Uncommon Loyalty

by Toby Neighbors

  “That’s it,” Nick said. “You’re clear.”

  “Transport 3485D is set for orbital run,” the pilot announced happily.

  “Nick, get your crazy self in here before they close the ramp,” Kal said.

  Nick circled once, the carnage below nearly blotted out by the black smoke rising from the destroyed earthmover. He felt happy to be leaving, but he knew that Uni Five would forever be part of him.

  The winds cooperated and Nick managed to land on top of the troop transport as it rose slowly into the air. Nick crawled down into the hatch as it began to close.

  “Good work, Private,” Master Sergeant Spielman said, pointing Nick toward a jump seat. “Get strapped in, and let’s get off this rock.”

  “Yes, Master Sergeant,” Nick said.

  He settled in beside Ember and tightened the straps across his body. Fatigue set in suddenly, and he felt the tension in his muscles melting like snow in the sunshine.

  “Cabin pressure is holding,” came the pilot’s voice over their com-links. “Passing eight thousand meters. It’s safe to remove your helmets, marines. Good work down there.”

  The mood in the transport was jubilant. Nick popped the seals on his helmet and pulled it off. When he looked over, Ember was smiling at him.

  “I’ve missed your face,” he said.

  “Oh, Nick,” she said, tears suddenly welling in her eyes. “Don’t ever do that again.”

  “Do what?” Nick asked.

  “You know,” she said, wiping away the tears. “I thought you were dead.”

  “And it was the thought of you that kept me going,” Nick said.

  She leaned her head over on his shoulder, and Nick rested his cheek against the top of her head. It was such a wonderful moment that Nick never wanted it to end. He felt sleep rising up inside him, as if he were a computer that was shutting down system after system.

  His eyelids drooped, but before they closed, he saw his friends. Kal, Ty, and Jules were talking. Nick loved their sweaty faces. Just seeing them gave him a sense of joy he couldn’t explain. And there was Gunny Tveit, her Nordic features strong and beautiful, yet there was relief in her eyes. And on the other side of the transport, Donny Calloway glared balefully at Nick. But the vindictive Recon specialist couldn’t dampen his spirits. Nick had survived, and so had his friends. There was still so much to do. They still had the data chips from Issip Minor, and Donny Calloway was surely plotting some type of revenge. But in that moment, safely on board the transport and headed off world, Nick knew they were safe. And that was enough.

  Author’s Note

  Thank you for reading Uncommon Loyalty. I’m excited to share with you that the third book of this exciting series will be finished soon. If you loved Nick and Ember; Kal, Ty, and Jules, you can help keep their stories alive by leaving reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as sharing about the books on social media.

  And if you’re looking for more great military sci-fi, read on for a sample of WE ARE THE WOLF - book one of the 5 book Wolfpack series.

  Chapter 1

  “You’ve been selected for service,” said the man at the front of the room. He wore a uniform of silky black, and his bald head was covered with a matching beret. He had ribbons on his chest, but Dean had no idea what they meant. Still, the man seemed kind, his voice was strong and optimistic, it seemed to lift Dean’s spirits.

  “Each of you has a unique set of aptitudes that make you prime candidates for Off World Recon. Should you pass the tests over the course of the next few days, you may be offered a place in our basic training program. As you know, the standards for Off World Recon, the elite arm of the Extra Solar Defense Force, are incredibly demanding and require an enlistment period of no fewer than ten years. That is why we choose only the brightest and best. Good luck in your testing.”

  Dean felt a wave of pride. He had taken the aptitude tests for EsDef just like every other boy and half of the girls in his graduating class. He had never imagined that he would be selected for service. He had a fairly decent grade point average, but he hadn’t played sports or even joined the Combat and Strategy clubs at his school. Yet here he was, the only person from his hometown in Michigan who had been selected. The news that he would be going to EsDef testing had propelled his social status during the last few weeks of high school. Some had been jealous, but most had viewed Dean almost like a celebrity.

  Of course he wasn’t guaranteed a place in the services. Most recruits were funneled into the admin or flight school programs, but usually only after completing a four-year bachelor’s degree. Dean was testing for the Off World Recon forces, the elite division of EsDef that drew recruits straight out of high school. Dean had expected the entrance tests to be incredibly strenuous, but so far he’d been wrong.

  The next few hours were spent taking a variety of tests that didn’t seem to fall into any academic category. Dean did his best to answer every question truthfully, since at least half of the questions were of a personal nature. Some even made him laugh, such as the true or false questions asking if he liked tall women, clouds, and small animals.

  After lunch they were put through a series of physical exercises, but none were overly strenuous. It was shocking how the most physically imposing recruits had trouble. Dean noticed that the exercises involved a lot of stretching and placed stress on his joints. At one point they were put into a yoga pose and left for nearly half an hour. It wasn’t easy, but he wasn’t puking his guts out from running five miles. That night they stayed in small rooms, each with several beds and a shared bathroom.

