The First Human Traveler

On March 25, 2362, the Fortress, the central base of the Alliance in the Milky Way, over 60 billion people live on it. Humanity has gained a place on board of the biggest vessel in the Alliance. The Pryx Councilor Dexidia said, “Captain Rose, you there?”

Captain Thomas Rose heard that and then said, “Yeah, I’m here.”

The Xars Councilor Viox said, “Good, we were hoping that you were aboard your ship. You like it better than the Sidewinder?”

Thomas answered, “Yes I do. It’s big enough and I got my own quarters.”

The Sark Councilor Dresla said, “Well, it’s the best ship in the Alliance. Also is the first ship to hold an AI. Am I right, Rasputin?”

Rasputin, the AI on board of Rasputin answered, “Yessir.”

Thomas heard that and then Viox said, “Captain, you are no longer second-in-command. You are leading your own vessel. And from here on out, you are a Traveler for humanity. The very first Traveler for humanity.”

Dexidia said, “But before you start that journey, we just got a report about an unknown artifact on Mars. Located somewhere in Darovia. We’d like you to investigate it.”

Thomas asked, “Is it not a Promethean Artifact?”

Dresla answered, “Not that the 29th Research Team says. It’s different from the Promethean Artifacts that we encountered so far.”

Viox said, “Once you arrive at Darovia, speak with Dr. Autumn Lyons. She’ll inform you about the situation.”

Dexidia said, “We hope to learn from this artifact, Captain. Bring us the artifact and then we’ll give you your first destination.”

Thomas said, “Understood. Acacia, take off to Darovia.”

The pilot, Acacia Pitera said, “With pleasure.”

Viox said, “One more thing Captain.”

Thomas heard that and asked, “What is it, ma’am? Are we expecting trouble?”

Dexidia answered, “Unknown. Just be on guard. And don’t lose hope.”

Viox said, “If the artifact is Promethean, we still want to study it, Captain. Bring it to us.”

Thomas asked, “What if it doesn’t work?”

Dexidia answered, “Then we know that it isn’t an artifact.”

Voix said, “Whatever you do, don’t let anyone have the artifact. Not even one of the scientists.”

Dresla said, “This is the first artifact in a very long time, Captain. We’re hoping that this is real. And not a false report. Get going.”

Thomas said, “Yessir.”

Voix said, “Council out.”

The Council members disappeared and then Rasputin said, “Captain, you have an unread message in your private terminal.”

Thomas heard that and then walked toward and bridge and then said, “OK. Let’s see what we got.”

He opened it up and then saw that it was from the Human Councilor Ramon Wilcox and it said, “Dear Captain Thomas Rose, I hear that you were given your own ship. Rasputin is the fastest ship in its class. Well, I think that we should talk. No, I forgot that you are on a mission, right now. After you come back from your mission, Captain. Come to my office. We got a lot to discuss, Traveler. Sincerely, Councilor Wilcox.”

Thomas looked at it and then Rasputin went through the Mass Relay to get to the Sol System from the Nefanos System. Acacia said, “Sir, we just made it to the Sol System.”

Thomas said, “Alright, bring us in.”

Rasputin said, “An incoming call from an outpost on Mars.”

Acacia asked, “Would you like me to put them through?”

Thomas answered, “Yes.”

Acacia did and then Thomas said, “This is Captain Rose of Rasputin.”

The leader of the 29th Research Team, Captain Ryan Wright asked, “Why have you come to Mars’ atmosphere?”

Thomas answered, “Who are you?”

Ryan answered, “Captain Ryan Wright, CO of the 29th Research Team. And you?”

Thomas answered, “I already told you who I was. And I’m here for the artifact.”

Ryan heard that and said, “That’s what they all say. But are always trying to take it from here.”

Thomas said, “Orders from the Council are for me to bring the artifact to them and then you’ll never see me again.”

Ryan said, “No can do. I don’t trust you.”

Dr. Lyons sighed and said, “Let them land idiot. I just got confirmation that they are the ones here for the artifact.”

Ryan heard that and said, “Oh. My bad. You may land using landing pad #5.”

Thomas said, “Thank you, sir.”

Ryan ended the transmission and Rasputin said, “He wasn’t a friendly one.”

Acacia said, “None of them are.”

Thomas said, “Land us, Acacia. We got work to do.”

Acacia said, “Yessir.”

Thomas said, “Rasputin.”

Rasputin said, “Yessir.”

Thomas said, “Tell Private Ethan Cox and Private First Class Bentlee Turner to gear up. We’re heading to the digsite.”

Rasputin said, “Yessir.”

Acacia landed the ship and then Thomas put his gear on and then appeared by the hatch. Bentlee and Ethan appeared behind him and asked, “What is our objective, sir?”

Thomas answered, “We’re going to be getting an artifact of unknown origin.”

Ethan asked, “What if it’s not an artifact?”

Thomas answered, “I don’t know. But we’ll find out when we hand it over to the Council.”

Bentlee said, “Yep.”

The hatch opened and then Dr. Lyons appeared out there.

2: Endless Space
Endless Space

Dr. Lyons looked at them and then said, “Welcome to Darovia. You are the Rasputin crew, correct?”

