Kamikaze

Chapter 1

 Surge

    Svelgane. Home to approximately five billion people. Four Kingdoms, each ruled by a respective Force. The perfect world, torn apart by the citizens' own pride and selfish ambitions. After nearly a decade of barely contained hostility, the war finally broke out today. "The Mare's attacked Ignis'  border manufacturing city, Gadson, leaving many production facilities in ruins," the voiceover announces. Well at least the finally made a move, I think. "Surge! Let's go!" Quickly I shut off the holo and jog over to the drop zone. 

"Hey. You ready?" Josiah asks, nudging his shoulder against mine.

"I was born ready. Just not for this."

He chuckles but sobers quickly, as though remembering why we are here. Because we're getting ready to head to Ventus junior war camp. King Lawson is hoping for peace treaties, but... 

No one is optimistic. This storm has been brewing for far too long to be held off by a piece of paper. Our general Kionne, paces back and forth, listening intently to whoever is speaking through the comms. Suddenly she stops, signaling three of the senior recruits to load up into a vehicle. Kionne continues doing this, our numbers dwindling every few minutes. Finally Josiah, Roth and I are the only ones left. She stares at us for too long before speaking.

"Recruits?"

"Yes General," we answer in unison.

"You won't be joining your fellow soldiers at war camp."

She lets this sink in. I am relatively unsurprised, but the look on Roth's face is a mix of relief and horror. 

"General?" Josiah asks, forever fearless.

She ignores him, looking at me as she speaks. "You three are the beginning of the new recon unit. You have an audience with King Lawson in thirty minutes. Be prompt, be respectful, and most importantly," she leans into Josiah's face, "Keep your mouths shut unless spoken to."

"Yes General."

      *** 

     After she released us, Roth left, slamming the door behind him. Josiah turns to me, eyes bright.

"Recon? Do you know what this means Surge?"

"That perhaps someone needs to explain the definition of recon to you?" He scowls at this and I motion for him to continue.

"We're going to be the main source of information. If we survive, we'll be seen as heroes!"

"Key word being if. And anyways, Pretty sure the King is not relying on three teenagers as him main source of information."

"We'd be his best bet. I mean think about it, who's going to suspect three teenagers?"

I mull this over as we walk to the barracks. I press my palm to security pad, unlocking the door. Shoving open the heavy metal door, I slip into the girl's quarters to get ready. Glancing in the mirror, I tug my multi-colored hair up into a ponytail and smooth imaginary wrinkles out of my uniform. There, ready.

Josiah is already waiting for me in the hall. We make our way to the Conference Hall, looking for Roth. The older Lee brother is nowhere in sight.

"Where's Roth?" I hiss as Josiah pushes open the heavy oak doors.

"Don't know."

We stop talking once we enter the room. King Lawson sits at the head of the table, looking right at us.

"Mr. Lee. Miss Walters. I've been expecting you."