[Issue 30] [Story] The Crimson Blades - Part 3

[Kevred 1,586]

The Crimson Blades, Part I

The Crimson Blades, Part II

 

 

Crimson Ashes

 

  The wind rustles through the sea-green leaves as the Priest continues. I stare at my feet, too shameful to look at the audience. Since Earth was too far away, the funerals of Andros are held on Octumia, a nearby Terra-class planet.

 

  “He was a great strategist, and has always been the most loyal of the trainees…”

 

  Yes, Andros was always loyal to the professors. His record was at all times stain-free. Until the incident that ended his career, and his life.

 

  “May God never know why such a bright soul will turn to the darkness. His name will forever be remembered in our hearts. Omen.”

 

  Everyone bows down and leaves, including me. On the way out I catch more than a few disdainful looks shot my way, but I can't blame them. I despise myself, too. What if killing him wasn't the only way? What if he really meant what he said? One thing I know for sure, is that there’s more to this than I think. And I intend on finding out just what.

 

  Sarkas’ funerals will be on Genetara, his home planet, which fortunately isn't too far from

Sector C. As my shuttle approaches the planet, a transmission from the Mother City, the equivalent of a capital, startles me out of my reverie.

 

  "Hello, this is the Genetarr Air Force. Please surrender your shuttle and land it at the following coordinates." A voice says.

"Sorry, I believe there's a mistake. This is commander Andros of the Terran Military. I was invited here for a funeral." I reply.

"There's no mistake. Please surrender your shuttle, and land it at the following coordinates, or we will fire." The same voice answers.

"What? Why? I have no aggressive intentions, if that’s what you’re thinking!" I'm starting to get more and more irritated now.

"That is irrelevant. Land at these coordinates, or we will not respond of our actions."

Seeing no alternative, I steer my ship to the said coordinates, which seem to be situated in the middle of a green valley. Eh, not too bad for an eternal prison. Cursing myself for not having brought some kind of weapon at all, I land the ship and open the hatch. I'm immediately surrounded by a squad of Genetarr soldiers. I feel a stabbing pain in my back, and everything goes black.

 

  I wake up in a well-lit room, with nude walls and no windows. Since the only source of light comes from an iridescent lamp next to me, I have no idea what time it is. Great. Why is my life so miserable? I mean, seriously, I survive four months of blockade, watch my best friend die, then get captured for his funeral. Maybe I should have bought that good luck charm I saw in the Octumian market after all. I'm deep in my thoughts when suddenly the door opens, and two guards walk in. I immediately put on a hostile look. But to my surprise, they throw me my equipment and give me a nod.

  "Please follow us, Prear. We apologize for the inconvenience." One of them says.

"Inconvenience? What inconvenience? I'm perfectly okay with all of this stabbing and threatening and sequestering!" I reply in a sarcastic tone.

The guard raises an eyebrow. "You don’t mind being captured? I thought humans-"

"Never mind!" I snap, " What do you want with me?"

"If you kindly followed us, Prear, we would explain everything." He answers.

 

  Hah. As if. They really think they can find answers to all those questions floating in my mind? Good luck with that. Nevertheless, I say: "Lead the way." After a few dozen winding corridors and locked doors, all covered with with marble tablets, we finally arrive in front of a huge titanium gate. The guards pull out a silver key and, after unlocking it, walk in. Somewhat intimidated, I follow them. Inside is some kind of a office/warehouse mix, with stacks of data pad and books all over the place. There’s a Genetarr sitting in a chair on the left of the room, turning his back to me. "Prarear Mersas, Prear Arshton is here." The guards announce. The man called Mersas turns around, and even I can’t prevent of yelp of surprise. His face is completely covered by scratches, as if a snake took a nap on it. Wait, are those huge scaly things with wings called snakes? No, I think they're called dragas. Or is it dargons? Meh, who cares. In fact, the scratches isn't even the worst of it. His nose is crushed in and one of his eyes is mechanic. But if he noticed the squeaking sound I made, he doesn't show it.

  "Prear Arshton, please, take a seat." He says in a tone somewhat lacking in the directness of Genetarr voices.

I don’t move a muscle. After a few awkward seconds, he heaves a sigh and continues: “Do as you wish. I apologize for your rather, ah, violent welcome. Pretending your coming was for Sarkas' funerals was the only way to make you come here without arising suspicion. You see, you currently are in a top-secret base of the Genetarosaras, the Genetarr secret service. We couldn't allow anyone to find out the location, including you.” He looks at me inquisitively, as if expecting me to say something, but my mouth stays shut. Seeing that I'm openly manifesting my hostility towards him, he says, “Very well. I believe it is time you knew the truth. Sarkas is, or was, one of our most skilled agents. He was implanted into your crew through the means of blackmail, torture, and mind-control.”

What? Sarkas was working for him all along? And I thought like a ***** that he genuinely appreciated my ship. The revelation hurts me more than any kind of weapon. I would've preferred reliving those dreadful months of blockade instead of knowing my best friend was only pretending to be my friend.

