her mother, even though her maturity now told her it was only for her own welfare.
Se dropped her backpack on her bed, upstair, and went to the kitchen, getting something to eat. While doing so, she peeked in the room of Elizabeth, finding her not too surprisingly in front of her computer unit, working on business. If the woman saw her, she didn't made any sign of, and continued diligently her work. Isabelle sighed as she went away.
She could only hope someday, her mother would realise she had a daughter that could love her...
if only she took notice of her presence...!
Every week ends or so, when her mother went away to California Minor City (the largest starport of the planet) for business, Isabelle would go out at some bar, and usually would meet a number of her friends. Having recently been abandonned by her boyfriend, she didn't had much to plan for the nights, and hence hoped from one drinking place to another, without actually seeking to drink anything than seeking other's company.
She found a bunch of girls and boys from her class, and waved in their direction, smiling.
"Hey guys!" She said, sitting next to them.
"Hi Isa" most of them were already too drunk to be aware of her presence even if it was barely even midnight yet on the planet. A strange thing on planet, probably due to it's rather shaky colonial setting, there were absolutely no limit for drinking age. Hence, the kids were taking alcohol entirely legally in a bar, at least.
But, as usualy, in a group there were a few lucid enough for some chatter. One of them, Sarah, smiled brightly at her as she sat up from her couch where she was lying with no embarassment. The girl was a good friend of her since their younger childhood.
"So, you be coming for the end of the year trip to Bretonia?"
Isabelle shook her head in an apologic way. The end of the year traveling activities were usually fun, but for once, her dad would be back that week, and she intended to be near him instead of being in some museum on planet Cambridge with the rest of the class.
"Dad is back exactly in that period of time. Can't go there or he'll escape me for another year!" She said jokingly, even though it wasn't that far from the truth. Despite a deep love and stronger relationship of father-daughter she shared with the man, Isabelle barely saw her father with all the military job requiring his attention everywhere but on California Minor.
"Beside, you know how I hate being trapped in those shuttles..."
Sarah nodded, compatising.
"I heard you hated to get in a small flight craft... can't imagine you trapped for hours in one of these box of steel until we reach Cambridge... too bad, huh"
"Yep." Isabelle ordered some light drink imported from Los Angel, and sipped from it. "Anyway, hope you do enjoy it! Heard there are some awesomeness on that planet, the xenoarcheologic museum sounds great."
They continued to talk about the incoming journey until very late in the night, until an exhausted manager came to shoo them away, the teenagers nearly all drunk. Isabelle smiled, looking outside at the stars. In a week, her friends would depart, and dad would be back.
--
Isabelle stood alone, watching the armored naval shuttle land on the starport with a wide smile, as she saw her father descending the access ramp. It was early in the morning, and her mother was on some business journey far away, somewhere in the borderworlds. Some contract with the Zoner requiring her presence for months.
They hugged tenderly as soon as her father cleared security, still in his well trimmed fleet command uniform.
"Hi Isa! How you've been my little sweetheart?" (when he said small, it was quite literal considering the man was a good 187cm height while her girl was closer to the 165cm height...)
"I've missed you! Why d'you have to be away for so long every time!" she said, complaining less or more seriously. It caused the elderly man to laugh, as he went with her toward the familial hovercar. Isabelle was proud to be one of the few girls who actually took the time to learn how to drive these vehicles, which could get very tedious with the strong storms of the planet, easily destablising such a light machine.
"You drive, or I..." The man smiled, as Isabelle nudge him away from the driver's door, and took place at the cockpit.
"I might be of the "new generation" but I still know how to respect my parents, dad! Just relax, I'll drive you home.."
Jhon patted the shoulder of her daughter, as he sat down on the comfortable rheinland-built DHI Republik hovercar,
"I'm proud of you, Isa. Je suis fiere de toi."
Isabelle smiled, kissed him gently,
"Et je t'aime, papa. Let's head back home, now! Made some change to the house you must come to see..."
--
"Ah, just like the good old time, eh?" Jhon said, as he sat down in front of a rather delicious looking meal. "I see you haven't forgotten how to cook!"
Isabelle came back with her own plate, a little dark ironic smirk on her lip. "That's because mom never noticed I needed to eat as well. Had to take care of myself after all."
Jhon sighed, slightly sadenned.
"She wasn't like that when we first met... I would so much prefered to have shown you to her in our younger days. Credits has transformed her..."
She shook her head, and took her fork in her hand, as she prepared to open the holoscreen television in their dining room.
"I think I would have prefered not knowing her. I wouldn't want to be remembered of a golden past that has become dark by the years..."
"yes, you must be right of course..." her father said, less or more convinced as they began to eat. The taste of the food immediately changed their mind. Isabelle opened the holoscreen, which started on the news channel.
A young elegant man appeared on the screen, seated behind a beautiful studio desk. Behind him, technicians in an equally hi-tech environment worked on hundreds of screen on a wall displaying footage of videos.
"This is Liberty Colonial News Network, LCNN, from Manhattan City. I am Rick Versery, for 60 Minutes Around the Sector."
A presentation music was played as previous news footage faded in, either serene such as diplomatic meetings, or explosive such as military videos of bretonian/kusari skirmishes. Finally, it faded away to reveal the footage of the videos today.
It showed a large passenger liner, it's engine going critical as it exploded. Swarms of fighter crafts flown by, destroying the escort ships of the large civilian vessel, as the newsman commented,
"Tonight, an unfortunate tragedy hapenned by the Magellan system, where the bretonian-libertonian liner Antioch was attacked by a squadron of the Lane Hacker criminal group, strongly suported by the dangerous Outcast drug dealing organisation."
The video continued, showing the slaughter from different perspective.
Isabelle watch with a slight disgust as Jhon sighed. "This always happens, now nearly everyday. Hopefully, most of the pirated liners get out alive, but something must be done about this incredibly increasing pirate population..."
Isabelle looked up at her father before talking,
"Why are there people so low that would rob civilians, slaughter them, only for profit, when they could easily have a normal life in our society... This is complete non-sense..."
Jhon shook slowly his head, "That's what happens when you have too many people: stupidity at it's best. There are people low on moral, without a lot of brain out there, who will listen to the 25% of the jackass leaders, and decide to go pirate. As if it was a way to live a life..."
"The casualities rise up to 600 confirmed death, among which engineers from bretonian based Planetform who were traveling back to Bretonia, representative of Interspace Commerce and a number of civilian passengers traveling to Cambridge."
The video footage stopped to show videos of LPI crafts on the scene, investigating and recuperating the few cargopods which weren't destroyed by the asteroids. Survivor were shown aboard rescue vessel, in shock, some of them crying openly.
"... up to now, we have only managed to find 68 survivors, out of the original 1400 passengers."
Isabelle gaped in horror, as Jhon watched her daughter, questioningly.
"What's wrong Isa? Recognised someone you knew in the lot of survivors?"
"Among the group of corpses recognised through DNA, we managed to identify Planetform regional director, mr. Kevin Waugh and his family, along with Interspace Commerce Financial manager, Remy Whitman. LPI also confirmed the discovery of a number of teenager bodies, believed to be the students from California Minor' Torrance High School, traveling to Cambridge, as well, the..."