Thomas answered, “Yes. I’m Captain Rose, they are Private Cox on the right. Private First Class Turner on the left. That’s on my point of view. It’s the opposite for you.”

Dr. Lyons said, “Yeah, I know. Follow me.”

Thomas said, “Yes ma’am.”

Ryan said, “I hear that you used to be a Commander that got promoted to a Captain.”

Thomas said, “Yes. I used to be a Commander. And I’m glad that I’m not aboard the Sidewinder anymore.”

Bentlee heard that and then Ryan looked at them and then Dr. Lyons appeared in front of her office and said, “Please walk on in.”

They did and then Ryan asked, “Do you really trust these guys? I heard about Thomas Rose and what he did in his last couple missions on board of the Sidewinder.”

Dr. Lyons said, “Captain, you are to protect me and my team. That’s all. Let me handle all of the difficult shit.”

Ryan said, “Rose is a murderer.”

Dr. Lyons said, “The Council chose them for this job. Let it be.”

Ryan looked at them and then Thomas looked at the data and then Ethan said, “This is all of the data that you pulled off of the artifact.”

Dr. Lyons walked in and answered, “Not all of it. All around you is data of this artifact. It’s nothing like we’ve ever seen before. I have a feeling that this is from eons ago. Maybe even aeons ago.”

Thomas looked at the table and then Dr. Lyons said, “You guys are here for this artifact.”

They looked at the drawing of it and then Thomas said, “That looks like a weapon, not an artifact.”

Dr. Lyons said, “I don’t know. We’ve been studying it or awhile now. Every ship that has appeared here so far that wasn’t sent by the Council and we shot them out of the sky. It may look like a weapon, but we think that it’s something far more than that.”

Bentlee said, “Like a Beacon.”

Ethan said, “No, like a ship.”

Thomas said, “No, if it’s not a weapon, then it’s gotta be some type of Beacon.”

An alarm went off and then Dr. Lyons heard that and then Thomas asked, “What’s wrong?”

Dr. Lyons answered, “Someone is trying to take the artifact.”

Thomas said, “Lead the way.”

Dr. Lyons ran out of her office and then Ryan asked, “What’s going on?”

Dr. Lyons said, “The artifact.”

Ryan heard that and then said, “Get to the artifact everyone. Someone’s trying to steal it.”

While they were running toward the artifact, soldiers were aiming their weapons at the being in front of the artifact and said, “Step away from the artifact.”

The being heard that and then said in it’s own language, “Triaaf faho afut. (He's not here yet.)”

The soldiers heard that and said, “Step away from the artifact.”

The being looked at them and then the soldiers said, “We’re not going to ask again.”

Dr. Lyons appeared and asked, “What the hell is that thing?”

Thomas said, “It turned on as soon as we arrived.”

Ryan said, “Rose, you know what this thing is?”

Thomas answered, “Nope. I never saw anything like it before.”

Bentlee said, “Agreed.”

The artifact sent a shadow toward them and then Bentlee saw that and then Thomas said, “Step back. Step back everyone.”

Everyone did and then the being said in the Human language, “Captain Thomas Rose.”

Everyone heard that and then Ethan said, “It knows who you are.”

Thomas said, “I noticed. Acacia, you getting this.”

Acacia answered, “Yessir. I’m looking it up on our databases now.”

Rasputin said, “No need. They aren’t from this universe.”

Thomas asked, “What do you mean they aren’t from our universe, Rasputin?”

Rasputin answered, “It seems that they are interested in the way we do things around here. So they teleported themselves here. That artifact might be a teleportation device to there universe.”

Bentlee asked, “Are you saying that if we use this object, we could get transported to another universe?”

Ethan said, “That’s hard to believe.”

Rasputin said, “That’s only a theory, sir.”

Thomas said, “OK. Being of unknown origin, what do you want from me?”

The being answered, “You to come to our universe.”

Ethan said, “Shit. Rasputin was right.”

Thomas asked, “Is that thing behind you a teleportation device?”

The being answered, “Sort of. It allows you to travel to our universe. It’s what we call Endless Space.”

Thomas heard that and then the shadow appeared by his leg and then Thomas lifted his foot up and then the being said, “You shouldn’t resist.”

Thomas said, “We need to get this thing to the Fortress.”

Ryan looked at Thomas and then Bentlee said, “Sir, we can’t outrun these shadow tentacles.”

Ethan said, “They just keep coming.”

The being looked at Thomas and Thomas shot at it and the artifact roared and then Thomas said, “Huh?”

The being said, “You angered it.”

Thomas said, “Fall back. Fall back now.”

Everyone started falling back and then Thomas said, “Get ahold of the Council and tell them that this thing is fucking active.”

Ryan looked at Thomas and then Dr. Lyons asked, “What are you doing, Captain?”

Ryan grinned and then aimed his gun at Thomas and then said, “I can’t allow you to take this artifact away from here, Rose. I will not allow a murderer like you do as you please.”

The being heard that and then Dr. Lyons said, “Shit. He’s going to shoot him.”

Bentlee appeared behind Thomas and then Ryan grinned and said, “Move out of the way.”

