Durandal

AKA HUD. Get it?...

Anyways, finals this week and next Tuesday. Got a few reviews too, but it's largely finals. Because of this I won't be posting most likely until this weekend or some other time. Why make a topic for at most a 4-day 'leave'? Because I'm a GM, and not everyone has MSN. So yeah.

I got bored and felt like I had to get a concept off my chest, so I wrote a short story! Although it may not be all that great, enjoy. This is basically a bare bones version. No editing thus far, so constructive criticism is welcome!

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They hated him. They all did.

Blaze had joined them a few weeks back, and was greeted like all greenhorns were. They let him into their unit with a cheerful demeanor and whiskey-flushed faces. They had accepted him then and they still did now, however he knew better. They hated him, after all.

They'd remark about him and others jokingly to pass the time, but he could sense the hidden venom. Whenever he left, he could feel their gaze fall on him, jealousy filling their hollow eyes.  When he returned, joy glazed over their eyes. Still, he could sense their envy.

Why? Blaze would ask himself daily what he did, or what he didn't, to face such hidden wrath. Was it his intellect? Questions were given with the ever so slight sneer, and whenever he tried to interject, their eyes lit aflame. What if it was his good looks? He'd never considered himself handsome, however every so often a woman would give him a passing glance. He had never given it a second thought, however he could feel their hatred with each glance.

Maybe it was his personality. He was a cheerful and bubbly person, whilst many of the others were sarcastic and edgy. He had convinced himself it was the war at first - they had served for much longer than him. It was likely getting to them. However, the more he thought about it the more he realized they were like everyone else. Before he enlisted, he'd sense the same hatred, all around him. Everyone hated him. They had to.

How couldn't they? He didn't have many problems at home anymore, and was well-off enough financially. His love-life was a perfect man, one that you'd be lucky to find. He was kind and hard-working, although introverted and shy. His life was perfect enough, his rationality filling the gaps, whenever they came up. Everyone else seemed to be worse off than him - a troublesome home, a troublesome teenager, a troublesome marriage. Everyone had trouble, everything was troublesome. He was just perfect enough to not have troubles, and they hated him for it. He knew it.

It was the same here as everywhere else. Once they returned from the front-lines, he'd have booze with the guys and try to forget his worries. Booze seemed to be the only thing that got his mind off their glares. As it glazed his senses in a haze of bliss, their hatred seemed to melt and their envy rot. He could be himself when drunk.

The nights weren't as fun, though. He'd stay wide awake at times, worrying. He knew their plans and they knew it too. Every night, he'd keep a gun under his pillow, and would rouse with each creek. He knew they were going to kill him some day. They'd strangle him and blame it on some disease, and go about their days happier than before. Maybe that's what the world wanted: for him to be gone.

Blaze had considered suicide before, but only in high school. Then, people were less willing to accept him, and because of it he grew wary. People were brought up to be cruel and selfish, this never changed. He could only rely on himself in this world. Some people said he had many people who he could trust, but they were merely tricking him.

Those same people said he had issues, that he should seen a therapist. They're the same people who invite him over only to secretly fill him with their hatred. The same people who wanted nothing more than a stray bullet to kill him. Why should he do what they say? They hate him, after all. Why would they want to help someone like him, who didn't have troubles, who was perfect enough to be hated? Maybe, their hatred was his problem. Wouldn't this mean he's like everyone else? And if he's like everyone else, then why did they hate him?

"Hey, you alright there buddy?" One of them asked, with that same faked smile and those eyes which hid envy just below the surface.

"Yeah, I think so," Blaze said casually, taking another swig of his booze. He almost stumbled back from a lack of coordination.

"Well, good to know you're enjoying yourself!" Another replied, a hearty laugh following. Soon they were all laughing. At him.

But he wasn't enjoying himself. He never did.

They hated him, after all.

