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The young wolf lined up in the third row next to his training buddy, Ciela. The white tiger was the only one that could keep up with him, and the only one to match him in combat proficiency, "Ready for this Blide? All that annoying work with these punks will finally pay off. Sweet paycheck, a real bed, all that crap."

Blide snarled, "I just want a real target, none of this safety bullet bullshit." A bull turned around, "What? You got something to say?" He snapped his focus forward, "Thought so bitch."

Basic training lasted for three months and included firearms training, explosive training, martial arts, and terminology. The ability to follow orders was implied, though the instructors made notes on many of the new recruits. Blide looked around for the bunny girl he had an eye on. She was cute, average with a gun, but cute, "Not gonna find her champ, we're all wearing the same rags and carrying the same bags. Just wait until we get assigned. I hope we get a good unit."

A group of about five hundred were standing together in order, not a bright one in the bunch but decent shots and good at following orders. Blide and Ciela looked to their right as another group moved into the field. Only twenty strong, and of course the bunny was there, "Special assignment?"

Ciela shrugged and adjusted the bag on her back, "Could be. I recognize some of them, eggheads and shit."

"Maggots!" The lead instructor called out, "I'd say congratulations, but that wouldn't be fair. As of this day, you are now grunts, soldiers for Fallen Sky. Cheer if you want, you won't be soon enough."

A large number of the five hundred cheered. Being a grunt was at least confirmation that you wouldn't be stuck on permanent cleaning duty or some other menial job, "Idiots, they're the first to be shot I bet."

Blide nodded, "Decent meat shields. That's about it."

The instructor raised his hand and the crowd went silent, "You were given a single number at the start of training. Divide into divisions by your number and await for your assigned commander to give further instructions."

Blide and Ciela were initially given different numbers, but trades were common among the trainees and now they could be in a unit together, "Hurry it up, I want to find '4' and get this over with. Can't wait for a real gun." Ciela dragged Blide into an empty area, "Everyone with '4' gather here!"

In total, twenty grunts were in group 4. Group 1 and 2 each held at least a hundred, "Poor bastards, cannon fodder at best."

"Agreed."

A rule of thumb was that being in a smaller unit meant higher pay and better gear. A large group meant you were expendable, and given only the bare essentials for your combat situation. Blide growled to himself, "I could have just killed them if that's what they wanted. Should have been born better."

"Seems like you're all here." An older husky stepped in front of the grouping, "I am Commander David. As of right now, you will be the crew on my ship, the OSX-356. You have already been assigned armor with shielding, an ER-339, an EP-012, and a standard issue combat knife. Are there any questions?" He felt trustworthy, but sounded like he had seen his fair share of combat.

"Yeah." Blide stepped up, "We gonna see combat anytime soon?"

David nodded solemnly, "Sooner than you think. The galaxy is in upheaval, and even though we are no elite unit we are relied on to complete important missions." He paused and looked at the dirt below before shutting his eyes. It was a tense, knowing silence that followed before he raised his head, "I truly wish none of you had entered training. I cannot guarantee your safety, and as of now Fallen Sky has made true enemies of the Bloody Legion, the former Captain Isa, and the former Commander Dante. The number of our enemies is increasing, but their numbers aren't great."

"Than what's the damn problem?! We can wipe them out and be done with it." Bloodlust and a desire for general violence was noted on Blide's psychological report, and David knew it.

A sweet, gentle voice came from behind, "Numbers aren't the problem, it's the skill, strategies, and ambitious drive." It was the bunny, "Hello Commander David, I am Quinn, I have been assigned as your communications officer."

The husky smiled, "Welcome aboard Officer Quinn." It was a fatherly smile, and most of the crew could tell. Blide has something else on his mind, "Since we're all here, let's go to the ship and get ready. Our first mission could be assigned at any moment. Officer Quinn, I will need to talk to you about your duties."

"Of course, commander." She hopped up to his side as they walked.

Blide's jealousy grew, "Old bastard, she's mine."

"Easy Romeo, any more sweet stuff and you'll give me diabetes." The ship was small, meant for scouting and small combat missions. Steel-colored outside and an uninspired design, this was the ship for a grunt, "Alright, time to find my shit and my bunk. This is it, huh? Time to finally make a mark."

"Make a mark? What are you talking about? We're here to kill."

Ciela shrugged, "I mean, sure, murder and all that. But I want to move up, become an officer or at least a higher rank, make some more money, move up again. You know, finally stop being a kid and become an adult with responsibilities. Be able to retire with friends."

Blide chuckled, "Hah! What an idiot. The only thing we need to do is fight until there isn't anyone to fight."

"Different strokes for different folks."

"Female room is to the right on deck three, male room on the left. It's clearly marked, and I won't tolerate any mistakes. Your beds are also marked, with a trunk at the bottom containing your equipment. Meals will be available starting at 0600, 1200, and 1800 in the dining hall on deck two. Anyone on deck one without permission is subject to execution for treason. If you miss a meal, too bad. You will respond to every alert in full gear and within five minutes. Officer Quinn, please let me show you the cockpit."

