Five Talons of the Star

By Dennis P. Murphy

Betrayal, revenge, and a loss of faith. These are the conundrums that Tulane must face within the moments of a war his people did not choose. In a solar system where an ancient alien race has resided for eons, a powerful secret lies in the planets surrounding it. Tulane and his people will soon find out that this secret will be key to an entirely new freedom they've never encountered, and an unforgettable journey that will change their lives forever.

Join the sci-fi adventure as you witness through the eyes of Tulane an evolution of a lifestyle influenced by the politics of war, choice, and undiscovered power. Embark on an epic journey to other planets with plenty of action, drama, and self-discovery that guarantee to touch your heart forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639031993

Book preview

Chapter 1

Iam a soldier. I’ve fought in many battles and killed many. I am a Tolinian from the planet Toline, a planet in a unique solar system within the Milky Way galaxy, Perseus’s arm in the Beta Quadrant. My name is Tulane. In our planet we were raised as fighters from the day we were born; it’s what has kept our planet alive for over a thousand years. We have no such thing as government; everyone lives as freelancers; no hierarchy of leadership, yet everyone is responsible for the systemic culture we have in place. The only one we would call leader is God, and we live by his word. Many doubt our planet, and many have tried to conquer us to prove so. But we only answer such insolence with a two-thousand-electrobyte plasmic rifle upon their pitiful hides. None has conquered us since, and no one will. Our race has worked together as a complete team. When you battle against us, you battle against a population of six billion, all trained as fighters, all working together to destroy any opposition. To keep such order, our ancestors made two concepts for our world when it was founded. First was to teach the child from day one the Bible, the ways of virtue, and what is right and wrong, so that their hearts never turned evil or corrupt for what was to be a planet of peace and freedom. The second was to teach the child of war, to recognize what war is and how to kill was necessary to protect this planet from intruders. It was indeed bellicose in nature, but with the strict and extensive knowledge of the Bible and its morals, the right decisions could be made.

This knowledge has kept us in peace for many years, until now of course.

We have agreed on allegiance with the Judicators, a nearby civilization, much like us, humans except they have gills on the sides of their chest area since the planet contains only three continents and the rest lies underwater. They are feeble people who follow under an unusual government rule. The Cha is the highest order that decides all manners of living standards and directs the entire community. The Noverties control the military operations and organize all plans of warfare. Then the Ecretians, who govern the economical standards of the planet. It is much like having three kings rule over you. It’s an obvious oligarchy, though each branch is ruled over by each dictator respectively. The three govern over their part and no other can be involved with the other’s decisions, save for the Cha, considered the end-all to the majority of the decisions made. They have many corrupt people within their planet; I despised the day my people conceded with them.

The Judicators had a problem with their dirty work. They found a planet containing Korbecian crystals, valuable resources for vehicles and for their planet since with certain chemical mixtures, it can create fuel. Rumor has it that it is an abundant source of pure energy, hence as a resource, it can be used for nearly anything to power technology. It has a chemical chain reaction that, if mixed with a certain amount of Corbalt, can actually create a good portion of earth, which the Judicators need to expand the planet’s continents and have more accessible land to create supplies of food. Unfortunately, they ran into someone opposing their motives: Epitemitic Nerfate Kheldin, the queen of the Screamer civilization upon the nearby planet Bondan. She retaliated to the intrusion with a field of body parts. So, knowing of our victorious reputation, the Judicators wanted to form an alliance with us to relieve Nerfate Kheldin’s defenses so they may retrieve their goods. We hesitated, knowing they were treacherous, but they were willing to offer a massive supply of food for us since it was something we were lacking from the increase of our population. Thus, out of an anonymous agreement amongst the parties involved, we decided to help them.

Now here I stand, amongst my people, my family, in the planet Judas, awaiting the soon-to-come war. This was not like us; we only used our fighting skills for defense, never to conquer; it wasn’t moral. We knew they were up to something; military experience let that be known quickly, but we couldn’t pinpoint it. Needless to say, we couldn’t afford to refuse the offer, for food was undoubtedly needed.

