Speculation will get me nowhere; the main priority is to scout the area and get this ship operational. With my resolve affirmed I left the cockpit and entered the central ship. In front of me are the many former Garudan prisoners all gathered, huddled together. Some are looking around the ship curiously. I turn to the right and notice Xirak gathered with his fellow Demthesian engineers whilst several hardy Garudan's glare at them.

I approach the Demthesian's slowly, speaking directly towards the two engineers. "There is no need to be alarmed, you are safe, I will ensure that." I tried to speak as softly as possible, trying to convey a lighter atmosphere considering the large armed Garudan's surrounding us. The two engineers shrank back in fear, whilst Xirak seems more preoccupied with the sight of the food processors.

Realising they may be hungry I turn to the food processors and open the above cabinet taking several small nutrient bars. Dumping the amount into the square box-like object and activating the controls. The processor vibrates for some time before letting out a soft beep. Opening it, I extract the steaming nutrient bars and present the mildly warm container to all present.

The Garudan's hesitate but Xirak immediately grabs one and gulp's it down in one go, before heartily speaking with his mouth full. "So, many recruits hated the nutrient bars, I on the other hand ate them so much, I can't live without them." Xirak then grabs another, gulping it down once more as if he desires to fit as much food into his mouth as possible. Still chewing he turns to the others, gesturing for them to have some as well.

The Demthesian engineers take one each and chew on them with dissatisfied faces, likely because the food is not to their taste. I turn to the Garudan's, who eyes the food container carefully before one musters up the courage to grab one. He inspects the nutrient bar, even sniff's it before taking a bite. His face lights up with a satisfied expression before directing his comrades to taste it as well. Realising the atmosphere is shifting, I had the container moved over for their consumption. They take it and begin distributing the food.

Now with the situation slightly calmer, I turn back to the engineer and speak once more with a light tone. "I have no desire to harm you, I would like your assistance in repairing the ship, do you have any ideas?" The two start to seize up, they are clearly fearful of me. So, I step forward and try to reveal a sincere attitude, kind of difficult considering they witnessed me slaughter many people.

The two then look at each other, with resignation before the female on the left speaks up. "The ship's fission regulator may have been tampered with." She speaks with a soft feminine tone, yet I detect a note of hostility behind her words, an expected result considering. I allow her to continue commenting on the state of the ship, urging her to continue. "I think Randax may have placed small explosives near the fission regulator. Triggering them from afar, the ship's default protocol is to shut down the engine if the regulator is damaged." Well, that makes sense and means the ship won't be moving anytime soon unless we have a spare regulator available. I narrow my eye's dipping my head in contemplation. The future seems problematic at this point, we have crashed and Randax is gaining more time on me every moment that goes by.

Despite the situation, I need to move forward, now that communications with the Ruktan and my allies have been severed. I can only rely on the assets I have on hand. Lifting my gaze back towards the engineer, I query the two again. "Then that means to solve this issue, would be to replace the regulator, is there a spare available?" The two immediately flash a strange expression, their faces seize up and begin to twitch. Something tells me I'm not going to like the response.

The male engineer is the one to speak up this time, his voice is quite deep, and despite his appearance, he seems young at least by Korvenin standards. "There would be a spare regulator, but we were using them for the new ships." Of course, they were, I am not surprised since they would likely prioritise mass production over keeping excess lying around. That means we will have to either repair the current regulator or scavenge another, two ideas available, hopefully, one can bear fruit.

I nod to myself and prepare for the trying times ahead, before speaking again. "Well, if that's the case I will have you two, try your best to repair the current regulator and I will see if I can locate a replacement... Any ideas?" I signal to the Garudan's to come over and read these two to be escorted to the engine room.

The female engineer nods a few times before replying to my query. "I can't guarantee we can fix the regulator, but replacements shouldn't be hard to find. Most heavy vehicles should have a regulator, if you get one of those, we should be able to patch it into the ship." Well, finally some good news, that means perhaps the massive haulier vehicles may be optimal or one of the heavy combat vehicles.” I glance back at the two, reveal a short smile and order the Garudan's to ferry them to the engine room.

