by Edward Lake
In chapter twenty-one of the Teachings of Our Lord, a man named Abe wrote, “God came to me and told me of the lowly man, a man chosen to serve others so that the higher man can build a world of fortune.” By winning the Crusade Wars, the Saros Empire was born, and since then, we built worlds of fortune!
My wife, Agnes, caught my ear with a sweet, echoing laugh. I looked across our long dining room table and saw her gossiping with a few of our dinner guests, faithful members of the congregation. Her long black hair went all the way down her chest, covering her like a veil. Even at my age, I could see her sharp green eyes from afar. She was as beautiful as ever, the kind of woman a man dreams of.
We met years ago at the Temple of Learning. She was studying to become an architect while I was studying the foundations of priesthood to succeed my father, Harun, the former High Priest of Starlight.
My daughter, Sadie, sat next to me, calmly eating her dinner and secretly anticipating the end of the gathering. Like most rich, famous children, she enjoyed traveling the galaxy with her friends and dancing the night away at any jamboree she could find. Lately, she liked reminding me that she was not a child anymore. Her twentieth day of birth had recently passed, officially launching her into adulthood.
Sadie looked just like her mother: long, wavy black hair, tannish skin, stunning green eyes, and a smile as bright as the stars. However, she carried a wild heart that came from me. My father spent many nights searching for me among the planets, wondering what kind of nonsense I had gotten myself into. Each day, I worried about Sadie and prayed she would mature as I did and become a worthy successor to the Saros Empire. “Why do you do this, young lady?”
She glanced at me and rolled her eyes. “Father, what are you blabbering about?”
“You know exactly what I am ‘blabbering’ about. You should be conversating with our guests, making them feel welcome in our home, not sitting at the table with your head down and looking miserable.”
Unexpectedly, Captain Evander Cain of the Holy Guard left his post by the main doors of the dining hall and hurried over to me. He was a tall, handsome man with high cheekbones, short, neatly cut hair, and a silent charm that won me over the first day we met. More importantly, Evander was loyal and incredibly diligent.
He bent down low and set his hand on my shoulder. “My priest, there has been an attack on the North Star.”
My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. How can this be? I wondered. The Holy Empire had not endured an enemy attack of this magnitude in years. Could that blasted rebel army be behind this? Have their forces perhaps strengthened?
The rebels, or goons as I sometimes called them, were once members of my congregation. Most of them were soldiers who had betrayed God and fallen to the temptations of the devil within their souls. They operated with a malicious agenda to rid the galaxy of God’s teachings and destroy the Holy Empire.
I looked around the table at our guests as I mulled over the situation. It seemed very unlikely that the rebels would have been able to pull off this attack on their own. Perhaps the disgusting Serpents have risen from the ashes.
The Serpents were once the greatest threat to the Holy Empire. They were large, tall, scaly-skinned beasts with lashing, slobbering tongues and claws and fangs that rivaled the sharpest blades. They also had big, hideous yellow eyes with small, black pupils.
My father’s army defeated the Serpents when I was a young boy. The planet Mercilus, where the Serpent army once ruled, became a conquered planet ruled by the Saros Dynasty. The last Serpent king, Sy-Ru, is held captive on my grand battle station, Station Four, in a chamber located on the lower levels. Before my father died, I vowed to keep the former Serpent king imprisoned for the rest of his life so he could suffer for all the pain he caused my family.
Still, rebel army or Serpent army, I knew that the Saros Empire was is in grave danger, and I needed to act with urgency. I looked up at Captain Cain and leaned forward. “Give me a few minutes to excuse myself from the table. And I’ll need a transport to Station Four.”
“Right away, Pastor Saros.”
Station Four hovered near my location at all times. Armed with enough high-volume cannons with the power to destroy a battle station of equal or greater size, it truly was a battle station fit for a priest. No other space station in the galaxy had enough firepower to take down Station Four. It was designed as a superior battle station so the sitting High Priest and his or her family would always be safe.
