Shretonia

Four guards dressed in emerald and green enter the command center. Numerous shrikes are combing the systems—looking for crumbs of evidence as to the resistance’s plans and any information they may have inadvertently left behind. So far, they are having no luck. Crexa and her team are quite good at what they do.

The four guards, who were also present in the alley when Hores was murdered, step before the podium where Zorobo stands staring at a glowing console. The lead guard bows and removes his helmet.

“Master Guard, Zorobo,” the lead guard addresses Zorobo by his new title.

Zorobo grins with very little mirth and turns his attention to the guard.

“Security Master, Vltik,” Zorobo says unceremoniously. “What do you have to report?”

Vltik stands at rigid attention and places his helmet back on his head.

“The Hythur and the Maunto have docked safely,” Vltik informs Zorobo. “They were able to obtain the approximate coordinates of the world where the resistance has established its base. It’s previously uncharted. Not one of the worlds in any of our databases. They also seem to have some kind of advanced planetary shielding. In addition to this, the Maunto reports that before suffering severe damage, the Yrod was able to transmit information on what we can only assume is a new energy weapon being used by the inhabitants of that world. It completely disabled the weapons and shields aboard the Yrod after only two shots. Whoever—or whatever—is down there…We are facing a very formidable foe.”

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Zorobo becomes visibly angry. He grips the edge of the podium with both wings and stares angrily at Vltik.

“I…Am a formidable foe, Vltik!” Zorobo roars. Sweeping a wing in the air, Zorobo indicates that Vltik should consider the company he keeps. “We are all a formidable foe. And the resistance has no idea who they have crossed. By the will of the Monoch…I will see every one of those traitors punished for their treachery. No more imprisonment. No more trials. No more exile. Go straight to judgment. And the judgment…Is death.”

Zorobo steps away from the podium and Vltik stumbles to get out of his way. Zorobo’s new robes sweep through the air as he crosses the enormous room in quick strides. He goes to the large view screen at the front of the room. Clenching the tips of his wings into something resembling fists, Zorobo once again roars an angry command.

“See that my fleet is ready,” Zorobo roars for all to hear. “The Monoch wishes a swift end to this…Rebellion. Our Olotir allies are amassing as we speak. When we strike at the heart of the resistance…We will not do so alone.”

“Yes, Master Guard,” Vltik mutters subserviently. He nods to his fellow guards and they move to get everything in order.

Zorobo stares ahead at the view screen—and smiles.