Chapter - 09 - Taking Charge

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"So you are telling me, that you picked up a sword in the middle of the forest and it gave you superpowers ?"

Major Irisdina scowled at Captain Add who was calmly fiddling with The screes while sitting on his chair, kept on doing his work while occasionally instructing Lapis. Multiples of images and data flashed across the screens.

"Not superpowers, but magic." Add replied his eyes never leaving the screens.

"Touché so very touché Captain. I never knew you were so funny." Irisdina replied sarcastically. She didn't believe stuff like magic and superpowers. But what she saw that day really confused her.

After the black armoured figure defeated the giant, it just collapsed on the ground and very strangely with a faint flash of light the armour and weapon disappeared leaving behind an unconscious Add. Irisdina suspected that it was just some advanced tech which the captain didn't want to let them know about.

"Its up to you to believe me or not. But thats all I have to say." Add shrugged and stoped paying her attention.

"D*mn it!!!" Irisdina punched a wall to vent her rage, glaring daggers towards the aloof Captain.

"Well then all systems are functioning normally, no more damage since the inter-dimensional travel it seems. That's good. Maintain current repairing projects. Even if we can't fix her up, try to keep her together as much as we can." (Add)

'Understood Host' (Lapis)

After finishing his checks Add stood up and stretched himself. Though his actions seemed laid-back, his eyes were eerily calm.

"Major take some rest, we will soon be returning to the planet." He waved at her and waked out. But just before the doors closed, "Oh and major, Ill need the measurements of all members of your team. So I hope you'll cooperate." Leaving behind the Major who had her jaw dropped, Captain add moved on "...Well then lets go to the armoury...."

* * * * *

Though they had arrived in a different universe, coincidentally this planet, they had appeared by, had around 24 hours for a day, due to its fast spin on its axis. The next day Captain Add and Major Irisdina returned back at the FOB. After the incident with the strange giant, Add wasn't going to take any risks. He decide to fortify the base. For the next week, the nine residents of the FOB toiled worse than the labourers. Following a plan drafted by Lapis, Add and the girls expanded the base. It now had a circular shape with a radius of one kilometre. The initial electric fence was also expanded along the new boundary. Add knew that this fence would do little if they came across an enemy like that giant, yet this was the best they could do for now. They simply didn't have anything else to use as a stable defensive wall. Many more sensors were planted in a 5 kilometre radius from the walls, all around the base, to keep an eye on any approaching threats. Twenty 10 metre tall lamp towers were erected to illuminate the base and its surroundings.

Next they expanded the main building by doubling its previous size. Add brought four units of a multipurpose ballistic missile system. These missiles had a range of 5 to 100 kilometres and the power of each missile was enough to level a two hundred metre radius and damage up to 400 metres. This was the long range defence system for the base. Add had much more powerful and long ranged missiles but before he had a firm grasp of the area, he was unwilling to use them. They also built Twelve platforms right after the fence using wood felled from the surrounding forest. These platforms were them equiped with automated Heavy machine guns and rocket launchers which could be remotely controlled from the base. Then they built six ten-metre tall towers using standard military kits, and placed one ton artillery guns, on each of them. These guns were controlled by a central command centre and were under Lapis's direct control by default, however they could be manually use as well. They had a range of 10-50 kilometres. These were the midrange defence system of the base.

Next The radar truck was replaced with a new radar station module added to the base with its characteristic curved radar rotating round and round and round. This was the ARS-NOVA RADAR system a common radar used during the war. It had a detection radius of 500 kilometres. And a hundred metres into the ground. It could accurately locate an object up to the size of a football. A central command centre was setup in a bunker which was built by burying four modules placed side by side, in a large pit dug in the ground. This command centre was equiped with various instruments and and fully secured from any external threats including a ballistic missile attack. The entire bunker was 10 metres deep with a single elevator shaft reaching to the surface. While the extension of the base building was made over it to provide additional cover. This type of security was needed because this command centre housed a Quantum Computer. The most advanced piece of technology possessed by the human race. It served as the server for Lapis to operate freely on the surface of the planet. The various sensors and weapon systems were all connected to this Quantum Computer and operated from here.

