FSE

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"Hey! Gather round! We just got the security vid!" The feline dashed into the room, waving her wrist computer in the air. As a scout, her main job was information, and learning about a new commander is definitely a worthy assignment, "Come on, hurry up!" A quick wave of her wrist, and she transferred the file to a larger screen.

The video is a little grainy, but it is still easy to see that it took place in a small earth town. A very small town in fact, two rows of homes with a convenience store, and a main road down the center. Barricades were put up between the homes so that once you were on the road, you had to go through, "Woah, I knew the fighting was intense, but that's just a residential area with no strategic value. Hell, even if they wanted to take hostages, it would be a waste of resources. Most of the people would have evacuated, they may be able to get a straggler or two, but that's it." The dragon who spoke was second in command, and was the most experienced mercenary in the room.

"Figures you would say that. You couldn't handle a single person if they tied themself up and followed your every order." The fox joked.

"Hey!"

The squirrel slammed her hands on the table in front of her, "Shut up! I'm trying to watch! And what you said made no sense!"

The video zoomed out, and the group could see a large company approaching. They were equipped with top of the line weaponry and armor, plus they had a few vehicles with them. What they were doing was anyone's guess, but instead of going around the small, poorly fortified town, they went right through the center, "Ah ha! I see it now! I like this commander already!" The fox was smiling, "Now shut up and watch!"

As soon as the company entered the town, six figures appeared on top of the houses. They were outnumbered, but they technically had the company surrounded. When all of their enemies were in the confines of the town, one of the figures waved his arm, and two bombs detonated on both open sides of the town. Following that, two large wooden barricades fell, and trapped the company. Then, the six figures tossed grenade after grenade down upon their enemies, which caused heavy casualties and scattered the enemies. Unfortunately for them, they were walled in with no where to hide.

The six figures pulled out rifles and handguns, which was all they had, and began to pick off the enemies who were desperately trying to escape, "Woah, those guys are in bad shape. I haven't seen guns like that before, but they are definitely old. They aren't even wearing armor! They definitely have some balls." The squirrel was obviously impressed.

"Guerrilla warfare by a people doesn't have to be pretty, it just has to get the job done. If they run out of ammo, or feel the need to retreat, their enemy is trapped, so they have some time. Damn! It that a..." One of the figures, the one who signaled the detonation, pulled out a shiny, but large, handgun. The dragon, someone who really likes earth weapons, instantly recognized, "A desert eagle?! No way! My sister loves that gun!"

The group continued to watch as the company was massacred by six humans, "Damn, our commander knows his stuff, huh?"

The feline giggled, "Well, something else I found interesting. None of those people had any military experience. One was a mailman, one was a school teacher, one was homeless, one was a store clerk, one was a janitor, and our new commander was a student. The company was one of the most feared in that country's military."

The AI on the ship suddenly spoke, "Attention crew members, the new commander of the Zero Unit is currently being escorted from Earth. He should arrive in 3 hours and 54 minutes. Please return to your rooms and get equipped in a way that would make the commander feel at home."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? We're on our own brand new ship, why can't we relax?"

The AI was not satisfied by the complaint, "That is simple Ratchet. He is accustomed to a military lifestyle, so being in military style gear will make him feel at home. In addition, the trip from a planet to another star system is taxing on one's nervous system, and the new commander is injured-"

Ratchet hopped out of her seat, "What?! What the hell happened?! Jill! Why don't you know this?!"

The flustered feline looked over her wrist computer, "Um... I don't know! All information on him is either classified or has been destroyed! Miss AI, why is that?"

The AI remained silent, so Ratchet banged on the wall, "Hey! We're talking to you! Hey!"

The dragon stood up and pulled Ratchet away from the wall, "Calm down. You know that her capacity is limited to this ship's operations and travel information. She has no link to anything else." The feisty vixen was still angry, but she knew that the dragon was right, "Now if he knows nothing but war, a more relaxing attire would be more appropriate, don't you think? A man can only take so much, and we can't have our commander break down on the first day."

Ratchet plopped down onto a chair, "So what now Titus? We just sit around and wait with no info on the guy who's gonna lead us?" She slammed a foot down on the table, "What do you think Chey?"

The squirrel leaned back in her seat and gazed at the metallic ceiling, "Hm... it's not the best, but if our scout and AI don't know anything, then what are we supposed to do? Sure, I like knowing what's behind the next corner, but I'll take what he can get. The reports we have received over the past week seem to indicate that he is both stable and skilled. We'll just see how he takes our first mission, alright?" Everyone looked at her, "What?"

Jill leaned away, "Um... since when are you calm and collected? Normally you'd be the one smashing the wall and screaming at the AI."