Ryan sniped Bentlee in the head and then Thomas and Ethan turned around and saw that Bentlee was on the ground and then Acacia asked, “What was that, sir?”

Thomas looked up at Ryan and saw the gun in his hands and then said, “Get him back to the ship.”

Ethan said, “He’s dead, sir.”

Thomas heard that and then said, “I really don’t get paid enough for this shit.”

The artifact stopped and then Thomas said, “Captain Wright, what the hell are you doing?”

Ryan answered, “Stopping you from taking this artifact off of Mars.”

Thomas said, “I see. I see.”

Ryan heard that and then shot at him, but the bullet grazed his cheek and the being saw that and then Thomas said, “Captain Wright, you made a big mistake.”

The soldiers looked at Thomas and then aimed their weapons at him and then Thomas looked at his gun and then Dr. Lyons hid behind a building and then Ryan asked, “Why’d you kill everyone in the colony of Raspucs?”

Thomas answered, “Orders are a bitch.”

Ryan shot at him and then Thomas shot the bullet out of the air and then Ryan saw that and then the being said, “I should hide myself.”

The artifact looked at Thomas and then bullets started flying everywhere and then Ethan turned around and saw that soldiers were falling down and then Rasputin said, “Sir, they are on the line.”

Thomas said, “Hello Councilmen. This is Captain Rose.”

Councilor Dexidia asked, “How is your investigation going?”

Thomas answered, “They want me dead. The artifact is active. And it’s not of this universe.”

Councilor Wilcox asked, “What do you mean by that, Captain?”

Thomas answered, “It means that it’s a teleportation device to another universe.”

A bullet grazed his left arm and Thomas grunted and said, “Come on now. Let me talk to the fuckin Councilmen dammit.”

Ryan said, “Screw the Council. They want this artifact all to themselves.”

Thomas said, “Just like you.”

Ryan said, “Yes. Just like me.”

Thomas shot him in the head and then Ethan looked at Thomas and then Thomas looked at the artifact and then Councilor Dresla asked, “What are you saying?”

Thomas answered, “I’m saying that the 29th Research Team wants the artifact all to themselves. But, it seems like they no longer exist because I just killed them all.”

Councilor Viox asked, “What about the doctor's?”

Thomas answered, “They are alive. Just the soldiers are dead.”

Councilor Dresla said, “Captain, bring the teleportation device to us. That’s an order.”

Thomas said, “Well, if it wasn’t trying to take me away, I would certainly hand you the artifact.”

Councilor Viox said, “Take you away. Why?”

Thomas said, “I don’t know. Some unknown being said that it wanted me in their universe called Endless Space or some shit like that.”

The being stepped out from behind the artifact and then said, “He’s still alive after all.”

Thomas turned around and then saw that Rasputin was taking off and asked, “What are you doing, Acacia?”

Acacia answered, “Nothing. I’m not even touching any of the controls.”

Rasputin said, “Sir, whatever that thing is, it’s causing us to fly away.”

Thomas said, “Goddamn it.”

Councilor Wilcox said, “Captain, you need to find a way to get away from that artifact. It seems to have knowledge of hacking into systems. That’s how that being understands our language.”

Councilor Dexidia said, “Forget about the artifact. It’s too dangerous to be near it. Get Dr. Lyons and leave.”

Thomas heard that and then yelled, “Dr. Lyons. We need to leave now.”

The being said, “She’s dead. One of the 29th Research Team members shot her in the head.”

Thomas heard that and then Thomas looked at her and said, “Captain Wright killed her.”

Councilor Dexidia grinned and said, “Escape now.”

Thomas looked at the being and artifact and then Thomas took off saying, “What the hell is that thing?”

The comms went dead and then Thomas said, “Anyone hear me. Hello.”

There was no response and Thomas said, “Shit. Now it’s acting as a damn jammer.”

A voice appeared in his head saying, “You can’t escape from your fate.”

Thomas heard that and then used his booster pack on his back and then the shadow grabbed his leg and Thomas grinned and then it started pulling him in and then Acacia grinned and said, “Try and override it, Rasputin.”

Rasputin said, “I’m trying. This technology that they are using is more advanced than anything that I’ve ever seen before. It’s far more dangerous than the Promethean technology that we’ve collected so far. I can’t bypass it.”

Acacia looked at Thomas and then said, “His booster pack isn’t going to last much longer. Let’s work together to override it.”

Rasputin said, “Understood.”

Thomas yelled, “I will not get sucked in by you.”

The being said, “The more you struggle, the faster it’ll take for us to capture you, Thomas Rose.”

Thomas grinned and then turned around shooting at the shadow. But it didn’t work that time and then Thomas said, “You gotta be kidding me.”

The being said, “We adapt faster than everyone in this universe.”

Thomas looked at it and then it started rolling him in faster each time and Thomas roared like a Dragon and then the being said, “The more you struggle, the more energy you are wasting.”

Thomas said, “You are one to talk.”

The being said, “Oh, you’re right.”

Thomas looked at his arm and then said, “You gotta be kidding me.”

The being said, “Let me guess, you are running out of gas.”

Thomas said, “Nah, I got plenty.”

The being said, “Well, this thing could go all day long. Could your booster pack handle that much pressure?”

