Escape From Redeem, Rise of an Emperor

Planet: Redeem, Class A Prison World

Like stars falling from the sky, the expectant visitors landed a short distance from the main prison. They would hope to take the inexperienced inmates by surprise. By all accounts the men attacking Caleb were shock troopers. Much like Regiment 1 they would use tactics that would overwhelm an enemy with brute force. Unfortunately for them, they were up against Regiment 1, led by a young man that was perfection personified. It did not take long for the assault force to gather into one massed group, and make their way through the thick snow towards the entrance. It was time thought Caleb. Hiding behind one of the high towers at the entrance, he stepped out and walked casually towards the advancing group. This part of the plan had been the greatest risk. But Caleb had emphasised its importance, and his capability to pull it off with no blood shed.

With his helmet and armour on, it would take a tremendous amount of firepower to take him down. This was his father’s war plate after all, and was designed to withstand most projectile rounds within reason. He stopped and raised a hand in greeting, much to the confusion of the assault force. They all looked at each other, in hope of someone knowing what to do. They would not want to kill Caleb if there was a possibility he was a guard. In shining golden plate, Caleb looked far from a prisoner. One of the Mercenary’s broke away, and held his gun aimed steady at him as he came. His face was also covered; the helmet he wore was dark steel, with a glossy black glass face plate. He stopped short of Caleb and stated his command through a grill in his faceplate, which amplified his words in the howling winds.

‘Identify yourself!’

Caleb could move faster than his enemy could fire, if he wanted to. He confidently removed his helmet to reveal his sublime face, and thick mane of well-oiled hair. It was tied up neatly in a top knot, like the ancient samurai of old.

‘I am Caleb Bruce my friend, and I control this planet now. If I was you, I would drop your weapons and surrender into my care. I promise no one will be harmed, and you will be treated with honour.’

The man opposing Caleb did not lower his gun. He chuckled at the audacity of the command, and rightly so. Behind him were a good three hundred hardened mercenaries that would eat a motley crew of inmates for breakfast.

‘You have courage for facing us down like this, but the gesture is foolish I think. I don’t know where you got that armour from, but it won’t do you any good. We have full authority to execute any prisoner that resists, and you my lad as big as you are, will not be a problem for my men.’

‘Who do you think you are up against sir, if my armour does not give you a clue?’

‘It doesn’t matter, prisoner. You are all just numbers to us. I’ll bet you stole that plate from the Wardens collection. He did always like his toys of war. Now tell me where the rest of you are held up, and I might let you live.’

Caleb grinned, a cruel but beautiful smile. He was enjoying this.

‘We are all right here next to you. Could you not see us?’

With that said, the snow burst into life around the group. Hundreds of large men from Regiment 1 broke out from the snow, like beasts awoken from deep slumber. They carried chain guns that were famous for the men of the 1st. The weight of the weapons was tremendous. But they all carried them with ease, as they trained them onto the dumbstruck enemy mercenaries.

‘Hold your fire men.’

The man shouted in front of Caleb. No one fired, but all of the mercenaries were clearly panicking. Caleb was mildly worried one of them would start shooting, and condemn them all to death. The veterans they faced would not give them a second chance.

‘The men you face right now are Regiment 1. I take it you have heard of them?’

The man nodded quickly. Everybody had heard of the famous warriors of the 1st. to his credit, he still kept his gun steadily aimed at Caleb.

’I am sure this is all very disorientating for you. I will tell you some of what has happened here.

My name is Caleb Bruce, son of Dorn Bruce. I had been sent to this planet by traitorous scum. My friends of the Regiment have kindly come to shut this icy hell down for good.’

‘Where is the Warden?’ The Mercenary asked. ‘He is safe; but if you are familiar with Regiment 1, and the thick Iron Hide armour they wear. Then you will know your rounds are pretty much useless against them. Mine too I might add. So if you do not drop your weapons right no. I will signal for them to open up with those big guns they are carrying. It would make short work of you all; that is a certainty.’

‘What will you do with us, if we do?’

‘As I have already said, you will be treated with honour. Once we have taken your ship, and left this place. You may signal for a lift from your employer. It would be a good story to tell your grandchildren one day. Or not; we could always kill you all.’

