29th february 2162

Hugo (Thoughts) - In the past 3 years, I lost my friends, but I made new ones. Thanks to this journey of becoming a soldier. I never thought of a weakling like me to stand, raising my shoulders to the same heights as Mark and the others and become a soldier. It is hard to fight, but this day finally came, the day I graduate as a soldier from the academy. I wish Mom, Dad and Claire were here to watch this, they will be very proud. I wish Darius was here as well witnessing me becoming Second Lieutenant Hugo wills.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

The stage is set with a podium adorned with the emblem of the military. Soldiers, friends, and families made in the academy gather in anticipation

Commander Oliver - Ladies and gentlemen, soldiers of honor, today marks a pivotal moment in your journey. As you stand before us, adorned with the insignia of courage and commitment, remember that the path ahead is challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities to showcase your unwavering dedication to protecting our home.

Applause resonates through the hall as the graduates stand tall, their faces reflecting a mixture of pride and anticipation

Oliver - To our esteemed graduates, you have completed rigorous training, endured countless trials, and emerged as the finest soldiers humanity has to offer. Your dedication to duty, your unwavering resolve, inspire us all.

The graduates exchange glances, their eyes filled with a sense of camaraderie forged through shared challenges.

Oliver - As you step into the path of service, remember the oath you have taken. Uphold the values of honor, integrity, and sacrifice. Let your actions speak louder than words, and let your courage shine in the face of adversity.

The room falls into a solemn silence, each word spoken by the commander echoing the weight of responsibility placed upon the graduates' shoulders.

Oliver - Today, you join a legacy of heroes, a lineage of patriots who have answered the call of duty in times of need. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Carry yourselves with dignity, and never forget the trust bestowed upon you by your fellow comrades.

The graduates nod in solemn acknowledgment, their hearts filled with a sense of duty and purpose.

Oliver - As you embark on your journey, know that you are not alone. You carry with yourself the support of your comrades, the wisdom of your leaders, and the prayers of your loved ones. Together, we stand as a bastion of freedom, a beacon of hope in a world beset by darkness.

The ceremony draws to a close as the commander offers a final salute, a symbol of respect and admiration for the graduates' commitment to serve.

Oliver - Congratulations, soldiers. May your path be guided by courage, may your hearts be filled with honor, and may your service be a testament to the finest virtues of humanity. Go forth and make us proud

With a resounding applause, the graduates step forward, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that await them in the noble pursuit of duty

Hugo - Well, look at us, all decked out in our shiny lieutenant uniforms. Who would've thought?

Mark (chuckles) - Definitely not me. I thought I'd be doing something way less heroic.

Liam - Heroic, maybe. But don't let the uniforms fool you; it's still a battlefield out there.

Hugo - True that, Liam. We might have new titles, but the challenges are just beginning.

Arthur - And here I thought we'd be celebrating without a care in the world.

Liam (sighs) - Celebrating, yes. But let's not forget why we're here. It's not just about us anymore. There's a war going on, and now we're on the front lines. It's a responsibility we can't take lightly.

Arthur - Liam You're making it sound like a eulogy.

Hugo -Well, there's truth in what Liam says. We're stepping into a world where every decision matters.

Mark - Our families must be proud, though. Especially after what they've been through.

Liam - And we owe it to them to make sure we come back, no matter what.

Arthur - Sounds like a plan. Let's celebrate for now. Tomorrow, we'll face whatever comes our way together.

Samuel - Hey, hey, hey! What's with all this serious talk, my esteemed lieutenants? We should be rejoicing, not planning our epitaphs.

Liam - Samuel, my man! Where were you hiding? We were just reflecting on our newfound heroism.

Samuel - Heroism, you say? Well, aren't we the gallant knights of this modern-age kingdom?

Mark (chuckles) - More like the ragtag band of misfits thrown into the lion's den.

Liam - Misfits with lieutenant badges, mind you.

Arthur - Samuel, do you even know what's going on, or have you been celebrating a bit too early?

Samuel - Celebrating? I'm just pre-gaming for the real party. But I heard talk of responsibilities and saving the world making it a better place. I'm in!

Liam - Good to know we can count on you, Samuel. What's your plan for making this world a better place?