It was a cold afternoon. Not that the temperature could get any lower on California Minor anyhow, it always felt that damn cold, except summer time.
It was summer.
Nobody were in the summer mood though. Everyone present were looking grim, sad.
Isabelle shivered. No, it wasn't the temperature. Everyone present merely looked like walking zombies today. It was enough to make the whole scene very cold.
Hopefully, the ceremony was ended, and everyone were already heading home.
Her eyes, still red by all the sobbing she went through last night, looked around, and only saw mourning parents and relatives. Among the dead, her long time friend Sarah was among the victims. Few did survived the bloody massacre, and were among the 121 final survivors found from the wreckage of the Antioch. They were for the moment on Los Angels Hospital, some having been badly burned or injured.
A site was cleared in the graveyard of Torrance village, California Minor, that would in a few days become the future place for the monument to the Antioch tragedy.
The emotions she felt tasted like ash, as her father huged her from behind, sighing his sorrow.
"It's over."
Isabelle looked up at the man, her cyan eyes still bright with tears.
"I have a feeling it only begun..."
John said nothing, only looking in the faraway. Somehow, he understood the mystical meaning from the words of her daughter.
--
2 months passed by. Wounds healed, even though they left scars that often hurts when you touch them too much. Was Isabelle still with her comrades, she would have been enjoying the last day of school with her friends. But the reduced class was barely 27 student strong. That was what was left of the 200 some students of their grade, from the little village of Torrance. It wasn't like what it was before. There were no more noisy students disrupting the class. No more intelligent intervention from the nerdy/too-intelligent-for-their-own-good-kids. No more girls chatting about useless fashion or boys showing off some brainless exploit. All that was dead.
How could this have hapenned?
Within the week, the LPI investigation led to all kind of evidence leading to believe the attack was mounted and prepared since a very long while ago. The Lane Hackers, apparently pissed at Planetform decision to finance a powerful group of bounty hunting clan to hunt them down, decided to punish this decision by taking down one of their top leader. Along with a few kids didn't mattered much, in fact, they didn't even checked for the other passengers.
They merely wanted to send a strong message against Planetform.
Instead, Isabelle thought, they've sent a strong message to the people of Liberty. This act wasn't going unpunished.
Within week, the suspects who were accused of organising the attack were apprehended on Rochester, and sent to incarceration on Manhattan. The men led up to a number of arrestations, all of them strongly linked to the massacre.
The people, angered by their murderous act, would have thorn everyone of them apart were they ever seen in public - hopefully, the LPI had enough wisdom to move them covertly in anonymous prison hovercraft, avoiding contact with the civilian mobs, often showing up at the prison where the prisonner were held with large banners showing the faces of the victim. The faces of the young students often appeared; they were the martyr, showing to Sirius just how cruel, evil were the pirates. Some of them openly yelled "Death to the pirate scums! Kill them all! Burn them down!"
Yes, it moved everyone. Even the most pacifists were troubled at this show of pure violence, and even though they weren't asking for the death penality directly, requested for the harshest treatment possible to these unhuman beings.
But in a few days, maybe a few weeks, everything will go back to normal, people would have been distracted by something more interesting as the medias went along.
Isabelle however, was changed forever.
--
Even before the end of classes, Isabelle had taken her decision. Her father, for once, decided to stay much longer than usual, staying with her daughter and forcing his aide to bring the work to him - which could be from tons of paperwork needing his personnal signature to a battalion of officers needing details only himself could give and explain in person.
That morning, she explained her decision, even though everything was already arranged.
The man merely looked up, and rose from his chair. Went to her, and knelt to her eye level. His eyes were deep with concern and seriousness.
"Es tu sure?" [are you sure?]
"Oui." [Yes]
He continued to fix her, but Isabelle supported his stare, cold dark blue eyes versus equally cold cyan eyes.
"Tu es pret? Tu a considere les sacrifices?" [You are ready? You considered the sacrifices?]
"Ma vie si necessaire, pere." [My life if necesary, father.]
They remained silence a bit more, the elderly Kaitlynn looking suddenly much older than he was suposed to be. Isabelle softened up, and abandonning her chair, hugged him. They remained in their embrace for a long while, without saying a word.
"I only have one condition, Isabelle. I want you to swear that you will respect it. For the honour of the Kaitlynn family, which lasted well before the Great War."
"Oui, pere."
"If intend to serve, never quit until you deserved it."
She considered the words, this time remaining silent for very long as her father waited. He did, patiently. It wasn't something easy, he knew. He himself sworn the same to his father when he took upon this decision.
"Je le jure. Sur le nom de tout les Kaitlynn avant nous, je servirais jusqu'a ma mort si necessaire, et ne quitterais avant d'avoir accomplis mon devoir envers mon people."
[I swear. Upon the name of all Kaitlynns before us, I shall serve 'till death if required, et shall not leave before my duty toward my people is accomplished.]
John Kaitlynn nodded with gravity, but when his head looked back at her daughter, they were filled with pride and love.
"Bonne chance."
Mother was furious toward me of course. Bad luck combined: dad had to leave the day she came back, unleashing her fury in a torrent of indistinct words I didn't exactly cared to listen to. But when she fell to the point of insulting my father, I felt my face colours rising up.
"You have no right to say that!"
"And why not! Both of you are stupid warmongers - do you know why your friends died?! Because of people like you, who thinks war is the only way to fix a conflict!"
I couldn't believe my ears - she was using the casualities of my friend, of people I knew closely, against me and dad! Didn't she had a heart? Was this woman really her mother? A woman that gave her birth?
Unable to control my emotions, feeling I would breack, I ran to my room where, once I closed my door, I slamemd my fist on the nearest object that fell in my hand, effectively smashing it.
Later, I would learn it was a small pencil case I've had when I was 2 years old. To draw.
The only gift my mother ever gave me.
How could she! Don't lie to yourself 'sis, you expected that.
Yes, she did expected it. Her mother wouldn't have taken the new gladly. She hated the military, always blamed them for causing the violence.
Her own daughter entering the military was probably making her whole vision go worse. Now the army stole her.
I frowned, angered. "Stole"? But mother never even loved me at all to "possess" me in some way!
I wasnt going to let this annoying outsider stop my plans. My friends were going to get their revenge even if it meant at the cost of my suffering. Not to do so was an insult to them and herself.
--
Dad took a special day of leave just to come at my departure for L-15 military base. We embraced each other, and of course, I was slightly emotional. I guess I did left a few tears of excitation on his spotless admiral uniform.
"You'll do fine, Isa. Make your dad proud of you one more time. You can do it."
"I know, father. I will, I promise!"
We smiled to each other one last time, as I boarded the shuttle that would lead me to the upper base of L-15, the most northern base of California Minor.
Aboard, I met up with my future comrades at arm; all of them were older than I, ranging from 18 to 24, they were new recruits as well, still clad like myself in our civilian clothes. Soon, we shall done these for the proper military uniform.
I smiled for myself, as I thought it was something I longed for. How would I look in that thing?
