“What say the scanners?” Demanded a stoic and calculating captain towards a young bridge officer.
“Nothing currently, War Chief. Just some background noise of the nearby gas giant,” they replied before continuing their work.
Torlak pondered the view-port from his raised seat and took in the hum of electronics present on the bridge with the crew manipulating data on their respective screens. His latest excursion was nothing more than a scheduled patrol to the latest system still pending review from their home system, Sella. As a Chief, he was allocated a handful of ships, no more than five corvettes and frigates each, in addition to his personal aircraft carrier. When they had just entered the system, he ordered a full system scan to plot his survey course for the most suitable habitats this system could offer.
Before him were a series of celestial bodies that dotted on a holographic display in the center of the bridge. Six planets were present, with an asteroid belt that separated the fifth from the sixth body, which happened to be a large gas giant with several more moons orbiting it. Instead, he turned his attention toward the fourth and fifth planets, which orbited relatively close but just outside each other's influence.
He manipulated the display on the two and in full color showcased two planets vibrant with blue and green, indicating a possibility for life, with the dark sides littered with small dots of yellow and white light strewn about. He turned to his chief scientist on the matter pertaining to the two virile worlds.
“Krio, What can you tell me about these two worlds?” Torlak asked of his chief star scientist.
“They are Demira and Anmira. Sister planets recently discovered just last year by a group of explorers commissioned by the War Council to explore this region of space,” he explained.
“As long as it's away from Galactic Union space,” Torlak said, garnering small snickers from the crew, “It’s best if we can distance ourselves as much as possible.”
As his fleet approached, he made sure to scan all that he could of this new system. The planets, asteroids, satellites, everything. He wanted to ensure that if this system was truly uninhabited and fit for habitation. Most of the survey came up empty, mostly divulging ore deposit ratios on desolate moons and asteroids. However, as they approached closer to the fifth planet, just beyond the asteroid belt, they were met with a return on their active scanners.
“War Chief! I'm picking up a signal opposite the planet. It's small, but I think I can access it,” reported a crewman.
Torlak pondered the notion before waving his hand with assent, “Go on.”
It was a satellite array present over the planet. Larger than the rest that orbited lower in the atmosphere, and from their scans, was in a state of repair. Only functional to receive instead of transmitting. The scan's officer added to their initial investigation, tapping away at their console,
“There appears to be no outbound operation of any kind, only inbound, from beyond the other side of the system. I’m detecting a large amount of information being processed from the relay to the planet, would you like it on screen?”
Torlak nodded, curious about their newfound discovery, “Do it.”
Before the crew were a series of images and sounds that assaulted their ears before being isolated into individual entities. Torlak looked upon the cycling of images and video before him; Hairless bipeds, with the only evidence of hair on their heads and faces. Krio began sifting through his data pad on all the known races within the Galactic Union but came up empty.
“I thought this area of space was void of a colony?” Torlak stated.
“It should be,” Krio responded, “the War Council has yet to approve this system's colonization. It is still pending.”
So far, the images and video, while still jarring, were not as much of a concern as finding a new race of sapient beings. However, he held on to his reservations. Further scans indicated minimal traffic around the system, mostly centered around the two habitable planets. Very few actually traveled beyond their influence. From their output signatures, they were no larger than medium-sized cargo freight and personal small craft. Luckily, there was no definitive sign of a military presence that they could identify.
“Cease all communications and ensure we haven't been detected,” he ordered.
His crew did as they were told and awaited his next series of instructions. After it was deemed they were clear, the bridge returned to only the hum of electronics and ventilation before he replied.
“Return home,” He said promptly.
“Leave a probe in the asteroid field and arrange a meeting with the War Council once we enter Gate-Space.”
As ordered, a probe made its way into the asteroid field closest to Anmira facing both planets. Their orbits were more or less in sync, and Torlak used that to keep an eye on both of the habitable rocks. The probe was the latest in stealth capability and is primarily used for military operations to keep their eyes on the edge of Union space. However, he had a feeling about these beings that didn't sit right with him, and instead chose to convene with the War Council on the matter. The trip took several weeks of time, as he made several routine stops to re-arm and repair all the failing systems of his old ship. But, he did so as fast as his fleet could allow. Soon, he would be home, in Sella.
