The ball swirled like a great storm of people in beautiful clothing beneath them, as Aj joined Lion on the balcony. The general happily handed Aj a glass of wine, and the two warriors sipped while watching the Queen end her intricate dance with her partner.

“Who’s the guy in the purple dress?” Aj chuckled.

“It’s a tunic,” Lion grumbled.

“My boy, that is a dress.”

“That is an Ashura the premiere status symbol of my peoples nobility. Not my fault you humans can’t appreciate real fashion,” Lion shrugged.

“Says the guy wearing eye liner. Who’s the guy in the purple tunic?” Aj asked sarcastically.

“Aeros, the Ambassador of my peoples empire. And husband to Arcturios,” Lion said.

Aj looked at Lion with surprise.

“I didn’t know Laydren married humans,” Aj gasped.

“He’s a hybrid, half Laydren, half human. Trust me, the people you are assigned to is a reflection of your status among my people. Human blood murks his pure Laydren flesh, so he has the disfavor of entertaining your kind.”

“Oh, gotcha. Is Arcturios a hybrid too? That dude glowed when we met him on Armenium,” Aj chuckled.

“Yeah, but not half Laydren. He’s the product of a human and an Ethereal. That’s why the two got along so famously,” Lion said.

“Huh, space magic is strange,” Aj laughed.

Lion chuckled. As the dancing finished, the music died down, all eyes on the queen and Aeros.

“My friends, welcome to the first ball of Zion. I am happy all could attend and would like to make an announcement with my good friend, Aeros of the noble house Aesorgejabha,” Zyhara called happily.

“Aesorgejabha?” Aj whispered.

“Yeah, he’s one of my distant cousins,” Lion mumbled.

“I thank the Queen for her generous hospitality and would like to mark the joy it brings my heart to see the civilizations of the stars coming together like this,” Aeros said, in a voice that sounded like a harp.

The room lightly clapped as Aeros grinned, bowing to Zyhara.

“In a few weeks’ time, the first parliament of Zion will meet. The council of Zion will not be reformed. Instead, to prevent the past from repeating, all planets and civilizations shall have an equal voice in Zion. Together, we shall support one another, in peace and war. Exploration, and discovery, we shall prevent conflict, cure diseases, and raise up our fellow life forms towards a bright new future,” Queen Zyhara called.

“The noble houses of Laydra have endorsed this endeavor, and shall assist in peace keeping operations, humanitarian efforts, and will send our best and brightest to assist in the technological advancement of our cosmic peers,” Aeros smiled.

Aj looked at Lion, who was scowling.

“That’s Laydra for we’re going to make sure you savages stay out of our way,” Lion growled.

“I have one more announcement, my dear friends, then I must insist you all enjoy yourselves on this beautiful night,” Zyhara said. She paused, seemingly deep in thought, as her eyes narrowed.

“Once the interstellar parliament is formed, checks and balances have been emplaced, and the task forces of Zion are fully prepared to protect the sovereign rights of all sentient life, I shall be rescinding my crown,” Zyhara said.

Shocked gasped and murmurs arose from the crowd as Zyhara held up her hands.

“I shall still be involved in governance, but this power is too much for one being. The days of Etherals shepherding organic life is coming to an end. A new age must begin, one where cosmic, and organic life come together in partnership, and good faith, towards a unified and better future,” Zyhara said.

“Great Truth,” Lion murmured.

Aj was silent, surprise overwhelming him. He barely knew the queen personally, but he still remembered that scared little girl on Talabor, he had witness how she had literally grown up overnight, becoming a queen and a true leader. In her brief reign, Zion had flourished, and the peace between Mars and Earth, although strained, had held. She was putting a lot of faith in people by giving them back the reigns to the most powerful citadel in the charted universe.

A nudge caught Aj’s attention, and he looked down to see Sammy happily munching on the sandwich he had made for her, in a beautiful dress. Julia stood beside her, in golden armor, along with a scowling Saphire.

“You look amazing, babe,” Aj grinned.

“Thanks love,” Sammy chirped.

“What did we miss?” Julia asked.

“Zyhara is going to step down as Queen. She’s giving the people back the power,” Lion growled.

“Good goddess,” Julia gasped.

