Incipience

Chapter 9

The sound of our synchronized footfall would have been soothing if it wasn't what we were heading towards. We have been training to fight the Quinzentenians since coming on board this ship, but running a simulation is much different than running into battle. I think the only things keeping us together right now is the sureness of Rombag's demeanor, our determination to survive, and the need to please radiating off of the Alphas.

Despite my underlying resentment for Rombag, I can't help but respect their leadership skills. They've stayed on our comms feeding us bits of praise and encouragement in the midst of their warnings and corrections. The team's morale surprisingly hasn't taken a drop. If anything, it's gone up since leaving the armory. 

What really impresses me isn't their pep talks, it's their willingness to draw fire. Rombag is always the first one to enter every room and every corridor despite what the situation calls for some of us to serve as a distraction while they take out the threat. Not only that, but they stand tall in the middle of the room while the rest of us stay low and complete our tasks. Anyone with sense would go for Rombag first since they're the easiest target with the most embellishments on their uniform. Why take out a few pawns when you can secure a swift checkmate?

Rombag signals for us to halt. We've finally reached the mess hall without seeing another soul, which is very concerning. The route Rombag gave the other teams would have pushed the Quinzentenians here, so for there to be no word from the other squadrons or any sign of the Quinzentenians is unnerving.

My teammates begin to relax not long after we secure the perimeter. Some murmur amongst themselves, asking whether or not this is an actual threat or just an intensified drill. I can't help but shake my head at their foolishness. Do they honestly think Rombag would be acting the way they are if this was just another drill?

I break away from my position against the wall to approach Rombag. Something outside of the obvious feels wrong here and I have this sickening feeling that we need to leave and leave soon.

"Commander, something isn't right. I think we should g—"

I feel the shot before I see it. I hit the floor immediately, dragging Rombag down with me. There's a sickening crack that sounds out from above me. I don't pause long enough to let the impact register. I quickly roll off of Rombag, pull out my pistol, and fire in the direction the laser came from.

The Alphas, much to their credit, react immediately. Within seconds every blaster is aimed at the ceiling. It's almost comedic how in sync our sounds of confusion are. There's a threat in our presence, that much is obvious from the officer laying at my feet; the problem is that there's nothing in sight. Lasers fire off from all over the room and within seconds cadets are writhing on the floor in pain. The rest of us shoot back in the general direction of where the fire came from with no luck. Even though our exchange is anything but mutually destructive, I'm at least grateful that they're not going for kill shots like they were with Rombag...ROMBAG!

A mixture of guilt and relief wash over me as I see my commanding officer rise to their feet. Their helmet, something I previously thought impenetrable, is cracked beyond belief. Every inch of the black glass was crumpled by the force of the blast that, by the looks of it, hit them square in the forehead.

I scramble to help them up the rest of the way. "Commander, are you okay?"

"Yes," they wave me off, "I hit my head but I will be fine."

My brows wrinkle in concern but the expression goes unseen behind my mask."Are you sure?"

"Yes, now let's get back to the mission, shall we?"