James Luck and the Great Galactic War

Prologue:
In 1940 a single man started a revolutionary group, Jack Luck became the first liberator, but many followed, by the end of 1945 the liberators numbered in the hundreds, all operating out of the Islets, in the Mediterranean, their fleet of heavily armed ships ruled all of the worlds oceans and seas, and were respected by all countries. For over fifty years the liberators worked to end the cold war, liberating countries from dictators, such as Pol Pot and Manuel Noriega. With the end of the Cold war and the completion of the United Nations the Liberators received international backing.
No country would stop them from their purpose, none were to interfere with their work, whether it was bringing down Saddam Hussein or delivering food and supplies to the people in the aftermath of a great tsunami.

No matter what the liberators were eternal, the islets became the one place in the world where there was no racism, no sexism, and no judgement of sexuality.
With the arrival of the space age, colonies on Mars and the moon, the liberators became the military force of the stars. No longer was their fleet of the ocean but of the stars, in 2365 mankind became a member of the galactic federation, and the liberators became a force of multiple species.
But something larger and more deadly than any of the many civilizations is coming and if the Liberators cannot bring together these many arguing races then the following months will probably be our last everybody’s last.

The Great War would change the entire galaxy, proud and powerful Heroes rose up to fight the enemy. Each of the races desperate to defend the peoples and survive the destruction of their civilizations.
The greatest of these Heroes would be the man to change it all, His mission, was easier said than done.
Unite the many desperate races of the galaxy and rid the universe of Evil forever.
This is that hero’s journey, the journey of how a young man went from a simple soldier to the one who would decide the fate of the entire universe.
His name was James Luck and this is how he brought us to the end.

Galactic history file: United Federation of Systems
History:
When the Guardant empire began to grow much stronger than anticipated some of the races in other parts of the galaxy began to become more and more afraid, as they feared that the Guardant emperor would target them next.
So four races formed the United Federation of Systems to try and scare the empire from trying to take more planets, although it did so at first. As the federation grew in the number of planets and races the empire attacked out of desperation, the war was short and bloody but the aftermath brought forward a more clearly defined border between the two, although when compared to a single race the Guardant controlled more planets but when compared to the federation the empire was caught on two sides.
Notes if you were to look at the map of the Milky Way galaxy about one and a half quarters of the section of the galaxy closest to the top was under control of the Guardant Empire, the rest was loyal to the federation.

Soon mankind joined alongside the Liberators, but not long after a second war with the empire started from the liberators attempting to send relief supplies to people in a humanitarian crisis within the borders of the Empire. The Imperial forces opened fire and the liberators fought back alongside the fleets and military forces of the Federation. Once more it ended with a peace deal, and once more the borders did not change.
But not for long.

Galactic files:
Race: Durk
Planet: Scaleon
Species: Reptilian
Information:

Very militaristic, and are not afraid of a fight. The vast majority of the Durk have a Komodo dragon based skull formation, with reinforced bone like spikes around the back of their heads. Their legs are similar to humans but the feet are very different more like those of ancient reptiles of earth like the Dinosaurs, they have three toed feet with small claws at the edge of each toe.
And unlike other reptiles they are what are known as Bi-tempratural, which basically means that they are able to adapt to different temperatures, they are able to switch between warm and cold blood depending on the situation around them.

Famed in the council as warriors ad fighters. Many bars, pubs, inns and taverns refuse them entry. Mainly because they are quick to take offense and are very quick to violence, that usually ends with multiple broken bones, windows, bottles and chairs.
They have the largest, military based fleet in the council, and have more dreadnoughts and carriers than any other Council member. And prefer to get bloody than to talk words with those who have “offended them”.

Military service is compulsory and much of their income actually comes from a special tax that allows bands of Durk soldiers to fight as mercenaries as long as they give a portion of their pay towards the Patria (Government).

Planetary information:
The planet of Scaleon is one that is rather an oddity in the known galaxy, the main reason is that the tilt axis of the planet is constantly changing, so the severity of the seasons differs each year. So for example one winter might be generally mild, the next incredibly severe, another oddity is that there is no spring or autumn on Scaleon due to the changing axis.

This has made life on the planet incredibly tough, and like the planet changing in temperature, all creatures on the planet have to be able to internally and externally monitor their body temperature, the reason for both is because only having a single one could result in either over heating or freezing to death.

Most of the planet surface changes too, from snow covered flat lands to clear lands filled with a variety of plants. During the most severe winters though, the oceans that the planet has are quickly frozen solid, in some cases it takes only minutes for the ice to form. The strange thing about Scaleon winters is that whilst one side of the planet is almost frozen the other becomes incredibly wet and fertile, in some cases during the summer the places actually become more like swamps, bogs and marshes teeming with life.

Race: Felis
Planet: Felix
Race: Cat like
Information:
A race of cat like humanoids, contrary to popular belief their bone structure is more similar to the big cats of earth, most notable the Jaguar and Leopard.
Unlike the Fighting Durk, Felis prefer to follow more peaceful and diplomatic methods to avoid war and trouble. However should war come they would use quick and fast, guerrilla style attacks.
Even in major conflicts, they use hit and run methods of battle, their ships are specially designed for such methods, being small, more length than width, brisserling with weaponry, but lightly armoured, but with engines that are faster than similar sized cruisers.

They prefer the technique apply named “Cutting off the blood”, meaning they target the enemy supply convoys, small patrols, and when necessary harrying the enemy forces.
Most Felis stay on their home world of Felix, or on one of their colonies, this is mostly due to their in born nature of slow trust when it comes to outsiders, some say it could take someone months if not years to earn the trust of just one Felis.
But once their trust is earned, they are loyal to the core, willing to follow those they called friend.

Planetary information:
The planet of Felis, is a planet of jungles and forests, the entire planet is covered in them, it is very rare to find a clear and open flat land, as it is usually covered by plants within minutes of the sun breaking through the trees.
It is for this reason that many species on the planet are tree bound, including the Felis race, which can climb trees very fast. However due to them having a planet of forest, their cities are actually built into and around the largest of the trees, known as Elder woods. Which are the largest species of tree in the known galaxy, almost as tall as Mount Everest on Earth.


Galactic file: Turack
The “people without home”.
Also known as the race with a billion ships, Turack are famed for having the very largest fleet and the most docile bodies when compared to all of the Federation races.
Their bodies are specially evolved for their Atmospheric pressure and their atmospheric gases. It is for this reason that when not on one of their ships, or colonies they must wear specially made Bio suits that mimic their pressure and change the air they breathe to one suitable for them.

This limits them in battle as if the suit is damaged or pieced they suffer a very painful death at the hands of shock and suffocation. Unlike all other races, they have lost their home world, decades before Mankind joined the council, and they entered a war with non-council race known as the Guardant (information to follow). And although they won the war they lost their home world, which is now highly radioactive, which destroys all living cells.
This conflict lead to them having the highest number of colonies and the number of ships.

Description of Turack enviro suit:
Large and bulky, with multiple layers to ensure the safety of its occupant, there is no real head section to the suit, instead the head is within the same section of the torso and shoulders. the only section that has any form of visual possibility of the occupant is a large section where the upper torso, however for obvious reasons the natural gases that the Turack require to breath are collected via microscopic extractors on the outer sections of the quadtroubally reinforced glass, which culminate into a light green light smoke around the head and body of the suits occupant.
Which strangely does not effect the Turacks eye sight, which is understandable as they have evolved to see through such gases one their home world (Correction-Home world uninhabitable, All turack now live on Ships or on Terraformed planets)

Galactic Federation file: Coran (Pronounced Core Ran)
A race of shark like beings that require water to breath, so it is for this reason that their participation in council meetings is short. They have only an hour in which they can leave water, do what they must do and then return before they suffocate. However some use specially made breathing apparatus that filter water and the particles they need to breathe around their gills.

Their home world of Aqua Vida, is a planet that has almost no land formations, the only land are small islets that hold no life. All life on their planet lives in the sea, they have built great cities amongst the colourful corral and rock formations that surround the islets.
Their primary source of income is a type of mineral that is constant Replenished and can only be mined from the very depths of the underwater mega trenches that are common on their world.

Due to their underwater existence they are also unable to walk, and instead use miniature anti-gravity devices that lift them a metre off the floor, and use their tail fins to push them forward.
All of their war ships are built in the design of a shark, with the heavy cannons being held on the fins at the front, and engines held in the tail fin. But when it comes to ground warfare they prefer to use their technological advantage, they use a variety of androids which come in multiple forms and shapes, large crab like tanks and more humanoid infantry units.

Galactic Intelligence file: Guardant
The Guardant are the sworn enemy of the Turack, they were the ones who were responsible for the Turack losing their home world. As well as driving the Galaxy entering into both full blown war and a cold war.
An actual name for the Guardant is not known the name Guardant actually comes from when explorers happened upon the empire and the first of the race they met were Guardians or Guardant in their language and the name stuck.

The Guardant are very imperialistic, they have an emperor or empress as the head of state, with a minor council acting in an advisory capacity. In other words they have no actual authority, their empire is very large, and have never been truly defeated in warfare. In both Wars against the Federation the Guardant had a lot of success but had to negotiate due to troubles in their empire.
The Guardant have annexed multiple solar systems that like them had mastered space travel, any uprisings and rebellions have always been defeated by the powerful Guardant military. They also have a very strict system of law, for example should a warrior be dishonored they would have a broken sword symbol branded onto their armor and bare skin. And to top it off they are exiled from the empire never permitted to return.

Their race is a humanoid that is particularly tall when compared to humans, the average being around 2.9 to 3 meters. Although for the most part not much is known for their biology, they have powerful lungs capable of extracting large amounts of the gases they need to breathe during a fight.
The most obvious thing about Guardant is the fact they have only two fingers on their hands not including the thumb, this means that there are more muscle attachments for their three digits.

Classified information: LEVEL 10 CLASSIFICATION

In recent years there has been a rather successful rebellion against the Guardant Empire. Unlike other rebellions that lead to severe loss of life on the side of the rebels.
However 2 years after the end of the last war against the federation, a group of dishonoured guardant warriors rose up in rebellion against the empire. Current intelligence that these Insurgents have begun calling themselves the Broken Swords (the same symbol that is branded on the armour and skin of dishonored warriors) there leader is someone calling himself Brek Sevon, though none have seen him.

Galactic federal file:
Species: Gharial
Homeworld: Gharian
Specification: Mammal like reptiles
Description:
The Gharial are a large reptilian like species with certain mammalian qualities, such as the ability to internaly regulate their body temprature.
Other than that however, they are very robust, and are capable of surviving very strong gravitational pulls. This is due to their moutainous homeworld, having a stronger gravity than that of Earths, this has cultivated into them having much stronger muscle tissue and bones that have three internal layers, each of which are over and inch thick. The Average Gharial stands at around four metres tall, but all hunch slightly forward , due to the humps that they bear running from their lower backs to behind the head. which stores both fat and water. The Current record for longest without water was held by a Gharial and it stands at over 6 earth weeks.

A gharials legs are very human like, the only difference being that they are more muscular to aid them in the mountainous regions. These mountains also limit their hand structure, while most Milky Way species bear at the most four fingers like the Guardant. The Gharial only have two fingers and a thumb, all of which are very strong, giving them a very tight and precise grip to aid them in climbing rocky moutain sides. The Gharial heads are slightly elongated and unlike other races, whose heads jut upwards from the shoulders their heads jut forwards, they have fewer but bigger teeth and a skull ridge running down the back of the skull to permit greater muscle strength, to assist in eating the tough plants and animals that inhabit their world.

Technologically the Gharial are within the capability of traveling outside of their solar system and colonising other worlds, however two factors prevent them from truly joining the galactic community (or aiding in the war- as they are famed for their strength in battle) the first being that they find it difficult to live on other worlds, due to the difference in gravity, one Gharial claimed that while on earth he felt that he could float from him barely feeling his own weight. The other more modern reason is due to a civil war currently gripping their people, where two ideals of the future are fighting it out.


Chapter 1: Invasion
2436: 23rd of December location: Earth, Outskirts of London
Large Unknown invasion fleet attack earth defence fleet and reserve guard fleet at station 1 orbiting the moon, We have lost all contact with the fleet since the enemy arrived, Invading ground forces have landed all over the planet, we have some communication with forces elsewhere but we are limited to contact with forces on the European continent.

Dozens of cities have been attacked, enemy ships including bombers have been attacking London, none stop since the attack began, enemy ground forces have overwhelmed the city limits, military forces including local police forces have been pushed back to the outskirts. Supreme admiral has ordered us to abandon London and save our assets.

No reinforcements are coming, other cities have been attacked many have been abandoned like London.

Cities include:
Rio de Janeiro
New York
Washington
Moscow
Shanghai
Hong Kong
Beijing
Paris
Berlin
The Liberators have been requested to form and lead Resistance forces all over the planet. Word is that the plan is to use guerrilla style tactics to fight the enemy.
This is commander R.A Michel’s of the 21st highlanders end transmission


2436 24th of December location Earth Defence fleet Rendezvous point
We have taken heavy damage in no more than an hour we lost 22 escort class ships, 36 fighter squadrons, and 16 heavy cruisers. We are now down to 13 heavy cruisers, 40 squadrons, 9 escort class ships, and just 2 capital ships. We have linked up with the liberator fleet but even with the extra troops and ships I doubt we will stand a chance.
Requests have been sent to the council for reinforcements but I doubt that they will.
Admiral R Hirohito.


