First Campaign with Ice Storm Squadron
19 Oct 2023Mary Quinn
Standing in front of the locker room mirror, I struggle to remove my combat armor for a good five minutes, but my hands still tremble from the intensity of the battles. I give up for the moment, observing the curly-haired girl in the mirror who looks at me like a rookie who has just survived her first battle. She looks like someone else. There are soot marks on her cheeks, and her armor is covered with impacts that managed to pierce the shield: plasma burns, shrapnel, and bullets. A helmet with a cracked visor sits on the bench behind her, a silent witness to the intense ground battles that raged on the various colonies in the system. The acrid smell of burnt composite materials hangs in the air.I eventually sit down to calm my breathing. I hear the cheers and congratulations exchanged by my Ice Storm Squadron companions from the other locker room. They will soon head to the bar to celebrate this victory and compliment each other on their accomplishments, and they'll probably empty the entire alcohol reserve without me if I delay too much!
But my hands have steadied, and while removing my suit, I try to piece together the sequence of events. The system was attacked by squadrons affiliated with our rivals, who took advantage of the elections to invade the Federal system without hesitation. By the time we gathered our commanders and allies, we had already been deemed losers in this conflict with three battles lost. Then we organized ourselves and gave it our all, repelling the invaders in each battle until we handed them four defeats. I am proud to have participated in such a successful military campaign for my first.
Finally rid of my suit, I step into the shower while Derenoth, our squadron commander, speaks over the station's speakers.
"This is a direct message from the Admiral, Squadron Commander of the Ice Storm Squadron.
Unwavering allies and brothers-in-arms of the ISSC, it is with immense gratitude and a heart overflowing with pride that I address you in these triumphant hours. Your unparalleled bravery, unwavering loyalty, and extraordinary sacrifices have been the cornerstone of our resounding victory against our enemies in the starry skies of one of our major systems. When the darkness seemed impenetrable, swallowing our noble Star Felicia into the depths of defeat, you relit the flame of hope with indomitable courage. United under the banner of the ISSC, we battled with the fury of storms, overturning an overwhelming score of 0-3 to emerge, like the Phoenix, towards a stunning victory of 4-3.
Each of your efforts contributed to forging the metal of our resistance, keeping the Ice Storm Squadron and our precious Star Felicia at the forefront of this critically important system, defying expectations and writing a new legendary chapter in our history. It is a titanic achievement, an anthem to perseverance and honor.
On behalf of the entire ISSC, I extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to you. You are not just allies; you are heroes, guardians of hope, and legends in the making. May the stars always shine in your favor. We are forever brothers and sisters in arms and among the stars."
A great evening of festivities awaits!