I hate this planet, Tulane. It reeks of foul odor and ugly people, Jeebs whispered to me, my friend whom I’d known all my life, literally. He was a joker and loved to play games with people. Although rather rude at times, he knew his place and only acted obnoxious for fun.

You’re not allowed to hate, remember? I replied as if I were his father. Well, I think god would give an exception to the likes of this place.

Although I judge no one, the likes of this place were rather inane. We were at a military site underwater. It was within a huge air bubble that provides us with oxygen. The area had garbage everywhere, seaweed on the walls, and the horrid smell of dead fish. Apparently, they prepared for our arrival late, for a captain explained that they just threw a bubble up there and would clean up later. Their technology was a bit enhanced; the air bubble was their latest, since many travelers came to their planet. It’s a small, organic, yet manmade bubble that, once put to an ocean floor, can expand to however one wants it. It can grow large enough to give air to an entire civilization under the sea. The only problem with it is that, as it expands, it pushes the water away and engulfs the surrounding area, killing the animals that survive on water, and all the plants and debris fall to the ground, leaving a huge mess. It’s a problem they are still working on, apparently.

A commander came in from the Judicator’s army and announced the plans for their takeover. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am glad you’re in alliance with us! We are in dire need of your help, and we are eagerly awaiting to give you assistance on whatever needs you have!

Man, that was a lie! I saw it all over his wrinkled prune face! Jeebs also liked to make fun of people.

We have given you any machines and weapons you need, and we have also given you any upgrades of weaponry that you don’t have now. Your attack will begin tomorrow at the second sun’s eclipse. We thank you, and again good luck!

The commander left with those words; needless to say, not very informative. A war must be well prepared and planned; I only hope they give us a better situational report on the area of responsibility, the number of weapons they were giving us, and every other essential to a war. I felt something within me that wasn’t right; something was very wrong with helping these people. But I had no say in this. All I know was that I am preparing for war, as a soldier should, and saying my prayers was the only thing to really worry about right now.

The time for battle had come. We began to load up our men into carrier ships and entered our vehicles. We gathered an army of two million from our planet—five hundred thousand in Aerial Loderunners, Starships, and other flying vehicles, five hundred thousand of land machines, Sentinel Rogues, tanks, Stealth Falcons and Miners, twenty thousand medics, thirty thousand crewmen, and the rest was troop militia. We were an organized military keeping our numbers by tens. During war, we count the number of deaths and then we separate our troops by numbers of tens; it helps to split up and keep organized. The Judicator’s army consisted of only 435,234 troops: only four hundred aerial support, thirty-five ground-support vehicles, and the rest troops, with only a few workers and medics. It was obvious they relied heavily on our manpower as support. I followed Jeebs on our way, watching the dark-blue sky, which happened to be the sea we lay beneath. It was a beautiful sight to see, plant and animal life scattered the sea sky. I watched as a huge, unusual creature drifted across the top of the bubble. It seemed oblivious to our presence, waving its huge tail fin back and forth; its movement calmed me somehow.

My way to the carrier ships was cut short by an unusual opposition: Go back to where you came from, Tolinian!

It was a disgruntled Stealth Marine, obviously prejudiced against our kind. He was pretty bulky and well-built; that could be seen from the immensely tight black shirt he had on. An obvious jock. You think you can just barge in and take over military action like y’all are gods! You and your stupid system of peace is a load of bull! No civilization can have peace without order!

Jeebs tried to become the peacemaker. Hey, back off, buddy! He’s done you no harm!

You shut up, Toline. I’ll show you what the Judicator army can handle, and that’s anything! Even the likes of scum like you!

He proceeded to attack me. I slowly moved out of the way of the incoming fist, showcasing the ever-so-slow speed of the supposedly strong and powerful opponent. I then quickly grabbed his arm and broke it at the forearm. For someone so bulky, his arm was remarkably weak; guess he didn’t drink much milk. His supposed buddies looked in awe at my speed, then laughed at their partner as he lay on the floor screaming. Some friends.

A captain approached me, looked at me scornfully, then looked down at the soldier. Never seen a Marine take down a Stealth like that, but Bane here is a cocky one anyway. I hope that quickness is useful in this here war, boy. Hehe… I like your style. I like it.

