X-R | Story

CHAPTER 2

Dayken : Reborn

Destruction

This word seemed to be the master theme of everything. The city, Valcia's life, my life... The terrorist acts that occurred in major cities on Syaxel reported the hatred and misery of the terrorists, the rebels. After what happened on Arkylias, a detached group of Metras's Army stayed in the city to help the locals find and rescue survivors. I was part of the local rescuers.

Here! I can see him!

I ran down the small debris hill, the sun was brilliant that day and reflected on the broken metal, giving them irregular shinny forms. The victim's PAD made it easy for the search and rescue team to locate survivors, but unfortunately, it was mostly all black signals. The PAD always contains the vital information of their host. In case of injury, it will display information in yellow, for severe injuries, in red and in case of death, black. For security measures, we still have heat and bios scans sweeping the area in case of defection of the host's PAD, or for missing arm survivors. As example, if someone looses their arm in an accident, the PAD will loose contact and report an unknown status, even if the host is still alive.

It’s been four days since I last had a normal life. Four days searching in the debris, without sleep, waiting for news of my parents, apparently in the center of the city when the attacks occurred. The soldiers were surprised to see an untrained local work so much since four days, without sleeping or taking a break. But I had to forget, I had to occupy my time. I had to take out of my mind this awful reality that became my life. Telak was still unconscious but under medical support. Since that day where I blew a window by the only power of my will, I realised a potential in me. I always knew I had this ability but never tough it could be this strong. Very rare are the people who have the ability to break a wall-type window like that. In either case, I wasn't very motivated in developing this ability. I had no interest for anything else than trying to find and save other people. The explosion that occurred in my school left only four survivors behind. But the one that occurred in the center of the city made a huge mess. Killing thousands of people and injuring much more, the multiple explosions literally broke the central part of Arkylias into a melting, burning and smoking mountain of ruins. Me and my team were assigned to take care of a zone that included an underground center. We found more than forty survivors so far and the search was almost finished. We were finishing with our last bio and heat scan when the results reported a bio and heat confirmation.

We localised another potential survivor! Said Batten.

Batten is our team chief. Everyone stopped their activity and regrouped around him. I then asked:

Location?
Strangely, it’s hard to tell. The reports are kind of blurry. But it’s about two rooms on our right.
Ok good. Let’s get them out now.
Axis, eliminate the rejected debris. Rost, you’re in charge of the square gun. The rest of you should look for any rock fall.

The square gun is a laser cutter used by rescue teams to move inside blocked or burning places. They square a burning rectangle into most material allowing us to move inside the room without the need of an explosion.

The square gun emitted a small heat wave as it cut his way through a metallic wall. Well done, almost all the debris got instantly disintegrated. Rost and I then moved inside.

Hello? Is there anyone here? yelled Rost

We didn't wait for any respond, we quickly illuminated the area and started searching for survivors... unconscious!

I found a man and a woman alive here!
They are the only ones alive. I’ve found two other death bodies.

I quickly grabbed the man over my shoulder while running out of the hole.

Rost, Axis, bring them to the drop zone, a drop ship is on its way.

Arrived on the site, I received an incoming message from the military staff: it ordered me to fly with the survivors to the medical center. It concerned Telak. It didn't take long for us to hear the growing sound of the drop ship's engines. I received an incoming communication from one of the military staff.

This is Troup Staff Gywards. You have been requested at Arkylias's medical center. We are airborne and ready to pick you up for immediate transport.
Understood.

The four turbo-propulsor raged the ground of an intense heat wave as it was fighting gravity. We could barely hear each other. These ships are loud, but fast indeed. I reached the back panel to shield the survivor. There were already many survivors in the ship while two soldiers helped me climb in. Usually I would have loved this moment. Climbing in a military drop ship with equiped soldiers... but I wasn't much minded at personal interests for now. The drop ship turned slowly while lifting in the air. When it reached a certain height, the pilot then activated the main engines to boost us at high speed. I had trouble sitting down because the craft was moving and shaking. One of the soldiers, an officer, toggled his visor off and talked to me:

Your one of the survivors from the academy right?
Yes.
Getting up from such a situation is already a heck of a challenge. It needs strength and courage to do so. But helping the rescue teams like that... digging up all day without sleeping... that’s just incredible!
Thank you.
Don't get me wrong kid... It may not be as positive as it sounds. Do you know that no matter how hard your mind wants to help, your body still has a limit? You could get very sick or even, die out of over using it like this.
Lets just say that my personal life is not worth the price of saving many others lives...
That’s thinking short terms my friend.
What do you mean?
Right now you may save many lives. But if you die, your help will end there. Someone with such potential as you will surely be able to help us so much more throughout your life. Think of all the things you can do, either it’s for others... and for you!
Well thats a way of seeing it. I understand what you mean, but I just don't feel like thinking or talking about the future right now...
It’s understandable. I hope things come out better for you.

He smiled at me and walked back to the front of the ship. I looked out of the window. The sky was so blue... so calm. I feel so calm... so empty. I can't imagine... I can't think of how my life will become. The high probabilities that my parents are dead. No Valcia, no house, no car, no school, no friend, no nothing... How did this all happen? Wasn't I, not long ago, laughing at Telak's joke while Valcia was looking at me? Wasn't I, not long ago, kissing my mother good day at work? How could this have happened? Isn't there just one single way we could come back in time? Is there anyway to get back to my life? So many questions... so few answers.

Arriving at the medical center, the drop ship entered the building by one of the many emergency docking bays. I was about to help the soldiers getting the survivors out when a medical staff called me in a room a couple floors down. Walking in the hallways of a medical center after an attack like this is probably the worst thing of all. So many wounded people crying and asking for help. So much blood everywhere. Everyone running here and there, trying to give a minimum of vital care. The rooms, usually automated in most services were now always requesting a person's assistance. Even if the medical entity can duplicate itself infinitely, its physical extensions stays limited. Passing the emergency floors I arrived in a lower priority section. Patients here were or almost healed, or at least, in a stable condition.

When I crossed the door, the doctor's PAD warned him of my presence and he quickly turned around to face me. Before he even started talking I already knew what he was about to say... my parents are dead.

I am sorry... We have confirmed the death of your parents.
There are things you don't need a PAD to know doctor...
I'm aware that you probably already knew about them. But if I can make a suggestion, I would suggest you to concentrate your attention, your energy and concerns to the things you still have. I have good news concerning Telak.
Telak ! He's going to make it?
Not only is he going to make it, but a lot sooner than expected!

I suddendly felt a huge energy flooding to me. Like if suddendly I started living again. Telak was alive!

He gained consciousness not long ago. He will be fine! Follow me.

When I entered the room, seeing his face, I felt so good inside. A familiar face! Someone I know, my friend. Looking at his face, I'm sure he was probably going through the same thing as me.

Telak!!!!!!
Axis!!!!!
This is just too incredible! You’re alive! You’re conscious and safe!
I can't believe what you did out there Axis! You saved me! You saved us both getting into that car!

I stayed by his side for a whole day, talking at first and then, finally sleeping for the first time after five hard days of endless work. The next day Telak had a final treatment to do and he was free to go. While waiting outside of the room for his treatment to end, a soldier came by me. I instantly recognised the rank of a Field Staff.

