Weapons Officer Derrick Nass had reviewed all sensor data obtained and calculated carefully the best place to put his shot. Too far forward would hit a reactor, which would not be good. Too far back and there would be a risk of not enough damage. So he planned to hit about three quarters back and move the beam around, just a little.

He fired. As the Kauri was underneath the kingdoms ship, the beam cut through the bottom of the hull and out the top. It spun in a small circle as it cut through the chief engineer and several of the workers and guards. It also cut through much machinery, some unimportant, but others critical. On the top of the Death Sun, the damage was even greater as the beam cut an even wider path of destruction. More workers, slaves, guards and service crew were killed when the holes cut in the ship blew out. On both sides, air tight doors closed automatically but the crew on the far side of the doors were trapped. This included the sole surviving senior engineer.

The power grid on the ship crashed, dropping the ship back to emergency power only.

*********

“Get me power back” Turcot screamed.

The officer in charge of engineering stabbed at a panel.

“What’s happening?” Fourth Khan Dis Rap yelled. He listened for a fraction. Then turned ashen faced to First Khan Turcot.

“Something hit us in the engine room. The left side flow stabiliser has been destroyed, along with the control runs. The ship’s hull has been punctured and needs to be repaired before we can start repairs on the engines.” He listened some more. “Most of those in the engineering section are dead. The third engineer is the only survivor with knowledge.”

There was a fractions silence.

“We can’t get any power?” Turcot asked, his gentle tone showed how dangerous his mood was. Due to the extensive damage, even emergency power was limited and only life systems and a few others were powered. Weapons were not one of them, although communications were. So were the airlocks.

“The reactor automatically shut down with the engine damage. I can’t get it started, not from here, and we can’t move until other repairs are done. I have to go to engineering to do that.” The Fourth Khan was frantic. “I can’t do it here.”

With a jerky nod from Turcot the Fourth Khan ran to the bridge exit. He vanished through the offices and down the corridor.

Turcot turned to Jennin Retta, his security Chief and spoke with a frighteningly calm voice. “Issue arms immediately. Lock all slaves into their quarters. We are going to have visitors.” There was a crash and a loud boom. “Here already.” He murmured as Retta rushed out to the office area.

“Communications, send the We are under attack signal to the relay buoy we installed on the fringe.”

“Yes sir.”

*********

The Troopers on the Barrows Night had not wasted any time.

Loaded on the shuttles was the third company of the 25th battalion. These were in the lead with the first, second and fourth companies following. From the data the recon satellite obtained, the commanders knew that there were four entrance doors including the shuttle door. However they had no idea of what waited for them inside.

Arriving at the targeted port, the shuttle attached itself with magnetic anchors. It would now serve as a transit point for the rest of the company. Finding and using the door latch took just a fraction, the lead squad charged into the lock with a specialist to operate the doors.

“We’re in.” The lead trooper yelled.

Falling into line to the side, the lead squad waited for the lock to refill. As soon as it did so, the door opened and the squad quickly took control of the empty corridor, occupying intersections to the left and right. Shutting the door allowed the next squad to enter the air lock and the process was repeated. The other companies were just as busy, but it was the shuttle bay where the first resistance was encountered.

The specialist trooper of the first company floated out to where the satellites scans had identified the emergency access panel and opened the cover. He stabbed at controls with fingers and his custom comm unit. The doors opened and two shuttle craft, one of which was both armoured and carried weapons, entered the shuttle bay.

It was met by fire from the security guards, who had armed themselves without orders. The beams, fired from a modified laser were defeated by the portable screens each trooper was equipped with but were dangerous if the fire could be concentrated.

Spilling out of the shuttle on both sides, the troopers returned fire but the security guards were in two hard points with screens that in their turn resisted the hand held weapons. The crew of the armoured shuttle seeing this activated their cannons. Taking a quick reading, the shuttle reduced both hard points to rubble along with the guards. Each shuttle carried forty tightly packed troopers who quickly disembarked and the two shuttles withdrew to be replaced by two more.

