Gabatrix: The Violet Wave

Chapter 3: The Battle of Aphadus Part 1

"Attention, everyone!" called out the overhead speaker. "Enemy Itrean vessels have been spotted in the system. All military personnel are to report to their stations immediately! All civilian staff are to report to the designated shelters. This is not a drill!"

Alarms began to blare throughout the base. Far above orbit, the fleet of UHN vessels began to issue their own form of alerts. Flashing lights began to pulsate on the hulls. All eyes were focused on Aphadus's moon and what was coming.

Javier was in a mad rush from the meeting. Adrenaline was rushing through his veins. The enemy never once showed their faces on this system, and now they were here. It was the first time they encountered the enemy in several months.

"It is probably just a scouting fleet," he said to himself, trying to calm himself down. He neared the briefing station of his assigned area. His division was waiting for him. Even if he was in charge and nervous as hell, the other division staff looked up to him for leadership. It was up to him to look like a leader.

Javier could see other staff running down the hallway. Some of the running was frantic, but some was orderly as well. The military personnel were distinct to look at since they were dressed in their red and blue uniforms, while the civilians were easier to spot with the non-uniforms. Flashing red and yellow lights were being given off as the base was letting everyone know what was happening.

"Alright...," Javier said as he calmed himself down. He took a deep breath. "Time to check up with my division."

The logistics department door opened to reveal four members of his division. All were present and accounted for, along with an additional member who was present as well. The extra person in the room was somebody he already knew well.

The logistics department was rocked with the alarms as well. It was not a big office. It was designed to handle most of the mail and storage of one section of the base. The room consisted of four alcoves with his desk tucked into the far corner. The biggest alcove was a reception area for the people waiting on any new shipments.

He had such a small division that he didn't even have a chief petty officer to care for the enlisted. Regardless, he did what he could to take care of it. He already knew Petty Officer Emily, a woman of a pale complexion who had just joined the UHN. He knew of Seaman Aaedesh and Jagan, both brothers of a darker complexion who were allowed to serve in the same base. Then there was Petty Officer Campbell, a man born on Oshun. His dark complexion was a clear sign that he was born in the African colony world. The last person in the room he saw was Cason. He was standing calmly as the rest were either sitting down or standing.

"Sir," Emily called out to him. She saluted him and showed a little bit of tension on her face. "All present and accounted for."

"Good job, team," Javier called out to his division.

"Who's attacking us?" Jagan asked him. His light Indian accent was apparent.

"Shal'rein clan."

"The sharks?" Jagan's brother asked in a similar accent.

"Why would they want to attack here?" Jagan asked.

"I don't know. I know that we'll do our best to repel them. I'll need to attend the officer's brief so we can find out everything that's going on. Petty Officer Emily, you're in charge of the division until I return. It won't take too long, and I know that you can do it."

Emily was tense in her stance. She gave a short nod. "Aye, sir."

Javier nodded his head to Cason. He stepped forward to him as Javier turned back to the door. It slid open as both of the men walked out together.