Monthly Short Story for January: A Trip to the IAS 2 (Patreon)

Hello Commissioned Pioneers! :D As promised as always, in accordance with the results of last month's poll, I present to you the Bonus Story of the Month! There were a total of four choices once again, with a majority voting for Wearing Power Armor to a Magic School Side Story 13.

We head back to Earth this time around, as a direct continuation to an earlier side story at that!

So I’d suggest everyone have a look at the Monthly Short Story for October, A Trip to the IAS, just as a refresher because this takes place immediately after that!

In this glimpse into WPA, we get to see quite a few hints of the more mysterious aspects of the IAS through the lens of Captain Li, Emma’s instructor from the LREF! We also get hints of many other aspects of the story, from the potential causes of the Jovian insurrection that Aunty Ran participated in on the side of the UN, as well as more details regarding the IAS and their portal facility!

This chapter was a fun and interesting one to write since I have a lot of interesting worldbuilding I’ve drawn up for things on Earth’s side of the portal, as well as certain aspects of its history that all add up to a larger picture on the part of Earth and humanity that will play a bigger role down the line! :D

But with that being said, I really do hope you enjoy a glimpse into that in this chapter!

Let's jump right into it then! :D I'd like to proudly present, Wearing Power Armor to a Magic School's thirteenth side story! :D

A Trip to the IAS 2

I’d always imagined humanity’s future would lie somewhere in the stars.

Somewhere out there in the cosmos, somewhere over the next nebula, or behind the next solar cluster.

Never would I have thought that its future might actually lie much closer to home.

Or rather, underneath what most would consider their homes.

=====

Earth - Atlantic Ocean - Special Administrative Zone under requisition by the United Nations Science Advisory - Institute of Anomalous Studies (IAS) Pilot Research Facility Codename: ATLANTIS II. Local Time 1200 Hours.

Captain Li

“So this is where it all began?” I shot out bluntly, my hands extending out to my sides, causing my gold-trimmed cape to flutter; playing up the dramatic flair of a Ranger officer without so much as breaking a sweat. “This is where this wild goose chase that you instigated ultimately starts and ends?” I announced with a certainty and gravitas that almost framed that question as more of a statement than anything else.

But given the growing scale of the shadow surveys initiated by the IAS, the esoteric nature of the exotic equipment brought aboard, and how each successive mission yielded nothing but more flight hours logged with little else to show for it - I felt it was high time I got some answers.

“I’m afraid that’s only a question the LREF can answer at this point in time, Captain Li.” The Director responded promptly. “At least, as it pertains to the latter.”

“Which still leaves the former a question that’s still very much in your ballpark to address, Doctor Weir.” I shot back, my arms now resting across my chest.

“It certainly is.” The Director acknowledged candidly. “And to address it outright - yes. This is indeed where the chase ultimately began, and at this point in time, the only point we know of that harbors what we’re searching for. However, if I may be a bit brazen, I’d very much drop the wild goose prefix to the chase.”

“Fair enough, Doctor. The existence of the facility and the resources poured into this project makes that a bit clear from the get go, so I do apologize for that.” I acknowledged with a shrug. “But I hope you get where I’m coming from, especially with how things look from the outside going in. I’m operating a bit in the dark here, so forgive me when I say this but… requisitioning an entire LREF internal patrol wing and having them do retreads of formerly surveyed planets for the expressed purpose of double checking prior readings utilizing new exotic kit just isn’t best for the optics. Especially when every survey turns up nothing.”

“You raise perfectly reasonable grievances, Captain. And I do appreciate the more… grounded insight when it comes to the internal boots-in-the-office perception of my department’s cooperative endeavors with the LREF at large.”

