STR HQ, Epsi, Classified system, FDA territories

  September 16th 2506

  Around one week had passed since the events that had transpired in Eridani. Normally, it’d take for Rangers dozesn of weeks to come back from a mission, then rest up at any FDA or STR forward operating bases.

  But given the circumstances, Raptor and her strike team were urgently called to Headquarters, after they docked at Frontier’s Shield cruiser, with only the captain given the coordinates and nothing more.

  They weren’t taking any chances, so the Shield sent them without much fuss.

  The Rangers kept to themselves during the trip. They didn’t greet, talk, or even hang out with the crew, which spurred murmurs and whispers of what happened in Eridani.

  Eventually, they’d arrive to the star system where the HQ was settled in. It was all hush-hush and need-to-know basis, so only Raptor and her team knew where it is, down in the Epsi colony.

  When ST9 arrived on Epsi by VTOL, they were met with two cars that took them right one of the farmsteads outside from the capitol city of Voll.

  As they arrived to the farmstead, ST9 were escorted discreetly in the woods. The farmers were STR, of course, but they pretended to be one as lookouts, just in case of unwanted activity. Aafter a few kilometers of walking, they arrived to the HQ, its doors just beneath a rocky mountain. The escort entered the code, and the doors opened. They gestured to the Rangers, and they followed. All silent.

  The interior was filled with armed guards, who all stood at attention. The two guards just by the elevator saw the entourage and promptly opened it for them. As they entered, the elevator went down. Didn’t take long for Strike Team 9 to feast their eyes to what they saw.

  A large circular war room filled with monitors and computers in bright lights. People moving around and working around the clock. Propaganda and motivational posters around the walls, to galvanize and inspire.

  This was the HQ for Special Tactics Recon.

  Since their arrival 3 days ago, the Rangers of Strike Team 9 rested, eating mean chow, and exercising. It was clear from since their arrival that they were being debriefed over the incident in Eridani. And each Ranger of the team gave their own reports over the conflict there.

  Ranger Hawk couldn’t help herself the feeling deep inside of her that they were sent to trial for extinguishing thousands of souls of brave warriors who had dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Warriors who’s time were too soon to pass.

  Hawk was listening to the music in her headset connected to a music player just beside her in her quarters, her mind focused to the beats. She felt better that way, no thoughts clouding her mind, alone and suffocating. She didn’t pay attention when Grim entered, her mind focused on the music. Hawk felt a tap on her shoulder, then paused the music, and looked at Grim who was sitting beside her. Gray Battle-Dress Uniform and a full balaclava mask, that only revealed her eyes. Classic Grim.

  “What?” She asked angrily.

  Grim didn’t mind, aware of her friend’s current headspace, then answered. “Debriefing in 3 minutes. We gotta go.”

  “Oh.” Hawk’s face contorted to embarrassment, then promptly shut down her music player and got up. But before she’d leave, she took a black-box from her desk, and hid it in her pocket.

  “A black-box?” Grim got curious.

  “Yeah, Colonel Ayani gave it to me. As proof, just in case.” Hawk quelled her friend’s curiosity. She looked into it by herself after she arrived to HQ, but didn’t say what was in it.

  “You’re thinking the brass are gonna punish us.” Grim deduced, and Hawk nodded

  “At this point, Taylor, I’m expecting the worst.” Hawk said bitterly.

  Grim brought her hands to Hawk’s shoulder “We did what needed to be done, Kate. Don’t dwell on this, it’ll kill you.”

  “Yeah, tell that to the Eridanin refugees who no longer have a home to go back to.” Hawk wasn’t convinced and left the quarters. Grim sighed and followed her to the debriefing.

  And in Hawk’s mind, her thoughts currently swam over what she learned from that black-box.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Debriefing Room, STR HQ, Epsi

  The room was quiet, dimmed lights glowed ever so slightly. On the table in the bac was Hawk, Grim, Bullet, Lid, and Iris in their seats. In front of them was a presiding table held by Colonel Adriana Erckens and Major Walter Tyrone, Sector Commanders of the STR. And Brigadier General Maxwell Adams, commander and leader of the entire unit. His scarred dark face showered with short black hair/facial hair that were graying.

  More importantly, came Commander Rachel Stevens, Lieutenant Commander Viktor Kullervo, and Captain Lina Maine, serving on behalf of FDA’s Naval Command.

  Raptor herself was sitting on the middle right, to talk on behalf of the Rangers who were under her command.

  “We are here today to discuss the matter regarding the Eridani Incident.” Brigadier General Adams started speaking. “Captain Wolf, I expect that your fellow Rangers would speak the whole truth?”

  Raptor nodded. “That’s correct, sir. I would say some of them are ready for court-martial.”

  A couple of chuckles thundered out the room, then silence swept in after a few seconds.

  “In your reports, it was mentioned that the people of Eridani were given the missing 12th ORUS Warhead by a third party. Was this third party ever mentioned, Captain Wolf?” Lieutenant Commander Kullervo started the questioning.

