A Galaxy of Wonder

[Von Acturus]

The whole population seems embedded in the rebellious spirit. The new Governor's policies are too little to late, I think even he has already resigned himself to the inevitability of civil war. It will be interesting to see the roles Kiras and his childhood friends will each play in the coming revolt.

 

[Nax24]

Book I, Chapter IV: Death and Celebration​

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“My Lord please, you must understand, the radicals are growing stronger and stronger!” Assemblyman Quros stated. “I can’t control the dialogue in the Assembly anymore, the voices for complete independence are growing louder!”

“Assemblyman, please.” responded Governor Tervas. The Crimlarian and Heleionite stood in a meeting room, as the Governor overlooked documents. “The Empire cannot risk military intervention on Inque in this time of crisis, our forces are spread too thin with small uprisings cropping up across the Empire. A large-scale revolt on Inque would prove disastrous to all parties.”

“I need not be reminded. Many business and entrepreneurial endeavors rely on the good trade status Inque has with the rest of the Empire. It would be ruinous if that status were to change due to a hand-full of radicals.”

“A hand-full?” asked the Governor. “Do you know how many of you people I have incarcerated on charges related to rebellion in this past day alone?”

Quors began, “I am sure it is not in any way representative of the larger population-”

“6,853 to be exact.” replied the Governor. “Yesterday it was 6,212, the day before was 6,019, and so on.”

“My Lord forgive me, is there a reason for these stats?” asked Quros.

“The number of cases across this planet are rising. They have been increasing daily at a shocking rate. My enforcers are stretching thin hunting these rebels down, and are begging me for more manpower and supplies… to let them off the leash I put them on.”

“Then let them loose! These rebels must be dealt with. My people are not traitors to the Empire!” shouted Quros.

“Afraid that is not a tool at my disposal. The enforcers are part of the reason why you people are rebellious to begin with.” calmly replied Tervas.

“Then you risk all out war. Something will come and cause those radicals to snap, and when they do, stars help you Governor.” replied Quros.

“Then you must ensure that you and your cohorts continue to work and suppress any treasonous voices wanting independence. If the Crimlarians see that the radicals are but a minority, they will not be eager to join them and risk Heleionite bullets. Wannabe rebels are just that after all, especially when things get bloody.”

“I hope the Empire upholds its end of the bargain in return.” replied Quros.

“The Empire rewards loyalty and punishes treason dear Assemblyman. Just make sure that the radicals are suppressed and silenced within the halls, and the press will handle the rest.” said the Governor. “You are dismissed.”

“Sir I should warn you-”

“You. Are. Dismissed.” said Tervas, harshly. Quros bowed and walked out of the room. Tervas continued to fumble through some documents.

His secretary walked over to him. “Those reports were courtesy of the Gektando. Agent Jastot sends his regards.”

“Yes, our beloved secret agent is keeping tabs and spying on our enemies,” said Tervas. He flipped through the papers. They contained information regarding some of the more radical members of the Assembly, the ones agitating the most for independence. One name though did stick out to Tervas. “Liron Hopoi… This page seems to be rather lacking.”

Tervas looked down from his window to see Assemblyman Quros enter his hover-car. “It doesn’t take much to convince those who have the most to lose from leaving the Empire to work for you. Quros is a perfect example of this.” He said to his secretary. “One of the richest Crimlarians on the planet, at my mercy. He is a great pawn indeed.”

“I am sure he has plenty of enemies in the Assembly and in the people.” replied the secretary.

“Indeed. But anyone smart enough to know that Quros and his cohorts are in partnership with me would not dare lay a finger on them. My neglect only goes so far.” Tervas looked down to see Quros talk with his driver before getting in the car. He looked away and back at his papers.

Just then, the building shook, and a muffled explosion could be heard. Tervas turned around and looked down to see a plume of fire and smoke rising from where Quros’s car was. Broken glass and concrete surrounded the area, as a group of Heleionite spectators were thrown to the ground, some bleeding. The doors behind the Governor opened and three enforcers rushed in. “Sir, there has been an incident, we need to take you to the safe room.”

Tervas smirked a bit. “I guess I was wrong…”

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“Quros Vitunda was tragically murdered in an explosion earlier today. After leaving an appointment with the Governor, Quros was killed in an explosion. Reports indicate that a bomb was placed under his car and timed to explode when he was leaving the appointment. We now go live to the Governor’s residence for more-”

Selvatas walked past without paying much attention to the newscast. Bunch of Heleionite propaganda, anyone with eyes could see it as such. The news constantly flowed of attacks and murders caused by Crimlarian agitators but never dared to talk about the fifty or so Heleionite atrocities committed daily. It made her sick. Now that a friend of the Empire was dead, and a Crimlarian too, Selvatas predicted annoyance at the million or so commentators talking about how Crimlarians are ungovernable and ungrateful little shits.

She pressed on, as the snow lightly fell across the cold sky. She reached the square, her destination, where Liron was waiting for her. In the square, was a display that Liron was fixated on, and Selvatas understood why. The two stood next to each other in silence before Selvatas cut to the chase. “Was it your doing?” she asked.

“What was?” replied Liron.

“Quros. Was that your doing?” asked Selvatas.

Liron chuckled a bit. “Did you know that Quros was labeled by the Gektando as an informant? A handful of his allies also?” asked Liron in reply.

“I gave you the damn document, yes I knew.” said Selvatas. “I thought you were going to just go after the small-time informants that were a direct threat to your cells, but this… this is crazy.”

“You really going to mourn for Quros Vitunda, a man who’d sell out his own people for a quick buck? No one loved him, and no one will miss him. The only reason why he was tolerated in the Assembly was because of his wealth and influence in the government.” said Liron. “We thought he could be useful for communication with the government to try and resolve this peacefully. Your document proved that he thought differently.”

“So you blew him up with a car bomb?” asked Selvatas.

Liron laughed. “I didn’t. I just made a comment to certain individuals and they seem to have done the rest. It wasn’t me who told them to blow up Quros.”

“The Gektando won’t see it as such. You and the rest of the independence faction are in their crosshairs and blowing up an ally is going to get you all killed.” said Selvatas.

“Tervas isn’t one to make martyrs or cause a scene. If he can’t prove anything, he won’t take action, and he can’t prove anything.” said Liron.

“How can you be so sure?” asked Selvatas.