World Presidential speech: Broadcast from Classified Location:
“Thank You….. Today I speak to you not as the President of Planet Earth……. Nor a leader…. But as a free man of humanity……. Exactly 24 hours ago…… on the 24th of December 2436….. Earth and its People were, suddenly attacked by an unknown enemy force……. I regret to say that millions of military and innocent lives have been lost in the first day of this attack…… and I fear that many more will soon follow……… Our fleets have been forced to go on the run……. At this time we do not know who these invaders are…….. But it is clear that they are here for conquest……… Much like what Franklin D Roosevelt said in 1941 No matter how long it may take us to overcome this Devastating invasion….. We the free people of Earth and her Colonies across the Galaxy…. In overwhelming might will win through to….. Absolute and Total Victory…… due to this destructive attack, I ask that the United Earth Congress Declare a state of emergency as well as a state of War”

Presidential war room Location Classified:
“Is it true that we aren’t alone in this fight” President
“Our reports that the Felis and Durk forces are also these attackers on their own worlds” General Johnson Commander of UNSC (United Nations Space Corps, consisting of the Earth Defence Fleet and United Nations Marine Corps)

“Only problem though sir is that they are being slaughtered” Admiral Hirohito
“Why is that?” President
“The way they fight, the Felis, fight in quick skirmishes they never fight in large scale engagements, their ships are lightly armored but are fast they are meant to avoid this sought of fight, and that’s how the enemy has hit them, the Durk though prefer to fight in large scale engagements, and the enemy is using that against them, the Felis are being forced to fight in large scale which hinders their movement, whilst the Durk are broken up and therefore cannot fight in coordination” Admiral Hirohito (Commander in Chief of Liberator Military forces)
“Is there any way we can help?” President
“Sir, we were caught unawares because we didn’t face facts that were right in front of us, if we launch an offensive we could lose what is left of the Earth Defence fleet and if we lose what’s left, we’ll have nothing left” General
“So we focus on defensive capabilities for the moment but I want constant updates on what is going on”. President
Private journal of Council felum the third of the Felis
A message has come to me that the home forest has been invaded, our cities burn, as do our forests. Men women and children burnt to ashes. I understand that our fleet has taken heavy damage but is still capable of fighting. Reports have also come of our colonies being attacked by unknown enemies. This matter must be taken to the council. Without their support I fear that there will be nothing left of the great forest we are sworn to protect.
End of entry

Council entry 2398172 subject invasions
Felum: Our home world burns we need support else we shall burn as well
Arthur: So are ours we need assistance as well; we have lost over three quarters of our fleet
Tars: we would offer our fleet but I will not be leading my people into a battle that cannot be won against an enemy that we cannot defeat.
Aras of the Coran: How do you know so much of them?
Tars: Because if they can attack multiple planets and fleets all at once then what chance do we have.
Captain Luck: Enough, you spend so much time talking that you have forgotten something, there is a FUCKING WAR ON!!! My information says that the entire invader fleet is orbiting earth, we need to bring everything together.
Darim: The Durk are already fighting hard on our home world, now you would ask us to move troops and the fleet to away and leave our home world defenceless.
Commander luck: NO the Liberators will reinforce the council planets as best as we can but if we are to free earth we to show these invaders that just because we are different doesn’t mean that we aren’t afraid to stand together.
Darim I am sorry Captain Luck but I cannot risk it, however I swear to you if you can take the pressure of scaleon then what is left of our fleet is yours to command.
Tars: I cannot do so the high console have ordered that our armadas gather for the defence of our people
Aras: We won’t do such, we have not seen this invader yet we will fight with you now our fleet is yours.



Liberator files:
Name: James Luck
Age: 23
Date of birth: 15th March 2413
Planetary Birth: Colonist = Eve’s (Eva’s) Paradise
Hair colour: Dark Black
Skin colour: Tanned olive (characteristic of colonist on Eve’s Paradise)
Family:
Father: Unknown- Unknown
Mother: Toni Luck- Deceased
Elder Sister: Abigail Luck- Living on Eve’s Paradise
Note: Sister has a history of Political opposition against the United Federation of Systems (UFS).
Military information:
Age joined: 18
Current rank: Captain
Division: 1st liberator Marines
Personal information:
Born and raised on the colony of Eve’s or Eva’s Paradise. When he was eight years old his family estate was attacked by Maric Raiders, his mother Toni and many estate workers were killed, James and his elder sister were the only survivors.
Sister still currently lives on the Colony, leading a political peace faction, working to forge a lasting peace treaty with the Maric people, in the aftermath of the Maric wars, where the colony was almost wiped
Liberator tests:
Weapons test: Passed with full score, currently holds the record.
Medical Eval: Passed with peculiar anomalies within his genome. From looking at his dental structure his incisors and canines seems to be much sharper than ordinary humans. His bone structure is also much denser and stronger than a normal human, this could be from adaptation to the planet where he grew up where life is tougher.
Psychological Eval: refused to speak of his past, his family, or even mother’s death, all point to unresolved childhood trauma.



Chapter 2: Battle of the Cat
2437 January Felix, battle of Felix day 13
Liberator fleets have gathered, and have joined up with the Shark Fleet consisting of all of the Dreadnoughts in the Coran Navy, all fleets will soon be departing for Felix.

2437 January Felix day 14
Allied fleet arrived at Felix, Felis fleets have taken heavy damage and are down to only 62 ships and 32 fighter and Bomber Squadrons.
Unknown enemy fleet had to manoeuvre to fight both allied and Felis fleets, enemy forces have yet to break but the fleets were able to make a gap for the ground forces of codename “machete” and codename Arrow to land. Fighting still ongoing, but the enemy has taken heavy casualties. But are still have a sizable force.
Ground forces were able to meet up with the 23rd Division of the Felis Resistance, and are currently creating a perimeter for reinforcements including tanks to land. The unknown have fallen back to the main cities that in the heartland of the forest planet due to heavy casualties done by our bombing runs. Felis Guerrillas have been continuing hit and run strikes on retreating enemy force.
 As well as this Ground force Arrow was able to liberate a number of Slave camps and towns with people hiding in the forest.

2437 March Felix
Enemy fleet has finally completed their retreat, the larger ships were the first to leave, in February after which only the smaller class ships remained. Enemy ground forces are now stranded with no reinforcements or supplies but with enemy is putting up one hell of a fight, enemy forces ensure that we take casualties for every step.
The Capital city of Lieon is now within striking distance, the chances are that in a few days we will be able to liberate the capital and begin mop up operations of the unknown enemy.
We have failed to take prisoners due to a suicide chain, should our troops even have the chance to capture one of the enemy something kills them, the scientists say that it is something that is hardwired into their brains, much like their weapons, which too look like they are surgically implanted onto their arms, or in the case of their mechanised units the weapons replace their limbs.


2437 march, Felix
Liberator and Felis forces were final able to free the capital city along with its entire people, enemy forces have been eliminated….. The fighting on the ground is on-going I doubt that we will truly keep the upper hand.

2437 march Felix
Enemy forces have launched counter attack via the remnants of their fleet that escaped in the first few weeks of the battle. We sustained limited casualties but many of our ships were badly damaged and needed to return to safe port for repairs.
There was something wrong though one of the larger ships had markings similar to a ship that fled the battle badly damaged. How could they get the ship back to their world for repairs and then back here for a counter.
Felis council has returned to the capital, and elections are in place, remnants of the Felis army have replaced Liberator peace keeping forces, however it is clear from orbital observation that the enemy still holds a strong presence on the Planet.

2437 March Liberator Research Ship Oceania
Autopsy report of Unknown enemy: Codename of enemy class: Grunt
The Grunt specimen is incredibly well built, the upper and lower muscles are of extensive structural capabilities. The Body seems to have a very high metabolism which would explain the ability to heal rather rapidly, the Grunts seem to have large lungs and have a larger capacity when compared to humans.
The Head is the most peculiar the grunt seems to have two sets of eyes the lower set are larger than the upper, there appears to be no molars, the mouth is completely made up of large and small canines, the skin of the grunt appears a dark grey when living but it appears that when the Grunt has been killed the skin turns to a pale white.
From eye witness reports the technology held by the grunt disintegrates after death, which must mean that…. Yes there is a powerful microchip like object in the skull and…. Connected to the brain.
My theory is that the chip is programmed to kill the creature should the chance of capture appear, and perhaps to send a signal to the technology when the creature dies.
Genetic structure shows considerable alterations, it would appear that the genetic structure holds the key to how the body with such specific modifications such as the Muscles and metabolism.

2437 Galactic Council
Meeting 22364 Felix protection
Felum= we owe you a debt of gratitude to you and your warriors, we shall serve you in the campaign until we are Dead or we have a Victory.
Luck= Councillor I thank you gather your fleet and your forces at a secret rendezvous with our fleet, but we cannot strike yet
Felum=you want us to do nothing
Luck= well you are guerrillas aren’t you surely you have ships that can commit hit’n’runs


Chapter 3: the Sacrifice   
2437 June intelligence report: 09836 subject enemy outpost
Our reports support what Captain luck has told us the enemy has some kind of outpost in council space, which they use to repair their ships and gather for counter attacks.
Our reports say that the outpost
Intelligence probes sent show that there is a large enemy fleet protecting it, multiple cruisers, and escort class ships.
But the worst part is that there is an incredibly large ship constantly guarding the station, it is far larger than any other ships we have seen. We express extreme caution if an attack is planned.
2437 June plan of attack
Plan is set, allied fleets will launch a full attack on enemy outpost, destroy enemy forces, and board enemy station.

2437 31st of June attack on enemy station Journal of Petty officer Dorm
Time 4 hours since attack began
Attack going badly, the massive ship is tearing our ships apart, it has incredibly powerful shielding and armor, and its cannons were high powered and were destroying the Liberator ship Revolution.
On the bridge of the Revolution Captain Luck commands the attack, and organises allied fleet
“We are getting torn apart over here order the retreat” Shouted commander Dahl over the radio
“NO we won’t have another opportunity like this keep pushing” Lucks eyes widened, he knew what to do
“How bad is the ship?” he asked me
“We have lost 8 of the 12 hangars we have, shielding barely holding, and the main guns are out of action” I told him
He looked me in the eye
“Everyone get to the escape pods that ship won’t stand a chance against a direct hit from a dreadnought” He said
With the look in his eyes I knew to follow my orders
Over the tannoy system I relayed the order “ABANDON SHIP, ABANDON SHIP”
After which all present ran for the pods, all but the Captain who stayed to fly the ship into its target.
From the escape pod I could see through a small window the Revolution speeding up, over the radio I could hear the admiral calling for the Captain to evac, “James listen to me there has to be another way” “There isn’t one sir, this is what I was trained for, guard the liberties and freedoms of all peoples”
Quickly the ship got closer and closer to its target
“You’re out of time I am ordering you to get out now”
“Goodbye”
 And then crashing with enormous force into the enemy ship. But I couldn’t see any pod escaping before the blast. I feared the worst,
The last I saw of the enemy station before we docked with the Dreadnought Salvation was the boarding ships moving for the Station and the enemy fleeing for the stars.

Audio log by Colonel R Tailor
We’ve been looking through this bloody wreck for over 4 hours and we haven’t found anyone, alive at least.
Wait
Someone’s found him
Jesus Christ he's in bad shape

Medical examination: Captain James Luck
The patient was found deep within the wreckage of both the revolution and the enemy ships, reports say that he was barely alive when recovery teams found him.
Severe burns due to proximity to the explosion, three broken ribs, one broken jaw, broken eye socket seems incredibly likely we won’t be able to save the eye or the left arm and leg.
Only chance is extreme cybernetics surgery the only question is whether or not certain parts of the body should be held onto.
Probability is that he will have an artificial intelligence implanted into his brain to assist the meld between his cybernetics and his natural body functions; this will however mean that his thought capabilities will be increased and that his reaction timings will be close to that of a combat android. Almost none existent.
Patient to undergo treatment tomorrow.

Surgery report
The Surgery seems to have been a success newly promoted major Luck now has several cybernetics throughout his body including his brain his right leg and arm couldn’t be saved though to replace this he now has fully operational prosthetic limbs.
The artificial intelligence known as KAI (Karnack Artificial intelligence) was manufactured by Karnack artificial construction, and was programmed to have supportive role in his tasks such as being able to hack terminals, intercept communications as well as use miniature long range scanners.
To make it easier for him on his artificial left arm hand palm we have implanted a holographic replicator, so it will have a projection when necessary at the same time though this projector can be used to show information and results of scans that Kai is conducting.
The Commander has been transferred to a specialized station that will focus on in wounds during this time however he will have to remain in a state of comatose to prevent stress.


News report: Date three days after Invader station capture
Hello everyone..... I'm Robert Blake
Earlier today supreme admiral Hirohito of the liberator fleet said that via classified methods they have made contact to the resistance forces on Earth.
As well as this he stated something that we were glad to hear, Stating that Resistance forces on Earth rallied with the remnants of the U.N military forces and had launched a major offensive in New York.... The Admiral stated that this offensive, might very well prove to be a turning point in Earths Guerilla war against the Invader occupation.


Chapter 4: Ants and Reptiles
Diplomatic meeting for Durk reinforcements
“I am sorry Admiral but without proper reinforcements we cannot support the counter attack on earth”
“We don’t have the troops or ships necessary at this time ambassador”
“There is one group who could help us the Insectoids, their Queen Confederacy has enough troops to support us and support you”
“The insect hate all of us for the war we had thirty six years ago”
“If we don’t get them on our side then we will fall, admiral, besides there is no one else”
Galactic files:
Insectoid
A race of giant insects, found on a tough toxin covered world, where there are very few life sources, only the toughest of creatures can survive and this is what the insect are. Incredibly tough creatures with reinforced scales. Before the space age, their race was divided between the different queens, but once the time came, the queens formed the modern confederacy. After this they began construction of the largest underground city in the known Galaxy, spanning over thirty four hundred miles in diameter.
None of the queens leave the home world of Anta, surrounded by their praetorians. A few years after humanity joined the Galactic Federation of Systems, the Insectoid grew angry as humanity terraformed multiple planets they were planning on colonizing. This ultimately led to a full scale war, which humanity won, and the insects lost the right to build their massive battle cruisers.
The planet is mostly made up of swamps, that are filled with toxic liquids, and poisonous plants and animals, disease is very common, so common in fact that anyone who goes to the planet are ordered to go into armed medical facilities for isolation at risk of spreading disease. The planets mere toxicity is one of the reasons that the Insectoid are as tough as can be, they have a natural immunity to disease, toxins and venoms, and their bodies are quick to adapt to any new disease or toxin they come across, allowing them to survive in the deadliest locations.

Diplomatic meeting with Insectoid Queen Confederacy
The Queen Confederacy is the ruling body of the insect species the queens are born and raised by other queens and are protected by all means.
The Insectoid are famed as great builders, capable of building or repairing any kind of ship, when it came to battle their warrior would use their powerful mandibles and claws to kill their enemy, the warriors would always attack in large numbers hundreds sometimes thousands attacking a single location.
“We shall not stand with those who burnt our children” the central Queen stated
“We need to forget the past your majesties” the ambassador pushed his argument
“Human you will hear our voice our children shall never fight on scaled home” the queen continued
“And what happens when you have to face the enemy, we can push for you to have the right to build your Fleets again.” The Ambassador shouted
Another Queen raises her large head
“We shall fight alongside the human who gave his life for others, he who is now no longer truly human, we call him Metal Human you call him Jams” She said
“James Luck… I will speak to the doctors” the ambassador replied
“And we shall build our ships” the Queen stated

Classified Location: Audio and visual recording
“Captain unless you speak to them they refuse to fight alongside us”
The captain sat up
“Admiral Hirohito sir I’m still learning this stuff especially with KAI”
“KAI?”
“Karnack’s Artificial intelligence, manufactured for combat simulations”
“With a few upgrades of course James”
The intelligences image suddenly came from his hand, beautiful women with dark hair and a very pale face, with the image of a white t-shirt and dark blue trousers.
“Of course Kai”
“Major unless you do this the Durk will fall”
The admiral gave a new set of dog tags to the bed ridden Major
“Yes sir!”
“James I am not sure that this is the wisest action after all the Insecti still hold quite a grudge on humanity for the devastating war six years ago.
Anta orbit: Insectoid Home world:
“They certainly build a fleet really fast” Major Luck asked
“Well major the Insectoid have remarkably connected minds that allow them to build such things in a rather small amount of time, for example in the time it takes us to build 1 dreadnought they have built 10” Ambassador Turner (expert on Insectoid) answered his question.

