Assouden — Brian Drake

In the year 2E 42, the future is clear for both Alexander Hardy and his lifelong friend Lindy Dean. Like everyone else graduating from a Terran high school or an Alliance world's equivalent, they are expected to travel to Theriesian 8 and complete their eight years of compulsory service as part of the Alliance's treaty requirement.


However, after finding himself separated from Lindy due to an injury, Alex entertains an alternative path: joining a controversial group known as Rourou. Rumors about the group's goals range from favorable to downright criminal. The Terran government, in particular, believes the latter: that the group itself is a terrorist organization and its goal is to weaken the military strength of the Alliance.


Alex has to choose between completing his service to comply with social norms or joining a mysterious group he thinks could be Rourou. If it is, he would win back his freedom and more time with Lindy, after they reunite. But the cost is steep. He could never return home, and he wouldn't know the true identity of this strange group until he is already deeply involved.


Alex is motivated by spending more time with Lindy -- until he discovers more about what's actually happening on Theriesian 8. His first challenge will be to find her once he arrives, having lived there a few weeks already, she may have some ideas for him.