Liron turned to face her. “Gut feeling I suppose. Maybe I am wrong and you’ll see me dangling from a lamppost in an hour.”

“That is a sight I’d rather not see,” said Selvatas.

“The rest of Quros’s allies are going to be outed as allies to Tervas and the Empire, and working in bad faith to undermine the entire Assembly. Those who wish to reconcile with the Empire will lose power in the Assembly, and we will be one step closer to getting a consensus on independence.” said Liron.

“Or the violence will cause everyone to reconsider this cause,” said Selvatas.

“If this causes them to change their mind they never wanted independence in the first place.” said Liron, he patted Selvatas on the shoulder. “But, getting one of Tervas’s allies makes up for all the friends he’s taking from us…” Liron walked away from the square.

Selvatas looked back at the display, the dangling bodies of Crimlarians blowing in the breeze. Five total, four male, one female, all accused. Selvatas knew that even if Inque wasn’t at war with the Empire, to Liron, it might as well be.

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“OUR LOST SON HAS RETURNED TO US!” shouted Mirak as he and the rest of the square raised their glasses and cheered. The party was in full swing by this point. The village square had been converted into a make-shift party, with food, drink, and entertainment playing all throughout the street-lamp lit area under the night sky. Crimlarians danced, ate, and drank themselves silly in this impromptu party.

Kiras knew that this was all happening because of his return. When Nuravar came to him with the idea that a party be held for his return, he balked at it. “Nonsense! You are alive, and have made it home safe! This is cause for celebration!” Those words echoed in Kiras’s head as he sat on a raised platform with Nuravar, Jarlas, and Mirak seated next to him. He never realized how badly people must have missed him, enough to warrant a party at least.

“Hey come on why you gotta be so modest-looking?” slurred a rather tipsy Mirak as he wrapped his arm around Kiras. “I’m over here still in disbelief that you managed to survive ten years in that hell-hole of an army and you are acting like that’s not cause for celebration!” Kiras remember when Mirak came home. The man was almost in tears when he busted into Jarlas’s store. For all his snarkiness and wit, Mirak was still one of Kiras’s best friends, and Mirak insisted that this party be thrown, going as far as to front the cost for most of the alcohol and food. “Loosen up! Have a drink! Dance with one of your new admirers!” said Mirak, taking another swig out of his glass.

“Haven’t really been much of a drinker.” replied Kiras.

“Ah you prude! I am sure whatever slosh they served you in that army is nothing compared to a good Inque Janka!” Mirak shouted. He snapped his fingers at a waiter to bring over more booze. Kiras knew he was in for a long night. “I am sure you have some crazy stories to tell about the Empire too,” said Mirak.

“Not really,” said Kiras.

“Nothing? No alien women? No fancy planets? No dangerous battles?” asked Mirak.

“Nothing like that… my experience is that of any non-Heleionite serving.” said Kiras.

“So lots of xenophobia and getting shoved into suicide charges?” asked Mirak.

“Something like that I suppose,” said Kiras.

“Ah…” said Mirak, realizing what he was saying. “Sorry about pressing it mate, must have been more hell than exciting.”

Kiras looked at his intoxicated friend. “Nah, don’t apologize, it’s just not something I want to really remember at the moment.”

“Well, drinking will help liven your mood for sure! WAITER! WE NEED AN EXTRA GLASS!” shouted Mirak. The waiter at the barrels shouted something back. “WHAT? Hold on Kiras, I can’t hear them…” Mirak stood up and stumbled over to the barrels.

Kiras looked around a bit to see most of the town was having a blast. Many were beginning to become visibly intoxicated. Food was running out too. Kiras still couldn’t believe that this was all for him, it was a lot to take in. He quietly stood up.

“Hey, where are you going?” asked Nuravar, who was discussing with other village councilors.

“Sorry, just gonna get some air, don’t mind me. I’ll be back” said Kiras, waving as he walked away.

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The hill still overlooked the snowy plains below. At night however, everything was calm. Not a sound echoed through the valley, not a creature stirred. The wind had died down to a light breeze. Kiras looked over the area, undisturbed snow and trees stretching for miles. It had not changed a bit since when he was last here. Nothing really has changed. Everyone had just gotten older. The village had continued on as normal, and everyone was just trying to scrape by on Inque. Kiras’s friends all grew up and got jobs, and he wasn’t there to see it. Would his life have been different had he not been conscripted? Kiras shrugged it off, he didn’t like dwelling on hypotheticals and what-ifs. He picked up a handful of snow, compacted it into a snow-ball, and chucked it with all his might into the valley, where it plopped onto the plain.

“Let me guess… you think that I am a ghost or some charlatan who fooled your village?” asked Kiras. “That I am not really the Kiras you remember?” Kiras turned around to see another Crimlarian, hood up. “I was wondering when I would see you again.” The other Crimlarian pulled her hood down. She looked at Kiras directly. “Hey Nalas… or should I say Dr. Nalas.” said Kiras as he walked over.

“I heard that you were alive… it has been so long that I figured this was some sort of cruel trick.” replied Nalas.

“Well… since I am here, obviously I am who I say I am.” replied Kiras. He paused for a bit as he saw a tear run down Nalas’s face.

“I thought I’d never see you again.” said Nalas, with a quiver in her voice. After this, she ran forward and embraced Kiras. “I thought you were dead. We all did.” she said, as soft sobs began to echo through the area.

“I’m home.” said Kiras, as he returned the embrace. “I’m home.”

 

[HistoryDude]

Well, that was a heartwarming ending, but I fear that the rebellion grows stronger by the day.

There are loyalists, though, and the news sides with them.

War is probably inevitable by this point

 

[El Pip]

It was interesting to see the two sides of the assassination of Quros Vitunda, both sides clearly thinking they are better off with him dead and maybe both are right in their own way. Tervas has his excuse to take the gloves off and dial up the repression somewhat in response to these "terrorist outrages" while the independence faction has weakened the collaboration faction and strengthened their long term position, if at the cost of a bit of short term pain.

 

[Nax24]

Book I, Chapter V: Same as it Ever Was

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“A captain aye?” asked Nalas as she walked through the forest with Kiras. “I didn’t think they let Crimlarians become officers.”

