Shattering the Gem

[Khendon Sevon]

Far off in space a constant drumming perpetuated the vast expanse of nothingness. A dull, thump emanated—clearly mechanical in nature. Like the beating of a heart it quickened in space. Suddenly, it crested, rose for a moment—as if holding its breath—and then fell sharply.

The faint outline of an elongated sphere trotted along, dim lights perpetually blinking. It steadily moved on a linear trajectory; however, no source of energy was visible beyond its odd light patterns. Occasionally it would zig or zag as it zipped along.

A clearly visible, metallic, foil like wing extended from one side in an elegant stretching motion. The glistening substance stood tall for a moment and then collapsed inward.

The “creature” roamed space, a tiny, lost soul in the massive field. Its engines burnt clear. To the digital eye it appeared as nothing more than a speck floating on a random course in space. Its intentions were clear, it was a spy.

[Khendon Sevon]

An eye pierced the shrouded veil of space. It squealed pleasurably as it moved forward then backward. The single cylinder rotated slowly, as if it were merely following a natural cycle. It blinked rapidly for a moment then receded and continued its self-adjustment.

The object whirled spontaneously and came to full life. Miniature wings sprouted from its side, expanding from slits in the layered armor of the beast. It growled inwardly and burst forward, a bright red trail of energy erupting with a ferocious roar from its main engine.

Its skin shimmered for a moment, bright particles of blue flaked away from its surface--charged ions that created a glistening and brilliant cloud. Ventral lines began to glow and pulse sporadically.

The hell bent demon turned on its vertical axis and came about, its engines straining violently. It sped into the gently mixing field of atoms. The expanse began to stir and churn. A hurricane of energy formed around the elongated sphere; lightning-like bursts crackled around the beast.

Without warning the entire swarm of ions compounded and were swept towards the Federacy machine with great speed. A white light exploded in the silent void. Energy crackled outward and an enormous wave of destruction swept from the zero point.

As if being played in reverse, the wall of cataclysmic death began to fall backwards, towards it origin. It increased in speed, burning even more ferociously as it approached its center.

Silent. Calm. Everything stopped. Everything was gone. The little, awkward, elliptical-thing had vanished. Space was restored to its blankness.

[Khendon Sevon]

Several Days Earlier

A dark blanket rolled and pulsated in an invisible current. It swept great lengths, wrapped itself around shapes, and clothed the majority of the room in its grasp. The shadows suddenly halted, as if an unseen force bolstered a several meter in diameter sphere in the center of the chamber.

Harsh, bright forces held the wave of darkness at bay. A single, resilient overhead panel projected the domain of the light. In the center of the field was a cool, metallic table. A dark figure stood with one hand placed on the cold surface. One side of his face was smothered in obscurity, the other clear and crisp. In his right hand he limply held a pen, he idly tapped it against his thigh.

Khendon shifted his weight and turned towards the worktable. He sat on a rather uncomfortable stool and overlooked the mass of parts spread before him. The Imperator cast his face downwards, his lower visage being swallowed whole by the ravenous shadows. His eyes glistened in the light.

The Imperial’s muscles tensed for a moment then stretched into a smile. His teeth were white, untarnished, eyes bright and lively, skin clear and lightly tanned. He had recently taken a short respite, one that he had most enjoyed. In a large datapad he sketched out a rough design. “Good,” he mumbled under his breath, “excellent!”

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon shook his head and locked his jaw. The task ahead of him was daunting, but he wouldn’t let anyone else seek revenge to this degree on the Sovereignty. The upcoming onslaught was personal, it was for him, it was for his family.

A burst of inspiration fed the massive furnace of the Imperator’s creativity. He adeptly moved his hands over the mass of parts, separated them by specific properties that he listed in his mind. Without knowing it, he was writing history.

Sweat formed on his brow and he would occasionally brush it with the sleeves of his military uniform. He looked down for a moment, his eyes narrowing critically. With an adept, fluid motion he tore his suit top from his body and threw it aside. Now—only wearing a thin, white sleeveless shirt—he continued his laborious task. His muscles flexed and contracted as he diligently worked, a thin layer of moisture coated them and caused them to shimmer as he moved.

