Year: 2285
Boston, MA USA
Time is running out for Beat. He struts around his living room making sure everything is in order before they arrive. The humans refer to his kind as "Aries", one of the twelve different races that lives on Astro Terra. As the name suggests, Beat has goat-like features such as his head, floppy ears, hoofed feet and most notably his horns. His fur is a dull blue color, but in his youth it was more vibrant. And like every Aries, Beat is very short standing at about two and a half feet tall. He wears simple brown pants, and around his neck a red scarf given to him by a friend many years ago.
Although not from Earth, Beat has made his home on the outskirts of Boston, a once thriving capital city now a shadow of its former glory. In fact, that is the case for most capital cities around the world. When Chimera declared war on Earth, the capitals were hit first since they had the highest human population density. Chimera's goal was to unite all twelve races against humanity and wipe them from existence. They almost succeeded. Although it's been 50 years, Astro Terrans are still conflicted about the war but they all agree on one thing: no one deserved it.
Beat hops on his cozy sofa and settles in. There's a coffee table in the center and two empty seats facing him. He forgot the most important part! He quickly hops out of his seat and prepares a cup of coffee and sets it on the table away from him. He cringes every time he makes coffee for a human guest, but for some reason they obsess over it. But for him, nothing is better than a cup of grass tea with a pinch of salt.
His ears perk up as someone knocks on his door. "It opens!", he calls out. Two men march into his house, immediately scoping every corner for potential danger. They are quick, efficient and tidy as any object they move out of place is quickly restored to their original position. They wore a military uniform, with a distinct red jacket and a star symbol embroidered on their shoulders. It's obvious who they are. Atlas is the greatest mercenary army in the world and is often credited for saving the world from Chimera. Without them, the world would certainly have ended. They answer to no government and have no allegiance to any country. They only obey the Mercenary Creed and the Captain's orders. It is believed that one Atlas soldier is worth one platoon. The fact that two are present in Beat's living room speaks volumes. However, Beat is unbothered by their presence as he enjoys his tea. Considering the size of his house, there isn't much to search for anyway. After finishing their investigation one soldier calls out, "All clear, Captain!"
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
In walks a woman wearing a military style uniform, a dark trench coat and a beret decorated with the Atlas star. She appeared to be in her middle age, and had a fit physique hidden under her coat. She was a few inches shorter than both of her men but her confidence towered over them. Her hair is shiny black and neatly tied back. Her dark eyes scans the room before looking at Beat as he sips his tea. Without turning back she addresses the men behind her, "I will be here for a while. You are both dismissed." Both soldiers salute and immediately exits the room. "Please have a seat, Captain" Beat smiles as he gestures to the empty seat in front of him. The Captain obliges as she unbuttons her coat and hangs it behind her seat. Then she removes her beret and places it on the table before reaching for the coffee in front of her. "Oh, are you not going to check for poison?" Beat asks amusingly. "No need to," the Captain replies plainly before taking a sip, "I know you're not a threat". "What makes you say that?" he asks. "Your scarf" she answers before setting down the coffee. "It's not a simple red scarf as most are led to believe. It's the kind of red you only find on Atlas uniforms. Only those who have lived and served can earn the right to wear it". Beat chuckles, "Indeed I have lived and served, but I almost wish I hadn't".
The Captain smirks and nods before looking straight into his eyes, "I received your messages and you know what I'm about to ask, right?" The Captain leans back on her chair, crosses her legs. and laces her fingers together. "How do you know so much about me, yet I know nothing about you? Are you a spy?" Beat sighs as he sets his tea down. "It's complicated," he says. "I got time," she replies. "How did you get that scarf?" Beat answers, "As you probably know, my people like to tell stories. We believe that telling stories is how people remember us, the same way humans like to keep pictures. We pass stories down through generations so that we can live on in our people's memories. But my story is different because it's not my story". The Captain raises an eyebrow. "How so?" Beat continues, "What I'm about to tell you is a story of a man that made all of this possible. The reason why we're alive now, and the reason why you're Captain today is because of him". The Captain is even more perplexed, "If that were the case, then why have I never heard of him?" Beat starts laughing, "But you do know him. You just don't remember." The Captain leans in, "Who is he?" Beat is even more excited as he captures the Captain's curiosity. "He is more than history, more than myth! He is a legend and his name is Chad Master Funk".