Thomas answered, “Nope. But I’ll have to make due with it.”

The artifact roared and then the being said, “It says that it is time for you to come to the Endless Space.”

Thomas heard that and then Acacia got through and Rasputin started flying toward them and then the being said, “Max power. They broke free.”

The artifact pulled hard and fast and Thomas felt that and screamed. Rasputin said, “Hang on, sir.”

Thomas yelled, “Easy for you to say. You aren’t being sucked into this hellhole.”

Acacia said, “Don’t worry, we’ll get to you soon.”

Thomas said, “Not fast enough.”

Ethan looked at Thomas and then said, “We’re not fast enough. You are going faster than a damn spaceship, sir.”

Thomas asked, “How fast is that?”

They answered, “Unknown.”

Thomas heard that and then got to the being from another universe and the artifact known as Endless Space, then they disappeared and Acacia said, “Councilmen, we got a problem.”

Councilor Wilcox asked, “What would that problem be exactly?”

Acacia answered, “The artifact disappeared along with the Captain.”

Councilor Viox said, “Not possible. Things don’t just disappear, Pitera.”

Rasputin said, “The Captain was dragged into some teleportation device and it disappeared right after that.”

Councilor Dexidia said, “Unbelievable. Captain Rose is gone. Like vanished in thin air.”

Acacia answered, “Yes ma’am.”

Councilor Dresla said, “Well shit, who is next in charge?”

Rasputin answered, “Commander Eleanor Rose. Thomas’ twin sister.”

Councilor Wilcox said, “Shit.”

3: Thomas Rose's Arrival In Endless Space
Thomas Rose's Arrival In Endless Space

In an area that was all white, the being that Thomas met on Mars said, “Sorry for all the trouble that I caused you and your people, Thomas. But I really needed to get you into this universe.”

Thomas said, “I really don’t understand why you want me, so please start talking.”

She said, “Alright. My name is Nilena, Goddess of Endless Space. The thing you guys called an artifact was known as a Teleraptor. It allows people to travel to planets that they can’t get to because they don’t have a spaceship. In your universe, there aren’t that many species to cooperate with. In Endless Space you got; Humans, Cat-People, Bunny-Eared People, Demons, Angels, Gods, Lamias, etc. I could go on. But that would take too much time.”

Thomas asked, “What would you be considered?”

Nilena answered, “I’m like a God. But I’m literally a Subgans, we’re beings made of synthetics. Meaning that we’re like robots, but are capable of repopulating like a normal Human being. We’re also known as the strongest beings in the universe.”

Thomas said, “Scary.”

Nilena said, “Thomas Rose, you aren’t here as a Captain. You are no longer 35 years old. You are 15 years old again.”

Thomas heard that and then Nilena said, “There’s a mirror over there, Thomas.”

Thomas walked over to it and then saw that he was back in his handsomer days and said, “I look good.”

Nilena said, “Yes you do. I tried to make you look like you were when you were 15 years old. Did I do a good job?”

Thomas answered, “Yes actually. How’d you find an image of me?”

Nilena answered, “I hacked into the Alliance Database and found out about your records. You going from a strong willed soldier to a mass murdering psychopath. What was that about?”

Thomas answered, “In the war on Raspucs, we were supposed to evacuate the colony. But after 5 minutes, my brother gets shot in the head and I lost it. So I started shooting at everyone and my CO had to knock me out. That’s all I remember. I killed at least 1000 Humans. I was about to get discharged, but my CO asked the Council to forgive him just once. He just watched his older brother get shot in the head. And I’m still a soldier because of him.”

Nilena said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up then.”

Thomas said, “Don’t worry about it. I let the past go, Nilena. Why am I here?”

Nilena answered, “Quite simple, I want you to enjoy a life where you could travel anywhere you wish without anyone giving you orders.”

Thomas said, “I see. But why am I 15 again, I mean?”

Nilena answered, “Oh yes, my bad. I wasn’t thinking when I answered your question. I want you to enroll into Solace Naval Academy.”

Thomas said, “I see.”

Nilena said, “It’s in Pandora City, Pandora. It’s a well known Military Academy in Endless Space. There are over 900 trillion centillion planets and moons in the universe for you to travel. But of course, Humans don’t have a big life span at all. So you won’t be able to travel to all places. Even though its called Endless Space, you probably want to know why it’s called that, am I right?”

Thomas answered, “Yes. I’d like to know that.”

Nilena said, “Well, it’s quite simple actually. New planets and moons appear everyday. So it never ends.”

Thomas said, “Damn. I didn’t expect that.”

Nilena said, “Oh, that’s right. You’ll be considered a transfer student. Pandora is just like Earth. But has 100 days in each month. And has 7 days a week. There are 12 months, January to December. There are 1200 days in a year instead of 365. There are 24 hours in a day. 60 minutes in an hour. 60 seconds in a minute.”

Thomas said, “I see. So it’s similar to Earth. Sounds good to me.”

Nilena said, “That’s good. Now, are you ready to begin your new life as just plain Thomas Rose?”

Thomas answered, “Yes. I’m ready.”