The specialist trooper, now inside, found the control room. A direct threat and exhibition of what powered armour could do along with the naked menace of the armoured shuttle convinced the service crew to shut the shuttle doors. The shuttle bay was quickly pressurised.

Cowed, the service crew surrendered and the first prisoners were taken. Even though there was no way to communicate, they were secured and escorted to the shuttle. The troopers off loaded swiftly sorted themselves into their squads. None had been injured and one squad went to the door leading to the engineering section while another went to the control room with the trooper who operated the controls. Pointing to the commander, a major, he got the ready sign back. Another squad checked a door leading out of the shuttle deck to the bow which opened onto an empty corridor.

There was a third door leading out of the shuttle bay towards the bow reached by a set of stairs. A platoon was sent to the one going to the stern while the other drew two platoons. The fourth was split, a squad to provide security for the shuttle deck and the rest to reinforce the squad checking out the engineering section. The troops opened the doors and bounced into the otherwise empty corridors.

In this area, there were three levels of compartments on the Death Sun, The high door leading from the shuttle bay lead to the middle level. It was halfway down this otherwise empty corridor they ran into the Fourth Khan.

Dis Rap had had a trying time getting this far. The upper levels were crowded but the second level, mainly used for storage, was empty. He had forgotten that in the emergency. But now he took a stair to that corridor.

Coming of the stair still at a run, the Fourth Kahn turned and ran into Sergeant Mis Taka. He bounced, she didn’t. Moving forward, she stomped down on the whip that the officer was carrying. As he gaped up at her, Taka reached down, plucked the officer off the floor and pushed him against the wall. Snapping an order to the trooper behind her, she continued down the corridor. Two troopers held the Fourth Kahn, removed the small side arm he carried and escorted him down to the shuttle bay.

*********

On board the Kauri, the communications officer was monitoring the frequencies used by the Death Sun. He stiffened.

“The alien craft is trying to send a signal. Continuing to block sir.”

“Good work, keep on it.” Commodore Quill sat back and relaxed. The Admiral was now joining him and would soon take that over.

*********

On board the Barrows Star, Admiral Traska was not so relaxed.

A musical voice saying “Hello Admiral,” had him jumping out of his chair and his staff spinning around.

Standing in stark contrast beside a very stiff, uniformed Colonel Siren Contons, was a lightly tanned, slender, dark haired and beautiful woman of middle height. She was wearing a knee high black dress with off the shoulder short arms while on her feet were black high heeled shoes.

“I see that we have been graced with a member of the circle.” Admiral Traska managed. Having a good memory he recognised her from his visit to the palace, although he didn’t know her name.

“I am Tyler. An officer of the Kingdom has been captured. I will ease the difficulty of communication, but I need to go to where he is on board the Death Sun. The Colonel is a good soldier, she says that I need to speak to you first.”

“I see.” The admiral thought quickly.

“If I have offended Legion protocol, I am sorry.” Lady Tyler gave a rueful smile.

“Lady Tyler, what if we were to bring the captured officer to this ship?” Traska ignored the possible protocol breach, but didn’t want the Lady anywhere near the fighting. “Will that help?”

“I am afraid it will not. It is necessary that I go to the ship and see some of the captives, in particular the slaves. It is possible that they will be the most cooperative.” The Lady’s rueful smile turned sorrowful. “I am sorry Admiral, but it is imperative that I go over there.”

There was silence on the bridge. All had expressed shock at the sound of slaves, something totally unexpected. Everyone waited for Admiral Traska’s decision as well.

“Let me check first, please.” The Admiral answered. “I cannot send you into a battle.” He turned to his communications officer. “Communications, Barrows Night, Captain Zapis. Now.” The connection was quickly made.

“Zapis here Admiral.” Although annoyed, the Captain kept his voice calm.

“Status of action on Kingdom ship, Death Sun.” Traska smiled as he spoke. There was a noticeable pause in the reply, Captain Zapis was clearly very puzzled and wondering how the admiral could know the name of the Kingdom ship when he hadn’t learnt it himself.