"Heh, guess I would. But... I'm a little hungover, so screaming is bad right now."

The AI spoke again, "As per request, I have the weapon preferences for your new commander. If you would be so kind as to link with my system Jill I will transfer the information. His armor is being custom made as his physiology is different from all of yours." Jill waved her wrist computer in front of one on the AI's ports, and the information was hers.

Jill made sure to look over it, "Um... wow. This is some specialized gear. Ratchet and Chey are going to have to work their magic a little."

Ratchet was still fuming, but Chey was able to look over at Jill, "How do you mean?"

Jill looked at her wrist computer, "Well, I have some specialized code that you two will need to program into the weapons. Haven't seen anything like this before. I'm not even sure if they'll be reliable to use."

Ratchet yelled out, "Tell us already! What the hell does it do?!"

Jill took a few minutes to read over the code, "Well, for the sniper rifle he wants the accuracy and spin to increase, and there are a few upgrades for the body listed also. The AI can help with that. As for the assault rifle, he wants the ammo to be... less stable? Oh, and an increase clip size and barrel reinforcement. For the handgun... an auto-fire option and increased clip size as well."

"Damn!" Titus crossed his arms, "Sounds like this guy thinks he's better than all of us, demanding all these upgrades. I say we give him our shittiest weapons and wish him the best."

Jill smiled, "Actually, these were part of the arrangement for him joining us. Fallen Sky actually offered him the upgrades of his choice and a few other things if he would leave Earth and join us. Sounds like the head engineers worked on this, that must have been what the package was a few days ago." She is referring to a package that was given when the ship last docked at a fueling station two days ago. It's contents were concealed, but the Fallen Sky logo was visible, "His armor specifications are also here. Looks like he's going to be the first one into danger and the last one out."

"Hey now, that's my job. Breach, bang, and clear, it's what I do."

"Relax Chey, you can still do that. It just looks like he's gonna be leading our charge and getting involved instead of just spouting out orders."

Ratchet stood up, "Well, if he kicks ass, then I've got nothing against him. Another sniper would be nice, especially when we need to get shit done fast and at a distance. Another rifle would be good for cover fire and damage on the ground." She stretched out, "Well, guess we should get started. Us ladies will get to work. Titus, make sure the commander's seat on the bridge is nice and shiny, okay?" She winked as the women left the room.

Titus was a little slow, "Yeah, I'll... wait a minute, that was an insult! Wasn't it?"

The women worked hard in the armory, but luckily with the new materials, the upgrades went smoothly, "Damn, I was worried for a second. But this actually looks like something I'd want to use. How about things on your end Chey?"

"Yeah, everything went great. No idea why the lowered stability of the ammunition, but to each his own. Oh shit! Look at the time!" It was a minute before the commander arrived. The women set the weapons down and dashed towards the bridge, "Whew, just in time."

Titus was already there, so the women stood in a single file line to his right. The familiar sound of a small shuttle docking brought them all to attention. One of the escorts entered the bridge first, "Zero Unit, this is your new commander. Show respect."

A hunched over figure slowly walked up onto the bridge. His clothes were tattered, torn, and dirty. When he looked up, the Zero Unit members all gasped. He was young, but he looked so worn out and tired. His hair was messy, and he was wearing a dirty old eyepatch over his left eye. He looked around with his one eye, which was a little creepy, "So, you my new crew?" His voice was oddly smooth.

Jill was the first to speak out after an awkward silence, "Yes sir! I'm Jill, a scout. My job is scanning ahead, and gathering and using information to our advantage."

"I'm Ratchet sir. I'm your sniper. I... snipe people."

"Chey. I usually lead the charge and clear out a space. I'm a soldier and explosives expert."

"Sir, I'm Titus. I'm your second in command. I'm a vanguard, in that I hold the line and cause heavy damage in close quarters."

The escort left as the commander clutched his bandaged side, "Well, I'm Dante. I specialize in a lot of things. Stop being so damn formal and take me to my room. I need to lie down. You don't really feel jetlag until you are shot off into space... I'm tired. I need rest."

"Oh!" Jill snapped to attention, "Follow me comm- I mean Dante." She led Dante a short way down a corridor then opened his door, "Here you are! We'll be traveling to a port to pick up your armor and special request items. The trip should take a few hours, so rest up!"

She shut the door and Dante examined his room. It was relatively large. There was a good sized bed, private bathroom, desk, and a wall for storing weapons and displaying trophies he found, "Ugh... well at least I won't have to fight every battle while on the verge of death." He fell on his bed, "Ow. Stupid bullet wound." After the sharp pain, he quickly fell asleep.

.................................

A voice echoed in his room and woke him up, "Commander Dante, we have arrived at our destination."