“I was just as surprised. There I was standing in front of a Heleionite Colonel, all nervous, when he just tossed me some medal. ‘Congratulations, you are now a Captain!’ I believe it was his words before he went and did something else. Not much fanfare from anyone, and I just went about the rest of the day as usual” replied Kiras.

Nalas laughed. “They just casually made you a commanding officer without much batting an eye? I imagined you earned it beyond a reasonable doubt and those Heleionites had no choice! Explains the bitterness I’d imagine!”

Kiras smirked. “You give me too much credit. I didn’t feel like I did anything worthy of being denoted a leader. I was just trying to survive.” Kiras looked over at Nalas. “But enough about me, I heard you have been traveling a lot since getting your fancy degree.”

“You’d be surprised how many villages lack basic health infrastructure,” said Nalas. “Jarlas has been a blessing for home but due to the lack of supply of basic medicine and the lack of infrastructure or a desire to have some by our overlords, a lot of villages have been suffering. As such, I travel around to help when I can, but I am just one Crimlarian.”

“You are saving lives I imagine, I just took them. That makes your occupation much more respectable than mine.” replied Kiras.

Nalas blushed a little. “But you stared down death more times than me. Worst I ran into were some Heleionite brutes trying to extort a little extra toll.”

“Still, it’s amazing how much you guys got up to while I was gone. Feel like I’m gonna need to play catch up for all the years I lost.” chuckled Kiras.

“Well you got off to a pretty great start seeing that you had an entire damn party thrown for your return. Wish I had such fanfare whenever I come home to visit! Mirak is a cheap bastard when it comes to these things so seeing him help foot the bill for this was a shock.” said Nalas.

“I guess he still is and will always be a shrewd merchant,” said Kiras.

“Though I have to ask…” said Nalas as she stepped in front of Kiras and stopped his progress. “What is your plan at the moment? I know you said you were going to go back to work helping Jarlas, but what else is there?”

“I honestly do not know… I haven’t really given much thought to it. Jarlas might retire soon and I think I am experienced enough to take over for the old man.” said Kiras.

Nalas bursted out laughing. “As if you can step into those shoes! Managing an entire pharmacy and supplying medicine in correct quantities and dosages for an entire village?” asked Nalas.

“Hey someone has got to do it…” said Kiras.

“Well… I have a proposition for you then!” said Nalas as she leaned in. “Let me help with the medicine side of things when you take over!”

Kiras was stunned. “You want to help out at the shop?”

“Yea why not! I can help with managing the medical aspects and you can handle everything else!” said Nalas. “We can be a pretty good team you and I, just like when we went animal spotting in the woods as kids!”

“What about those villages you help out?” asked Kiras.

“I can make some time to go help them whenever the shop isn’t busy!” said Nalas. “After all, I am the only one in the village who knows anything about medicine, feel like I am obliged to assist!”

Kiras rubbed his temple. “I appreciate the offer but I can’t ask you to do th-”

“Well you don’t need to! I am all willing to help you out and get a normal life and job!” exclaimed Nalas.

Kiras smiled. She also hasn’t changed on this front. “Fine. I accept your offer.” he said.

Nalas clapped her hands together! “Splendid! I can help as soon as possible! Just make sure the shop doesn’t get burned down before I start!”

Kiras laughed. “I’d say that to Jarlas before anyone else.”

“Well, now that we have your career set out, what other goals do you have for returning to civilian life?” asked Nalas.

“I would be lying if I said I had a plan besides that…” said Kiras. “Probably just try to live as quiet a life as possible.”

“Take it one step at a time I presume?” asked Nalas.

“Something like that, just let things come my way. If I can enjoy a peaceful life after everything, I would feel pretty lucky.” said Kiras. He walked past Nalas. “Maybe even… no, that’s not something important right now.”

“What isn't?” asked Nalas.

“Don’t worry about it!” said Kiras as he continued to walk.

“Come on! Don’t leave me hanging!” shouted Nalas as she ran after Kiras.

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The booze caused Mirak’s vision to be hazy. How long has he been drinking for? Shit, what time was it? He rubbed his eyes, and his vision did not get any clearer. He sat, dazed in his chair as the party began winding down. Where was Kiras? Mirak didn’t throw this party just to have the guest of honor stand up and leave for the evening before anyone else, and sober too! Mirak looked around and saw some drunk Crimlarians walking home. Damn, cleaning up this mess is going to be a problem hungover. The lights were getting to him too, the lights hung up for the party were starting to strain his eyes, the blue and red flashing lights were throwing him off, the light of the celestial bodies made turning away harder, the-

Wait, blue and red flashing lights?

“Fuck me…” said Mirak, as he suddenly realized what that meant. Enforcers had shown up. He struggled to stand up as the enforcer craft pulled into the square right in front of the party. All small talk and noises ended, and those leaving the party started trying to walk faster.

The enforcers got out of their car, armed and armored. Their rifles slung over their backs. Mirak stumbled over to meet them, and even in his drunken state realized that they were not looking happy. “What can I do for you, esteemed officers?” asked Mirak, trying his hardest not to slur his speech.

“We are looking for Mayor Nuravar, do you know where he is?” asked one of the enforcers.

“Sorry lads, the good mayor had a bit too much to drink and has taken to bed for the night, not a chance you can wake him up. So, I’m ya next best bet!” replied Mirak.

The enforcers looked at each other, very quickly noting that Mirak was very intoxicated. They held up a paper for Mirak to read. “We have a warrant for the arrest of one of your villagers in the murder of Quros Vitunda.”

“Ole Vitunda…” said Mirak, as he grabbed the paper and pretended to read. “There is some schmuck in this village, who helped possibly blow up ole money bags?” asked Mirak.

“This is a waste of time, he’s drunk off his ass.” said one of the enforcers, beckoning two other enforcers to follow him towards a house. The two unslung their guns and proceeded to the house.

“I can still understand you…” snided Mirak. He kept reading the document, or at least trying to read it. He saw the name of the Crimlarian in question. That name stood out to him in the haze of his mind. Why did it? The name was pressing into his skull, like it was screaming to tell Mirak something. What was it? What was it? Then, it hit him. In his drunken stupor, he realized why this name stood out. His eyes widened as the haze began to slowly lifted, and his heart began to pound.

He looked over to the squad of enforcers approaching the house, back at the name, and then looked at the head enforcer. “Officer, I think there is a mistake, this person doesn’t live in this village, this address is wrong…”

“What are you talking about?” asked the enforcer.

