What was it like? Auraxis, I mean. There were Privates with two tours of duty and here I was: commanding them, with no concept of what the place was even like. There are three main continents: Indar, a desert environment with little to no beneficiaries to anyone. Esamir, a frozen wasteland rich in mining materials ready to be sown. And Amerish, a mountainous, green, and earth-like land mass with potential to host massive farming operations.

We still didn't know where we were to be stationed. We would have to wait until we were planetside do unveil that.

0600. It's time. I ordered the Squad leaders to form their men into their respective columns and waited until the Lieutenant came by to escort us to the shuttles. The room was dimly lit and uncomfortably cold. The bunks were three high and countless rows snaked throughout the room. The lights flickered and when everyone lay asleep, it was rather unsettling. Among us in our quarters were the other platoons in Baker Company, 223rd Infantry Regiment. There were a few hundred men in this once cargo bay. I couldn't help but wonder how many would return. The men didn't travel in full gear but as we approached our destination, they would acquire their fatigues, armor, weapons, field rations, and any other equipment that was necessary. Sergeant Rucker wore a breast-piece and an old looking helmet that was beat to hell. After all, he was big enough to take a bullet or two, no armor would do what he could already. And I trusted him, he was my second in command, after all. He wasn't much for gimmicks like a lot of other NCOs. No fancy insignias, no paint jobs, no bull-shit; he was the real deal. I wore my standard issue fatigues, a breastpiece, shoulder and arm pads, leg armor, and a brand new helmet with a visor. In the new helmets: there was a HUD system. The HUD showed the status of the armor, the ammo count, GPS position, and the whereabouts of members of the platoon. The only few that had this in their helmets were: myself, Sergeant Beasely (a short, pompous man who lead 1st Squad), Staff Sergeant Erickson (a bearded, normal-enough, genuine man who led the 2nd), Staff Sergeant Tittle (a quiet, unexpectably brilliant man who led the 3rd) and last but not least.. First Sergeant Rogers (a loud-mouthed, arrogant son-of-a-bitch who was the first to question my motives and led the 4th weapons squad). They all had the HUD system to be able to quickly relay information between themselves and myself if need be.

Myself and all of the other platoon leaders were gathered in front of the formation. Captain Connery made his way to greet us and give us our orders. The Captain gave us a brief "Good morning, gentlemen," and proceeded past us. Trying to get into a better position, Connery stepped onto an empty box and some Sergeant Major called for attention. The room fell silent and all men stood at attention.

Captain Connery: "Good morning, gentlemen," and 2nd Company responded with the proper "Good morning, sir,"

Captain Connery: "At ease," he took a breath. "At 0630, you men get to go planetside. We came here in peace, with a dream of exploration. Through the strength and unity of the Republic, we reached up and grasped the stars themselves. Only through the power of our collective will could we traverse the endless fathoms of the galaxy and find our new home.

For the betterment of all mankind we have achieved mighty deeds. We have

become like true gods in our power and reach. Never before has the Human race attained such glory, and it is all due to the loyalty of the Terran people. Yet there are those who think they have a better way...

These terrorists, these usurpers of power will destroy our way of life that we have cherished for hundreds of years! And for what?

Technology? Corporate profits? This self-styled New Conglomerate will destroy our democratic traditions, handing our way of life over to their corporate masters. They sell us oligarchy, and they call it freedom. I name it what it is, Facism! And even worse, these so-called Vanu. They seek not only to destroy our civilization, but our very humanity.

They claim these alien artifacts are the key to the future, but who's future? Toying with technology beyond their understanding. They risk our very existance for some biological insanity! For too long we have allowed these destroyers of our peaceful and stable Republic to fester and grow like a cancer. For too long have our beliefs,

our hopes and our own children fallen victim to their radical destructive ways. I stand before you, and I say no more! Today we stand, today we fight, and today we show these blights upon humanity what they have feared in a dark heart all along! The Terran Republic will never stop, the Terran Republic will never surrender!

We will fight and die until every single one of them is wiped from the face of Auraxis forever! When we claim blood and honor, we MEAN blood and honor! From today until the last day, The Terran Republic will Fight, and we will win!

Loyalty Until Death!" at this: the room was swallowed by a wave of applause that carried on for minutes. Captain Connery led us away to give us our briefing.