Mantrin Imperial Guard - Pilot Episode - 001 Darkening Sky

Chapter 2: Like a Second Family

"You know why you've been chosen for this assignment, Raeth."

The metal bulkheads of the docking arm were cold, shiny and functional, with little attention paid to aesthetics. As Raeth and his ranking companion traversed them on their way to the beginning of the assignment currently under discussion, they echoed the sound of their powerful bare-footed steps back at them. The solid metal surface was lined with conduits and interrupted at regular intervals by rectangular air vents, viewports and the occasional airlock doorframe. The latter were for sealing off sections in case of emergencies that threatened the atmospheric integrity of the station.

The sound of their steps was a combination of a thump and the scratching of sharp claws as they spread on contact. Due to Raeth's considerable size, the heaviness of his step was similar in sound to his superior's. What distinguished the two was the latter having a slight difficulty moving his right leg. This was due to a permanent injury which also cost him the outermost toe of his foot on the same side.

Despite that, the Goureg Nezvhan Rhaa, a rank which placed him above starship commanders and even most flag officers of the Guard, was one of the most revered officers in the fleet. His scars were considered mere tokens of his achievements, courage and cunning ability to come out on top in battle. Their destination was close to the far end of the outer docking arms. During their walk, Raeth had lost count of the many times he and Khyrzan were greeted with respect or saluted by passing officers and station personnel. He considered it a privilege to be more than a mere subordinate in the eyes of the Nezvhan Rhaa, as evidenced by his choice of words. "Because you're good at what you do. You got the chance to prove it and you did admirably."

They had almost reached the end of the docking arm. The large viewports on both sides of the broad tube offered an amazing view of outer space. Raeth let his eyes glide over every magnificent piece of engineering. The individual docking bays were of different shapes and sizes and were adjustable to fit different types of vessels. Some were empty. Others held ships that had either just arrived, were awaiting or undergoing repairs and regular maintenance, or were ready to go.

Khyrzan's last words stopped him dead in his tracks which was more of a coincidence too. Four crew members of one of the nearby ships now blocked their direct path. Calling to clear some space they used a hover loader to move a set of three large containers to the station. Making some room as they waited for them to make the turn, his eyes locked with Khyrzan's which were a bright shade of greenish blue. Without realizing it, Raeth had already given off signals that he did not agree, for they narrowed enough for it to be noticeable.

"With all due respect, sir, I did what I could. Pure dumb luck had a hand in it too."

Khyrzan snorted, turning around to make better use of the available room now that the cargo handlers had passed, to face him. The expression that drew some clear lines in his hardened face was not one of anger. It was seriousness and above all else the firm belief that he was right on this one.

"Listen, Raeth. Don't tell me you haven't got what it takes. Anyone can think what they want, say what they want. But you got that ship and the remaining eighty or so members of that crew home. Against the odds you faced and your commanding officer unable to hold your hand, you did a remarkably good job. Not just anyone could've pulled that off."

Without breaking eye contact, Raeth nodded. He knew who he was talking to and he wouldn't say that for no reason at all.

"Hyami, sir."

Nodding toward their previous heading, Khyrzan resumed his walk. A ship must have attached itself to the nearest airlock because its crewmembers began to spill into the docking arm, carrying their personal belongings and gear with them in large standard issue backpacks. Khyrzan's voice was powerful enough to drone out the racket though and everyone seemed to make room for him as he approached.