“And I likewise appreciate the constructive attitude, Doctor.” I acknowledged with a slight head tilt. “Interdepartmental cooperative projects such as these will ultimately result in more than your fair share of… inter-office culture clashes. So a can-do attitude and a willingness to accept your military counterparts’ admittedly esoteric grievances is something that’ll go a long way to maintaining our bilateral channels of dialogue.” I replied confidently, finally getting in the zone of academo-speak, now playing the role of the LREF rep, second to the Group Captain; and ostensibly the de-facto go-to guy now that my fixed tenure here was about to begin.

“In the spirit of operating by-the-books, I must clarify that because of our prior arrangements with the Army, the UN Science Advisory has yet to have approved another official bilateral channel of interdepartmental dialogue with the LREF. So we’re operating on a case-by-case consultation basis at the moment. A rather extensive and comprehensive system of consultation mind you, but a consultation based system all the same.”

I paused at that, my brows transitioning from furrowing out of curiosity to furrowing out of frustration as I let out a solid sigh. “The Army has you penned in because of their terrestrial jurisdiction blanket-clause, haven’t they?”

The Director’s features finally shifted at that unexpected sentiment, proving to me that there was indeed a fellow human underneath the layers of bureaucratic officialdom and academic register. “You haven’t been combing through the finer details of our founding charter have you?” She replied with a sly grin.

“No, not at all. I’m just interpreting things how I see it. Or rather, how things usually go, and have gone for a while now.” I admitted with a simple shrug.

“Then you are correct in your presumptions, Captain Li. Or at least, by the broad strokes of things.”

“Typical.” I replied with an annoyed huff, letting my displeasures at the army shine through. “You know, by that logic, the army should’ve relinquished jurisdiction and oversight and deferred it to the Terrestrial Air and Sea Command, given how the actual ops is being conducted underwater.”

This collective frustration at the Army seemed to chip away even further at the Director’s academo-bureaucratic exterior, as she let out a genuine smile at my open air grievances. “You have a point there, Captain Li.” She responded with a polite chuckle. “Though I doubt TASC will have much in the way to offer when it comes to the types of expertise we require of our military counterparts.”

“They certainly don’t have the resources necessary to field the vehicles you need to conduct your clandestine surveys, Doctor.” I spoke through a sarcastic chuckle.

“A prudent observation, Captain.” She replied with a certain level of slyness, having more or less confirmed, at least in my eyes, that she passed the ‘vibe’ check as it were.

Workplace professionalism was one thing.

But there were more departments than I could count that took the objectivist’s model of administration way too seriously.

Which, given how my tenure here was not quite conducive to daily commutes, would’ve made for a less-than-desirable workplace environment.

“That being said, my question still stands. Given how the number of exotic sensor systems you’re installing on our ships keeps growing, with no signs of stopping. And given how more and more of our patrol wings are being rerouted to these re-survey missions, I’m going to assume that whatever you’re looking for… whatever unobtanium or uncollectable energy you’re trying to scout for, has yet to be discovered anywhere but here, beneath our feet?”

“Correct, Captain.” The Director answered plainly, just as one of the elevators to our right arrived with a resounding ding! “Though, I believe it would be best if we discussed the details on the way down. After which, I’d be more than happy to answer any more questions you have, and provide a personal tour of the facility.”

With no further reservations on my end, and a single nod of contained excitement, I stepped into the elevator with absolutely zero hesitation.

And with a quick pneumatic hiss, coupled with a few pressurized whirrs, we were off, a gut-twisting drop signaling that our controlled descent was underway.

“So what exactly are we talking about here, Doctor?” I promptly continued our conversation, now that we were alone, with nothing but a thick transparent metal cylinder separating us from the unfathomable pressures that surrounded us on all sides. A veritable soda can, ready to be crushed if it wasn’t for the work of generations of clever iterative design. “What’ve you been sending our guys back out there for? And what exactly makes this… mystery thing so elusive and yet so readily available right under our noses?”

The Director regarded my questions with a look of earnest contemplation, as she stood right in the center of the elevator, as opposed to clinging to the sides like I was predisposed to do.

