I lazily wake up, my head feels heavy as it comes off the pillow. The holographic clock next to my desk blinks to life, showing that its half past 10 in the morning. I rub the sleep out of my eyes, my fur felt bristly and coarse as I run my hand through it. I needed a shower, badly. I look at the clock, 10:35, not exactly an early start to the day, but I’ve got things to do today, and my appointment was in less than an hour.
While in the sterile surroundings of my bathroom, I look into the mirror and see myself for all I am. Taking inventory of myself as I always do: Male, Seiran, young adult and falling apart. I’ve been a wreck ever since I came back from my last assignment. All I’ve ever been good at was being a solider; hell, I’ve fought since I was a child. I joined the army at the same age as everyone else, 16 and served my government-mandated time, only to go back afterwards. My company was like a second family to me... And now I was the only one left. I stop staring at my reflection and get in the shower. The hot water waking me from my half dazed state as I cleaned myself, preparing for the day that I’ve already burned a quarter of sleeping. My CO would’ve chewed my head off if he was still with us. As I dry myself off I hear a ringing at the door, a female voice comes alive in my apartment, synthetic in nature.
“Terrid Korvo. This is L.O.L.A medical unit 1586 Alpha. I have arrived with your arm. The bionics division of His Royal Majesty’s Medical Care centre apologizes for the delay in finishing it.” the voice states.
“I’ll be right there.” I reply, my voice ringing with a bit of life in it. Finally! After three months I’ll FINALLY have my arm! I’ll be able to return to active duty! I hurriedly dress myself and race to the door, opening it to be greeted by the most common thing to see amongst the populace of the Empire. A “LOLA” drone. An alpha class LOLA drone to be precise. Logistics Operations Local Assistant, an artificial intelligence capable of instancing itself for multiple tasks. She enters my apartment, a case in hand as she directs me to my bed, I lay back and let her get to work. The case opened as she began to explain what the arm was and how it worked. The LOLA Drone looked like every other of its kind, bearing a Seiran like appearance, with black synthetic fur and a pair of emerald green eyes, dressed in a nurses attire with a bar code on her left breast annotated with a large “A” signifying her Alpha Classification.
“This arm is a custom model, built for your line of employment as a solider. As you know, all members of the imperial guard are issued a standard issue Mk.6 Pile Bunker as a melee weapon. While a regular bionic limb would’ve worked, your rank as an Imperial Knight entitled you to some modifications; as such we at the HRMMC have designed your new arm with a pile bunker preinstalled.” she pauses her speech as she finalizes the calibrations for the arm and connects it to the socket. I power through the pain of having the nerve endings attach to the new arm as she continues her explanation.
“Once fully connected to your nervous system the ability to use the pile bunker function will be made available for use. It was designed as a prototype and as such fires a series of small pistons in the arm to give the desired effect. Despite it’s experimental nature, you will find that this arms pile bunker function similar in strength to that of the standard standalone weapon, meaning you should be able to punch through a solid stone wall with relative ease on the even the lowest setting and all but liquefy a hostile on the highest.” she finishes. She stands and asks, “Now, would you kindly preform some basic motor functions with your new arm? I need to make sure the synaptic responses have minimal input delay.”
I tested the movements of the arm-bending at the elbow, rotating the wrist, flexing each finger and making a fist. The LOLA stood by as she watched me perform the tests, silently grading the speed of my movements with mechanical precision. Her quiet calculations came to a halt as she moved towards me and opened a small port on the arm and, with a cable that seemed to have slithered from a compartment in her wrist attaching itself to the port, re-calibrated it, maintaining her selfsame silence. The arm suddenly seemed to respond to my thoughts more quickly; within moments, every artificial tendon and synthetic joint had seemingly come to life, the prosthetic now responding as if it were my real arm.
“Fantastic!” The LOLA sang with a hint of joy, “You’ve adapted to your new arm very quickly.”
