Invasion of a New World
Introduction
In a captivating dialogue between Jay Weidner and Jason Rice, the narrative unfolds around Jason's experiences during his deployments on various planets, particularly focusing on his time on Planet One and Planet Two. The discussion delves into themes of interstellar warfare, the manipulation of civilizations, and the complex dynamics between indigenous populations and external forces. As Jason recounts his missions, he reveals the stark realities of combat against formidable foes, the strategies employed to train local inhabitants, and the overarching influence of powerful entities like the Cabal and the Mars Germans. This article aims to summarize these key points, providing insights into the intricate web of intergalactic interactions and the consequences of such engagements.
The Journey to Callidus Three
Transition from Planet One to Planet Two
Jason Rice describes the transition from Planet One to Planet Two, known as Callidus Three. After completing his mission on Planet One, he and his unit were transported via a cigar-shaped mothership capable of carrying thousands of troops and their equipment. The motherships varied in design, with some being larger and more suited for transporting ground troops. The journey between planets was shrouded in mystery, with Jason noting that the distance could range from a few light years to thousands, leaving him unaware of the specifics of their travel.
Arrival on Callidus Three
Upon arrival at Callidus Three, Jason observed a planet slightly larger than Earth, with a gravity level that was manageable for his unit due to their nanite enhancements. The planet was home to approximately four billion inhabitants and featured four distinct moons, each with unique colors attributed to their material composition. The indigenous population was in the early stages of industrialization, and Jason's mission was to train them to defend against impending threats.
The Indigenous Population and Their Culture
Characteristics of the Inhabitants
The indigenous people of Callidus Three were described as shorter than typical humans, with skin tones ranging from white to olive. They lived in a society that was beginning to modernize, with a culture rich in bartering and communal values. Their livestock, including stocky cattle and smaller goats, reflected their adaptation to the planet's environment.
The Mission's Purpose
Jason's primary objective on Callidus Three mirrored that of his previous deployment: to prepare the local population for defense against an impending invasion. The military's strategy involved training the inhabitants to combat the invaders, who were initially thought to be werewolves but later revealed to be a different, more dangerous species.
The Nature of the Threat
Encounters with the Invaders
As the narrative progresses, Jason recounts the harrowing encounters with the invading forces, which were quadrupedal creatures, fast and lethal. These beings were engineered for combat, possessing a terrifying combination of speed and strength. The initial lack of intelligence regarding the enemy's capabilities posed significant challenges for Jason and his unit.
Combat Strategies and Weaponry
The military's response to the invaders evolved over time, with Jason highlighting the limitations of their weaponry against the armored adversaries. Standard small arms were ineffective, necessitating the use of larger crew-served weapons. As casualties mounted, the military eventually resorted to employing antimatter weapons, which proved to be a game-changer in the conflict.
The Aftermath of War
The Cost of Conflict
The war on Callidus Three lasted nearly six years, resulting in devastating losses for the indigenous population, with approximately one-third of the original inhabitants remaining by the end of the conflict. The use of antimatter explosives allowed the military to reclaim territory and destroy enemy bases, but the toll on the local civilization was immense.
Rebuilding and Relationships
Despite the destruction, Jason and his unit formed strong bonds with the indigenous people, sharing experiences and fostering relationships during their time together. The military's presence, while initially framed as a protective measure, ultimately aimed to integrate the local population into a broader system controlled by the Cabal, mirroring patterns seen in other planetary engagements.
Conclusion
The dialogue between Jay Weidner and Jason Rice sheds light on the complexities of interstellar military operations and the ethical implications of such interventions. As Jason reflects on his experiences, it becomes evident that the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield, affecting entire civilizations and their futures. The narrative serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between protection and manipulation, urging readers to consider the broader implications of power dynamics in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial contexts.
Induction into the SSP
The startling revelations from Jason Rice continue as he offers details of his own 20 & Back experience and Georgina Cannon continues to help him recover memories of his early days in a secret space program. He takes us back to his first day, when he found out that the induction into these clandestine operations is an ordeal, unto itself. As part of the process, he was injected with nanites, highly-programmable microscopic machines, which would become an integral asset to his duties. Perhaps the most startling revelation comes when he finds out who is really running this operation.
Jason's Fiercest Battle
Jason Rice is soon whisked away to a new planet; one unlike anything he has ever seen before. Three indigenous species must learn to put aside their conflicts with each other to deal with the fiercest invading force that Jason has ever encountered. After almost six years of endless combat, he is gravely wounded, and medevacked to Mars. What is to come of the remainder of his time with the 20 & back program?