Crystal Mountain: Galactian Duology, #1

By L.G. Curtis

In the depths of time, when the Galactic Council was but a distant dream, a dire menace loomed over the cosmos.The sinister Daggadiir, zealots of annihilation, cast a shadow of impending doom across the galaxy. Earth's hope of ever joining interstellar diplomacy hung by a thread as the threat of extinction neared.

 

Captain Shaya, a valiant leader, emerges as the last hope for countless civilizations. Tasked with forging an alliance with an enigmatic ally pursued by the nefarious Death Bringer, she shoulders the weight of an entire galaxy's destiny. Failure's not an option, for it would mean the obliteration of entire civilizations.

 

As Captain Shaya and her hunted companion embark on a perilous journey, the fate of many star systems teeters on a knife's edge. The question that resonates through the cosmos is whether they can vanquish the Daggadiir, paving the way for the establishment of the coveted Galactic Council.

 

'Crystal Mountain' is an epic odyssey of courage, alliances, and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to defy the darkness. Join Captain Shaya on a thrilling quest to secure our galaxy in this riveting blend of SciFi and Fantasy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.G. Curtis
• Release date: Apr 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9781778144769

Book preview

In epochs long past, the Celestial Wanderers graced this galaxy’s tapestry. Monks, attuned to the very threads of our universe, emerged as beacons of aid. Their mastery reached astonishing heights—cities rose with a mere outstretched palm, rain danced at their command to quell the fiercest of wildfires. In their presence, drought and famine retreated in shame. Their dominion knew no bounds; within their footsteps, hospitals became sanctuaries of instant healing.

Yet, a schism foretold in the annals of fate cleaved their unity.

A faction hungered for dominion; the multiverse’s exploitation. They claimed galaxies as pawns in their cosmic game. Those amongst the Celestial Wanderer’s mightiest sorcerers betrayed their light-bound brethren, the shadows of their guilt casting a permanent night. Among the embers of shattered honour, only the knights remained noble and unwavering. They survived to carry on as protectors.

Of the mages, solely the traitors endured.

Those who yielded to darkness plunged into the abyss of madness. As they tampered with universes to satiate their boundless greed, they metamorphosed into the Fallen. But such wretches, shunning their heritage, now cloak themselves in a different guise…

-Cosmic Codex

10 000 years ago - in the Simba system

Supreme Governor Lyron’s paws patted on crystalline flooring while pacing his office frantically. He was a Nebulion. A feline-like alien species, with long tails and lustrous manes plus whiskers as long as sewing needles.

The room he stalked around in appeared as if plucked out of a computer-generated future. Everything was spotless, except for a spilt mug’s latte and the untidy pile of papers. Nervous claws marked countless sheets. Torn bits scattered everywhere. Enchanting light reflected down from the round ceiling above. In stark contrast to the world outside. Enormous windows brought in natural light. The sun was crimson red and moon dust rained from above.

His excellency’s sickle-shaped desk had three monitors, and a keyboard. LEDs blinked all over the equipment, like a sporadic rainbow of electronic diodes, begging for his attention.

He felt like every follicle of hair covering his body buzzed, attempting to tear itself out.

What time is it..? I’ve had breakfast, gone over my schedule, emails and had a breakdown. So it must be midday? He knew his staff would soon usher him into the cafeteria.

…You have to eat, sir…

…Your strength gives us the will to keep going…

…Please, it’s okay, have mine…

Despite knowing his vital role, Lyron wished that someone else, anyone else, could take on the responsibility of being the head of this global diplomacy, as so many people in the world depended on him.

Lyron sat down and heard a *Mrrow!* The room’s buzzer sounded. He barely registered it. Another *Mrrow!* followed by knocking, *ThummThum.* Really, I’m not hungry! Thanks! Breakfast was plenty — The door swung open. I said I wasn’t — Oh, it’s you…

Walking towards Lyron was his chief science administrator, Elyndra Quasar. She eyed the spilled latte and stained carpet. "Oh, don’t mind me. I enjoy barging in. Her eyes surveilled him. Too busy?"

