It amazed me how people of earth managed with so little knowledge or tech. It gave me hope. If people of earth could grow to such a state with little education, then I could do it too.
Then there was kingdom history, which spoke to my soul in more ways than one. The teacher opened his lecture with one of the best introductions to the material I have ever seen.
“There are three theories on why the king named the kingdom after a mythical bird. Theory 1: They believed his last name was Phoniecan before he forsakes his name to become king. Theory 2: The phoenix of old mythos was a creature of death and rebirth. Humanity lost their homeworld, was almost wiped out, and we rose from the ashes into a nation that spanned over ten thousand worlds! We have died and have now been reborn. Now the last theory is truly wacky. The last theory believed that the king saw a phoenix and was inspired by the phoenix to name his kingdom after it.” People laughed.
“Now, me personally, I’m a fan of theory number 2 because all of us have spiritual lows in this thing we call life. However, we rise again stronger than ever. That’s what it means to be a Phoenician. No matter how low we are brought down to, no matter how hard we fall, we will always rise again, just like the phoenix. Whenever you think life is too hard and can’t make it, remember you came from humanity. We rose from a few thousand colonists to a nation of ten thousand worlds! We are all great! You just have to find your inner greatness.”
My least favorite subject had to be public speaking. If I wanted to command troops, I needed to learn how to speak in front of many people. Back in my gang days, I just took orders, and that was it. Who knew speaking in front of a large crowd bred more fear in me than facing down dozens of gangsters with buzzblades.
Another class that caught my interest was theology. I found it puzzling that a nation that could be considered mostly atheist would instill a sense of spirituality into their troops. My instructor had a decent explanation for this reality.
“The king, in all his wisdom, never dispel the notion that there were gods or a god. In fact, he believes in an all-powerful god and many minor gods. When you’re out there in the field of battle, tasting your blood, hearing your heart pound in your ear, death’s hand a breath away. You going to want something to believe in bigger than yourself. The only gods you need to know about are Honor, Courage, Truth, and Justice. These are the values of our glorious military and the gods of war that watch over you. Hold these four values to your heart, and the War Gods will fight by your side.”
I found peace in that comfort. In my gang, my only god was my leaders, and they never lasted long. Praying was ridiculed. The more I thought of my past, the more pain that welled up in my chest. I tried to focus on learning my subjects instead of dwelling in the past.
Learning had become a new hobby of mine. I tended to creep out the students next to me with my ever-present smile and the joy I projected as I learned new things. Apparently, that was ‘weird,’ and it was customary to detest school, which I didn’t understand.
Then after school, only five hours remained to enjoy myself and seven hours rest. During rest, I watched TV, played video games, experienced virtual reality, listened to music that wasn’t made by my gang, and shamefully enjoyed my Lovebots. I even made my first friend.
She bumped into me as soon as I exited the library. She smelled like pineapples, and her fine dark hair reached to her lower back. When her pink eyes met mines, my heart stopped. Few moments in my life have I met women that took my breath away. We both stood there awkwardly for a few moments before I noticed Brawler king in her arms.
“You read that!” I said, absently mindedly. Her pink eyes glanced downward. Only people from Metropolis worlds had unnatural color eyes. My gang called them paradise worlds because crime was almost nonexistent.
“Hehe, I’m a superfan of the main character.” She said in a small voice. Her caramel brown face blushed a bit.
“Wow, that’s one of the first books I ever read. And you have a hardcover, that’s amazing.” I said, then realizing I hadn’t introduced myself. “My name is Blu, by the way,” I said, reaching to shake her hand. She stared at it for a second and then shook my fingers and pulled away quickly.
“Alicia…” She replied back, then glared at me. I swallowed hard and started to rethink my decision to speak to her.
“Well, I better get going…”
“I’m actually donating this book, you-you can have it if you want. Hardcover books are expensive, so…” She said, handing me the book. The fact that she was getting rid of it told me so much. She came from money. No one from a poor background would hand over a hardcover book to a stranger.
