Torlak took what remained of his fleet and hastily fled the system formerly known as Draxis. His fleet was now no more than a handful of ships. The remaining ships could barely be used to defend a simple refueling station.

They were battered and low on ammunition stores, their shield generators took a beating and the power they generated was being used for other services such as life support and engine power.

Those that survived the onslaught had craters in their hulls, and some had entire sections of their outer hulls missing. Torlak was distraught at the sight before him, and his fleet continued on past Demira and Anmira, the two sister planets they invaded first of this new species.

“Set a course for Lassus,” he ordered, and returned to his quarters. The fleet was still on alert, but the further they fled, their unease subsided.

He met with a computer technician on his way and inquired about the status of the data they had received from Brallo.

“Yes, Chief,” the technician spoke nervously, “We are currently diving through the data as we speak, but I must say, we are having a difficult time translating the data.”

“What have you gathered so far?”

“We have found what looks to be star coordinates. Our team is currently comparing them to our database, and then we may be able to find more targets for our fleets to attack.”

“That is good work, uh-”

“Ollin.”

“Yes,” he replied with a slight fluster, “Ollin, That is good work on your team's part. I expect great things from this!”

“Yes, Chief!” Ollin replied happily, “We just need to connect it to our database for a complete comparison.”

“Is there any other data you've found?” he asked, urging to change the subject.

“We have learned what they call themselves and some of their history, but the rest is still being downloaded.”

“Very well,” Torlak replied, “Continued with your work.”

Ollin gave a bow and continued on his way. Torlak, on the other hand, continued on toward his room, where he was met with a large bed and the finest covers the fleet could afford. He refreshed himself and readied himself for bed. It was a long and drawn-out engagement, he almost forgot what his bed felt like. Before he knew it, he was taken into slumber the moment his head touched the pillow.

Several days followed and when he made his way to the bridge, he was met with a new, yet familiar system, Lassus. This system was five jumps away from the system that was home to Demira and Anmira. He didn't know the name of the colony because it was so recently founded, but after sifting through some data found on Draxis, it was named Dema and that's what he suggested they call it.

Aside from Dema, there was not much data beyond the Draxis system for their coordinates log. He thought the technicians would have more than the two systems uploaded by now, but their reasoning was that their systems were too slow and that it needed to take time. They had already connected to their central navigation archives to map the coordinates, so it wasn't clear to him why it was taking so long. He let it go, but ordered that they report any new findings within the data.

Returning to the holo-map in the center of the bridge was the Lassus system. It is a binary star system home to a series of four gas giants and a lone rocky planet in between the four. The planets orbited a fair distance from their stars and the two closest gas giants were orbited by many moons, the lone rocky planet, Lasu, followed them. It had no moon and the planet was nothing more than a husk, but was home to a large fuel refinery depot that orbited it and a large population of depot workers, totaling around 50 million.

The final two gas giants orbited beyond Lasu, and they had a brilliant display of rings. This was one of the largest forms of resources for materials, while the gas giants operated as an abundant source for their fuel refinery.

Torlak ordered the ships down to Lasu after speaking to their flight control. They were granted access and all ships were able to find a docking port for their respective sizes. When all ships were docked, Torlak granted them time off for the duration of their stay, as he also ordered ship repairs. It wasn't his own money he was spending, but that of the military. Surely, they would understand the need to repair somewhat still serviceable ships.

Torlak needed a break, and he already passed some sizable fleets at some previous systems, so he felt relative ease here on Lasu.

He silently walked about the station and was greeted by all the citizens of the station. His title was evident on a cloth he wore around his neck. It was a black cloth with a gold embroidered star and the planet of Sellia, with the landmasses, depicted on it.

It wasn't long before he arrived at a fancy-looking restaurant, with a multitude of naval servicemen mingling outside the establishment. Many looked ragged as they spoke, and their facial features sagged from what he can only suspect was from stress.

He walked towards the entrance and met the gaze of one of the Junior War Chiefs, a title appointed to those who pilot many of their fighters.

“Ah, General! What are you doing here?” One of the young ones asked.

“Searching for some good food with this much-needed break. How are you all faring?” He asked the group.

“General, be honest, what do you make of the enemy? We weren't on the ground, so we don't know what they're truly like.” Another pilot asked.

Torlak pondered the inquiry, “I can't…divulge too much, but what I can offer is that perhaps we should have greeted them on friendly terms.” He said in a remorseful tone. “They have something to fight for, but so do we. Just remember, I chose our people, and so should you.”