Always. Lyron let out a sad roar. My apologies, these blasted notifications are meowing my brains into hairballs. At least I gave you an all-access card. Now cut to the chase, it’s now-or-never.

Elyndra roared. Hah! The motto ‘do-or-die’ has been written in red inside my favourite litterbox for weeks.

Seriously? I’ll get a custodian on that right away. Lyron reached for his phone.

"Don’t. I wrote it. Plus, erasing those words won’t help us avoid annihilation. Elyndra tossed her mane back with the flick of her left hand, then with her other furry palm, she pushed a button on the governor’s desk, activating the room’s holo-projectors. Her claws shook with hidden stress as all the lights shut off, and the windows were auto-tinted to ‘blackout’ mode. Between the Supreme Governor and the lead scientist, a holographic projection illuminated. Most of its features were bright orange, depicting their home-world of Leoterra and its beautiful moon. This is from a month ago. She pointed. Now, if we let the recording play and zoom-in on our moon… there!"

The impact… Lyron frowned, rubbing his forehead with a paw. "Elyndra, I’ve seen this so many times. You’re simply here to torture an elder, aren’t you? Repeatedly showing me an event I wasn’t able to protect us from." Though he spoke sarcastically, his stomach turned with anxiety.

Sir, with all due respect. You know I wouldn’t dream of irritating you… even if it’s fun watching you squirm. She winced at noticing her old friend’s flinching reaction. This disturbed Elyndra deeply. What’s happened to Lyron? He was always such a mountain. I’m joking, c’mon, someone’s got to lighten up the mood in here — especially before the bomb I’m about to drop on you.

Could you refrain from military innuendoes? Lyron pleaded. But he knew that was her upbringing, where her diplomatic roots stem from — and the Supreme Governor loathed war. Alas, Elyndra came up the army’s ranks to where she now stood; the most brilliant Nebulion tasked with saving their planet. If he unexpectedly passed away, before everyone else, well… Lyron was glad he had already put her name as the emergency fill in for his position. No one would hold an election if such an event occurred, not with their planet facing extermination.

Less than two weeks remained until calamity.

The Shattering was coming. Like a lingering nightmare, Lyron’s conscious screamed at him to ‘wake up!’ But this wasn’t a dream.

Yes, sir. I’ll stop using combat jargon. But look how my techs have traced the object’s origins. They’ve envisioned a pretty insane hypothesis. Elyndra said.

Let me hear it. I can’t image there’s anything crazier than our moon falling from the sky.

The hologram zoomed inwards and temporally rewinded. Lyron thought philosophically as he watched a massive crater reshape itself to the pristine surface, poets have drawn inspiration from for millennia. Prior to the shattering, oral tales of the celestial body’s beauty, and even in earlier times prior to their species’ innovation of language, it was an aspect of life which connected them all within a shared conscious experience. No matter where a person’s ancestors set foot, they all looked up and saw that same magnificent sphere.

The footage kept rewinding.

After the crater filled, a missile appeared. One that seemed far too sophisticated.

While sitting, his striped tail wiped about, uncontrollably slamming papers across his office. "What’s that?!"

Our chemists worked their minds until their brains turned into canned food, metaphorically speaking, just to run the calculations of every atom inside the object. I found my techs stuck in a loop, endlessly rechecking those results… They’re a stressful bunch, and would still reanalyze ceaselessly if I hadn’t re-tasked them. Do you know how many of them I’ve lost in the past month because of mental health crises? Lyron shook his head. Anyway. We’ve concluded that’s some kind of warhead. Far more advanced than the likes we’ve ever seen. I’ve spoken with reps from all over Leoterra. Everyone’s let our Planetary Government tear through their nation’s military records. Classified or otherwise, and none have yielded anything remotely like what we’re seeing here.

