“EVERYONE CLEAR THE BAY!” Yelled the Crew Chief. Deckhands and crew workers ran out to the outer edge of the bay until they entered the preparatory area that would shield them from the vacuum of space. Alarms sounded and red lights began to flicker. Five drop ships stood in the middle of the bay prepped and ready. Gutterrez sat in the pilot’s seat as he made the last minutes check-ins. “Gutterrez to Control one, this is Drop Ship One, all green lights.” There was a moment of silence. “Roger that Dropship One your Squad is ready for launch.” A massive mechanical arm reached down and lifted each dropship into the air.
Gutterrez always hated this part, the Launch. He pulled out his dog tags, there were two tags. One was perfect with his name and rank, the other was half-melted but you could still see MAST engraved on it. He bowed his head and tucked them back into his shirt. Lieutenant Gutterrez has lost many squadmates in the battle of Solaris three which is what the crew of the Vigilance have come to call their engagement when they entered orbit. The bay doors cracked open as the Lieutenant took a deep breath. The mechanical arms locked the ships into place and the countdown flashed on the ship's HUD. A man from the back walked into the cockpit and joined the Lieutenant. Captain Penavy stood next to his pilot and slapped Gutterrez on the shoulder.
“Ah, this is my favorite part.” The lights turned from red to green and launched them forward. Penavy flew from where he was standing and shot towards the rear of the ship, right at the last second he moved his legs and caught himself. Penavy burst into a laugh as he was standing parallel with the deck. Some of the squad chuckled, while others gave him a look as though the Captain was insane.
The momentum let off a little, which allowed Penavy to take a few steps forwards and become level again.
“Already the memorial service will be starting soon, Sergeant, will you kindly start the holo?” The Sergeant moved to the middle of the ship and accessed the terminal. A video of a podium appeared with total silence. Everyone turned their attention to the hologram as Captain Valyrian walked up to the podium.
Valyrian cleared her throat and began to speak. “First off, I am immensely proud of everyone’s actions during the attack.” She continued. “We were attacked by an organization that goes by the name of the Council. They are an evil ground of people that seek to take over the kingdoms of our galaxy.” Murmurs could be heard from the attendees. “We lost many that can never be replaced, we must remember their sacrifice as we are the unfortunate that continue on.” Silence returned and created a grave mood. “We must carry on the burdens that they left behind and depend on each other to finish what we started.” Valyrian looked down for a moment, the Sergeant swore she could see the Captain fight back tears. “Due to the courage and actions of a few we remain here and I have seen fit to promote them.” The Captain turned towards Commander Zalrin, who was standing off to the side of the stand. “Commander, would you please join me?” The Commander walked on stage and stood at attention. “I made a full report to the Royal Family about our situation, and our plans to repair the two ships of that we have established a fleet.” She pulled out a box from her pocket and handed it to the Commander.
Commander Zalrin opened the box and smiled. A piece of paper and a single star stood poking out. He nodded and stepped forward. Captain Valyrian stood at attention as Valyrian read out aloud the note. “Captain Valyrian, for your tactical abilities during the Battle of Solaris Three and for the up and coming Fleet you are constructing, The Royal family’s has granted you the Rank of Lower Admiral of the Newly named forty-seventh fleet.” Zalrin removed her Captain’s Emblem and pinned her Lower Admiral Emblem, then slapped her shoulder which drugged the pin into her chest. They shook hands and Valyrian smiled. She turned towards the crowd. “I have picked two new Captains for our fleet, Commander Zalrin has been named Captain of one, and Lieutenant Gutterrez had been named the other, however, he is unable to attend.” Zalrin resumed standing at attention.
The Admiral turned towards him and removed his Commander’s pin and replaced it with her own Captain’s Emblem. She slapped his shoulder driving the pin into his chest, but Zalrin couldn’t have felt better in his life. Cheers roared in the Dropship and congratulated Gutterrez for his promotion. Gutterrez was taken back. Me? A Captain? I guess I never thought of command before. He thought and the Admiral continued. She announced a few more promotions then stopped. “Captain Laraalis Penavy.” The squad turned to their leader. “For your quick analytical work and relief effort, you are granted the Rank of Major, to lead the rest of the Company of Knights.” Cheers ranged in the ship and in the Dropship as hands shook from the squad.
Admiral Valyrian smiled and cleared her throat. “Lastly, as this one brings me great joy.” She stood straight up and a visible proudness gleamed. “Sergeant Fraylin Valyrian, she led the attack against the invader who destroyed one of our reactor cores. Despite being thrown on the ground, near-death experience against an enemy with overwhelming power, she still jumped into the fight which not only led to the termination of the invader but saved the lives of the crew and her fellow squad, I hear by granting her the Rank of Lieutenant.” Roars of yelling and laughs erupted around the newly appointed Lieutenant as hands pounded on her armor and handshakes. “She will assume command of the third squad and is also awarded the distinguished Knighthood Metal.” Fraylin turned and looked at Lalaaris, he smiled and winked at her, which made her blush.
The Admiral finished with an explanation that the newly appointed Major and Lieutenant were sent to the surface of the planet on a mission so they weren’t able to attend. She said her farewells and left the stage for Captain Zalrin to answer questions. The Major walked to the front of the ship to lean over to Gutterrez, who nodded. Lalaarisaddressed the squad. “Alright, our mission is to recover a VIP, The VIP to be more accurate.” He tapped a few Keyes on his gauntlet. A hologram of a boy, along with a description filled the room. “We are here to find Prince Valryk, The Heir of Our Glorious kingdom, Once we hit the ground-“ the ship rocked to the side, the Major braced himself. “The ground I want all Squad Leaders on me, That includes you, Valyrian.” He turned towards her, “Yes sir.” She answered. He turned towards the cockpit and looked back at her. “Oh, and congratulations Lieutenant.” More cheers came from the squad
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