Once they leave, I turn to Xirak who is eyeing the remaining nutrient bars with a greedy expression. Pulling him out of his daze, I guide him to the ship's exit. The both of us arrive outside with squad honour. I step outside with my arms crossed behind my back. The squad stand's up and salutes, they are getting better at that. I step forward with Xirak and stand before the squad. "Greetings, has the area been secured?" I direct my words to Pok's second-in-command Konta. He is a Garudan of few words, one of the Garudan's who was most grateful for my aid. He has since become quite loyal to me and believes in our cause.

Konta steps forward eyeing Xirak warily, delivering his report. "The immediate area has been secured Commander. Squad liberty is remaining in contact as they scout the surroundings." Saluting he quickly and efficiently explains the situation. Although the Garudan's were previously part of primitive tribes, the southerners showcased familiar abilities.

The southern tribes are a curious bunch, more advanced than most Garudan's I have met. They are quite loyal to their tenets of honour as they call them. Their hunting techniques are reminiscent of the squad mentality of clone militaries, having excellent coordination. I believe with time I can mould them into an effective military, if the current conflict was not an urgent factor, I would have time. Alas, the situation is what it is, adaptation must be swift less death be the result. Musing to myself, Konta finishes his reports and returns to his glaring, his eyes are locked on Xirak,

Realising what he is doing, I decided to deliver my next orders. "Konta, can you keep Xirak here company, watch him for me." I gestured to the one beside me as Konta nods in affirmation. Xirak shrugs as if he expected the situation. I then leave the two to get acquainted and step forward, casting my scrutinizing gaze upon the forest.

Some time goes by, the area has been secured just as Tova along with some of his fighters has pledged allegiance to Pok, seems they are good friends. According to Pok, they are from the same village before Pok left to travel the southern territory ending up visiting one of the southern tribes that were captured. Pok has since requested Tova and some of his loyal fighters join squad honour since we are in a precarious situation, and I agreed.

Tova along with five of his fighters joined under Pok's command, making squad honour's total number twelve. I will have to assess the new members another time but given their decisive actions back at the compound. They are no strangers to battle even capable of using Wokan weaponry.

Staring out into the dense forest, I hear a beeping sound near my right ear. The sound is obviously a communication request since it was accompanied by a request notification on my UI. It is a request from Zatrophos, without hesitation, I accept the comm link and the sound of his gruff voice can be heard. "Commander, we have got a problem." Honestly, I had expected this, the unknown territory we have landed, it should still be within Wokan-controlled territory. Likely the border between the north and the south.

I remain silent for a time before responding, prompting him to continue. His gruff voice resounds with his explanation. "We scouted the area and found a Garudan village, quite a large number of civilians and what looks to be refugees escaping the north." Now, this was indeed expected, we are close to the border, and the north is controlled by Randax loyalists while the south is only partially controlled by remnants of Zekton's forces. We are likely in between these two sides, which should mean everyone that escaped the initial invasion would converge here.

Zatrophos then continues his explanation whilst my mind continues to ponder this situation. "I sent some of my men to scout further out and discovered a military convoy composed of Garudan foot soldiers. They bare armour similar to the ones from the compound." After that sentence, I turned towards the direction of where Zatrophos should approximately be as if I can see the encroaching enemy.

Pondering this matter an idea flourishes, a plan takes shape and my eyes light up just as I activate the video feed. The appearance of a medium-sized military force can be seen through Zatrophos's video feed. Lines of marching Garudan's that look quite similar to Randax's men, likely more of his followers. Their numbers are somewhat concerning, should be a hundred Garudan all wearing light combat armour all wielding laser rifles. Behind them is a large heavy artillery vehicle with a mounted Gatling laser on top. Manning the weapon is a Wokan soldier along with several Wokan commanders leading the Garudan forces. Their leader seems to be seated within the vehicle behind the transparent screen barking orders and pointing his finger.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

I command Zatrophos to have one of his men keep an eye on the enemies' movements and the rest of the squad return to me. My next few moves need to be carefully considered, this is a threat and an opportunity. I drop the communication connection, sigh softly and think of what to do next.

Five Minor Cycles Later, somewhere in the Northern Territory, Garudan Village Border.

After regrouping the squads, liberty and the now larger squad honour we moved out under my orders. We passed through the forest and reached the border of the village. Eyeing the terrain, I notice the severe tactical disadvantages. The village is large and like most settlements surrounded by a dense forest, except in this case there is a wide opening with a dirt path leading away. The entrance to the village was clear and unfortunately large enough to field an invasion force.