The shuttle slowly filled up as everyone were being called in. A young woman, probably 18, sat next to me and smiled plesantly,
"Aurelia King" she presented herself, extending a hand, which I shook returning the smile.
Im Isabelle Kaitlynn. Pleased to meet you. I said, in a slightly shy voice, and I felt my interlocutor was feeling the same. We were after all, abandoning their previous life, and this was the point of no return. We all shared this embarrassment of knowing nothing at whats coming up next. At my relief, Aurelia continued conversing with me, and we were able to release some of the stress we were feeling.
So, how come you ended up in this shuttle for hell? she said jokingly
I merely shook my head slowly, looking through the viewport before replying,
Just serving for those who needs it... I nodded outside, Ive lost friends out there. I felt I have a duty toward them. Realising my words were kind of harsh to begin socialising, I softened a bit my features, and smiled to her gently. The woman looked sympathetically at me.
I understand. She continued, with a bit less seriousness, Im afraid Im in there without that much an honourable reason credits, and the fun of it I guess!
I nodded, trying to be pleasant. At least she was honest, not like some of the military boys she sometime met in the bars, bragging about how they wanted to save the world.
Save the world, with their blood full of alcohol, yeah. I smirked at that thought.
I can accept that. I said, smiling to her. Somehow, I believed we were going to see a lot of each other during our training. Better starting right out as friends.
The shuttle was finally filled, everyone sitting less or more nervously at their place. A sergeant, dressed in his combat uniform entered, and clasped his hands behind his back, looking definitively like the stereotypical unemotional machine-soldier from the movies. Probably was he just trying to impress us in which case, he certainly did succeed, because his iron hard eyes seemed to pierce you to the very core of yourself, searching for a weakness. I tried to hold his stare, which passed from one passenger to another, but the man was simply made of indestructible steel. All I could do was lower my eyes into submission: I understood at that moment you couldnt do anything against your superiors will, well before the training even begun
Finally, after having duly checked every head with his inhuman eyes, he began to talk, his voice a deep severe baritone one.
Greetings. I am the sergeant Elvin, and am going to be supervising each of you for the whole duration of your training.
This shuttle will depart for the L-15 military outpost, where you will begin your training. Hopefully, you would have finished the first parts during the summer period while the lands are snow-free. During winter season, you people shall be directed to your specialised division, depending on what offer you chose when you entered the army.
The whine of the engines could be heard as they heated up, ready for take off.
Basic training will take your whole summer, in which you will learn every military customs, from military march to the use of the L12 blaster rifle. I will be honest, it will be hard, but if you do survive it, it would mean you are fit for a military life. The man smiled to us for the first time, relaxing his face, finally looking more human, probably at the relief of all. I felt myself smile a bit, as well.
Yes, thats all about surviving the first weeks of boot camp
Of course, my little project of joining the military didnt just popped up two months ago after the tragedy. Ive always thought about doing so, but the events merely accelerated my decision. As such, Ive been training, sculpting my body toward perfection since well, two years or so. And I was already one of the most sportive girls in class, which should all be factors that would turn to my advantage.
Any questions? the sergeant asked, and seeing no one rising a hand, alright, then lets go.
I felt our ship lift up and accelerate toward the northern pole of the planet. Aurelia, by my side, looked at me with a little smile.
Sounds like its the beginning of a big adventure, huh? she said, as kilometres were eaten away by the powerful engines of the shuttle.
--
L-15 was probably built in the most desolated land of the planet, I thought. Situated on a mountain, it was exposed to the violent winds. For the moment, a slight northern vegetation could be seen extending around, but I could only bet and shiver in anticipation at what it could be in winter.
At least, we were greeted by the strong, hot Californian sun, making the temperature outside quite comfortable. A good mountain feel.
I looked around, and decided we were probably going to have a lot of fun climbing these rocks
Sergeant Elvin made us come out and quickly lined us up. As exciting all this was, our lame first few attempts at marching synchronised together pathetically failed. It finished in small laughter as everyone tried to understand what the hell was going on, no one being able to synchronise with that many people at a same time. The sergeant didnt thought of it that funny, and yelled at us for the first time (and here we begin our first taste at military harshness I bet), ordering us to stand quiet. Hopefully, I thought, we had no smartass kid in our ranks, and everyone shut his mouth, remained standing still.
Good. Now, try marching following my rhythm.
--
By the end of the day, we received our military ID, along with the serial number (mine was N82-928-KAII) which would it seems, follow us for the rest of our military career. It made me quite proud, as I watched the little piece of metal on which the code was engraved.
We also received our military uniform, which I contemplated in the mirror for quite a long time. It was a rather tight, dark green cammo uniform, with my name written over my heart, along with the Liberty flag on my shoulders.
How dad would be proud to see her girl dressed like that!
By some unexplained destiny, I shared my dormitory with Aurelia King, who just came out from the refresher, her hairs still wet from her shower.
That was something I wasnt used to. The communal shower was something I wasnt comfortable with, to see all the other girls with me naked washing ourselves was rather scary, especially for someone like myself who always enjoyed a perfect privacy on my life, having mostly lived my life completely alone or so.
Hey Aurelia. I smiled to her, and rotated my body around playfully, parading in my new uniform. Like it, huh?
The woman laughed with good humour, as she sat down on her bed Yep, it must really be the fashion around, because 2 thousand women around wear the same thing including myself!
You tell. So, how you thought of day one? I asked, curious at hearing her feedback. It felt strange to talk to an adult with so much familiarity despite her being two years older than I, I felt she could have been of my age so easy it was to converse together.
Oh, terrible. I didnt thought wed be that bad for the military march! I think El I mean, sergeant Elvin wasnt very happy with our performance she finished, looking not-at-all sorry.
Yeah, poor guy. He definitively looked evil toward the end! I added, laughing at my turn. We chatted for quite half an hour, lying on our bed (way too hard to be comfortable), and then discussed of what was going to happen next day.
Say, what have you applied for? I asked her, slightly curious
Oh! Infantry trooper. Didnt wanted anything complicated, but still, I wanted action, so sounded like the ideal deal, wasnt it. How about you?
Same thing. I nodded with seriousness, I know they did ask this already in the interview, but now it is obvious we are really entering the action head first its not just the speech and paper thing anymore tomorrow, we will be learning how to use a blaster. I hesitated, choosing my word. I wasnt asking this question as much to know about Aurelia than to search an answer for myself,
Can you kill?
After all, they were the infantry. They would be fighting on a first line if something ever happened. They were destined to kill at some point, yet statistically, barely 1% of the human population were ready to kill with no problem, no remorse, no feeling whatsoever. Which probably was a good thing, because if things were the other way around, I thought, what kind of world we would be in
Aurelias response came back surprisingly fast, yet full of sincerity,
Yes, I can. Isabelle, when you join the armed forces, you need to consider this before the other question most ask to themselves.
I looked at her in disbelief. In the morning, with her joking style of speech, Id have thought it was merely someone taking everything without any kind of seriousness, who was merely trying things around for the fun of it.
Sounds like I am wrong. She had thought of it probably much longer than I, and this knowledge that comes only with long reflection made me jealous of her. I should have done just like her!
Dad wouldnt have accepted such a mistake.
