Chapter 1 - Suratrat Prison (Intro)
~ In the deepest, darkest region of the planet Thrae, behind a cloaked curtain, rests the inescapable Suratrat Prison. Long rows of dark cells made of a metallic-like material line the endless halls. A dim red glow of the electromagnetically charged bars that secure the prisoners in their cells lends the only light. The low, static humming of the bars chases away the silence. Held here are the worst of criminals and enemies of the IT. Among them now is Commander Rescuca, who once held a very high position within the Realm. In the cell next to him is a powerful beast named Thaed. He is a quiet and calm creature, with fur as black as night and cool to the touch. His origin is completely unknown to most. Thaed is Rescuca’s most trusted companion.
Footsteps can be heard steadily growing louder in the hallway. Making a rare visit at this hour is one known to Rescuca as Leachim, a former friend and soldier, whom Rescuca once mentored.
Leachim, in a splendid suit of armor, stops in front of Rescuca’s cell before speaking. “Well, today is the day, Rescuca. It’s been one whole week, and the Days of Deliberation are over. The war ends here, and your rebellion stops now. The final phase of the Numah Fusion is nearly complete, and the emperor is arriving soon. While we wait for him to arrive, perhaps you can explain some things. What do you have to say for yourself?”
Rising from his seated position on the cold hard floor, Rescuca replies calmly, “Hello, Leachim. Or should I say Leech? How nice of you to visit. You’ve come to gloat, no doubt. I’m sure there’s no greater pleasure for you than to see your longtime rival rotting here in this prison, awaiting his fiery execution.”
Rescuca moves to face Leachim. Positioning himself opposite his former comrade, he continues, “To answer your antagonistic question: as I’ve sat here in my cell and thought back on everything, I have very few regrets, if any. My Nomed clan and I had a great run at it. In the end, we were simply outmanned and outgunned here on this prison planet. Nevertheless, we put up a great fight against ridiculous odds. Someone had to take a stand against Emperor Epaga and his tyranny, no matter the cost.”
With a tone of disbelief, Leachim asks, “You mean, even if it cost the lives of nearly fifty thousand Legna? It was decreed plainly in our Principle and Protocol that all of you would pay dearly for your rebellion. You can’t be serious, Rescuca! How could you ever think you actually stood a chance of defeating Evol Epaga, the most powerful ruler in existence? He is all wise and all knowing. He was a million steps ahead of you, right from the start.”
Leachim’s tone confuses Rescuca; Leachim seems to genuinely wonder why Rescuca would undertake such a lost cause. Evol Epaga is very powerful indeed, but to Rescuca there’s no question that the emperor must be confronted. Why can’t Leachim see that? Did he learn nothing while serving alongside his instinctive comrade? How could his once-trusted friend and ally have so much confidence in an evil emperor? Rescuca can only conclude that Leachim has a hidden agenda.
Infuriated and no longer able to keep his cool, Rescuca retorts, “You mean right from the time you betrayed me and the entire Legna Legion? I know it was you who told the emperor of my plans to enlighten the Majority, to set its mind free from the control of the Beacon. It was you who told him of my battle strategies. I trusted you and told you everything. That’s how Emperor Epaga knew what he knew in advance and in such great detail. I always suspected you coveted my position as the Light Bearer; I just didn’t know how low you were willing to stoop to get it. I didn’t imagine that you, the Legendary Leachim, would stab your lifelong companion and mentor in the back. I guess I gave you the perfect opportunity to rise to power and you took it. After all, isn’t that what all of this has been about? Power? Isn’t that what the emperor has been after all along? Isn’t that why he insisted so strongly that the Council move forward with the Fusion program so quickly? Tell me, Leachim—how long did it take you to go running to Emperor Epaga to share what you learned? And have you been crowned as the new Light Bearer already or is your emperor waiting for my execution before he bestows upon you such an honor?”
With weariness in his voice, Leachim says, “My dear Rescuca, the more time you’ve spent in this prison, the more insane you’ve become. I never coveted your precious position as Light Bearer. And why are you always calling me ‘Leech’?”
Rescuca was examining Leachim’s countenance as he spoke. He has to give him credit. He didn’t detect a shred of the backstabber Leachim had revealed himself to be in the past. Even at a time when his performance is no longer necessary, Leachim is keeping up the act. His deception seems to be limitless and flawless.
Rescuca fires back, “I’m right to call you ‘Leech’! And you’re right when you say you never wanted my position. You want more than that! You’ve seen the power of the Numah Fusion and I’m betting that’s your next move. Once you’ve taken out me and the rest of the Nomed, there will be nothing to stand in your way. I have a feeling you won’t stop with the Numah here on Planet Thrae in this system. You’ll target the other ninety-nine systems and their planets as well. With all that combined power, you’ll be able to control the Majority, form a new council, and even overthrow the emperor himself. As it stands, you have almost one hundred thousand Legna—including my Legna—at your command already.”
Leachim’s eyes widen, and then he looks away, as if he’s contemplating something far away. “Hmm, so you know of the other ninety-nine systems?”
Seeing he’s struck a nerve, Rescuca composes himself and replies, “Yes, my friendly foe. You seem to forget that I was there at the beginning. I was the first to be set free from the deception of the Beacon. My time in this prison won’t change the strength of mind I’ve always maintained. This isn’t my first rodeo. Remember, I’m the one who shared with you knowledge of the Secret Things.” ~