Along with the massive entrance, the village itself is composed of several wooden houses; the architecture seems rather well-made. Each house has a cylindrical structure with a dome roof and a single wooden door. The village had not a single defensive structure nor surrounding walls, so likely the encroaching army would be able to subdue it easily.

Witnessing the village's limited defences, the likely hood of them repelling the attack is rather slim. So, now the big question is, do I intervene with my minuscule forces and insufficient weaponry? Is intervening the correct move here, what is the tactical advantage of intervening? I muse to myself, right before turning my gaze back to my two squad commanders. Both are staring at me with their helmets off, resting at their sides. The two have vastly different expressions, Pok is wary and quite concerned likely worried about the defenceless village, and he would likely advocate for intervening. On the other hand, Zatrophos is smiling broadly, I hope he is not happy about the eventual conflict.

Realising the necessity to act is shortly arriving, I come to a solution, but as with all things, situations arise unexpectantly. Particularly the faint shadow I just noticed at the corner of my eye. I only noticed the subtle figure, whatever is out there seems incredibly skilled in the art of stealth and possibly camouflage. Yet the natural senses of my people are rather acute even more so than most species I have encountered. I turn to the open communication channels on my interface and whisper several orders to my soldiers, they each respond with affirmation before moving subtly as directed.

Pok and Zatrophos move to the side not displaying any hostility as they navigate towards the forest edge, towards our right. Now with my troops behind me and my squad leaders to the right, I stepped forward with my hands held up in the air. I believe this posture is the universal sign of, I mean no harm. I had checked to see if this posture had some cultural significance with the Garudan's and Wokan's alike and found nothing.

The reaction was immediate, the forest trees shook rapidly with many leaves cascading down to gracefully lay upon the ground. A silhouette appeared in the shape of a large Korvanoid, the height was much larger yet thin and lean. The figure landed softly before me, raising its curved blade diagonally in a defensive posture. The figure was dressed in some sort of full-body suit covered in foliage, likely to blend into the dense trees. Standing upright the figure speaks in a strange language, similar to Garudan through familiar and unfamiliar words can be heard.

The voice is high-pitched, possibly feminine, but I suppose general sensibilities and perspectives are useless when it comes to the wide galaxy. Too much variation, interesting to be sure, it sates my curiosity but keeping up is indeed troublesome. Before I can respond, the sound of two footsteps beside me moves forward. I turn to look noticing Pok and Tova stepping forward, the figure regards them with caution. Pok then steps forward one more time and speaks in the same dialect likely responding to their words, this causes the figure to ascend and return its blade to its sheath.

Both the unknown figure and Pok remove their respective masks revealing their appearances, the figure reveals a Garudan appearance, female as I suspected. Her facial features are considerably softer and less narrow than most of the Garudan women I have met. She is by no means less threatening, yet she gives off a different air than Hera. She exudes a warrior's pose whilst this female makes me feel as if there are daggers aimed at my neck, unseen yet felt. Curious feeling, like some sort of phantom sensation perhaps I am developing hallucinations, will have to get myself checked at a later date.

After pondering to myself, I look back towards the two now conversing in the dialect I am accustomed to. Pok begins the dialogue by switching to the southern dialect. "Jenateri, what are you doing here, why are you not in the west, in Roporak?" His tone expressed surprise and confusion, he is indeed rather bewildered, turning back to our new guest, she only has a solemn look.

I observe the situation from the side, allowing the conversation to continue, curious about this development. This female Garudan named Jenateri dips her head slightly before replying in a broken southern dialect. "Roporak has fallen to the sky demons, their northern followers burned our villages when we refused to submit." Her fists clenched and her body starts to heave as if she is trying to restrain something. It takes time but she manages to calm herself before speaking again. "The Gabinak tribe is no more, Chief Ordo is dead, so we fled as per his command to the Oghala tribe. War-Chief Uhorde the seventh was gracious enough to take us in." Her words seem to have a profound effect on Pok, his gate staggers slightly before he shuffles back. His body tenses visibly right before rage boils over, from his clear expression.

Indeed, this was significant information, so I cast my curious gaze towards the Garudan before turning back to Pok and interjecting, "Squad Leader Pok, does this tribe hold significance to you?" I step forward and place myself right between the two sides causing a glare of hostility to emerge from the female Garudan. I ignore her for now and cast my poignant gaze towards my loyal follower with expectation.

