[Firstdragon34]

Here is a story that I created while I was in school and I was influenced by Blue Planet, Ancient Vs Shivan War and Battlestar Galactica. I hope you will enjoy this short story.

Here is the Prologue, so enjoy!

A Milky Darkness

Prologue: Death to the Guard

   I remember when our race was mighty, but those days are over. Four years ago, our demented sister race came and annihilated everyone.  It is ironic to see a beautiful race fall onto their knees in a matter of days.  Our powerful allies, The Great Elders and the Destroyers of Old could only delay them.  Within a year, my race was down to two million seven hundred twenty three.  More planets were disappearing than there were victories.  Even the Elder Ones were being beaten.  Like many others . . . I wanted to fight back and joined the Secret Guard military.  I became a fighter pilot. I experienced many battles and most of those battles were victories. 
   
They were victories because in desperation we broke one rule: ‘Never use the Life Stream in battle!’ Using it would be unfair for the other side, but since the Demented Ones have their own unfair advantage, we shall be unfair also.  The Life Stream enhanced our focus, clearer thinking, and better reflexes while it decreased the Demented Ones’ abilities.  We thought we’re going to win! Then they had to adapt and that ruined everything . . . we ambushed them in the Canyon of Hell.  The Canyon of Hell is a nebula that has a unique shape that is maze-like and its walls are pulsing with radiation that can fry a ship’s circuitry.  This fleet was escorting transports, an easy target right? We attacked them from all sides right when we though we’re going to win, a massive ship came in from behind and annihilated everyone, but me. I was the only survivor of that engagement my ship was mortally damaged, but I managed to trick their sensors by putting down my body heat down to near death.  This fleet jumped away, and I was left floating helplessly through space.  I was in luck when a Great Elder fleet was passing by and recovered my ship. 
   Forwarding three years into the future, we are barely surviving  . . . I am now part of an endangered species.  Populations count is less than ten thousand from the seventeen thousand that survived at the Standoff at Galactic Node Milky Way that shall and will repeat in my mind for the rest of my natural life.  This is the first time that we are able to see the desperation of the Great Elders and the Destroyers of Old.  Two supreme races once ruled over the cosmos, now beaten at their enemy’s feet, but the Destroyers of Old managed to destroy countless Demented One ships. That day the Demented One’s slaughtered over . . . . Seven thousand innocent Pyratorians, this was also considered as success because we managed to travel to the Milky Way and also lost our enemies back in the Antennae Galaxy. 
   I still question, are we truly safe? We are truly in freedom? Is our enemy behind us? I ask myself those every night before I sleep.  Down in my guts, a feeling whispers to me every . . . waking . . . hour, ‘The enemy is here in this galaxy.  The Demented Ones are coming for you!’  In the days of the Secret Guard, you could listen to the Life Stream and hear our songs.  Now, if you listen. .  . You hear only a whisper an echo of what our race once was.  Some lost their minds and committed cluster suicide if they wanted too or not.  Over three transports were lost because of this. .  .more lives were lost. I can’t even do a count! The number of those who were lost measures too high! 
   Around eight transports are still in operational status, we are always on the move.  We are now nomads of the stars, moving from one system to the next.  The fear of encountering the Demented Ones burns in our veins to a point of paranoia.  I couldn’t stand it much longer and left the fleet on board a personal starship.  Leaving the fleet lifted my anxiety from my shoulders.  I am now on my own, and this is my story. . .

[Firstdragon34]

Here is the first chapter before I go back to my dial-up house. ;p I'm sorry if I'm rushing it, but take your time. Also, don't be afriad to comment or question.


I.
Secret Exile

   I awoke suddenly my whole body trembled as I listened hard for the disturbance.  I could only hear the faint murmur of the Spatial Drive.  I kicked off the covers and rubbed the sweat from my face.  I gently stroked my webbed ears and the membrane was just slick with sweat.  With a grunt I sat on the edge of my bed, my eyes adjusted to the darkness. Yawning, I stretched as joints popped their vacuum. In one graceful movement I got to my feet, the floor was cold, but I ignored it.  I entered the bathroom; keeping the lighting to minimal I splashed cool water onto my face. I splashed my face once more and dried it off with a towel.  Moving out of the bathroom, I picked up a stained shirt but I put in on anyways. 

   I dressed into civilian clothes and left my room, the circular corridor was near darkness except for a few dim lights that lit up the floor.  I turned a left and nearly rammed my face into a door, but remembered in time and punched the open button.  It opened to the side and I walked into another circular corridor that gently arched to the right.  Another door opened and I entered the cockpit.  It was a small space designed for three people. The consoles were glowing gently creating soft colors on the ceiling, floor and walls.  I sat down in the tall-backed pilot’s chair, pulled up a star map.  I yawned nosily and the calculated time until arrival was twenty two minutes.  I’m heading for a system that contains civilization.  I monitored some of their transmissions and they seem helpfully advanced. 