Greetings Axis.
Hello officer..?
My name is Ernolan. I am Field Staff in the Land Forces Division of Metras's Army. I am here to persuade you to join the Land Forces of MA. Your personal profile interests us and your recent action also confirms our choice.
Well, I already thought of joining MA before... I am interested but I would like to think about it.
I am sorry, I cannot afford to wait for your decision. I need an answer as soon as your friend Telak comes out of treatment. You both have my offer and will be immediately transported to your training camp.
Immediately!? Recruiting Telak in a medical center? The Army is that desperate?
The situation is. We need people like you to help us protect our Federation.

For a recruitment, that was a recruitment! When Telak came out of treatment room, we had a very small discussion where he explained me that joining the MA was already his goal. Joining the MA would only help us organise what is left of our lives. Having no home, no school, parents or friends pretty ends up your life. So the next thing I knew, I was again in a drop ship but this time, direction Dayken.

Did you ever imagine we would end up like this? asked Telak
No. I did dream at a time of this particular moment. Being in a military drop ship in direction of a training camp to become a soldier of the Land Forces of MA. But considering the context, there is nothing to dream of.
Yeah.. I'm sure that in your dream, you were flying with me AND Valcia. Wondering how your parents even left you join the MA...
Right now I realise that there was nothing to dream of. And that today, I would give anything to get my life back, that today I am dreaming of what I considered as my normal life not long ago.
I have this ugly feeling we crossed a line in our life where things, unfortunately, will never have the chance of coming back again. I hate all this.
There is just one good thing about what is coming up...
What?
Dayken Camp... At least it will probably make us think of other things. Occupate my head and concentration.
Yeah... From now on, let’s face destiny and let go our past.

It was the good thing to say in a situation like this, but we both knew that neither of us where really ready to fully accomplish this simple idea. Time would tell us when...

Dayken Military Base is a training camp situated not far from the city of the same name. Surrounded by infinitely deserted lands, the Dayken Base provides an excellent training ground to condition soldiers to weather. Unlike the city, the training camp does not regularise its temperature or wind level, or if it does, it’s only to make it worse. The camp is stretched on a long rectangle. At first comes the entry doors. Surrounded by dozens of official’s buildings and officer's barracks. Then there is the common buildings: cafeteria and community room. Further there is the soldier's installations for medical care, equipment and showers. At the very end are the soldier's barracks. The training area similarly consist on all the surrounding of the base. The drop ship was making circles around the base to help us memorise the location. After two complete circles he slowly dropped in front of the main gate. The back panel opened and a training staff passed his head by the open gap.

Hummmm Ahhhhhh! Fresh meat! he yelled, looking at us with a big smile.

From this moment, started the training. I now left my civil life behind. My family, my love. I was letting go who I was for who I will be. When I stepped on the ground, I was finally motivated. I was motivated to change, to start all over again, a new life, a new me. I knew that from this moment, things were never going to be the same...

As soon as I crossed the main gate, me and Telak had to separate ourselves due to the different locations we were requested to. Our PAD, constantly displaying information, were guiding us:

*Welcome to the Metras's Army Land Forces Dayken Training Facility! From this moment, your civic status has now been updated to: Federation Land Force Unit. Your rank is now: <0>, Recruit. Please proceed to location B-4425 to complete the first step of your pre-training. EoT (End of Transmission).*

The first month has passed without even touching a single weapon or military equipment! Being about only theoretical classes, our training consisted so far at learning the ways of the Federation Military Tactics. In a month, we have learned and memorised about anything concerning the MA. Luckily me and Telak have been assigned to the same Troup, so this allowed us to pass most of our time together... if not all! But now it was time to pass to the next level. After a month of <0> Training, we were now ready to become official Federation Units. And with that, the start of our real training.

I was up since nearly 1 hour when my PAD requested my presence at the infirmary. It was time! When you pass to Federation Unit, you actually officially become a MA Soldier. But to be in the MA, you need to upgrade your PAD to an MA-PAD. This change, along with other implants, will greatly enhance the performance of our civil PADs. But one of the main reason is for its cryptation and intranet capabilities. The MA needs a reliable and trustable system to display important information to their officers and soldiers.

When I walked out of the infirmary, I had the order to sleep immediately. The main purpose being to fully synchronize the PAD to me. Even if the MA-PAD kept my original PAD in memory as reference, there were soo many new functionalities that required a full synchronization. After a full day of sleep, I would then be assigned to my new barrack and proceed with my serious training. So I prepared my stuff, started packing my bags and then got to bed. The synchronization lasted two days. Sun brightly high in the sky, I got awaked by the happy face of Telak.

Com'on get up ! We're going at the new barrack. Com'on and hurry up!
Yes yes I'm coming... Why such a hurry ?
Because I want to have good places! The faster we go, the better choice we will get! In those barracks, its all four person rooms.
Oh I see where your getting at... You don't wanna be stuck on the top bed right ? Haha! Ok ok I'll get up.

I packed the rest of my stuff and head out of the <0>'s barracks. Outside there was a troup of soldiers, jugging with their weapons on the shoulder. Me and Telak started walking towards our new barracks, further inside the base itself. Strangely, there was a kind of electricity in the air. It was hard to describe, its like if there was a certain energy charging up towards our barrack. Arrived close to the door, Telak poked me to look on our left. There was a field with many bottles on pillars. There was a soldier and his training staff facing theses pillars. Curious, we decided to go take a look. Trouped around the fences, there was a lot of soldiers massing to see what was happening. The soldier seemed a bit worried and like if he was doing a lot of efforts. I felt a kind of

Are you ready?
Yes Sir!
Ok... Take them down!

The soldier faced the bottles with a concentrated look. He raised his hand towards a bottle, pointing it. Then I felt like a discharge in the air… the bottle exploded! We could hear the people all around us, amazed.

Whoa Nice! Did you see that?
Yes that is incredible!
Amazing!
Wow! I wish I could do that too!

Then he moved his hand pointing at an other bottle. Every bottle he pointed exploded as his finger aimed directly at it.

I soon realised that the energy in the air was in fact, the impulsion this guy was using. He was able to concentrate enough to control the surrounding vibrations of an object, breaking it without any physical contact. The training staff turned around to face us and yelled in the crowd:

Is there anyone here with similar type of capabilities?

I looked at Telak; he instantly pushed me towards the side of the fence, meaning “go for it!”

I repeat: is there anyone here who has this kind of capabilities?
Yes Sir, me!
Then come here and demonstrate us your skills.

I joined the staff and the soldier with a very unpleasant feeling. I wasn’t prepared for this at all and didn’t know if I could really have such precision in my impulsions. The staff placed new bottles on each pillar and then came back and said:

Are you ready?
Yes Sir!
Take them down!

I faced the bottles, everyone was looking at me, making me feel a bit uncomfortable. But this was no time to back up. I concentrated and tried to visualise all the bottles in my head. I concentrated until I could feel them all individually. I then raised my hand but without pointing at any bottle in particular… I was aiming them all! I then made a small movement forward and pushed all the bottles at the same time. Falling on the ground, they all broke. A feeling of joy filled me as I realised I managed to break them all at once at my first try! Smiling I faced the training staff.

What are you doing!?!?

I was stuned.

Well? You told me to… (interrupted)
I told you to break theses bottles! Not to push them!
Oh… I understand.

The staff quickly putted new bottles on every pillars and then faced me with a serious look. At that moment, a feeling of shame filled me as I realised I managed to NOT do what the staff told me! This was humiliating! I stepped towards the bottles. Now I had full concentration already. I really needed to break them in the air without pushing them. But how could I do that? I raised my hand, but had my fist closed. I was closing it tightly and trying to concentrate on how to break theses bottles. I was trying to break them by looking at them and started to get frustrated. This is useless! How can I break theses bottles without even pushing it! And I’ll make a fool of myself once again.