We continued to talk until we realised it was 2300 hour, and considering the sergeant warned us he was going to storm in the room of everyone at 0400 hour to wake us up, we wished each other good night before trying to fall asleep, a rather difficult task with all the excitement of the first day in our heads.
Yet, before falling asleep, one thought remained above all others.
The goal of my presence here; avenging the life of my innocent friends
Alright, it wasnt exactly passed two weeks, but we were close. I looked around at the others, mostly male recruits, and saw my exhaust reflected in their eyes. Not too surprisingly, considering what we went through. Even with my already athletic body, I was having trouble following rhythm, especially in this cold mountain air where oxygen level was slightly lower than where I used to live. Another handicap the L-15 complex was especially designed for.
Sergeant Elwin marched in front of us, writing down the final results of our last 20 km march, holding a heavy backpack and in full combat uniform. It took us somewhere near 5 hours to complete, and we were all sweating hard despite the chilly environment. I looked around, and saw Aurelia looking at me. When our stare crossed, we smiled weakly at each other, as I crawled near her. We always talked in whisper when sergeant Elwin was around, for he could yell at us for being undisciplined. But right now, discipline really didnt go through the head of each other.
I dont think I can go through any of this anymore the older woman whispered to me.
Cmon, just hold on a bit longer. Well finish down this week, and everything will go smoother.
Thats what you told me last week!
I smirked to her. Thats true, and kept her working hard for another week.
Elwin glowered slightly, still looking at his pad, as he finished to write, but we knew it was intended to me the boys never talked, too focused on their role of super soldiers to give away any discipline, trying to impress the sergeant. I wasnt sure their tactic was in fact directed at our sergeant rather than trying to impress us, the few girls in the section.
Anyway, we both shut up, as I resumed a straight sitting position, as I saw a faint smile on the corner of Elwin lip, which he tried to hide as soon as it appeared.
Right. 928 Kaitlynn, thats 30 push ups for disturbing the group with your useless chatter. Next time, you will make the whole group pay. He added, looking down on me with a hard stare.
I wanted to sigh, but knowing better, repressed it as I pulled myself on my hands and feet, still holding all my heavy equipment with me, rifle on the other hand rule number one in the army, never loose hold of your weapon.
And as I began working up and down my body on my arms, I felt the gaze of everyone around looking at me, only making my shame grow worse. Damn it, it wasnt like as if I was an animal in a zoo!
5 10
I closed my eyes, watching the ground lifting and lowering under me was getting dizzying
15 20
More than half done my arms ached as if they were burned in the fire of hell. I felt them go shaky, a bad sign. Sweat was running down from my face despite a refreshing cold wind blowing upon us. Yet, I thought I was being drowned by a river of acid warmth, barely feeling the air
25
29
Elwin made an amused grin, and despite my closed eyes, I felt, I dont know how, that wicked grin as he put slowly his foot on my backpack. It was enough to my pained arms, who just waited the moment to crumble down. I fell hard on my chest, as my sergeants foot pushed me down on the ground, making my growl in frustration. I felt hot tears of shame coming to my eyes, but forced myself to repress them, despite being observed by the silent recruits sitting in a half circle near me. As if I was an entertainment. I refused to look at them, refused to look at the triumphant grin of Elwin. With a howl of half contained rage, I used the last strength in my arms to pull myself off the ground: it lasted barely a second, but my sergeant was so surprised, for a few second his balance was seriously compromised as he risked to fall backward.
When I finally lay down on the ground, feeling dust in my mouth, he knelt down to me, not grinning anymore. His face was serious, cold as it has always been in the last few days.
But his baritone, severe voice, was for once smooth and relaxed, nearly a caress to my ears.
Hope you got the lesson. Was all he said.
Deep inside me, I knew he was impressed. What he didnt said, wasnt allowed to say, Well done.
We headed back to L-15 for the night, our exhausted body barely supporting us anymore. Once I saw my bed, I fell unconscious upon it, not even taking the time to go get a shower or even remove my heavy backpack crushing me.
I however felt the amused giggle of Aurelia, as she sighed in relief.
Well done, Isabelle. I heard her say, just before I was knocked out to dream land.
--
As we sat down in the bore some looking briefing room as every morning we were at L-15, sergeant Elwin came in with rather good news. In fact, excellent news. But nobody said anything, merely contending with smiling wide. I think my punishment last night was restraining everyone from showing their joy, and it made my cheeks colours rise slightly as Elwin smirked,
Go ahead boys, just dont get me deaf, Im still a bit young for that.
What was so awesome: we were, for the first time, going to get a week end. A shuttle was awaiting us outside, ready to ship us back to L-9 planetary base, where we had the choice to go back home to profit of two days of well earned leave, or stay at the larger, more comfortable military base free of service.
We boarded the shuttle later on the morning, everyone still beaming brightly under the cold mountainous air. Aurelia sat next to me as expected I had actually came to enjoy her presence, seemingly always there for us to support each other in our military training. I didnt thought I could become friend with her ever since the incident, something in me automatically blocked all friendship attempts despite myself. Maybe it was my inside trying to prevent further damage if it ever happened.
So, what you intend on doing? Going back home?
I reflected slightly on this question, before answering without much hesitation by the negative.
Why? she said surprised as she adjusted her seat to lay down on her back comfortably.
I merely shook my head, and she understood the sign I preferred to keep it for myself. A good thing with the older girl was that she knew to respect others privacy.
The answer in my heart was unfortunately heavy to myself, especially looking at everyone who were sighing in contempt to go back home and probably paying a visit to their parents
Parents.
Dad was of course not on planet. Some days at noon, when Elwin didnt wanted us to go back in training too soon, we were allowed to use the holonet of the L-5 complex to communicate with others. Once, I managed to contact father, who took my news with a bright proud smile as I enthusiastically told him everything Ive lived so far. He, on the other hand, informed me he wasnt going to be home for another 3 months, so he wouldnt be able to track my progress other than through his data terminal. It made me a bit sad then, but now to know all I was going to find home was a distant mother even more distant with my decision
Oh well. In case you forget sis, but you are still alive. Enjoy that fact instead of complaining on your every whim in the life like a cry baby, will you?
I abandoned my saddened face to look with determination outside. Of course. I havent forgotten why I was here.
--
The shuttle descended gently on the immense domed base of L-9, as everyone applauded and cheered, for the pilot, but also to themselves for having survive the two first weeks. Sergeant Elwin appeared from the cockpit room along the pilot behind him, both of them smiling with a knowing veteran look. They must have seen so many rookies the day after the first two hellish weeks. I joined in the applause, smiling as well. Yes, we deserved it indeed.
Aurelia and the others bid me farewell as they all went to another shuttle that would bring them back to their respective home. As for myself, I went alone the separate way, toward the immense concrete menacing looking base.
I was slightly surprised as Elwin came to join me, dressed in his light cammo uniform just like myself. By habit, my hand rose to salute him, as the words sergeant El blurted out of my mouth, but he rose a hand to stop me, smiling calmly.
Hey, we are both off duty, Isabelle. You may just call me Elwin for the next two days.