“And because their insects it means that can have an army in a matter of days, an army that doesn’t need training, once an insect warrior is of age it is ready to go to battle” Admiral Hirohito continued .
The door to the bridge opens, and a large Insectoid warrior approaches, with its four pointed legs tinking the metal floor with every step, its two long arms like limbs huddled under its chest, with three long sharpened claws hooked at the wrist. And with its long and dagger like mandibles at the edge of it long head it began to speak with a very dark voice.

“We… Welcome…you … to…. Anta” warrior stated proudly
“We?” Major Luck questioned with a peculiar look on his face
“Insectoid Queens never leave their home world James when it comes to speaking they do so through the minds of Insectoid Praetorians” Kai explained.
“Yes… us…. Speak… through….. Our child” the warrior continued
“I am Major James luck of the 1st Liberator Marine Corp I must ask why you chose me” Major Luck stated proudly raising his head and giving a simple salute with his right hand.
“WE…. Have…. Seen….. You…. Fight… through…. Our…… technology….and….. We …. Know…. You fight …..Not for…… one….. People…… but…. For ……all” the warrior struggled to stated.
“Are your ships ready?” Major Luck asked
“200….. Queen…. Ships…. Are…. Ready…. All…. Loaded…. With…. 10,000 warriors” it said.
“That’s over 2 million warrior’s altogether” Admiral Hirohito said with alarm in his voice
“We… do… not…. Use…. Guns…. Like…. You” the warrior stated
“How many can you send to the Durk Home world?” Major Luck asked
“ALL" the reply came
“But what of your home world?” Major luck continued
“We…. Have….. Built…. 200….. Ships… in…. few…. Days….. And….. Many...coming…. if… they….. Come…. For…. Us…. We ….. Be…. Ready…. For them” the warrior stated.
The warriors head suddenly flicks downwards, and his change colour.
“The Queens have given control of these ships and the warriors inside to you” It continued now free of the control of his Queen
“What is your name?” Major Luck asked
“Insectoid do not have names” the warrior replied
“How about Africa?” Major Luck jokingly said
“Why give me a name?” it asked
“Because the African driver Ant is the largest species on Earth” Major luck explained
“I would be honoured to hold a name, but perhaps Arakhall” the warrior stated with caution in his voice
“Why that?” Major Luck asked
“It is what we call the largest ocean on our world” Arakhall proudly continued.
“It would be an honour to fight alongside you Arakhall” Major Luck spoke.
Arakhall approaches a communication terminal, and switches it to the Insectoid Frequency and then produces a loud high pitch whistle that echoes throughout the room.
“What was that?” Admiral Hirohito asked releasing his hands from his ears
“That was a Call to war Admiral, now let us help the scaled ones” Arakhall explained

Galactic file: Arakhall
Insectoid: Praetorian
The only known insectoid with a name, being a praetorian means two things, one is that he is charged with protecting and mating with the queens as well as leading the Insectoid armies. It also means that he is in the second to last stage of his life. The insectoid life cycle for non-queens is simple, larva, worker, warrior, Praetorian and finally winged. After he reaches a certain age, Arakhall will form a cocoon and form his finally body, resembling a small praetorian with a large set of four wings.
This stag of his life is rather strange as it means that his limbs will solely become weapons and not actual supports or his body. instead that is solely for his wings, however although his body will change into a flying weapon it also means that he is more likely to be killed in battle as his body will be more fragile.

Scaleon the Durk home world,

The enemy is attacking the Durk in large numbers possibly due to military strength and prowess. Such a thing matters little now the Durk fleet is outgunned and being slaughtered, Invader forces have hit them so hard they are struggling to reform into a formation.
Because the Durk are trained to fight as a team and because their fleet is split up they cannot do that, thus meaning they’ll be slaughtered. On the Planet and the large moon the Durk ground forces are being overwhelmed by the enemy numbers.
Major luck and the Insectoid Fleet of 200 dreadnoughts exit sonic speed and prepare for assault.

“Our… forces are prepared Major” Arakhall stated
“Put the ships into assault formation have the Dreadnoughts protect the drop ships…. Send half to the Carren, the largest moon, and the other half to the Planet” Major luck ordered
The ships begin to manoeuvre and the drop ships begin to pour out of the Dreadnoughts.
“Open a communication with the Durk Fleet…… This is Major Luck of the Liberators, we have rallied the Insectoid fleet and are coming to your Aid, the Insectoid drop ships are moving to Carren and to the planet surface, whilst the Dreadnoughts assist your fleet” Major Luck ordered
“Major our forces are being hit hard, we could assist in protecting those Drop ships but we need to reform our fleet” Alliga Derek (Durk Admiral) replied with the crackle and static within the communication

“Understood, we’ll hit the enemy from the rear, hopefully as they move to face us you can reform your ships……. Arakhall hit the enemy forces attacking the Durk Fleet” Major Luck continued
Arakhall bowed his head and sent the order.
The great ships of the Insectoid fleet moved forward firing their main guns, and as luck would have it the enemy were focusing their armour power forwards instead of the rear, dozens if the enemy ships were disabled as 200 blasts a minute hit the fleet.
The enemy began to make another mistake; they turned to face the Insectoid fleet, giving the Durk time to reform the fleet.

“James we have an incoming communication from the Durk forces” Kai said with her calm and relaxed voice the communication then came through
“Major we have reformed the fleet into assault formation, we’ll begin to push get the bugs onto the Planet…… can you assist in the evacuation of civilians from the Planet” Alliga Derek stated, but the crackle and static of the comm. was all but gone.
“Willingly” Major Luck stated “Arakhall fancy seeing the Durk Home world"
“With Pleasure Major…. But this is a human vessel we have no warriors here” Arakhall replied
“We’ll take a spec ops team with us” Major Luck ordered

They began to head down to the hanger bay and grabbed their armour well, James and the Spec ops team did, Arakhall simply waited. They boarded a drop ship and prepared for the drop.
The ship left the hanger and made its way quickly through the atmosphere, the force of it though made two men throw up, and one nearly blacked out, but James and Arakhall held firm, the shaking slowed and then a tremendous clang as the ship hit the ground.

The doors opened and the troops charged out weapons ready, but found a military camp, well a battered one, the camp had makeshift buildings filled with everything from wounded troops or the covered bodies of the dead. Surrounding the camp were makeshift barricades made of rubble and military hardware, on the far side was the largest most likely facing the enemy forces, on it were multiple troops, and a powerful gun, whilst in the centre of the camp was a set of two Durk Anti-aircraft guns firing at Invader Fighters and Bombers flying by.

“You soldier…. Where’s your commanding officer” Major Luck ordered
“Just over here sir the one in Black sir” the Durk replied, with a great amount of urgency in his voice.
James and Arakhall made their way over to the commander
“Commander?” Major Luck asked
“Croco…. Derellik” Croco (Durkish version of Commander) Derellik replied
“Major James Luck, 1st Liberator Marines, this is Arakhall commander of the Insecti forces here… we were told you needed help evacuating people” Major luck asked
“Did……. Enemy forces ….. Overwhelmed the camp, holding civilians… they were all slaughtered” Croco Derellik said with a great pain in his voice
“I am sorry…. Is there anything” Major Luck was interrupted
“James I am detecting a large invader force on my long range external scanners they are approaching the main barricade” Kai stated

A massive explosion hit the main barricade, and the troops on it were thrown back, in a flash invader grunts poured over it.

“ALL TROOPS TO THE MAIN BARRICADE!!” Croco Derellik shouted
“YOU TWO PROTECT THE COMMUNICATIONS THE REST WITH ME” Major Luck ordered
All but two followed James and ARAKHALL, who stabbed and slashed his way through the Grunts leaving many bodies in his wake. James fired his assault rifle using the implants within his body to his advantage, his reactions were quicker than anyone else’s, and he could fire at a grunt without even aiming his weapon.

With his and Arakhalls help the Durks pushed them back to the barricade.
“They are retreating forward!” Croco Derellik ordered
“James the enemy is not retreating they are merely regrouping, more of them are coming. Far more” Kai stated
“No hold the line!” Major luck countered the orders
“We have them Major… we have them” Croco Derellik demanded an answer
“They aren’t retreating Kai is telling me they are pulling back to let larger creatures attack and have room to manoeuvre… sergeant how our men?” James replied trying to explain the situation
“Two dead sir” one his troopers replied
Then the soldier on the barricade turned and began shouting
“They are coming again!” kai stated
“Croco Derellik…. Pull your men back….. Pull them back” Major Luck ordered
“FALL BACK… FALL….. BBBBAAACCCKK!”  The order came.
At that moment the enemy charged again and broke through the barricades.
“THEY’VE BROKEN THROUGH…. THE CAMP HAS BEEN BREACHED “Croco Shouted as he and everyone ran from the defences of the camp.

The Durk forces began to run and firing their weapons as they go, as does James and THE SPEC OPS TEAM.
Hours later the Durk have been driven to the Regional Capital city centre.
There are more wounded than living troops, the Spec ops team that landed with James and Arakhall were all killed during the retreat.
“What now Major...? We don’t have the troops to fight the enemy” Croco requested
“We use the city itself, look down the street what do you see?” the major replied
“James I am unsure of this the enemy are coming in very large numbers, this must be the last push for them to break the defences of Scaleon” KAI stated

The Croco looked down and saw what military commanders fear “A choke point…. We use this choke point to slow the enemy down”
“NO halt them, you weren’t ready for a counter attack, but here you have the advantage, back at the camp they used bombers and fighter to attack you, here they can’t because the threat of dropping a building on their own troops is present.” Major luck stated proudly
The Croco nodded and began to manoeuvre his men into positions that would suit them.
“We are going to need Insectoid warriors here Arakhall” major Asked
“Indeed, luckily there are hundreds here we can use, as this was a drop point” Arakhall replied now understanding the situation
“Gather them” James ordered

By midnight the enemy began to approach but no fighters or bombers flew above them, the Durk and insect forces rallied for the Charge. Stood on a large piece of rubble in front of them was Major Luck
“Tonight, we do battle, we fight here so others can escape, we fight a war more deadly than any other, those of us here were once enemies, Insectoid, Human and Durk, but now we stand as allies”
The faces of those below him were staunch, fearful for their lives
“We don’t just fight for our lives tonight; we fight for those who can’t fight, so that they may see another tomorrow, so that the dawn will come again. For you Durk warriors this is your home, do our want to see your families enslaved?”
The Durk all shout “NO!!”
“And to the insect brothers and sisters, warriors all of you, you may follow the rulings of the queens but are you going to sing song of Defeat?”
Arakhall and the other warriors screech
“Then will you fight with me, in this our final stand?”
They all screech and cheer in agreement
 He raises his Assault Rifle “FOR LOVE, FOR FREEDOM, FOR THE PEOPLE AAAAAHHHH” He jumps down and charges at full speed at the enemy, the screeching and cheering warriors follow soon after.
“TOO THE DEATH”
“GO FOR THE PEOPLE”
“FOR THE QUEENS”

All shouting at the enemy,
The faces of the enemy soon turned from hate and arrogance to fear and surprise, as hundreds of Insectoid and Durk Soldiers charge at them weapons raised.
The sound of a great crash filled the street as the two sides clashed into close quarter combat, insect warriors, Durk and one human cutting, slashing, kicking, punching, and whacking the enemy grunts. Many warriors fell bravely, James looked up and saw invader fighters approaching, and knowing the end was coming closed his eyes and waited for the attack.

“It has been a short honour to fight with you James…. Wait a moment something is coming” Kai
he opened his eyes, looked up to the skies and saw Insectoid and Durk fighters destroying the enemy bombers, he smiled, and chuckled, pointing upwards he cheered, and as he returned to the fight he could see the enemy turning and fleeing. He thought of the words of his ancestor, Lucky Jack founder of the Liberators, “When the free peoples are united it is Tyranny that should be Afraid”.
As the enemy fled, the many warriors cheered and embraced each other over the impossible victory they had achieved.


Autopsy report: Unknown Class Hunter
The enemy creature known as the Hunter seems to be the enemy Close combat specialist but it appears from the sensitivity of the skin that the creature cannot survive in direct sunlight. This means that the creature can only be used in the night hours

The eyes seem to agree to this as they are very sensitive to low light areas, when we tested them, they showed that their eyes are at least 50 times more at home in the darkness than we are.
From the look of the bone structure and the claws, I would hazard a guess that they are extremely good climbers, and are capable of falling from great heights.  The claws themselves on the fore arms are rather longer than those on the back legs, from the look of the knuckles and reports from the front, the creature seems to walk on its knuckles to protect the claws and keep them sharp.

From examination of the skull we found what we could only guess the brain has a large parietal lobe which agrees with our theory that their senses are much greater than ours.
On the rear section of the brain once again we found another controlling system, which is linked to the central nervous system.

But unlike the Grunts theirs are more advanced. Our theory is that the grunts are creatures that were captured and enslaved far earlier than the hunters.

Autopsy report Enemy class: Goliath
Much larger than the grunts or hunters, these are about the size of a one story cottage but have incredible muscle build up. If I had to guess I would say that these creatures act like tanks, reports from the field agree to this, they seem to carry large powerful guns that seem to do the same thing as a high explosive tank round.

In my opinion I would say that these creatures move much slower than the others. So perhaps this can be used against them, reports from the field that the movements are sluggish, once they see a target they have to pull their whole bodies around to face the opposition.