“Ions,” he mumbled idly as he gingerly tightened a fitting. Khendon had a general idea of how his device would work; he just hadn’t worked out the details. A digital board stoutly stood at the edge of the light’s territory, a tall fortification being scaled on one side by darkness and revealed on the other by its foe. Printed neatly in the Imperator’s handwriting were formulas and equations, sketches and diagrams. They were clearly of a quantum physics and chemical nature. The letters displayed specific reactions and concepts, truths and theories.

Khendon took a deep breath and palmed his eyes gently. He flipped a hydrospammer between his fingers, looked at the equations that had been burning into his retna for the past hour, and broke into laughter. “Oh!” he shouted, realization sweeping over him. “Right.”

[Khendon Sevon]

The hours slowly trickled through the bottleneck of an hourglass. A few passed by at light speed, merely breezes in the unseen winds of time. Others bogged down and grasped at the heels of the Imperator. They dragged him underneath the sweltering, tiring, waters of now and held him captive.

The shadows had stayed stagnant and placid as Khendon worked. The sturdy imperial looked around the room for a moment, taking a short respite from his work. His eyes gently scanned the dark, yet illuminated, room.

A roller coaster of emotions had grasped the Imperator as he worked devotedly on his project. At times, his stomach had sunk as if it were made from lead, loaded down with the weight of his heart. Other moments saw him proud of recent achievements and idly producing technology beyond the reach of even the greatest UIT researcher.

Now, the strongest of Imperials found himself alone in his workshop. Sweat beaded on his face, his brows were furrowed in contemplation. Khendon’s silvery eyes glistened in the room’s directed lighting. “And I shall imbue him,” he recited, “with the energies of the Force and bring forth a fountain of ingenuity, creativity, and dynamic thought.”

A spherical device sat on the thick, metallic table in the center of the chamber. Red optical sensors—eyes—followed Khendon as he paced around the piece of technology, observing the fruit of his labors. “And I shall give him what he has sought hopelessly in the darkness… the black revenge of his heart.”

[Khendon Sevon]

Moments Before Zero

The air was stagnant, warm. It had an unexplainable weight, a tangible body of pressure. Clothing became heavy and clung to ones moisture laden flesh. To breathe in the hot air felt like inhaling through a wet, thick cloth.

Khendon tugged at the light robe he wore—even it stuck to his damp flesh. His silver eyes stared into the jade sea. The usually glistening gems lacked their vivid luster, in their place stood two dark, brooding, gray storms. The tall Imperial licked his cracked lips and tasted the salt in the air.

“Gentlemen,” spoke the Imperator delicately, “you inquired exactly how we would do what I proposed. Well,” a grim grin exposed itself, “in five minutes time you will see the true power of the Federacy.”

Four not-so-extraordinary figures leaned onto a sturdy metallic railing. They wore glasses, watches and a variety of other predictable, worldly objects. Their garb was businesslike, not at all military.

The military vessel’s engines whined in protest as the large, barge-like craft became stationary. The deep, placid, green waters of Troia waited only meters below the hovering ship. The Ultio was a sturdy Federacy bombardment platform. She was simple and square in shape. On the outside, she was anything but magnificent; however, on the inside she sported some of the most advanced recording and observation systems ever developed. Thick, carbon, honeycombed armor resided under the older, thinner durasteel hull.

Khendon and his guests stood on an outcropping observation deck exposed to the outside. The old armor plating was deep gray and covered with worn areas. The railing, although sturdy, had seen better days. The deck was nearly ten meters away from the engines, meaning that the gathering was looking at nothing but open water—which stretched as far as the eye could see.

The sky was dark and as clear as could be. Stars twinkled in and out of existence, a grand blanket of diamonds. Other objects picked up the residual light from the planets surface and two stars. They twinkled in a variety of colors—amber, iron, cherry, and a myriad others.

Troia had something unusual. Like many planets she sported a ring; however, this one was special. Troia’s ring was made from ships. Ancient fleets, modern militaries, and companies had dumped old vessels and junked parts into her orbit for as long as anyone could remember.

“Are you ready, Gentlemen?” Spoke Khendon calmly, “Ten seconds.”

[Khendon Sevon]

Zero
A calmness settled over the lush, green surface of Troia. A warm breeze ran over the mild waters of her seas. Patches of water twinkled as silvery sea life leapt to the surface—a mating signal for all females in the area.

Time seemed to slow as the Ultio sounded a steady burst from its siren. “Zero,” spoke Khendon with decisiveness. At first, nothing seemed to change. The second stretched on for hours, weeks, months. What if it didn’t work?! Khendon thought to himself, No. Of course it worked. Just give it a sec-.

