We practiced levitating and fighting together. It was massive fun! Calegg and Koparr shot fire at the new fire-resistant targets, while Elyek and Acclo turned invisible and flanked our imaginary enemy, moving in after four volleys of fireballs. Mick, Gus and Ember floated along behind me, levitating metal balls at the training bags ahead of us, and deflecting the odd training-laser that came their way with their Fystr swords. I levitated just in front of them as I always did, ricocheting the harmless training-lasers.
I told Havok not to help me with the lasers, I wanted to develop the skills myself. If anything ever happened to Havok and I didn’t have his abilities for some reason, I’d have to be able to defend myself. With an increased Mental Clarity, I did well. Although it was astronomically more tiring wielding the heavy axe with my own power, and I had no doubt my strength went up in those first few days. Obviously, with Havok’s muscle repair skills, those changes happened quickly.
We made sure all the other teams followed a similar drill to ours. After the first full week, when we felt like we were all working well together, we concentrated more on mass battle tactics. Gus was intrinsic here, as the main dilemma we had was to figure out how to use the Veiletians’ abilities without killing them. His solution was to devise a number of signals for set events that he would deliver.
By the time we arrived at the supply station, I was feeling rather proud of the work we had been doing. Watching the pure carnage each team could create was mind-blowing, and I hoped it would be enough to stand up to most situations. On land, anyway. In a space battle, maybe not so much. We could get by I supposed, but generally speaking, space warfare wasn't one of the Uprising's strong points.
C18
Supply and Demand
We arrived safely at the supply station, a day out from the planet we needed to reach in the Perseus system.
We were not in any danger: no one had threatened us or approached us in the past two weeks. We had come a hell of a long way across the galaxy, and I hoped that would be enough to throw off any pursuit. Elyek had changed the Uprising’s name and registration to some random selection of numbers and letters, and I was actually glad they hadn’t chosen a proper name – this way we weren’t really losing the Uprising’s identity, but the change meant we wouldn’t alert the Empire’s tracking systems. It would be interesting to see whether we attracted any unwanted attention before turning up at this big battle we’d been hired to fight in.
The biggest decision, as always, was whether to take all three ships down to the surface. Taking them all down would make loading much easier, but it was potentially risky. After much deliberation, we decided to keep a ship in orbit to provide cover and keep a lookout for incoming hostiles. Rufus volunteered to keep the Seshat in orbit, and he would swap places with the Uprising once we had loaded up. We hadn’t had any trouble since Arus, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Obviously, in hindsight, I made a huge shit-stain of a mistake. You see, it’s overlooking the finer details of any plan that will fuck you over. In this instance, it all began unraveling when I received a call from the Seshat.
“Shaun! There are two Fystr Hunter ships on our scanners!” Rufus told me.
“What?” I replied calmly, while my mind processed the information.
“Two Fystr Hunter ships, they’re around ten minutes out!” he continued to yell at his comm.
“Ten fucking minutes Rufus? How did they get that close before you identified them?” I practically screamed down the comm.
I was in the captain’s office, with the entire alpha team looking at me in horror. “Tell Astrid,” I mouthed to Ember, and she raised her comm, nodding.
“They jumped in close, and they’re moving fast,” Rufus replied at the same time.
“There’s no way we’ll make it into orbit in time, Rufus. Give me a sec,” I said, then turned to talk to the others. I know we can’t get up in time, so what do we do?”
“They won’t be able to attack from orbit, the supply station’s defenses will be too strong, and it would be an act of war on the Galactic Empire,” Elyek offered.
“That’s good to know Elyek, so they’d have to land and face us, which suits our strengths really. What about the Seshat?” I asked.
“Two Hunter ships will tear them apart,” Gus offered in his grumpy deadpan way. “They need to run, or get their asses down here.”
“Thanks, Gus. And they’re not fucking running, were going to need them down here,” I said, then jumped back on the comm. “Rufus, you’re going to need to get yourselves down here now.”
