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Army Barracks, UECAF Military Base, Valhalla, Asgard System, UEC Space
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The activity around the base was the busiest and most vibrant Ben had ever seen since he had enlisted at the age of 18. Non stop troop movements and raw recruits arriving, equipment being shifted everywhere and air traffic from both civilian and military transport had increased greatly ever since the Premier's declaration of war against the people response for the attack on New Babylon. Cartwright's speech and the image of him sharing a podium with the Chimeran Empress were shown nearly every hour from all networks, reporting on the biggest event that rivalled that of the Chimeran War over 500 years ago.
The 115th Assault Regiment had been recalled back to Valhalla, much to the disgruntlement of the New Babylonian government over what they see as leaving them defenceless, with a great portion of their numbers returning home in flag draped coffins. A third of his fellow comrades were the first casualties in a war he nor anyone else in the UECAF or maybe in the entire Commonwealth had ever imagined to ever come about. There was always that inkling that there was life out there other than both humans and Chimera but all their focus when it came to an external threat was the Purists, or the Empire itself.
Four days since they've been back and Ben could see the mood around the barracks was finally starting to lift up, though the likes of Muller was still mourning over the loss of their friends. Couldn't say he blame them but Ben knew they had to snap out of it before heading out to face this new foe.
"That was probably the longest call I've had to make to my parents since boot camp" Ben looked from his UNICOM as Dan walked in, going over to his bedside cabinet.
"How they taking the news?"
"As expected" He took out a pad and tucked it into one of the side pockets of the Battle Suit "It's been the talk all across Tau Ceti and no doubt all over the Commonwealth. Have you spoke with your mom yet?"
"Yeah I just came off the vidcall a few minutes ago" After landing back on and returning to barracks Ben saw he had over a dozen calls and messages from his mum, all pleading he'd pick up. Though she used to be a marine and knew about military procedure, an alien invasion was a circumstance that obviously got many from all areas of life on edge.
It was the first time he had ever seen her worried the way she was once she answered the call, stopping tears from forming in her eyes at seeing him again. They spoke for half an hour exchanging information on events back on the Outer Colony and the reaction around Earth, many other families trying to find out whether not someone close had survived the ordeal.
"Hear anything from Pires or the Colonel yet?" Dan asked him zipping his duffel bag.
"Nope. I think they're still stuck in meetings with top brass over what they're going to do with us and the others now that the whole UECAF seems to be bundled up here" The Corporal said going back to UNICOM, turning off the article he was reading and pulling up his finished bag "Let's go see what the others are up to"
Pulling the strap of the duffel bag over his shoulder he lead the way out of their shared quarters, Dan pressing on the lock pad before departing out the building. A convoy of eight Cheetahs drove past them as they waited for them to clear the road, soldiers from different regiments standing around all over the place yattering on about all sorts of subjects. The high pitch whine of the newly made Wasp superiority fighters brought his eyes to the sky for a second, their sleek long nosed bodies screeching over their position toward the other side of the massive base.
Entering into the barracks they walked down the corridor, the rooms they passed by were near empty except for a number of troops speaking on vidcalls. He spotted Vic and Natalie waiting outside the quarters she and Michelle shared with a couple other women of the regiment, talking civil to each other for once.
"Hey guys, what's going on?" They both turned around at the approaching pair.
"Just waiting for Michelle to finish talking with her father" Vic thumbed to the open door room. Ben peeked and saw her staring at the tele screen, standing with her arms folded rolling her eyes at the person on the other end of the call.
"I'm a grown woman dad, you don't need to worry about me so much. I can take of myself"
"I know but you're still my baby girl, Shelly. You and I both know you can't contact anyone on the outside until command gives permission but your mother has been worried sick since the attack. Shame she isn't here now, she'd loved to speak with you right now"
"I know" She sighed, her annoyed expression switched into a small smile. Her eyes shifted to him then back to screen "I gotta go now dad, duty calls"
"Very well, take care of yourself out there sweetheart. I want to hear about all your ventures out there in the galaxy with the uglies when you get back, you hear?"
