“They came through gaps within reality itself. They tore through the fabric of the universe. They brought enough steel, fire, and rage to eclipse all of our stars. They did all of this to get to us. To destroy us. Because we, in our arrogance and ignorance, thought that we could take the remains of our masters’ galaxy. But we were wrong. And we burned for it. All of us.”
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-From “The Last Cradle” by Lashul Kel’Dar
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Station X-13
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Orbit of Kondolar, Kel’Bal Empire
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The sight of Kondolar was as beautiful as it always was. The blue oceans and green fields as far as the eyes can see. A gem in the empire’s ever-brilliant crown. Though its orbit was rather cluttered with the abnormal amount of orbital stations and patrol craft, it did nothing to ruin the view. Because of Kondolar’s toxic atmosphere, its land could only be traversed with specialized vehicles and in hazard-proof suits of armor. But Kaldik Jul’Dar was more than satisfied to observe the planet from his ornate throne.
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Being the overseer of all operations that took place in the system had its many perks. One of which was the ability to lazily roam around without being bothered by petty tasks and unnecessary complications. Let the menials, servants, and slaves take care of that. Why should someone of his ranking and stature be concerned with such things?
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“Girl,” he growled, still sitting on his throne, “Refreshments. Now.”
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A rather pale, curvy woman carried a tray in her scarred arms. She wore thin, see-through robes around her body and made sure to cover her face behind thin fabric as well as her long, curly, dark hair. Only the master could see her. Kaldik took the brass cup from the tray and gulped down the humberry wine inside of it. Just as the woman was about to leave, he grabbed her arm and pulled her closer. His rough, four-digit hands groped her behind and trailed up her back and then her belly. She recoiled and then grimaced.
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Kaldik chuckled, drops of the wine oozing from his mouth, “Soft. You’re all so soft.”
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“P-Please-” she tried to say before Kaldik slapped her.
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“What did I say about talking? Keep your tongue behind your teeth.”
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He was about to grab her waist with both hands when an eerie buzz sounded from the back end of his chamber. With an annoyed growl, he pressed a button on the side of his throne and a door slid open. Through walked a tall and slim Kel’Bal officer. His gaunt features and professional attire contrasted with Kaldik’s obesity and royal garments. The officer saw the woman next to his lord’s throne and paid her no mind.
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“What do you want?” Kaldik asked with a snarl, “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
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“A thousand apologies, my lord but this is an urgent matter.”
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Kaldik was still groping the increasingly uncomfortable woman, “Speak.”
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For a moment, the officer tried to find the right words to convey the message. Eventually, he decided to be transparent.
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“We have received a transmission from an unidentified vessel. One of our long-range tethers picked it up and-”
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“What do you mean unidentified?” Kaldik asked, interrupting the officer.
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“The vessel and the nature of the transmission don’t compute with any other account logged in our database. We have attempted to contact the Sector Lord and the results were…”
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“They were what?”
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The officer stammered again but straightened himself.
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“The vessel is of human origin.”
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This time, the woman turned his gaze toward him and Kaldik let go of her. With a flick of his hand, he motioned her to leave the chamber and she did as quickly as she could. Kaldik pressed another button and his throne turned to face his officer.
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“Human? The slaves have a ship?”
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“No, my lord. The Sector Lord says that other humans requested an audience with him six moons ago. They presented themselves as the Terran Union, a great power from the galactic west.”
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Kaldik laughed at that, “A great power. The Empire is a great power. It is the only coherent power left in this crumbling galaxy. Do those slaves think they can populate a cluster of rocks and call themselves a power? What a joke.”
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The officer swallowed, “They came with… demands, my lord.”
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“What demands?”
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“They wanted us to free their people, return all technology and land we have taken from them, pay reparations, and become a part of the Terran Union.”
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He expected his lord to rage. He certainly has done so in response to less egregious things. His mind raced back to the time he murdered slaves who merely asked to be treated better or even his own soldiers who wanted to return to their families after serving for much more time than they signed up for. He braced himself. But no rage came. Instead… laughter. Kaldik laughed so hard tears slid down his dark blue cheeks.
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“They have guts, I will give them that,” he said, “I presume Jalim refused?”