  Raptor licked her lips, carefully observed the eyes on her. “Yes. DOC. Defectors of Corruption.”

  Hawk twiddled delicately with the black-box in her hands. So small, yet so much evidence inside. She kept her eyes peeled on the ongoing debriefing, her thoughts ran what fate decided for her.

  “And why would a faction of ex-UHD have an interest in Eridani?” Commander Rachel Stevens asked.

  “I wish I knew, Commander. Eridani’s people liked to keep their secrets. While we know little of DOC’s infrastructure, it’s a safe bet they have a lot of resources to be able to procure that warhead from Crimson Iron and discreetly send it to Eridani.” Raptor answered.

  Commander Stevens took a breath, then sighed.

  “Any evidence to that claim?” Major Tyrone asked.

  “Yes. I have one.” Hawk answered as, and everyone else in this room paid attention

  “That a black-box?” Commander Stevens asked, then Hawk nodded.

  Colonel Erckens gestured for the Ranger, to open it up. Hawk opened the black-box, which revealed a small video player with control buttons and a plug. She connected the plug on her front, connected it to the large three TV monitors facing the board, Raptor, and the Rangers.

  Hawk started up the video player, which revealed a plethora of video files. She went to the file that said DOC_278250, then pressed play.

  The video played, which showed a helmet-cam footage of Colonel Hakim Ayani, three people, and a supply convoy in the background. The first few seconds showed an imposing man with a prosthetic, and the two DOC guards who were his armed escort.

  “Pause there, Lieutenant. We need a closer look.” Colonel Erckens ordered, and Hawk complied. The video paused, then Hawk fiddled with the controls to show better resolution. The video’s resolution became sharper and clear, it revealed the man who looked to be their leader.

  “My god, that’s Evan Werner.” Commander Stevens said in ominous tone.

  “Who’s Evan?” Lid asked in confusion.

  “The son of Lord Admiral Richard Werner. Commander-in-Chief of the UHD. Wasn’t shown much in public due to his disability. Allegedly reported to be the leader of DOC. Keep playing the video, we need to see how far this goes.”

  Hawk obliged and kept playing the video. As it continued further, the entire room paid closer attention.

  “Then you understand how this warhead can be an insurance policy.” Evan Werner spoke up.

  “Insurance policy? How is a nuclear warhead an insurance policy?” Agrinya asked.

  “That’s what you’re mistaken there, Sergeant. An insurance policy can be a weapon. An ace in the hole. A checkmate.”

  “You know something, don’t you?” Ayani asked.

  “I don’t know when, but I do know what will happen. The UHD will send a small fleet of Crimson Iron to your home. Destabilize it badly enough so the UHD can swoop in and take over.”

  “Crimson Iron… I know that name…” Ayani spoke

  “Indeed, they’ve been causing trouble to the Tortsinan Imperium and its territories not long ago. Thankfully, their special forces and outside help from Special Tactics Recon put quite a hurt on them. Their investors are not happy.”

  “Okay, so we know the UHD will send a Crimson Iron fleet against us. Do you really think we can hold them off?” Agrinya asked.

  “On your own? Probably not. But given we disabled the warhead’s transponder, I’m sure the STR will wonder where it went and investigate.”

  As soon Hawk paused the video, the FDA and STR commanders went to murmuring.

  Iris swallowed. The loss of Eridani, and seeing fellow soldiers who fought to the end in a video footage was a sobering sight. Bullet sighed in sadness, not because of what he learned from the footage, but seeing Colonel Ayani and Sergeant Agrinya was like a pain that hit his heart.

  Meanwhile, Grim crossed her arms, and her eyebrows scowled at Werner in the footage. Lid briefly glanced at Grim, then shifted her back to the footage..

  Raptor was face down, twiddling her thumbs. While she was aware of DOC’s involvement, the reality that a powerful man within the Dominion was involved in this made her uneasy.

  The murmuring ended, and the board got back to discussing. They gestured Hawk to disconnect the video player, and she obliged. Brought it back to the black-box, and into her pocket.

  “Okay, so we now know that Prince Werner and his DOC were involved in smuggling the 12th ORUS warhead to Eridani. As “insurance policy”…” Commander Stevens made airquotes with her hands at the last part. “So, last question before we move forward. What’s your verdict on Evan Werner?”

  The question sat uneasy with the Rangers of Strike Team 9. Some like Bullet and Iris were nervous how to answer and murmured together, while Grim and Lid were only looking at Werner with disdain. Meanwhile, Hawk and Raptor were thinking deliberately on how to proceed.

  “Staff Sergeant Merle and Sergeant Adebisi. Got anything to say?” Brigadier General Adams inquired. Both Iris and Bullet stood up, then took their breathes.

  “If I’m being honest here, General. There’s too many unknowns when it comes to Werner and his cohorts.” Bullet spoke first.

  “Could you clarify what are the unknowns, Sergeant?” Major Tyrone chimed in, face forward.