Chapter 5: Going Home
Durk forces alongside Insectoid warriors have gained the upper hand. Although invaders remain in large numbers, the tide is slowly turning.
Reports are now that the Durk are now holding instead of retreating.
James though is unhappy, hundreds of soldiers are dead at his feet, and yet the fight is still ongoing with no victory insight.
“James what is troubling you” Kai asked
“Nothing Kai”James said
“James I am a part of you. And I know when something is troubling you” Kai continued to push her argument
 “How many are dead because of me?” James asked himself
 “I think I might go home for a bit see some old friends “James said, it was weird for him, he was still trying to get used to the AI In his head

“Home?” a voice came, somewhat stunted and crackled, As Arakall came around a corner,
“Paradise it’s a colony, on the Border of the Humanities colonial range, rather beautiful , was born and raised their until I joined the Liberators of course, I think I need some time to see what I am fighting for” James was now confident in his choice, he needed to see his home, his sister what he was fighting for.

City Centre: Scaleon Capital of Garial Prima Hall (Prima=President)
“Major we thank you for your help… thanks to you and the Insectoid we have begun to push the enemy back, we have begun to liberate more and more occupied territory, and reports from the moon say that we have regained our Orbital cannons, and are already firing on the enemy fleet” Prime Scaridan
“Thank you sir” Major luck
Audio file ended
A soldier comes forward “Excuse me major… you have a message…from Eve’s Paradise”
James made his way to a private room to establish the link, to his great surprise it was his lifelong friend, Alexandro Tomas.

Colonial files
Name: Alexandro Tomas
Residence: Eve's (Eva's) Paradise.
Occupation: Colonial Militia Captain
Personal information: he and James luck have been close friends since they were kids; both often look to each other as brothers.
However after James lost his and later turned 18, Captain Tomas tried to convince him to join the Militia to do some good, but it has been said that James Luck couldn't as he saw that the Militia only protected the Colonial capital and now the outlying towns and villages.

“James is that you” the Old friend asked, but the connection was bad, static and interference was constant throughout the message.
“Hey Tomas…. What’s up mate, I can see that face looking like shit, how’s Adamstown?, hows Abby?” James asked, as he knew a look that was on his friends face, his friend was filthy, covered in dirt and cuts from a fight.
“She’s fine, I was able to get her and some others out in time” Tomas replied
“In time?” James asked, as he began to feel a tear fall from his right eye

“We heard of the war going on and prepared…. The ships came; me and few guys in the militia were sent to protect them, we..... we gathered people and got them out... but some wanted to... to stay.... try and hide...... when we got a few miles away... bombers started to arrive.... and they started to drop Incendiary Bombs, I could see the smoke and fires, could hear the screams” Tomas continued with tears now filling his eyes and streaming down his face, it was clear that it was traumatic for him.
“Adamstown?" James couldn't speak clearly he voice was garbled by emotion and loss

“There isn’t an Adamstown anymore, it’s all gone” Tomas finally ended wiping the tears from his face.

James just sat there with tears rushing down his face, his hands forming into fists, with great force he stood up and charged through endless corridors for the hangerbay.

“Hold it son” Admiral Hirohito ordered
“Sir gets out of my way I am going home” James shouted with anger in his voice
“Can’t let you do that son, you’re the face of this war, and we need you to lead it” Admiral Hirohito continued

“And sacrifice the people of Paradise” James shouted even louder, people on both sides of the corridor could hear every word. Slowly the Admiral put his arm around james' right shoulder with him standing on the left and pulled James in as they renewed their walk down the corridor.

"Officially and unofficially I'm under orders to keep you here until we launch our counter offensive" The Admiral whispered, James recognized the manner in which he spoke, the admiral knew he couldn't let James go.

"What about you sir? What do you think?" James asked, the Admiral looked him dead in the eye before he even considered his answer he took a deep inhale and exhale.
"I think.... Your thoughts aren't that of a Liberator.... there of a Man who wants to take back his home" He stated. James merely released the Admirals hold on his shoulder and held firm, he was not going to take another step.

"I'm always a Liberator.... its in my blood sir.... and if there's any chance of me helping those people back home kill those bastards... I've got to at the very least try" He proudly Specified.
The Admiral looked at him not with fear of losing an able fighter, but with pride, for he could see a true liberator before him.

"Should have known you'd say that...... Kill em any way you can..... Kill em ALL" he ordered with a definitive defiance of the orders he had already been given. "In two weeks I'll give the order for your arrest.... so make sure you keep ya head down"

 James could see this saluted the Admiral one last time "Don't wait for me.... If you dont here from me In a week kill em all"  before running off to the hangar bay.
“I truly hope that he will not going to regret doing that” Kai stated
He grabbed a ship and left without another word to anyone
Two months later. It took the liberators time to truly locate James Luck, they knew he was on Eva's Paradise but they didn't know where.

“you are the best commandos of the Durk, Felis, Insectoid and humanity, we are asking you to go to the human colony of Paradise, and get Major luck back here for Court Martial, he assaulted a superior officer and disobeyed a director order, as well as this is now a deserter of our forces. Your shuttle leaves at 0500 whatever happens don’t come back without him” Admiral Hirohito explained looking upon the members of this multiracial team of soldiers.
The soldiers begin to leave for the shuttle to prep for the capture of Lucky James of the Liberator Marines, hero of the Battles of Felis and Scaleon, ally of the Insectoid Queens.

“Sir… waits….. We’re getting a signal… from….. Eves Paradise” a soldier shouts the commandos halt their exit
“Put it up” the admiral ordered
“There is nothing to see sir it’s mostly audio” The soldier replies
The admiral nods and points at the central holo table
“This is a message to any and all liberator or allied forces out there; I have a warning of critical importance.” The message said
“That’s Major lucks A.I” the Admiral stated
The commandos gathered around to listen as the message continued

“The invader forces have attacked with devastating force, they want revenge for the defeat on Scaleon, and so they plan on incinerating every city, town and village on the planet.”
Those in the war room stop their work and all gather as well, listening with shock and fear in their hearts and minds.

“And that’s not the worst of it even if we are able to survive that they plan on harvesting the planetary core which would make the planet unstable…. This will result in the planet imploding… Command did not want me to come and defend my home… they want to decide who is worth saving…. But I think everyone deserves to be saved…. For that is the purpose of the Liberators to protect the freedoms and liberties of all people of ALL PEOPLES…. This is James Luck formerly Major of the liberator 1st Marines.” the message ended with a large amount of static
All present looked at the Admiral… whom also feels regret…. He was the admiral yet he chose not to help them.

 “Call the fifth fleet, 1st marines and the Felis Raiding Fleet, request that they go to Eves Paradise.” The admiral ordered
And with that said the room became a frenzy of activity
“Fifth fleet make ready to move for Eve’s paradise”
“Felis raiding fleet start assaults on Eves Paradise”
“1st marines make ready for assignment”
“Did anyone else get the message” Admiral
“I did Admiral” President Malcolm
“Mr President Sir” Admiral turning to see the hologram message
“I have asked that the remnants of the earth defence fleet move to the Colony” President
“But sir the fleet is limited in numbers of ships” Admiral
“If we can’t stand with our colonies why should they stand with us” President
“Who says sir that the colony is on its own” Admiral “I am sending you an intelligence report from a few years ago”

Intelligence report 221 subject Native peoples of Eves Paradise
The Mara people are a hostile race of humanoids however they hide their faces with war masks, they are currently based in the industrial age, wielding machine guns, shotguns, rifles, rockets as well as things like axes, spears etc. Archaeological work suggests that the race was once very proud and peaceful, however when colonization began and the planet changed, they were forced into the eastern desert territories, where they are now scavengers.
For the most part they are almost identical to humans, at first look they have the same physiology but internally they are far tougher, they have been known to survive a crash that would kill a human, this is mostly due to their bone structure which is reinforced with naturally occurring carbon. They also have a system of growth that is very unusual, as youngsters they grow much faster than humans, for example by they are ten years of age, their bodies are much closer to the age of 16/17. However when they reach a certain age, then they begin to be more like humans, aging slower in more human like physiology.

They also are raiders attacking homesteads that are on the borders of their territories, they mostly ride makeshift hover Bikes that are designed for the desert sands as well as local wildlife. Orbital images show multiple make shift villages mostly made out of the scrap that they salvage and one large city deep within the desert. Even their armor are things that are scavenged, one war mask that was found had a product code of an old Coca cola can.

Intelligence points to the Mara working a clan system; however these “clans” don’t fight each other. With this information it is advised that the people of the colony avoid entering the Mara territories and only settle areas outside of the buffer zones, which are areas where scrap metal and rubbish is dumped.

Tensions have been high ever since the end of the Great Maric War that lasted only a single year, and claimed the lives of over 36,000 men, women and Children of the Colony and United Nations Galactic Marines.

Planetary information:
The Planet of Eves Paradise (Eva’s Paradise to the Maras) is a planet that is very similar to earth in the form of atmosphere, the main difference is the fact that the planet spins vertically so instead of spinning from west to east. Eves Paradise rotates north to south; this means that the planets weather and seasonal system is very different.

The planet itself is divided into three sections; the first is under control of the colony. This is known by the Maras as the Fertile lands, found on the Western side of the planet, these lands are the best location on the planet for farming, as the atmosphere of the planet and the plant life there constantly keep the soil fertile.

In the East is the great desert a land where life is incredibly tough, although it is possible to farm in the East, it is incredibly tough and the winters are tougher still, this land is under the current hold of the Maric Clans, under their High King Torrelik Val. (Pronounced Tour A Lick Val)

Between them is what is known as the spine, a length of mountains, hills and valleys running straight across the map. Running north to south, the spine forms a ring of mountains and hills all around the planet. The spine acts a kind of barrier, in the summer it is easy to move from east to west, but during the winter. The valleys are filled by either snow or sludge from rain, making them quite literally impossible to move through.

 “Are you saying that this Mara could help free the colony” Mr President
“Afraid not sir, the Mara hate us for destroying their planet, and forcing them into scavenging raiders” Admiral “But if anyone can make an alliance with them its James Luck”

The Battle of Eves paradise:
The resistance on Eves Paradise had come into their own, a unified and organized resistance now worked to free the planet well the colonial side of the planet, the native people however fought anyone who entered their territory.

 The enemy attempted to burn the cities with the help of the resistance the civilians were able to escape. But it still meant that they planned to destroy the planet, but James had a plan.
At a classified oceanic location the resistance had gathered in large numbers. James stepped out of the central ship.

"Listen up.... and listen well" James Shouted "OUR MISSION IS TO LAND ON THE BEACHES TO THE EAST...... STORM THE ENEMY HELD FORTRESS..... TAKE THEIR SHUTTLES TO THE ORBITAL RING... ACTIVATE THEM..... AND KILL EVERY LAST SON OF A BITCH INVADER WE FIND.....DO YOU GET ME"
All shouted in unison the same answer "YYYEEESSS SSIIRR"
Yet he was not done "WE HAVE TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE THEIR FLEET IS WITHIN RANGE OF BOMBARDMENT...... TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE THEY BURN THE PLANET... SO MOVE AS FAST AS YOUR LEGS CAN CARRY YOU!" and with invigorated anger and fury "AND REMEMBER WE'RE NOT FIGHTING FOR SOME PIECE OF ROCK, ACROSS THE GALAXY........" he paused for only a few seconds "WE'RE FIGHTING FOR OUR HOME!!!!.... COMMENCE THE ATTACK!!!!"
The fighters raised their fists in agreement screaming at the top of the voices.
The boats all revved their engines and shot off at full speed in the direction of their base, the fighters still roaring at the top of their voices.
No more than a few minutes later the beaches of the fortress ran red with blood as the resistance charged with great courage across the rocks and stone beach. Yet they charged, fists and weapons held high, shouting “Home!!”  The enemy fired their weapons yet it did not stop them, they continued the charge, blew the gates of the fortress. And once the great explosion ceased the gates came crashing down, pining many invaders beneath its heavy metal structure.
James led from the front shouting "COME ON YOU FUCKERS..... YOU WANT TO WIN TODAY..... KILL EM ALL!!!!". The fighters stormed the fortress and the shuttles one by one they fired up into the sky, yet the enemy did not stop them as they were too busy staying alive in hand to hand combat.
High above the shuttles began to board the Orbital defence ring surrounding the planet, bristling with guns of all sizes. Built during the Human-Insectoid War, yet was down for maintenance when the invaders attacked.
Suddenly “Before you get the guns online, I have one more favour to ask you”
“What is it James?”
“I want you to send a message to liberator command”
“Got ya”
The solider began the relay protocol and sent the message but it meant listening to it
“The invader forces have attacked with devastating force, they want revenge for the defeat on Scaleon, and so they plan on incinerating every city, town and village on the planet.
And that’s not the worst of it even if we are able to survive that they plan on harvesting the planetary core which would make the planet unstable…. This will result in the planet imploding… Command did not want me to come and defend my home… they want to decide who is worth saving…. But I think everyone deserves to be saved…. For that is the purpose of the Liberators to protect the freedoms and liberties of all people of ALL PEOPLES…. This is James Luck formerly Major of the liberator 1st Marines”

Chapter 6: Vivre Resistance
James Luck is still listed as MIA, the colony of eves Paradise is still present but the Allied forces were unable to launch an offensive, due to heavy fighting on the front lines. On earth the resistance is holding with the aid of Felis Blockade runners ferrying supplies, but still the war has dragged on, trenches now zig zag across many planets, as they fight the many invader creatures.]

21.00 hours intelligence ship 229 location eves paradise
“MAY DAY, MAY DAY, MAY DAY, MAY DAY WE HAVE BEEN HIT HARD BY ENEMY FORCES, WE ARE GOING DOWN ON THE PLANET OF EVES PARADISE, REPEAT WE ARE ABANDONING SHIP”

The crew fled for the pods, which shot down to the planet surface only one made it through the heavy enemy fire. On-board there were three men, one intelligence officer, a mechanic and a medic.
The Intel Officer was a man of around 32 years; he had little to no hair on his face and even kept his hair neat and tidy, cut short with a military style cut. His uniform was that of an officer, pressed properly ironed and kept in good condition, with the bars, strips on his shoulders.
The Mechanic was nothing of the sought; he was completely bald, as of course long hair gets in the way of doing a dirty job. His entire head is completely free of hair, his uniform matched this simplicity. Unlike the officers, his was dirty and falling to pieces, simple clothing of an engineer, tatty and covered with dirt, oils and greases from the many machines and systems of a star ship.
The doctor was a mixture of the two, he had a pressed uniform but the only thing was he was covered in stains from trying to help people as the ship was attacked. He had blood stains on his coat and on his trousers. He had a military style hair cut but he had the sides cut much shorter than the top, giving his hair an uneven look.