“I-I couldn’t… Let me make it up to you. I’m getting Jay-Jays for dinner. Maybe I could buy you dinner—to take home! I’m not asking you out or anything. I know Jay-Jays is kind of low grade…”
“I love Jay-Jays! I get their Saturday Morning breakfast special every morning. Then watch some cartoons like a dweeb. “Alicia said, holding herself, remaining at a distance. My heart melted.
“You sound pretty awesome to me,” I said. Her mouth gape open, and the blush on her face grew more obvious.
“Okay, let’s go. You got me kind of hungry.” Alicia said. We wasted no time walking to the diner. The entire way there, we talked about the book and other series we both liked to read. We even argued about character motivations until we reached the dorms. We both lived in the same dorm, but our hobbies kept us from ever meeting. I wasn’t done with her company and wanted to spend more time with her. The main character would make their move in books, but she deserved someone better than an ex-gangster. Before I announced my exit, she spoke.
“I know this is the part where you invite me up, and we eat, but in truth, you’re going to make a move on me.”
“No, I was actually—” She held her hand up.
“But, I’m not ready for that level of intimacy. I don’t want to talk about my past, but I just can’t get there with anyone right now. Maybe in a year or two, but right now, I just want to be friends.”
“That’s actually perfect for me. I would love to be your friend.” I said. Then a smile that could have illuminated a thousand nights appeared on her face. The entire time we walked together, she didn’t want to be too close or touch more than necessary. Now she threw her arms around me and hugged me, then retreated swiftly. From then on, once a week, Alicia would come to my dorm, and we’ll watch TV, play games, and much more.
Before Alicia, I ignored forming any relationships and focused on my goals. Most conversations always led to talking about my past, and that was the last subject I wanted to talk about. I tried to forget my past and only focus on my future. Redemption awaits the living. With Alicia, my training became a lot less stressful.
Soon my implants and augmentation were going to happen. This was the last stage of training and a proven sign that you had passed. The most important implant was the Spinal Cross. A cross shape implant is installed over the spine. It protects the spine, pumped the bloodstream with nanites to improve and monitor the body. It also allowed nutrient packs to be pumped into our bloodstream from an entry point on our nape. Finally, it acted as a redundant nervous system incase someone suffered a severe injury on the battlefield.
The most painful procedure of this entire training was muscle weave treatment. The Academy made us train until our muscles couldn’t grow anymore. Then they weaved our muscles with this type of nanocarbon steel. It allowed our muscles to exert far more stress, giving every marine in the military the strength of four to seven men. It was required for anyone who wanted to join the marines. Only Marines are recruited for Vindicators.
The process was long and excruciating. It was like getting a tattoo, but ten times worse. The weave fused into our muscle tissue below the skin. I screamed like never before, as did many of my fellow trainees. It was a rite of passage and a sure sign you were going to be a marine. They had to keep us on drugs to sustain the pain, but the agony still rang through. Whe
n the process was over, I didn’t have to do physical training for six weeks. As I healed, my body was strong, far stronger than it has ever been. I was a new man.
In nine months, I was a full-blown C+ student in the Academy Studies but an above A- student in my physical training for Commander. Now it was commando training, which would be a three-month session. They made us play simulation with other troops that were training to be foot soldiers. I had to learn how to lead because Commanders led whole companies of up to hundreds of soldiers.
A new friend found me there by the name of Jerry. Jerry came from a backwater cradle world that was dominated by gangs like my homeworld. He looked a lot like me, even down to the storied eyes. Yet he made light of everything and joked around with everyone. I envied him. At first, his aloofness put me off, but the guy never let up. He would call me big homie, wear me down. Eventually, I just got used to him being around.
Together with a few others, we failed and succeeded and failed again, but I passed my test and became a full-fledged Commander. I said my vow:
“From this day on to the end of my days, I pledge to my purpose. Let my words penetrate the bedrock of ignorance that I have cultivated around my mind. I am the mountain against the wind, the wall against the tide, the centuries of generational wishes finally fulfilled. I am the Shield of the king, flawed and glorious, revel in my majesty, for I am the bulwark against the enemies of humanity. And I shall know no fear.”