"It's Dante... and I'm moving, just not very fast." He sat up and checked his bandages, "No new blood. That's a good thing." As he stood up, he checked his back holster, "She's still there too. Good. Let's move legs." He exited his room and went to the bridge where the rest of the Zero Unit were gathered. They had on armor with the Fallen Sky logo across the chest, and they also had their weapons attached to the magnetic holsters on their backs. Jill handed Dante a bag with a strap, which he quickly examined, "That much danger huh? Oh well, can't be helped." He pulled out the rifle, threw the strap on his shoulder and put it around his back. Then he took the handgun and belt and got ready, "Let's move."

He followed the Zero Unit through the airlock and onto the spaceport, which wasn't all that great. The windows which displayed the massive nothingness of space were dirty and had advertisements all over them, the metal which made up the walls, floors, and ceilings was rusted, the everyone looked violent and shady, "Welcome to Ghardin. In addition to being a popular spaceport, this is also one of the more important locations for Fallen Sky. We act as a police unit here, so being in proper attire is necessary."

Dante looked at Chey, "Uh huh, sure. Give me a knife and a map and I'll have this place looking like new in a few days. Intimidation only works when authority is in sight. Actions last forever and scar the memory." The Zero Unit moved with purpose to the only area of the port that looked like anything worth seeing.

A man in a Fallen Sky uniform saluted Dante, "Welcome sir! If you would please step into that room there, we will hand over your armor and identification. Your specially requested goods are being delivered to your ship as we speak." Dante nodded, then walked into the back alone.

The door automatically opened to a large room with mechanical arms and computers all around, "Commander? Please, step over here. And strip down." A rabbit in a lab coat gestured for Dante to step into the center of the room. She was standing by a crate with the Fallen Sky logo on it's lid.

"Now rabbit people? Damn, a few hours in space and I've already seen too much." She asked him to spread his arms, and he did so. A few beams of light mapped his body, but all he felt was a warm sensation, "So, not even dinner? Usually people like to be romantic before they get me naked."

The rabbit giggled, "Well, I like to be direct. Here, some new clothes to put on. Hm?" She noticed his bandages as she looked up, "Are you injured?" She kept an eye on him as she handed him the new set of clothes.

Dante shrugged, "I got shot while I was protecting your people. It's just a flesh wound, nothing serious." She picked something out of her pocket and pressed it against his wound, "Hey, that's cold! And tingly..."

"There. All better. Every ship has a medical treatment center with this sort of technology. A cream that speeds up healing. Now hurry up." Not enjoying being so exposed, he quickly slipped the new clothes on. The clothing was similar to what one might find on Earth, but every piece was soft, smooth, and incredibly durable. He was now wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and boots.

"Fancy. What's next?"

The doctor opened the crate, "In here lies your armor, crafted to both your physiology and specifications. In addition, this is your new wrist computer." She slipped a thin metal wristband onto Dante's left wrist, which was exactly like Jill's, "Good. Now about this technology, I know it is rare on Earth, so I've provided- hey!"

Dante started to put on the armor, "Listen, I don't need to know the specifics. If it protects from a few shots, the elements, and it doesn't restrict movement, it's fine with me." The armor fit perfectly, so he had no trouble putting it on. It was a dark gray, like a storm cloud, with the Fallen Sky logo on the chest piece. He stretched out and moved his limbs to get a feel for it, "It fits. Thanks." He then picked up his weapons and put the rifle on the magnetic holster on the back, and the pistol on the magnetic holster on his left. As for his special desert eagle, he wrapped his old belt around his waist and shoved it in it's leather holster, now on his right. The belt hung at an angle due to the weight.

The rabbit examined the armor, then nodded, "Seems like you know what you are doing. Now," She sat on a desk near the back wall and crossed her legs, "Is there anything else you would like to know Dante? About your weapons, your ship, or even the species you may meet?" Dante could tell she was trying to seduce him, though not very effectively. He assumed being on this station hidden in the back room had severely reduced her pick-up skills.

"I appreciate the thought doctor, but I'm not in the mood for love or pleasure. My last relationship ended badly, and after what I've done... I'm not that aroused."

She looked away and blushed, "O-oh, w-well, the offer still stands whenever you are interested. I've never met a human before, and I haven't met anyone as brave or as skilled as you. Dante, even though you haven't been in Fallen Sky, you are already a legend. So... feel free to stop by whenever. I'll make time for you." She smiled up at him as he left.

The rest of Zero Unit was waiting for him, "Hey Dante, you name the ship yet? We can't really leave until you register it with this guy." Ratchet pointed to a man at a desk.

Dante rubbed the stubble on his chin, "Is that so... well then, our ship will be called the Albatross. Get that in the system. We're moving out."