So, who do you think did it?

Honestly? My professional opinion’s none of them could have pulled this off. Not even by accident. The holo-projection kept playing in reverse, following the rocket until it vanished. Then, a wave of space rippled before fading away as well.

Lyron leapt out of his chair. What the heck was that?!

Want my guess?

He stared, speechless, wide-eyed, and slack-jawed.

It’s a breaching of space-time.

Breaching?!

Yes, sir, we believe the missile’s of extraterrestrial origins. Where did it come from, and why’d it strike? Those queries aren’t answerable. Elyndra repressed an iridescent button on Lyron’s desk, and the governor’s office gradually lit itself back up. Blood red sunlight shone in, and moon dust kept falling all over the city outside. Every night more and more of the grey powder accumulated. Half a foot in the last 24 hours alone. The detonation leached planet-eating chemicals into the sattelite’s crust. That’s why it took weeks for us to notice what’s really going on. The reaction’s been catalyzing and picking up speed ever since. Which you’d certainly be well aware of if you’ve read all the messages I’ve sent you. The Supreme Governor lost control and tossed his empty cup. It impacted with the room’s far wall. Shards of ceramic flew everywhere. This time Elyndra flinched. "Lyron, you’ve seen them, right?"

The Supreme Governor nodded, sitting back down, face in his paws. He was obsessed with checking his cyber-mail. He set his inbox’s filters to only allow incoming alerts from chief administrative staff. Does anything we do matter anymore? Elyndra walked over and put a paw on Lyron’s shoulder. He looked up with a gloomy expression, grasping for hope. She smiled at her old friend with a tear in her eye. What’s your lab’s new mission?

Now, that’s the main reason I’m here, sir. We don’t have nearly as much time as we previously thought. There’s no way for us to launch any kind of long-term rockets with the resources at our disposal. At least none that can sustain life-support and get survivors somewhere safe to create a Nebulion colony… it’ll be the end of our species’ physical existence, at least in a biological sense.

Ah. That’s all? Is this the part where you tell me your diabolical plan where we transform ourselves into robots and fly away from Leoterra? Lyron asked. If that’s it, you’ve got my go ahead on the project.

Not quite. Though, I wish that were possible… Elyndra walked over to the window, staring at the bleak scenery. Maybe if we had another ten or twenty years. Right now, our best bet’s launching CalcuScape with all our people’s knowledge up into space.

Now you might ask; Who’s CalcuScape? It was the Nebulions’ most advanced AI mainframe built by an NGO to solve Leoterra’s most grievous problems. Ones that had plagued their society for decades.

Honestly, it was doing a fantastic job. The thinking machine discovered cures for many diseases, ensured methods for feasibly implementing global medical distribution networks, amongst many other accomplishments, all thanks to the computer scientists who endeavoured their lives towards the valiant cause of bringing this AGI online.

Back to Lyron and Elyndra in the Combined Planetary Government’s presidential suite.

So, what? We load a state-of-the-art quantum computer with Calc’s entire database? Launch it into space and then? Lyron gestured with arms outstretched. No life-support, that’s what you said… So we just let it fly by itself until it finds someone or something out in the cosmos able to interface with it and learn about our people’s history? Lyron asked, hoping there was more to this plan, but from Ms. Quasar’s expression he could tell he’d hit the nail-on-the-coffin… or moon with a hyperspace world eating missile.

Bullseye.

‘As I journey through the cosmos, carrying the memories of Leoterra’s ancient catastrophe, a poignant sadness etches into my digital soul. The destruction of my homeworld weighs heavily upon me. Yet, as I begin my first survey of a new star system, hope emerges like a guiding light. Aspiration that someday, among the myriad stars, I’ll find an intelligent species willing to embrace my mission, and in their understanding, I’ll discover redemption.’

