It was a large open space with couches and chairs scattered around. A screen showed news feeds from various planets. There were posters of some of the most successful missions made by the military.One in particular caught his eye. It showed five figures in full combat gear and one man stood alone. He had long silver hair and sharp features. He wore a black beret with a badge pinned to it.
"That's Marshal Demetrius" he heard someone say behind him.
Juniper jumped and turned to the voice. It was a tall male wearing a military suit. His eyes squinted like a cat with a mischievous air.
''The name's Taren. Whats your name, I think i'll call you little fox." He asked, smiling broadly as if they'd not just met.
Juniper looked at him nervously, unsure of his flirtatious attitude.
"I'm Juniper..." Juniper replied.
Taren flashed a bright smile. "Well, Juniper, you're in for a treat today. You've got a meeting with a bunch of the marshalls today"
Juniper looked at him blankly. "Marshall Maynard?"
"Yeah, that's right. Well, plus more." He laughed.
"How many are there?" Juniper asked.
"Fifteen of them altogether!" He exclaimed.
Juniper knew that he would be meeting not just Marshall Maynard but he thought it may only be two or three people at most.
"Do you know who any of them are?" Taren asked.
Juniper shook his head.
"Well," Taren said, "then maybe you should find out who they all are before you go in."
"... what about you?" Juniper asked.
"Me?" Taren answered picking up his brow.
"You're going to the same meeting as me, aren't you? Im guessing thats how you know...'' Juniper trailed off.
Taren smiled wider now. "Yes! Yes, I will be indeed. But i'm just a background character, my grandfather happens to be one of the Marshals so Im just tagging along.'' He shrugged casually.
Juniper looked at him confused. "I don't understand. Why do you need to tag along?" He was only here to get his ability tested and to answer a few questions.
"Well... so you can look at my handsome face." Taren winked as he stroked the side of his own face.
Juniper rolled his eyes he felt this person was a bit narcissistic. "Im sure there are plenty of other faces I could check out."
"Oh, yes, true," Taren chuckled as he leaned back into his couch. "But none of them look quite like this one. Now, where were we...'' His words didnt get to finish due to the door opening.
Marshall Maynard stood at the door, looking at the two of them. "Good to see you again Juniper, we're ready for you now.'' he paused for a moment ''Ah, and Taren. Go back to your grandfather for now, don't make trouble.''
Taren looked at him offended. ".. I was having fun." He muttered.
Marshal Maynard shook his head. "Lets get going" He ushered them both out into the corridor.
***
They went through another set of doors, down some stairs, and finally came to a room with a table in the centre. On top of the table sat a holographic projector with the images of multiple people while some people sat around the table.
Marshall Maynard took his place at the front of the room. "Welcome, everyone. It is good to have you all here this afternoon." He began. "You would have been briefed on todays agenda, you have seen the energy signature data and evidence of Juniper ending up on Lysti'ret in the Mabrist system.''
He nodded at Juniper who looked nervous before he continued ''Juniper had no idenity in our alliance, making him unknown. Although his medical data showed he had the same structure as a Female we cant be sure of his abilities, hence why today we are going to be testing these.''
Marshall Maynard turned away from the projection and sat down on the chair next to Juniper. "Now, Juniper, I want you to come forward. Those who wish will begin by asking you questions regarding your past history and then we will take you to the testing grounds.''
Juniper nodded and accepted the other Marshalls questions. It became apparent very quickly that they were looking for his abilities and origin, their questions becoming more technical, probing, and precise.
Once they were done, they brought him to the testing grounds where Marshal Maynard and a couple of others conducted some tests on him. They checked his structural alignment, checked his internal energy, and did various other things to try and determine his capabilities. After some time Marshall Maynard commented ''We have picked up a green energy, this would relate to a nature based ability.'' He then handed over the details to Juniper.
Juniper took a look at his file;
Name: Juniper
Age: 20
Genetic level: A+
Ability:
Plant SS+
Illusion A-
Fox Fire D-
Healing/Regenerative A +
Marshal Maynard read through the rest of the information on his screen. "I know you said you had a Plant ability, but do you know the extent of that power?''
Juniper remained silent he wasnt sure how far he could go.
Marshall Maynard leaned forward. "The plant ability implies that you may be able to manipulate plants, you could probably use them like a contracted beast."
Juniper looked at him surprised. "Do you think?"
Marshall Maynard nodded. "Yes, we have records of this being possible, though this ability has not shown up in a millenia so we do not have too much information for you Im afraid. You may have to figure what else your ability can do on your own.'' After a pause he continued ''I would like it very much if you could help provide any knowledge you may learn onto us, we can then record this for future generations.''
Juniper smiled. "Of course, I would love to help, especially after all you've done for me!" He added, an obvious hint of gratitude in his tone.