   I need more supplies, I’m already running out! Rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I yawned out a command, “<Computer, polarize cockpit view.>” The computer acknowledged and the cockpit view screen melted into existence.  There wasn’t much to see except for a few dashes of ‘lightening’ that illuminates the entire Spatial Tunnel.  I pressed button on the console and the throttle controls moved into position, a small computer voice announced, “<Throttle controls activated.>” and the console changed into different displays.  I looked at the calculated time and it changed slightly to twenty-one minutes until arrival. I put the auto-pilot back on and closed my eyes once more.  Almost instantly I was asleep. .

   I was running down a beach laughing hard as another Pyratorian yelled, “<I’ll come for you, Kyral! Beware of the Rerul Monster!>” Suddenly a hand grabbed me around the waist and pulled me down onto the sand. I laughed uncontrollably and he raspberries my stomach.  He hovered above me on his hands and knees.  I stroked his cheek with my hand; he took it and kissed it gently.  “<You are my Life Stream, Kyral.>” He said lovingly and bent down kissing me with passion that burned within my veins.  We separated and he rested his head against mine.  The world seemed to go silent as our love burned into each other’s veins.  We kissed once more before he smiled, “<Your turn.>” He whispered rolling over and sprung to his feet.
   I smiled broadly springing to my feet also.  He took off for the ocean and I followed him in.  I personally tackled him into the water. . .

   The dream faded and I woke up in time to see the timer count down to zero.  The Spatial Tunnel opened, and I emerged out of the Tunnel.  My eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness, and before me was blue planet with three moons.  I deactivated the auto-pilot and took control. Several fighters approached me, and my scanner started blaring.  My ship shook from a burst-weapon fire impact.  I activated the shields and accelerated forward at maximum speed.  On the scanner, the fighters pursued me.  In the distance I could see larger ships moving in to intercept. 

   I maneuvered hard to port, and then did a sharp turn.  I was putting in coordinates on the console when a gigantic ship came out of warp.  I turned hard to starboard and barely avoided it as soon I was clear I activated the Spatial Tunnel.  Space yawned open as I entered its dark depths and then it sealed behind me.  I relaxed in my chair with a sigh. I guess not all civilizations are friendly.  On the timer, it calculated I have about five minutes to relax.  I plan to use that time wisely.  I put the ship on auto-pilot, the console beeped, I pressed the button and it said the core is experiencing minor difficulties. Without warning, the Spatial Tunnel collapsed and I came into regular space. 

   Instantly my ship shook from impact of something.  I’m not going anywhere. .  .oh, that’s why.  I’m stuck in a tractor beam and my destination: A Demented One Gravity Frigate I got up from the controls and ran to my compartment.  I quickly attached a blade scabbard to my belt as my ship made a thumping sound. I drew out my blade and I carefully crept toward the entry way.  I was eight meters from it when an ear-bleeding ring pierced my ears.  It felt like my head was going to explode! I dropped my blade, clutching my ears I dropped to my knees.  Then a green light swallowed my body and I fell over in darkness.  I awoke with a groan, I tried to sit up but a gentle push kept me down, “<Don’t try to move, sis.  You need to rest, the effects of the Mind-Blazer can be major.>” My eyes adjusted to the brightness.  Hovering above me was another female Pyratorian.  Then a male looked down at me with a faint smile, “<How are you doing, sis? Long time no see, eh?>” He remarked.  I gently ran my hand across his face feeling thick scars. 

   “<It has been nearly a year since we’ve been together.  We were lucky to survive the Great Exile.  Our fleet had the misfortune to meet the Demented Ones.  They have been waiting for us in this galaxy, also.  We got word that two other fleets have suffered the same fate. So, how’s your half-year?>” He explained as the female Pyratorian gently tipped my head to the side.  It then hit me like a meteorite striking the ground.  Tears formed at my eyes, “<Lyral, Syral it has been a long time.>” I said as Lyral bent down and kissed my forehead, and then rested it against mine, “<It has been a long time, big sister. We’ve missed you so much.>” She said tearing up.  I looked to the side past Syral, the cell was small.  Nothing of interest was on the walls or on the ground.  A clear force field distorted the background.  I connected to the Life Stream and took a deep breath.  The pain of my head disappeared, and I put myself in a low sitting position.  In the distance a door opened than closed.  Heavy footsteps stopped at a cell and someone was pleading for their life.  Syral grabbed my arm and shook his head, “<You don’t want to feel this in the Life Stream.>” He warned.  I took his suggestion disconnecting from the Life Stream.

