The atmosphere within the Celestian Vanguard Base on Kaelion-4 was thick with the sterile scent of disinfectants and the hum of energy shields. Soldiers marched in perfect synchrony down the metallic halls, their movements precise and mechanical. The walls, adorned with holographic banners of the Celestian Empire, glowed with an eerie blue light, casting long shadows on the polished floors.
Kaelion Voss, freshly returned from the rebel purge, strode through the corridors. His black hair and piercing black eyes, untouched by the grime of battle thanks to his advanced exosuit, made him stand out even among the Veterans. Soldiers saluted as he passed, though their gestures lacked warmth. Respect here was demanded, not earned.
Kaelion pushed open the heavy doors to the Command Chamber. The room was vast, dominated by a central holotable displaying a three-dimensional map of Kaelion-4. Around it stood high-ranking officers and tacticians, their faces impassive. At the head of the table was Captain Xerith, the Rank 1: Captain of Celestian Vanguard for the Kaelion-4 base. His advanced exosuit shimmered with energy, and his presence radiated authority.
"Veteran Voss," Xerith's voice was deep and steady, his eyes locking onto Kaelion as he stepped forward. "Report."
Kaelion snapped to attention, his voice cold and precise. "The rebel outpost in the eastern quadrant has been neutralized. All combatants were eliminated. Minimal casualties on our side."
Xerith nodded, gesturing for Kaelion to approach the holotable. The map zoomed in on the eastern quadrant, highlighting the now-destroyed rebel positions. "Efficient work," Xerith said, his tone carrying a rare note of approval. "But efficiency is not the most impressive part of your report."
Kaelion's expression didn't waver, though he knew where this was heading. The image of the young rebel girl he had executed lingered in his mind, though he shoved it aside with the cold pragmatism that had kept him alive.
"The girl," Xerith continued, his lips curving into a faint, predatory smile. "A rebel of no strategic value, but her death… now, that was something extraordinary."
Kaelion said nothing. He knew better than to reveal the disquiet he felt. Instead, he held Xerith's gaze, waiting for him to elaborate.
"You may not know this," Xerith said, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret, "but what you did triggered one of the Empire's most elusive protocols. The Secret Loyalty Path. A failed royal bloodline can regain their status through acts of unflinching loyalty—acts that test not just your resolve, but your ability to put the Empire above all else. That execution was not just a display of power; it was a testament to your commitment."
"I acted as any loyal soldier would," Kaelion replied evenly.
"Perhaps," Xerith said, his smirk widening, "but very few have the fortitude to carry it through. Most would hesitate. You didn't. The Empire notices such things, Veteran. Keep this up, and you might find your bloodline… restored."
The weight of Xerith's words hung heavy in the air. Kaelion knew what he was implying: his actions had set him on a path that could reclaim his lost status. But at what cost?
"What are my next orders?" Kaelion asked, steering the conversation back to the mission.
Xerith tapped a command on the holotable, and a new sector of the map lit up in red. "The central quadrant remains unstable. Intelligence suggests a larger rebel faction consolidating their forces there. Your squad will lead the vanguard assault."
Kaelion studied the map, his mind already analyzing the tactical challenges. The central quadrant was a densely populated urban area, its towering ruins providing ample cover for guerrilla tactics. It would be a slaughter—both for the rebels and for his men if they weren't careful.
"Understood," he said finally. "Rules of engagement?"
"Total eradication," Xerith replied without hesitation. "The Empire cannot tolerate insurrection. But remember, Veteran—opportunities for loyalty tests often arise in the heat of battle. Keep your eyes open."
Kaelion inclined his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "I'll ensure the mission is a success."
Xerith's approval was evident in his tone as he dismissed the other officers, leaving Kaelion alone with the Captain. For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the hum of the holotable.
"You're not like the others," Xerith said, his tone almost conversational. "Most Veterans grovel for approval, desperate to climb the ranks. But you… you're different. Detached. Calculating."
Kaelion met his gaze, his voice steady. "I've learned that emotions are liabilities on the battlefield."
Xerith chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Perhaps. But even machines have their breaking points. Don't forget that, Veteran."
Kaelion didn't respond. He turned and left the Command Chamber, his thoughts already on the mission ahead.
Back in the barracks, Kaelion's squad was gathered, their conversations hushed as he entered. Lyneth stood at attention immediately, while Deccan leaned against a bunk, his expression wary.
"We've been assigned to the central quadrant," Kaelion announced, his tone brooking no argument. "High-density urban environment. Heavy resistance expected. Prepare for deployment at 0600 hours."
Deccan frowned. "Central quadrant? That's suicide. We'll be walking into a deathtrap."
Kaelion's gaze snapped to him, cold and unyielding. "Then die with purpose. Or don't bother showing up."
The room fell silent. Deccan's face flushed with anger, but he didn't reply. Lyneth shifted uncomfortably, her eyes flicking between Kaelion and Deccan.
Kaelion turned to her. "Ensure the squad is combat-ready. Double-check the equipment. No mistakes."
She nodded quickly. "Yes, sir."
As the squad dispersed to prepare, Kaelion remained behind, his gaze lingering on the rows of bunks. The weight of command was heavy, but he carried it with the same cold efficiency that defined him. Failure was not an option—not for him, not for his squad, and not for the Empire.
Tomorrow, the central quadrant would burn, and Kaelion Voss would ensure that it burned on his terms.
Later that evening, the Command Chamber was dim, the holotable casting flickering blue light across the room. Xerith stood alone, speaking into a small communication device embedded in his gauntlet.
"Yes, the trap is set," he said, his voice low. "Kaelion Voss has taken the bait. The Secret Loyalty Path is an efficient tool for weeding out the weak or the hesitant. If he survives, he'll be stronger for it. If not…"
A faint chuckle escaped him. "Well, the Empire has no use for failures."
The voice on the other end was distorted, but the reply was clear. "Ensure he doesn't suspect anything. We need him dead."
Xerith's smirk returned. "Oh, don't worry. He'll play his part. They always do."
The transmission ended, leaving Xerith alone with the cold hum of the holotable and the shadows of his schemes.