“I was worried it would take longer, but I can finally get back to work.” I retort with a smile, “If you’re done 1586 Alpha, you can be on you’re way. I have business to attend to at the Palace.”
The LOLA bowed respectfully as she closed the briefcase my arm came in and made her way to the door I made my way to my closet, the feeling of using my right arm once again as I almost gleefully put on my Knights garb. The regalia of the Royal family on my left breast and the sigil of the Imperial Knights on the right, cloth is more akin to a dress than tunic, with proper tying at the waist and fastening in the back it sits comfortably ending at my knees, underneath is a pair of pants of similar fabric and cut. As I step toward the door I take a step into a world I had left behind for far too long.
As I travelled to the Palace, I was met on all sides by either salutes and cheers or boos and jeers. The Imperial Knights were very distrusted at the moment, and I don’t blame them. When it came to light that out of the 151 Imperial Knights that the captain and 146 of the other Knights were in on a conspiracy to betray the Imperium to aid the Ankarii in their bid to slaughter the universe in the name of their profane god. All that remained were myself and four others, and I was waylaid with injury for three months. We are some of the most skilled Soldiers the empire has, but skill means little when there are only five of us. The people are right to voice their disapproval of me, I had my chance to kill the traitor and I missed it.
“What good are the Knights now.” Someone says, “All that are left is Terrid and the other four.”
“We’re better off without them,” Another responds, “For all we know they could be traitors as well.”
Figured people would still think like this, I’m more surprised that everyone isn’t trying to ask me personally what happened. The streets of the Capitol World were far cleaner than I ever cared to notice despite the sheer foot traffic. As I travelled down the path I notice a small dispute occur in the street between a couple of civilians and an Arbiter. The Arbiter wore standard issue law enforcement attire, a black uniform with a silver/grey filigree, a gold chair hang across her chest with her badge on the right side of her chest, a standard issue firearm hung from her hip as she was taking notes, seeing me walk up she gives a salute.
“Ser Korvo!” she announces my presence, “It’s good to see you up after your leave!”
“Well, its good to be up and about again Officer...” I take a quick glance at her badge, “Mornha. I do hope I’m not intruding on your duties.”
“Not at all sir, the ‘gentleman’ in blue was just telling me about how,” she pauses to look over her notes, “the man in red was a, and I quote, ‘dock-tailedpickpocket.’ while the man in red insists he was simply trying to return his wallet.”
“Whoof, that’s quite the insult. But I’m sure there was no ill intention behind the action, simply returning a dropped wallet.” I jested, a huff of disappointment escaping my nose as look at the azure dressed man before him, his weight was appalling, if he were any larger he’d have an orbit about him, a fairly large hole was in his back pocket showing that his wallet did indeed fall out of his pocket.
The crimson gent handed the corpulent blue accuser his wallet and simply waited for Arbiter Mornha to finish taking the respective statements so he could be on his way. I waved myself away as I travelled further down the street, the road ways hummed with vehicle after vehicle on the Gravity Road above the strolling public, the on and off ramps constantly shooting out and taking vehicles with unparalleled efficiency.
I approach a white and blue vehicle, a driver standing off to the side waiting for me, “Ser Terrid, I’m here to take you to the Palace.” he says as he opens the door for me.
Stepping into the vehicle I leads to a lengthy ride toward the Palace. The skyline rushing past us as we zipped past the other vehicles on the hoverway. The driver and I sat in silence for the most part, save for when he spoke up.
“I always knew you were one of the good ones you know.” the driver said, “Never liked that Eragus guy. Never seemed right to me. Always had that look in his eye, you know?”
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I sat quietly, thinking to myself about what happened three months ago. Eragus Krei, the previous captain of the Imperial Knights had stolen the blueprints for two mega structures, ring-world building schematics and the schematics for a weapon’s platform called the “World Breaker”. He announced his betrayal over live broadcast, saying that he ‘Saw the Empire as corrupt and saw the light of the Ankarii’s crusade.’ I tried to stop him and it cost me my arm.