Suddenly, I felt some sort of sparks coming out of my fist. I was feeling this energy coming right out my fist! This was surprising, I never felt this way neither this kind of energy. I aimed it at the bottles and instantly, a small lightning bolt linking all the bottles to my fist made them all explode in a striking sound! When I lowered my hand I noticed that the energy was still strong in my fist, so I concentrated on flooding it in my body. I instantly felt better and ready to face the staff.

Wow… To be impressed, I am!
I have to admit I am also surprised!
Well you do have impressive abilities! I’ll make sure to add you to that group. Now move on to your duty.
Yes Sir.

People around us were all looking at me with big eyes, especially Telak!

Oh my god Axis! That was nice! I didn’t know you could do that.
The thing is… I didn’t either!
Whoa… I’m starting to fear your “hidden” abilities now.

He then looked at me with a grin and walked up to the door of our new barrack). There was a hall in the middle, cut by doors each side. At the end there was a small door or what seemed to be an office or maybe a closet! There were a lot of movements and people walking everywhere. It seems Telak was not the only one to have this idea! Since the place was filled with people all around us and seemed to not really be any free room, we walked around hoping to find at least two free beds in the same room. I was also looking at the occupants of each room to try to find seemingly correct persons.

You see, if you didn't have your little vendetta, we would probably have our own room right now... said Telak with a nagging smile.
Yeah and we wouldn't have this one!

He looked at me with strange eyes until he noticed that the occupants of the room on our left were in fact, repacking their stuff.

Hey guys, what are you doing? asked Telak.
We're leaving the room, we got reassigned elsewhere. answered a tall guy.
Well I thank you very much for reserving this room for us. replied Telak with a big smile.

The room was very small, but had now 3 empty beds for us. The room was "L" shaped and had a double-staged bed near a window along with a single bed facing the other side. The end of the room had a small chair with a desk.

I take the top bed! yelled Telak while he jumped on the bed on top.
Haha, we're probably the only one in the whole MA to fight for the top bed!
Fight? Who talked about fighting? I said : I TAKE it! There's nothing to fight or argue about. replied Telak with a wink.

Approaching the side of my bed, I felt a very troubling feeling like if something was not right, something I was missing. I looked at Telak with strange eyes.

Ehh... Whats wrong Axis?
I don't know. I have this odd feeling all of a sudden.
Well I do...

He didn't manage to finish his sentence as we heard a very familiar voice in the hallway. Telak's eye grew huge, well reflecting my own surprise! I ran out of the hallway and nearly hit him face to face.

Acer!!
Axis!?!? Wow your alive! Is Valcia with you?

A bloody cold wind smoothly gained the small hallway. At first I though it was simply my anger and sadness that made me feel this way, but by judging at people's faces as they were looking around to see where this sudden cold air was coming from, I realised I probably was moving some air around also.

Hum... No. She did not make it.
Oh I'm sorry, thats bad. But nice one with the window and the car there Axis. Very impressive!

The car? How did he knew about the car but not about Valcia?

If you knew about the car, why ask about Valcia?
Oh I don't know, sorry probably just forgot.
Hum... ok. Well its good to see your alive.
Yes it is, for now I must go. But we will meet again my old rival!

He said this last sentence with a amical smile, walking towards the end of the barracks, soon disapearing behind the many other people walking around. I had a strange feeling about this. For some reason I was happy to see him. Part of my old life, like a piece trying to hold on, trying to make me say or wish some of it still existed. But maybe not the right piece. This old school rivality is far over and unimportant compared to the recent events and the current situation. But I was unable to understand why I still had the feeling that I hated him. Maybe because of how he mentionned Valcia, apparently careless even just to remember. Valcia... How can you forget her... How can you even dare believe, truelly, that its over, that she is no longer here. How can you honestly even consider thinking of Valcia without being obviously aware of the horrible situation. I sat down on my bed, staring at the wall, thinking... Why Valcia... Why her? How did this even happen?

Axis. asked Telak
.... oh. Yes?
Well... We got our room, now we must be at the CombatDome like... right now.
Oh your right. I'm sorry, I was thinking. Ok lets go.

We walked out of the Barracks, heading to the CombatDome. The air was hot and sticky outtside and we could feel the animation moving all around us as all the new Units were moving to their occupations, mostly confused and trying to find their way around the place. While walking, I still had in mind full of questions and arguments to myself about how I hated this. Acer's comment relived the hidden anger I was hidding inside. Sadness was now guiding my feets accrost the field. I suddently got interupted by the sound of two heavy engines flying right above our head. Looking at the sky we both followed the path of the two heavy tactical drop ship as they were approaching a big circle dome. Showing impressive skills of piloting, they stabilised their ship right after a long circle around the dome, nearly hitting themselves. Without loosing a second, they rapidly dropped at ground level and then disapeared with the obvious use of a cloaking device.

You see Axis, thats what I call : an entry haha !
Indeed, I can't wait to be in one of thoses drop ship, ready for battle.
For now, lets get our ass kicked by the combat instructor.
Lets bet who lastes the longest!

The front hall of the Dome was surrounded by grey and red flags that displayed the nature of the Dome : Combat. At the opposite of most buildings, the Dome didn't have much holographic contents displayed on its surface, but rather a discret banner announcing the tournament dates. The walls on the side were lightish grey striked by red lines making circles around the doom.

The interior of the Dome was, at the opposite of its exterior, small and dark. Once inside we followed ouf holopath into the multileveled complex and found our training room. The ceiling was high and round-shaped. Small pillars were surrounding the area, giving cover for spectators to watch around. The room as as dark as the rest of the complex besides the ceiling's spotlights. The black walls gave the impression that the brown pillars were the only things in this room. I was about to talk to Telak as a brown man walked in the middle of the light, instantly recognising the grey Federation Uniform we automaticly straightened up and holded silence.

Hold it Units. My name is Stampter. I will be your Combat Instructor. This is Collars, my assistant.

A second person walked in the light. The black shirt and grey pants of our common combat outfit clearly showed his average height and size but-well-muscled body. Holding his hands in his back with confidence, he stared at us with a certain amusement smile. He had the same combat outfit as us but had extra "Combat Staff" flags on the side.

I will not lie to you Units, this training will be physicly hard. You will be hurt, brutalised and sometimes, injured. Some of you will hate me, some of you will maybe even want to kill me. But I don't care, my goal here is simple and the only thing I ask you is to remember that what your doing here, we’ll train and prepare you to inflict lethal and deadly damage to your enemies. I will not tolerate laziness or unmotivation. Theses Units will get killed and waste their lives because they were careless about their training. If this will be the case, rather we’ll kill them right here right now and spare us our precious time. Are you with me?
*collectivly* Yes Officer!
Ok I will not do any theorical matters today, simply test and judge you. I will ask everyone of you to fight one at a time against my Combat Staff.

He then pointed at the first guy on our right. Advancing with caution, he stepped in the circle of light, along with the Staff, seemigly very amused of the upcoming fight.

I was still thinking of Valcia when I suddently realised the fight was over! What, I missed it?? I was surprised but the other guy was lying on the floor, slowly helped up by his friends.

Ok next on the list.