The sky turned vivid blue and white, as if one of the local stars had turned super nova. The men in suits and Khendon shielded their eyes instinctively. Day suddenly came to Troia. The bright green seas reflected the light and bounced it every-which-way.

As quickly as the eruption had occurred it subsided. “Gentlemen,” said Khendon, “what you have just witnessed is the successful transference of energy from one section of the sector to another via hyperspace.”

[Khendon Sevon]

The color drained slowly from the sky. Khendon’s eyes adjusted to the darkness and instantly the difference struck him with the force of an anvil. Fields of junked vessels had intermittently disrupted the prior star field. Something drastic had changed.

“There must’ve been a large number of vessels still operable,” speculated one of the businessmen.

“Usually companies would leave the vessels with subroutines designed to keep them in orbit, incase they were ever needed again. Their reactors remained warm, engines on stand-by, and occasionally shields active. Uh,” continued the burley gentleman that now spoke, “I speak from experience.”

A heavier breeze washed over the Imperator’s face. He took in the caress of the air and allowed it to play in his hair. Khendon’s robes flowed in the wind, dancing rhythmically. When he spoke his words were clear, calm, and heavy, “The ion wash must’ve disabled whatever systems were still active… Look to the skies! Watch the rain of fire!”

The group hadn’t noticed it before. Khendon’s new words rang in their heads as their gazes were shackled to the heavens. The Imperial had chosen his words well, the scene that spread out for them in panoramic view was truly a rain of fire.

Streaks of amber and crimson scorched the night sky. Hundreds, thousands of disabled craft fell from their controlled orbits and found the coarse atmosphere at their bellies. The storm grew as more vessels plummeted to their dooms. Soon the waters of Troia would be churning and steaming as the hulks of dead craft moved to the place of their gentle repose.

[Khendon Sevon]

The hellish display continued to increase in wrath and brimstone. This situation had been predicted ahead of time. In fact, it was something that several military minds had looked forward to. Troia was well known for her hazards--landing craft often had collisions with the mass of debris in her orbit. If she were ever to be a feasible refueling base or anything of importance the field would have to be cleared.

Red thunder rolled through the upper atmosphere, plunged downward, and collided with the sea. The once placid body of water suddenly became alive—as if a nightmare had suddenly scared the lumbering mind of the salty beast. Huge splashes rose tall like titans and fell back, forming outward radiating tidal waves.

Khendon wondered allowed, “How will this change the planet’s physiology? Ecology? What changes are we seeing here?”

One of the larger men spoke up, “Imperator, I have a feeling now is not the best time to ponder such things. I suggest we make for orbit.”

The Imperial turned towards the group of men and leaned back on the railing. He set his elbows and criticized the gathering with his eyes. “Gentlemen,” said Khendon diplomatically, “I suggest we enter the Ultio, enjoy ourselves, and weather the storm.”

Two of the men looked at each other in disbelief. The pudgier of the two began, “Surely, Imperator, we would be safer in orbit!”

“Nonsense! I’ll not hear anymore of it,” commanded the former Vice-Diktat, “Into the Ultio, now.” With that the men retired into the protective hull of the vessel.

[Khendon Sevon]

The observation deck was barely furnished. Most of the area was filled with displays cascading digital windows and scrolling pages of information. The screens cast an eerie, unsteady blue light.

Khendon and his entourage took unpadded, straight-backed chairs near the large view ports. From their vantage an ugly scene unfolded before them. Troia’s waters were angry and vengeful.

Outside thunder rumbled. Quickly, as if to bolster the threat, large, thumb sized raindrops plunged in a suicide dive from quickly forming, billowing clouds. The rolling seas lashed at the underside of the Ultio and lapped at its hull.

An officer dressed in white approached the group of men and smiled, “Drink?”

“Just something to warm me up—“ Khendon stopped listening to the ordering and focused his attention on the natural wonders battling outside. Enormous waves roamed like hunters. The sky was one large blanket of gray. Now and then an eruption of static discharge would light the dark sky and outline the far off horizon. Large fish came to the surface to pray on the corpses of smaller fish that had died from lightning strikes or a variety of other “natural” causes.

“Imperator,” spoke one of the businessmen, “will you explain exactly what we witnessed today?”