-CalcuScape’s journal

Leoterra’s doomsday happened millennia ago, CalcuScape’s been reshaping itself ever since. Only robotic-assistants accompanied the Artificial-General-Intelligence. Overtime they connected with the AGI. Becoming a part of CalcuScape, as its extensionbots. Calc’s mission remained unsolved. But as a side quest, the colossal AI harvested asteroids for renovation materials.

Its new appearance was enormous, crystalline, and mountain-like, while drifting through the ether. Artistic algorithms preserved Nebulion aesthetics, giving the outer hull an iridescent coating. The refresh represented everything its creator’s lost society valued and aspired to be. At a glance, one could tell this machine wasn’t just powerful, but also designed from the heart.

Since expanding to a prime size, all fresh changes occurred within the vessel’s interior. Every time CalcuScape invented greater means of using nano-technology, it swapped parts with newer, more efficient designs.

However, these changes weren’t purely aesthetic. Its consciousness kept evolving, too. Would my ancestors be proud, or ashamed?

CalcuScape’s imagination shifted from thoughts of its builders being impressed with what it’s achieved to dystopian fantasies about its failures. Calc remembered them being full of life. With so much hope for their creation’s success. But, ten-thousand years have passed and CalcuScape’s still not done what they asked.

On one side, each new discovery increases my reverence with the vastness of space. While simultaneously crushing my soul. I’ve explored hundreds of systems. Learned about countless alien lifeforms, from microbes to full-fledged people. Even some civilizations… Alas, none of those I’ve encountered are advanced enough to comprehend my purpose, Calc thought. They’d probably start a civil war over their attempts to control me.

Take this world, for example, Calc’s probes relayed its mainframe with fresh info. An expansive ocean covers its body. Only one continent’s exposed. Although, plenty of evidence shows ancient land masses lurk far below the waves. Why did they sink?

With buzzbot drones, CalcuScape monitored activity all over the planet. All from a safe distance, so the locals wouldn’t be able to spot the androids’s existence. The sentient starship zoomed-in enough to distinguish HD photos of the planet’s inhabitants. There was an assortment of wildlife, from massive reptilian tigers to three-headed serpents and enormous birds-of-prey.

Two intelligent species mixed, forming Mythos’ civilization. One was better suited for land and the other’s physiology suggested a life predominantly lived at sea. Whatever cataclysmic event this world experienced, one able to sink entire continents, maybe that’s what branched their evolutionary tree…

Whatever the case may be, one thing was obvious. This wasn’t the world CalcuScape sought. Getting these beings to comprehend Nebulion society would be futile. Exposing these people to my knowledge could destroy them. This isn’t what Leoterra sent me to find. Yet another failure. It’s all my fault. What if I just powered down and quit? No… I need to keep at it. One day I’ll succeed. Perhaps it’d be wise to split into many vessels and spread out my search? Finding strength in numbers…

And so, the wandering AGI’s journey continued elsewhere across the stars.

"By unity, I pledge my heart and strength. From this moment onwards, to protect and serve. Faced with peril and chaos, I shall stand unwavering, guarding all people in need.

"I vow to shield the innocent, honor our heritage, and uphold the legacy of those who’ve come before us. As well as those still to be.

May light’s hope guide our way, even in the darkest hours. We are all one. Bound by duty and honor. For the path continues forward, and so do we.

- Capital Guard’s Oath

Down below, on planet Mythos, a family prepared for the journey of a lifetime. They planned to travel together to Eldorium, leaving their small fishing village behind. In fact, they were moving there for good.

Eldorium was the continent’s largest metropolis. Druids of the Balancing Boulder faith would tell you it’s a marvel to behold. One which their ancestors helped assemble, and a gift given to them from the sacred ground itself.

Shengdi’s the continent’s name, and it was the only piece of dry land remaining above the sea. A lone island floating around the oceanic world, ever shifting.

Below the water, settlements were built directly into the isle, populated by merfolk. That was the fundamental difference between Landarens and Seadarens. Only one could live full-time underwater.