The Unit next to him moved in the circle, alot more confident, probably motivated by the defeat of his friend. This time I stayed attentive to see the fight. The signal, a small beep noise alerted the start of the fight. Instantly, the Staff swang a right-side punch towards the Unit, who, visibly prepared for it, avoided it with his hand, attempting a counter-hit. The staff blocked the counter-hit and backed off, a smile on his face.

Oh I see you will last longer than your friend! said the Staff
The question is : how long will YOU last!

The Unit then advanced towards the staff, pulling a left-side kick. The Staff raised his hands to block the kick but instantly replyed by an other punch by the Unit. The staff blocked the kick and as the punch was almost touching his face, excerced a pression on the Unit's blocked foot, twisting his body. He steped sideway and let the Unit crash on the floor.

Good fight! said the Instructor. I hope you will be able to help your friend there. Next!

While the other fights got along, they mostly all went down on the floor within the first seconds and rarelly lasted a minute. The Staff was visibly going easy on them, hidding a possibly greater skill. But I was not very concentrated on the fights. Usually very motivated by fighting, I was simply still into my thinkings about Valcia.

Unit, I said NEXT! yelled the Instructor, staring at me.

I quickly poped out of my buble and ran to the circle. Telak was looking at me with a certain anxiety. On Virtual Fights, I was very good and probably in the best players. But I rarelly ever fight in reality. I looked at the Staff, staring directly at me for the first time... This time, I was his target. The beep came and he instantly rushed a punch towards me. Surprised by his speed I, on the edge, dodged his attack and replyed with a side kick, more to push him off than to actually hit him. He looked at me with a smile and got into a defensive position. I had to take control of myself and get used to the speed, just to get my reflex up and going well. I then started an attack, trying to fake a left hit but to follow it with a right-side punch. My fist was half-way when he, using his arm, blocked my hit but continued his fist and punched me right in the face.

Ouch! That punch actually pushed my whole body backwards. I backed off and refocused on him. We started turning around each other. I launched an other punch, this time on the side to avoid front blocking. Without even the chance of a fake or counter, he simply used his hand to catch my arm and pulled it towards him, immediatly followed by his knee in my face. I almost flew backwards and stoped my fall with my hand. I could almost hear the beep of the End Of Fight but then something happened. The taste, I tasted blood on my mouth. And I suddently had a very strong repulsive and awfull feeling about that. Where did I last taste blood? Why this ugly feeling? And then I remembered... The car, the windows broken and the blood. Valcia in my arms, lying death. The awfull and disgusting taste of the blood made me come back in my memories. Valcia...

Suddently gained by an extra energy, I used my hand to propulsate myself back on my feets. Staring at the Staff with a decided look. I started running towards him, swinging many hits here and there. The Staff blocked them all and tryed to make counter-hits on the passage, but I was all seing them. I was soo motivated now, soo concentrated it was like an extra sense. I then focused on one of his counter-hit, blocked it harder, enough to make him loose the mobility of this hand for just enough time for my fist to reach his jaw, hitting it with a big sound and twisting his head while the rest of his body was falling back. The Staff instinctly twisted his body backwards to avoid further hits from me, twisting and accomplishing a double back-flit and repositionned his feets and arms in combat position. Visibly surprised by my hit, he started to move differently, more seriously around me.

Hum. This is getting interesting! Take him down Collars, stop the playing around. said the Instructor.

I didn't like the sound of that and I realised the very serious look in his eyes. He was an experienced fighter and I was just a lucky-strike virtual gamer. I started to think of what would happen but quickly snapped out. I closed my eyes, openned my mind on the surrounding energy. Its like if I could feel him. I was concentrating on the energy around me and on my own focus. When I opened my eyes again, I was staring directly at him with a serious look. The show had started.

He attacked first, directing many punches at me and as soon as I was blocking them, chained with other hits. Keeping the pace was harder and harder and I knew I could not hold long like this. While I was blocking one of his hit, I used my foot to try to give him a lower-kick. Like expected, he backflipped but I jumped towards him and, spinning on myself for the second time in this move, transformed my lower-kick to a high-kick, hitting him in mid-air. I landed on my feet while he crashed on the floor. Hitting him in mid-air! By the look in the eyes of the other Units I wasn't the only one to be surprised. The Staff was starting to get back up when I ran right towards him, fist in the air. He raised his hand to stop my arm but it was just a fake hit... moving my arm on the side I jumped, puting my foot in front of me for a full front impact. Just like in my video game this hit was used to make an enemy fly very far.

But the staff was no ordinary computer bot. Looking at me, he simply twisted side making my foot go past him, while raising his other foot, hitting my shoulder by the force of my own speed. I started turning on myself in a uncontrolable way, approaching the ground dangerously. But I was still aware... The world around me, Its like if I could feel it. It was like if the time was moving slowly, and that I had the time to calculate and move myself. I predicted the orientation to wich I was falling and succesfully managed to land both a hand and a foot at the right time... avoiding a terrible crash! Raising my head towards the Staff, with decided eyes and ready to strike again.

Haha! That was just amaizing! yelled the Instructor.
I could take care of him myself. added the Staff. But I think you should also give a try with me. And judge by yourself if he's a worthy opponent.
Good idea, we shall see how he can handle the two of us.

The two of them? This was getting very bad.

Hey Unit. You can choose to quit at anytime.
I thank you for the advice, I'll keep that in mind.

He smiled at me and instantly trowed his leg towards me, almost hitting me on the side if I haven't dodged. I quickly jumped sideway and started turning around both of them, trying to think of a strategy. The Instructor made a hand signal to his Staff to surround me. They quickly turned around me and then started to give random punches. I had much trouble blocking or dodging the both of them at the same time and kept getting hit frequently. I then gave a jump-kick to get rid of the Staff but he quickly got a hold of my foot with his arm, while the Instructor took the occasion to swing a powerfull kick on the side of my hips. I landed on my face, arms and legs bouncing violently on the ground. I lift my head, waiting for the End Of Fight beep... But no beep.

We will stop when you will quit Unit. affirmed the Instructor.

They grinned and started to run towards me. Against all logic, I ran towards them, trying to simply overpass them before they could start their attack. Surprised by my rush they had started to turn on themselves to give a kick, but I was allready there. I took the foot of the Staff while giving a punch to the Instructor. His foot in my hand he simply used his other foot to get rid of me by hitting my hips. I was about to hit him back when I felt the sudden absence of the Instructor. Turning my head I saw the flying body of the Instructor, foot in front of him violently hitting the side of my shoulder making me, once again, turn on myself violently in the air. This time both opponents weren't gona let me land and allready started an attack in my direction.

While turning, I could see them, I could see their foot and arms flying towards me. I had only one solution. I calculated the orientation of my movement and at the good moment, extended my left foot and my right arm. Blinded by my twists they didn't see it coming, recieving the hits at the same time directly in their face got them unstabilised and the force of my turn actually pushed them both on the floor. Using my other leg to change the weight of my body, I safely landed on my 2 foot and my extended arm, while I could hear the noise of their body hitting the ground. I stood there for a little while, keeping my head down and just listenning to the sound around. Noting their movements and their noise as they were getting up. It was very calm. When I raised my head I saw the eyes of the Instructor, staring directly at me.

Collars, take a break. he said. He had his time of glory. Now its time to get him back into reality.
And whats that? said-I with a calm voice.
That there is always stronger than you! he said with a smile.

