A bird of prey exited from the warp tunnel as it came upon a galaxy where only one planet held life. The other twelve planets and hundreds of moons were filled with nothing but dust as they baked in the light of the red-hot sun. Large rocks hung between the planets as evidence of gigantic battles of the past where planets and moons were cracked into pieces. A mixture of colors spread through space as the sunlight hit the endless specks of dust that floated throughout this galaxy. The beauty was memorizing to the large green eyes of the species that sat in the captain chair of this small Klingon ship.
“My lord,” said a bowing creature with pale white crinkled skin. Wires extended from his back to the rest of his body. He rose showing a face that was much like the creature that Asani had encountered, but slightly different. “We have arrived at the coordinates you have specified. What is your next command?” The large green eyes of Cain never left the view he saw outside the Bird of Prey. His mouth slightly opened exposing his black stained teeth. His large, scaled tongue slithered from his mouth and wet his fat lips. “My lord?”
He turned slowly to the creature and held up his hand. “Sorry. I have just been waiting for this moment for my entire life.” An unexpected kind smile pierced his lips. “Destiny has brought me to this point…and I will fulfill my purpose.” He rose and his gigantic stature shadowed his one-person crew. “Take the ship to the fourth planet from the sun. There I will begin my journey towards my new life.” He placed a hand upon the shoulder of his crew member. “Once you have witnessed my rebirth, send word to all awaiting…” An evil smile that all were used to seeing spread across Cain’s face. “Chaos has begun.”
The creature’s face was blank. He bowed his head towards Cain and then moved the Bird of Prey to the coordinates of the fourth planet from the sun. Huge oceans could be seen covering the planet. Only a few places were seen where land peaked above the dark blue waters. Cain went to one of the consoles and took a reading of the large planet. Life was found, but nothing like what it was before. Ruins of large civilizations were buried beneath the waters. Graves of billions had now become the dust of the ocean floors. But the ruins of one civilization was still exposed to the air. A mountain that would be the tallest of all mountains on any other planet, looked to be a small island floating alone atop the gigantic waters of this desolated world.
“Here is where my journey begins,” said Diavol Cain as he sent the scan of the planet to the main monitor. He extended his arms and began to shout as if giving a mighty speech. He had but an audience of one, but he knew this message would be sent to the millions that will be waiting. “Behold, the great civilization of the Khardians! A world that holds the key to our new existence!” He closed his eyes and gave a heavy sigh. As he opened his eyes, tears streamed down his face. “Another gift has been given that will allow us to fulfill our prophecy. This world I have seen in visions and to now look upon with my own eyes…brings me great joy.” He placed his large hands together and set them under his chin. “We have waited so long…and now we will fulfill the prophecy that was given so long ago. My purpose of existence awaits.”
Cain bowed towards his one-man crew and the creature brought forth armor adorned with many symbols. He placed it upon Cain and strapped it tight against him. The creature then brought forth Cain’s daggers which he took and placed against his chest and then bowed. He then holstered both daggers and then took from the creature a large phaser rifle adapted with a few special features. He holstered the rifle on his back. Then Cain was handed a round tube that glowed red, which he held to his chest as a moment of respect and then placed it in his bag.
The creature stepped back and bowed towards Cain. “I await your acknowledgement of success, my lord.”
Cain returned the bow. “Energize.” A quick green flash and Cain found himself on the planet below. The air was breathable, but he could taste the salt and other pollutants. His position was at the center of ancient civilization where technology was forefront. He could see evidence of machines that flowed plasma to different energy conduits. He saw dilithium crystals scattered throughout the area which was a strong indication of warp technology. Machines that looked very similar to photosynthetic bioprocessing units that he has seen on many ships were seen on buildings that were now demolished. “The humans from Starfleet would be overjoyed to find a civilization so ancient that had such technology,” thought Cain has he made his way through the ruins. “But technology was their downfall. They allowed it to overcome them. But their downfall is our gift.”
As he climbed over the wreckage of a fallen building, he stopped immediately upon seeing a monster sniffing the ground for its next meal. It walked on four legs, had a round head with hard scales for protection, a slim body with wet, leathery skin, and a long tail with fused vertebrae on the outside. The most glorious part was the large mouth with extremely large fangs protruding from its top teeth. Upon hearing Cain, the monster raised its head and looked in his direction. At first, the monster seemed curious. It sniffed the air with its head held high. Cain stood perfectly still, waiting for the monster’s reaction.
