The weight of the coming conflict settled heavily upon my shoulders as I reviewed the battleplan for the upcoming assault on the capital of Draconis IV. With the mission parameters set, it was time to prepare my units for the operation using the Artificial Full-Sensory Environment (AFSE). This advanced simulation system would allow for the unites to train in a near-perfect replica of the battlefield, ensuring we were ready for anything the enemy could throw at us.
I walked into the simulation control room, the walls lined with holographic displays and advanced sensory equipment. My assistant unit, AM-3S, hovered nearby, ready to assist with the setup.
"AM-3S, initiate the AFSE setup for Operation Bunker Buster," I commanded.
"Yes, Lieutenant Galen," AM-3S replied in its calm, synthesized voice. The lights dimmed as the holographic projectors activated, creating a detailed, full-sensory replica of the capital city. Buildings rose from the ground, streets materialized, and the sounds of a bustling city filled the room. The scents of urban life—exhaust, food vendors, and even the faint hint of greenery—were recreated to perfection.
As the simulation took shape, I received a message on my portable personal terminal. Commander Phulnos had responded to my plan of action. I opened the message, skimming through the contents.
"Lieutenant Galen, your proposed battleplan has been approved. However, your request for two interplanetary orbital fusion warheads is denied. Civilian casualties are not an option. We must ensure the long-term success of the annexation of this system."
I sighed, understanding the gravity of the commander's decision. "Civilian casualties are not an option," I muttered, shaking my head. "We have to ensure the long-term success of the annexation."
"Is there a problem, Lieutenant?" AM-3S inquired, its optical sensors focusing on me.
"Yeah, AM-3S, there is," I replied, frustration evident in my voice. "Commander Phulnos denied the request for fusion warheads. We're supposed to take the city with minimal collateral damage."
"A wise decision, considering the political ramifications," AM-3S noted. "How do you plan to amend the battleplan?"
I rubbed my temples, trying to think. "We'll need to be more surgical in our approach. Focus on precision strikes and minimize civilian impact. The REMOS units will be crucial."
As I worked on the revised plan, another data packet arrived in my inbox. I ignored it for the moment, focused on finalizing the new strategy. The updated plan centered around the use of three Reinforced Mobile Strikers (REMOS), massive armored walkers capable of fitting up to three units within but requiring at least one squad to drive each vehicle.
The REMOS were formidable machines, standing nearly twenty meters tall with thick, impenetrable armor. Equipped with a dorsal-mounted 380mm condensed energy weapon and two anti-personnel laser repeaters mounted underneath the front and two underneath the back, these behemoths would provide the firepower and protection needed to break through enemy defenses while minimizing military casualties.
"AM-3S, reprogram the AFSE to accommodate the REMOS units and the changes in the mission structure," I instructed.
"Affirmative, Lieutenant," AM-3S replied, its mechanical fingers dancing across the control panel. The simulation adjusted accordingly, incorporating the REMOS units into the battlefield.
Satisfied with the adjustments, I finally opened the data packet I had received earlier. My eyes widened as I read the contents: a memo ordering me to report back to one of the inner worlds, several sectors away from the combat front, for the lieutenant capability enhancement program.
"AM-3S, prepare my transport to the inner ring," I said, my mind racing with the implications of this new development. "We leave immediately."
"Understood, Lieutenant," AM-3S responded, already making the necessary arrangements. "Shall I notify your team of your temporary departure?"
"Yes, inform them that I'll be back as soon as possible and that they need to continue with the preparations for the siege," I replied, heading toward the exit.
As we walked through the corridors of the carrier, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. My unit repeated encountered civilians turning into militia by grabbing the arms of their fallen soldiers. A decisive display of force while removing tactical obstacles IS the best approach to capitulating the locals.
I navigated through the interior maze of corridors and operational centers toward the rear hangar of the Vanguard.
"Do you think I'm making the right decision, AM-3S?" I asked, glancing at the droid.
"You have demonstrated exemplary leadership, Lieutenant. The enhancement program will only further augment your capabilities," AM-3S replied. "You are indeed new to the command of this brigade, but you and your men have served under for Lieutenant Phulnos. They will become well-prepared and will manage in your absence."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I said, managing a small smile. "Let's hope they can hold the ship until I get back."
The hangar bay was a hive of activity as we approached the interstellar troop transport. The ship, a sleek and formidable vessel, was designed for rapid deployment and long-range travel. Its engines, capable of faster-than-light travel, were already humming with energy. The scent of fusion turbines filled the air, a mixture of ozone and heated metal.
I boarded the transport, AM-3S following closely behind.
"Set course for the inner worlds," I ordered the pilot. "We need to get there as quickly as possible."
The engines roared to life, the deep rumble resonating through the hull. The transport lifted off, and the view from the viewport shifted from the bustling hangar bay to the endless expanse of space.
The Vanguard was a colossal vessel, its exterior bristling with weaponry and defensive systems. It housed thousands of personnel, all dedicated to the mission at hand. Vaguely shaped like a blade, the carrier floated in the center of Draconis IV and its moons.
The FTL systems powered up, the vessel whined with the strain. The engines ripped into subspace, bending the over-reality to accomplish relativistically impossible speeds. As the stars streaked past, the familiar hum of the ship's fusion engines provided a constant background to my thoughts. The signature scent of sweet nuts flooded the cabin from the engines.
I couldn't help but think of my men, preparing for the siege in the AFSE without me. The updated plan involved precise coordination between the REMOS units, infantry, and support teams. The primary objective was to breach the enemy's defensive perimeter and secure key infrastructure points while minimizing civilian impact.