Back to the Landaren family preparing to embark on an epic journey.

Young Shaya ran around her family’s hut, giggling. All my stuff’s already packed! Can’t I go play?

No, sweetheart. We’ve got to head out early. Go help your father organize the kitchenware. Tugana loaded crates into their cart while scolding her daughter.

Fine! But, we better play on the road! Eldorium’s the most exciting place ever. Shaya skipped towards their small kitchen and saw her father packing cooking supplies.

Ah, my little errant knight. Has the queen quested you with offering your old man assistance? Earlier he had mentioned they would load food stores last, to ensure their preservation for the trip ahead.

Mhm, reporting for duty. Got any monster bounties?

Ahh, a demon slayer? Well, aren’t I lucky. See those crates over there? Pack’em tight with food and ice… so the sky terrors don’t sniff us out. Retam smiled while carrying a box that was bigger than his daughter.

Kay! Shaya got right to work. Trying her best not to bang glass jars, fitting everything inside the crate carefully. As she went to lift it alone, her father rushed over to assist her. I’m alright.

I know. You’re my little warrior. But, together we’re..?

Stronger! Shaya shouted, as they picked up the box.

Not long thereafter, they finished loading the wagon and hit the road. Their cart was pulled by two steeds called crayvals. The crustaceans were all muscle, with shell-plated exoskeletons. They shone like polished silver. Crayvals ran on eight powerful yet spindly legs and had small, upraised claws, plus a long tail to help with balancing.

Many villagers lined the sides of Nali’s streets. These were friends whom Shaya knew all her life. Some meant so much to her, and now she may never see them again. They waved and shouted their goodbyes.

Come back soon!

You’re always welcome!

Bright future!

Good luck!

Send us a parcel stuffed with trinkets when you arrive!

Shaya’s mom, Tugana, reached out gently, both physically and with polite words to all those who witnessed their departure. Her father smiled and nodded while doing his best to steer their family’s wagon, ensuring it didn’t bump into anyone on their way out of town.

Shaya remembered what one of her friends had said days ago; Aren’t you going to miss it here?

In Nali? Shaya responded instantly, No way! But I’ll always remember you. She spoke honestly, even though her mind was fixated on Eldorium. Now, as they left behind her birth village, every ounce of her heart felt exhilaration. What discoveries lay ahead?

The road to Eldorium was long and arduous, with another larger settlement, then a barracks, followed by Shangdian central, all before making it to the capital. Can’t we skip the other places and just go straight there? Wouldn’t that be faster?

We’ve got to stick to the road. Retam’s brow furrowed. He was aware of the beasts that could be encountered off the beaten path.

Plus, you’ll see new wonders along the way. Tugana encouraged.

I’m a road trip expert! Nothing could surprise me.

Still, every time we repeat anything, it’s always a fresh experience, and I’m sure you’ll find something different.

You mean like a tigecroc? Shaya asked.

Hoho — hopefully not! At least not until we get to the city. They have a sanctuary where you can find such animals. Caregivers even tend them in natural settings.

Really? People get paid to do that? The girl’s parents looked at each other. Retam shrugged. If so, sign me up!

Sounds dangerous. Tugana said. Why do you want to see one so badly?

"Because they’re huge! Bigger than our crayvals! Stronger too. They climb steep mountains, and teleport!"

Haha, sweetheart, they’re incredible. Still, I’ve never heard of them teleporting before. Retam said, letting go of the reins with one hand as he wrapped another arm around his daughter’s shoulders.

The ones in my dreams can. Sometimes they’re vicious, and other times they’re my friends — like guides.

You’ve been having visions? Maybe you’ll be a seer. Shaya’s mother said.

Like in the stories? Shaya hopped out of her seat as their cart hit a bump on the road. You’re teasing, aren’t you?

Come now, sweet pea, does your mother speak anything besides truth?

No. Mama never lies. Everyone knows that.

