Unusual cadets (Doren)

[Zuno Drallac]

Imperial Military Academy, Botajef

Rain poured down on the courtyard of the Botajef’s main Imperial Academy. It was two weeks after graduation and the academy was all but abandoned, two figures stood at attention out in the rain, wearing the olive drab uniforms of the Imperial army. These were the last two recruits to graduate, both delayed in their graduation due to their species. Both were reptilian aliens though not of the same race.

One was a Falleen who stood roughly 1.8 meters tall, the water running down his dark green scales, his prominent facial ridges keeping the water form dripping into his yellow eyes. Cadet Zuno Drallac had worked hard over the last few years to beat the xenophobic tendencies of the Empire and while mostly filled with unpleasant experiences he had learned a lot and should have graduated top of his class. No matter, he wasn’t discouraged by the delay, it just meant he was more prepared for what was next. Zuno wanted to get qualified for the Stormtrooper Corp and rise through the ranks so he could find the rebel scum who murdered his family and his once future bride.

With his hands clasped behind his back he waited, his reptilian eyes focused on the doors of the administration building. His scales darkening to a deep green as pride began to fill him when the doors slid open, it was finally time for him to leave this place and join his brothers in arms in the war!

[Trassek Veilser]

Trassek Veilser stood in the rain, his tail whipping around in agitation.

Trassek was a Barabel, standing at just over 2 meters tall he dwarfed most humans, Bulky for even a Barabel of his age, a side effect of the academy training. Unusual for a Barabel his scales were tinged a deep dried blood red, his golden eyes fixed on the door as the rain poured of his snout. His uniform had been 'modified' to suit his physique. The sleeves had been destroyed by his arm scales on the first day he put it on. Out of annoyance he used his claws to remove the sleeves at the shoulder. Much to the captains displeasure but most of the captains didn't address him directly due to the fearsome nature of the Barabel facade.

His uniform leggings had undergone similar modifications to suit his tail. The tail whipping around wasn't due to anything simple like the rain, he'd hunted in worse conditions. No he was irritated that it had taken so long to graduate. “This One will be glad to be gone from thisssss place.” Trassek said Clasping his hand in front of him. “This one will enjoy sinking his claws into the rebels who slew this One's hatch mate”

[Professor Mors]

"As I've said before, my lord, these things are seldom simple", the Academy Chancellor began, "Even if I positioned their resumes near the top of the stack, there's no guarantee an acting unit would take them". "Such defeatism will not be tolerated!" a fine-robed man nasally announced, smacking his dainty fist on the Chancellor's desk, "It is your duty to the Empress to stock her armies with the best and brightest: humanocentric clout is of no concern to my office!". The elder educator sighed, and sunk deeper into his chair. The skinny aristocrat was Propus Gratineau, an upcoming member of the peerage on Tepasi, and a key figure in COMPNOR. Unlike most advocates of the New Order dogma, Propus was indifferent to the species-based legislature of the early empire, and held a virulent xenophilic streak.

In the nobleman's youthful and oblivious eyes, all citizens, regardless of their origin and physical features, ought serve the great Imperial engine of progress; those who resisted this "natural" pull to combatant or civic duty, Gratineau felt, were the lowest of the low, as were those that would selfishly deny any being the right to fulfill their sovereign oath. And thus, here sat the head of the Botajef academy, attempting to make ends meet for the fiery twig of a man, or face the threat of future persecution by a wealthier entity than he. Sensing his aged adversary's apprehension, Propus leaned down, putting his face in uncomfortable proximity to that of the Chancellor's. His tone then softened, and added, "Surely you know someone who can vouch for these two eager souls?".

Sweat slid down the old man's face, and collected summarily in the stubble under his lower lip. For several minutes, the Chancellor sat in silence, subjugated to Propus' unwavering gaze. Then at last, he sighed once more, "There is one officer, but he's navy. If we can get him to vouch to his stationed colonel-". "And we will", Propus purred, looking quite satisfied with his interruption, "How soon can you summon this upstanding individual to the academy?". "Last I heard checked his task force was running drills a few sectors over", the Chancellor explained, "We can probably establish a holocommunication, with some advanced notice". "Excellent!", Propus cooed, clapping his hands together with a joyous pop, "Make it so Chancellor: we're about to change some lives for the better".