I was slightly astounded by the unusual familiarity, but then again, we were alone in this emptied, large landing area. I smiled back pleasantly, as we continued toward the base.
Okay then Elwin. Enjoying some refreshments before going back to L-15, sir? Err I mean
He chuckled gently, his dark eyes showing amusement.
Its fine. No, Im staying here for two days as well while another sergeant takes another section to train there. You might have noticed L-15 is very small compared to here, as such, we cant have more than 15 sections training at a same time there. So, sounds like we both are going to enjoy the entertainments at Homebase.
He nodded to himself, as he pushed the door leading inside, holding it open for me to pass in first. Feeling a bit more familiar with my sergeant already, I allowed a little comment, how gentleman
Yknow, Im not such a bad person! he said jokingly. Being a training sarge is so tough, everyone thinks your attitude in the training is how you are daily. Heck, what kind of people wed be then! He chuckled again, as we headed inside. Since I didnt really knew the place around, I merely followed him, intimidated by all the complex set of labyrinth like corridors, void of decoration and seemingly only built with the very purpose of practicality.
Where are we going then? I asked him, before adding Im just following since I have no where else to go!
Yeah, I figured that out. First Im leading you to your room for your stay here. Take a shower, because I dont think you took any yesterday He looked back at me with a little apologising smile before continuing, after what, well, depends on what your moods up for, but Id bet alcohol is on the top priority.
Actually, it wasnt, but I saw nothing better anyway, so I agreed.
I took a quick shower that felt like heaven on my exhausted body, as I watched with a numb smile the water dripping off of my nude frame, the hot water reddening slightly the skin. I didnt cared I was having this shower in the presence of a few more soldiers, I was in my own bubble for these few seconds, and I only reluctantly closed down the water dozens of minute later.
Elwin awaited my outside, as I came out smiling to him, back in my uniform and feeling clean and restored back to full energy again.
Yep, time to enjoy some refreshment I thought, as I headed with my sergeant downstairs to the military bar, a world itself inside of a military world.
Go ahead, enjoy yourself Isabelle. Youve earned it. Elwin said. He made a small wink, fully knowing I wasnt in official drinking age yet but heck, this was California Minor after all!
Oh, I was going to, even if it was the only entertainment around!
Hi Serg err, Elwin! I said enthusiastically as I saw the man approaches my computer unit. He smiled back, and sat down to a unit next to mine with a contended sigh of someone who didnt sit his whole day. It was a calm day, and there were about no one in the computer room.
Hey Isabelle. Been enjoying your day? He asked, as he pushed the button to start up his machine.
Yeah, since the bar was filled with diverse kind of male trying to get a piece of me or any other girls around, I had to run away from the animals to find refuge within the geek territory! I smirked gently at him, still concentrated on my video game,
I do hope they didnt sent you to drag me back in the party!
Elwin merely smiled, like the patient veteran he was, whos heard such story way too many time.
So far youve seemed to have managed things rather well in the drunken-people-hole. As long as you dont drink as much as they do, therell be no drama. As he started up his holonet browser, he scratched his chin before adding jokingly Im surprised you control your drinking consumption so well, especially at that age. And especially for a girl from this planet. We have a general reputation for being drunkards outside, yknow.
I laughed, amused at his remark as I won another race on my computer. The game was a simple online flight simulator, creating realistic races over real space circuit, reproduction of the infamous Connecticut or the challenging Dublin racing rings among others. We were now waiting for a few more players to join up for the next circuit, the Kusari Nebula race.
Cant stand the alcohol. Hated that thing ever since my youth, and beside, with a father in the admiralty of Liberty, he would never have left me soil myself with such pollution! I said in a good mood as I relaxed and prepared myself for the next round, my finger already itching at the promise of a sweet victory.
Elwin nodded pleasantly, which was a first to me since most would merely stare at me with incredulous eyes (she doesnt drink and shes from Minor?!) or with shocked horror (her father doesnt allow her to drink? What kind of dictatorship is that!).
Well, you certainly do well to clean up a bit our peoples reputation within Liberty! Ah, there it goes.
Strangely, Elwin enigmatic last remark came exactly in time as my own game was ready for the race. My little flyer, a civilian hawk which Ive painted in a beautiful silvery white with blue racing stripes, hummed its engine. Next to me were 5 other players, their ship all at the ready.
At that rate Ill become the champion of this game I can only imagine the boys behind their screen having an attack as they learn they had been beaten by a female I produced a playful devilish laughter as I pushed on the thrusters, the starting lights having counted down. It was a no-cruise engine race, so everyone was relying on the inertia of their crafts by disabling the stabiliser of their ships.
I believe, soldier, you are talking of victory to quick! Elwin said, and at my surprise, a small craft suddenly collided me in a corner, sending me flying outside the rings, toward the dangerous pocket of explosive nebulas!
I turned my head a fraction of a second to see to my surprise my sergeant playing in the same race as I was!
Oh, Im not so sure, sir! I growled, relishing for the challenge.
--
Who, what were you saying already?
I shook my head, in a sign of playful despair. Certainly not you!
Nu uh. I believe the winner would be best.sarge.around. Can you guess who could that be! he said, a mocking smile on his face.
Not-Elwin? I tried myself, smiling, slightly deceived at the stain in my near perfect scores. It was the first time I ended so low in fact, I didnt even ended the race since my ship got destroyed!
Nu uh again, soldier! 30 push ups, right now! He ordered, his eyes showing amusement. I knew he wasnt being serious of course, so we both laughed at his remark. The little disciplinary measure he took against me a few days ago was already forgiven, ad he knew that.
Still, you won by cheating! I would have won if you didnt constantly bumped me in the nebulas! Thats quite dishonourable! I added, trying to hide my grudging voice in it. My sergeant face softened, revealing his handsome features he hid usually under his hardened mask of discipline.
Isabelle, in a war, if someone shot you from your back, would he be called a cheater?
No, but he wouldnt be very honourable nonetheless.
He smiled, his eyes showing a certain sense of wise Ive never noticed before, a certain gleam in the eyes you could only find in the people who has lived through a lot.
Thatd only apply to games. In war, youd be too dead to complain on that. So what do you do?
I slowly began to realise his logic, and answered carefully, taking my time,
I watch my back and shoot him down. I hesitated, then added even if it means losing the battle.
Elwin nodded appreciatively as he shut down his computer unit.
Exact. Your life is, will always be more important than winning. What is important, is to stay alive, learn from your mistake to be able to win the war. He rose up, ready to leave.
Yet, I was confused at this sudden declaration, these words full of wise yet?...
Why are you telling me this, Elwin? I asked quietly.
It was him who hesitated this time, as he looked through my eyes, his piercing gaze stripping my soul to its very core, that I knew whatever my sub conscious was trying to hide to him would never succeed to do so.
I think, Isabelle, you know very well why. Vengeance leads to nothing but fatality.
--
It was by a chilly cold and dark night we took the shuttle back to L-15, everyone back from their short vacation and seemingly in good shape, ready for another two weeks of hellish training in the mountains. I looked at Elwin and noticed he had already resumed his role of sergeant, his face apparently frozen in that permanent frown while his army cap hid his features in the dim lightning of the space craft, only showing his two cold gleaming eyes there was a somewhat mysterious, even evil look when you looked at him.
