John Davis - The Colony

Its been nearly a year since the Ryak folded its command. Our worlds are now controlled by the strong Earth Defense Force. With peace comes expansion, and with expansion comes the need for us to find new worlds. Some for the sole reason of added resources, while others take on a more important role. Colonization. Earth had simply been used to its maximum.

As we began to expand our reaches, lengthening the Milky Way galaxy at a rapid pace by exploring uncharted space, we began to discover amazing things. Places that could have only been imagined in the wildest of dreams.

But in the case of Tanilia Moon, those dreams became nightmares, as we quickly discovered a new definition of evil. A new outlook on fear, unearthing a breed of morally-vicious creatures. The Succubus.

Their name came easily enough, as they seemed to appear just as demons of biblical times. Leaving around them a wake of tragedy, while etching into the memory of survivors a new definition of fear.

But there are those among the Earth Defense Force who do not fear, and they are known universally by three words. Earth Defense Marines. Three words that provide hope against our newly discovered enemies, offering the few survivors of the Tanilia Moon Colony something they are in short supply of. Hope.

As the alarm clock began to sound loudly, bringing Jack from a dream of perfect circumstances, he silently cursed the world around him, finally easing from his rack to prepare for the day ahead.

His senses were immediately awakened as his battle-tested hands splashed cold water to his face, providing an instant cringe. Slowly rubbing his eyes over with intention, he finally glanced to the mirror in front of him.

Lieutenant Jack Strong, Earth Defense Marine Corps. And though it was morning on his hometown of Dallas, he was aboard the Earth Defense High Freedom. A small ship, nearly six-hundred yards in length, the marine ship was typically a first responder. As such was the case today.

Following the signal of a distress beacon, their course had been set for the Tanilia Moon Colony, and though he expected it to be another chase which led them to a faulty beacon, he anticipated the worst. A good soldier always did.

Lieutenant Jack Strong had been a fresh face during the first Sky War, earning his stripes in combat. Hed also served against the Ryak during the second Sky War, and seen his share of combat during both major conflicts.

Through it all, the one lesson hed learned that served him well, was to always be prepared. This was his ship, his crew of twelve strong who were among the Earth Defense Marine Corps best. And his objectives were clear.

Land on Tanilia and investigate, then report directly back to Earth Defense Command. As a side note, a retired general was among the settlers, and was to be extracted if the situation was deemed dangerous. Those were his orders.

Everyones assembled and ready. a voice commented, the crackle of a small com system beside Jacks sink.

Alright, tell them Ill be there in five. Jack replied, reaching forward to press a button in firmly while doing so.

Standing in place for a few moments, Jack began to think of his family back home, eventually cutting eyes to a small photo across his less than spacious room.

Both of them living the standard life of a military family, at least as much as the suburbs of Dallas could provide. Both of them waiting, and praying, for his safe return.

It was constantly on his mind, seemingly each moment of each day. Just as it was as he prepared for a small meeting with the other soldiers on board, pulling his Earth Defense Marine shirt over a chest of ripped muscle and scar tissue.

Attention on deck! Bailey yelled.

Bailey had been the XO of their crew for nearly two years, and had earned the trust of his lieutenant, though he carried the look of a greenhorn straight from boot.

At ease everybody. Jack replied, slowly sitting at the military-style table, which was nothing more than a sheet of steel on posts.

Sir, were about an hour outside of orbit. Ive got us stationary and awaiting your orders. Chandra said.

She was easy on the eyes, by the standards of a soldier. Dark red hair of shoulder length, manageable curves and a calming smile. She was also the ships pilot and communications officer.

Good job, Jack replied, nodding his approval. The plan is pretty routine. A team of six will jump down to figure out what in the hell is going on, while a second team of six remains in orbit on standby.

You mean we send six down to slap their radio and turn the faulty son of a bitch back on. Bronson commented.

Everyone seemed to chuckle a bit at the mans joke. He had a way of seeing the humorous side of things, rarely putting his skills as a solider to use. The lack of combat bothered him. Cowboy tough and rough around the edges, the black haired man hungered for the real action of war.

Calm down, Jack said, warning his crew a bit. Even though hes more than likely right, we still need to have our heads in the game.

Chandra nodded her approval, sliding a glance toward Jack, which was picked up by several of the crew.

It had long been rumored that the two were romantically involved, though rumors were abundant when traveling the fringes of the black.

It had also been rumored that Wesley sharpened his blades with nothing more than his bare hands, though the crew pretty much saw into the bullshit of that story.

Sure, he had two machete-length blades that were damn sharp, the gleam of edges evident as soon as they left sheath. And he had no conventional sharpener to speak of. But each member of the crew was sure that he had something tucked away somewhere. Perhaps laying beside the razor that none had ever seen, but had to exist. His slick-shaven head was testament.

So, who gets to mingle with the idiots below and who gets stuck on this floating piece of shit? Bronson asked.

Im leading the ground team, Jack said, turning to stare into his crew. Bronson, Twiggy, Renaldo, Wesley and Avery are going with me.

Ah shit. Lincoln commented, disgusted that he would remain on board rather than get some fresh air.

Thats enough private! Bailey warned.

Bailey will command in my absence, Jack replied, turning once more to his group. Chandra, Wilson, Martin, Sayersand Lincoln, he added, placing emphasis on the final name as he cast a stare of dare. You will keep your ass in orbit until otherwise instructed.

Yes sir. Lincoln replied, though he did so with a touch of sarcasm.

Everybody chow up, then the ground team collects gear. Well meet up at a chopper in twenty. Lieutenant Jack Strong ordered, turning to find a bit of food.

Never understood why they call the damn things choppers, Bronson said with a devilish grin. No blades, deep space capablemakes no sense to me.

Preach it brother. Avery replied.

He was a shade taller than Bronson, but equally as cowboy tough. It was as if they had plucked two ranch hands from a primitive moon and squeezed them into Earth Defense Marine uniforms. Though Avery had bleach-blonde hair.

It was considered a hop by everyone military. A simple free-fall out of the larger, orbiting ship, finally becoming a flight of its own as the choppers thrusters kicked in.

And though he didnt show any signs of fear, Jack Strong did in fact fear each hop. They scared the hell out of him.

He had been out of boot less than six-months when, on his very first hop, the thrusters never kicked in. He was a private among his crew, the greenest man on board, yet the only one to walk away from the mangled wreckage that had become submerged in water.