"Got it. Tell the boys I said hi and send my love to mom"
"Will do. See you later Shelly, love you"
"Bye dad, love you too" She gave one last smile than ended the call. Scooping up her bag she left the room and completed the quad sized team waiting outside for her.
"You didn't have to cut short your call" Ben told her frowning lightly.
"Nah it's alright, if I didn't get off soon he would talked my ear off for hours"
"What about you two, have you made calls back home yet?" Dan quizzed the other pair.
"I spoke with my father and brother earlier" Natalie said throwing her bag over her shoulder "They say the talk on Haven has been nothing but the battle"
"I had a quick talk with my aunt back in Belgrade, everything is good" Vic shrugged next. Repetitive beeping came from all their UNICOMs and a few others near by from the 115th, causing them to all open up the message inbox and see a priority notice from Colonel Hall stand out from all the other junk.
PERSONNEL OF THE 115TH ARE TO MEET AT TRAINING CENTRE FOXTROT AT 16:00. DO NOT BE LATE.
"Wonder what Hall has us doing now?" Michelle said aloud what they were all thinking.
"Well it's three thirty four and Training Centre Foxtrot isn't far from here, so check you've got everything then we'll make our way down there" Ben said checking over his wrist device.
Leaving the barracks behind the Corporal lead the way with his squad to the designated building of choice for what the head of their regiment wanted. He saw several others he recognised make their way too amongst the busy crowd of troops, all waiting for further orders on deployment or what High Command had planned for their joint counter attack into this 'Confederacy of Independent Systems'. He hadn't watched any of the interviews yet detailing information generously given by the Chimera over their new enemy, who have said to gained a wealth of intel by boarding and seizing control of several Confederates ships.
The training centre came into view, looking identical to the others as a boxy shaped complex with an arched glass roof with 'TC-06-FOXTROT' in block letters written above the tall metal doors. Ben saw Henrik and Pires waiting by the entrance of the Combat Simulator Room watching the troops walk in.
"What's going on Captain?"
"All will be revealed Colton. Come hurry up, the Colonel's waiting" Pires ordered them all inside with Henrik's assistance. Choosing an area designed for placing people in pods built into the wall for computer simulated combat training sessions with a whole regiment size crowd for a meeting, was starting to turn into a bad idea. A few had jumped up and were sitting on top the pods themselves, whilst everyone else was going up stairs to the different levels or squeezing in on the ground floor like he and his team were doing so.
Up on the platform by the simulator's main control console Ben saw four human officers and a Chimeran, watching as what remained of the 115th gathered into claustrophobic spacing.
"General Cheng, what is he doing here?" Dan questioned as others murmured around them at the General's presence. Even the Chimeran standing alongside the small group of UECAF officers wasn't as imposing as General Kwong Cheng, the Army's best top brass officer in the opinion of many if not all soldiers of the UECAF.
To this day it baffled everyone in the lower ranks how a war hero who near single handedly fought off a battalions worth of Legion terrorists, with a scar running down his eye as proof of his feat, and widely popular amongst the troops wasn't given the job of of Army representative on the Armed Forces Council. Giving it to Terrance, a man with little experience who spent most of his time with politicians was criticised by the most in the military and the Press, titling it as 'Penpusher over Soldier'.
"All right boys and girls listen up!" Colonel Hall called out now everyone was presumable inside "We have two special guests here today who will be telling you of our deployment plans for the upcoming war. I'm sure you all know this is General Cheng. I'm going to let him take over from here for the little surprise he and our Imperial friends have in store for us" As the Colonel stood aside to let Cheng continue with the speech, Ben heard a few whispers between others around him over Hall's statement.
"I would like to start by saying it is an honour and a privilege to finally meet the men and women who fought off these devils. I could give you some pre written speech on your sacrifice and bravery but I wouldn't want to show up the Premier" Chuckles rang across the crowd, even getting Ben to crack a smile "As you are all aware ever, since the attack on New Babylon we have been assembling all units to form new divisions and picking targets our Chimeran allies have presented us with" He nodded over to the alien.
