District 5 S.T.O.W.A.C Base

'This is a general news broadcast. As of 09:00 am today the United Earth Government has declared that the viability of the habitats is no longer sustainable, as such volunteers for the deep space colonization missions have been requested.'

'Multiple reports of rioting occurring throughout the 10th and 11th districts as news of impending resource crisis raise concerns of stricter rationing. Looters and rioters are demanding that something be done about the problems that now plague the lower classes.'

'UEG now offers exclusive benefits for the first round of ARK mission volunteers. The first hundred thousand volunteers for individual ARK's will be granted exclusive and extensive benefits for the journey ahead, rumors even state that possible increases in positions of power and political control may be available for the first hundred.'

'ARK's to use latest in VR technology to allow for an easier adaptation period before during and after stasis.  ARK engineers confirm that the stasis technology has been enhanced and augmented to allow for better recovery after extended use in deep space travel.'

A tall figure walks into the briefing room, causing and instantaneous hush to fall over the space.

"Alright everyone, quiet down and listen up. For those of you that haven't been paying enough attention, not only has the world gone to Shit, but it looks like its taking the habitats with it, as such, as of 09:30 today, you have all been signed up for ARK mission Andromeda. Pack your foot locker and meet me by the gate for boarding tomorrow at 0700. Dismissed."

The room empties rapidly as figures leave to collect their belongings and pack their racks. All but the smallest in the room.

"Is this really the right thing to do Brother? We could always just re-establish on Mars right?"

The tall figure looks down and places his hand on the head of the smaller figure gently patting it.

"The big players have lad their claims, so we don't want to get involved in any of those political games. The fifteen of us is all that's left and I plan to see all our great grandkids before anyone of us dies. So we are heading off. Besides we have a leg up for being the first fifteen on Andromeda and also some information on how the whole thing works, so see you at the gate."

The figure takes back his hand and walks away silent as the void beyond the windows.

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"Stupid, smart as you are, you still can't speak your heart and mind freely."

The little figure bows her head and mumbles alone for a while before leaving to pack.

0700 Boarding Gate CX001

A group of silhouettes stands at attention back lit by the stations exterior lights flooding through the  viewing window. Another approaches with a large duffle bag slung over their shoulder. Dropping the bag the man turns to face the lined up figures.

"Alright, listen up everyone, we have been granted extra storage space as well as a no limitations baggage allowance, somewhat from the fact that we are the lone survivors of STOWAC, but mostly because they want to get rid of anyone who could be a destabilising element and we have the gear, training and skills to do so. As such I have moved the armory over to the space we will be operating from, the access code is the same as for mission Dark, no-one should be getting into it before we leave but that doesn't mean things always go as expected. So traps and trackers on everything people and do a full inventory, we have enough gear coming to equip a small scale army and then some. Also, physicals and other tests will be conducted during our boarding procedures, three exemptions have been given, aside from me, you know who you are so walk straight through, everyone else enjoy your probing. Meet in the Ops Room of our section for a briefing after your done. Dismissed."

The figures gather their bags and head to the boarding ramp for special boarders. Figures watch from afar as they disappear one by one into the Colossal body of the ARK.

"Reporting in, all members of STOWAC are accounted for, boarding is commencing. Let the commander know that all arrangements have been made."

The figures move to leave, just as the last one is turning his head, he notices the figure that led the silhouettes below turn and look towards them.

"Shit! We have been made, 'HE' knows that we were here. Call sign Foxtrot Abort! ABORT! ABORT!"

The figures leave at a dead sprint and don't look back.

A small smile cracks the stone like mask of the figure below

"So quick to try something, and even quicker to turn tail and run. Good to know you all still realise your place, worry not, we will be gone from here soon,  so wait till then to continue your little war."

The figure turns and walks to join his comrades, brothers and sisters gained through the blood and death of a thousand battles.