Space Opera Fiction

[Captain Verbeek]

Officially moving the Space Opera fiction to this thread.  Anyone that wants to jump in at anytime in the story is welcome.

Slow pan to planet surface... a large crowd has gathered in the streets of a war-torn city.  The crowd is dressed in urban attire but all are desheveled and dirty.  A lone tower remains untouched.  Gathered at the base of the tower a small cadre of the planets remaining political representatives have gathered to sign a charter dedicating the planets resources to the conquering forces, (cue evil music)  an emaculately dressed man in muted neutral attire decends from the tower's entrance and anounces, "As has always been the right of victors, we the Authority, acknowledge this gathering and are pleased to see that our terms have been accepted by your administration."  What should have felt as a great relief for the gathered people felt more like a slap in the face as Nilmsa listened.  The invasion had started when she was only 5 years old, her father had been lost defending their city and she had never known her mother.  What should have been a life of leasure had turned into a nightmare, living in burnt out buildings scavaging for food, but the invasion had made her hard as nails and a survivor.  Now at 19 years old it was over, the politicians had given up the people were willing to forgive the atrocities commited by the Authority but not her and not her companions they would never forget and never surrender.

Nilmsa stared in disbelief, she whispered to her companion, "G'rupp do you believe this, the politicians have just sold out the resistance."  "It reminds me of what happened to my own people on Zarg only instead of capitulation we experienced genocide."  G'rupp inadvertantly puffed his reptillian throat in remorse.  Nilmsa stared into his bright yellow eyes and said, "don't worry G'rupp we won't let that happen again."

Nilmsa turned and walked away from the crowd, stepping carefully over the rubble strewn across the streets.  She didn't even notice it anymore, the scattered rubble, the acrid smell of burning waste, nor even the enclosing greyness of the sky above.  G'rupp remained still, staring as the last formalities of the surrender were completed, then he too turned and followed his companion into the dimly lit alley.  The politicians might think this war was over, but he knew that it certainly would not end this way.

As Nilmsa entered the alley her instincts began to run hot.  She reached down to unclip her holstered sidearm, when a figure emerged from the shadows. "Nilmsa the captain wants to see you immediately." Nilmsa felt a shiver of relief, her senses had been honed to a razor's edge from her training with Gris Timor but this messanger was a friendly and she eased up on her weapon.  However, something did not seem right.  "Who are you? and how do you know my name?"  "That is not important right now child, suffice to say I am a friend and it is very important that we be on our way before those Authority soldiers take notice our conversation."  Nilmsa turned to note two uniformed men peering in their direction.  "What about G'rupp?" Nilmsa said.  "Enough!", the cowled figure said in an intense hushed tone.  The messanger turned and started down the alley, Nilmsa followed.

Nilmsa and G'rupp followed the hooded figure through a series of alleyways and debris.  The hooded figure was very agile and quick.  Nilmsa allowed her mind to focus on the route they were taking.  Nilmsa had fought in many of the planet's cities but this was her first trip to the Authority stronghold of Omdilma.  The figure came to a sudden stop then crouched.  G'rupp instincively silently leaped into cover and Nilmsa unholstered her sidearm.  How odd quiet felt to her, the planet had been at war almost her entire life and the absence of explosions and heavy equipment nearlry unsettled her.  Just then she could feel it, the intense low hum of an authority bi-scout.  She was on unfamiliar ground with an unknown ally, according to the Authority the war is over, she thought, I understand their need for security but why a bi-scout this far away from the ceremonies?  The small fighting craft was getting closer, her senses became heightened and a feeling of calm took over.  She could see the hooded figure rythmically rocking.  "battle metitation?" she thought.  The only other person she had ever seen do such a thing was Gris Timor, her teacher and fathre figure.  Her mind was drawn back to focus as G'rupp shifted slightly and the bi-scout came into view.  The craft was approximately 150 yards east, she could make out the greenish gray urban camo of the two authority scouts.  "What are they looking for?" she thought.  The hooded figured held up is hand as if to stay put.  Before Nilmsa could even register a complaint in her thoughts the man was on the move.  Nilmsas had never seen anyone, check make that any creature move that fast.  A baritone hum two bright flashes and the scouts were dispatched.  The man standing before the bi-scout turned, his hood had fallen away and Nilmsa could see his face, he was older perhaps in his 50's with closely cut blue-gray hair, and a severe scar on his left cheek.  He motioned them over.  Nilmsa caught up to G'rupp as fast as she could be careful to keep an eye out for trouble.  We will take this craft to meet Gris Timbor.  G'rupp let out a small rumble.  "It's ok G'rupp, I can meet you in Warren 10 later."  "Be, careful Nilmsssssa", G'rupp said.  "always, you too", Nilmsa swung onto the bi-scout.  G'rupp watched the engine cells flash and then within 5 seconds the bi-scout was out of sight.