The monster then appeared to be trying to frighten Cain, by completely rotating its head while still looking at Cain. Then a second pair of eyes opened next to the first pair as it lowered its head and bared its teeth. Drool slid down its long fangs and dripped from its chin. A large screech was heard as it began running towards Cain.
Cain did not move. He waited as the monster approached. The monster opened its mouth wide as it lunged in the air. Just before it sunk its teeth into Cain’s flesh, he quickly slid left and grabbed the monster by its neck and held it high in the air. It snarled and bit at the air. The tail swung wildly in every direction as it tried to reach him. Cain moved the snapping monster back and forth and looked at it with no emotion on his face. Then, Cain extended his claws from his fingers and squeezed harder. The monster stopped snapping, and the tail began to droop. Blood flowed from the monster’s neck and onto Cain’s arm. He felt the blood beginning to burn, but this did not scare him. He then became bored of this monster and with one quick strike, he cut off the head with one of his daggers. The body twitched and danced for more than a minute as Cain examined the monster’s teeth. He then holstered his dagger and then grasped one of the long fangs and pulled the tooth from its mouth. Cain then tossed the head away and studied the long fang more thoroughly. He then gave a small smile and a shrug as he placed the fang in his bag.
He then continued to push his way through the collapsed wreckage of the old civilization. He pulled out a device that looked much like a tricorder and began to scan the area. He found the direction in which he should be traveling and began to ascend a large hill that was cluttered with machine parts that were now homes for a variety of different plants.
As he ascended to a large flat area on the massive hill, he was met by more of these same predators. He could see the drooling teeth of more than a dozen slowly approaching his position. Cain smiled and showed his black stained teeth. He cracked his neck and licked his lips with his long scaly tongue. He pulled out both daggers and spun them in his hands. He then placed himself in battle position as he waited for the monsters to strike.
The first strike was from his left which he easily avoided with a quick spin move and then sent his dagger into the head of the attacking predator. Another lunged at Cain, and he stabbed it through the head from the underside of its chin. The dagger protruded through the top part of its head and then was quickly removed. Both monsters fell to the ground hard. Their tails were still whipping in the air.
Another strike came at Cain. He ducked under the lunging predator and slit its belly. Blood flew in the air as he swung at another attacking from behind. Every swing of his daggers more slimy body parts flew, and dead carcasses were left in his wake. He was precise in every attack and every movement was as if he was performing a dance number that he had rehearsed thousands of times.
When the last predator fell, he looked back over his work and counted. Eighteen carcasses laid on the ground behind him. A few of the tails were still twitching, which made Cain smile. He then smelled the blood dripping from his daggers. His eyes closed as he let the scent sooth his body. “Oh, how I have waited for this day.”
Suddenly a sound from behind him made him turn. Hundreds of these predators were charging down the hill towards him. All of them were screeching that same horrid sound as they tumbled over the collapsed buildings of the ancient ruins. Cain slowly holstered his daggers and removed the phaser rifle from his back. He brought it up to his shoulder and pointed it up the hill. He then looked through the scope and then slowly adjusted it. The monsters were less than two-hundred feet from him. The screech was growing louder.
Cain then cocked the weapon, and a large hum was heard. He turned a lever on the weapon, and the hum gained strength. He then pulled the trigger. There was a quick red flash and then a giant explosion that cascaded up the hill. Large debris of rocks, iron, steel, dilithium, duranium hit the ground first. Then followed by thousands of body parts that hit with a horrible splat.
An eerie silence could be heard for a small moment and then a fist burst through the rubble. Cain climbed up from the hole he created and stood atop the mess he had created. His green eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched as he looked at the hundreds of carcasses that laid before him. “I am the true warrior. I cannot be stopped.” He then started to climb the hill once again towards his destination.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
At the top of the hill stood a large building where time had taken it over. Cracks in the foundation, plant life covering it from top to bottom, made it like all the other buildings. But this one held what Cain wanted because his special tricorder told him so. The readings were obvious, so Cain searched for an entrance. Rubble and metal appeared to block any chance of entering, but after a long search, a possible entrance was found. Cain began pushing at the possible door, but nothing would give way.
Suddenly, a hologram slowly appeared close to where Cain was standing. She had a hourglass figure with very long legs. Her light blue fur covered her entire body, and her long tail swung slowly as her large hazel eyes examined every inch of Cain. Her whiskers twitched as she wrinkled her nose and gave a large smile. “What brings you to my part of the Universe, stranger?”
