Darkness……, In all the stories, in all the various novels about after death where the protagonist is in darkness they forget to mention one thing, Silence.
I do not know how but I can feel the darkness, I try to close my eyes but well it does not change.
I try to move my limbs but it’s as if I am stuck in mud the movement is sluggish and worst of all, Darkness.
Darkness is not like the blackness of space where you may see a sparkle here or sparkle there but it is completely devoid of anything.
But thanks to being here I can now revisit my memories and how I got here.
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My name is Balthazar K. Fenris. A Colonel in the United Earth Defense Force, or rather Enhanced Core.
In the year 2058 humanity had launched its first ever long range manned mission to Titan.
What many did not knew was that we found something there 20 years ago that would change our future, Derelict Spacecraft.
The Ship was massive about the size of Manhattan island. We did not know who it belonged to as there were no bodies or cryo-pods on the ship.
When the first astronauts got on the ship it powered on and recognized as them as owners.
It automatically accessed their vessel and downloaded all the knowledge about Earth and its languages into its databanks.
What happened next was something unbelievable, the Core AI manifested itself and told the team about the origin of the ship.
The Ship which was carbon dated to be close to few million years old was created by Humans of Gaia(we call it Earth), Our ancestors.
Ship analyzed and mentioned that our DNA was similar but degraded and seeing we share similarities the AI did not see us as hostile and its Core Directive was Activated: Aid Humanity.
In 30 years we made more progress than what we would have made in 300.
Our lifespan increased, majority of diseases were eradicated and best of all Earth was unified.
But the biggest advancement was the weapons and defense technologies.
Using the schematics and knowledge from Origin (Derelict Ship) a new fleet of ships were made.
It was then a scientist by name of Dr. Arthur Fenris found a file in the databanks about enhanced human trooper program.
Using the technology available and following the steps he was able to create First Two Enhanced humans, Male and Female.
Me and my Sister Aria. Our father created the serum and introduced us to the government, they were excited as seeing the potential of super soldiers had always been the dream.
What they didn’t know was that our enhancement and 2nd generation enhancements would be different.
According to the results a normal Enhanced would have 3x speed, 5x strength, 3x reflexes and be able to access 60% of the brain at any time.
But me and my sister were different, we were at least 30%-40% better than the normal enhanced not to mention our lifespan was theorized to be at about 400 years.
In the next 24 years the numbers of enhanced rose all the way up to 300 thousand.
We were trained in all forms of combat, mastered all manner of CQC, weapon training on all types of weaponry ranging from personal infantry weapons to ship systems.
Most important of all we were trained to be able to pilot a warship with a skeleton crew and all members were trained to be able to use all systems.
I was promoted to be the Colonel with my sister a rank below at lieutenant colonel. It was 3 years later, Year 2115 when we encountered our mortal enemy for the first time.
One of the scout ships were attacked after they tried to attempt first contact, all hands lost. But not before their details were sent back to Fleet.
The Alanzari as they were called were humanoid with 4 arms, 2 short arms on their chest and 2 longer arms.
Their legs had reversed joints compared to us which allowed them explosive short range speed.
Above all their skin color was greyish black and they had no mouth with black frontal vertical lidless eyes.
And they were extremely aggressive, their strength of long arms was compared to Enhanced which increased the need to having the core troopers present in any land scenarios.
All core troopers were provided with laser swords to aid in CQC with the Alanzari forces for future battles.
A fleet of ships including Destroyers, Cruisers and Dreadnoughts were assembled with a battalion of Enhanced Core Troopers or as we were called E-core.
With our numbers and weaponry, we annihilated the opposition but this sparked the beginning of the century long war.
Lives on both sides were lost and even after so long we were no close to victory.
It was then intelligence was found that the teams have located system which could possibly house their ship yards.
The Defense force ordered a strike using one of their newly created weapon called The Crucible.
A devastating device capable of making 2 black holes and causing them to collide with one another.
Estimates was that this weapon would wipe out the planet and its orbital ship yards in minutes.
Enhanced Core’s past record had already solidified our position as Guardians, normal soldier’s morale was always high with our presence.
I then took 3 battalions of troopers with 50 warships to the location.
It might be that they were not expecting us but when we warped in we only encountered 15 of their cruisers.
Our support ships were responsible for dropping our teams on their planets to retrieve their data and HVT (High Value Targets).
My team including my sister and 20 other troopers were to head to their headquarters.
From ship we saw the city of sorts where we had to attack. “Brother there are civilians on this planet.”, Urged Aria.
I also noticed them, this system felt more like their colony with ship yards than a military outpost.
“We are already here and they would have already sent the signal for reinforcements, I know we do not want to hurt civilians but this is war.”, (me)
“Do you know the damage area of the device?”, (Aria)
“All I know is I was told to get out of the sector before the device detonated”, (me)
“Wait space sector? Have they not tested it? How can they give us an experimental weapon like that!”, (Aria)
“You know very well out of all the arsenal; Crucible is probably the only planet killer we have that can destroy the planet from the surface in the shortest amount of time.”, (me)
Our ships were being attacked and many were shot down, but ours was able to make it to drop point.