“I have lived in this village for twenty years. I do not know a single person with this name that lives here, your boys have the wrong address!” said Mirak, panic in his voice.

“The intel was provided by an extremely reliable source, maybe when you sober up I can have you read the warrant again you drunk.” said the enforcer, brushing off Mirak.

“No… no you gotta stop this, ask anyone here and they’ll tell you the same thing.” said Mirak. He noticed the officer was ignoring him. “Fucking pigs.” he whispered as he began walking fast to the enforcers about to breach the house. “Hey!! You are making a mistake!!!” Mirak began screaming as he hobbled faster and faster, his mind begging his legs to keep pace in his haze.

“Fucking drunk!” said one of the enforcers.

“You have the wrong gu-” the butt of the rifle slamming against the back of his head jostled his brain, as he fell face first into the snow. The last thing he remembered before blacking out was the sound of a boot kicking in a door.

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“-and as he was saying this, he flailed his arms too much, lost his balance, and ended up falling into the latrine pit!” laughed Kiras. Nalas joined him in laughter. “I tell you no one laughed out loud out of fear of punishment but we all were cracking up inside.” Kiras sighed after finishing laughing. “Moments like that kept us going in these battles sometimes.”

“Reminds me of the time when I went-” Nalas was abruptly cut off by the sound of gunfire ringing out over the forest. Some winged creatures took off in a panic. “Hey what was that-” she stopped when she noticed Kiras in a defensive stance. “Hey what’s going on, you alright?” she asked.

“That was a gunshot…” said Kiras, as he looked around. “Came from the East… due 500 yards based on the sound… shit that’s from the village!” he said, as he began running.

“Kiras where are you going?!” shouted Nalas as she chased after him.

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“Hey… Mirak…”

The voice echoed softly in Mirak’s head as he began to regain his vision. His head felt like it got flattened by a hovercraft’s propulsion system, was this from an early hangover or from the smack he got to the back of the head. Either way it hurt like a mother-fucker.

“Dammit Mirak, wake up!” the voice got louder. Who was that? They sounded familiar. Mirak’s vision finally began to adjust, and he looked up to see the face of Kiras looking over him. He was sitting on the ground next to a wall.

“Look who finally decided to return.” said Mirak as he rubbed his head. “Picked a really great time to rejoin the party.”

“Mirak what the hell happened here?” asked Kiras.

Mirak looked around to see the house the enforcers were breaching. Lights were flashing off the walls of the houses as yellow tape marked off the doors off the front of the area.

“Those bastards didn’t…” began Mirak in horror.

“The enforcers said that they were responding to a tip they got about some assassination in the city. They busted in, there was an incident, and they opened fire.” said Kiras.

It was then that Mirak saw the body bag out in front of the house. “No…” he said. “No no no no no!!” he slammed his fist against the wall.

“Mirak calm down!” said Kiras. “You don’t want to get in any more shit than you already have.”

“Calm down? They just shot a fucking innocent person and you want me to calm dow-” as Mirak tried to stand up, he felt the metal on his hand. He looked over to see himself cuffed to a pipe next to him. “You gotta be shitting me…” he said.

“I also was told that you drunkenly got in their way and that they had to restrain you,” said Kiras.

“Because the person they just murdered was not the person they were looking for!” said Mirak. “I tried to tell them that they got the wrong person, the address was wrong, and that their information was messed up, and the pigs did it anyway!”

“Seems like they would agree based on what I heard them clattering on about. Heleionite tongue was something that I had to learn to speak in the army and it sounds like you were right to stop them.” said Kiras.

“Of course I was right!” shouted Mirak. “They did it anyway and they won’t admit they were wrong to us!”

“Mirak I am trying to keep you from getting sent to prison, your shouting isn’t helping at all!” said Kiras.

Mirak laughed. “You know something Kiras, a lot has changed since you left us. But the one thing that hasn’t and the one thing that you will never be able to escape from is the fact that the Heleionites are still your damn bosses, whether you are a soldier or a damn citizen.”

Kiras looked back at the crime scene. Just then, Nalas ran back over to them. “I got ointment and bandages here, this should help stem the swelling.”

“I was wondering when you would show up.” grunted Mirak and Nalas applied the ointment to the injury on his head. “Decide to drag Kiras out on some nostalgic frolic in the woods while the rest of us had to deal with th- OW FUCK” Mirak shouted as Nalas pressed hard on the wound.

“I would appreciate you holding still as I help you, or would you rather have a bulge on your nice head for a week?” said Nalas.

“Sorry… sorry… its just been a long night…” said Mirak, as Nalas wrapped Mirak’s head with a bandage.

“Well, that’s why we are here to help you out…” replied Nalas.

Just then, an enforcer walked over to where the three friends were sitting. He looked at Mirak with a glare, before procuring a key and unshackling him from the pipe. He then looked at Kiras. “I leave him in your custody, Captain…”

“Thank you officer.” said Kiras. The enforcer walked away.

“Wait you have pull with those assholes?” asked Mirak.

“The recent batch of enforcers that the Empire has deployed here aren’t all Heleionites you know…” said Kiras. “Some of them used to be auxiliary soldiers, and being a former auxiliary captain gets you perks with them.”

“Tyrants of a different skin…” said Mirak.

Nalas and Kiras looked at each other. They both hoisted Mirak up on his feet. “Come on, let’s get you home.” said Kiras. The blue and red flashes bounced off them as they walked into the night.

 

[HistoryDude]

This is why trusting mercenaries is a bad idea. It's good for the Crimlarians, though.

 

[Von Acturus]

Kiras seems to be fated by destiny to come to blows with his former masters. The question is, will he decide to before any more of his friends gets arrested/beaten/executed?

 

[El Pip]

I doubt the Governor would ever find out about such a low level action, but if he did then I can see him putting his head in his hands about. Brutality is rarely a good option, but stupid arrogant brutality always ends badly for the occupier. If he has such little control over his troops that even that basic order isn't being followed then he may as well leave now as things can only end one way.

 

[stnylan]

It strikes me that Kiras is in a very awkward situation. Very awkward.