  “I mean, we don’t know the DOC’s agenda and why they helped Eridani and its forces. We don’t know the angle that Werner is playing at, and whether his interests align with us.” Bullet clarified, while Iris kept her eyes forward, in calm and focus.

  Bullet shifted to Iris, where he gestured his face. Iris licked her lips and. “Sergeant Adebisi is correct here, sirs and ma’ams. There’s too many unknowns with Werner and his group. If his interests do align with ours, it’s best to make contact with them. To understand them.”

  “This wouldn’t be easy, Staff Sergeant.” Lieutenant Commander Kullervo huffed. “They don’t go for direct contact and their operations are mostly kept on Dominion sectors.”

  Iris shifted her eyes, angling for a precise and eloquent answer. “In that case, we could try tradecraft through dead drops. The fact that they discreetly smuggled the warhead should be indication they’re trying to keep operations.”

  The commanders murmured again. Iris kept her cool.

  When the murmuring ended, Brigadier General Adams came face forward. “Thank you for your time, Merle and Adebisi. You may sit.”

  Iris and Bullet sat down again, then blew their breathes.

  “2nd Lieutenant Locke and 1st Lieutenant Baker, stand up, please.”

  In formation, Lid and Grim stood up and looked at their superiors with stoicism.

  “Your verdict on DOC and Werner?” Commander Stevens asked.

  “They’re mass murderers and a liability. We can’t trust them.” Lid spoke up with vigor.

  “While we understand you two have personal history with the Dominion, I would appreciate if you two kept that bias aside and focus on facts.” Colonel Erckens’ eyes focused on both Rangers.

  Both Grim and Lid sighed, then nodded and looked down.

  “Lieutenant Baker, got anything to say?” Kullervo inquired.

  Grim exhaled through the nose, then looked up to them. “Well, here’s the facts. One, Werner and his DOC goons knew that a Crimson Fleet was going to attack Eridani, and that the Dominion would invade after CI were off the board. But they didn’t bother to warn us, at least indirectly.”

  “Two, he managed to convince Eridani’s people to use the warhead. Which, despite preventing the Dominion from taking over the planet, made it into a irradiated wasteland.”

  “And three, Werner is playing a long game. He probably see us as pawns for whatever agenda he’s working on. Probably hoping to reform the Dominion and we Frontier people are his vassal states.”

  Grim breathed again “So in my verdict, Evan Werner and his Defectors of Corruption cannot be trusted. The moment we outlive their usefulness, they’ll put us down to tie up loose ends.”

  The FDA/STR commanders glanced at each other, to look for answers, but found no purchase. They then glanced back to both Rangers and gestured them to sit.

  Grim and Lid sat back on their seats.

  “Captain Wolf and Lieutenant Hawkins, stand up, please.”

  At Stevens’ order, Raptor and Hawk stood up, eyes faced towards their superiors.

  “Verdict on Evan Werner?” Adams inquired. Hawk and Raptor looked at each other, then shifted their faces back.

  “Potential ally.” Hawk answered.

  The answer piqued the board’s interests, though it was met with mixed reception from their fellow teammates. Confusion from Iris Bullet. And resentment from Lid. Grim, on the other hand, was interested. Lid stood up, in an attempt to protest.

  But Grim gripped on Lid by her uniform, and gestured her to stand down. Lid sighed slightly and sat back down.

  “Why do you think that way, Lieutenant?” Kullervo crossed his arms, his eyes pierced at Hawk.

  “Because he has no love for the Dominion.” Hawk answered, which met with few murmurs from the board.

  After that, Colonel Erckens gestured her to proceed. Hawk took a deep breath and got started.

  “Let’s face the fact here. Eridani was in proximity to UHD territories. Close enough for the Dominion to be able to establish a supply line. They would’ve invaded the colony, one way or another. As far as they’re concerned, Eridani was to be the vanguard of their campaign to conquer the Frontier. If succeeded, we would’ve been on a weak defensive, then crushed.”

  Kullervo rolled his eyes, and Stevens glared at him. Hawk was aware of Kullervo’s skepticism, but she didn’t care.

  “But Werner and his group? They gave Eridani a fighting chance. They gave them what could’ve been a full-fledged massacre into a devastating weapon as a big middle-finger salute to the Dominion. They knew the price. The knew their home would be ruined, but they still moved forward because there was no other way.. More than that, they deserve to be remembered.” Hawk swallowed after the last sentence, her eyes stinged with emotion.

  Major Tyrone faced Raptor “Anything else you wanna say, Captain?” He asked.

  Raptor sighed “No. Because I agree with the same points that Hawkins had just made. If the Dominion took over Eridani, we wouldn’t stand a chance. We’d be scattered, hunted, and eventually defeated. The fact that Werner had a part in preventing this should allow us an opportunity. Our FDA has been in bouts of infighting for years over disagreements in how we should go forward after this is all over. If nothing else, Eridani’s sacrifice should be an example to continue our fight as one. Eridani, Eternal. ”

  After Raptor’s chant, the rest of the room chanted. The board then looked at each other, smiles all around. Grim, Lid, Iris, and Bullet couldn’t see the smiles due to the dim lights, as they too awaited for what’s next in this long debriefing.