I looked by my side to find Aurelia already asleep on my shoulder, and that made me smile gently. Strange that an adult was relying on my body to take a nap I caught Elwins gaze toward me, and I felt him smirk in the darkness as he returned to his work on the datapad. My comrade asleep by my side, I was hence free to reflect on the last chatter Ive had with my sergeant. Vengeance only leads to fatality. How did he guessed part of my decision to enlist was completely beyong my comprehension, but so was his enigmatic sentence. Fatality? Of whom, myself? How, I wondered, for my desire of vengeance gave me the strength to fight and endure, it seemed, anything. Just remembering the slaughter of my friends made me want to better myself so the perpetrators of such crime never lived. Deep inside me, I knew I probably would never meet a hacker or even a rogue in a combat situation. Yet, it didnt mattered for every gesture I would make within the armed forces would help bring these scums down. I would gladly accept to sweat and ache for seemingly no reason at this moment so that someday people might be saved by my commitment was this vengeance so bad?
Thinking of all this made my heart burn with it anyway, and I promised myself to live to my words. I will make the people who did this horror pay, no matter the wise words of my sergeant. He couldnt understand what Ive been through even though his good willed intentions were obvious, I decided.
Despite the shaking of our shuttle craft caused by the strong Californian storm, I managed to slowly become asleep. My last vision before losing contact with reality was that of sergeant Elwin looking at me with his piercing eyes, looking as if he read through my mind and disapproved my decision.
I must have been dreaming, I thought as I fell in the abyss of a comforting sleep.
As usual, ever morning we ran a good 5km of mountainous trail in the woods surrounding L-15 base. It was a harsh exercise, mentally as well as physically since we had to force ourselves (or get forced out by our sergeant) to wake up at 0500 on an empty stomach, go outside battling against an environment not yet warmed up by the rising sun. In some of the worst days, we would even be accompanied by a few centimetre of snow that would have fallen during the night despite the planet being in its summer season.
However, my fiery avenging passion gave whatever my mind needed to get this daily session done. As always, I would run in the front row, leading the pace with the older male recruits in athletic condition, at the disappointment of Aurelia who would have preferred to have some chatter in those few moments where we were relatively free to talk to each other. I merely shrugged such concern off; my training was much more important than socialising even if I did took a certain liking for the older girl she still wouldnt fit my description of friend yet anyway.
After what, we would go back to have our breakfast, nothing really impressive of course, since we were in such a remote base where every food you took was made to be practical, with taste barely holding any real importance in the menu. And with this substantial feeding, we were headed back to resume our basic military training.
It might have just been me, (though I doubted so), but my sergeant has been gradually rougher on me specifically. It didnt matter too much up to now, as my soul took on these supplementary tasks with pride, nearly defiance. As it was, my need for vengeance alone was enough to push me beyond my limits. But despite the best efforts to consider things in a fair way, Elwin always seemed to force me in doing more.
All right everyone, 50 push ups. 928, I want you to do 20 supplementary.
He didnt even try to come out with a reason! Everyone seemed to wonder what was going on as we set ourselves on our belly and started working our arms with groans of effort. At my 70th push up, my arms were already shaky, sweating hard. It was nearly the end of the day, and we did much more physical training than usual. And I, specifically under my sergeants order, did even more than everyone else. I groaned in pain as Elwin suddenly kicked on my backpack, forcing me to stand on my back. I panted, closing my eyes, feeling dizzy, the kind of impression you get when you are about to vomit. Yet, my hand still held strongly at my rifle, and that made the sergeant smile as he noticed I didnt cracked yet.
Not yet.
I wasnt in a very good mood after these days of abusive over work, and had to use much of my will power to restrain myself from complaining.
Elwin, after staring a long while in my eyes, turned away to face the rest of the group.
Good. Everyone to the 10km trail. 928, what are you doing still seating on the ground, get up, now! He added the last few words harshly. I quickly lifted myself up, the backpack feeling like it weighted tons on my shoulders, as I received another kick, not too strong, forcing me to rise faster.
We walked in formation to the trail, and began jogging without much enthusiasm while bearing all our heavy equipment with us, my rifle feeling like a block of concrete in my arms.
I saw Aurelia running to join me by my side as we ran, looking worried.
What have you done to turn him like that?! she asked
I have no idea I replied, perhaps a bit too coldly, as I distanced myself from the woman, heading toward the leading row as usual. Exhaust wasnt an excuse to drag the leg, especially when everyone was.
I produced a small sigh, frowning in despair as we reached the first hill. We climbed it with dark mood, our already aching legs enduring a real martyr And our first kilometre wasnt even done yet. For once, I truly was wondering what was I doing there, being ordered around by this strange sergeant. Just a few days ago he was being so nice toward me
What did I do? Or was he merely trying to lower me down to the level of the others; after all, I do exceed against everyone else of the section so far, right? What was so bad in this?
Thinking of this made me want to cry, but as I did so many time during my youth, I forced my tears back. It wasnt the time to show emotions, as I forced myself to stay in the lead position. Elwin didnt seemed too surprised to see me leading the group however hard I tried, I could never catch up with him, who was in fact the true lead of the section on the trails. Yet, he remained enigmatically silent despite my questioning stare.
It took us nearly 3 hours to our dead legs to finish the run, and by then I didnt even felt my legs anymore so much I used them. I felt definitively disgusting as well, my uniform literally soaked in my sweat. I was going to need the best shower of my life this night
My proud heart couldnt unfortunately command to my whole body, and I crumbled on my kness, the supplementary exercises Elwin made me do effectively making me fall on the ground like a mass. I felt the stare of all on me, and felt once again ashamed of my own weakness, becoming the center of the attention like an exotic show off animal
My best effort to stand up were vain as groaned in frustration.
I didnt ordered to sit, 928. Elwin said, looking down upon me with this total lack of emotion. Yet, I couldnt help, my body was controlled by itself now, and it wanted a good shower followed by a soft bed. Otherwise, it refused to cooperate.
Probably the reason why I looked back at him with such a venomous stare before looking away, but probably too late.
Too late.
The night has already fallen, and I could only see the eyes of my sergeant, staring at me coldly. He turned around, abandoning me in the darkness for a few moment, and I felt relieved to be out of his attention, even for a few seconds. His gaze alone held you captive the man was truly impressive.
Everyone, head back to base in formation. I knew he excluded me from this order. I wouldnt have been able to move much anyway, my legs still in need of some rest.
He finally turned toward me, when everyone left, and knelt down upon my trembling body. I tried once again to stand, but unable to do so, pathetically falling down on my knees. All the muscles of my body burned in protest, but nonetheless, I requested my mind to be ready for whatever sergeant Elwin was going to throw at me.
The man sighed, looking disappointed (for what?), even sounding nearly sorry. But his voice came back cold as it has always been since the beginning of the hellish week.
50 push ups. He simply said ordered.