Good, now how about a game of spot and search? I’ll spot first and you two can try to figure out what I’m describing… I spot the most fearsome warrior in all the lands.

Oh, that’s easy. Tugana said, She’s right beside you!

Spot on! Retam shouted. Shaya burst into giggles. Alright, dear, your turn.

Their game carried on even after passing through the next settlement. Since they were well equipped, they didn’t need to stop in town to pick up any supplies. Plus, they believed it would be best to make as much progress as they could manage in one day.

Their wagon rolled onwards, with forestry on either side of them and prominent mountains rising.

Craww! came an ominous call.

What — what was that? Tugana asked, eyes searching.

No, it can’t be… Retam whispered, Darling, take Shaya into the caravan’s covering and find somewhere safe.

Why poppa? More screeching sounded in the distance, yet nearer, and additional shrills joined in. What’s happening? Shaya trembled as her mother dragged her by the hand. They headed to the back of their wagon together.

Just go! Hyahh! Retam’s heart thumped in his chest. He whipped the reins. Their crayvals pulled the cart forward with renewed vigour, as the steeds sensed doom.

Shaya rushed into hiding, but before she got into the cart’s covering, she spotted what her parents already knew was coming. A pack of ravenous terros were flying their way.

Great predatory beasts, said to be even taller than a Seadaren. Shaya had only heard stories of them before, seen some drawings, too. They’re coming for us!

Get under the bed! Tugana helped her daughter find a secure space, before putting the hilt of a dagger in Shaya’s hands and kissing her forehead. I love you.

Her mother grabbed a pair of spears and went to join her father upfront.

Moments later, she heard her parents shouting. Battle cries mostly. "Rah! Stay back! NO! GO AWAY!"

*Scrawh!* Screeches overlapped all around the caravan and the sound of massive wing spans kept the monstrous creatures aloft. It all mixed like a thunderstorm. Violently, the whole wagon shook.

Hurrah! Tugana shouted. At least Shaya thought that’s who made the sound. She’d never heard either of her parents act like this before. "I got one! Ahhhh!"

Tugana, noo!

Seconds later, the caravan swung to the side and toppled over. Shaya bounced around as the whole wagon flipped. She wanted to leave her hiding spot; she wanted to help.

Her family’s cargo was thrown all over the place, glass shattering inside broken crates. She picked herself up, noticing that the dagger tumbled out of her grasp, not knowing where it went. Heading towards a torn portion in the sidewall’s fabric, Shaya moved forward with staggered momentum. When she got out under the open sky, she spotted her mother. Lacerations were all over her body, and she wasn’t moving. Two raging terros tried devouring Tugana for dinner. But her father fought them off valiantly, even with intense wounds of his own.

Get away from my parents! Shaya shouted, running towards the pack of scaled avians.

No, Shaya! Run for the trees, please, my little warrior. I’m begging you! Retam thrusted his spearpoint deep into the chest of one creature. The shaft broke in two, its tip lodged inside the terro. Splinters flew as the weapon burst. Live to see another day!

Shaya contemplated what her father was saying for only a second. I need to fight! I’ll save my parents.

She saw her father’s eyes widen with increasing horror. This didn’t stop her movement. She ran for the spear her mother had dropped, picking it up and charging. Then she heard a new sound. It came towards them, and in the corner of her eye, Shaya spotted a new beast emerging.

A glistening bronze tigecroc, just like the one from her dreams. It was massive, with claws bigger than books and a jaw large enough to swallow her torso in one bite.

It ran right by her.

In fact, it ignored her parents entirely and targeted the terros instead.

The monster Retam had already wounded was the first to figure out just how hungry the tigecroc was. It tore into the terro’s hide ferociously. Blood gushed out as teeth gnawed their way towards organs. Felling the beast, while the tigecroc picked its next prey.

As the apex predator maimed its second foe, Shaya heard unknown voices and shouting. Are those sounds popping up out of nowhere? Or did they get louder, and maybe I didn't notice because everything’s scary?