  The board’s faces went neutral, their eyes focused on the Rangers of Strike Team 9. All serious and no-nonsense.

  “Now, let’s discuss a more urgent matter. The public reception over Eridani” Adams spoke up, and Hawk felt a chill up her spine.

  Ah shit. Hawk thought, and steeled herself for the punishment that awaited

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  “Are we gonna be punished?” Hawk inquired, her tone neutral.

  “Punished?!” Brigadier General Adams was baffled and laughed heartily. His fellows joined in the laughter, which made Ranger Hawk all the more confused. Raptor grinned widely, and Hawk looked at her with confusion, which Raptor only answered with a shrug.

  Grim, Lid, Iris, and Bullet smiled slightly, hopeful that the laughter of their superiors were a prelude to good news.

  The laughter dissipated, then Adams pressed a few buttons from his desk. Seconds of static from the large TV monitors in the middle.

  Erckens faced forward, eyes on Hawk. “What do you think?” She asked rhetorically.

  The static soon turned to crowds of civilians huddled together as a march. Chanting. Hollering.

  Raptor’s lips pursed to smile, while Hawk and the rest of ST9 looked with interest. They swore they saw flags of the FDA and STR waved across, with a reporter doing what he does best; report.

  “This march in Skylis is among of many marches across the Frontier Regions. Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of these citizens have marched together to celebrate a huge victory that Special Tactics Recon, also known as the Rangers, and Eridani Defense Force have attained against the tide of the United Human Dominion’s invasion of Eridani. I am Andrei Bukoowski and I’m reporting live in Frontier News Crew.”

  “8 days ago, two Dominion cruisers warp jumped to Eridani to invade and conquer the colony. If successful, the Dominion would’ve had the advantage to crush the Frontier Defense Alliance due to Eridani’s close proximity to Dominion sectors. But they did not, for the brave warriors of Eridani and their Ranger allies have crushed the advance through the use of a nuclear device which neutralized the invaders on the ground, and forced the cruisers to run away. It is believed that the nuke used to set off was an ORUS-class Warhead, though experts have yet to confirm that.”

  “Alas, save for the thousands of refugees who fled Eridani when Crimson Iron attacked their home, many of them have perished. As mourn for this enormous loss and the enormous loss those refugees for being deprived of their home, FDA Naval Fleet Command have set up a quarantine zone over Eridani due to the enormous devastation of its ecosystem that once made it the crown jewel of the Frontier. And efforts have doubled to help the refugees seeking asylum across habitable sectors.”

  “As we mourn for the enormous losses of thopse refugees, deprived of their home, news have reached across many colonies across the Frontier, thanks to official communique from our esteemed leaders in the FDA. The first few days were of grief and sorrow for the citizens. But after the grief turned into joy, as the citizens made a march to not only mourn for Eridani, to celebrate it’s unbroken defiance. Even dozens of Eridani’s refugees joined for the occasion.”

  Save for Hawk and Raptor, ST9’s Rangers were shocked. They expected outcries. They expected protests. But this, they did not expect.

  Hawk still kept her eyes on the screen. Still skeptical, still waiting.

  “We interviewed a few people during the march in Skylis, who had this to say.”

  “I knew Eridani’s warriors were crazy bastards, but the Rangers? Man, they sure know how to make an explosive fuck-you to the Dominion, even after years of wait-and-see bullshit.”

  “Eridani, your sacrifice would make songs that will remember you, everlasting.”

  “Rangers. On behalf of our people, thank you for stopping the Dominion. Eridani’s sacrifice will not be in vain, we’ll make sure of this.”

  “Eridani, Eternal!”

  “Long live the FDA and the Rangers!”

  “Indeed, the chant of ‘Eridani, Eternal’ that once belonged to its people is now a battle cry for many of us in the Frontier along with praises for the FDA and the Rangers. You can hear this right now across the crowds.”

  “Eridani, Eternal! Long live the FDA and the Rangers! Eridani, Eternal! Long live the FDA and the Rangers!” The chant repeated again and again.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Adams turned off the TV, with him and the board looking intently at the Rangers. Raptor smiled, while the rest of ST9 members had a mixture of pride and laughter.

  Hawk, however, looked down. Her eyes were on the ground. Colonel Erckens noticed her disposition.

  “Lieutenant, you don’t seem happy.” Erckens commented gently to the Ranger.

  “Should I be, Colonel?” Hawk asked, her eyes still on the ground.

  “This is a huge victory for us, Lieutenant.” Kullervo’s tone betrayed his sincerity.

  “Victory.” Hawk’s face come forward and looked towards the board. “You call this victory?!” Her voice raise higher.

  “Lieutenant…” Erckens tried to calm Hawk, but the latter wasn’t having it.

