Chapter 3 - The Trap (1/2)
Technology is a sign of how man's knowledge of nature increased and how his wants diversified. Its growth is an efficient way to measure mankind's progress. Technical inventions changed the ways of human life cultural, social, economic and political in many ways both beneficial and adverse.
By the late 22nd century, the medical advances increased world population resulting in wars and inspired mankind to search for planetary exploration in search of new lands and resources. Terraforming lead to new colonies on celestial bodies. Soon, the technical advances have resulted in new energy sources and shrinking of technical equipment. In the 24th century, small-scale nuclear batteries have become common place.
By the late 25th century, the travel at warp speed was realized leading to the advent of the great age of planetary exploration. By the 26th century, the medical technology had undergone further changes resulting in higher life spans and increase time of a.d.u.l.t phase. The life span of men in general reached 160 years by the end of the 26th century. This had a great impact on the society of man. The social norms, lifestyle and behavior of men changed a lot in the following century.
Rodrigo Banderas was one of the people who experienced this change. He was born to his parents in their late twenties. When he was born, the average life span was still less than a century. By the time he reached 22, he took over his family's weapons business. War was always a part of human history. Be it due to difference between ideas, culture and religion or just for resources, wars would never complete cease to exist and this held true during Rodrigo's time.
Rodrigo was a talented man and the weapons business boomed under his guidance. He married at the age of 31 and flourished under these circ.u.mstances. Then, came the apes. Caught unaware by a new species as intelligent as them, humans realised the need to provide a united from towards them. But the greed of men wouldn't let them unite that quickly. There were many coalitions and alliances formed between the planets. Even as the apes invaded the humans, they continued with their battles and wars.
These wars continued for a period of 20 years before the wars among human ceased and finally a strong alliance formed between the various powers of the humans, which managed to effectively reduce the infighting among human powers. These 20 years was one of the darkest periods of mankind. But as always humans named this time as ”Age of Unification” putting a positive spin on it.
For seventeen years of age of unification, Rodrigo's life was busy, and he lived happily. After five years, disaster struck. The planet he was on came under attack and he lost his wife in the attack. Grief stricken and angry, he chose the path of revenge. Thus, he began his military career. Though the life span had increased to 160 years, he joined at the age of 54 in a time of social change due to increase in life span. He joined as a cadet in a time, where the retirement age was still 70 years.
He left his business to his 21-year-old son and went into the force. He always volunteered to be on the front lines. Being in the fifties he was considered to be past the prime of his youth by most, but due to the medical advancements in that period he maintained his health and continued to be effective in his military career. Being in the business of weapons supply for a long time, he had a lot of contacts and influence in the military.
His knowledge of the various powers and interests of various parties allowed him an advantage in the military. With the support of his contacts, he was successful in most of his endeavours. He successfully took over many planets from the apes.
Rodrigo being a former businessman had a different perspective than the typical commander. His talent in strategy and his adaptability to the social changes garnered his support not only from his cohorts in the force but also in the world of politics and mercantile society. A man who came to be known as an unrelenting spear against the invaders. By the age of 100, he became lieutenant general of the protective forces of the alliance.
He became one of the pillars of the military. Though he had a firm and unshakable will old age crept upon him unawares. He also slowly came to realize the same, he was ready to retire when his time came and choose a successor.
It was in his last year of his service that he encountered Captain Blyth during an attempt to capture a moon. This man reminded him of himself, a strategic mind and zealous to kill the apes. Piqued with interest he decided to observe the man. But he thought that he could be a very able commander with a little bit of advice and chance to perform.
And so, Balthazar gained a mentor by the time he had become a major. Though Rodrigo supported Balthazar, he kept his relationship with Balthazar a secret to avoid any possible adverse effects.
After Rodrigo retired, he moved to planet PK-170 and stayed in the military retirement home. He lived there as a representative of his company, currently being led by his son. Bored and missing the action, he had started a shooting range and spent most of his time there. In this way, he spent his retirement without much excitement, enjoying his well-earned moments of peace until today, when he saw Balthazar walking towards him.
”How are you, sir” greeted Balthazar ”It looks like you are not yet done with the guns and machines.”
”Of course, I still have a lot more time left with my babes. Would have started a nice aerial combat training centre, if I could own a decent chunk of airspace nearby. Just that the alliance doesn't allow privatisation of airspace at the edge.”
”Settled in your new post, yet?” he asked.
”I am good, sir. Still working on it.”
”Why don't you send in a few squads to the grounds here. You probably go a few recruits this November. I will train them. Would also provide a good discount on your account,” said Rodrigo trying to make a sale.
”Sure, we can do that. But first, need a small favour from you. Best we talk in private.” Balthazar replied.