Pok manages to adjust himself and reclaim his former calm, he turns to me and straightens his posture before delivering the news with a slightly trembling voice. "The Gabinak tribe was my homeland, Chief Ordo was a great leader, she will be missed. May she forever travel the blackened sea, in spirit rather than the body." He pronounces his words laced with emotion, revealing a new aspect of his culture. Truly this Garudan chief held great significance to Pok. This may be a problem, Pok has never had such a personal interest, even during the battle aboard the Ruktan. He had always remained distant even from the other Garudan's.

I nod a few times coming to a potential conclusion, lifting my gaze back to Pok I deliver my orders whilst casting my left eye towards our guest. "Pok, it seems the situation is quite dire, we will assist." It was not quite an order but given the situation, I doubt we can remain polite when danger is imminent.

Pok manages to reply with a salute before turning back to the now wide-eyed and wary female Garudan and speaking to her. "Jenateri I believe we can help here." He speaks with a confident tone before gesturing to me and continuing his statement. "This one is Commander Navarkos, he is an honourable one and will be able to help our people, an enemy is coming, are you aware?" His last few words had greater force; Pok is becoming nervous.

I turn back to gaze upon our guest, I take her measure before examining the forest surrounding us. I activate the interface's motion detector which oddly indicates no large movement beyond small animals. Strangely I feel an odd uneasy sensation as if I am being observed by predators. I manage to remove myself from this train of thought, right when our guest speaks up. "Yes of course we are aware of them." Her voice exudes an indigitated tone, perhaps a mixture of pride laced with fear or confidence masking the wariness of the future. She then continues with the same tone; her gaze passes across the others within our group. "I trust you Pok, but I can smell the stench of the sky demons amongst your ranks!" Her tone ends with an accusatory glare directed towards those in the far back. This action prompts Zatrophos to step forward wielding his weapon against his shoulder.

He removes his helmet, revealing his face which morphs into, I suppose an expression of challenge before he speaks in a gravelly voice. "Call us whatever you want savage." His tone was indignant and confrontational, though the oddest thing was, how did he understand what she said, I can translate but it is still an odd dialect.

I step to the side in an attempt to mitigate this, right before I notice our guest reach for her sabre, strapped to her side. Luckily Pok steps forward and calms her down, his hands propped into some sort of outstretched angular pose. This action immediately causes her to glare back at him, before ceasing her action. With violence avoided I step towards Zatrophos, move to his side and whisper in his ear. "Try to be diplomatic, that's an order." My attempt at making a sincere request failed as it was quickly overturned by a strange need for authoritative speech. This manner of speech seems to work with Wokan. Zatrophos stood down from his hostile act, returning his helmet.

I return to my prior position and request Pok to offer our help in the coming battle. The two begin speaking in that same strange dialect that I have since lost track of. The back and forth between the two takes some time with a few raised voices and accusatory pointing at the Wokan members of my little group. Eventually, Pok steps forward stand up straight, withdraws a small primitive dagger and swiftly slices his cheek. Red blood drips from the small wound causing the one known as Jenateri to gasp in shock.

Though the gasp doesn't seem to be out of fear, at least as far as I can tell. It was more akin to just sheer shock. She then places her right hand on his cheek staining her hand with his blood raising it up in the air and yelling at the top of her lungs. "Kanya Karanga!" Suddenly an eruption of voices can be heard surrounding us, causing several of us to move back in shock. I cast my gaze and notice several figures emerging from the dense foliage. This event causes the motion detectors to light up, indicating over twenty large bodies are approaching. This is further realised as over twenty Garudan's, wearing jungle attire with foliage strapped to their armour appear from the forest. Each raising their hands with blood from a cut staining them. Finally, Jenateri withdraws her blade and slices her palm bringing this ritual of self-harm full circle.

Pok returns his gaze to me, the cut starting to clot visibly on his cheek. Speaking to me directly in a Garudan dialect I am more familiar with. "She has agreed to accept our help, but the Wokan's must lower their weapons before entering the village." Well, regardless of the strange occurrence this was indeed progressing. I nod in affirmation causing Pok to return to the conversation with Jenateri.

I then informed the soldiers of the outcome and we all as a group make our way towards the village, the stealthy Garudan's guiding us. At least a small portion of them including Jenateri remained to guide us. Whilst the rest literally faded into the forest, strangely the motion detectors barely acknowledged them as they vanished.