The Odyssey of Scylla

Chapter 2

The world below us vibrated from fear. The Supreme had decided to send the largest ship in the fleet and his three commanders to this world. It had 4 inhabited planets in its system, and he wanted to leave a big impression.

I hadn't met the announcers for Serpent and Chariot before. I looked at Snake and E-scale. At least that's how their names translated in my ear. They were of a similar build to me, but that's where our similarities ended. Snake was thin and reminded me of what I always thought an alien was meant to look like. E-scale was bulky like a gorilla but covered in quills similar to a porcupine. The two females didn't approach me and looked displeased that I was there. Not that their displeasure would have stopped me from announcing Death.

"Scylla?"

I turned around and smiled at Hokuto. "Yes."

He came closer and tucked his head closer to mine. "Watch those two. They have been known to do anything to move up within the fleet. I could see them trying to take your position as Death's announcer."

I ran my finger over his brow crest. "Thank you."

His head twitched, and he knew if he were human, he'd be smiling. "Death was worried about you upon his arrival. I tried to assure him you were fine, but he's..."

I grinned. "He is who he is."

"He doubts my ability to keep you safe."

"He doesn't doubt you, Hokuto. He has a reason to be more protective than normal." I paused; those around didn't need to know I was pregnant. "Tell me, did he sustain injuries?"

"Yes, but nothing that he's not proud of receiving."

I shook my head. "If anyone should worry, it's the two of us. We're his only squad members not allowed on the field."

"With good reason. I will not have my secretary and announcer come to harm." Death's voice was stern.

"Oh, Death. I'm sorry I didn't see you there." Hokuto dipped down quickly.

"Hokuto, you have given me inspiration for Death's introduction." I rubbed his crest again, he twitched.

He placed his hand on his thorax. "I have?"

"Yes, you have, and I can only hope the song translates well."

I faced Death and stood straighter when I noticed his brothers, Serpent and Chariot. "I will do my best to honor you with my introduction."

Death tipped his head back; I knew this was his smile. "No doubt you will."

I looked at Snake and E-scale. They rolled their eyes; that wasn't lost in translation.

"Announce us well. Go strike fear into our submissive." Chariot's voice rattled.

Snake and E-scale took off at a run and began sliding down the fly ramp, pieces of debris flying behind them. I shook my head and dashed after them. I hit the fly ramp and let it lead me to the balcony. Sparks and metal flew from beneath my feet, and I tucked my body lower. I quickly caught up with the other two females. I wasn't about to let them show me up or make me look like a fool.

We slid to a stop at the base of the hill, and I took to my podium. Snake opened her mouth, but E-scale was faster.

"Upon his back, the fleet rides. Chariot will forever be our guide." Chariot's squad and the soldiers cheered.

The crowd huddled together but didn't react to E-scale's words beyond that.

Snake raised her hands, drawing the crowd's attention to her. "His coils will crush the life from your lungs. He is the fear that crashes you to the ground. Serpent, the strength of the Supreme."

Fewer soldiers reacted to Snake than they had to E-scale. They were announcers. They were to let those conquered know who conquered them. That was the best they could do.

I closed my eyes and took in air. Then, I stepped around my podium and climbed to the balcony's ledge. I let the words of O' Death slip from my lips. I made the song mine as much as any singer before me, but I also made it Death's. Those conquered needed to know that even though they'd been spared, death was still an option.