The week had gone by quickly, Vertan thought. Or, perhaps it only felt that way. Somehow, with all the things they did, it didn’t feel like a week, but rather a single, continuously long day. Perhaps the eternal evening on Suprima had something to do with throwing their senses off. Vertan mused at this. He felt more productive, as though he did more things back home on Ulminh between each day and night. Even though he and Hilgo quickly became one of the many people scurrying about here on Suprima, it seemed hard to feel like one was doing “enough”.
Though the lines at the recruitment center were long, Vertan and Hilgo were surprised at how short the ordeal was. Only a few hours to process all identification, documentation, fitness of health, and any criminal record. Further screening, exams, and signing happened throughout the week.
Surely a similar undertaking would have taken them at least a few months back on their homeworld, the technology here is indeed impressively speedy so that even a single individual could process hundreds of persons each day, a system of such streamlined efficiency that could zip many through in record time, so Vertan thought.
Hilgo on the other hand, was skeptical of what he perceives to be potential systemic sloppiness. Something about the small number of protestors outside the recruitment center, demanding reallocation of government funds to more necessary programs, spoke to him more than it did to Vertan.
Before them today at the sprawling orientation center, alongside countless other recruits scheduled for the same time, plays the presentation upon the massive holoprojector. Though holoscreens of any sort typically flash, flicker, or hum as though signaling an “aliveness” to them, this one, as big as it is, played immediately with a sterile and professional quietness.
“Welcome, new recruits!
Many of you have gathered here today from all walks of life. Some may be searching for a greater call. Some, for career advancement. We are joined even by those outside our borders. But know this; whatever brought you here, your choice was not a mistake. You have taken a step few dare to even consider. You have answered the call of the unknown, and chosen to stand on this great frontier to build a better future!
We welcome you to the Special Expeditions.
This is more than just a mission; it is a promise, a proven example that the strength, courage, and determination of the noble few can bring light to the uncharted dark of the Myriad Worlds. Where others see fear, we bring purpose and hope.
Perhaps you have heard the rumors, for reasons concerning the security of the people of the Myriad Worlds, of which the greater details have so far been kept secret. What was hidden for your protection, now becomes your duty. Here on this united front, we present to you only truth, clarity, and consistency.
Seven standard decades ago, a breach was detected in the architecture of spacetime. What was discovered was a plague-like spread of demonic and supernatural forces from the ruins of an ancient civilization. Whoever they are, time no longer knows. Whatever they created, corrupted beyond original meaning. The consequences of such a threat, we now must contain and neutralize!
In the standard years since, we have developed systems and strategies to counter this Breach. In doing so, we have recovered countless artifacts that, through research and development, have led to the improvement of health, technology, and the quality of life for countless many across the stars. What was previously an adversity, now turned into opportunity!
And now, just like many before you, we present you this great and noble opportunity. This is your moment, to make not just something of yourselves, but to bring something greater for many. To be part of something greater. To build what others only dream. To not stand alone in this pursuit of a better tomorrow. Your part in this legacy begins now!
To persons of all worlds, creeds, and callings, we welcome you with open arms.”
“Orientation begins now. Your schedule will be transmitted for your viewing to your StarComms.”
The presentation concludes. At first there was an uncertain quietness. Then, a slow applause built up. Was this cheering appropriate? Much of it felt so formal, so noble. Were they expected to await orders? No matter by this rate, as the excitement grew into a fervor, each and everyone having something to talk about. The masses of the people shifted and turned within each other as everyone soon made their way to their scheduled trainings.
*****
Vertan diligently took notes, while Hilgo simply sat there, absorbing everything intensely. He had initially offered a pen to his friend, believing he had come up short, only to be declined. The speaker carried on with her presentation, an intimidating woman that demanded everyone’s full attention as she spoke about the unorthodox frontiers of the Special Expeditions.
Indeed, they were called “Special” for a reason; it is truly uncharted territory barely within the boundaries of normal reality, let alone anywhere just outside of the Myriad Worlds. Specialized gateways had to be constructed just to reliably reach it. How astonishing, the capability of these ancient demons, then!
It became quickly obvious that the nature of simply where the Expeditions had to take place meant that normal communications could not reach to or from there. All communications home had to be filed through specialized departments, after which even their greatest technology still takes weeks to months to bring home a message. Part of Vertan quietly wonders if his father got lost through the incomprehensibly dense system.
The Coalition has come to control an impressive array of different worlds, systems, and even dimensions. It seems that it would be an amount greater than several galaxies if it were all put together, but out there, the rules seem to play differently, and things simply aren’t measured the same way. All of the new terminology, philosophy, and laws would have eluded Vertan completely had he not jotted down his notes as quickly as possible. Hilgo filtered through what he deems as only the most important bits. Both wondered how the Coalition sustains this gargantuan effort for so long. Both wondered this for different reasons.
As new recruits, they are to be placed at the lowest tier of recovery teams following training, those who typically move in to recover and retrieve artifacts following either a full charting of unknown territory, or encounter of demonic forces. This came as a relief to the typically anxious Hilgo, but as a disappointment to the impatient Vertan. As much as he understood having to put in hard work at first, the rewards for starting out seemed slightly underwhelming to him. Nonetheless still better than fishing; it is only in contrast with the cost and effort of traveling so far that gave him this sentiment.
Though their movement up the ranks is all but guaranteed, all were encouraged to exhibit illustriousness, enthusiasm, and great performance to speed up this process, with rewards and benefits awaiting them at each and every rank. Guest speakers came in to tell their stories of how they got to the top, reaping in great rewards, bringing wealth back to their families, and now getting to lead expeditionary troops of their own.