The captain proceeded to hurry his men to the carrier ships. Jeebs and I proceed as well. My heart raced; this was something we’ve never done before, to actually take over a civilization. It was something we just didn’t do.

I knew my comrades felt the same, especially Jeebs. Well, buddy, are ya ready to put some bullets up a Screamer’s butt?

I’m ready was all I could reply.

The carrier ships lifted off; the huge bubble morphed into a tube, spreading the water apart and clearing a dry passageway out of the planet of Judas. We headed toward the planet Bondan, where the Screamers reside. The planet had a red aura as there was no trace of huge bodies of water, only the orange and red hues painted its surface; probably not a breathable territory. We landed on a clear field; the smell of sulfur filled our nostrils despite our filtered gas masks from our suits, mainly due to the lava geysers nearby. Our suits were able to convert any source of an element into oxygen, yet still contained the molecules that give off the element’s smell. Tannic colored boulders surrounded the field; the open area seemed to lead somewhere beyond the distance, possibly carved from rivers that once existed here. Our crewmen instantly made work to build up a head command center and lodging for our men. We decided to scout out and find the Epitemitic’s territory; a Stealth Marine was immediately sent out. I hated to wait; I wanted to kill and leave as quickly as possible. This place gave me horrible feelings, if its smell didn’t do it for me. After what seemed like hours the scout came back, but something wasn’t right about him; I felt it. I rushed up to see him, only hoping what I thought was wrong wasn’t true.

Unfortunately, I was right. He was missing an arm. He fell into my arms. Screamers, five thousand yards. They must have known we were comin’…

He died; he had lost too much blood. I rested him on the floor and warned the troops. We then made our move and gathered our men toward the path to confront the enemy. I could see them. The area was rather narrow, and they were a good two thousand yards away and closing. Crewmen immediately set up bunkers. We readied for the assault.

A Judicator soldier had a complaint about our plan. "What are you doing? We should attack head-on! They’ve got the lead in numbers! We can’t go on the defensive here! Where is our aerial offense? You left the airships at the base! Are you insane?"

I as well as the rest of us ignored him. We had our plan; we just waited for our bunkers to be set up. Ten minutes passed. The Screamers were only a few feet to firing range, and one hundred bunkers were created. Our men were trained to create quickly, and with our technology, we could build a city in one day, yet it is an enigma that has been questioned in recent times. Men and women entered the bunkers, a squad of eight Stealth Marines, ten medics, and a squad of forty Combat Marines to each one. The rest stayed behind to fight, while the crewmen now began turret construction.

The Screamers arrived… Bullets and plasmic rifles blasted, tooth and claw struck, and Screamer Soldiers spat their crap at us. I had my two-thousand-electrobyte plasmic rifle and I was pumped. I killed as if they had killed my family. I’d dealt with Screamers before; they’d attacked our planet many times, assuming we were pathetic and easily conquerable because of our ways. The Screamers were categorized after the order of ant species, the Hymenoptera, yet since they were still alien and had higher intelligence, they were named Nocturin Invorachin. The type of Screamers ranging from Soldiers to Spine-eaters, we have yet to give them official biological names due to our lack of knowledge of their habits. For now we use basic common names, many adopted from the Judicators, to identify them. From what I know, they attack in swarms, infesting planets for their survival, and are merciless; brainwashed soldiers doing the bidding of one mind.

I blasted three close to me, and then another trying to attack my comrade; bloodshed was everywhere. I blew the head off one of the Soldiers, only to have a human head bounce off my backpack. One of the Stealth Marines from my people signaled the call. Half the men retreated to the base, leaving only the bunkers and the troops outside.

What the hell is going on! Why are the men leaving! You cowards! You freakin’ cowards! You all can go to h—aaaack!

I hated to admit it, but I was kind of glad he died. He was annoying. Apparently the Enslaver could agree when it stuck its huge talon in his gut. The soldier wasn’t maintaining situational awareness, a very jejune mistake in war. I almost made the same mistake; an Enslaver nearly swiped my leg off while knocking me down. I retaliated quickly by blowing it away and plasma-bombing his head to hell where it belonged. I quickly rolled away and stared up into the smiling face of the captain I met earlier.

