Starcraft

Recompiled chapter one (thirty nine pages) so it wouldn’t get in my way. Starting to write the series again though, and getting in the feel again. Went through, and made one small change as suggested by some other writers, as well as one being changed in the prologue currently. Other suggestions are welcome.
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[Damn, that was the worst I have ever been treated yet. Well another night with the squad won’t be so bad.] Stepping out of the elevator he wandered the darkened streets, and thought about what a night with his squad at the bar really meant. [Another night of turning down prostitutes, and drinks. Two things I never have participated in, even with my squad. Both give me headaches even though I have never tried either of them. My squad always tries to get me to take a drink, or hook up with one of the girls. Don’t even have to pay for it, because my squad just wants me to try it. Oh well. Guess I’ll hit the sack. Still have a week, since I wasted this day, so only nine more days of being treated like shit. At least my squad will go back, and get on with their lives as real marines tomorrow.]

Walking through the same district he arrived at his apartment building. The door slid open for him, and the guard on watch addressed him. “Good night Mr. Fenix. Hope you had a good day.” He received the same comment from several people on his way to the elevator.

[Fuck, I am either treated like shit, or like royalty. Partially my fault for wearing my marine jumpsuit, but why does every person I meet treat me like crap until they find out about the card. It is time to find a new place to live, and not use my credit charger to pay for it.] Turning around he walked out of the building never to enter it again. Wandering aimlessly he thought about where to find a new place to live.

Arriving at a hub for the magnetic mass transit system that ran through this first class district he looked around him. Getting on he took his ride quietly even though a few scoffs were made at his black marine jumpsuit. Arriving at the opposite side of the first class citizen district he stepped off, and entered a different apartment building. Walking over to the counter, he pressed the button, and waited. The woman at the counter looked over at him, and then continued to chat with her coworker. [I think Bear had it right, staying back at base.]

“Excuse me, I would like a room.” Slipping his thousand c-bill onto the counter he waited. Finally looking over at him annoyed she noticed the c-bill, and walked over.

“How long will you be staying marine?”

“Until my squad is reassigned to a new base.”

“Ummm, okay. Citizen’s Card please.”

Handing her his card she slid it through the reader. Information flowed across the screen: his name, Markus Fenix, as well as his career of a marine soldier being a first class citizen. She only seemed slightly confused as the computer updated his new address.

”How long will you be staying?”

“Permanently.”

“Okay, we have a room on the second floor…” Markus pretended to cough, and put two one hundred c-bills on the counter. [Better than to be treated like shit.]

“Great to meet you Markus Fenix. We have a vacancy on the top floor. Here is your room key. Hope you enjoy your stay.”

Taking the key, Markus walked over to the elevator, and got in. The walls were stainless steel. “Top floor.” Beginning its ascent by the magnetic system in use, it propelled him upwards silently towards his destination. [Shouldn’t have slipped her so much money. I just wanted a normal room in this place. I just don’t want to be treated like shit, or treated like royalty. I would rather have a top floor room than one next to ground level though.] The ride was at least uninterrupted by others on the way to the top floor as Markus wondered what his new apartment would look like. Stepping out of the elevator he saw a woman standing impatiently outside her room in the middle of the hall cutting this floor exactly in half.

[Not a call girl or gold digger. To dressed up. Married, no, husband would be with her.]
She interrupted his thoughts as she turned, and spoke to him, keeping the right part of her face turned away from him. [Great, more arrogance from the upper class]

“That was fast. Less than a minute since I called someone to open my door. Can’t believe they sent an off time marine though. Confederacy seems to be militarizing everything these days. I can’t even figure why they call them police actions anymore. They got rid of that force before I was born.”

“Police were for civilians so it is a police action. However, I can’t figure out why they call it civil unrest. It stopped being civil when weapons were introduced to citizens. Especially when it was introduced to the first class citizens.”

“Citizens only rest when their rights are not infringed upon. They have to fight for their rights now to make sure they are heard, and not ignored.”

“Not my fault civilians elect politicians though. I thought they were supposed to protect civilians’ rights.”

“So why don’t you open my door before I get impatient?”

“I’m not here to open your door. I live on this floor now.”

“Oh I’m sure you live there. It would be an improvement over that old man who died over a month ago though.”

“So anyways who lives here besides me, and you?”

“Well let’s see. Two rooms and they are each occupied now, so just us. Don’t marines know math?”

“Of course marines know math. We have to keep track of our kill count to decide who gets promoted. Wait. There are only two apartments on this entire floor.”

“Ya but the apartment has some more rooms, and a balcony on the roof.”

“Damn it.”

“What, wanted more citizens on this floor to butcher?” Markus remained silent, and finally she continued on. “If you can’t afford it I can have my father cover it for you.”

Coming back to his senses Private Fenix continued on. “I can afford it even though my marine pay won’t cover it. Who is your father anyways? Some rich banking man I suspect.”

“For your information he is a Vice Admiral in the Navy. So what is your second occupation? Some kind of drug dealer I suspect.”

“Good one. So I’m guessing you are waiting for that guy.” Markus pointed over to the elevator as its doors slid open. An older man stepped out, and walked over to the two. Looking first at the marine like he didn’t belong he turned his attention to the woman.

“Sorry Ms. Raneil, but we can’t open the door for you, or give you a spare room key again. Local squad has cracked down on all laws.” Turning, and leaving he left the two in the hall. She just looked at the ground, and said nothing.

[Help her, or scoff? Right thing, or treat her like she treated me? Damn, when did I develop these habits.]

Making up his mind he spoke kindly to her. “I’m sorry for the trouble I have given you tonight.”
Still looking at the ground she replied. “I am sure you are.” She began to tear up; he could tell how her voice began to break at the end, but she tried to hold it in.

“Listen, my name is Markus Fenix. I joined the marines, because I was tired of everyone treating me differently. I can help you, and get your key if you want.”

Looking up at his face with her tear filled eyes she moved closer to him. Wrapping her arms around him she began to cry into his shoulder. In that instant Markus’s attention was focused on the bruise on her right cheek. [She wasn’t being arrogant at all, but trying to hide this mark.] Markus just stood there.

Waiting for her to calm down took a while. If there was one thing Markus had learned from the marines it was patience. Finally she let go of him, and took a step back. She continued to look at the ground. Markus spoke first. “Do you want me to help you?” she looked at the ground, and only shook her head in acknowledgement. “Okay, I don’t want you left out in the hall by yourself though. You can go into my room, and wait there. I’ll go grab your room key.” Markus held his room key out to her, and she began to cry. She moved closer to him, and this time Markus held her there, and looked at her dirty blonde hair, and what he could see of the back of her black dress. He turned his thoughts to how best care for her.

[What do I do now? Work mind. Crying hot girl. What should I do?] Markus’s brain drifted from where he wanted it to go, and he corrected this. [What is the right thing to do? Secure area, call for… Damn it. Work mind. Make sure she is okay, so…my apartment should be safe. But how do I move her when she is crying like this?]

Between his marine training, practiced rhetoric for the upper class, and his background information he gained in his teenage years he had no idea what to do. Never had he wanted to help a person so badly. Even being arrogant she had been nicer than all of the other first class citizens in meeting him for the first time. It was a step up from the level of how he was normally greeted by first class citizens. She acknowledged him, and didn’t relegate him to an even lower status than a marine.

Standing in the hall, she gripped him tightly, and he held her. His rough, black marine jumpsuits material stood out from her smooth, black dress. At last she loosened her grip, and looked up into his face. “If you could help me…that…” Putting her head back down in his shoulder, she continued crying. [Okay, will she stop crying. Probably in a couple of minutes. But if I move her…that would be difficult for her. Don’t want to cause any more discomfort to her.]

Her grip tightened on him, and she continued to cry. [Shit, why didn’t I get info on this? It would have helped a lot more, never use that other shit anyways. Fuck…why didn’t they take out swearing. Never mind, never used to swear until after I joined the marines, and was treated like shit by the upper class. Why does she have to be so good looking? Is that why I am helping her? Am I that shallow?]

Interrupting his thought process again, she finally stopped crying, and stepped away from him. Meanwhile, she still kept her face towards the ground. Her legs gave out, and Markus moved to catch her as she fell. Easily grabbing her before she hit the ground he gently lifted her up into his arms. Moving over to the only other door in the hallway he swiped the card, and it opened. Stepping into the first room it was dark except for the light provided by the hallway. [That is right. Haven’t preset the lights, because I just moved in.] “Lights on.” The room brightened, and Markus could see a fountain in the middle. The walls were white except for where the arches were black. [Damn Confederate architecture. I never wanted to see this shit again.] Walking past he entered a hallway that led left, or right. Glancing left, he saw a dining room. Looking the other way he could make out another room.

This one was more spacious, and a flat display screen covered an entire wall with couches placed all over the room. Stepping through this room he went on. Finding another elevator in his own apartment he stepped in. The doors closed, and it automatically went up a floor. When the doors opened he stepped out. Looking around he was finally satisfied with this room. It contained a small dining area, and a couch. All of the walls were mostly black. Mahogany wood was used largely across this room. The kitchen area had floorboards, but the couch area had plush, black carpet. This room was made for at least one person. She moved a little in his arms as he surveyed the room. Setting her on the couch, he moved over to the blank, black wall opposite from her. “Lights off.” As the room darkened he slid down, and leaned his head against the wall, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. Looking over her, he tried to sleep.

[This is uncomfortable, but oh well. I’ve slept in worse places. Damn, she is hot. Man, I need to stop thinking about that. At least she’ll be okay.]
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“Private Fenix, your job is to clear that building. The rest of us will move on to the main objective.” “Sir, yes, sir.” With that private first class Markus Fenix jumped from the moving dropship. His marine armor was all black, not having been customized yet. Landing outside the one story concrete building he surveyed the rest of his surroundings. Running closer to the building he switched his visor to show thermal vision. The upgraded sensors picked up seven life signs in one room at the back of the building. Smiling, Markus moved around to the other side. Checking to make sure his visual was correct one last time he began to run. His servos began to whine, and his HUD showed the seven looking around confused; four were near the door, and three more behind a barricade. A voice came over his comm. System. “Private Fenix, we are done with the main objective. What is your current situation?”

The eight foot tall marine armor weighing nearly five hundred pounds by itself hit the foot thick concrete wall. It caved under the force, and part of the ceiling fell. The seven in the room turned around terrified as the marine powered armor appeared amidst the destruction of their wall. A small compartment under the Marine’s left arm opened, and a DP-5 frag grenade slipped into his left hand. Throwing it near the door his left arm glided under his gauss rifle, and he raised it. Pulling the trigger he sprayed the three behind the barricade with the depleted uranium shells. The grenade went off as the last shot from his gauss rifle left the barrel. Markus checked his ammo count on his gun, and grinned with his adrenaline still pumping before he radioed back in. “Hell yeah Sarge I am the shit!”

