Chapter 3
Last nights adventure finally caught up with me and I fell asleep.
That night I ended up dreaming about a world where there was what looked like spiky things, rock like structures... possibly? This place seemed to be a waste land, like a desert. The dirt was red/brown and light like sand and the air was thick and heavy.
I didn't understand why I was there, I just had a feeling someone was calling me. I was standing around these rock structures looking around trying to find why I was there.
At some point I yelled out a 'hello', but there was no reply. All there was, was a hissing like sound in the background, so I knew something was there, but I didn't know what. I had no visual of it.
I was suddenly awoken to...
"Wake-y Wake-y, rise and shine. Today you all have class at 06:00 hours, which is in 15 minutes." Sergeant Artie Nielsen yelled to all the sleeping Launchies. "Remember follow the yellow lights." He reminded before continuing as all the Launchies were scrambling out of bed into their respected lineup in front of their beds.
Artie waited a moment and then continued, "At ease. Today you will have a full schedule of classes. You will be designated where to go by following the yellow lights. You will also need your touch pad for your classes unless directed other wise. Is that understood."
The group of Launchies did an attention while yelling, "Sir, Yes, Sir." and went back to at ease.
"Good. Lets get going! You have 14 minutes!" with that Sergeant Nielsen did an about face and left.
After Artie left everyone scrambled to there lockers to get what they needed. Some went to the showers to get cleaned up real quick, others were thinking they didn't have time to wait on someone else to finish and would take one later.
Almost everyone got done with 5 minutes to get to class, while others had about 3. They all followed the yellow lights that were to direct them to where they were going. Everyone made it to class on time amazingly.
Helena and Myka were sitting next to each other in the second to last row on the right side coming into the room, and Pete was on the other side of Myka. The three decided to stick with one another, because that is whom they 'somewhat' trusted to be nice to them and not mind their company.
Pete though, was pretty popular with a few of their classmates, only a certain few he stayed clear of. He chose to stick with Myka and H.G. because he was best friends with Myka and he liked H.G., as did Myka.
For their first class they were instructed to watch a promo video that was telling them why they were there to learn, and what happened 50 years ago with the war against the aliens on earth. This was the video feed of the day the hero, Commander Adwin Kosan took out the Formics.
"Welcome to battle school." Colonel Valda said from the recorded video projected in the front of the room. "A great responsibility rests on each of you. When the enemy first invaded we were not ready, millions of innocent lives were lost. That must never be allowed to happen again. We threw everything at the invaders, in the mist of that decisive battle, a legendary hero emerged."
After Valda's speech there was a cut to the feed that was taken that day when Commander Kosan killed the Formics invading earth and became a legendary hero.
All the Launchies were watching with great focus. There was no sound in the room, but the projected screen that played the battle feed.
There was 2 fighter jets coming in fast into the sea of enemy ships. One got hit by enemy fire on the right side of the wing and was in a tail spin back to earth. The one that remained did a loop-de-loop and a barrel roll to deflect enemy fire and ships coming at them. In that barrel roll, the fighter jet got a few shots in and took down some ships. They straightened out and took another 3 out with their guns.
There was another fighter jet that came into view that was hanging back and to the side of the current jet to protect them. That fighter jet that was to protect the other's back lasted a bit before they were taken down too, by the enemy's forces. The guy bailed his plane by ejected seat and then pulled out his parachute hoping for a safe landing, because he was still in enemy territory gliding to the ground.
Helena and Myka were watching very closely to everything that was going on in the video.
The fighter pilot that seemed to be the focus of the feed, dodged another herd of ships coming after him. He went for cover in the clouds.
This part grabbed H.G.'s attention. She readjusted herself in her seat so that she was sitting up straight and then she leaned forward a little bit without even realizing it, while she was mesmerized by the video feed.
The pilot seemed to have taken a hit to the right side of his wing in his attempt to go through the clouds. The fighter pilot knew he was in trouble, for he knew he would not be able to control his jet much longer.
The enemy was all over him, coming in from behind, some coming from the front and others in on the sides. The pilot did his best to maneuver out of their line of sight for a shot and avoid being hit by incoming ships. During this they found a huge master ship, that was more then likely producing the small ones, and decided to head straight for it.