I guess those reflexes did work for ya, boy, but I have a question. Why are your troops leaving? I ordered them to return ’n’ continue battle, and they turn tail and ran! Are ya sure you’re as much as ya say ya are, boy?

The captain helped me up. There were still a good number of the millions of Screamers that attacked, and our numbers began to decrease along with the bunkers taking damage. But as the captain finished his question, two Starships from the east and west began to psychon-blast the Screamers to dirt. The troops who retreated came out from the carrier ships that maneuvered behind the Screamer forces and continued an assault from behind. We in turn continued to blast at them from the front; we surrounded them. Backup troops came in for cleanup, and another victory was marked in our books.

Over four million Screamer forces against two million four hundred thousand; many creatures, many deaths. It was insane to see the hordes of carcasses that lay on that floor. Humans and Screamers, blood of different color covered the ground; it was horrible. Our victory cost us 297,000 casualties, and over thirty thousand dead. We still had good numbers, but it was still a loss. Medics took care of the casualties, many had lost their limbs, and our plans were set forward. The victory seemed too easy. Although four million was many, most were only Soldiers and Enslavers, only a few Cravers were there; it wasn’t a complete army. In fact, it was a setup; it was only there to weaken our forces. Another scout found what looked like a colony twenty miles away, a good distance away from us; more hell to pay. If this was considered a setup army, who knows what kind of numbers they could have at the colony. This required more troops, and more planning.

The Judicators shouted and screamed their victory. We, on the other hand, set up and prepared, for we knew what was to come next, and we knew what we were doing was wrong. I do believe that the Screamers are only fighting in defense, like we are, and war is not on their minds. And I believe many of my people are going to be praying for forgiveness, like I will be, and hoping that we get out of this alive.

Chapter 2

AScreamer colony. Facing such a force is insane…in fact, it has never been done before in our world. Of course, that’s only because we’ve never attempted domination over another world; it’s useless and foolish as well. Troops gathered enough supplies from our surroundings and prepared to move on toward our targets; backup arrived and we organized accordingly. Jeebs followed me into one of the Tanks, and we planned our next attack.

We need to do something, Tulane… You know as well as I do that the Judicators have somethin’ up their sleeves. I mean, they ain’t just chasin’ after these Korbecian crystals for nothin’!

I could only look at him and nod in agreement, ignoring his mocking of the captain’s accent, for he was right. Something was up. Maybe I haven’t been studying them as much as I should have been. I thought about why they depended upon us, knowing our way of life. They knew how we were when it came to offensive warfare, the domination of another world, and they knew our capabilities of survival. Even though we lacked food, we were always capable of trade and some form of technological development to benefit our needs. They could give us nothing to make us need anything from them. But since they offered more food, it seemed only fair and economically a good choice to take given the circumstance. And yet, why we consensually agreed to support this endeavor still confuses me. On another note, the Judicators are very ethnocentric, the only trait our worlds seem to have in common, and the idea of dependence on another world is unlike them. What they are up to shouldn’t be this difficult to decipher, yet my mind couldn’t focus on the matter right then.

The Tank reached its destination; we boarded off and scanned the area for any Screamers roaming within our vicinity and took note of the ground for any burrowed spots. We were in a very open area, which wasn’t necessarily good; the Screamer’s legions had room to move all of their forces in and annihilate us. Not only that, it left room for the humongous Gigamaths to get in and stomp on us as well. Our only advantage was that we secured the area first and could set bunkers, mine the area, prepare our position, and control the surrounding. Our men began to set up, yet uneasiness filled the air.

I left my gear next to the Tank and walked around the empty area, listening to the unusual silence in this place. All I could hear was the thumping of my metalloid boots on the pavement, as well as the joking and movement of infantry. Suddenly, a loud screech filled the air. I turned around to see an ambush team of Screamer infantry attack at our position. The surprise attack seemed impossible, given the terrain. However, a forgotten fact about the Screamers is their innate ability to burrow. The screech likely distracted our men for the Screamers to dig out from underneath and attack. It was a scout team, about three hundred; only a hundred of us arrived, so we were in trouble.