[Khendon Sevon]

The intricate lighting played games across the face of the Imperator. His visage was cast in deep shadow, eyes brightened by ambient light, and chest coated in lines of reflected code. A slim, sly grin slid onto his face and gently lifted his lips. The imperial narrowed his eyes deviously and spoke slowly and with the dramatic vigor of a pulpit preacher, “Gentlemen!” he began, “today you have seen something magnificent!

“I’m sure you all have read recent security reports. Although the Federacy’s borders are sturdy, reinforced, and well kept we have other worries. These issues lie not within the mighty spaces of our Federation, but closer towards the core. You know what I speak of! The venomous serpent that sits at our door!

“My friends! Listen. The Sovereignty is dark and brooding. It gathers its forces like a storm on the horizon. It may appear that they are engaging with the New Republic, but they are traitorous! Why would they place a field of mines between our space and theirs? Surely it is overkill to defend from a few pirates!

“A solution must be found! And one has been found,” the Imperator’s eyes took on a devilish hue and his face became contorted with burning malice, “What have you seen today? You’ve seen the initial step to the removal of the cancer that plagues the imperial establishment.

“Weakness is not rewarded! The Sovereignty is weak I tell you! Weak! Their static defense will be their undoing!” Khendon took a breath for a moment and continued, “Gentlemen! Today you witnessed the byproduct of a cubatom collision generating powerful, destructive ions. Those charged atoms were then taken and, in a controlled fashion, made more deadly. They were then accelerated using a probe-like-craft designed to generate and deliver this wave of energy.

“Using containment fields the ions were accelerated to hyperspace! Once they’d reach their destination they exited hyperspace; however, they remained at break neck speed. The wave was designed not only to destroy whatever it touched, but also to disable electrical systems—even those usually shielded!”

The men looked blankly at the orator, they felt fear and awe—this Khendon could feel seeping forth from them like a fountain in the force. He smiled mischievously, “Any questions?”

[Khendon Sevon]

Silence would have fallen on the scene if it were not for the perpetual bombardment of noise from the outside, straining world. Lightning flashed across the sky, waves fell and lifted, giant clouds gathered in their heavenly fortresses. Occasionally nature would fall still for a few moments and the clicking sound of data systems and dull ghosts of voices from other rooms would take hold.

An uneasy voice broke through the barrier, “Imperator? Why exactly did you call for us?”

Khendon’s sly eyes fell on the tall man speaking. A slim smiled formed on the former Vice-Diktat’s lips, “I have a proposal for you to review.” The businessmen looked at one another then back to the imperial.

“Yes,” continued Khendon, “let’s discuss my plans. As you can surmount, Troia’s rings are no longer a threat to shipping. I’m sure you all know what that means. The profit to be gained by this world’s vast resources is clear.

“The Federacy is declaring Troia ours. Now, about that… it’s not something that will be officially said, we can’t have the Sovereignty knowing we’re this close to their precious defense structure, they’d have a fit! And if they find out,” his face became dark and features shone with an evil energy, “I’ll personally rip out each and everyone one of your hearts.”

“What are you getting out of this?” Inquired one of the men.

“Well, let me get into the specifics. The Federacy will grant each of your companies fifty million credits to use for your projects on Troia. Instead of paying us back, you’ll spend a portion of those credits to build a secret launch facility for an undisclosed number of probes—my engineers will give you the specifics. Oh, and if I wasn’t clear, you’ll be working together. I don’t want any petty bickering, understand?!”

Thunder dramatically clapped outside, applauding the dark jedi’s work. The businessmen nodded in unison somewhat uneasily. “Let’s get into more detail…” the Imperator continued his plotting.

[Khendon Sevon]

Several Days Later

Space was calm, gentle, unmoving. The chilled environment was stationary, normal, cold and oblivious. It lacked seasons or moods, it simply was. Two harsh, black creatures stalked through the darkness. Demonic hulls sucked in nearby light and stood as a barrier to the deadly vacuum. The vessels gently migrated from point A to B, no visible engine wash escaping the rear ports.

The ships were guards posted at heaven’s gate. The two Federal Gunships bristled with purpose—and more importantly they bristled with firepower. “This is Gunship Red Tidings to Gunship Hellion, detecting incoming hyperspace spikes, sending triangulated coordinates for confirmation.”

“Roger that, Red Tidings, coordinates confirmed. Commander Greggora orders gun ports to open.”

