An average boy lives with his happy family under the Empire's control, until one fateful day where a Rebel Terrorist changes his entire outlook on life. He's then motivated to get back at the Rebels, and joins the ranks of the Imperial Army.
Peak Ra...
As the ship began to awake for the morning, there was a message sent out to the holoscreens of all ranking troopers, which now included me.
REPORT TO THE LEGION HQ AT 0900 FOR A BRIEF ON THE LEGION'S NEXT ASSIGNMENT. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Alright! First time to attend a special brief! I would sure like to make these a common thing, as ya know, dying isn't on my priorities list right now. I mean, like I would for the Empire, just don't really want to because... like duh.
I call the squad into the alcove to give them an update.
"I have been summoned to a brief this morning related to our next assignment."
"Could we please just get guard duty somewhere, maybe until leave?" Coyote jokes, which brings a laugh from the rest of the group.
"Someone else is due for some fun" states Turbo.
"You got here like a week ago? Dude, your armor isn't even scuffed yet." Scorch with yet another burn.
"Shiny." Artemis scuffs.
"Shiny, shiny, shiny, shiny..." Coyote begins the chant as the squad jokingly mocks both Turbo and Neon.
I let it go on for about 20 more seconds. "Okay, enough, enough." I would've been fine with it going on, but it's probably not best for the team. "Anyways, I just wanted to let you know what's up, and I'll ask for you again afterwards. In the meantime, stay ready, go get something good... fine... editable to eat."
Food is never great for the troopers. Officers have it much nicer than us.
A half hour passes, and when 20 minutes remain until the brief, I get a knock on my door. After saying "enter" a familiar face walks in, mocking a salute.
"I never got to personally tell you, congratulations on the promotion."
"Thanks Artemis, means a lot."
"Just so you know, I don't want you to get ahead of yourself. I still have more kills than you."
"No way."
"I have 84, but Havoc, Coyote, and Blitz are still stuck in the 30s."
It hit me in that moment, that this was what our Academy squad had fallen to. Knuckles on Jedha, Talon and Fang to the Nexu, and Hammer on Cholganna. There's just over half of us left after just two assignments on Jedha and Cholganna. The moment of silence passes.
"So, ready for your first brief?"
"I mean I gu..."
"Sir." She interrupts and renders another awkward salute, making me laugh.
"Want to join me on the way there? I was just just about to head out."
"Sure, why not?"
In an environment that encourages a lack of connection between people, I'm glad I have her as my friend. It's nice to have someone on your team you trust.
Ten minutes of talking and walking later, we arrive at Legion HQ, and we give our goodbyes.
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I enter the vast room, much larger than I'd expected. Come to think of it, there's gotta be a ton of ranking troopers in a Legion. Over 1500 I think.
The meeting begins with my regiment commander, CMR Double at the podium. "Room stand-by." We all shoot up from our seats. "Room attention!"
In walks the Legion Commander, LCMR Pyro. "At ease!"
We take our seats.
"Another outstanding job by the 939th on Cholganna. Due to our actions, the Rebels will no longer be able to continue with their malicious operation and the galaxy is one step closer to safe. That said, the Empire never sleeps, and neither do we."
The trooper next to me leans over and whispers, "And there's an issue with that." I look over, and it's none other than CPT Crunch, the man who chose me to be here. My bucket hides a smile.
"Our next assignment will be on Jakku, known for its sand dunes and wreckage from past naval battles above having crashed down. The objective will be very similar to past battles. The city of Porcholsic is of great strategic desire to the Empire, as it is the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere of the planet. Unfortunately, it has slowly fallen under Rebel control and now the task of reclaiming it is daunting. The casualty rate could be high."
Oh joy. Love to hear that.
"There are two parts to Porcholsic. The greater area of buildings and bunkers which surrounds a wall which secures the inner portion and most elite of the social hierarchy of the planet and rebellion. More details will be sent to your holoscreens. You will discuss the basics of the attack with your subordinates, but you will not include any part of any casualty rate. Long live the Empire."
LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE echoes back the packed room.
Artemis is waiting for me in squad.
"How was it?"
"Another bloodthirsty planet, ready to take us and chew us up and spit out the corpses. Jakku, more sand."
Yeah, I'm not very good at following instructions, I'll share what I know.
