Chapter 3: The Sudden New

Dutch laid in the commanders quarters, on his padded bunk

Dutch was getting rest like the assistant said to, but he couldn't sleep at that nightmare kept repeating. Dutch kept seeing his nightmare, over and over again, it's on repeat in his mind. It had been 2 hours since Dutch laid down. Dutch starred at the ceiling of his bunk,

"What does it mean? Is it actually a dream or vision?" Dutch said to himself.

A slamming sound came from the quarters door and a loud voice spoke "Hey! Sleeping beauty! The Admiral wants you at the bridge! You awake jackass?!" shouted, Lance Corporal Vill.

Dutch continued laying in his bunk and looked over at him.

A large black man walked into the quarters and over to Dutch's bunk. "Hey Captain! Val wants ya up on the bridge ASAP! I don't know why, but he said put your gear on!" Vill said loudly and walked out. Vill walked out and over to a table with more soldiers at it. He sat down and picked up some cards. Poker.....

Dutch got up and started putting his gear back on. Dutch was putting on his on his fore arm pieces, when he noticed a note on the center room table. A small white paper with writing and a kiss mark.

he read "Don't forget, dinner date tonight! Love, Suvi!"

1st Lieutenant Suvi Lee, the Star Corps 2nd commander. An ambitious women, with the intent to claim Dutch.

Dutch set the note down and headed out the commanders quarters doors and into the regiment quarters.

As Dutch exited, the guide sign read. "Reaver Corps - Star Corps regiment quarters."

Dutch walked into the regiment quarters. Dutch walked out and in front of the poker game, Vetra was amongst them, "Hey Dutch! What's up?" Said Vetra, holding up a light beer. Vill is sitting right next to her.

"Got geared up. The Admiral called for me to come up to the bridge... with my gear on?" Replied Dutch.

The group looked at each other and they all shrugged. Vill and Vetra were laughing, Vill whispering into her ear. Vetra laughing almost every time. They were very close to each other, literally.

Dutch sighed, "If you 2 are going to flirt like that, get a room! Vetra, this isn't even your regiments quarters, what are you doing here?" he said annoyed.

"Well, I wasn't called to the bridge and when I stopped by to tell you though, they are still fixing the PA system. Some of the Stars were playing poker, Vill dealed me in. Why? Is there a 'no Valarian' rule?" Vetra said jokingly.

"No, you are the recons commander. I just thought, you would be doing your duties. I have to get going, Clean up when you dumb fucks are done!" Dutch shouted as he walked out."

Vetra shook her head in annoyance, "No, the cap is gonna be our maid!" she exclaimed, holding the beer up and the other players joking cheered to her joke.

Dutch proceeded down the hall and came to a halt at the main elevator, he noticed other officers around him.

Dutch didn't realize it at first but they were all high ranking Reaver Corps... Commanders of regiments in the fleet, or at least of the fleets main ship.

One of the men noticed Dutch's confused look and replied, "We were too.... This is an odd request... even of the Admiral. Plus we are in jump space. Why is it needed?" He said.

An Ento spoke up obnoxiously, "Well.... I wouldn't question the Admiral. He has his reasons... usually. Come on Milways!! Move!" Dutch recognized the Ento speaking, he is the 133rd Spartan V Brigade Commander Idashix.

(Ento are large red reptiles, native to the helios cluster. thick skin, highly aggressive, and high endurance.)

Dutch shrugged off Idashix's obnoxious tone.

As they began walking towards, someone grabbed Dutch's arm. Dutch turned to see a short Korean woman with bright blue eyes, the 163rd Star Corps Lieutenant Suvi Bulov. Dutch's 2nd in command.

"hey there handsome, I heard your last mission didn't go well? What happened?" Suvi asked curiously.

Dutch sighed "Taunis got to the assets first and ambushed us. We lost most of our team!" Dutch told her angrily.

"Damn, I'm sorry to hear. kind of wish I was there to help you sweety." Suvi said as she poked his face, Dutch lucky brushed her hand away.

"Suvi, be professional!" Dutch exclaimed.

"Well, I must admit. We Star Corps and Recon always get the worse jobs. It might of gone the same with you there. We almost didn't make it back! If it wasn't for that gunship! Who knows what would of happened!" Dutch shouted excitedly.

Suvi let go of Dutch's arm, "I haven't got to see my sweet heart all day and not even a 'hi darling!'? Rude! Ya know, maybe Vetra should become a Star Corps member. Then we could finally go on dates!" Suvi said mockingly.