I clenched my teeth together and forced my arms to crawl into position, and then, as my hands stood on the harsh rocky ground, worked my body up and down. At the 47th, my hand suddenly slipped on my rifle which was kept under my right hand (possibly the most important protocol: never leave your weapon out of your reach), and as I fell down hard on my face, I emitted a small surprised scream. Elwin said nothing as I resumed the 3 remaining.
50 more for falling down.
Despite all the burning avenging strength I used to fuel myself, I somehow knew it hit a limit and I felt this strength I thought to be invincible dim within me. But I refused to abandon, and steeling my mind, forced myself doing 50 perfectly
Until, after rising up for the 50th time, I failed to control my body and fell down on the ground, unable to handle anymore. And without a warning, Elwin immediately kicked viciously my rifle off my hand during these few seconds of inattention, sending it flying a few meters away. Ignoring the pain I felt in my hand, I reacted immediately and crawled toward the weapon, not thrusting my legs yet.
Thats 50 more for the non-respect of a primary consign.
That was it. Unable to stop, I began crying silently as I tried to lift my body one more time, and failed again, my shivering body having had enough of it, dead exhausted. I sobbed there my resignation, my failure, a sweating body in a soaked, dirtied uniform on the ground.
Can you accept defeat now? Elwis voice was softer, and as I lifted my head to look at him through my tear-blurred eyes, I saw he had abandoned his sergeants role for the moment. I knew, just by the look, that for the moment, he wasnt sir, but merely Elwin, the kind man Ive met for two days during leave time, the wise veteran soldier in his early thirties.
Why! I asked, nearly a scream of despair between two sob, clawing on the ground my frustration.
The man sighed, and sat down on the ground next to me. I was glad he didnt showed any pity in his now compassionate stare, never extending a hand to help me. My honour was safe, and somehow he respected that without my need to say so.
I had to. Your vengeance desire makes your body surpass your comrades by a long measure, you are so concentrated and relying on it, defeat isnt even an option to you anymore. And I thought I explained to you rather well back at L-9, didnt I? He said, his voice a caress to my broken soul.
Dont you see what your arrogance is leading you to? Your vengeance has become your priority; I doubt you even recall why you are going in such a crusade anymore. You are trying to become a slaughter machine, which doesnt need anything anymore, not even your own comrades. Ive seen you turn down their invitation at friendship. Youve been polite, you smile, but when it goes further, you are an impenetrable fortress.
You probably think you suffered enough to be above all that. And even though I have nothing to complain on your discipline yet, thats whats coming up next. Isabelle, in your actual state of mind I wouldnt trust you on a battlefield. I know, if you saw the object of your revenge, no order could possibly restrain you then.
I was still lying, crying when I finally decided to sit up, my arms weakly supporting my body off the ground. I was so confused, I wasnt even sure if I understood a single word of what my sergeant said. My head told me something while my heart wanted something else. As if reading my thoughts, Elwin smiled softly to me, comforting me a bit.
For the moment, just remember my words. Think about it tomorrow. He looked around, in the darkness of the mountain night. Here, far away from civilisation, it felt as if they were truly alone, the bunker of L-15 being hidden behind a hill. In such a solemn place, I thought, Elwins words did hit me with a strong impact.
He got up, and looked upon me.
Also remember. You are now in a team. We are your new family you must integrate yourself in it, and obey to our command. One of the many unwritten rules of the military states there is no such thing as a lone wolf in the army.
I stayed on the ground a little while longer before I had enough energy to walk back to base, relying on shaky legs. Elwin walked next to me all the while, never extending a hand to help, but always there in my back to support me were I to fall. I knew then, when he said a family, he was being quite serious.
Elwin was like a second father to me, powerful and wise, severe and soft.
The first part of our training, which lasted a total of 3 weeks, ended without any more drama. Weve been taught how to use the basic weapons issued by the Liberty Army; E-33 efile, E-37 machine gun and of course, handheld grenades. Weve also been taught some basic medical knowledge, enough to take care of minor injuries, and a few other useful tricks, such as the thousand of diverse ways to light up a fire. Child play (according to Elwin of course).
Hence, as our sergeant announced, came the second part of our training. And that was about it, he didnt told us much more about it, but it certainly looked even more exhausting than our first 3 weeks of hell. We woke up at about the same hour as usual, strapped on our backpack which was suddenly filled with equipment (no one short of Elwin knew what they contained as we werent allowed to open them yet), which made them feel like a thousand time heavier. We also had to wear our whole combat set meaning, our combat helm, our E-33 rifle (or, for those slightly unlucky, the even heavier E-37), a handful of grenades, our whole survival kit (that ranged from a small medpac to a set of knifes) and of course, the light armour plates which accomplished nothing really up to now but slow us down and make our every move clumsy and exhausting under the added weight. Especially after 5 hours of marching in the mountain toward an unknown destination.
Since we were going at such a slow rhythm (for us, used to run our 5km every morning), Aurelia and I marched close to the lead, though not close enough for Elwin to hear us and scowl at us for lack of discipline.
Idea idea as to where we are headed? she asked to me, nearly whispering just to be careful, and certainly in a tired, bored voice. I smiled slightly; despite Aurelias gap of physical endurance between her and myself, she actually held quite good, even compared to some of the other male recruits of our section. I often wondered if she was just acting.
Nope. But for sure, we are headed upward. Id guess we are near the 1000 m altitude by now.
Yeah, it sure is getting cold by every step we go by Im glad we arent forced to run through, that would definitively kill me!
Well, Aurelia probably wasnt that far from the truth, I reflected. We were climbing a rather immense mountain, and were we going in too fast, our body might not be able to adapt at the sudden change of atmospheric pressure or the diminished oxygen level in the air.
Did you hear that? She asked, as I was distracted in my mental calculation of just how much oxygen percentage we were breathing at the moment.
Pardon me, what?
If you heard anything. It sounded like a rumble or something.
I focused a bit on the background noises of the mountain, trying to ignore our marching sounds, a rather easy task since we all were marching in synchronised formation pace. Wind howling through the branches of the trees, branches cracking, some animals
And, there was indeed some kind of rumble, in the very far away, distant and barely audible. And, definitively coming from above. I looked up, toward the top of the mountain where the snows never melt, even in summer time.
Snow avalanche? I said.
Probably that.
Soon, the trail we were walking on was indeed covered by snows. It was noon as well, so Elwin ordered us to halt, which we did gladly.
Alright. Open your backpack everyone, you will find your winter clothing, time to put them on. Well only have snow ahead of us.
The snow cammo uniform was actually an immense cloak, ending with steel clamps so they could be attached over our armour platings with ease. They were excellent to isolate us from the biting cold as well, which would be useful if we were indeed to progress upward.
528, 716, 844, you three will notice you are carrying our kitchen with us. All of you will notice that you have boxes of food ration as well. Do I need to explain further? He smiled, one of those rare times when he did so while keeping his role of sergeant. enjoy dinner time, kids.
