Was it really 6 years ago that I started this? Wow am I lazy! Figured it was about time I put up more chapters to this story, not sure where it's going or how it might end but I've got a few typed up ready to go. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 2 - Introductions
The huge metal barracks were arranged in a rigid grid with large streets between each, serving as both pavement and runway for skimmers. Shimmers of heat rose off the sleek buildings and cast Aerrow's new home in a hazy early morning light. Sparse trees with small green leaves held singing birds that echoed around the dusty grounds. The Academy took up the entirety of this small terra, and its walls stretched right out to the cliffs where a winding river became a raging waterfall. Waterwheels could be seen at the river's edge, with the tell-tale glow of active crystals escaping from the windows of nearby workshops.
All sorts of noises could be heard coming from the maze of buildings ahead. Shouts of commanding officers rousing their troops from bed. The banging of pots and pans as breakfast for dozens of hungry mouths was prepared. Rushes of wind overhead as skimmers flew in tight formations and circled the terra on patrol, and screeches as they braked on the hard ground. And very faintly, the clashing sound of metal on metal that only combat can create.
A group of cadets on a morning drill ran round the corner of one of the barracks, their faces red with exertion and their many boots kicking up dirt and dust. Some stared at the open gates while others kept their heads down, breathing hard, and ploughed onward through the heat. A few at the front glanced at the small red-haired boy and sneered, then they disappeared around the next wall and were lost from sight.
Aerrow shrugged his pack higher up his shoulder and swallowed his nervousness as he joined the small group gathering at the entrance to the nearest building. Twelve out of fifty-five applicants, and only a handful would make it to knighthood was what the Commander had said. The odds were not great.
Although the majority of the group were human there was one thin Blizzarian and, standing heads and shoulders above the rest, a Wallop. There were only three girls, or young women rather, as all looked tall and confident. One had already joined the tallest of the boys standing with the Wallop, smiling excitedly and laughing with bright eyes. The other two were chatting quietly to each other and looking around. One with dark brown hair and even darker skin looked Aerrow's way and gave a small smile.
"Impressive, isn't it?" The girl said as he drew level with the pair. "You hear stories about this place, but actually getting here…" She whistled and shook her head in amazement.
Aerrow nodded, pleased he wasn't the only one that seemed overwhelmed with the vastness of the Academy grounds.
"I'm Jael." The dark haired girl continued. She gave him another smile and Aerrow found himself cautiously returning it.
"My name is Corinna." The other girl said in a strong, clear voice. She looked older of the two and was standing with her arms crossed and a large travel case by her feet. Her golden hair was pulled back tightly into a high bun. "Are we to wait until everybody is here or can we move on?"
"There's not many left now." The boy from Tropica, Davey, interrupted with a casual shrug and a grin. "You're in already, what's your rush now?"
"I am eager to be started." Corinna said with a matching grin. "I have trained for many nights and many days to get here."
"You're not the only one." Another voice joined the conversation as the tallest boy in the group called out. "It only took Ryder four years of applying to finally get accepted." He elbowed a stocky blonde standing next to him who flushed and jostled him back. The tall boy laughed and threw back his black hair to wink at the girl standing next to him, who joined in his teasing of the blonde.
Aerrow turned back to Corinna. "How…how long have you been, you know, applying?"
She answered with a proud grin. "Once only. I have travelled half of the Atmos to reach this, the one place you train to become Sky Knight. My terra is in need of a new squadron, and I plan to lead it."
"Impressive." Jael said. "I only travelled four klicks." She grinned at Aerrow again and he let out a small chuckle. "So what's your name kid?"
Aerrow fought down his rising blush and opened his mouth to stutter a reply, when someone stumbled into him and made him take a few halting steps to regain his balance. When he turned around he found a green haired boy sprawled on the floor, his heavy pack tipping him onto his back like an upturned turtle.
"Sorry!" The boy gasped as the small group erupted in laughs, none loudest than from the tall black haired boy and the Wallop. "I was looking around, didn't look where I was going, totally my bad!"
Aerrow offered him a hand and heaved the boy up. When standing he looked much more impressive, his green hair standing out against tanned skin and a heavy built six foot frame. He looked down at Aerrow in surprise.
"Dude, you're short! How old are you?"
Aerrow face burned even hotter as the laughs continued around him.
A sharp clicking of hobnailed boots on metal distracted everyone as a figure emerged from the open doorway next to them. The officer waved them over imperiously.
"Don't stand around lollygagging, get in here now!" There was a scramble to pick up belongings and suddenly they were inside. "Leave your stuff here while you get outfitted."
Each cadet was fitted and given four bundles of "standard gear, first years". Grey trousers: tight at the ankles, plus leather belt with brass buckle. Long sleeved undershirt: grey. Faded black top: high neck, plus clips for attachments. Hob-nailed boots: brown, sturdy. Blue cap (x2): daily and formal. Black socks: multiple.
After grabbing packs and juggling bundles, they made their way through the barracks to their new lodgings. Six bunk beds in two straight rows. One pillow per bed. Folded bedding, scratchy woolen blanket. They were told to change quickly into uniform before the Major's arrival. Aerrow tried not to feel self-conscious as he stripped and caught glances of strong, lean muscle on each cadet.
The officer who arrived was wide and fairly young with an impressive handlebar moustache, and introduced himself simply as "Major Tom – the man who now controls your life." He explained the day to day happenings at the Academy and how things were run.
"You will learn everything you need to know in order to make it in a Squadron, and more importantly, how to lead one. You will study history, tactics, mechanics, flying, navigation, and fighting of all different styles. While a Sky Knight is a symbol of freedom and justice, he or she is, ultimately, a soldier."
The rest of the day passed in a blur of safety briefings, equipment upkeep and basic drills. They met with the instructors, from the petite, fair-skinned woman teaching Sky Fu, to the old Weapons Master in his hall of deadly equipment. They memorised codes of conduct and how to address senior officers dependent on their rank and station. They tried to forget their previous lives and adapt to this new and regimented world. The Academy would tell you when to sleep, when to eat, when to train, when to wash. They would control every aspect of your life until the daily routine was hammered into your DNA, until you became the perfect weapon. And all for one reason alone.
"The long war with Cyclonia has raged for generations." The History Master spoke with a soft voice: his heavily scarred face and grizzled appearance instantly silencing the class. "For as long as our world has been called Atmos, it has been threatened by this abomination. The Talons burn and pillage, taking anything and everything they want, with no regard for the sanctity of life. Their leader, the one they call Master Cyclonis, is as savage as she is devious, and plots endlessly to bring each and every Terra under her control. But we will not step down, we will not stop fighting. One day, perhaps not even in your lifetime, but one day, we will no longer have to fight for our freedom and our lives. With your help, one day we will win.
"Welcome to the war."
Little nod to the brilliant artist that was David Bowie.