Myka readjusted herself, much like Helena, as she too became very interested in what was happening on screen.
They both paid very close attention to every detail that was going on in the video feed, they didn't want to miss a single thing.
The fighter pilot flew upward, heading straight for the massive ship's underside until the fighter jet collided into it, lighting up the underside of the ship.
There was a massive explosion, and then the International Fleet's logo came up in the middle of the screen.
Almost all of the kids got up out of their seats and/or were clapping and cheering after that intense battle clip.
The only ones that seemed to not be were H.G. and Myka. They both think there was something more to the video that was cut out that no one seemed to notice.
Even Pete was cheering with the rest of the crowd. Then again, if you consult with Myka about him, you will find that he doesn't pay that much attention to detail or instruction.
The feed cut to Colonel Valda again. "We will never forget what the enemy did. We defeated them and will do so again. May the courage of Adwin Kosan be your inspiration."
Just after Valda made that last speech the projection of the video cut out. That was the end of their first class, but before they could leave they were told what was expected of them and what this class was about. This class they will learn about the Formic's formations and strategies that they have come across.
After the teachers lecturing, they were instructed to leave to their next class by following the yellow lights.
Everyone headed to their next class following the yellow lights that lit up the walls in the halls. Myka, Pete and H.G. walked and talked together in the corridors leading them to their next class.
"That was amazing! Did you see that?! He took them out like no ones business, even if there was no way for him to come out alive! He saw his mark and went for it!" Pete said excitedly to the other two girls that he was traveling with.
"Yes, Pete." Myka sighed. "We all saw it, I mean we all were in the class watching it. Besides, I think there was a lot more to it then that. You and the whole class only saw what they wanted you to see, but I know there is something more, something they aren't telling us."
"Yeah, maybe, but it was amazing right!" Pete said all excited again, like he didn't even hear what Myka suggested.
"Indeed it was, but I would have to agree with Myka, there is something that was not shown that they are keeping from us." Helena agreed lowering her voice. Her face turned to a more concerned expression as she stated, "Whatever it is, I hope it is not something dire that we need to be concerned with."
Myka and Helena shared a look stating they saw that there was something that the International Fleet was keeping from them and that they had to be cautious, but also hope to find out what it not being said.
Pete looked at the two girls and then asked in lowered voice as well, "Do you really think the International Fleet would with hold information that we needed to beat the Formics, really?"
Helena nodded while Myka shrugged not really knowing if that was what they were doing, but it was a possibility.
Pete stared at them to see if they were being serious.
"Come on!" Pete yelled disbelieving. "Why would they do that? What is the point of training us then?" he questioned in utter disbelief.
Helena looked at Pete in the eyes with all seriousness, then replied in a harsh whisper load enough for the two to hear, "I really can't tell you that, because I don't know, but there is something off putting if they are keeping something from us. The best thing I can suggest for us is that we do are best here, but be cautious and try not to suck up to them. They might have an ulterior motive for us."
Pete still didn't fully believe it, but nodded. He did not fully trust H.G. yet, but he did Myka, and she seemed in agreement to what H.G. suggested. He may not believe fully into what they were saying, but he would be cautious and not hand over himself to the army to do what they will. That is of course assuming that they are trying to use them that is.
Helena, Myka and Pete with all the other Launchies made it to their next class. All three of them sat next to each other again and would probably be the whole day.
This class was about strategies. They were to be virtually put into different situations dealing with space. There might be objects in space that would be in their way that they would need to get around, or could help them defeat the enemy. There was also situations that dealt with gravitational pulls and gravity, it was your job to figure out what you needed to do to best complete the mission. They also would sometimes play games against each other, to play out their strategies with others.
They were expected to keep up in class, for the problems would get harder as they went on. The teacher would sometimes lecture on different scenarios and what would be the best to do in different situations.
After the introduction and a bit of class ethics, class was over.
They were once again told to follow the yellow lights that were lit up in the hallway to get to their next class, which all the Lauchies did.
When they all arrived they found that it was the lunch room. All of them were quite happy to be there, as they did not have breakfast this morning and were all quite hungry.