He then stood up and raised his arm, telling me to attack him. I started the attack, punching and kicking around him... But something was different. Nothing was hitting him, he was just soo fast and predicting every single move I was making. I then jumped to kick him, he quickly knocked my other foot out, making me turn on myself. Calculating my fall I extended my foot towards him but he didn't fall for it. He simply grabed it and, turning on himself, used his other foot to hit me very hard on the back. I flew on the other side of the circle but, using my foot as weight control, I landed on the side. I was raising my head when I got the bad surprise of his foot, once again, meeting my face directly for an other session of remodelisation.

Ouch! That one hit hard. Careless to land, I miserably crashed on the floor. Decieved and slightly angry, I quickly got back up and raged many hits on his direction, expecting him to concentrate on his defence to actually get to knock his foot down. When I finally released my low-kick, he quickly over-kicked my own leg and got me on my knees. Turning his body around he used his other foot and, for the last time in this day, finalised his last facial therapy, giving a new look to my allready turning brown eye. I flew for a short distance, giving a passionate kiss to the floor on the way. The fight was over. The beep almost sounded reconforting even if I actually lost the fight.

Very, very interesting fight Axis! said the Instructor with a satisfied voice.

Telak and two other Units quickly helped me getting back up. My body was hurting in many places and I could feel my eye getting bigger and bigger.

Ok Units, time to get a seat.

As he said those words, the floor collapsed in into two rows of basic chairs. We all took a seat and stared at the Instructor, in silence.

Like I said earlier, this first class will only serve for evaluation purposes. To get to know you better. I have made observations and now I will state thoses observations. I have noticed that most of you are always counting on the previous battle to planify your strategy. You note and look at the things that worked well or bad against the Staff to try them later on by yourself.

He was walking and in line, back and forth with his hands in his back. Then he suddently stoped and started talking a little louder.

Thats what we call : observation. This will allow you to decelate the flaws in your enemie's tactics and avoid doing the same errors as the previous foe. But besides the big guy, Hergen and the blond one, Axis, none of you have demonstrated the necesary skill to actually take advantage of your observation. And that skill is called : adaptation. When you face an enemy stronger than you, its adaptation that will allow you to win fights. Its adaptation that will also help you against multiple opponents, or against unfairly armed foes. Without adaptation, you cannot learn, or evolve. And if you cannot evolve, you are useless to us.

The Instructor started walking again, throwing random looks at us.

Confidence and motivation are probably the two best weapons for a Unit. They mark his level of determination and concentration on his goal. They often draw the fragile line between victory or failure. If you run in the middle of the battlefield with your rifle while shooting at people, you might be the best shooter out there but if your not confident about your own combat skills, the day you will drop that rifle... You will pass from best to the worst Unit. Its also about polyvalence. Being able to do close combat or silenced takeouts. You are the voice of The Federation. Each and everyone of you are part of the Metras's Army. You are the first line of security in The Federation, the first line of action. And it is not because your numbers are high and reinforcements is available that your individual lifes are less important. We fight for the people, we fight to protect the ones we love and the people that count on us. But you must never forget that you are part of these people. In this, we fight for ourselves also. We fight for our common cause : security and peace. Managing to get a good balance between skills and motivation is the perfect key for a healthy Unit that, all together, will represent a powerfull and healthy Army. This training will not only help you as a Unit, but throughout your whole life as a person. Understanding your body, building it stronger, knowing your limits, feeling your capacities. So this is why I recommend you to all take this training seriously and personnally if you truely want the best benefits from it.

The Instructor then took a break and started staring at each of us, one after the other. He seemed like if he was about to say something... He then smiled, turned his back and started walking away.

Have a good day Units. he said before disapearing in the shadow.

The sky was black with a slight blue tint outdoors. A fresh and cold little wind came to our meeting as we took our first steps outside. We could clearly see the stars and the purple halo of Ceptra, our moon. This strange small piece of rock has always intriguated me. The sacred status of the moon has always enhanced the mystery concerning the elements on its surface. The NOVACrystal, an useless but abondant material on Ceptra, has never been reported in any other place in the Universe that we know of. Other crystals with the same name or maybe same appearance but never that particular crystal that's main function seems to be altering the moon's atmosphere, giving it its purple glow. Scientist has never found why some temples or similar structure has been found on its surface after exploration, but has never ever appeared on the scans neither before or after their discovery. Temples of our Ancient Civilisation, theses structures are protected by both Federation Laws, but mostly moral laws that even Kacertan's Factions follows.

There is a rumor that says that there is only one Syaxelian that doesn't live on the surface of Syaxel. His name is "X" and he is told to be living or, at least, passing most of his time on a hidden temple on the surface of Ceptra. Even our many space stations are automated and never requires the presence of a Syaxelian. Also knows as "Master X" or "Mr. X" he also has alot of rumors concerning himself. Most of them resuming that he would be possibly the most powerfull Syaxelian of all. The person actually does exist and is, in fact, the scientist that first discovered the presence and the purpose of the X Gene, responsable for the abilities of some people to control and manipulate their physical environement... Like I can.

Axis, can I talk to you? said Telak on our way back to the Barracks.
Sure, lets walk outside of the base. I can't wait to use our new privileges that came along with our MA-PAD haha!

He seemed serious and did not reply to my comment. So I followed him out of the base while we started walking on the sand dunes. He then stoped and looked at me with a serious look.

Axis..
Erm... Yes Telak...?
I am sorry. I'm leaving the MA.

Instantly a huge sadness filled me while the word "Noooooo" was shouting in my head.

But... Why?
Well, I joined the MA because with what happened on Arkylias, I had nothing more to believe in. I wanted to join the MA, to be with you and make them pay back. But when you think of it, my reasons are not the same as you.
What do you mean?
I hate to remind you about that, but you lost your familly, you lost your friends, your life. This here is a chance for you to have a new start, to mean something, to help others and actually put yourself to utility.
I think I see where your going at : you don't want the MA to become your life?
Along thoses lines... You see, I still have my familly. I may have lost my friends, but my life still has some parts of it living. And now more than ever, I don't want to loose it, or have them loose me.
I understand what you mean, I really liked having you with me, but you still have a chance! If I would be at your place, I'd run for it!
I joined the MA mostly for you Axis. Because you lost everything. I wanted to make sure you, at least, still had me with you, make sure you knew that I would still be here for you if you needed me. I didn't want you to be alone. But now that I see how things are going on, I realise that you are strong. Even if you lost everything, you still hold on to life. You still have goals and the strenght to fight. And then I realise that on my side, I am loosing my reason to fight. I have the chance to still have my familly, and I now want to use it.
I don't know how to even thank you for what you have done for me. I never even really thought about it this way. I also think that this is a great choice for you and I feel happy for you.
And anyway, I don't think you will have trouble in the MA... Oh man did you see yourself kick that Staff's ass today? It was incredible, you surprised everyone!
Everyone including myself!!!
Since when can you fight like this? I know your particulary good on Virtual Fighter... but I'v never seen you make these moves or see you move with such speed!
Well I kind of surprised myself on this. I don't really know... Its like if I could feel the world around me. I could feel him, know where he was and, in some way, predict his moves. Everything seemed obviously predictable all of a sudden...
I'm happy that you took it well. I feel a bit guilty for leaving you and...
You shouldn't feel guilty at all! Its truelly the good thing to do. Like you said, I'm strong and I'll be able to do it alone. You helped me ground myself and have a new start, now go live your life.

I said this last sentence with a confident smile and put my arm over his shoulder.

I'm very lucky to have you as a friend Telak!
And I wouldn't want to have you as an enemy Axis!

