"Just glad to be off that plane."
With Anna's help, Tom managed to regain his footing, leaning on her for support as they made their way across the tarmac towards the waiting Terran officers and cosmic marines ready for war.
The roar of their engines filled the air, drowning out any other sound as they formed up in rows, ready for roll call.
Anna glanced nervously at the officers, sensing their displeasure at the disorganized disembarkation process.
She could feel the weight of their gaze as they surveyed the passengers, their expressions stoic and unyielding.
"We need to get in line,"
Klaus whispered to Tom and Anna, his voice tinged with urgency as he guided them towards the nearest row of passengers.
With Klaus's wheelchair in tow, Anna helped Tom and Klaus to their spots pointed out by Klaus, her and Toms movements slow as they struggled to keep pace with the taking shape military formation.
It was clear that they were out of their element, their lack of military background evident in their awkward attempts to conform to the officer's expectations.
The officer waited patiently, his gaze sweeping over the passengers who finally managed assamble Into somewhat neat rows thanks to Vets like Klaus Initiative with a critical eye.
Anna could sense his frustration and disappointment, knowing that they had fallen short of his standards.
"Row call,"
The over 220 centimeters tall officer because of the added height from his boots heels announced, his voice crisp and authoritative as he began to call out the names from his glass see-through holographic phone.
Anna listened intently, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for her name to be called.
She knew that they needed to make a good impression, to show that they were capable of following orders and adapting to their new surroundings.
As each name was called, Anna felt a sense of relief wash over her, grateful that they had made it through the first hurdle of their journey.
She exchanged a glance with Tom who was being supported by her and Klaus, a silent acknowledgment of their shared triumph in the face of adversity.
Together, they stood tall and proud, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead as they embarked on their new life in the Terranum Imperium.
Once done with the row call officer's booming voice echoed through the air, commanding attention from the assembled passengers.
Anna and Tom stood among the group, their eyes wide with awe as they listened to his instructions.
"Alright, listen up! When I say forward march, you will follow after me without breaking your formation. Is that clear?"
The officer barked, his voice carrying over the noise of the bustling airfield.
The veterans among them responded with a resounding"Yes, sir!" while those who had been civilians all their lives remained silent, unsure of how to respond to the authoritative command.
"Forward march!"
The officer commanded, and with that, the group of 853 people began to move, following behind him in a somewhat disorganized fashion.
Despite their best efforts, it was clear that many of them struggled to maintain the proper formation, their lack of military training evident in their awkward movements.
The cosmic marines surrounding the group kept a close eye on them, ensuring that they stayed in line as they made their way through the bustling Island.
As they marched, Anna, Tom, and Klaus couldn't help but marvel at the sights surrounding them.
The buildings were the peak of utilitarian design, their sleek lines and modern architecture a testament to the efficiency of Terran engineering.
Wherever Terranum Imperium's banner could be hung It was there, they hadn't seen so much symbols of patriotism In their whole lives.
Bots, robots and drones buzzed about, performing various tasks with precision and speed, while fighter and interceptor flights streaked past overhead, causing sonic booms and deafening roars that reverberated through the air.
Squads of fully geared-up and armed marines patrolled the streets, their presence a reminder of the military might of the Terranum Imperium.
Soldiers in black space uniforms and service uniforms walked back and forth in neat formations, their movements synchronized like clockwork.
Anna, Tom, and Klaus gasped in awe as they passed sensor arrays, control towers, and defensive weapon emplacements, their eyes wide with wonder at the technological marvels that surrounded them.
"This is incredible,"
Anna whispered, her voice filled with awe as she took in the sights around her.
"Yeah, I've never seen anything like it,"
Tom agreed, his eyes scanning the skyline with fascination.
Klaus nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on a flight of space fighters as they streaked past overhead.
"Damm I can't wait to fly one of those babies,"
He said, a sense of excitement evident in his voice.
As they continued their march through the Island, Anna, Tom, and Klaus couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within them.
They were embarking on a new chapter of their lives, one filled with endless possibilities and opportunities.
And as they looked ahead to the future, they knew that anything was possible in the Terranum Imperium.
As the group finally approached the large military installation complex, their eyes were drawn to a large red cross marking prominently displayed at the entrance, indicating the presence of a medical facility within the compound.
Terran Imperium banners adorned every spare inch of the walls, fluttering in the breeze as if welcoming the newcomers to their new home.
They came to a stop in front of a checkpoint manned by cosmic marines, flanked by reinforced concrete bunkers equipped with machine gun nests, retractable road nail traps, and extendable alloy poles.
The sight was imposing, a clear indication of the Imperium's commitment to security and defense.
The officer in charge stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the group as he addressed them with authority.
"Males to the right, females to the left. Any questions?"
He barked, gesturing with his hands towards two field tents rolled up entrances guarded by two cosmic marines each.
Anna, Tom, and Klaus exchanged glances before Anna stepped forward, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her stomach.
"Excuse me, sir,"
She began, addressing the officer respectfully.
"Could you tell us what happens next? We're new to all of this."
The towering over Anna officer regarded Anna with a stern expression before nodding in acknowledgment of her question.
"Once you're sorted into your respective groups, you'll undergo a brief medical examination and augmentation session. From there, you'll be assigned quarters and given further instructions on your next steps within the Imperium,"
He explained, his tone firm but not unkind.
Anna nodded, grateful for the information as she turned to face the rest of the group.
"Alright, everyone, let's follow the officer's instructions and get sorted,"
She said, her voice projecting confidence despite her inner uncertainty.
But unbeknown to her the officer Immediately notted down her appearance and sign of leadership qualities In his mind.
With that, the group split into two, with the males heading towards the right and the females towards the left.
Anna found herself among the female group, making their way towards the field tent guarded by the giant compared to even the tallest and broadest male In their batch of recruits cosmic marines.
As they approached, Anna couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension creeping over her.
The unfamiliar surroundings and the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on her mind, but she pushed aside her fears and focused on the task at hand.
The female group was greeted by a Terran NCO with a three headed cerberus emblem who ushered them inside the tent, where they were met by an officer who began the process of conducting Identity confirmation proccedures.
"Name"
The officer sitting behind the field alloy table asked as he prepared to key In Anna's name.