Instruments of War: The Only Way Out

By John Briggs

The colonies know. And the powder keg is ready to blow.

Human colonies have learned a dark secret about the United Planetary Coalition’s mortal enemy, the Jaari, and have violently revolted. Joaquin Lafontaine and his fellow “super soldiers,” the Avatars, are thrown back into the action. Their mission is to take the fight to their foes and to find a way to quell the raging colonial rebellions before the UPC fractures and falls apart.

However, Joaquin must prove himself against the better-trained additions to Echo Squad One. Only then can he hope to survive the new and horrifying machinations of the Avatar Project’s research team. But an unseen danger lurks in the shadows, threatening to break Joaquin before he can begin. Can he survive the horrors of war and triumph, or will these new threats cut him down and doom the Coalition to oblivion?

One thing is for certain: for Joaquin and the Avatars, there’s only one way out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Briggs
• Release date: Nov 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005467784

John Briggs

John Briggs, Ph.D., is a professor of English and the journalism coordinator at Western Connecticut State University. He lives in Danbury, Connecticut. F. David Peat holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Liverpool and has written dozens of books on art, science, and spirituality. He lives in London and can be reached at www.fdavidpeat.com. They are the authors of Turbulent Mirror.

Book preview

Act One:

What Lies Beneath

Chapter One: The New Normal

Arcadia Colony, June 15, 2424, 2300 hours

Joaquin gazed into the darkening skies above him, scanning through the smoke for the telltale signs of starlight. His hands trembled as the unease shook his nerves. Let it be different this time. Please. His gaze returned to the darkened city streets below, awash in a hum of rage. The crimson glow of fires cast their unsettling hues upon the environment, including the black and green camo of his armor. The troops of echo Company clambered down a metallic ramp behind him as they unloaded from the armored personnel carrier, readying their weapons. Abandoned cars littered the surrounding streets.

Line! Sarah Richardson screamed. The Avatars obeyed and rushed into formation. Maybe today they’ll listen to reason, but I doubt we’ll get that lucky. Hold your fire until I give the order!

Joaquin shook his head and sighed, quietly grateful that the filters in his helmet prevented the smoke from entering his lungs. Into view came the chaos that had washed over Jameston: rioters smashing improvised weapons through businesses and vehicles and frantic women screaming at the riot police in front of them, holding up large signs with, presumably, pictures of family members. All swelled into a furious tempest of resentment. Joaquin’s thumb rested near the safety of his high-velocity rifle, or the HVR-17c, frozen by the dread of what could come to pass.

A distraught mother came face to face with an officer ahead of Joaquin and began screaming in his face. My son didn’t have to die in your stupid war!

Another woman shrieked, Why didn’t we accept their offer?

The officer turned back in Joaquin’s direction, as if he were pondering that himself.

I didn’t know. Joaquin gritted his teeth. I was just as outraged as you were. His mind flashed back to when the Jaari hacked the communications network across the United Planetary Coalition. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, just as they had when the Jaari revealed the UPC’s greatest lie. They claimed they had given the UPC a chance to surrender before the war started. That they weren’t the merciless monsters we made them out to be. Joaquin scanned the crowd, perturbed by the familiar discord unfolding before him. Now everything’s a mess. Everyone believed they had to fight or die. Then surrender gets put on the table and everyone is considering it. The UPC had confessed to lying and tried to justify their actions, but the damage had been done.

A familiar voice rang out through the comms. Sergeant Major! This is Captain Karen Lorenzo! The situation is deteriorating, fast! What’s your status?

Joaquin looked back at Sarah. Her hand came to rest against her communicator. The face of Havoc Company’s leader was obscured by the black material of her helmet. The shark jaw decal across her face guard was the only mouth that could be seen. Things are getting out of hand here. The civvies are rioting and are threatening to overrun the local forces!

Copy that, Sergeant Major. Hold the area until the VIPs are evacuated. We’ll try to exfiltrate you once they’re away. Over.

Joaquin gripped his rifle, breathing heavily. Long-range sensors picked up a Jaari fleet in the sector and the UPC’s pulling a Tempest. A heavy fleet presence in orbit made it clear to the colony what was going to happen, causing a wave of panic to wash over the inhabitants.