Upon his arrival and latest report, the War Council could keep quiet no longer and the chamber grew into an uproar.
“Are we sure they’re not with the Galactic Union?” one councilman, clad in red, asked.
“Beyond our region of space? Reka, are you absurd?” another in purple rebuked, “that would have require them to circumvent our territory entirely!
“We can’t rule out the possibility, Polas. You of all people should know that.” Reka replied.
“It’s impossible for the Union to exist on that side of space,” started another in blue, it was councilman Breka, “IS Gate Lanes aren’t reported going that far. We’ve isolated the only ones that run through our empire with the choke colonies. Besides, it would take years to wrap around our territory.”
They then turned to the individual who had brought them the information of a new race in the first place, Torlak.
“What say you, War Chief?” The Center most council member beckoned. His demeanor was calm, and his leathery-like skin was wrought with creases and scars from battles past. He was Kallim, Head Chief of the War Council and the final word regarding matters of the state.
“I have provided what information we could gather,” he replied, projecting the information on a hologram projector in the center of the room.
Many of the photos and videos showcased were innocent, showing parental figures and their offspring, much like how his people would memorialize their travels.
“However, we did come across what seems to be a news report regarding their current state of affairs as a people.”
With a press of a button, the scene changes to a well-dress and well-groomed, female individual with a panel beside her showcasing a video with the words sliding across the bottom;
‘T.R.S.C. Troops Secure Refinery Depot In Alameda System…’
“Do they use Galactic Common, War Chief?” asked Polas.
“Phonetically, yes, our tongue is similar. Their script, however, is vastly different from ours. I had some of our technicians translate it best they can.”
He turned on the audio,
‘Republic forces in proximity to the Alameda System, led by Vice Admiral Wolf, retook control of the largest refinery in the system and workers are rejoicing at their rescue. On the ground, leading the decisive assault, was First Lieutenant O'Brian, who…’
The feed was cut off and the council members groaned with dismay. “I am sorry, but that was all we could retrieve before we had to vacate the system,” Torlak said, responding to their groans.
The council members looked at one another and began their debate.
“If this is truly an independent race, should we not induct them under our wing in fealty? Perhaps for us to join forces?” One in green robes suggested, but was rebuked by Reka.
“Are you crazy, Galem? Our relationship with the union is too strained to bring them in under us. I'm surprised they haven't sent the Flag and Legion unions after us with how much they already harass our choke worlds!”
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Reka made it known how important the choke worlds were to hold, as they boasted the largest defensive militaries. With the constant threat of Union forces, they couldn’t afford to take away from their deterrent. It was all too valuable.
“As long as they do not mount a complete assault, we should be fine. Lately, attacks by the Union have ceased. I think it best we try for diplomatic relations with both this new species and the Union. However, we would need some form of bargaining to raise our stature in their eyes,” Breka added, sharing a knowing glance with Torlak.
Their debate would continue back and forth, and it was argued that induction of a new species under the Sellian Empire would dampen the already soiled relations with the Galactic Union. Bringing them under their wing would not only cost resources and manpower, but it would also limit the number of worlds they could call their own as they tried to colonize further away from Union space. They couldn’t risk a two-front war either, so their conclusion came as a natural deduction in favor of the people.
After what seemed like hours, the War Council had now come to their conclusion, “It is the opinion of this Council that this new race be promptly and swiftly eradicated. And if you can, it would be best if you can procure… some merchandise. We will need it as bargaining with the Union,” Polas was the first to deliver the conviction, and did so with a smug countenance.
“May I… ask the reason? I find this decision most, ill. We know very little of how far the race extends their territory. It could be vast, perhaps as large, if not greater, than even the Union.”