“The action continues sir. We have taken a large number of prisoners. All four companies are onboard and fighting to where we believe the bridge is as well as other areas. I am not in need of reinforcement. We are proceeding cautiously to keep casualties down on both sides, but acting with aggression where we can.” There was another pause. “I expect to be in full control of the vessel in point five to one period sir. Considering the fighting conditions, our causalities are very light.”

“Thank you Captain, I won’t keep you any longer.” The Admiral turned to Lady Tyler.

“Lady, as soon as the fighting is done …” Admiral Traska voice died off. Lady Tyler’s eyes were closed. She seemed frozen in place. When her eyes opened, they glowed.

“No Admiral as I said, it is imperative that I board the Death Sun, now.” There was a note of command in the voice that Traska recognised, The Dark Lord was behind this. The rest of the personal on the bridge also froze but Lady Tyler smiled, “The officers and others on the bridge will fight to the death. That is what they are conditioned to do. To them, failure means death.” She stepped forward and spoke firmly, “I must go now.”

There was another fractions silence then Traska moved his eyes to the Colonel.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“A platoon as escort. Best trooper to command.”

Colonel Contons nodded and opened her mouth. “Not you Colonel, I am sorry but your place is here,” from Traska closed it, for a fraction, then it opened again.

“Sir …”

“No, that is final.”

“Yes sir.” Came out with a tinge of disappointment. “This way please, Lady Tyler.” The Colonel pulled out her comm as she escorted the Lady to the shuttle bay.

Alerted by the Colonel, the second platoon was waiting in full battle gear. So was Captain Derossie, Company commander. Calling the officers to her, Colonel Contons gave them the good news.

“This is Lady Tyler, yes, one of the circle. You will take her to the alien ship, and you will protect her with your lives.” With a nod to Captain Derossie, she strode to the shuttle flight deck where the flight crew were shocked when they learnt their destination and passenger.

With a smile, Lady Tyler boarded and took a seat. As the platoon followed they stared at her. Shaking himself out of his state of disbelief, Captain Derossie issued assignments.

“First squad, on point, second and third squads, on the Lady and me. Fourth squad, follow up, you are the reserve and you cover all holes.” He turned to the lieutenant who was the platoon commander. You stay with first squad. Remember, our primary mission is protection.” He stared hard at the lieutenant. “Remember!”

The lieutenant nodded and glanced at Lady Tyler, so incongruous in her black dress and high heeled shoes. Her eyes were closed and a slight smile played on her lips. The two officers exchanged glances. With unspoken consent, they both moved to speak quietly to the rest of the platoon.

*********

On the bridge, Admiral Traska commed both Commodore Quill and Captain Zapis with new orders. Both were horrified when informed about the slaves and voiced their anger. They subsided, somewhat, when told that the new orders were imperative. Even more so when they learnt just why the orders had been given and who was on the shuttle even now leaving the Barrows Star.

*********

The First Khan had been following the fighting as best as he could. The bridge was accessible only through the offices connected to it, but, so far as he could tell, engineering and all the lower part of his ship was either cut off or had been occupied by the invaders. Invaders was how he thought of them. He found it galling, less than half a kingdoms period ago, he had been the undisputed master of his ship but it was clear to him that the invaders would soon be on the bridge. The only thing that was slowing them down was the necessity of checking all the rooms as they advanced.

“Get ready brothers” Turcot laughed. “They will be amongst us soon. We must sell our lives well!” He had been alternating between rage and despondency. But now, with the prospect of actual fighting to the death in front of him, he concentrated his aggression.

By having only one means of access, the potential of a successful mutiny actually taking over the ship was greatly reduced unless the officers were involved and it was giving the legions troopers the same problem. They grimly regarded each other as their scans revealed the layers of defence the loyal security forces and officers had set up.

Only the First Khan, the remaining three senior officers and the counsellor had sealed themselves on the bridge. The rest of the loyal officers and security force now occupied the executive offices and were set into strongpoints. In accordance with kingdom tradition, they were prepared to sell their lives as expensively as possible.

“That shot through the engine room that killed the reactor was unfortunate. Now we have no way to blow up the ship. I would have liked that.” Turcot gave a small laugh. There was no humour in it.

Carpet Fornist nodded in agreement. “Yes that would have been good.”