Each REMOS would spearhead an assault group, using their heavy firepower to dismantle enemy fortifications. The infantry would follow, securing and holding the ground while engineers established defensive positions and technicians intercepted enemy communications.
The commander's emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties was clear. We would establish safe zones within the city, coordinating with local leaders to ensure the safety of non-combatants. It was a delicate balance—achieving our objectives without alienating the very people we sought to protect.
As the transport accelerated inside of the artificial dimension, I knew that we would soon be at the inner worlds, I reviewed the mission plan once more, making notes and contingencies. The responsibility was immense, but I was determined to lead my team with honor and integrity.
The ship jostled me awake. We landed in a field-protected hangar.
The interstellar troop transport decelerated as it approached the field-protected hangar on the inner world of Atraxis Prime. The ship glided smoothly into the hangar, the force fields shimmering as they adjusted to accommodate the vessel. As the engines powered down, I took a deep breath, ready to face the next step in my journey.
The ramp lowered, and I descended into the bustling hangar bay. A young private, barely out of his teens, stood at attention, waiting to greet me.
"Lieutenant Galen, welcome to Atraxis Prime," he said, saluting sharply.
"Thank you, Private," I replied, returning the salute. "What's your name?"
"Private Jax, sir. I've been assigned to guide you to your temporary residence."
"Lead the way, Private Jax," I said, falling into step beside him as we made our way through the hangar.
As we walked, I couldn't help but appreciate the stark contrast between Atraxis Prime and the frontlines. The inner world was a hub of technological marvels, with pristine facilities and advanced infrastructure. The air was filled with a faint, clean scent, a far cry from the acrid smell of battlefields.
"So, Private Jax, how long have you been stationed here?" I asked, trying to ease the young soldier's nerves.
"Just a few months, sir," Jax replied, glancing at me with a mix of awe and curiosity. "It's quite an honor to meet someone with your reputation."
"Reputation?" I raised one brow. "I'm just a soldier, Jax. We all do our part."
We reached my temporary quarters, a sleek, minimalist apartment that overlooked the city. AM-3S, my personal assistant unit, floated nearby, its sensors already syncing with the planetary intranet.
"Lieutenant, I have accessed the planetary intranet and pulled your itinerary for the duration of your visit," AM-3S announced. "You are to choose between Physical or Mental enhancement and report to the Genetic Optimization and Development (G.O.D.) Center for the genetic modification."
"Understood," I replied, turning to Private Jax. "Thank you for your assistance, Private. Dismissed."
Jax saluted once more before leaving. I turned my attention to AM-3S. "Let's review the options."
AM-3S projected a holographic display, detailing the benefits of both enhancements. Physical enhancement promised increased strength, endurance, and reflexes, while Mental enhancement offered heightened cognitive abilities, faster decision-making, and possible extra-sensory abilities.
"Both have their merits," I mused. "But considering our current objectives on Draconis IV, physical enhancement seems more immediately useful."
"A sound decision, Lieutenant," AM-3S replied. "Shall we proceed to the G.O.D. Center?"
"But AM-3S, I am a commanding officer now. My men must come before my own wants." I continued, "The best decision for them is to improve my cerebral development, so that is what I choose."
"Let's go," I said, following the droid out of the apartment while it flashed with communication lights signaling its conversation with the intranet.
AM-3S guided me through the sprawling city, descending through several levels closer to the planet's surface. We passed bustling marketplaces, residential districts, and industrial zones, each layer revealing a different aspect of Atraxis Prime's complex society.
Finally, we reached a heavily fortified base, the entrance guarded by advanced security measures. A pair of sentries stood at attention as we approached, their eyes hidden behind reflective visors.
"State your business," one of the sentries demanded.
"Lieutenant Alistair Galen, here for genetic modification," I replied, presenting my identification.
The sentry scanned my credentials, then took a genetic sample with a handheld device. A moment later, a green light flashed, and the doors slid open.
"Welcome, Lieutenant Galen," the sentry said, stepping aside. "Proceed to the clean room for preparation."
Inside, I was greeted by several scientists in white lab coats, their eyes sharp with curiosity and intellect.
"Lieutenant Galen, welcome," one of them said, stepping forward. "I am Dr. Harken, head of genetic modifications. Please follow us."
They led me to a sterile clean room, where I was field-dressed in a medical gown. The room was stark white, with advanced medical equipment lining the walls. I took a seat, waiting for the next steps.
After a few minutes, a Major entered the room, his demeanor calm and authoritative.
"Lieutenant Galen, I'm Major Tiberius," he said, extending a hand. "I'll be overseeing your augmentation."
"Pleasure to meet you, Major," I replied, shaking his hand firmly.
Major Tiberius interacted with his portable data pad, and the room began to transform. Panels in the walls slid open, revealing a genetic-stasis chamber, various lab equipment, and containers of fluorescent fluids.
"We'll begin with a genetic scan to ensure compatibility," Major Tiberius explained, guiding me to the stasis chamber. "Please step inside."
I entered the chamber, feeling a faint hum of energy as the door sealed behind me. The chamber filled with a soft blue light, and I felt a tingling sensation as the scan commenced.
"All readings are normal," Tiberius announced, his voice echoing through the chamber. "We'll now proceed with the augmentation."
A series of robotic arms descended, each one equipped with a different tool or vial of genetic material. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the procedure. The chamber filled with an oxygen-rich fluid. The transition felt like drowning, but a mild narcotic infused into the mixture soothed the experience.
"Initiating genetic modification," Tiberius said, his tone steady and reassuring. "You may feel some discomfort, but it will be brief."