Chapter 2:Ethan's Recovery and Discoveries

As Ethan's strength slowly returned, he began to explore his surroundings. The hospital ward was a marvel of advanced technology, with holographic displays, artificial gravity, and automated systems that seemed like something out of a science fiction novel. He marveled at the seamless integration of human and alien technologies.

Ethan's days in the hospital were filled with rehabilitation sessions and conversations with the attending nurse. He learned that the war with the Vortans had begun when they invaded a human colony on a distant planet, seeking to expand their empire. The Vortans possessed superior weaponry and tactics, and despite the best efforts of the human forces, they had been unable to repel the invasion.

He was shocked as well as confused on how this seemingly beautiful attending nurse could know classified information that's not even available to him a lieutenant. Noticing his gaze, the nurse realized she'd spill the beans out of excitement, thus she left hastily. Seeing her back Moving further away, his became deep 'I hope it's not what I'm thinking?' he thought.

....

As he spent more time in the hospital, Ethan discovered that the medical teams themselves were a diverse group, hailing from different corners of the milky way.

Walking along the corridor, he kept replaying the scenes before he fell unconscious in the ambush;'something doesn't feel right', frowning 'how did they know we'll pass through the route? unless....' he couldn't dare to think anymore. unknowingly he had walked back to his ward, as he was about to seat, the door open and the person he least expected to come was in front of him. General Lucas Ivanovich, a friend who was stationed at the front line came, saluting in standard military salute and easing Ethan, they both hug each other "good brother, thank the heavens you're back up" Lucas said while grinning, Ethan face fell "yea, but what's so good about living, when I can't save my men or accomplish the mission?" the ward fell into a deathly silence for a moment before Lucas sighed"it's not your fault brother, there was a mole in the team, how could the Vortans knew about the mission and the route? talkless of ambushing?" Lucas gritting his teeth,"that damned traitor Viktor!" shocked by the discovery, Ethan finally put the piece together, 'so he was the one who leaked the information? no wonder he seems to vanish from the ambush' Ethan thought. Lucas standing up and putting on his serious face again, Ethan heart skipped a beat, he knew there's something important and more serious his friend want to say. "Lieutenant Ethan Kane, on behalf of the Earth Federation and the Earth Federation Force, you have been promoted to Lieutenant Commander of 95th fleet battalion of the federation for your selfless act of defending against the Vortans even when the odds are against you". Captain Lucas pinned the medal on Ethan. "keep up the good work, don't let the federation and your mentor down" Lucas said with a solemn face. Upon hearing this, he replied"reporting, I will not let the federation down nor my mentor. my ultimate goal is to defeat the Vortans and avenge my teammates".

"hahaha, that's the spirit" Lucas laughed wildly easing the atmosphere, both started chatting casually and reminiscing about their days together in the military academy and after.

Thirty minutes later, Lucas stood up leaving with a bright smile and a sense of relief, reaching the door he stopped as he remembered something."oh, almost forgotten, your appointment letter will be sent to you when you take office, and Grand Vizier Mike will talk to you" afterwards, he left in his "Angel's Wing" spaceship.

Looking at the departing spaceship from the floor to ceiling window, he felt a rush of emotions almost overwhelming him as he thought about his mentor and his adopted father who is a Grand Vizier and an idol and inspiration for the people of the federation whom he had not seen for five years, he couldn't help but remember the past even though it's blurry.

.....

In a dimly lit safehouse living room on a planet billions of light-years away from the milky way. The sound of rain pelting against the windows fills the air. Furniture is draped in white sheets, and the room carries an air of abandonment. A humanoid Vortan alien walk in and bowed to another Vortan sitting in an inconspicuous corner of the room, reporting"Lord Kree, the descendant of that human, his assassination failed and has awakened, what's your order?. A hoarse voice sounded, "continue with the plan".