Nilmsa's new companion stopped the bi-scout on an abandoned stretch of road after an hour flight.  The older man disembaked and said, "We must go on foot, now." Nilmsa replied, "I still don't know your name or why you were sent to collect me."  The older man's face softened almost smiling he said, "My name is _______, I am a member of the Martu First along with your teacher Gris Timbor, I was sent to collect you because Gris sensed that you were in danger."  Nilmsa felt quite surprised, she had heard of the sect of the Fist but thought it a myth.  She remembered having read about the Celestial Fist sect, it was an ancient order of spiritualism and energy manipulation.  Each member was trained and a "fist" four fingers and a thumb would be dispatched to aid an area, the fact that there had been a fist in Martu without her having known all of these years, let alone that Gris was part of the fist was amazing.  "That would explain how you fought back there." Nilmsa said with a bit of reverence.  _____ answered, "I see that you have some knowledge of my order, I should not be surprised that Gris would have told you some of our stories.  Might I ask if you have received any training?"  Nilmsa thought about her time with Gris and his strange little puzzles and excercises he had tought her when she could hear _________'s voice in her mind.  "I see you have had some training, but let's be off you have much more to learn."  Nilmsa could not believe what she had just experienced, his voice in her mind.  Although she could not help but also feel a bit of pride.  "I'll set the bi-scout on autopilot and send it west."  "Send it north." _______ said.  Nilmsa engaged the autopilot and off went the bi-scout.  "We have one more stop before returning to Martu and Gris asked me to give you this."

What is the older man's name?  What is the gift for Nilmsa?  Wher is G'rupp off to?  What other stop do they need to make?  Help me out guys.

[Captain Verbeek]

Nilmsa looked down into the older man's hand, whatever this "gift" was it was wrapped in well oiled cloths.  She said, "thank you, Mr. Kri" as she took the package from him.  "You may call me Maltum, if you wish and this gift is from Gris."  "Well then, thank you for bringing it to me, Maltum.", Nilmsa carefully opened the cloths revealing a bright red cylinder, which appeared to be made from stone.  "It's pretty, but what is it?" Nilmsa asked.  "It is the weapon of the fore-finger.", Maltum said in an almost sad tone.  Maltum placed his hands on Nilmsa's shoulder's and said, "The fore finger is closest to the thumb and a points to the fists destination, Gris wishes you to take the training and replace our lost member, with the Authority's terms signed there will be a cesation of hostilities, at least on a global scale and that will allow you time to learn our ways and develop your skills."  All of this was happening so fast, only a week ago Nilmsa and G'rupp were in an attack on an authority outpost, she could not leave the fight and let the authority win, and who would watch G'rupp's back.  "Can I think about all of this?", Nilmsa asked.  Malcom replied, "Evaluating one's situation is a valuable trait, interpreting that situation correctly is even more valuable, and we still have a while before we will meet Gris. 

Still not sure what kind of weapon the members of the fist would use, but thought a shiny red handle would be cool.  Anybody know where their going?  If you do let me know. 

