Chapter 2 – Orbital Descent

It is now the day of the deployment, Ward did not get much sleep as his thoughts had kept him awake and energized. His excitement seems to have no end, to the point where all of the risks escaped his head. Investigating an alien planet comes with its own dangers and difficulties. The planet may well be home to a very hostile life form or be uninhabitable for humans.

There are 2 operations for such expeditions. The way the operations are executed depends on whether or not the planet is habitable. Operation one is to exterminate all non-human life forms, and operation 2 is to try to make the planet habitable for humans. If operation two must be carried out and is done so successfully, operation one will be executed after it so that the whole planet is suitable for humans. Other factors are involved for the decision making such as; how many resources the planet carries, or how many people can the planet inhabit. To begin the expedition, a few ships of scouts are assigned to the planet. The scouts are accompanied by several scientists who will ensure the planet is habitable and suitable for human life.

Operation Imperare (Operation one)

If a non-human life form is found, HQ are immediately notified. Depending on the planet’s size as well as what the scouts report back, the government would decide if the planet is worth taking over. If the planet is deemed valuable, then operation Imperare would be executed. Legions of combat marines would be sent to eliminate all non-human life forms. As soon as the planet becomes safe to humans the colonization process begins.

Operation Reficientes (Operation two)

If the planet is uninhabitable by humans but contains a lot of resources the government would consider operation Reficientes. If the operation is taken into action, scouts, combat marines and scientists are all sent to the planet. The combat marines’ main objective would be to protect the scientists while the scouts explore the planet for any sign of non-human life. If scientists find a way of making the planet inhabitable a base would be built. The base is used to transport resources from HQ into the planet allowing scientists to change the planet’s environment using the most advanced technologies.

A loud and quick alarm went off across the sleeping quarters, awakening all soldiers from their sleep. Ward, however, was already wide awake, both his mind and body ready for the deployment day.

As soon as the sound of the alarm reached his eardrums, his body almost spontaneously stood up from the bed and started dressing up. In no time his wrinkly clothes could be seen resting on his body while his shoes are yet to be put on properly. His eyes looked up soon to be followed by his now tilted head. A short distance above him a bed is located, one side of the bed is built into a wall while the other side has a thick rod that is attached to the ceiling and the bed. Upon looking at the bed he saw his roommate Lewis still asleep, usually, he would be the first one awake instead of Ward, but today is different.

"Lewis!" Ward called out, not too loud but enough to wake him up.

As Lewis's eyes slowly open, he lets out a yawn while his arms stretch out, nearly touching the ceiling above him. Upon seeing Ward, a surprised expression appeared on his face, while his arms pushed against the bed and his body began resting on the bed's edge. His feet dangle while his mouth opens to lets out another yawn.

"Never thought I'd see the day when YOU are waking me up." Lewis said with humour in his voice while one of his hands started rubbing his one of his eyes.

"First time for everything" Ward said with a chuckle

"Yeah... How come you up so early? You usually get up thirty minutes after the alarm, or when I wake you up"

"Excited for the deployment I guess"

"That explains it. All right imma get up then, thanks for the wake-up call"

"No problem"

After a short conversation, Ward grabbed his new clothes and headed for the showers. The spaceships corridors are as busy as ever, mostly due to the fact that the alarm has gone off not too long ago and it is the deployment day

After a quick shower Ward headed for the cafeteria where the usual breakfast and meals are served. The cafeteria however operates differently on the deployment day. Instead of the usual eggs and toast, the cafeteria would server a special type of food. A highly technologically advanced meal that upon consumption, vastly reduces the time for one to be in need of food. Unlike the usual daily meals at the cafeteria, this meal, in particular, will stop hunger and dehydration for three days without causing starvation.

The main reason why these meals are served on the deployment day is in case of an emergency. If scout unit becomes trapped on a planet for whatever reason, among weeks of rations on them they would also have three extra days where they would not feel hunger, so no rations would need to be wasted. The rations themselves are also technologically advanced, just like the usual meals in the cafeteria upon consumption an average human would not feel hunger for one whole day.

Upon entering the cafeteria Ward quickly noticed the number of people present, usually he would be late to breakfast which allowed him to avoid mass amount of soldiers. Is it due to the deployment or is it because he is on time for breakfast he does not know, but seeing this number of people does give him discomfort.

Without paying too much attention Ward headed for the serving desk where they would usually give out meals. He grabbed a plate and started waiting in the queue to be served. Usually, the queue would begin in the middle of the cafeteria but due to a high number of people waiting in line, the queue has been shifter next to a wall, freeing up the middle of the cafeteria and allowing people to move more freely.