That was enough for the mercenary. He dropped his gun, which disappeared in the snow, and signalled, for his men to do the same. It was a wise decision.

***

Ignatius had taken the transport carrier with equal ease. He had done this a hundred times before. Against a crew of so few, it was child’s play to commandeer the vessel with the might of his battlecruiser. They all stood on the command bridge of the Regiment ship. Caleb stared out at the view screen at the planet, where he had become a man. He would join the freed prisoners soon, who were being led by Montoya, on the mercenary ship they had taken. Before they could return to Earth they needed more men. Ignatius was showing him where he thought he could find some.

‘In this system, there are two companies of my warriors. I believe they are being supported by a few other Regiments as well. I cannot say if those others would follow us, but I’m certain that my men there will.’

‘How do we know they haven’t been summoned back with the rest of your lot Sebastian?’

Master Kam questioned. ‘The last I heard there was intense fighting in that system. If they had been summoned, they would ensure they had won the fight there first.’

‘What if they have already won the fight Commander?’

Tristen asked; Ignatius had taken the young guardsman under his wing since they left Earth. ‘Either way Tristan, we need more men.’ As they debated their strategy, the bridges crew came to life suddenly. ‘Sir, Another ship approaches.’

One of the crew shouted. The image of it was brought up without order, and they all looked upon a massive craft that was elegantly slowing before them.

‘What the hell is that?’ Cried Ignatius ‘It’s unlike any known craft we’ve come across sir. It’s too big to be one of the colonies vessels.’ A sergeant said urgently. Only one man on deck looked completely calm at the sudden entrance of the new ship. Caleb knew exactly who was in the strange looking ship.

‘Gentlemen, do you remember I told you about the alien that visited me?’

‘I thought you may have had a hallucination in there Caleb.’ Ignatius replied in awed wonder, at the beautifully sleek and yet large vessel. It made his mighty craft seem like a small shuttle.

The view screen crackled with energy, and pixilated into a vision of the very alien Caleb had spoken of.

‘My timing is perfect it seems. It appears you do not require rescuing my friend.’

‘Tanandil; it is good to see you.’ Everyone on board the bridge stared at the screen. They clearly did not believe what they were seeing. Caleb had told his tale, but to see an actual intelligent alien, was stuff of pure fantasy.

‘Alas, I bring dire tidings my friend. The Orkra horde has attacked Earth, and I fear it may have already been lost. My realm is too under threat from our old enemy.’

All of the ship’s crew seemed shocked at this new turn of events. Ignatius eyes went wide at the mention of his home world being invaded.

‘What...Earth overrun, we must return immediately.’ Ignatius said with panic.

‘We do not know yet if your world is lost. But judging by the Orkra capabilities, we fear the worst.’

‘Thank you for that news my friend.’

Caleb said to Tanandil calmly. They looked so similar to their own race he thought. There were differences. Tanandil’s pointed ears and almond shaped eyes, were what stood out the most. He was slender and fair, to a degree that was thoroughly pleasing to behold him.

‘I come to you in friendship Caleb. I also wish to bring you back to my people to discuss a possible alliance with humanity.’

‘That would be very helpful my friend, but I do not yet speak for all of my people.’

Caleb replied honestly. ‘Plus we need to get back and stop this invasion.’ Added Ignatius, clearly flustered by the news.

‘I know you must feel like rushing back to your world with all haste. I know I would. But by the time you get home, I fear the Orkra would have control of your world, and your people. I give my word that if an alliance is reached, then we will return to Earth as allies and burn the foul creatures from the galaxy once and for all.’

‘Why can we not go there together, right now?’ The commander asked irritably.

‘The Orkra numbers are in the trillions. As I have already told Caleb. My people were a great race once. Not even we could stem the tide from this savage foe. My king wishes to meet with you Caleb and measure for himself what I have told him about you.’

Caleb was torn. On one hand he wanted to get back and help in the fight for his people and planet. He knew he could not do that, unless they had more soldiers. Tanandil could see and feel the turmoil the young man was going through.

‘I know you have sought only vengeance Caleb. I can understand why. But you must realise, that if you return home without our armies. Then surely you will all perish; along with all your kind. But if we can convince my Lord King of an alliance; then you may very well win your world back.’

It was true that Caleb had thought of nothing but vengeance since his parents were both slaughtered before him. What Tanandil said was logical. Caleb closed his eyes to say some words in private to the Elf.

