Black and White

"History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind." - Edward Gibbon

Haste

Pasty white skin reflected in the mirror, an unnaturally bald head looked back to this man, or rather, as vague a description of a man as you could get. Black eyes penetrated his own soul as he stared at himself, hungry and alone, Marec was starving. The smell of the cafe was drawing his attention, slop was usually unappealing but going without a solid meal for four days made it impossible to resist. He fitted his breathing apparatus, placing it over his cracked lips. Black pins automatically appeared from the mask, expecting a helmet to connect with. Marec got into the shower, hot water pouring on to his scarred back, a barcode insignia burnt on to his left arm. Paralleled was the national symbol, a tattoo he got when he was 18 by standard Earth years, he was intoxicated when he had it done, his friends pressuring him. Marec regretted it, but he was 36 now and in an army where pride in your nation and planet meant an easy life. Towelling himself off, he grabbed his trousers and put a clean white vest on, heading to the cafeteria for breakfast.

Marec looked around, there must have been twenty plus men and women here, all prepared for the hellish day to come. He casually walked over to the hot serving area, some workers dishing up the industrial grade food. Marec grabbed a tray letting the woman behind the counter dump down the goo that the armed forces called edible, it reeked of old meat and cabbage, but that wasn't going to stop Marec eating it. A table called to him, it was on its own, attainable and pretty clean. As he sat, a couple of other Helghast troops walked over, one with full attire, the other with a beret and orange goggles, dressed similarly to Marec.

Orange goggles spoke, "These seats taken?"

"No, hence why I'm sat here." Marec's reply was stern but honest.

"Oh...sorry we bothered you."

Marec changed his mind when he realised they weren't the usual meatheads, or at least goggles wasn't.

"Actually, come on; sit down, sorry, I haven't woken up properly."

The two sat down on the attached seats. The fully attired man was breathing loudly before goggles spoke.

"Are you gonna keep the noise down Reaper? We're guests on this table."

A raspy voice replied, "I have a cold coming, stupid mask, I've got to get it off."

'Reaper' walked from the table, taking quick steps towards his quarters.

"Sorry about him," the beret said, "homesick."

Marec grunted and continued downing his breakfast.

"Say white shirt, what's your name?"

A glance from Marec led to him engaging in conversation.

"Name's Rae Marec, 'bout you?"

"I'm Stefan Dolte, people call me 'Goggles' though, 'cause I rarely take them off."

"Alright Goggles, you known that guy a while?"

"Who? Reaper? Yeah, known him for years, since I joined up. He wants to get back to his Ma. She's sick."

"I guess we all have a reason to fight," Marec looked into the distance.

Goggles looked at Marec inquisitively, "Say...about the ISA, do you know anything about them?"

"Other than the fact that they have a similar sized force, more advanced weaponry and the go ahead from what' s left of Earth then...no."

"Jeez, you have some knowledge don't you? Smart arse bastard!" Goggles laughed and managed to get one from Marec, something he hadn't done for a long time.

A voice called from across the room, it was noble and immediately recognisable. It was Colonel Radec.

"All of Scholar Visari's loyal soldiers, all together eating breakfast like good followers. I must, however, state the fact that we are heading to Vekta, a planet of weak, over-optimistic humans. They do not possess the same strength, determination and resilience as we do. Helghan is for Helghast not for them, we have a birthright! Our ancestors were the original colonists, they mastered the conditions almost two hundred years prior to this day and some guinea pig of a government which shouldn't influence us is NOT going to change that, not today, not ever!"

At that moment, the entire room burst into cheers, yells and spontaneous applause. Radec could have been as great a politician as Visari, he had just chosen the wrong career. Marec looked at Radec, unlike the rest of these people, he knew of the psychotic blood lust that engulfed his mind. It had happened when Radec was training in the army, he was paired with Marec often. Together they were undoubtedly a good team, shame that Radec had such thoughts...such terrible thoughts...

Radec's breathing apparatus came to life once more, it made mechanical sounds as his eyes were revealed, bloodshot, circled with age and exhaustion, the irony being Marec being older by nine months.

"Now that you can see my face brothers and sisters of Helghan, we can begin this war, knowing the truth! Historians of the 'soon to be former, pro-Earth' colonies shall write of our victory for centuries to come, for the Helghast are the master race."