 

[Nax24]

Book I, Chapter VI: Been Around Long Enough

Governor Tervas paced anxiously in the hologram room. He knew what this meeting was going to be about, and who was going to attend. He put his thoughts together, repeated his lines, and went through his answers to every single question he could possibly conceive. Yet stress gripped him. He knew that this meeting could be a huge boon or a crippling setback to his efforts on Inque. He had spent the months following the assassination of Quros Vitunda doing everything to try and stem the tide of rebellion on his planet, while juggling the politics of a weakened Empire that seems to only push for the worse policies. He continued to pace, and pace.

Just then, an indicator on the hologram beeped. It was time. Tervas sighed, and pressed a button on the interface. A face appeared on the hologram. “Governor, are you ready?” asked the stern voice.

“Yes, I am ready.” Tervas replied. The face nodded before fading. Eventually the hologram changed, and Tervas fell on one knee as a regal face emerged on the hologram. “Your Majesty…” said Tervas as he bowed his head.

“General Tervas, or should I say Governor Tervas. You seem well today.” said the voice. Tervas had met the Emperor of the Heleionite Empire multiple times in the past. In many ways the Emperor was Emperor because of Tervas’s efforts combating pretenders. Yet, Tervas was caught off guard when an Imperial messenger stated that the Emperor wished to speak to Tervas directly one day. Tervas had no true idea as to why the Emperor wished to speak with him, but he assumed it wasn’t for praise or a promotion.

“Yes, as well as I can be Your Majesty.” replied Tervas.

The Emperor looked at his subject. “I will get straight to the point, Optor,” he began with a stern voice, “The reports coming from Inque and the other colonies of my Empire have been… disturbing… to say the least. Insubordination, disregard for our laws and practices, disregard for our traditions, lack of appreciation for being citizens of this Free Empire, under my protection, rebellious actions.” the Emperor continued as Tervas bowed in silence.

“Your Majesty, I have been trying to handle the situation with care and tenacity.” said Tervas.

“Yet they seem to be failing!” said the Emperor loudly. “The reports from Inque show that despite your actions, despite your policy changes which go against your Imperial mandate in many instances, the Crimlarian traitors grow exponentially with each passing day!”

“Your Majesty, this is due-”

“I don’t want your excuses, Optor!” boomed the Emperor into the room. “The approach of diplomacy you have so decided to undertake with these traitors and rebels is clearly not working. Only by might and power will the people of Inque understand their place in this Empire, and learn to praise it.”

“Your Majesty with all due respect, the situation is on a knife’s edge as is. If we tackle this with force, they will surely rise up!” said Tervas.

“Then you must respond with the full might of the Empire at your back!” said the Emperor. “If those who are ungrateful for the freedoms my will brings to their back-water planets wish to rebel, then they will be beaten back into gratefulness! Am I clear?”

Tervas bowed his head again. “Yes, Your Majesty…” he said solemnly.

“Good, see it done then.” said the Emperor, and then the hologram stopped.

Tervas stood up, wiped the sweat off his brow, walked over to his desk, and poured himself a glass of water before slurping it down. He stood for a second, contemplating the meeting, before shouting in a rage and chucking the glass against the wall, watching it shatter into a thousand pieces. “Damn it all!” he shouted. The Empire was collapsing and their only solution to slow it was policies that would speed it up! A violent response to the Inque would mean civil war.

If this was the stance of the Emperor, the Empire’s hold on Inque was doomed…

------------------------------------------------------

“Order, order!” shouted the President of the Assembly over the crowd of jeers and cheers. “Assemblyman Jakof, please continue.”

“Thank you, Mr. President,” the Assemblyman replied. He continued his speech. “We are on the verge of making a deal with the Empire for greater freedom and autonomy. Governor Tervas and our delegations have made great in-roads into guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of the Crimlarian people.”

The room burst out into jeers and cheers once more, with cries of “Tervas is lying!” mixing with “We are doomed to war otherwise!” The President of the Assembly banged his gavel again.

Jako continued, “It has been a long and hard process, one that has taken many years to finalize. I assure you that the Empire is listening to us. We cannot jeopardize these negotiations, else the hammer of oppression will fall on us once again!” The jeers and cheers sprang up a third time, as the President banged his gavel. “We must trust the Empire-”

“Why should we trust them?” rang a voice out from the Assembly. Jako turned to see who had interrupted him, as a Crimlarian squeezed his way through the crowd of politicians.

“Assemblyman Hopoi… you grace us with your voice, a rarity given how much we have heard of your doings in the backrooms.” replied Jako.

Liron moved forward into the center of the meeting hall, where he could be better seen and heard. “You speak of trusting the Empire, but I must ask why we should.” Liron began.

“Not trusting them would lead to the negotiations being derailed, it would lead to oppression once again.” replied Jako.

“Is oppression not what we have been dealing with for centuries?” asked Liron.

“Well… yes… but we have the potential to change that!” said Jako.

“And if the Empire breaks their word? It seems that we are expected to be the ones to act in good faith for this deal to work, but the Empire doesn’t seem to have such guarantees.” said Liron. “What if they decide one day in the future to toss out their deal and lead us back to oppression?”

“Well if you understand the situation in the Empire, they don’t have a desire to anger us.” said Jako.

“What if the Empire solves their situation and obtains that desire?” asked Liron.

“I… I…” stuttered Jako.

“Are the agreements of this deal binding? Are there any consequences for the Empire if they break it? Do we have guarantees that this deal will never be broken besides their word? Do we have anything that prevents the Empire from tossing the deal out at its most convenient?” asked Liron. “I ask these questions because it is clear that the burden of expectations has been put on us. The Empire is weak now, yes, but if they regain their strength they will throw it out the first chance they get without consequence. I doubt they would also allow for consequences to exist if they broke it too.”

“What is the meaning of this deep dive of the deal?” asked Jako.

“The meaning is that your proposed deal for greater rights has put the burden of good behavior and good faith only on us, and the Empire can easily toss it out whenever it feels fit. I do not believe the Empire acts in good faith when dealing with their subjects that aren’t Heleionites. I only believe we are allowed to have this deal in the first place because the Empire is too weak to act otherwise!” said Liron to jeers and cheers. The President banged his gavel again.

“As such, this deal is flawed and doomed to fail the moment the Empire feels strong enough to toss it out. The only way to ensure total freedom of our species for all time is by unilateral separation from the Empire and the creation of our own sovereign state!” shouted Liron. The room erupted into applause and shouts of anger as even the President’s gavel was failing to silence the room. Liron simply looked around, and retook his seat in the chamber. He had said his piece, now he had to wait for the words to set themselves in.