I then activated our battalion comm channel and sent out the order:
“Troopers!! Remember when the signal goes out get to the evac point so we can leave, any late comers will be left behind.
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The estimated range is no joke so we leave when the signal is out and ships jump when we are boarded, No exception! For Earth, For Gaia!”
“For Earth, For Gaia!”
“For Earth, For Gaia!”
“For Earth, For Gaia!”
…………………………………………….
Using our portable plasma shields the vanguards were able to push all the way towards the entrance to the building.
“Aria, arrange 2 platoons to barricade at the entrance, and have 2 squads cover all 3 entrances from the adjoining buildings.
Deploy Guardian Turrets and Shield Wall” (me)
Guardian turrets were the automated defense turrets that targeted and shot at any enemy in range, the plasma bolts were capable to pierce into light vehicles.
Shield Wall was the deployment of 5 layer wall where you can place points on the ground linking them and 5 feet tall wall is materialized which is capable of withstanding quite a lot of punishment.
Me and my team encountered quite a resistance even some melee charges from the enemy but managed to push through.
Our main target was the data storage location in the basement, this location was rumored to have majority if not all of the enemy outpost defense codes, allowing us to bypass their defenses.
We kept on moving and the enemy resistance increased, the Alanzari were adamant in keeping us away from the data center
“We need to push through, just received reports that many ships seem to be approaching this sector and we have close to 30 minutes before they arrive” (Comm Trooper)
I looked towards Aria, seeing the gravity of the situation and we needed to act fast. I handed the device to her and said:
“Aria lead the way; I will bring the rear with 2 troopers. We need to finish the extract the codes at all cost.” (me)
With that said our group started hurrying towards the center it was then we encountered a suicide Alanzari hunter, with bombs strapped and running towards us with determination.
“Aria! Activate drop shield now!” (me)
Upon seeing the hunter Aria immediately deployed the drop shield which allows us to drop from upper atmosphere to the ground with no damage.
When hunter blew himself up the shield wasn’t properly set up and shockwave impacted us greatly.
After some time, we were able to shake ourselves up only Aria and few frontline troopers were injured.
“Medic, how are they? Any complications?” (me)
My greatest concern was my sister; in the whole universe she was my only family remaining.
“Do not worry Sir, apart from minor lacerations they are all suffering from concussion.
Few hours in the Nano-Bath should be enough to repair all damage.” (Medic)
After releasing a long breath, I approached my sister, it seems she had cuts all on her back side and she was able to protect the briefcase sized Crucible.
But it was then I noticed a shard on the shell of the weapon.
“Engineer, check and see if the Crucible is in working condition, Medic I want you to take the injured all the way back to the blockade and wait for us to Evac.” (me)
While two of our men were moving Aria and 3 others towards the blockade, I received a news I did not want to hear.
“Sir, the crucible is alright but the detonation sequence is damaged. It will require some time for me to repair it.” (Engineer)
While sighing I took a look back to my sister, I did not know then that it was going to be my last time looking at her again.
“Try and repair it, let’s move on we are pressed for time and our allies will not be able to hold on if the Alanzari Armada arrives in the system.” (me)
After urging my men to move on we rapidly approached the data center, with encounters increasing in numbers we knew we were getting close to our objective.
Few floors down when we arrived and eliminated the last of the enemy it was then we saw the entrance to the Data center.
“Alright, crack the lid open. We need to get inside now!” (me)
After couple of minutes using plasma torch we were able to enter the core.
“Okay, connect their core to our private server and let’s start the download. Engineer what’s the condition of our bomb? (me)
Engineer had a stressed look on her face, “Sir, I am working on it give me some time I will be probably be able to fix it.”
After the server was connected the download began, it was then I was notified that the armada has arrived and will begin engaging soon.
“Do we have to be here for the connection to be maintained?” (Trooper 1)
“Yes, because the after the download is complete we need to release the virus that will corrupt the data and creating a hidden connection to their databanks to our server not to mention it will wipe away our trace of searching for their codes.
Otherwise they will know we downloaded the codes and will change them.” (Trooper 2)
“Ok, it feels like we may need to be here for a while, Start deploying countermeasures: Shields, Turrets, Drones. The whole package!” (me)
I told the fleet admiral our progress and asked him to hold out until we are able to extract the data and initiate the bomb.
“You need to hurry Colonel, The Armada isn’t too happy about us being here and they will be reaching firing range soon.
Also heads up few of their transport ships were able to bypass us you need to watch out for it.” (Fleet Admiral)
“Got it Sir!” (me)
“Okay team, Once the defenses are set I need couple of volunteers to stay behind with me, Engineer and the Code Breaker.
Remember we will be the last ones leaving, rest of you will be going back to the blockade to assist them.” (me)
I probably didn’t need to ask as rest of my team volunteered to stay, “ha-ha, I know you guys want merits but I need possibly 2 vanguards.
Rest of you make haste and return to the barricade and also have them start packing up we may need to leave in a hurry.”