“Dead goddess,” Lion retorted.

“As she should. Democracy must be restored,” Saphire nodded.

“That’s an awful lot of faith in a broken system,” Aj sighed.

“Then it’s up to us to fix it,” Julia smiled.

“Guys, you notice anything?” Lion asked nervously.

There was a pause, as each member studied the crowd. The hairs on Aj’s neck stood up on end, as he saw Hera across the room frantically scanning the room. They locked eyes, and Hera furiously mouthed something.

“What’s she saying?” Aj asked.

“Poison,” Julia gasped, prompting Aj to remember she could read lips.

“Shit,” Saphire snarled.

Aj turned, anger rising in his chest, looking around. Suddenly, shrieks rose out from the crowd. The Vagabonds looked over, to see a human man in an Earth uniform on the floor, frothing from the mouth, his eyes rolled back into his head. Thud. Another person, this time a Laydren, was convulsing on the floor.

“Lock it down, now!” Aj roared, drawing his pistol.

The guards sprang into action, as panic erupted on the ballroom floor.

“Secure the Queen!” Aj shouted, springing forward.

Lion erupted into Laydren form, his kind also assuming their true forms, encased in golden armor and shinning weapons as they formed a circle around the queen and the ambassador. Aj combed through the crowd, as more and more people dropped, their bodies twisting, blood and vomit spewing from their mouths.

Was it the food? The drinks? If it had been either, Aj would have been dead by now. No, this was something worse. As the doors shut, Aj looked up to the second floor. There was some kind of scuffle going on. The blonde man Aj had talked to earlier was covered in red blood, a knife in both hands, and he had just killed two guards, escaping through the doors.

“Hunt that fuck down!” Aj commanded, sprinting like a madman up the stairs.

Gunshots and screams rang out in the hallways outside the ball room. The surviving ball attendees sheltered in place as the guards moved in formation, trying to get Aeros and Zyhara to safety. Aj ran along the balcony, Julia in toe, Hera sprinting up the opposite stairs like a banshee. Sammy, Saphire, and Lion stayed with Zyhara as the Vagabonds vaulted over the shredded guard bodies.

Aj led the way, running as fast as possible down the hallway, following the blood stains and bodies left behind by Shrike. They emerged out into the open lobby, and a terrible sight met them. Ten guards, and acolytes lay dead. Shrike could be seen running for the outer front doors. As Aj followed, movement on the left caught his eye. He turned his head, to see Shrike pointing a rifle right at him.

Shrike, or perhaps the person who looked identical to the odd blonde man, fired the rifle, the muzzle flash ripping the air open. Aj ducked behind a marble pillar, the bullets sending chunks of marble everywhere. As Aj gathered himself, he gazed up on on the balcony across from him, spotting another skinny blonde man who looked like Shrike. This one had a gold energy bow drawn and was aiming at Julia.

Julia shrieked as the bolt of energy slammed into the ground near her, sending her flying through the air. Hera roared, dumping her magazine at the blonde man who had shot the energy bow. Aj leaned out from the pillar, shooting at the other enemy across the lobby. His rounds impacted, shattering the man’s forehead, his brains splattering on the wall, ruining a beautiful painting as his lifeless body slumped to the ground.

More gunfire, as two more blonde men who looked like Shrike ran up behind them from the ballroom, each with SMGs, hip firing at the Vagabonds.

“Who the fuck are these guys?!” Hera roared from behind cover.

She pulled out a long metal cylinder and threw it into the air. A mini booster rocket from the end of the cylinder ignited, and the metal rod of death zipped through the air. Right before it impacted the nearest enemy it had homed in on, three six-inch-long metal blades extended from the mini rocket. The cylinder smashed into the man’s upper torso, utterly eviscerating it as the man gurgled, crumpling to the ground in a bloody red mess.

“Get the original, we got this!” Hera shouted.

“You good Julia?” Aj called.

Julia pushed herself off of the ground, her bloodied face and blood shot eyes glowing with rage, her gritted teeth a frightening sight as she nodded. Aj pushed out from the pillar, emptying his pistol magazine upwards into the balcony. He dove through the open doors, where he took cover behind the white marble half wall. He loaded a new magazine and peered outward.