The group of pilots nodded, knowing that their enemy had something to fight for and was willing to die for it. The only question that came to mind was, how far are they willing to go to retaliate?

He bid the group farewell and proceeded into the establishment. The furnishings were of higher class relative to the rest of the station. It wasn't high by Sellian home standards, but it was very much so here. He was soon escorted by a waiter that brought him to one of the rooms in the back that were reserved for the highest-ranking officials.

He was met by several Chief-Commanders and Captains of the various vessels of his battle group, and they welcomed him to sit. Among the group was the recently promoted Chief-Captain Dalogon. Someone whom he thought perished on Draxis and was consuming himself with a drink.

“I remember you, Dalogon, correct?”

The teary-eyed Sellian in question lifted his head from the table and met the General's gaze. His eyes shot wide and tried to stand to meet him, but he was told to sit back down.

“General, what brings you here?” His eyes were still swollen from tears and the stiff drink he had before him.

“I found it fitting to at least take some time off, especially what we all went through some time ago,” Torlak said, trying to ease the tension.

Various commanders and captains nodded in agreement. Some already had their food and took small bites of it as if their appetite had gone elsewhere. It was just a mix of meat and vegetables on the side.

He took his seat and ordered a small but refined meal when one of the commanders spoke aloud, “Do think our vessels were bested by such a savage race!” His eyes were red and the stench of fermented grains filled the room.

“That's right! That's right!” another supported, “What even were those weapons?! They destroyed my brother's ship like it was nothing but wood and adhesives! What do you think of them, General? What would you call them?”

His voice was obnoxious. Clearly, the room was deep in the inebriating substance. He looked at the bottle they all shared, 'Filo's Finest'. A drink of fermented grains and processed to nothing short of lethal for the average Sellian.

'Ah, no wonder,' he thought before addressing their concerns. “They call themselves Terrans.”

“What kind of name is 'Terran' anyway?” one of the captains asked.

“A name we gathered from the data Chief-Commander Brallo bravely delivered to us before we fled the system. Apparently, it means Dirt,” The group grew quiet at the mention of the commander. He was widely regarded as the best ground tactician the Sellian military had produced.

“Even in his darkest hour, he was noble. He was an honorable man who fended off the legendary Runi'an Attack Force! A group that's so vile and savage that it would take a god to smite them! But all it took was Brallo!” A commander said, raising his cup, to which the others followed, including Torlak.

“To Brallo! For Sellia!”

They continued late into the night, reminiscing fallen comrades and tales of old passed down to them until closing. They were escorted by fellow war chiefs to their respective destinations, leaving only Dalogon and Torlak. Torlak took the inebriated Dalogon and finally left the restaurant to return to their respective ships.

“Where is your ship, Dalogon?”

He only pointed in a vague direction, and Torlak supported him until he met a crewman who recognized his captain.

Let me take him, General!” Torlak did as he said and passed off Dalogon, not until the person in question turned to face Torlak, his eyes filled with momentary clarity.

“Tell me, General. What happened to the group by the gas giant? What happened to Namu?” Tears swelled up again on the corners of his eyes, still staring deep into Torlak.

“He… His group is suspected to have perished… I'm sorry.” Dalogon held back his tears and he was finally led away by the crewman, the sounds of his cries grew faint the further they departed.

Torlak knew of the two, albeit briefly. He knew Dalogon and Namu to be close, like brothers, but during the attack on Draxis, Namu was designated to attack the research stations by the gas giant only for it to be more heavily defended than he originally believed. Dalogon was part of the attack on the compound, and he was one of the few that were able to flee the sudden assault from the enemy. The only other ships that were able to rendezvous with them were the singular ships that were staged away from the complex.

As they left, he remembered they were informed that the group by the gas giant had perished and their signal ceased transmission. That meant only one thing, and believed that Namu had met his end, hoping that he took out as much of the enemy as he could. It's all he would want for a warrior of his grade.

Torlak returned to his ship, spending the days it took to repair in leisure. By the time their ships were ready, several weeks had passed. He communicated with the nearby sectors for enemy movement but found nothing unusual. The enemy had yet to retaliate. He wished to urgently return home and bring news of the data they had obtained.

“Navigator,” He ordered, “Plot a course for Sellia. It is time I meet with the War Council.”

“Of course, General.”

Their ship traveled to the edge of the system and a large circular metal structure floated in the void. As they approached, they were hailed by the station that was attached to the structure.

“Halt your advance. This gate is an entry into core Sellian space. State your name, ship, and reason for travel.”