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The last part of the presentation, special attention was to be heeded, warned the speaker. The manner of the Expeditions that is dangerous is not in the actual expedition, but what they may encounter out there. The Coalition is well equipped and prepared for anything of which it is knowledgeable of, but the paranormal forces of which it witnesses is still a subject of study. From what they have been able to so far gather has been formally organized as Classes and Types (eg. Class D, Type 1) with a shorthand used (“Type 2 Ghost”) for ease of communication.
Class D: Non-Threat
- Anomalies considered to be completely benign and harmless.
- They are generally the most common encounter by Coalition expeditionaries.
- Upon scanning, readings come back as less than 1% on the Daero Counter, making them by far the most underwhelming artifact or anomaly to recover and retrieve.
Class C: Ghost
- Anomalies considered to be of small to moderate threat.
- They are generally the next most common encounter by expeditionaries, and are described as showing some form of rudimentary intelligence, typically haunting and keeping guard of ancient sites once theirs.
- Although it does not manifest in physical form, its presence can still be noted and detected across systems, or hauntings, of ancient technology.
- Upon scanning, readings come back as less than 8% on the Daero Counter, making recovery of artifacts “haunted” by them more rewarding than Class D.
Class B: Spirit
- Anomalies considered to be of moderate to high threat.
- They are of moderate to rare encounter by expeditionaries, and are described as being much more cunning, clever, and capable of strategy than Ghosts.
- Unlike Ghosts, what differentiates a Spirit is its independence, as noted in its ability to move freely from anomalous systems.
- Spirits can manifest in both physical and non-physical forms, though typically a combination of both.
- Upon scanning, readings come back as up to 20% on the Daero Counter, making recovery of Spiritually endowed artifacts highly rewarding.
Class A: Demon
- Anomalies considered to be of high to extreme threat.
- They are of very rare encounter by expeditionaries, and are described as a dangerously powerful force to reckon with, likely to be manipulators of the previous anomalous threats.
- Witnesses and survivors of Demons describe the experience as highly challenging, disorienting, and with great casualties before defeating one. Each Demon encounter appears to be unique, adapting to the circumstances to the one that was previously slain.
- Though typically manifesting in physical form, they have been reported to appear to be able to blink in and out of existence, making detection and counterattack extremely difficult, reserved for only stronger and more experienced troops.
The Abomination
- Exceptionally rare anomaly of which there is no survivor.
- Can appear virtually anywhere with no warning.
- Virtually nothing is understood or known, with reliable information only stemming from what is not known.
- Final recorded communications from doomed sectors typically send mixed, disorienting, and often contradictory messages of reality falling apart.
- Eventual arrival of reinforcements and recovery of affected sectors typically come too late, finding only powdered dust if they are lucky.
- Logistics are regularly rotated and shifted as much as possible to counter the chances of an Abomination appearing.
*****
A full day of training, simulated drills, quizzing, and team-building had come to pass.
Vertan stood next to Hilgo, once more, the former having been more impressed and having enjoyed the day thus far more than the latter. Such a well-defined and strongly built system, Vertan thought. Already, his initial disappointments earlier that day had subsided, and his morale had climbed up to new heights like everyone else, excited to begin his journey. He had made new friends from all walks of life, making conversation and asking around for advice. Most came from different corners of the Coalition, but many also came from the Federation or the Scattered Worlds.
Hilgo on the other hand, remained silent yet observant. He understood the necessity of revealing information deemed confidential later on, but he disliked the secrecy and vagueness of certain details. This fact seemed to bother Vertan less than he, and perhaps the fact it didn’t bother Vertan so much, bothered him even more than that. For the kind of person that Hilgo is, as effective as the team-building and morale-boosting exercises were, he found them corny at best, too relatable to the kinds of class games he played as a child in school. The overwhelming amount of people made Hilgo exhausted and nauseated, making a part of him wish for home.
At that moment, the two were at polar opposites. Vertan was on the cusp of joining the “something greater” he had for so long searched for. Hilgo’s window to leave was narrowing further and further. But with his own internal persuasion—,
“Y’know Vertan,” says Hilgo.
“Hm?” says Vertan.
“Today wasn’t all that bad.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“I was worried about you all day.”
“You were? How come?”
“Well, you didn’t look like you were having a whole lot of fun.”
“Well I mean, that doesn’t mean it’s bad, is it?”
“I know, I know, though you just seemed really tired and out of it, man. You didn’t connect much with anyone, especially at team-building.”
“Oh, you know me. I’m not good with crowds.”
“Yeah, I figured. I kept you in my sights all day today.”
“Thanks, man.”
“Y’know, you don’t have to come along, you know?”
“Hm?”
“I know this doesn’t suit you, Hilgo, I’m not forcing you into something if you don’t like it.”
“No, no, I said it wasn’t all that bad.”
“So you found it somewhat bad at least.”
“Well—alright, look man, I find it tolerable enough is what I meant.”
“Tolerable?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to put up with ‘tolerable’ for the next few years?”
“Don’t tell me you’d rather not have me here.”
“No, I would! But I would also rather have you happy being away than miserable being with me.”
“So I’m telling you, I’m happy to be here!”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure!”
“It didn’t sound like it for a second there.”
“Vertan—you’re gonna question the fact that I came to another galaxy with you?”
“Alright, point taken.”
“What matters is I commit. And I’d rather know I’m committed to the only brother I’ve known in my life.”
Groups were formed. Units, established. Trust was built, and connections were made. A surveilling officer scans a watchful eye across the new recruits.
And in a few short days, Vertan, Hilgo, and their new comrades were shipped off with their belongings to the realm few will ever witness, the embarkation upon a new journey filled with excitement.
Hilgo steels his resolve—there will be no easy way back.