"How generous of them" Michelle sarcastically whispered in his ear.
"Rather than give you an hours worth of explaining, I will get straight to the point. The reason behind the delay of the First Frontier Division's deployment is because our illustrious leaders have decided to dismantle it" Shocked looks on everyone's face and lively chatter echoed all around the room at the news. Ben could see on own Cheng's face he didn't like it either but as he continued the added information didn't help quell the others "The 115th, 32nd, 89th and the 20th Marines who will be joining you, will be attached to the 14th Imperial Army Division alongside the regiments who supported you in driving out the Separatists"
"I can't believe this" He heard Michelle's voice mutter beside him, amongst the grumbling and heated callings out from the troops around him. Ben shared their sentiment in that he wasn't overly fond about being under the command of Chimera, even if they did save them on New Babylon. This was no doubt a political stunt to show cooperation against a foreign aggressor but being under the command of an alien government wasn't comforting.
A raised hand from General Cheng signalling them for them all to shut up quietened them all down.
"With me is Lord General Yuku'las, he is the head of the Imperial Army and he wishes to speak to over this new arrangement. Show him the same courtesy you would give any UECAF officer" He stood aside as the dark browned armoured Chimeran stood forward, his eyes gazing out to them all.
"Warriors of humanity, I understand this is not to your liking. However I'm here to assure you, you'll be treated no different than a warrior of the Empire" He told them in a deep, flanging voice "There was a great spirit of cooperation between both you and our forces sent to assist you in defending your colony against the beings wishing to control us. Because of this it was decided to have you join these units again, continue this spirit" The mood around suddenly became less hostile as the Lord General spoke some more.
"Do you have any idea what he's on about?" Victor asked behind him.
"Who knows, probably some spiritual crap meant to soften us"
"Come on Michelle, at least he's bothering to try and lighten the tension" Ben said back, seeing her still bristling.
"Shut up, the three of you" Henrik growled to them, pointing the trio back to the still speaking Chimeran officer.
"...14th Imperial Army will be leading the ground forces but ships of the 238th Flotilla will incorporate into Second Fleet of your Navy. As of now this will be the only joint Imperial-Commonwealth fighting unit, so do not be hastened by the attention from both our governments will be giving you" The speech went on for a little while longer as Ben listened to how the command structure was to work out. It sounded simple enough, the Chimera would be in charge of the troops on the ground whilst the CSF commanded the Naval matters.
He thought it wasn't only taking orders from the uglies that were going to cause problems but no doubt they'll be cultural clashes. It was always noted Chimeran troops were very strict and followed an order without a second thought, even if the command was questionable moral. The upside was at least they'll have high end powerful weapons on their side and plenty of experienced troops to fight the robots in their own territory.
"That is all I have for you in this moment in time. Perhaps with our peoples working together successfully, more mixed units of human and Chimera will be established to help end tyranny and bring peace to the galaxy"
"Thank you, Lord General" The two exchanged a bow before Cheng returned speaking to them "I'm going to pass you back to your CO and in a few days time you'll be sent out to face the enemy in their own systems, their planets. Good luck out there, hopefully I'll be able to join you sooner rather than later" Ben watched as he turned to hall and nodded at him to come forward, leaving with the Chimeran General out the back door of the room.
"Alright listen up folks. I want you to pack everything you gonna need and enjoy the last few days of freedom before we get on with this war. I suggest calling up loved ones and tell them they won't be seeing you for awhile. Dismissed!" The room was suddenly filled with the conversations of the departing troops, the topics unsurprisingly on the what was just said to in the cramped venue.
"So it's really happening, huh?" Dan was the first to speak out of the squad.
"Fighting under the uglies command is going to be an experienced I never dreamed of" Michelle sighed, still unhappy about the prospect of fighting alongside the Imperials.
"I didn't dream of fighting a robot army from the other side of the galaxy either" Natalie said dodging past a fellow one-one-fiver.
