Chapter 2: A Distant World

*The Firiyaze Federation is a collective of 36 planets spread across various solar systems. As far back as can be remembered, it has always existed, and one thing is certain for its inhabitants and its leaders alike, it will continue to exist. In the year 2508, when they discovered stellar travel, they embarked on the conquest of worlds and planets in ever more distant systems. Space is vast, filled with astonishing, even frightening entities, but the Firiyaze have faced all these challenges and continued their expansion. But from this expansion arose a problem common to all human societies*.

- War.

- Exactly...

*War is inherent to every civilization, regardless of its degree of advancement. In the year 3011, a group of dissenters decided to openly oppose Firiyaze; they were the Deicyte Confederation. A massive war then plunged the galaxy into chaos for over 8 years and ended with the federation's victory and a complete dismantling of the Deicyte. Facing the heavy toll, both in human lives and material, of this war and the reasons that triggered it, it was agreed that, for the good of all, such a thing should never happen again. The Firiyaze hold the ideology of the common good, the well-being of every being and every people. However, any opposition or any force threatening the federation's balance will automatically be suppressed by federal forces*.

- I believe that will be all for today; you may leave.

*The bell promptly signaled the end of the class, and the young people started packing up their things. This place was the Firiyaze federal military university. Young people wanting to pursue a good career in the army came here. It is located on the capital planet of Rollings, where the presidential residence and all federal administrative buildings are located*.

- It's crazy how he always manages to finish on time.

- He probably just looks at his watch; it's no rocket science. *One of them murmured*.

- Still...

*As the room emptied, only one student took his time to take notes and pack his things*.

- Are you still the last to leave, Stowe? *The professor asked*.

- I'm trying to jot everything down so I don't forget.

- Word for word?

- Not really, I just organize efficiently.

- Isn't your girlfriend waiting for you outside?

- I don't have one.

*The student officers' uniform was a black suit with grey borders and the federal emblem at the heart. Upon graduation, the uniform will change color according to the army corps they join*.

- That's enough. *Said the man, locking his tablet*. Class is over... it's no longer necessary.

*The young man placed his stylus and clenched his fist very hard, exuding a surprisingly calm anger*.

- They rejected me, sir, *he said calmly*. They said I was among the most qualified, yet I was still turned down. Why?

*He gave the professor a death stare, but the latter remained calm*.

- He struggles with his anger. *He thought*. With such a murky past like yours, it's normal for many to prevent you from becoming an officer.

- I thought everyone had a chance. As long as they had the skills, they could succeed. It seems I was wrong.

- It's not entirely false. But corruption and nepotism are issues that plague every civilization. There were positions available, and some favored their own. That's how the world works.

- No, I believe the world stopped making sense a long time ago. We just didn't realize it right away. I might as well go back to where I came from.

- Stowe. *The man said, lighting up an electronic cigar*. Follow me.

*The professor was a man in his forties, with hair whitened by age and a goatee. He just wore a V-neck sweater, pants, and sandals. Stowe, on the other hand, was much younger, 21 years old, and wore his student officer uniform. The young man sat next to him in his sports car, holding himself stiffly*.

- Relax; I'm not going to eat you.

*He relaxed as the vehicle drove through the city center*.

- Tell me, Stowe, do you know about the federal bureau of inter-species relations?

- I've heard of it, but I don't really know what it's for.

- You see, when the federation discovers a new world, which happens about every three weeks, it is appropriate to study and learn everything about that world. Especially when it's inhabited. We need to know the languages, the local culture, the religion...

- The military strength, the political system, the structure of social classes, the level of technological advancement, and whether or not this world can threaten our democracy and our federation.

- Exactly. I see I've trained you well.

- I'm the only one who listens in class, Professor MacKenna.

- That's harsh. Whatever the case, to obtain this information, a specialized organization is needed. This is where the BEF comes in. They have agents who go and study these worlds and report back in detail and on time. It's basically like going to a country summer camp.

- Why are you telling me all this, Professor Kennan?

- Well...

*The vehicle reached a checkpoint where the professor had his card scanned and was then allowed to enter*.

- Let's just say there's a particular world I'd like you to visit.

*The building they entered was the Interstellar Strategic Defense Complex (ISDC). In one of the meeting rooms of the building, there was a gathering of high-ranking officers from the command. On their screen was a map of Amadori, or rather Earth. They had been waiting for half an hour when MacKenna entered the room*.

- Sorry, sorry. You know, teacher life and all.

- I can't believe he's not even in uniform. *Said a man, sighing*.

- Sit down, Lieutenant Colonel. *Ordered a higher rank*.

*He did so, taking a seat next to his friend*.

- Where have you been, fool?

- I was in class. I have a life outside of the military, you know.

*In front of the presentation screen stood a woman. She was young with tied-up blonde hair and a beret on her head. Her uniform was khaki-colored. She started with a slide show showing photos of houses, buildings, and cities. The men in the room were unimpressed*.

- This, gentlemen, is Firiyaze about 800 years ago.

*She showed new photos, but this time the city was much more advanced. Not as much as theirs, but there was a noticeable change*.