Turning around he switched his HUD back to normal vision, and looked at the transport coming in with the sun setting. “Nice job Private Fenix. You just took out seven terrorists. Watched it on my HUD myself. Hope you are proud of yourself son.” Turning around, and looking at his handiwork illuminated by the setting sun, the marine’s suit gave out, and its knees hit the floor. The gauss rifle dropped into the rubble. His scream filled the comm. Four bodies were by the door, and three were behind the table tipped over. Blood flowed freely from the three by the table while the four at the door had turned to face the grenade, and had the front part of their bodies ripped apart by the low-powered DP-5 frag grenade. The three had large bullet holes, with copious amounts of blood spilling across the floor from where the spikes had passed through their bodies. All seven of them had a look of terror on their faces. Not one of them was even close to being eighteen.
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“Markus, wake up. Wake up!”

Markus didn’t want to open his eyes. He felt something pushing his shoulder. He opened them, and saw the woman in the black dress shaking him. Realizing where he was he let his body slump closer to the ground while closing his eyes again. [It was only a dream. No wait. That shit really happened, I killed those kids. I did it. It was me.] Tearing up, he waited until he was sure she there was no chance in hell she would see him crying before opening his eyes. He watched as she knelt beside him. “Hey, are you okay?” Markus looked into her eyes. [Hazel, not bad at all.] “Ya I’ll be fine.”

“Hey Markus, nice silver eyes. [why does that sound familiar?] Obviously you know my last name from that bastard in the hall.”

“Ya, your father served in the guild wars. He was promoted after he succeeded in being pivotal at the last battle. I believe he took the fleet commander’s position after he died, and led them to their last victory.”

“What? Even I don’t know that. That happened before I was born.”

“Happened before I was born too, but I still know about it.”

“So you know more about my father’s military history than I do?”

“I should go get your key. I kind of fell asleep last night after I set you down.”

“Against the wall, I noticed. I could tell you were lost in the apartment also. Sounded like you were having a bad dream also by the way you were screaming.”

Markus shivered as he tried to shake off his dream. “I’ll go grab your key. Just stay here and I’ll come back with it.”

Walking back through the elevator, he finally made his way down to the counter. Leaning on the counter the same person he saw last night greeted him. “I need citizen Raniel’s room key.” She looked skeptically at him, and he added, “by confederate mandate1587.” She glumly grabbed the room key, and slid it over to him. Turning, he made his way back to Raneil. Stepping out of the elevator, and through the hallway he got back in the last elevator…


Part two
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“Hope you are proud of yourself son.” Turning around, and looking at his handiwork illuminated by the setting sun, the marine’s suit gave out, and its knees hit the floor. The gauss rifle dropped into the rubble. His scream filled the comm. Four bodies were by the door, and three were behind the table tipped over. Blood flowed freely from the three by the table, while the four at the door had turned to face the grenade, and had the front part of their bodies ripped apart by the low-powered DP-5 frag grenade. The three had large bullet holes, with copious amounts of blood spilling across the floor from where the spikes had passed through their bodies. All seven of them had a look of terror on their faces. Not one of them was even close to being eighteen.
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“Markus are you okay?” Opening his eyes, he saw he was in the elevator on his knees. Collapsing on the ground, he was halfway out of the elevator. “Markus!” She ran over to him, and knelt beside him.

[No, it was just a dream. It couldn’t have been real.] “Ya, I got your room card. Here.” Holding out the room card with his hand, he stayed face down on the ground.

“You need to get up. Come on.”

[It was real] Standing up, he walked completely out of the elevator. “Okay.” His eyes lost their focus on the room, and he fell to the floor.
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Bear walked over in his specialized armor, and lifted Private Fenix from his position in the rubble. Taking him back to the dropship Bear placed him in his seat, and the private next to him strapped him in. It was a quiet ride back to the base for Markus.

When the dropship reached the base Bear picked up Markus, and walked through the building, and dropped him outside the counselor’s office before moving on. Hearing the loud slump of marine armor the female counselor stepped out, and saw the marine power suit laying there. “Ughhh, not another one.” Motioning for a near marine to lift him, and bring Markus in she walked back inside. The marine hefted Fenix’s suit, and walked into the room. Placing him on his knees the marine continued on to the mess hall in his power suit. Markus sat there with his eyes still open, staring at nothing. Pulling out a small datapad from her desk she walked over to Markus. Opening his visor she plugged the datapad into his suit. Setting it down she grabbbed a large needle while the datapad uploaded the suits information. She jammed the needle into the insert point in his armor below the right bicep plate that was exposed when the arm was straightened. Markus went into his drug induced, dreamless sleep.

Grabbing the datapad she looked at the screen, and replayed his suits vid records. She cut it after he fell to his knees. Pulling up his service record she saw that this was his first mission, and that he graduated from the academy with top scores in every field. Looking at his face she saw that this wasn’t the normal marine. He was actually better looking, and not scarred physically. Moving her hand slowly over his face she sighed as she went back to the datapad, wanting to look into his eyes. Switching off his suit she stood up. She moved back into her chair, and swiveled to face the window overlooking the base.

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“Markus you need to wake up.” Markus felt someone pushing him in the back. He opened his eyes, and looked around the room. The couches and black walls of the apartment surrounded him. Laying his head back down on the ground he felt another push in his back. Rolling over, he saw the woman from earlier in the black dress.

“Come on Markus. We need to get you somewhere safe.”

“I am safe.”

“No you’re not. Come on.”

Markus pushed himself up off the ground, and followed Raneil into the elevator. Yawning, and stretching he realized he felt like shit. The doors opened, and she walked out. He stayed in the elevator, and leaned against the side meanwhile closing his eyes. “Come on Markus.” She waited for him to walk over to her, and continued to her apartment. Standing outside she swiped her card, and the door opened. Instead of a fountain a statue took up the entryway. It was a man in a confederate naval uniform. Markus walked on with the woman, and didn’t glance at the statue. Closing his eyes he began to slow down.

“You know Markus you have an amazing body.” Markus opened his eyes, and looked at her smiling at him. “Just trying to keep you awake for a little longer.”

“Funny.” He walked with her to the room’s elevator.

“You have to stay awake. K’ Markus. I’m going to go get changed. Just stay here.”

“Okay.” Markus closed his eyes as soon as the elevator doors closed.

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[….What happened. No, I didn’t. It must have been a bad dream.]

Opening his eyes he saw the room of the counselor’s office. [Shit. I did do it. I killed them.] He let out a sigh, and the person in the chair swiveled to look at him. “Private first class Markus Fenix. Almost perfect scores at the academy. Do you want to talk about something?” He raised his head barely enough to look at the counselor, and then lowered it. He said nothing. Standing, and moving towards him she towered over the broken marine. “We have to get you out of that suit you know. I’ll let you go down, and get out of it yourself. Come back here. I’ll have some food waiting for you.” She switched his suit back on.

Trying to stand his suit finally registered the brain waves, and the suits hydraulics whined as they moved the suit back into a standing position without the assistance of Markus’s own leg muscles. He stood there until the counselor walked over. She grabbed the datapad, and tapped the screen a few times. Markus barely felt the powered armor’s connection at his neck detach itself. She removed the datapad, and the suit moved under its own power to the detachment station. All of the marines on the way that were not soc prog looked over, and pitied him. Moving into the disassembly area, the robotic arms moved out, and took apart his suit. Markus stayed where the machine left him. Finally another marine entered, and picked up Markus. Taking him to the counselor’s office he grabbed a chair, and set Markus in the middle of the room. The sergeant headed towards the detachment station again. Markus’s eyes began to completely lose focus.

Walking nearer, and leaning over him was the counselor. She looked over his lean, muscled body. Putting her hand beneath his chin she lifted his head. “Markus, you need to stay awake now. There is some food here for you if you want it.” His eyes focused again, and he looked at the counselor. [Blonde hair, blue eyes, pretty… doesn’t matter anymore.] Her face was less than a half foot from his looking into his eyes. Markus sat there, and his eyes unfocused again.

Moving back to her seat the counselor crossed her legs, and stared at Markus. Closing his eyes he bowed his head. He saw the same room. However, his black jumpsuit became soaked with blood. “No. Get it off!” Standing up suddenly he undid the three buttons on the top of his jumpsuit, and took it off; revealing his white, cotton t-shirt, and his polyester, black shorts. Throwing his jumpsuit in the corner he collapsed onto his knees, and began to cry. Moving over she slid her hand along his toned, muscled arms. Different from a typical marine, whose muscles were just large and not toned. Markus began to stare out the window. She walked behind him, and took off his shirt. Moving around she got on eye level with Markus. Her hands glided over his chest. Looking into his eyes she noticed they were turning from a light blue to light silver. Sliding a hand down his stomach the mechanism for the door opening interrupted her. “Damn it….” Sliding open, it revealed an unarmored sergeant Davenport.

“Hey how is Fenix doing?” Stepping in, he saw what was going on as the motionless Markus stared at the sunset. “Not this kid Whitney.”

“Come on. Just this once, that’s all I am asking for.”

“No. Not this kid. I’ve been watching him since basic. I wouldn’t have cared if it was anyone but him.” Walking over he put Markus’s arm around his shoulder. He lifted Markus, and walked out of the office leaving the counselor by herself. Her daydreams shattered.

Arriving at the barracks sergeant Davneport set him down on his bunk. The sarge spoke to him. “Markus stay here for tomorrow, and complete the regular training. After that, leave with your squad, but take the week off. I mean all of it to private. You get that.” Markus slightly nodded his head, and closed his eyes. Noticing private Skinnie nearby, he spoke to him. “Make sure Markus stays awake. I am going to go grab a medic.” After Skinnie nodded Sarge stepped out of the room, and headed over to the medic area of the barracks. All of the women gave Sarge weird looks for walking through their halls. He finally saw what he was looking for. A medic walked past in her tight shorts, and low cut shirt, showing off her breasts with her dark brown hair bobbing in a pony tail.

“Hey Jamie can you do me a favor?”

She turned around, and shrugged. “Sure.”

“I need one of those dreamless sleep needles.”

“Sorry Sarge. You know the rules. I can’t give you one of those.”

“Can you at least administer it to one of my men; he was kind of shaken up by his op today.”

“No I can’t. It’s standard operation procedure for him to go to the counselor. She’ll give him one, and help him out.”

“He’s not going to see the counselor. I just want him to relax, and have his body rested without his mind worrying him.

“Alright Sarge, but you owe me.”

She turned around, and walked with him to the medical supply storage.

“So who is it? Doubt it was Bear. Nothing can stop that guy. Please tell me it was Skinnie.”

“No. It was the new kid Markus Fenix.”

“Such a shame for a kid that new. Heard he is good looking from the med who checked him out though.” Walking into the storage she grabbed an injector. The front was fit to inject into what his suit used for its drugs. “No point in messing up a vein.” They walked on, and the sarge continued. “He should be okay. I am giving him the week off.”

“One week. You are turning into a softie compared to your old hard ass. What happened to the officer I got delegated to on ops?”

“I gave this kid more crap in basic than a normal person could take. He is just in there on his bunk. You’ll recognize him.” Walking on the sergeant went to his office.

