“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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5NQO6wtTy
-From “The Last Cradle” by Lashul Kel’Dar
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRD4UBCBw9
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8QXbKdzAX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ796UQVqSJf
Station X-13
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW6LQDH5gI
Orbit of Kondolar, Kel’Bal Empire
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQfcn3Cuuy
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC7vGcMRKn
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5mx5Q1UIO
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDCcz4gEqZ
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?
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufRMVOhcsD
“Girl,” he growled, still sitting on his throne, “Refreshments. Now.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NoaLq6ykp
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW0lIimRda
Kaldik chuckled, drops of the wine oozing from his mouth, “Soft. You’re all so soft.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs1V9LsDYt
“P-Please-” she tried to say before Kaldik slapped her.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGYlyyF3B0
“What did I say about talking? Keep your tongue behind your teeth.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEyn4piq8z
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8MI8shrqd
“What do you want?” Kaldik asked with a snarl, “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEutPLcK7fl
“A thousand apologies, my lord but this is an urgent matter.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBhkD8UlJ0
Kaldik was still groping the increasingly uncomfortable woman, “Speak.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbL9U223wS
For a moment, the officer tried to find the right words to convey the message. Eventually, he decided to be transparent.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3cgSTHd8n
“We have received a transmission from an unidentified vessel. One of our long-range tethers picked it up and-”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkL2teC1WS
“What do you mean unidentified?” Kaldik asked, interrupting the officer.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Qvx21wBN
“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…”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZcWVojHzM
“They were what?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf1InCKK8L
The officer stammered again but straightened himself.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62An2PHBr7
“The vessel is of human origin.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s25Rg7LMl
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TVAZxFOWw
“Human? The slaves have a ship?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYfp3lt9I9
“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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIjYtCGhDj
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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouUyHrmfb2
The officer swallowed, “They came with… demands, my lord.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGILtQdn5Vn
“What demands?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsAjDSCCDz
“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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nN0sRn1PM
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazTc7riI5V
“They have guts, I will give them that,” he said, “I presume Jalim refused?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4ecVVtdNq
“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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNwYJGpavR
Kaldik laughed again, “I expected no less. So what do they want now? To let their precious children go?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQcnhedTDZ
“No, they…” the officer stopped his sentence, his gaze wandering around the room.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLLYbxxU4l
Kaldik’s expression changed somewhat, “They what? Speak up!”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbAeUThlAE
“They said, and I quote, ‘No more chances’.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQnFJ7r21L
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlsooWcJxU
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTQYoyFCkj
“Commander Vul’Nam!” a soldier called out to the officer.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNjiKHAJnT
“What’s the situation? Have the humans boarded the station?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8H7Ex1RY2
“We believe so. Communications don’t run below the thirtieth level and the observation systems don’t tell us anything.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6KkdJ0ZIm
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdejxs03Mul
“How many men did we have down there?” the commander asked.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NDIRLKWeY
“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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPm2WPulsP0
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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hZIcs2gBx
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?
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsGQE5P9A9
“Form a line!” he ordered.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsBOVQ3PUU
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY63wUscVk
Those were not humans.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO8IZ59wHd
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oILdU36pd
For the lack of better words, they looked like barbarians. Savages, clad in stollen armor, pretending to be sophisticated soldiers.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeiTkzhCpo
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolVuTJCtFN
“Close that damn-” were Commander Vul’Nam’s last words as a bullet blew half of his head off.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEIzKSC9zF
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkLD2MZcYc
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBvPuSmRLj
“Stop!” the Kel’Bal guard shouted at him.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8BGtZUsrt
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiTYAmXU5Z
“Don’t come any closer, freak! I will kill it!”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoybnXZvzQY
The warrior raised both of his hands into the air.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4CTuNgAY3
“Good. Now put your weapons on the ground!”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodZO5ZF6xr
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUALndPjquG
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelH0dp9enW
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGzgoOziLT
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKJ0XKnqMh
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UqtvPwQku
"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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywwMez5pTG
The warrior extended his armored right hand, "I will not harm you. None of us will. We are here to free you."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbPRRrCXBJ
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ283B9hZVI0
"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."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4t01HMmL0
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5lG3bqGa4
"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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5IiWot2ad
"They suffer like us."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbOToMa2lk
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."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnNfczUJ9V
Before the woman could ask more questions, another large warrior walked up behind Idris.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpku1DFKneL
"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."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1iimyyn1R
"Have they found enslaved civilians?" Idris asked.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqDdVqbFkb
"Many. Thousands."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyQCl9Uk4S
"And enslaved aliens?"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTfqhsvOdD
"An equal if not greater number. They're also being treated."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAio62hFYNg
Idris turned back to the frightened crowd, "You are slaves no longer. Wait here until more help arrives."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhyiqvbu4y
He put the now-smiling child down, took his weapon, and walked out of the chamber. The woman ran after him.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT4sZWObyS
"Wait!" she shouted at the centurion, who slowly turned around, "Kill Kaldik!"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUT1PyDGyJ
Idris tilted his head, "Who?"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3xlZAH7sm
"He's the leader of these… monster. He… he did…" she shook and held her body as tears ran down her cheeks.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtWwAsAy2c
Idris walked up to her and put his massive hand on her shoulder, "He will die. I promise you that."
