Patriots
Marec's face said it all, he hated flying. Goggles put his hand on the big man's shoulder, patting him and telling him it would be alright. Marec sighed and closed his eyes; Reaper was cleaning his helmet, content with the job he made. Goggles put on his grey stitched beret, his dark trench coat matching. Reaper coughed, still bearing the cold that had him eclipsed for the past week, Radec's speech and his subsequent embarrassment still fresh in everybody's heads. Marec put on his eyewear; they were a crimson colour, a defect which came with them, he saw it as fitting, unique to his character. The Helghast freighter had almost twelve thousand aboard, the grey panelling covered the quarters of Marec and his unit, it was sparse and contained essentials such as food and spare masks. The intercom blared into life:
Vektan airspace approaching in less than three hours
Reaper's coughing caused him to go to the bathroom and spit the phlegm into the toilet. Automatic flushing sounded throughout the small space as Goggles took his rifle apart and cleaned it.
"Sir, what you think about this war then?" Goggles voice was quivering with nerves.
"It is a waste of military resources, money, time and effort. Radec is an obvious pawn of Visari as you are, I am and the rest of this army is."
"So...you aren't a patriotic member of our fine planet?"
"I tell you now, I was born on that rock, and as soon as I was old enough to understand the history of it I wanted off. The ISA is our enemy and for good reason, you and I know that surely. The taking of the Extra Solar Highway years before is proof for this endeavour. Visari thought he should take back his ancestors hard work, he's just gone the wrong way about it."
"Visari is a great leader thought don't you think?" Goggles seemed desperate for any sort of political approval.
"I don't deny that he isn't, he's just the wrong kind of leader."
Reaper's steps echoed as he placed his mask back on, his frame supporting masses of protection. He pulled out a pistol, looking down the sights and holstering it.
His voice came to Marec's ears, "You said you've been in the army for eighteen years yet you're still a lieutenant, how come?"
Marec's eyes rolled to Reaper's face and gave his an icy look. Reaper took a step back as Marec walked over to him.
"I'll tell you why. Colonel Radec was the obstacle in my path."
"I was just asking..." Reaper seemed intimidated, "It's just... I looked up your records, exemplary in all conflicts."
"Radec was once in the same unit as I, hence his knowledge of who I am, he betrayed me seven years ago."
Reaper apologised for asking once more before Radec decided to take a short slumber, dreaming of that fateful day.
Solari – Seven years prior
Captain Kuvi moved throughout the jungle slowly, his unit following, Sergeant Marec and Sergeant Radec brushing foliage out of the way. Other soldiers followed suit.
He gestured to Marec and Radec. "Lads, I want you to go prone and move to the purple leafed tree over there. You lot stay on me." Kuvi made his way with the rest of the unit slowly towards the Solari Encampment, treading carefully through the thick jungle.
"Let's get these Vektan sympathisers, no prisoners." Marec's eyes swerved to Radec who was still talking. "Kill every last armed, soft bastard."
"You really don't give a shit about these Solarists do you?" Radec violently turned his head to show his disapproval before Marec continued, "Then we have that in common," splitting a sly smile in Radec's direction. A hearty laugh and pat on the back was enough morale for the two, moving silently towards the encampment. Guns brushing the grass carefully, alien flies buzzing in tandem with the soldier's movements. Shadow overcame the two, one of the three suns was setting where they were, their legs still bathed in warm sunrays by the second sun before it began to fall also.
"Look Rae, up there."
Marec looked upwards, a technologically advanced tower stood hundreds and hundreds of feet, caressing the orange sky. Translucent lights flickered in the visors of Radec and Marec, Solarists carrying ISA themed equipment. Eye pieces with optical enhancements gave their snipers an edge, able to hit a bug off a leaf five hundred yards away.
"Rae, snipe that Slip near the camera," Marec grinned at the derogatory remark, gripping the trigger and opening fire. The man had been hit straight in his nose, falling into mud, muffling the fall and complimenting the suppressor placed on the barrel. After slotting another four, Marec turned to see his partner planting a mine on an ammo depot. Radec was then startled by an approaching scout, drawing his knife, hacking away at flesh hungrily, the scout's blood dripping down the wall before Radec sprinted away detonating the device. The blast threw him into the bushes, forcing him to rise up and move on in case of capture. Marec panicked, taking pot shots but missing as he ran alongside Radec.
"Keep moving!"
Marec was panting as 4x4's hurried after the two men, ripping up roots and firing turrets.
"I...can't go on...much longer..." Marec tripped over an exposed branch, breaking his leg.
He called after Radec, "SEND HELP!"
Radec continued into the distance just as the vehicles caught Sergeant Marec.
Goggles woke Marec up, his filtered breath rushing over his face, "Sir, wake up, we're about half an hour away."
Reaper looked out of the window towards Vekta, lush blue and green contrasted space and Helghan beautifully. Sniffing as he called the two over to see a floating platform.
"That's a weapons platform..." Goggles was concerned yet no action seemed to have been taken against the ahead fleets.
"What the...?" Marec walked riskly to another window, all of the other fleets were intact.
"We must have shut down the system or something, there's no other explanation for it. The ISA wouldn't let anyone else in!" Reaper scratched his forehead inquisitively.
A bright screen switched on behind them as Colonel Radec spoke to the army from the safety of his academy.
"Good evening ladies and gentleman, it seems that history is to be made once more. As General Lente has ordered, we are to move out immediately and dominate land, sea and air. The weapons platform has not picked us up...how unfortunate; it just means a simpler victory, a victory nobody Helghast side can wait for. Now go my brethren, take their...or should I say OUR planet!"
Noise came from all angles, more cheering and patriotism. Goggles and Reaper followed suit but Marec sat down, motionless. His face reflecting his past and the liberal thoughts he shared with his teammates.
A discerning look came from Goggles and Reaper, with the former speaking; "You really aren't patriotic are you?"
"I am, just not like you."
A.N. Sorry for the lack of new chapters to this story, I am getting back on track with this now and I'm now looking forward to continuing with it; the following chapters will all be longer than the previous due to the increased attention. I appreciate the positive reviews and criticism. Thank you!