Dating : This Is My Solace

Prologue

2153

Somewhere outside the city..

I had always hated the shakes. It was in moments like these that I’d despised around others. It’s not that I asked for this, I’ve had my glass filled with enough bullshit. The luminescent moonlight shined through the window, filled with wonder. As I laid in front of the cracking fire, my hands came into view. They quivered like the flickering of a lit candle. I held my hand into a fist, hoping it would ease it somehow, but it continued. “Aurora..” I said. For a moment, I closed my eyes to remember. Her smile. It was warmth and comfort. “Did you say something, Sergeant?” A figure questioned as the door opened. His voice changed and became electronic. A red four eyed metallic face stared at me. “I said, if Command could standardize heat warmers in our fucking suits, I wouldn’t be freezing my balls off” I replied. His hands tapped the side of his helmet. A feminine voice then said “unlocked”, removing his helmet. “UNI couldn’t even provide us with proper equipment” The flight suits and worn armor were all that protected us from the harsh icy weather outside but the fire was enough.

The fields of sage green trees and rocky terrain are strong suits that the resistance would hide in. The abandoned house that we found was base camp. “Did you spot any Liberators, Private?” I asked. “None, sir.” The curly haired brunette sat down, keeping his rifle close. Damn, this kid is going to get me killed. “You’re making me nervous, kid. Relax.” The young cadet placed his firearm to the side. He looked like he was going to piss himself. As he got himself comfortable, he glanced up at me with curiosity in his eyes. “Why did you sign up, Sarge?” I didn’t want to answer, maybe because I don’t know what to say. have an answer for him. The soft crackling of the fire, luminous moonlight and crickets filled the air, it was comforting that night. “Get some shuteye, Jalen. We’re meeting up with Culler and Ito at first light.”

A few years back..

“Colonial Enforcement Tactical Corp. CETC. Los Angeles. Today is July 20 2150. 22:oo hours. We will begin our assessment for today. Name and rank” An electronic voice said. Shrouded in mystery. The room was white, nothing but snow white, and a camera that faced the young adult who sat in a chair.

“Corporal Emilia Wagner”

“What year is it?

“2150’

“Mission Report”

“To kill the leader of the ASLF (Allied Socialist Liberation Front) and any resistance members affiliated”

‘When did you take your dose of D-97?

“Last night, sir”

“Do you believe in the United National Intelligence?”

“Yes, sir”

“Nor the demons down under the sea”

‘Can ever dissever my soul from the soul”

“Do you believe in the Liberator’s ideology? Of Egalitarianism?”

“No, sir”

“The demons, who are they?”

“Liberators, sir”

“Mission Report’

“To kill the leader of the ASLF, Maeve Johnson and any resistance members affiliated”

“UNI’s principle.”

“ May Unification Provide, sir”

A glaring white flash mesmerized my eyes and blinded me for a few moments. Ugh I hate how they have to do that. I then stood up, thanked them and walked out of the room into a hallway. “Everyday it’s always the same questions. At least mix it up a little bit guys.” I muttered to myself. Conversation was the one thing that never managed to die down in this place. Military members of gray and black walked through. Some talked about the USLC, some family members that they had limited contact with and some medical mumbo jumbo that I don’t even understand. CTEC is very uptight about that.

“Corporal” A feminine voice spoke behind me, I turned to see the figure. “Staff Sergeant Aurora Clarke, Sir!” I snapped a quick salute. “At ease, Wagner.” She chuckled softly. The toned, short black haired woman had always loved to tease me after psych evals and it would annoy the crap out of me time to time. Best thing about it? Those blue eyes would always pierce right through me. “How was your day with the shrink?” She teased while walking down with me. “If they shine another damn light in my eyes, I’m going to-”. My body started to build up like a tea kettle and Aurora placed her arm around my shoulder and tugged me over, -you’ll stick your foot up their ass. Oh I know the struggle, Wags.” She did have a point.

We walked through the crowd, heading into another part of the building where our sleeping quarters were. A metallic door reading the numbers “107”, the door slid to the side and I stepped into the room. The sounds of laughter and coffee were a common theme in our quarters. “You’re not going to win this time, Ito!” Culler said while looking at the deck of cards. That excited voice was one of Specialist Lucas James Culler, he’s got an eye and is crack-shot with any rifle. Hell, I’m only 5’5 but the fact he’s 5’9 makes me wonder how he can fit in our bunks. Does he curl up in a ball before bed? The towering optimist was sitting next to a short haired blonde with piercings under her lip. Sergeant Eiko Nomura. While most of her family is from Japan, apparently she was related to Hiroto Nomura, a huge mass manufacturer related to the development of the D-97 drug when it was in it’s trial phase. Mute like her, she’s gotta have one hell of a backstory. They placed their decks on the table slowly, looks like Culler was gonna lose again. “Goddammit, Ito!” Culler said before they noticed the Staff Sergeant. He’s never good at Blackjack. “Staff Sergeant on deck!” I shouted loud and proud to get them going. Within seconds, they snapped to it. There was something on her mind through. “Sit down all of you. I’ve got something, you won’t like.” She commanded. I walked towards the table, sitting next to Ito. “Command has informed us that Liberator sightings have become more frequent in the last couple weeks. They’ve been hitting more of Trax Pharmaceuticals, more aggressive than before. Gear up at 06:00 hours, we might be expecting some company.” She said.

“Better than losing to this one over here.” Culler said sarcastically while glaring at Ito, she gave him a soft smirk and stuck her tongue at him playfully . For someone who doesn’t talk much, she’s got one hell of a sense of humor. “ Culler then got up and handed her a couple small colorless codexes, the size of a credit card. Ito took the cards and headed to her bunk. “Fuck you, girl” Her finger peered out, giving him a bird before she headed off to wonderland. As the night continued onwards, the crew had found themselves in each of their bunks and sleepwear. While everyone had their own separate rooms, I laid in my bed in wonder. It was a wonder into what was going to happen next, we’ve only had skirmishes but whatever ASLC was planning next it didn’t sound good. Aurora, you’re letting more than you let on.