------------------------------------------------------​

“Self-righteous fellows, I tell you.” said Liron as he gulped down another drink. “Any agreement we make with the Empire will only be temporary! Do they not realize that they hold all the cards when it comes to diplomacy?”

Selvatas poured Liron another drink. Must have been a rough day in the chamber. “What was the agenda today, oh great orator of the Inque?” she said snidely.

“Same thing as it has been for months if not years, negotiate or fight,” said Liron. “There are still too many people who think we can negotiate with those brutes.”

“Don’t they talk about anything other than that?” asked Selvatas.

Liron took another swig. “Not really. We aren’t a government yet, we are just concerned citizens if you want to be generous, trying to get a better deal than the one we have now. Only problem is that it makes this all sound like a market where we haggle over prices.”

“How is that a problem?” asked Selvatas, taking a swig of her own.

“Because if it's a market, then the seller has all the money and the goods while the buyer has none!” said Liron, slamming his fist down on the table. “We have no power here! The only way we get out of this mess is to permanently detach ourselves from it!”

“Yes yes, the same things you have been saying for years now…” said Selvatas. “You’d think such a notion would be popular, but it seems that it takes a lot to convince people that they are better off not with a boot on their neck.”

“Little by little…” said Liron, “Little by little we are convincing them, but people are scared to fight, scared to wage war against the Empire, scared of what to do if we win. A thousand years of oppression might be oppression but at least its consistent and not likely to get you murdered.”

“But evidence to the contrary exists that they could get murdered anyway. Remember that one poor bastard who got his house raided due to bad information?” asked Selvatas.

“How could I not? Just another example.” said Liron, gulping down another drink.

Selvatas stewed a bit as Liron drank. As long as she knew him, Liron was always fighting for freedom. It did not surprise her that he would be so frustrated with how long it was taking given the situation of both Inque and the Empire as a whole. “I have one question though,” began Selvatas, “what happens if we win?”

Liron looked confused, “What do you mean?”

“I’m asking what if we win. Obviously if we lose we probably all get the wall, but if we win, what happens?” asked Selvatas.

“There are at least five steps you are missing before we even get to that point so I am not sure why thinking about it now is important?” asked Liron.

“Well, it's important to have a plan in case things go wrong, but it's as important to have a plan when things go right.” said Selvatas.

“No shit lady, you think I don’t know that?” Liron said annoyed.

“I think you are too focused on getting the war started that you haven’t thought about what to do if we win, cause if handled incorrectly we might have a bigger problem on our hands than just fighting the Empire…” said Selvatas, taking another drink.

“Maybe…” said Liron after stewing for a bit. “But let’s make sure we are at least winning first before we plan a victory march.”

The two continued to drink and talk the night away.

------------------------------------------------------

Getting open doors while carrying a lot of boxes can be a bit of a hassle. At least, that’s what dawned on Kiras as he was trying to open the main door to the shop. A shipment of herbs and medical remedies had just arrived to restock the store, and Kiras decided it would be smart to try and get as many of them in one trip as possible. Sadly, he was realizing real fast that this was a bad idea. “Dammit… just got to…” muttered Kiras as he tried to get a hand on the door while holding three boxes of goods. So much for looking cool carrying all this.

Just then the door opened and Kiras stumbled forward suddenly. He tried to balance the boxes as he lurched forward, afraid that they would all come crashing down. Then, another hand grabbed the boxes, and stabilized them for Kiras. Kiras leaned his head around the boxes and was face to face (literally) with Nalas. “Good morning partner!” she beamed. “Looks like you need my help!” She then proceeded to take a box off the top of the stack.

It has been a few months since Nalas took control of the pharmacy in town from Jarlas and “hired” Kiras to help her run the place. Like they discussed, the plan was for her to be the medicine woman, and he would help with the administrative and shop upkeep. So far it’s worked out pretty well, and Jarlas was more than happy to sell the place off and enjoy a bit of a retirement. “I had it under control…” Kiras grunted.

“Yeah well your definition of control was spilling all my good medicine on the floor and probably breaking a lot of glass, but to each their own.” Nalas said with a smirk.

Kiras sighed, and set the remaining boxes on the counter. “So you need the receipt for stock purposes or am I good?” asked Kiras.

“As long as it has julik plants in it, that is the big thing I need for today!” said Nalas.

“Yea you got about two pounds of the stuff?” said Kiras, reading over the receipt. “Remind me again what julik is used for?”

“Sore muscles.” she said, reaching into the box and procuring a handful of the herb. She then moved over to a back counter where a mortar and pestle lied, put the herb with some other liquids in the container, and began grinding it all together. “You make a paste out of it and rub it on sore spots on the body. It eases the pain.”

“They used to just stick needles in our body when our legs got sore from combat in the army.” said Kiras.

“Well that was probably a numbing agent, not necessarily a healing remedy. But then again they probably just got the cheapest option. This is the real stuff!” she said, as she put the paste into a container. “Anyway, I got a patient this morning who pulled his back lifting something heavy who requested this stuff.”

“Busy day?” said Kiras.

Nalas put the vials and additional medicine in a pouch. “Well besides that I have a patient with fever, a patient with migraines, and a kid who rolled his ankle pretty badly on an icy slope…” she said. She grabbed her cloak from the hanger and threw it on. “So yea, it should be a busy day!”

“Think you will be back in time for dinner? I think I figured out how to grill foryack in the way you like it!” said Kiras.

“Don’t hold me to it, but I would love to try it! Just keep the shop running smoothly! I got a patient coming in today to pick up their prescription, it’s on the second shelf to the right! Have fun!” Nalas said as she scurried out the door.

Kiras sighed, and continued unpacking the boxes. As he unpacked, a laugh was heard from the side. He turned to see Jarlas standing in a doorway. “Oh to be young again…” he said, as he walked slowly over to a chair. “I wish I could have foryack grilled for me.”

“Hey I can cook other things too, and Nalas can make anything way better than I can if she wants to.” said Kiras.

Jarlas chuckled, “You know, watching you two run around is like watching a married couple interact.”

Kiras, hearing this, turned red and snapped up to Jarlas. “We are not married!” he said.

“Bit jumpy I see, and red cheeks really don’t do you any favors now,” Jarlas said, “You practically are a couple in a lot of ways!”