Dutch sighed, "Suiv, we are colleagues! We can't be dating or doing anything of that sort!".

Suvi crossed her arms, "Does it look or sound like I give a shit?"

Dutch shook his head.

As they entered the bridge, a tall draco stood near the entrance, he is wearing a heavy set of orange armor with warning markings on it.

The Draco looked towards Dutch and Suvi.

"Been awhile! How's the Star Corps Dutch?" He asked Dutch.

Dutch walked up and stood next to him. Dutch Chuckled and looked up at the giant Draco, "it's had better days. Hows the Flamer unit treating you?"

The Draco growled but not at Dutch. He replied a bit angry, "We haven't had many recruits in 2 years. We lost most of our men to Roshul outbreaks in Dubon 3, I have been ranked up so much. That leading the 233rd Flamer unit.... has been stressful." The Draco explained.

Dutch looked at him as they walked over to the group that stood near at the center of the bridge, Dutch took a good look at the Draco. The orange armor with ash stains in it with warning marks. "General Donit, I am sorry to hear. The Star Corps have taken many losses as of late." Dutch said sincerely.

The General stood tall in his flamer armor. ,"We do work, that others won't. It's dangerous but honorable. It's good to see you again Captain Tvankiv." Donit quieted down, the Admiral had appeared.

Suvi stood next to Dutch.

Suvi spoke quietly to Dutch, "The Flamers aren't doing so good... are they?"

Dutch spoke in a sympathetic tone, "Doesn't seem so. The General has a lot going on. He carries a heavy burden and alot of regret."

Suvi lowered her head and shook it, "That man has done so much for the CFM and yet, it's rarely acknowledged!"

Dutch couldn't do anything, but agree with her.

The Admiral stood tall on a platform. "Attention!" He loudly shouted, followed by everyone saluting him. "Now that's more like it! You all may be wondering, why you were called here today! Well, ya sorry sacks of brawn. Your regiments are getting some new faces! We are going to Ta' Sonka Industries territory. They managed to get us a generous amount of recruits! All of you will be getting plenty!" The Adirmal stood on the platform with a smile and proud of the news.

The Admiral of the 7th fleet is an old draco male. He wears a bright white and blue navy uniform.

The Admiral cleared his throat and a projector emerged from the floor.

"There is also a matter, that we must discuss. With everyone here." the Admiral said, the smile is gone and the room darkened.

Multiple darkened figures appeared, the Shadow Council.

With a distorted voice, the largest one spoke and followed by echos.

"Greetings commanders, it is important that we brief you on the next mission. It will be dangerous and a warning, would be better than no warning. Ta' Sonka industries recently bought a system from Taunis. There are 2 planets of interest, Humelen 2 and a moon, Hamax. Humelen has a Gola hive infestation. Humelens native life is being killed off by it, the 7th fleet will be going there to eradicate them! It is also believed, the G.T.M.I. had facilities there. salvage what you can! Hamax, will be ignored for now. It has Umolo remnant sites on it. It will not be your concern, but if you find yourself there. You can imagine what you might encounter. There are rumors of pirates in the system, but that has yet to be confirmed!" they said.

'great, an errand run' Dutch thought to himself.

"We will be stopping in the Dedus system, for some R&R and the recruits. Enjoy it while you can!" the Admiral closed the briefing. The bridge brightened up once again. The Admiral dismissed them all.

All the commanders were gossiping amongst each other about the news and briefing as they left the bridge.

Suvi once again wrapped herself around Dutch's arm., "Wow, new faces and we get to go wipe out bugs! Sounds like a great time! Hey Dutch! While we are in Dedus, we should go out and get a drink! Let loose!" Suvi said with excitement.

Dutch wasn't going to fight her on it, it will be a time to unwind. "Sure, but no Vov! For you OR Vetra!" he exclaimed at her.

Suvi winked at Dutch, "Dutch baby, let loose! Besides, vov is super good! We gotta celebrate!", Suvi is bursting with excitement.

"Celebrate what?" Dutch asked puzzled.

"That we have surrendered nor lost! That we are still kicking and breathing! You also owe me a date!" she replied energetically.

"Fine, when I say no more. NO MORE!" Dutch replied with some anger.

Suvi let go of his arm and turned to go run off.

"No promises! Imma find Vetra and see if we can't do double date!" Suvi shouted before disappearing.

Dutch sighed, "That woman!"