“A form of energy, Captain Li. We’re looking for a certain form of novel and exotic energy that may or may not be native to our reality, and another form of energy that’s been theoretically proven but only recently tangibly harnessed - Quintessence. It's the latter however that we’re really focusing on, a form of energy that, at its core, is the sole and exclusive means to unlocking the keys to a technologic and scientific revolution that’s second only to the advent of functional faster than light travel. A form of energy which, given the LREF’s surveys thus far, has only been discovered right on our doorstep - here at this very specific point beneath our feet.” The Director explained in no short order, with a look of assuredness that made her otherwise outlandish words hit with the impact an earth-shattering revelation truly deserved.

I only hesitated for a moment, my doubts flaring up hard and quick.

But they died down after a few moments of silence. After I realized that there was no followup quip or a gotcha moment.

The Director was being serious.

And the fact we were on a custom-built deep water transport platform made it clear that none of this was a quest into quackery.

“That is…” I struggled to come up with the words to appropriately respond to that. My mind swimming with question after question that more than likely had no answer given how this project, and the scientific principles which surrounded it, were more than likely far far beyond what I could comprehend. The bleeding edge was a place only those in-the-know, and those on the precipice of breakthroughs truly understood. Anyone else, even peers reviewing from the outside-in, would often find it difficult to even gain a grasp on what was happening on that edge. “... I admit, you have me speechless, Director Weir.” I admitted with a shocked and befuddled expression.

“That’s often the response this project incurs, yes. And you can imagine how prior to us being officially incorporated, how difficult it would’ve been to convince anyone without the proof we have now to show for it.”

“I can imagine.” I acknowledged with a nod and a sigh. “And about your claims… that this is in a way, second only to FTL travel. I can’t imagine you mean this Quintessence is going to allow us to beat the Gravitic Bottleneck?”

“Far flung hypotheses’ thought up by the think tank shows a far-off potential for it. But we here at the IAS are far more focused on its proven application… the creation of a portal to other dimensions.”

My brain just about stopped at that point, as I stared at the Director with a look of complete and utter doneness.

My mind… suddenly branching off into other places, to the tune of the soothing thrums of the movement of the elevator.

“So not only are you claiming to break the gravitic-warp hump, but you’re implying that whatever it is you’re doing with this… this energy, is going to lead to an entirely new form of tangible exploration?”

“Precisely, Captain Li.”

I struggled to piece together my thoughts.

As my mind went through the sheer reality being presented to me right now.

And the complete upending of the world I thought I knew.

…

The final frontier had never been closer at hand than the present.

I counted myself lucky to have been born in an era of such readily available wonders once thought impossible.

From post-commercial spaceflight, to hyper-developed intrasolar infrastructure, to the once-impossible warp drives, the present was the time to be alive as an enthusiast of that which was out of reach for almost the entirety of human history.

One thousand years was barely a blip in the overarching story of humanity after all.

And two hundred or so years of that consisted of lackluster puddle-jumping between the Earth and its immediate orbit.

But that puddle jumping was necessary in the grand scheme of things.

Because with most things in contemporary and near-contemporary history, progression was always a story of trial and error. We needed to crawl before we walked, and we needed to walk before we ran, or however the saying went.

Pushing too much too fast was what led to the intra and extrasolar wars after all.

And even that was with the foresight of decades of preparation.

But that’s getting a bit ahead of myself.

I counted myself lucky to be born when I was, but at the same time, incredibly trapped by the limitations that are birthed from the unique situation of the present.

Because whilst space exploration was still definitely a big thing, and there remained a whole galaxy to explore… the tools which are at our disposal, and by extension the career paths I could take to palpably accomplish my dreams, was abysmal.

At least for the inner childlike wonder that still lurked somewhere within me.

I grew up consuming the works of Champlain and Park. I devoured every last season of Star Wander and Limitless Domain that existed. I was ready for an age of untempered space exploration, granted by the advent of a wholly new revolutionary age brought on by a new chapter in gravitics.