The pod smacked hard into the soil, high above a brutal storm covered the night sky.
The men scramble from the pod first thought on their minds, a fire for warmth.
“Come on we need fire wood” Intel officer Daniels
“Got it” Doc Stormer
They packed the firewood tight in a small tent like shape
“And we have a fire” Mechanic Williams “And a shelter, I know it’s only sticks and scrap from the pod but it’s better than nothing”
The fire shot into light providing warmth slowly they gathered under the shelter with the heat of the fire.

“What do ya think wait out the storm…. Wait until morning” Doc Stormer
“I think that as soon as this storm passes we move… the enemy will be looking for us, that and pray we aren’t in Mara territory” Intel officer Daniels

They all began to relax and soon fell to sleep with the belief of safety with the fire.
As they slept a set of glowing eyes watched them from the darkness beyond the fire, small growls can be heard, but yet they slept. The eyes came closer and closer, until the light of the fire revealed a Hunter, its claws sharp as knives, its teeth pointed as a feather quill its skin changing darkening to the changes in light. Walking on its knuckles, with its long dagger like claws hooked close to its palm, it’s back arched from its head to its long legs stretching out with every step.

The hunter came closer and closer, until finally Daniels woke up but was pinned by the creature, Stormer and Williams woke up in a panic. Daniels screamed at the top of his voice as the creature snarled desperately trying to dig its long fangs into him.
But then the creature fell to the floor, Daniels moved as fast as he could pushing the corpse off him, but paused as he noticed a knife in the back of the creatures skull.

From the shadows came a figure, wearing tattered clothing, cloth covering his mouth and nose, a pair old dark military goggles covering his eyes, and a dark black cloth hood up over his hair, flying in the wind behind him was a cloth coat resembling a cloak. Via leather strap over his chest and right shoulder hangs an assault rifle.

“If you want to live come with me” Unknown
The figure turned and began to walk into the darkness followed cautiously by the three individuals
“Do you have a light” Williams asked
“Lights show where you are” The figure responded
Williams stepped back
After an hour of walking in total darkness they came to the bottom of a steep hill, and began to climb, slowly but surely they came to the entrance of a cave, slowly in the cold air of the cave, they followed their saviour, but then the smell of smoke hit their noses. Around the corner light could be seen.

As they came around, they saw a great fire, sat in the middle of a gathering of men, women and children all wearing tattered clothing at the corner itself, on a large rock sat another man with a hidden face holding a rifle in his hands watching the corner and nothing else . The figure removed his rifle from its strap and placed it on a rack filled with other weapons. And went to sit with the others.
“Come on you must be hungry” The figure asked

The men sat down around the fire, and a young lady passed makeshift plates holding meat and fruits. The men quickly scoffed the food down their throats as they were starving, but then of course being scared out of your mind makes you hungry.

The people around the fire began to have small quiet conversations,
“You shouldn’t be out after dark” one said “You almost got him killed”
“Almost, he killed that thing like it was nothing” Williams answered
“Shh. Keep your voice down” one woman said
“Hunters have better night vision than us… they prefer to hunt at night when they have the advantage, so no going outside when it’s dark” the leader said
“Are you guys the resistance?” Stormer asked
"He who saved you is, were refugees trying to get out of the occupied cities" one woman stated
"What’s it like?" Stormer continued

"The resistance has a stronger hold in the wilds but there are cells in the cities… Collaborator militia patrol the cities, aliens do the wilds" one of the men whispers "the boss man found us, we were trying to get out try and live our lives, said he'd take us to the only free place on the planet"
“So for a year you’ve been here trying to survive?” Daniels asked
They all nodded, outside the cave the hunters moved around screeching and calling, the guard at the corner readied himself.

“I think it’s time we got some sleep” the leader stated
The men all got up and moved to the corner, and began to make notice of who will be on guard and who will follow afterwards
Meanwhile the women and children began to make themselves comfortable
Williams, Doc and Daniels did not know what to do so decided to get some rest, but before they did the leader stopped them,
“Not here, children closer to the fire than the men”

Looking around them they understood, the children were being placed closer to the fire than anyone else, whist some of the men got to sleep whilst others stood watch over the camp.
In the middle of the night they woke to squeals outside, Daniels began to carefully walk over to the corner, turning to the right he saw the leader and two other fighters at the mouth of the cave.
Daniels began to walk towards them, the leader turned and made a hand gesture meaning for him to keep down low to the ground.

“What’s out there?” He asked
“Hunter pack” one of the fighter responded
“Can’t see a damn thing” Daniels whispered
Hearing this leader gave Daniels a set of thermal goggles. Carefully placing them on Williams, quickly noticed the hunters on the far side of a valley.
“Six…. Seven…. Eight….. Nine hunters mate” one of the fighters said
“Oy far side of the valley” another whispered
They all turned to their left to see it was, 10 objects moving fast down the valley towards the hunters.
“Maras” Boss stated
The Objects soon became clearer, 10 people riding Kalgrims, spears and others weapons readied

Natural file:
Kalgrims are mammalian wolf like creatures that around the size of a Terran Horse, like other animals on Eva's Paradise they are mammal like Reptiles, a mix between the two, Kalgrims have turtle shell like plates acting as armor along their backs, neck, shoulders and hips.
The most terrifying part of them is the fact that they have massive sabre upper canines, almost the length of a large butcher’s cleaver. Maras have domesticated these large predators because of their speed, and stamina, it has been said that they could run at high speed for days on end.

As they got closer the hunters turned to face them but did not stand a chance. The Maras opened fire still at high speeds, the hunters fell by the many, all but one were slaughtered without firing a shot, the ninth hunter was tackled by a Mara hover bike, on the ground the Hunter couldn’t move, the Mara leader stopped and got off his ride, walking slowly to the hunter he placed his foot on the hunters chest, knelt down, and with one swift movement pulled the controlling chip from the back of the hunters skull.

The following morning Daniels, Stormer, Boss and two of the fighters made their way down, just as the sun was coming up. They found the eight hunter corpses stripped of all technology and weapons, and a single Hunter standing absolutely still.

“What’s wrong with it?” Daniels asked
“The controller chip, in the skull tells them what to do, without it, can’t do a thing not even say, react to what it can see” the leader stated
The leader then slapped the creature in the face, but it did not react, it just pulled its face forward again and paused. All present remained in awe that it was lifeless. The leader then pulled a pistol from his belt and aimed. A loud bang echoed through the valley as the creature fell to the ground.
“So where too now?” Stormer requested
“We have to keep moving” a fighter stated
“Come on we have to call in the transport back to HQ” the boss ordered.
"Transport?" Stormer asks
"Somewhat, it’s an old skull carrier, from the insect wars" Boss answers

And so they walked, until the boss knew they were safe looked up to the sky.
For a moment Williams and Stormer thought something was wrong, until a certain sound began to echo down the valleys from the end all could see a peculiar transport ship flying low, possibly to avoid detection, the ship was long and fat, but moved with speed and manoeuvrability. The look of the ship was strange, the length from tail, to head was smooth on the sides, top and bottom, with a set of engines one on each side at the half way marker extending from the top of the ship.

The front of the ship curved down slowly and then quickly curved inwards towards the belly.
The speed began to slow into a hover, as it produced its landing gears.
Setting down in front of the group, with its head facing away from them, slowly a ramp lowered down in front of them.

"Well come on we have to get going" the boss stated
Slowly they made their way in, on the inside there was two lines of seats running along the sides of the ship. At the front was a door to the pilots. At the top of the ramp were standing two men wearing old militia uniforms wielding sub machine guns.  They too had their faces hidden by helmets, goggles but their mouths were in plain view.

They began to take their seats, but the boss went to the pilots
“You alright boys? Any flyers in the area?"
"None boss, the heavier stuff are staying in the cities" the pilot responded
"Alright give the announcement" boss stated and then took his seat at the head
"ladies and gentleman, pleasure to see some new faces, my name is skuller and I’ll be your pilot for this afternoon, my co-pilot is a good guy Frankie boy, now this is a none smoking skull carrier, and if you’re feeling nausea then the airsickness bags are found under your seats.... the fasten your seatbelts sign is on..... Fliet attendents please prepare for take off" Skull stated over the tannoy, as the Soldiers and the leader began to chuckle from being called fliet attendents.

Chapter 7 HQ Sweet HQ
All wanted to look out the windows to see the free village, protected by the canyons and the resistance. for this small town made up of several buildings, a warehouse or two, a large makeshift farm and ranch, and the piece de resistance a large fortified building built against the canyon wall, with a landing pad in front, with a flag pole flying a white flag with a black skull with two knives below it pointing diagonally upwards swaying in the wind.
Close to the HQ were other troop carriers and old fighter bombers, bust dust covered them, the reason for that was because they hadn't been used in many months. Of course who would want to fly a fighter bomber with invaders controlling the skies? The fighters were specially designed, the cockpit was long and reasonably wide with a seat that leaned back. To the left and the right pointing upwards were wings for maneuverability, in front of the cockpit were two long pointed weapon systems, about a metre wide close to the cockpit but they thinned out as they reached the very tip of the barrels. Behind the cockpit of course was an engine and thrusters combined into a single engine system, basically when in use the engine would produce a single blue flame.

The pilot began the sequence of landing
"This is skull carrier requesting permission to land" he asked over the radio
" skull carrier this is control you are cleared for landing.... doors open and beds made tell the boss welcome home" a response came.
"No place like home aye boss" Frankie Bones asked
“Hell yeah Bones" boss replied
The ship came down slowly, as it got closer and closer the landing gears slowly lowered and then with a massive clang they met the ground.
"Ok listen up when you are off you will be guided by one of our people, they will help you find a place to sleep but they will also help you with things like day to day activities, such as food and water" boss stated " you three" he pointed at Williams, Stormer and Daniels "you guys come with me"

they all nodded, the ramp came down at the foot two figures waited, one was a Durk with his black scales and long tail covered in scars of battle, definitely matching the way of the Durk the other was a Felis, with his bright orange fur almost glowing in the sun, sticking out were his extended elf like ears pointing backwards, covered in fur. The group piled off the transport and followed the instructions of the two figures moving their arms and hands. Finally boss, Williams, Stormer and doc came off.

“Good to see your skinny white ass back again” the Durk said in a rough and tough voice.
“Yes it is good to see that you’re made it safely home” the Felis continued in a more polite manner.
The boss shook their hands and then turned to introduce them “these guys here are my seconds in commands they also train our fighters, the Durk is Komodo formerly of the Durkish commandos, rough as a badger, and swears like a sailor, the Cat is Lionel, he was a member of the Honour Guard, polite as it comes and respectful to the core” the two nodded to the new comers and they returned with a wave or a nod of their own.

Durkish Military files:
Name: Komodo Gaul
Age: 36 human years
Division: Special Operations Force
Rank: Gatoral (Staff Sergeant)
Status: Unknown
Resistance information: Komodo had originally been sent to arrest James and return him to the allies for court martial, however after their means of transportation was destroyed, Komodo opted to stay for a fight for obvious reasons.
Rapidly gaining the trust of JAMES LUCK, he became the head of the first stage of resistance training, teaching the fresh volunteers how to work as a team, teaching them in the same manner he would teach Durk troops, by treating them like they were the lowest form of life in this galaxy.



Felis private files:
Name: Lionel Kirsch
Age: 36 human years
Division: Felis Honour Guard
Rank: Hunter (Captain)
Status: Unknown
Resistance file information: had originally been sent to arrest James and return him to the allies for court martial, however after their means of transportation was destroyed, he decided to assist the resistance, in fighting their guerrilla war against the occupation.
Soon became the trainer of the second stage of resistance training, sole fighter, teaching recruits how to act and think as individuals, allowing them to act in smaller groups, and how to (become the tiny flea that makes the big dog mad).

Being a former member of the Honour Guard it means that Lionel is a tough fighter and one of the best to reach the rank of Captain. The honour Guard is tasked with protecting the People as well as the royal family and spiritual temples of the Felis Home world.

Psychological info:
Lionel seems to hate himself for some reason, it is in my opinion that Lionel Kirsch seems to blame himself for the failure of protecting both members of the royal family and failing to protect a spiritual temple on Felix when the invaders first attacked.

“follow us boss man we got a lot of fucking trouble to talk about” Komodo said turning towards the command centre soon followed by Lionel, the boss and the new comers who spent more time looking around at their surroundings than looking where they were going.
Once inside of the command centre there was a massive room with a large holographic map of the whole colony in the centre, with information over each of the major cities coming and going, alongside information of the resistance cells in operation.

In other parts were people on consoles and passing along information, which often was put onto the holo map.
"Gentlemen welcome to the resistance" boss stated looking back at the three men following him. All of which had faces of amazement.
"Our information said that there was no organised resistance here" Williams said
"Information is hard to come by when up there" Lionel stated "here though we have organized what originally was a band of resistances and militias into a unified force"
"But what about the attempted destruction?" Stormer asked
"the war happened, when we destroyed the mining ships they gave up trying such things and decided to us the planet as a refuelling point for their fleet" boss replied

“HEY! I am talking to myself here” Komodo stated
"Sorry continue" boss responded
"Wise ass, the cells in the cities reported an allied ship attempting to come close to the planet.... but none of the escape pods made it, they report that the enemy were focused on them and used the opportunity to sneak materials out to supply drops" Komodo continued

"Good let’s get that stuff here, build what we can and get it back to the fight" the boss replied
"Also James...... Gunnison and Necker’s cells launched an offensive at a supply depot.... they took casualties but got away... their currently on the run" Lionel reported

"Right.... let’s give them a hand...... pass the word on that they are to go underground, evac the wounded and continue with recruiting " the boss ordered " you three come with me, we can speak in my office"
Daniels, Williams and Stormer nodded and followed, as the one who saved them removed pieces of his scruffy clothing.

They enter his office which had massive window looking at the whole command centre, in the centre was a simple desk and chair pinned on the wall behind it was a simple map of the planet with its one super continent. On the desk were papers but two things stood out on two different corners on the left and the right were old picture frames, but the pictures could not be seen by any of the three.
The boss finally showed his face, he was in his late twenties with dark hair of medium length with his fringe tucked to the left away from his face. His dark brown eyes were blood shot from days without sleep. He had no cheeks but muscle from the cheek bones going straight to the chin, along his face was dark facial hair trimmed to a very short length, but still obvious.