“Why?” I finally ask.

“A few months ago”, Mersas begins,”Our hackers intercepted a coded transmission sent from Earth to the star base where your ship was docked. After decrypting it, it revealed that some kind of a secret cargo was loaded onto your ship. Do you know what it was?”

“No.” I answer.

“I thought so. We started an investigation, and implanted Sarkas into your crew. Unfortunately, your ship left for Sector C sooner than we planned, and Sarkas found himself stuck on board. But he did find out some interesting information. Here, take a look.” He hands me a data pad. Reluctantly, I take it and turn it on.

 

 

Day 456 of Solar Revolution 

Sender: Ad. McCollins, Terran Military

Recipient: General Vortul, Crimson Flagship

Message:

 

  The attack will go as planned. They must not find out that we hired you. Do not destroy the ship. Blockade it until they surrender. Then use secret cargo as agreed. Payment will given if successful. Over.

 

 

 

Day 671 of Solar Revolution

Sender: Ad. McCollins, Terran Military

Recipient: Co-General Korteth, Crimson Flagship

Message:

 

  Your performance deceived us. Death of G. Vortul must not affect the mission. Sending over commander Andros S. to command operations. You will grant him full authority over the Crimson Fleet. Over.

 

 

 

  The last message was also the longest one, and it appears it was sent directly to Mr. Uglyface here.

 

 

Day 720 of Solar Revolution 

Sender: Prarear Sarkas, Terran Scout Ship V-3367Xs

Recipient: Prarear Mersas, Genetarosaras Beta Base

Message:

 

  Discovered that secret cargo contains radioactive components. Traces of Traanium-7a were detected in cargo bay 3, although the cargo itself is nowhere to be found. Further investigations must be halted as commander Andros ordered all available crewmen to help repairs. Sending data file immediately. Over.

 

 

 

  At a loss of words, I hand back the data pad. So my ship was carrying a radioactive. To think what would have happened if one of those Crimson missiles pierced the cargo compartments and detonated the radioactive components...Judging from the size required to transport Traanium-7a, I'd say half of Sector C would've been wiped out. At least I know Andros wasn't a traitor after all. Nope, he was just following the order of my own superiors, that for some reasons hired pirates to kill me. Yippee.

  “What do you need me for?” I ask.

“We need you to pursue your friend’s investigations. Find out what the cargo was, and report back to us.” He answers.

“No way. I'm not getting myself into trouble that doesn't concern me. Go find yourself another lapdog.” I snap.

“Oh, but it concerns you, my dear Prear. Tell me, why were you sent to Sector C?”

“Border patrol.” I immediately respond.

“So after centuries of neglect they finally decide to go check out C again?”

Even I can’t wiggle my way out of this one. Yes, why would the government suddenly decide to patrol Sector C? He seems to notice the difficulty I'm having trying to find a reason, because he pursues,

“You should know something. There is a dangerous thing in Sector C, so dangerous, that the Terrans are willing to form an alliance with the Crimson Blades to destroy it.”

“What is this thing?” I question.

“I-” He’s interrupted by my beeping comm unit. I tap the “answer” button on it, and the speakers pop out. Out of them comes a voice that fills me with dread.

“Commander Arshton? This is Admiral McCollins. I would like you to report to Almada Prime as soon as possible.” The voice says. I try to stop my hands from shaking.

“Wh-Why sir?” I respond in an nervous voice. Fortunately the long-range communication system is rather ancient and is incapable to transfer the different undertones of voices. Numerous projects were put in place to renew it, but every time the funding ran out. 

“We are launching an attack, and we need all the help we can get. You will be assigned a new ship, and will actively take part in the battle. Report to Almada Prime for specific details immediately.” Ad. McCollins responds.

“What’s the target?” I ask.

“The target's rather...special. It's something never seen before. In numerous planets near it, the inhabitants call it the Titancore.”

The comm unit drops to the ground and shatters. Sarkas’s last words reverberate in my head. 

 

The Titancore.

 

 

--End of Series I, The Crimson Blades--

 

 

Edited December 21, 2014 by Remaine

[sachet100 1,020]

Nice :D

[rich678 1]

Hah! I am second!

Great Story!

Well... I figured out some of it before this issue but a few parts didn't go as I thought... Suspenseful Read! 

[Kevred 1,586]

HINT: The main plot has not been revealed yet.

[Ranger_Will 3]

This is awesome

 

[fa2Lemuelm2 8]

Very nice story! I am hooked o.O
Although most of the tankers prefer playing and reading the guides in the forums, I can tell you that this is well-written!
I'll be waiting for more

[doduobird 315]

Great story :]

[pokemonjoe70 4]

I hardly ever read the guides, I just like the storys

[EragonBromsson 3]

awesome!!!!

[liverpoolaum 811]

a nice 1 :)

[Pride.In.Blood 629]

Cool <3

[carefulmatthewtomas 39]

nice :)

[jazz20 1,181]

Nice :)

[MessagerAngel 33]

Very fun :)

[DragonOfStorms 2,706]

Lovely story!