Dark Skies

Storm Knight I

By: Zachary Watson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

My name is Ashe, and I'm one of millions of Imperial Conscripts. Like everyone else, I just want to get through my term with as few demerits and as much excitement as possible. That way I'd actually have a good chance to get into a proper Academy, and not have to go with my back-up plan of joining a minor Strike-Wave league as a goalie prospect.

You'd think that would be easy, considering how many people manage it all the time.

Sadly I've got a disadvantage that not many in the Empire share... I'm Human.

Not even halfway through my term of service, and I've already been assigned to more units than most conscripts will in their entire career. If I'm not being mocked for my appearance, I'm not believed when I investigate corruption and problems. All I want is a chance to prove myself, to prove that I'm worthy of joining Imperial Intelligence even before my conscription is over.

I may even have a chance on Oshflara; a multi-species colony. Officially a quiet world where the cultures of the Empire can live together in peace, I know better. Any planet with multiple species is one that's got to have plenty of problems, and with problems there could be chances to test myself. With luck it will be the perfect place to root out secrets, discover hidden knowledge, and maybe even impress my new squad.

If I can pull it off, it'll show off my investigative skills in the best way possible.

If I can't... I can only hope I'll survive it.