They came in fast. Men were getting killed; we needed backup fast. I went to where I laid my backpack to retrieve bombs; my gun couldn’t handle the job without some heavy ammunition to back me up anyway, but they came in too quickly, and I had to get out of harm’s way. Our Tank driver was killed; Jeebs followed behind me as we shot our way toward another effort toward the Tank. There were only Enslavers and a few Soldiers, but since there were so many together, we weren’t fighting them off adequately.

We finally reached the Tank, cleaned it of the two Enslaver’s attacks, entered, and immediately engaged. The Tank’s attacks were too slow, and a few Enslavers came to stop our nuisance. Jeebs came out and cleaned a few off, but they were persistent. I decided to use the micro nukes in the Tank. I knew being in this position wasn’t going to last long, but I had to use the best of our defense to lower the numbers. I blasted shots in the direction of the most cluttered attacking forces, killing three or four at a time. Jeebs was still fighting off the fleas, and systems noted me of the Tank in danger of malfunction and explosion. I cued Jeebs to get out; we jumped off and ran toward the half-built bunker near the Tank. The Tank exploded, taking at least two of the five Enslavers attacking it. It helped, reducing their numbers to about a hundred, but our men were about fifty. More infantry came in and tried to help us, but they were getting knocked off, killing our numbers, since many came through carrier ships, and the Screamer’s Soldiers were knocking them out of the sky.

This situation was atrocious. I had to think of some way to get them off our backs. I looked around and all I saw were the bodies of allies, with Screamers screeching their early victory. I had to think; my carnal instincts had to kick in…but all that was on my mind was God, help me.

The Screamers were going down slower than our men. The outcome of this battle was in our favor, but then it would be a victory for the Screamers given they’re nothing but scouts and were meant to slow us down as well as identify our position. This means we couldn’t let any of them escape. Jeebs and I stayed hidden behind the half-built bunker, blasting any Screamer wanting their dose of lead and plasma. I motioned to Jeebs to see if he had a plan, but he gave me the perplexed look he always gave me when he didn’t know what was going on. I was on my own. I looked around for any vehicles…none. Any weapons…nope. And finally, anything that could save our numbers. I was in luck; God was definitely in our favor, for at a distance in the center of the dry desert field, a large and deep hole was exposed, meaning that we were on top of unstable grounds. There was the possibility of an underground cave beneath our feet. Of course, this probably wouldn’t work, but it was what was going to save us here within the few seconds we had before the Screamers completely wiped us out. I set my gun to plasma mode and pumped it with as much energy as possible.

Jeebs, when I shoot this toward that crack where the Screamers are at, run!

Jeebs gave me another perplexed look, then nodded in agreement. I blasted the hole; instantly, the hole crumbled, creating a huge caving of the ground, taking everything within a hundred yards under it. The domino effect of the caving led toward us; we ran as fast as we could. I looked behind to see if my plan worked. I could see a few marines and my people run toward safe ground. The Screamers, unaware of the danger, foolishly gloating at the perceived retreat, fell into the hole that was only about three feet in size in the beginning. The rumbling and caving of the ground soon resided, leaving a huge cloud of dust, and in its wake, there was silence. I tried to see my men, but it was hard to see through all the dust, and my eyes hurt from it. I called for Jeebs, but I couldn’t find him either; he must have continued running. The dust cleared a bit more, and I could see silhouettes of my people and some of the Judicator men cheering; some looking confused as to what happened. I began to walk in their direction when an abrupt thump upon my head blacked me out. The world closed in on me, and I fell into a deep sleep.

I awoke, only to find that I wasn’t in the same desert area of the planet we were at war in. No, it was something completely different; the scenery was almost close to what any Toline would consider heaven. The sun shone bright upon my metalloid armor, and the healthy green of the grass and trees surrounded me.

Almost like a typical happy-go-lucky forest, where everything seemed so…friendly.