Jamie walked in, and looked for him. She spotted him laying on his bunk staring into nothing with Skinnie slapping his face to keep him awake. All of the other bunks were empty. She walked over while testing the injector. “It’ll work. Skinnie you can stop slapping him now.” Skinnie stopped, and looked over at Jamie. Smiling he lifted himself onto his own bunk, and watched her. “Skinnie go annoy someone else.” He left the room, and she turned her attention back towards Markus laying on his bunk with his gaze staring at nothing. Her eyes looked over his body, and thoughts raced through her mind as she sighed. She looked at his eyes, but they were not focused. “Silver. Very hot kid.” Moving the needle over to his arm Markus rolled quickly off the bunk, and stood up on the other side away from Jamie. “No. Not again...”

[Four bodies were by the door, and three were behind the table tipped over. Blood flowed freely from the three by the table, while the four at the door had turned to face the grenade, and had the front part of their bodies ripped apart by the low-powered DP-5 frag grenade. The three had large bullet holes, with copious amounts of blood spilling across the floor from where the spikes had passed through their bodies. All seven of them had a look of terror on their faces. Not one of them was even close to being eighteen.]

Screaming he grabbed the bunk with his hands, and his muscles tensed showing toned muscles Jamie had never seen before. Crying he began to collapse. Feeling sorry for the poor kid she deftly moved her lithe body across the bunk, and let him collapse onto her. “Sarge was wrong about you kid.” Setting the injector to the side she comforted him.

After a few minutes he stopped sobbing, and looked at her. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Do you want to talk about what happened? It’ll make you feel better.”

“Ya, okay.” Jamie let him sit down on the bunk before she sat next to him. “I killed them, all of them. Just like they trained me to do in basic, but I improved on those tactics. They didn’t even see it coming.”

“Well I am sure you had a good cause.”

“No, I didn’t. Sarge just told me to clear the building. I didn’t even know what the op was about, because I’m only a pfc.”

“Well I am sure they deserved it Markus.”

“No they didn’t. They were just kids.” Jamie looked over at Markus, with his hands together shaking with his head bowed down. Seeing this conversation was headed in the wrong direction she changed the subject.

“I don’t think you’ve gotten anything to eat. Let’s go to the mess hall.”

“Please don’t use those drugs on me again.” Markus’s eyes began to tear.

“Have you been to see the counselor? Your sergeant told me you hadn’t.”

“I went there, and she gave injected me with a needle with something in it. That’s all I remember from that before I ended up here with you trying to inject me with something.”

“I can’t let you go to sleep though. Let’s get some food.”

Markus stood up with Jamie, and looked at her. His eyes focusing on her face: dark brown hair, brown eyes, overall good complexion. Just now he realized she was almost as tall as he was, and was around twenty-three. She put her arm around his waist, and he noticed for the first time he wasn’t wearing a shirt. Shifting his gaze to her chest, he ran his hand down her leg. “Put a shirt on, and we’ll head to the mess hall.” Markus frowned, and walked over to his foot locker. Pulling out another white t-shirt and flip-flops he put them on. Jamie walked behind him, and grabbed his hand. They walked out of the room heading towards the mess hall.

“Breakfast for two please.” Jamie took Markus over to a table, and sat him down. Markus slid his head down gazing blankly across the table. Jamie snapped her hand across the table, and pinched his tricep. Markus sat up, but only barely.

“So I don’t even know your name, and you already are taking me out to breakfast.”

“Okay. I’ll tell you my name later. Right now we need to get you something.” Seeing her friend walk by she got up, and ran over to her, spoke a few soft words, and came back. He was wide awake now. “Please not that needle again.” He sobbed as he thought about being put into a drugged sleep. “No, but it’s just the opposite. I am getting you a caffeine pill that should keep you awake for at least a day.” This time she sat next to him. “In the meantime we need to keep you awake. So why don’t you tell me about yourself.”

Yawning he began. “Well my name is Markus harr… Fenix. I am nineteen, and recently graduated from the academy with top marks. I went on my first mission today and...” Markus’s sentence ended with that, and he looked down at the table.

“Markus its okay, it happens to a few kids now, and again.”

“No it’s not. I should be better than this.”

“Markus we are all human, and we all have problems.” She moved her arm across his back, and he leaned his head against her shoulder.

Jamie’s friend from earlier walked back into the mess hall, and headed over to them at their table. “New kid’s already falling for you. Here’s your caffeine pill.” Setting the pill down she walked away. He remained motionless, and didn’t even look at the pill. Jamie picked up the pill, and put it in his mouth.

“Breakfast should take a while. They usually don’t get calls for pancakes at twenty hundred hours.”

“Ya, and how often do Confederates butcher civilians?” The question was unanswered as the cook brought over their breakfast.

“Come on Markus. You need to eat.”

Moving back over to the opposite side of the table she pulled her own breakfast towards her, and waited for him to start eating. Staring at his food he picked up his fork, and slowly began to eat. Beginning to realize how hungry he was he started to eat at a faster pace. Sighing with relief Jamie began to eat her own food.

Finishing his food he moved his tray off to his right, and put his elbow on the table. Leaning his head against his hand he watched Jamie eat now. Soon she stopped eating, and blushed, “I can’t finish this. They gave me a marine serving.” “That isn’t a marine serving. I’ll finish it for you though. Sliding her tray over to himself he finished off her sausage and what remained of her last pancake. Standing up from the table he picked up his orange juice, and finished it off. Walking over to her side, he sat down next to her.

“Thanks for the pill. Now I can’t even relax.”

“No problem. Always happy to help someone. Especially when they are as good looking as you are.” Markus smiled, and wondered if she was telling the truth, or just joking with him.

“So you haven’t told me about yourself yet.”

“I’m a medic. I like long walks on the beach, and patching up the wounded.”

“Very funny. Well in that case. I’m a marine. I like beer and killing…”

“Markus I need to get you off this base.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hey, I told you to stay awake.” Opening his eyes he saw the floor. Looking up he saw her standing in the elevator that had come from the top floor of the apartment building. She was wearing some shorts, and a t-shirt, with her hair in a ponytail. She had recently come from a shower. His eyes watered, and he sat up.

“At least I stayed here like you told me to. Anyways I’m sorry but I can’t stay awake. I’m coming off this caffeine pill they gave me.”

“Oh and why did they give you that?”

“To stay awake. Why did you leave the lights off if you wanted me to stay awake?”

“Sorry I just forgot about them. In the meantime come on.” She motioned for him to join her in the elevator. Moving into the elevator it was a quiet ride to the next level. When the elevator opened he moved over to the couch, and sat down.

“Stars.”

He sat up, and looked at her curiously. “What stars? What is that supposed to be?”

“No stars. Look.”

The wall slid up, and revealed a glass window overlooking the city. She moved over to the couch, and sat down next to him. Having seen enough of the stars, and the upper class districts he turned his head towards her. He watched her look out at the sky, even though a person could barely make out the stars with all of the pollution, and the cities own lights. Letting out a sigh, he leaned on her, and closed his eyes. She pinched his tricep, and Markus sat up looking around.

“I told you to stay awake.”

“I am staying awake. Just going to sleep though.”

“No, you can’t go to sleep. Last time I let you sleep, you started screaming, or just passed out. Bad dreams or something?”

Markus changed the subject. “So, I don’t even know your name, and you already let me in your apartment.”

“Real funny Markus Fenix. My name is Alexandria Reneil.”

“So Alexandria. Why do you have that bruise on your cheek?”

“Can we please not talk about it.” She turned away from him, but leaned against him. Markus put his arms around her, and closed his eyes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing up from the table, she left their empty plates on the mess table, and motioned for him to do the same. “Grab your marine jumpsuit, boots, and your I.D. We are going to take tonight, and Saturday off.”

“What? Marines can’t do that.”

“Sure they can. It is on medical leave, so you’ll be paid anyways. Doctors orders, come on.” She grabbed him by the hand, and led him back to his bunk. He opened his footlocker, and grabbed what he needed.

“You should put that on. It is going to be cold outside.”

“What about you?”

“We’ll go to my bunk, and grab my stuff too.”

“Oh really? I have never been in the women’s part of the barracks before.”

“I doubt it. Good looking guy as you.”

She led him through the part of the barracks he hadn’t been to. It was similar to the other side, just reversed. Walking into the bunkroom he saw it was actually more than half-full of sleeping women tired from a day of healing wounded marines. Jamie moved over to her footlocker. “Hey same place as my bunk is.” Looking over Jamie turned away from him, and bent over to open her locker purposely giving him a show. “Think those shorts are tight enough?” She looked over, and smiled as she grabbed what she needed. Walking back she wrapped her arm around his waist, and he did the same; the two holding their jumpsuits in their arm not holding each other.

“Have fun you two.” Walking past was Jamie’s friend from earlier heading to her bunk from the showers wearing only a towel. Markus’s head turned, and he received a pinch from Jamie. “What? I told you I was new to this area.” Smiling, the two walked on. Arriving at the front doors he looked outside; it was a clear night. Putting his jumpsuit, and boots on, he watched Jamie put hers on over her clothes. She left the three buttons undone, and he watched her chest.

“You know you forgot the three buttons?”

“No I didn’t. You really haven’t been around women much.”

Walking outside Jamie led him to the passenger door of a parked jeep.

“Why can’t I drive? I’m the male here.”

“You’re right. But, I think you are in to poor of a condition to drive. Doc’s orders.”

“Fine I see how it is.”

He got in the passenger side, and sat down. Watching Jamie get in he waited until she started the jeep, and shifted to get more comfortable. Someone was walking from the building towards them. [Doesn’t matter. I’m with…don’t even know her name. I don’t care.] Markus closed his eyes, and tried to go to sleep despite the caffeine pill. He heard his sergeant’s voice. “What are you doing? I told you to give him the drugs, and that was it. Not take him for some joy ride.”

“He doesn’t need to sleep. He shouldn’t. He was already given one of those, and he still looked like crap after. I’m the medic here. Let me do my job.”

“I saw you two walk out of the bunks together. That is one damn good job. Private, get out of the vehicle now.”

Markus opened his eyes, and looked over at Sarge. He was holding the injector she had left in the bunk room. Hopping out of the jeep he took a step back from both of them.

“No way in hell are you injecting more of that shit into me again.”

“Fine, I’ve got another idea.” Sergeant Davenport tossed the needle towards her, and motioned for Markus to follow him. Looking at her, Markus walked past.

“We’ll catch up later, kay Markus.” He turned to her smiling, “Ya, I’ll see you around.”



Part three
----------------------------------------------

Turning towards Sarge he saw that he looked pissed. [That can’t be good.]

“Markus take a lap around the base perimeter. I’ll be back in an hour. Don’t even think about slacking on the pace either, because when I get back we’ll get started on some more heavy exercises.” Markus began to run.

[Let’s see. The base has a six mile perimeter, and Sarge is probably going to show before the hour is up. Good thing I’m still in the shape I was when I graduated from the academy. Broke those old records like nothing. Damn. To bad Sarge knows that. I wonder what other exercises he has planned? Oh well, I don’t care. It’ll be a breeze for me. I wish I knew that medics name though…]

“Since you finished in forty minutes private I’ll only make you do five-hundred pushups. I want them counted out loud too.”

