1. Maar

CHAPTER 1

MAAR

" W elcome to the Sol System," the pilot says over the loudspeaker as I see the orbital shipyards of Mars come into view through the viewport.

The ship shudders as we breach Mars' upper atmosphere. Through the viewport, the red planet's surface comes into focus. Streaks of green and blue cut through the rusty landscape—evidence of centuries of terraforming.

"Quite a sight, isn't it?" A fellow passenger leans over, her eyes wide with wonder.

I grunt noncommittally, my fingers tightening on the armrest. The less I engage, the better.

"First time on Mars?" she persists.

"Rehabilitation," I mutter, hoping it'll end the conversation.

Her eyebrows shoot up. "Oh! The IHC facility, right? I've heard it's top-notch."

I turn away, focusing on the approaching Martian cityscape. Gleaming domes and towering spires pierce the salmon-colored sky. Massive atmospheric processors loom on the horizon, their exhaust creating artificial clouds that drift lazily across the alien landscape.

The ship banks, following a pre-programmed flight path. We soar over sprawling hydroponic farms—emerald patches amidst the ochre terrain. In the distance, a dust storm rages, held at bay by massive force fields protecting the inhabited areas.

"Approaching IHC compound," the pilot announces. "All passengers, please secure your belongings."

The massive compound comes into view. A city unto itself, really. State-of-the-art medical facilities, training grounds, and what I assume are top-secret research labs, all protected by layers of security that would make a Glimner mob boss blush.

We touch down with barely a bump. As the other passengers gather their things, I remain seated, waiting for my escort. No point in rushing; they'll find me soon enough.

"Lieutenant Raaj?" A stern-faced woman in an IHC uniform approaches. "I'm Major Chen. Welcome to Mars. If you'll follow me, we'll get you processed and settled in your quarters in the main compound."

I stand, towering over her. She doesn't flinch. "Lead the way, Major."

As we exit the ship, the Martian air hits me—cool, thin, and carrying a faint metallic tang. It's nothing like the thick atmosphere of Gur or the lush jungles of Horus IV. But it'll do. For now.

I follow Major Chen through the bustling spaceport, my eyes scanning every face, every corner. Old habits die hard. The Major's crisp uniform and no-nonsense demeanor part the crowd like a knife through butter.

We get into a maglev pod and strap ourselves in. It takes off from the spaceport towards the IHC Compound.

"Your exploits during the Battle of Horus IV are legendary, Lieutenant Raaj," Chen says, glancing back at me. "The way you held off that Odex battalion single-handedly... it's the stuff of recruitment videos."

I force a smile, but my gut twists. If only she knew the truth. The real Lieutenant Raaj is probably rotting in some unmarked grave on Horus IV. I clear my throat, buying time to craft a response that won't raise suspicion.

"Just doing my duty, Major," I say, my voice gruff with feigned modesty. "Any soldier would've done the same." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I've had a year to perfect this act. I lean back in my seat, letting my eyes drift to the Martian landscape rushing by outside the pod. It's easier than meeting Chen's admiring gaze.

I grunt, the sound lost in the din of the spaceport. If only she knew the truth.

"And protecting Admiral Dash's daughter?" Chen continues, her voice tinged with awe. "That was truly something else. Alyssa Dash herself spoke highly of your actions during the escape."

My jaw clenches. Alyssa Dash. The very name tastes bitter.

I clear my throat, desperate to steer the conversation away from dangerous territory. "Tell me about Mars, Major. I've heard it's become quite the agricultural powerhouse."

Chen's eyes light up, her earlier awe momentarily forgotten. "Oh, you wouldn't believe the progress we've made. Two centuries ago, this was a barren wasteland. Now?" She gestures out the window. "We're feeding half the Sol system."

I lean forward, genuinely curious. "How'd you manage that in such a short time?"

"Combination of factors," Chen explains, her voice taking on a professorial tone. "Genetically engineered algae to kickstart the atmosphere. Massive terraforming projects. And of course, the Martian soil itself—rich in minerals once we figured out how to unlock them."

We pass over a sprawling hydroponic complex, its domes glittering in the alien sunlight. "Those domes can produce more food in a month than an Earth farm does in a year," Chen boasts.

"Impressive," I mutter, my mind already racing with the potential applications. A planet that can feed billions... the power that comes with that...

"But enough about Mars," Chen says, snapping me back to reality. "I'd love to hear more about your time on Horus IV. Is it true you took down an Odex battle mech with nothing but a plasma rifle and a combat knife?"

My stomach lurches. I force a self-deprecating chuckle. "Now, now, Major. You can't believe everything you hear in the barracks."

"But Alyssa Dash herself confirmed it," Chen presses, her eyes shining with admiration. "She said you were like a force of nature out there."

I grip the armrest, my knuckles turning white. "Ms. Dash was... understandably shaken by the events on Horus IV. I'm sure her memory of things is a bit... exaggerated."

Chen leans in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Between you and me, Lieutenant, there's talk of a commendation. Maybe even the Star of Terra."

The Star of Terra. The highest honor the IHC can bestow. The irony would be laughable if it wasn't so damn dangerous.

"That's... quite an honor," I manage, my mouth suddenly dry. "But really, Major, I'd rather focus on my rehabilitation. The past is the past."

"You know, we studied your tactics in advanced combat training," Chen says as we step onto a moving walkway. "The way you outmaneuvered those Ataxian drop ships with nothing but a handful of ground troops and some repurposed mining equipment? Brilliant."

I remain silent, my eyes fixed on the distant dome of the IHC compound. Chen's praise feels like sandpaper on my skin. Every word is a reminder of the man I'm pretending to be, the hero I'm not.

"Not much for conversation, are you, Lieutenant?" Chen asks, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

I shrug. "Not much to say."

Chen nods, her expression softening. "I understand. A soldier's burden is a heavy one, especially after what you've been through. The things you've seen, the decisions you've had to make... it changes a person."

If only she knew how right she was. The decisions I've made, the lives I've taken – not for some noble cause, but for credits and power. And now, here I am, playing the part of a hero.

"Well, Lieutenant," Chen says as we approach the compound's security checkpoint, "I hope your time here helps ease that burden. Our rehabilitation program is second to none."

I nod, my mind already racing with plans and contingencies. This facility may be my best chance at a new life, or it could be the place where my carefully constructed lie finally unravels.

As we pass through the security scanners, I can't help but wonder: how long can I keep up this charade? And what will happen when the truth finally comes to light?