Chapter 35: Battered Prowess — Part 2

“Aww shit.” Jonathan said. “It’s a grudge match.”

“More like a pissing contest.” Charles said.

The enemy fighter let off a shot. Blade took the blast full on, then countered with a mass cannon shot. The fighter fell back, and then fired again, with more power. Blade escalated, doubling the power to his mass cannon, and the fighter slammed into an embankment, spun around, and bounced off the nearby ground. It tried to rise and get another shot off, but something within its structure detonated, and the ship soon blew to pieces as a secondary explosion rippled through its center. Pieces of the fighter were blown all over the hangar, and once everybody could see again, it was apparent that Blade was the victor. With Blade providing cover, Grison’s troops put their arms over their heads and surrendered.

Satrap Winson’s thoughts went out to all that could hear them. We’ve torn loose Grison’s toehold on Cinder, now let us cut his hands from Harden and Lathe!

A cheer went up across all of Cinder, and Satrap Winson stepped directly in front of the surviving leader of the enemy, a lower ranking officer still recovering from the mind strike Charles had given him. “It was you who ordered the surrender.”

The man looked hatefully into Tanya’s eyes. “This battle is lost. Those of us whose suits were damaged were already sick when you attacked. When reinforcements arrive, we will see who wins the war.”

“Do you accept the terms of our surrender?” Winson asked, though it sounded more of a demand.

“Yes, of course.” The Lieutenant said, moving with brutal, lightning speed.

He struck out with a dagger he had kept hidden behind his head. The knife sliced Satrap Winson across the face, and then buried itself in her throat. He didn’t get a chance to twist the blade before Winson countered. She broke his arm and knee on his right side, and then pulled the blade from her throat. Her body had already started healing, even as blood trickled onto the Lieutenant’s face.

We don’t want to hurt anybody, but if you resist our right to live in peace, you’ll suffer for it. Her face would heal in a few hours, and the scar would be gone in a couple of days. Her throat would heal with much the same speed, and until she could talk again, Winson would be content to use telepathy.

Charles issued orders to his troops. “Take the prisoners and secure the base. Open their suits and infect them all. See to it that they’re well taken care of until such time as they are adapted or dead. Bravo team will be staying here. Those of you who are native to Cinder are free to leave and return to your respective commands. Those who are medics, please stay long enough to treat the wounded. Help the Lieutenant first. No need for him to suffer at this turning point in his career.”

Blade hovered forward, opening its hull. The Coalition warriors moved through the narrow opening, and when all had boarded, it rose into space to join Kindred.

Jerem again remained behind, at the Satrap’s side. “Do you love me?”

This is no time for love. For now, we need to think of Cinder, Harden, and Lathe.

Emperor Grison studied the situation on Cinder through eyes sunken into a hollow-looking face. His features, distorted by a cacophony of dark emotions, betrayed nothing of the fear or the inner turmoil that fear brought to him. Riley, her own face still embracing the pain of healing, seemed to be gathering her thoughts. Grison waited impatiently for General Riley to further explain the reason for the losing battle at Cinder. On screens all around him was video footage of his troops being slaughtered in a battle that had at first been his. Riley explained in detail the situation, and the current need for more troops. Riley finally spoke quietly, in a neutral tone that made Grison even angrier.

“Due to the infectious nature of Cinder’s atmosphere, there is no hope of recapturing the planet at this time. However, we are well established on Harden and Lathe, and with proper man power, should be able to keep them for you.” Riley said.

“Without reinforcements, you will lose Harden and Lathe.” The Emperor said, concluding the General’s speech.