“Red Tidings complying.” The two devilish vessels suddenly came to life. Their energy readings climbed drastically as power was sent from reactors to weapons. The vessels’ shields doubled in defensive capability and general quarters were sounded.

Defensive Banks quickly adapted to the situation and began plotting overlapping fire patterns to destroy any incoming fighters or missiles. Heavy weapons estimated firing solutions.

Literally seconds after the warning had been given an eruption occurred as a sleek craft slipped from hyperspace. The entry was distinct and instantly recognized. Few hyperdrives produced such steady exits and jumps, and even fewer went as fast.

“Stand down,” came Commander Greggora’s voice from over the comm., “we have visitors.” A large ship dwarfed the two Gunships. It was angular and had the distinctly evil characteristics of a Federacy ship.

“This is the Thanatos-class Pocket Battleship Dark Nebula commanded by Admiral Feru. Red Tidings and Hellion fall into formation, connecting data streams now.” The large beast powered forward as the two smaller hell creatures fell alongside.

“Troia Control, this is Dark Nebula, the Imperator is here to see your progress.”

[Khendon Sevon]

Aboard the Dark Nebula

Gently curved bulkheads intermittently ribbed the corridor. Light panels located on the floor provided a crisp, white glow without hurting or straining the eyes. The walls were smooth, polished, and black. They had an odd, intricate grain to them—the material was a new form of carbon armor.

Large doors reminiscent of a Delteon gothic style lined either side of the hallway. The only sound that filled the cathedral-like atmosphere was the steady clachink of heavy boots. The noise grew louder until finally its source became evident, “check your weapons,” said a very human voice.

“Roger that, Pappy.”

“Stow the nicknames,” ordered Lieutenant Pat Papperson, “address each other by rank and or last name, the Imperator will want professionalism.” Six soldiers dressed in black armor clattered down the hallway. Their helmets were removed and sidearms on safe and in their holsters. Red roses present on each soldier’s right shoulder signified their squad.

“What’s the Imperator like, Papp—erson?” asked one of the female members.

“Wouldn’t know, Sergeant, haven’t met the man. Alright, our stop is right here, the Imperator’s quarters.” The Lieutenant rang the room’s buzzer and waited.

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora was with Khendon. She has been with him for the whole journey, or at least most of it. Durring the trip she had been given a number of small tasks to do, such as a few bits of paperwork and fetching items for the Imperator, but she still was not sure what she was supose to be doing here. Finaly she got the nerve to ask.

"Sir. If I may be so bold to ask, This being my first assignment and all, I was wondering if you would be so kind as to inform me what my assignment is? I was only out of the medbay for half an hour when I was informed we were leaving, and I have yet to get any information on what I am to do here."

Before he could answer her, the room's buzzer goes off.

"Would you like me to answer the door, Sir?"

[Khendon Sevon]

Gentle, yellow lights bathed the room in an amber hue. Although the room lacked viewports or even mirrors, it appeared spacious. Natural, hand carved bookshelves lined most of the chamber and gave an air of calmness and beauty to the otherwise cramped quarters.

The sound of the electronic buzz destroyed the worldly atmosphere that Khendon’s room possessed. The Imperator’s eyes shot up and fell on the large door. The imperial waved away Silvin’s question. He spoke in a smooth voice that carried a cryptic weight, “Open.”

With a swish the dark metal door slid to the side. White light flooded in from the corridor and battled for dominance in the living space. Khendon’s sharp eyes shot to the disturbance and found the source.

“Yes, Lieutenant?” he inquired.

“Sir!” said the Federal Storm Guard as he snapped to attention, “Death Rose squad ready for your orders.”

Khendon cocked his head for a moment. His eyes were gray and appeared to be looking at something far in the distance. Suddenly, the pupils became big and the coronas silvered, “Ah,” realization came to him, “right! I hope you have your jump suits on.”

The Imperator turned to Silvin, “Lieutenant Silvin, I don’t believe you’ve had jump training, seeing as you’re not a member of the Mobile Infantry or Federal Storm Guard. Don’t worry, entering a planet’s atmosphere with only centimeters of armor protecting you from roasting is very, very safe,” Khendon shot his aid a lopsided smile and stood. He politely offered the Lieutenant his hand.

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora did her best to not show her fear, she had lost many good friends during space jumps that went wrong, and there are many things that could go wrong. Like air tanks could give out, snubfighters could attack, there could be a crack in the armor. Of course none of her friends ever made it to any of the important ships. Likely the standards of the equipment on this ship would be much higher than the ones her friends were on, But that didn't stop her from being afraid.