Add also brought down three more tanks and LAVs along with another HUMVEE and two transport trucks. And to top it all two UK-50-Night Hawk multipurpose helicopters were also brought down since using the Transport dropship consumed too much fuel, and if they met an accident losing the Nighthawks would not be as painful as losing the dropship. Two Sky-Reaper drone aircraft were deployed to keep a watch on the airspace and ground around the base. these drones together covered a 100 square kilometre radius all around the base. With this and seven days of heavy toiling, the base now looked like a true military FOB.

* * * * * *

Currently Nine girls and one man were sitting in the conference room of the FOB. These were precisely all the occupants of the FOB, Captain Add, Major Irisdina, Lieutenant Sagari, Staff Sergeant Miharu, Sergeant Lily, Corporal Page, Corporal Leya, Medic Chiaki, Doctor Serena and Tech-expert Ellin. Add was calmly sipping some coffee while looking at the girls. Among them only Serena was busily tapping on a tab-PC, doing some data analysis, with an aloof expression. All other girls had their faces pale and grave. Irisdina had thought of telling her team members about their situation, many times over the past weel. But she couldn't find the courage to tell them the bitter truth. But today Add had called all of them here first thing in the morning and told them everything calmly. The girls burst into an uproar. At first they thought that the Captain was playing a sick joke but when Dr. Serena explained the facts and Major Irisdina confirmed them, reality hit them hard. The fact that they were in a new universe of which they had basically no solid information, and had practically no way to return back, caused a sense of deep despair fill up their hearts. Even the cold faced Major, Irisdina was at a loss of what to do. Everyone was silent. They felt lost.

'What are we supposed to do now ?'

'Whats going to happen to us ?'

'What kind of Place have we come to ?'

'Can we never go back ?'

Many questions like these kept appearing in their heads again and again, yet the answers never did. To them who were raised to be soldiers, they were well versed in following orders and they had been trained to cope with thousands of different situations. However no training could help them in this case. The Union's instructors had never trained them for such a scenario. To them the fact that inter-dimensional travel could happen was no more than a kids fantasy. As such they were at a loss. Only Doctor Serena seemed pretty exited taking samples of the soil, animal and plant life, and basically everything she could get her hands on. This was a whole new universe for her! A whole new treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be dug out!

"So does anyone have any suggestions to what we should do from now on ?" Add said as he finished his coffee. He looked at his antique pocket-watch. Exactly 15 minutes has passed since he had relayed the information. Now he wanted some responses. But all he got was silence. No one spoke. They had nothing to say. Add sighed and stood up from his chair. Looking at them he shook his head. He had expected something like this, but he didn't think these girls would become despaired like this.

"Since you all have nothing to say ill speak. The United Military Code Section 1401; Part 5; 'When stranded in an entirely unknown/unchartered location, with no ways of communication to the Union present, Troopers are to establish a secure operation centre and survey the landscape. They should try their utmost to contact the Union and wait for help"

"Now we have established an operation centre, that is our FOB. As for contacting the union, to be frank, i don't have any hope that we will ever be able to contact them. As Dr. Serena explained, even if we were able to create a wormhole, we don't have the 5-Dimensional coordinates of our universe, which makes our chances of returning...... slim. So now I ask all of you this. Since we all cannot go home, at least in the near future, lets make this place our home. I want you all to follow me. How about it ?"

"This is absurd!" Add barely finished when Lieutenant Sagari flared up. Banging the table she was sitting on she stood up."You! Are you sane ? You're telling us to make this place our home !? We are citizens of the union! This is not our home! The only reason we are here is because YOU said we could return home after fixing the ship. And now you suddenly say give up on going home and stay here for our lives! You Madman! Do you think you can do anything you want!?"

No one stopped her since she had sair basically what was going on in their minds. Add looked at her and sighed. Youngsters were still hotblooded. This fact hadn't changed in all these years.

"Lieutenant Sagari. Let me make things clear. I am not asking for your permission, or anyone's permission for that matter, I am simply informing you of my decision. I am also not telling you to do anything you can stay here on this base and do whatever you want. Of course you can say no and stay cooped up in the starships if you prefer that. Doctor Serena here will continue her research on the wormhole, so she is your only hope. Well then suit yourselves."