The squad stood at attention with tense anticipation. About fifty meters ahead, the civilians of Jameston screamed, full of rage and righteous indignation. Take us! Take us! Leave them behind! they chanted.

We’re supposed to help them, and instead we’re ferrying VIPs off the colony! he thought. Then Sarah’s words rang in his head. There’s no way we can relocate an entire colony. That would take decades. Joaquin drew in a deep sigh. And that means we’re forced to abandon another colony.

The riot officers appeared indifferent to the task at hand, staring back at Echo. The lead officer wore a visage of disgust, and his eyes harbored an intense loathing. Joaquin gritted his teeth and readied himself. Don’t even think about it! Ma’am, the riot police! he said in his Hispanic accent.

The lead officer turned away, raising a finger to his headset. Sarah’s head turned toward them, and she studied the officers through the bright blue eye slits of her helmet. Hold off, Echo 7, but keep your eyes—

The officer gestured at his men. Each of them rushed forward and pulled down the barricade in front of the protestors. Loud, animalistic cheers rang out as the crowd surged forward and fell in behind the riot police. Joaquin saw the hate in their eyes as the officers and rioters raised their weapons at Echo, intent on punishing them for the imminent cut and run. Not again! Contact! Joaquin yelled as he dove behind a nearby car. Down!

Bullets sliced through the air as the crowd and police opened fire, forcing Echo Company into cover. Sarah howled over the roar of her rifle, Engage hostiles! Open fire!

Joaquin clambered to his feet and slid against the driver’s side wheel well before rising to his feet and opening fire. His HVC-17c cracked to life with fiery spurts that caught several rogue officers in the chest, sending them to the ground in a heap. It’s self-defense, Joaquin!

Doesn’t make me feel any better!

The rest of the squad followed suit, unloading their superior armaments into the crowd, turning the violent mob into a mess of gore and body parts. The remainder of the crowd screamed and ran in the face of such devastation, stampeding anyone in their way. The remnants of the security force glanced around in a panic. Run, you idiots! The police charged forward, and with another barrage of lead, they were dashed apart in a hail of gunfire. Son of a bitch!

Karen’s voice cut through the chaos of combat. Sarah! Long-range sensors are picking up Jaari forces entering the solar system. I believe our time on Arcadia may have just run out.

Where does that leave us? Did we get our VIPs out in time?

"Affirmative. The VIPs are on board the Century and we’re ready to depart when you get back. I suggest you double-time. The Jaari might get lucky and pull off a microjump. If that happens, we’re in trouble."

We’re getting left behind if that happens. Got it. Sarah shook her head and yelled for everyone’s attention. Ladies and gentlemen, I have some bad news! We got party-crashers coming in and we need to haul ass off this rock! Double time to the exfil point and board the shuttles ASAP! Move!

Joaquin hurried along with the rest of the company, uncertain as to the fate of Jameston as Echo retreated to the landing zone. Rioters pursued them, branding Echo as gutless cravens and pelting them with debris before running off. All this bullshit better be worth it. I can’t keep doing this. We have to take the fight to the Jaari! Not our own people!

* * *

The shuttle rocked to a hard stop inside the hangar. The rear doors swung open, allowing the shuttle bay lights to beam into the shuttle’s darkened hold. Sarah charged down the still-descending hatch and hopped down to the deck with a loud thud. Alright, everyone, take defensive positions and prepare to repel boarders!

The squad acknowledged her, charging down the corridors to their designated rallying points. Sarah ran down the hallways to the CIC with Jen’ra, the green, muscle-bound Zinth, plodding behind her in hot pursuit.

Do you think we can mount a defense, ma’am? she shouted from behind.

Sarah gasped and sucked in some sterile air, kicking herself for forgetting to breathe. I don’t know. If everyone’s on the same page, maybe. If the colony remembers the Jaari are vicious monsters? Possibly. If they remember all the colonies we’ve had to abandon and that the Coalition lied? Then things will sour, fast.

The hatch to the CIC swooshed open as Sarah stormed into the vociferous chaos. Jen’ra nearly ran over an unlucky technician with her large body, sliding to a stop as metal ground against metal. She glanced down at the tech with her bioluminescent eyes and helped the tech back to his feet.