The Launchies were directed by other kids in blue/gray jumpsuits to eat at the back tables. A lot of the cadets in blue/gray jumpsuits thought that the Launchies were beneath them, for they were all cadets in teams, they ascended and entered into the real program in this school.
Myka, Pete and Helena sat together at a table by themselves. They talked a little bit here and there between eating. Pete, however, talked with his mouth full most of the time and Myka helped translate what he said.
Pete was called over at the other table that held a lot of the more popular kids at it. Pete looked over, and then back at Myka and H.G.
Myka waved her hand saying that he could go.
Helena nodded confirming she was ok with him leaving to go hang out with his other friends.
Pete went over there and they all greeted him.
It seemed quite nice and fun over there, but that was not for Myka or Helena. They were fine where they were; they were used to being alone. Now though, the experience is much better because they had each other for company at their exile table.
Helena and Myka talked and didn't. They both didn't mind the silence between them. When they did talk it was about things they found of interest and small talk. They were starting to get to know each other. They found that they both shared a love to literature. Myka learned that H.G. liked to tinker with things and invent things herself.
Lunch was called to a close and they were directed once again by the yellow lights to there next destination.
They found themselves at their dormitories and the kids thought this was break time, a recess. Why else were they there for?
After about 15 minutes sergeant Nielsen come in telling them to put away their things and to grab a pair of extra clothes. He told them that after they were done to follow the yellow lights. After that he left the way he came in.
All the Launchies did what was demanded of them and left for there next class wondering why they needed extra clothes.
This time when all the Launchies went to their next class, they found it was not in a class room. They were in a training room, which was quite big. The main room was a dojo and further down there was a hallway that had doors that more then likely had other rooms like this attached to them.
A door opened that was closer to this room, the dojo, and out came Sergeant Nielsen.
All the Launchies were surprised and stayed quiet waiting for a command, which wasn't to long of a wait.
"Alright, Launchies today we will go over what is expected of you in here, what we will be doing and eventually some training." The sergeant stated. "Is there any questions?" He waited a little bit seeing if any had any then continued. "Good. Now, we will be in here for quite sometime each day. You will be learning how to fight, as well as to shoot. There will be other activates that are just as important, like working out and learning how to dismantle and clean your weapon." Artie paused for a moment again to see if anyone had any questions, which no one seemed to. "As for what is expected of you here, that would be to do your best." Sergeant Nielsen then looked at everyone with a very serious face and then stated, "I will not tolerate any funny business in here. You will do as you are told. There will not be any overly aggressive behavior here against your classmates; you are here to train, not fight each other. You will use the equipment with respect and follow direction, we do not need any accidents here. Have I made myself CLEAR!"
All the Launchies did attention and then said in union "Sir, Yes, Sir!" They then went back to the way they were.
"Good." Artie said with a nod. "We will be starting off today with basic training. You will learn basic blocks and holds. You will be taking off your yellow jump suits and be wearing your clothes you should have underneath. There also will be no shoes on the mats. There are hooks and cubbies for your things along the wall. As soon as you are finished you will meet at the mats so we can begin. Is there any questions?" He paused and once again there was none. "Good. Now go."
They all did as was instructed. Pete, Myka, and Helena put there things by each other and sat by each other when they got to the mat.
As all of the Launchies arrived to the mat Sergeant Artie Nielsen directed them to stand up and they stretched. After that he showed them a few things and then asked them to pair up in groups of 2.
Helena asked Myka if she would be her partner.
Myka looked at Pete first before she agreed to make sure that it was alright with him and he nodded that it was fine. He mentioned that he was going to ask the one kid that he had a good chat with last night when they got into there dormitory. Myka turned her attention back to H.G., as Pete disappeared looking to see if that kid was free to be a partner for this exercise, nodded her head and said yes.
Myka and Helena did the holds, blocks and grabs on each other.
Myka noticed that H.G. wasn't really focusing all that much and was doing very well with little effort. Myka was curious and asked, "Where did you learn to fight? I mean... I know a thing or two about this, but fencing is more my thing. Not that you need to know that, but you seem like you know what you are doing."
