Book #1 Covenant

Chapter 4: New Beginnings

"Returning to base. Touchdown in five minutes ." Said the intercom one the ceiling.

The ship entered the atmosphere of New Earth, the people below celebrated the return of their soldiers. Fireworks filled the sky, blue and red colors flashed throughout. Samuel turned his head away from the ships window, the loss of his brother had caused grief for everyone, especially Josef who felt responsible for the loss of Samuels brother. He saw Josef sitting opposite him looking out the adjacent window, he walked over and put his hand on Josef's shoulder. "Don't worry, It's not your fault for loosing him." He sat down next to Josef. His eyes were slightly red from crying earlier that day during the battle, after they had been picked up by the rescue ship that had been called to aid in the end of the war over Arcathin.

The Galkara had lost this battle and retreated, General Niko told them that it felt like they wanted to lose, although the Galkara had put up a strong fight after the command ship was destroyed. The Battle finally ended at 2000 hours and the Clean Up Crew or CPC as they were usually called, had been sent into the city to flush out the remaining Galkara.

Their ship touched down at the SNF HQ where the celebration was taking place, thousands of people were there waving flags with the SNF logo on them. Over the HQ building was a giant screen playing live feed from Arcathin. Samuel lined up behind the others in front of the door leading out to the thousands of people waiting, Josef walked over and stood next to Samuel. "Let's enjoy the celebration together" He said. "What's done is done and it can not be changed, we will just have to live with it." Said Samuel. The large door opened and folded down creating a ramp for them to walk down. As they walked out a thunderous roar from the people rose up.

The celebration lasted the entire rest of the day and continued into the night. Samuel felt like a celebrity with all the attention flooding him, people who he never thought he would ever meet showed up at the after party in the Capitol. General Niko and his soldiers were all awarded medals for their courage and bravery.

Samuel and his friends left early back to the barracks eager for a long awaited nights sleep.

"That was just crazy" said Mike as he fell on his bed. Justin walked in the room behind Samuel and climbed up to his bed. "I don't want to go too anymore party's, this one was just to much" He said. Josef got into his bed and laid down totally exhausted. "Let's just get a good nights sleep, training starts tomorrow and I'm sure none of you want to be late. I just hope everything goes well." He rolled over, his back facing his friends, a tear ran down the side of his face. "I don't want to do this anymore." He thought to himself. Samuel climbed into his bed, under his covers, and fell asleep.

*****

Samuel stood in the middle of a giant room, nothing but a small pillar with an object on it was in the room. He slowly walked forward to the object. It came more into focus as he walked, he stopped suddenly as he realized what it was. His brothers helmet. "Samuel, don't forget what I told you all those years ago, remember." The helmet rose up transforming into the figure of his brother, Aiden lifted his hand and touched Samuels shoulder. "You are strong, you will become a great..." His sentence was cut short by a loud shrilling alarm, smoke flew into the room covering Aiden. Samuel tried to run but was soon caught up in the smoke. Everything went dark.

*****

Josef shook Samuels arm, the alarm for them to wake up had gone off. "Sam! Sam!" He said. Samuel opens his eyes and sat up. "I had a crazy dream last night, I saw my brother." Josef looked at Sam with sorrow. "I'm so sorry Samuel, I feel completely responsible for his loss." Samuel looked at Josef putting his hand on his shoulder. "You had nothing to do with it, don't think that it's your fault. All we found was his helmet, maybe he's not dead but lost or captured. I'm sure if he isn't dead he'll find some way to contact us" said Samuel. "Well, I hope your right. About him being alive and all."