“We’re here.” the driver spoke as I snapped out of my reflections. Stepping from the ride I looked up at the Imperial Palace. Built on the dead centre of the continent of Valkra, the Seiran Empire rose form the ashes of war united under Emperor Arkonan Melthius, who lead us to the stars. The palace was a resplendent white marble, highlighted with hints of azure blue and gold. I entered the Palace, ready to greet my Lord and Sovereign for the first time since my failure.
The halls were bustling with servants and workers, soldiers acting as guards, The Palace had always been a hub for activity, government workers conversing with one another about laws and the goings-on in different sectors, Military officials discussing strategies, Scientists researching new ways to improve the empire, and countless LOLA drones handling minor tasks around them. My trek through these halls comes to an end as I reach my destination. A pair of massive doors stands in front of me, engraved in them is the symbol of the Royal Family. The doors seemed to open on their own as at the other end of the room resided two brilliant thrones, and seated in them were the High Emperor and The High Empress, Arklay and Zephia Melthius.
I approach them and bow respectfully, “Your Majesty, it is an honour to stand here before you.” I speak, “I, Terrid Korvo, answer your summons.”
The Emperor speaks, his voice powerful and kind, “Terrid, my child, there is no need to speak in such a way. You are friend to me and my wife first, soldier second. Lift your head.”
I rise from the bow and look The Emperor in the eye. His body no older than mine, but yet, his age far surpassed my own, or anyone in the Empire really. I was told ever since I was a child that the Emperor was an Immortal, the first and only Son of Arkonan, The Unifier. Born almost five thousand years ago, he inherited the Empire from Arkonan, leading us from a small nation of star systems to an empire with control over half the galaxy. Even after the Invasion, he managed to rebuild the Empire from a near cataclysmic end, something we may have to face again, if Eragus gets his way.
“Terrid, I have called you here to give you your new assignment.” Arklay spoke, “As you are aware, Eragus Krei has betrayed us and stolen the schematics for the Worldbreaker. I thought those schematics were kept as secret as possible, but it appears not. I know you’ve only just gotten back on your feet, but my assignment for you is to find and stop Eragus as soon as possible. I know you have no means of finding him, but I will be giving you command of the Seleucia”
I could barely believe the words he said, the Seleucia. The newest ship in the fleet, and easily the fastest. A joint venture between the Seiran and the Coraxxa. The ship could travel from one end of the empire to the other in a matter of months, compared to the standard year it would take the majority of the standard fleet.
“One more thing Terrid, My daughter will be joining you. Avanna, come on out.”
From behind The Empress’ throne stepped forward one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. The Fabled Avanna Melthius, princess regent of the Empire. Her hair a stark ebony black compared to her white fur as she was dressed in regal red robes, she gave me a gentle nod and a bow as she greeted me.
“I hope it won’t be too much trouble to join you Ser Terrid. Your journey will take you across the entire empire. I believe it’s about time I saw it for myself.” she said, her voice so gentle and kind.
“I’ll do my best to keep you safe, Princess.” I assured her. “But if I may ask, why are you accompanying me?”
The Emperor sighed, “She had begged me to let her join you. While I do believe she should travel the Empire, I don’t believe she should be travelling with you in this circumstance.”
Avanna piped up, “Be that as it may Father, The people need to know that the Empire isn’t afraid of traitors. Letting me travel with Terrid is the way to prove that.”
“This is no mere diplomatic road trip Avanna. Terrid is going on a Manhunt for someone who is easily the most dangerous man in the galaxy. I can’t against my better judgment let you just gallivant around the stars with him!” the empress spoke, audible worry in her voice.
“My Love,” The Emperor interjected, “Terrid is the only person to have survived combat with Eragus, the only place safer than here in the Palace is next on a ship with him.”
I felt all eyes fall on me as I reassured the Empress, “I will make it my sworn duty to make sure no harm comes to the Princess.”
