The atmosphere within the Celestial Forge shifted palpably as Salamander's excitement became the driving force of the tour. He led them through the sprawling complex with the eagerness of a child showing off a collection of prized possessions. Each piece of technology he presented was a testament to his admiration for the super soldiers and their legendary feats.
"This here," Salamander began, unveiling a sleek and highly advanced exoskeleton, "was inspired by the resilience and strength you demonstrated during the Siege of Orion's Belt. It's designed to augment the wearer's physical abilities, providing enhanced strength and durability without sacrificing agility."
Varik, intrigued, examined the exoskeleton closely. "Impressive," he acknowledged, his voice carrying a note of genuine respect. "The Iron Warden could have used something like this in the trenches of Zeta-9."
Salamander's eyes lit up at the mention of the Iron Warden. "You were part of the Iron Warden?" he asked, a mix of awe and curiosity coloring his tone. "I've read every dispatch, every after-action report. Your tactics, the unity of your squad—it's what inspired my work on team-based combat enhancements."
Varik smiled, a rare expression that softened his usually stern demeanor. "Yes, I was the sergeant," he confirmed. "The Iron Warden wasn't just a squad; we were a family. Each operation, each mission brought us closer. It wasn't just about the firepower or the tech—it was about trust, unity."
"That's why so many people admire you guys."
Varik laughed with his raspy voice of giant. "Not many. Our presence aren't supposed to be known."
That was indeed true. Super soldiers were incredibly rare with each chapter only having 10,000 soldiers.
However, these 10,000 soldiers were the elite of the elite and only used for extremely dangerous situations where normal humans wouldn't even survive.
Only a certain group of people knew about the super soldiers. Salamander was part of psychic team. His comrades, Shinari and Cleome held super natural power that grant them control over the elements.
Although Salamander did not have any magic power, he was still brought in for his impressive firepower.
Which was how he knew about the super soldiers.
The tour concluded with Varik expressing his admiration for Salamander's work, a sentiment that was clearly mutual.
"I loved everything you showed me. They are definitely top of the line tech. Must be very expensive."
"No doubt about that. Each piece of item can buy one to five battleships. However, I know the tech you used is another level created and preserved by the powerful tech mage. Not only it is technologically advanced but they also gave blessings to your equipments every single day."
"That is true. It is our sacred tools for war. We cannot change because changing is like throwing away our god for a new one."
Aldred smiled. Super soldiers actually were one of the vicious groups in the galaxy. They would massacre an entire planet of people if necessary in order to achieve their goals.
There were even rumors that they did not consider normal humans as their own and would look at them in disgust.
With Varik's agreement, a new chapter began for the Celestial Platoon. The endorsement of the super soldiers, even if primarily symbolic, carried a weight of authority and respect that few could match in the galaxy. Aldred, fully aware of the responsibility this entailed, wasted no time in leveraging this newfound support to extend their mission of peace and protection.
The first order of business was to address the security of vulnerable systems, many of which were plagued by piracy, marauding factions, and the ever-present threat of encroaching enemy empires. The Celestial Platoon, under Aldred's strategic direction, launched a series of operations to fortify these systems.
The presence of the Platoon, bolstered by the implied backing of the super soldiers, served as a powerful deterrent against potential aggressors.
Word spread quickly among the local leaders and regional governors of the Platoon's efforts. Stories of their successes, often embellished with tales of super soldier interventions, began to circulate, weaving a narrative of hope and resilience.
There were to opinions. Those that grateful for super soldier's presence and those that scared and hated it.
Still, none of them disclose the information about super soldiers indiscriminately. They knew of the consequences that would befall upon them if they do so.
Aldred, keen to capitalize on this momentum, initiated the construction of a series of outposts along critical trade routes. These outposts served multiple purposes: they provided safe havens for merchants, facilitated the rapid deployment of Platoon forces, and acted as beacons of security that attracted commercial interest.
Trade routes that had once been considered perilous became bustling corridors of commerce, further strengthening the economic foundations of the regions under Platoon protection.
The strategic positioning of these outposts also allowed the Celestial Platoon to monitor and control the flow of goods, ensuring that essential supplies reached those in need while cutting off resources to their adversaries. This not only enhanced their operational capabilities but also allowed them to exert a subtle influence over the economic health of the galaxy.
Aldred's vision of a network of outposts became a reality, each one a testament to the cooperation between the Celestial Platoon and the legendary super soldiers. Though the super soldiers themselves were rarely seen, the mystique surrounding their involvement lent a sense of invincibility to the Platoon's endeavors.
As the Celestial Platoon's influence grew, so too did the stability of the regions under their watch. Regional governors, once skeptical of Aldred's ambitions, now vied for the Platoon's presence, recognizing the security and prosperity it brought.
The Platoon's operations became a model for other forces, demonstrating the power of unity and the importance of safeguarding the galaxy's myriad inhabitants.
No more criminals, no more pirates, no more thieves.
The galaxy became a little more safer.
And it was all because of the action of a man.