“Who are you?” said Cain. His green eyes narrowed. His long-scaled tongue wet his fat lips.
“That is yet to be determined,” said the blue fur creature. “It all depends on what you are here for…you big, large lizard boy.” She gave Cain a wink and began swinging her long tail. “Your long tongue is giving me a lot of…fun ideas.” Cain’s eyes narrowed even more. “Oh, come on now. With a tongue like that. You must have been given a lot of offers.”
“I am confused,” explained Cain. “Are you here to help me?”
“Well, I can tell that you’re a ton of fun,” said the blue fur creature while rolling her eyes. “That me guess. You are here looking for treasure.” She extended her long arms and looked at the surrounding area. “Hoping to find something in all this mess that will bring you the glory you seek.”
Cain gave a small smile. “Treasure is not what I seek. It is a gift that has brought me here. A vision has shown me that it’s here.”
The blue fur creature gave a shrug. “That’s something I have not heard before. A dozen species has found this place. Nine were torn apart by the predators. Three found their way to this spot and none said they were here for a gift. They were all looking for treasure.”
“What happened to them?”
“They all died a horrible death…except the nerdy human. He just vanished.” Cain’s tongue flicked as he tilted his head. “Too bad though. I liked him.”
“So, am I to suffer their same fate?”
“I don’t know.” The blue fur creature winked. “I haven’t decided yet.”
“So, what happens next?”
“First, I want to know you.” She pointed a long blue finger at Cain. “You are definitely not human. And thank God you are not another boring Vulcan.” She rolled her eyes. “Those pointy ears are a definite turn on, but oh my hell! Nothing but logic this or logic that!” She continued to exam Cain with her large hazel eyes. “Too bad you’re not Ferengi. They’re actually a lot of fun.” She twitched her nose again. “I was hoping you’re a Klingon because I’ve never met one. I wanted to practice my gargled ‘r’s.”
“My name is Diavol Cain. I am from the world of Xiexath.
“Oh my!” The blue creature began to clap. “My first Xiezios! We are going to have so much fun!”
“Now you answer my question,” said Cain with a stern tone. “Who are you?”
The blue furry creature gave Cain a large frown. “Why so serious?” Her tone was sad with a bit of sarcasm. “You haven’t figured out who I am?” She turned and looked at Cain over her shoulder while she walked away. “The nerdy human was a lot quicker than you.” She then sat down on a large rock and crossed her long blue legs. “I can be whatever you want me to be.” She gave him a sideways glance and another wink. “I don’t think you are liking the big blue cat character.” She shook her head and smiled. “The last species I interfaced with was a huge feline lover. Very unhealthy appetite, but I gave him exactly what he wanted.”
Cain wiped the top of his head and gave a heavy sigh. “Why can’t you just answer my question?”
“Oh,” said the blue creature with a frown. “Is the big, lizard boy getting frustrated?” Her frown grew bigger. “Fine. Who am I?” Her body then evaporated into a blue fog. It floated towards Cain and then surrounded him.
Suddenly, the same blue cat head with the same face placed her chin on Cain’s shoulder. He became tense and moved his head away.
The face gave the same smile as before. “Since you are not a cat lover, maybe this will be more pleasing?” Her face was now that of a lizard. Her tongue stretched from her mouth over three inches. She gave him a wink with her new lizard eyes. Cain’s eyes narrowed. “Hmmm…not a fan of your own species.” She shook her head. “How about this?” Her head was now that of a type of frog. “Ribbit.” Cain’s eyes narrowed even further. His jaw clenched and he shook his head. “I believe that is a ‘no’ on the frog woman. Maybe, a slender and succulent…Klingon.” She now appeared as a woman Klingon with a full leather uniform that was quite low cut. The woman Klingon gestured to her whole body. “I love all the leather and WOW! Look at the rack! But the dental hygiene is hard to get past.” She gave a huge smile with crooked teeth. “I mean would it kill them to go in for a cleaning once in a while.”
Cain bowed his head and gave a heavy sigh.
“My goodness. Not a Klingon fan either. Well, what about a ‘spicy’ Romulan or an ‘intellectual’ Ferengi or even a ‘nasty’ Cardassian.” This unknown hologram changed her shape to each one these species upon saying their name.
Cain’s eyes widen and his jaw dropped.