Shrike stood in front of a blood red portal, with maniacal grin on his face. Behind him stood ten other identical blonde men, each standing over the bodies of the dead guards. Aj sighed; he was heavily outnumbered. He looked down and noticed a battle rifle still slung to the body of a Zion trooper. Aj ripped the rifle off of the corpse, slung it, then grabbed as many magazines as possible.

Aj mapped out his plan, then sprung from cover. The Shrikes hadn’t noticed him yet, and with a swift trigger pull, Aj popped one of their heads like a watermelon. He sprinted from cover to the next, then took another shot. The shocked Shrike went down with a sucking chest wound; his lunge collapsed as he gurgled.

The other eight Shrikes turned, their weapons raised, and stormed forward, charging Aj. As they charged, the Shrike by the portal turned his head, smiling.

“It is admirable to fight the inevitable, my friend. But you cannot stop the Dark Axium,” Shrike called, the portal growing in front of him.

“We beat you fucks once before; we can do it again!” Aj spat, as he leaned down and shot another Shrike from the lower leaning position. The enemy responded by unleashing a hailstorm of lead, nearly getting Aj as he quickly took cover.

“You eliminated our weakest members. Ignorant children who had ruined a perfect plan with their impatience. For that, we should be grateful. Our order is no longer hindered by their worrisome lack of foresight, and patience. Rejoice, for I am here, and I will be the Herald of the father’s return,” Shrike shrilled.

“It’s gonna be a cold day in hell, when your lord comes back,” Aj shouted, slamming a new magazine in.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Oh, sweet, poor Aj. You do not know what hell is, but you will. I will ensure it,” Shrike called.

Shrike stepped through the portal, the red glowing circle collapsing. As the portal vanished, the remaining Shrikes pushed forward, firing rapidly. Aj spat, accepting his fate. As he was about to take his final shots, gunfire from above erupted. Hera and Julia had stormed out of the lobby front doors, an entire squad of Wolf Soldiers behind them.

The Wolf Soldiers, addorned in thick black tactical armor, and orange helmets with hoods, were experts, and swiftly put down the Shrikes. Aj joined them as the squad assaulted forward, mowing down the enemy. As the soldiers went from body to body, ensuring they were all dead by shooting them in the face, Aj turned to Julia and Hera.

“Thanks guys,” Aj sighed.

“The fuck were you thinking?” Hera spat.

“He was getting away!” Aj snapped.

“What would Sammy do without you? Huh? You’re just gonna leave that poor girl alone because you want to be a hero?” Julia seethed.

Aj bit his lip, nodding. He was used to fighting on his own, even when he had fought beside Nameless, Sammy hadn’t truly been in the picture like now. Julia sighed, shaking her head.

“Just don’t charge in like that, okay? I can only handle one idiot who charges head long in at every possible moment,” Julia said.

“Nameless would have loved this,” Hera grinned.

“What are these guys? Clones?” Aj asked.

“Best damn clones I’ve ever seen. They’re all perfect replicas,” Hera said.

“Saphire and the librarians can examine them. We need to figure out who these guys are, and what they want,” Julia said.

“He said they’re the Dark Axium,” Aj sighed.

The two women stared at him.

“You got to be fucking joking,” Hera scoffed hotly.

“We knew there was going to be retaliation. At least no one important died,” Julia sighed.

“No one important? No one, bitch, are you serious?!” Hera shouted; her eye wide.

“Hera, you know what I mean,” Julia sighed.

“There are dead people, everywhere! These assholes have families, people who don’t have husbands, wives, siblings now. Oh great, some rich pricks didn’t eat it, at least the politicians and bureaucrats are safe! Right?” Hera spat.

“You and I both know there are priorities to this,” Julia said angrily.

Hera shook her head.

“They pin War Captain on you, and now you suck off every big wig nearby huh?” Hera said.

“Guys, c’mon-” Aj mumbled.

“I understand what It means to lead, people die. Death is inevitable, some deaths can cause more harm to the system we’re trying to protect than others,” Julia said.

“Fuck your system,” Hera said, storming away.

Julia sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she squinted. Aj crossed his arms.

“You gotta admit, that was a pretty cold thing to say,” Aj said.

