Beneath Alien Shadows: The Fire of Resistance Burns: The Liberation Chronicles, #2

By Chrispen Dee

As their planet faces invasion and occupation by the ruthless Skrull empire, resistance fighter Vorax must rally the people to overthrow their oppressors. But unity proves fragile amidst the chaos of war, and maintaining moral discipline seems impossible as cycles of violence engulf all sides.

Faced with growing factionalism within the resistance and intensifying enemy brutality, Vorax walks the line between pragmatic alliances and compromising principles. His skills are put to the test against foes like the murderous General Klaxx and later the seductive cult leader Zala, who both threaten liberation with their dangerous extremes.

When open warfare finally erupts, Vorax struggles to temper righteous vengeance with wisdom. But as casualties mount and extremists seize power, he wonders if their dream of freedom can survive the inferno. With civilization collapsing into anarchy, Vorax and his beleaguered allies become refugees clinging to the fading vision that drove their revolution.

This gripping sci-fi drama portrays the complex moral choices surrounding conflict and liberation. As unity frays from within while enemies mass without, one leader's commitment to higher ideals is put to the ultimate test. Will their light endure or be smothered under the chaos of war?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chrispen Dee
• Release date: Jun 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223913016

Book preview

Ascent of the Skrulls

The Liberation Chronicles  - Volume 2

Chrispen Dee

Copyright © 2023 Chrispen Dee

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 9781234567890

ISBN-10: 1477123456

Cover design by: Art Painter

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

Printed in the United States of America

Introduction

In a distant star system, the peaceful planet of Vecta faces a grave threat - invasion by the ruthless alien Skrull Empire. From the depths of space they come, hungry for conquest, domination, and revenge against those who defied them long ago.

Now begins an epic saga of courage, sacrifice, and desperate struggle against overwhelming odds. The fate of civilization rests on the shoulders of resistance leader Vorax, a battle-hardened veteran haunted by past defeats. It falls to him to somehow unite a fractured people and lead the fight to save their world from annihilation.

But the lines between right and wrong, ally and enemy, will become dangerously blurred as Vorax confronts impossible choices and betrayal from within. Will the light of hope and freedom be extinguished forever by the gathering galactic storm? Or does some glimmer yet remain that might lead them out of darkness?

Join the last defiant stand of the Vectan people as their besieged homeland becomes the epicenter of a war for their very survival and humanity itself. Hearts will break, heroes will fall, but the stubborn flame of liberty refuses to relent against even the fiercest winds of tyranny.

In the end, victory or defeat, glory or shame, life or death will come down to the strengths within each soul when tested to their limits. These are the untold tales singing silently among the stars

Chapter 1

Whispers of War

Vorax stood solemnly on the observation deck of the orbital defence station, gazing out at the looming gas giant Vaxus and its swirling violet atmosphere. He took a moment to contemplate its tranquil beauty before turning to the matter at hand.

Show me the telemetry again, he instructed the waiting lieutenant. She nodded and inserted a data coin into the central holotable. A series of red dots appeared accenting the gas planet's outer rings.

These magnetic anomalies started appearing in the last rotation, the officer explained. Too regular to be natural, and concentrated in areas with high mineral content.

Vorax crossed his arms. Your assessment?

Covert mining operations. Highly probable it's Skrull activity.

Then we’ve run out of time for half-measures. Vorax straightened. I want continuous stealth reconnaissance on these sites. The moment you have solid confirmation, we mobilize for immediate response.

The lieutenant saluted and departed hastily to relay orders. Alone again, Vorax felt the weight of the long-dreaded hour settling heavily. For over a year they had monitored the Skrulls' steady encroachment beyond Vecta’s borders. Diplomatic entreaties had all failed - appeals answered only with threats.

Now the vice closed. To attack their mining operations was tantamount to a declaration of war. But forfeiting their gas deposits would cripple defences. Vorax closed his eyes, whispering a solemn prayer. Then he departed to ready their forces, hoping morning's light would not brinthe g apocalypse. But in his heart, he knew war's first light already glowed ominously on the horizon.

Divert all available battlegroups to Vaxus immediately, Vorax instructed the naval commanders from the war room's holotable. We must hit those mining camps with overwhelming force.

Fleet Admiral Leto frowned. Leaving the central systems so exposed is risky. This could still be Skrull subterfuge.

Vorax's expression hardened. Would you wager our entire fuel supply on that slim hope? We cannot delay.

Leto stiffened, but reluctantly nodded compliance. Around Vorax, the bustling war room hummed with grim focus. They had long prepared for this dark hour, though desperate hope it might pass had persisted. Now reality's storm broke.

Donning his crisp dress uniform, Vorax proceeded to address the Protectorate Assembly in emergency session. As he entered, anxious voices echoed off the great hall's marble walls.

Citizens, I present myself with solemn tidings, Vorax began heavily after taking the podium. Despite all counter efforts, state of war now exists between Vecta and the Skrull Empire.

The chamber erupted into dismay and outrage. Despite Vorax’s placating hands, calls came from all sides to ready a full offensive. Isolationist groups accused him of inviting conflict through weakness.

Yes, marshal the full might of our forces, Vorax assuaged, but not for conquest. We stand only to defend our sovereignty and secure an honourable peace.

He hoped the measured words fortified them. In his soul, Vorax knew the coming tempests would tax the spirit of their civilization to its utmost limits. And the storm was still only gathering its fury.

Four hours later, Vorax stood amidst the fray in the command centre monitoring initial engagements as their armada struck the Skrull mining camps around Vaxus.

Chaos unfolded on multiple displays as wings of fighters weaved through asteroid belts against swirling gas