Mantrin Imperial Guard - 005 Ethos of Solbrecht

Chapter 1: Schism

Author's note: I believe a fair warning is in order for this episode, which is the second part of a two-parter that began with 'Homestead'. Again I will dive deep into Mantrin culture. There will be fun moments, but also moments of grief, pain and graphic violence, hence the content rating. I'm going to kick things up a notch, although the full uncensored version will still be restricted to AO3.

This is the censored version of the story which tones down the 'intimacy' between characters. For the full uncensored version, you should visit my page on AO3 (Archive of Our Own).

***

Bear McCreary - Battlestar Galactica Season 1 - Main Title (US version):

The galaxy isn't what you'd call a friendly place. Some situations require what I describe as special treatment. My crew and I have been selected to handle these cases in the name of the Emperor. For we serve the most powerful military organization in the quadrant: The Imperial Guard.

***

The blow to the back of his head came so unexpected, and with such force that it even dulled his reflexes. He managed to catch the brunt of his weight with his knees and elbows, yet couldn't prevent the side of his head from making rough contact with the wooden floor with a loud thud. Collapsing on the floor as what he guessed had to look like a lifeless sack of meat and bones, all he managed to bring out was an agonizing groan.

"Wait!" the same female voice rang in his ears as the image of large clawed feet on a rough wooden floor turned into a blur. "I believe Le'tan's parents would like to have a word with him."

Failing in his initial attempt to get up, Raeth felt how strong hands picked up his body under his armpits and twisted him on his back, cancelling out his own efforts. He was glad his tail found its way between his legs as whoever it was began to drag his body out of the room. He or she was breathing heavily, the wood creaking under the heavy steps of feet that had to carry about half his weight in addition to that of their owner. He heard Le'tan shouting in protest, but the sounds that should've been words held no meaning to him in his current state.

It didn't take long before he was dragged out of the building, the bright afternoon sun stinging with the ferocity of acid. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on anything but his stomach feeling like it was doing somersaults, or the throbbing pain in the back of his head. Ashia's kind face. The bright smiles of Fran and Trynn. Yimeh's sweet smile. His parents. His crew. Somehow they were able to alleviate the physical pain and substitute it for a different feeling. Failure.

Can't... give up.

Without a drop of strength left in his muscles, he peeked through squinted eyes to watch what had to be his own legs being dragged over Solbrecht's grass-covered soil. The world around him looked like a spinning blur. Unable to resist, and unable to hold on to the here and now, he gave in as unconsciousness swallowed him.

***

Watching Raeth's body being dragged off by the largest of the bunch in horror, Le'tan prepared to receive the same treatment. But instead of a blow to the back of his head, like his superior received without any kind of compassion, rough hands grabbed his arms as the still nameless woman called it off.

"Just let him go! He did nothing wrong!"

Clacking her tongue, the woman shook her head as she stepped toward him, bringing her muzzle close to his as she stared deep into his eyes. She spoke in a calm tone of voice, though with an edge of resentment.