Blide and Ciela exchanged a glance, "I doubt he's gonna fuck her."

"Better not if he wants to stay alive." Blide stormed off to the male room and found his bed. Small twin-size mattress with a metal trunk anchored at the base. The armored was the usual stormy gray and fit like a glove. It was easier to wear than the armor in training, which was weighted to help new recruits get used to carrying equipment. The rifle was a stock design, as was the pistol. They fit into the holsters on the back and hip respectively, and the knife fit into the slot on his boot.

Blide hated being patient and tapped his feet on the floor all while standing in the corner. This made the other grunts nervous, and they quickly left to explore the ship, "Hurry it up, I need something to kill."

An hour of silence passed before the alarm sounded. Blide carried his rifle in hand as he made his way to the muster point of the ship, "Soldiers, we are being dispatched to investigate a small ship which landed in a disputed zone near our allies. I can't say if we have to fight, but be ready. We arrive in four hours."

"Finally, some damn action. I can't wait to kill."

Ciela was checking her belt, "Yeah, I'm not as eager. Plus we're only investigating. I doubt they'd tell us to go and look unless they knew we were outmatched. Try to stick to the script, alright moron?"

Blide flashed an evil smile, "I can't be held responsible for any deaths."

Hours passed in no time as Blide paced along a narrow corridor. Commander David was in full armor, a few medals and markings set him apart from the rest of the soldiers, and his sniper rifle was clearly custom, "Why do you get one like that? I'm a great shot!" Ciela was the best shot in training, and was jealous of the custom weapon.

David checked the rifle thoroughly, "I was a sniper, moved up through the ranks. I was the best non-elite soldier in all of Fallen Sky. To earn a sniper position means more than being better than grunts, you have to impress the higher-ups. As far as I know, only one was ever superior to me, and she could outshoot me with nothing more than a bow and arrow." He looked to the airlock, "We're clear. Everyone read over the details? Good, to point A. Move out!"

Blide broke off with two other soldiers to a scouting point while the others went to their detailed destinations. Point A was a large, but safe, area to get a visual on the target. Radio fizzled in, "This is Officer Quinn, small scouting ship ahead, between five and ten hostiles expected. Signature is... Bloody Legion."

David crackled in, "Dammit, everyone stay low and don't do anything stupid. If you can't see them from your position, don't try. Observe, nothing more."

"Like hell. You two, what do you see?"

The fatter soldier looked over a rock, "I see the ship, and I think... seven? They're standing around a weird radio."

"Fuck this, we can take'em."

The skinny soldier was nervous, "But, the commander said-"

"They're the enemy and we have the advantage. We'll be fucking heroes! Now shoot!" Blide stood up and fired blindly at the enemy. All seven were in the same area, in rifle range but the ER-339 was known for reliability, not accuracy. The other two soldiers opened fire as well.

"What the hell?! Who opened fire?!"

"Blide! What the fuck are you doing?!" Ciela came in over the radio.

Before he could respond, two perfect shots tore through the fat soldier, opening a massive hole in his chest and blowing away most of his head, even through a helmet, armor, and a shield. The skinny soldier panicked, but even he couldn't get away in time. His head was the next to go. Blide kept firing until something tackled him to the ground, "Get off!" He reached for his knife but found himself bound.

Ciela was finishing tying his hands, "Commander, two men down, Blide is secured, but I'm pinned down."

"Ciela! Let me go! We can take them!"

"Shut up you moron!"

The small ship's engines sounded and quickly took off, "Ciela, bring Blide to the front of the ship." David was standing behind the two, "You lot, bring these two men back. They're getting a proper burial at home." A few other soldiers carried the remains of their comrades as best as they could as the defeated squad returned to their ship.

The deceased were laid in front while David blocked the door, "Commander, what should we do?"

He removed his helmet and handed it to a soldier, "I heard stories about you. All sorts of violations, fights, and an 'accidental' death during training. I had thought being a grunt would settle you down, but it seems you still have a chip on your shoulder." He turned to Blide, "I'm not turning you in. Ciela, untie him."

The white tiger hesitated, "Sir?" The soldiers formed a circle, "As you wish, Commander."

Blide felt the rope cut and jutted forward, "What? Gonna shoot me here? Hah! You don't have the balls! You need me!"

David cracked his knuckles, "Listen you piece of shit. You think you're special because you beat up a bunch of untrained idiots. So if you can take me down, I'll surrender my position to you. If I win, you follow my orders to the letter."

Blide knew he would win. David was middle-aged, weary, and slow, "Fine old man, I'll make you suffer." He threw down his helmet and raised his fists, "Get ready to die, asshole!"