Standing next to a wall allowed Ward to have a good look at the cafeteria as a whole. Not only were the scout unit present but also a few scientists, they arrived a few days ago and are to deploy with everyone today. When thinking about scientist one might imagine a scrawny person in a white lab coat, but this is far from reality. Their bodies are both strong and mighty while their Armor suits are the best humanity can offer. They are often mistaken for Eversors due to their ferocious look and massive Armor suits. Although their look might say otherwise, under all that heavy Armor a very powerful mind is located, capable of solving the hardest questions and solutions.

Damn, that's a lot of soldiers, I guess everyone is assembled today, including the spaceship crew and newly arrived scientists. Excluding scientists is it always like this on breakfast days? The number of people...God

Ward lookeda around once again.

Now that I look at it there are no women around, only men. I guess it would be better as little to no relationships can be formed while on duty. No wonder they all talk about banging girls when they get back on earth.

Ward focused his eyes on captain that was sitting with the spaceship crew on one of the tables.

Captain William, I wonder what kind of stuff he's been through. Some rumours say that he got his scars when he was ambushed by a group of predators on an unexplored planet, while others say that he underwent harsh training back on earth, even to the point of him being beaten half to death. No one wants to ask him as everyone is afraid of him, and those who do have enough courage to ask, get ignored, usually followed by harsh tasks set by the captain. I personally don't really care what he's been through, I just want to know if he can make proper decisions as a captain and ensure everyone's safety aboard the ship.

A Few minutes went by and Ward reached the serving desk, in a moment his plate was filled with tasty food and a cup of water on the side. Visually no difference can be spotted when comparing this meal with the regular one.

Ward grabbed his tray with the food and proceeded to find an empty table, unlike the usual days all the tables were filled with people.

Fuck. All the tables are taken. Maybe I should go and sit next to Lewis?

Ward looked around for a moment before finding Lewis sitting with a large group of people, they are all laughing with Lewis being in the middle of attention.

Nope. Imma just find the least crowded table.

After a minute of walking around the cafeteria, Ward found a table with few people sitting at it. He approached the table and sat at the edge, trying his best to avoid unnecessary conversation and eat his food in peace. Nobody paid attention to Ward sitting at the edge and the group’s conversation carried on as nothing has happened.

“No, but it depends on the way you look at it, if-”

“If we are talking from an average human perspective, then what he did is fucked up and wrong.Simple.”

A man let out a small sigh before continuing to eat his half-finished food.

“There are laws for a reason. I agree, I can see why he decided to murder them but it still is against the law and we as citizens should follow it.”

The whole table went silent before one man started talking.

“You know it's never fun to have a conversation with you. All I said is that he is not fully guilty and your ass out here getting into the laws and government. I am not gonna be surprised if this convo will end up with you talking about another one of your conspiracy theories.”

The whole table started laughing and the conversation drifted to a different topic.

I don’t get what's so funny. They practically made fun of him, why is he laughing with them? I don’t get people sometimes

With his food finished Ward headed out of the cafeteria as soon as possible

Everyone is assembled in the main hall. Scouts, scientists and even the spacecraft crew are all lined up in separate lines, looking forward where captain William is standing.

“Scouts!” The captain shouted, his voice heavy and low. Perfect for his role.

“Sir!” All scouts replied in unison

“Today is the deployment day, as some of you are new here I will be going over instructions.“

“At the end of this assembly, you will all be sorted into random groups of 4. As soon as your group is ready you will be given weapons and equipment. When the spacecraft lands on the planet your group will be appointed to discover a certain location. Upon seeing alien life you are to report back immediately, even if it's not hostile or intelligent. The spacecraft will serve as HQ on the planet until other forces arrive.”

“I will go over the instructions once more as soon as we land of the planet”

For the next ten minutes, the captain started going over all the small rules. Most people have heard the rule before but it was still necessary for new scouts as well as the scientists to hear them.

“And now I will call out group numbers and name”

“Group 1 – Sam, Thomas, Jack, Ron.”

“Group 2 – Dick, Harry, John, Mark.”

“Group 3 – Lewis, Dawid, Andy, Lucas.”

A few minutes later

“And the last group 24 – Ward, Deric, Fraser, Croft”

Deric?...Fraser?...Croft? How the hell am I supposed to know who they are? Ward thought as he looked around

“Now that the groups have been sorted, I will see you in the deployment chamber in exactly one hour”

“Dismissed!”

“Yes Sir!” Scouts shouted in unison once again

As soon as the captain was off stage everyone started moving to form their groups.