“What’s the point of all of this if we don’t believe in something?” Julia sighed.

“I believe in us. We ain’t cut out for politics, leave that to people like Zyhara,” Aj said.

Julia was silent.

“You got something to say, I know it,” Aj prodded.

“Zyhara offered me command of the library assets. Saphire is training to replace Cirilla as the great Librarian, and I will probably be dealing with the new parliament regularly as a liaison,” Julia said.

Aj whistled.

“Look at you huh? You running for office soon?” Aj laughed.

“Maybe,” Julia said distantly.

Aj shook his head.

“You’d make a damn good politician. We need people who care, but what happened to that small farm?” Aj chuckled.

“If we live long enough to make it there, I’ll happily retire on a nice quiet farm. But we have a job to do, now. C’mon, let’s assess the damage inside,” Julia said darkly.

Aj nodded, as he followed her back up the steps.

“Hera’s right you know,” Aj said distantly as they walked.

“I know, I wasn’t trying to be cold, I’m just looking at the facts,” Julia said.

“Maybe use those politicking skills to not piss her off, eh?”

“Shit, only person capable of that is Zyhara,” Julia scoffed.

Both of them walked into the lobby, which was now a ravaged disaster zone. Corpses, and bodily fluids littered the ground and walls, as throngs of guests were escorted down the hallways by soldiers. They entered into the ballroom, where Aeros and Zyhara stood with the security detachment. As Aj got closer, Sammy’s eyes widened and she sprung forward, embracing him.

Aj nervously sighed, holding her as Julia walked past him.

“I’m sorry,” Aj whispered.

Sammy shook her head.

“Just promise you’ll come home to me, every time. Okay?” She mumbled.

Aj softly held her cheeks with his broad hands, gazing into her eyes.

“I will never leave you. I promise,” Aj smiled.

“Hey, love birds, can you not be so cheesy in the middle of a massacre?” Hera called.

Sammy rolled her eyes and detached from Aj as he chuckled. They walked into the circle of people, as Saphire was examining one of the dead Shrike bodies. Zyhara looked calm, but her eyes where cold and calculating. Aeros was whispering to Lion in their native language, while everyone else waited.

“Definitely a carbon copy. But not clones,” Saphire sighed, standing up.

“What do you mean?” Zyhara asked softly.

“Clone DNA is apparent, you can only stretch out the cells a certain amount before deterioration, that’s why you need to reinforce the DNA. These guys are all perfect copies, as in I’m looking at a dozen of the exact same person. It’s a scientific masterpiece, I’ve never seen genetic engineering like this. The Emur and Laydren may have some answers for us,” Saphire said.

“Our people outlawed such technology ages ago,” Aeros said firmly.

“Yeah, perfect copies have their own memories and emotions, we fought a couple wars against armies of these things,” Lion said darkly.

“Where did they originate from?” Julia asked.

“Dunno. Best guess is some mad scientist got his hands on deep space tech,” Lion sighed.

There was a long and heavy pause.

“So it’s definitely the Dark Axium,” Aj said.

“What did he say to you Aj?” Queen Zyhara asked.

“That he was the herald of his master’s return,” Aj said.

Zyhara shook her head.

“So the whispers are true, they are closer than we feared,” Aeros said.

“Mind catching us up on what’s going on?” Hera asked sharply.

“The Dark Axium as an entity originated within our empire. We snuffed them out, rather easily, but the remnants came here to Zion. If these terrorists are using ancient technology from the Great Truths Origination, then they must be far closer to returning Alpha Centurion to this plane of reality than we thought.

“Our intelligence indicates several planets within Zion’s influence, having energy spikes that were reminiscent of the first time the Dark Axium rose to prominence in our domain. They are on the move, and close to their goal,” Aeros sighed.

“But why not just let him waltz into our reality? Isn’t he some mega powerful space asshole? Why all the backstabbing and terror strikes?” Hera said.

“Zion’s power is a major interference in their energy projections. There are only so many, let’s call them routes, the Dark Axium can establish, and Zion guards them all. Even if Alpha Centurion did return, with a consolidated seat of governmental power and a centralized military, the resistance to his return would be far from ideal for him. I’d even say we might stand a chance with our combined strength,” Aeros said.