Butterflies circled me; the serene sound of birds chirped in distant directions…the atmosphere basked in such a blissful ambience of peace. I finally came to the realization that I was dreaming. As much as I wish it wasn’t, I couldn’t feel or smell anything, and not only that, I knew there was no place like this; it had waned too far from reality. But seeing as how I was still in it, I decided to continue to enjoy its serenity. I walked through the peaceful forest, reflecting on my past. My worries seemed completely gone, and nothing but peace overwhelmed me. I wished I could call this home, have my people live within it, and have no worries of this foolish war we were in. My mind suddenly thought of where Jeebs was, and tension began to rise a little. Then, the moment of serenity that I was surrounded in revealed its sinister intentions, for an unusual numbing feeling arose on my hand. I looked at it and noticed a cross tattooed on my hand started to glow a bright sky-blue. The numbing began to turn to pain, and the ground beneath me began at a meager shake that grew to an earthquake. I screamed out in pain yet no sound came out. The numbing was growing worse as the light on my hand shone brighter. The ground was violently shaking as a full earthquake now, and the once-serene little area shattered into chaotic destruction.

Suddenly the earth began to glow with the same eerie light that appeared on my hand. I soon realized that this place was going to explode, for the rumbling and protrusions of earth grew even stronger as far as I could see. Suddenly, like geysers, parts of the earth shot out blue lights, and the area was now covered in the blue glow. In this moment, just before the earth exploded, I heard a voice…a voice that sounded all too familiar; like that of my father. Its words perplexed me: Find it within you. As soon as those words were spoken did the earth finally give and set itself free, and only then did I wake up, left with an unusual dream that I knew had significance.

Chi wan tou denay!

Zerdule de mí tare.

Nadka mi jawa tulaye!

De bizta mauwe tare!

Ner’ de kaye mer’zuhl vi mi men jare.

Uyo.

I awoke to unusual voices, recuperating from the nightmare that was initially a peaceful dream. I tried regaining full consciousness to see my surroundings, only to feel an intense blow to my stomach. Quickly I realized I’d been maliciously attacked by something. Unexpected pain, it’s the worst, for your defenses aren’t up, and you take in all of the pain. The hit had me drop to my knees and into a fetal position facing the ground, my eyes closed tightly shut.

Tu mi jare zuhl!

I heard the assaulter’s unusual language; I then realized I’m imprisoned. Immediately I tried to understand my surroundings aside from the fact it was so dark inside. The ground I stared at was metalloid, in fact a special type of metalloid only found in certain planets where technology had advanced a bit. I began to ponder who had me captured until I got a hard kick to my side, making me groan in pain and roll over, still in the fetal position. The captor palmed the top of my head and pulled me upright to my knees.

Nadka mi towry! Zin Chu lak’e di mi’jare!

His language was queer to me, but then I could understand it. I knew over two hundred different languages; I was trying to piece together which language he was speaking. I finally figured it out after I opened my eyes a little. It was slang; the captor was Kindarin. I listened again for his words, looking at my position at the same time. The area was dark, in fact it looked like a prison or probably slave confinement.

Chi mu tare mi’zahla tu dinay!

I finally deciphered his slang and replied:

Du mi tare vortulee!

Aa? Chi zu tomay pi coo!

"Vortulee me cha…and I tell you nothing!"

Foolish Tolinian! Do you realize we shall overwhelm you! We have much more power than you can imagine!

Hmpf.

I insulted him, so he smacked me hard with the blunt edge of his huge claw blade. My face went with the blow. I slowly faced him again, blood trickling down my cut cheek. I gave him a malicious look. He made a very bad mistake when he decided to question me: he had left me untied, hands free to escape, probably assuming I was too weak to pose a threat. He made another motion to attack me; I stood ready this time. He swung. Quickly I ducked under it, and with my incredible speed grabbed his neck with both hands and twisted his head in a completely macabre manner, breaking his neck. He grew limp, and I stood victorious. I then pondered what to do next, looking around for any weapons. Of course there was none. I then looked at my captor and quickly noticed the Korbelian blade in the case tied to his back, which I proceeded to take. I approached the door, hoping to find Jeebs and possibly some clues to this unusual development. I only hoped my people were okay.

I looked down the curved hallways at a completely detailed complex, full of this special metalloid and electronic engineering I’ve never seen before. The whole area basked in green and teal illuminance sourced from lines of cables the roofing contained. In fact, countless wires and pipes swerved along the walls next to me and led up to the roof. Little electrical surges from time to time occurred from them; Korbal wave energy, I assumed. The floor beneath me was of a dark-blue metalloid, sturdy and thick; I didn’t hear any echoes as I carefully walked down to the hallway. I clung closely to the left wall to make myself as unnoticeable as possible. There was a window every six feet. I looked through the nearest one, expecting to see outer space, stars, planets, whatever. But to my relief, or somewhat of a relief, I was still on this damned planet. No, damned probably wasn’t even close to describing this sin-infested planet. But I knew I was still able to reach my people and hopefully get home.

