Space Brigade

Dense asphyxiating plumes of dark grey smoke filtered through the ventilators filling the corridors. Long orange tongues of flame danced up the charred walls and lashed out violently across the high ceiling.

The smouldering cadavers of the Imperial guard were strewn across the blackened floors, their crimson and emerald green tunics now in tatters, and covered with congealed blood.

Fort Ullann had been demolished, its inner walls crumbling and ablaze. The surrounding yellow ocean was bubbling with intense heat. General Axxa’ decapitated corpse lay at the entrance to the Imperial staterooms. Inside the Emperor and Empress awaited their fate.

The staterooms vast coral door exploded into fine needle like shards. Emperor Zix threw himself across Empress Clin to protect her from the avalanche of tiny coral arrows, several embedding into his back and around the couch, none hitting his precious spouse.

After checking she was not hurt, he turned and came face to face with a Quat-tar warrior. His huge towering bulk hung over them, pieces of torn flesh dangled from his blood-drenched claw. Tanteee blood dripped onto the once white plush carpet.

With one fast hard swipe, the Quat-tar knocked Zix aside and grabbed Clin by her throat. He raised her three feet off the couch, and then threw her back down. Zix heard the squelch as the warrior plunged his claw deep into Clin’ stomach. She gurgled; blood spat from her lips and trickled down her chin.

“NO!” Zix screamed as all turned to darkness.

From the darkness a quiet voice called.

“ What is it my love?”

Zix felt Clin’ arm surround his shoulder. He was trembling and awash with sweat. He now realized everything he had seen had only been a nightmare. The harrowing, half conscious scenes of Clin’ death had vanished with his sudden arousal. His fast beating heart slowly returned to a more normal pace.

“A dream, only a dream.” Zix answered; his words a little shaky.

“Dreams do not make you tremble and perspire so!” Clin replied her voice was comforting to him.

He nodded and answered.

“We had been vanquished. Fort Ullann had been crushed. I saw!”

He stopped recounting his dream, and rubbed his aching eyes, seeing again as if through a misty vale, the horrific moment of Clin’ death. He shook his head, and continued.

“A Quat-tar demon had grabbed you. He, he!”

Unable to continue, he held his hands to his face. Clin hugged him tightly, reassuringly, and said.

“It was only a nightmare. You are overwrought; Goor and Axxa will not fail us. The Quat-tar will not be victorious.”

Her voice was calm, soothing and confident. Zix knew she was right, he should have more faith in Grand Martial Goor’ ability to protect Tanteee. If he did not have faith, then it would show and the military commanders would no longer revere him.

Rising from the bed he donned his robe, moved to the small table opposite and poured a drink. Without turning, he downed it in one, and said.

“I want you to go to Theeka. You will be safe there. I will not endanger you and the Imperial line by having you stay here.”

Clin sat upright and replied.

“I will not go, my place is by your side, even in danger. Please do not command me!”

Still not turning to face her, Zix responded calmly.

“This is not up for discussion Clin, I have made up my mind. You will leave for Theeka as soon as Goor can arrange it. I cannot concentrate on the forthcoming confrontation while fearing for your safety. You must go.”

His words were not harsh, but held a definite command. Clin realized any further argument would be futile. She joined him at the table, slipped her arms round his waist from behind.

“As you wish my love.” She whispered.

He turned to face her and held her gently, then kissed her firmly and passionately on the lips.

The following morning Grand Martial Goor reported to the Imperial staterooms as ordered. He bowed low on arrival.

“Good morning my Lord. I have informed Ullann of your impending visit, and have dispatched the Fourth Imperial Legion to support your personal guard. They will be in place by the time you arrive.”

Zix was sat at his bureau. He had heard Goor’ words but did not acknowledge. After he had finished whatever he had been engrossed in, he turned and replied.

“I shall be going to Ullann alone. The Empress is to visit her father on Theeka.”

“A most wise decision Highness.” Goor interjected.

“Yes, well I require you to make ready your best starship, and a captain who can be trusted implicitly with the safety of the Empress. She will be accompanied by the Lady Shalee.”

Goor held his arms wide as he spoke.

“Highness, we no longer have our best starship. The Firebird left for the Network rendezvous last night!”

