Chapter 4 General's Speech

"Control your own destiny. Or someone else will." Jack Welch

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As everyone held their breath, the massive dragon did one enormous loop above the stadium and let out a giant roar that shook the entire building. It then dove toward the person in the center of the podium and was absorbed back into the heavily decorated military general standing on the podium.

"Attention, troops! Fresh graduates and newly commissioned officers, welcome!

Your presence here today demonstrates your unwavering commitment and youthful courage. For that, I salute you. You stand at the threshold of a great journey, ready to take on challenges that will define our future. This is a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of your careers in service to our great civilization.

I see bright faces, brimming with potential, ready to embark on this monumental journey. Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united under one banner, driven by a singular mission. Each of you has earned your place here through hard work and determination, and now we move forward as a united force.

The Tachyon Galaxy stands as the next frontier in our conquest of the cosmos. It is a realm of vibrant nebulae, rapid temporal shifts, and untapped resources—a prize worthy of our efforts. 

The Tachyon Galaxy is not just another destination; it is a symbol of our relentless pursuit of knowledge and expansion. While we dont know everything about this galaxy we are going to as our probes and scoutsing devices go through we are learning that the Tachyon Galaxy is a beacon of the unknown, due to how radically it is different from our current galaxy. Now, it is our duty to claim it and unveil its secrets.

Our objective is clear: establish a fortified outpost, secure the area, and pave the way for further expansion. This mission is paramount for the expansion of our dominion and the continued dominance of our species. We will proceed in three phases: Reconnaissance, Establishment, and Fortification.

In the Reconnaissance phase, we will deploy scouts to gather intelligence and map key locations. This is where we will identify potential threats, resources, and strategic points of interest. Precision and thoroughness will be critical. Each scout team will be equipped with advanced sensors and mapping technology to ensure no detail is overlooked.

In the Establishment phase, we will construct our base of operations and essential infrastructure. Engineers and construction units will work tirelessly to build habitats, command centers, and supply depots. This phase will lay the foundation for our long-term presence in the galaxy. We will create a self-sustaining colony capable of supporting our ongoing operations and expansion efforts.

Finally, in the Fortification phase, we will ensure the outpost is defensible and sustainable against any threats. This includes setting up perimeter defenses, training security personnel, and establishing protocols for dealing with potential hostilities. Our goal is to create an impenetrable stronghold that will serve as a launchpad for future missions and explorations.

We will face extreme environmental conditions, potential alien hostilities, and unpredictable temporal anomalies. Our units are armed with the latest technology and have undergone extensive training. We are ready. Expect the unexpected. Adapt, overcome, and remain ever vigilant. Each challenge we face is an opportunity to prove our resilience and ingenuity

Every one of you has a vital role. Engineers, you build our future. Soldiers, you are our shield. Scientists, you uncover the mysteries that will advance our civilization. Technicians, you ensure our equipment functions flawlessly. Our success relies on our ability to function as a cohesive unit. We move as one, we fight as one, we triumph as one.

As you embark on this mission, remember the legacy you carry. Just as our forefathers conquered the unknown lands of this galaxy, we now carry their torch into a new set of stars. 

Their courage and determination are the foundation upon which we build our future. Picture a stronghold in the Tachyon Galaxy, a testament to our resilience and a beacon of our eternal dominance. A thriving colony, bustling with activity and innovation, standing as a testament to human ingenuity and tenacity.

There are some challenges that require the ultimate commitment, the kind that transcends individual destinies. In the face of the vast unknown, sacrifices are sometimes necessary to achieve the greater good. 

Stay strong, stay disciplined, and let the spirit of conquest drive you forward. In the face of adversity, remember why you chose this path. The road ahead will be challenging, but it is through these challenges that we grow stronger. You are the vanguard of our future, and your actions will shape the destiny of our civilization.

Thank you for your dedication. Together, we will carve our place in history. Forward march!"