Samuel -Well, first things first, I'll start by banishing all bad haircuts. Those are a threat to national security. That Guy over there, he is a major security concern, he is having a bowl cut that's the worst of every kind. Just what can you expect from him, when you know he won’t be doing it.

The person samuel pointed at joins the conversation.

Ben - Hey guys.

Hugo - Is he talking about Ben.

Mark (Laughing) - seriously?

Liam - So, your grand plan is a war against questionable hairstyles?

Samuel (chuckles) - Exactly! We fight for a world where everyone's hair is on point. No bad hair days in our utopia.

Arthur - that's one way to make a mark in history

Liam (laughing) - Samuel, you're a treasure. Let's remember that when we're knee-deep in chaos.

Samuel - Cheers to that! Now, who's up for another round? On Ben, of course!

Ben (exhausted) - he is an Idiot. It's all free today.

Samuel (somber smile) - I said he won’t be doing it.

Hugo - Hey, has anyone seen where victor is?

Mark - Probably trying to impress Lana.

Liam (shockingly) - what?

Meanwhile Dylan comforts a rejected Victor on the stairs to the hall.

Victor - I can’t believe she rejected me.

Dylan rubbing on Victor’s back in an exhausted voice

Dylan - Easy boy

Victor (crying) - Why Lana?

Everyone really looks happy graduating.

Emma, Standing in the balcony, looking at the star with an empty glass in her hand. Lana comes to her and offers another glass of drink.

Lana - What are you doing out here all alone? Shouldn't you be celebrating with the others?

Emma accepts the drink

Emma (sips drink) - Just needed a moment away. It's a lot to take in, you know?

Lana (sits down) - Yeah, I get it. This war, with those beasts, graduation, this whole package deal. We signed up for this, didn't we?

Emma - yeah. 

Lana - You know I could’ve never come to this point if you hadn't talked to me that day, I graduated because of you, thank you.

Emma - Yeah yeah, you got all happy and made my 3 years in hell.

Lana with confusion on her face.

Emma - well all the time, that guy Victor asks me about you as I am the only one who you ever talk to and pass time with, it's really irritating (smiles). By the way, why did you reject him?

Lana - isn’t it obvious?

Emma - I don’t know.

Lana - You already said he is irritating.

Emma (chuckles) - yeah right.

Lana chuckles as well.

Emma - what?

Lana - all the time you say I’m weird, but never looked at yourself, you’re equally weird as well.

Emma (smiles) - Guess I am.

They both start looking at the stars

Lana - There is a saying that when a person looks at the stars, it means they are looking for someone. Who are you looking for?

Emma - My father.

Lana - Your father?

Emma - I'm doing all of this to find my father.

Lana - I never knew.

Emma - My parents were in the Yuropa Military, they got separated when I was kid. Haven't seen my father since. I joined the military hoping to find him. (in a low voice) he is one the only people with whom I feel like home, I really miss him it feels like a piece of me is missing.

Lana - You alright? Emma. 

Emma (smiles) - Yeah Thanks, Lana. 

Lana - Yeah, it's a lot to process, especially after tonight's ceremony.

Emma - Lana, do you ever wonder about your family? About the people you've lost or never got to meet?

Lana (somberly) - Sometimes. But I've learned to focus on the present, you know? Keeps me sane in this chaotic world.

Emma - I get that. But for me, it's like... there's this void, this unanswered question from my father. He's out there somewhere, and I need to find him.

Lana (concerned) - Emma, I had no idea. Why didn't you ever tell me?

Emma - It's complicated, Lana. He's been a ghost my entire life, and I'm tired of living in the dark. I need closure, even if it means facing some harsh truths.

Lana (placing a hand on Emma's shoulder) - Whatever you decide to do, know that you're not alone. I am all there for you, every step of the way.

Emma (smiling gratefully) - Sometimes, It’s good to have someone to talk to. That means more to me than you'll ever know.

Lana (raising her glass) - To the quest finding what we're looking for, whatever that may be.

Emma - (smiles) To the future.

Everyone else was enjoying there graduation ceremony

UNKNOWN LOCATION

Date - Unknown

A man stops his bike on the mountain road leading to the city. He removes his scarf that covers his face and look at the abandoned city.