Finishing off his last pushup, Markus stood up, and looked at Sarge. “Okay Markus. That was a good warm-up. I woke up Bear for you, and he’s waiting in the exercise room. You are his lifting partner for the day. Don’t keep him waiting.” [Fuck, Sarge is really pissed about that whole medic thing. Last guy to lift with Bear ended up in the infirmary with a broken spine.] “Alright Sarge.”

Arriving at the exercise room Markus looked around. A black man stood against the far wall. He headed over to Markus as he entered. Getting closer, Markus saw he was eight feet tall, and was four hundred pounds of muscle. “Thanks for helping me out Markus. My regular partner couldn’t make it today. Let’s get started with squats.” Moving over to an already set up area Markus looked at the weights Bear had placed on the bar. It all added up to eight hundred pounds.

[No wonder that guys spine broke. At least I’m not just a normal marine though] “You can lift first Markus.” Stepping next to the bar, he looked at the weights on the sides. Shaking his head he moved his head under the bar, and bent his legs. Lifting the bar off its resting place he moved back, and bent his legs. Standing back up again his leg muscles burned with the work they were put through. Doing this nine more times Markus placed the weight back on the rack, and stepped back from it with his leg muscles now tired. He was feeling pretty good about himself until Bear stepped up, and did fifty repetitions easily before placing the bar back.

Markus let Bear move out of the way, and stepped back to the bar. He thought he wasn’t about to be show up by someone else. Getting to twenty three reps Markus went for the twenty fourth when his legs started to shake. [Come on just…ahh shit.] His legs buckled on him as he began to collapse under the weight. Markus felt the weight lift off his shoulders, and noticed that Bear was spotting him now.

“Come on Markus. I’ll spot you so you can get fifty, but I won’t make it easy on you.”

“Alright.”

Getting fifty squats in, Markus’s legs gave out after he placed the bar back on. Laughing Bear helped him up.

“You’re an alright guy Markus. I finally talked my last partner into lifting the weights I used, but his spine broke on the second one. Lets just finish off bench, and then I’ll let you get back to Sarge.”

“What?”

“Ya. After you are done lifting with me Sarge wanted you back at the Marine equip area to get in a suit for some training.”

[Damn it. Why is sarge so pissed?] “Alright, let’s get this bench finished then…

Looking around the equip area he saw sarge waiting for him. “Get suited Markus, we’ve got some more training for you to do today. I’ve already got your suit cleaned, and waiting for you.” [More. I just lifted with bear! I just want to go to sleep.] Heading over to his suit at the equip station he looked at it carefully. It was still all black paint except on the top of the helmet where the paint was scratched away by ramming into the concrete wall. He stepped up on the platform, and got inside his suit.

Sarge stood up, and started heading outside. After getting suited an objective flashed on his HUD, “track.” [That bastard.] Heading outside he saw Sarge standing there next to the training track with a com. “Alright Fenix, take some laps.” Markus ran around the track ten times before Sarge came in on the com again. “Alright then do fifty laps, and you’ll be done for the day. Backpedaling.” [No way is he making me backpedal. Damn it. The suit doesn’t even help you backpedal. The servo system is only designed to help you move forward.] Doing a 180 degree turn, he began to slowly lift the suits legs, and move backwards. His marine armor leg reaching out behind him, planting, and then the other leg lifted, and he repeated this process until he came back around the track. His legs burned worse than when he did squats with Bear.

“Wow Markus. That lap only took you three minutes. After you are done with your fifty laps feel free to take a shower, and get some sleep.” [Fuck. Fifty more laps. I don’t think I can make this.] Slowly backpedaling around the track, he noticed that he was definitely going slower, and a new addition appeared on his HUD flashing three which was the number of laps he had completed…

The marine armor on the track almost appeared not to move. Slowly moving its legs behind itself over, and over again; this process stopped halfway around the track. Lifting the left leg, Markus Fenix knew it was pointless. His HUD flashed forty-nine, and he couldn’t go any farther. With only one foot on the ground, and the left leg moving to slow the weight overpowered the auto-balance system in the suit, and it fell. Cursing himself, he stood back up under the suits power assisting him. Taking another step he fell again. Two hundred meters to go, and he couldn’t finish by himself. This time the suit stayed on the ground. An hour later Bear walked over to it. Bending over, he tapped the visor, and spoke to Markus. Standing back up, Markus threw his arm around Bear’s shoulder, and lifted his foot...

“Thanks Bear. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“No problem. You should get some sleep cuz’ you look like shit.”

“I can’t. They gave me a caffeine pill.”

“So what are you going to do with your week off?”

“Go back to my apartment.”

Smiling Bear remarked, “Nah you should just stay on base. That’s what I do now. I went off base once, and people just treat you differently. I don’t even leave with the rest of the squad anymore.”

“Yah, but that’s what I do. I’ll see you around Bear.”

Arriving at the disassembly area Markus stepped out of his marine armor, and headed towards the showers. [Only person here.] He stripped, and turned on a shower. Stepping into it the warmth was a relaxation to his body after the trials it was just put through.

Getting out, he grabbed a towel, and headed back to his bunk. Opening his footlocker, he checked his platinum watch, and looked at the time. [Old school. Not even digital. 6:30. Wonder where that medic is? Oh well. Probably on an op patching up some wounded marine. Might as well find someone in my squad. I’ll go check up on Patrick. He’s most likely in the equipment room since he was moved to the marines from the engineering division.] Putting on his marine jumpsuit, he headed over to engineering.

Walking in the room, he saw Patrick sitting at a table with a tac shield, and some sort of grenade launcher that was split into two. One section had a barrel that branched off into three more. Patrick walked over to another part of the room, and grabbed a box of grenades.

“Sup Patrick.”

“Sup Markus. You okay? Heard about what happened.”

“Just a little shaken up. What are you doing?”

“Making modifications to a grenade launcher. I almost had to start a complete new design, but I think I got it figured out. A tri-barrel top loading grenade launcher. Going to make it so I can shoot it through the tac shield.”

“Patrick you are one crazy bastard.”

“Ya but if this works I’ll never get shot at.”

“So what did they move you from the engineering section for?”

“Officers didn’t approve of my designs, and screwing around with standard equipment. They just wanted everything streamlined. So they moved me here.”

“So how are you going to shoot grenades through the tac shield?”

“I’m going to have the tri-barrel attachment screw through the small window. It’ll load grenades three at a time into each of the barrels which’ll stick out past the tac sheild, and launch them out. I’m thinking of making it an automatic, but it depends if I have the time.”

“When do you think you are going to be finished with it?”

“By next Monday hopefully. I’ve picked up some communications from headquarters, and they are going to pick up the pace on anti-terrorist strikes.”

“To bad I won’t be here with you guys. Sarge gave me the next week off.”

“Sure kid. Officers have given me time like that off, and called me up the next day.”

“Sarge is different. I’m sure he’ll give me the time off.”

“Not when he needs the squad on these ops.”

“So are you going to the city on your week off.”

“No. I’ve got to finish this by Monday. I’ll see you around Markus.”

“Alright. See you Patrick.”

Leaving he wandered around the base.

“Hey Markus. Going to come to the city with us?”

Looking at the marine addressing him he saw that it was his friend from basic. They were in the same squad together.

“I guess I will.”

Climbing aboard the Armored Personnel Carrier the hatch shut, and it rumbled off to the city. When it arrived at the city everyone headed towards the nearest bar except for Markus. He headed towards the upper class district in his black marine jumpsuit.



Part Four
-----------------------------


Opening his eyes to the sun coming in through the windows that was last night filled with the stars he looked for the woman that was with him last night. Standing up off the couch, and stretching he could smell breakfast cooking. He could pick out the eggs, and bacon. She walked back in the room, and spoke to him first.

“I made you some breakfast. I figured you wouldn’t mind.”

“You can cook? So why are you still single?”

“Well I wasn’t last night.”

“Sorry. Your bruise seems to have healed pretty well though.”

Moving over to the window he looked over the city. Air traffic already cut across the cityscape in the early morning.

“Well if you are done watching the city I wouldn’t mind watching the Korprulu Sector Champion Games.”

“They are all on performance enhancing drugs anyways.”

“You have plenty of room to talk don’t you? Aren’t stimpacks standard issue to Marines?”

“I have never taken stimpacks for your information. I believe it degrades the neural pathways in less than a year, but like it matters. Most marines don’t live past the first few months even with stimpacks. But I still get my yearly supply of protein in every meal.” She smiled at him, and he continued on. “So anyways display screen on.”

Over the window a display screen slid down the wall, and he turned to watch it.

Instead of the games it was an advertisement to join the marines. A black marine armor jumped out of a dropship, and hit the ground running amidst the industrial music in the background. Circling the building it stopped at the back. Beginning to run it reached its top speed before smashing into the wall. Switching to a thermal HUD image it showed a grenade was flung into the room, and the marine opened fire with the gauss rifle. “Display screen off.” Collapsing onto his knees Markus let his hand slide across the screen as it lifted back into the ceiling. He stared at the floor until she spoke to him.

“Markus are you okay?”

“Ya I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want your breakfast?”

“That would be great.”

Standing up he looked out the window. Moving over to the kitchen area he looked at the breakfast that consisted of french toast, eggs, and bacon.

“My mother taught me how to cook. I already ate while you were sleeping.”

Sitting down, and looking at the food he started to eat as Alexandria left the room. As he neared the end of his breakfast a knock interrupted his thoughts. She re-entered the room.

“Wonder who that could be?”

“Probably that old bastard from last night to apologize to me.”

It was a different voice though. Shouting he could be heard through the door. “Alexandria. I’ll never hit you again, I promise.” The color drained from her face, and Markus stood up. Striding over to the elevator Alexandria moved in his way.

“No, please just pretend we’re not here. I don’t want to talk to him.”

Markus heard the door open, and looked at her.

“Looks like he is coming up here anyways no matter what you want. You can’t run away from your problems.”

Moving over to the elevator, she followed him in. As the elevator doors opened she stepped out, and headed over to the man approaching her. He was in standard first class citizen garb holding flowers, and her key card. He saw Markus step out of the elevator. Looking at Alexandria he spoke to her.

“Alexandria I’m sorry about last night.”

“I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

“I see how it is. You won’t sleep with me, but you’ll sleep with a marine.”

“No, it’s not like that.”

“You’re just a slu…” [Hell no.]

He never got to finish his sentence as Markus’s fist connected with his face. The man fell to the ground. Markus picked him up with one hand, and walked to the entryway. Grabbing Alexandria’s key card he opened the door, and tossed him out into the hallway.

“Learn some respect Citizen One.”

He headed back into the room, but was interrupted by automatic machine pistol fire. Twenty shots emptied from the pistol the man was holding, and cut a wide pattern across the entryway. Turning around Markus laughed as he saw the citizen trying to shoot him with his off hand while trying to keep his nose from bleeding everywhere with his other one. Clicking on empty he released the trigger, and reached for a fresh clip.

[Damn citizens can’t even learn to shoot straight. That pussy ass pistol wouldn’t even come close to penetrating the visor on a marine suit.]

Moving over he grabbed the pistol, and clip. Placing them both in his jumpsuit pocket he closed the door. Turning he saw her running towards him.