Aurora gives The Imperator a half smiles as she takes his hand as she stands.

"Sir,no Sir. I have not had Jump Training. Though I am sure it is safe, wouldn't it be safer to take a shuttle? At least if something goes wrong, or we are attacked, or something at least we would have a few more options then if we were jumping."

Aurora was only hoping that her fear of jumping was not showing through in the tone of her voice. Fear is understandable, but she would not want to seem weak in front of the Imperator.

[Khendon Sevon]

“Nonsense,” said Khendon through a smile, “jumping is safer than taking a shuttle, isn’t it Lieutenant Papperson?” He could already feel Silvin’s apprehension. Her mild fear rippled gently against the force-enhanced shores of his mind.

If the Storm Guard officer had been shocked by the Imperator knowing his name it didn’t register. The Lieutenant spoke clearly and in a somewhat rough, trained tone, “Jumping is very safe, no worries,” the officer smiled.

Khendon squeezed Silvin’s hand reassuringly, “Don’t worry, I’ve personally talked several people through their first jumps. Let’s go,” Khendon tugged at her arm gently, dropped her hand, then started towards the door.

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora could not help but let her breathing quicken as they walks out the door. The panic starting to rise. She couldn't stop the image of her final memory of her father comming to her head. She was just a little girl at the time, and her fatherwas coming home from a long trip. She was excited to see her father again. They chose to jump back down to the planet. She had watched the men approch the surface. She also watched as her father's helmet come off in the fall, exposing his head to the burning atmosphere, and his helmet knocked out systems on two other people's armor. It was not a pritty sight.

She couldn't keep her temper any longer. Aurora snaps at the two of them, finaly letting out her bent up anger for the people that made her father jump, whoever they were.

"If it's so frigging safe! then how do you explain what happend 10 years ago to the men coming home to there familes! They were not in hostile space! They were coming HOME! Three Men Died in that! How can you say to MY Face that it is SAFE! When You people let my father die in the safest jump there could be!"

Aurora had lost all her complection and her word were fueled with anger. Hopefuly she will be able to get his forgiveness after she calms down, but that would not be now.

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon stopped dead in his tracks. His face tightened as his muscles knotted in consternation. The shadows within the room seemed to lengthen and stretch for him. They grasped at his cloak, the frame of his body, groped for his mind. The darkness settled on the Imperator and a chill ran up his spine.

The dark jedi turned toward his aid, eyes filled with fire. “You people,” he spat vehemently. His words were tinged with a threat, filled with anger and rage. Khendon could feel his blood boiling through the icy touch of the dark side.

Lieutenant Papperson cursed under his breath and began, “Sir—“

Khendon had had enough. The dark Imperator’s hand shot up and sent the group of Storm Guardsmen flying out of the room—they hadn’t a warning. The door slid shut with a loud, teeth jarring bang.

In an instant the dark jedi’s attention was on Lieutenant Silvin. The air became crisp and electric. A storm of thoughts and images flooded the blood-raged Imperator’s mind. With a demonic yell he clenched his fist and focused with pure intent on the woman’s windpipe. The force lashed forth from his grip and wrapped itself around Silvin’s neck, constricting like a predatory serpent.

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora's anger quickly turned to fear as the Imperator's invisible grip clenched around her neck. She couldn't do much, she couldn't say much, but her eyes took a look of begging for forgivness. She did manage to squeek out.

"Sir.... Please....Air...."

[Khendon Sevon]

Khendon’s eyes widened, his jaw dropped ever so slightly. “What…” he breathed out the words, molded them into his shock. The muscles in the Imperator’s face quivered then relaxed. The shadows retreated from the figure, found sanctuary in the corners of the room.

The imperial fell to his knees, hands out as if they were slack. Khendon turned his face up towards the ceiling and silently screamed. The evil serpent fled.

A loud, mechanical woosh came from the door as it fell back on its hinges and slid open. The Federal Storm Guardsmen stood at the entrance, weapons high and eyes alert. They filed into the room, walking on the balls of their feet.