Goor thought for a moment while Zix said something he did not hear, then continued.

“The Karna. Yes the Karna, she is fast, well armed, and has one of the best crews in the fleet. Her captain, Captain K’Sheer is a first class commander, I trained him myself, and he can be trusted.”

Zix stood and placed his hand on Goor’ shoulder as they walked towards the door.

“Good. Then make the necessary arrangements my friend. Tell this K’Sheer to make no contact with Theeka. The Empress’ departure must be kept confidential. I do not want to risk the Quat-tar finding out, they may be all ready scanning the system for irregular communiqués.”

“As you command Highness.”

“Do this my friend. See that Clin reaches Theeka safely, and after we have won this unwanted war I will give you the Cootash statue you so admire, as a reward if we survive.”

Goor grinned, for years he had tried to gain possession of the Imperial Cootash bird statue.

“Highness you are too generous.” He said bowing and walking backwards out the door.

When Goor had left, Clin came in from the adjoining room. She was brushing her long flaxen hair. Her silken gown clung to her figure. She had not wanted to come in before, not wanting to intervene.

“You heard?” Zix asked.

“I heard, and I will miss you greatly. How long must I be parted from you?”

Zix stroked her hair.

“I do not know, but this must be done. You must go to Theeka, your life and the life of our unborn child you carry inside you must not be put at risk. I will miss you also, without you the days will be long and arduous.”

He placed his hand on her stomach, feeling the small life of his son and heir. She would soon be near the birthing stage; he did not want the future emperor to be born in the midst of a bloody war.

“I will tell Shalee to pack. It should only take a few hours.”

She clasped his head in her hands and looked deeply into his shining aqua eyes, then kissed him softly on his cheek.

“Shalee, time to pack.“ She called as she moved from his embrace, and towards the anteroom.

On his way to the command centre, Goor rubbed his hands together. He was excited at the thought of finally getting his hands on the Imperial statue. He had a great passion for the arts, only the Emperor had a larger collection.

The six foot, gold and diamond encrusted statue would only enhance Goor’ collection. He had always admired its beauty, ever since the Empress’ father had given it to Zix as a betrothal gift. Now he had the chance to own it, to admire it in his own home, and to cherish it always. All he had to do was to defeat the Quat-tar, and save Tanteee.

Shortly after, Goor sat at his desk in his office at the command centre. His door buzzer sounded, and a voice announced.

“Captain K’Sheer of the Karna.”

Goor activated the door control on his desk, and an athletically built, rather young K’Sheer stepped through.

“Ah, K’Sheer. I have a most important assignment for the Karna!”

The tall starship captain stiffened to attention.

The Phoenix Pride and her escorts, the Clemmence, and Wildstar, dropped from hyperspace some fifteen hundred kilometres out from Torok. A jet black, teardrop shaped craft stood out from Torok’ crisp white backdrop.

“Unidentified craft orbiting Torok!” Lieutenant Commander Norret, Chief Communications officer of the Phoenix stated.

“Raise shields, sound general quarters. Admiral Torre, and Colonel Lal to the bridge.” Captain Mittvn announced calmly.

The Phoenix’ lights flashed on and off rapidly, klaxons sounded throughout the ship, deck crews rushed to their designated stations, readying for battle. Within one minute, all laser cannons and torpedo banks were charged and ready to fire.

Seconds later, Admiral Torre, closely followed by Colonel Lal stepped onto the bridge.

“Status?” Torre inquired as he took his command seat.

“Shields raised, all weapons on-line. Sensors show an alien craft in Torokian orbit.” Mittvn reported sharply.

“Let’s see it. Visual.”

Mittvn tapped his computer station, and the forward screen flickered to life. Torre studied the small craft for a while then asked.

“Is that one of yours Lal?”

Lal stopped tinkering with the red five-pointed star emblem of Tanteee intelligence on his lapel, and replied.

“Yes Admiral, that it the Firebird. I believe her commander is General Xel.”

“Lieutenant Norret, open a channel. Let’s greet our new allies. Then stand down from general quarters.” Torre ordered.

“Channel open sir.” Norret replied quickly as she entered the stand down signal.

“Firebird. This is Admiral Torre of the Network Carrier Phoenix Pride. We welcome you.”