"Oh, on the contrary, I find that interesting that you know fencing. You should show me sometime." Helena said very charmingly.
H.G. was in the middle of doing a grab and Myka in the middle of a block, she did a little fancy hold that twirled Myka into her.
Myka tried to counter to get out of the hold and found that it was not helping. She was trapped at Helena's mercy as she didn't know this hold, because they were not taught it yet, assuming they will be taught it.
Helena grabbed Myka's other hand as Myka still tried to counter even though she found it useless and twirled her again.
Myka's arms were now in a crisscross pattern in front of her chest.
Helena leaned into Myka and voiced in a low sultry tone into her ear, "I can see it being quite fun watching and learning from you, as it seems that you too, will learn from me. Just imagine us trading secrets and instructing the other in proper form. Doesn't that sound exciting?"
H.G. didn't know what has gotten into her, but she felt much like when they were in the shuttle when they first met. Her mouth had a mind of it's own. Now it seemed her mouth and body did and she didn't understand what it was about Myka that made her act this way, but she found that it was exhilarating and satisfying. She liked the way Myka reacted to these moments.
Myka nodded mutely, there was no words, she couldn't find them. Her heart was beating a little to fast and was over come with a feeling of exhilaration. She has never felt this way from anyone or anything. She didn't understand what it was, but she found that she liked it. She felt her face heating up a bit indicating she was blushing. She tried to get her body under control. In the end she found it was useless. She then realized H.G. continued talking.
Helena after a moment remembered Myka's question. "As for how I know about fighting and different techniques, I learned them from home." Helena stated as she let go of Myka's hands with now desolate look on her face. She was thinking about her father and her brother. "I was taught by my father and brother." she said very dismal.
Myka's heart went from heart warming excitement to sad and depressing. Helena looked so sad she didn't know what to do or say to get her to be somewhat herself again, all she could think to say was, "Oh."
H.G. didn't say anything for a minute before saying happily, or at least trying to, "It is a wonderful martial art called Kenpo, which is a mix of Chinese and of Japanese martial arts. There are a few different versions around the world, but I learned the one that is most common in America." By the end she seemed to be back to her usual self, confident and very intellectual.
Myka was happy that Helena seemed to get herself out of the rut that Myka feels like she keeps putting her in with her curious questions. "That sounds quite interesting H.G. Is it any different then the things that we will be learning in this class?"
"Helena" H.G. stated right after Myka finished.
"What?" Myka asked confused on what that was supposed to mean.
"Helena." Helena said again. "That is my name. I normally don't let people know it, but it was said before by the colonel in front of everyone, but luckily everyone still calls me by H.G." H.G. was starting to lose her confidence again, but continued. "I normally don't let others get close to me and I was hoping... you might... call me by it."
"Helena" Myka said seeing how it felt to say it. She found that it seemed to roll right off her tongue, she liked it. "Well, Helena it is then." Myka said happily with a smile. "I too find that your name is very beautiful. It has a nice feel, as it flows through my lips." She honestly said, while quoting Helena from the time Myka introduced herself.
"Ah, so it does." Helena said with a most charming, beautiful smile. "I also believe we have stopped doing what is instructed of us. I think it might be wise to get back to practicing are grabs, holds and blocks before Sergeant Nielsen notices."
As soon as Helena said that Myka gave a curt nod.
They got back into stance and started practicing like everyone else, hoping Sergeant Nielsen didn't notice them standing still for a little while. They were more in the center but, you never know. Though it was a good sign that he didn't, because they didn't hear their names being called.
After a minute or two of silence while practicing H.G. remembered that Myka asked about the difference between what they were learning and Kenpo (Kempo). "I just remembered you asked me about the difference between the martial arts we are learning now and kenpo, sorry darling." Helena apologized. "To answer your question, they are like many different martial arts. There are differences, but the same rules apply. You learn discipline, and also on how to use it and how not to. All together, each martial art teaches you self defense. The differences only apply to what moves you learn or a different style. Take your fencing for example, it is a different art against my kenpo, but you would agree that the foundations of what I said applies, yes?" stated Helena now blocking Myka's moves.