After an awkward silence we got to discussing the details of my mission and where to start, a point that not even The Emperor knew where to start. But I did. I explained in detail of what happened the Day of Betrayal.
Three months ago I was returning from a mission to stop an Ankarii incursion on one of the border systems that the Guard was having trouble fighting back. When I returned to the Knights Hall I had noticed that it was very quiet, almost grave-like. As I entered further in I heard the sounds of struggle further in, I raced in to try and find the source of the noise, only to find Eragus with his hand halfway through a fellow knight’s chest. His eyes were cold, lifeless, as if he felt nothing for the man he just killed, a man he called brother for years, who he broke bread with, fought alongside with. I felt both rage and fear as Eragus turned to me, his cold stare piercing through me like dagger of ice.
“Ahh, I wasn’t expecting you to return so soon Terrid.” Eragus spoke, his voice calm, “I really should have timed this better. First Gerot, now you. I guess you can’t blame me, I AM 185 years old by now.”
“What... why...” I stammered, unable to find the words.
“Oh right, you probably want to know what I’m doing. Well, I’m betraying the Empire. I mean that much should be obvious.” He returned nonchalantly.
I acted without thinking and charged him throwing all my force into a punch to his chest, I felt him recoil from the hit. I kept throwing blow after blow, trying to force him to drop. Eventually I felt myself hitting him less and less, as if a bubble of force was forming around him. With a flick of his finger he knocked me on my back, psionics. I knew Eragus had psionic powers, but never had I been on the receiving end of them. He made a rising motion with his hand and lifted me off the ground, slamming me around the hall with ease. My head spun from how fast I was moving, my body aching from being tossed into wall after wall at speeds no body should move at.
“I’ve always liked you Terrid. You were like a son to me. Which makes killing you just a BIT harder.” his voice betraying his words, he took pleasure in doing this to me. Like a predator toying with its prey before the kill, Eragus raised his hand, the very air warping around it, bringing it down toward me, rolling out of the way feeling the invisible blade cleanly slice through my right arm. The only thing running through my mind was pain.
“Lord Eragus,” a familiar voice rang out from the background, my vision fading as I bled out. “We don’t have time for this. You’ve spilled blood in the Hall, the guard will arrive soon. “
I looked up to see the face attached to the voice of another traitor, “Logyn, you bastard.”
Ignoring me on the ground, Logyn turned and walked toward the exit, Eragus following behind him as they spoke, “The shuttle is prepared for our trip to Novux-em, right? The Lanes won’t be accessible to us.” The world went dark and deaf as I lost consciousness.
It was a week later that I woke up in the hospital. And everything up to that point the Royal Family, now knew.
The Empress had a look of obvious anger on her face, as I finished regaling them of the events that transpired that day. Keeping the information of Eragus’ whereabouts was not something I should have done.
“If you knew where they were headed why did you not inform us when you regained consciousness?!” she shouted, she was visibly angry, and rightfully so. “We could’ve destroyed his shuttle and stopped him from giving those plans to the Ankarii!”
The Emperor interrupted, “Zephia, enough. Terrid was correct in keeping this to himself. This is Eragus Krei we’re dealing with, he has wiped out entire fleets from orbit with nary an issue. If Terrid did tell us where he was going, I would not have allowed the deployment of any fleets after him.”
Empress Zephia regained herself at the Emperor’s words, but he was right. Eragus was easily one of the most powerful men in the Empire. When he was an enlisted man, in his youth, he was on a planet that was on an Ankarii warpath, with a simple gesture he somehow managed to tear every single Ankarii ship from the sky, his sheer psionic is something to behold, but it seems that with age came weakness.
“Then it’s settled, you shall travel to Novuxem and try to stop Eragus.”
I bowed as I received my orders, a holographic display appeared before me. Displaying my detailed orders and my destination. The Nexus Elevator, at 3600 hours, escorting the Princess. I had plenty of time to prepare myself, with another bow I excused myself the company of the Royal Family.