“I’m listening… or would you like to go for another trip against the wall?”
Droxians were known for their brutal interrogations. More often than not, the subjects would either speak or succumb to their wounds. And in this case, Ryonna had no emotional attachment to the life of someone who would have killed thousands if not more with her previous actions. She knew the commodore and Chase had second thoughts, backed by the principles of their Alliance allegiance. She, however, didn’t recognize them yet. And as long as no official treaty or alliance had been signed by her people, she would treat the subject as it would be on Droxian soil.
Also, unluckily for Nina, Ryonna had lost her power to see a person’s time of death, so she had no idea if she would end Nina today, or if the prisoner would eventually speak.
When she stayed silent too long, Ryonna took a sudden step towards her, but Nina raised her hands protectively over her face. “W-wait.”
“I won’t wait long.”
Nina took a deep breath and managed a whisper. “I’ll tell you what you want to know.”
“That’s better.” Ryonna softened infinitesimally. “I understand you lost someone close to you. I’m very sorry for that. But if you think the Alliance is at fault, you’re wrong.”
Silent tears flowed down Nina’s face and Ryonna took a maternal guess.
“What was his or her name?” she asked quietly.
The woman sobbed. “Angeliki. Her name was Angeliki. She was just thirteen.”
Ryonna sighed. She understood the mother’s pain—how could she not? For the last few weeks, she hadn’t known if Ronan was alive or dead. But this woman had tried to do something that would have blown up a lot of people. Ryonna needed information.
“Who told you to blow up the ship? Who provided the explosive?”
Nina looked down guiltily. Ryonna knelt down and lifted her chin with a stiff finger.
“Look at me, Nina. I don’t want to hurt you anymore, but I will if you don’t start telling me who asked you to do this. I am sorry for your little angel; I understand your pain. But the person who convinced you to act this way must be stopped or many Angelikis will lose their lives. Do you have any idea how many sons and daughters would have lost their lives today if you had succeeded? What would Angeliki think of you then?”
That last sentence hit home and Nina sobbed uncontrollably. When she’d finally cried herself out, she looked up at Ryonna in despair. “You’re right,” she whispered. Then she proceeded to tell her everything…
A few moments after Nina finished telling her story, the brig door opened and Commodore Saroudis stormed inside accompanied by two security goons.
“What have you done?” he demanded.
Ryonna got back up on her feet and looked the commodore straight in the eye. “I did what was necessary. I have the information we need to track the perpetrators.”
“You should not have used violence to acquire that information.”
“Would you rather one of your precious ships gets blown out of existence before doing what needs to be done?”
His face flushed red. “This is not our way!”
“I know, but it is mine.”
18
Chase and Daniel landed near the prison and were soon directed to where the Obsidian emperor was being held.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come to the funeral with you today,” Daniel said as they walked.
“It’s okay, I understand. Would have been weird timing anyway. I was visited by yet another Olympian.”
“Really? Who was it? What did they want?”
“It was Ares. He wanted to help me master my powers… and he trained me to do so.”
Daniel was surprised. “In such a little time?”
“From what I gathered, time passes much slower in the vision than on Earth. In fact, only a few minutes had passed when I felt I trained for hours.”
“What did you learn about your powers?”
“That I could destroy entire planets if I’m not careful.”
Dan’s jaw dropped.
“Yeah, I feel the same, bro.”
“Anything else? I’m almost afraid to ask.”
“Well, he’s certain Argos let me live on both our encounters on purpose.”
Daniel frowned. “Why?”
“He doesn’t know, but that worries the hell out of me.”
“I bet.” Daniel shook his head in astonishment then gestured up ahead. “We’re almost there.”
Chase nodded quickly. “Okay, once we’re in there, let me speak to him. Don’t intervene unless absolutely necessary.”
Daniel nodded in agreement.
As they approached, two heavily armed security guards saluted them and moved aside to open the cell. It was poorly lit but when they stepped inside, the emperor stood up.
“Who might you—” His voice cut off with a gasp when he saw Chase’s face.
“I’m not Argos,” Chase said preemptively. “And as per your original question, I’m the one who holds your fate in his hands right about now.”
The emperor nodded slowly. “I see. Well, as I told your friend, I have a proposition for you.”
“Let me get this straight…” Chase sneered. “You attack this world, you kill millions of innocent people, and now you want to negotiate for your life?”
“You should listen to me, boy.”
“Really? Give me a reason and perhaps I will.”
The emperor held up his hands to slow the pace of the conversation. “First you must understand something. While our people have been at war for as long as we can both remember, the Obsidian Empire didn’t really have a choice here.”
Chase and Daniel shot each other a look. “You’re gonna have to do a lot better than this.”
“Look, less than a year ago, I was approached by Argos.” He faltered for another moment as he studied Chase. “I take it you two are siblings?”
“That part is pretty new to me as well, but apparently he’s my twin brother. That being said, I’m nothing like him—now keep talking.”
“The fire in your eyes right now begs me to differ.”
