ZSEN

Chapter 53 - New Faces

Lizzie, Corn, Pico, Vadice, Rosalin, Riveck, Phozhar, Kingston, Mallory, and RJ. We are all that is left of this generation of Warriors.

I learned that a generation of Warriors isn't determined by age or time, necessarily. It's, rather, a group of sixteen to twenty soldiers that are promoted to Warrior rank. Once they reach that mark, they put a halt on promotions to Warrior rank, and the count restarts. The Warriors are eventually sent out on an elaborate mission to eliminate Claw. You can only fail the mission if you or your entire squad dies. If anyone returns, they are shunned by the public...

There have been a lot of generations that failed.

Pamela died. We had to report it and the General sent us all to our barracks. We were told not to leave until further instructions. We're all in the living room and I was tired of having unanswered questions.

Since the day I've gotten here, I've had questions no one has answers for. So I went to our computer while we waited. I learned a ton more about previous Warriors and the systems here... It's terrible.

Warriors are sent out to eliminate Claw. They each have a unique mission compared to other Warriors and each one can be read online about what it was and how it went. Some were gruesome and some... Some didn't even sound like it would work, to begin with. The stories are chilling.

Most Warriors have a week in real-time to enjoy their outside life before going on that mission.

"Nathaniel, Mallory is back with word from General."

Most Warriors have two weeks of praise and celebration in the military before their mission.

"Alright, everyone. He's disappointed. It's bad."

This mission has always ended in failure. As a result, what's expected is more failure. But, people admire those who can do it. However, everyone despises those who can't.

"Our mission has been assigned a week from now. We won't be having any celebrations or announcements. We must keep this on a low. General has sent everyone besides Nathaniel the mission details."

We are not having what most Warriors have. We are probably the most disappointing generation of Warriors. After reading the legendary stories of others... They were real soldiers. We... We are children.

"I, Mallory, will lead and command our operation. Nathaniel will lead and command our combat. Everyone must have a clear and thorough understanding of the mission as it will not be discussed before or during the mission nor will it be addressed in the following week."

"We aren't gonna have our celebration?"

"No, Corn."

"That's bullshit, mujer! We lost plenty of our own, but we risking our lives out there. We fought Claw on so many occasions and we been ambushed repeatedly! I'm tired of people looking down on us cuz we lost more than most Warriors this early. They don't know the shit we been put through! I've lost almost all my mejores amigos. I'm struggling trying to cope the pain. I'm tired of having to act tough and unscathed. This shit hurts, amiga."

"Pico."
Vadice says as she holds him close.

"We haven't been exactly clean or honest soldiers. Pico, I get that you're upset, but, we haven't really earned it. We did our good share of rescue missions and we have done our part to the people. The shit we've done behind the General's back... Honestly, I'm okay with spending our two weeks just hanging out with you guys. You guys are all I need."

"Lizzie's right. I mean, whether we deserve it or not is up for debate. As for what matters, what happens in the next few weeks... I want it to be with everyone. I don't care for a celebration or the praise. If I had to choose, which I understand we aren't choosing between the two, I'd rather be with my family."