Barclay, report! What’s going on? Sarah exclaimed.

The bald young man, dressed in a first officer’s uniform, boomed back at her, wearing a look of annoyance, "That’s Mr. Daniels, Ms. Richardson. And I don’t report to you."

A hot flash of anger pulsed through Sarah’s head. I know, I know! What’s going on? Are we able to push back the Jaari fleet? We need this victory, even if it’s only a small morale boost!

Daniels gazed back at the plexiglass battle grid behind him, placing his hands on his hips and staring down at the deck with a subtle sigh. The many red dots near the second moon of Arcadia were beginning to quash any hope of a successful counterattack. If Arcadia plays ball, then possibly. His eyes lifted from the deck and focused back on her. With the riots and the waffling from the colonial officials? I wouldn’t count on it. They better fight. The UPC’s a far better option than the Jaari, even if they lied to all of us.

Arcadia Command! Karen’s voice carried over the comms. Why haven’t you deployed your satellite defense grid?

A tech yelled out over the building chaos, Sir! Jaari forces are closing in. They’ll be engaging momentarily!

A Kramach, a jellyfish-like being situated in a transparent tube filled with water, began to flash in a series of alternating colors that were filtered by its container to prevent photosensitive seizures. The speakers attached to the tube crackled to life. By my calculations, the robotic voice said, we will be unable to mount a counteroffensive if Arcadia refuses to deploy their satellites.

Sir, we have an incoming transmission from the Jaari, another technician called out. Audio only.

A deep, authoritative voice rang out across the CIC through the room’s speakers, striking into the core of her body. Attention, Arcadia. The forces of the Jaari Star Empire wish to parley. Surrender, and you will be spared. The UPC cannot and will not protect you. You will not be given a second chance. Several of the command staff glanced around nervously, sweat dripping down their foreheads.

Arcadia Command, Karen said over the comms, we can push the Jaari back, but you need to help us. Please, launch your satellites and we can—

Governor Hambly’s voice cut her off. No, we won’t. We’re not tolerating your lies, and we’re not sacrificing ourselves just so you can abandon us. We’ll take our chances. Attention, Jaari forces. We surrender. The UPC are not acting on our behalf.

No! Sarah’s body deflated as the governor finished. You need to fight! You can’t surrender! Daniels bit his lip and grasped his console tightly while his staff slumped back in their chairs in disbelief.

Acknowledged, Arcadia. You will not be harmed, the Jaari commander replied.

Can you blame them? Even if they help us, they’re right in the end: we’ll cut and run in the face of a superior force, and then what? The Jaari will punish them. Sarah shook her head. Giving up won’t win the war.

Klaxons blared across the CIC. Daniels lurched forward and cursed under his breath as his eyes scanned his console.

Shit! What’s happening? Are we being targeted by the Jaari? Sarah called out.

"By them and Arcadia. Their planetary batteries are locking on. His voice rose in frustration. Karen, we need to get out of here!"

Already on it, Mr. Daniels, she replied. All UPC forces, jump to warp! Do not engage the Jaari. Attention, Arcadia colony and the Jaari fleet in orbit. We are withdrawing from your space. Hold your fire!

* * *

Coalition Space Vessel (CSV) Century, June 16, 2424, 0400 hours

It had been four hours since the stand-down order was given. The Century and her fleet managed to retreat from the Jaari forces: the only bit of good news. Joaquin lay in his bunk, struggling to fall asleep. But like many nights since Hepler, he stirred. Joaquin assumed his nightly ritual, sitting on the edge of his bunk in the dark. The groan of the drinking cup in his hand was barely audible over the muffled growls that escaped his mouth.

Everything was supposed to change after Hepler! Joaquin glanced up at the darkened ceiling. His thoughts turned back to the frantic women in the riot, screaming about their fallen children. We came out of it as heroes. This was supposed to be the turning point! If this keeps up . . .

Memories of the past rushed into his mind: Joaquin’s failure at Tempest, his death sentence, and his conscription into the Avatar project. The new friends he made, the night he shared with Delta 3. Joaquin shook his head. No, not Delta 3. Meghan.