“Are you okay?”

“Ya, I’m fine. Sorry about the room, but he pulled a pistol on me.”

“I’m just glad you are okay.”

“So I’m guessing this statue is in the likeness of your father.”

“He thought it would be a good present for my birthday.”

“But do you like it?”

“I would prefer to see my father on my birthday.”

“So when is your birthday?”

“Well it was yesterday. He was at the Dylarian shipyards overlooking construction of his new flagship.”

“When was the last time you saw your father?”

“I saw him on my eighteenth birthday which was over a year ago.”

“I haven’t seen my parents for a couple years either.”

“So why did you really join the marines?”

“I was tired of people treating me like someone I wasn’t. No one took the time to get to know me, and already assumed they knew everything about me, and my family.”

“I’ve had that feeling before. So you already know my life story apparently. What about yourself?”

“Can I finish eating first? I’m still kind of hungry.”

“Sure, but you aren’t getting out of telling me about yourself.”

Walking back towards the elevator the two got in, and Markus headed over to his unfinished breakfast as she headed over to the display screen. Watching her sit down on the couch he lost track of what he was doing, and just stared across the room at her leaving his food untouched. As the display screen slid down she looked over at him, and smiled.

“Thought you were going to finish the breakfast I cooked for you. Don’t try to get out of telling me about yourself.”

Grinning he went back to his breakfast. Leaving his plate the way he left it earlier he moved over to the couch, and watched the display screen. Markus made a statement about the games.

“Looks like Kel-Morian worlds are making a comeback.”

“And that surprises you? The confederacy isn’t as invincible as everyone thinks it is.”

“Everyone is just human. It was bound to happen.”

Sitting down next to her on the couch he looked into her eyes.

“So tell me about yourself Markus.”

“I was raised a first class citizen, and applied for the marines when I turned seventeen and a half. My parents disagreed with my decisions, but wanted to help me. They wanted to make sure I was safe, and placed at some quiet post.

“Capital city of the capital world of the confederacy. Had to be the safest place you could get.”

“Well I decided to leave my family, and start a new life.”

“So who is this family of yours then? You obviously know about my father, so you should tell me about yours.”

“A well off first class family.”

“Uh-huh. I see how it is. I’ll make you tell me eventually. Tell me more about yourself.”

“Well after graduating from school I went to the academy, and graduated at the top of my class with some help that my parents gave me. I’ve been a private first class for a month. Went on my first mission last week, and now have this week off.”

“So that would make you around nineteen.”

“No. I went through the accelerated program in the academy, and graduated in three months. So…I know about your father, but not about you.”

“Well let’s see. I moved out from my parent’s house when I turned eighteen. I’ve lived here ever since.”

“That long? I’ve lived by myself ever since I was sixteen.”

“What caused you to move out so early?”

“My parents were loaded, and I decided to move out in my own world.”

“I’m guessing you are not going to tell me about your parents though.”

“Nope, at least not right now.”

“See if I ever cook you breakfast again.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“So what are you going to do with your week off?”

“No idea. You have any?”

“We could just sleep the afternoon away. I don’t really feel like going out, and doing anything just now.”

“How about I go back to my place, and sleep too. When you wake up we can go to a movie, club, or dinner, or something.”

“Ya, sounds good Markus. I’ll see you when I wake up.”

“I’ll see you later than.”

Standing up from the couch he turned towards the elevator.

“Hey Markus.”

“Ya?”

She stood up, and hugged him. .

“Thanks for being there for me.”

“No problem. So I’ll see you around seventeen hundred hours.”

“Okay.”

Walking to the main elevator, Markus got in. Walking inside a distribution center he grabbed the standard citizen one garb, and some other miscellaneous things. Sliding his identification card into the slot, the computer processed it, and he left the building.

Getting back inside his own top level apartment he unceremoniously threw what he had bought onto the ground. Lying down on the couch he went to sleep.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Markus get your lazy ass out of bed. We need to go get breakfast, and you know what happens if we’re late.”

“Damn it’s fucking early. Why do they make us get up at four in the morning for breakfast?”

“We’re in the accelerated program dip shit. Now come on.”

Opening his eyes he looked around the barracks room. Everyone was up, and going except for him. Standing up he opened his footlocker, and quickly dressed in his military training uniform. His head recoiled from the smell of the sweat being left on it yesterday from their training sessions. His fellow cadet waited for him, and together they sprinted over to the mess hall being the last ones in line. Sergeant Davenport approached the two of them.

“So Nausich and Fenix. Decided to show up last for breakfast did we? That’s five laps around the base perimeter, and one thousand push-ups. Then you can get your breakfast.”

Their voices echoed simultaneously, “Sir, yes Sir.”

When the two got out of ear shot Nausic spoke first.

“I told you. Know we have to run for you.”

“You need the running anyways. You are starting to get out of shape.”

“Bullshit. I’m in just as good of shape as you are.”

Markus smiled, because it was true.

“Ya, ya, ya.”

“So Markus. Did you get checked out by those medics yesterday. Damn, I thought they always wore those medic suits, but I guess I was wrong. Girl that checked me out was hell of fine. Even got her comm frequency.”

“Oh and when are you going to call her? When you get off of training tonight at ten. That’s a real bright idea numb nuts. Probably get expelled from the academy, and shipped off to fight some rebels right there.”

“Give me a break. I can pull it off.”

“Sure. Between all of the instructions we get when are you going to have the time to change the frequency, chat with her, and change it back?”

“That’s easy. I’ll just pick up an extra comm, and put it in my suit. Guaranteed right there. The drills are hell of easy now. I think I have them down almost better than you do. I can take any of the punishment they give me anyways.”

“Is it worth getting busted for?”

“Hell ya it is. You should see this medic. Blonde hair, blue eyes.”

“If you get caught I am going to laugh my butt off.”

“Ya just finish your laps, and let the pros handle their stuff.”

Completing their punishment they went to the mess hall just as everyone else was filing out.

“If you weren’t talking the whole time Nausic we could have made it for breakfast.”

“If you weren’t late we wouldn’t have had to run at all.”

Filing off the group closed up in a five by ten block, and began to jog around the base. Three hours later they filed back into the mess hall. Eating their lunch quickly they headed back out to a track, and began doing ladder sprints. An hour later they were back at the engineering area. Nausic walked over to an equipment area, and grabbed a comm while everyone was busy customizing their armor.

“Wow Nausic. Hope you pull it off.” Smiling Markus looked back at his suit.

[All black. I don’t see the point of customizing my suit though. I’m just going to get shot anyways, and have to fix it. Can’t believe he’s doing it.]

An hour later everyone had their suits set up at the equip area. Ten minutes after that they were all suited up, and out on the field with just their marine armor. All of them had their visors down. A voice came in over their comm. Systems.

“Alright you pussies. Today is an easy day. Take some laps, and work the kinks out. This is only the third day you’ve had your suits so don’t break them. Jogging, Markus headed over to Anderson. Seeing him nod his head, Markus figured his plan had gone into action. Taking long steps in his suit, he tested out the max length of stride he could get.

[Maybe they would see who would be fastest in their suits today?]

Interrupting his own environment he heard the sergeant’s voice issue from the speaker inside the head area.

“Alright you pussies form up. We are going to simulate a blood soaked battlefield. Your objective is to get to the other side. Oh and by the way. This is a live fire exercise.” Large cargo haulers moved across the field, and dispelled their cargo. Butchered human corpses were dispensed across the “battlefield” with the grass now soaked in blood. “Oh and by the way, all of your visors are broken.” All of their visors flipped up, and Anderson’s face went pale just as a female voice issued from his speakers that everyone could hear.

“So when can I see you Michael?”

[Ahh shit. That is hilarious.]

“What the fuck is that private Nausic? What the hell do you think you are doing? The old two comm trick.” Walking over behind him he opened the small compartment area of the fuel rod. Pulling it out he kicked his suit’s knee out, and Michael fell to the ground. “Just for being a dumb ass you get to crawl across the field unassisted by your suit’s power, because apparently your dumbass got hit by an EMP.

[Shit I can’t hold it in. Why did he have to get caught?]

Busting out laughing during this tirade everyone shifted their attention to the now laughing Markus.

“You think that’s funny too dip shit? Just for that your suit’s been hit with an EMP blast too. Apparently your fucking dumb ass stood right next to him.” Pulling out his suits fuel rod he hadded, “Oh, and your suit has a reactor problem. It’s going to explode in an hour.” Kicking his suit to the ground, he turned, and left while waving his hand. Automatic chain guns kicked on, and popped out of the ground. Beginning to fire, they cut into a pile of bodies that somehow had clumped together instead of being evenly dispersed.

[Ahh shit that’s gross. Why the hell couldn’t I keep my mouth shut.]

Nausic’s suit moved past his, and he crawled to catch up to him. These two finally took the lead, but didn’t hold it for long across the blood covered field. Some other people figured out how to crawl correctly and efficiently and passed them in a few minutes.

[Fucking bastards. I would take this if I had my suits power.]

Watching the group ahead of them begin to outdistance them he began to pass Michael.

“Fenix you bastard. Just wait until the end. That is when I’m saving it for.”

“Sure…what the hell was that?”

Just ahead several small objects popped out of the ground, and scuttled over to the lead group. Stopping ten feet ahead of them they popped into the air, and their visors slid down to cover their faces. Exploding it caused the bodies near them to shower them all with blood, and body parts; it gave their nice custom paint jobs a new red splatter cover; not to mention the shrapnel now in their armor. Their visors shattered, but it stopped the fragments from doing serious harm to their face.

Sarge’s voice came over a loudspeaker now. “Nice job dip shits. You are all fucking dead. Congratulations on dying by automated mines. You guys get to lay there while your suits servos lock up, and don’t move for a couple hours while some officers decide if your sorry ass bodies are worth pulling out of a battlefield. Unlike Markus’s, and Michael’s here whose suits power assistance is just off, and in the lead of the rest of you live bastards. The rest of you idiots are probably going to get caught in an artillery barrage. Nice job though Markus. You have made it halfway in twenty minutes. Looks like you might survive after all.

“That guy just has to rub it in. Good thing he pulled our power, I didn’t want to hear him rant at us anyways. But no, now he has to get on a loudspeaker. Fucking bastard turned off my suits comm remotely before we started crawling too.”

“So Nausic. How’s that medic doing.”

“Just great. She wanted to meet me at the mess hall sometime, but we both saw how that ended up. I can’t talk back to her, because I thought we would have our visors down. Shit! that is how Sarge noticed. When I talked into one, I talked into the other. Fuck. I forgot to switch it so they both aren’t hooked into the mike.”

“Rookie mistake for a professional. So do you know how we are going to get past this.”

“Just let the pro work.”

Nausic moved over to a pile of bodies, and grabbed several body parts. Moving ahead to where the other group lay, he crawled over them, and splashed their faces with the blood.

“Yup that’s how blood feels dumb asses. Sucks to die doesn’t it?”

“Micheal you are an ass hole.”

“So what? I wouldn’t be an ass hole to them if you weren’t dead.”

[Shit, he’s ahead now. But what the hell is he doing?]