The leader of my army, Commander Castor Vault, operated Station Four. He was a tall, stern man, who would give his own life to keep me and my family safe. Vault was not afraid to challenge me. He swore to my father that he would do whatever it took to keep me alive, even if it meant being a little firm with me from time to time. I needed his steadfastness now more than ever before.
“Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment please?” I kindly asked and stood up from my seat. “Unfortunately, I must leave early to deal with a few things. I thank you all for coming, and I look forward to seeing you at tomorrow’s sermon.”
Across the table, I locked eyes with Agnes. She quickly read me and realized that something was wrong. I gave her a comforting stare and peeked at Sadie, then looked back at Agnes. In her eyes, I saw that she got the message. I needed her to be strong and look after our daughter. She slowly nodded and flashed an encouraging smile.
I turned toward the door and looked down at Sadie. “Goodbye, dear. I will see you at dawn.”
“Goodbye, Father.”
In a hurry, Captain Cain escorted me to the roof of my palace and ordered a transport be sent down from my ship to pick us up. The small carrier arrived within seconds. We quickly boarded, and Captain Cain hollered to the pilot, “Take us up!”
Above, through the glass roof of the tiny transport, I saw my extraordinary aircraft, Station Four. The main doors were designed to resemble the ancient temples of Sodus—tall and narrow like a pointed mountain, with the Holy Star symbol etched on both sides. We swooped right through the gaudy doors as they opened and landed on the main hangar bay. Red flashing lights ran along both sides of the docking station to alert pedestrians.
Captain Cain ordered the pilot to open the doors of the ship and led me out. “Right this way, my priest.”
I couldn’t help but stare at the young captain and admire his poise. He had all the tools to one day achieve the rank of commander: an excellent combatant, fearless, and as witty as they came.
We marched to the central command center on the far side of the docking station. It was a large, rectangular room constructed with transparent glass windows and doors. Unlike the many command centers on the ship, the central command center monitored and controlled the entire space station. Only my wife, the commander of the Holy Army, and I could access it.
Through the glass, I spotted Commander Castor Vault pacing around the room with his arms held behind his back.
When I reached the doors of the command center, with Captain Cain alongside, I placed two fingers on the glass. Within seconds, an automated voice from the terminal said, “Welcome, Pastor Saros.” The doors gradually slid open.
Commander Vault quickly turned to me and said, “Hello, Pastor Saros. I hope you can forgive me for interrupting your dinner, my priest. However, this situation requires your immediate attention.”
I walked forward in haste. “There is no need to ask for forgiveness, Commander Vault. You may proceed with the details of the attack on the North Star.”
He gave me a somber nod and went back to the monitors. “Increase the surveillance of District Four,” he said to the automated system.
There, with Commander Vault and Captain Cain, I watched as the computer system rapidly blinked and flashed. The chaos and destruction soon became clearer. Hundreds of crumbled buildings and destroyed ships were scattered across the area, burning like logs on a fire.
I bent my head down and shut my eyes. I reached up and carefully massaged my brow. “How many casualt
ies have been reported thus far, Commander Vault?”
“Approximately sixteen thousand fatalities, and that number is rising by the hour, my priest.”
I madly shook my head at the bright, flashing screen. “How can this be?! Our defense shields are designed to keep enemy ships out!” Fuming, I spun my head and glared at Commander Vault. “Not to mention our radar. How could you have let this happen?”
Commander Vault looked down and exhaled deeply as if he were afraid to tell me what he had learned. Finally, he looked up and locked eyes with me. “Our defense system has been breached, my priest.” He looked away and stared at the screen. “The rebels have aligned themselves with the Serpent army. My troops on the ground have reported both rebel ships and Serpent ships fighting together. Clearly, they are the ones responsible for the breach. I’ve already changed the security access codes. The problem is, the codes will take a few hours to update in the system, and any impending attacks could be missed.”