Kiras sighed and turned back to his work, “We aren’t a couple old man, we are just old friends and business partners, nothing else too it. You don’t seem to know much about this anyway.”

“I know that you want to be a couple though…” said Jarlas.

Kiras stood up and turned to Jarlas, “Excuse me?”

“Oh my boy, don’t play dumb with me! You are the easiest person to read in regards to your emotions! Everytime that woman appears you get all happy and giddy in your looks!” said Jarlas, “You cook her food without her asking, you help her with running the place, and I feel like she was the one you wanted to see the most after coming back to us! I may be old, but I have been around long enough to know what being in love looks like.”

Kiras sighed, “Even if that was the case she probably views me as a friend and business partner anyway. I was gone for ten years, why would she love someone who was gone for that period of time?”

“Why would a traveling doctor decide to settle down and run a shop the moment you arrived back in town?” asked Jarlas.

“I don’t understand the question.” replied Kiras.

“Once you do, I think you will understand why I find this so funny!” said Jarlas, as he walked over and patted Kiras on the shoulder. “Now if you excuse me, I’m meeting some old friends for a game of hyupt in the tavern, you two enjoy the evening together!”

“Hey hold on a sec- '' the door slammed in Kiras’s face as he sighed and continued back with his work.

 

[HistoryDude]

Peace appears to be doomed.

Kiras and Nalas are in love... yeah, of course they are. They're living together, aren't they?

 

[Nax24]

Peace appears to be doomed.

Kiras and Nalas are in love... yeah, of course they are. They're living together, aren't they?

Working together. I said nothing about them living together.

 

[stnylan]

It sounds as if everything is about to go to hell.

One cannot save an Empire from the Emperor (or Empress) without taking certain very direct steps, which I do not imagine are open to Tervas here.

 

[El Pip]

You cannot fault the Emperor for ambition, it is not enough to have power and control they also want their subjects to be grateful about the situation. You can and should fault them for being an idiot.

It is possible this ends up being a self fufilling prophecy, General Tervas is so convinced a Civil War will result that he starts one himself. And who could blame him?

 

[Nax24]

Apologies for the delay, August has been a hectic month so far for me! Hopefully next chapter is out tomorrow or some time this weekend!

 

[stnylan]

Apologies for the delay, August has been a hectic month so far for me! Hopefully next chapter is out tomorrow or some time this weekend!

No worries. We all understand real life

 

[Nax24]

Book I, Chapter VII: My Feelings​

Nalas put her hand on the forehead of the sleeping child. His fever has gone down but his head was still warm. She placed a new cold wet towel on his head. Just then, the mother walked in the room. “How’s he doing Nalas?” she asked.

Nalas stood up. “The medicine seems to be working, his fever has gone down. I recommend another dose in about four hours, and if that doesn’t break the fever, let me know and I can get you more.” she said. She reached over to her bag and handed another vial to the mother. “Another dose though should be all you need based on how things are now.” she said.

“Thank you doctor, you are a lifesaver!” said the mother, with a sigh of relief. Nalas smiled back and nodded before taking her bags and moving downstairs where the rest of her equipment was located. “Can I convince you to at least stay for a hot drink?” asked the mother. “It’s been so long since we have had a chance to talk and I wish it was under different circumstances.”

Nalas looked at her bag. She didn’t have anything pressing after this appointment, so might as well do some catch up. “Why not Haplit.” she said, setting her bag down off the table.

------------------------------------------------------------

“So you just decided to throw the idea out and now it’s your job?” asked Haplit, rather stunned.

“I figured it was a good business opportunity. Jarlas struggles to walk, and I have seen him physically struggle running that shop by himself. If you think that I was going to just let Kiras flounder about with the only medical place in a fifty mile radius, you are poorly mistakenned!” said Nalas.

“Very noble, letting the old man enjoy retirement now that the prodigal son has found his way home,” said Haplit. “Still, that man has been gone for ten years, I can’t imagine how the war affected him. Last I recall he was just a sunny boy but now… I shiver at the thought of what the war did for him!”

Nalas sighed as she put down her cup. “You’d be surprised. He hasn’t really changed, yet he has changed a lot. He’s still the same old kind kid I remember, always willing to help out and always ready to do the right thing. Yet, in many ways he’s different. He’s quieter, he’s more shut up about his feelings, and small things make him jump.”

“Sounds like the war affected him and he’s trying hard not to show it.” said Haplit.

“I have taken care of many veterans, Kiras exhibit the same personality changes they underwent,” said Nalas, “but I know that while he is happy the war has impacted him. I just think he wants to just live a calm life now, away from all that mess, where he is not a Captain but just a regular person.” replied Nalas.

“How does that make you feel?” asked Haplit.

Nalas stood up and walked over to the window, looking out as a group of kids ran past throwing snowballs. “It makes me happy that he is home, an old friend coming home is always a good thing, especially one that went through nightmares untold. Yet, I want to let him know he can be vulnerable around me. I know he is hurting, I just want him to know we can help him through it. He doesn’t have to handle it all by himself.”

Haplit smiled, “You really do care about him do you?”

Nalas chuckled, “I am a doctor, and he is an old friend, it’s only natural this is how I came to feel.”

“But there is more to it than just caring isn’t it?” asked Haplit, “Do you-”

“Yes, I do love him” said Nalas.

Haplit was taken aback. “I… I didn’t expect you to say that so openly and bluntly? You just said though he was your friend.”

Nalas sighed and clenched her chest. “I always figured that I loved him, probably back when we were kids, but I didn’t realize it. When he got conscripted I grappled with those feelings and realized that I did. I thought it would never be returned, but now he’s back, and I couldn’t be happier. Yet-” Nalas stopped for a second. “-yet I do not think he feels the same way. His desire to return to normalcy wouldn’t let him change something like this. So I am resigned to just being his friend and co-worker. It’s the least I can do.”

“You can’t be serious!” shouted Haplit, “You just bled your heart all over my floor and then just say you are fine with the way things are?”

“Is this the part where you bring up some romance book and how I should confess my feelings for him, where even if he rejects me I can at least get it off my chest?” asked Nalas.

“Yes!” said Haplit, “As a doctor you should know stressing out over this is not good for your health!”

Nalas chuckled, “Well, I appreciate the concern, but as my patient you shouldn’t be addressing my health concerns.”