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsJ5hQ9jQq
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrf87Oq0e3
So were the Raiders.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjVZnTeVPD
As the xenos appeared in front of the giant warriors, Idris unleashed the full strength of his voice.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnnVxz9Knh
"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!"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdHbF9ny08
His sword crackled with energy.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnMjCNUWkY
"What is their penalty?!"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2F0WPAkKy
"Death!" his warrior roared out.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7kVa7k0nS
"In Duncan's name! Let none live!"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIZTT29aWH
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT33XbvWgLs
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYWsmU5f43
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyE4pCApVk
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJxjjXPdsj
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1K9v7UH2s
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjEdarkYWn
“What are you waiting for!?” the rotund alien shouted while pointing his fat fingers at the Raiders, “Kill them!”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWaFOIBV1L
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwMwif5hQH
“Get up!” the xeno yelled, “Get up, you dogs! Fight!”
Idris slowly advanced to the alien, his sword in hand, “Are you the leader?”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCj6oNlUG1
“I am Baron Kaldik Jul’Dar! I represent the Kel’Bal Empire in this sector! Who do you think you are, barbarian?!”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAEppBA4Rl
“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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhda2aTIKL8
Kaldik protested through the halls but no one paid him any attention.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBquFdDTsQQ
-
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGzxQnx72K
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgzjrhLI5Q
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc5qL2LTNQ
“The station has been cleared. You can proceed,” Idris spoke into a comms device.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x3nM4m5v7
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCz4Uqw3F5
“On your knees,” Idris ordered with a low tone.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N3wNvhv9b
“How dare you!?” Kaldik shouted in rage, “Do you not know-”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9suRxANa64
Idris shot him in the kneecap, causing him to fall down in pain while screaming.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbdJcUefQV
“On your knees.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRlJ0hKhMT
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PS0ul0eTk
“Bring them in,” Idris said and a massive gate opened.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA75z6M1ek
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2Gp6d65rN
“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.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRntzcsybG
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSN2cxFQGe
“You never gave me your name,” he said as softly as he could.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNAZ69ai6S
The woman hesitated for a bit before replying, “Irina.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg4XX7vzEi
“A beautiful name,” he said and stared at Kaldik, “He is now yours.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyPIJBFcP6
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7kP7wjLip
Kaldik laughed, "Do you think these pathetic lowlifes can harm us? Their masters?"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLlGlzq9yE
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsozjiS6WkK
"What do you think you're doing, you wretch?! Stay away from me! Keep your filth away-"
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVZcHfdyZg
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsAgafD2gL
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuddeiApra
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcmisJCcl1
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAe2UDF2Km
“My gift to you.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGD21gtWOl
He faced the others.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3cFezj4k3
“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!”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dScCEIZbY
“What do you mean?” Irina asked with no small hint of excitement in her tone.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4eKKkWlFX
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.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrWPv0UTiy
Those gathered in the hangar looked out in awe.
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedAUOxWlIR
Idris couldn’t help but smile, “This war has only just begun.”
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnjlke4jUv
---
Thank you very much for reading
If you'd like to support me and my work feel free to upvote, follow, and check out my Patreon where you can get access to early chapters, a private Discord server, a chance to commission, and even influence ongoing stories: patreon.com/SimpleWrites
ns 15.158.61.48da2