“Sir, Yes Sir!” (troopers)
After a few minutes the defenses were set, with drones floating and turrets in defense mode. The troopers started filing out and started heading out.
“Tell me doc, how’s the patient? Will it blow?” (me)
Hearing my humor brought a giggle to the Engineer, “I may need some more time sir, detonation sequence will need to be repaired completely.
Of course manual charge works but there will be no remains for burial if someone does activate it manually. I might have another way I will try that.”
Sighing I turned towards the download screen, “Please give me some good news here, tell me download is complete?”
“Uh it needs some more time sir; Also I came across something interesting. I may have accessed their weapon databanks so I am downloading all their weapon and ship schematics.
This may give us some boost and allow us to know their ships weakness.” (Code Breaker)
“How about that, okay try to speed it up. Vanguards man the turrets I don’t want uninvited visitors.” (me)
“Yes Sir!” (Troopers)
After a few minutes I got a call from my sister, “Please tell me you will be here soon, they are increasing pressure on us and we also need to leave this place too.”
“We are working on it, how is the bomb…” before I could finish I saw a spark go off on the crucible.
“We may have a bigger problem here; I will get back to you.”
“What went wrong? Are you ok?” worried I asked the Engineer
“Sorry Sir, the damage was extensive I was trying to link up manual to wireless connection so it back fired.
Now we only have manual switch remaining.
I am truly sorry sir for this mistake, I will remain behind and activate it manually.” (Engineer)
Ah I knew something like this would happen, it’s a common occurrence in a story or novels but this is real life come on give me a break!
I went behind the engineer and knocked her out with a backhand. “Okay folks new plan, CB tell me I can work the virus into the system right?”
“I have written it fairly simply; all you need to do is press one button.” (Code Breaker)
“I like that, life is always easy when world destroying virus is activated by just one button. Alright!
Troopers take the CB and Engineer to the blockade and have them start evacuating. I will be on the last ship out.” (me)
Probably it’s the concept of dying, or the fact that the fate probably f**ked me royally in tragedy book style but my humor is the only thing keeping me from breaking down.
Because I know what Crucible does, dying at the center of 2 Black hole Colliding is not a pretty picture.
“Aria, Begin evac. I want you to head out now I will bring up the rear on the last ship. Do not wait and lead the evac.” (me)
“But Zar…” (Aria)
“Aria I am older so listen to me, not to mention I outrank you.”
“Older only by few minutes…” (Aria)
“What was that?!” (me)
“Nothing I will begin evac now you better not be late!”
After disconnecting the conversation, I looked around to see the troopers smiling wryly.
They knew my sister would rather break military protocol to keep me safe and so would I.
“This is an Order; You are not to tell my sister that I am staying behind!”
“We will remain here too sir!” (troopers repeated)
I smile at the troopers; their loyalty has always been my pride.
“NO! you are all to evacuate. This. Is. An. Order! Also this may be my last request but do not let Aria come back here”
Reluctantly they saluted and started to leave, I gave the unconscious engineer to a vanguard and had them leave.
After watching them leave I activated the turrets and drones to target all enemies. I need to buy some time as download is quite important.
“Truly feels like a tragedy story, I wonder if there really is reincarnation…meh without anyone here I can let go of my hard ass persona and be carefree, too bad I couldn’t see Aria one more time.”
I see the download meter has reached 87% and start moving the Crucible towards the terminal.
It was then my turrets and drones started to activate and engage with the forces.
“With the ammo count I should be able to hold out for 10-15 minutes I hope that is enough for the download.”
After few minutes I hear my sister’s voice,
“Zar…where are you? The squad that was with you is here with the engineer…Why are you still on the damn planet?!” (Aria)
I could hear trembling in her voice, I knew she was crying but I had to harden myself to keep her and my men safe.
“Fleet Admiral, On the Command of Colonel of E-core, Balthazar K Fenris I hereby declare retreat complete.
You are to leave this sector of space immediately the blast radius will wipe out the entirety of it,
after the download is complete the compressed package will be uploaded to the orbital satellite the next instant.”
“Colonel it has been my honor and privilege to serve with you I will order withdrawal of the fleet immediately.” (Fleet Admiral)
“Nooo, let me get him back…” I could hear Aria struggling, chances are my troopers are possibly following my command to the letter.
I could see the few of the drones were shot down and one of the turrets over heat, I look over and see that the download reached 99% and was compressing.
After few minutes’ download was compressed and completed after I uploaded it to the orbital satellite and activated the virus I turned towards the Crucible.
“Sis…”
I could hear Aria sniffing on the comms, “Did you know I took your books and hid them in my locker to annoy you when we were training?”
“I…Know…” (Aria)
“I will always miss our fun times together sis and will you listen to my last request?”
“…un...” (Aria)
“Please have a fun, happy and long life. Will you promise me that?”
“Brother I…”
“All Ships Ready for Warp!” (Fleet Admiral)
I looked up to see hundreds of hunters running towards me, I smile
“I love you Sis, goodbye…”
And press the button. Then whole world turned dark……