[Captain Verbeek]

G’rupp , having left Omdilma, travelled south careful to watch the faces in the crowd for any sign of authority personnel.  The war had knocked out almost all mass transit except  for military vehicles.  G’rupp used the his hood and the crowd of civilians to blend in.   The war was over for these people, but they had never really fought.  The majority of the planet’s population was innocent civilians, refugees, who had watched their homes and cities become desolated by authority battle groups.  Sure, some had joined the fight but the Authority’s resources were vast and soon the conflict had degenerated into a long gorilla war.  G’rupp felt for these people and had elected to stay and fight for them as he had been too young to fight the Authority for his own people.  A couple more hours and he would make it to Khrysla, of at least what was left of it and the rebel base of Warren 10.  The rebellion had adopted the title “warren” for their underground strongholds  and Warren 10 was one of the finest.  G’rupp was proud to operate so close to the Authority stronghold and looked forward to returning with more information about Omdilma from this one trip than the Warren had been able to collect from in the past three (3) years of raids in this area.  G’rupp had already formulated a plan for an attack on an Omdilma military terminal he had seen on the outskirts of the city.  He was excited to relay his ideas to the Warren commander. 

Now to start formulating Warren rebell and Authority tactics and how a raid on an authority transit point might be played out. 

[Captain Verbeek]

An immaculately dressed man in muted neutral attire enters into a bright and highly polished obsidian room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the wasted city of Omdilma.  The man offers a quick nod to the seated assembly and states in an efficient and flat tone, “Another successful venture in your awe inspiring portfolio Chief Administrator.”  Chief Administrator, Dinknam Tsol, a man in the decline of his prime, athletically built with close cropped hair and a small scar along his right temple.    Administrator Tsol turned in his chair to face the assembled bureaucracy.   The assembled bureaucrats lowered their heads upon his gaze.  The contempt in the Administrator’s voice was apparent, “The conquest of this planet is hardly worth noting.  Miserable excuse for a war, how long did this one take us Mr. Rewes?”  Level 5 adjunct Rewes fumbled about with his ocular reviewer and mumbled, “Approximately 14 years to subjugate and entire planet Chief Administrator.”  Tsol rose quickley from his seat, his reaction was forceful through his clenched teeth, “14 years to subdue one of the weakest peoples I have encountered, on a pitiful sickly planet, the only challenge worth noting has been routing out those D***** warren rats!”, a pause, “What happened to pitched battle, what happened to real war and glorious destruction?  The Authority has not had a real opponent since the Zarg!”  The administrator lowered his voice and began to reminisce, “That was battle, the Zarg Impi made a sound that was beautiful and terrifying at the same time.“  The Administrator’s voice began to crescendo, “The clash of primitive weapons, screams of the wounded and dying, explosions, the cacophony of war!” The bureaucrats looked about the room nervously.  Administrator Tsol brushed his hand across his lapel, “Silent weapons Mr. Rewes, silent battlefields, noise dampening sneak attacks, murdering of our soldiers from miles away.  That! is no way to conduct warfare.”  The Administrator turned to look out the window and spoke in an easy authoritative voice, “This planet is hardly worth our efforts.  However we have our directives and we will follow them.  We have subjugated the planetary government, our only opposition now will be limited to the stubborn and stupid.  You may all leave.”  The room cleared and Administrator Tsol spent a few more minutes staring out upon the ruins of Olmdilma.  “Is this it, is there no challenge left.”  A tear ran down his cheek.

[Captain Verbeek]

G’rupp took time to visit his quarters, indulged in a quick snack and made himself as presentable to humans as he could.  He had hastily scribbled down notes on the outlying defenses he had passed while in Omdilma and possible exit and choke points along the route.  G’rupp was expected to debrief the Chief at 17:00 hours,  hours passed, his nervousness subsided and G’rupp was considering turning in for the night when the comm rang, G’rupp answered, “Yes Chief, no need to apologize Chief, on my way now Chief.”   G’rupp picked up his papers and hurried out of the door, “wonder what the delay was all about?” he thought, but his mind raced towards his presentation.
G’rupp went through his notes in his head,  “we can advance a recon element to this point without detection, we can then use that as a forward position to call in taildops to knock out their detector leachate followed by silent, swift engagement (SSE) we should destroy the base with acceptable casualties.”  G’rupp entered the Chief’s office.  The Chief did not look up from his papers, “come in and have a seat G’rupp.”  The Chief continues, “how long have we been fighting the Authority G’rupp?”  “As long as I can remember Chief.”  I have received reports from other warrens that some within the Freehome Council are considering abiding by the politicians decisions and putting down arms. “  G’rupp could not believe what he was hearing, the politicians cutting a deal he could understand but the Council going along with the decision was unthinkable, they had fought too hard.  The Chief sighed, his tone flat, “I have received word that a vote has been recorded and we will receive news soon if we are to stand down and turn in our weapons.” 
At that very moment the Chief’s comm buzzed.  He answered, “Yes…. I understand…We will comply”