Torlak responded, pleading for more reasoning to validate a campaign against an unsuspecting entity. He knew very little of the new race, and erred on the side of caution, wishing to meet with them across from the table, but his word meant little as a War Chief. Instead, he kept his posture neutral, waiting for the council to offer their guidance.
Polas then rose from his seat. His face was arrogant, and his actions constantly asked for a beating. Torlak could barely stand his presence.
“You know our history with the Galactic Union and our hard-fought war to gain our independence from them,” Torlak Nodded.
“We simply cannot risk another species into the fold. Territorial expanse of space away from the Union is a priority. It will not only boost our economy, but it will give the people a willingness to find themselves a new home. We do this for the people. This is something we cannot sacrifice for a new and unpredictable species. They still fight among their own. I doubt they even know the word diplomacy. We have chosen you as the Chief-General because we believe you can deliver us results. You need only probe their worlds for information and merchandise, then return. Perhaps then we can mount a larger offensive, the likes of which have never been seen, not even by the Union.”
He said, his nose raised slightly to the air, “Do you accept this task, Chief-General?”
“I… do,” Torlak said, kneeling.
Torlak questioned why he was granted a title such as Chief-General. No one has been labeled as such for some twenty-odd years, not since during the height of the Sellian Secession. He looked at the rest of the councilmen in response to his new nonchalantly granted title.
“That title is granted to only the most worthy of War Chiefs,” spoke Kallim, “Wear it proudly, as our messenger of death. Lead our people to Victory, Chief-General Torlak!”
He gave a deep bow in response and departed. The decision weighed heavily on his mind, but he would resolve himself and complete his task given to him by the War Council and to live up to the title they had granted him.
He left via shuttle from an internal hangar set aside for diplomats and VIPs. When he arrived, he was met with greetings from all who worked on the ship, not issuing them the reason for their departure, however, he would save that speech for later.
Several weeks would follow as the group travelled from system to system. It was slow for these kinds of movements and most fleets would just be ordered to patrol a select number of systems to minimize travel time. Some of those kinds of fleets would end up being named after the system that become stationed to.
Torlak and his battle group drifted through space of their last furthest visit, scanning all parts of the sector. They entered from the outermost part of the system, with the planets Demira and Anmira.
“Ensure all ships are at stealth output and jam any signals that enter our sphere,” Torlak commanded.
He peered out into the void, and magnified images of the respective planets were in front of him. He noticed more buzz around the bodies, more than before, and issued a caution to the group. Furthermore, he thought to himself about the purpose of his mission. He understood that what he was about to commit goes against much of what he believed in but found ways to rationalize it. Steeling himself, he spoke to the group.
“Attention to all within the War Council's Attack Force. We are about to engage, whose expansion is imperial and threatens our borders. Just like with the advances of the Galactic Union, we will not yield our home to invaders!”
Cheers rang out from the intercom of his ships and among his bridge. His speech renewed his resolve, and he gave the orders to advance. The speech he gave was the official declaration among his people, and they accepted it. If anything resembled the Union, they hated it and sought its destruction. A result of this is also the increase in recruitment into all branches. They needed more soldiers and this was the perfect reason for them to join.
Utilizing their medium-sized vessels, they started toward all communication relays, which only numbered four. Their forces split and two-thirds headed for Demira while the other third headed for Anmira.
As soon as they left Sub-light travel, they destroyed the relays and bombarded stations that orbited the planets. The ships nearby were all cargo-class and no bigger than his fleet’s corvettes. They were commercial and posed no real threat, but that didn't stop Torlak and his group.
They continued their sudden attack and chased any ships that tried to leave, jamming all signals as they did so. When their scans showed no movement, they turned their sights onto the planet and sent out raiding parties.
During the start of the raid, he received a call from the leader of the ground forces.
“Chief-General Torlak.” The individual called, “What do you want us to do with the non-combatants?”
Torlak pondered for a moment, calculating the potential benefit they could yield in their favor to maintain peace with the Galactic Union. He knew he was cruel as a commander, but he wasn't a monster.
“Kill the warriors and take the rest as slaves. Perhaps we can sell them to the Union.” He paused, “But keep the young and healthy, kill the rest.”