But that never happened.

Instead, only incremental improvements were made.

Improvements that increased the economic viability and efficiency of the tools we had, allowing for immense strides in internal infrastructure and likewise the longevity of long-term outbound missions…

But improvements that didn’t manifest the reality I so craved.

I wanted to explore strange new worlds thousands of light years away.

And whilst I could…

That came with the caveat of a loss of a better chunk of my mortal life.

The capabilities of our warp drives would allow me to reach those far flung worlds.

But at the cost of time.

Simply put, what we had wasn’t fast enough to accomplish my dreams of living the lives of Captain Pirk and Commander Spork.

I’d be joining the ranks of Seamaster Lowell on his eternal voyages of the thousand sun-drenched seas before I ever saw that future.

Because the next big leap in gravitics was always just a half century away.

And it’s been that way since the last breakthrough in warp technology.

This meant I had 3 choices to make in the LREF.

Three choices that were offered to me after nearly a decade of training and careful selection.

The first, was a discount version of my dream - the outbound missions.

Long-term, long-range, protracted exploratory missions that guaranteed I’d reach those far flung worlds nobody else had. But that also guaranteed I’d lose a quarter of my life, if not more, to that very mission.

And whilst I was a brave man, an adventurous one to boot… I couldn’t deny that I deeply enjoyed the fruits of modernity.

If it was one year? Definitely. Two? Of course. Three or four like in the movies? You betcha. Five? That was stretching it, but that’s alright by me as well.

Push that over a decade, and we have a problem.

Let alone the three to four decades slated for each and every outbound flight.

So that was out the window.

The second, was playing mop-up. Sure, it was a rude term to use for anyone outside of the LREF, but within the small circle of Ranger-rated personnel, it was understood to be true.

Mop-up, or as the technocrats called it: the followup and advanced-analysis survey missions (F-AASM), was exactly what it sounded like. Clearing up the already-charted, sometimes already-explored worlds within the UN heartlands, or more than likely, within incorporated space.

It was an important job no doubt.

Akin to the arctic exploration missions in the twilight years of Earth’s planet-bound years during the 21st century.

But it wasn’t the life I wanted.

I didn’t want to be stuck ferrying a bunch of stuffy academics from one world to another collecting dirt, or worse, being stuck longterm in orbit above another dead or near-dead rock.

And so that left me with a third option.

Protracted patrol.

The real meat and potatoes of the coveted Rangers.

A dedicated arm of the LREF whose mission it was to ensure the safety and security of the UN by patrolling incorporated space in groups, wings, or entire flotillas; as parts of fleets that could in theory maintain its ground against any enemy even away from reliable or assured logistics trains.

Once again, it wasn’t what I wanted.

But it was something that I found purpose in, and one that allowed me to truly appreciate the corps for what it was.

The bulwark of humanity, and the first to the front should the day come.

Yet despite that, boredom eventually settled in, especially as I was strapped with more and more responsibilities that turned excitement into a grind.

I’d forgotten what it felt like to feel that unfiltered sense of excitement.

Because today? I finally felt that excitement welling up within me again.

The same excitement I felt as I entered through the Ranger Academy doors for the first time.

This time however, I’d be arriving through the doors of a revolutionary organization to the tune of a ding.

…

A ding of the elevator marked our arrival at the facility proper. As the doors opened up to reveal a reception area that would’ve looked at home in modern NYC; with its sleek modernity capped with those flourishes of artistically placed art deco design elements.

“Please, after you.” I managed out politely, as the Director left the confines of the elevator, beckoning me to follow.

The journey through this administrative level of the facility was not particularly noteworthy. Most of the design elements and general aesthetics were quite novel, owing to the facility’s proximity to Earth-side (or in this case, top-side) construction supplies for both its structural and aesthetic elements. However, despite some quirks and novelties, such as the very existence of walls complete with crown-molding, dado rails, and baseboards reminiscent of those in neo-heritage architecture, the rest of the design was quite restrained and modest.