My heart pounded faster and faster as he went on. Why this? Why now? I prayed to the Holy Spirit. My hands began to shake, and I felt an undying resolve to rid the galaxy of the Serpents and the rebel thugs. With their forces combined, everything I held dear was at risk: all the wealth my family had built, the worlds we had conquered, even the forces we used to keep the lesser men of the galaxy in their place. I feared this threat could mean the end of it all.
“I don’t understand, Commander,” Captain Cain cut in. “The Serpents have been in hiding for years. Why would they resurface now?”
Right away, Commander Vault instructed the automated system to pull up an image from a previous recording. When the image came into view, it gradually enlarged and revealed a flock of Serpent ships flying over the wreckage on the North Star. The distinct, long, needle nose of the black ships was designed to resemble the black birds of the planet Mercilus.
During their prime years, the Serpents were a powerful force—bullies who traveled the galaxy and raided our planets for food, water, and other natural resources. They mostly feasted on men, women, and children, snatching them from their homes like fruit from a tree.
“Our troops and eyewitnesses on the ground described large, green, beast-like fiends marching through the streets and armed with guns,” Commander Vault explained. “These attackers are undoubtedly the Serpents, Captain Cain. As for the rebels, I believe they have turned one of our own against us. How else would they gain access to our security codes?”
It was now profoundly clear to me: the deadliest threat to the Holy Empire had returned from the abyss, and our holy nation was at the precipice of another full-scale war.
“Commander Vault, surely you have conceived of a plan to eliminate this grave threat,” I prodded, staring at the monitors. Then I slowly turned and gawked at him.
He nodded and began. “Certainly, my priest. This alliance between the rebel army and the Serpents must be thwarted swiftly.” He folded his arms behind his back and paced the room. “However, to neutralize this threat as quickly as possible, I will need more soldiers.”
Puzzled, I tipped my head slightly, still glaring at him and trying to comprehend the idea of adding more troops to the Holy Army. “Shed more light on this strategy, Commander.”
He grumbled and snapped. “It is simple, my priest. Grant me the authority to double the size of our army, and I will have all the manpower I need to eliminate the rebels and the Serpents for good.”
I pointed a stern finger at him. “How could you possibly find enough recruits to double the Holy Army?”
Commander Vault held a fist up to me and shook it, then shouted, “Pastor Saros, you must understand the challenge we face! The North Star is ripe with millions of slaves, subordinate men who will do as I say. Give me your blessing to build an army of slave soldiers, and I will rid the galaxy of our enemies once and for all!”
My eyes narrowed as I pondered his intriguing idea. “Slave soldiers? Can you elaborate a bit more, Commander?”
Vault’s face livened up, and he gave me a quick nod. He then calmly and slowly walked over to me. “The North Star is populated with over fifty million slaves. From that total, nearly half of those slaves are men. The Holy Army currently comprises close to twenty million soldiers.” He stopped for a few seconds and let those numbers sink in with me. “Now, even if I was only able to recruit fifty percent of the qualified slaves, our total armed forces would reach over thirty million.” He grinned and licked his lips as if all this talk about increasing our manpower excited him. “Add the slave soldiers to our recruits at the Soldiers Academy and the Holy Army would easily surpass forty million. With that kind of force, the rebel thugs and the Serpents won’t stand a chance!”
I crossed my arms and sauntered from place to place. “What about the crops? The labor?” I shrugged. “The GGC and the death fights? If we take the slaves away, production stops.”
Commander Vault threw his hands up. “My duty is to protect your empire, sir.” He waved his hand at my worries. “We would only be taking the men. The women will remain working. As for the GGC, they can put their death fights on hold until the war is over.”
I shook my head at him. “The Galactic Gambling Corporation donates a lot of money to my temples. I need those funds, Commander. This war could take years to end.”
He seemed amused by my claim that this war would last for years. “Pastor Saros, with an army of that size, I can assure you this war will end quickly. We will wipe out the Serpents and the rebels, and your empire will return to the peacefulness you are accustomed to.” He walked forward and waved another spirited fist at me. “God has spoken to me. This plan will work! It’s about more than defeating our enemies. My strategy will ensure the Serpents become extinct!”