- And this is Firiyaze 300 years ago. Actually, no, neither of these is from Firiyaze; all the photos come from the same planet, Amadori.

*She had just shown pictures of an 18th-century city and one in 2020*.

- Is this a joke? *One of them exclaimed*.

*The woman closed her eyes for a moment and continued*.

- I know it's hard to believe, but it's the strict truth. Within two centuries, this planet has undergone significant changes. For now, it's limited to a third of the globe, but who knows about the future?

- It's amazing, okay, but what does it have to do with us?

*She changed the photo to show devastated lands, missiles, tanks, etc*.

- This slideshow is getting darker and darker. *Said Kenna*.

- This planet has a high potential for development, but according to the BEF report, the Amadorians have an extreme belligerent tendency. Over 5000 years of existence, they have waged wars and exploited their planet excessively. The population grows while resources are diminishing. Local and territorial conflicts have killed as many as the dissident bloc war.

*At the mention of this, MacKenna signaled her to change the subject, and she complied*.

- The oxygen levels there are sufficient to make any Firiyaze child sick, and adults tolerate them even less. According to the BEF report, it's been about 100 years since they've known a year of peace.

- So you're asking us to pacify this world, Lieutenant Sullivan? *Asked a general*.

- What's strange is that despite all these wars, their population growth is rising. *Said the man next to Kennan*.

*He had sleek hair slicked back, and his face was equivalent to an Asian on Earth*.

- Major Iguchi is right. *The general supported again*. They are about to reach 2 billion inhabitants, which is almost as much as the population of Rollins; it's not surprising. However, I understand what you're trying to say. Due to their similarities with us, it would be pleasant if we initiate contact with them to avoid any unforeseen events.

- Well, actually, about their population...

*The power in the room suddenly went out but came back the next second, slightly disturbing the high ranks. MacKenna took the opportunity to join Sullivan*.

- Good job, Elisha, it brought tears to my eyes. The best PowerPoint I've seen. *He said sarcastically*. Now sit down and let the adults talk.

- What? But I haven't even...

*He approached her and whispered something in her ear, after which she withdrew and sat down without fuss*.

- Let's give a big round of applause for my niece, Elisha Sullivan.

*He watched her walk away, clapping*.

- What's this charade, Matthew? *Asked the general*.

- Sorry, General Johannes, but any questions concerning Amadori will now be addressed to me. After all, I'm the officer in charge of Agent Artog.

*The general looked at him dubiously but agreed to continue*.

- What's their sanitary status?

- Like us, they find remedies, and corporations find new ones.

- Hmm...

- Let's say they are at the stage where they must quarantine for diseases like COVID.

*The general sighed*.

- What do we know about their military strength?

- Iguchi, answer this nice man, please.

- Well...

*The meeting continued and ended as it began. In the end, no significant military action would be decided without the president's consent, and the higher-ups went home. However, in a corridor, MacKenna found his niece, who lunged at him and began hitting him, but he stopped her*.

- What are you doing? Why did you stop me? I was about to...

*He grabbed her by the wrist and locked themselves in an office*.

- Where did you get my file? Your presentation was good, but do you realize what you were about to do?

*She looked at him perplexedly*.

- I'm the one Artog entrusted with his mission report. If he decided to hide certain parts, there's a reason. If you had revealed the exact number of inhabitants on this planet, do you know what that would have triggered?

*She lowered her eyes in sadness, but Matt didn't want to get angry with her. He pinched his nose and sighed. He lit a cigarette and sat next to her on a table*.

- No one knows yet, but there's a strike team heading to Amadori. The mission is top-secret, so I won't say more. I know the person in charge, and I'll see what I can do for you.

- It's called Earth. *She said, pouting*.

- Huh?

- Amadori. The inhabitants named it Earth. *She said timidly*.

- The... How are we supposed to take this civilization seriously? They've named their planet after the GROUND. Straight up. Listen, I don't want anything bad to happen to you, okay? I know this "pacification" project is important to you. You're trying to be like your mother, but you don't have to be like her.

*He stood up and placed his hands on her shoulders*.

- I've read this report in its entirety. There's nothing to pacify there; that world is doomed, and it will self-destruct on its own. So, let it go.

*A few weeks later, the Strike Team was assembled as planned. The group was dressed in civilian clothing, with coats for the cold. There were three men and two women, including Stacy. As they were about to board, MacKenna approached the shuttle. The mission commander saw him coming with another young man by his side. He was dressed like them and had a bag ready. The noise of the ship's rotors drowned out sounds*.

- You're bringing me a rookie? *He shouted*. Who is he?

- His name is Eagle Stowe; he's one of my students. I promised him he'd see Amadori for his study project.

- Does he at least have a Red unit qualification?

- Not at all.

*MacKenna handed his friend a folder*.

- His entire file is in there.

*He didn't even look at the file and got on the ship. Stowe looked at MacKenna, surprised*.

- Are you coming, or are we leaving without you?

- At your command. *He said, smiling*.

*End of chapter*.

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I tried to capture the essence and context of the story. Let me know if there are any adjustments you'd like!