“Chief-General Torlak of the Father's Prime fighter carrier. I am required to meet with the War Council.” There was a pause.

“Access Granted. Welcome back, General. You'll have approximately eight systems to go before you reach Sellia.”

To travel eight systems consecutively, it would take a ship of their size approximately two and a half weeks without stopping. So, this time he spent on Lassus station was vital to replenish supplied.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Thank you,” Torlak replied.

The large structure, as ancient as it looked, lit up and a fissure in space materialized and the circumference of the portal extended to the inner edges of the structure. The diameter was approximately 16 km. For a gate on the outer edges of Sellian core space, it was one of the larger ones.

When the portal stabilized, his ship, along with the rest of his group, followed through the vibrant portal back into the space that gave them the greatest comfort.

Several weeks would go by and Chief-General Torlak found himself before the War council on Artray, the capital city on their cradle world, Sellia.

“What news do you bring, Torlak?” Kallim spoke, eager to the tales from the battlefield. “Have you learned anything more about what we are facing? Polas will need to make ready a new speech for the people of Sellia.”

Reka, Breka, Galem, and Polas sat at their respective sets beside the Chief Councilman, Kallim. They all awaited his report. Prepared for this, Torlak called in Krio, his chief scientist, to speak on part of his behalf.

Torlak began, “I must apologize, but spirits are low among the troops.” He gauged their reactions: curiosity. “But I am afraid we have been routed from Draxis.”

“Draxis?” Polas was the first to respond.

“Yes. It is what the so-called 'Terrans' call the system,” He continued, “We first treaded into the territory that had yet to be named save for the two life-bearing planets, Demira and Anmira. They called the system Dema, and it was the first system of our conquest.”

Galem raised a hand, “What do you mean by Terrans? Is that what we're to call them?”

“That is so. In a final raid, scouts informed me of a likely point of interest that quite possibly held information on the enemy.” Their posture changed, prompting Torlak to continue, to which he responded by directing their attention to Krio and their eyes shifted. Krio was uneasy about the stares but carried on.

“Ahem,” He coughed, and a hologram presented itself, “Using the latest in data retrieval tech, we were able to seamlessly connect to the enemy's storage farm. They emitted a signal that meant they were passing data wirelessly, so we took that and began downloading the data. I must say, their security is what we would have had some thousand years ago. So, it was easy for ground technicians to crack.” Krio stated proudly.

“Out of the data we mined are what seem to be classified coordinates, new and upcoming technology. Here, let me show you. They were kind enough to have visuals attached. Pardon the coloring, I do believe some data was corrupted and color was lost. The first up seems to be a primitive form of an armored vehicle,” Krio explained.

He noted that compared to their own armored division, the Terrans were still stuck to technology before levitation tech and greatly noted the treads the vehicle was supported on. Krio was also keen to mention the overall shape of the main compartment and the gun.

“The vehicle is moved by treads, no doubt to overcome uneasy terrain. The cabin is rounded, with some parts angled to no doubt deflect incoming rounds. From what I have seen, the enemy has yet to field a heavy armored division. The only form we've seen are lightly armored four-wheeled vehicles with poorly attached weapons on the rear bed.”

Reka raised his hand, “What is that armored abomination called? I'm certain that, just from the looks of it, it would be incinerated by a single round from our Halen tank.”

“I'm sure it would, Their specifications are less than the width of my data pad!” Krio said condescendingly.

“What do they call it?” Reka asked.

“They called it the 'M4 Sherman'. This brings us to another technology they seem to be developing.” He changed the photo to one of an aerial element.

“This is what they call the 'F4 Phantom Two'. A vehicle designed for aerial bombing raids and interceptions.” The visual had the council intrigued. “By the frame, it suggests that it would be superb in atmospheric conditions. I would definitely be something worth looking out for in the field for our pilots,” Krio ended his presentation and stepped back behind Torlak, who remained silent this time.

“You have been awfully quiet, Torlak, is there any additional information on the Terrans and their tactics?” Kallim asked.

“Yes, actually.” Torlak paused, “The Terrans. They employ frightening tactics in combat. I have seen so first hand.” He presented a video format of his latest engagement, and probably his most traumatizing.

The councilmen watched in horror as a ship from the enemy placed itself beside a Sellian frigate and proceeded to fire an overdose of cannon fire into its side. The Sellian ship fell to the earth and pieces covered in flame and smoke.

The councilmen's expressions grew fearful. Torlak played other instances of the slaughter before being told to pause or change it.

