Earth Warriors (Undergoing Revision)

Chapter 43 - Proving Ground

September 6th, 2026. 13:40 

On a basketball court inside the base, Kamis is playing alongside a team of other players opposite the other team, all formed up by soldiers and staff of different ranks.  The players are from various squads within the UEF. They were called together to play against the others for some R&R.

The game starts off fast-paced with both teams exchanging baskets and layups. Kamis is able to block some shots and makes into the basket once or twice, yet is only able to score at least one shot. 

"They have no idea who they're messing with!" he says. "You should see them when we play in the arena."

Kamis looks over at his teammates. He's joined by four others. Two males and two females. He continues to run down the court when one of the opposing players spots him and moves in his direction.

"Hey look, someone who's actually got the ball." He quips.

"Yeah, but you lack the rest of it," Kamis quips back, earning a few chuckles from his teammates. Near the benches, the other Crusaders like Rosa, Andreas and Mariama are in the front, watching the game.

"It's going to be a long day, isn't it?" Andreas asks Rosa.

"We'll make sure to give you time off later, I heard Logan's fencing lessons can be as good," she replies.

Rosa then looks over at Mariama, her face still as stiff as a statue with only slight smirk accompanying her face.

"I just hope you aren't late soon, if you enjoy it well." Mariama turns around and returns her gaze toward the court, where both teams are now facing each other again after a pass. She then notices Kamis being blocked by one of his teammates, which causes him to fall backward and knock his head on the floor.

"I'm sorry, I got carried away," the man says to Kamis, who nonetheless still keeps his large smirk on his face. The game continues for another few minutes, until the game ends in a draw. An equal number of baskets were scored by both teams. Kamis is sitting on the bench, drinking a can of water.

"You alright there, Kam?" Rosa asks.

"A little sore, but I'll be fine, trust me," he replies while giving a wink at her.

"That's what you get for playing with those guys." Rosa pats him on the shoulder.

"Yeah, they're good, but not that good. We had a draw for a reason, and partly because of me!"

"Yeah, good enough to be knocked by the same guy four times, so good like Lebron," Rian interjects as he walks near the benches. Kamis sighs in response.

"C'mon man, it's not all that rusty you know."

"Don't worry about it, Rian. It happens sometimes," Rosa replies to him.

"Whatever." Andrei and Malak then approach the group while holding some water bottles and energy bars in their hands.

"Oh, I'd take it that it reached to a draw. Kinda unexpected to be honest," Malak says.

"Also, this could be a good chance to know more of each other, don't ya think?" Andrei says as well.

"Sure, why not? We're already here, might as well have fun with it," Kamis replies.

Andreas nods in agreement.

"Alright, let's do it. It's been a while since I've played basketball anyway. I've enjoyed playing six years old and such, got the common folks interested, even earning a handful of basket throws like no other. You played basket too?"

"Well, kinda once or twice, not my kind anyway. I'm more into the athletics, gotta keep the bones fresh as ever as well as resilient," Malak says.

"Same here, though I did play some basket in high school. I honestly don't share much of my countrymen's hobbies anyway," Rian replies.