Joaquin’s scowl faded away as tears filled his eyes. Operation Phoenix. It killed Dennis and Meghan. I saw them, carved up by energy weapons or riddled with bullets. Didn’t stop them from coming back. The memory of those soulless husks towering over him and then charging into battle were forever burned into his memory.

A tear ran down Joaquin’s face. The feeling of her broken body in his arms always seemed so real, no matter how hard he tried to remind himself of the truth. No matter how hard he tried to stir her back to the land of the living, how much he apologized for not being there to save her, she would wrestle free and rise back to her feet, apathetic and unaware of the man she once cared for. The barracks came back into focus as cold streams ran down his cheeks. A hand rose to his mouth to muffle his anguished gasps while the other wiped the tears from his face.

Her heart was in the right place, Trisha’s voice rang out in his head. And from the sound of things, it still is.

Ray’s massive body stirred as he woke from his slumber. Echo 7, you okay?

Joaquin sniffled, pushed his short brown hair out of the way, and spoke with a shaky voice. Yeah, I’m fine. Just remembering the fallen. The plastic cup came to rest against his lips, and a cold, soothing rush of water entered his mouth.

Ray’s light clicked on as he grunted in the affirmative. I feel ya. You want to talk about it?

Joaquin shook his head and gulped down his drink, mentally kicking himself for forgetting about the lack of lighting. His tense jaw made it difficult to speak. No, it’s alright.

Ray offered a smile, trying to be supportive. It doesn’t sound like it’s alright.

We’re trapped in a ghoulish, nightmare program. Joaquin chuckled, trying to hide his discomfort. Don’t sweat it. The worst part is, I’m used to the idea of people coming back as a corpse. And I shouldn’t be. What about the riots? Will I get used to that, too?

The door chimed, grabbing the attention of the two men. Come in! Ray beckoned.

With a whoosh, the hatch slid open, and a Caucasian woman of average height stood before them. Trisha’s shapely, muscular form entered the barracks, her brown hair messier than usual, and the stress she carried in her expression needed no words. Her delicate blue eyes fell on Ray, and a warm smile crept across her face. The African man rubbed a hand over his black buzz-cut hair and shot her a flirtatious look with his green eyes.

One of these days, it’ll be you and me in a bunk, she whispered. Her body jolted, the telltale sign of an electrical shock surging through her body. The young woman hissed, and then her scowl vanished as the smile returned. Still worth it.

Ray sported a devious grin. Joaquin rolled his eyes and smiled, setting the cold cup down in the bunk’s drink holder. One of the benefits of the Avatar program’s restrictions: I don’t have to deal with my barracks smelling like a college dormitory. What’s the word, Echo 4?

Trisha’s eyes darted to him. The smile softened, but it still held a personable warmth. Command finally got off their ass and came up with a plan. Very hush-hush. ‘The eyes of the Jaari are everywhere,’ she said, using her hands to exaggerate what she was saying. We’re taking on new Avatars in the meantime, and Sarah’s company is going to assist us in their training.

Ray interjected, And here I was thinking we’d get lucky and they’d just shut the program down. Guess it’s too much for some dirty secrets to leak out to everyone, huh?

Trisha shot him a sympathetic look. Nope. No rescue from this hell of ours. We got ‘proper’ troops instead. What do they have that we convicts don’t? she said with an incredulous snort. Hopefully the Gen-IIs got a better Basic than we did. Lord knows they’re gonna need it. We got an hour to get ready and report for ‘mentoring,’ so get to it, Echo 7. Trisha proceeded out the door but stopped in the doorframe and tilted her head over her shoulder. Echo 12.

Ray chuckled as Trisha disappeared through the closing hatch.

Do I really want to train the new guys? Joaquin wrung his hands together. God knows how long they’ll survive for.

They need to be shown the ropes. Doesn’t matter if it’s the Avatar program or not.

Just so we can throw them into the meatgrinder? I can’t look people in the eye, get to know them like that and watch as they get gunned down, just to see them come back.

Then they’ll be ill-prepared for what’s to come. They’ll die. Give the new recruits a fighting chance.