[Leon]

G'rupp felt the anger surge through his body immediately, a shot of adrenalin to his system.  He stared at the floor, his rage feeling like it would burn a whole right into the ground.  They had fought for decades, lives had been lost, cities razed to the ground, all for what?  For it all to be for nothing?  For someone to sign a piece of paper and everything to be forgotten?  He raised his glare to see the Chief looking straight back at him, a resigned expression on his face.  "It had to end at some point, G'rupp" he said.  "I am to meet with the Council at dawn tomorrow to make the arrangements."  G'rupp shook his head.  "It cannot end like this.  We have sacrificed so much to just give up and let them win."  He turned his back on the Chief and walked to the door.  "We have no choice," called the Chief, "High Councilmen Yordt has reached an agreement with the government for us to stop the rebellion."  G'rupp stopped and spun around, his eyes flashing red.  "I'll bet he has!  And what was his price?"  With that he turned and left.

[Captain Verbeek]

G’rupp had seen the atrocities committed against his planet in the name of the authority, he knew all too well the double-handed tactics at which the Authority would play.  His mind raced, “If they think that some paper would stop the Authority from destroying their world, ****** their resources and leaving their planet a caustic waste then they are sadly mistaken.”  The next turn would lead to his quarter, he would pack and catch a ride off of this world.  He was so completely absorbed with his plans that he nearly flattened a fellow rebel as rounded the turn.  “Hey, watch where yer going fish boy!”  The voice which normally irritated him, now filled him with rage, G’rupp swung about, “WATCH OUT, hrrph, WATCH OUT WHILE THIS WHOLE PLANET GOES FURTHER INTO HELL, hrrph”  Nax Bindi and G’rupp had been rivals from the moment they met.  If G’rupp shot three (3) Authority Nax shot four (4), what Nax lacked in physical strength compared to G’rupp he made up in smarts and he teased G’rupp unmercifully for his odd speech patterns.  Nax’s ultimate victory was when he realized G’rupp got jealous every time he, got Nilmsa’s attention.  Nax was used to G’rupp’s melancholy, but his look right now was agitated and violent, Nax knew when to play it cool.  “Calm down big fellah”, he said while spreading his hands out to the side.  “Your awfully tense for someone who just got to go to a big fancy party, what say I buy you a pint and we swap stories?”  G’rupp relaxed his shoulders, “I coulds a drink use.”  “That’s a good fish”  G’rupp  tightened his jaw.  “Just teasin, fish’s got a sense of humor, no mistaken you for one, com’on now let’s go have a drink.  Where is Nilmsa?”

[Captain Verbeek]

Nilmsa summoned up the last reserves of her strength, pulled herself up to the top of the platform and collapsed sweaty and breathless.  She had trained hard these past months.  It had been very difficult at first not knowing how her friends were fairing, hearing rumors of Authority units locking down entire cities, the citizens of which never being heard from again.  But then the training became so intense and personal that she had not reflected on the outside world for some time.  As she lay there, Nilmsa began to think of G’rupp and Nax, they had been the closest friends war could produce.  Nilmsa calmed her breath, her senses heightened by training she heard the crackle of the dark matter pike and reacted rolling to her right and plunging off of the platform.  An acidic smell filled her nostrils and wind whipped through her hair as she plummeted toward the ground.  Nilmsa rotated while falling to see Maltum’s silhouette plunging toward her.  With the speed of a hawk she unfurled her own weapon.  The red polished stone gleamed in the sun juxtaposed to the dark matter spilling from the the hilt, crackling and hissing into existence like some sort of demonic snake.  The sound of the weapons striking one another was thunderous, the agility and speed at which the combatants threw themselves at each other was mesmerizing.  Only when their body were about to careen into the ground did they stop and focus their attention on halting their decent.  Nilmsa was afraid she may have mistimed her deceleration, but with incredible grace she vaulted from post to rock to post.  Her landing was slightly rougher than she had anticipated, but she was able to absorb the impact and tumble to her feet.  Once again she unfurled the dark matter of her weapon but her opponent was not to be found.  “Put away your weapon Nilmsa.”  Maltum spoke as if he had just woken from sleep, “Your abilities have developed faster than any of us could have anticipated.”  Nilmsa replied, “Thank you, Maltum, you are a wonderful teacher.”  Maltum produced a handkerchief and offered it to Nilmsa.