Nilena said, “You have been stripped of your gear. You’ll get new equipment down there. Currency to buy things are known as Coins. It goes from Copper Coins to Platinum Coins. There are Monsters in the universe that you can kill to earn Coins. You can complete missions and bounties to also earn a nice amount of Coins. But let me tell you how the Coins go around here. Copper, Bronze, Ruby, Emerald, Quartz, Iron, Silver, Gold, Aluminum, Diamond, and Platinum Coins. That is the order of rarity that they are. Buy mostly anything with all of that.”

Thomas said, “I see. So what is today’s date then.”

Nilena answered, “March 53, 3500. You ready to head to Solace Naval Academy.”

Thomas answered, “I don’t have any other choice now, do I?” 

Nilena answered, “Nope. Here we go.”

She snapped her fingers and then Thomas disappeared and appeared on the ground in front of Solace Naval Academy and then walked forward saying to himself, “This school is massive. The school I went to wasn’t this big.”

The headmaster of the academy appeared and said, “Welcome to Solace Naval Academy, are you the transfer student that Nilena told me about?”

Thomas answered, “Yes. I’m Thomas Rose.”

She said, “Well, I’m Ruriko Yotsuba, the headmaster of Solace Naval Academy. But you can call me Ms. Yotsuba.”

Thomas said, “Call me Thomas.”

Ruriko said, “Alright, Thomas. You ready for the first day of school?”

Thomas answered, “I guess that I am.”

Ruriko said, “Good. Follow me.”

Thomas followed her to Class 1-5 and then Ruriko knocked on the door and then the teacher walked to the door and opened it and said, “Yotsuba, how may I help you?”

Ruriko answered, “The transfer student just arrived. Thomas Rose, meet your teacher, Mike Sanders. Mike, meet Thomas Rose.”

Mike said, “I see. Wait out here for a moment, kid.”

Thomas said, “Sure thing.”

Ruriko walked away and said, “You’ll get your school uniform tomorrow, Thomas. Good luck with school.”

Mike said, “Everyone, it seems that I was wrong. The transfer student didn’t skip out on school today. He’s actually out there right now. Please come in, Mr. Rose.”

Thomas walked into the classroom and then Mike said, “Introduce yourself to the class.”

Every female said, “Oh, he’s cute. I didn’t expect him to be so hot. Why is a handsome man like yourself doing here?”

Thomas said, “Hello everyone, I’m Thomas Rose. I’m from Riveastek, Dantesca. It’s an honor to be here and I hope that we can all be friends.”

Thomas bowed to them all and then the females started cheering for him and then the men said, “He thinks that he’s all that because he’s new here. We’re all new here. We should be equally likeable.”

Thomas looked at them and then Mike said, “Have a seat anywhere that there’s an empty seat.”

Thomas walked to the desk all the way in the back corner by the window and then Mike said, “Well, today we hand out Practice Pistols. And we’re going to test your skills with a gun.”

Everyone heard that and then the girl sitting next to him looked at him and then saw that he was looking outside. Mike said, “Come up one by one to get your Practice Pistol. Row 1 which is closest to the doors are first.”

Everyone heard that and then as soon as they got to Row 6, Thomas stood up slowly and then lifted up the Practice Pistol and then walked back to his desk looking at it and then Mike looked around and said, “Felicia Day, pick up your Practice Pistol.”

Felicia heard that and then walked up to it and then said, “OK.”

Felicia picked the gun up and then Mike said, “Let’s head to Arena 53.”

Everyone heard that and then said, “OK.”

Everyone walked to Arena 53 and then everyone of Class 1-5 entered the arena and saw that their upperclassmen were there and then Mike said, “Don’t worry about the upperclassmen ladies. Pretend that they are your enemy.”

Thomas looked at them and then the girl that sits next to him asked, “So, how’s it feel to be popular with the women?”

Thomas answered, “I despise it. It really gets annoying. People will end up wanting you dead. You’ll want to commit suicide. It can make a person go mad.”

She heard that and then Mike said, “Enter your battle gear known as Alpha.”

Everyone heard that and then Mike said, “To enter your Alpha, you must say “Alpha, Activate.” It’s that simple.”

Thomas heard that and then Mike said, “Some Alpha’s will bring up smoke when activated. But none have ever surpassed Human intelligence.”

Everyone said, “Alpha, Activate.”

Thomas just looked at them and then asked, “Do I have to activate it?”

Mike answered, “Yes. How do you usually hunt, Thomas?”

Thomas answered, “Guns blazing with just normal gear like this.”

Mike said, “Activate it.”

Thomas sighed and then said, “Alpha, Activate.”

As soon as he said that, smoke covered his entire body and then rose up and around him. The staff of Classes 2-5, 3-5, and 4-5 saw that and then said, “Not possible.”

The smoke disappeared and then Thomas appeared with a mask on his face and long silver hair. His shirt was taken off and his pants became basketball shorts. Mike looked at him and said, “Thomas, what the hell are you?”

Thomas looked at his body and then said, “Oh, my shirt disappeared.”

The teacher of 2-5 said, “Begin the training session. And have that kid go last.”

Mike said, “Agreed.”

Thomas stood there like a soldier the entire time and then she said, “You look like a complete idiot.”