Tossing the body parts ahead of him about ten feet more mines popped out of the ground, and did the same thing. However, he was to far away from the shrapnel. Commendation was heard over the comm system.

“Nice job Nausic. Looks like your dumb ass might get a field promotion for using dead bodies to trigger mines. Although you were dumb enough to get hit by an EMP. You should hear your medic chat about you though.”

“That fucking ass hole. Hey Markus when you pass those other guys smear some more blood on them.”

“Why?”

“Cuz’ they were the top students in our class.”

“Good point.”

Pulling his own body parts he dragged them across their suits as he crawled over them, and splashed some blood into the head area just like Michael did. Finally catching up to Michael he was about to pass him when a new thought came to his mind.

“Mike I’ll let you finish first if you help me. We’re going to slow, and I can’t make it on my own. If we alternate crawling, and throwing body parts though we should be able to make it with about a minute to spare.”

“Alright. But I’m going to be number one now, since we tied on everything else.”

“That’s okay. I would fail on my own.”

The two crawled in an alternating pattern of one throwing body parts while the other crawled forward, and began to throw their own body parts while the other person caught up. It didn’t matter though. Neither of them noticed the others catching up to them. Eventually they got to the end just as the others began to catch up to them since they finally figured out how to crawl efficiently in marine suits. Not having to stop, and throw body parts to clear the mine field also helped. Right before clearing the gun fire the other trainees caught up. Clearing the field of fire they stood up, and sprinted. Outpacing both Markus, and Nausic with their servos working.

“Looks like it doesn’t matter Markus. You can finish first though. I’m dead tired. I can’t go on.”

“Alright whatever. You probably just want to chat with that medic, and tell Sarge you’ve been shot. Last words to a lover or something.”

“No I wouldn’t do that. I thought about it, but Sarge might actually shoot me.”

Markus stood up, and walked over to the group celebrating their rise to dominancy with Michael smiling all the way. Standing up Michael walked over, and stopped a couple hundred feet away from the others. Their celebration went on for a few minutes with them congratulating each other. They saw Markus coming, and walked over to him, and congratulated him on surviving.

Michael walked over to Sarge standing off to the side.

“You guys both lost. Way to go. You two could have easily taken first, and second if you didn’t pull that stunt.”

“No, Sarge. I believe I am the sole survivor of our platoon. I think it’s been about an hour, and Markus’s suit is due to overload any second now.”

“You are one fucking genius Nausic.” Flipping on his loudspeaker, he addressed the rest of them. Since you all apparently love Markus so much, and wanted to surround him as his suit exploded everyone that died gets to run around the base.”

“So Sarge. What do you want me to do?”

“Go to the mess hall, and get some dinner with your medic. Than head back to your bunk, and get some sleep. If there is anything past the mess hall you’ll wish you were dead. But please clean the blood off of your suit, and get the smell of dead bodies off of you before you talk to her.”

Michael walked off towards the showers with a smile on plastered on his face. He would have had a spring in his step except for the five hundred pound marine armor weighing him down.



Part five
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Opening his eyes to the sun coming in through the windows that was last night filled with the stars he looked for the woman that was with him last night. Standing up off the couch, and stretching he could smell breakfast cooking. He could pick out the eggs, and bacon. She walked back in the room, and spoke to him first.

“I made you some breakfast. I figured you wouldn’t mind.”

“You can cook? So why are you still single?”

“Well I wasn’t last night.”

“Sorry. Your bruise seems to have healed pretty well though.”

Moving over to the window he looked over the city. Air traffic already cut across the cityscape in the early morning.

“Well if you are done watching the city I wouldn’t mind watching the Korprulu Sector Champion Games.”

“They are all on performance enhancing drugs anyways.”

“You have plenty of room to talk don’t you? Aren’t stimpacks standard issue to Marines?”

“I have never taken stimpacks for your information. I believe it degrades the neural pathways in less than a year, but like it matters. Most marines don’t live past the first few months even with stimpacks. But I still get my yearly supply of protein in every meal.” She smiled at him, and he continued on. “So anyways display screen on.”

Over the window a display screen slid down the wall, and he turned to watch it.

Instead of the games it was an advertisement to join the marines. A black marine armor jumped out of a dropship, and hit the ground running amidst the industrial music in the background. Circling the building it stopped at the back. Beginning to run it reached its top speed before smashing into the wall. Switching to a thermal HUD image it showed a grenade was flung into the room, and the marine opened fire with the gauss rifle. “Display screen off.” Collapsing onto his knees Markus let his hand slide across the screen as it lifted back into the ceiling. He stared at the floor until she spoke to him.

“Markus are you okay?”

“Ya I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want your breakfast?”

“That would be great.”

Standing up he looked out the window. Moving over to the kitchen area he looked at the breakfast that consisted of french toast, eggs, and bacon.

“My mother taught me how to cook. I already ate while you were sleeping.”

Sitting down, and looking at the food he started to eat as Alexandria left the room. As he neared the end of his breakfast a knock interrupted his thoughts. She re-entered the room.

“Wonder who that could be?”

“Probably that old bastard from last night to apologize to me.”

It was a different voice though. Shouting he could be heard through the door. “Alexandria. I’ll never hit you again, I promise.” The color drained from her face, and Markus stood up. Striding over to the elevator Alexandria moved in his way.

“No, please just pretend we’re not here. I don’t want to talk to him.”

Markus heard the door open, and looked at her.

“Looks like he is coming up here anyways no matter what you want. You can’t run away from your problems.”

Moving over to the elevator, she followed him in. As the elevator doors opened she stepped out, and headed over to the man approaching her. He was in standard first class citizen garb holding flowers, and her key card. He saw Markus step out of the elevator. Looking at Alexandria he spoke to her.

“Alexandria I’m sorry about last night.”

“I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

“I see how it is. You won’t sleep with me, but you’ll sleep with a marine.”

“No, it’s not like that.”

“You’re just a slu…” [Hell no.]

He never got to finish his sentence as Markus’s fist connected with his face. The man fell to the ground. Markus picked him up with one hand, and walked to the entryway. Grabbing Alexandria’s key card he opened the door, and tossed him out into the hallway.

“Learn some respect Citizen One.”

He headed back into the room, but was interrupted by automatic machine pistol fire. Twenty shots emptied from the pistol the man was holding, and cut a wide pattern across the entryway. Turning around Markus laughed as he saw the citizen trying to shoot him with his off hand while trying to keep his nose from bleeding everywhere with his other one. Clicking on empty he released the trigger, and reached for a fresh clip.

[Damn citizens can’t even learn to shoot straight. That pussy ass pistol wouldn’t even come close to penetrating the visor on a marine suit.]

Moving over he grabbed the pistol, and clip. Placing them both in his jumpsuit pocket he closed the door. Turning he saw her running towards him.

“Are you okay?”

“Ya, I’m fine. Sorry about the room, but he pulled a pistol on me.”

“I’m just glad you are okay.”

“So I’m guessing this statue is in the likeness of your father.”

“He thought it would be a good present for my birthday.”

“But do you like it?”

“I would prefer to see my father on my birthday.”

“So when is your birthday?”

“Well it was yesterday. He was at the Dylarian shipyards overlooking construction of his new flagship.”

“When was the last time you saw your father?”

“I saw him on my eighteenth birthday which was over a year ago.”

“I haven’t seen my parents for a couple years either.”

“So why did you really join the marines?”

“I was tired of people treating me like someone I wasn’t. No one took the time to get to know me, and already assumed they knew everything about me, and my family.”

“I’ve had that feeling before. So you already know my life story apparently. What about yourself?”

“Can I finish eating first? I’m still kind of hungry.”

“Sure, but you aren’t getting out of telling me about yourself.”

Walking back towards the elevator the two got in, and Markus headed over to his unfinished breakfast as she headed over to the display screen. Watching her sit down on the couch he lost track of what he was doing, and just stared across the room at her leaving his food untouched. As the display screen slid down she looked over at him, and smiled.

“Thought you were going to finish the breakfast I cooked for you. Don’t try to get out of telling me about yourself.”

Grinning he went back to his breakfast. Leaving his plate the way he left it earlier he moved over to the couch, and watched the display screen. Markus made a statement about the games.

“Looks like Kel-Morian worlds are making a comeback.”

“And that surprises you? The confederacy isn’t as invincible as everyone thinks it is.”

“Everyone is just human. It was bound to happen.”

Sitting down next to her on the couch he looked into her eyes.

“So tell me about yourself Markus.”

“I was raised a first class citizen, and applied for the marines when I turned seventeen and a half. My parents disagreed with my decisions, but wanted to help me. They wanted to make sure I was safe, and placed at some quiet post.

“Capital city of the capital world of the confederacy. Had to be the safest place you could get.”

“Well I decided to leave my family, and start a new life.”

“So who is this family of yours then? You obviously know about my father, so you should tell me about yours.”

“A well off first class family.”

“Uh-huh. I see how it is. I’ll make you tell me eventually. Tell me more about yourself.”

“Well after graduating from school I went to the academy, and graduated at the top of my class with some help that my parents gave me. I’ve been a private first class for a month. Went on my first mission last week, and now have this week off.”

“So that would make you around nineteen.”

“No. I went through the accelerated program in the academy, and graduated in three months. So…I know about your father, but not about you.”

“Well let’s see. I moved out from my parent’s house when I turned eighteen. I’ve lived here ever since.”

“That long? I’ve lived by myself ever since I was sixteen.”

“What caused you to move out so early?”

“My parents were loaded, and I decided to move out in my own world.”

“I’m guessing you are not going to tell me about your parents though.”

“Nope, at least not right now.”

“See if I ever cook you breakfast again.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“So what are you going to do with your week off?”

“No idea. You have any?”

“We could just sleep the afternoon away. I don’t really feel like going out, and doing anything just now.”

“How about I go back to my place, and sleep too. When you wake up we can go to a movie, club, or dinner, or something.”

“Ya, sounds good Markus. I’ll see you when I wake up.”

“I’ll see you later than.”

Standing up from the couch he turned towards the elevator.

“Hey Markus.”

“Ya?”

She stood up, and hugged him. .

“Thanks for being there for me.”

“No problem. So I’ll see you around seventeen hundred hours.”

“Okay.”

Walking to the main elevator, Markus got in. Walking inside a distribution center he grabbed the standard citizen one garb, and some other miscellaneous things. Sliding his identification card into the slot, the computer processed it, and he left the building.

Getting back inside his own top level apartment he unceremoniously threw what he had bought onto the ground. Lying down on the couch he went to sleep.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Markus get your lazy ass out of bed. We need to go get breakfast, and you know what happens if we’re late.”

“Damn it’s fucking early. Why do they make us get up at four in the morning for breakfast?”

“We’re in the accelerated program dip shit. Now come on.”

Opening his eyes he looked around the barracks room. Everyone was up, and going except for him. Standing up he opened his footlocker, and quickly dressed in his military training uniform. His head recoiled from the smell of the sweat being left on it yesterday from their training sessions. His fellow cadet waited for him, and together they sprinted over to the mess hall being the last ones in line. Sergeant Davenport approached the two of them.