Chase sighed, clearly annoyed, and gestured his hands impatiently.
“Alright, let me explain what happened, and then you can decide if you want to hear me out or not. When the Zarlacks and Argos approached us, they promised us a swift victory over the Alliance. They helped us improve our firepower and added hundreds upon hundreds of their very powerful ships to our fleet. At first, we were feeling lucky with this partnership. But it was not a partnership that your brother had in mind… As time passed, I became more and more of a slave to your brother. Soon, I was nothing but an empty title. Anyone who voiced their concerns regarding Argos’ plan was dealt with swiftly and definitively. It wasn’t long before I realized the terrible mistake I had made joining forces with that mad man.”
The emperor paused as his face grew grave.
“You see, while I have no love for the Alliance, I despise Argos even more. He took over my empire, and I want to make him pay for that.”
Chase cocked his head. “So we can resume fighting one another, as things should be?”
“Does it really matter at this point in time? Are you not in clear numerical inferiority at the moment?”
“The influx of Droxian battleships joining the Earth Alliance balances it out somewhat.”
“Droxians?” The emperor was stunned “I didn’t know they cared about other species.”
“They started to when Argos made the fatal mistake to try and wipe them out a few days ago,” Chase explained.
“A bold move indeed,” the emperor mused. “Even at the top of our expansion, I would never have given such an order.”
Chase shifted impatiently “Where is this going, Emperor?”
“Right. I am still influential within my own fleet. You may have noticed that the ships coming to Earth were Zarlacks.”
“Yes and yet you were onboard the biggest one, appare
ntly.”
“The Dragon’s Claw was a gift. It was supposed to be a symbol of our alliance with the Zarlacks, but as soon as we arrived on Earth, Argos took over, and without any of my fellow Obsidian forces, I had no other choice but to let him do so. But I am done working for that mad man. It’s not like I’m still emperor anyway…”
“I don’t follow.”
“Argos threatened to remove me from power numerous times. I’m sure the first thing he did after leaving here was to elect a new pawn to do his bidding.”
Chase paused. “So if you’re not the emperor anymore, what good are you to me exactly?”
“I’m still the emperor, technically at least. When the emperor is missing in action but there’s no body or proof of death, there is a period of time during which an acting emperor is elected. If the emperor doesn’t come back to claim his throne in time, this appointee would become the full-fledged emperor.”
“So in fact, you’re actually not proposing help, but want my help to recover your throne. I think I’ve heard enough.” Chase turned and started walking away.
“Wait! I have vital information—a way for you to even the odds.”
Chase stopped but didn’t turn around. “Talk fast… former emperor.”
“When Argos came to us he had only a handful of Zarlack ships, but we helped him construct a gigantic shipyard that can churn out up to ten battleships a week. This is why you can destroy his armada—he won’t mind; he’ll just build another. This installation is well hidden and even better protected. And as long as it stands, you have no chance of even contemplating your own survival. You need to take it out.”
Chase ground his teeth. This was terrible news, but at least he understood how Obsidian had defeated them so brutally and so fast. He made a fist.
“Look, I understand how you must feel.” The emperor tempered his anger. “But if we strike a deal, I will help you destroy this shipyard, and then I’ll help you kill Argos. In fact, I might even join your Earth Alliance if you let me.”
Chase turned around. “Finally, you have my full attention.”
“Good. Because we have work to do.” He glanced around the cell. “But if you don’t mind, I’ve been rotting here for quite long enough.”
Acting on instinct, Chase created a bright fireball in his hand. It crackled and sent lightning sparks that illuminated the darkly lit cell as if it was daylight.
“No funny business.”
The emperor nodded fearfully. “You have my word.”
“Excuse me if that weighs absolutely nothing in my book.”
“I can respect that. Shall we?”
He sighed. “The commodore’s not going to like this...”
One thing was for sure, the emperor in human clothes definitely looked out of place. But it was to be expected, what with his red complexion and orange war tattoos all over his skin.
The party arrived onboard the Destiny’s bridge, and, sure enough, the commodore reacted just about exactly as Chase predicted he would.
“Lieutenant Commander! Are you insane? What is HE doing here?”
Chase held up his hands. “It’s alright, Commodore, he wants to help. Believe it or not.”
“The hell he does!” Saroudis raged. “This scum needs to be executed! I had no idea he was even still alive. Guards!”
The security team raised their weapons just as Chase raised a peaceable hand.
“Everyone cool down. I can deal with him if need be.”
“No you can’t, Chase,” the commodore derided. “You can’t control your powers so I forbid them, remember?”
“That… was the day before yesterday,” Chase answered with a small smile.
“What?”
“Long story. In summary: I am in control now. And I don’t need anyone’s help to deal with him. Trust me.”
The commodore looked dubious at best and Daniel stepped in to help.
“Commodore, he’s telling the truth. They both are. Chase seems to control his powers effortlessly now and the emperor has given us some vital strategic information. We’re going to need his help.”