Name: Cynthia "Sophia" Huntingston

Age: 31

Gender: Female

Race: Human

Character History: Cynthia was born in the lap of luxury. The child of a noble family, she was given everything she wanted with a mere request. She was given the best private tutors one could hope for, and because of such quickly found herself deeply intrigued by the vast swaths of knowledge at her disposal. Whilst she delved herself into more and more books, her relationship with her parents grew stagnant. Neither of her parents seemed to have the time to pay attention to her child, and often she found herself only in the company of a book. She reacted to this abandonment with much more indifference than most children.

Having never grown attached to her parents in any form, she left to continue her studies with little consequence or heartache. Very soon after her journey, she joined the Scholar Guild, through which she began to make a name for herself. Serving as a regular apprentice scholar, she was soon noticed by one of professors. Taken under his wing, she soon reached the status of a Journeywoman Professor, a respected rank within the guild. Soon after, she was sent out into the world on a quest to seek further knowledge. She is currently two years into her quest, and due to a close encounter, she has already learned how to use a pistol to protect herself.

Personality: Cynthia is a very curious person, oftentimes getting into trouble for being in the wrong place. She doesn't have much of a concept of privacy, making her a bit nosy; despite this, she is never outright malicious. She is also very rational, typically looking at a situation from an objective standpoint. She is as emotive as anyone else, though she tends to hide this because her social ineptitude has led to bad experiences in the past.

Appearance: Has a pale white skin color, with a fairly lanky build and average height. Moderately long chestnut hair hides one of her eyes, due to her bangs. She has abnormally dark blue eyes and a scar on her left side of her jawbone. Cynthia wears baggy dark blue pants with a sagging belt, which can carry a wide variety of items. She has a matching light jacket that is the same color, with patches of black padding on the shoulders and elbows, along with black gloves. She wears an pale, light greyish mulberry pauldron on her right shoulder, which has an indigo stripe painted over the entire pauldron. The pauldron signifies her rank and position within the Scholar's Guild that she is a part of. The main symbol on it appears to be a pink star with five smaller white stars around it. The addition of an opened book with two chevrons above it is below the main symbol. She commonly carries a rucksack full of various items on her travels.

Weapons: She possesses a rather standard six-shot clockwork pistol and a utility knife.

Skills: Cynthia is unskilled in the use of magic and close-quarters combat, however she is an exceptionally good gunslinger and is capable of parkour. Her main skill is her intellect. She is capable of quickly learning new ideas, and has been considered an encyclopedia of knowledge. She is socially awkward.

Interstellar Federation - An alliance of several species, the Interstellar Federation serves as a federal government of the galaxy, controlling to a point how all the races under it run. The Federation is largely concerned with trade, defense, and ensuring order, however it can easily shift to accomplish other tasks.

~ The Madra Ruan Commonwealth - A longtime member of the Interstellar Federation, the Madra Ruan Commonwealth is a unified collection of colonies extending from their home planet, Sycria. They are known throughout the universe for their experimental and creative nature, and are behind a vast assortment of technological advancements in many fields.


~ Prōditōrī Matriarchy - A relatively reclusive species, females are rare outside of home colonies due to the fact most are officials. This is because of a long-lasting Matriarchy upheld by the species. The Prōditōrēs are also known for well trained and quality troops, resulting in them being the war-machine of the Federation. Industrial might is also considerably notable.

Proditores courtesy of Luch

~ Terran Union - Humanity's answer to the need for a central government, the Terran Union is presided over by powerful earthen nations, and other colonies. Initially just used for defense, the Terran Union has grown into a more central figure, practically governing the entirety of human space. The Terran Union is known for their economic prowess, and are highly respected businessmen within the Federation. Additionally, diversity has made humans fairly noteworthy.

The Levitas - A recent addition to the Federation and a recently formed governing body of the Aedificare. The Levitas is a production facility and fortress built on the moon of a centralized system named Radix. The moon was previously uncolonized because of hostile conditions to organic life, which the Aedificare are not. The Levitas produces any number of contracted devices, vehicles, or weapons so long as there's profit in it. The facility is only open to Aedificare, and at some point all of the machines are drawn there.

Aedificare courtesy of ...X...