With structural elements borrowing from other underwater installations, there was an unlikely comparison to be made between the underwater facilities of Europa and Ceres, and that of recently constructed Earth-bound facilities such as these.

That, or one could argue it was the first series of Earth-bound underwater facilities that inspired those of Europa and Ceres in the first place…

Either way, it was this back and forth that made iterative changes that much more fun to examine.

But the fun was only just beginning as we made our way to the Director’s office, marking the start to what was bound to be a long and full discussion, bringing me up to speed.

=====

Earth - Atlantic Ocean - Special Administrative Zone under requisition by the United Nations Science Advisory - Institute of Anomalous Studies (IAS) Pilot Research Facility Codename: ATLANTIS II. Director Weir’s Office. Local Time: 1700

Captain Li

What remained of my paperwork was quickly sorted, and following that, came the lengthy discussions over the finer details of the operation; and the expectations of the instruction I was supposed to provide to the candidate of this extradimensional mission.

That latter phrase was something that needed a few hours to really sink in for me.

But after it did, and the more fantastical aspects of this operation was finally drilled through my skull, a single question remained that related to an easily overlooked aspect of my trip here. A certain detail that had been bothering me ever since I’d laid my eyes on it.

“So what’s with the questions?” I started abruptly, referencing those seemingly random and bizarre nonsensical questions in the questionnaire prior to arrival.

“You mean the questionnaire we had you answer on the ship?”

“Correct.”

“A simple security measure.” The Director responded frankly, though in a way that I could tell was bordering on euphemistic, with the slightest hint of a tone that urged me not to dig further.

But they didn’t pick me for being a pushover.

They saw my files. They should’ve known what they were getting themselves into in bringing on someone like me.

And even if it was classified? Well, I’d prefer a straight answer than a roundabout allusion to the fact.

“Simple, on the surface, yes. The questions themselves at least. But taken as a whole, it seemed to me like a mish mash of personality questions rather than anything that would actually be seriously used amongst the security or intelligence communities. I mean: What is the Oldest House? Describe to us your most vivid dream? You have to admit, these questions were unconventional at best.” I rebutted, prompting the Director to merely nod once in reply, as she finally relented.

“Have you heard of the Pavring’s test, Captain Li?”

“You mean the detection of micro-reactions in facial expressions and body language to determine someone’s reactions to information?”

“A more advanced version of the concept, but yes.”

“So that’s what it was?” I replied with a breath of disbelief. “Those things are only useful in niche situations. Using it as a security measure, leaves a lot to interpretation and a lot of room for error, not to mention the subjective nature of it. That is, unless you guys… or rather, we, are trying to weed out a very specific group of individuals, that you know the ins and outs of.”

“That is exactly the case, Captain Li. I’m assuming you’ve heard the various different theories on the catalysts behind the Jovian Insurrection, both within and without the intelligence communities?”

“Yeah, I have. But what does that have to do with anything?”

“Just humor me for a moment, Captain.”

“Alright… in that case, I have to ask. How far along the vine are we talking about here when it comes to theories?”

“Far along, Captain Li.”

I paused at that, taking a moment to regard even the most outlandish of theories, until I landed on one in particular that might’ve just fit the bill.

“The cult conflict theory?”

“Somewhere along that line, yes, Captain Li.” The Director acknowledged with yet another nod.

“They haven’t concluded that you know.” I shot back with a narrowing of my eyes. “But all things considered… it’s not the most outlandish of theories, especially considering the sheer lack of any-”

“-clear and definite goals for the initiators of the conflict?” The Director completed my sentence for me.

“Correct.” I nodded. “So you have read the same document I have.”

“Yes, that particular report is a rabbit hole of sorts. One that I personally contributed to, to the intelligence agencies responsible for the case.”

“So you yourself are in that deep too I’m assuming?” I asked with a cock of my head.