The boss sat down in his chair pulled a pen and paper from a draw
"Right.... names and ranks" He stated
"No offence but you do not give me orders, I am an officer of the Earth Defence Fleet" Daniels stated
"I don’t give a damn.... up there you were an officer.... down here you those stripes don’t mean shit..... So what is your name and rank" boss ordered with authority
"Daniels..... Michael Daniels.... Intel officer of the 23rd marines" Daniels replied
The boss wrote down what he said then a small scribble at the end "you" he pointed to Stormer.
"Eric Stormer sir..... Medical officer of the 23rd marines" Stormer replied
Once again the boss wrote it down with the scribbled ending "and you sir" he looked at Williams.
"Peter Williams sir.... mechanic of the 13th engineers" Williams answered
Repeating the same process boss wrote it down.

Warning current Resistance files, were released three months after the liberation of the Colony.
United Nations file: Daniels- Michael
Age: 36
Division: Office of Naval Intelligence
Rank: Agent
Current Posting: UNSS Watcher
Statues: Unknown
Resistance statues: Intel Officer Michael Daniels was posted to the city of Nouvelle Paradise, and was marked KIA on the 31st of August during the Invader attempt to eradicate the Resistance, his name was added to the wall on the 1st of November alongside 1,366 other members who died that day.

UNSC File:  Stormer Eric
Age: 34
Division: 23rd UN Galactic Marines
Rank: Medical Officer
Current Posting: UNSS Watcher
Resistance status: Eric Stormer assisted in the operation to save James Luck, after which he was posted as a medic for Jimmy Gunnison’s cell along the Western Coast, he was killed on December the 14th  after the attack on the Relay whilst attempting to save a group of injured Civilians, who had gotten caught in the cross fire between resistance fighters and Militia forces.

UNSC file: Williams Peter
Age: 27:
Division: 13th Engineer Corps
Rank: Mechanic
Current Posting: UNSS Watcher
Resistance status: Engineer Williams assisted the Chief Mechanic Officer CHI (Pronounced Shay) in the creation of multiple explosives, weapons and other equipment, he was declared KIA after receiving a severe wound, during the last stand of the Resistance HQ, during the Second Battle of Eva’s Paradise. He was declared dead after a medics attempted to save his life.

"May I ask who you are sir? To speak to proper soldiers in such as way" Daniels ordered
The boss looked up with anger and frustration in his eyes “well if you must know I am formerly a Major of the 2nd Batallion of the 1st liberator marines"
"A very well decorated unit..... With a deserter for its commander" Daniels chuckled
"Its commander did not desert for no reason" a female voice said

Daniels, Stormer and Williams looked around for the person, the boss however moved his left arm over so the palm of his hand faced upwards. And from his palm a hologram appeared of a woman with dark hair, white t-shirt and dark blue trousers. "James Luck left to defend the planet he called home"
"And who are you?" Williams asked “an AI?"

"I am call KAI... given to Major James Luck after severe injuries nearly killed him" the woman stated. The three men stood firm but with shock and amazement in their breaths and facial expressions. For they were speaking to James Luck, Hero of the Gola station battle, defender of Scaleon, ally of the Insecti queen confederacy and now leader of the Eves paradise resistance. Stormer and Williams saluted him, but Daniels just stood there.

"Now because you are here it means that you have to be given jobs to help us in our fight" James ordered but none replied "Williams... I would like you to report to Officer Chi... Our chief mechanic, she builds explosives, weapons whatnot from scrap"
"Yes sir" Williams stated
"Doc Stormer... can you take a posting with our medical team with both civilians and wounded fighters" James continued doc just nodded "Daniels.... I want you here, working with our Intel staff.... you are to help the cells identify targets and avoid detection"

"I don’t take orders from you" Daniels stated
"What?" James requested
"I do not take orders from you" Daniels repeated
"If you have a problem get out of your system" he said
"I should shoot you for abandoning the war... By the rules and regulations of the United Federation of Systems" Daniels stated

James was up in a flash throwing his chair back against the wall from the force of standing up, slamming his hands onto the desk with his arms as straight as a sword.
"Abandoning the war..... The war is here isn't it..... Would you have let the very place you were born and raised die, and allow innocents to suffer" James replied "because I wasn’t, I would sooner die than leaving people to suffer..... See all of this!" he moved over to the window and pointed with his arm extended "this took eight months to build.... the entire resistance here survives because I refused to let them die!" he shouted Daniels just stood there, "you know what you guys get the chance go into the heart of town and see the wall of names!" James continued pointing at them “now get out!".

They all left, and made the walk to the village or town if you were James, at the centre was a long ruin of a wall with many scribbles on it. At closer look Stormer could tell that the scribbles were names. “This is a memorial wall, the names of the dead" he said
"Jesus there must be thousands" Williams stated looking at the length of the wall that went on for hundreds of metres. Daniels just stood there looking at them, when a young man came up.
"Hundreds of thousands, nearly all are from our offensive a year ago" he said
“I heard of that what happened?” Stormer asked

The young fighter looked down at his feet before continuing “after the attack to activate the Orbital defences, we launched an all-out offensive, entire cities rose up in rebellion, they were all slaughtered by the invaders, the entire colonial militia made a last stand in the city of Nouvelle Montreal, James, Komodo and Lionel lead the attack, they were the only ones to escape the massacre”
"You been with the resistance long" Daniels asked turning to face the young resistance member.
"Since this place was set up" he replied
"So you've worked with James luck for a while" Stormer asked waking over
"James he leads the resistance yeah.... but only for 'bout a year....she was the one who founded this place" the fighter continued pointing at a name
“Abigail Luck"
"Is that his...?" Williams asked
"His sister, raised him after their parents died...... she found this place and with a few others built it up...... she died during the rebellion defending a refugee camp" the fighter explained.

All three men stood firm, they knew now that James fought for the resistance and for the vengeance.
Williams walked off to one of the warehouses that looked more like an old barn heavy metal doors, and walls keeping it up, with reinforced steel roof plates on top.
The inside was a mess, piles of junk and scrap, on the floor and on multiple tables, some tables had weapons on, both complete and in pieces, and others had makeshift explosives on surrounded by wires and detonators. On the far side of the one room was a young Asian woman of around 26 with long dark hair pulled back into a tail behind her head.
She was busy at work fixing some explosives components, into a single bomb. And she seemed to know what she was doing. But the only sound throughout the whole room was a loud rock and roll song coming from an old CD player.

"Excuse me" he muttered but to no avail “EXCUSE ME!!!" he shouted and got a reply, the woman stopped he work paused the music and came over.
"Sorry about that, I like to listen to something while I work.... you new" she asked
With an odd look on his face he replied “uh yeah Major Luck asked me to give you a hand"
The woman chuckled “firstly no one calls him that, we just call him boss or James..... Secondly I’m Mia Chi pronounced Shay"
"Williams.... peter Williams of the 13th engineers” Williams stated as he shook her hand.
"Well let’s not fiddle about" chi smiled and turned around “well this is engineering...... here I.... I mean we will build everything sophisticated the resistance needs.... explosives.... weapons... whatever" chi said pointing our objects.
Meanwhile the others were getting straight to work, Stormer was helping the sick and wounded in the medical hut.

Later that night though all had one place to go the memory wall. In the gathering dark every resident of the free town, gathered, the fighter carried great fire torches, James stood at the mouth of the memory wall, tall and proud but also saddened.
“On this night we add yet more names to the wall” he stated looking around at the people watching. “Onto this wall their faces will be forgotten but not their deeds” slowly but surely members of the resistance added the names to the wall as James read them out.

“Annie Decomb, Albert foster, Arthur Cole, Billy Daniels, Catherine Dawes, Katie Hopin, Karl dodge, Matthew Moors and Tiberius Zeus” James finished reading the list and look back at the wall, that grown once more, and he thought “how many more are going to die before we win?” but he knew with tears filling his eyes he had to keep a great secret within, but as he looked at his arm he saw what he was afraid anyone would see black veins on his right arm, he pulled his sleeve down hard to cover it up before anyone could see. But not before three particular men could see, Daniels, Williams and Stormer.

Chapter 8 the Truth
The next day James was nowhere to be seen, so the three began to ask around all directed them at one name “chief medical officer Charles Rails”. And so they went to him.
Rails is an old man in his late sixties, his hair was incredibly grey and his face was being to show his age, his hands too, quite often he had to hunch over whilst walking, but just because he’s old he’s not afraid of a fight, he fought in the Maric War and still knows how to fight.


United Nations file: Maric War
Length: Several months
Colonial force: Militia=2,000 Police=2,000
UN force: 1st UN Marines= 2,000
Maric Force: 200,000 warriors
Human Death toll:     Civilians= over 22,000, Militia= 1,700 fighters, Police= over 1,500,                         Marine: 1,900 overall
War:
The war was started due to the colonial expansion, basically because Eva’s Paradise has a tough environment, there are three different places in the eyes of the native Maric peoples, and there are the fertile lands which the colony inhabited. Where farming was far much easier than on the other side of the Mountain spine running the length of the planet.

The Maras had been driven into the hostile lands to the east where farming was possible but much more difficult and was only producing a fraction of what the native Maras needed to survive. It was for this reason that the Maras gather their army and attacked the human colonists.
The war was mostly skirmishes and raids by the Maras, but there was a large pitch battle at the colonial capital of Nouvelle Paradise, The colonial militia alongside United Nations fought back but suffered severe casualties. Around 1900 UNMC troopers died from injuries or from Mara fighters, the civilian militia was almost wiped out and the local police force was massacred.

By the end of the fight however both sides came to the negotiating table, neither could keep fighting. The Maras needed to return to gather the harvest before winter, and the colonist knew that they wouldn't last another night.

“What the hell is wrong with you guys?” he whispered “what your asking is something that James prefers not to talk about” as he rushed to close and lock the medical door.
“Sir, what the hell is wrong with him?” Stormer pushed
“I can’t tell you, James swore us all to secrecy” Rails replied moving back from the door.
“Please we might be able to help him” Williams stated placing his hand on Rails shoulder.
Rails looked down at his feet and took a deep breath, “not everyone knows this but…. James’ father is still alive”

“That’s impossible, his family died after an attack by Maras” Daniels questioned with a face of misunderstanding.
“No…. James has a secret unlike any other… he’s” Rails paused as he looked at the faces of the three men pushing for answers “his father was a… Mara”
The three men looked at him with amazement and shock, this news was astounding, everyone believed that James’ father was dead, never mind thinking that he was human. But there was more to the story.
“And his mother wasn’t murdered by Maras… she was killed by Colonial extremists” Rails continued
“But that doesn’t explain what’s wrong with him” Stormer asked still with the face of shock and confusion.
“His synthetic implants… Because they are programmed to human genetic structure, they read his Mara genes as that which shouldn’t be there... In other words” Rails paused
“Their killing him” Williams ended his sentence.

Meanwhile in commanding officers room in the Headquarters, James sat at his desk having to cope with incredible pain ripping through his right arm, he looked at the skin of his arm and saw his blood veins once again turning black and more obvious. His mind began to turn to loved ones lost, inside his head he remembered everything done throughout his life. The day his mother was murdered, by some colonial radicals… the funeral of his mother, without his father… then the day his sister was killed trying to save women and children from the enemy, and having to add her name to the wall, he had lost so much to this war, he almost lost his life multiple times, but he never once thought that, that which would kill him would be his own blood. Taking his eyes away from his arm to the pictures on his desk, he saw his mother, his sister, he had lost so much, and now had nothing but anger and pain.

“The Genetic destruction is getting worse isn’t it” Kai asked
James pulled up his left arm and looked at the palm of his left hand as he saw the holographic projection of Kai appear. “James you can’t keep it hidden forever, sooner or later they will find out” Kai continued
“I know… but it’s just I never thought this is how I would die” James stated
“You’re not going to die James, you didn’t die when you flew the ship into the enemy dreadnought, so don’t give up now” Kai replied

James gave a strong look at the only “person” who was truly in his head and gave a strong but measured response “who says I’m giving up”. Kai merely smiled.
James leaned back into his chair and began to allow his mind to wander, and the only thing he could think of was the last stand.

Chapter 9: The Last Stand

The Previous year
It was a bright day with the sun flying high and the heat hitting down hard on the sand and soil, as well as the hard stone and steel of the city Nouvelle Montreal. Above the suburbs flew hundreds of Skull carriers, all constantly having to maneuver to avoid the anti-aircraft fire. Inside one twenty men and women sat prepping their weapons all wearing mixed armour so with helmets, some without but all had chest plates.  At the head though was James in full battle armour his rifle slumped over his shoulder trying to inspire the fighters all of them being shook around by the movement of the carrier and the bumps of the enemy fire, “brothers and sisters, it is with a heavy heart that I address you!!” he shouted pausing to steady himself as the ship shook once again from the enemy fire.

“Like no other time in our history, the people of this colony need you now… There is only one way that this day is going to end…. I am sorry it has come to this… either we drive them off our planet or we die fighting for it!!” once again having to pause to steady himself.

Behind him in the cockpit the communications of the other transports and Loyal forces could be heard “We’re hit we’re hit we’re going down! We have five birds down in sector 3!!… This is unit 26 we’re under heavy fire!!!…. May Day May Day May Day!!!!....” again and again similar messages could be heard, all of them not good.

All of the fighters knew though he was telling the truth this was the last stand listening to their leader continue, “Stackers battalion have been slaughtered in the north…. Miner and his guerrillas have been massacred in the south and….. Fisher and his Marines are now all fish food all along the west coast….” The fighters knew that what he said was true, they were the last offensive force on the colony.

“YOU…. YOU ARE THE LAST OF THE LAST” James continued “I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT THERE IS NO WHERE ELSE I WOULD RATHER FIGHT…..FIGHT HARD….. AND FIGHT MEAN….. FIGHT TO THE LAST SHOT…. AND DRAW YOUR BLADES…… AND FIGHT TILL YOU SEE THEIR BLOOD…. I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN HELL…… YOU BASTERDS OF EVA’S PARADISE”

The ships began to lower themselves and the troops poured out, from the buildings of the city the troops came under heavy fire, multiple explosions fired around them, many troops were hit and very few were wounded, the carriers came under fire as well and many were shot down. Hundreds of men and women began to advance, James at their head, slowly they made their way into the city.
But with every step they made they lost several fighters, James now all alone took shelter in a ruined shop when Kai did a quick scan, “ sounds like fighting has begun to die down” he looked to a clock on the wall.