~ Fen'rae Remnant - A race originally close to the Imperium, the Fen'rae resisted the Shiruo's demands to become a vassal, eventually leading to full-scale warfare. After decades of battle, a portion of the Fen'rae population escaped undetected prior to their defeat and subjugation. Filled with rage against the Imperium and longing to return to their homeworld and reunite with their brethren, the Fen'rae joined the Federation out of necessity. Despite their reasons, the Fen'rae are a friendly species, and tend to respect the Federation and its races. The Fen'rae are notable spies, and are revered for their intelligence networks and spy organizations. Additionally, scientific study and advancement are also a key trait of the Fen'rae.


Shiruo Imperium - The enemy of the Federation, the Imperium is an empire controlled by the powerful race of Shiruo. Although largely a single race, a few indigenous species have been reported. Their reasons for war are as of yet unknown.

~ Shiruo Imperium - The main race, the Shiruo are fairly enigmatic and violent. From what can be gathered, they seem to excel in industrial might and manpower, given their ability to wage war on several other species.


~ Fen'rae - A slave race to the Shiruo, these are the Fen'rae whom have lived under the oppressive rule of the Imperium since their defeat at the battle of Fen'ra, their homeworld. Their only hope being that of the Remnants, the Fen'rae reluctantly serve, hoping one day they will be liberated and their old government restored. They usually are seen being used for scouting and spy work, however there have been rumors that they also serve another role researching new and more efficient weaponry for the Imperial war effort.

~ SSIR-2 'Maulers' - Species, Shirou Imperium, Race-2, most commonly called 'Maulers', are a bulky and imposing species. Thus far, little is known of them other than their function on the frontlines, which is generally that of a Shocktrooper. They are very aggressive and should be avoided.


Nutralis Systems - An entity only in name, the Nutralis Systems are a group of neutral species that do not participate in the Imperium-Federation War, or are otherwise unaffiliated with either side. Attitudes towards the Federation in the Nutralis Systems can range from friendly to hostile, however no species as of yet has declared war on the Federation.

Borkal Expanse -  Resting in the Khaldar System, the Borkal are skilled fighters and excel at marksmanship. Based on a caste system, the Borkal are ruled by an absolute monarchy. Warlike and hostile, most Borkal live for the fight, making the Soldier Caste the largest and one of the most revered in their civilization.

Borkal courtesy of Armos

Romnian Conclave - A reclusive race situated outside Federation space, but known to cooperate with it. The Rom focus heavily on military might without the need for conquest, focusing on protecting their territory and its inhabitants. They commonly provided military assistance to the Federation during times of trouble, however have yet to join the Federation. All trespassing Conclave space are met with extreme hostility, leading to a numerous disputes. Due to this, the Rom are known to specialize in security and defense.

Rom courtesy of Yggdrasil

Matthias docked on the space station Draconus, quickly exiting his ship, the CSV Utopian Guard, with a few of his crew members. Although in his casual wear, Matthias had his Zenith concealed on his leg. Draconus was known for three things: being a successful multi-species superstation, being overcrowded, and being full of crime. It was established long ago in an effort to improve interstellar relations, however now it was little more than a hive for criminals. Matthias would had preferred not visiting this place, however he was forced to due to being low on supplies.

Walking the streets of Draconus, Matthias spotted a high-end bar. Apparently, he had landed in the decent side of town, although Matthias debated whether or not decent was the correct word.

"Come on, guys! As long as we're here we might as well enjoy it." Matthias suddenly blurted out, heading in the direction of the bar without further discussion. Matthias wasn't in the mood to deal with this station, however a few drinks would make it easier to tolerate. Anyways, his current operations were to patrol this sector. Sometimes, he wondered why he was in the Special Tactics and Operations Unit.

Opening the door of the bar, Matthias was greeted with the normal bar scene. Although more up-end, it contained the same drunken college kids and drunks that any bar did. Were Matthias in college, he'd be more than happy to mingle with the young group cheering over a game of Spaceball, however he had more pressing concerns.

I wonder what they have. Matthias thought, sitting down on one of the high stools. The barman walked over to him, prepared to serve him. "I'll have a Sake, please." The barman nodded and poured the correct drink, placing it on the table quicker than Matthias expected. Today was going to be a good day. Well, until he received the tab.