"So let us get our last drinks at the Hags Arms before kicking the metal menaces from one end of the galaxy to other"
"Sounds like a plan, Vic" Ben agreed with him, just as they reached the exit of the Training Centre. If there's one thing the Serbian always surprised them with is his patriotism.
"Yeah, for all we know they won't be any pubs out there half as good as the Hag and I never known the Chimeran to drink" Ben couldn't help but shape his head in amusement. Out of all the things to worry about at starting the first ever galactic wide war with a government a lot bigger than themselves, lack of alcohol was one of his friends' major concerns
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Officers Lounge Area, Subjugation-class cruiser Redemption's Fire, Valhalla orbit, Commonwealth Space
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Vicus sat reading through the data of the new acquisitions to the 14th Imperial Army. Instead of adding Chimeran regiments to the understrength division somebody thought it would be a grand idea to put together human troops with his warriors. There was already disgruntlement at having aliens not within the Empire joining an Imperial unit, especially a race seen as reckless and impulsive.
So far he had finished reading up on the 115th Assault Regiment, 32nd Armoured Brigade and the 89th Infantry. He had seen the first of the three in action on their colony world New Babylon, the other two according to the data had seen much action against the Purist remnants. All three had good records but he still preferably wanted his own people fighting under his command.
"Still getting to know our new friends, Vicus?" He heard Iros' amused voice as he sat down opposite to him. The sound of a glass container sliding across the table brought his attention to a full Ukon beverage drink now in front of him.
"It is a competent Commander's duty to know the warriors he'll be serving with" He replied to his friend, taking the drink offered to him.
"I hear we are fighting with the same soldiers we helped in our last battle with Separatists"
"Yes. How will you find serving as second to a human Admiral?" Vicus asked the High Captain, who shrugged his shoulders back at his question.
"Different. The Flotilla will remain under my command I'm assured. At least I get to see how the primates fight a space battle, just as you will their army" Iros finished by taking a gulp of his beverage.
"Did you not tell me that there is insubordination amongst some of their officers?" The Commander quizzed, referring to the heated exchanged between the surviving ship Captain and Admiral of the CSF Second Fleet his friend walked in on.
"It was understandable in his case. If I was promised reinforcements to battle against such overwhelming odds and they didn't turn up, I too would be irate. Her excuse was their version of High Command ordered them to remain behind for the time being, despite her continuous protesting"
"All the same. If you have anarchy in the ranks, do not be surprised when chaos consumes the spirits of the soldiers you lead" He told him, reciting an ancient proverb.
"It didn't go that far. Will you be leading the humans on the ground?"
"Technically I am to share command with the human, Colonel Frank Hall. However since my experience exceeds his own, I'm considered senior to him. Lord General Yuku'las will officially be in charge of the unit" He said pressing down on the pad's button, the data screen evaporating back into the device.
"Then it appears we may have the best fighting unit in both the Empire and Commonwealth military forces" Vicus stopped drinking and looked back at the High Captain.
"What makes you say that?"
"You are not the only one to read up on our allies Hikar'an. They are a strange species but if they are like anything I've read on their history, then combining the strengths of both our kind and theirs will make us a force not seen since the Purist War" Before Vicus could ask him to elaborate the Naval officer stood up from the table, holding on to his empty container "I must finish off the remaining reports before meeting with Admiral Keller. Talk to you at a later time, my friend" And with that he left him to dwell.
Vicus sat for a moment confused by Tuchar'an's words. Humans were not like them, they were not as martial as a society compared to his people and unlike the primates all Chimera were taught the arts of war in childhood irrelevant of their future trade in life. The goal in life of every true Chimeran was the preservation of the Empire, whereas the humans changed almost on a decade basis and kept on switching their leaders. Democracy had some purpose in his people's way of life but too much can cause a great deal of trouble but the Commonwealthers didn't seem to care.
Then again Master Kuric came from such a place and she too was human, although of a different species of human. Perhaps there was some truth in his friend's words but the war ahead will prove whether or not the humans were capable warriors, or just a nuisance to put of with for the sake of unity against a bigger threat.