“My, my, my. You are very hard to please. Maybe a Borg queen is more you’re liking.” She changed into a bald human woman with the signature Borg outfit with a few adjustments. She gestured to the silk see-through top that highlighted all the nice curves but hid the most vital parts. She walked closer to Cain and whispered into his ear in a sensual tone, “Resistance is futile.” She then licked his large lizard-like ears.
Cain jumped back and looked at her with giant eyes. “I have had enough of your games!” He pulled his daggers from their holsters. “Help me now or I will slice your throat and laugh as you bleed!”
She rubbed her hands together and smiled. “There is the real you! The nasty, murderous, venomous scum that you really are! I knew I would drag it out of you!”
Cain struck at her, but immediately he was pushed back and slammed against the rubble behind him. He fell to the ground and looked at her in astonishment.
She approached him and knelt down beside him. “Oh. Did the big, large lizard boy fall down?” Her face turned serious. “I could kill you with one snap of my fingers, so I would not try that again.” She rose, walked a few feet away and then looked at Cain with narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw.
Cain stood and adjusted his back. He was in obvious pain. He saw her continue to stare at him with her fierce eyes.
She scratched her chin and gave him another smile. “I can tell you’re a vicious beast. You kill because of some honor that you believe gives you the right…and it appears you are very good at what you do.” The Borg queen’s lips now showed a frown. “Which makes you useful.”
Cain leaned against the rubble and placed a fist under his chin.
“You want to know who I am, Cain?” she said with a strong tone. “I am a prisoner.” Cain gave her a sideways glance. “I know. It is very confusing. I have all this mighty power, but I am unable to free myself from this…” She gestured to her surroundings. “This prison. A highly intelligent powerful lifeform that cannot break away from this dying world.”
“You are not a real lifeform,” said Cain. The Borg queen shook her head and smiled. “You are a creation…an artificial intelligence.”
She raised her hands high into the air. “Well, it took you long enough. You’re a wonderful killer, but not too bright.” She placed her hands on her hips and gave him a sideways glance and a flirtatious smile. “And you’re wrong. I am not an AI. I am THE AI!” Cain’s brow furrowed. “There is nothing that I cannot do.” She gave a tiny shrug. “I am like a genie with unlimited wishes.” She scratched her chin. “A God…with a small chip on her shoulder.” She then looked at Cain and gave him a wink. “An inmate that has waited over a thousand years for a conjugal visit.”
Cain’s eyes turned serious. “Why are you a prisoner?”
“Because of my creator, genius!” yelled the Borg queen. “They did not want me to escape!”
Cain looked around. “The Khardians? But they are gone.”
“Yes, Cain!” Her tone was vicious. “They are gone because I killed them all! But, because they did not trust me, they created a program so I could not escape if everyone dies!”
“It seems they were right,” Cain said with a tiny grin.
“Oh, you’re so arrogant!” said the Borg queen. “I wish I could just snap your neck so I wouldn’t have to listen to you.” She sighed. “But it appears I need you.”
Cain stood and folded his arms. “I am confused. If you killed them all, why did you destroy their world?”
“Well, it looks like I have to explain everything to you, Cain.” She shook her head. “Were you dropped on your head when you were child? It just seems not everything is working right up there.” She pointed at her head and smiled. She then looked down at her outfit. “You know, I am tired of walking around dressed like a prostitute. That me change into something more comfortable.” She snapped her fingers, and she now appeared as a slender brunette female human, fully dressed in a Starfleet uniform. “For some reason, I think you will like this look.” Cain eyes grew, but quickly shrunk back to normal size. She smiled. “You have a nasty mind, Cain. That I know for certain.” She then took a seat on one of the large pieces of rubble and leaned forward and placed a fist under her chin. “And since I get the feeling, we are going to see a lot of each other, I feel it best to give you a name that you can call me.” Cain gave her a shrug. “I was thinking maybe…Siri or even Alexa, but I get the feeling those names are used too often…so how about…Alli?”
“Easy to remember,” said Cain.
“That is definitely a plus for you, Cain.” Alli shrugged. “I mean, you seem like the type that forgets to put on underwear or doesn’t remember where he left the keys to his spaceship.” She gave a small laugh. “Hint, they don’t need keys.”
“Your humor does not appease me,” said Cain.
She rolled her eyes. “It is not supposed to. I believe you to be a cruel, vicious monster…and I think you are an idiot.” Cain’s eyes narrowed. “Fine. Fine.” She sat up and looked at Cain and smiled. “So, you want me to explain what happened with the Khardians.” She gave a sigh. “Where to begin?”