Joaquin nodded to himself as he strode over to the bathroom, cracking his neck as the lights slowly flickered on, revealing his muscular body and handsome face in the mirror. His yellow eyes greeted him in the reflection, along with a sizable amount of stubble. Gotta love my weird genetics. He squinted at the mirror, trying to get his eyes to adapt as he fumbled for the shaving cream. He smiled as he applied the cream to his face. At least I don’t have to squat down like Ray does to see what I’m doing.

An unsteady hand seized his shaving razor. Joaquin held his breath as he brought the shaky blade across his cheek. Agh! Son of a— he hissed, feeling a sharp jolt of pain. Joaquin cursed again as he seized a towel and pressed it hard against his face, trapping the crimson against his skin. He quickly produced some quick-sealing medical gel, smearing it into the cut. Before long, the bleeding stopped and the cut disappeared.

There. Right as rain.

* * *

0430 hours

Delta and Echo companies filed into the Century’s beige training hall. Joaquin came to a stop along the perimeter of the room, squinting from the light and grumbling from the numbness of sleep deprivation. The smell of body wash and hair product hung in the air. Ray and Trisha glanced at each other and shared a look. Joaquin turned his head toward them, giving them an all-too-familiar expression.

Yeah, yeah. I didn’t get much sleep. You know why.

Avatars! Atten-tion! Sarah barked, snapping the three of them back to reality. Prepare to meet your new squadmates! The three of them stood at attention, as did everyone else.

Some of the soldiers murmured uncomfortably. Can’t blame them. Getting attached or friendly won’t do anyone any favors. At least the Gen-IIs volunteered for this nightmare. We didn’t have a choice. Anger arced through his body. Who the hell would volunteer for this madness? Did the Coalition even warn them, or were they lied to, just like us?

New faces filed into the training hall, all sporting spiffy uniforms that put Delta’s and Echo’s to shame. Joaquin’s sleep-addled mind snapped out of its fugue at the apparent slight. Was this their idea or the UPC’s? Rubbing it in our faces that the Gen-IIs are the official troopers now? Guess that means no more prison conscripts. For now.

Ladies and gentlemen! Sarah boomed. Welcome to your new home! The men and women before you are your new squadmates. I know some of you will have misgivings about serving with them, given they are prison conscripts. Bear in mind, however, they fought during Operation Phoenix and on Hepler. They are responsible for our technological progress during the past five months. They’ve bled, suffered, and struggled to give us a fighting chance in this war. If not for these men and women, I would not be here today. You will show them respect. Introduce yourselves, and then get ready for today’s training. We have a lot of ground to cover if we are going to be ready to take the fight to the Jaari. As you were.

The crowd shuffled toward Echo and Delta, their feet pattering loudly against the metal deck plates until the pleasantries began. Several troopers, young and old, slipped through the mob and approached Echo Company, conversing with the various squad leaders.

Did they ever figure out who was going to be Sarah’s little helper for our squad? Joaquin asked. I don’t recall your demotion being lifted, Echo 4.

Trisha rolled her eyes, and a devious smirk spread across her face. No, never did get my position back, she said coyly. Maybe they’re looking at a Gen-II?

Maybe. Maybe they’re less inclined to break security protocols like some of us, eh? Joaquin stifled his laughter. A finger poked him sharply in the chest.

Hey! she snapped playfully. It was worth it, okay?

Ray blushed a little as he glanced up at the ceiling. Yep. The guys are still jealous about that one.

Trisha giggled. Not as jealous as the ladies, Echo 12.

Ahem! An unfamiliar, arrogant voice caught everyone’s attention.

Joaquin turned and saw a beautiful woman with short red hair staring back at him. She sported what appeared to be either a look of utter disdain or resting bitch face. She was of average height, around as tall as Joaquin, and had a well-toned, slender body that radiated her irritation.

Joaquin stared back at his friends for a brief moment. Ray and Trisha were just as confused as he was. This has to be the interstellar record for the quickest soured impression. What the hell is her problem anyway? He cleared his throat. Can I help you, Miss . . .

The redhead shot a look at Joaquin like he was something she’d scraped off her shoe. Echo 2, and not really, she snarked. Her French accent was unmistakable. The CO wants me to meet my new squadmates. Nothing impressive, really. It’s a good thing we’re here to whip you into shape.

