Starfire

Scene 2: Tamaran Conquered

Explosions rocked all throughout the capital city of Tamaran. Invaders had come, and the were not relenting their assault. The soldiers of Tamaran were doing their best to fight back like they had done countless times. But this attack was different. It was as if the enemy knew all their defenses like the back of their own hands.

Inside the royal court, the emperor of Tamaran and his wife were trying to keep their present subjects from becoming hysterical. Unfortunately, this was proving more and more difficult when the sound of the explosions grew closer and closer.

Beside her father's throne, Princess Koriand'r shook with fear. All her life, her people had been subject to invasion. She had lived much of her life in fear that one day, the strength of her people would fail. Now it seemed like that day had come at last.

"Father, I do not understand. Why do so many forces seek to invade our home? What have we ever done to make them execute such hostile attacks?"

The emperor sighed sadly. "Some people require no reason to kill. If only I could say more than that, dear daughter."

Koriand'r's mother wrapped her arms around her daughter's shoulders, brushing her fingertips over her bare skin. "Whatever happens, Koriand'r, know that we love you. Nothing they will do will ever truly take you from us."

Suddenly, dozens of Tamaranian soldiers flew into the courtyard. When the last of them had entered, they shut the doors and barred them. "My lord," said one of the guards, "We have confirmation that the invaders are none other than the Citadel. We cannot explain it, but they seem to know all of our defenses and how to exploit them."

The emperor shook his head. "I do not understand. How could they possibly know what we to defend ourselves so well? But if we must make our final stand, so be it."

Turning to Koriand'r, the emperor said, "Whatever else happens now, you must be safe. Go with some of the guards. They will get you to safety."

Koriand'r shook her head. "No, Father. I am not going to leave you to die."

"There is no other way," her mother said, removing her arms from her daughter's shoulders. "You cannot be allowed to die now. Your survival is more important than anything else. Do as your father says and go!"

"But what about you?" asked Koriand'r.

"That no longer matters," said the emperor.

"Princess," said one of the guards, "if we are to escort you to safety, we must go now. Hurry, while there is still time."

Unfortunately, there was no time. At that moment, the doors exploded. Anyone caught in the blast was vaporized instantly, and those just outside it were thrown backwards, their bodies bent at various, gruesome angles.

"The Citadel is here!" the people of Tamaran began to cry fearfully.

The guards valiantly tried to repel the attackers, but there were far too many. Finally, their leader, Trogaar, emerged from the smoke. He descended into the battlefield, killing with no remorse. All who tried to stand against him met a tragic end.

"People of Tamaran, the battle has been won. You are under our control, along with dozens of star systems. Surrender now and there will be no further bloodshed."

The emperor sighed despondently. "Why do you bring war to my people? We are peaceful and have no quarrel with the Citadel. However, if surrendering prevents additional lives being lost, name your terms."

"The first term is to accept our total control of your planet," said Trogaar, grinning maniacally. "The second is this. We were given inside help in invading your precious home. Our ally wishes to have a new slave for a trophy, and she has chosen one that will certainly demoralize all who are Tamaranian."

His eyes became fixed on Koriand'r, and his smile broadened. Realizing the danger, her mother placed herself in front her daughter. "No, our daughter is the one precious thing my husband I have left. Have mercy."

"I know nothing of that word," said Trogaar coldly, "and I'm afraid you have tried my patience, woman."

Before anyone could react, Trogaar threw the javelin in his hands, which came to rest in the Tamaranian woman's chest, which became thick with the color of crimson.

Koriand'r caught her mother as she fell, her hands becoming red with her mother's blood. Tears were in her eyes. Her mother had just been taken from her, her face still bearing an echo of shocked surprise.

"No, stop! Stop! Do not harm anyone else! I am your slave, but do not let anyone else die!"

"Good girl," taunted Trogaar, turning to look at the emperor. "Take a good look at your daughter, for she shall never return to her home again. If she does, everyone will be killed and Tamaran will be reduced to a wasteland. Am I clear?"

The emperor nodded sadly. "Be brave, Koriand'r. Remeber your mother's final words, and never give in to despair."

Koriand'r tired to move to hug her father, but Trogaar signaled for his gaurds to advance. In moments, they had seized the princess by both of her arms. With great force, she was dragged from the courtyard, never to see her father again.

Trogaar took the lead, finally coming to a stop outside the palace, where a ship was waiting for them. The main door opened and a figure descended the steps.

"You have kept your word. You have delivered Tamaran to us. As promised, here is your slave. I give you your sister."

Koriand'r gasped. "Sister?"

The figure finally reached the last step. By then, her features were discernible. She was Tamaranian, though her hair was black in contrast to the red hair Koriand'r shared with the rest of her people. When she looked down at Koriand'r, her expression was amused and cruel.

"So good to see you again, sister. Welcome to the start of your new life. Very soon, you will endure torment unlike anything you ever imagined." Then without giving her sister time to reply, Komand'r slapped Koriand'r, who became dazed.

She heard voices talking, but could not make out the words. She felt herself thrown into the ship, landing on the hard, metal floor. She felt hands ripping off her royal attire and forcefully placing her in black slave'sclothing.

"Don't worry, Koriand'r," Koamd'r chided, "we're not going to kill you. Not yet, anyway."