Thomas said, “And you look like a stripper.”

Everyone heard that and asked, “Do you not know who she is? She’s the 1st Princess of Pandora. Tess Aricia Pandora.”

Thomas said, “Don’t care who she is. She could be a Goddess for all I care.”

Everyone looked at him and Tess said, “Thank you.”

Thomas said, “Don’t thank me.”

Mike said, “Thomas Rose, you are up.”

Thomas walked forward and then Tess saw the scars on his back and then asked herself, “What the hell happened to you in your past?”

Thomas looked forward and then Mike asked, “Are you ready?”

Everyone looked at Thomas and then Thomas had his Practice Pistol by his side and then Tess said, “Let’s see what you can do.”

Thomas looked forward and then Mike pulled the trigger and a gunshot appeared and Thomas looked up and then a bird fell from the sky in front of him and Thomas looked at it. Mike screeched and then Thomas walked away from the bird and pulled his gun out and started shooting at the target and then a poster a person with a gun appeared holding a girl hostage and Thomas flicked a bullet into the shooters head and then Thomas shot the target one last time and then Mike looked at him and then walked over to the target and saw that there was only one hole around the entire area where he was shooting and then said, “15 bullets were shot. But where’d the 16th bullet come from. The Practice Pistol only has 15 bullets.”

Thomas answered, “I took the bullet that you shot the bird with and flicked it into the shooters head.”

Mike heard that and then the teacher of Class 3-5 said, “That actually makes sense. But how did you get the bullet out of the bird? You never even touched it.”

Thomas answered, “Magic.”

Mike looked at Thomas and Thomas put his gun away and then turned around like a soldier and then Mike saw that and said to himself, “He’s like a soldier.”

Thomas appeared next to Tess and Tess said, “You really are amazing, Thomas.”

Thomas said, “You didn’t do bad yourself, Tess. But your shoulders were a little stiff.”

Everyone heard that and then Tess asked, “What do you mean?”

Thomas answered, “If I told you to shoot me in the head, you’d miss it because of how stiff, or tense you are when handling a gun. Watch.”

Thomas took his gun out and then pointed it at the target and then they saw that he wasn’t hesitating and then Tess said, “Amazing.”

Thomas said, “I’m not tense. Let’s just say that I have been battle tested. You need to pretend to be in battle.”

Tess heard that and asked, “Isn’t that scarier than wielding a gun?”

Thomas answered, “Yes. OK. Mr. Sanders, I’d like you to stay back there. But far away from the targets. Don’t need you getting shot now.”

Tess asked, “Are you saying that I’m a bad shot that I’d shoot my own teacher?”

Thomas smiled and then answered, “Nope. All that I’m saying is that you need to prepare yourself. Shoot 14 times.”

Tess did and then Thomas said, “Please check how many bullets have hit the target.”

Mike did and then said, “Only 1 bullet, but no bullseye.”

Thomas heard that and said, “I see.”

Thomas appeared behind her and then said, “OK. I’m going to help you out a bit.”

Everyone heard that and then Thomas started touching her body to get in formation and then she screeched and said, “Uh....what are y-y-you doing? I-I-I never l-l-let anyone t-t-touch me before.”

Thomas answered, “You’ll see.”

Mike saw that and then Thomas lifted her arms up and then lowered himself to her level and then said, “That should be good. But don’t fire yet. Not till I say.”

Thomas started massaging her shoulders and then said, “As I thought, you really are tense and are scared of carrying a gun.”

Tess asked, “How can you tell?”

Thomas answered, “My dad did the same thing to me when I first started handling a gun.”

Tess said, “It feels so good.”

Thomas said, “I bet that it does.”

Thomas let go and then Tess asked, “Why’d you stop? If felt so good.”

Thomas answered, “Because it is time to pull the trigger. If you want more massage time, maybe just ask for it later. But for now, step back now, Mr. Sanders. Don’t need you getting shot.”

Tess said, “I’m not going to hit him, idiot.”

Thomas smiled and then she pulled the trigger and the bullet flew right into the bullseye and she saw that and then Thomas said, “Bullseye.”

Thomas walked away and then Mike walked toward it and then said, “A perfect bullseye.”

Everyone heard that and said, “Impossible. That’s just impossible. Teaching someone like that isn’t possible. Just how’d you do it?”

In Heaven, Nilena said, “Oh, he’s capable of teaching kids to be a better marksman. I wonder how he’ll do against a new threat that’s about to appear before him. The Darkness.”

4: The Darkness Appears
The Darkness Appears

A week after the test to see how good they were in using a weapon, somewhere on Falrgy, a being of unknown origin appeared saying, “Life must turn into Darkness. The Darkness will spread throughout the land.”

He walked forward and then a Human appeared and asked, “Where do you plan on going?”

He heard that and then looked at him and then the Human said, “Huh? A Strip Club. What the hell are you thinking of?”

The unknown being appeared behind him with an injection in his hand and said to himself, “Let’s see how fast that this works.”

The Human turned around and saw him and screamed and then he injected it into him and then the owner of the store ran out and then saw that the customer that was just in the shop was on the ground and that the unknown being was gone and then asked, “Are you ok, Mr. Sawney?”

