RIPE & DRAGGERS

CHAPTER 22

Pedro's super shuttle got off the curve jump almost at precise same point from the Vegas' last entry to the blue planet.

Immediately he was greeted and escorted by four Brahm fighter cruisers, towards Baran-takuri's flag ship. On the way, he saw all the damages done by Gener's mini-frigate and that wretched pirate-ship. He counted eleven battleship with considerable outer hull breach and hundreds of debris floating all around; that may only come from destroyed fighter cruisers.

When his shuttle entered the main hangar of the flagship, Pedro's nostrils almost puffed-out smoke in frustration to the sight he just saw. Even his landing is heavy as it scratches the thick metal deck.

He stood near the opening shuttle door and tried his best to stay calm. He slowly stepped down from the ramp to the deck where an infantry regiment is lined up both right and left flanks in military reception. He walked in careful strides as if inspecting the ranks. His anger somehow subsided a bit at the impressiveness of the Brahm squadron pilots on the right, and the Scoltice battleship crewmen on the left.

Needless to say, the Brahm formation at their impressive 8-foot stance is quite a sight for the commanding eyes. Its like a regiment of giants right in front of him.

However, the Scoltice does not fall behind. Their slender bodies at an even height of six feet, gives the general impression of assassin like composure; much like their cousin specie the Maltice.

The Scoltice is one of the most effective infantry trooper or battleship crewman that you can find in this known galaxy.

If not for the Runkan extinction, this two specie would have made a great military branch altogether. But unfortunately, they are still a threat to the capital even at their conquered state. That is why it is only logical to exhaust the remaining population of this two specie by war. It is what they are good at, and willing to die for in battle.

Pedro almost drifted at the enjoyment of his regiment until he remembered why he's here now.

He elevated his pace and headed briskly to the end of the line formation where a half-click from his position is the fleet general Baran-takuri, awaiting patiently.

As he comes near to the Brahman, he noticed a platform behind his back. And when he approached even closer, Baran-Takuri stepped back several paces, for him to see Dualen lying down on a steel platform. A standard funeral set-up for a Brahm general who died in a battlefield.

His pace went slower as he comes nearer to Dualen. At this point he could see his arms beaten to a pulp, and the wound in his chest where the bleeding already stopped when the heart was punctured. His skin is pale and grey same as his hair that used to glow bright blue; now lifeless and colorless. A Runkan's death is as ironic as his appearance, he thought.

Pedro turned around to face the regiment behind him.

"Why is there so much damage to my fleet?" he said in his angelic voice.

"Dualen insisted that we do not help him, He said a drag-duel is as sacred as the existence of this fleet."

Pedro nodded and sighed. "Yes.... But why is there so much damage to my fleet?" he said with his eyes slightly showing blue glare.

"A mini-frigate and an old pirate-ship did all this to my fleet, at a single strike, how could you let it happen?"

Baran-takuri now lost for words fell silent in surrender.

"Kneel..." Pedro said pointing his finger to the metal deck of the main hangar.

Baran-takuri followed as instructed and knelt down in front of the Runkan whose eyes are now blue and seemingly glowing slightly each second passing.

Pedro stepped closer to the Brahm now almost at same height of his eye level.

"If two small ships can do this to your fleet, then how can I trust you to lead it to battle?" he said softly while suddenly grabbing the Brahm's neck.

Baran-takuri panicked when his hand gripped his neck. He tried to grab his arm to take it off but his strength is solid rock.

Pedro thinks that this mediocre doesn't deserve even a single drag to die. A squeeze to the neck will suffice. And it did as he slowly pinched until he crushed his throat, and eventually crushing his lungs in the process.

When he let go of the Brahman, it fell dead to the floor.

"Wondro!!" he said calling to the next in command, and a tall 8-foot slim Brahman emerged from the ranks stepping forward for him.

Pedro looked up at him without saying a word.

"Your fleet will be ready for battle boss, repairs are already near completion as we speak."

Pedro nodded.

"When do you want to strike?" ....Wondro asked.

"After 24...." Pedro answered.