***
[Cadet Drallac, Cadet Veilser], the spectral facsimile crisply began, [Allow me to introduce myself: I am Captain Doren Vassyl of the Imperial Third Fleet]. Doren's holographic doppelganger was seated comfortably, though his two corporeal counterparts were expected to stand for the duration of the meeting. Making good on his word, the Chancellor had wasted no time in setting up an interview for the two reptilian hopefuls. Though not as outspoken as Propus and his lot, the Captain's name carried a moderate weight in the military, and his reputation, in part, was built upon the recruitment and occasional employment of all manners of beings within the Empire. And indeed, for his part, the Barabel/Falleen combo had not failed to grab the Captain's interest. [Do tell, gentlemen], Vassyl softly continued, [What drives you to serve in the armed forces?].

[Zuno Drallac]

Cadet Drallac‘s eyes did not turn towards his Barabel companion as it spoke. “We will have our chance soon enough Cadet Veilser,” the Falleen replied calmly. “Having patience will lead to many victories.” It had been an interesting time becoming a friend of the Barabel, it’s species’ chaotic nature didn’t quite fit with the Falleen’s disciplined nature but the trials of the academy had brought them together.

He watched as an officer marched down the steps and across the courtyard to the two reptilians. “Cadets Veilser and Cadet Drallac, you are to report to the Chancellors office immediately.” The human ordered, clearly not liking being forced to go out into the rain to fetch the two non-humans.

“Yes sir,” Drallac replied with a crisp salute. It could be noted that Drallac’s uniform had gone through careful modification to allow room for his protruding spinal ridges.

Drallac followed diligently two paces behind the officer as they made their way to the waiting chancellor. The door slid open with a hiss and waiting for the two cadets was the Academy Chancellor, who the Falleen had seen many a times, a finely dressed human, and a sitting holographic image of someone bearing the rank of Captain.

Drallac immediately snapped to attention and saluted as the image introduced itself as Captain Doran Vassyl, a ranking officer of the Third Fleet. The Cadet wasn’t surprised that his talent was potentially being recognized by someone of position but he however was by the fact it was happening before his career even got started. Taking a small step forward, the Falleen took initiative in the interview.

“Sir, I see the Empire as a driving force in these dark times and one focused on taking down the so called Galactic Alliance, a group of traitors and terrorists. I wish to be on the front lines, leading the charge with a blaster in my hands and soldiers at my side.” Drallac spoke, his voice still not breaking the calm demeanor, tho his scales began to turn slightly redder. He longed to one day be ordering those soldiers but he knew that was still a ways off. He also felt no need to bring up that he sought vengeance upon a band of the rebels to this officer who probably cared little for his personal vendetta. He took the step back to allow his fellow cadet to reply as well.

[Trassek Veilser]

Stepping forward, his tail remarkably still, a sign of respect from a Barabel, One did not allow unnecessary emotion to show in the presence of one's betters. “This One's reasonzzz are not so simple. This One has seen what the rebelzzz are like, They promise freedom and equality. What they bring is Chaossss. For This One's people, for This One's family. This One vowzz to serve and venerate the empire.”

Trassek Steps back his tail swishing briefly in his moment of emotion. His thoughts flashing on his packmate. He knew in his stomachs that what he said was the absolute truth of his being. His red scales gleaming in the projected hololight. Standing at attention, the Barabel having long sense trained his warrior's fidgeting out of him allowing himself to be a statue.

[Professor Mors]

Vassyl smiled at Drallac's sincerety, and nodded approvingly at Veilser's posture. Both were proud citizens, both hailed from unique cultural and biological backgrounds. Doren, for his part, had always been fascinated with the Falleen's chemical manipulation techniques, and the quasi-spiritual meditations undertaken to utilize them. At the same time, he was equally impressed with the hunter, and indeed warrior traditions of the Barabel. Either applicant, on their own merits, would be a fine addition to the third fleet's ground contingent: to receive both at once was an added bonus. "I commend you for your enthusiasm Cadets", Vassyl continued, making no effort to disguise the friendly pitch of his voice, "But what say you, Lieutenant Colonel?".

