HANS
More than a hundred men gathered outside the headquarters to meet me. Since I was named as the Commander of the Aenelus soldiers, I meet these men altogether twice a week to discuss our military plans as well as assign them small tasks. We were given the area outside the headquarters which was an old basketball court. The ring was broken in half and the basket was on the ground. The benches, however, were still usable and it served as our resting area. As of now, everyone was standing up. I stood on the top bench and cleared my throat.
Third quarters of these men were Aenelus aliens, disguised as humans in form. Truth be told, none in the headquarters has seen their true form, except themselves, back on their planet. When I asked one of them why they hide under the human form, it was because it makes them more adaptable to the weather. Not just that, they also learned the human language. For ten years of planning this invasion, they sure did a lot of work. I didn't ask again since then. The curiosity on what they look like didn't leave my system, though. The remaining quarter were those who were like me: humans who were not given any choice. It's always either to serve the enemy or to meet death. The brave ones chose the latter, those who value their lives more are gathered here, in this exact moment, right in front of me, waiting for my words.
"My fellow soldiers!" - everyone straightened. The place stilled.
"We've lost two of our brothers today, I know you already heard that. It only gave us one choice. One step to make. I met with King Gunthor a while ago. He gave me an order I couldn't refuse. The humans are still out there, hiding… training even. This cut I have on my shoulder… (I pointed my left arm) this is proof that the refugees now know how to fight. I learned it the hard way. "
I paused. Remembering the look on my mother's face when she was treating my arm. I thought of what I was about to say again. Her voice reechoed in my head. Be careful out there.
"Tomorrow! Before the dawn breaks, we will attack them. We will track every human, we will turn every stone to find every living soul. It's enough time that we've given them. They need to be reminded of who's in control here! For once and for all, let them feel the fear! Let them know who they're fighting against! For the Aenelus!"
I shouted the last sentence the loudest I could and ended the speech with a fist on the air.
"FOR THE AENELUS!" – everyone chorused, banging their weapons on their steel armors and grunting loud.
I looked at each and every one of them with pride. I nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment by having this power over these soldiers. They look as me as their leader. My words were the law to them. I stand here, looking at their angry and bold faces, knowing that everything I say is a command to them. If I put it like that, it's doesn't sound so bad. I don't sound so bad.
-
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The night was one of the busiest we've been. All of the soldiers gathered in the headquarter grounds to prepare their weapons, sharpen their knives and arrows, and prepare their ammunitions. I joined them, wiping the edges of my dagger and reloading my guns. Everyone was busy with their own fashioning with the weapons, with the water we'll be bringing to be stocked on the flying jets and everything else.
I found a steel chair beside a group of human-soldiers. I took my blade and sharpened its edges carefully. From where I sat, I could hear them talking.
"I haven't been on something like this before. I was a college professor. I teach Math to teenagers. I haven't touched a gun ever." – said the man who was choosing a gun from the briefcase in front of them.
"I guess I could say I'm one of the lucky ones, then. I was part of the national police. You may want to put that down. That's heavy. Here, start with this one." – the second man handed the first with a Glock 19 gun. The latter accepted it with shaky hands.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Choose a target, aim, pull the trigger. You'll learn your way around here."
The second man stood up and left the group. I followed him with my eyes for some time, but he exited the area. He didn't come back until after a minute holding a plastic cup of water. He passed my direction and nodded. I didn't react. One thing I learned about my task here is that it's easy to maintain a gap with the other soldiers. There's no room for friendship in a messed-up world like this.
"Any tips on our new soldiers, Commander?" – the second man asked me
I shrugged.
"Come on, bro. Everyone here says you're the best. A little tip for beginners would do you no harm."
I stared at him. Unblinking. Hard. Hoping he got the message that no one talks to me here. I'm not one of his bros.
"I said no. Talk to me again and I'll kill you."
Some of the men in the group stood up and whispered something to their friend. He only smirked.
"Woah, woah, woah… Chill, man. Just because you're the king's favorite, that doesn't make you better than anyone of us. We're all in the same boat here."
"Get out of my sight, whoever you are. And watch your language. You're talking to your superior." – I said in a very calm voice.
Again, his friends tried to reason with him. He didn't bulge. And I am not a fan of headstrong inferiors.
"… you're like all of us still, man. You're a turncoat. Just like every person here. You may want to remind yourself that."
And just like that, I lost it. No more talks.
With my right uninjured hand, I raised the dagger I was sharpening and threw it to the man. He didn't see it coming, thus the failure to dodge. It hit him on the right upper thigh. He screamed. It was music to my ears. Blood oozed and his friends helped him to sit down.
I hope he learned his lesson. As what I said, no one talks to me like that.