Extinction: The Real Enemy

Chapter 4

We travelled out of the Raj 'Al system and headed for a secure base on one of the closer moons. Specifically, Krono. The planet has 10 moons in fact. Regrouping was key after such a battle. At least, that's what the General kept saying.

I played along even though I wanted to immediately leave for AEGIS to find her. I was unable to concentrate on anything, even food. And I love food. I am posted to the west side of the Resistance Quarters. That is the name of the base we retreated to. I am told by the General that it is only a temporary facility.

We walked a great length since the size of the facility was no small feat.

We passed through some training rooms where young Fjans were being taught fighting styles of Ptae forms. It was like a beautiful dance. Moving in synchronization, they fluffed their hands and kicked out their legs. All the movements were gentle yet firm and deadly. Each having the capacity to decapitate.

I stared in awe and remembrance as I recalled my periods of training with her and the General when I and her were younger.

I trailed behind the General, sad as I remembered and missed her, but hopeful to find her and fix all this once and for all.

"You seem distracted, Muad." The General turned noticing my spacing out. "If  you are worried about her, then my advice would be to have hope– the same hope that I'm sure has saved you many times."

I look up at him and smile. I guess I just couldn't say anything. I would have broken down right there and maybe shed a few tears and blame myself for her misfortune.

He turns and walks towards the next large door. I follow suite– right behind him. He slightly inclines his head to greet the guards at the door. I raise my palm in greeting as well. We enter the automatically opened doors.

The room behind the door belongs to the General himself and it is his official premises until further notice. Or so am told.

His office is prim and neat just like the owner himself. The furniture appears to be the finest of the rescued treasures of the completely destroyed great city. Which is not so great anymore. Thinking about it ...the attacks just tick me off. I feel like I'm about to explode but I manage to cage my wildness. I reorganize my composure and turn my attention to the General.

He had been standing silently at the huge floor to ceiling window behind his official working space. Staring outside the window seems to give him some sort of courage.

I understand that because you can see our home planet, the great Kret ,in outer space, in its orbit. The beautifully coloured planet tainted with black blotches at areas that used to be cities of Fjan civilization.

The General turns to me and motions for me to take a seat. By official standard, I wait for him to sit before I do.

" I called you here for two things...." His voice echoes across the room, carrying a natural strong and commanding tone. "....as you know, the retreat to the moon, Krono, is highly unsafe for us. We will therefore be relocating to another solar system. We will still fight the aliens for our home. Secondly...."

"General, I still do not understand why you refuse to call them what they actually are. Demons from the stars...... "

"As I was saying..." I'm completely ignored as he continues his interrupted statements. ".....Secondly, I would like you to be the leader of the Maru Eaters. We need someone like you to help us win this war and reclaim what is rightfully ours." He stops and observes my stunned reaction with a hint of satisfaction behind that plain mask of a face. "Please do not refuse. We need your skills and expertise. And your vast knowledge too."

I continue with my stunned mind as a result of the shock of hearing that news. Yes, it is a very big deal to even serve the Maru Eaters.

" I cannot refuse but I will only do it on one condition." I pause trying to create some kind of effect on him. "You must all help me save her from AEGIS.l Or I will not involve myself in this Resistance party. Even worse, I might surrender myself to the enemy."

The reaction from both him and me to the last statement was not uncalled for. I mean why did I just say that. In fact, I would probably say worse to save her but the shock from my reckless speech is still lingering in my head.

I keep my cool during and after saying these things which under different circumstances would be considered atrocities.

Much to my surprise, the General burst out  laughing. He laughs for some time as I stare on in confusion trying to predict his thoughts. But I'm interrupted by his powerful voice.

"You never cease to change or amaze me. But I cannot refuse your request. Under normal circumstances, you would be on your way to the dungeons for a night but......... I suppose this is war and I am literally recruiting you to be a part of a great team requiring your dire assistance. So I guess I can make room for some requests."

He stands from his seat and brings his face closer to mine and just watches me. Normally, I would freak out and take back everything I said but this was different.

"But this is all I will do for you the rest is up to you to earn." He ends after realizing that I wasn't going to budge sooner or later.

"I have summoned someone to escort you to your quarters beforehand. And they're waiting outside. You may leave."

And with these words he turns to the window once again lost in thought. I arise and leave after saluting him by prostration and hand movements.

I step out of the General's office tired and worn out. Before any rescuing, I need to rest. A young  female walks up to me.

"Greetings, I am Selein Amkhat. I will be escorting you to your premises. Shall we??" Her voice is soft and reassuring. I nod and smile at her.

"I'm Muad Drall. Thank you for helping me."

"It's my job." She says before turning to lead the way. I guess she's cute too. We get to my resting quarters really quickly. Or maybe it's just because I was absentmindedly following her.

I didn't even hear her explain whatever she said but I did hear "..sleep" so I'm cool with it.

I plop down on the bed and stretch my exhausted body over it. Thoughts come rushing into my head. Well, so does the darkness of sleep .

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