Across The Stars

A Soldiers Duty

The following day dawned, bright and clear, but I felt the weight of an impending storm brewing within me. As I made my way to the briefing room, my heart raced with apprehension. I had heard whispers among the squad about an upcoming mission, but I had pushed those thoughts away, hoping they would disappear. They didn't.

I walked through the narrow hallway of our barracks, the air thick with anticipation. My squamates were already gathering in the briefing room, their chatter a mix of excitement and curiosity. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what lay ahead.

General Reynolds stood at the front, his presence commanding immediate attention. The room quieted, and I settled into my seat, my hands gripping the edge of the table. I focused on the map projected on the screen, a swirling depiction of the planet we were meant to explore. My stomach churned at the sight, an instinctive reaction to the unknown.

"Thank you for coming," General Reynolds began, his tone serious. "Today, I'm here to brief you on a critical mission."

I listened intently as he detailed the objectives—exploring a newly discovered planet named Asteria, establishing contact with its inhabitants, and assessing any potential threats. My mind whirled as he spoke. A new planet? Aliens? My chest tightened at the thought.

"Your squad has been specifically chosen for this mission due to your previous experience and cohesion as a unit. I trust you all will represent Earth admirably." He paused, his gaze sweeping over each of us. "This is a chance for us to foster a new alliance, but I must stress the importance of caution. We have no clear data on the Asterians—no idea what we're walking into."

I felt my heart sink further. The weight of my responsibilities felt heavier than ever. "What if we're not ready?" I blurted out, unable to contain my anxiety. The room fell silent, all eyes on me.

General Reynolds regarded me with a stern expression. "I understand your concerns, Kanary. But as soldiers, we are trained to face the unknown. You've faced danger before; this is just another mission."

"But—" I started, but he raised a hand, cutting me off.

"No 'buts'," he said firmly. "You're a soldier first, and you will follow orders. This is your duty."

I felt the weight of his words settle over me like a thick fog. Duty. It was a concept I had lived by, but the idea of stepping foot on an alien planet, with no idea what awaited us, twisted in my gut.

"Remember, this is not just about exploration. It's about trust. We need to establish a rapport with the Asterians to open up trade and mutual understanding." His voice softened slightly, almost encouraging. "I believe in your abilities, and I know you will rise to the occasion."

I nodded slowly, though inside, I felt torn. I wanted to trust him, to believe that I could handle whatever came my way, but the shadows of my past lingered like an unwelcome guest.

"Any questions?" he asked, looking around the room. I remained silent, my mind racing. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being thrust into something I wasn't ready for, but as a soldier, I knew I had to comply. I was not in a position to refuse orders.

After the briefing, my squad mates buzzed with energy, discussing strategies and their thoughts about Asteria. I smiled and nodded along, but inside, I felt like an outsider looking in. Most were excited, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead while others were hesitant about what's to come. Meanwhile, I was still grappling with my own demons. I began to walk out of the room to get some air so I could clear my head.

General Reynolds stopped me before I got too far calling out my name.

"Officer Kanary, hold just a minute." I turn around upon hearing his raspy voice. I stand at attention and wait for him to catch up

"I just want to express how important this mission is. You and your squad are to learn everything you can about these aliens" he says with his nose turned up slightly. "Our resources are depleting at a rather quick pace and we believe this planet can help us but we have to know if they are trustworthy. We must know of their weapons they can use against us, their fighting style, any abilities they posses, their way of life, what they all look like even down to the color of their toenails."

I couldn't help but want to smirk at his last sentence but willed my expression to remain stoic. "Sir yes sir, we will do our best to gather as much intel as possible"

"You will contact us every few days when you have information, if it becomes too dangerous, we will come for you."
With that, General Reynolds turned and walked away.....I guess I'm dismissed.

As I left the room, I could hear laughter echoing behind me, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. I stepped outside, seeking solace in the quiet of the training grounds. I needed to ground myself before we departed