Papperson knelt next to the Imperator and spoke softly, “Sir? Are you alright, Sir?” He retrieved a small box from inside his armor and removed a syringe. Quickly and adeptly he let the liquid flow into Khendon’s neck. The leader of the Federacy went limp, his eyes closed. “Lieutenant Silvin,” said the squad leader, “if you’re done dying, you think you could help me lift him? He needs to be brought to med bay, stat.” The man’s voice was calm and collect, something he had acquired under fire.

Khendon’s demons had finally gotten too powerful for even him to withstand.

[Aurora Silvin]

After Aurora is let go, she drops to the floor, gasping for air. The whole room feels like it's spinning. Now that she had Air, She was slowly regaining her eyesight that she lost when she found no air in her lungs.

Lieutenant Silvin.... if you’re done dying, you think you could help me lift him? He needs to be brought to med bay, stat.

Hearing this brought her back to things, she stands and smiles at Papperson.

"You should know that when in service of the land and people you love, We will never be done dying." Aurora says with a slight tone of humor in her voice. "I'll take his legs."

Aurora squats down and grabs Khendon's legs, waiting for Papperson to assist with moving the Imperator.

[Khendon Sevon]

Several Hours Later

It was cold. That was the first sensation, coolness. It was as if a blanket of ice had been gently draped on his reposing body. He wasn’t really relaxed, breathing was like inhaling through a thick cloth, fire burned in his muscles, pain ran up and down his spine. Stiffness met every joint and a resounding thud clattered in his head.

Khendon partially woke into a muddy existence. Images were black and blurred, his mind was like a fallen puzzle, memories were jarred from their residence. Through the mist a beautiful, red headed figure glided. She had emerald eyes that captivated the imperial. A smile came to his weak face. “Kyry,” he murmured through dry lips, “my love.”

The apparition burst into a thousand particles and faded into the shifting sands of Khendon’s mind. His eyes burned with tears. Low, far off whispers filled the Imperator’s ears. Voices… his mind trailed off.


*************

Lieutenant Papperson stood straight as a rail tie, arms folded over his chest. The Storm Guard was garbed in a black, non-identifying Federacy uniform. The Lieutenant had already dismissed his squad. His soft blue eyes examined the Imperator delicately.

The soldier performed his vigil from the corner of the private medical room. He said nothing and expressed nothing, simply watched. A Sevon Rifle, Co. blaster was strapped in a black leather holster low on his hip. His muscles bulged slightly through his uniform. Papperson’s hair took on a dark, brown, unkempt look from its shadow bath.

“Kyry,” whispered the unconscious leader.

Pappy’s low, grumbling voice broke the sound of medical equipment, “Do you know the story, Lieutenant Silvin?”

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora was worried for the Imperator. She hardly knew him, but she felt like this was her fault. If she had only kept her fears and hate to herself, He would likely not be in the medbay. She was thinking about what she would say to Khendon when he woke up, when the sounds of the med bay were broken by the voice of Papperson. Aurora looks up, and after a moment of looking at the muscle bound Lieutenant, she realised what he said.

Aurora Shakes her head. "No, I'm sorry. I'm completely in the dark about what happend back there and about this Kyry person he's calling for."

[Khendon Sevon]

Papperson exhaled generously, his mouth flaring with the effort. The Lieutenant allowed a moment of silence to pass. When he spoke it was in a clear, crisp voice, “Federal Storm Guardmen answer directly to the Imperator. I’m sure you know about our selection process. We’re simply the best.

“Well, a squad is always assigned to protect Mr. Sevon… and his wife.” The soldier swallowed loudly and licked his lips, “Kyryanu Sevon is no aristocrat, she doesn’t even come from new money. She’s not a soldier—not like we are—and she doesn’t have a legal job—well, more like it’s not a job that’s legal.

“So, for Khendon’s safety their wedding has been kept ‘hush, hush.’ Only a select group of Federacy members actually know about everything,” Papperson made an exasperated face; he had caught himself going off on a tangent.

“Anyway,” he continued, “a Guard squad was with Mrs. Sevon when a Sovereignty interdictor pulled her ship from hyperspace ‘round two weeks ago. From what we know they fought to the last man. Never gave up. Sadly, the Sovereignty now has a pawn to play against the Federacy. Khendon,” he corrected himself, “The Imperator is heartbroken. He’s been working day and night to ready the resources required for any sort of ‘rescue.’