Does everyone know each other? How the hell am I supposed to find Deric or Fraser or —

“Ward?” A voice called out from behind

“Hmm?” Ward looked overseeing 3 scouts stand together

“I am Deric, these guys are Fraser and Croft. We were put in the group together.”

Deric is a tall and muscular man with a white complexion. His hair is black and short while his chin is cleanly shaven, similar to Ward’s. He has green eyes and a friendly face. His voice is not deep nor high, a perfect balance in between the two.

“Ohh Yeah. How did you know my name though?”

“You are the only person that is left and we are missing one”

Ward looked around the hall. All the scouts are already gone, Ward and his group are the last ones around

“Oh shit” Ward chuckled “I must have zoned out”

“No worries” Deric replied with a wave from his hand, as to show it's not a big deal.

Ward looked at the other two scouts

“So, which one of you is Fraser and which one is Croft?”

“Hey, name’s Croft”

Croft is a relatively short man with bright ginger hair. He has a stubble with a rough face and bright blue eyes that suit his ginger hair. His face is of white complexion while his voice is quite deep compared to others.

Ward then averted his eyes to the last member of the group

“Waah gwaan mi name Fraser”

Fraser is of average height with black complexion. He has a friendly face accompanied by brown eyes and long brown dreads. Same as Ward and Deric his face is cleanly shaven. He has a strong Jamaican accent while his voice is more on a high pitchside

“All right got it. I am bad with names so apologies if I forget them”

“Nuh worry bout it” Fraser said with a smile

“Yeah Ward you don’t have to be formal with us" Croft agreed

“All right now that we are all together let's go to the armoury and get the equipment, don’t want to make the cap angry”

“Yeah let's move” They all agreed and started making their way towards the armoury

“So, how you doing Ward?” Deric decided to start a conversation while the group made their way through the corridors

“I am good, excited for the expedition”

“It a fi yuh fos one?”

“Yeah, I haven’t been on an unexplored planet before”

“Well then you are in for a treat.” Croft joined the conversation

“He’s right. I got some contacts in HQ and heard that the planet is very beautiful”

“But how would they know if the planet is still unexplored?” Ward asked

“Dem get high resolution telescopes dat tek pictures of di planets”

“On the HQ there is a whole sector that is in charge of taking pictures of the planets, to see if they are barren or not”

“Got it...and what about this planet?”

“As I said you are in for a treat” Croft replied. “This planet is full of life and nature. It is covered in jungles and forests, few large lakes run through them but from what I heard the planet has only one sea.”

“Mi remema mi fos planet, suh excite an den it turn out to be a barren”

Croft and Deric both laughed as Fraser said that.

Seeing Ward’s confused face Deric began explaining

“Fraser’s first planet was a barren wasteland. He was so excited to see some beautiful landscapes and all he got was a barren” Deric said, still laughing

“Its nuh funny mi did really vexed. Still am” Fraser said while chucking himself

Ward himself began laughing a little bit. Something he doesn’t do often, a joke or two may come to mind and he will let out a grin but it’s rare to see him laugh.

Throughout his short but enjoyable walk to the armoury, Ward’s excitement did not seem to die down. In fact, it went complete opposite. Hearing his group talk about all the planets they have explored just increased Wards anticipation. Not only that but what is happening right now is out of Ward’s usual routine, making him enjoy the day even more.

Damn these guys are something else. I guess I got lucky with the groups. I could have been with Lewis. I don’t dislike him but he is just too...open? He is an extrovert and I am the complete opposite. These guys don’t seem to be like him. Maybe I am wrong, who knows maybe at the end of the day they are —

“Finally wi here”

Ward zoned back into the real world and looked around.

He and his group are now outside of the armoury. The armoury provides all kind of weapons and gadgets for the scouts. From heavy sniper rifles that Ward used at the shooting range, to provisions and advanced first aid kits.

Upon orbital descent, a scout unit must be dressed in an especially designed lightweight suit and be equipped with the following items: Portable plasma rifle, plasma pistol, advanced first aid kit, provisions and few flashbangs.

All these items are essential as emergencies are quite common on new planets. Most emergency cases happen not because of confrontation with alien life but because of the planet's nature. One insect bite may lead to death within minutes. That’s the reason all the scouts are equipped with lightweight but very robust suits.

Deric approached one of the available windows where an armoury personnel is stationed.

“Hello, I am in the scout regiment. Me and my group require equipment.”

“May I have your group number and names?”

"Group 24. Deric, Croft, Ward and Fraser”

“Thank you, just a second” The person behind window began typing the details into the system, recording the fact that the group has the equipment.

Even if one of the groups have not been to the armoury the orbital descent will not occur. That why it's important to have all the groups recorded with the armoury’s staff.