We both laughed and started walking back to the barrack. While walking back, I put my two hands side to side and fixed them for a while, trying to think about what was happening to me. Where does this power come from? Why has it never been this strong before? Usually people start weak or strong, but they don't evolve in such way that I am. The X Gene is a small gene that allows your body to secret a toxine in a very similar way to adrenaline. Once in your body, this toxine allows you to feel and contact or move the elements around you without having to physicly touch them. Most X Gene posessors have the ability to move objects around them, but very few, generate energy such as my previous electricity shockwave with the bottles. I started concentrating myself again on my hands, concentrating very hard to try to generate the same charge on my hands. I putted my hands on each side of my body as I was walking. Concentrating on the energy and trying to visualise energy being created. Telak was walking slowly ahead of me. I started to feel a strange little feeling on my hands. So I raised them to have a look... nothing out of the ordinary. I then approached them together and a loud electricity spark suddently illuminated my hands as I had just the time to see a very small lightning bolt joining the two hands for a very short moment. Telak quickly turned around and looked at me with a questionning look.

What was that?
Oh nothing... Just my self-confidence sparking up! Lets just say I'm up for an electrifying life.

I said the last sentence with a smile and we continued our way to the barracks.

Today was the first day that we were actually going to fire the weapons. I was so excited at the idea of finally holding the Pulse Rifle, the famous Hecpro, to shoot a couple rounds and get the feeling of the weapon. It was now lunch time and the cafeteria was growing with talking Units. It has now been a week since Telak left. It was harder than I thought it would be and even if two new Units, a guy named Revlo and his sister named Kayla, joined my room, I still had this heavy lonely feeling. They were reassigned to this troup very shortly after Telak's departure and ever since, we were mostly hanging-out together. On the contrary of what we could think, Revlo is very calm and in-some-way unconfortable with the MA. He joined mostly because he never leaves his sister and that they do mostly all together. For Kayla, its the contrary. I often call her a "military boosted guns&ships hard-core lover". She, even more than me, loves everything associated to the MA : the military tactics, the guns, the dropships, the uniform and even fighting! Both having short black hair they are easily told sister and brother. Revlo was eating slowly the rest of his plate while Keyla sent me a urging look.

Com'on Axis! Hurry up, I can't wait to go fire the weapons!
I am! I'm eating like, 4 times faster than your brother...
And you also eat 4 times more than me. replied Revlo.
Ok guys... I'm leaving without you!

We both got up and threw the rest of our plate in the garbage. I was really impatient to finally put my hands on a Hecpro. We almost ran all the way to the exterior of the camp, near the sandy dunes on the West of the walls. Out in the sand and the wind, the heat was hard on us and we could barelly see in front of us, using our holopath as only guide. We arrived at the firing stand and with an immensive pleasure, could see the weapon's rack on the right with the Weapon Instructor besides it. As we sat down, the blowing wind suddently disapeared and showing a clear and sunny sky. We could see the bubble around us that the weather barrier was doing, creating for us a perfect weather condition.

Ok sit down Units. We will now begin. I know you have all done the weapon's training in your recruit formation, but I will make a short recap before we start to fire.

The people around me were starting to move impatiently, showing a obvious interest to get on with the second part. I could distingly feel Kayla besides me literaly burning of envy.

To start, there is 2 types of weapons. The Hard Shell weapons wich fires physical projectiles to cause impact damage. Then there is the Energy Cell weapons that fires energy cells to cause both impact, and mostly heat damage to a structure.
The first weapon you will try is the HSH-45 aka TacticalGun. Firing hard shells, this standard hand-gun is used for close quarter encounters. It has no effect on armor but can be effective against energy-based shields.
Then we will try the HSMG-45 aka TacticalMachineGun. This sub-machine gun fires hard shells and is mostly used against non-armored opponents and can be effective against energy-based shields.
We will then engage with the HEC0-50 aka Heco. The Heco is the handgun version of the famous "HECPR0". Using the Hard Energy Cell technology this handgun is the most used side-arm in The Federation. Its shell, physicly consistant are fired along an energy cell wich greatly enhances the offensive power of the weapon. Effective both against energy-based and armored opponents.
And for everyone's pleasure, we will after try the HECPR0-50 aka Hecpro. This pulse rifle assault weapon is the most used primary weapon in The Federation and has thousands of customizable options. With his unique design and his edge-leading technology, the Hecpro is the NOVACorp's first weapon prototype and has ever since, conquered the heart of every Unit. Firing Hard Energy Cells the Hecpro is very effective against armored foes and its energy cell enhanced shells allows its fire power to breach most energy-based shields and if not, greatly contribuates to its degradation. Using NOVACells to recharge its energy, this weapon is one of the few prototypes to use this new technology. The NOVACells are small energy canisters that were filled using a NOVACrystal's energy generation.
The last weapon we're gonna try today is the ECAR-75 aka Ecar. This assault rifle uses only energy cells and is very effective against armored foes or structures. Overshooting at the same location with this weapon causes the structure's elements to overheat and ultimatly, melt or blast away. Less effective against energy-based shields the Ecar has the advantage of not needing any hard shell clip and is only reliable on EnerCells.
You will now be assigned to a weapon and holotarget. I want you Units to follow every instruction on your display and proceed like asked. Once you are finished, sit back and wait for the others to complete.

As soon as the instructions appeared in our eyes, Keyla nearly jumped up running to get the gun! I was laughing at her and took a HSH-45 myself before taking position on my assigned position. I armed the weapon and started shooting on my holotarget. The weapon had a strong feedback when you fire, typical to any Hard Shell weapon. I was used to all of thoses weapons as in virtual games, but this was the first time I was actually firing them in reality. When I changed to the HSMG-45, I noticed the weight of the weapon was greater than in the video games. Both weapons were noisy and unprecise. My favorite was, as I thought, when I used the HEC weapons. First surprised at the weight being light, I really appreciated the feedback of the HECPR0-50. Taking advantage of the Hard Energy Cell's capacity to stabilise the projectile, the precision was nearly perfect even at great distance and the feedback was also reduced. Its design being very confortable, the Hecpro was some neet highly sophisticated and advanced weapon. No wonder it has quickly been made standard.

When I tryed the ECAR-75, I was very surprised at the easyness of this weapon. Controling the type of burst, the lenght and size of the Cell, along with its intensity. The Ecar has a very small vibrating feedback on fire and delivers a very high level of powerfire at a high velocity and rate. Being slightly heavier than the Hecpro, the Ecar is also longer and larger. The area was starting to turn blue as everyone was now testing the Ecar. The blue energy cell fired from the Ecar is very intense and bright. I sat down on the side and waited for the others to join me. Keyla besides me was nearly jumping on place in excitement of how happy she was. I was about to ask her a question when the Instructor started talking.

So now that you have all finished, we will now make a battle test, separating you into two assaulting groups. There is no leader in any groups so you will have to use your teamwork all together. You will be equiped with ECAR-75s. The goal is to shoot the enemy's target wich is hidden behind a shield. To reach it, you need to pass against your opponent's defence and reach the target by behind. The guns are set to paralize on hit and will deactivate itself everytime the round is over. You can also win by simply eradicating the aversary. Now get on your sides Unit, we will start very shortly.

A battle test! That wasn't on the schedule! We all ran towards our side after picking a ECAR-75. I was happy to notice Keyla was on my side but found out with deception that Revlo was on the opposite team.