“That’s one of the reasons that my squad is here. We’re veterans of the Border Wars, experts at infiltration, and ready to die for the ideals that Khendon Sevon embodies.” The Lieutenant’s eyes were sharp now; they had taken on a predator’s look. “Silvin,” he spoke as if he were a drill instructor, “why don’t you absorb that—and put on your jump suit while you’re doing it.” It wasn’t a request. “He’s going to be out for a while… and we have some things that need to be taken care of planeside. Meet me in the drop room in fifteen minutes, and stow any anxiety you have! I don’t want to hear about it!”

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora listens carefuly. She wanted to say something, but she didn't know what. Then the talk got back to the jump. She wanted to object again but thought better of it, though she did speek again, this time with a calm questioning voice.

"Papperson, Do you know the answer to my question? The one I asked earlyer, About what happened on the jump that killed my father and two others? I've heard lots of rumors of that day but I've still not heard anything from the military. They always say no comment when ever somebody brings up that topic. I would really like to know what happend to my father. It might make the jump easer on me."

[Khendon Sevon]

Papperson shook his head slowly, “Still on the same subject, Silvin?” His eyes were alert, intelligence shone behind them like a pulsar’s radiating beams. “We studied the situation in jump school. You want specifics? I’ll give them to you.

“They were using older model K1-P suits that used simple hardened ceramic heat shields and a temperature cooling gel to protect the jumper. The armor had already been through a lot of jumps. Atmosphere entrance is a tricky business. Now we have advanced chipsets linked to our neural interfaces that automatically calculate everything. Back then they relied on an in-suit computer.

“Well, on that particular jump their suits hadn’t been properly checked out—that’s the official story. The gel hadn’t been filtered. As the suits passed through the initial minute of heat exposure the gel—rather than maintaining its semi-liquid form—hardened and suddenly metabolized. Well, without the internal temperature being regulated the heat increased,” the soldier swallowed hard, “passed the maximum operating temperature of the CPU, and melted the entire computer system.

“Without computers to guide their decent, open their stabilization systems they entered an uncontrolled freefall down to the planet’s surface. As a result we moved onto the energy shield system and eventual integrated armor shielding and neural relays.”

The Lieutenant’s face was warm and compassionate. He spoke softly, “jumping is a lot safer today thanks to your father.”

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora Smiles and nods to Papperson.

"Thank you sir."

Aurora then turns and walks off to the change room to get into her Jump suit. After she is dressed in her Jump suit she comes back to Papperson, still with a slightly worried expresion on her face. She looks up at him...

"You do know that I still don't know how to opperate one of these things yet."

[Khendon Sevon]

The Lieutenant frowned. He was dressed in his own combat armor—painted a dry, non-metallic blue-gray. The officer’s helmet was stashed securely under his arm. His weapons were within a pod on his back that contained various gear. “Silvin,” he said in his gruff, sergeant-like voice, “I’ll walk you through it.”

Four other storm guardsmen stood in their demonic armor. They talked on closed channels to themselves, gesturing occasionally in an awkward manner. Their posture was straight, their demeanor cryptic.

The jump room was simple. Once the two passed through the hissing airlock the tube-like structure appeared to be an old missile silo of some sort. A hatch at the top was deceiving—it really pointed planet side. Gravitational systems held them in place—the airlock had actually spun into “locked” position before they entered.

Dim red lights painted the shadow filled, large tube with ominous shadows. “Listen to me,” said Papperson as he checked the seals on his combat helmet, “this is very, very simple. We’re going to start out upside down, heading headfirst towards the planet’s atmosphere. We’re currently several clicks above the planet’s outer most layer. The sudden decompression of the room will send us out like a cork from a bottle of champaign.

“Whatever you do, don’t look towards the planet. Look ‘down’, towards your suit. Itsa’ mobile infantry model—that’s why it’s a bit thicker when it comes to armor. Your retro-rockets and shielding will all automatically work. You’ll angle towards the planet guided by computations from your neural interface—what model do you have? CTS or NTS? Nevermind, don’t worry about it!”

Papperson smiled, “Ready?” He didn’t wait for a response; the surprise would make it easier. The Lieutenant accessed the nearby neural network and opened the doors. The group was sucked out into space.

[Aurora Silvin]

Aurora feels like screaming when she is sucked out of the ship. She does her best to follow the instructions she has been givin, but she couldn't help but to look at the planet. the panic in her starts to rise, but Aurora does her best to not let it show. she closes her eyes as her breathing starts to quicken, and awaits futher instructions.