- Invitation Status
- Posting Speed
- One post per day
- 1-3 posts per week
- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Adept
- Preferred Character Gender
- Female
- Genres
- Fantasy, modern and magical.
Dark Skies
[ Aleyin Solar System, Aleyin ]
[ 1st of January, 2400 A.D. ]
[ 12:39 AM, onboard the Duchess ]
[ Aleyin Solar System, Aleyin ]
[ 1st of January, 2400 A.D. ]
[ 12:39 AM, onboard the Duchess ]
There was a certain serenity to it. The darkness of space, with just the stations surrounding Aleyin and from those one could see the stars and the other planets. Yet, even with the diversity of the view thanks to the already present marks in the scenery something would disturb that. Almost violently.
Light itself seemed to faintly grow out of nowhere. A bright halo started to grow, rapidly starting to make it clear for those who threw a glance at the darkness of space from the stations. In a rapid speed, a large vessel would move out of it. The space stations that were alarmed already by the slip space didn't turn their weaponry towards the arrived vessel. It wasn't a 'bandit', but a vessel of the URFN. The Duchess had arrived in the Aleyin solar system.
On board of the mighty cruiser, the personnel would be alerted that they had left slip space. Work was resumed, which consisted out of routine work. Even though some had been allowed to celebrate New Years Eve, not many had enjoyed that luxury. The brief time that the personnel and vessel had been stationed at Rono, in the Cacia solar system, was the only sort of break that they had enjoyed. And that break had consisted out of being getting supplies and new personnel as well delivering some supplies. Nothing really exciting thus.
Slowly drifting towards the large planet, messages would go through the intercoms as leading officials would be alerted and instructed to ready their sections. Passing several space stations, the Duchess would start to make its way toward the orbit of the planet. Slowly descending, as it would begin on its next duty. Another routine job of maintaining the peace and order on the planet. Yet, the atmosphere on board of the Duchess wasn't a pleasant one. Many weren't too happy with being stationed for the time being near, let alone near, the planet. Yet nobody would complain as the vessel wouldn't at least land down on the surface. Hovering just outside orbit, work wouldn't stop.
[ "Prepare. 15 minutes until departure." ]
The voice that rang through the air was mixed with soft curses being muttered, sighs and other sounds as people started to prepare. The section where the Gladiators worked was rustled with activity. People bringing up some supplies to the 'Pigeons', preparing the drop-ships for the imminent moment that they would head to the surface of the planet. It wasn't just pure coincidence that the Duchess after all had been ordered to be stationed near Aleyin. Just ten hours ago, reports had came in about several revolts. Where the planetary force could solve most of it, there was something to it. Requesting aid from the URF, the latter had decided to send the Duchess. The idea was simple : the first batch to investigate and see how dire the situation was would consist out of Gladiators. Likely ending up in firefights against the insurgents and those supporting the revolts. Then once enough information would've been gathered, platoons of URF military personnel would be send. Just to clear the remains and get the glory of victory as praise. Unfair, but it had always gone like that.
[ "Prepare good. Firesquads, get moving."]
The masculine voice sounded annoyed. Known as 'Papa Bear', the oldest known veteran of the Gladiator force and current acting commander. Orders were followed as the teams would board the Pigeons. Just before the said time would expire, the drop-ships would leave the Duchess. Heading towards Aleyin itself. In the boarding space, where the the members of the fireteams would sit while being transported by the Pigeon drop-ships. On their seats, strapped, in the faint red lighted interior there would be a small screen that would light up. Creating a rather interesting play of colors as a face would be seen on the screen.
"Listen up, rookies." The person was nobody less than 'Papa Bear'. The man spoke in a serious manner, the grey hairs and scars present on his face giving the commander a grim and harsh look. "You will all be deployed in a zone where several skirmishes have taken place between planetary forces and the insurgents. They are moderately armed and thus expect heavy resistance. Lethal force is authorized. I repeat, lethal force is authorized."
With the briefing done, it would still take some hours before the drop-ships would touch down.
[ Team Blue, ]
[ Position : Alpha]
- Commissar Micheal -
The drop-ship would land near an abandoned facility. As the doors opened, the commissar stepping out first. Dressed in the general garb of what one could expect from an URF soldier, the middle aged man was properly armed and seemed ready. His task being to ensure that Central at the Duchess would be aware of the actions of the Gladiators. His name was Micheal and he had been silent all this time. But then he spoke up, there was a soft click as the man readied his shotgun.
"We'll be hoarding up in the facility and set up the communication relays for the following operations. On the double." The man stated, shooting looks at the members. There were several Gladiators that weren't really equipped for combat, but carrying tools and supplies. Most likely those who would be tasked with setting up the communication devices within the facility.
The facility itself seemed as if it was on the verge of collapsing. As if one wouldn't find the warm weather not already uncomfortable enough, the musk stench that was residing in the air inside the building wouldn't be pleasant either. On further inspection, one would notice that it had been really a long time since somebody had taken the time and effort to care for the complex. The previous occupants had now been replaced by nothing but insects, dust and a musk stench.
[ Team Red, ]
[ Position : Bravo]
- Commissar Lee -
It took a second longer than usual for the drop-ship to touch down. Not that the man minded. "Listen up." The man of Asian ethnicity seemed friendly. Yet if one would dare to stare long enough, they would spot a certain disdain in his eyes. "We'll be moving out and scout for enemy contacts. Watch for movement, tracks and keep your eyes open. No pranks." Cocking his assault rifle, the message was clear.
With the door of the drop-ship slowly opening, the team would face a scenery that would have some beauty to it. A harsh one. Hills that were barely covered in foliage as the sun of the system, New Apollo, merciless kept focusing its warmth. As if the sun that was named after the Greek deity was determined to scorch everything that it could in the arid like climate.
[ Team Grey, ]
[ Position : Charlie]
- Commissar Vara-
The drop-ship hadn't landed or the feminine voice spoke. She sounded harsh and irritated. "We're tasked with taking up a defensive position to help create a perimeter around position Alpha." The commissar, glanced at her sniper rifle as she would then shoot a glance at the Gladiator captain, Emily Sinclair. Though the other woman was in a position of commanding the bunch around, Emily was subjugated to Vara's position. Yet, as experienced the commissar was with the lot that made up the Gladiators, Vara didn't seem to exert as if she had total control.
The crew inside would feel the familiar bump as the drop-ship touched down. With the door opening for them, they would be greeted as any other with a heat wave from outside. The temperature of the arid climate was combined with seemed to be a rocky situation. Hills plastered with large rocks seemed to make up for the absent vegetation.