There wasn’t any answer and then he said, “Mr. Sawney, it’s me George Wilkinson. Your best friend. Can you hear me, John?”

There wasn’t any sign of life and then he opened his eyes and then looked at George and then moaned like a Zombie and then George heard that and then looked down and saw that he was alive and said, “Thank god, he’s alive.”

John grabbed him and then bit him like a Zombie would and then George started screaming and then the beginning of the Darkness began it’s journey to corrupt the land. The very next morning, the secretary of Solace Naval Academy said, “Ma’am, an emergency transmission is coming from Falrgy Naval Academy.”

Ruriko heard that and then said, “Put it through then, Sally.”

Sally Cox did and then the headmaster of Falrgy said, “If you are getting this, this entire planet has gone to shit. People are eating people. You shoot them in the heart and they don’t die. I already lost half of my damn school to these things.”

Ruriko asked, “What is the situation? How bad is Falrgy?”

He heard that and then said, “Shit, finally someone picked up our emergency transmission. The students aren’t ready for this shit.”

Ruriko asked, “What the hell is going on?”

He said, “Humans are eating Humans dammit. Were you not listening to me? I need the damn Military to get into action. They are blocking the entrance to the armory. So we can’t arm ourselves with the big guns. 124 students and 14 staff members are confirmed dead. This is a complete nightmare.”

Ruriko said, “Is the school surrounded by these things?”

He answered, “Yes. And every time we make a stand, they push twice as hard and someone dies because of it. They get bit, then they turn into those things. Do you have any knowledge on them?”

Ruriko said, “Get Thomas Rose here. On the double.”

Sally said, “Yes ma’am.”

She turned the speakerphone on and said, “Thomas Rose, please come to the main office. Thomas Rose, please come to the main office.”

Everyone heard that and then Tess asked, “What did you do, Thomas?”

Thomas asked, “Why do you think that I did something wrong?”

Tess answered, “Every time they call you down, you come back with a bruise.”

Thomas said, “So true. Well, this time I literally don’t know what’s going on.”

Sally yelled, “Now, Thomas Rose.”

Thomas took off and said, “I’m coming. I’m coming.”

Mike said, “I have never seen Sally that pissed off before. Something must be up.”

Tess said, “He angered the headmaster.”

Everyone started laughing and then Thomas appeared in the main office and then said, “I’m here. What’s wrong?”

Ruriko said, “Listen to this.”

The headmaster of Falrgy said, “Beings that eat people, do you know what I’m talking about?”

Thomas’ smile disappeared and said, “I think I got you covered, but I need a description of what they sound and look like to confirm my theory.”

He said, “Well, you are a lucky man. I got one in my office right now. Well, it’s dead now, but it’s got flesh torn off of its body. The skin looks like it is deteriorating. Blood coming out of the mouth.”

Thomas asked, “Have you seen someone get bit by it?”

He answered, “Yes. And then she turned into one of them.”

Thomas said, “You are up against Zombies. We got a Zombie Apocalypse on your hands.”

He said, “Zombies.”

Thomas said, “As soon as one Zombie appears, they multiply after each person they bite. Or scratch. If they scratch you, there is a possibility that you could turn as well.”

Ruriko said, “Just like the movies.”

Thomas said, “Yep, just like the movies.”

He said, “Is there a way to kill these things?”

Thomas asked, “How’d you kill the one in your office?”

He answered, “A bullet to the head. Why?”

Thomas answered, “That’s how you kill them. Sound attracts them. Zombies are stronger than Humans. And if a Subgans turned into one, that would definitely be troublesome.”

The headmaster said, “Well, we can’t afford to sit around. We need help and we need it now. We’re blocked away from the armory. I’m out of ammo. And they are swarming all around the school.”

Thomas asked, “Where is the current safe zone of the school?”

He answered, “The basement. But no one is allowed down there.”

Thomas asked, “Did they block that section off as well?”

He checked the security camera’s and then answered, “No. What are you getting at?”

Thomas answered, “Soon, they’ll break into the entire school and kill you all. If the basement is the safest place to be, take them to the basement immediately. Do not leave the basement till you get the ok from a soldier.”

He heard that and then said, “You really are knowledgeable about this sort of thing.”

Thomas said, “Well, I watch a lot of Zombie movies, sir. That’s the main reason why I know so much about beings that eat other beings.”

The headmaster said, “Understood. Everyone, get to the basement immediately. There isn’t any time to waste.”

Everyone heard that and then started charging toward the basement and then Sally said, “Yotsuba....”

Ruriko asked, “What’s wrong, Sally?”

Sally answered, “We just got another 49 emergency transmissions.”

Thomas heard that and said, “Wait, this is no ordinary Zombie Apocalypse. They were made. Someone made these things.”

Ruriko grinned and then said, “Thomas, I want you to lead a team to Falrgy Naval Academy and save them.”

Thomas said, “Ma’am, I can’t do that. They aren’t experienced shooters.”

Ruriko said, “I need you to awaken your killer instinct.”

Thomas said, “Ma’am, are you not listening to me? They are just kids. We’re just kids. They won’t stand a chance against an army of the undead.”