The ship-to-ship speakers remained silent. Torre gave Lal a sideways glance. Lal put on his best authoritative voice, and said.

“Firebird. This is Colonel Lal of Intelsect, acknowledge?”

The speakers again remained silent. Lal shrugged his shoulders in answer to Torre’ unspoken question. Suddenly the speakers crackled into action.

“Network craft. Colonel Lal, Intelsect verify. Transmit your Intelsect recognition now!”

Lal looked at Torre, who gestured for him to use Norret’ station. Lal quickly began entering a sequence of encrypted symbols in no apparent order as far as Norret could follow. Once he had finished, he returned to Torre’ side.

After several inauspicious seconds, the ships speakers came back to life. A strong deep voice announced.

“This is General Xel of the Tanteee High Command. Prepare to receive my shuttle, I am coming over.”

“We look forward to meeting you General. We have much to discuss.” Torre declared.

After there was no response, Torre motioned to Norret to close the hail, and said.

“Put us in orbit Captain.”

As the Phoenix moved closer to Torok, Torre watched the Tanteee craft. Its jet-black hull was apparently void of any obstructions, and appeared to be completely smooth. If it had not been for the shining backdrop of Torok, and the Phoenix’ sensors, the Tanteee craft would of been undetectable by visual means.

As it was, it stood out like a shining ebony gem, suspended on a blanket of snow. Torre was impressed by its slender dynamic design, but wondered if it could perform as well as Lal indicated.

The Phoenix gained orbit, and the Clemmence and Wildstar fell into a Network standard protection orbit, one in front, and the other at the rear. Torre moved to the bridge door with Lal, and commanded.

“Have Hancy and Chase join us in shuttle bay four.”

Commandant Loutar paced impatiently outside his own office. He was nervous at the unexpected visit from Chief Mautur. He was under terrible strain from Mautur’ pressure to get the Tanteee codes. This visit could only spell disaster for him. He had already been kept waiting several hours, and the longer the wait, the more nervous he became.

Commander Feltun appeared from the office and announced.

“Loutar, enter.”

Feltun’ voice was authoritative and sharp, nothing unusual for the Chief of Intelligence, and above all Mautur’ number one henchman.

Loutar fell in behind Feltun and shuffled into his own office. Sat behind the outwardly curved desk was Mautur, absolute sovereign of Quat-tar. Mautur’ word is law; anyone failing his command would be dealt with quickly and harshly by Feltun.

Chief Mautur dominated the room, his darkened skin tone betraying his ancient age. His scales cracked round his eyes, his teeth yellow and green, protruding from his

wrinkled mouth.

Feltun placed Loutar roughly into a seat opposite the desk then joined his master. To Mautur’ left sat his most loyal and trusted subjects. Admiral Targa, Commander of the war fleet, General Geelor, Commander in Chief of Burrena Secunda, and Valoras, Commissioner of the dreaded Kolm-var, the military disciplinary section. Valoras took care of anything pertaining to military security, and is almost feared as much as Mautur himself.

To Mautur’ right sat Elder Geech, respected member of the old senate, and is very powerful in civilian matters, but still answerable to Mautur.

Sat to one side, on a separate table is Admiral Keetor, line admiral and subordinate to all others present.

Feltun was the first to speak. His voice remained calm and subdued.

“ Why has the Tanteee animal not broken?”

“The animal is strong. We know very little about his psyche.” Loutar replied, keeping his voice respectful.

“Have you tried pain inducers?” Geelor inquired.

“Yes.”

There followed a long strained moment of silence. Loutar kept wondering what was going to befall him. His failure was apparent to Mautur, the silence broken by his daunting voice.

“If you can’t do as I command, then perhaps I should order the execution of Inquisitor Zatch and hand the Tanteee over to Valoras along with you!”

Loutar’ stomach churned at the thought of being at Valoras’ mercy, nobody survived his disciplinary methods. He kept everyone in line with his fearsome acts of punishment.

Suddenly, Loutar dropped to his knees and pleaded pitifully.

“Most exalted one, give me another chance. I will personally oversee Zatch’ interrogation. I will not fail again, this I swear.”

“Snivelling scum!” Valoras remarked hatefully, hating emotional outbursts immensely.