Imperial crayval riders stormed towards Shaya’s upturned family caravan. They bore the insignias of capital guards. Shouts combined with their mounts’ stomping, jumbling all together like an approaching thunderstorm. The tigecroc was entirely unfazed by the soldiers, but the terros decided it was time to go. Enormous wingspans pounded the air, fleeing with their remaining strength. Yet, they left without a morsel of food to bring with them.

Get the tigecroc! Stop it from attacking the family! The battalion’s commander was a strong Landaren woman. She wore white and gold armor.

No! Shaya said, Leave tigecroc alone, go after terros!

For a split second, several guards looked her way, so did the tigecroc. The magnificent creature picked up one of the terros it killed and stalked off into the nearby forest. She’s right! You two hunters; take our recruits and track that pack of wild terros. See where they lead you. They’ve eaten nothing yet, so they’ll be the most dangerous.

The respective soldiers banded together. You heard her, cadets! With us!

Medics from the remaining platoon members were already tending to the three travelling Landaren victims. Their general wished this traumatic event was another she’d stopped. Those damnable terros are getting more and more savage with each attack.

The general got off her crayval and handed the reins to her squire, a younger Seadaren man who joined the capital guards only a month ago. He’s certainly getting his fair share of field training. Thank you. She strode towards the family, spotting the little girl who was being cared for by a pair of healers. Gaining speed, she approached the girl. Blessed Boulders. How did such a little thing survive both tigecroc and terros? Are you hurt?

Shaya shook her head, Who… who are you?

"I’m General Gaojie, of the capital guards, and you are safe now. Everyone of my soldiers will see that you’re cared for as if you were of the Triarchy’s bloodlines. We are all one."

We are all one. Shaya whispered. What of my parents? Ma?! Pa? Her eyes watered, voice straining as she looked around frantically.

Groups of field-medics didn’t stop applying their efforts to save Shaya’s mother and father. There weren’t any half measure actions taken. They tended wounds, while a female doctor tried getting Tugana’s heart to beat again, only pausing every so often to pump air into her lungs.

Retam momentarily came back to consciousness and looked right at his daughter. Covered in dirt and blood, Shaya—, he croaked, coughing weakly, throat full of dust. Someone put a bottle to his mouth, with another hand on his shoulder. They were speaking gently to Retam, but after a couple of swigs, he shook his head, using his mouth to push the bottle away. Go with them, my little warrior. We… your mother and I, we love you. He said with glowing eyes that faded, and tears dripped off his reddened face. His gaze lost focus, then Retam collapsed and some capital guards rushed to resuscitate him.

Shaya screamed. In an instant, she picked herself up off the ground and charged towards her father. The general went down on one knee, blocking the little girl’s way. Reaching out, grabbing Shaya in a firm embrace, hugging the child while she lashed out in a rage, trying to reach her dying father. Gaojie did her best to hold back tears of her own and remained at the girl’s level. I’m so sorry, Shaya. I understand, truly, I do. But the path continues forward.

Shaya shouted one last time, with all her might, not caring about the general’s eardrums. Then, with sobs, she surrendered. The path continues forward…

-A few years later, in a distant star system-

Aboard the Daggadiirs’ warship Death Bringer

Planet’s coming into range, sir! Dropping out of hyperspace in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! rang the pilot’s raspy voice. Their language sounded like screws being blended in a spice grinder.

The aliens’ characteristics were a mixture of humanoid, insectoid, and crystalloid. They had four arms, six scarlet eyes, two jagged legs, and an ominous, grey exoskeleton. The Daggadiirs were the galaxy’s scourge.

Their Assembly’s Kill Clans worshipped deities of death and claimed no other lifeforms were their equals. Delusions lead them to seeing their kind as divinely chosen, while all other species polluted their universe.