Entry 4
Phoenician Date: July 06, 1026AR
Military Time: 17:36
Phoenician Classified Ship Name: Steelheart
I was aboard an actual battlecruiser—the mainline warship for the Phoenician Navy. This was the Steelheart, the capital ship of the famed Warhounds marine Legion. Memories of the warmaster pitching his recruitment message still replayed in my head.
“I’m looking for crazy fools who can rush into battle with me! If you’re planning on coming home not fucked up in the head, the Warhounds aren’t for you. We didn’t become famous for being cowards. I got this marine legion famed centuries ago by racing into the heart of the enemy and eating that heart for breakfast! Warhounds are only for the toughest, craziest sons of bitches known to men! Join now!”
Almost immediately, the tens of thousands who wanted to join the Warhounds about-faced. However, I don’t think they heard the same information as me. The warmaster mentioned he'd been fighting and leading for centuries. That amount of experience was legendary. If I was going to be Vindicator, I would need to learn how he survived.
I resided in my quarters, which was a comfortable one-room logging. A thousand square feet, fitted with a private shower and bath and was lucky enough to get a room with a window to see the sea of stars outside. Desk, TV, mini-fridge, and shelves sat within my walls, revealing themselves with a single tap on my omniwatch. Now that I had my smell back, I took strides to try different scents in my room. Today I was trying hot jungle on the summer day. I even had the play sounds in the room. It was soothing as background noise. The entire room sync with my Omniwatch, so whatever I wanted to see, smell, or hear could be done while lying on my bed. The level of convenience modern technology gave me made it impossible to think about what I did before joining the military.
In my gang days, I would have never imagined having such a luxurious room all to myself. I would have to share a place like this with a dozen others, and it wouldn’t be half as clean. As an officer, I served in the military for life unless I was discharged--honorably or dishonorably. Because of that, they tried to make all the officer's lives more comfortable. I tinkered with my omniwatch, trying to instant cook a cup of noodles in my room’s instant cook. A red light beeped on my omniwatch. I projected it to my TV that popped out my wall.
“This is your general. Report to my office on the double.” A tan skin man said through the video. It appeared to be a message sent two hours ago! My stomach sank, and I rushed to the general’s office. I hadn’t met the man yet, only the warmaster of my legion. My warmaster’s assistant gave us our room numbers and division. I was part of the ninth division, and I was late for my first introduction.
I reached the office, breathing heavily, and swung open the office door. Inside was a man in his silver robes, typing on a computer. That was my general, and his face looked stoic. He continued typing even though I had entered the room for nearly half an hour while I stood there. Then he finished and started packing up his stuff.
“Umm…”
“What do you want, Commander?” He said, not even giving me eye contact.
“You wanted me here?”
“And you’re late. Two hours thirty-nine minutes at that.” He said, fixing up his bag and roping it around his shoulder.
“I know, I just lost track of time once I got to my room.”
“That’s too bad.” He said, closing the distance between us. He was so close I could smell his strong minty breath. “Listen, I’m general of the Ninth division. You will address me as Lord or general. I don’t care for names, nor do I wish to share mine with you. I have a zero-tolerance for insubordination or incompetence. I’ll go easy on you since it's your first day. Just clean up my office. I want it spotless. Your company roster has been uploaded to your personal portal. Good day.” He said, patting me on the shoulder. I only noticed then that his office was a mess. I groaned as soon as he exited the room and proceeded with my punishment.
After an hour of cleaning the man's office, I decided to head back to my quarrels to check my roster with a mild sense of anticipation. I scrolled through the names to see my friends Alicia and Jerry on my roster. That was a relief. They must have requested it. I also noticed that my entire company was filled with fresh marines. Not a single sergeant or higher rank officer. Everyone was enlisted.