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“The Sector Lord not only refused, he also killed several of the human slaves in front of their delegates and demanded reparations for wasting his time.”
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Kaldik laughed again, “I expected no less. So what do they want now? To let their precious children go?”
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“No, they…” the officer stopped his sentence, his gaze wandering around the room.
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Kaldik’s expression changed somewhat, “They what? Speak up!”
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“They said, and I quote, ‘No more chances’.”
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Before Kaldik could form another question, the station shook violently, and alarms began sounding as loudly as they could. He looked out the window that faced Kondolar and saw massive warships pouring out of giant, gray holes in space. They were long and sleek, with glowing lines running down its center. As soon as they got within range they opened fire and destroyed the patrol vessels around the station. Minutes later, a truly gargantuan ship appeared, its rectangular shape making it stand out. It spat out hundreds of small, agile craft that attacked the stations, blowing their shields and defense systems. A dozen torpedos pierced their hulls but didn’t explode.
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The officer rushed out of the chamber, leaving Kaldik alone to watch the void battle unfold. Soldiers were scattered all along the halls, dragging slaves back into their wards or preparing their weapons for the enemy. How did they get the drop on us, he kept asking himself. Their scanners were second to none and even if the enemy had surprised them, the assembled stations and scout fleet should’ve lasted far longer. No one knew what was left of the Royal Navy detachment around Kondolar’s orbit nor did they have time to gather such information.
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“Commander Vul’Nam!” a soldier called out to the officer.
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“What’s the situation? Have the humans boarded the station?”
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“We believe so. Communications don’t run below the thirtieth level and the observation systems don’t tell us anything.”
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The station shook again. This time it was so violent that many of the servants, menials, and even guards fell on the floor. What in the blazing hells was happening? The humans? They did this? Impossible. They are slaves. Remarkable physiological specimens to be sure but slaves nonetheless. They don’t possess such technology, tactics, and strength.
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“How many men did we have down there?” the commander asked.
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“I’m not sure. Easily a hundred per level. More on the lowest ten, where most of the slaves are kept. I would say five thousand, give or take.”
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Vul’Nam nodded, “Keep attempting to reestablish communications. We must regroup before they overrun us. The fact that we’re still breathing means they don’t want the station destroyed.”
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Another soldier was about to speak before shouts and sounds of energy discharge echoed through the halls. They were followed by loud pops and bangs as well as small explosions. Then bodies started falling on the floor. Soon, soldiers ran across the hall from behind the corner in front of Vul’Nam, roughly ten of them, before they were brutally torn apart by kinetic ammunition. Kinetic?
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“Form a line!” he ordered.
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His men obeyed and aimed their energy weapons down the hall. Some took cover behind toppled-over drones and machines. Three dozen soldiers steeled themselves and waited for the enemy to come. But they wouldn’t wait long as heavy footsteps thumped from behind the corner. Vul’Nam tried to hide his shock as five giant, armored figures appeared.
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Those were not humans.
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The average human was at least half a head shorter than a Kel’Bal. Not to mention these… things were far too broad to be humans. Mutants maybe? Special genetic offspring? Vat-grown warriors? Whatever the case, they were here and they were a threat. But their appearance was as much of a contradiction as their stature. Their armor was thick but not overly bulky. Made from advanced dark material and design no one thought capable at the hands of the humans. Their chests, arms, and heads had scratch marks and even bullet dents. No one could see their faces behind their eyeless masks. But then there were… other things. Each warrior had distinct blue lines running all over their body. Some were in the shape of serpents, others mammalian predators, and others were incoherent lines and scribbles. Fur and leather pelts hung from their shoulders and waists like trophies or pieces of heraldry. While four of them wielded large, two-handed firearms, the one in the center held a long, gray sword that glowed with dim, white energy and a pistol in his other hand.
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For the lack of better words, they looked like barbarians. Savages, clad in stollen armor, pretending to be sophisticated soldiers.