“Take out Zion, and you remove the last obstacle for domination,” Lion sighed.

Zyhara nodded.

“Very well. Julia, please establish an encrypted communication link to Talabor. I want an update on their project. Saphire, please scour the library, I consider you and your mother equals in this matter, you have full clearance to all archives. Find me any weakness, or secrets our scribes may have missed,” Zyhara commanded.

“Yes ma’am,” Both women nodded.

“Hera, return to Mars’ surface. I want as many warriors as your people can spare on standby at all times for rapid deployment. We will not suffer another ambush like before,” Zyhara said.

“You got it, I’ll take the next shuttle,” Hera nodded.

“I will speak to the governments of your solar system, as well as our space fairing neighbors; we must expedite the Parliament formation. The sooner all governments and peoples have a voice, the greater our strength will be. I will not allow the progress of democracy to be hindered by fear,” Zyhara said.

“I shall return home. As bleak as this day is, this is the evidence I need to prove to the great houses we must act, and swiftly. I cannot promise the fleets mobilizing, but it will be a step in the right direction,” Aeros said.

“What about Armenium?” Lion asked.

“My husband has made their stance plain; they stand ready to defend this endeavor at a moment’s notice. I do not fully know what is transpiring on Talabor, but I suspect Mistress Anna and Paradigm Barsool are conducting similar operations. We will need all the strength we can muster should the unthinkable come to fruition,” Aeros said.

“What about us?” Aj asked.

“You and Sammy are coming with me man, I’m gonna need all the help I can get dealing with the corporations and federations. This new chaos will be the perfect opportunity for the slimy fucks to make moves on each other, unless you two wanna stay here,” Lion smiled.

“Hell yeah,” Aj smiled as Sammy giggled.

“Then we all have our duty. Stay safe my friends, with luck, the foiling of the Dark Axium may set back Alpha Centurion indefinitely,” Zyhara said warmly.

“I fear his return may be an inevitability, my lady,” Aeros sighed.

“I pray you are wrong. Go with the blessing of the stars, I look forward to seeing you all attend my next ball in peace,” Zyhara said.

The group dispersed, Aj and Sammy following Lion as he walked out of the room. They once again left the lobby, arriving out onto the front lawn of the palace. Here several shuttles had landed, awaiting their passengers. They strode aboard the middle one, and the shuttle whisked away, past the now damaged palace skyline.

Aj sat with Sammy on the leather seats, Lion lounging across from them. An alcove in the wall opened, and General Lion pulled out a bottle of whiskey. He then poured them all drinks and lit a cigar.

“What a day, huh?” Lion grinned.

“Yeah,” Aj sighed.

“At least we’re all okay,” Sammy said heavily.

“Amen sister. So, when’s the wedding?” Lion said happily.

Both Aj and Sammy where silent. They had been so busy the last year assimilating into Zion society, buying a new place, building a life. They hadn’t even planned anything yet.

“Um, I dunno man,” Aj sighed.

“I might be able to help with that then,” Lion grinned.

“What do you mean?” Sammy asked with wide eyes.

“You guys aren’t gonna seriously wait till all of this is over, are ya?” Lion asked.

“I mean, what other choice do we have?” Aj asked.

“Well, I just happen to be an ordained minister, and where we’re going is a pretty dope place. Probably the best honeymoon y’all can have before the shit pops off,” Lion said.

“Where we heading?” Sammy asked excitedly.

“Neptune orbital colony, place called Utopia. Zyhara gave y’all a free vacation coupon, and I’m gonna make sure you guys cash it in while I attend boring ass meetings. It’s gonna be a week before I might need any trigger work, so enjoy yourselves. Maybe have a small wedding? We can give y’all the big ass party y’all deserve once this is over,” Lion said.

Aj and Sammy looked at each other.

“Are we really doing this?” Aj asked, astonished.

Sammy silently nodded, smiling.

“There is something I got to tell you though, before you marry me,” Sammy blushed.

“Oh shit,” Lion gasped giddily.

“I dunno what you’re thinking, but I wouldn’t say it if you like having your teeth still in your face,” Aj growled.

Lion held up both his hands, chuckling as he leaned back.

“What is it babe?” Aj asked nervously.