[Captain Verbeek]

Chief Administrator, Dinknam Tsol, stared across the onyx table at the members of the Sub-section 232 Freehome council and flashed a brilliant smile, “council members, I appreciate your cooperation in all matters domestic and look forward to working with you in the future, however there have been reports to this office that there has been subversive activity within your sub-sector.”  The council members muttered in disagreement, Tsol raised his hand to quiet the group, “As these reports have been substantiated by Authority forces, we will be forced to intervene within your sub-sector unless you are willing to fully cooperate and tell us where the subversives are!”  The lead councilman spoke with a flat diplomatic tone, “Chief Administrator, we have complied with all authority measures, we have converted our currency more quickly than any other sub-sector, we have implemented curfews and taken every effort to contain any resistance to authority regulations.”  “THEN WHY HAVE I BEEN SHOWN THIS REPORT!”, Tsol sneared.  “We have been in communication with the commander of Warren 10, he has agreed to allow Authority personnel to inspect the former subversive base and demonstrate that his people are now fully compliant with Authority rule.”  Tsol turned in his seat, his face out of view of the council members, “That certainly is good to here.  We will arrange for an inspector to arrive at your sub-sector in two (2) days for a review.  If all is as you say, we shall reconsider our direct involvement.  Please leave.”  The council members rose, offered respectful gestures and left the room.  “Mr. Rewes, do you have any other details on this Warren 10?”  Mr. Rewes cleared his throat and spoke quietly, “Chief Administrator, Warren 10 was reported to have been one of the most staunch aggressors in the war with some of the best stealth troops in the resistance.”  “Is it true that a Zarg fought for that Warren?” Tsol enquired.  “I believe there have been reports of a Zarg warriors participating in the resistance.”, Rewes said with a touch of remorse.  Tsol rose from his chair as he spoke, “I thought we had successfully extinguished the Zarg, we shall make an example of this Warren, compliant or not we will destroy this Warren all of its’ occupants and kill the entire Freehome Council.  Dispatch a battalion of troops to sanitize the sub-sector.  One final note Rewes, Bring me the head of that Zarg.”

[Captain Verbeek]

Councilman Carsk stood frozen with fear, his eyes locked on his escort.  While the rest of the council had met with Chief Administrator Tsol he had visited the authority domestic legalities office and had returned to the meeting room, arms full of legal documents.  As they prepared to enter the meeting room Carsk’s escort had received a call on his comm., “the council members have concluded their meeting and are awaiting Councilman Carsk in the grand entrance.”  Before the escort could reply Chief Administrator Tsol’s voice could be heard from the meeting room, “destroy this Warren all of its’ occupants and kill the entire Free home Council.”  The escort had heard it too, their eyes locked, Carsk with an expression of terror, the escort’s expression was one of confusion (what do I do now), then resolve as he reached for his sidearm.  Although not a warrior, Carsk was quick to read the escorts reaction, he threw his papers into the air and dashed around the corner as quick as he could.  Carsk heard a shot fired and was horrified to see an authority secretary’s face go blank as he slumped to the ground, gaping wound in the chest.  Carsk threw himself into an adjacent office as a steel blast door slammed shut behind him.  Fortunately the door meant to trap him had locked out his assailant for the moment.  Carsk knew he had only moments before authority personnel would open the door and end his life.

“Councilman Carsk has been given extra consideration for his inquiries and has been granted additional time within our counsel offices.” Intoned B-35 to the Free home Council members.  Councilman Marx responded for the group, “Well that is excellent, we had hoped that authority personnel would be understanding of our claim, very good.”

Nax focused on the small comm. screen, “Nax, its Carsk! the authority is going to kill the council and attack the Warren.”  “Where are you Carsk?” Nax had never seen his friend look so afraid. Carsk ignored his question, “Did you copy Nax?”  Nax replied the only way he knew how, “this had better be a joke you…” the screen went blank.  Nax tried to reactivate the comm., nothing, he tried again, nothing and then he knew it was not a joke.