The commodore exhaled deeply. He made a quick gesture and the men lowered their weapons. “It’s not like I’m in command of anything. Perhaps you want to take over, Chase?”
“Nah, thanks, Commodore, I’m fine.”
“I was being sarcastic, Lieutenant Commander!” The commodore shook his head. “Look, I know you mean well, Chase, but there is such a thing as the chain of command. You report to me. You actually get your orders from me. You don’t go on errands like this without clearing it with me first!”
“I know, sir, I’m... I’m sorry.” Chase flushed. “Please understand that I’m not doing anything to endanger this ship or fleet.”
“I don’t doubt that for a single instant, Chase, but that’s beside the point.”
“Right... My bad?” Chase tried again, raising an eyebrow.
The commodore shook his head hopelessly. “Never mind. Now would someone please tell me why I have the Obsidian emperor on my bridge and give me a reason, any reason, why I shouldn’t blast him into space from the nearest airlock?”
“Because he can help us put a serious wrench into Argos’ plan.”
Chase explained the situation and the emperor added even more details this time around. He explained everything in terms of defenses, even said he knew the de-activation codes for the main shields. He brought up the star map and showed exactly where the giant shipyard was located and where to expect resistance. He even provided a safe route to avoid as many battlegroups as possible on the way. All in all, extremely useful information. As if to seal the deal, he also prepared a message to be sent to a few select ships captained by people he knew would follow his orders to the letter without resistance and proposed that they meet them before the attack on the target.”
About the time he was finished, Ryonna and Tar’Lock joined them on the bridge. At the sight of the emperor, Ryonna’s face tightened and a deep growl rumbled in her chest.
“Easy, tiger.” Chase calmed her with a smile. “How did it go?”
“I extracted the information we required and went to see Yanis to help us locate the person who gave Nina her orders.”
“That’s good news. How did you convince her to talk?”
The commodore raised his hand. “You don’t want to know.”
Chase drew in a tight breath, but nodded. “We needed that information, so thank you, Ryonna.”
“Finally, someone who understands.”
“Don’t get used to it,” warned the commodore.
“So what’s next?” Chase asked, glancing up again at the star chart.
“I’ll report to Admiral Thassos, see what size fleet we can devote to the destruction of this tactical target. And since it’s getting late, you can all go get some rest. As for you, emperor, while I appreciate the help and information you’ve provided, you will sleep in a nice bunk located in our brig.”
“Absolutely,” the emperor complied immediately.
His nonchalance was unnerving and Chase had no doubt that he had something up his sleeve. But at the moment, he had provided the Earth Alliance with valuable information, information so valuable it could possibly save all their lives. He’d have to bite his tongue.
“You two.” The commodore glanced at Ryonna and Tar’Lock. “While you aren’t members of my crew, and therefore not subject to my orders, could you please try to locate the person or persons responsible for the acts of terrorism before it gets even further out of hand?”
Ryonna nodded. “Absolutely. We’d be honored to help.”
Chase approached her. “You alright? You seem a little on edge… Can I help?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. I would like to keep guard outside the brig while that thing”—she cast the emperor a vicious look—“is amongst us. I don’t trust him.”
“I don’t trust him either, and if it makes you feel better, then sure. How’s Ronan?”
“He’s fine. He’s onboard one of the Droxian ships in orbit. I convinced her captain to let him observe and see what it is to be a true Droxian warrior.”
“He must be having loads of fun then.” Chase flashed her a grin.
“No, no fun! He must learn to be part of our military; this war has only just begun—”
“I was joking, Ryonna.”
“Oh…” She tried to smile. “I see.”
Chase looked at Tar’Lock. “And you?”
“Me? I’m actually just bored. So where she goes, I go.”
19
After leaving the bridge, Chase went to his living quarters and had a quick shower before heading over to Sarah’s. As the hot water eased his tired muscles, he took deep breaths and tried to remember what Ares had told him. Despite his fatigue, he was actually quite pleased with the results. It was getting easier and easier every time.
The sound of an incoming comm disrupted his tranquility, and he got out of the shower and hurried over. Thinking it was Sarah, he answered without bothering to put on any clothes.
“Now that’s a greeting.”
Chase gasped and covered himself as a woman laughed loudly on screen.
“Fillio! I... I thought you were someone else. Give me a minute to put something on.”
She grinned coyly. “It’s not like it’s something I haven’t seen before, Chasy.”
“Yeah well, that… was a long time ago.” He jumped into the first pair of pants he found.
“I take it you’re seeing someone now,” she deduced. When he said nothing, she flipped back her hair and leaned closer to the screen. “What’s her name? Spill! I want details.”
“You haven’t changed a bit. Her name is Sarah.”
“Why would I change? I think I’m great!” she answered with a genuine smile.
“Difficult to argue with that logic.”
“How did you two meet?”
“We met when we came to save Earth from the Zarlacks.”
“Yeah, I actually heard about that! From what I heard, it was more like you against a whole fleet.”
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