"I would not doubt Cadet Veilser's skills in a fight", a new, lower voice announced, "Though I am curious to hear more about Cadet Drallac's goals". The owner of the voice now stepped into holoprojector's scanning range, and stood resolute behind the Captain. This man was taller than his naval counterpart, and built at that. Similarly, his skin tone eclipsed Vassyl's in terms of intensity, as his spectral stand-in shone a deeper, darker blue. "Cadets, allow me to present Lieutenant Colonel Vlaf Benroy, of the 446th Infantry Division", Doren explained. Benroy nodded at the Captain for the brief introduction, and refocused his attention on young Falleen, "You spoke of fighting beside your fellow soldiers, Cadet: tell me, do you envision yourself in a leadership position within the corps?".

[Zuno Drallac]

Cadet Drallac’s yellow eyes darted to the new figure appearing before them. He held his composure as he was addressed by the Lieutenant Colonel and once again took a step forwards she was addressed. He knew honesty and transparency was the best move here, especially if these two were to possibly be his immediate superiors. He began to instinctively give off his pheromones even though it’d have no effect on the two holographic individuals.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I have the desire to lead in my blood, sir” the Falleen began. “But I know such a position is earned through blood and sweat, otherwise those under me would have no respect for my command.” His reptilian eyes bounced to the Captain then back to the Lieutenant Colonel. “So in short, sir, I do envision myself in a position of leadership.”

The Falleen stood resolute in front of the two members of the 3rd Fleet. His mind racing with where a position under these two officers could lead him. The Cadet also wondered if it would allow him to the see the war in its fullest and have room for him to rise in power as he desired.

[Trassek Veilser]

Trassek stood at attention as his fellow cadet voiced his reasons. Noting the change in Drallac's scent the pheromones stinging his nostrils as he spoke with passion.

His hands clasped at his back reflexively sheathing and unsheathing his claws his back to the wall as his gold eye watched the new person, the new officer. Joined the conference.

[Professor Mors]

The Lieutenant Colonel smiled. It was firm, natural smile, and it arrived in light of the Cadet's duality of honesty and humility. There were plenty of recruits from wealthy or established families that felt a role in the military was owed them. Rather than keep his head down, Zuno had made it clear he desired more than the status quo, and that he meant to achieve his ambitions through merit rather than patronage. Of course, given his situation, that was perhaps his only means to accomplish such aims, but Benroy admired the young man's fire all the same. "I look forward to seeing you put all that energy to good use Cadet", Vlaf concluded, "The four-four six could use some fresh talent".

Though he remained silent, the Academy Chancellor's complexion softened, no doubt relieved to see things were going well. Indeed, he was not keen on receiving another visit from Lord Gratineau. Similarly pleased with the present outcome, Doren rose from his seat, and announced, "It seems we've no further need for interrogation, as I'm certain our compatriots in the ISB will take care of the standard background checks". Straightening up, Vassyl sent one final, inquisitive glance at each of the two would-be soldiers, declaring, "A troop transport will be sent to your location post-haste: nothing too glamorous, but I trust you will adjust to the bucket seating in due time". Bringing their right arms up into a rigid arc, the spectral visitors saluted their corporeal counterparts, and Doren bade his farewell, "Pack swift and light Gentlemen, the Reverent is a busy ship, you shan't want to miss her".

[Zuno Drallac]

Pride once again blossomed inside Drallac, he’d finally gotten his assignment. The four-four-six would not regret their decision to bring the two reptilians into their fold. Cadet Drallac returned a salute to his new superiors. “It is an honor, sir! I look forward to serving with you!”

As the holograms faded, the Cadet bid the the chancellor farewell before heading back to his and Trassek’s bunk room. “We finally did it friend,” Zuno spoke as the two cadets walked. “We are finally done with this place and one step closer to achieving our goals.”

The Falleen had little to pack, one duffle bag was all he needed for his spare uniform, a set of casual cloths, and a handful of personal belongings. As Zuno packed it all up he paused as he picked up his families ceremonial dagger, it belonged to his father and his fathers father before that. It was the last thing he had of his immediate family after the terrorist attack wiped them all out. “I’ll make you proud father, and I’ll make things right by you,” he whispered as he put it in its sheath and lowered it into the duffle. With that he was ready to join the 446. Turning to his fellow cadet, he allowed a smile to curls across his scales face. “Are you ready my friend?”