Ah, the snooty French woman. Sounds a lot like Grandma. Joaquin raised an eyebrow at her remark. I think we’ve done just fine, young lady.

The redhead folded her arms and rolled her eyes, sighing heavily. We’ve all heard the stories about what you Gen-Is did at Helm’s Reach. Your survival is due less to skill and more to dumb luck. But what can you expect from criminals and rapists?

Ray emitted a low growl as he took a step forward, causing the redhead’s eyes to dart toward him. Trisha stepped in front of him and blocked his advance. Did you not hear Sarah? Turn that attitude around. It isn’t going to help you here.

Oh? Your friend there just proved my point, the redhead replied. You have little discipline and skill.

Joaquin laughed in his mind. You’re trying to test us like that?

The redhead continued: You need the touch of an experienced soldier, and Sarah’s too busy to babysit all of you. She walked away from them with a dismissive wave. We’re going to turn you guinea pigs into real soldiers, and someday, you’ll thank me for the pleasure.

Cocky, arrogant, and lacking in discipline. Not to mention hypocritical. Joaquin and the others sat in silence, waiting until the cocky redhead was out of earshot before Ray broke the silence. So I guess she’s dying first, huh?

Joaquin and Trisha snickered. Pretty sure she has more use to us as a Zed, right? Trisha remarked.

Joaquin laughed. She probably feels the same about us. Two’s easy on the eyes, though. Maybe if she pulled that stick out of her ass, she’d lighten up?

Trisha raised an eyebrow and shot a curious look at Joaquin. Got your mind in the gutter?

Trisha! Not with her!

He went to answer, but an unwelcome voice called out from behind him, Hi, everyone! How are the new recruits?

Joaquin shuddered and gave Echo 10 a sideways glance, refusing to give him his full attention. Not a good time, Ten, Joaquin muttered. Ray folded his arms as he cleared his throat. Goddammit, why do you keep coming around? Memories of Dennis came into Joaquin’s mind. Thoughts of his deceased friend blurred with the image of this naive, brown-haired man. And here stands this imposter, using Dennis’s designation. Part of Joaquin struggled against the swelling anger within him, while another clung to the idea of screaming his rage into this man’s face for the slight against his fallen friend.

Ten’s average-size body shifted nervously under Joaquin’s stare. When is it ever with you? Ten motioned at Trisha. Echo 4, we should probably round up the newbies and get ready.

Trisha glared at Joaquin and Ray and walked off with Ten. Come on, let’s go meet some new friends.

The tension in Joaquin’s body released as Ten left. Should you be treating him like that? a voice in his head called out. Joaquin grasped the side of his head and winced.

A heavy hand came to rest against his shoulder. You alright?

I’m fine, Echo 12. Thank you.

The pair slowly moved through the mob and took their positions. Sarah stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by Delta and Echo. Members of Havoc Company, Sarah’s personal unit before it was repurposed to mentor the Avatars, stood at attention and scanned the crowd. The bright lighting of the room glistened off her armor and muscles.

Attention! she yelled, folding her arms behind her back. The room went silent. Although she was of average height, the presence and force she exuded were palpable. Alright, everyone, now that you’ve met your new brothers and sisters in arms, it’s time to get down to business. As you know, we suffered heavy casualties during our operations on Hepler, and we’d been waiting for the new recruits before making any decisions regarding squad leaders. I’d like to thank the current leaders—interim or otherwise—for their efforts. I’m proud of what you’ve managed to accomplish, even if it doesn’t feel like much right now. We have a new mission coming soon—Operation Strike Back—and I need everyone trained and ready for combat in the coming weeks.

Joaquin drew in a deep breath as Sarah fumbled with her wrist-mounted PDA. Hopefully this operation can help to turn the war around. If things change, if we win some battles, maybe we can get a ceasefire with the Jaari. Then maybe we can all get out of here. Lord knows I’m not fighting for an organization that subjected us to this nightmare out of the good of my heart. Okay, maybe that last part isn’t true. The people need protection. The Coalition can go to hell.