‘How can you assure me that your people will aid us?’

‘I cannot guarantee anything, but this my young friend. Even if my king withholds our armies, I will teach you my arts. Together, with the help of a few of my friends; we will return to your world, and do what we can. I swear this on Iskur and the ascended.’

Lord Ignatius broke Caleb’s concentration.

‘Strategically the alien is correct; we need more guns, and men to carry them. If you’ll pardon my generalization, master Tanan… what was it again?’

Tanandil smiled kindly at Ignatius’s bad manners, and did not take offence from the blustering Commander.

‘Tanandil; it’s quite alright, it must be strange to say it in your tongue master human.’

Ignatius went on to finish what he was saying. His baritone voice boomed loudly. Master Kam cringed slightly at the Commanders lack of diplomatic etiquette.

‘I recommend we meet this alien king Caleb; and see if we would want an alliance.’

‘Sebastian, would you please refrain from referring to Tanandils people, as aliens. My apologies, for the commander’s inconsideration. I am sure your people are as noble as Caleb has described my friend. Will you also allow me to introduce ourselves?’

Master Kam introduced himself and Ignatius to the amused looking Tanandil.

‘Again I take no offence Master Kam. But I will say that we can only take Caleb back with us. It is forbidden for any race but the Elfan to enter our realm. The king has only made exception to him alone.’

‘Not a chance.’ Ignatius objected. ‘If he goes, we all go. We’ve travelled across the galaxy to find him, and I will be damned before I let him go into the unknown alone.’

When Caleb had accepted his role to one day rule humanity; he knew he would have to put aside his own wants and desires. Mankind would come first. This opportunity seemed like the best prospect for his people. If this Tanandil was a trickster, then Caleb would deal with him like the rest of his enemies. But he had a good feeling about the Elf. He knew what he had to do.

‘My Lord Commander, I thank you for your concern. But I have made my mind up.’

‘It would be madness to go alone...’ Caleb held up a commanding hand, and gave Ignatius a look to halt his protest.

‘I will go my Lord, because it’s our only hope. I will rendezvous with you all at the Alpha Centauri system, hopefully with an army at my back.’

Alpha Centauri was the closest star system to Earth. It had thrived over the years of colonisation, and would be a logical point to rally and gain more allies. Caleb knew the daughter of the systems leader. She was a remarkable lady, and friend to his family.

‘Are you sure you want to do this Caleb.’ Kam asked sympathetically.

‘I am sure Master. This all feels strangely like destiny somehow. I cannot explain it. But I must go.’

‘Very well.’

Tristan walked into view of the screen, and Kam winced again, expecting to be embarrassed further. Tristan was so much like Ignatius when it came to communicating. Both were blunt creatures sometimes.

‘I wish I could go with you Caleb. Could your people not make an exception for a chaperone master Tanandil. I have missed my friend here a great deal, and it’s normally my job to bring his massive ego down a peg or two.’

Everyone laughed at Tristan’s words, save Ignatius who did not like the plan one bit.

‘I think we could convince the council and the king of one chaperone, my young friend. What is your name?’ Caleb answered for him. ‘His name is big mouth, back at the Academy. But sometimes he is known as Tristan. I am sure I will regret it, but his company would be most welcome.’

Ignatius and Kam walked up to Caleb and Tristan. Ignatius tried his best to whisper to the two young men and failed miserably.

‘I think you two are bloody fools. But I’m sure your father and I would have done the same thing. Good luck lad.’

‘Thank you Commander.’

Caleb said graciously, taking Ignatius’s hand in a firm grip of friendship.

‘Try not to let Tristan get under your skin too much. I have had to suffer him these past months and he can be quite a pest.’ Tristen smirked mischievously, knowing it was true.

‘I believe you.’

Caleb replied rolling his eyes at the thought. He then took Master Kams hand and nodded his respects to his father’s best friends.

‘I want to thank you all for coming for me. I will come to Alpha Centauri as quickly as I can.’ Kam placed his other hand on Caleb’s shoulder paternally. ‘I know you will. What you have become would make both of your parents proud. I am proud of you also.’

‘Thank you Master, that means a great deal.’