“All right you are good to go, please proceed to the door on your left and I will let you in”

“Thank you”

Deric turned around and faced the group “Ok boys we are good to go”

The group proceeded to a large metallic door and with a buzz, it opened letting everyone in. They all entered a massive armoury filled with a bunch of weapons and equipment. Ward’s eyes lit up as he felt like a little kid in a large toy store. He quickly proceeded to inspect all the equipment with great precision.

“Don't take too lon Ward, we need to get ready and quickly” Croft said

“I didn’t know you were a fan of weapons”

“Nah, just a little hobby of mine I guess”

Ward regained his thoughts and started preparing all the equipment needed.

“Wi should change fi wi group name”

“Why?” Deric responded

“Group 24? Cum pan wi should call dis group sup'm else”

“How about FireStarters?” Croft said

“I swear Croft try and plug your favourite music artist again and I will smack the shit out of you”

“But why not? The name sounds good”

“Ok first of all it sounds all right, not good. Second, what does it even mean? Oh wait I know, it means a song name that you really like”

“Ow bout Ragamuffins?”

“Hmm, that one could do. What you think Ward?”

“I like it, I say we roll with this one”

“All right I am down with it as well. Croft?

“Just saying that FireStarters sounds better but I am down”

“It’s official then. From now on group 24 will be called Ragamuffins”

“Hurry up wi get to be at di hall inna twenty minutes”

Ward reached to a suit hanging in front of him. Due to the suit being very lightweight, it caught Ward off guard. When holding it you would feel like you are holding two small t-shirts instead. Similar to the spacewalk suit it is equipped with the same material.

A Few minutes later the whole group is fully equipped and ready to proceed to the deployment chamber.

“All right everyone ready?”

“Yep”

“Ready”

“Gud fi guh”

As the group approached the door, Deric pressed a button on the side. A moment later the large metallic door opened letting everyone out of the armoury. The assembly hall is about fifteen minutes away from the armoury so the group would arrive just in time.

With last equipment check, group 24 (now known as Ragamuffins) left the armoury and proceeded to make their way to the assembly hall.

Without realizing, Ward once again found himself wrapped in pleasant conversations within the group. Ward strictly followed his grandfather's advice and kept all social contact to a minimum. Breaking his own rules granted him the satisfaction that his mind subconsciously desired.

“Attention!” A loud voice rang through the assembly hall

All of the soldiers lined up in horizontal lines once again as soon as the captain’s voice reached their eardrums.

“In exactly ten minutes, this spacecraft will begin orbital descent. That means all you are to make your way to the deployment chamber. If any of you for any reason are not at your post within ten minutes, you will face severe consequences that will lead to your removal from the scout's regiment.”

The captain took a small pause before continuing to speak again

“As soon as the spacecraft lands on the planet your group will be given coordinates, and you are to explore the given area within few days.”

The excitement and joy within Ward is now even higher than before, yet his group does not share the same levels of excitement. They have been through this process many times, nothing different and nothing new

“Dismissed!”

“Yes Sir!”

As soon as the assembly came to an end, all the groups began running towards the deployment chamber. Fraser ran past Ward and taped his shoulder

“Let’s move yuh nuh wa fi be late”

Ward quickly regained his thoughts and began running with Fraser. Due to the number of people running to one location Fraser and Ward separated with Croft and Deric.

“Where are Deric and Croft?”

“Nuh kno. Nuh worry wi wi regroup once di spacecraft lands”

Ward, Fraser and many other scout units ran towards the deployment chamber, trying their best to be on time. Due to deployment chambers being located all the way at the back of the spacecraft it takes time to get there. So if one decided to walk he would arrive late and face consequences with the HQ.

A Few minutes later Ward, Fraser and the rest of the scouts arrive at the deployment chamber.

“Wow, it's massive.”

The deployment chamber is way larger than the assembly hall, able to fit many soldiers and vehicles. Right in the middle many armoured cars and mechs are stationed while on one side of the chamber you could see a few warplanes strapped to a wall.

At the back of the chamber a massive door is located, it opens as soon as the spacecraft lands on the planet, allowing easy access for vehicles mechs and planes alike.

“Neva been here?”

“No...This is amazing”

“Cum pan wi need fi get fi fi wi seats before di descent”

Ward followed Fraser thorough the chamber. While one wall of the chamber is holding the planes, the other has many seats attached to it. Ward and Fraser approached two empty seats and sat in them. Strapping themselves securely to the seats.

“So how many times have you been out on expeditions?”

“Dis a mi 9th Mi tink. Mi ave been through nuff.”

“Damn, that’s a lot. Where you scared the first time?

