Shatterrock Unit gathered by the Refinery’s front entrance which was littered with corpses

  Afilada gave her team a thumbs up as the huge metal doors opened revealing the collectively confused FCLF soldiers who had just climbed the hill.

  “She’s all yours, boys.” Afilada grinned prompting the men to charge into the refinery.

  Afilada then led her subordinates down the hill where their Swallow picked them up.

  “Ooh- look at this.” Afilada excitedly urged as a display appeared at the front of the cabin.

  [This is the Ardy News Network, bringing you the latest developments from across the galaxy. Our top story: Admiral Ardi’s forces are currently engaging with Archon Ropa’s in the natural barrier that is Vosa's Trail – an asteroid field that bisects their territories.]

  “Mmm. It’s already started.” Uan muttered.

  “Yep. My hope is that we can be deployed right into the thick of it.”

  “Our sergeant really is a maniac.” Saai sighed.

  “Hey! That’s not why I want us to go there! Think about the promotions that are being given out! Who knows… we might even get non-combat posts.” Afilada wiggled her brows as the Swallow slipped through the air at supersonic speeds.

  “Huh… not a bad thought.” Uan agreed.

  The Unit eventually landed at the FCLF camp where they were again led into Colonel Dent’s tent.

  “If you were capable of that much, you should have informed me from the start.” He scoffed before pointing at a new holographic map.

  “I’m assuming you won’t object to new orders. We wouldn’t want our Admiral’s best to sit and catch dust all day, now would we.” Dent smirked but this just made Afilada step forward.

  “Throw us everything you’ve got!” She grinned much to the dread of her subordinates.

  What followed was two weeks of endless combat.

  Since it was too tedious to have to return to the camp when they were done, Shatterrock Unit simply moved on to their next orders.

  They operated swiftly and efficiently.

  Without halt or mercy.

  Any who didn’t immediately surrender were crushed under the might of the Armada and Afilada’s unit quickly gained a reputation for their unconventional tactics and quirky personalities.

  They worked alongside many FCLF leaders to bring home victory after victory and by the time the second week ended, FG-5622 had already been conquered.

  It then joined many other planets in sending resources to the front lines.

  Shatterrock Unit, along with the rest of their Battalion, would go on to be deployed on many more planets where they dealt with relatively small threats.

  Strangely enough, when offered a promotion, Afilada declined, stating that she was fine with just having her squad as her sole responsibility.

  And so, Shatterrock Unit remained whole as the fires of war raged.

  A myth would be born that men in Ardi’s Armada were tireless, emotionless beings of destruction and death.

  Developing alongside this was the strange practice done by Armada members who, when they awoke, would find a clear spot, go on their knees, place their hands on their laps, close their eyes and turn their heads upwards.

  This would be known as the pose “My Offering to Thee” where one seemingly offered themselves to something which the general masses had yet to gain knowledge of.

  The Armada, however, knew it as giving one’s self to Ardi. Body, mind and spirit.

  They did this to show their gratitude to Ardinite Network and Ardi, who had blessed them with new bodies and purpose.

  Afilada’s unit was back in the AAF Terrornaut Fleet Carrier and was gathered alongside the rest of their Battalion as Colonel Bilal briefed them.

  “First off, I’d just like to congratulate you, beautiful bastards! While it’s true that we’re basically cleaning up after the main force, the floor is squeaky clean. But, before we continue, I’d just like to ask which one of you idiots started the rumour that we don’t need to sleep.” Bilal turned an accusatory eye towards his men.

  “Permission to speak freely, sir.”

  One of the captains asked.

  “Granted.”

  “When was the last time you slept?”

  A wave of laughter filled the air.

  “Hey! I’m asking the questions here!” He grinned.

  “Either way, thanks to that silly gossip, those cheeky FCLF mud heads keep flooding us with work so if you have any complaints, send them to the one who started those rumours.” He nodded to himself before an image appeared behind him showing a planet which had something quite familiar on its side.

  A Gravfold Canon.

  “The only reason why our Admiral hasn’t wiped out her enemies from the face cosmos is became the bastards have understandably chosen to fight beyond the reach of her Gravfold Canons. We have done the same and while the main battle is taking place on Vosa’s Trail, the flanks of the asteroid field are unguarded. This tiny rock here is one of many Outposts that are being prepared just in case the enemy decides to flank the main force but they are still under construction and completion is estimated to take two weeks at most. Our Battalion of hot babes and studs has been assigned to USG-8 which we are to babysit until the Canon is done. Any questions?”

  None were asked.

  “Alright. Dismissed!”

  Afilada, who was carrying an indiscreet grey bag, led her men to one of the Terrornaut's landing ports, which various units used as a hangout spot.