Caleb closed his eyes and would think no more of the hell he had suffered on the world below. He had gone through the meat grinder, and came though the other side a stronger person. He had also become man. Caleb hopped he would have his revenge one day, on his parents killers. But he must take his chances one step at a time, if he was to save and lead his people one day. Kam and Lord Commander Ignatius would take the inmates that had commandeered the mercenary vessel. They would need them before the end, Caleb mused. For now though he would take the small pleasure owed to him. They had said on his arrival that no one had escaped from the ice world. But he had done just that; He had done the impossible and escaped from Redeem.

***

Planet: Akrioka-Orkra- Orkra Clan World

Scores of Orkra roared in unison at the news of the defeat of the first wave of warriors. Thrakka had thought the amount of ships sent to the human world was overkill for the conquest of the puny race.

But they had not been as feeble as previously thought. He would not make the same mistake twice. He stirred up the hoard before him, into frenzy. They and the hundreds of thousands of ships would be part the second wave. The humans would not stop the next attack; of that he was certain.

A mighty looking Orkra warrior broke from the ranks of the others, and tried to attack the creature at Thrakka’s feet. The Shaman had kept the human female as a pet. But after the defeat of their clansmen, they would want to kill and eat any they could find. Thrakka, had come to enjoy the female creature being around, and drew a sword in one swift motion, beheading the ill-disciplined warrior as he came. He roared at the rest who looked hungry for human blood.

‘We will kill and enslave. But this one is mine.’ He spat at the crowed of that frothed spittle, from their cruel fanged jaws. The Shaman stood before the assembled Orkra, and glared menacingly at them all. He dared any of them to challenge his power a second time. None did of course.

‘Warriors of the tribe; the humans think they have one a great victory over us.’

All were becoming silent to hear their Shamans words. Gaka, Chief of a thousand worlds was among the assembled, along with his under chieftain Maglak. Both looked furious at the small defeat of their warriors.

‘I want to taste their blood, just as much as you. Soon you will all have fresh meat and slaves aplenty. No race has before resisted the strength of the tribes. We are legion, and we go to war.’

Thrakka knew what they wanted to hear, and was rewarded with another roar of approval. Even the chief banged his chest at the prospect of killing. It had been far too long since they found a race such as the humans. But Thrakka had two enemies he wanted to attack now. He had held back this information for this very moment.

‘I will spoil the tribe with kills. Yes, we will we crush this new race of humans. But I have also discovered at last where our old enemy hides.’ He had their full attention now.

‘I have found the Elfan. The pointy ears hidden realm is shrouded no longer. To war and slaughter the Orkra!’

The human female covered her ears; such was the volume of jubilation from the crowed. Gaka walked up the grand steps where Thrakka was speaking from.

‘Is it true Shaman? Have we found em?’

‘It is true. I have communed with the others of my order, and we are splitting forces to attack both the humans and the Elfan. I have your approval?’

Thrakka added that out of courtesy. The Chieftains ruled the tribes, but the Shamans held the real power, and both knew it. Gaka nodded consent. All the other Chieftains would do the same. When enemy blood was there to be spilt, then the only answer was war.

***

Lucy sat at the feat of her Master. She had seen some horrible and scary things in her short carrier in Black Watch. She had always managed to shrug it off in the past. That was her skill, and part of why she had been recruited into clandestine operations. But for the first time in her life, she was terrified. All eyes seemed to be on her; with one intention. They wanted to eat her alive.

She tried to make herself as small as possible, as the big leader walked up the steps to converse with her master. She understood this one was important, and a leader of great respect. Even her master bowed slightly at his approach. She dared a look out of the viewport that showed the thousands of Orkra vessels, preparing to travel to Earth no doubt. If this was but a small portion of the alien fleet, then Earth did not stand a chance. She had asked her master days ago, how many the Orkra warriors numbered. She had asked the question clumsily in their own language, which seemed to amuse him somehow.

‘Like the stars.’ He had said. Now seeing them in battle readiness herself, she felt sorry for what was coming to her people. Lucy was a cold operator, but the enslavement of her planet and its people was enough to make her weep. She would play the loyal pet, until the time was right. Then she would kill the one, who called himself her master. Her job before had been to deal out death to enemies of Earth. Her master would find out the hard way soon. But it would be rude not to hitch a ride back to her planet.

The End