At that moment, Reaper walked into the room, mask off, coughing and sneezing profusely. Stares penetrated his body, judging his appearance at such a period of grandeur. Reaper's face clearly showed to everyone his apologies as Radec twisted his head to see the interrupter.

"Young man...name, rank and number soldier."

Reaper stuttered at first before composing himself, "Javek Odwest, Private First Class, 785566, sir."

Radec then ignored the new recruit, focusing his gaze on the crowd once more.

"People, this young recruit is a prime example of physical fitness, stature and moral fibre," Reaper sneezed as Radec continued, "he does however, lack a platoon. As do most of you..." the Colonel's view then directed itself towards Marec, "Rae Marec...it has been too long, is this young soldier to be assigned to your platoon?"

"I wasn't certain that I had a platoon, sir." Marec's use of the word was venomous, scathing and Radec could feel its context.

"Ha ha, you haven't lost any of your charm I see lieutenant. This man and say...that one, you there, goggled fellow, name, rank, number."

"Sir, Stefan Dolte, Private First Class, 776975, sir."

"Two rookies Lieutenant Marec? How very unlike you."

Marec knew that Radec was trying to challenge him, thinking he couldn't handle taking on an all rookie platoon, Radec was to be surprised.

"Actually sir, yes I would like to inform you that I am taking these two into my personal patrol team."

Goggles turned and raised his eyebrows in surprise, Reaper's eyes lit up as he returned his mouth to the respirator.

Radec's mouthpiece altered and covered his face, menacing orange eyes moving in sync with his body, trails of light static in the air.

The people of the cafeteria returned to their regular circumstances, ignoring everybody else.

Reaper went back over to Marec, as did Goggles.

"Wow! In your group? My ma will be glad to know I'm under your supervision sir!"

Reaper's excited optimism for Marec being head of the group was oddly enough for him to feel accepted, Goggles on the other hand was rifling through his belt when an announcement bellowed from the speakers.

"Okay. Everybody listen up, you need to meet outside now. Every soldier in these barracks must go to the courtyard and gear up. That is all."

The three knew they had no choice, exchanging whispers before making their way outside.

Thousands of troops of all rank were gathered across the vast courtyard, the three had gotten ready, Marec with his respirator and eyewear, Goggles was dressed the same and Reaper had put on full regalia, helmet, respirator and weapon. Whispers that had crossed the halls seemed more and more truthful; would Visari really make an appearance? Radec's Academy was well known for high military and political importance, but Visari? Marec cast aside thoughts of his meeting with Visari years prior, that power, that hunger for something unquenchable. A podium had been set up, a lone microphone with large, numerous speakers behind it, it had to be.

Floodlights shone on the military, their vision impaired due to the lack of regular sun. A figure stepped out, astute and worthy of the galaxy's attention. Visari had arrived. Goggles, Reaper and Marec followed like sheep, fixed on this ruler of an entire planet, his lips opened and he spoke to his battle-embarking troops...

"My people... Sons and daughters of Helghan... For many years, we have been a broken nation... Shunned, oppressed, and conquered by those we sought to escape ...Ten years ago, I asked for time, and that time was granted by you. You, the strength in my arm, the holders of my dreams... Our forefathers embarked on the greatest exodus in the history of all mankind... an exodus for freedom. Helghan became that freedom... Our new world changed our bodies. At first, it weakened us, but in fact, we were growing... stronger. In the time you have given me, I have rebuilt our nation, I have rebuilt our strength, and I have rebuilt our pride! Our enemies at home have been re-educated. We have given them new insights into our cause. On this day, we stand united once more. On this day, those driven to divide us will hear our voice! On this day, we shall act as one, and we shall be ignored NO MORE! Defenders of the Helghast dream, NOW IS OUR TIME!"

A roar of unbridled applause, cheering and pride spread across the audience, it was like Radec's speech, but bigger, better and so morale boosting, Marec found himself cheering, clapping with his fellow men and women. Visari smiled and walked off stage, thousands ready for the Second Extrasolar War.

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A.N. Well? What do you think? I know Killzone on Fan Fiction is underappreciated and underused...but if you liked this, read, review and I shall continue with this story, I have big plans for it already. Thanks.