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Vul’Nam’s hands felt heavy. He wasn’t sure what to do. The armored giants held their weapons raised but didn’t make a move. Neither did any of the Kel’Bal soldiers. For a moment it felt like they were going stay there forever until a sliding door opened behind Vul’Nam and a child ran out. A human child. It must have slipped past the guard that was inside, the commander thought. His theory was proven correct as the guard grabbed the child and pulled it back.
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“Close that damn-” were Commander Vul’Nam’s last words as a bullet blew half of his head off.
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The armored warriors opened fire, blasting Kel’Bal soldiers apart. Their makeshift barricades meant nothing as large, sharp bullets pierced through the metal. Those who fired back either missed or did little to no damage as an energy field around the warriors absorbed the shots. Many tried to run away but only a few managed to get out before their backs were blown open and their skulls destroyed. Barely a dozen were left alive and to their credit were still fighting. But not for long as the leading warrior charged at their position with unnatural speed and cut apart meat and metal alike with his sword.
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He cut the first he found down the middle before putting two holes into another one. The one on his right was cut in two by his waist and the one behind him was impaled through his throat. Pulling the sword back, the warrior’s head tilted as a Kel’Bal shot him in the back of the head. He was lying on his back with one of his hands on his bleeding belly. The warrior walked toward him and stomped his head into the ground. Then he fired off more shots and killed the two that were running down the corner. The others were gone but that didn’t matter. The warrior stood in front of the metal door, sliced it with his sword, then kicked it down.
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“Stop!” the Kel’Bal guard shouted at him.
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Ordinarily, he would have died quicker than he could finish that word. But he was holding the crying child from earlier in his arm and a gun to its head.
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“Don’t come any closer, freak! I will kill it!”
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The warrior raised both of his hands into the air.
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“Good. Now put your weapons on the ground!”
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He slowly began lowering himself. The guard, while still terrified, was starting to smile. A feeling of superiority ran through him when he commanded the armored giant. That feeling vanished as quickly as it came when a bullet zoomed over the warrior’s shoulder and into the guard’s head.
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Before his body hit the ground, the child ran to a bruised, blond woman in the corner of the room. His mother, the warrior assumed. The people huddled close to each other, clearly terrified of the giant, armored figure standing before them. He took a single step forward, and the frightened mass recoiled and crawled further back as if they could somehow ghost through the wall.
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Glancing around the spacious chamber, he saw that there were more races than just humans present. Some were larger and more rotund while others were smaller with fur. A few had scales and many were completely pale and hairless. One thing they all had in common though were the metal collars around their necks and ankles. It disgusted him.
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Slowly and with care, the warrior lowered himself onto one knee. He first put his pistol on the ground. Then he turned the energy of his blade off and presented it before the scared people like an offering. Take it, the gesture said, I mean not to use it. Lastly, he pressed a small button on the back of his helmet, and with a hiss its parts split.
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He took it off and as he did, dark crimson hair fell past his shoulders. The frightened people felt calmer at the sight of his battle-hardened yet surprisingly kind face. Many were somewhat mesmerized by his light blue eyes whose beauty contradicted the rest of his body.
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"Do not be afraid," he said as gently as he could, his voice nevertheless sounding like that of a monstrous warlord. Yet the people felt no fear when he spoke.
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The warrior extended his armored right hand, "I will not harm you. None of us will. We are here to free you."
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Slowly, cautiously, the tear-soaked child crawled toward him. The gentle giant raised the boy to his feet and dried his cheeks. He then picked him up and put him on his shoulder.
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"I am Centurion Idris Corcoran, warrior of the Black Steel Legion of the Raiders Army. We fight for humanity in the name of the Terran Union. And we are here to free you from tyranny."
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The people stared at him with a mixture of shock and amazement. They weren't sure what to feel. This life of hardship was all they'd known for so long that the thought of something else was almost foreign to them.
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"And them?" a woman asked, raising her arm in the direction of the aliens. Idris couldn't see her face behind the fabric but knew she was more courageous than afraid when she raised her voice.
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"They suffer like us."
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The warrior looked at the aliens and then back at the woman, "The Union welcomes all who seek peace. These Kel'Bal do not. And they will be punished."
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Before the woman could ask more questions, another large warrior walked up behind Idris.