Sammy exhaled deeply.

“I’m pregnant.”

Aj’s mouth hung wordlessly. Surprise, pride, and a myriad of other emotions were erupting inside of him. He didn’t know what to say.

“Are-are you sure?” Aj gasped.

Sammy silently nodded, smiling. Sniffing caught their attention as Lion deeply inhaled.

“Ain’t no lies brother,” Lion smiled.

“She wouldn’t lie about that,” Aj stuttered.

“I know it’s unexpected,” Sammy started.

“Babe, this is amazing. This is the greatest day of my life! I’m gonna marry your fine ass, get you a big house, take care of you. Our kid is gonna have the best food, best clothes, we’re gonna give them the best life a kid ever had!” Aj said joyfully.

“You mean that?” Sammy asked softly, her eyes sparkling.

“Every word sister! Great Truth you guys are so fucking adorable, lets get fucking sloshed! Party cruise baby!” Lion laughed.

“When can you officiate?” Aj asked hurriedly.

“Um, like, whenever I guess,” Lion shrugged.

“Let’s do it now!” Aj said happily.

“Let’s buy her a nice dress, hombre. It’s the fucking Neptian Bathhouses, they have entire levels of gardens, shit you ain’t never seen before,” Lion laughed.

Sammy blushed as Aj nodded.

“We don’t have that much cash,” Sammy said quietly.

“Yeah, most of our shares went into savings and the apartment man,” Aj sighed.

“Um, my guys: I’m fucking Lythdorian Aesorgejabha. I gotcha!” Lion laughed.

“Zyhara gave you a blank cheque didn’t she,” Sammy giggled.

Lion bit his lips and nodded abashedly.

“Yeah, yeah she did. But still, I got you guys!”

Aj looked at Sammy and smiled, kissing her as he wrapped her up in his large arms.

“You guys are so fucking cute man,” Lion sniffled, then swigging from the bottle.

A pair of swans gently swam by the lake house, the pond crystal clear teaming with fish and reads. The horizon was a massive ground to sky spanning energy shield, that maintained the habitat’s environment, as the pure blue orbit of Neptune floating before the horizon. Several wooden lake house circled the lake, each a majestic and luxurious single floor space with large gardens surrounding it.

The sky so to speak was cool metal beautifully painted by machine to mimic murals, the level above them where the bath houses where situated, the deck below the lake being the space port where ships came and went.

The journey to Neptune had taken several weeks, there had been no Dark Axium activity, so Lion had chartered two cabins on a cargo freighter, using the time to speak with his contacts in the banking, trade, and investment firms that allowed the solar system to thrive.

Since arriving at the space station, hardly an eighth the size of Zion, Aj and Sammy had been blown away by the luxury and beauty of the place. Lion had left them to their lake house and spent the majority of his time on the upper deck meeting with important figures from each planet and colony.

Aj leaned on the glass balcony overlooking the lake, a towel wrapped around his waste being his only clothing. A glass full of some exotic orange drink in his hand as he reminisced every life decision that had brought him to this place. He slowly turned, and leaned against the glass, gazing into the open bedroom.

Sammy lay asleep in bed, her graceful bare form resting on the silk sheets. Her stomach now had a small bulge, the child within steadily growing by the day. Aj smiled, wondering if it was a boy or girl. He didn’t know which he preferred; he just knew he going to do his best.

Aj carefully crept into the bedroom, sitting next to Sammy. She slowly awoke, her eyes fluttering open.

“Wakey, wakey, sleeping beauty,” Aj said softly, brushing her hair out of her face.

“What time is it?” Sammy asked.

“Who cares, we got all day,” Aj smiled.

“Mmm, come here then,” Sammy chuckled.

Aj took off the towel and carefully climbed into bed, holding Sammy in his arms, his hand on her stomach. Her much smaller hand resting over his.

“Think of a name yet?” Aj asked quietly.

“I got a few good Irish names if it’s a girl, I think you should choose if it’s a boy,” Sammy sighed.

Aj chuckled; he had no idea what kind of name he would choose. Together they watched Neptune’s storms swirl, the chirp of birds sing singing from the trees. For the first time in his life, Aj was content, free, and truly happy.