  “We are getting closer and closer to the front line.” Afilada vibrated excitedly as her men sat on a large Ammunition crate.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “This calls for a celebration!” The Sergeant declared while rummaging through her bag.

  She then handed her men an apple each.

  “My goodness! These look as though they just fell from the tree!” Saai gasped before eating his whole apple in one bite.

  “Slow down. The apple wasn’t gonna run away.” Gizagi rolled her eyes only for Saai to reply with loud chewing noises.

  “Where did you get these?” Uan took a big bite of the crispy fresh apple.

  “Remember when I turned down my promotion? They asked if I wanted anything else if not a higher rank and I said I wanted… express shipping privileges!” Afilada declared after a dramatic pause.

  “Whoa. Nice. So, when was this batched harvested?” Uan raised a brow.

  “Ardy says a little over two hours ago.”

  “Now I am even more motivated to get promoted!” Saai punched the air.

  “And what is it that you would like to order?” Uan smirked, allowing his playful side to shine through. Something which had since become a common occurrence.

  “Well, isn’t it obvious? I’m going to support our Admiral’s cause by buying a model of her flagship – the New Genesis!”

  “Aren’t you already supporting her by serving in her Armada?” Gizagi sleepily whimpered.

  “Yes, and there's nothing wrong with going the extra mile!” Saai crossed his arms defiantly.

  “Alright but why would you go that far for her? She Probably doesn’t even know you exist-“

  [I know he exists.] Ardi giggled making everyone freeze with dread.

  “Say... Ardy… just how often do you monitor our conversations?” Uan shuddered.

  [All the time and don’t worry. You have yet to commit anything I would call sinful.]

  “Even… even in our more private moments?” Even Gizagi opened a shaken eye.

  [All the time.]

  Silence followed.

  “Well… I, for one, am glad that the Admiral herself not only knows of my existence but watches me masturbate too!” Saai grinned but this just made his Unit cringe terribly.

  “Please… just shut up for a moment,” Uan begged.

  “Although I am curious.”

  Everyone turned to Gizagi who was lying on her side.

  “Why did she leave our genitalia intact? Surely those resources could have been put to use elsewhere. Not saying that jerking off or having sex doesn’t feel good or anything. Just wondering.”

  Everyone was awed at Gizagi’s words.

  “Wow… the rare times you speak and you choose to talk about sex. I am quite surprised.” Uan scoffed.

  “Hey, don’t tease her too much. And the fact that Ardy didn’t correct her probably means that she isn’t far from the truth.”

  Uan scoffed at Afilada’s words before looking at the landing port’s massive entryway.

  “I’m actually surprised, you know?” Afilada joined Uan in looking at the vastness of space.

  Its endlessness was broken only by the distant stars and galaxies.

  “Why?”

  “No offense but you’re from LC-935. I'm shocked I didn’t have to blow your brains out for trying your luck with us.”

  “Yeah, well let’s just say that of the crazy ones, I know how to sit still and be quiet.”

  “Now I’m even more concerned.” Afilada awkwardly laughed.

  “I’m only half teasing you and besides… everyone’s got a little crazy in them,” Uan smirked making Afilada visibly clench her jaw.

  “I heard that, you naughty boy.” Gizagi droned unflatteringly but this seemingly confused Saai who’s brows furrowed as Uan stood up.

  “Heard what?” Saai asked but Uan simply tapped his shoulder before walking away.

  “You’ll learn all about it when you’re older. Now, let’s get some shut-eye.” He said as he made his way to the sleeping bays which held the Pods which Armada members slept it.

  They weren’t particularly fancy and were designed with spatial efficiency in mind.

  Uan hopped into his pod and closed his eyes only to be disturbed by Afilada as she slammed her hands on the sides of the pod.

  “What do you want?” Uan snapped but this just made his Sargent pout.

  “Ugh, what do you want, Ma’am?”

  “I kinda feel bad for Saai, ya know.”

  “Huh? Why?” Uan asked.

  “I know you’re gonna disagree with me, as you always do but I think that physical intimacy is very important and it’s kinda sad that our beloved Saai might now know what it feels like to be embraced by someone.” Afilada sighed.

  “If you’re so hell-bent on helping him, then go ahead. I don’t see why I need to get involved.”

  “That would be a clear abuse of power on my end. It would be better if it came from a teammate and Gizagi is too lazy so you’re up, pal.”

  “Again, still don’t see why I have to be the one that does it.” Uan closed his eyes.

  “Fine. What do you want?”

  Uan opened his eyes to see that his Sargent’s somewhat pleading expression which brought him a bit of joy.