“Yeah, everyone fraid fi di fos time”

Ward looked down at his shaking knees, his heart had accelerated while his stomach has tensed up. His arms felt heavy and weak while his hands became sweaty.

Why am I so nervous? I have been waiting for this moment for months. Get yourself together for fuck’s sake. It's just an orbital descent, I have done many orbital descents before. Why am I so nervous?

Ward slowly began inhaling and exhaling to calm himself down. He spread open his hands and wiped the sweat using his suit as a tissue

“Calm dung it just an orbital descent” Fraser said as he noticed Ward’s nervous face

“Yeah I know. Just nervous for no reason”

“I just, don’t know wh—”

“All right scouts!” The captain voice could be heard over a loud radio in the chamber. Interrupting Ward’s sentence and making everyone stop their chattering.

“I am happy to see everyone here”

“In 60 seconds we will begin the orbital descent. Make sure you are well secured to the seats as this is a bumpy ride”

“Voice transmission over!”

A few moments later the chatter volume went back up.

“Fraser I have a question.”

“Wah up?”

“How does the captain know that all the scouts are here? Surely he didn’t count all of us”

Fraser pointed his finger at the seat that Ward is sitting in.

“Dem yah seats light up inna di system eff sum'ady sitting pan dem, an there exactly hundred seats attach to dis wall”

“Suh di captain cya si eff sum'ady nuh sitting dung”

“Technology never seems to amaze me”

“Yuh get mi”

Suddenly the whole spacecraft began lightly shaking. Wards hand simultaneously held onto the straps that are wrapped over him.

“Oh looks like wi a guh dung now”

Ward once again began breathing in and breathing out to try and calm down. With every second the spacecraft’s speed increased, the shaking intensified and the bumps became so strong that his whole body bounced up and down. He could feel the pressure as the spacecraft descended through the planet's atmosphere

“It of a bumpy ride dis one. Mussi a tuff atmosphere”

All the vehicles at the centre of the spacecraft are violently shaking. The holding straps look like they could give out any second and multiple tons of steel could come flying at people.

Suddenly the shaking stopped.

The spacecraft is now completely stable, just like in space.

“Yuh si mi tell yuh it just a tuff atmosphere”

Ward looked at Fraser and forced a smile through his now less terrified face. The chatter picked back up as people calmed down from the rough ride.

Suddenly a loud explosion could be heard, followed up by now even stronger shaking.

Ward’s face dropped the smile and his eyes looked at Fraser in hope of reassurance. To his horror, Fraser’s face showed that he was as equality terrified as Ward.

Ward’s knees began shaking once again while his heart rate greatly accelerated. His arms, hands and legs began feeling weak as his whole body gave up.

Suddenly a quick flash of light blinded Ward as he heard another explosion happen at the end of the deployment chamber. He looked around seeing that one-third of the chamber is practically gone wit the outside world being visible. The explosion happened on the seat side, resulting in instant death for those who sat at the end of the deployment chamber. Those that survived the initial explosion could be heard screaming in agony as their limbs have been torn off.

The straps on the vehicles broke as soon as the explosion happened. Causing multi-ton armoured cars and mechs to fly at the scouts that are seated in the middle of the chamber. Their death became practically instant as their skulls and bodies were crushed. Those that were lucky enough to be alive could not even scream as their jaws have been crushed to bits.

The rest of scouts sat in horror hoping that another explosion will not happen on their side, many of them have defecated and urinated themselves as their survival instincts kicked in. Some decided to take off the straps that held them to the seats only to be sucked out into the world by the pressure.

Seeing all of this happening Ward’s mind went blank. He does not know what do or what course of action to take. His shaking hands tried to undo the straps on his seat, only to be stopped by Fraser’s shouting.

“Eff yuh undo di belts yuh wi fly out through dat hole!” Fraser shouted as he pointed his finger to the hole that was created by the explosion.

“What the fuck are we supposed to do then!?” Ward shouted back.

“Put pan yuh oxygen mask an sit tight!”

Ward grabbed a small oxygen mask from one of his back pockets and put it over his face. The mask is already connected to an oxygen tank that came with the equipment, making it easier to get the mask working.

As soon as the mask was secured, Ward grabbed on the straps again and started holding with all his strength. A Couple of more explosions could be heard all around, causing the spacecraft to start violently spinning in the atmosphere. Armoured cars, planes, mechs and different equipment began bouncing all-round the chamber, killing and crushing the unlucky ones.

Ward closed his eyes, praying that he would not get hit. He opened his eyes for one second only to see an oxygen tank fly at his face, knocking him out cold

The whole spacecraft crashed on an unknown planet. The Number of survivors unidentified.

End of Chapter 2