  “You call killing hundreds of thousands of people who had dreams, ambitions, and hopes as a victory? What about the refugees who no longer have to go back to? Would they celebrate that victory too?!”

  Hawk’s voice went more higher, unnerving her teammates and putting her on thin ice.

  “Lieutenant Hawkins, we advise you to stand down…” Major Tyrone advised her, but she didn’t listen.

  “You know what… Eridani and its people deserved better. They deserved better than this!” Hawk stormed out of the debriefing room and closed the door, harshly.

  Before the board said anything, Brigadier General Adams gestured them to let it go.

  “She needs to get a citation for this, General.” Lieutenant Commander Kullervo spoke his mind.

  “She’s frustrated, Kullervo. Go easy on her.” Stevens tried to reason with him, then he huffed.

  “She has to be. She launched the detonation codes, for god’s sake!” Adams spoke up on Hawk’s behalf.

  Colonel Adriana Erckens rubbed through her light brown hair, tucked to a bun.

  “Colonel?” Major Tyrone asked, then Erckens looked at him.

  She licked her lips. “I’ll make some calls…” She shifted her sights to Grim. ”Lieutenant Baker.”

  “Ma’am?” Grim stood up.

  “Could you be there for Lieutenant Hawkins? See if she’s alright?” What Erckens asked was what Grim hoped for. “I can. But she’s not in a good mood. I don’t know if it’ll help,”

  “She trusts you, Baker. More than anyone else in this base.” Erckens pleaded.

  Grim knew deep down that Eridani had affected her friend emotionally. And now, she needed a shoulder to cry on. If not that, then at least someone else.

  “Okay, I’ll see her right away.” Grim saluted, then left the room.

  “Captain Wolf.” Raptor paid attention to her superior. “With this debriefing adjourned, we have important matters to discuss. And some personal calls to make.” Erckens ordered.

  “Consider it done, ma’am.” Raptor saluted and was gestured to leave the room. Walking through the hallways, Raptor had a few things running in her head. Charybdis and Task Force 7.

  She pushed those thoughts away, and realized there was a more urgent matter

  Ranger Hawk needed emotional support. Someone to keep her stable and grounded. Someone who can be there for her. And it’s up to her best friend; Grim.

  There was also another person in the equation who could help Hawk emotionally.

  Ahmed Hisham. Her husband.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Hawk’s Quarters, STR HQ, Classified system.

  September 16th, 2506

  Few hours went past since the debriefing. Hawk was by her lonesome in the lower bunk bed. Her emotions ran higher. Her eyes ready to swell with tears. But she kept holding on. She could never afford to be weak. Not now. Not ever.

  Eridiani. Hakim Ayani. Kali Agrinya. The hundred thousands of its people perished with a flash. The stinging of tears in her eyes begged her to let it out, but she kept it under control with eyes closed, barely

  She heard a swish from her quarter’s door, and groaned. But when she opened her eyes, they were met with her best friend who was just standing, and and without her full mask to conceal the sadness.

  “Hey, K.” Grim greeted her gently.

  “Hey, T.” Hawk greeted back with barely a whisper. Grim gently sat beside her friend. She didn’t put her hand on Hawk’s shoulders, she didn’t even look. She just sat there.

  Silence filled the air for the next few minutes, until something snapped within Hawk’s soul.

  “I’m not okay, Taylor.” Her voice was shaking. “I’m not really okay.”

  Grim shifted her face to Hawk, her tears streaming down her face. “I know.”

  Without pause, Hawk came closer and hugged her face to Grim’s shoulder. Her tears continued streaming as she sobbed, but her friend didn’t mind. All Grim wanted right now is to be here. To be present for her best friend, who’s suffering emotionally.

  The crying lasted for an hour until it stopped, and both women let go. Hawk wiped her tears off with handkerchief, then sniffed.

  “How you’re feeling now, Kate?” Grim asked gently.

  “Empty. Angry.” Hawk answered. “Feels like every little thing right now is pissing me off.”

  “Hmm.” Grim didn’t say more.

  “Fuck, what will Ahmed say if he learns about this? What will my son think if he knows my involvement in the whole Eridani shitshow? It’s all my stupid fault. We could’ve requested a fleet to help. The Eridani people would still have a home by then.” Hawk voiced out her concern.

  Grim rubbed her hands, then blew a breath. “A fleet would’ve stopped the Dominion’s advance, yes.” In through the nose, and out from the mouth. “But you and I know the Dominion would’ve just ran away the minute they were outnumbered, right?”

  Hawk tried to open part her lips in in protest, but said nothing.

  “Eridani has been a contested planet for years. Many of those people only knew violence for a long time. Raider attacks, Dominion skirmishes, and the usual harassment from UHD’s partners. Yes, they had hopes. They had dreams. They had ambitions. But they put that all aside to defend, because they knew if their home fell to the Dominion, it would’ve assured victory for our enemy, eventually.”

  Hawk’s lips pursed to a slight smile. Even in mourning, she admired the determination that Eridani and its people in defending their homeland.