I left the window and flattened myself against the wall; I heard movement. I walked to the corridor a good distance away. The sounds of buttons and computer operations were heard, spurring my interest. I peeked in to see a good number of Kindarin indentured servants working on what seemed to be the mainframe. I then realized I was held hostage inside the Telecathon Generator, another foolish war tactic. Never store prisoners inside the main source of power. This generator was the source of power for the rest of the junk around here to function. Their most advanced technology to warp warriors into other planets relied upon the generator to program and supply power and information to literally everything. A prisoner escapes…like me; prisoner gets ahold of the mainframe…which I plan to do, then sabotage, and possibly an early defeat shall be inevitable. There were at least seven servants working, rookies I could punish gleefully if I wanted, but my concern was more focused on my friend Jeebs. Besides, although security had shown their lack of intelligence, I couldn’t assume there weren’t any Kindarin infantry roaming around. I went back to where I was imprisoned to see where I could find Jeebs. It was common sense; if I was imprisoned in this area within these typical rooms, then there was bound to be another room with Jeebs in it.

I walked past my prison room, with three other rooms following next to it; now was my time to choose. The friendship I had with Jeebs must be strong, for one could only have a sixth sense as to where your close relative may be. I had a feeling it was the third door from my prison, so with the Korbelian blade I sliced the lock, entering to find Jeebs sitting in the corner. He sat cleaning his fingernails. Two dead Kindarin soldiers lay before him. He looked at me and then gave me a contemptuous look.

What took you so long?

Why didn’t you escape?

"Are you mad! Escape and have a legion of Kindarin annihilate me? Look here, buddy, I’m doing like Joseph did when he was thrown in prison. I’m having patience. ’Course I can’t interpret dreams, but hey, I’m very faithful!"

I looked at him sternly, disregarding his stupid joke. I looked around, thinking of a plan, but I was too burdened with a thousand thoughts to really think. Like why would the Kindarin come here in the first place, and why kidnap only two of us rather than our small platoon, which was already weak from the scouts’ surprise attack? Also, why such feeble war tactics, leaving me in the main Telecathon Generator, untied when questioned, among other things? I could assume the kidnapping of two was feasible in order to keep their presence hidden, as we had no information of their intervention. Then the Telecathon Generator did have a powerful means to support mind-reading, although I didn’t know how this worked. It was said to be possible, hence our reason for being here, but it was still foolish.

We have to leave now, I urged, eager to further investigate.

Easier said than done, Turnip.

Come on.

Normally I ignored all of Jeebs’s ludicrous comments, but for some ungodly reason Turnip antagonized me immensely. It was one of his favorite insults to use against me since our childhood. Setting aside my annoyance, we left the prison room, immediately looking into the nearest window to see what we had to face. Jeebs gave a small gasp; I looked in a bit of awe myself, for before us was a legion of Kindarin in formation, prepared for all-out war. Infantry lined the front, and Kurdrian Knights came in next; that armada counted at least one million. Obviously, they were into air power, for Korbal fighters, Noc Fighters, and a good number of armada dragons loomed over the sky, so many that it looked like an eclipse occurred over this area. The numbers were immense; I could only estimate that about five hundred thousand ships loomed in the air; the window limited our sight of what more there could have possibly been. These things were certainly posed for battle; it made me wonder if they had the same intentions the Judicators did. My brain hurt trying to fathom the next step, but of course it was this kind of stress that I was trained to handle. Jeebs went back to get the Korbelian blades from his captors, seeing that I had a pair of my own. We were about to enter into our own little war. Of course, the odds weren’t in our favor at all.

The Kindarin are very strong indeed, and in this case very strong would be an understatement. But the only thing I could figure as to why they were here was for a piece of the Korbecian crystals themselves. The Screamer queen had a lot to deal with. Only in this