Chapter 14 - The Unknown Thing at Hawthorne District

There are a total of eleven districts that supports the ideals of the I.E.A. (Interstellar Expedition Alliance). Even though some districts are poor and barely gets support for its people, they all still have their faith and trust in that organization.

The I.E.A. promises its people that they'll bring them a wonderful life in the future once they find a new habitable planet for the human race. They pursue the idea of finding a new planet as they lost hope in the idea of restoring Earth.

Earth as of now is facing a crisis because it continuously suffers from the damages of the war between humanity and the invaders from years ago. Some parts of the planet became a dangerous place because of extreme radiation, most animals have gone extinct, and natural resources have become scarce.

Dr. Rodrick Wolfgang, one of the most prominent figures that leads the I.E.A., have predicted that Earth will soon fall apart, putting the future of humanity at risk. And because of that, half of the human population supports their idea of finding a new planet to live in, a.k.a. Project Expedition.

But what these fools don't know is that the project also have its downsides. Not all of the people that supports this organization will be saved. Only 20% of the remaining human population is assured to be saved, taking all of the resources with them once they won the war.

Apart from the humans that supports I.E.A., there's also this mysterious existence that also supports the organization as it blends in the crowds of humans. At one of the districts that supports I.E.A., namely the Hawthorne District, this mysterious existence resides there for a certain goal.

Maintaining its current appearance that immitates a male human form, it entered a cafè with no problem. Sitting down at a table in the corner of the cafè, it ordered a cup of black coffee and began talking into some kind of communication device. "Hey. I'd like to have an immediate update on your side, unless you want me to cancel this agreement."

The receiver was fast to pick up the call and replied. "I've already made it this far, don't cancel on me just yet!"

"I told you I want an update." It demanded.

"Right... so far, the first level infiltration at the E.D.L. (Earth Defense League) is complete."

"How did you manage to do so?" It took the receiver to explain the whole situation and 'it' was able to understand it well. "I see that you're doing well. The progress seems slow, but that's preferable than no progress at all."

"And you better keep your promise! Geez, you keep scaring me with canceling the agreement." The receiver complained.

"As long as I hear an update from you time to time, we'll eventually fulfill the agreement between us."

"Hear you loud and clear, Sleek." The call ended when the receiver addressed 'it' with its nickname. As soon as Sleek finished its coffee, he left the cafè and vanished at a dark empty alley.

Meanwhile, as Platoon's III, IV, and V are stationed at the preparatory grounds, Captain Wright have decided to provide back up much earlier than anybody expected. "The North-West territory is being dominated by the I.E.A.! We must take back what's ours no matter what it takes!"

All of the soldiers from the special troop cheered. "For the honor and glory of the Earth Defense League, give it your all!" And so, the platoons III, IV, and V of the special infantry troop was deployed to the battlefield.

While the platoons are mounting on their respective vehicles that will deliver them to the battlefield. Claire was feeling a little nervous as this will be like her first experience in the battlefield since she lost her previous memories. "Are you alright?" A concerned fellow soldier asked her.

"I'm fine, thanks for asking." She simply answered.

"You're the new girl right? Don't worry, we can stick together so we got each other's backs." The guy was reassuring their safety but Claire believes that there's no need to for someone to watch over her.

She smiles gently and replied. "It's alright, you should worry for yourself first." Claire meant well but her statement rather made the others feel offended. Now she left an arrogant impression on her fellow soldiers.

As they arrived at the destination, the three platoons have met up with the first two platoons. Each and everyone from platoon's I and II were bathing in blood, some were suffering from fatal injuries, some dead. "Raphael, Devian!" Captain Wright called out.

"We've lost several of 'em, Captain. I'm sorry." Devian apologized, he was already at a very weak state.

"Their deaths won't be in vain. You lot have done enough. Now go retreat and recover! We'll be taking care of this mess from here." As the two top fighters in the troop walk pass their Captain, Raphael caught glimpse of Claire in the crowd.

He rushed his way towards her and grabbed her by the wrist. "What are you doing here!?"

"Whuh?" Claire have gotten confused with Raphael appearing infront of her out of nowhere.

"Come back with me, there's no way I'll let you be out here on your own!" He began to pull her with him.

Claire struggled getting out of his grip. "Eh!? Excuse me!! Let go of me!!"

"How can this be!? You shouldn't be here anymore!" Raphael wondered how the hell Claire got back here. He thought that Claire must've failed her training since he was the one who recommended Captain Wright to let her train under Captain Zahi.

Raphael made sure that she won't pass with someone like Zahi Nor who was known as strict and difficult. "Let go of me!! Let go!!" Claire's loud voice caught the attention of a few, and Bernadette had to interfere.

"What the hell are you doing, Raphael?!" She swiftly took Claire away from him.

"I'm taking Claire with me!" He said.

"What!? She's part of my platoon now! You can't have her!"

"Claire! Come with me!" Raphael demanded. Bernadette was really puzzled with Raphael's strange behavior and looked at Claire. "What the hell is your relationship with Raph?!"

"I-I don't know! I don't know him, I swear!" Claire said.

"Oh come on already, Claire! Did you really forgot about me or are you just acting because you hate me!? I don't care for whatever reason you have, you're still coming with me!" Before he can pull Claire back to him, Claire have pulled herself away.

She seemed upset and stared at him coldly. "I'm not going with you."