“This has to be illegal!” I said aloud. That damn general had screwed me. I had little to no marines in his company who had any battlefield experience. As a fresh commander, it was customary to fill my company with many veterans to offer needed combat experiences and take squad leader roles. This meant that I had to assign acting squad leaders from the enlisted. Not only that, but my company wasn’t full size. I had a little over a hundred marines while most companies should be two hundred strong. There was barely enough for eight squads. I gritted my teeth.
I wanted to take this up with someone, but I had no idea who to speak to about such abuse. The general would probably have a book of excuses and rationales for this decision. I couldn’t dwell on it, though. A campaign was only a month away. I needed to think about how to set up my company.
I spent the next two weeks studying many of my crew’s backgrounds and training performance. I have also been reading many books that spoke about being a good leader. My whole two weeks had been spent studying and thinking. Once I found a good selection of squad leader candidates, I requested them awakened from their sleep pods to meet me in the cafeteria.
I sat at a long cafeteria table and had the chefs whip up some spaghetti and meatballs. Alongside the spaghetti was a pack of cheese slices, a large bowl of steamed broccoli, and a garlic bread plate. They sat on heating plates that would keep them warm for hours. I also had a bowl of multivitamins gummy fruit. Since being reintroduced to Phoenician society, I learned most people had multivitamins gummy fruits with at least one meal a day. I ate one, and it had a tasty sweet grape flavor. The fruit was the size of my palm, but I devoured it all the same.
While rubbing my fingers against my sweatpants, some of my first candidates entered the lunchroom. It was Jerry and Alicia. They wore their combat skins—a bodysuit made of carbon nanotubes—and a basic black military jacket with matching caddie pants.
I like Jerry. He looked normal to me. Most people in the kingdom had warm and inviting eyes, baby faces, and zero scars. Not Jerry, though. Like me, he was scarred, storied eyes and a rugged appearance that made him look older than his actual age. Our personalities couldn’t be further apart. While I liked to be reserved and quiet, Jerry h
ad to make sure the whole world knew he was in the room.
“Whoo!” Something smells good in here!” Jerry said, alerting many nearby. Then he noticed me. “Is that my big homie Blu? Yooo, you’re my commander?”
“Yep. Looks like fate has bound your annoying ass to me for a bit longer,” I said, rising from my seat, meeting Jerry with a fistbump. I looked over his shoulder and found Alicia. A smile crept on my face, and she returned it. I quickly hid it and remained professional as others entered the room. We made a pact before joining the Warhounds that we would keep our friendship hidden. She didn’t want people thinking she received special treatment.
“Hey Blu,” Alicia said, a little louder than a mumble.
“Hey Alicia,” I said, giving her a fistbump. It was only a few moments before the other six joined us at the table, and I had my squad leaders.
I took a deep breath and attempted to address them. Sweat started to form across my face, and my heart was in my throat. Back in the day, during the gangs, I was just assigned people. I never had to rally them, just do my thing, and they followed and died. I cannot be so distant now. I practiced this introduction in the mirror all week.
“I’m Commander Blu. I’m not strict on formal titles, so you can refer to me as Blu. As long as you respect my command, I won’t hassle you about it. We have a new campaign in two weeks. Supposedly we are to retrieve a hostage from the rebels that have lay siege to a core planet called Alexandria.”
“What?!” one man said. I believed his name was Rolland. He stared at me with those green eyes and wild black bed-hair. He kept his arms crossed and allowed space between him and others. In my gang, he would have been a Brutalizer—someone gentle-looking enough to infiltrate communities and big and strong enough to brutalize its members behind closed doors. Brutalizers were used to stroke fear within a community by killing its members most brutally while posing as a harmless neighbor. He was probably the tallest of my squad leaders, standing a head higher than everyone else. It just dawned on me at that moment he was from Alexandria IV. It was a harvest world--a world dedicated to raising crops. Billions survived off crops provided from a harvest world.
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