Haplit stared at Nalas, “Well, you should consider it. You are willing to work with the damn man, and own a damn shop with him!”

Nalas set the hot drink down, “For now though, could I have another glass?”

------------------------------------------------------------​

Nalas walked through the town with her medic bag in her hand. How could she just confess to Kiras? Would he even like her back? Could a rejection ruin their friendship? Her head began to spin. She looked around and saw Crimlarians shopping and talking in the various shops in town, including all the couples.

Dammit! She had to deal with these feelings for years, why the hell are they bothering her now more than ever? It was Haplit’s fault obviously, how could she have figured it out! Dammit, dammit dammit! Nalas’s face felt red to her. She grabbed the edge of her hood to cover her face so that no one could see her in this embarrassing state. “Great… the only thing that could make this worse is if-”

“Nalas?” said a familiar voice. She snapped around to see Kiras standing behind her. “Thought that was you!” he said.

“Oh hi Kiras! Fancy seeing you here! Wait, how’s the shop? You aren’t slacking are you!?” scolded Nalas.

“Shop’s fine, a very light day today and we are still good on inventory, so I figured I’d find you and see if you needed any help” he said.

“I just finished up the last task for the day so I have been just meandering about, hehe” she chuckled. What the actual fuck was she doing? She’s freaking out around a guy she’s seen a hundred thousand times a day now at this point!

“Alright, mind if I walk with you?” asked Kiras.

Nalas’s face turned a bit redder. “Uh… yea… sure…” she said. “I wasn’t really going anywhere in particular so why not?”

“Hey you alright? You look kind of red?” asked Kiras.

“Never been better!” shouted Nalas. What the fuck was actually happening?

------------------------------------------------------------

​

General Majan looked over the wreckage of the scene. Emperor save them, this was a complete disaster…

The ships were badly damaged as they came in, they unloaded scores of wounded and dead Heleionite soldiers and Imperial auxiliary units. How could this have happened? They were damn slaves! No slave would have the means to fight off an entire Imperial army! No slave would have the ability to commandeer land-to-space guns to fire on Imperial ships! How in the fuck did those reptillian slaves do this?

Majan looked down as the medics were treating soldiers with laser shots, missing limbs, and rags around their eyes. The ships had large holes in them exposing areas of the ship to the void of space. Hangers had fighter-ship wrecks all over them. This army was completely mauled to bits. Now all Majan needed to do was fully assess how screwed the Empire was in the face of this slave revolt.

------------------------------------------------------------​

“At 14:00 local time, the Twelfth Legion landed on Amhleshi at sector 2…” said another General to a room full of other military officers and state leaders, including the Minister of War himself. “They met little resistance when they landed, but as they marched out to fight a reported army in sector 56, a large gang of Shobdamese slaves burst out of the sand with weapons and tools that were acquired from their revolt.” The general then played a body cam of a swarm of lizards popping out of the sand and blasting soldiers who were stuck out in the open. “When air support was called in, we learned that the Shobdamese had acquired anti-air weapons and began opening fire.” Another clip of a space-craft flying to the battle and then seeing the other craft in its squadron get blown out of the sky on approach.

It was clear that the Imperial Army was completely caught by surprise in territory they had no experience in, and got decimated by an enemy who knew every dune like the back of their hand. “Similar reports indicate that Divisions 54 and 98 suffered similar fates at their landing zones in Sectors 32 and 65,” continued the General.

“What about the land-to-orbit weapons? How did they acquire those?” asked a statesman.

“According to a technical report, those batteries were breached by rebels who utilized mechanics that repaired those guns to take them over and fire on our fleet,” said the General.

The Minister of War looked at the maps and combat pictures. “What are the casualty reports?” he asked.

The General cleared his throat and stuttered for a second. “Casualty rates indicate that 65% of the Twelfth Legion were killed in action, and another 20% suffering wounds. 5% were captured.” At these stats, the entire room gasped and whispered. “Divisions 54 and 98 suffered half losses, many of whom were executed after being disarmed.”

“Barbarians!” shouted one of the generals. “Have these savages no regard for the rules of war!?!?”

“They were slaves General, they don’t even know what those rules are!” replied another.

“What the hell do we do?”

“We need to put a bounty on that leader we keep hearing reports about!”

“We don’t even know if he exists!”

The Minister of War stood up, “Enough!” he screamed. “Are we just going to balk in the face of such defeat or are we going to find a way to strike back? What’s the status of the other Legions and can we relocate them to the fight?”

General Majan stepped forward, “Sir, the other Legions are busy with border conflicts with the neighbors. They report multiple skirmishes with the Sovereign Suns and other nations on the border. Our neighbors seem to be ready to pick our Empire apart, and reports of an entire Legion being decimated will cause them to take more aggressive action.”

“What about an orbital bombardment? Can’t we just shell the damn things from orbit?” asked another General.

“We could, but now that they have access to heavy land-to-orbit weapons, we could risk naval casualties, not to mention that all scouting operations of the planet have not properly located any of the hiding places of the rebels,” replied Majan.

“Those scouts are useless!” shouted a general.

The Minister of War looked at his staff, “We cannot abandon the planet. If one planet breaks away from the Empire it will inspire rebels on other planets to strike out! Reports indicate they are on the verge of open conflict. If our Empire is hit with that many rebellions it will not survive!”

“We must act fast and squash this slave revolt with overwhelming force!”

“With what force though, General?”

“We need to get more men together, ramp up recruitment efforts!”

“That may not be enough!”

On and on the Generals bickered. The Empire had just been dealt a major blow, and it seemed no one had any idea. Majan had one thought. It was a desperate thought, but it was their only option potentially. He had to take it up with the Minister after the meeting…

 

[stnylan]

Desperate times and desperate folk can make for unhappy desperate measures

 

[HistoryDude]

Kiras and Nalas have such romantic tension...

The war begins on a dramatic note. This is why you need to tell your subjects the rules of war. The Heleonites deserved this.

 

[Macavity116]

“You can’t be serious!” shouted Haplit, “You just bled your heart all over my floor and then just say you are fine with the way things are?”

I'm with Haplit on this one. Nalas is just making this hard on herself.


Historically, slave revolts are pretty brutal affairs. Not really surprised to see the rebels employing mass executions from the outset, nor military leaders reaching for options like orbital bombardment so quickly. This can only be a harbinger of what's to come.