“So Nausich and Fenix. Decided to show up last for breakfast did we? That’s five laps around the base perimeter, and one thousand push-ups. Then you can get your breakfast.”

Their voices echoed simultaneously, “Sir, yes Sir.”

When the two got out of ear shot Nausic spoke first.

“I told you. Know we have to run for you.”

“You need the running anyways. You are starting to get out of shape.”

“Bullshit. I’m in just as good of shape as you are.”

Markus smiled, because it was true.

“Ya, ya, ya.”

“So Markus. Did you get checked out by those medics yesterday. Damn, I thought they always wore those medic suits, but I guess I was wrong. Girl that checked me out was hell of fine. Even got her comm frequency.”

“Oh and when are you going to call her? When you get off of training tonight at ten. That’s a real bright idea numb nuts. Probably get expelled from the academy, and shipped off to fight some rebels right there.”

“Give me a break. I can pull it off.”

“Sure. Between all of the instructions we get when are you going to have the time to change the frequency, chat with her, and change it back?”

“That’s easy. I’ll just pick up an extra comm, and put it in my suit. Guaranteed right there. The drills are hell of easy now. I think I have them down almost better than you do. I can take any of the punishment they give me anyways.”

“Is it worth getting busted for?”

“Hell ya it is. You should see this medic. Blonde hair, blue eyes.”

“If you get caught I am going to laugh my butt off.”

“Ya just finish your laps, and let the pros handle their stuff.”

Completing their punishment they went to the mess hall just as everyone else was filing out.

“If you weren’t talking the whole time Nausic we could have made it for breakfast.”

“If you weren’t late we wouldn’t have had to run at all.”

Filing off the group closed up in a five by ten block, and began to jog around the base. Three hours later they filed back into the mess hall. Eating their lunch quickly they headed back out to a track, and began doing ladder sprints. An hour later they were back at the engineering area. Nausic walked over to an equipment area, and grabbed a comm while everyone was busy customizing their armor.

“Wow Nausic. Hope you pull it off.” Smiling Markus looked back at his suit.

[All black. I don’t see the point of customizing my suit though. I’m just going to get shot anyways, and have to fix it. Can’t believe he’s doing it.]

An hour later everyone had their suits set up at the equip area. Ten minutes after that they were all suited up, and out on the field with just their marine armor. All of them had their visors down. A voice came in over their comm. Systems.

“Alright you pussies. Today is an easy day. Take some laps, and work the kinks out. This is only the third day you’ve had your suits so don’t break them. Jogging, Markus headed over to Anderson. Seeing him nod his head, Markus figured his plan had gone into action. Taking long steps in his suit, he tested out the max length of stride he could get.

[Maybe they would see who would be fastest in their suits today?]

Interrupting his own environment he heard the sergeant’s voice issue from the speaker inside the head area.

“Alright you pussies form up. We are going to simulate a blood soaked battlefield. Your objective is to get to the other side. Oh and by the way. This is a live fire exercise.” Large cargo haulers moved across the field, and dispelled their cargo. Butchered human corpses were dispensed across the “battlefield” with the grass now soaked in blood. “Oh and by the way, all of your visors are broken.” All of their visors flipped up, and Anderson’s face went pale just as a female voice issued from his speakers that everyone could hear.

“So when can I see you Michael?”

[Ahh shit. That is hilarious.]

“What the fuck is that private Nausic? What the hell do you think you are doing? The old two comm trick.” Walking over behind him he opened the small compartment area of the fuel rod. Pulling it out he kicked his suit’s knee out, and Michael fell to the ground. “Just for being a dumb ass you get to crawl across the field unassisted by your suit’s power, because apparently your dumbass got hit by an EMP.

[Shit I can’t hold it in. Why did he have to get caught?]

Busting out laughing during this tirade everyone shifted their attention to the now laughing Markus.

“You think that’s funny too dip shit? Just for that your suit’s been hit with an EMP blast too. Apparently your fucking dumb ass stood right next to him.” Pulling out his suits fuel rod he hadded, “Oh, and your suit has a reactor problem. It’s going to explode in an hour.” Kicking his suit to the ground, he turned, and left while waving his hand. Automatic chain guns kicked on, and popped out of the ground. Beginning to fire, they cut into a pile of bodies that somehow had clumped together instead of being evenly dispersed.

[Ahh shit that’s gross. Why the hell couldn’t I keep my mouth shut.]

Nausic’s suit moved past his, and he crawled to catch up to him. These two finally took the lead, but didn’t hold it for long across the blood covered field. Some other people figured out how to crawl correctly and efficiently and passed them in a few minutes.

[Fucking bastards. I would take this if I had my suits power.]

Watching the group ahead of them begin to outdistance them he began to pass Michael.

“Fenix you bastard. Just wait until the end. That is when I’m saving it for.”

“Sure…what the hell was that?”

Just ahead several small objects popped out of the ground, and scuttled over to the lead group. Stopping ten feet ahead of them they popped into the air, and their visors slid down to cover their faces. Exploding it caused the bodies near them to shower them all with blood, and body parts; it gave their nice custom paint jobs a new red splatter cover; not to mention the shrapnel now in their armor. Their visors shattered, but it stopped the fragments from doing serious harm to their face.

Sarge’s voice came over a loudspeaker now. “Nice job dip shits. You are all fucking dead. Congratulations on dying by automated mines. You guys get to lay there while your suits servos lock up, and don’t move for a couple hours while some officers decide if your sorry ass bodies are worth pulling out of a battlefield. Unlike Markus’s, and Michael’s here whose suits power assistance is just off, and in the lead of the rest of you live bastards. The rest of you idiots are probably going to get caught in an artillery barrage. Nice job though Markus. You have made it halfway in twenty minutes. Looks like you might survive after all.

“That guy just has to rub it in. Good thing he pulled our power, I didn’t want to hear him rant at us anyways. But no, now he has to get on a loudspeaker. Fucking bastard turned off my suits comm remotely before we started crawling too.”

“So Nausic. How’s that medic doing.”

“Just great. She wanted to meet me at the mess hall sometime, but we both saw how that ended up. I can’t talk back to her, because I thought we would have our visors down. Shit! that is how Sarge noticed. When I talked into one, I talked into the other. Fuck. I forgot to switch it so they both aren’t hooked into the mike.”

“Rookie mistake for a professional. So do you know how we are going to get past this.”

“Just let the pro work.”

Nausic moved over to a pile of bodies, and grabbed several body parts. Moving ahead to where the other group lay, he crawled over them, and splashed their faces with the blood.

“Yup that’s how blood feels dumb asses. Sucks to die doesn’t it?”

“Micheal you are an ass hole.”

“So what? I wouldn’t be an ass hole to them if you weren’t dead.”

[Shit, he’s ahead now. But what the hell is he doing?]

Tossing the body parts ahead of him about ten feet more mines popped out of the ground, and did the same thing. However, he was to far away from the shrapnel. Commendation was heard over the comm system.

“Nice job Nausic. Looks like your dumb ass might get a field promotion for using dead bodies to trigger mines. Although you were dumb enough to get hit by an EMP. You should hear your medic chat about you though.”

“That fucking ass hole. Hey Markus when you pass those other guys smear some more blood on them.”

“Why?”

“Cuz’ they were the top students in our class.”

“Good point.”

Pulling his own body parts he dragged them across their suits as he crawled over them, and splashed some blood into the head area just like Michael did. Finally catching up to Michael he was about to pass him when a new thought came to his mind.

“Mike I’ll let you finish first if you help me. We’re going to slow, and I can’t make it on my own. If we alternate crawling, and throwing body parts though we should be able to make it with about a minute to spare.”

“Alright. But I’m going to be number one now, since we tied on everything else.”

“That’s okay. I would fail on my own.”

The two crawled in an alternating pattern of one throwing body parts while the other crawled forward, and began to throw their own body parts while the other person caught up. It didn’t matter though. Neither of them noticed the others catching up to them. Eventually they got to the end just as the others began to catch up to them since they finally figured out how to crawl efficiently in marine suits. Not having to stop, and throw body parts to clear the mine field also helped. Right before clearing the gun fire the other trainees caught up. Clearing the field of fire they stood up, and sprinted. Outpacing both Markus, and Nausic with their servos working.

“Looks like it doesn’t matter Markus. You can finish first though. I’m dead tired. I can’t go on.”

“Alright whatever. You probably just want to chat with that medic, and tell Sarge you’ve been shot. Last words to a lover or something.”

“No I wouldn’t do that. I thought about it, but Sarge might actually shoot me.”

Markus stood up, and walked over to the group celebrating their rise to dominancy with Michael smiling all the way. Standing up Michael walked over, and stopped a couple hundred feet away from the others. Their celebration went on for a few minutes with them congratulating each other. They saw Markus coming, and walked over to him, and congratulated him on surviving.

Michael walked over to Sarge standing off to the side.

“You guys both lost. Way to go. You two could have easily taken first, and second if you didn’t pull that stunt.”

“No, Sarge. I believe I am the sole survivor of our platoon. I think it’s been about an hour, and Markus’s suit is due to overload any second now.”

“You are one fucking genius Nausic.” Flipping on his loudspeaker, he addressed the rest of them. Since you all apparently love Markus so much, and wanted to surround him as his suit exploded everyone that died gets to run around the base.”

“So Sarge. What do you want me to do?”

“Go to the mess hall, and get some dinner with your medic. Than head back to your bunk, and get some sleep. If there is anything past the mess hall you’ll wish you were dead. But please clean the blood off of your suit, and get the smell of dead bodies off of you before you talk to her.”

Michael walked off towards the showers with a smile on plastered on his face. He would have had a spring in his step except for the five hundred pound marine armor weighing him down.



Part Five
---------------------

Sorry, but I don't think there is any action in this piece. There'll bemore in chapter 2. Probably a couple of errors, but I want to get started on chapter 2 which was where I was going to originally start this. it's kind of a novel now, and I'm sorry for all of the dialogue. Comments are acceptable.

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[Damn. What time is it?]

Looking at his platinum watch he saw it was 5:49.

[Good thing I woke up. Damn I’m hungry. Haven’t even bought food for this place yet. Oh well. I’ll just take a shower, and head over to her place.]

After taking a shower he put on a standard citizen one garb. Black slacks with a black collared short sleeved shirt, and a black tie with black shoes. Walking back into the main room he walked over to the display screen.

“Contact Alexendria Raniel.”

The picture snapped into focus, and it showed an unoccupied room.

“Alexandria?”

“Ya markus?”

“I think we’ll head out to a restaurant, and get an early dinner. Are you ready?”

“Ya. Just come over, and wait on the top floor. I’ll be ready in a couple of minutes.”

“Alright.”

Arriving at the top floor of her apartment he stepped out of the elevator. Not seeing her he walked over to the couch, and sat down.

[I’m hungry. Where to go and what to eat though. What to do after we eat to. I should have thought this out more, but oh well.]

“K’ Markus. I’m ready to go.”

Standing up he turned around, and saw her walk into the room. Markus’s eyes glanced across her body. She was wearing a black skirt that almost went down to her knees, and a black blouse. Her purse swung at her side.