“A… are you sure that’s wise, Shaun?”
“Am I sure I don’t want to get the Seshat blown up? Or am I sure I want our full army in one place to deal with the threat, Rufus? Get your ass down here quick.”
“Okay Shaun, we’re coming down. I was just wondering if we had better options.”
“If we had more than eight fucking minutes, you could wonder all you like. See you soon Rufus,” I snapped, then closed the call. “Ok, where are we at?”
It was Gus who responded. “Astrid is rallying her crew, as are we. I’ve told everyone to line up into race at the front of the ships, and I’ve ordered the Veiletians to keep out of sight until after the first volley. Then they’re to stay low and take out people when it’s safe to do so.”
We made our way out to the docking bays, just in time to see the Seshat landing. “Gus, can you relay everything to Rufus?”
“Sure thing, Captain, I’ll get right on it,” he said, bringing the comm to his mouth.
Everyone was scrabbling from around the docking bay, leaving whatever supplies they were carrying. The station security guards started to look a bit on edge. Poor fuckers had no clue that hell was about to descend on them. Everything was a little chaotic, with the Seshat’s crew pouring down the loading ramp to join us.
The tension was vibrating in the air of that cold metal supply hanger, and it only got worse as the two Fystr ships came into view, casually descending like they had all the time in the world. I felt sick, and I’m sure everyone shared the sensation. But I fought to stay calm: we had this, it was going to be okay. I looked around, seeing the sheer terror on the surrounding faces.
“Uprising!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. Thankfully, my voice came out clear and with way more confidence than I felt. “It’s been an age since I last killed a Fystr. Three of them, if I recall correctly. I didn’t even have Havok then,” I said, thrusting Havok in the air. He screamed in my head with the excitement of a kid on a roller coaster.
“They like to think they’re invincible, but I promise you they are not. We can do this!” I shouted, and a cheer rose up from the crew as they looked to each other, confidence building.
It settled down as the Fystr began to leave their ship. Huge, imposing bastards that they were.
Their arrival also prompted a full station security force to appear, around 80 of them all told, armed to the teeth, lining the exit of the docking bay. With the Fystr across from us, we had a three-way standoff.
A giant Fystr raised his arms. He was as tall as Jotun at well over seven-feet, but he looked more in proportion, well-muscled and capable. There looked to be around 40 Fystr with him. He spoke in a commanding voice: “People of the galaxy, please put your weapons away. We are the Fystr, and any sign of aggression against us will be considered an act of war by the Galactic Empire against the Fystr Empire. You do not want to let that happen.”
There was a lot of talk; hushed whispers passed between the planet’s security personnel. The hairball leading them spoke on his comm amid the quiet clamor. Finally, he raised his hand to his men, beckoning them to pull back. Now, it was just us and the Fystr, deadlocked in the open space.
“So, my little monkeys. You have led us quite the merry dance! Almost halfway around the galaxy,” the imposing Fystr shouted, a wry grin on his face.
“Sorry, mate. I think you’ve got the wrong little monkeys. We live here, now run
along and bother someone else, will you?” I shouted back.
He laughed, “Oh, very good. You must be Shaun. I've heard quite a bit about you. In fact, Ogun told me everything about you all. So, are you the leader of this collection of misfits?” he said, waving his hand disdainfully at the surrounding members of the Uprising.
He’d shook me at the mention of Ogun giving him information, but I tried not to let it show. “Okay. Sorry, I didn't get your name. Shall we start there?” I said, stalling.
The dick puffed his chest up proudly, looking around to make sure he had everyone's attention. “I am the eighth commander of the Fystr fleet, Heiliun the Great.”
“Only eighth? I’m disappointed. So, Heiliun the Doesn’t Matter, do you and your poxy crew a favor and fuck off back home, will you? You're starting to bore us.”
Ember started snickering by my side, and I couldn't help but smile.
“You dare…,” he started to speak, but I turned away.