"What exactly do you plan to do Captain ?" Irisdina who had been silent till now suddenly spoke. Her eyes boring into him as if watching a sworn enemy. Listening to her Add faintly smiled. Really, this girl was a very interesting person.

"Well before I tell you my plans, I will have you all swear absolute loyalty to me. Oh and by that I don't mean you becoming slaves or the like, just no back stabbings and betrayals alright? Now I will let you all think it over today. Give me an answer tomorrow. Well then the meeting is over."

Add calmly exited the room but his hand was holding onto the cross he wore on his neck and his mind was lost in thoughts. 'Home is it.....' Unconsciously the hand clenching the cross grew tighter. He knew it was one of the last reminders of his world, of Earth. A place he knew he will never be able to return to. A place he will never see again.

* * * * *

The rest of the day Add was quite busy. He donned on a regular T-21 mobile armour with a forest-style camouflage, and did a full perimeter check ensuring all sensors and traps were where they should be. Then he decided to do some exploration. They had barely gone five kilometres away from the base in this whole week. And the cause for this exploration was to get familiar with the surrounding terrain. Though the drones had mapped it, getting first hand experience was the best. On his way, he saw many strange creatures, ranging from deer like animals, to horned rabbits, to giant three metre long boars with huge tusks. There were lots of birds as well. Though the fauna was vastly different from that of Earth, it still seemed to have some common similarities. He carefully travelled, so as to not alert or scare the large animals. His helmet camera continuously recorded all he saw. After surveying a ten kilometre radius in the northern side of the base, Add decided to return since it was getting dark. On the way he also brought some samples of strange plants he found for Dr. Serena since she had requested for samples to research. Biology was still her favourite it seemed. When he went to give those ten or so samples a rare sight of a very exited Serena greeted him. 'This girl....she really likes researching....' Add faintly smiled. At least she was doing something positive.

While Add was busy the whole day. The girls were also busy discussing their future plans. Irisdina called together all girls for a joint discussion. Except for Serena who didn't seem to care, all eight girls were here. But even after hours of discussions, they couldn't come onto a firm decision.

"So for now, we have no choice to follow Captain Add....." Iris sighed.

"Wait major ! Don't tell me you are thinking of supporting that man !?" Sagari shouted. The other girls looked at Iris who nodded.

"Umm.....Iris I think we should discuss this matter some more...." Miharu tried to persuade Iris.

"There is nothing to think Miharu.... Do we have a choice ? Lets face reality. We are now in a universe entirely separate from our own. At present have no way of returning back, and to speak the truth, odds are that we will never be able to as well. So now what are we supposed to do ?"

The girls immediately quietened down. All Iris said was true after all.

"Then..... what are you proposing Iris ?" Miharu who was the closest to Iris, knew all to well that the Major had a lot going on in her head. It was just that she didn't want to say it all.

"I....I...honestly don't know. As of now I am completely clueless. And if you think about it, Captain add has lived a much longer life than us and is much more experienced as well. And till now everything he has done is to ensure our collective safety. So lets see what the Captain wants us to do. Then we can respond accordingly. Is that ok with everyone ?"

Having no choice, the others agreed, though reluctantly. The next morning All the girls were gathered in the cafeteria drinking the rations which were gelatinous liquids called Nutrient Supplies. These were basically health drinks filled with all types of minerals and organic molecules. It didn't fill your stomach but gave you all the energy and power you need. A very handy thing during the war. One 100ml bottle could keep you going for a day in perfect condition and even two days in dire states. The only downside was that it tasted bland. While they were having this 'delicacy', Captain Add walked in his expressionless face cold and detached as usual. He didn't bother the girls and quietly sat down while fiddling with his EP as he gulped down his Nutrient Supply.

"Captain ?"

After sometime Iris walked up to him followed by Miharu. All the other girls were looking at him.

"Yes major ?"

Add asked while still fiddling with the EP. He didn't even spare a glance at her which irritated Iris. Composing herself she continued.

"We thought over what you said yesterday...."

"Oh is that so. Then your answer ?"

"....We agree to follow you....but not permanently. We will see what you want to do, and if we don't agree with your policies then......"

She didn't speak anymore but her meaning was clear. Add smiled and raised his hand towards her.

"Thats good. Well then Major Irisdina, lets work together from now on." He offered a handshake.