“You look great.”

“You don’t look to bad yourself.”

Leaving the apartment building together side-by-side they walked over to a nearby restaurant building. Getting on the elevator they headed to the top floor.

“So Markus where are you from?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Yes I would as a matter of fact.”

“I’m not going to tell you.”

“Stepping out of the elevator he walked over to the lectern.

“Table for two on the roof please.”

The host tapped the screen in front of him a few times, and began to walk.

“Right this way sir.”

[Different treatment for dressing differently.]

All three of them walked up the stairs that proceeded up into the center of the roof. Markus didn’t look around, because he already knew what it looked like from past experiences. Tables were spread across the roof, and a three foot glass wall surrounded the edge of the roof. Most tables had four chairs. However, two chairs at a table near the edge slipped into the ground, and disappeared. More concrete replaced where the chairs were. Markus helped Alexandria sit in one of the remaining chairs before moving onto his own.

Two small datapads rose out of the table. Markus pulled one to himself, and browsed the menu, but Alexandria just stared at him. Finishing with the datapad Markus set it down.

“So Markus are you even going to tell me what planet you were originally from?”

“No.”

“Are you going to tell me anything about yourself?”

“Maybe.”

“So what do you know about me?”

“Not much really. I just know about your father’s service record. I didn’t even know he had a daughter until that guy mentioned your last name.”

“Well according to the Confederate Network you were born, and raised on Tarsonis. Both of your parents are supposed to be dead, but you haven’t said anything about that.”

“Can we talk about this later?”

“No.”

Placing his dinner on the table, the waiter left them. She pushed the food off to the side, and looked at Markus.

“Markus you told me people already thought they knew what you were like, and never took the time to get to know you as a person. I’m trying to get to know you, but you just keep pushing me away. All I know about you is that you are some rich marine. Was that you in the marine recruitment video?”

“Why do you want to get to know me? Why is it so important to you?”

“Why do I need a reason?”

“Fine, but can we talk somewhere more private.”

“Alright let’s go.”

Standing up she took out two one hundred c-bills from her purse, and threw them on the table. Walking over to Markus she stared at him. Standing up he began to walk with her back to the apartment building.


---------------------------------------------------


On the planet Umoja a younger Markus approached the mansion wearing his blue collared shirt, and black slacks. The mansion was set on a hill overlooking the capitol city. Automated doors swung open as he approached. Saluting him the guards on duty let him pass without a word. Finding his way unerringly through the mansion’s maze of corridors he made his way to his father’s office. His father was discussing business with a man. He moved to the door, and waited.

“The Confederate Military would greatly appreciate your business.”

“We have already been shipping weapons to your bases, but why do you need that much military hardware?”

“Confederate matters. All you need to know is that we’ll agree to pay twenty percent more than usual, and we’ll look over any past matters of you dealing with the Sons of Korhal.”

“You need my hardware, but why are you willing to pay that much more. You just ended your war with the guilds, and I haven’t heard from my sources about a new war brewing besides your local pirate militias.”

“The Sons of Korhal are starting to get momentum in the outer colonies.”

“Surely they don’t pose that much of a threat to you?”

“They have started recruiting from the populace on the fringe worlds, but this hardware is staying on Tarsonis.”

“What else will you give me besides money, and overlooking my private dealings?”

“A new life.”

“I’ve forged my empire from the ground up. I started with one weapons factory, and I now control over twenty percent of all Terran military productions, not to mention all of the other military grade tech we produce But, I might have what you want lying around in one of our storage facilities. You’ll get what you want, but I do not want a new life.”

“Maybe others will have more sense than you, but we do greatly appreciate your cooperation that you have given.”

The door opened, and a man in a Confederate Naval uniform strode out. Walking past Markus he continued on. Turning around Markus followed this man through the halls, and back out of the mansion. Both of them continued on out of the compound into a nearby clearing with a Confederate gunship.

“Wait.”

Looking around him the Confederate Naval officer spotted Markus, and began to smile.

”So you must be the infamous Markus.”

“Yes I am. And who would you be?”

“Vice Admiral Raneil of the Confederate Naval Force. How can I be of service to you?”

“Get me a new life.”

“And why would the sole child of your father’s empire want a new life? Do you not have enough money, and fame? Or is it something else? There’ll be a nice new opening for a commodore of my new flagship in less than a year. That should be more than enough time for you to run through officer training.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of a private in the army in regular service”

“I’ll run it by Confederate Intel. I’ll tell you what. I’ll be back in a week, and we’ll pick you up then. Sorry to cut this short, but I have to get back on my patrol vector.”

Turning around the vice admiral boarded the sleek gunship that took off for his orbiting battlecruiser. Markus headed back to the mansion with the sun setting. Walking through the halls he made his way to his father. He was talking into his personal display screen that rose up from his desk located near the back of his spacious and heavily decorated room.

“Give the confederates what they want. Restock our outer facilities with more equipment by the usual means though. Send the Sons of Korhal some of the outdated equipment at their base. Display screen off.”

Flipping horizontally the display screen slid back onto his desk. His father turned his gray haired face towards Markus with his glasses having a steel glint to them.

“What can I do for you son?”

“I’m joining the Confederate marines.”

“What?”

“I’ve made my decision.”

“Well there is no point of arguing with you. You’ll have to learn on your own that it is just as bad over there as it is here. But why the confederate marines?”

“Start a new life. Everyone knows who I am, and the only way I can get away from it is to go off planet.”

“Have fun.”

“You are not going to try, and stop me?”

“As a matter of fact I will help you. You’ll need to know about the colorful history, tactics, and technology of the Confederate military.”

“How can you do that?”

“I don’t pretend to know the specifics of our science division’s latest breakthrough, but it should be helpful. When are you leaving?”

“In a week.”

“Perfect. Come back in three days, and we’ll have the lab setup for you.”

Leaving Markus headed back to his parked air speeder. Getting in he flew towards the city heading to his home.

[Why didn’t he try to stop me? Oh well. I wonder if I should go to the game tonight. Nah, I’ll just stay home. Only be a bunch of pretentious kids anyways. Although…]

Gliding through the city he closed on his current residence. The building dominated the nearby skyline, rising past the nearby government buildings, reaching for they sky. Pressing a button the massive blast doors parted at the top of the sky scraper for his speeder to land in his own personal docking hangar. Climbing out he walked to his elevator .Arriving at his personal level he walked through, and opened the fridge. Pulling out his Supplements Ready to Down he opened it, and walked over to his white couch. Turning on his display screen he watched videos of a ground battle from a tactician’s point of view.

Surrounded by his comforts he turned to his own thoughts of how he would live as a marine. [My own personal armor, and weapons. If I take the accelerated academy program I can see action in less than a year. What more could I want?] Interrupting him the display screen shifted from the scene unfolding below him to a black background overlaid by green writing.

“Accept.”

Changing, the screen showed a young woman with dirty blonde hair in a blue dress standing outside. Her features were mainly from the prisoners of Russian decent, and her voice had a slight accent.

“Markus, can I come up?”

“Sure.”

Cutting off, the display screen returned to the battle. Standing up he moved over to the data reader, and ejected the Confederate military record disk Placing it in the case it reinserted itself with the wall seamlessly. Standing up he stretched.

[Probably is wondering if I’m going to the game. No, it couldn’t be that. Maybe she wants to know if I’m going to the party after. Why would I want to hang out with a bunch of other rich kids anyways? How am I going to explain this to her though?]

Markus heard the elevator doors open. Moving around the couch he almost got to the hallway when she walked in the room.

“Hey Markus.”

“Hey Natalya.”

Moving over to him she gave him a hug.

“So are you going to the game?”

“Yes, I already told you I would anyways.”

“What about the party after?”

“I was thinking about it.”

“Come on it’ll be fun.”

[Why do I feel like there is something else going on here? I already told her I would go to the game, but why did she come here personally? This is very unlike her. She never cared if I showed up to parties before, or even talked to me. Why now?]

“Come on Markus I’m driving.”

“Why don’t I get to drive?”

“Because you might just get lost, and not show up to the party.”

“Whatever. Let’s go.”

Walking to the elevator the two got in. The pair was quiet, and didn’t say anything to each other. Only two words were spoken on the elevator ride, and that was “bottom floor.” Playing with her purse she glanced at the contents nervously. Markus remained silent, and when the elevator hit the bottom floor Markus walked out first, and Natalya remained in the elevator for a second before walking out. Managing a weak smile at Markus she walked down the pavement. Following her for ten feet she stopped at a sleek, small, red automobile.

“Holy shit Natalya. Nice car.”

Smiling, she responded to Markus finally talking to her.

“Guess that is what I get for being the Umojan Fleet Admiral’s daughter. I’m sure you have some nice tech yourself.”

“A little.”

“Come on, get in.”

She flipped out her remote, and pressed a button. Both doors of the car swung up, and they both got in their respective seats. Natalya started the automobile’s engine, and the higher pitch of the car’s electric motor started up. Turning on the lights she drove the car on. After a few minutes of silence she spoke first.

“Are you even going to talk to me?”

“Sure. So what kind of music do you listen to?”

“I mostly listen to country music.”

[Figures.] “So why are you all of a sudden interested in me showing up to these parties, and upper class activities? You never were before, and you don’t even know my last name.”

“So what is your full name?”

“Markus Aurellius Hallenman.”

“As in Hallenman industries?”

“Ya.”

“I thought his son was younger.”

“What? I’m only sixteen. How old are you?”

“Wow, I’m eighteen. But there is no way you are sixteen. You look older than that. Besides, all of the kids that you’ve been around are eighteen or older.”

“But that still doesn’t answer the question of why you’re interested in me showing up to these parties.”

“Well I just showed up a week ago, thought you were new, and introduced myself. You definitely act, and look like someone older though.”

“Did you even know anything about me before you started talking to me?”

“You are the best looking guy in the district.”

“Well you are definitely the best looking girl I’ve seen in this district.”

“So what did you know about me before I started talking to you though?”

“You had brown hair.”

“That is how people get to know each other Markus. They talk, and do stuff together.”

“So what do you know about everyone else?”

“Not much really. I’ve been busy at the academy to become a career naval officer. I finally took some time off, and decided to talk to you when I saw you.”

“I hung out with everyone else for a week, and they’re basically all rich idiots. A naval officer though, that is just cool.”

“Ya it’s pretty cool. I know most of the fleet regulations, and classification of ships. But if everyone else are the idiots you say maybe we should just hang out with each other.”

“Wouldn’t joining the fleet mean that you are leaving the planet though?”

“Well I’m sure they would give me the time off. Besides, you could always join the Umojan fleet, and be under my command. They are already starting me out as a Lieutenant. I’m probably going to have my own medium cruiser.”

“Well I am probably going to move to Tarsonis in the next week.”

“For what?”

“To join the marines.”

“But Markus most of the marines, even in the Umojan military, are nothing more than third class citizens. Why don’t you just stay here, and join the Umojan Naval force instead of the Confederate Marines.”

“I want to start a new life, and make a name for myself. You’ll probably be known as the fleet admiral’s daughter for a while. Besides that do you think they normally start out graduates