“As you can see. None of our ships were prepared to engage in such a fight. Their shields were destroyed on first encounter and were laid to waste,” he said solemnly.

The War Council murmured between each other, but Torlak continued, “What is even worse is how their infantry throws themselves into combat.”

He played another video when he fled. “They enter metal coffins in the shape of tears and rain them down onto the battlefield! I suspect it was this force that brought Brallo to his end.”

That name rang bells in the councilmen. Commander Brallo. A warrior who engaged in ground combat with legions of soldiers and was victorious more often than not.

“I received those from the last ship to leave the combat zone.”

It was a video of Brallo. Around him, several soldiers were shot by a slowly advancing force and, bringing him to a corner. They thought that he was going to be captured as a prisoner when two soldiers came running with a stretcher after he was shot by a lone soldier with a gold mark on his shoulder. However, that was not the case, and the soldier who had already incapacitated him fired one into his skull. Then the video faded to static.

The council was uneasy, and their expressions reflected what they felt.

“Do not worry, Father.” Polas spoke, “I can use what we've learned to further demonize the enemy.”

“I agree with Polas,” spoke Breka, “We need to keep all information about the Terrans under restriction. We would not want to incite panic. Much less a rebellion for sentient sympathizers”

“We are already too far into this campaign to give up now,” Reka concurred, I would not subject my troops to such suicidal tactics. That makes us better than these savages. The sooner we rid them of our future colonies, the better we'll be if the Union attacks.”

“The populace has yet to know about the Terran slaves we are currently trading to the union. It is best if we keep it as such,” Galem added.

The four continued providing more ways to keep themselves as righteous to the people in the face of the enemy. The last speech by Polas had already prompted large-scale recruitment efforts into their forces, as well as workers for asset manufacturing.

'Business was booming, as they say.' Torlak thought to himself of the current economic boom his people were experiencing.

“Is there anything more of me or my scientist?” Torlak beckoned.

“That will be all,” Kallim responded.

Krio and Torlak left the War Council Chambers and found themselves in the courtyard just outside. The sun was still high, and the sky was filled with brilliant blue and the whitest of clouds. A slight breeze caressed their bodies and both shivered.

“Soon shall be the season of ice,” commented Krio to which Torlak agreed.

They walked to the entrance of the building and were greeted by two guards who let them pass. Then, they found themselves on a walkway littered with pedestrians. Children with their parents swung between their arms and smiles were flagrantly expressed, warming Torlak.

“This is why I do what I do, Torlak. For all these people and more. What about you?” Krio asked.

Torlak took some time to answer and did so after a pause, “Not to say that I don't, but I feel that we could have gone in a wholly different direction. The council did not have to resort to violence.”

The two continued down the road toward a bakery that Krio suggested they try. The roads were mainly for pedestrians, and any private vehicles flew overhead in designated zones away from populated areas or by rail.

“I know how you feel, but compared to the Terrans,” Krio took care to whisper their name, “I would pick us over them any day, wouldn't you?”

“Of course. As I said, if we wish to be able to take up arms against the Galactic Union, I think it would be best to get them on our side…”

Krio's eyes grew, “After what we did? Are you crazy? What do you think they would do to us if they found out what we did with their people? No, thanks. I say we press on in our campaign and call it a day. Besides, at the rate we're going, we'll have the ships to outnumber them, ten-to-one!”

Torlak agreed, but accepted the notion of extermination. Even after this time, it still didn't sit right with him, and actively sought ways to rationalize the Terran extermination.

They have finally made their way to the bakery Krio was so eager to try and was glad upon its shorter than usual line. When it was his turn, he ordered a Valrin Bun and Roll, while Torlak settled for the Trill Spice Bread.

They found themselves at an outdoor table as they consumed their food.

I'm telling you, nothing beats the Valrin Bun and Roll combo!” Krio said with vigor as Torlak took a bite out of his Trill Spice Bread.

“Glad you enjoy it because it came out of my pocket.” Torlak snared

“Don't worry, I'll transfer what I owe tonight.”

Torlak nodded pleasantly and finished his meal. He bid farewell to Krio who continued eating while browsing on his data pad. Torlak wandered around for the rest of day visiting shops and browsing gifts before settling on a fine necklace and head ornament band in the design of graciously decorated flowers. It was a popular type of headwear for the opposite sex, and the particular one he bought just so happened to match with the necklace.

Both were placed in a neat but expensive-looking back, and Torlak left the high-end jewelry shop toward the main rail. From the central area of Artray, the capital city, his trip would take him to just outside the main city limits.