  Grim continued. “I don’t know what Prince Werner’s angle in all of this. And frankly, I don’t want to know. But that doesn’t matter now…” She brought Hawk to a hug for a moment, then let go again.

  “If there was another good way to stop the Dominion from taking over, Eridani’s warriors would’ve went with it in a heartbeat. They knew they were all going to die when they agreed to set off the warhead. They knew their home would turn to a wasteland. But they moved forward. You know why?”

  Grim looked intently to her friend with her question.

  “Because they preferred to not let anyone take over their home.” Hawk answered, and Grim smiled.

  “Eridani is in a pretty bad state right now, there’s no denying that. But it can be healed. It can be reborn. Maybe not in our lifetimes, but it can happen. And if we keep wrangling ourselves with guilt, their sacrifices will be in vain.”

  Hawk let a tear out, then wiped it gently. “Yeah. Eridani, Eternal.”

  “Eridani, forever for the Frontier.” Grim stated.

  “That your own take of the battle-cry, huh Taylor?” Hawk asked cheekily.

  Grim shrugged with a sheepish smile. “Can’t help it. Battle-cries tend to change at some point or another.” She sighed and then asked. “How are you feeling now?”

  Hawk looked at her friend, then giggled. “Still shit. Hell, it’ll be a long time to able to forgive myself. But I feel a little better now.”

  “Step by step, Kate.” Grim gently reminded.

  “Yeah.” Hawk rubbed her forehead. “But right now, I want to see my husband. My son, David. I want to see my family. But Ahmed is still with his squadron and I’m not sure if I’ll be to convince the brass for at least a one-month leave.”

  “You won’t have to, Lieutenant.”

  Hawk and Grim’s face shifted to see Colonel Adriana Erckens in the doorway. She gestured them to keep sitting down. As she entered the quarters, she sat on chair next to the table, and shifted it to look at them.

  “I made some calls. You and Baker will have one-month leave. Don’t worry about briefings and don’t worry about your next missions, for now. Spend as much time as you need to your family.”

  Hawk couldn’t believe her luck, while Grim gently bumped her in the elbow. “I… thank you, ma’am.”

  “I also have a lead I can follow on with the Greek whirlpool monster, but it’ll take a while. And to call up some old friends to help with your migraine.”

  Hawk knew what the Colonel meant, as she didn’t have to spell out blatantly. Especially when that word caused her a headache or two whenever she heard it. Almost like her mind was probed by powerful people who preferred to stay hidden.

  “Oh.” Erckens got up and moved near the door, and looked at the two Rangers with a smile. “A little surprise for you.”

  When the door hissed, and Hawk couldn’t believe her eyes. The thick-beard colored in brown. The brown hair swept back. His dark brown face met with the hazel-colored eyes that made her fall for him since that day. His beige-colored flight suit protected with a dark-blue kevlar, and both smudged with dirt. They were his unmistakable features.

  Ahmed Hisham. Callsign Voyager. Like the wind, Hawk ran and she hugged her husband tighter than she ever had in her life, and he returned the gesture..

  Colonel Erckens smiled at this lovely reunion, and left the room to let this couple have their moment after a few years of absence.

  Grim smiled widely, delight flickered in her heart at this little reunion.

  The couple let go, and looked at each other with wide grins.

  “Kate.” Voyager breathed. “I missed you, habibti.”

  “I missed you too, habibi.” Hawk replied sincerely.

  “Ahem.” Grim did a mock cough, and Voyager went to hug his friend and “sister-in-law”.

  “How’s it going, big guy?” Grim teased.

  Voyager huffed. “Oh, just your standard runs with my mates. Got involved in some secret prototypes for new aircrafts and starfighters. Classified, you know that.”

  Grim nodded a few times, as she too had experience with Classified “things”.

  The trio sat together, with Hawk and Voyager on the lower bunk bed while Grim sat at the sofa nearby.

  “I heard about Eridani, Kate. I’m so sorry.” Voyager hugged her.

  “Thanks, Ahmed. If there were any better options, I would’ve taken it””

  Voyager shifted his eyes to Grim, wherein she saw right through his expression. She nodded towards him, which satisfied Voyager for the time being.

  The couple let go of their embrace, then held hands and looked at each other. “So, what’s next?” Voyager asked.

  Hawk blew a breath. “Well, I’m supposed to be on a one-month leave. Starting tonight.”

  Voyager smiled at what his wife said. “That’d be great. Been a while since we saw David. And have some time with our parents and siblings.”

  Hawk smiled slightly, her eyes shifted down. “Probably. But I don’t know if I’m ready to see the old man again.”

  Voyager’s smile shifted to sadness, he too was aware of the bitter conflict between his wife and her father, William. His father-in-law. He understood Hawk’s position, given the secrecy. But deep down, he hoped that she would find it in her heart to forgive him,

  Unfortunately, his thoughts were interrupted at the sudden arrival of Raptor and Colonel Erckens.

