Supernova

1- The Soldier (Phoxx)

I was five years old when my father, Lethkar Phoxx was executed for treason against my home planet of Karbrora. I didn't quite understand what death was at the time but when I saw Queen Aethilia's headsman lift that axe, I knew my dad wasn't coming home. They thought I could be salvaged, that perhaps they could still brainwash me like the rest of the children they put through our planet's military training. But I already knew the queen was doing something that wasn't right. My father had died simply because he was trying to put a stop to it.

But I hid it well. For a while, at least. It took Aethilia and her generals nearly eleven years to realize that I was a lost cause. I was locked away in this hell of a prison when I was sixteen years old. Even the queen couldn't execute a child without someone raising red flags, so they put me in a box. Children are rare here. Perhaps Aethilia could lock one up and keep it quiet but execution of an under aged Karboran would get out. People on this planet find that particularly interesting and they talk. A lot.

And Athe'Lan knows they'll be talking when I finally get out of this prison tonight. They think they have ways to block the powers of any alien race that they've got locked up on their massive space station, Earthens with their decisive lack of specialties -unless one counts an insane level of tenacity-, Tuli energy manipulation, even the Serilians with their mind control, anyone. But they've never had to lock up one of their own. I know all of their secrets. They lace your food with the drug, disabling your ability, whatever it may be. Us Karborans? Well, we can teleport.

I crouch in the dark corner of my cell as one of Aethilia's guards walks in with my dinner. My stomach growls but I need to have as much of my power available as possible. I've barely eaten anything in the past couple days but I'm still capable of very little. This will likely be my only chance to escape from my cell. I can't travel through these walls.

"Phoxx." He growls, sounding disgusted as he says my name.

I can't remember exactly what the queen said I did to get locked up in here. Something about using my position orchestrate an attempt on her life. Long story short, the people I was with in training all hate my guts now. And this is no exception. Lorelian Atakett. He is a good man, a good soldier. But that's all he is. The man has no mind of his own. He is completely wrapped around Aethilia's little finger.

"I take it you've finally gotten out of training, then, Lorelian?" I say.

"You don't get to call me that anymore, traitor." He says coldly. It stings but I can't blame him for saying it. He points at the food. "Eat." He growls.

"Lor, do you really think I would do anything against my own people?" I say.

"That's what you're in here for. All Her Majesty wishes is to find a hospitable planet for us." He replies. "And you, you tried to ruin that. You're a filthy little traitor. You are your father's daughter." That stings worse.

Anger burns hot in my blood at his words. It's one thing to go after me but nobody disrespects my father. "He was an honorable man and spent his life trying to do what was right!" I say.

"Struck a nerve, have I?" He says. He's enjoying this. "Serves you right."

I glare at him. "I guess I don't have to feel guilty about this then." I say before bolting to my feet and teleporting behind him. I kick the back of his knees, knocking his feet out from under him. He whirls in an attempt to grab me but I've caught him by surprise. I slam his forehead into the ground, his nose breaking with a satisfying crunch.

I bolt for him and lift his weapon and communicator with the door codes off of him. After a moment's hesitation, I grab his wrist and feel for a pulse. Still alive. Good. He's about a foot taller than me and I'm obviously not as muscular as he is, so there's no possible way his uniform will fit me. My loose white clothing will have to do. I head out of the door, old instincts kicking in and forcing me to silence my footsteps.