Young Adulthood The night Kotur found Rook stayed in his young mind for a long time. Many years passed, traveling with these soldiers Rook saw many lands, many battles, death, sorrow, happiness. He made many friends, and lost a few on the way. Under General Kotur's wing Rook became a strong man, with good morals, dreams, all backed by a dark upbringing, it made him a military man. The dark age was harsh and unforgiving as the army crossed the land. It all happened one summer, Rook was a young man, with 24 winter cycles he was considered just entering his prime, mature and hardened. The people they met on their journey started to voice rumors of a great Sphere floating above a City to the south. Under much debate, General Kotur decided to investigate these rumors. So south they Traveled South. General Kotur was to have his 45 winter this year, grizzled and more battle hardened then ever, his legion trusted him. Rook had become the mans personal guard. "Kotur, do you think these rumors to be true?" Rook voiced his thoughts often with the man, Kotur often found Rooks judgement and decisions to be sound and welcomed. "I do not know, but I believe it to be worth checking it out, right?" Kotur said smiling, looking to the young man by his side. Rook smiled back and nodded. South they traveled, a legion of 200 men, weathered soldiers forgotten by a nation of old. It was a hot summer, and the farther they went the hotter it became. 200 men by vehicle in this age wasn't feasible, the resources few and far between, the men walked, praying for what breeze they could take on the days that were harsh. Soon, a great sphere started to tip the horizon, like a low lying moon, haunting the land. "Do you think it a threat?" Rook asked. "To tell you the truth lad, what if it was, what would we do?" Kotur said firm lipped. They walked on towards the sphere, watching it get closer and closer. Great and white, it was like a moon Rook thought to himself. Soon they were looking up at it, taking a portion of the sky it hovered over the city before them. They looked down at the city from a great hill in wonder and awe. The city was bustling, busy, like a large ant hive. Little did Rook know, this was the change of an Age....to the Golden Age. They encamped on the skirts of the city. Many nations flocked to the city, other armies and foreign people. With these people they found a purpose, it was like the Great Sphere they came to call the Traveler was unifying the world. Hope and imaginations were sparked, the people united to create a large nation. This nation had dreams and reached out to other planets, bringing together Earths resources to make great bounds. The militaries were melded and molt into one great army, a force for good, to protect their homes on the planets the Traveler had made habitable, a blessing to Humanity as the Earths people spread. New technology and innovations graced the people. The people grew as one, entering humanities Golden Age. This lasted many winters and into another scorching summer they came, from the sky in ships not unlike ours. We were weary at first, but we came to know them as Awoken, a great people, humanlike and intelligent, Humanity had made friends in the Universe, the Awoken lived among us on Earth an the other Great planets. This changed many views, strengthening Humanity. Rook had found his niche in the military on Earth, too fond of his home on Earth with his friends, making himself known as a Leader, and giving him a great sense of pride, he explored the field of explosives and mechanics. Kotur was never far away, and Humanity was happy. Thats when the next race came, not but a few seasons after the Awoken, the Exo we came to know them as. Rook took a liking to the mechanic people, cold, military like, a proud race. They revered humanities tech and offered us many of theirs. The Awoken and Exo joined humanity, living amongst them, joining militaries and schools alike, strengthening the galaxy and Humanity into one. Rook rose through the Ranks, Kotur always watching him like a son he never had. "What do you think of all this, Kotur?" Rook said smiling, Kotur had come to visit him at Rooks new home, to meet Rooks new friends. "I think its great," he said, plopping down on Rooks couch, looking around at the decent apartment. "Nobody is starving, No one is jobless, and no one is at war," he chuckled. "Its great," he smiled at Rook, who was leaning on the one window sill in the room, giving a great view of the street and the Great Traveler above. "Hey, old man, ive got something for you." Rook said and walked over and handed Kotur a package. Koturs eyes were wide with shock, "Well, uh, thanks!" He stumbled over the words. He ripped the packaging open, revealing a tough cloth of a familiar color and emblem. The Roaring Bear, a new cape. The old man looked down at it and as about the time a tear left his eye there was a knock on the door. "Come on in!" Rook yelled. A cloaked man entered as Kotur stood. The man removed his cowl, revealing a very mechanic face. Gaunt but powerful this man had to duck to walk into the room. "Kotur, this is Tor'iik, one of the new members of Team Hotel-6-EOD." Rook stated, Kotur extended his hand in welcome and the machine of a man met it with his. Tor'iik and many of his kind were placed in Rooks unit, and over mere months they had become good friends and squad mates. "Rook tells me you are a proud warrior, its nice to meet you, Tor'iik." Kotur said professionally. "And to you as well General, your reputation precedes you as a man of Great Honor" Tor'iik said in his gravely voice, nodding his head. They released hands and Tor'iik turned to Rook. "This is a happy moment friend, but there is news, news of unknown ships at the edge of the outer belt." Tor'iik announced. Koturs face became dark, pondering the implications. "Friendly?" Rook asked, walking to the window, looking to the sky. "They will not answer our Hails for communication, the worst is to be expected." Tor'iik said darkly. All the men in the room went quiet, thinking and wondering about this event. "Let us head to Barracks for Briefing." Rook said. They left the apartment and walked under the Shadow of the Traveler towards the barracks they knew as their second home. Days later, thats when everything changed, changed in a big way for Rook for the second time in his life. Thats when they attacked the outer colonies. To Be Continued.... -Let me know what you guys think! I hope you guys enjoy and the last Part, Part 4 of Rooks life is on its way!-