“James two heat signatures coming in” Kai stated
James aimed his rifle, yet he paused when he saw Lionel and Komodo, he whistled and signaled them over. And in a flash they were in “Good to see you boys” James stated

“Taking lots of casualties, but we were pushing last time I checked” Lionel Stated
“Wow... ONE hour that’s how long it took our sorry asses to win this fight Fucking A” Komodo Boasted
“I am afraid you are wrong…” Kai stated
“What do you mean Kai” James asked

“The reason for fighting dying down is not because we are winning…. The 22nd Colonial Militia has lost this war…. We are all that’s left, I am reading no other friendly signals or heat signatures.... I am only intercepting Invader signals, all being ordered to hunt down the survivors” Kai replied

The three survivors remained silent, James needed to sit down from the sheer shock of the truth. The silence was broken by Lionel “We have to go”
James nodded, got to his feet and led the other two out of the city.
Waking in a sudden burst of energy James' eyes shot open and his head rose from his chair, he had to take his mind of the past.

Although many wanted to talk to James they won’t be getting their chance. For the very next day he would going on patrol again.
On that day the skull carrier was fueled and prepared, James packed his weapons and equipment and made his way to the carrier. Loaded up and took off.
Meanwhile outside Daniels was watching the carrier slowly rise up and then with a quick swap speed down the valley. “Where the hell is he going” he shouted over the thunderous roar of the engines.
“Patrolling, hunting” a nearby fighter replied
“Hunting what!” Daniels asked
“Whatever he can find” a response came “survivors, hunters, collaborators, etc"

Chapter 10: Love moves in mysterious ways

After three days and nights of constant moving, hunting and scavenging to survive, James finally found a place to rest, a small cave hidden half way up a steep slope of a valley. Smiling he gathered whatever he could for a fire and made his way up.
Within the cave he set out his camp, a central fire with a rug acting as his bed, the fire lit up with tremendous fury, due to the chemicals that are found in the plants on Eva’s Paradise. Tired from the constant moving he decided take a quick nap, leaning back on his makeshift bed his eyes closed and he was asleep in seconds.

When suddenly James was awoken by a rapid growth of echo’s coming from outside the cave. Fearing that hunters had tracked him, he rose up and grabbed his rifle, and steadily made his way to the mouth of the cave, he peaked left and right. Nothing coming his way, but from here he could hear the sounds more clearly, definitely the loud high pitch squeals and screams of the hunters, but also a much deeper roar. Using his thermal goggles, he looked about, and bang he found them, at the bottom of the slope, within the rock formations, “four hunters” he whispered “and one… two… three Maras? What the hell are they doing here” to James this was an anomaly as Maras never leave either the eastern deserts or the buffer zone that was created.

From his perch he watched the fight with intent, one hunter fell quickly by a Maras’s great axe, but another Mara was tackled and killed by a bite to the neck by two other hunters. The third and smallest of the Maras was grabbed and thrown against the rocks. Standing alone the survivor made his last stand against three hunters, he fought bravely killing one and then another, but the third and final hunter was too much and he was torn to shreds by the hunters Teeth and claws.
Wanting to help them James knew doing so would be the death of him. So he waited and watch the slaughter occur, but when the final hunter collapsed and died from his wounds, James made his move, slowly sliding down the steep slope, from rock to rock each time pausing to look and listen for danger, he made his way down slowly knowing more could be close by.

But once there, nothing but death, the last standing Mara was torn to shreds, with blood covering the sand and rock around him. The other had deep teeth marks in his throat.
“James the one that was thrown, I am detecting a faint pulse, and he is a she” Kai suddenly stated.
Rapidly James moved over to her, checked her wounds, nothing permanent, and so he threw his rifle over his shoulder to held by its leather strap, and picked her up and began the arduous task of carrying her up the slope.
Once back inside his camp, he laid the woman down on his bed, caught his breath and stared at her, pale skin, rugged, salvaged metals for her body armour and weapons, and a red like hood covering her dark black hair.
“Are you going to stare or administer medical attention” kai stated
Slowly James began the task of applying bandages and medical herbs to her wounds. “I read no internal Injuries, Maras are extremely tough a toss like that against rock would have killed a human” Kai reported.

James didn’t care but continued his task of healing; when he was sure that the job was done he stood up placed his rifle next to the bed, and went and sat by the fire. Reaching for some food he prepared his meal, Kaluga (think of a deer with Turtle shell plates along its back and neck) meat and fruit.
After many hours the woman began to awake, sluggish at first but silent, she looked around, a cave, with a fire in the centre, with someone sat next to it eating some food. She held her breath, and looked for her weapons, they were by the fire, but next to her a rifle, she gripped it and in a second she stood up and shouted “ Rev es tu kanar lek nesh” which to you and me means “who are you, answer or I shoot”.

James just sat there and kept eating, frustrated the woman pulled the trigger and click, but no bang, James placed his food down onto a small slab of metal, and from his pocket he pulled the power cell for his rifle. “He saved your life, and he is willing to share his food with you” Kai said from her hologram in James’ hand.
James extended his arm and within his hand was some food, the woman dropped the rifle, grabbed the food and quickly started eating. “Ka numar ta ken vei” (what is your name?) James asked.
“You know Maric” the woman mumbled from a mouth filled with food.

“Well you know English” James replied “My sister taught it took me when I was boy”
The Woman smiled “Numar mek ta Crimson…uh my name is Crimson” she said
James smiled and gave the ancient Maric greeting he crossed his arms across his chest to form and X and lowered his head. Crimson returned the greeting.
The two talked into the night, both asking questions about the other, It seemed that Crimson was the daughter of one of the Mara clan chiefs, and she knew all about the resistance, and its constant fighting. And incredibly she and many other Maras wanted to join the fight, to free their world.
“Why not?” James asked with a bewildered look on his face, his studies of the Mara culture is that they don’t flee from a fight even when outnumbered and outgunned.

“We cannot go to war without our king… he made an oath many years ago never to pick up the royal great sword” Crimson replied.
James could understand why many would not want to fight in this war, from what Daniels had told him, the war was a bloody one, and many planets opted for neutrality. But then such thoughts dashed from his mind when he saw on his arm black veins appearing. With fear in his eyes he quickly hid it from view, and turned away from Crimson.

“What is wrong?” she asked with concern for her new friend reaching out to touch his shoulder.
“Nothing just pulled a muscle that’s all” James replied, but crimson was no fool, she grabbed him turned him back to look at her, and pulled his right arm up. And then she saw it, veins as black as night, and growing up from the wrist to his shoulder.
“you’re sick” she stated, James could no longer hide it, and showed her the truth and the full truth, not even Rails and Chi back at the HQ knew the whole truth and they were the ones trying to find a way to stop it. From his left hand palm a hologram appeared with his skeletal structure, artificial and Nano mite additions.

“I was never truly human… neither was my sister… for you see my mother was a human colonist, but my father was a Mara” crimsons eyes widened with such knowledge, she had heard stories of hybrids, as strong and tough as a Mara, but as adaptable as a Human “when I was boy the homestead my family owned was attacked, my mother took me and my sister and hid us, whilst she and the workers fought off the attackers, something hit my head and when I awoke everyone but me and my sister was dead… when I turned 18 I joined the Liberators and left” crimson stood there with tears growing in her eyes

“I nearly died once, when I was found in the wreckage, they took me to a medical centre, and fitted me with microscopic machines called Nano mites, these allow me to heal faster than a human as well as that I have an artificial left arm, and left leg, and within my brain is a CPU that controls the Nano mites, but also holds KAI an artificial intelligence” he explained, and as he did so, crimson looked on with both fear and sadness as the tears now flowed down her pale cheek. “but because I am not human the Nano mites are reading the Mara genes as a hostile invader, and destroy it, and in doing so they are destroying my DNA, it turns the blood darker, and will eventually kill me”  he finished
Crimson now wiped the tears from her eyes, and asked her first question “what… what happened to the one who raised you?” James just stood there with tears growing in his eyes as well, Crimson understood, and took a step back

 “what about your father?” she asked.

“After my mother was murdered, never came for us, I always thought he would come and take us, try to raise us, but he never did, then about a month ago I was on patrol along the buffer zone border when he turned up” James replied and crimson stared with hope in her eyes “ he asked how I was… didn’t answer” the hope in crimsons eyes rapidly went away, “ he wanted to know what he did wrong… and I told him, he didn’t come to the funeral for my mother, attempt to raise us, or even help us fight the invaders… you know what he said” Crimsons eyes turned to sadness again as James’ voice turned to one with frustration.

“He thought that it would safer for us if we thought he was dead, that he blames himself for mum being murdered… told him that at that point in our lives we needed a father more than ever, and in the war… he gave me the same answer you did, He swore and oath that he would never pick up the Royal Blade” James finished

Crimson just stood there with amazement in her eyes as she realised whom his father was. “Wait” she asked, “your father is…. High king Torralik val” James just nodded, Crimson could not believe it, the king that all Mara thought had no children, had fathered a hybrid with the humans, she was looking at the Prince of the Maric Clans. “You’re the prince” she stated, James shook his head from left to right.
“my name is James Luck and I am not the prince of the Maras, I want nothing to do with my father or his royal bloodline” he shouted “get some sleep… I’ll keep watch”. He grabbed his rifle, loaded a cell and made his way to the mouth of the cave, leaving Crimson, stood there with shock and sadness on her face, she raised her red hood and followed him.

At the mouth there he was sat leaning back against the wall of the cave, staring out into the great empty darkness of the night sky, illuminated only by the brightness of the skies and the nightly Aurora Borealis that were common on Eva’s Paradise. Taking deep breaths, with his rifle clutched in his arms his right hand gripping close to the trigger. Crimson slowly walked over to him, put her hand on his shoulder, and took a seat next to him, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to shout” he muttered. Crimson merely extended her arm around his back to his left shoulder and pulled in tight. She didn’t care what he did, she’s just glad that he told the truth. They both smiled, chuckled and leaned back against the stone cold wall of the caves mouth.

“I always like looking up there wondering which star your people came from” She whispered
James chuckled, “Don’t know never seen it myself” he found it strange that the war started in a place that he himself has never seen before, the planet that his ancestor Lucky Jack founded the Liberators, but to James it didn’t matter, his home was Eva’s Paradise and he would fight for her. But for the moment he was calm and relaxed, he actually felt like the war was a long way off, for the first time in over two years he actually felt at peace. Looking up at the stars, with this his newest friend.
But at that moment Crimson finally fell asleep, her head fell onto James’s shoulder, and her arms relaxed, James smiled and left her be, but continued to watch this beautiful night continue, and see the planet that he was raised albeit for one night find some small measure of peace.

The following morning Crimson sluggishly awoke from her slumber, and began to look around, but she did not find the mouth of the cave in her sights but its heart, with the fire slowly dying, with a pack, weapons and a piles of scrap metal surrounding it. But no James luck, slowly she got to her feet and began to walk to the mouth, and yet she still could not see him, as she left the mouth and felt the sun’s rays on her face, a hand gripped her mouth and pulled her down.

Fearing what would come, she braced herself, but her fears were not needed, it was James holding her back. She slowly began to relax, as she did so James released his hold, and whispered “Hunters outside”. With that they slowly made their way to the mouth of the cave remaining low to the ground to avoid being seen, as they got to the perch where the steep slope began, they both got into the prone position and looked down. Four hunters within the rocks, Crimson began to reach for her knives, but James grabbed her hand shaking his head.

“We can take them” she whispered, James shook his head and with his free hand pointed carefully at the rocks.  Slowly she began to realise why he stopped her, one of the rocks, wasn’t a rock, as it slowly turned and showed itself to be a Goliath, with its tiny head, and enormous muscular arms, wielding a gigantic and powerful cannon. Seeing this Crimson released her hold on her knives and returned to watching.
After hours of waiting the invader creatures soon began to move on, with the goliath remaining still facing the opposite direction to the two survivors.

James gave crimson a small signal telling her to wait, as he remaining low began to make his way down the slope, not a single rock or stone, not even a pebble made a sound as he crept up on this brute of a creature. Whenever the Goliath turned to face the slope James would freeze and hope he hadn’t been seen, and every time the goliath saw nothing. Finally at the bottom of the slope he made his way to the great boulders next to the great creature. After doing so he pulled a large blade from its holster on his right leg, and climbed the boulder to at shoulder height of the goliath.

He took a deep breath and leapt on the back of the immense creature, the great goliath reacting to the attack roared and called, dropping its great weapon to reach up and try and grab the attacker currently climbing its spiny back. Slowly James pulled himself up the creatures back, trying to avoid the flaying arms and hands desperately trying to get him, pulling himself up he reached his target, the head. Pushing the head forward, he thrusts his knife deep into the creatures brain, using the knife as an anchor he held on tight, as the creature flayed and called as it ran back and forth in response to the attack, James once more gave it another push, and forced the blade even deeper. Finally with this the goliath fell to its knees and fell flat onto its stomach. Sending James flying forwards into the central opening of the rocky valley, whilst all of this happened crimson watched with amazement, she had seen goliaths before, but to her and the Mara peoples there was one thing to do when there was a goliath, RUN.

And there no more than a few hundred metres away one man was able to kill one with a knife. Down below, James dusted himself and made his way back up the slope, once seeing crimson with a face that one thing only on it amazement, he asked “what?”
In response Crimson, wiped the amazement of her face and went back into the cave. James soon followed after catching his breath, after killing a goliath and then walking back up a steep slope it would be tiring. Once inside the relative safety he began to collect his things “we need to leave before the patrols come to find their missing goliath” he said.

Crimson nodded, and began to do the same, making doubly sure she had her many knives and her war mask. James meanwhile, packed his weapons and rationed food into his makeshift pack. Crimson raised her red hood and fitted her painted Maric war mask over her face, she was similar to the Resistance symbol, a white skull.
James raised his hood and covered his mouth and nose with a piece of cloth, and with his boot stamped out the last remnants of the fire, and with that the cave went dark, save from a small slither of light from the mouth.

James nodded at Crimson, she repeated the notion as her reply, and with that they made their way out of this little sanctuary, And together sled down the slope, and down the valley away from the corpse of the Goliath, following the direction of the wind towards the mountains.
After hours of walking through sand and sun of the valleys they came to an open space, as far as the eye could see. Whilst Crimson continued walking, James paused with the face of recognition of where they were, slowly he continued to walk on, and caught up with Crimson, and eventually overlapped her, his walk was becoming more and more one of frustrated. Crimson noticed it and so did Kai.

“James I am picking up something to the north-west of here” Kai stated, James stopped and looked over in the direction and once his eyes had focused he saw what he did not want, a silhouette on the horizon.
“Come on… let’s have a look” crimson asked and began to quickly move ahead of James, who just stood there, before taking a deep breath and following her.
It took them an hour but every minute showed greater detail to the silhouette, buildings or at least ruins. James was getting more and more fearful, he knew what the ruins were, or at least what was there. But Crimson just smiled as her curiosity got the better of her, as she slowly but surely began to speed up her walk until it finally became a Jog.