All at once, the three of us turned and spotted a series of red flashing lights on the monitors. A loud beeping sound blared over us as we stepped closer to the screen. The monitors automatically pulled up a view of the planet Agholor, then quickly zoomed in on the ancient temples. Black Serpent ships swarmed the beautiful structures and blasted them to pieces.
I closed my eyes for a moment and prayed for my people. Stay strong, Agholor, and keep your faith in God. The Holy Spirit is with you, now and forever. Agholor was one of the most beautiful planets in our galaxy—a green wonderland full of breathtaking views and delightful, worshiping citizens. The ancient temples were a proud monument that we had cherished for generations. Built during the glory days of the Holy Empire, before the Serpent wars, they were a distinct reminder of our resolve.
“Commander Vault! Come in, Commander Vault! This is GR47, sir! The Serpent army has invaded the planet Agholor! We are under heavy fire. Send reinforcements at once!” a frantic soldier buzzed over the speakers.
Commander Vault reached up and pressed a button on his slick vest. “Copy that, Gen Rue forty-seven. Help is on the way.”
First the North Star, now Agholor. Could Sodus be next? The first person that came to mind was my beautiful daughter, Sadie. I would do anything to keep her safe, even if it meant going along with Commander Vault’s plan. “How soon can you have this ‘slave soldier’ operation up and running?”
“Within a few months, my priest.”
I solemnly nodded and stared at him. “Very well then, Commander Vault. You’ve got your army of slave soldiers.” Before he could say anything, I pointed another strict finger at him. “However, when this is over, they go back to the North Star and continue the duties God has given them.”
Commander Vault kindly bowed his head to me. “Understood, Pastor Saros.”
I turned to Captain Cain and gave him an encouraging nudge. “This is your moment to show your talents, young man. You will join Commander Vault on the North Star and build this army of slave soldiers.”
The noble combatant gave me a humble nod. “Absolutely, my priest.”
I left them to their task and stormed out of the central command center. Still fuming, I marched to the elevators on the main floor.
It was time to pay a visit to an old prisoner of the Saros Dynasty: Sy-Ru, the last king of the Serpents.
6
Pastor Saros
There were only four people who knew Sy-Ru was still alive and held captive on Station Four: me, my wife Agnes, Commander Vault, and Reporter Vin Naas. To protect my affairs, I had Naas proclaimed reporter of the Holy Empire shortly after my inauguration. He understood the Saros Dynasty had secrets that had to remain exactly that, and I made sure he understood that his duties were to control any chatter that might threaten to expose those secrets.
But more than an excellent manipulator of information, he was also a great friend and loyal to God’s will. I met him during my younger years at the Temple of Learning on Sodus. Naas was studying to become a communications specialist while I was training to succeed my father as High Priest of the Holy Empire.
He interviewed me for a special project his teacher had given him. During the interview, his approach was attentive and to the point. Yet by the end of it, he had loosened up a bit and shared a few laughs with me. That’s when our friendship began. From then on, we became closer and developed a deep rapport and trust. When it came time to select a reporter to supplant the one who had served my father, Naas was the only person that came to mind.
I found my old friend at the bottom of the elevator in his office. Several holograms emanated from the collection of gadgets around him, displaying texts he had logged. The top of his bald head shined in the brightness of all the technology. “Hello, Naas,” I said to him. “Are these today’s reports?”
He looked up at me with his old, wrinkled face and donned his worn, yellow teeth. “Precisely, my priest. The attack on the North Star and now the tragedy on Agholor.”
I shook my head and blew out an aggravated sigh, trying my best to comprehend the pain and sorrow my people were enduring. “I’ve never dealt with such turmoil, Naas. At some point in our lives, in all our lives, God will test our will.” I turned and stared at my longtime friend. “This threat is the Lord’s test for me.”