"Same here"

Irisdina returned his handshake. No one knew it then, but this handshake marked the beginning of a great change, the likes of which the world had never seen. Years later the girls would remember this moment and be glad at the right choice they made that day, but thats a story for another day.

"Now then, since we are done with the formalities. Lets begin." (Add)

"Begin what ?" Miharu asked curiously and Iris furrowed her brows.

Add who had begun walking turned, his usual expressionless face had a cheshire cat like smile.

"Training of course !"

* * * * *

"Well that was just outstanding." Add sarcastically said as his cold eyes glanced at the girls laying on the ground. Add was now dressed in a simple vest and military trousers, owing to the high temperatures of the day. The vest showed his lithe body. His muscles lean and slim, his skin white and smoother than a girl, coupled with his devilish handsome looks making him a natural lady-killer. But to the girls who were groaning on the ground, this devilishly handsome youth really looked like a devil.

"You all....you call yourselves troopers !? You would not last five minutes out there in the field! Now I understand why those old fogeys at the Union dispatched you to a far away outpost. What troopers! You are all trash!"

He chided them. The girls gritted their teeth and glared at him but had nothing to say. For the so called 'Training' Add had given them batons and asked them all to attack him who was bare handed. One vs seven as Serena and Ellin being non-combatant personnel were excluded. And the result was very.....impressive. Within a minute all seven girls were down. Add had simply used the gaps in their movements and put them down. Admitting that the girls had a good teamwork, but it was nowhere near enough to survive in real life battles. Add sighed. These days the cadets were barely given proper training. Virtual simulations can train the mind to some extent, but it cant even reach half the efficiency of real life experiences. To him who had killed his way in the battlefield these troopers were like toddlers.

"Ca...Captain....you how are you so strong ?" Iris asked while panting her beautiful face was covered in dust.

"No Major, its not that I am strong. Its just that you all are weak. Pathetically weak. No no no...this will not do. We will have to start from the very basics. Now get up you all, we have a long day ahead of us!"

This is when hell began for the girls. Captain Add transformed into an Instructor from hell., He made them run ten laps along the boundary, then they had to do various exercises like push ups, squats, etc. Then he made them run another ten laps while carrying 50 kg weights on their backs. After that he made them dig ditches and make many wooden implements for future training. The training lasted till night. All the girls were dead tired and their bodies ached all over. But the most annoying thing was that the damn Captain had done the training with them yet he seemed totally fine. As if he had rested all day.

"Alright thats it for today. Remember tomorrow wake up at 0500 hours. Today was just a trailer, the real training will begin from tomorrow. Good night."

The faces of the girls darkened. They were already tired like mules today and it was just a trailer ? What would be the real thing then ?

"Please wait a minute captain!"

"What is it Lieutenant Sagari ?"

"Why do he have to do such an hellish training Sir !?" She reflexively called him sir as Add had instructed them to do so during training.

"Because you couldn't defeat me thats why." Add stated. Black lines appeared on her forehead.

"But...why are we training like we will be going to war ?"

"Here is a little secret for you Lieutenant, Life isn't fair. Its always a war." Add glared at her. "The only reason im training you is because I pity you. Yes I pity you all. You wont last a day alone in the jungle beyond that fence. There are things out there that can kill you as easily as swatting a fly. So in order to survive you must become strong. Thats the law of the jungle. The clenched fist is the best argument. And when you are able to defeat me in combat, you can at least have the confidence that you wont die without having a chance to defend yourselves. Do you understand !?"

"Yes Sir!" She nodded helplessly.

Add returned to his cabin leaving behind the girls who were shocked. Till now they had taken their lives for granted. Thinking that they were 'The Neo Humans', they were 'Troopers', gave them too much confidence. But today when they were beaten effortlessly by Add even when all of them attacked him together, it broke their confidence. Even Iris was quiet all day. She now firmly believed that Add was a very strong man. Way stronger than she had imagined. Perhaps...no surely if he wanted to kill them, they would have no chance to resist. The very thought sent shivers down her spine. The day was very tiring to them, the girls took baths and after some small talk and a dinner of nutrient supplies went to their beds. Tomorrow was going to be the start for hell for this girls, but they didn't know that yet.

* * * * * * *