The ship shook and jerked, the outside of the hull became red. One of the knights laughed as they were being jerked left and right. The ship returned to its normal color as they entered the night’s sky. The ships turned off their outer lights and flew over a small town surrounded by mountains on either side of the valley. The ships landed ten kilometers outside the small settlement. The Knights funneled out of the loading ramp and set up a perimeter around the landing site. Four Knights approached the Major and the Lieutenant. They were the other Squad leaders from the fellow drop ships.

     A few privates set up and tent while a few more carried a terminal inside. The Major walked to the terminal and pushed a few keys. A hologram of the valley with a small model of the town floated above the terminal. “This is the surrounding area, we need to maintain control while a few go into the town in the morning and locate the Prince.” Everyone looked as though they were eager to get started. “While we wait for the sunrise I want The First, The Second, and The Fifth Squadrons to fan out in opposite directions and explore to see what resources we can find, I only want them gone for three hours.” He turned to Fraylin. “I want the Third and Fourth Squadrons to do some recon in town to see what stage of technology they have, clearly we were shot at by them so I venture to say not much.”

     Major Penavy sent the map of the Valley to each Squad Leader and dismissed them. Fraylin walked out of the tent and watched The First, The Second and the Fifth Squad leader relay their new mission. The Squads touched their gauntlets and disappeared, blending in with the night’s black environment. Fraylin turned and walked over to where the Third Squadron made camp. A woman in blue armor with a grin from ear to ear. The woman stopped just before Lieutenant Valyrian and shook her hand. “Welcome to the Third Squadron, I heard of what you did on the hologram, well we all did.” “The Admiral made it sound like I had more control than I actually did.” “What is your magic specialty? I see you have red armor, I have blue, so I’m from the school of energy.” The woman continued to talk until they walked into the command tent.

     “I’m sorry to interrupt, what did you say your name was?” The woman stepped back and blushed. “I’m Private First Class, jesail” she then saluted. “Who is your Squadron Sergeant?” Jesail looked down and was quiet for a moment. “Our sergeant was killed when the invader made his way to the first reactor.” The Lieutenant walked over and put her hand on the Private’s shoulder. “So why didn’t anyone promote someone in his place?” Jesail shook her head. “That’s to be your first task as our new C.O.” Fraylin walked over to her desk and sat. “Then I'll go through everyone’s files and make my decision in the morning.” She dismissed the Private and tapped the desk to bring it to life.

       Lieutenant Fraylin read the report of what happened to the Third Squadron during the invasion. The Squadron was the first on-site and engaged the monster. Several members were wiped out, immediately, then the creature charged the ranks. The invader bolted right for Private Jesail, but right before it got to her the Squadron Sergeant pushed her out of the way, sacrificing himself. So that’s why she looked as if she was about to break down when I asked about the sergeant Fraylin thought.

Two days later

     The Lieutenant woke up early and got ready for morning muster. She walked over to her clothing Locker. She opened and pulled out her gauntlets. The gauntlets were two smooth rectangles with rounded edges and points. She stuck one on each of her forearms and the rectangles came to life. Pieces of metal grow outward from the gauntlets covering her forearms and fingers in armor. The armor was form-fitting and smooth. If she didn’t know better she would mistake the armor for a layer out of her skin. Fraylin took out the rest of her armor, each piece doing exactly as the gauntlets did, covering her in a thin, but powerful layer of metal armor. She stared into the locker, the Command Cape hung in the back. It was Red to match her armor with the Squadron Emblem in the middle. She took it out and swung it around her. The Cape responded and clung to her shoulders, with a deep breath she walked out of her tent carrying a pair of glasses.

      Fraylin walked through the camp, she looked around and saw her troops training. The Lieutenant stopped and watched three knights, two in silver armor and one in blue. The blue armored knight had such a finesse way of fighting hitting every opening and timed the encounters perfectly. Fraylin watched as the silver knights used tactics and tricks that should have given them the advantage. The blue knight saw through them and neutralized her opponents. The Lieutenant clapped as the drill was over and walked to the training area. The blue knight removed her helmet and shook her hair. Jesail turned bright red when Fraylin approached.

      “That was some amazing fighting!” Exclaimed the Lieutenant. Jesail just looked down and smiled. “I’m afraid that’s all she’s good for.” Said the corporal. He chuckled and slapped Jesail on the back. “Seeing as how she’s a knight, that’ll be more than handy.” A sergeant ran up to Fraylin and saluted. She returned the gesture. “Ma’am, you’re needed at the command tent.” She nodded and turned to her Squad. “Alright, Listen up knights.” Everyone turned towards her and the camp settled in silence. “Before I report to the Major’s tent, I’m promoting Corporal Zhilis to Sergeant and PFC Jesail to corporal as his replacement.” Tension filled the air but Fraylin was confident in her decisions. She gave command on how she wanted the squad to be prepped and proceeded to the Major’s tent.

Lieutenant Fraylin stood in the doorway of the command tent and stood at attention. “Sir, Lieutenant Valyrian, Request permission to enter.”

“Enter”

“Thank you, sir”

      She entered and stopped in front of the terminal in the middle of the room at attention. “At ease, LT” she looked at the map that was being projected and a layout of the valley. A town in the middle was surrounded by our units. “this has to be the town the Prince is in, we need to investigate.” He rubbed his chin and stared at the map.

“We received a report from The Vigilance, the town put up a blast shield as soon as we destroyed the orbiting fleet.” Fraylin zoomed in on the map.

     “Sir what if they think they’re safe because they don’t know what we have they just know we have a fleet in the air.” Penavy looked puzzled. “I mean, if we mustered every knight planetside, and marched onto the town, maybe that’ll intimidate them.” The Major nodded and stood tapping his gauntlet. “OKS Vigilance, this is Major Penavy, do you copy?” There was small static on the comm then a voice broke through.

“Roger Major, this is Vigilance, we read you loud and clear.”

“Vigilance I need you to contact the Unit Captain, I’m ordering a Call of Orders, planetside.”

“Major, confirm Call of Orders.”

“confirm, I’ll expect them planetside in five hours.”