Ruriko asked, “Are you talking back to me boy?”

Thomas answered, “I’m sticking up to the people that are asking us to die for doing a soldier's job.”

Ruriko said, “Thomas, this is an order. You are going to lead a team to Falrgy Naval Academy and that’s final.”

Thomas looked at her and then said, “You lost your damn mind.”

Ruriko slapped him and yelled, “You do as I say dammit.”

Thomas heard that and then said, “OK. Make the team.”

She said, “Good. I knew that I could count on you.”

Thomas heard that and then sat down and Ruriko started working on the list. While that was happening, reports of academy’s from all over the universe started making a small team to head to Falrgy and the other 49 planets that have been devastated by this phenomenon.

5: The Gathering of a Team
The Gathering of a Team

After a while, Ruriko said, “Here are the 11 people that’ll be joining you. I wrote down their names and classrooms of where you could find them. Good luck on your mission.”

Thomas grabbed the paper and then said, “OK.”

Thomas walked out of the main office and then Thomas said, “Oh, this universe has gone to shit ever since I got here.”

A voice appeared in his head saying, “It isn’t your fault, Thomas. This new threat of Endless Space has nothing to do with you. It seems that some new species broke through the barrier of our universe which hasn’t been known to anyone.”

Thomas heard that and asked, “Who are you?”

She answered, “Oh, I’m Irene. I’ve been inside of you ever since the Teleraptor grabbed ahold of your foot. That mask that you have as an Alpha is me. Alpha’s are supposed to come in armor, not strip you of your clothes. But you are different. And I like different.”

Thomas looked at the paper and then said, “Alright, let’s do this. Class 1-3. Omega Sava.”

Thomas walked toward Class 1-3 and then opened the door and the teacher of Class 1-3 asked, “How may I help you?”

Thomas answered, “I’m looking for an Omega Sava.”

Omega heard that and then asked, “Why?”

Thomas answered, “A mission.”

The teacher asked, “Whose authority?”

Thomas answered, “Ms. Yotsuba. She picked the 11 members that’ll be joining me. Omega Sava is one of them.”

He grinned and then said, “Alright, she’s all yours.”

Thomas nodded and then they went to Class 2-1 for Eleanor Daniels and Raven Cooke. Class 2-4 for Michelle Santos. Class 3-2 for Felicia Roode, Carolina Frost, and Willa Valentine. Class 3-5 for Catherine Potts. Class 4-1 for Mayumi Saegusa. And Class 4-3 for Miyuki Shinonono. As soon as he collected them all, they walked to the armory of the school and Ruriko was standing there and then said, “Oh, you got the teachers to let them go. Let me guess, you didn’t explain the mission details with them yet.”

Mayumi said, “Zombie Apocalypse.”

Miyuki said, “Save Falrgy Naval Academy.”

Carolina said, “We’re the chosen 12 that you chose for this mission.”

Eleanor said, “We may die, but we’ll die fighting.”

Thomas said, “You brought up idiots, Ms. Yotsuba.”

Ruriko laughed and said, “They are here on their own accord, Thomas. Not my doing. According to the headmaster of Falrgy Naval Academy and the other 49 academies that sent out an emergency transmission, the school is surrounded by the Zombies. And they are all hiding out in the basement of their school like you instructed, Thomas.”

Thomas said, “That is only if that’s the safest place to be.”

Miyuki said, “Yes. Zombies are strong creatures. And the basement door of each academy is made up of Titanium Steel right?”

Thomas answered, “Something like that.”

Ruriko said, “Well, there might be a lot of enemies here. We don’t know how many exactly. That’s why you are going to need a lot of weapons and ammo to go out on this mission. You will also be assisted from other academies. Students have been sent to the 50 locations which we recovered the emergency transmissions. Grab a lot of weapons, get to the ship, and save the academy.”

Everyone said, “Yes ma’am.”

Ruriko opened the armory up and then they each grabbed a bag and then Thomas said, “Let’s go. Don’t just stand around. We need to get moving as soon as possible.”

Everyone charged in and started grabbing as many weapons as possible and then Mayumi said, “Yo Thomas, I hear that you know how to kick ass.”

Thomas said, “Hell, who told you that?”

Mayumi answered, “Rather not say.”

Miyuki said, “Her mother. She’s the teacher of Class 4-5.”

Thomas said, “I see.”

Miyuki said, “You don’t look scared.”

Thomas said, “Oh, I am. I’m just not showing it.”

Omega said, “So you are the one wearing Irene’s Mask.”

Everyone heard that and then looked at him and then Thomas asked, “Are there any suppressors here? We all know that the Zombies are attracted to sound.”

Raven said, “Oh, you are dodging it.”

Thomas said, “I know that I am.”

Mayumi said, “Yeah, there are some in the back.”

Thomas walked all the way to the back and then Ruriko looked inside and Sally said, “It’s time to head over to Falrgy now.”

Ruriko heard that and then said, “It’s time to go.”

Thomas picked up 12 suppressors and then put them in the bag and then put it around his shoulder and then said, “Alright. Time to die everyone.”

Everyone started cheering and then Ruriko saw that and then they walked on to the ship and took off to Falrgy.