Mantrin Imperial Guard - Pilot Episode - 001 Darkening Sky

Chapter 1: Those You Leave Behind

Prologue by Raeth, House of Meztar

Space. What is it about this great black mysterious void that in essence surrounds us all, connects us all in many ways and continues to fascinate in ways no one could ever dream of? I am convinced that every people, curious enough to look up at the sky at nighttime, have asked themselves this single question at least once. What is out there?

I know that because I remember asking my father the exact same question when I was still too young to fully comprehend the answer he gave me. Because, after the great question come the answers and in many cultures the stories of those who once could not yet travel beyond the sky and walk among the stars by themselves. What are those unreachable lights that glitter between the darkness at night? Are they the guardians of the universe, using it as their playground while observing us from a great distance? Or are they the spirits of our ancestors, those who went before us, watching and protecting over those once loved? Or maybe they're just giant burning balls of incredibly heated gases much like the sun that brings you the warmth and light of day. It depends on what we believe, on what we can see and what we can dream of and none of it is wrong.

Why am I telling you all this, you might ask? Well, because I've been out there. I have walked among the stars and as of this moment I am on the verge of stepping out there again and fulfill not only my duty but a lifelong dream. With it comes great responsibility but fortunately I won't have to do it alone.

The galaxy isn't what you'd call a friendly place. Some situations require what I describe as special treatment. My crew and I have been selected to handle these cases in the name of the Emperor. For we serve the most powerful military organization in the quadrant: The Imperial Guard.

Chapter 1 Those You Leave Behind

So far my introduction. But before telling you about one of the first adventures of my crew and I, there are a few small things you should be aware of first. See that little blue and green marble out there? No, it's not the place where you're born. That's my home. Sogowa Prime. It's kinda small right now, but don't worry because you're gonna see it up close in just a moment. Let me tell you a little about me. My name's Raeth. At least that's what my friends and relatives call me. I'm a member of the House of Meztar, which sorta serves as my last name, though it's formally my family name. All the modern members of my kind belong to a House. It's something that identifies them as being part of a great family, for a House carries all the honors, accomplishments but also the shame and failure of every single one of its members until it ceases to exist for some reason. I know it's complicated but that's just the way things are in the world where I come from.

About my people, well for starters, we don't really look like you. Unless you happen to call Sogowa Prime your home too. The things that define us are most definitely the legs. Double-kneed, incredibly strong and making up most of our bodies really. Furthermore, I got a tail to keep me balanced while walking and my mouth sorta looks like the beak of a bird, but softer and more flexible so unlike most birds we still got teeth for chewing our food. My ears, well, let's say they're bigger than average but I consider that an advantage. Last but not least we got a relatively short temper and we never get out of the way of a good fight. Yeah, we prefer to use our fists and claws on occasion but not overly so. We like to be competitive and play rough from time to time. You got all that? You got a weird image of me and my kind right now, don't ya? Let it go. We might not be born on the same planet but still we're not that different despite our outer appearances. Maybe you're a parent too, like me. I've got two great kids, a lovely mate, and I love 'em just as much as you love yours.

Enough talk. We're getting close to my world and I very well remember the end of that afternoon. It's where I begin my story and at the very same time one of the biggest adventures of my life. I had just gotten my new command as captain or 'Ginjha' of one of the Guard's newest ships and I was about to spend one last evening together with my family.