In the meantime, it’s time that we shuffled the deck a bit, Sarah continued. I know that some of you might object to having to give up your positions or serving under the old guard despite your performance in Basic. Trust that I am making the best decisions for your squads. It’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket, and we may need redundancies. This is war, after all. We’ve narrowed our choices down to two candidates per squad.

Joaquin nodded. A queer sensation enveloped his body. Wonder who’s going to be in charge. Pretty sure I’m out of the running, given what happened at Tempest. I’ve come a long way and made the best of a bad situation, but the ex-starship captain that got blamed for a military disaster doesn’t scream leadership material to many people.

Sarah turned toward Joaquin’s squad, which was mainly composed of Gen Is. Echo Squad 1! The two candidates for your group will be Echoes 2 and 7!

Joaquin’s heart jumped into his throat, and he choked back a surprised gasp. I stand corrected! Wait, what did I do to even be considered?

Echo 2’s face was a combination of shock and confusion as she briefly looked at Joaquin, then Sarah. Her mouth opened to say something, but she quickly cut herself off.

Echo 7 stopped me from committing a terrible decision that could have killed many innocent people, Sarah said, and with several of his squadmates, he was able to formulate a plan to get us all off of Hepler before the Jaari had a chance to capture or kill us. I think he will make an effective squad leader, assuming he has what it takes.

Joaquin gulped at the kind words. T-Thank you, ma’am. Is she doing this to give me a second chance? Joaquin bit his lip as he glanced at the floor. Can I even do this?

Sarah slowly walked toward Echo 2 as she continued. Echo 2 has demonstrated effective combat skills in the field and is a decorated soldier. She has drive and experience and would be the most qualified. Sarah’s shark-decaled helmet stopped just short of Two’s beautiful face, and Sarah’s voice took on a stern tone. But she also has a hearing problem and needs an attitude adjustment. Perhaps you’ll take this seriously and learn to work with your fellow troopers. Consider that your challenge, young lady: earn the respect of your troops, and you’ll stand a good chance at winning. Do you get me?

Two’s body stiffened. I get you, ma’am! I won’t let you down!

Nice. Putting the upstart in her place. Joaquin smiled. One of the reasons why I like you, Sarah.

See that you don’t. You will all be receiving your squad assignments shortly. Report for training once everyone has their leader. I’ll be in a meeting in the meantime, and I trust you won’t do something to piss me off in my absence. Isn’t that right, Echo?

Yes, ma’am! the room boomed back.

Good. As you were. As Sarah moved off to address the other squads, Joaquin’s gaze caught Two’s. The bitchy attitude was gone, but the air of loathing remained.

Joaquin smiled, feeling a bit of his self-confidence returning. Well, I guess I have a rival. And she’s slow to learn. A smile spread across his face, and Two struggled not to react to it. This should be interesting. It’s been a while since I dealt with an arrogant ass like that. Let’s see if I can teach her some respect. He chuckled and quickly composed himself.

* * *

CSV Century, 1100 hours

Sarah drew in a deep breath as the hatch to the meeting room slid open with a low swoosh. Meetings. Ugh, I hate meetings. The circular metal table shone dimly as the bright lights danced off its polished surface. Captain Karen Lorenzo, First Officer Daniel Barclay, and an unknown woman of Asian descent were in attendance. Karen was her usual regal self, and Mr. Barclay—or Daniels, as he preferred to be called—sat in quiet stoicism. Karen always said he never liked his last name: made him seem too inexperienced. Better to just change your last name, Daniel. Sarah shook his idiosyncrasy from her mind as the dark-haired woman came into view. She wore a lead researcher’s uniform and sat in quiet confidence as she reviewed her notes. The woman’s faint smile, tempered with an off-putting air, sent chills down Sarah’s spine.

Karen greeted her with a smile, brushing strands of her black hair out of her eyes. The gray in her hairline had grown more pronounced over the past few months, but she still held an elegant air about her. Ah! Ms. Richardson! Please take a seat. We have much to discuss.

The uncomfortable sensation in Sarah’s body evaporated as she smiled inside of her helmet and rested herself against the soft leather of her seat. Thank you, Captain.

Karen motioned to the unknown middle-aged woman at the table.