“Sorry about this, guys. But are you all ready?” While I spoke, I winked at Gus, who had been watching me like a hawk. He immediately signaled. The effect was awesome. Within seconds, all the Torax burst into flames. In unison, the humans brought up their guns or levitated metal projectiles. Havok simultaneously flew into my hand. The Veiletians were already invisible and ready to rock.
The expressions on the opposing Fystr, were comical. I couldn’t help
the smile on my face. “I don't know what you thought you were gonna face here, but we’re not exactly lambs for the slaughter, Heiliun. Now, last chance. Fuck off, or this place becomes a living nightmare for you,” I threatened.
Heiliun struggled a little, but his shock slowly became a sinister smile. “You think you are such a powerful monkey with your fiery friends! You do not truly understand the pure might of the Fystr,” he said, sneer still on his face as he began to rise smoothly from the floor. He had regained his composure, and the others around him began to look more confident again. That was until I copied the feat, rising from up the ground myself. For the second time in less than a minute, the Fystr’s expressions fell to dismay.
“How is this possible? Ogun had not informed me that you had transcended!” Heiliun tried to scream angrily, but it came out more like a whine.
“I’m surprised! You made it sound like he was happy to tell you everything about us.”
This time Heiliun laughed, “Oh, no. He was without question not happy about it. We had to use our finest torture techniques, and it appears we still did not get all we needed from him. We will have to revisit our little traitor again. After this display, I am glad I didn't just execute him now,” he snapped.
I was thrown a bit by all of this. “You mean you have Ogun with you, now?” I asked.
“He is held captive and in pretty bad shape,” Helium chuckled. “You're welcome to return with us and see him for yourself.”
“No, thank you. But we’ll have him back, if you don't mind!”
“No, no, no. That will not be happening. We must take him back with us to Fystr Prime to stand trial alongside you. The others can go free; we don't need all of you.”
“You must know you won't win this fight, right? You’re not seriously that delusional?”
“I am not delusional! I am supremely confident. I accept you have developed further than I anticipated. You will always be seen as vermin to the Fystr, you fool. You really do not understand the extent of our abilities,” Heiliun said.
I didn't even care enough to respond. It was going to be a fight whether I wanted one or not, but then I knew that from the moment they landed. Heiliun seemed to be talking to someone internally, because he fell quiet for a few moments before speaking again. “Here is the situation. We have traveled a tremendously long way and used a lot of vital resources hunting you. This fight, despite what you may think, would result in our victory. However, it would be unpleasant for everyone concerned. So rather than bicker here, I am prepared to give you an offer. Your planet Earth has not yet been destroyed, and currently we work on reducing their available technology. Be warned, if you do not return with us, I will give the order to have it destroyed.”
“Hey, you fucking tool! Why would we agree to that?” Ember shouted over. “If we just kill you now, then you can’t order Earth's destruction.”
The daft arse actually went red with embarrassment or anger, or maybe both. “You must be Ember. I have also heard about you,” he said, distaste dripping from his words. Looking back at me, he continued: “How about a duel of honor, then? You against me? If you win, you walk away. If I win, your people come back with me, peacefully.”
“Oh, yeah. Great idea!” I said sarcastically, though the grin lightening his face told me he hadn’t picked up on the sarcasm. I carried on before he could speak. “Couple of things first; how old are you? And what transcendence level are you?”
Havok shouted at me. “Shaun! We can do this cocksucker. I’ve got this. Trust me.”
“Havok, I believe you. We could do it, but we don't need to. If we fight and win, I really don’t think they’d honor any deal they’ve made. They’re purebred wankers. Now, tell me honestly. Do you disagree?”
“No, I don’t,” he said, “and I don’t think this is ending without a good fight, anyway. So fuck it, it doesn’t matter, though duels are fun.”
Heiliun stuttered in response to my question. Looking at one of his crew, he then finally spoke, “I am 6000 years old. Transcendence level 800.”
“Okay… so that seems like a little bit of a mismatch, if you don't mind me saying. I’ve only just gone above transcendence level 100. Oh, and I’m like 32 years old, or less in galactic years. Anyway, you get my point: no duels.”