As General Arden ended his speech, he put his arms to the side, and once again the giant, majestic mist dragon appeared. It did a circle around the entire stadium, letting out a giant cry that materialized a veil of mist and sparkling particles that hovered right above us, as if tempting us to touch them. 

I, along with nearly every other person in the audience, stood up and reached out to touch these crystals in the air. As soon as I did, I felt a chill run through me and suddenly felt a connection with everyone in the entire stadium.

It was as if I was able to recognize who they were, understand that they were friendly, and that we all comprehended each other on a level that not even my family or girlfriend had reached in the past. It was a novel experience that I cherished deeply, and I couldn't believe I had been missing out on it my entire life.

The general then said, "What you feel right now is just the beginning. It will not only allow you to help each other more effectively in our mission, but it will also bind us together in a way that ensures our collective strength and unity."

"This connection will be our greatest asset as we venture into the Tachyon Galaxy. It signifies our commitment to each other and to the mission ahead."

You will find that this bond will enable us to overcome any obstacles, face any adversary, and achieve the impossible. The unity you feel now is the key to unlocking our potential and securing our place in the Tachyon Galaxy. Together, we will transcend our individual limits and become an unstoppable force!"

"Remember, this mission requires the ultimate commitment. We are not just explorers; we are pioneers, ready to sacrifice for the greater good. Our connection is a testament to our shared destiny and the sacrifices we are willing to make for the success of our mission."

"Let this unity be your strength and your guide as we march forward into the unknown."

And with that, in a majestic flash he turned into mist as both he and the entire podium dissolved. This caused everyone to have a bit of confusion about what to do next before I felt a pull from the connection inside of me telling me to go to the barracks. Somehow, I knew exactly where my barracks were, even though this was my very first time going to this military compound.

As I received this notification, it seemed like everyone else in the entire building did as well. We all left in a completely orderly fashion, exiting the megastructure and following the paths that led us to our own barracks.

It did not take very long for me to reach my assigned barracks, and it appeared that I was one of the first people to arrive. This allowed me to inspect the room a bit more, but unfortunately, it was very plain with nothing special about it at all.

It had eight traditional bunk beds, each with oddly comfortable military beds. As I was inspecting my bed, one person after another entered the room and went straight to their bed before also looking around and inspecting the room.

It took less than two minutes from me entering the room for everyone else to arrive. As I looked around, I noticed that we all appeared to fill a specific role in the team that the general outlined in his speech.

As I looked around the room, the diversity of our group became obviously evident. There were three extremely buff men whose muscles bulged beneath their casual t-shirts, their biceps and triceps looking like they were chiseled from stone. They had stern, confident expressions with sharp jawlines and eyes that burned with determination.

Among the women, six were equally impressive, their physiques a testament to rigorous training. They moved with a grace that suggested both power and precision. One had fiery red hair tied in a braid, her green eyes sparkling with intensity. Another had short black hair and a tattoo snaking down her arm, adding mystery to her formidable presence.

As I observed them, I realized what had been bugging me. Most cultivation methods in the Misty Solar System did not allow men and women to become so physically impressive, as they focused more on arcane practices rather than the warrior path.

Turning my attention to the next person, I saw someone who looked like they had just come out of a science lab. They were a stark contrast to the muscular warriors—slender with a slightly disheveled appearance, they seemed engrossed in research until the last moment. Beneath round glasses, their eyes darted with curiosity and excitement, and they wore a simple button-down shirt and jeans.

The rest of us, the engineers, had a more practical look. We wore street clothes designed for comfort and utility, like cargo pants and t-shirts. One engineer, a tall woman with blonde hair in a high ponytail, had calloused hands from countless hours of building. Another engineer, a stocky man with a beard, had a friendly demeanor, his laugh lines and a greasy cheek suggesting a lifetime in workshops.

After the inspection, I suddenly lost the bond I had with everyone else in the entire building outside of this room, but the bonds between the sixteen of us grew stronger. We were able to understand the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of everyone else in the room, which took a minute to get used to.