  The next day the recruits were divided up and given even more specialized tests. Dean didn’t know if he were doing well or failing miserably. The soldiers giving the tests were incredibly friendly, but whenever anyone asked a question about their progress or why they were being given a particular type of test the soldiers in charge simply smiled and said, “It’s all part of the selection process.”

  Finally, late in the afternoon of the second day, Dean’s group was ushered into a large room and told to wait for their names to be called. A few other recruits were called before Dean. They went into a room and didn’t come out before Dean was called in.

  “Blaze, Dean,” called an attractive woman with short blonde hair and just the hint of a tattoo sneaking up out of the collar of her black uniform.

  He followed her into a room with a simple desk and wall monitor. The older man who had introduced them to the selection process was waiting for him, studying the test results on the wall. Dean was waved to a chair while the information continued to cycle on the vid screen behind him.

  “It looks like you’ve made the grade,” the older man said with a warm smile. “It’s my honor to offer you a place in the Extra Solar Defense Force.”

  Dean couldn’t help but smile as the older man nodded encouragingly.

  “From this point forward everything we discuss is classified. I’ll need you to sign this non-disclosure form, which states that discussing any of the information you see or hear with anyone outside of the Extra Solar Defense Force will be considered treason. The United States, like all contributing countries around the world and from any of the 45 inhabited planets, participates in the Control of Information Pact and will prosecute any breach of confidentiality to the fullest extent of the law.”

  Dean wasn’t sure what to think. Up until that point the entire process had seemed almost dreamlike. The testing had been much like any other test he’d taken during his high school years. He had been excited by the possibility of joining EsDef, but suddenly he felt in over his head. Luckily, the soldier smiled in a reassuring manner.

  “What this means, Dean, is that you can’t talk about the conversation we’re about to have, not to your parents, not to your sweetheart, or even your closest friends back home. When people ask, and they inevitably will, just tell them you’ve been accepted and when you’ll leave for basic training. You can talk about the facilities and how you were tested, but don’
t go into a lot of details. Let the mystery of EsDef remain a mystery. Beyond that, they don’t need to know, so just play dumb. Can you do that?”

  “Yes… sir,” Dean said.

  “Good. Now, let’s talk about your options. You did well on the tests and that means you have three tracks available to you. First, you can decline and we’ll make sure that you get back home. It’s as simple as that. No hard feelings, no need to reimburse us for the travel expenses, you’ll be able to pursue whatever you want in life.

  “Option two is the admin track. If you choose this one, we’ll pay for your tuition to college and when you graduate you’ll be accepted into the Extra Solar Defense Force. You’ll need to maintain a relatively high grade point average, but you’ll have the option of officer training, and then a five-year commitment to serve.”

  Dean’s heart sank a little. Serving in EsDef was by far the most prestigious job he could have and the service paid better than most professions, but he didn’t want to be an administrator. He wanted to be a soldier, to travel among the stars and protect people from the dangers that inevitably arose around the galaxy. Recon were the elite, the rockstars of the EsDef, and Dean had hoped he would be accepted immediately.

  “I can see by that look on your face that you were hoping for something else,” the older man said.

  “Yes, sir,” Dean said.

  “Well, that brings us to the third track. If you are so inclined, it is my pleasure to offer you a place in the Extra Solar Defense Force’s elite Off World Recon Division, effective immediately.”

  Dean couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face.

  “But let me share all the facts, Mr. Blaze. Recon is the hardest training you will ever encounter. It will break you both physically and mentally. But that is just the beginning. Recon serves off world for years at a time. That means you won’t see your parents, your friends, basically everyone you’ve ever known. You can’t come home if someone gets sick. You’ll miss marriages, births, funerals, holidays. While deployed you will be one hundred percent Recon and nothing else. And you should also know that less than half of the men and women who choose to serve in Recon live to the end of their initial enlistment program.”

  Dean felt a cold knot of fear forming in his stomach. Like everyone else he’d read stories and watched movies about the daring feats of the famed Recon Division of EsDef, but he’d never thought about the actual commitment or dangers involved in serving. Most conflict was carried out via drones and was virtually danger free, but when trouble was reported on one of the 45 worlds terraformed and colonized by humans, or on one of the hundreds of space stations across the galaxy, Recon Division was sent in first. While drones were useful in large-scale battles, it was absolutely essential to have men and women involved in determining any threat. That was the role of Recon Division: the first in the fight, the tip of the spear.

  “Don’t be fooled by the movies,” the officer informed him. “Recon Division requires the highest level of dedication and aptitude.”

  “What if I can’t do it?” Dean asked.

  “Our testing is very good,” the officer said. “We wouldn’t offer you a spot in OWR without feeling certain you can handle the training as well as the rigors of serving. But you have to want it and that is what this is really about. Recon Division isn’t for the faint of heart. If you think it would be cool or popular, forget about it. You won’t be famous, you’ll be off world. And you can’t do this for your parents or your girlfriend. Sure they’ll be proud, but chances are you may never come home again. You have to want Recon for you. Understand?”

