Helldiver

Just hours ago, Derek had completed his “training” — if you could call twenty minutes of frantically shooting at targets and learning how not to drop a grenade on himself training. The Helldivers had a reputation: get in, get out, and get the job done. Efficiency was everything, and you either adapted fast or became another casualty statistic.

He swallowed hard and leaned back in the chair in the cockpit area, staring blankly at the digital readouts scrolling in front of him. His armor felt stiff, unfamiliar, and even though the suit was designed for comfort, it weighed on him like a reminder that he was completely out of his depth.

“What if I hit the wrong button?” Derek’s thoughts raced. “What if I can’t even get off the ship?..”He thought to himself

Now all that was left was to wait. He’d been told his squad would consist of four, including himself. Would they be battle-hardened veterans or fresh rookies like him?