Wow Axis, a battle test! In Weapon's Training... Isn't this supposed to be in Military Tactics? Not Weapons's Training. This is awsome!
I guess life always reserves us surprised my dear! Ready to paralize your brother?
You bet! added Keyla with a mad grin.

We all got in position behind the rocks and containers layed there probably for this occasion. This was very quick, unplanned and unorganised battle. People were still abit confused when they took position, looking around to see if anyone actually knew what to do or had a plan. Like usual, Keyla stepped in front and advanced the first. She then, using her hands and her PAD to specify directions and orders to other Units, started to guide us in group formation around the obstacles to start attacking the other team. We moved very quickly and then the firing started. Blue rays were going in every direction as both teams were trying to hit each others. Keyla was running towards the target and got stock in cover against 3 opponents. She kept keeping their attention by faking escapes but ordered a Unit on the opposite side to proceed to the target while she was dragging them the other side. I quickly ran close to her position and started firing on her assaillants. I then noticed that two of our mens behind us got shot and then we became surrounded. On her side was placed 3 containers that created a kindof "U" shaped form. This would be the best way to avoid being surrounded so I quickly indicated Keyla to run for it as I would do a covering fire. We both got up of our location, raging fire while trying to dodge the incoming rays.

The 2 opponents that were behind me never anticipated the move and got quickly eleminated by my fire but Keyla only managed to hit one on her side. She then stoped running to take aim on the second Unit when I saw the third one appear on the other side of the rock, aiming at Keyla. I jumped in her direction, pushing her inside the containers while knocking her body on the ground, mine over hers. When she looked at me, I couldn't take my eyes off of hers, silent moment in the fury of battle. There was something about that look, the way her eyes were looking at me like never before. That look, suddently transformed me. The desire to love, and be loved. I wanted to kiss her, to touch her hair and hold her... All this seemed too familiar. Valcia... What seemed to be a short paradise quickly transformed into a long and hurting hell as the hard reality striked its way back in my head. Valcia... How could this have been over? I don't want, love or even care about anyone else. Why is this? Why can't things just be like they were, why can't I be just like this, but over Valcia. Why is she gone...

My eyes quickly changed and sadness gained me as I got back up, trying to focus back on what was happening. Keyla looked at me with slight confusion in her eyes. I didn't really know what to do. In the middle of battle, thoughts of Valcia and questioning eyes of Keyla. She hesitated at first, but then took my hand, waiting for a reaction. I then smiled and told her:

Lets kick their ass.
You bet!
Ok, there is 2 enemy Units left, but we are two. They have the advantage of being in different position and they got us pinned down.
They expect us to either try to sneak fire or rush out.
Ok so Keyla, I will run my way out, getting their attention while you sneak out and aim them down ok?
You might get hit.
At least, we will win this first one.
Ok, rush out! I'll cover you. GO !!!

I ran out of the contained and got hit by the sun's flashing aura. My feets were hitting the hard ground while lifting dirt and sand at every step. I saw on my corner map that Keyla effectivly eleminated one of the two Units but there was still one remaining. I slowed down and took cover behind a rock. I had no idea where he was. Keyla stepped outside of the container to reach my position. She was nearly there when suddently a blue ray striked from rocks in front of me and hit her directly, knocking her down paralized. Having discovered his location I quickly started moving towards the rocks at the opposite of the field, moving from cover to cover. Even if he shot her in open area, I was unable to exactly localise his position and soon admitted to myself that I probably lost him. I was about to continue when I suddently felt the urge to turn around. In a split second I throwed myself on the ground avoiding the blue ray by the same time. Quickly turning in myself I faced the Unit, visibly surprised, and shot him down.

Good job blue team! You are all unparalized so quickly get back to your start position to begin round 2.

Once back to my starting position, the members of my team were taping on my hand and felicitating me for the victory. Keyla quickly gained my side and told me:

Hey, nice move there! So you think your a good shooter... Lets see how you manage to lead an attacking group now!
No problem! Gets your gears on Units, we're going in offensive mode!

I quickly made the other Units form 3 attack wings and made them spread on each sides. We advanced as fast as the first time, but this time moving from strategic cover to cover, making sure we can always support the other wings in case of encounter. At the first enemy sighting, I quickly ordered the wings to create a "V" shape around the compromised location, avoiding men lost on my side. Our formation quickly closed in on the enemy's final position. They opted to protect their target. They shot down 2 men on my left wing and one on my right. I sent a man of my group to support the lonely guy on the left and then ordered to take cover and finish up the enemy. I used the two wings as covering fire while me and Keyla took the far right to bypass the field. We were now behind the enemies back and had open visual on each of their members. With my hand I quickly ordered Keyla to take care of the left side while we both rushed to attack them. I got up and opened fire on two Units taking cover behind a container. I took aim and shot a third Unit on my right while I saw on my map Keyla taking care of the Units gathered on the left.

Outrages victory for the blue team who ended the battle with 3 deaths on their side only! I'll make a deal with you Units. I'v noticed that each group has a leader. I dare you to win the next match without loosing a single men and I will instantly uprank you to Squad Leader. Now lets move it Units!

The members of my team all turned themselves towards me, with a small smile on their face.

Now Axis what are you offering me in exchange that I stay alive? said a guy laughing.
Yeah, you better treat us good if you want your googies! commented an other Unit smiling.

Keyla got close to me and whispered in my ears:

You hear him? You better treat me good... (her voice was soft and calm, slightly inviting) ...if you want your goodies.

She then looked at me, with the same eyes as earlier in the container. I returned her look and smiled. I then faced the field. My thoughs completelly focused on the battle, the goal. I had to bring theses mens to victory without loosing any, probably my goal for the rest of my journey in the MA.

Lets do this Units. We're gona take our time on this one, have a unpenetrable formation and make sure to not get taken by campers. Lets take the same wing formation as previously but pay attention to your instructions, I will change them often once in battle.
Com'on you hear the man, now move it! said Keyla with a confident voice.

We all started running in the field until we reached the rocks. my ECAR-75 lying in my hand, I had the weight of 8 other Units for the first time in my life. Of course it wasn't like in a real combat, but unlike in a video game, we were physicly in the field and they were counting on me to guide them accrost a battlefield filled with enemies. I started advancing in front of my squad, Keyla on my tail. As I was advancing, I was concentrating on trying to visualise the possible positions of my opponents, trying to feel any possible attack. I started feeling a danger about my right side. Listenning to my intuition, I ordered the right wing to hold position and seek while sending Keyla to cover the side. I then advanced quickly to try to surround the attackers on the right. I was almost in position when I suddently felt the urge to get in cover. There was a rock by my side... I quickly jumped behind the rock, opening fire as soon as I saw the hidden Unit behind the rock. One down. I started advancing again on my right and when I was pretty sure that the attackers were surrounded, by me in their back, Keyla on their side and my right wing covering their front. I ordered them all to step up. In a matter of 2 seconds we all opened fire on a 7 men attacking group, taking them all down before they could even aim at us. One men left and no one was killed on our side yet. Victory seemed obvious. I quickly ordered the whole squad to take camping position and to stay alert while I started running towards the target, hoping to make our last Unit pop up. As I was advancing, I was starting to feel less and less confortable, everywhere around me seemed to be dangerous and I was unable to pin point a particular direction. At a certain moment, the feeling was stronger and I instinctivly proned on the ground. At the same moment, I heard the raging sound of heavy engines just as a dropship came out of behind near dunes to the field. In fact, it was many dropships and even a couple fighters descending from the sky. Something was wrong. Immediatly our PAD sounded at maximum alert as I realised the dropships were truely enemy...