Myka nodded her head after a second and replied, "Yes I would have to agree to that, but I still want to know the difference between this style and yours."
"Well the only difference really, because they both are mix martial arts, mine is more free and loose while this standard military one is very confined and has a more of a head on approach, as it were."
Helena was now doing the attacking while Myka was blocking.
"Then again it all depends where you want to take what you have learned and use it. You can be as aggressive as you want, or as easy going."
"I see. I still think yours might be more fun since you said it had more loose movements." Myka stated smiling.
"I would have to agree to that." Helena smiled back.
Sergeant Artie's booming voice was heard once again, "Alright Launchies, that will be enough for today. We will be continuing this for next class and we also will move around a bit. I will be showing you how to properly dismantle a gun and how to clean it. Now you can grab your things and head to the showers."
All the Launchies went to wall to take their things off the hooks and out of the cubbies. They all left the room to the main showers where there was a locker room.
The boys went to their locker rooms that had showers for them to use and the girls went to theirs. Helena and Myka talked all the way to the locker room. They picked lockers next to each other and put in their information.
The lockers much like their storage spaces in their dormitory, it asked them for their name and did and eye scan and voice recognition. Only these were not permanent as soon as you are done with them you were told to clear out your data from the system so that others could use it when needed.
They took off there clothes wrapped a towel around them so they wouldn't get cold and headed for the showers.
No one made a big deal about seeing each other naked, because they were used to doing this. It was expected and everyone did it. That is the way it was in these schools, you almost always showered as a group after a workout or some other type of physical activity. The shyness faded long time ago.
There was only about 6 girls that included Myka and H.G., most of the class was boys. They all didn't have to wait to take turns in the stalls because of their small numbers.
Myka and H.G. went to their separate stalls and hung their towels off the stall walls. They turned on the water to the shower and went under the water that was spraying out from the shower head. Both of them grabbed soap that was all ready on the shelf for them and started to wash away the grim and sweat from the day.
After they were done, they toweled themselves down and then wrapped the towel around them. They got another to wrap up around their head to dry their hair. They made there way to there locker and opened them and started getting dressed.
When they were all done getting dressed they headed back to there dormitory because that is where the yellow lights were telling them to go.
Myka and Helena went to their storage spaces to put there things away to find that their belongings that they could bring with them had arrived. If that is the case, then that also meant that the people in charge here could open their storage spaces. Not that Myka or Helena cared that much as long as they had their things and some privacy.
When that was all settled they went to their bunk bed they shared and sat on Helena's bed talking for awhile.
"I have been meaning to ask you, you go by the name H.G. and your last name is Wells, did your parents name you after the old legendary author H.G. Wells that was famous for 'The Time Machine', 'War of the Worlds' and a bunch of other books?!" Myka asked excitedly.
"To tell you the truth, I am not sure. My father is a big reader and philosopher, but I don't really get along with him and my mum we get along alright, most of the time, but we don't really talk." Helena replied glumly.
There was some pause and then she had a thought and jokingly mentioned, "Maybe my name is off the author referring to the his works. You did mention one called 'War of the Worlds', is that not what we are in right now." H.G. chuckled a little after her statement from herself amusement.
She thought it was funny if that is really why, or maybe it was referring to her the destroyer of one. She was picked to be International Fleet's Caesar, their Napoleon. Maybe it was her destiny.
Myka giggled too, but not totally for the same reasons, because she didn't know about what Colonel Valda said to Helena. She laughed from the original concept Helena threw out there, that they are in a middle of a war between worlds. It would be well planed or ironic if not, either way, now that that idea was thrown out there it was funny.
Helena and Myka talked until lights out again. When that time came Myka went to her separate bed above Helena's.
I didn't want to go to bed yet, I just wanted to talk and be with Myka some more. She was becoming a great friend and I was beginning to trust her more and more. I have a nice feeling when around her, I couldn't explain it. All I could tell you is that she makes me feel like I am not alone anymore, that I matter to this world as a human being, not as someone's savior, or as their families last hope of honor and greatness.
I fell asleep after awhile and I ended up dreaming the same dream from the night before again.
To Be Continued...