Varok stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared out the viewport of the command deck. The stars streaked past as the ship hurtled through hyperspace, the hum of the engines steady and unyielding. Around him, Emperor Rick's troops worked in disciplined silence, their armor clinking softly as they moved with precision.
Varok’s mind raced beneath his helmet, though his posture remained stoic. He could feel the weight of the emperor’s words bearing down on him. Failure is not an option.
He replayed the last mission in his mind, every detail scrutinized for where he had gone wrong. Shadow Paw had slipped through his fingers once before, and the humiliation of reporting that failure still burned. Emperor Rick had made it clear—there would not be a second chance.
“Sir, approaching designated coordinates,” one of the troops announced, their voice filtered through the helmet’s modulator.
Varok gave a single nod. “Prepare the tractor beam. We won’t give them an opportunity to flee this time.”
“Yes, sir,” the troop responded, moving swiftly to relay the order.
Varok turned toward the holographic display in the center of the room. It flickered to life, showing the layout of Shadow Paw’s ship, detailed scans revealing the hull’s vulnerabilities. His voice, though calm, carried an edge of menace. “When we intercept, I want a clean extraction. No delays, no mistakes. The emperor demands results, and we will deliver.”
The troops on the bridge responded in unison. “Yes, General!”
Varok allowed himself a moment to inhale deeply, the filtered air through his helmet calming the storm within. He could not fail. Not again. The emperor’s trust—and his survival—depended on this mission’s success.
As the ship exited hyperspace, the massive form of Shadow Paw’s vessel came into view, its engines dim as it drifted near a barren asteroid field. Varok’s gaze hardened.
"Target acquired," another troop reported.
Varok stepped closer to the viewport, his voice cold and commanding. “Engage the tractor beam. Prepare the boarding party.”
This time, there would be no escape.
The atmosphere on the boarding deck was tense as General Varok stepped onto the captured ship, his imposing presence filling the space. The lights above cast sharp reflections off his armor, emphasizing the rigid lines of his suit. He scanned the ship’s interior, his hope diminishing with each passing second. Shadow Paw was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he was met with an unfamiliar crew.
At the forefront was a fox, her fur sleek and well-groomed, adorned with an almost ridiculous amount of jewelry that jingled softly as she shifted her weight. Her flowing, ornate clothes contrasted starkly with the harsh metallic surroundings of the ship. Her expression was one of confusion, though her eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement.
"What? Did I do something wrong?" the fox asked, her voice smooth and deliberately innocent.
Varok’s jaw tightened beneath his helmet, his patience wearing thin. “No…” he replied, his tone cold and clipped.
One of the troops beside him couldn’t resist chirping in. “Unless you’re one of the rebels!”
The fox’s ears twitched, and she placed a paw delicately on her chest, feigning offense. “Rebels? Of course not! How dare you accuse me of something so... dangerous.” She smirked slightly. “But for the record, I’m not exactly loyal to the Emperor either.”
Varok hissed softly, stepping closer to her. The sound of his boots echoed ominously in the quiet space. “Then what are you doing here?” he demanded. “This sector is under imperial control. Only fools or rebels linger here.”
The fox tilted her head, her smirk widening. “Oh, you know, business. Just a little loan here, a little repayment there. I don’t discriminate when it comes to credits.” Her gaze flicked to the soldiers flanking Varok. “Though I’m starting to think this detour was… less than profitable.”
“You’re a loan shark,” Varok stated flatly.
“Such a harsh term,” she said with a mock pout. “I prefer financial consultant. Or… resource allocator.”
Varok leaned in closer, his voice a low growl. “You’re wasting my time, fox. Where is Shadow Paw?”
She blinked. “Shadow Paw? Oh, I know him. He still owes me plenty of credits."
"Do you know where he is?" Varok asked.
"Not exactly. But I can tell you his last whereabouts... For a price..."
Varok’s hand clenched at his side, his patience fraying. “You’re not in a position to negotiate,” he said, his voice cold and sharp. The soldiers around him raised their weapons slightly, the click of their rifles echoing ominously.
The fox, unfazed, brushed a paw through her jewelry with exaggerated nonchalance. “Oh, but I think I am. You want Shadow Paw, don’t you? I might not have him here”—she spread her arms dramatically—“but I do have information. And information, darling, is far more valuable than credits or threats.”
Varok’s eyes narrowed behind his helmet. This fox was testing his limits. “You don’t seem to understand the gravity of your situation,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “I have the authority to detain you, strip this ship of every scrap of value, and leave you to rot in a cell.”
The fox chuckled lightly, the sound utterly unbothered. “Oh, please. If you wanted to do that, you wouldn’t still be standing here talking to me. You want something I have, and that’s leverage.”
Varok stepped closer, towering over her. “Leverage only works when I allow it.”
She shrugged, her confidence unwavering. “Maybe. But Shadow Paw is a slippery one, isn’t he? I’d wager you’ve already had your fair share of frustrations trying to catch him. Why not let me make it a bit easier for you?”
Varok’s hand hovered over the hilt of his blade, the instinct to put an end to this insolence tempting him. But her words held weight, and as much as he hated to admit it, she was right. Information on Shadow Paw’s whereabouts was priceless, and if she could deliver…
“Speak,” he said curtly. “But if this is a waste of my time, I’ll make you regret it.”
The fox grinned, baring sharp teeth. “Now we’re talking.” She reached into one of her many pouches, pulling out a small data chip. “This little gem contains the last confirmed location of Shadow Paw. He was hiding out on Dusk Hollow. Quiet little place, barely any imperial presence. Perfect for a criminal on the run.”
Varok snatched the data chip from her paw, his armored fingers clenching around it. “Dusk Hollow,” he repeated, his voice devoid of emotion. “If this is false information, fox, I’ll personally see to it that you never profit again.”
The fox shrugged, her smirk never wavering. “Oh, I assure you, General. I wouldn’t waste my valuable time—or yours. Shadow Paw’s not exactly the type to stick around in one place for long. You’d better move quickly if you want to catch him.”
Varok’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, calculating. She was far too composed for someone in her position, and her confidence irritated him. But the mention of Dusk Hollow aligned with some of the intel his forces had gathered. It was plausible enough to act on.
“Take her into custody,” he ordered the nearest troops. “Detain her until we confirm this information.”
The fox’s smirk faltered slightly as the soldiers stepped forward, their rifles trained on her. “Now, now, that wasn’t part of the deal—”
“You’re in no position to negotiate,” Varok interrupted coldly. “Be grateful I haven’t stripped this ship for parts.”
The fox huffed dramatically, throwing up her hands. “Fine, but you’re making a mistake. I’m far more useful out here than in some cramped cell.”
Varok ignored her protests, already turning to leave. “Prepare the ship for hyperspace,” he barked to his crew. “Set course for Dusk Hollow.”
As the soldiers escorted the fox away, her voice called out behind him. “Good luck catching Shadow Paw, General. You’re going to need it!”
Varok didn’t respond. He didn’t believe in luck—only in meticulous planning and ruthless execution. Shadow Paw’s trail was growing warmer, and this time, failure truly was not an option.
As he boarded his ship and the engines roared to life, Varok stared out the viewport toward the stars. His grip on the data chip tightened. Dusk Hollow.
The hunt was on.
ns 15.158.61.8da2