Everyone including the previously paralized Units raised their head to follow the dropship's path, heading directly at the camp. The fighters started opening fire at several buildings and explosion sounds reached our ears. The Instructor quickly yelled at us that our weapons were now fully operational and started running towards the camp. It didn't take long before the sky became filled with both their, and our own ships, firing at each other while enemy dropships were still trying to land more ground supports. Following the instructions in our eyes we all made two groups of 9 men, all lead by me. Our instructions were to regroup and secure one of the official buildings and wait for further instructions.

The more we approached the main gate, the more we were hearing gunfire. Smoke was coming out in the sky from many places and lying bodies here and there. We took cover two buildings away from our target when I started to feel danger.

Keyla, Revlo and you four are on me, the rest follows behind and cover our back. Team two, regroup and cover in the building besides us. We will advance step-by-step and will cross cover ourselves from the two angles. Now lets go!

They nodded seriously and started to run in direction of the building on our side. Unlike real soldiers, we didn't have the proper equipement or armor to survive and maintain a direct contact with the enemy. Our advancing formation gave us the advantage of being hardly surprisable. The feeling was graduatly disapearing and when we reached the official building, we saw many other Units along with two dropships landed on the ground. Approaching the dropships, a Troup Leader came near us, yelling:

Units, your training status has all been reassigned. You are now all functionnal Units and on duty. Rodrex's Army has attacked Selter and Dayken. We have secured the camp and now you will be sent to secure the city of Dayken. Selter will send reinforcements as soon as they take care of their own problems. Your PAD has associated you to your Squad and your equipment is all in the dropships. Gerod and Gidrogues are your new Staff Units. Axis, Dulek, you are now Squad Leaders, please pay carefull attention to your PAD's instruction as they will be your only source of information or introduction to your new ranks. Now move it!
Yes Sir! we all yelled.

We all ran to take position in one of the two dropships, each one associated to a squad. Keyla, following me all along sat just besides me as she was searching for her brother. A quick consultation of her PAD informed her that he was assigned to the other Squad.

What do we do now Axis? asked Keyla.
For now I can't answer you because I'm trying to keep up on my PAD. I will inform you all as soon as I get the info. For now...

The dropship started moving as we took off in direction of Dayken. I got up and talked to everyone on the ship:

... And for now please take all your equipment and make sure you are ready for the next step.
Yes Sir. said the Units.

It was strange to have them reply to me as "Sir", but I had no time to stop on that. It took me a short while to understand about the situation and what our mission was. Once again I got up and addressed myself to my Squad.

Ok Units, here's the situation. Rodrex's Army has launched an assault on Selter, the military north from Dayken. Knowing the existance of the Dayken base, they separated the attack in 3 pieces to cover both Selter, Dayken City and Dayken's Military Camp. Selter, quickly taking over the attackers, dispatched multiple support groups to secure and protect Dayken. unfortunatly one of these groups has had a very hard time and kept loosing men. We are apart of a 3 group reinforcement that will support them. Our mission is simple, take position near a school where the survivors of the first group have taken position and help them eliminate the threat. Our Squad has been assigned to proceed with the extraction of Selter's men back to safety.
What are we gonna face? asked someone.
I don't know why, but they don't know exactly the force that is in position. The scans are having a hard time putting a number on the threat, probably either a technical problem or a new jamming device from the RA's men (Rodrex's Army).
Axis, this is your equipment. said one of the pilots, pointing at a small box beside them.
Thanks, why? Is it different from the other's?
Yes, the Squad Leader is equiped with many tracking and scanning devices along with other additionnal equipment. Your helmet is also programmed to perform additional options over your PAD.
Ok thank you.

I opened the box, took the grey and black armor of the MA. Once the armor was on me, I felt alot more secure. The helmet automaticly ajusted to my head's form and instantly syncronised with my PAD. In another context, I would have been soo happy to finally be wearing the whole uniform along with a functional ECAR-75 in my hands, leading a Squad of Units into a rescue mission. But I wasn't feeling good at all. I got up and started talking to the Squad:

Ok Units, this is what we're gona do. When we land I...

I got interrupted by a flash news on my PAD. And I though that my humor couldn't get worst... This was very bad news and I had to inform my Squad about it. So I took a deep breath and stood up, silencing people around me.

Ok Units... here's the last news. The reason Selter's group got eleminated soo quickly was because of the presence of an enemy AGD.
AGD? asked an Unit.
Artificial Genetical Disorder. The AGD is a Syaxelian that has been geneticly boosted with S chromosomes. I suppose they dropped him here to make damage because such being are not themselves anymore. They become violent and probably doesn't even respect their Faction's side anymore. Being an enemy added with the fact that he is now an AGD, we have order to take him down, but this is far from being an easy task. Selter's group had two Campers and one Waver (types of Sniper). The Campers, equiped with HS-C Sniper Rifles, have been unable to hit the target but the Waver, equiped with a EC-W Sniper Rifle managed to have a couple hits with his Energy Cells, seemingly hurting the target.
What does that change that he is an AGD? asked an other Unit.
AGDs have a kind of special abilities. In this case, our target is able to shield himself from both Hard and Energy Cells and can literally move objects around him. His physical appearance has changed alot and he's been reported to be mostly running on four legs, like an animal.

There was alot of complaints and people seemed to worry alot. I had to keep control and avoid from everyone falling into panic. I raised the voice to cover the noise and affirmed:

This is what we're gona do. The two dropships will land at different sides of the school. We're going to make an offensive on two fronts, we take the right side. Since this AGD's abilities are above those of a normal Syaxelian, we will change our approach to ensure our safety.

These words really seemed to confort them as they began to all listen to me seriously.

Our Squad will be separated in two groups. The same way we did to approach the official building in the camp, we're gonna advance cover by cover until we can get a visual on the AGD. His ability to shield himself can protect him against occasional fire, but is not enough to hold on a full offensive firepower. If you encounter the AGD alone, fall back and try to get near any other Units to ensure a stronger firepower. This is the best way to keep him away from us until we can confirm a way to kill him. I don't know how to explain it, but I have a certain ability to sense or maybe predict upcoming danger and...
Me too! shouted an Unit besides me.
Perfect! Then you will lead the second group. We're arriving in position Units, make sure you are geared and ready because we're going in!

As I finished these words the dropship effectuated a sharp turn and made a quick landing on the right side of a street leading to the school. The back panel droped on the ground and a big cloud of sand and dust was dancing all around us while we started running outside, taking covering positions in the street. The sound was soo big I was wondering how this could even be logical, probably alerting any enemy we encounter... I steped out of the shield bubble and instantly fell into a nearly complete silence. Surprised, I turned around and realised that the ship disapeared! I was starting to be very confused until I saw one of my Unit appearing out of nowhere, visibly walking out of the shield, acting both as cloaking device, and keeping the sound inside its bubble. That answered my question. Focusing my mind back on the task I took position behind a parked hovercar on the side of the road, quickly reaching my Kayla and two other Units. Looking back at the dropship, I followed the progression of the last Unit to step out of the shield, taking cover behind a building on the left side of the street. The small side map in my eyes informed me that the dropship was now taking off and heading towards Selter. I made sure my armor was correctly attached, checked my helmet a last time and then, getting a good grip on my ECAR-75, ordered the Squad to move on.

To Be Continued...