Rossier the fifth Khan nodded. He showed a small explosive device, small but powerful enough to wreck the bridge. “I will hold back. When you are dead, I will blow up the bridge.” He smiled. The others did as well.

The only one who wasn’t smiling was Tyror Renna. The counsellor was wrapped in a ball under one of the consoles. Ty Rennin gave him a kick.

“Pull yourself together. This wasn’t unexpected.” The pilot gave a laugh. “We all knew it was a possible suicide trip.”

“No,” the Counsellor whimpered. “We were just to find a suitable system, not be attacked and killed.”

The officers regarded the once powerful member of the Solution’s Committee with unveiled contempt.

“Pull yourself together you coward.” Turcot roared. “We will die like warriors not snivelling like slaves!”

There was no response from Renna, who curled into an even tighter ball.

“Leave him, he isn’t worth it.” Rossier muttered. “He will die when this goes off anyway.”

Turcot grunted and keyed his comm. “What is happening?” He could see on a monitor but wanted a feel from the security personal he trusted.

“Everything is quiet. First Khan.” Head of security Jenin Retta replied. The First Armsman was in the center of the office where he could best monitor the coming fight. ‘Fight,’ he thought. The forces attacking them had complete surprise. He understood the swift assault and almost total victory over the rest of the ship. But now he was wondering why the delay. He also wondered what they would face next. It was obvious that the attackers were wearing some form of powered and screened armour. Now that was a bone in his throat and their weapons were beyond anything the kingdom had. So why were they waiting?

*********

The Legion troopers were asking the same question. The major commanding the company was beside himself.

“Wait, hold position, someone is coming. Who, they won’t tell me!” he snarled to the officer standing beside him.

This officer, the major’s adjutant, tactfully kept silent. With the company was holding its position, the two officers were now back at the shuttle bay which was in the process of being pressurised.

“Pressures good sir.”

“Open the door.” The major, while angry spoke calmly to the trooper who was on door watch, the present situation was not the man’s fault. Hurrying through the littered hanger he stopped as troopers poured out of the shuttle and took up guard positions.

“What the bloody hell.” He muttered. Then his jaw dropped as a beautiful woman floated down to the shuttle bay floor. Two troopers immediately taking up position on each side of her. More swept the area.

Approaching the Major, Captain Derossie broke the silence. “Sir, this is Lady Tyler, I am charged with her protection.” He turned to the Lady. “Your instructions please.”

“Thank you Captain.” A lovely smile graced her face. “Follow me please.” She turned and ran lightly up the stairs. The platoon followed with two troopers charging to keep in front of her. Captain Derossie, threw “Coming Major?” over his shoulder.

Through the ship, Lady Tyler unerringly led the troopers up stairwells and down corridors until she reached the door leading into the complex of offices before the bridge. The troopers kneeling, ready to blast the sealed door down as well as the walls on either side gaped to see her. None had seen a Lady of the Circle before, but they all recognised one.

Holding her hands out to either side, Lady Tyler walked calmly down the corridor towards the door. The troopers remained still, watching as she reached the door, put her hand out and touched it.

Sergeant Mis Taka, veteran that she was, recovered her pose first and hesitantly spoke up. “Lady, they have sealed the door.” She got a smile for her trouble. The sergeant tried again. “We will have to blast it.” Another smile, accompanied by a soft laugh.

Lady Tyler reached for the switch which would open the door. All the troopers gasped and shouldered their weapons, ready. Touching the switch the door slid open, Lady Tyler stepped through with a smile and the door slid shut behind her. Captain Derossie blanched and ran forward shouting, “Open the door!”

Frantically, Sergeant Mis Taka manipulated the door switch and the troopers swarmed through, coming to a complete stop, staring. The defenders were scattered, weapons strewn. Lady Tyler was calmly walking to the hatch that gave bridge access.

At the bridge access hatch she stopped and turned. “You can secure these and collect their weapons, also you will find that you can now talk to them.” Looking around she smiled. “They will be groggy for a while, but are unharmed.” She turned back to the door.