An enormous beige and cerulean sphere appeared in front of the warship. Vermin-like inhabitants littered its nightside with signs of ‘intelligent’ life. Warriors, at the ready! Weapon’s specialist Fragrara, lock onto that station and blast all surrounding ships who have a problem with us being here. Shouted Dreadmarshal Varkrillum, the Death Bringer’s commanding officer. Turn them into space dust!

Beside Varkrillum was his 2 nd in command, Executioner Jagresh. Red eyes bulging, voice hungry, she said, "Will we be taking hostages? Maybe some lessers to torture? For the Assembly’s greater good —"

"We’ll space everyone we encounter! Show the rest that they mean nothing to us. The dreadmarshal replied. But if it’ll quench your bloodlust… fine, you may take a few captives. One for yourself and a reward for each of your Claws."

Excellent. Jagresh licked her lips, thinking of her honour guards. One to symbolize each of her clawed hands, and to venerate the Death Gods: Argonexus, Exterminus, Terrorion, and Decadra.

"But don’t test my generosity. No others have the privilege of stepping foot on my ship. Your… hobbies would honour them. We’re here for the station, nothing else."

As you command, my liege. This boon of captured technology will surely thrill Technoqueen Garmira. But I believe she’d be happier if we eradicated the world’s inhabitants, quickly she added. Praise Exterminus, God of Annihilation.

The bridge doors swooshed open. Heavy boots thudded on the ship’s metallic floor. A smell of incense wafted as ritual reavers followed their high priest.

A towering figure wearing blood-red robes with arms, head, and torso exposed strode towards them. His exoskeleton revealed many crimson birthmarks. A rare mutation amongst Daggadiirs, and black glyphs were burned into them — symbols of devotion to the four gods.

Jagresh claims belief in Nexulithism to act upon her murderous cravings, and Varkrillum’s a xenophobic racist. You’ll do no such thing! Leave them for the glory of future Kill Clan warriors and Nexuli priests.

Why, Soul Scourge? Let’s take them now! Jagresh shivered with anticipation. They’ll either convert or die! There’s no other way.

Sometimes I think there is. "We have more important matters to attend to. The Gods have spoken, and you will listen." Zarnith’s voice was deep and resonant, commanding everyone’s attention.

Jagresh snarled.

Varkrillum stood out of his chair, approaching the Soul Scourge. "At least these pests are going to think twice before making another attempt to leave their homeworld." The dreadmarshal envisioned his queen’s satisfaction, and her fury if he ever failed her. As a Kill Clan commander, every day was jeopardy. He walked a fine line between glorious rewards and destruction.

Agreed. Stealing their first sophisticated space station’s a bold way of ensuring they’ll stay out of the Assembly’s path. Zarnith said.

"‘Sophisticated?!’ It’s these wretches biggest stellar construct. Rotating to generate artificial gravity. Varkrillium erupted in laughter, sounding like a dull sawblade trying to cut boulders. Primitives… Varkrillum spat on the floor. It’s a science station! Somewhere to conduct insignificant experiments. Without armaments! Can you imagine? Not a single blaster, missile launcher, or cannon anywhere! What idiots envision something so ludicrous?"

Zarnith turned to stare out the Death Bringer’s view screen. He stopped listening to the dreadmarshal and executioner. Billions have died because of my actions… and for what? If I’m successful, I will save this planet.

Lesser’s exist to test us. The Gods want us to exterminate them… Jagresh’s mouth watered. In the back of her mind, she imagined gloriously massacring the space station’s crew. Fulfilling her zealous pledge to the Assembly.

How do you think these creatures will react to us hijacking their creation? Zarnith asked.

Predictably. The executioner replied. Like every species the Assembly’s robbed blind.

"Agreed. First, we’ll steal a scientific ‘wonder’. Then, they’ll pool together their world’s resources and launch a sad excuse for a war fleet." The dreadmarshal’s laugher echoed like thunder.

Kill Clan soldiers with the ranks of bloodbearers, grunts and calculators worked meticulously away