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"Sir, the rest of the century is ready to advance on your command," he spoke through his faceless helm, his voice distorted and changed to sound even more menacing, "The lower floors have been cleared and the 9th Terran Troopers Brigade is securing the prisoners."
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"Have they found enslaved civilians?" Idris asked.
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"Many. Thousands."
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"And enslaved aliens?"
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"An equal if not greater number. They're also being treated."
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Idris turned back to the frightened crowd, "You are slaves no longer. Wait here until more help arrives."
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He put the now-smiling child down, took his weapon, and walked out of the chamber. The woman ran after him.
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"Wait!" she shouted at the centurion, who slowly turned around, "Kill Kaldik!"
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Idris tilted his head, "Who?"
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"He's the leader of these… monster. He… he did…" she shook and held her body as tears ran down her cheeks.
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Idris walked up to her and put his massive hand on her shoulder, "He will die. I promise you that."
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Just as he finished his oath, his enhanced ears picked up a distinct sound of doors and gates opening. Dozens of Kel'Bal soldiers ran down the halls, weapons in hand, ready to fight.
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So were the Raiders.
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As the xenos appeared in front of the giant warriors, Idris unleashed the full strength of his voice.
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"Brothers!" his words shaking the very walls around the Kel'Bal, "These dregs have spat in our faces and murdered our people! We gave them a chance to repent and they refused!"
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His sword crackled with energy.
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"What is their penalty?!"
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"Death!" his warrior roared out.
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"In Duncan's name! Let none live!"
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The Kel'Bal opened fire. A sea of flashing energy flew down the hall at the Raiders. It did little as the super-soldiers fired back and ripped a dozen xenos in seconds. They ran toward their foe, still firing and still landing shot after shot. One of the Raiders bashed a Kel'Bal into a wall, cracking his skull open. Another crushed an alien's ribcage with his metal boot. Two aliens tried tackling one of the armored giants but couldn't even move him. The Raider shot them both and moved on.
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Idris cleaved through their terrified ranks with ease, his blade vaporizing the purple blood that fell on it. With expert precision, he fired his pistol and blew through two alien heads with one shot. He spun around, slicing a head off and then impaling another alien through his gut. The xeno soldier was boiled from the inside out as the heat from Idris' blade cooked his insides. His blue skin turned to purple and then became a scorched slab of flesh.
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On the Raiders went, slaughtering every enemy in their path. None were shown mercy. The Kel’Bal that did surrender were given a quick death. And those that didn’t were far less fortunate. The station kept shaking as the navy destroyed its defenses and surrounded it. The void battle had been won but there was still much work to do both on the station as well as the planet below.
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Idris admitted that he was somewhat impressed. Despite their predicament, most of the xenos still fought on. It made Idris glad he could give them a warrior’s death instead of a coward’s. But it wasn’t going to change the outcome of the battle.
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Eventually, the centurion and his men reached a large, heavily ornate door etched with alien symbols and letters he didn’t understand or care for. With three swings of his sword, he turned most of the metal into molten slag and kicked it down. He moved in with a dozen Raiders, all aiming their weapons at the Kel’Bal.
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Idris looked around the large, highly decorated chamber. The walls were covered in fine silks and silver, the floor was made of smooth rock, not metal, and the ceiling had over a dozen chandeliers of various sizes, all of which shined like crystals. Debauchery, Idris thought. To live in such luxury and have everyone beneath you beg for scrap. It made him sick.
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“What are you waiting for!?” the rotund alien shouted while pointing his fat fingers at the Raiders, “Kill them!”
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The fifty or so soldiers that were gathered in the chamber held their guns with shaky hands. Soon, one by one, they threw them on the ground and got on their knees.
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“Get up!” the xeno yelled, “Get up, you dogs! Fight!”
Idris slowly advanced to the alien, his sword in hand, “Are you the leader?”
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“I am Baron Kaldik Jul’Dar! I represent the Kel’Bal Empire in this sector! Who do you think you are, barbarian?!”
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“That isn’t important,” Idris said as he grabbed the Kaldik and threw him on the ground in front of his men, “Take him to the Morrigan along with the others.”
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Kaldik protested through the halls but no one paid him any attention.
