Warcasket - The Sons of Mars: A Progression Sci-fi Fantasy Story

Chapter 3 - Hick and King

A NOTE FROM LM FRANKLIN

Hello,

I hope you've all been enjoying the recent chapters. I find this one particularly engaging, but I'm even more excited about what's to come with the introduction of Hen and Ed. Thank you to everyone for your continued support; I appreciate everything. Whether it's leaving a comment, making a donation, or leaving a review, your contributions greatly assist in my writing process.

Best Regards,

The Author

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 The Deacon system stretched its sprawling expanse across the imperial sector, an anomaly amidst the colossal factory cities, feudal dominions, and vast worlds that cradled the grace of the Empire. While the Empire projected might and power through most of its dominions, the Deacon system was unique in its mission.

Here, one found worlds that evoked the memories of ancient Earth, untouched by the looming specter of bustling metropolises that choked the skies with darkness and smog. These planets were paradises of pristine beauty and remarkable technological advancements, known as Cyber Worlds, a testament to the empire's grandeur.

In an era when Earth's vision of future had taken flight among the stars, Argo II was a prime example of this breathtaking beauty. Its vast expanse of fertile land might deceive one into thinking it an agricultural or feudal world, but it harbored a grand city on its sprawling continent. Even from the vantage point of space, the city's towering skyscrapers and centuries-old protective wall stood as majestic monuments, a sight to behold.

The first month of the year brought with it the approach of a special ship through the cosmos, a massive freighter adorned with the royal insignia of the empire. But instead of carrying royalty or the empire's military elite, this vessel bore the sons and daughters of the empire—young men and women between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one. Most of them were pure humans, untouched by the changes wrought by space travel and genetic modifications, but some bore the stigma of being undesirables among the empire's ranks.

The ship was as immense as a military behemoth, its docking bay vast enough to accommodate the mechs of these young men and women, alongside smaller craft. All were scions of the empire and its countless systems.

One young man found himself huddled in the tight quarters of his cabin, reminiscent of the ancient Earth trams that used to crisscross continents. He had not brought many possessions, his belongings lay scattered around him, and his back reclined against the cushioned seat. His forehead rested against the thick plasteel glass, and he gazed upon the deep green world beyond with striking blue eyes.

Taller than the average, he possessed a thick mane of brown hair and piercing light blue eyes. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the unfolding cosmos before him, so enraptured was he by the magnificent sight.

Beside him, a bulging rucksack remained zipped, containing all he possessed. He wore the utilitarian uniform assigned to him when the notice arrived in his holomail, and while he bore it with a sense of quiet pride, he couldn't help but wonder how his people back in his home colony would feel. To know that their dreams and hopes rested upon his shoulders, while his peers back home had cast them aside with indifference.

The occupants of the vessel hailed from different backgrounds, and their attire reflected their origins. Those of stable and mid-births donned their plain, everyday clothing for the long voyage. In stark contrast, those of higher birth paraded around in the rich vestments reminiscent of Old Earth nobility. They draped themselves in long, uniform dresses, elegant captain cloaks, or the most opulent veils procurable within the Emperor's Imperium.