As the ramp to the TIE/rp closed, the ship lifting off the hangers runway and into the vast inky black void known as space. The planet the ship was heading to: Eriadu.
Eriadu had a temperate climate and was primarily covered in jungle and mountains. The planet was home to several million, with an ever growing population since the Imperial State of Terra arrived.
In orbit was the Eriadu Medical Center-the center was based on the designs of the Separatist Supply ship, only twice in size. The medical center was the largest and the most advanced within the several thousand light year radius. The location of the medical station was chosen due to the hyperspace routes that passed through the system such as the Rimma Trade Route, Hydian Way, Lipsec Run, Nothoiin Corridor, and the hyperspace lane that splits off of the Ado Spine.
Add to the fact that the Galactic Empire already had more important infrastructure on the planet than most planets in the Outer-Rim at the time and you get the Imperial State using the planet to its full advantage.
The planet of Eriadu also had one of the largest Imperial State-Galactic Imperial joint fleets defending the planet due to it being the home world of Grand Moff Tarkin and his family. In orbit around the planet were one Bellator class Star Dreadnought, five Imperial II class Star Battleships, two Victory class Star Battlecruisers, four Acclamator class Star Carriers, thirteen Arquitens class Light Star Cruisers, ten Gozanti class Star Escort Destroyers and twelve droid operated Quasar Fire class Star Support Carrier that all held mixtures of Vulture Droids and TIE/rpd's. This does not count the ships or fighters that were stationed on the planet's surface either. Truly, it was a force to be reckoned with.
As the Imperial Lander entered the planet's atmosphere a pair of Vulture droids swooped in from behind and guided it to the Imperial State Trooper Academy.
The Imperial State Trooper Academy was built several miles outside of Eriadu City, in a cove that was a part of the planet's main ocean. The main facility itself was built into a cliff face and around a headland that separated the outside of the base into three distinct areas. The first area was the seafront that led into the cove. This section had bunkers, turbo-laser towers and trenches on either side of the coves entrance.
On the other side of the headland and at the farthest point of the cove was an airbase that was separated from the waterfront by a ten meter wall made up of a mixture of Tungsten and Titanium. On the opposite end of the airbase where the cliff face was, was a hanger bay which acts as the main entrance of the facility.
On the plateau overlooking the cove was a large tower with several other structures around it hidden by the planet's dense vegetation. The occupants of the training facility were a mix between State and Storm Troopers-this included officers as well. Despite this the base was mainly controlled by the Imperial State Military. This had been true for the last sixteen years. In those sixteen years the Imperial State Trooper Academy of Eriadu has produced tens of thousands of soldiers, and hopefully it will do so for many more.
Coming through the cloud cover, high above the base. The TIE/rp that carried squads Zulu, Victor and Romeo as well as its accompanying vulture droids flew into range of the facility. As the Imperial assault lander flew closer its escort fighters broke off and the ship began to slow down so it could land at the airbase.
Inside of the spacecraft, Luke and his squad waited with anticipation as the ship came to a halt hovering over its landing pad. Moments later the craft landed and its ramp dropped. Since they were the last squad to arrive at the shuttle this morning the members of Zulu had the pleasure of being the ones sitting the closest to the ramp.
While entering an active combat zone it was the most dreaded place to be. But as far as the cadets were concerned it was a godsend and a rather nice change from being on the ISN Cosmos.
As Luke stood up, he felt the wind from the planet's ocean brush over him, playing with his hair. He had to squint his eyes slightly as he walked out of the landing craft. When his vision cleared he was stunned.
While his family owned a small biosphere and has seen green fauna before… the view in front of him simply overcame him with a sense of adventure and wonder.
Above him, the sun beamed down, as if welcoming him to the planet. It made him feel warm, almost as if he was at home. But Luke knew that it was just his mind playing tricks on him. No matter how long the sun was out it didn't give off the same heat that the twin suns of his home world could. From over the wall that separated the base from the sea, cool salty winds swept over. While foreign, the cool winds were not unwelcome.
It was different. That was for sure.
Looking beside him Luke noticed that almost everyone was experiencing the same thing that he was.
The only exception to this was Jyn and Bruyere. The girl looked at everything as if something was going to jump out at her, barley giving anything that wasn't part of the facility a second glance. Bruyere on the other hand, seemed to be more annoyed as the wind appeared to actively be trying to cover his face with his own hair. He was about to ask Jyn what was wrong when he heard Captain Lawrence shout from behind them causing him to jump slightly not expecting to hear his CO.
"Alright cadets, eyes front and helmets on!" Captain Lawrence marched up to the front of the group. Doing as they were told the eighteen cadets of Zulu, Victor and Romeo Squads put their helmets atop their heads. As they did so the noise from the workers, animals and weather seemed to silence. Seconds later their radios crackled to life.