   Then the sound of blood raining on the floor and bones breaking dominated the air.  I put my hands over my ears to drown out the sound. I’m both terrified and enraged about the slaughter. I’m actually more terrified than I’m angry.  This race found the means to bring us to our knees, very swiftly. My sister and brother came beside me to comfort me as the shadows grew larger, and closer.  I put down my hands from my ears as the Kyorkians came to our cell.  Beside the Kyorkian was a terrifying killing machine, which slaughters without thinking.  They are twice the size of a regular Kyorkian with large arms and fingers.  They stand upright like a child learning to walk.  Their heads are scarred with mutilated cybernetic implants taking the place of their flesh. 

   They don’t even have mouths they have microscopic devices on their lips that saw through flesh.  Their eyes are designed to detect any living thing through any surface, and they can take a lot of abuse before falling.  The force field went down and the Kyorkian moved to the side as the Seeker-Slaughter – that what we came to call it – moved into position.  I put my hand down to my side to feel the leather pommel of my blade.  I gripped the handle tightly, and I readied myself for the fight.  It was a staring match between us and the Seeker-Slaughter in a flash it made its first move. I connected to the Life Stream and I managed to knock it down onto its back before driving my blade through its head.  I was moving my hand upwards when it suddenly lunged tearing into my arm. 

   I briefly whimpered in pain before swiping my blade across its neck.  Blood splattered onto me and my surroundings.  It stopped tearing into my arm and lunged for my face, I moved out of the way, but held it still by its chest.  Syral moved out of the way as it landed on its head with a crunch.  It lunged for me, and using the momentum I threw it across the room into the hallway.  It was stunned very briefly, it turned around to pounce once more, I threw my blade and it gouged a major slice of its skull.  It stumbled before falling to its knees and then fell on its face.

   I healed my arm through the Life Stream and retrieved my blade. I wiped the blood on the dead Seeker-Slaughter’s body. I noticed the Kyorkian was gone, I turned to my cell to see my brother and sister was gone! Panic rose in my chest as I looked up the hallway and then back down.  Prison cells dominated both sides of the corridor.  I noticed there weren’t any guards or anymore Seeker-Slaughters.  I have a bad feeling about this.  My gut tells me this is going to end very badly. 

[crizza]

I like it.
Sins of a solar eempire was no source of inspiration?^^

[Firstdragon34]

I haven't thought of that, but there is a chapter 2, which will end it. So, do think Kyral is losing her mind? Eh. Try bribing that from me. 

[Firstdragon34]

Necro-Threaded!!!! Hey, I know I'm breaking the rules, but this is my thread anyways, right? I have promised a Chapter 2 and I hadn't came until now. Six or seven months is a long time I know, but since I feeling nice here is the next part, the last part.

II
Unity, Sacrifice and Enlightenment

   I moved down the Prisoner Corridor trying to find the exit and while I was going down the corridor I spotted Pyratorians to rescue. I closed my eyes when I passed the cell that belonged to the slaughtered Pyratorian. I shivered when the Life Stream touched the death. Strong feelings overwhelmed me, and I stopped in mid-step.  I leaned against a wall and gagged until I finally vomited on the ground.  I coughed and gagged until those overwhelming feelings passed over me.  I breathed in long deep breaths to calm down.  I rested my head against the wall briefly, “<Take it easy, Kyral, take it easy. You’re going to be alright.>” I thought to myself.  I moved away aimlessly at first before regaining my composure. I coughed slightly as a short doorway opened. I ducked under the short doorway into a room that was dimly lit. The door closed behind me softly.
   I reconnected to the Life Stream as the room became clearer. I was obviously in a corridor that stretched for several hundred feet. Nothing of real interest was on the walls or the ceiling. This vessel felt cold like the species that inhabit its halls. I kept my blade out and ready for any ambushes. As I crept along the corridor I reached out with my mind trying to find my siblings. I could feel other Pyratorians as well . . . oh.  . .my. . . Lords! I can sense over three thousand Pyratorians! I can’t make them out through the crowds. The nearest crowd is on this deck! In excitement I started to go in a long-stride job that brought me to an intersection. I turned right to a small corridor that led to a circular platform. I jogged down its length to the platform. I stepped onto the platform and turned around to face the corridor. A green-silver console appeared.