*********

Composing herself, Lady Tyler knew what she had to do. When the Dark Lord had casually explained to her where she was being sent, He had said nothing about their earlier difference, He just said that He had confidence in her.

Heartened, she was determined to show that His trust was not misplaced and touched the latch leading into the bridge.

*********

On the bridge, Turcot was watching the office remote screen when the far door started to open. When the screen went blank he swore. “Some more of that damn blocking technology.” He muttered. Turning he looked his officers over. “Time to die!” Brought tight grins from them. With a contemptuous glare at Tyror Renna, the First Khan took position behind the command console. With his shoulder weapon ready, he prepared to sell his life dearly.

There was silence from the pickups. That was more ominous to those listening intently then any racket would have been. Glances were exchanged and they all tensed as a soft chime sounded, someone was activating the door latch.

The tension was almost unbearable, it seemed that the door opened in slow motion. Time seemed frozen as the four remaining khans tensed. They gaped as a beautiful woman stepped through the door.

“What …” There was a fractions silence.

The pilot threw up his weapon. “Kill her!” He screamed.

The woman raised her hand and Rennan’s weapon flew from his hand. The others stared, Tyror Renna curled into an even tighter knot. Turcot raised his weapon, basically an adaption of a particle accelerator, and fired. To no effect. He snarled in frustration then locked eyes with the woman. She smiled and again raised her hand. The weapon Turcot held left his grasp and flew across the room. Her eyes shifted to Rossier and she pointed her finger at him.

The five men in the room stared in horror. The device Rossier held left his hands and floated to the center of the bridge. The troopers who had appeared at the door stopped as well. With a flick of her fingers, the device vanished through the ceiling of the bridge. Everyone stood still as the woman moved further onto the bridge, stopped, turned and waved the troopers in. The officers were swiftly secured. Captain Derossie appeared and nodded his head.

“Lady Tyler.”

“I thank you for your help Captain. You will find that language is not a problem anymore.”

“I thank you.” The captain tapped on his comm. “I have given notice to all the troopers.”

“Please stress that they must be gentle to all the slaves,” she threw a glance at the First Khan, “and keep them separate from the other crew members.”

“I will Lady.” The reasons were simple, either the oppression would continue or the slaves would start taking revenge. He signalled the troopers to take the officers away. Two had to drag the counsellor out from his hiding spot. As Turcot approached Lady Tyler. He stopped.

“Are you a witch?” Came in a whisper of fear.

“No, I am not.” There was a rather sad smile on Lady Tyler’s face as she turned back to the Captain, “I must leave now and speak with the Admiral.”

She walked to the door, opened it and walked through. The two troopers who had Turcot hustled him after her. Once through the door, Turcot pulled them to a stop.

“Where did she go?” He rasped out.

The two troopers looked at each other. “That’s a Lady of the Circle for you,” was all they said as they escorted the First Khan down to the shuttle bay.

*********

Admiral Traska just about jumped out of his chair when a large explosion occurred above the Death Sun, but he restrained himself, waiting for an answer.

“You will find the bridge open for close inspection soon Admiral.” Lady Tyler walked onto the bridge of the admiral’s flagship.

“Thank you for your help Lady.”

There was no smile with the reply. “There are many on the ship who were slaves, they will need assistance. Others of the Circle have visited both Admiral Der Watt, and Fleet Admiral Ra Stako. You will have some much needed help soon.”

“I see, thank you.” Admiral Traska managed.

“Indeed, a relay satellite was placed by First Khan on the galactic fringes, your sensors blocked the message he sent describing the attack, but it would be a good idea to find and destroy it.”

“I will seek approval once the Fleet Admiral and the rest arrive.”

“Of course, I have already bent Legion protocol enough.” Lady Tyler smiled. “I will now take my leave.” With a smile, she walked out through the door.

With a long sigh, Admiral Traska let his breath out. He turned to Captain Tina Fulton and smiled. “Let’s get to work. Communications, battleship captains, on conference for instructions. Commodore Quill and all cruiser commanders for information and possible action and assistance. Let’s get moving.” He smiled as the thought I wonder what is going to happen next, crossed his mind.

Stories about Lady Tyler were already circulating through Detachment T.