  “We got a problem.” Raptor announced urgently.

  “Of course there is.” Grim dropped her head down, while Hawk and Voyager rubbed their eyes.

  “What’s the problem?” Hawk asked, which Erckens gestured the trio to follow. As they left the quarters, they saw a dozen Rangers in the quarters watching the TV, including Bullet, Iris, and Lid whom they gestured Hawk, Grim, and Voyager to come along.

  Their eyes were on the Galaxy News Broadcast that was going on live. Known to boast itself as the premier channel for everything going on in the Milky Way.

  “We’ve just received breaking news from the Interstellar Collective Accord, in response to the Eridani incident.” A slender and tall purple Vernusen man covered in work clothes spoke over.

  The news broadcast changed to a speech spoken by an Ilikeer, wearing red-silked robes with a set of ornaments. His feathers colored in teal and white.

  “Pfft. Garish bird.” Grim murmured.

  “We have confirmed identities of the Special Tactics Recon operatives who have committed the unforgivable act of turning the beautiful paradise of Eridani to a wasteland.”

  “Ranger Raptor. Ranger Hawk. Ranger Iris. Ranger Bullet. Ranger Lid. And one we couldn’t identify.”

  “As a result of this abhorrent war crime, we in the Interstellar Collective Accord have issued a Manhunt against these perpetrators. Any authorities with fealty to the ICA are obligated to report their findings. Any licensed bounty hunters from the Ballistics and Plasma Guild are given the contract to hunt down these mass murderers, for 3 million pax credits. Eliminate or capture with extreme prejudice.”

  “Oh, fuck me running.” Grim hissed, her hands palmed to her face.

  “Ah, shit!” Hawk swore, while her husband hugged her tightly.

  Bullet, Iris, and Lid looked at the speech with anger, while the rest of the Rangers, including Colonel Erckens and Raptor kept themselves.

  “ICA have confirmed this information due to surveillance footage from one of the satellites during the battle that was captured by a hacker-slash-activist group known as Unveiling Eye. The actual names of the perpetrators are yet to be found. That is no surprise as the United Human Dominion have overwhelmingly condemned the incident as a terrorist attack. Why they couldn’t have used satellites to assassinate our people, you might ask? The Dominion’s intelligence community were a victim of huge budget cuts against foreign intelligence, and their resources was allocated towards internal intelligence, more focused in silence any sign dissent within their territories. Moving on, the Tortsinan Imperium gave their condolences and solidarity for the surviving refugees from Eridani and to the FDA, which was met with outcries and protests across the capitol. Whatever happens next, Galaxy News Broadcast will be at the frontline!” The Vernusen reports made his statement during the broadcast, and ended with a news riff. One Ranger changed the channel and turned off the TV, not wanting to hear more.

  The air around the quarters were mixed with dread and fury. The Rangers, more particularly Strike Team 9, were pissed.

  “Effective immediately…” Colonel Erckens spoke up as she looked towards ST9’s members. “Strike Team 9 is dissolved. And all its members will be re-assigned to new units within the next two weeks. Bullet, Lid, Iris; get yourselves ready for departure to your new outpost in 30 minutes.”

  Bullet, Lid, and Iris nodded. They didn’t have anything to say, and they figured as much, now with the reality hit them they were Manhunt targets by bounty hunters and authorities outside the FDA’s purview..

  Meanwhile, Hawk rubbed her nose, while her eyes were shut. She wanted to blame herself, and she wanted to believe herself that she’s the reason that she and her fellow Rangers are in jeopardy.

  She felt a hand on her shoulder, then shifted her eyes to see Erckens smiling upon her. “Don’t blame yourself.” She whispered.

  Hawk nodded, then sighed. “Alright, so what’s next step, ‘Cap?” Her eyes shifted to Raptor. “I know as much that my one-month leave is practically canceled.”

  Raptor shook her head. “Not at all, Hawk. You’ll still have your leave alongside with Grim, and Voyager. It’s just gonna be two weeks.” She waved at Hawk’s husband, and he waved back.

  Hawk sighed, then licked her lips. “I can work with two weeks. Anything else I should worry about?”

  Colonel Erckens and Raptor looked at each other, then Raptor shrugged at Erckens. They shifted their faces back to Hawk, then Erckens spoke. “Right now, you should worry about seeing to your family and have as much time with them as possible. In two weeks, you three…” Erckens gestured her finger at Hawk, Grim, and Voyager. “Will be sent to Abaddon Station for as a “smuggler outfit” under my command. Best look presentable for your old friend, Neera.” Her tone by the end of her sentence showed was mischevious.

  “And Raptor?” Erckens shifted to the now former CO of the ST9.

  “Yes, ma’am?” Raptor asked.

  “You’ll be re-assigned in command of a new unit in one hour. Get ready.”

  Raptor saluted and got to work.

