Recruit: Book One of the Universal Conflict ( Under Constant Editing)

Chapter 37

A/N : Sha'agra (Shah- og-grah ) Homeworld of Gwersa and Chuff

  The next day saw interviews with the natives showing T'ilvesh and Command Officers the parts of the world they left when the invasion occurred. Assigning each native to the ships with the fighters for intensive study of the surface and the terrain for their area of attack.

  Gwersa stayed on the Revenge given that Corys squad had been assigned her home sector.

  Coming back with her personal belongings she was surprised when the whole squad came to carry everything in one trip.

  "This is very kind of you." Gwersa said.

  "Don't let that bother you," Cory smiled "I have an ulterior motive. We want to get busy going over everything in detail."

  "Didn't we do that yesterday?" Gwersa asked.

  "We'll do it every day until it's time to launch the offensive." Chuff answered "We're more prepared that way."

  "I'm impressed." Gwersa said "If you take this approach with each campaign, I can see why it's efficient."

  "Saves lives." Cory said "Our purpose is to retake the planet, not fertilize it with our troops blood."

  "Makes sense." she stated.

  Once all Gwersa's baggage had been put in her quarters, the group went to the mess hall for a break. Grabbing a couple of pots of coffee for the group, Shoure and Iggy ordered food for themselves while the rest just sipped their coffee. Although the rest of the group was used to the drink it was Gwersa's first cup. When she took her first sip she was taken aback at the bitter taste. The rest of the group laughed at her reaction, knowing they looked the same when they tried it.

  "Smells better than it tastes." she observed.

  "It's an acquired taste." Cory said "But you get used to it."

  Once finished they went to the training bay where every member of the ground fighters joined the planning of their part of the offensive. Having input from those warriors gave insight on how to advance without devastating losses to their personnel. Preferably no losses.

  Several hours later Cory sensed it was time for a break. Dismissing the ground troops for a few hours, Cory and the rest went to the bridge to invite T'ilvesh and Krystal to eat.

  "You both need to eat." Surni said "So come with us. You'll be back soon."

  Knowing Surni would not hesitate using her healer status to order them to eat, they went to the mess hall with the squad.

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   Gwersa found out that every member of the squad was determined to end the Ruchkitay threat, once and for all. Each had lost homes, friends, relatives and many lost themselves, thrust into the role of nameless refugees. That was before the fleet was formed. Since then the refugees became the fleet. Separate  races came together to drive the invaders off their worlds and reclaim peace. She appreciated the focus being given to each mission, by every member of the fleet. She was puzzled by Corys motivation, though his dedication to end the threat could not be questioned. She decided to ask him on the next break, which should be soon. Shortly thereafter Cory dismissed the troops for the day. Gwersa approached Cory to ask him to have coffee with her.

  "I'd love to," Cory told her "however Krystals off in an hour and I want to see if I can convince the Commander to join us for dinner."

  "Oh, alright." Gwersa replied "I'll see you tomorrow then."

  "What tomorrow?" Cory asked "You're going to be with Chuff to eat, aren't you?"

  "Yes." she affirmed.

  "OK," Cory stated "I'll see you there."

  Leaving Cory to his errands, Gwersa headed to her quarters to get ready to eat.

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  At the table Cory sat across from Gwersa, who was asking him why he was fighting since Earth was not in danger.

  "If I don't do what I can now," Cory explained "Earth is on their list of planets to take. I'm here to prevent them from ever being able to get there. Why?"

  "I was just wondering why you were here." She replied "It does make sense, now."

  "That and since I saw what had happened to these worlds, I can't just walk away." Cory declared "I hope that helps you figure me out."

  "It does." Gwersa returned "How is it more from your world didn't join?"

  "Fear." Cory reasoned "They just learned they aren't alone in the Universe. It scares them."

  "Surely there are those who would jump at the chance." Gwersa said.

  "Probably,"  Cory replied "But I don't know if I would be able to trust them."

  "Strange thing to say about your own people." Gwersa commented.

  "Most of my people are less than honest." Cory said "and it's mostly for personal gain. You don't want me to explain corporate greed. Just leave it at 'I don't trust 99.5% of my race.' Certainly not those in political power."   

  Gwersa was puzzled by Corys view of his own race. Such negative views of one's own race was unheard of. No use worrying about it now, preparations for the upcoming battle were underway. One more day until Sha'agra would be in range. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.