Note from the Writer: “To those who have read Katajion's Dream: Before you come after my head, yes, this is not canon. It was written before I even dreamed of turning Katajion's Dream into a full length novel. So, yes, the author of his own series isn't canon. Isn't that funny?

To those who haven't read Katajion's Dream: Read it. Now. This is a direct order. It is in the Sci-Fi section or in my profile.”

Chapter One

Prep Time

Sora paced the rear of the auditorium, showing the nervousness that had plagued her the moment that she had decided to take on the new job that General Komi Tsuku had offered her. There was something about his voice that always held her captive and made her oblivious of the demands he would make. His words were like honey and drew her in like an insect. The noise of her audience was starting to become louder and louder. Poking her head out of the back curtain, she tried to hold in awe at the massive auditorium. About 350 black-covered seats that were still in perfect condition. In about a third of those seats held the various recruits of the grand glorious Katajion Defense Force. Races of all over the galaxy sat there all in the dark blue military uniforms that contrasted in her mind the pitch-black, well decorated blouse and skirt that her rank allowed her to wear. Pulling her head back quickly as not to be noticed, she resumed her nervous pacing.

“Where is everyone? We all agreed that we would meet five minutes before we would start.” She muttered quietly. How could they abandon her in her time of need? She had always been there. If they needed fire support, there she was in a gunship. If they needed an evac chauk, she would go grab one and have it flown over. She was a good soldier and did her job.

But it wasn't like that in the beginning. I know that I started life as something else...

“Yo! Director!”

In behind her walked in the three problems of her life. All dressed-up as she but lacking the air of nervousness.

Of course. I doubt that any of those three have ever been nervous. Sergeant Major Isa has never shown even a hint of fear in any sort of disaster. Her eyes took in the short, stocky man who had never worn anything but camo. His built body didn't show the years that were behind it but the worn but cold eyes hinted at the old age of the veteran. Then again, if I have served a billion years as a man o' war, I might be a walking piece of cold, hard steel too. The thought pinged in her head as she remembered that it was starting on her sixth year of the Katajion Defense Force. Six long years since she had started as a college student with dreams and a future. It’s kind of sad. I always said that I would never be a grunt in a army. I was a bit naive in that line of logic. I never thought that war can draft anyone it wants.

Director Uhi Vi is a different story. When we picked him and Deka Deka back on Kaowarsi, he already was a managing an army. As she stared at the tan man in the similar colored uniform, she had to stifle a giggle. Back the he was nothing more then a primitive native and look at him now. The mold of a perfect general and a cute one at that. His ravishing looks had already wooed a number of other female officers to his side but she remained loyal to the man who would never love her back. Besides, Uhi wasn't much of a conversationalist. She had to wonder at how he had gotten stuck on this job.

The last man of the party was one that she didn't know much about. Sergeant Isa she had met and worked with a ton during the battles on Earth and if it wasn't for Vi and his troops, all of the Earth survivors would have been slained. The brown-haired, blue-eyed, hard faced man also had a name she couldn't pronounce. To save herself the time it would take to learn to properly learn how to pronounce the being's language, something that would require a massive amount of surgery, they had agreed to just call him Bob. The only thing that indicated he was not your everyday human was the ... tails... that came out of the back of his head and draped around his shoulders. Bob was a commander that had joined them only recently but Komi had already put full trust into him. I swear. Sometimes I just got to ask myself what runs in that man's mind. Great at tactics but even he admits that he lacks people skills...

“Are you just gonna stare at us or are you gonna say somethin', Ms. Doichu?” Isa chuckled.

“No. You three promised to be here at exactly 8:45 so we can decided who is going to go out first.”

“Don't get your skirt all frilled up. We still have... oh about forty-five seconds.”

Great marine, Isa is. Sarcastic as hell and a complete sexist but one helluva marine. I'm glad Komi thought to dump him on me.

“Fine.” Sora spoke as she waved around her arms, “But that still doesn't solve or problem. Who is going to the chopping block first?” Uhi waved her motion to the side and Bob just sighed. “I mean come on guys. Those people are counting on us to do the best job that we can possibly do. I mean... It’s just... guys...”

“Is the Great Director Doichu actually nervous? I thought that you originally were gonna be a teacher.”

Yeah but that was a long time ago. Damn rebels. I can't believe it was so easy to kill my dreams. Just like killing everything else...

“You know Isa, it is a heck of a lot different teaching physics then it is teaching advanced battle tactics. I mean... geez. You three were all soldiers before joining up with us. I was a college student who just got dragged along trying to survive.”

“There is no lack of skill on your part. Your destiny just decided to take you along a path that was different. I know you know your stuff, Sora.” Uhi spoke quietly, in a semi-mystical voice, “What you have suffered will help those in there learn to keep themselves alive too.” Yeah...

“It just seems so different though... I joined up to try and save the world.” And Komi... “Those people in there are people who are joining up to what use to be a former government turned refugees turned outlaws turned back into a government.”

“Yeah. Those were some pretty sad days. Wear your uniform and you might as well signed a death warrant. It is thanks to yours and many other heroes help that we can actually do any of this now. It is your duty to do this!”

“Ummm. Folks.” Bob tapped his watch. “We are kind of running short on time.”

“Ah! Ok.” The look of depression left her face temporarily and a massive grin worked its way on to. “Its time for the special procedure for solving problems like who goes first. Winner chooses the first speaker.”

The grin turned viral and quickly the others were sporting a similar smile on they battle-worn faces. They knew the time-honored tradition. This solution had solved problems ranging from who would buy the drinks to who would participate in the suicidal assault on the enemy base.

“Director, I'm gonna make sure you conquer your fear of teaching war by making you do the welcoming speech to all of our students.” Isa said as he grinned wildly. “Best prepare your welcoming speech.”

“My luck is going to hold and force you out there, Isa.”

“I don't much care. I'm out.” Bob said.

“Same.” Laughed Uhi. “This is not my game.”

“Ready?” Both of the participants said. “Rock! Paper! Scissor!” The grin that had been on Sora's face fell quickly as Isa’s scissors chopped her paper up. “Wait! Another chance!” She sputtered quickly.

“Oh no, my dear Director. Best go out there quickly. Your fans are waiting.” He waved her along the path. “We will wait here and watch you spectacular performance from here.”

“Speaking of people watching, Supreme Commander Lindsey was suppose to be here.” Her eyes darted around the gruff-looking man who seemed to have the ability to appear at random. “He said he might even decided to stay on and teach.”

“Interesting, Sora. Or maybe you are interested in finding him because you are in love with him.” Isa broke out laughing. Yeah, that is a pretty big joke. I think that last person that that man even said anything even remotely romantic was back on Earth. Nelle. He kind of broke emotionally when she died. His heart and mind kind of broke. He still led us with all the fervor and skill that he originally had but the spirit seemed to be gone. Maybe some love from anyone would be good for him. He is just... I don't know... strange. Odd always seemed to be the best word to describe that man's taste in everything.

“Ha-ha. Very funny. Now if you don't mind, I have a speech to give. A... half... hour... welcoming speech.”

“Good luck! Have fun!” I swear, the sarcasm is just dripping from his words...