  “Mmm… let’s see. You’re always on my ass about being a team player so now it’s your turn to play ball.” Uan grinned making Afilada’s face twist with concern.

  “Alright. I’m prepared for that much. What’ll it be?”

  “I’ll let you know when we’re planetside. Now, let me sleep.”

  .

  ..

  USG-8 was an ocean of grey sand with the only oddity being the massive Canon on its side.

  Planet Mounted Gravfold Canons were massive structures with the barrels being almost 1.5km long.

  It was mounted on a rotating cylindrical base around which was an entire city within which a detachment of FCLF forces was stationed.

  The 3rd Battalion would be stationed alongside them and they were given a building on the eastern side of the Canon which would serve as their base of operations.

  That said, since not much was happening, most of what the soldiers did was loiter in the city or go on patrols.

  The city was protected by a massive, 50-meter-tall reinforced concrete wall which Uan drove out of on a rover he had politely procured from a patrolman.

  It hovered about half a meter from the ground and looked like the internal frame of a car only instead of wheels, it had four cylinders which held the Gravfold Engines which propelled the vehicle forward.

  “I’m surprised you decided to help that guard and take his shift. How nice of you.” Saai commended as he sat in the passenger seat.

  “I can be nice sometimes but that’s not why I stole his buggy.” Uan sighed as the two drove beneath the face of the cosmos, a vast scape of stars and darkness.

  “Oh? Then why-“

  “Ardy, simulate elevated dopamine levels in Saai and I.”

  [I can do that but please practice caution.]

  “Yeah, yeah.” Uan deflated as the engine's dull roar filled the thin air.

  The temperatures outside were bearable because the planet was really close to its local star but there was very little oxygen in the atmosphere.

  Not that Uan and Sigh needed much of it but they wore their helmets out of habit.

  “Uan… what did you do to us?” Saai asked while tightly clutching the side of the rover.

  “Nothing much. I just wanted to make the most of this little trip of ours.” Uan said as the last of the local star’s light disappeared as the planet slowly rotated.

  And like that, it was as if they were driving onto the face of the cosmos itself.

  With ink blackness beneath them and ink blackness below.

  “Ardy, play something that fits the mood.” Uan flexed his neck as Saai began loudly breathing.

  [Playing: Sweet Dreams - Never Change.]

  A smooth, dance/electronic song started playing and while Uan gently bobbed his head from side to side as he weaved between the dunes in the ink, Saai was clearly having a hard time and so Uan offered him his left hand.

  “Why are we doing this?” Saai asked, his voice was loud with panic.

  “Because the Sargent finally wore me down. I know I can be a bit… cold and distant but I don’t mean any bad by it.” Uan admitted but this just made Saai wince.

  “I’m sorry but I still don’t get it.”

  “She wanted you and me to get closer but I gave her an even better idea. How about we all get closer?” Uan finally turned to Saai as he slowed the rover to a halt. Leaving the two souls to drift motionlessly in the dark of night.

  “I-I thought you said that there was no point in caring.”

  Uan removed his helmet, revealing his eyes which had long since lost their sharpness.

  Saai did the same, revealing his soft blue eyes which trembled.

  “I… I’m still trying to figure it all out as well but… I wanna give it a shot.” All Uan could see was Saai. His short blond hair, his pale skin and his chiselled jaw. All intense features that were rendered mute by his docile demeanour.

  “You’re a frustrating man, Uan. Do you know how much your antics and attitude troubled the Sergeant?” Saai asked as he drifted closer to the only other person in the darkness.

  “I know and I have no excuse for how bad I was.” Uan drifted towards Saai.

  “I guess Gizagi was right. You really are a naughty boy.” The two kissed as Saai’s hand rested on Uan’s.

  What followed was a trip back to the city of Ishi where the two made their way to their shared room only Afilada and Gizagi were waiting for them dressed only in black lace gowns that both revealed their figures.

  “So, this is what you meant by all of us…” Saai realized as Afilada walked up to him.

  She then placed her hands on his cheeks while Uan closed the door.

  “You can blame Uan after this but for now, I just need you to trust me,” Afilada whispered only to softly gasp as Saai placed his hands on hers.

  “I have always trusted you.” He smiled and with that, Gizagi and Uan undressed him, revealing his tall, muscular frame.

  It was as if every strand had been meticulously carved by an ever-patient sculptor, drawing one’s eyes from one part of him to the next.

  Afilada joined a now half-naked Uan and Gizagi on one of the four beds in the room.

  Afilada then lightly tapped her lap.

  “Come.”

  Saai took a single breath before allowing himself into the arms of those who would hold him dearly in what felt like a blissful eternity.