   I pressed on the console that will lead me to another cell room. Silver energy surrounded me as the machine hummed to life. The energy swirled around me faster and faster until it almost became too brilliant to look at. Then it started to vibrate as the energy reached its peak. I closed my eyes as the energy suddenly disappeared and the humming stopped. I opened my eyes to see that I’m in a different corridor. I stepped through the console and into the corridor. This corridor was longer with windows that were twice my height. I went over to the left side of the bridge that overlooked a massive room. My heart started to do back flips in joy. I smiled broadly and walked over to the window putting my hands on the window.

   Tears went down my cheeks at the number of survivors there were! I spotted a large group that was trying to open a door that was obviously reinforced. I literally pushed myself away from the glass and started to run down the corridor. Pain shot up from my legs and I fell hard on the floor. My head was spinning as I faintly felt a blade cutting into my skin. I don’t know where.  . .  I was picking myself up when a shadow flew past my vision. My enemy gave a metallic howl of pain and anger. Then with a sickening crunch of bones my enemy was thrown over me and landed in my peripheral vision. Warmth rippled through my body; my mind became clear as I stood up straight. I checked my legs to see they were fully healed. I turned to see my rescuer but no one was here but me. I picked up my blade and looked around briefly in confusion.
   I went over to the window to see nothing was there! My eyes grew wide in bewilderment. I desperately searched the ship for any Pyratorians and found none. My heart grew faint with darkness. I was the only one on this ship. How can that be? I saw my little brother and sister! I touched them. .  .I talked to them! I turned my back against the glass and slid down it length to the floor. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I started to cry. I cried hard enough for my shoulders to shake. I was reluctant to get to my feet. I went down the corridor blind with tears. I suddenly tripped over my own two feet. I fell onto the ground but found myself on kneeling on soft grass with small colorful flowers shining brightly at me.

   Also in my vision were two bare silver feet with perfectly trimmed toenails. On the foot was a tattoo of a legendary creature that was a huge part of our ancient society. I looked up to see a beautiful Pyratorian. She bent down to lend me a hand. I took it with curiousness. I stood up to my full height as realization came to me. I kneeled briefly on the ground before the Pyratorian rested her hand on my shoulder, “<You need not to bow, young one, and you need not to cry.>” I closed my eyes as she gently wiped a tear away. I stood up to my full height opening my eyes. She put her hands back my shoulders and inspected slightly with a faint smile, “<I see my people have lost their pride. I may be part of the Life Stream but my people don’t need to lose hope. I have felt your fear of the Demented Ones but don’t fear them! They have a weakness and they know it! It is unity.  .  .” She trailed off purposely. It came to me the motto of the Lady of Life, “Unity connects the living into a living chain, and Sacrifice allows those to join the chain, Enlightenment makes the living chain of the Life Stream and it allows it to flow around us and through us. The Life Stream is my ally and it gives me strength to fight obstacles!” I said out loud.

   The Lady of Life smiled with pride. I had to smile as well. She was our most beloved Lady before the Demented Ones came. She was the second one that questioned the authority of the Emperor of Light. She stayed in office a long while after her term expired. Barely in two months she crippled the Emperor’s regime and immediately set up another. She took the name Lady of Life. All followers of the old regime retreated into the farthest reaches of space in fear of this new Lady. She sacrificed herself to protect her people a few years later. The capital was under attack and civilian ships were being ripped to shreds by Demented One fighters. She unleashed the true power of the Life Stream and destroyed all of the Demented Ones in orbit and even destroyed many others in twenty other systems!

   I came to the present and she still held me by the shoulders. I heaved a heavy sigh and she put her hands on my cheeks. I tipped my head down as she kissed my forehead, “<May my soul give you blessings. Unite my Children send my blessings to them. Give them hope that they can win this tragic war. Go now child, go now and seek your people!>” We separated and held my head in front of hers. She faintly smiling as this reality faded away like a dream as the Lady of Life said her words echoing, “<May the Three Blessings guide your way, child. Go . . . now.>” Fire burned within my veins as I rolled my shoulders ready to unite my people. I moved down the corridor at a brisk walk before going into a run. I turned right at another intersection. I came to a platform. I was teleported to the hanger bay. I made my way through the empty corridors. The door opened to my ship. I detected nothing as touched it since my arrival. I rushed up the ramp. It closed behind me with a hiss. I ran to the cockpit; I activated all of the systems and blasted out of the hanger bay. 

   As soon as I was clear I activated the Spatial Tunnel leaving the empty ship behind me. I haven’t felt this way in four years! I personally thank the Lady of Life for setting me free. She somehow took care of the Kyorkians but I guess the fake visions were the side effect. I thought to myself, “<Here comes the Savior of the Guard!>”