Nilmsa could was engulfed in flames and choking dust, muffled screams and weapon fire filtered into her ears.  Slowly her eyes focused she was lying on her back on a hard stone surface, she rolled to the side to see that all that remained of Warren 10 was a smoldering pile of rubble.  Nilmsa awoke in a sweat.  Her skin felt hot, this was no dream, this, was a vision of the future.

[Captain Verbeek]

Nilmsa snapped the buttons on her knee high boots, then knelt to open the trunk at the foot of her bed.  The red stone hilt of her anti-matter weapon reflected the pale light of the moon.  She had to hurry, she had to get to the Warren in time to warn them, G’rupp and Nax were in danger and she had to reach them in time.  “The visions are not always absolute.” the words almost inaudible, she turned quickly.  A cloaked figure was silhouetted in the doorway, “Your gift has shown itself this evening, yes?”  Nilmsa knew this shadow, “Gris, I saw the Warren on fire, I saw the Authority attacking killing my friends.”, Gris waved his hand over a sensor and light slowly filled the room.  “You should meditate on what you have seen, you will learn to interpret the visions better over time.”  “I DON’T HAVE TIME!” Nilmsa immediately felt embarrassed that she had raised her voice to Gris.  “You have a responsibility here Nilmsa.” Gris was clearly visible now and he gave her a slight smile.  Nilmsa stiffened her resolve and lowered her voice, “If what I saw is going to come true I have to get to the Warren to warn them.”  Gris looked away from the girl to the floor and said, “How do you know it will make a difference?  Have you considered what your interference might mean to others?”  Nilmsa next sentence sounded accusatory, “You were the one who told me I had a gift Gris, you were the one who told me that once I meditated and trained I would be able to anticipate events, well now I have, and now I have to act.”  Gris raised his head a melancholy look upon his face, “very well, the forefinger points the way, the fist will follow.”

[Captain Verbeek]

Mr. Rewes lowered his head and spoke, “It has been reported that the former councilmember sent a message prior to his termination, Chief Administrator.”  Chief Administrator Tsol shook his head in disgust, “How is it that we can subjugate a planet and yet have such imbecilic staff?”  Tsol rubbed his chin with his forefinger, “This will not alter our plans, and if nothing else we must expedite the attack on Warren 10.”  Mr. Rewes flatly countered, “If the Warren has been warned there will be no one left in the entire sector to engage, the council will have been evacuated and open hostilities will ensue, should we not re-evaluate the potential risk of such a measure.”  Tsol voice became monotone and tired, “Mr. Rewes, authority forces will be dispatched for Khrysla (pronounced chris-la) immediately.  Send 2 battalions of Waste Guard that should be sufficient.  Oh, and Mr. Rewes complete comm. suppression for this operation.”  Mr. Rewes tapped his ocular implant, “It has been initiated, the attack will commence in less than 12 hours.”  “Very good Mr. Rewes, and don’t worry about the former Councilmember’s comm we have tertiary protections in place.”

“G’rupp, I think Carsk is in trouble! He said that the Warren is going to be attacked and that the Council was going to be killed!”  G’rupp knew that this armistice had been a bad idea all along; he knew what the authority was capable of and had lived through a veritable genocide at their hands.  “If they plan to attack we have to evacuate the Warren, Nax.  I will speak with the captain.”  “I’m going to scout the road from Omdilma; I’ll keep you posted if there are any troop movements.”  G’rupp replied, “That is pointless Nax, if a column of Authority troops are on the move they will be traveling with comm. Suppression.”  Nax was angry and stubborn, “They haven’t built the suppressor that could stop me, I’m going, I’ll keep you informed.”  The comm. went dead and G’rupp‘s throat sack puffed up in anger.  “That human is impossible” he thought as he headed to the Captain’s office.

