Chapter 37: "Board and Destroy: Hank's War Chronicle in the Caelestis Armada"
"Damn, these people always compare their words before joining a gang."
The new recruit from the Resident Evil world started grumbling, frustrated with the situation they were facing.
"By the Emperor! If you don't shut that new mouth of yours, Robert, I promise I'll give you two big mouths after this mission is done!"
One of the more experienced team members warned the young recruit who kept chattering.
Boarding the enemy ship—even if it has lost power and is just drifting—still remains a huge risk. Even with all weapons disabled, danger lurks in every corner of the ship.
"Can you stop talking nonsense?"
A soldier, who had just jumped into the group, complained while looking around.
Teleporters often send inaccurate data, and you might find yourself fighting through a maze of narrow hallways before reaching your target. Enemies might be ready to ambush you, and you'll need to battle well-equipped defenders. Don't be surprised if you suddenly find yourself in a grueling and exhausting fight.
"If you happen to be teleported wrong and end up in space, on behalf of the Tech Priests, I offer my sincerest apologies," a veteran explained calmly, "But don't panic. Follow the emergency procedures for falling into space, as outlined by the Ministry of Military Affairs. If you end up in space, follow the self-rescue instructions provided."
The new recruit looked confused and worried, but the veteran continued:
"You can only trust half of what the Ministry of Military Affairs says. Never expect the Tech Priests to save you. Most likely, they'll just take your body if you're not careful."
The recruit swallowed nervously. The thought of how badly this mission could go played out clearly in their mind, but with a little courage, they tried to calm themselves, following the veteran's instructions.
Hank was clearly getting bored of Admiral Yularen's endless speech. Without much fuss, he simply put in his earplugs and began adjusting his own gear.
Nearby, one of the new recruits nervously turned to a veteran beside him.
"Excuse me, sir. What did you mean when you said we should only believe half of what the Ministry of Military Affairs tells us?"
Another freshly appointed officer approached Hank, curiosity written all over his face.
Hank glanced at him and replied dryly, "The Ministry will tell you that only a 'small group of enemies' is coming. But your job is to confirm only one thing—that there are enemies! As for the 'small group'? Don't trust a single word. Not even the punctuation marks!"
When Yularen's speech finally ended, Hank stood up and shouted to the soldiers around him.
"Alright! We don't need to listen to that idiot anymore! As a veteran who survived the Star Vigilance War, I'll tell you the real landing rules!"
He raised his voice, commanding everyone's attention.
"As soon as you board the enemy ship, form combat teams with your squadmates. Maintain maximum mobility inside the ship's tight corridors. Use every structure and bulkhead for cover. Keep your weapons aimed and fire on sight! Use grenades and heavy weapons with caution! Don't damage the cargo holds or critical systems!"
He paused and looked each of them in the eye.
"Even if the ship belongs to the enemy, we'll still have to stay inside for a while. I don't want to see any of you sucked into space!"
Hank's voice turned grimmer, drawing from personal experience.
"Surviving gang fights in shipboard combat doesn't come down to luck. It's about experience, awareness, and sticking to the rules."
He raised a finger for emphasis.
"Let me be clear! Do not attempt to flee! Do not commit any act of heresy against the Emperor or the machine spirits! If there's no commissar present, the sergeant major will assume the role."
Then, with a fierce grin, he barked out, "Alright, kids! Tear every non-human thing into pieces! Let's go raid some ships!"