We grinned in hunger as our lunches were prepared by the three ovens, each taking less then 30 seconds to heat up and ready for consumption. We stood in this little clearing with the beginning of the mountain eternal snow, enjoying our steaming hot food and the impressive vista of our pristine planet. All of us in our life did climbed on any of these mountain with perhaps even more beautiful view, yet, there, it was with our comrades in arm, with whom weve been already been through so much that added a strong sense of pride as we rested. I dont know who started it, but we began congratulating each other for surviving these three first weeks. The atmosphere was nearly festive as sergeant Elwin asked us to pack up and continue ahead. Weve meanwhile painted our helmets in white as to have a more efficient camouflage (the paint was in the backpack of 756. It sounds like everyone carried something part of the expedition)
Well, we now knew the contents of 4 of us I did myself peaked up a bit at mine during our pause, but wasnt able to determine what the pieces of black steel in my bag meant. And it certainly was heavy.
After another few hours of walking in our now high moral mood and clad in white combat suit, it became clear that we werent going down to base tonight for sure. I turned toward Aurelia to inform her of my guess, and she nodded in agreement.
You are probably right. I checked my own pack and those of a few others, they looked like parts of a tent or a large habitation module hey did you hear that?
Yes, we all heard it very well, from the puzzled gaze of everyone. It was a loud rumble and certainly not that of an avalanche. It was that of a loud explosion that we heard enough to remember for the rest of our life, the same kind of explosion produced by one of our hand grenade. Yet, Elwin didnt seemed to notice as he said nothing and continued marching as if nothing happened, and we followed his confident lead.
As we walked ahead, the sound of each explosion became clearer and happened at a regular rhythm. Was there a military base so high in the mountain we werent aware of? An extension of L-15?
Elwin ordered for another halt before I could finish my thoughts, this time to brief of us on situation.
Soldiers, welcome to the live training ground of L-15.
What you hear ahead are 3 different sections under practice, using training round of ammunitions just like what you are carrying. The whole thing is a life-size war game. We will be coupled with section Gamma to fight against Epsilon and Ceta. Our own designation is Lambda.
He took off his helm, identical to ours save for the rank marking it as sergeant, and showed off the dark blue emblem of the section.
To identify each other, we are the dark blue, Gamma are black while Epsilon is orange and Ceta, red.
Our primary objective for now will be joining up with Gamma headquarter and establish camp. From the explosions going on, we can guess without much imagination that the kids are already in the heat of the actions, and so will we be. From now on, combat formation, be stealthy and keep your rifle ready at all time!
He tucked the helm back on his head and loaded his FS-77 rifle (an advanced E-37, much lighter and accurate). No words needed, we did the same with our weapons with amazing synchronism already.
No questions? Move in!
Yes sir! We all replied with strength and confidence.
--
Guided by a GPS datapad, we headed toward Gamma camp and entered our first engagement or so, against a dozen of Epsilon soldiers, probably there on recon duty and certainly not expecting our section to suddenly appears out of the woods, apparently coming out of thin air. They barely fired any round before depositing their weapons in surrender.
Okay, 928 and 950, secure me these boys, sounds like we are going to HQ with some prize among other thing! He grinned slightly despite his austere look.
I acknowledged, and with recruit 950, we manacled the captured soldiers after doing a probe as protocol specifies Probably did I hasted a bit, under my embarrassment at doing such a task, because one of the prisoner smirked for a second or two at me with amusement as I fastened the shackles.
Ooh Lone Wolf embarrassed? Thatd be a first!... Aurelia whispered to me and our comrades when I went back in the formation.
Shuup Aurelia! I growled mockingly, but feeling myself blush despite my apparent nonchalant tone.
We reached Gamma under a few minutes, exchanging blind shot with an equally blind enemy, both of us using the thick wood and rocky environment of the mountain as efficient covert. Our allies camp was an interesting system of trench and tents built down within. A number of heavy machine gun turrets were erected at some strategic defence positions, and I instantly recognised the content of my own package with a little childish smile of pride since I now knew I was carrying the big gun of the group.
The prisoners were quickly put in Gamma prison (an underground cave which already contained a number of individuals) while we hastened to build up our own trenches, extensions of Gamma with the help of the allied soldiers which werent immediately needed for the base defence. A few hours of hard work later, it was the machine gun posts and tents that were deployed as we sweated hard despite the cold air up in the heights. When we finished, the rattle of blaster fire and explosion of grenades was still being heard, making us all a bit tense, but we smiled with pride nonetheless at the finished work.
Sergeant Elwin came in, immediately distributing new orders. Teams were made to assure guard shifts, and already some of us were opening fire on the enemy with the newly installed machine gun. I was to go in sentry position next morning, hence I could rest for the time being
Except, as my team soon discovered, it wasnt exactly rest; we had basically to make full maintenance check of the weapons and equipment of all our comrades who were doing guard duty.
Meanwhile, we were finally officially introduced to our allies; section Gamma, as we made point on our situation in the relative safety of our tent. Having been on a 1 vs 2 for a day already, they had lost 14 men already, a serious loss for a section. Hopefully, theyve held their ground very well and now with a fresh new section coming as reinforcement, Gamma sergeant hoped to inverse the situation. While his section was the better trained of the four, having started a whole month earlier than our own, Epsilon and Ceta begun their training a week before us as well, making us the least experienced even though we were in full number.
Well, it sounded rather even.
After what, we were left alone in our tent do continue maintenance under a enthusiastic atmosphere.
Ah, cant wait to use this thing on real, moving things of the recruit said jokingly as I checked the recoil suppressor of my rifle. It couldnt possibly have many fatigue, but consistence was something you learned as a soldier. We laughed at his comment,
My, already showing your virile spirit to our the replying soldier turned his head toward me and Aurelia, charming female neighbour?
Hey! Now, I wasnt the one with perverted intention to begin with! The first one said in a complaining tone, his face showing amusement. Though, I certainly would never refuse such an invitation from either of you!
I smiled for myself as I opened the ammunition clip, Aurelia replying something, apparently boiling in embarrassment. The usually crystal-clear like liquid held in each cartridge were now of a bright orange, marking them as inoffensive. All they would merely do would be paint a big fluorescent marking of the same vivid orange where you shot, and a minor pain to inform the hit target he was down. Although not that dangerous, we were ordered to never aim at the head of anyone, as it might accidentally blind whoever would get hit.
The chatter went on a joking and good mood tone as we finished our inspection and went to check on the more delicate electronic equipment; comm.link, GPS, datapad, etc. Deploying for combat wasnt an easy thing as we learned. The task was tedious since we had yet to do it for our comrades on guard duty
The discussion turned now on our training, and how we were going to fare out there.
Bah. Well lose for sure, they know the terrain much better than we possibly could anyway.
Aw dont say that. Otherwise Ill wonder what they do to the prisoners and dead. Someone said. Which was indeed a good question.
I silently opened up my comm. unit, checking if electricity was passing on every wire.
Well, if the guards are female, very dirty stuffs! the first soldier said, which made all of us laugh, and I felt myself blush a bit in embarrassment, recalling what happened earlier. It was embarrassing to make a search on someone, touching about everywhere to check his weapon, after all!
hey, wait a sec, Lone Wolf did like
I cutted the man with an amused smirk as I suddenly turned toward him,
Sorry to disappoint you, but Im not in age for such dirty things! I said, causing everyone to go in laughter once more.
Oh well, we might lose this skirmish practice, but it certainly was going to be a load of fun.
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