The ride was a total of an hour and twenty minutes, and he saw the gradual recession of the city into sparse buildings and land as far as the eye can see. Grass up to his waist spread out into the land and the landscape was decorated with patches of large trees that offered a wealth of shade from the sun and kids could be seen playing under some of them.

Torlak continued to peer out the window and looked towards the horizon. While his immediate horizon was obscured by grass-laden hills, he was still able to see a large and imposing range of mountains that were all kinds of shades of gray tipped with white snow.

His home was relatively close to the mountains, and when he was younger, they would take trips up and play in the snow during the height of the season.

As he reminisced, his ride came to a smooth halt and the doors opened. His cabin was mostly free of riders and was mostly old folk who had likely retired to the country. When he stepped off, he looked in the direction of where he came from and saw the outline of tall buildings in the far distance. Glimmers of light sparkled here and there in the sky surrounding the buildings, a mix of personal and commercial shuttles.

He continued off the platform and the doors to the rail closed with a muffled hiss and continued on its journey. When it was gone, only silence was present. The sounds of birds broke that silence with a harmonious tune.

He continued and from the platform was met with a small town that had homes placed about on the hills and trees covered the main walkway with shade. It was quaint and quiet, with little foot traffic now that the sun was beginning to set.

After walking for several minutes, he faced the door to a small home, the lights now illuminating parts of the walkway to the house. The laughter of children could be heard as he approached closer and when he knocked on the door, the noises stopped and a muffled whisper took their place. After a moment, the door opened and he was met with a woman.

Her eyes were large, and her skin was a smooth violet with amethyst markings that dotted her face in a smooth and tribal pattern.

“Tor!” She yelled and embraced him, her arms around his neck and her head into his chest. The door widened, and two children came out. Both shared aspects of the woman and his own burgundy shade. They gripped him at the sides.

“Dad!”

He did his best to embrace them all but found that task impossible. “Yes, children, daddy's home,” he replied.

He settled the children down and the family found themselves in the living room, the kids attached to him.

“I hadn't expected you so soon. I hadn't received a message for so long that I began to fear the worst.” The woman said, pouring a warm liquid, and handing it to Tor.

“I'm sorry for that, Aleska. My work dictated I keep messages to a minimum.” He said, applying a small smile.

“Oh, before I forget, I got this for you,” He handed her the necklace and ornamental head ornament, and she adorned them both, gaining the attention of the kids and her husband.

“It looks beautiful! What made you decide to buy something like this?” she asked.

“As General, I think it's only fitting for my wife.” She blushed, giving him a kiss paired with the oos and awes of their children.

“Don't worry, I didn't forget you both.” He said, grabbing two items from his coat. “For my dear Alesa,” and gave her a doll of a character from her favored children's show, “And for my strong son, Torlin!” He brought out a small toy in the shape of a Sellian Frigate adorned in paint celebrating the Union secession.

Both children glowed with their gifts and began playing with Aleska and Tor on the couch. Watching their children play without a care in the world.

“How long will you be here?” Aleska asked with a pleading look.

“I don't know, we've been granted some time away and rotated out so another group can take our place.”

“I'm just glad you're finally back home. The kids have missed you,” she replied in a solemn, yet warming tone.

He observed the two. Alesa used her doll like a large attacking monster, and Torlin fought back with his ship. They continued fighting it out, but eventually came around to the two toys joining forces against an invisible enemy.

“Who are they fighting?” he asked, eying his son move the figure in a flying motion.

“The tewwens!” Torlin replied.

Torlak grew uneasy, and faced Aleska, “Where'd he learn that from?” he said with a wry smile.

“It's been all over the news. Councilman Polas gave out a speech not long before you came home. What this about the Terrans?”

Tor swallowed, unsure how to answer,“They're the bad guys,” Tor conceded, contrary to his growing feelings about the recent actions against them. “I just so happened to come back from a battle with them.”

Her eyes grew wide, “You weren’t hurt, were you?” she said, her face nothing but worry.

“It was close,” he lied, “they're tough, but we drove them back!” he said, feigning strength. He reassured her, and she subsequently relaxed, stress still somewhat present. The children continued playing until it was time for bed. Tor and Aleska tucked them both into bed and retired to their room. Exhaustion took him and Aleska equally, and the two drifted off to sleep. Their world stopped, even if for a bit, but Tor didn't care, disregarding the worries of the universe. All he cared for presently was his family, and he would take the days as they came, with love of family and brethren.