//: Ship P.A: Commencing FTL jump to the Celeste Sector, Moradesh.
//: . .
//: . .
//: Ship PA: FTL jump complete, all helldivers to. . .
//: Ship PA: Warning! Planetary body in range of Meridia black hole. Time to destruction, 2 days.
//: Ship PA: Advisement, evacuate.. proceed to next safe rally point.
[Entry 0-1]: Commander Azar
Landing planetside, all I could hear was the ship’s PA system’s warning message rattling around in my head—its words absolute. As my feet met solid earth, I looked to my squadmates and knew they were thinking the same. As we made our way to the launch facility, a silence hung in the air so thick it felt like we were pushing through one of the mighty sandstorms on Zzaniah Prime.
Our mission was like any other: hold the line, get those in cryo off-planet, and move on to the next. However, today, there were no enemies of Liberty to stop us—no dropships to shoot down, no timer on my H.U.D... no death to mourn.
Yet, as I looked to the sky past our ships in orbit, there it was—a void so deep it swallowed up the stars, its purple ring illuminating our armor from afar. One could almost get lost in its majesty. But before that could happen, the sound of generators roaring to life broke my hypnotized gaze.
"Alright, everyone, you know what to do," I said over the helmet radio. "We don't leave until every last rocket has launched."
"On our honor," my team responded in unison before fanning out through the facility.
As my team carried out their tasks, I had my own mission—one I held in the highest regard. As a Commander, I am tasked with the recovery of every flag that adorns each Super Earth base of operations. Making my way deeper into the facility, I walked its empty halls, each step pushing me closer to my righteous objective. As I ascended the spire of the communications tower that loomed over the facility, I watched as my troopers worked tirelessly to save the lives of those who slumbered in cryo—those left behind when the order was given.
It was a harsh reminder of those we lost on Angel’s Venture, a memory I still carry daily.
As I reached the top, the first rocket ripped into space and out of sight. My instincts caused my eyes to shift toward the gates for a brief moment. But I reminded myself—no enemies would be arriving to stop us today. So, I continued onward.
Breaking one of the windows, I climbed out onto the sloped roof of the communications tower. Carefully, I made my way up, my eyes fixed on the flag as it fluttered in the planet’s gentle winds. As I reached the flagpole, I steadied myself and offered it one final salute—a farewell of honor before taking it down.
"May Liberty guide us all and protect the lives of those we defend," I whispered softly.
With honors given, I removed my gloves and began my task. Lowering the flag, I took hold of it with care, brushing away any dust. I folded it with precision, reciting the pledge with each crease, and when it was done, I carefully placed it within the protective case I carried on every mission.
With the flag secure, I began my descent just as another rocket launch shook the tower's foundation. Yet once again, Liberty protected me, and I returned to the ground safely.
With my mission complete, I made my way to one of the raised platforms near the entrance of the facility. Once a defensive position, it now served as my quiet resting place until the last rocket launched. Sitting down, I removed my helmet and took a deep breath, letting the planet’s air fill my lungs—the scent of nature surrounding me.
It was peaceful... yet a somber reminder that soon, no soul would remain to enjoy it.
And so, I waited, my gaze locked onto the looming void approaching in the distance, as the ship’s PA warning returned to haunt my mind.
"May Liberty protect us..."
Possible series if want is showed