He charged at David, who stood in a relaxed stance. With a twist of his hips and an extension of his arm, Blide aimed his fist directly at David's face. What he didn't expect was for David to duck and his Blide in the gut with his knee. Even through the shield it hurt like hell. Momentarily stunned, Blide felt the force of a sledgehammer slam down onto the back of his head, "This is the difference between us. A disciplined soldier that knows his limits and a punk that imagines that he's god."

He kneeled next to Blide, who was still in shock and dazed by the rapid and nearly fatal assault. Blide looked around and saw the other soldiers simply look without pity in their eyes. Even Ciela stared, but she seemed more disappointed than anyone, "Commander, what are your orders?" She said as the other soldiers snapped to attention.

"If you even think of defying my orders, I will turn you over to the interrogation department at HQ. You won't ever see the light of day again." He stood up and took back his helmet in a way that showed respect, "Take our fallen to the medical bay and get them covered. We'll forward a report and I will give one in person once we're back. Let's go."

Blide was once again bound, but he was sat in the muster point with the remaining soldiers, "Commander, we are on course for home. No unexpected circumstances."

"Alright, listen up you grunts. Bloody Legion makes Fallen Sky look like a bunch of crippled toddlers. That scouting ship could have easily taken us all down without a single casualty, do you understand?"

Nods from all around, "Commander, what were they using? They tore through armor and shielding like it was nothing." Ciela was genuinely curious.

"Better gear. The Bloody Legion provides better starting equipment and higher pay. In addition, the offer private shops for their mecenaries to purchase upgrades and better gear in general. Those were solid ammunition rifles, burst fire which is unusual for them. Energy shielding won't do much to stop them, and this armor is merely decoration. That radio..."

"Sir, show us how you did that move!" One of the soldiers bursted out, in agreement from the others.

"Can't, I didn't invent it and I'm a terrible teacher. An old friend showed me how." He took a drink from his canteen, "He was drunk at the time and he could still do it better than I ever could. So if you plan on punching and kicking, only do it to enemies at close range."

"Commander David, do you know more about the Bloody Legion? It would help if we had some background."

Blide snarled in the corner, but knew that he didn't have a chance right now to take his rightful place at the top, "They started up officially about ten years ago. Before then they were a loose collection of soldiers for hire. Liasteri took hold of power and organized the group, some say with some inspiration but with her attitude you'd never know for sure. Until recently we were on good terms with them, but after the Black Legion made an alliance with us, the Bloody Legion sees us as enemies."

Quinn entered the muster point, "As I recall, some shady deals may have gone down to create the alliance, and it caused Dante and the Albatross to leave Fallen Sky, followed shortly by Captain Isa. It was a devastating blow for morale, even moreso than class changes in the past few months." This last part caused Quinn to pause.

New laws had been passed a few months ago, turning all non-soldier citizens on the Fallen Sky homeworld into second-class citizens with higher taxes and fewer rights. It was passed while Dante, Mira, and Isa were on a goodwill mission so they had little to no say. It was also at this time that rumors circulated about members of the Black Legion having secret meetings with Fallen Sky leadership. Nobody put much thought into the meetings, looking to sign up for service as quickly as possible to avoid having everything taken from them for the war effort.

David nodded, "Indeed. But we're just soldiers. It's our job to fight and our job to die for whoever is in charge. I'm as loyal as the next, but I will put this out there right now." He lowered his head for a moment before raising it again, "If any of you wish to desert, I will drop you off at a free port."

"That's a traitor's way out." Blide commented, "You should be arrested if you can't handle the responsibilities of being a leader."

David didn't react, "You're right, I shouldn't be a leader. But that's my job. If it were up to me, I'd live a quite life in the middle of nowhere, start a family, and be done with the fighting. So," He stood up by pushing on the chair armrests, "Until that day comes, you will follow my orders."

Ciela nodded, "Commander David, do you have any idea why the Bloody Legion was here?"

"Nothing more than theories. They're smart, don't make rash decisions, but don't use decoys either. That equipment was for measurements, I can't say which though. We're lucky they left, but that also means that they know Fallen Sky is aware of their position."

"Should've killed them all."

"Blide, you got two men killed. I don't think you're capable of making any decisions yourself." David sighed, "This will probably get messy fast, and I know the Black Legion is involved in some way."

Ciela looked at the dull, metallic floor, "Well, we knew what to expect. Is there any way to get better guns? Even if we don't directly attack, better defense will aid in our survival."

Commander David shook his head, "Maybe. If what I suspect is right, Liasteri may have contracted a certain someone for weapon designs. I don't even know if I can get in touch."

"You're talking about the Albatross, aren't you?" Quinn mentioned quietly, "I don't think they'll help us as we are."

"Probably not." David started to leave the muster point, "But I may be able to learn something. I'll... make an adjustment to our course. Quinn, send a message to HQ. We're gathering intelligence, our mission isn't over yet."