“Yes, Chief-General,” he said and cut his transmission. Several large cargo ships made their way to the surface and promptly loaded their newly acquired prizes. He hadn't planned for slaves but felt that if they could take as much as they can, it could buy favor from the Union and improve their standing to not be their target. He knew it to be cruel but pushed it to the back of his mind.
Operations were smooth as his fleet pressed on deep throughout the system, but he and his group pressed on before receiving notice from one of his crewmen.
“Chief-General! Picking up a singular ship on the edge of the system.”
“Do we have ships nearby to intercept?”
He nodded, “We do, already on their way.”
Torlak nodded in response.
The ship in question was a stubby ship with room for two, and the engines made up almost the entire ship. Nothing was outstanding of the ship to warrant suspicion. It just looked odd. As he was peering at the Holo-projector, he was notified again by the same previous crewman.
“Sir, the ship is leaving the system, toward an Inter-System Gate he just came through.”
He raised his nonexistent eyebrows, urging the crewman to continue.
“We got scans of the ship from the closest interceptor…” He paused. “Sir! It's a data runner!”
“What?!” Torlak roared, “After It! And destroy it!”
The three interceptors fired a volley of projectiles, largely missing their mark. The craft was accelerating faster than the interceptors before it opened a tear in space near an Inter-System Gate. It was unlike the standard Gate phenomena that he and many of his race were familiar with. The color, and most notably, the distance away from the Gate at which they seemingly disappeared.
Torlak was dumbfounded, along with the rest of the crew. Among the silence, he heard a mumble from one of the crewmen who manned the sensor arrays on the ship.
“T-they don't use a gate?” he said in an audible whisper, “B-but t-that's impossible…”
“Krio, what's he talking about?” Torlak ordered from his chief scientist.
“It, um, appears that this race doesn't use the conventional inter-system gate that we and the Union use,” he swallowed, “Instead they just tore through space before they even reached the IS Gate and, well, vanished.”
He was at a loss. All ships, both Sellian and Galactic Union, utilized two forms of travel. Sub-light, which is used for travel between celestial bodies in a system and the Inter-System Gate, a tunnel of space that connects one system to another. Each IS Gate is connected to a nearby system in a way similar to a road way. Many systems can have multiple IS Gates if there are systems close enough, with smaller Gates only requiring ship activation.
Previous eras utilized large station gates that could open up an Inter-Space Gate – the larger IS Gates still requiring a physicalized structure – but now most ships have that technology on board, at least for the smaller sized phenomena. So, whatever this ship did was outside their realm of knowledge since sensors didn’t detect the opening of an idle IS Gate.
Forcefully, he shoved those thoughts aside, but ensured they were logged for his report to the counsel.
“All ships, advance to the nearest IS Gate and await your orders. All slave ships, proceed home. I will send word of our cargo.” Torlak cut his transmission and proceeded toward their designated spot.
“This is just the beginning.” He said aloud. His crew nodded, and he and the rest of his group staged their ships before the idle Inter-System Gate.
As he said, he relayed word to the War Council about their latest cargo and what was to be done with them. With that out of the way, he pressed on and waited until all available warships were present before entering the Gate. Before advancing, he addressed all ships present.
“Now is the moment of truth, we are embarking on a journey foreign to us. Much like the Union, This 'Republic' has encroached on our territory thinking we would not notice! We will not yield to invaders! Press on! Our goal from here on out, is to find information on our enemy, then a prompt return home.”
His words felt shallow as he lied, regurgitating the words of the Council. They were unintentional invaders. Perhaps he could have spoken to them, but it was not as the Council had willed it.
They were to be destroyed, enslaved, and eventually, a memory. That’s all he needed to drive him, for the Cradle; Sella.
A large circular gate opened that separated tunnel space from real space. The tunnel swirled in green and white, with jagged sparks of plasma intermittently dancing from the tear in real space. One by one, Sellian ships entered the Gate and as the last entered, space returned to its silent void.