“Come in” the Captain called out.  G’rupp saluted and spoke, “Captain I have intelligence suggesting that the authority is on advance to attack us within hours.” The Captain seemed distant as if something were on his mind, “G’rupp what proof do you have, the Freeholme Council just contacted me and said the Authority was considering their petition and that Authority officials are coming to Khrysla for a tour.  Unless you have some solid proof we cannot jeopardize this sanctioned event.”  “Nax received a transmission from Carsk saying that the Authority will attack the Warren and kill all of the Freeholme Council. “The Captain leaned forward, “Listen carefully G’rupp.  I know you harbor considerable resentment toward the Authority, hell I do too, but we cannot jeopardize this visit for one of Nax’s friends.”  G’rupp could not believe the Captain’s words, “Carsk is a councilmember, Nax has fought for this Warren for a long time now he should have earned your trust, WE MUST EVACUATE OR DIE!”  The Captain grew visibly angry bearing his teeth, “G’rupp you will not speak to me in such a matter, I’ve lead this Warren longer than you have been on this planet, Zarg! and I’ll be damned if I am going to let you dictate orders to me, GET OUT!”  G’rupp stood glaring at the Captain, adrenaline pumping through his veins.  The captain stared back from his seat.  G’rupp turned and left the office.  As the doors slid shut the Captain felt as though he would vomit.  The captain slowly lowered the silenced gun under his desk.  The Captain wondered if the pain he felt now would subside when he got his son back or if this betrayal would always make him sick. 

[Captain Verbeek]

Level 5 Adjunct Mr. Rewes, reviewed report after report as Authority troopers shuffled into fast attack transports.  Mr. Rewes was slight of build appearing to others as timid, quiet and slightly addled.  However, this of course was a charade.  Mr. Rewes had excelled at bureaucratic work not based upon his superior administrative abilities but mostly on his innate ability to place himself in the proper position at the proper time with ruthless, cold-hearted efficiency.  Mr. Rewes did not see people he saw numbers, his lack of empathy was borderline psychotic, and all of these traits had elevated him through treachery and cunning to the position of personal assistant to Chief Administrator Tsol.  Mr. Rewes did not show his emotions, Mr. Rewes did not raise his voice, Mr. Rewes simply made things happen.  “All preliminaries have been reviewed and completed Captain.  Finish assembling your force, distribute strategic information and do not fail.” The Captain saluted Mr. Rewes.  The authority had dealt with the social stigma and resistance associated civilian personnel dictating military operations centuries ago.  Mr. Rewes would not be on the battlefield but he was in control of every aspect of this raid.  Mr. Rewes had selected a small elite force of approximately 500 troops to destroy Warren 10.  Authority forces would use swift/silent tactics which had been developed during the long conflict of subjugation on this planet.  Swift/silent technology included noise suppression engines on transports, silenced mass weapons, implosion grenades and towed dampening fields.   All combined elements made for an incredibly quiet conflict, which would limit the enemies’ ability to detect and react giving an edge to a small mobile force.   Troops of the Warrens had started utilizing the tactic first in raids on Authority communication centers but as all good enterprises the Authority incorporated and improved the technology.  The final troops boarded the transports and the air was filled with a low hum as the transports began to rise up from the ground.  Mr. Rewes felt a sadistic joy fill his chest as he thought, “debit one installation, debit 1,500 civilian and military casualties and debit animosity.”

[Captain Verbeek]

The Captain acknowledged each of his former soldiers as he made his way to the concourse.  He had led these people into battle and now he would lead them to destruction.  He was on edge, he was conflicted, he was resolved.    All non-essential personnel would gather for the Council’s presentation of Authority personnel, but the Captain knew there would be no Authority officials attending, only  Authority troops and swift silent death.  He had memorized his route of escape and once this traitorous act was complete he would have his son back.  In all of his dealings with authority combatants he had learned how treacherous and cruel they could be but he had also wondered at their absolute order.  Once he had received the parchments stating his son would be released upon met conditions he knew that the pact would be honored.  The unending bureaucracy made the authority forces unwieldy, this is what had allowed his Warren to fight them effectively, but this absolute conviction to detail insured that his son would be released to him.  That level 5 Adjunct that had brokered the deal made his skin crawl.  Cold, calculated and completely apathetic to his concerns.  The only way he would make it through this would be to focus on his son, his only remaining link to life, his hope.  An elegant alto voice chimed over the com.  “All non-essential personnel to the concourse.”  It was time.