“You can say that by virtue of my lineage, and the company I used to be a part of, that I am unfortunately in too deep as it were. Not of my own choosing, but I have otherwise chosen to dictate my own path following my constrained beginnings.” She answered cryptically, but I was at least getting a hint of what all of this was about.

“So, if we are going to subscribe to this theory. We’re assuming that the Jovian insurrection was the tipping point of this whole… cult plotline as it were. And now we’re just… picking up the scraps, and making sure they don’t filter into… whatever it is we’re doing here?”

“Precisely, Captain.” The Director acknowledged. “Specifics behind the cult aside, we have isolated several groups that may have expressed motives to infiltrate this facility, and the IAS as a whole.”

“But I thought you guys were classified-”

“We are.” The Director acknowledged with a plain and serious expression.

“So they know… in spite of this.”

“Which narrows the list of potential afflicted by their machinations even moreso.”

“Makes sense.” I nodded. “I’m assuming a majority of them are from your prior affiliations then?”

“Precisely, Captain.”

“Well, heck.” I let out a sigh. “And I assume this isn’t even the tip of the iceberg?”

“Not at all, Captain.” The Director acknowledged with a tired sigh of her own. Her facade once more faltered, at least at this particular response. “The iceberg goes… far deeper than you might think.” She continued, before fixing herself up with a reassuring smile. “Though I will say that despite it all, the establishment of the IAS was a major turning point in the whole plot as it were. These… opponents of ours, have been on the backfoot for a considerable amount of time now, and ever since the Jovian Insurrection, they’ve been even less of a threat. The IAS was the tipping point by which this threat has since transitioned into an afterthought.”

“But afterthoughts are exactly where these things can fester and retake root.” I cautioned.

“Which is why we are still cautious, despite the reduced threat level from them.”

A small silence eventually descended upon us as I capped it off with yet another tired sigh.

“Tired already, Captain Li?”

“No.” I shot back, this time, doing everything I can to hold back a grin; in the form of a polite smile. “If anything, this just makes things more interesting.” I spoke, as a toothy grin formed despite my best efforts.

The Director responded to this in an unexpected way, matching my own grin, if only a bit more tame.

“You Rangers are ever so the type for unraveling mysteries and the unknown, never to back down from anything, no matter how seemingly dangerous.”

“That’s part of the call of the Ranger, ma’am.” I acknowledged proudly. “And if I were to be a bit crass here: It’s things like these that really get my blood pumping. Some people find purpose and meaning, even excitement, behind a desk. Others behind a drone ops office, and others whilst dug deep in trenchline installations. A Ranger finds excitement from being faced with a new threat, a new complication, or a complete unknown. It’s more mysteries for us to unravel, and more things for us to fix for the sake of protecting those that don’t have the same stomach to face it.” I spoke emphatically, with a candidness that just came naturally to me.

“You wear your heart on your sleeve, Captain.”

“That I do.” I nodded. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I see honesty, earnesty, and a straightforward attitude to be some of the fundamental hallmarks of good leadership, and good teamwork. Or, as you bureaucrats and academics would call it, office synergy.” I offered slyly.

“I appreciate the candidness, Captain. And I myself can certainly say that we see eye to eye, at least on that front.” She acknowledged with a reassuring nod. “In so far as security clearances and infosec goes, of course.” She added cautiously.

“Oh don’t worry ma’am, I won’t tempt or test the waters on that front.”

“Good. Because your charge has quite a mish mash of security clearances that might make it difficult to manage what can or cannot be divulged.”

“Oh right, my whole reason for being here.” I shot back sarcastically. “In all seriousness ma’am, and with all due respect, I think I can manage it. More than that, I’m excited to finally work with this Cadet. A cadet who, I must say, has quite a lot to live up to considering her familial ties. I mean, the niece and adopted daughter of the Hero of the Jovian Insurrections? The first to earn the Medal of Terra in over two centuries? Booker really has a lot to live up to, and all the more motivation to do so, provided she cares about that sort of thing.”

