Into the Chaos Ch. 02

"Do you think they'll make it?" asked Yaki, as the Sho-class lifted off and everybody else had gone back to the main cave.

"I hope so." I replied. "One thing that counts in their favour is that with Mahaw's Raiders out of the picture and Sharon the Red stranded here, there's a lot less pirates in this region than there were before. With just a little bit of luck, they should be able to reach either Prega or Cail in a few weeks."

"That is true, sir." She admitted and paused for a moment to take off her helmet. "Ready for your speech to the new people?"

I followed suit. With the rest of the freed slaves coming along with us there was no longer any need to conceal our faces and the wind felt good against my skin. "As ready as I can be."

"Good." She smiled and nodded in the direction on the entrance. "After you, sir."

The main cave was filled to the brim, as the Space Marines had gathered all the former slaves in there, including those who had already become part of the fleet, like Engineer Keller.

The cave was filled with a low buzzing, as people talked among themselves, but as Yaki and I walked towards the front without our helmets on, the buzzing changed to a hissing sound as people started to whisper instead of talking. They might not have seen our faces, but they had surely recognized our armors.

Reaching the end, I turned around and looked at them. Most looked hopeful and excited, some looked curious and a few looked like they just wanted to get this over with and get out of here.

"Attention on deck, ladies and gentlemen!" Yaki said, her voice loud enough to be heard by everyone in the cave. "I would like to introduce you to our Commanding Officer, Thalen. Captain Thalen, these are the people that have chosen to join us."

I waited a moment, making sure everybody was quiet, and then said. "Ladies and gentlemen, you have all chosen to stay with us, as we set out to liberate the people Sharon the Red has taken as slaves. However, let me be crystal clear: your place in the fleet depends on your willingness to conduct yourselves with honour and respect. Not only for each other, but also the rules and laws that govern our group. We have fought to liberate you, but we will not tolerate any form of violence, aggression, or criminal behaviour among you. This is a fleet, not a mob, and joining us is a privilege, not a license for chaos. If we're to reach a place where you can live in peace or from where you can go home, that freedom comes with a shared responsibility, not just to yourselves, but to this fleet as well."

I paused to look around in the cave and at all the serious faces looking back at me. Then I smiled. "That being said, welcome to our fleet. I hope you will find not just comrades in arms, but a family bound by a shared purpose. Remember that our strength lies not only in our weapons and ships, but in our unity, our discipline, and our unwavering determination. Each one of you brings unique skills, perspectives, and talents to our fleet, and it is these differences that make us stronger together."

People were starting to smile and many even looked hopeful, which in all likelihood was the first time in a long while.

"So, I welcome you as integral members of our fleet, ready to shoulder the responsibilities of duty, leadership and service. Your dedication is the backbone of our strength, and your presence here today fills me with confidence in our future." I continued. "Thank you for choosing to stand with us, for joining this extraordinary journey. Together, we shall navigate the Chaos, and together, we shall prevail."

That got a cheer from the crowd of people and with my speech done, I nodded to Yaki, who let the cheering die out a little before lifting her voice again. "All right, crew. Everybody goes to their assigned ships, so we can get out of here!"

That brought another round of cheers and then people started to file out of the cave, going towards the ships.

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