Elder Geech went to speak, but was silenced by Mautur with the raising of his claw. Mautur glared at Loutar as if trying to penetrate his soul. Loutar averted his eyes, looking anywhere rather than at Mautur’ cold aging evil eyes.

Finally Mautur spoke.

“Geech feels I should be lenient and allow you more time; for some reason he feels he understands your failure at breaking the Tanteee animal. I’m sure you know Valoras’ feeling on the subject. However, against the advise of Feltun, and for my respect of the Elder. I grant you twelve more hours.”

Mautur’ words hit Loutar like a death reprieve. Thanks to this old civilian he had been spared, never again would he belittle the senate. What motive the Elder had he did not know, or cared.

The churning in his stomach slowly subsided; his hand and claw had stopped trembling. He clumsily got off his knees and retook his seat.

“Mark you Loutar, only twelve hours. During that time our fleet will advance to the Tanteee frontier and await the information. After the allotted time, if you haven’t succeeded, then you will be given to Valoras. A fate I urge you to avoid.” Mautur warned.

Valoras grinned, baring his sharp yellowing teeth, saying.

“ If he fails I will personally rip out his heart and lungs and serve them to the Tanteee animal!”

Commander Feltun suddenly sprang at Loutar and grabbed him by the shoulders. He dragged him up and towards the door.

“Twelve hours, that’s all!” He whispered as he shoved him out.

Chief Mautur now addressed Admiral Keetor for the first time.

“Keetor take as many starships as you can muster and proceed to the Tanteee frontier. Once we have their shield codes Admiral Targa will contact you. Take every available ship, even the sentinels. We may still have a chance to conquer Tanteee.”

Elder Geech interrupted at this point.

“Are you sure this is the right course to take exalted one. Quat-tar would be virtually unprotected from attack if the admiral takes the sentinels.

I am most worried at this rash action. With no orbital ships the home world would be open to invasion. I humbly suggest maybe one or two craft be sent to the frontier, then once we have the codes a second force could be dispatched.”

Admiral Targa eyed the elder, and said.

“No one dare try to invade us. We are strong and feared; besides no one could get near the home world or Secunda without being detected.

I know your duty lies with the civilian populace and their protection, but above all else we are warriors, our destiny is to conquer and rule.”

“Targa is right. We have never before had a chance like this. We must go all out in this venture, no matter the risks.” Mautur stated.

Admiral Keetor jumped to his feet shouting.

“Victory to Mautur. Victory to the Quat-tar!”

Keetor revelled in his chance for glorious victory. Once they succeeded the honours would be his for the taking. He would be hailed a hero, maybe even promoted above Targa, a thought that excited him greatly. And perhaps if all went well, he would even challenge Mautur for the chieftainship.

He had been tempted for some time to make his challenge, but did not possess enough backing. Commanding the total victory over Tanteee would bring the backing; they would rally to his banner and virtually guarantee his succession. It would however mean disposing of Targa and Valoras, but so what.

“I will use the Rapacious as my flagship. With Admiral Targa’ permission of course.” Keetor said.

He knew this would annoy Targa. The Rapacious was his personal starship when not on a mission.

“For the good of Quat-tar, and the ultimate victory you may use the Rapacious.” Targa answered reluctantly.

Mautur stood and leant forward resting his hands on the tabletop as he spoke.

“I see a glorious victory at hand. Once we have Tanteee nothing will stop us. Even the mighty Coalition will fall before us. With Tanteee’ mineral deposits alone, we’ll be able to purchase any amount of starships from the Ormacrons.

Quat-tar will become the centre of the universe. I shall proclaim myself First Universal Emperor, and all will kneel before Emperor Mautur!”

A silence prevailed over the room as they contemplated their ultimate triumph. Targa eyed Keetor closely, he had heard the rumours of Keetor’ greed for power and silently decided to keep a close watch on him in future.

Mautur had become eager for the immense power to be gained by the destruction of the Tanteee. His mind raced at the thought of such wealth and power. As First Universal Emperor, he could build a space fleet the likes no one has ever seen before.

His forces would roll through the Galaxies, obliterating all who stood in their path. The time is right; the time is now.