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-
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The Morrigan was a massive Colossus-class battleship, capable of waging battles all on its own. Its hangars were big enough to support armies and its guns were more than enough to decimate any foe that dared to face it.
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The Kel’Bal that were gathered there looked around in awe as they witnessed the battleship’s size and power. Even Kaldik couldn’t hide his shocked expression.
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“The station has been cleared. You can proceed,” Idris spoke into a comms device.
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A minute later, the battleship’s cannons fired and destroyed the station within seconds. Massive chunks of scorched metal flew in all directions, most of them falling on the planet. Soon, barely anything of the station was visible and the Kel’Bal stared at their captors once more.
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“On your knees,” Idris ordered with a low tone.
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“How dare you!?” Kaldik shouted in rage, “Do you not know-”
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Idris shot him in the kneecap, causing him to fall down in pain while screaming.
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“On your knees.”
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The rest of the Kel’Bal obeyed. Their hands were tied behind their back so all they could do was look at the ground and hope. Hope for mercy.
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“Bring them in,” Idris said and a massive gate opened.
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Hundreds of people, human and otherwise, stepped into the gigantic hangar. They wore newly-unpacked jackets and coats. Many of them had their body parts bandaged and some would need prosthetics. All of them stared at the kneeling Kel’Bal who in turn looked back, mostly in disgust.
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“Is that it?” Kaldik snarls, “You wanted us to see the slaves you stole from us? Enjoy them while you can. When word reaches the Cradle Worlds, all of you will join them.”
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Idris said nothing. Instead, he walked over to one of the women in the group, the same one who spoke of Kaldik on the station. Now that the cloth from her face was gone, everyone could see the x-shaped scar on her left cheek and cut upper lip. It offered a contrast to her otherwise attractive figure. Idris took out a throwing dagger from his side pouch and gave it to her. The dagger was large in her small hands yet surprisingly light.
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“You never gave me your name,” he said as softly as he could.
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The woman hesitated for a bit before replying, “Irina.”
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“A beautiful name,” he said and stared at Kaldik, “He is now yours.”
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On cue, the Raiders and Terran Troopers armed the now-freed slaves. The Kel’Bal were frightened. Terrified. Outraged. Many cursed at them, demanding to be released. Others tried to negotiate some sort of deal. Some even tried to get up and run, only to be beaten back down.
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Kaldik laughed, "Do you think these pathetic lowlifes can harm us? Their masters?"
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For a while his words were true. None of them moved a muscle. But then Irina began to walk. Slowly at first, then picking up the pace. She walked toward Kaldik as she clutched the dagger tightly.
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"What do you think you're doing, you wretch?! Stay away from me! Keep your filth away-"
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His words vanished as she stabbed him in the chest. Both of them gasped and froze for a moment. Irina pulled the knife out and stabbed him again. And again and again and again, each time she did, her expression changed from shock to anger.
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As Kaldik's body fell to its side, the others joined Irina. They slashed, cut, stabbed, and tore apart their former masters. The Kel'Bal screamed and begged but their cries were ignored. The former slaves had no cohesion, no direction. All they wanted was vengeance. And they got it.
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After half an hour of butchery, all of the Kel'Bal were dead. The freed people cheered and shouted in triumph. Some cried from the joy of being free. There were those who looked at their bloody hands in horror, however. The taking of life was not a task suited for everyone.
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Irina slowly walked back to Idris, who observed what had happened with crossed arms. She wanted to give him back the dagger but he pushed it back into her hand.
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“My gift to you.”
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He faced the others.
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“You are now free! You owe us or the Terran Union nothing! However! If you wish to fight! If you wish to avenge your people, free your homes, and make the Kel’Bal pay, join us!”
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“What do you mean?” Irina asked with no small hint of excitement in her tone.
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Idris looked out from the hangar’s see-through barrier, which allowed everyone to look out into the emptiness of the void. An emptiness soon to be filled as dozens of gigantic gray tears open up and ships come pouring in from out the other side. Ranging from scouts to leviathans, the Terran Void Navy displayed its power proudly.
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Those gathered in the hangar looked out in awe.
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Idris couldn’t help but smile, “This war has only just begun.”
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