[center][h1][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT8xPOFCTzU&index=13&list=PLFBtXwQkQGi3UYo1LXLMsNRjHxlJY9AeQ]A Promise[/url][/h1][/center]

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It had come. This was it, the day he had dreaded for years. Not only did it made his stomach turn inside out but it made his entire body endure a pain he had never felt before. This was the day all ended for his home, billions of life sacrificed, up in the skies ships of all shapes and sizes going to stare at the eyes of death itself. What they wanted from us was not resources, or technology, no, they wanted us all dead. That had become clear the first time around and now they were back like a cancer that had always loomed in the dark matter of the brain. This was the day humanity died as it once was, billions giving their life for a chance, a speck of hope, something that could survive beyond the years of pain. He was one of those who would make that come true, he wanted to, for her and for him. For all of them. But he could only see as humanity stood against impossible odds in order to make their own survival possible. He wanted to be there, to fight alongside the men he had called friends, his brothers in arms, his fellow soldiers. But he could only watch, watch as death itself loomed upon them like a bed sheet, he had escape death but he could not escape the disgust at his own self as he simply watch across the glass at the embodiment of destruction tearing apart his home, his fellow men, her resting place.   

He couldn't do it anymore, watching as it all fell apart. Yet he had to fight, not only as he was trained to, but fight the feeling of dread and despair as he now had not only his own blood that depended on him, but thousands more. He had made a promise, he would keep that promise no matter what. Set aside the emotions, don't allow them consume him, fight as he always had. 

"Captain Lopez, Company A and B are ready for action, sir. Platoon 3 is already at the main garrison armory as you ordered." A voice spoke from behind him. Matthew kept quiet, looking down on the only thing he had left from her, the cross that once belonged to her now in his hands. The heart consumed him with a pain that couldn't be alleviated, a pain that he couldn't describe yet he knew what it was. He made a fist, covering the cross, pressing hard enough that he almost felt it piercing on his suit's armored glove. He stopped, turning around to face the 1st Lieutenant, the Captain's armor bulkier and much more rugged and equipped than his. His helmet on his right hand while keeping the cross on his other hand. He walked along the railing next to the massive glass window which began to seal shut. 

The Captain walked without fear or doubt visible at all, his face one of a man that was ready for anything and capable of what he was set to do. Matt stopped right in front of the hundreds of men and women under his command, the Marine Contingent of the [i]Vitae[/i], as all Arks had one, he set his hands on his back and spoke loudly "We have our orders ladies and gentlemen. The admiral depends on us to fulfill them and we shall do so at the best of our abilities. I want platoons 4 and 5 to head to the Armories perimeter and make sure its well guarded, no one goes in or out without proper authorization. Platoon 3 is already guarding the main contingent armories, but I want you to provide double guard. Lieutenants Aguirre, report to me when you have the armory secured." This was most definitely an important assignment, with security busy with the civilians the military armories had to be secured in case of any attempts to be stormed by hysterical masses, the marines knew what had to be done. The heavy equipment was located in Complex 02 while most of the regular gear was at Complex 01 and 03, Platoon 3 would need more men to make sure all three were secured.  

"Platoons 9, 10, 11 and 12 will go to the hangar, ready with all defensive systems. And make sure no deserters try their luck with a ship. Lieutenant Collins, report to me when you have the hangar secured." This was probably the biggest group to be assigned to any area of the [i]Vitae[/i] as most of the ships were located here and it was the biggest section of the Ark. They had to make sure it was well secured in case of any attempts by anyone to leave the ship or in worse case scenario, an attack. It was improbable, but Matthew didn't like to make a bet on it with the current circumstances. 

"Platoons 4, 6, and 7 to engineering. Give them a helping hand if need be, but priority one is securing the area and detaining anyone without proper authorization." The Captain took a pause as he set his helmet on, securing it and ready for action. "Lieutenant Foster, report to me on all matters." 

"2nd and 8th platoon remains here on HQ. Keep it guarded and be ready for anything. Lieutenant Donovan, report to me on anything." 

"1st platoons is with me on the Bridge with 1st Lieutenant Harrison." Before the contingent mobilized, Captain Lopez added a few words of comfort. Looking at the rows of men and women who would follow his orders for an indefinite amount of time. They were his soldiers, the people under his command who second to Admiral Locke needed his guidance. 

"I'm not one for speeches people, but we stand at a moment that I myself know not where it will lead. We all made sacrifices, we have all lost something, or someone." He walked among them, all in their armor and their equipment strapped in their back looked at their captain with sorrow, yet their respect for the man was apparent despite him being newly assigned to them. Many were holding back tears, all kept a disciplined and straighten composure as their captain walked among them. He was one of them as well, a soldier, a father, a son, a husband, who had given up his home and the honor of battle in order to assure humanities future, a soldier who followed a soldier's duty despite all emotions. 

"We are here because we are humanities future, we will assure a home for our next generations, we will continue on as a species. Because we live not only for every single human on this ship, WE LIVE FOR THE ONES OUT IN THAT HELLHOLE FIGHTING THOSE FUCKERS! We stand united today, humans no matter what nationality." His voice got louder and more passionate.

"Live for your families, for your fathers and mothers, for your sons and daughters, live for them. ORAAH!" Pumping his chest and raising his fist into the air, Lopez's gesture and cry was followed by everyone else. 

"ORAAH!" 

"Double time people. Let's get to it."

"Sir, yes sir!" Their voices echoed through the Headquarters Building as the different platoons began to march to their designated areas. The Arks were starting to take off, the images of Admiral Constantine on the screens of the [i]Vitae.[/i] Captain Lopez had no time to hear him, as much as he wanted to he had to keep concentrated on the task at hand. He looked behind him, 1st and 2nd platoons marching right behind him. He made sure to single out Sergeant Locke among them. 

"Lieutenant Harrison." Lopez said as he approached the elevator to the bridge. 

"Yes sir." Harrison answered, keeping next to the Captain.

"Make sure Sergeant Locke is on level head at all times while at the bridge. She may be the Admiral's daughter, I respect that, but she's still a marine." Lopez continued walking, faster than most. 

This was not a moment of glory for anyone, this was survival, making sure Humanities future was secured. This was humanities moment to fight for it's place in this universe as a species, they were all part of that now.