  Dean sat back in the chair. It was hard plastic and uncomfortable. The weight of his decision was pressing down on him like a giant invisible fist. He wasn’t sure what to do. Two of the three options were safe. Two kept him close to home and the parents who loved him so much. But serving in the EsDef Recon Division was the ultimate profession he could aspire to. It was what he’d dreamed of his whole life and while he’d never expected to have the opportunity, he knew instantly it was what he wanted to do.

  “Recon, sir,” Dean said. “I want to be in Recon Division.”

  With the words the weight of his decision lifted and he could breathe again. He hoped that his parents would understand. They had always encouraged him to chase his dreams, and despite the dangers involved he couldn’t turn back now.

  “I had a feeling you might say that. Now, let’s get the paperwork all signed.”

  Chapter 2

  The trip home was exciting, but bittersweet at the same time. Dean would have to report to the induction center near Boulder, Colorado, in just seven days. He was certain that he had made the right decision, but looking at his induction certificate made the consequences of joining the EsDef real. He would be leaving his family behind and facing the toughest military training in the world, before shipping out to serve in harm’s way off planet.

  He tried to sleep on the plane ride home, but his mind simply refused to rest. He was going to be a Recon Division soldier, and he was quite certain no one in his family would believe him. He would have to show them his induction certificate just to prove he was telling the truth.

  When the plane landed he had to wait half an hour for the aircraft to taxi into position and the flight attendants to allow the passengers to leave the plane. He walked through the long tunnel, anxious—and nervous—to see his parents. Dean was the youngest of four children and the only one to have been selected for service. It had been a point of pride for the entire family. His mother had thrown together a lavish send-off when he left, but Dean had no idea who might be waiting for him at the gate.

  When he saw his father waiting by himself, Dean felt both relief and disappointment. Had he not gotten in, having only his father there would have been a huge relief. He didn't want to let his family down, but most of the young men and women selected for service weren't admitted into EsDef. His father had always been a soothing presence in his life, and having the long drive home with his dad would allow him to relax. But at the same time, he had been accepted, and not just to EsDef, but to Off World Recon Division. He wanted his entire family to be there, to celebrate with him and commemorate his success.

  "Good to see you," his father said, wrapping an arm around Dean's shoulder. "How did it go?"

  "It was nerve-racking, but I got in."

  "You did?" his father said, clearly surprised.

  "Yep, Recon Division."

  Dean had never been hugged so tightly in his life. He couldn't breathe until his father released him. After the hug Dean's father held him at arm's length and looked at his son for a long moment.

  "I'm proud of you," he said.

  "Thanks, dad.”

  The ride home was pleasant. Dean’s father seemed genuinely interested in all he had to say, even asking question after question as they wove through the city traffic. When he got home, there were more questions and tears of happiness, video calls and celebrations planned. The next day there were calls from the local news outlet and an interview scheduled. Through it all, Dean was both nervous and humbled. He’d never been the center of attention before, but suddenly he was the man of the hour. He’d hoped for a quiet week with his family, but it wasn’t to be. The day after the interview aired, Dean got a call from Mercedes Alton, the most popular girl from Dean’s class.

  The next day he found himself driving to a large house on the far side of town. Mercedes was waiting, as were her parents who congratulated Dean on his accomplishment. He thought it was strange to be rewarded for something that seemed completely out of his control. Yes, he’d passed the tests given to him, but they didn’t seem like tests of intelligence or skill, if anything they were random assessments that seemed to make no sense to him. He couldn’t help but wonder what all the people suddenly interested in him would think if he failed. He didn’t even know what happened to the people who couldn’t handle Recon training, but the fear of failure hung over him, flashing like an old-fashioned
neon sign.

  Dean and the most popular girl from high school left the big house and drove through town. Mercedes sat close, draping her body over the console between them as Dean drove. His father had insisted that he drive the family car, a sporty transport pod that Dean had never been allowed behind the wheel of before. The vehicle practically drove itself, giving just enough illusion of control to appeal to people who still preferred semi-auto navigation systems. Dean didn’t mind the help. He was trying hard to pay attention to the directions Mercedes was giving him, but the gap at the top of her dress, which he was doing his best not to stare down, was distracting him.

  They arrived at what Dean considered a mansion and he was led inside where a party was in full swing. Dean spent the night telling stories of his experience to people who had barely acknowledged his existence all through high school. They were the popular crowd, although the party was overflowing with people Dean didn’t know, many of whom seemed quite a bit older than he was. Drinks were pressed into his hands but he only took a few sips of the beverages, not because he was afraid to drink, but simply because he wanted to remember every detail of the night. He knew that once he left for training, he wouldn’t see any of the people at the party again for years, if ever.