He had convinced himself he would be Universal Emperor. He liked the sound of the title; he now craved it and would have it no matter the cost. Geech and the other elders would have to be eliminated; the senate is too weak anyway. Fear is the key; fear of death; fear of the Quat-tar; fear of Emperor Mautur. But for now he would return to the home world and wait the news of the final victory.

The Tanteee Imperial guard lined the walkway to the waiting Karna shuttle, their crimson cloaks fluttering in the warm wind. Grand Martial Goor stood instructing Captain K’Sheer while they awaited the arrival of the Emperor.

“The O’tec will act as your escort. Captain Hanzess has been briefed, and awaits your departure.”

K’Sheer’ head was held high; he considered it a great privilege to be trusted with the well being of the Empress. His broad chest was pushed out displaying his long line of military accolades.

The Empire knew him for his loyalty, and his courage was often spoken about amongst the lower ranks. Although never having the chance for battle, he found other ways of showing his courage; ways only the bravest would take.

Goor had watched K’Sheer’ progress through the ranks with great interest. Several of the High Command had voiced their objections to K’Sheer’ recklessness in tactical procedures, and his ability to twist his orders to suit his own way of thinking. Goor preferred to look on these protocol pitfalls as initiative building.

“And if we come under attack Grand Martial?” K’Sheer inquired in his best military manner.

“Then the O’tec is under orders to engage the attackers while the Karna makes all speed to evade. Captain Hanzess understands the O’tec and all her crew are expendable.

However, if the Karna is damaged, then the Empress and Lady Shalee are to make their escape via shuttle. Then you must consider yourself, your crew, and the Karna expendable as well. You are to go to any lengths to ensure the Empress’ safe escape. This is how it must be, even if it results in the total loss of both ships and their crews.”

K’Sheer nodded silently in acceptance, he would proudly give his life for the Empire, and knew his crew would do so without question.

“On reaching Theeka, you will contact King Falin and inform him of his daughters impending arrival. Once the Empress is safely on Theeka, the O’tec will return here. The Karna is to remain at Theeka.”

“Understood sir.” K’Sheer responded loudly.

By now, the Imperial entourage was fast approaching. Several diplomats headed the party, followed by a cluster of Imperial Personal Guard who surrounded the Emperor and Empress. The Lady Shalee followed along with numerous maids and bearers.

As they reached the shuttle pad, the diplomats moved to one side, the Imperial Personal Guard parted. Goor and K’Sheer bowed.

“Is every thing ready Goor?” Zix asked.

Goor straightened and said.

“Yes Highness. As soon as the Empress boards, the shuttle will join the Karna. May I introduce her captain, Captain K’Sheer.”

K’Sheer raised himself up from his prolonged bow when he heard Goor mention his name. This prolonged bowing was a sign of respect from the ranks lower than general.

“I am trusting you with the future of the Imperial line. Please ensure no harm befalls the Empress.” Zix said gently.

K’Sheer snapped to attention, and replied smartly.

“I and my crew will die before any harm befalls them your Highness.”

The words tumbled from his mouth in one rush. It was obvious to all K’Sheer was overwhelmed by the Emperor’ presence, and it was understandable, starship captains very rarely received the honour and privilege of meeting the Emperor personally.

“I sincerely hope that will not be necessary Captain.” Zix answered, and then turned to Empress Clin.

“It is time!” He said in almost a whisper.

The bearers had loaded all of Empress Clin’ baggage, the Lady Shalee waited patiently in the shuttles hatch.

“Come with us.” Clin pleaded quietly, a tear trickling down her cheek.

Zix wiped it away and hugged her.

“You know I cannot. I must stay. I promise we will not be apart for too long.”

They kissed long and hard. Zix broke the embrace reluctantly. Clin walked slowly towards the hatch. The Lady Shalee took her by the hand and helped her aboard. Captain K’Sheer bowed and said.

“By your leave Highness.”

Zix nodded. K’Sheer entered and closed the hatch. Goor gestured for the Emperor to move.

“We must move back Highness.”

The shuttles engines droned as it lifted and banked.

“Good-bye my love.” Zix mouthed to Clin who was looking out the view-port.

The shuttle moved skyward at speed, then swung out in an arc and shot for space. Further and further the shuttle climbed, heading for the waiting Karna. Smaller and smaller it became until finally it blinked out of sight.