He looked outraged. “Fystr do not refuse duels, especially those which could save their people.”
“Number one,” I raised a finger, “I’m not a fucking Fystr. Number two,” I raised another, “My people will be okay. Yours, however, are fucked.”
“How disappointing,” he said, then launched an attack on my mind. I smiled grimly as I felt his presence. So predictable: I'd left my mind unguarded intentionally. This time I wasn't taking any chances. I went into my Mindscape to face Heiliun.
He was there in my corridor, waiting for me. “You don't get a choice whether to duel or not,” he cried. “You’re mine, Shaun. You’re not getting away from me. I will jump at least two commander ranks for killing you and bringing your people back.”
I leaned on Havok. “You're a fool, Heiliun. All those years of experience and skills, and you still waltz in here like you're an untouchable god. You’re not.”
“Compared to you, I am. Child! I can have you weeping on your knees in seconds.”
“Nope. No you couldn't,” I grinned.
He was getting angrier and angrier.
This was so much fucking fun. “You’re an ignorant prick, Heiliun,” I continued, “and unless you get the fuck out of my head quick, you’re going to die in here.”
He laughed an insane laugh, then lunged with the six-foot sword that he held one-handed. Havok came up on his own accord to deflect, then reversed in a heartbeat to take Heiliun's head cleanly from his shoulders.”
It missed, as in a remarkable feat of skill, Heiliun disappeared then reappeared a foot out of Havok’s range. Heiliun came back with a series of blistering attacks, wielding his heavy sword like it was a bamboo cane. Not that Havok gave a shit; he blocked tactical missiles for fun, and easily resisted every attack. We were at a standstill for a few seconds, when Havok and I began pushing Heiliun back. He teleported backwards again, which I assumed was a skill that was only possible in Mindscapes, and it was one I had to learn.
“You have uncanny skill with Jotun’s blade. I do not understand how you fight so well. I have far more advanced sword skills, yet you seem capable of meeting my match. I have tested you, and now it is time for you to die.”
I sighed like a bored teenager. “This is just getting stupid, now. Guys! Come ou
t will you. I’m getting bored.”
Mick, Gus, and Ember all stepped out of various doors into my corridor, Fystr weapons in hand.
Heiliun paled. “How?” Then before we could answer, disappeared.
“I assume that was a rhetorical question then?” Ember laughed before disappearing herself. We all did the same.
“Take them down!” Heiliun was screaming as I came back to my normal state. This coincided with a good number of my crewmates falling to the floor, writhing in agony.
I knew it would not take long for them to be killed if I didn’t act quickly. “Attack!” I shouted at the top of my lungs while I charged Heiliun, hovering over the top of the ground faster than I could run. I was pretty confident that I could take him in a melee now, so I took the initiative.
Havok screamed in delight and rage while playing my favorite metal song as we hurtled through the air like a bullet. Balls of flame flew past me into the ranks of waiting Fystr. The accuracy of the Torax was remarkable. Yet even though most of the Fystr were busy attacking my crew mentally, they were still able to deflect most of the attacks. What they couldn’t cope with, however, were the 20 invisible knives coming from behind them, slicing into arteries. Heiliun levi-hurled objects at me while waiting angrily, sword raised and ready to attack as I came into range. His second in command stood by his side, doing her darndest to protect him from any distractions.
Havok was a blur, deflecting anything and everything in our path, until I landed like a boss right in front of Heiliun. “Impressive monkey…,” he began, but I lunged straight at him without pause. He deflected the blow, and our fight began in earnest, this time for everyone to see. I could feel Ember was in my Mindscape, watching out for attacks, so when I felt the pressure of a Fystr enter, I remained unconcerned. I knew it wouldn't be Heiliun.
He came at me enraged, trying desperately to end the fight quickly, but again Havok had no problems in dealing with his attacks. To give Heiliun his due, he hadn’t allowed us to get in any attacks either.
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