“Indeed. I believe we have, as you might say, lucked out when it came to our choice of candidates. I couldn’t have asked for a better agent. Both in personal history, and in objective capabilities.”

“Yeah, real jack of all trades that one. Very much ideal for your typical Ranger. Might need to snatch her up for the Corps after all of this is over.”

“I must warn you, Captain, the Army likewise holds a similar sentiment.”

“Oh? And what’s the army going to do with her? Have her patrol the same tired stretch of Mars ad infinitum? Parade her around as a success story to boost their image after she returns from this mission? If anything, she belongs out there in space. Or at least, in so far as exploring the final frontier goes. Because if she pulls off this stunt Director, you know as well as I that the world will remember the pioneer who risks their life first, and those that invented the means to do so second.”

“That, I know, and that I fully support, Captain.” The Director responded with an affirmative nod. “It’s only fair that those that put their very lives at risk, be the ones who are lauded and remembered. They’re risking far, far more than I would ever risk.” It was clear that even now, everything being spoken was purposeful. With ‘I’ being a deliberate choice, given that ‘us’ would’ve implied an implicit lack of risk taking within my own line of work. The Director was definitely a thoughtful person. That at least boded well for the project, and its operations. “With all this being said, Captain. I’m assuming you may want to finally meet the Cadet in question?”

“Of course.” I nodded. “Might as well be acquainted with my main focus here before anything else.”

A quick nod from the Director, and a push of a button, prompted the door behind us to slide open.

There - stood an excited and disciplined face that was quick to stand at attention the moment she laid eyes on my cap and cape.

A face that I’d only formerly seen on classified files and personnel documents up to this point.

“Cadet Emma Booker reporting for duty, sir!” She announced with a level of gusto that prompted me to stand up shortly after, as I exchanged that salute with one of my own, if only to reciprocate the sharp show of military courtesy.

Her esprit de corps was palpable, and very much admirable.

That greeting alone, and the personnel files still fresh in the forefront of my mind, instilled within me a great confidence despite the relatively short time we were granted with to train.

“At ease, Cadet Booker.” I replied promptly, prompting the Director behind me to stand up, before taking her place between us.

“Cadet Booker, allow me to introduce Captain Li of the Long Range Expeditionary Forces’ Ranger Corps. He will be taking charge of the more advanced aspects of your military training from this point forward.”

Just like most cadets of her age, her eyes practically lit up at the mention of the LREF, and especially the Rangers. “It’s an honor to have you as my instructor, sir.” She spoke through a toothy grin.

“That may be the case now, Cadet Booker. However, I’m sure you’ll find that history will make it so that I will be the one saying that line in a few years’ time.” I responded through a warm smile of my own. “Provided, of course, that you accomplish your mission. Which will mean, passing my instruction, and everything I have planned for your course.”

“I am certain I will be able to do so, sir.” She announced with confidence, not even once giving away even a hint of self-doubt.

“Good, confidence is a good start, you’ll need it if you want to see this thing through. We start at 0500 hours tomorrow, and if there are any questions, I’ll be more than glad to answer you then.” I responded promptly. “Until then, you are dismissed, Cadet.”

“Yes, sir!”

The Cadet left promptly with yet another salute, prompting the Director to turn towards me once more with a confident smile on her face. "Train her as best as you can Captain. I would say I'm counting on you but, I think we both already know that." 

"Oh don't worry about it, Doctor. By year's end, I'm going to make sure you have a mini Ranger on your hands."

"And all of the excitable passion for exploration that comes with it too no doubt?"

"She already seems to have that in spades given her record and excitability."

"Then I'm glad we're already half way there it seems." The Director responded through a confident smile, as we eventually found ourselves settled at her desk again, taking a moment to stare out through the transparent metal window at the small patch of illuminated seabed that highlighted the extent of the sprawling underwater facility.