*Listen up cadets because I'll only be saying this once. You are to follow me in three columns of six. If you fall behind then you will get left behind. Now let's move, on the double!* Captain Lawrence transmitted.
The cadets quickly did as they were told and got into three columns of six. As soon as they were in rank, Captain Lawrence started moving in a fast paced march.
As they marched on Luke took in the rest of the base.
The lack of sub-light thrusters from passing ships makes it easier to focus.
The entire airfield was cluttered with many ships coming and going.
Must be other cadets… Luke thought. The Tatooine native wondered how many people were needed to keep accidents from happening.
Transports were arriving and departing every other minute. If there was a clear landing pad then it wasn't open for long as another transport would land. The only places that didn't have constant air traffic was an area where a large crane was stationed with shipping containers.
The steel containers were so tall that Luke could barely make out what seemed to be the top of the 'T' shaped bridge of an Arquitens class that was at the base most likely for transporting cargo. Luke would have continued to look but Captain Lawrence had stopped.
Seeing why made Luke feel shorter than he already was. In Front of the cadets was a pair of AAT's that were driving into the main hangar were different from those used by the Separatist Droid Armies more than a decade ago. They were slightly taller and wider due to the armored assault tanks ability to switch between blaster fire and ballistic projectiles. As soon as they had passed the group continued.
Now they were in the facility. While the metal and exterior walls were dirty and worn by the elements the interior of the base was clean. Walking through the base the cadets pass several doors along the side of the hall before stopping at a larger blast door to the right.
The blast door opened to reveal a large amphitheater with a stage at the back of the room. Already inside of the room were hundreds of other cadets. To the right were those wearing Imperial State Trooper Armor while those to the left wore the Imperial State Marine armor.
*Zulu, Victor, Romeo. Proceed to the right of the Amphitheater. You will be sitting in the forty second row.* Captain Lawrence said. The eighteen cadets were about to move when their receivers sparked to life once more. *If I hear that any of you goof around, you will be subjected to any type of disciplinary action that I deeply appropriate. Am I clear?* The threat from Captain Lawrence made a shiver go up their spine.
While only knowing him for a day, they knew that it was ill advised to get onto his bad side.
*Sir, yes Sir!* Everyone responded. The Captain stayed still for a moment looking at them before nodding to them and walking off to the section the other officers were seated. The moment Captain Lawrence was out of view Tangie broke the silence.
*Anyone else get the feeling that he's still watching us?*
*I doubt it.* Zackary responded.
*Doesn't matter now. Let's get to our seats before he decides to come back.* Ce`na suggested.
*Sounds good!* Luke agreed.
*Alright.* Jyn said.
*Well then, you heard the woman, Zulu. Let's move!* Tangie called to the group. It wasn't hard to find their seats. They didn't have to wait long as a man in his late thirties wearing a dark grey general's uniform walked up on stage. The man tapped on the microphone three times to make sure it was working before smiling at the amassed group of cadets.
"Hello cadets of the Eighth Eriadu Battalion, I am Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Monroe. I am your commanding officer for the next two years and beyond if you continue your path in the Imperial State Army," LTC Monroe paused for a moment, allowing his voices to echo to dissipate before speaking again. "And may I just say that it's an honor to speak to all eight hundred and forty six of you today."
Luke was surprised at the number of cadets that were in the room. Given the size of the Outer-Rim, he thought the number to be higher.
"As of today you are members of the Imperial State Armed Forces. During these next few years you and your squads will be tested constantly. You will face hardships and challenges. I expect each and every one of you to work with your fellow soldiers because on the battlefield all you will have is your blaster and the bonds you made while in this facility. Those who have second thoughts about joining, please rise now."
No one stood from their seats.
"Excellent. Not a single one of you has chosen to leave. As such I welcome all of you into the Imperial State Armed Forces. Please stay seated, your Commanding Officers will escort you to the barracks momentary. Thank you." With that the Lieutenant Colonel stepped off stage. Soon after, Captain Lawrence arrived to escort them out. Their days as soldiers in the Imperial State Armed Forces were only just starting.
But to become a full fledged state trooper they would have to get over the first obstacle.
Basic Training.
(AN: Luke and Zulu Squad have finally entered the beginning of the first story arc! What will happen next? Will I introduce more characters [Very Unlikely unless they are officers]? Will Luke figure out what Jyn is hiding? Will the wind of Eriadu allow Bruyere to actually see past his hair? Find out next time on The Imperial State of Terra!
I thank you all 130 of you for taking the time to read my story. I was surprise to see so many people had taken the time to read it! Seriously, imagine my surprise when I saw that I had a viewer from Korea, the Philippians, Hungry, Brazil and many more. It makes me happy to know that you enjoy my story. If you see any typos in my story please let me know! I plan on posting one or two more chapters before 2021 and maybe one before winter break is over. Anything after that and my posts will be irregular because just like you I am human and school sucks!
Anyway I'll see you next chapter, Auf Wiedersehen meine leser!)