  Meanwhile, Hawk and Grim huffed, whilst Voyager was confused, as his eyebrows shifted. Who’s Neera? He thought, then Hawk tapped him on the shoulder and expressed towards him. I’ll explain it to you later. Voyager bowed his head then left the quarters, leaving Hawk and Grim among the trio.

  Before getting ready for her shore leave, Hawk decided to check on Bullet, Iris, and Lid first who were still in the quarters while the other unnamed Rangers took off. “So, I guess this goodbye, then?” Hawk asked..

  “Yeah, nah. It’s more like see you later.” Lid answered with a sly smile. “I figured we’d all get re-assigned sooner or later.”

  “Either way…” Hawk bumped fists to Lid. “I’ll miss you, Brynn.”

  “You too, Kate. You and Taylor better stay healthy.” Lid did a mock salute, then took off from the quarters.

  “Elias…” Hawk shifted herself to Bullet.

  “I know what you’re going to say, so let me make it clear. It’s not your fault and don’t blame yourself for this predicament.” Bullet interrupted.

  “Yes, Kate.” Iris interjected. “When we went in for this course of action, we knew the price.

  Hawk smiled at the two, as she found herself fond of them. Bullet and Iris work well together. “So, see you later, then.” She shook hands with Bullet and Iris.

  The two shook back. “You got it, Hawk. Au revoir.” Iris made a snide remark as she took off.

  “Later, boss.” Bullet waved as he followed Iris’s lead.

  Then, the last person. “Captain…” Hawk shifted to Raptor.

  “I’m not your CO, anymore, Kate. You can just call me Emilia.” Raptor stated plainly.

  “Or Emmy.” Grim interjected, then Raptor glared at her, and Grim stood back.

  “Erckens is a good woman, Kate. Well-experienced. Battle-Hardened.” Raptor vouched for the Colonel.

  “Yeah, how could I ever forget Pike.” Hawk stated with a tone of wistful fondness, given she was aware of Erckens’ involvement in the traumatic incident in Primoor in ‘91.

  Hawk sighed. “But I still have much to learn here, Rapt..” She stammered and corrected herself “Sorry. Emilia. I still have a lot to learn as a leader.”

  “I know that, Kate. But sometimes, the lessons comes from experience. No amount of books or vids can teach all you need. It comes from within.” Raptor spoke with vigor, which gave Hawk some though. Leadership and being a good leader had to come through experience.

  “Oh, and one more thing before we go our separate ways.” Raptor gestured to Hawk and Grim to not leave as she entered her bunk. Seconds later, she came back with a folder, then opened it and shared a document stacked in papers. Hawk and Grim inspected the document’s cover that was written only in three words.

  Task Force 7.

  Hawk cracked a laugh, then shifted her eyes to Raptor, her arms crossed and lips smiling widely. “Figured you’d know 7 is my favorite number. A standard STR Task Force?”

  “No. A Multi-Species Task Force.” Raptor corrected, then both Hawk’s and Grim’s eyes widened.

  “We haven’t had one since the end of the Second Cyberis War.” Grim stated, then Raptor nodded.

  “Correct. Things are changing here fast, you two. We’re living in dark times where we’ll have to fight together against that threaten our freedom not just as human beings. But for the sake of other species in this galaxy, regardless of our differences.”

  Raptor anticipated that Hawk would question if STR’s brass or FDA’s High-Command approved of this, so she spoke further. “And before you ask, yes. I’ve been talking with the brass and HIGHCOMM on this. We’re keeping this on the down low and on a slower place, since we’re still shifting through a shit-ton of candidates who are suitable for this Task Force.”

  “Well, did you find at least two suitable candidates so far?” Grim inquired, then Raptor chuckled.

  “Of course. The two women in front of me.” Hawk and Grim looked at each other after Raptor’s answer, then giggled.

  “Holy hell. I don’t know what we can say.” Hawk was still in sock.

  “Say thank you?” Raptor asked slyly, and sighed. “But in serious matters, this is still a work-in-progress. You two are the first approved, and we’re looking whether to recruit Petty Officer Hisham on this. But given he’s in the FDA’s Navy Air/Space Squadrons…” Raptor shrugged, lost on how to add Voyager to the equation.

  “I’m sure you’ll figure something out.” Grim spoke with enthusiasm.

  “Your encouragement means a lot, Tay….”

  [CHECKERS to Raptor. Head to your shuttle as it is departing in 45 minutes.] A broadcast speaker heard from the quarters’ ceiling.

  “Speak of the devil. Well, here’s to us.” Raptor hugged Hawk and Grim tightly for a few seconds, then let go.

  “Semper Vigilans, you two.” Raptor did a two-finger salute to the pair, then took off.

  “Semper Vigilans.” Hawk and Grim saluted back. They sighed, and looked around at the quarters that only held them. Then left as well to meet with Voyager.

  “Ready for a shore leave, ladies?” Voyager asked, with a smug smile.

  Hawk and Grim smiled back. “Oh you know it, mister.” Hawk responded in seductive tone, then the trio took off.

  The next two weeks of bliss and relaxation.