When they finally got there however, her curiosity turned to shock as she saw colonial buildings, burned to the colour of the darkest night sky. The soil repeated this, there was no life anywhere, and not even plants grew, following the single road through the ruins, of about fifty to sixty buildings. But in the middle of this one road was a large mound of soil, steadily she climbed up it and when she reached the top she froze with fear along the remnants of the road was nothing more than human skeletons filling every corner, it looked like every man, woman and child had been killed, and the whole town with them, there must be hundreds of them she thought. She looked around and realised where was James, looking around she finally found him staring out to a small farm at the edge of the town, she made her way over.

But as she did he walked over to the farm, a small ruin was all that was left, a makeshift barn and a large house, in the centre. At the gateway was an old and badly shredded sign, hanging by a single small chain on one of its corners “The Luck Homestead”.
This ruin of a large house was James’ home “he lost it all” Crimson thought, looking over at a frozen James Luck just staring at his home.
Slowly James took step by step began to make his way to the broken down door of his home, inside was chaotic, rusty metal, tattered clothing, broken furniture and glass covered the floor and along the walls were the old scares from decades before, bullet holes and marks from axes and knives.. As he walked, he began to run his hands across the remenants of the walls that split the kitchen, hallway and living room, upon one of the doorways were a series of small engravings. Crimson looked very carefully and saw that they weren't accidental, they were names and ages, going upwards, James age 6, Abbie age 9. The marks were how tall they were at different ages.

In the living room all of the family pictures were still present, the vast majority of them images of James with his Mother and his big sister, before the attack on the homestead, on the wall above the fireplace was an old hunting rifle that his mother had used to defend their home on that night, and was returned to its place after the funeral. Underneath that was an incredibly old watch, it was a pocket watch, it was incredibly decorative, the outside was cover in scratches from the ages, but the markings were still present the most obvious was an old medieval like Cross covering much of the outside on both sides behind the cross was a globe with the multiple lines going across it, along the rim was a single collection of words “Libertas seu mors” or to you and me Freedom or Death. Not many knew this but the pocket watch had been handed down the family for over 500 years. Made by the original liberator and the ancestor of James, Robert "Jack" Luck nicknamed for being the Jack of all trades.
Crimson began to feel regret, for she hadn’t told him the full truth of her presence outside the Maric Lands. Slowly she pulled one of her blades out of its hilt, as she did James prepared for the assault, prepping his hands for the fight, cracking his knuckles to throw a punch or two, all because he knew what was coming. Well technically Kai told him that it was coming.

Suddenly Crimson launched her assault, but was quickly repulsed, with James countering stabbing motion, to his lower chest, and throwing his right hand to disarm her and throw her knife as far as possible, but in the chaos his rifle strap was cut, and the weapon fell to the floor with a clang. Now down to her hands Crimson threw punch after punch, all of them blocked as James defended and attacked in quick succession of Crimsons punches, slowly the fight made its way from the living room to the hallway to the kitchen and then the dining room. Behind the fight was a path of destruction furniture and glass that was thrown, small holes in the walls from punches that missed, alongside a trail of Hybrid and Maric Blood, even the old rifle was thrown to floor in the constant struggle.

Soon they found themselves back in the living room grappling each other next to the sofa, James soon was then pinned down as She threw punch after punch down on him, but then she herself was on the floor with James standing above her kicking with his right foot continuously, but this too ended with a sudden kick from crimson to his private areas, causing him to pause and slowly stagger then fall to his knee.

Slowly both breathing heavily from a fight that had drained everything they had, noticing each other, they both quickly got to their feet but still staggered from the bruises, cuts and in James’ case “loss of manhood”. Crimson looked over to her left and saw, James’ rifle, which he in turn saw, but he saw the old rifle on the floor against the fire place.
They both darted for their chosen weapons, grasping the rifles fingers on the triggers, standing and aiming, the ends of the barrels no more than a few inches apart, and the two staring at each other. But neither could pull the trigger, staring into each other’s eyes, both knew what they couldn’t say, they Loved each other.

“Why?” James asked “why were told to kill me” never letting go from the rifle.
“The fight, the more you fight, the more danger they will come for our people” She replied beginning to cry.
“I’m guessing my father doesn’t know about the order” He asked crimson just shook her head, still crying, tears flowing down her pale cheeks and her bright red iris coloured eyes filled with them. “He couldn’t forgive himself if he killed his son” James continued.

He paused and then made his decision if it meant protecting innocent people from the slaughter of the invaders. He lowered his weapon “I can’t do it, not it means innocents die” he said finally releasing his hold on the family heirloom and allow it to fall to the debris covered floor.
Crimson couldn’t believe what she was seeing, “no come on…” she shouted still with tears flowing down her face.
“If it means your people are safe, the kill is yours” James said just staring at her now with tears beginning to fill his eyes. Slowly Crimson released her hold of the trigger, but keeping the rifle aimed. James just stepped forward and pushed the rifle away and with both hands placed them onto her neck and kissed her deeply. She quickly returned them and they ended this little war with a kiss and love that would one day lead them into becoming Romeo and Juliet and then Adam and Eve of two different worlds.

Chapter 11: Battle of the Blood

Eva’s Paradise: Governor’s office audio recording
Galactic Coalition Governor: Robert Taylor known collaborator also commander in chief of militia
(Notice: Galactic Coalition= Collaberator government in Occupied zone)
Meeting with Invader commander
“You are failing in your duties to keep these Rebels under control” the Commander stated “You should permit my forces to patrol the cities”
“Well then why don’t you just give the rebels a recruiting video” the governor replied in a much calmer manner “if your troops enter the cities and take control of commerce, such things are distasteful, the people will rebel and their insurgency will grow stronger”
“What is your plan on doing with the native peoples?” the Commander Ordered
“The Maras have always been hostile, but these raiding parties are just one of their lively hoods, they salvage, scavenge and steal what they need to survive” the governor replied
“command said that perhaps we should teach them not to steal from us with a few bombs on their precious city in the sands” the Commander Stated

“NO!!... Sorry… I am sorry for shouting but the high king of the Maras, refuses to fight or even pick up his precious sword, and neither do the Maric armies, if you bomb their city then they will rally and call for war, and I doubt that either of us have the forces to fight Rebel insurgents and a Maric army of 2 million fighters at the same time” the governor stated “I didn’t think so… for the moment we should just keep the peace with the Maras and hope they don’t feel the call for war”.
“And what of the insurgents?” the commander Asked
“Don’t you worry thanks to a bit of luck and some information I know where to find the Skull” The governor boasted
“The leader of the Insurgents?” The commander asked
“Yes and at this moment two of my best militia companies are closing in on him” the Governor continued to boast.

Adamstown: Luck Homestead: current location of James Luck

After a whole night together James and Crimson were laughing and talking about each other’s fighting methods, whilst eating some fresh fruit and cooked meat for breakfast. Leaning against the wall under the living room window. Beside James’ right leg, his real leg mind you was the oldest relic of his family the still ticking Pocket watch. They continued their talk “you... Know… you’re not that bad in a fight that left swing damn” he said.

“Well you take it well” she laughed soon followed by James who also began to chuckle at the response “can I ask how you knew I was going to kill you?”
James laughed and stated “your blades… only Maric Assassins have those, and truthfully I didn’t know you were coming for me at first anyway” Crimson smiled and laugh, James soon followed with his own laugh.
But then he paused, and his face turned from one of laughter and joy to one of caution “shush” he said crimson could tell that from his face there was trouble. James could hear rubble ling, it sounded like a vehicle, a vehicle with military tyres and very heavy. “Kai can you detect anything coming our way” he asked.

“One moment… scanning… James we have company… the militia has found us” she replied
James darted for the weapons still on the floor where they had been dropped the night before, crimson followed close behind, James passed her the family heirloom which was a few decades old whilst he had his more modern rifle “why do I get the girl gun?” she asked.

James looked up from preparing his weapon and stared at her “you have got to be bloody kidding me” Crimson shook her head, and passed him the heirloom. James sighed and gave up, passing her his rifle and a few power cells, whilst loading his family’s weapon, and from his pack pulled two large blades still held in their hilts, and strapped them each leg.

“I ask whatever deity above us to watch over us and protect the freedoms and liberties of our people from those who seek to destroy them, but if it is my time, I shall greet death as an equal” He said crimson just stared at him.
“That sounded a lot like a war prayer” she said
“it’s an old family chant, goes all the way back to my ancestor Lucky Jack, he was the one who founded the Liberators” James explained “you say before going into battle”.

At that moment the sound of the vehicles got louder “James they are getting closer… I count at the least 2 infantry squads in armoured Personnel carriers”.
James then Crimson moved forward to the windows and prepared for the onslaught, in most cases James would usually attempt to escape from a fight like this he always told resistance fighters “don’t let the enemy make you fight, flee and fight on your terms”. But this was his home and he is going to defend it, tooth and nail, in the words of his ancestor “fight until the bullets run dry, and when they do use your blades, and when they are dull use your hands, and when they are raw walk it off”.

Rapidly the large armoured trucks pulled up and men poured out of the back weapons readied. James took a breath he knew that the chances of him and Crim surviving were almost nil. But he didn’t care he had something worth fighting for other than vengeance and for the first time in many months something worth living for. And her name was Crimson.
Something new was reaching him, a strange feeling of power, his muscles felt stronger than ever before, his senses more observant, he could smell the tiniest whiff of aftershave on the militiamen, he could hear their breathing. Everything was clearer, slowly his eyes turned, from his dark brown to the Bright blood red of a Mara in Blood Rage.

(Maric Blood Rage: when a Mara is in moments of extreme anger or danger, they enter a type of adrenaline filled thrust of power, the rage enhances everything, their muscles become stronger, their senses become stronger as well. for some Maras these moments are incredibly dangerous, because they have quite literally have no control over their actions, it has been stated that a Mara might even kill his best friend if he is not able to control himself)

With that he jumped up and then out of the window charging at his enemy, with the rifle tucked close to his chest, and a face of anger and love in his eyes, the militia did not know what going on he was out numbered but still he charged head on at them. Crimson stood up and watched as he charged at an enemy doing nothing. As he got close he dropped the rifle and pull two large blades from their hilts, one was Maric and the other was a liberator machete.

The militia now remembered their orders to take him dead or alive, and prepared for the assault. And for the first time in his life James called on his Maric Blood, he opened his mouth and from it echoed a great, deep and powerful Maric Roar.
Seeing this roaring Mara charging at them, many of these militiamen armed to the teeth, with body armour covering them, their faces and heads covered and protected by modern helmets. Many began to take steps back, but then James was on them, his blades slicing, cutting, and faster than the great winds of the planet. Militiamen kept falling and those that fled still died with blades or gunshots.
And as the last man fell too knees begging for his life, James began to calm down as his eyes returned to brown and he sheathed one of his blades. Gripping his survivor’s throat with his free hand.
“How did you know where I was?” he asked
Struggling to breath the soldier replied “Gov. knew you would be back, said only you can kill a goliath by hand”

James paused; he recognized the voice, sheathing one blade he reached for the soldiers’ helmet, clicking a button the faceplate, began to peel back. To James’ surprise it was an old friend “ I am sparing your life this day because of our past friendship but be warned even a single step out of the cities Alexandro Tomas and it will result in your permanent end”
He released his old friend and allowed him to drive off.

But James felt a strange tingle on the right hand side of his neck, looking down at his arm he saw the black veins returning more obvious than ever, they were now appearing on his right hand, James fearing what was happening unshackled his armour and lifted his shirt, the darkening veins now began to appear on his chest and up towards his Head. Slowly his eyes began to blur, his senses dulled with them, the only thing he could feel was the sudden pain of falling to the ground, and the echoes of Crimsons Cries.

When he finally awoke, he did not see the open sky or the burnt out roof of his old home, but the pale white of a Hospital.
“Ah finally awake are we” a voice said Slowly James turned his head.
“Rails… what happened?” James asked
Rails came over and took a seat next to the bed “well if I had to hazard a guess, from what your new friend and Kai told me, by turning to your Maric Genes, the Genetic destruction increased in speed and well your mind couldn’t take the shock and you fell unconscious” Rails replied
James paused and stared to the ceiling, “how did I get back here” he asked
Rails smiled “thank Kai and your new friend they were the ones that called Skuller in to pick you up…. Now listen this is getting worse, now Chi and I may have a way of saving you buts it’s dangerous…. I’ll tell you late for now get some rest”.
James nodded and allowed his eyes to fall, and his mind to go into deep sleep.

The following morning he felt a hand gripping his right hand, slowly he turned his head and opened his eyes, he could see a pale face and dark brown hair and around the neck was red cloth. “Crimson” He said as his vision cleared up

“Hey….. Your doctor and Fixer are here” She said, after which Rails and Chi came in to talk.
“now listen James the idea we had is the only one we have with the time we have got, the destruction is Accelerating rapidly, you falling unconscious is proof of it… now what we have planned is a step by step operation, where piece by piece we take out the Nano mites and reprogram them to recognise Maric DNA.. However, there is much that we may need to consider being of course that your body has a need for the Microscopic Nanomitic Androids flowing through the circulating systems of your blood stream” Rails said

James Sat up and gave a quick Interruption, “Doc get to the point please, before you bore us to death”
Crim was also quick to respond, asking the reasonable question “you can’t bore a person to death” She paused and pondered “Can you?” She looked at those in the room.

Chi was the next to speak with a comment that was quick to get a response from Rails, “Rails Bored his Tutor to death”

“That was never Proved” Rails answered with a quick and decisive Pronunciation. Standing tall as if he was a high noble of the old Medieval Courts, with one arm behind his back as if hooked or even tied back.
James sat up a little bit more, with the help of crimson “So what’s the catch of this Whole Bloody thing”

“It might kill you” Chi Had simplified what Rails was trying to explain with far too much detail.
James paused and looks around to Crimson who was still gripping his hand “so could bad fish” He smiled. All present chuckled at the reply.

It took several hours but the operation was ready, equipment to get the Nano mites out and put them back in and Chi prepped her computer systems for reprogramming. But it was a night that would change the world.

Operation recording and visual archive: operation time 3 hours in

The operation was going well, three different circuits, Nano mites removed programmed and returned. And James had not gone into shock not even once.
But Rails knew that this was the last one, the last of the Nano mites that needed reprogramming, slowly he extracted them, but then James’ eyes shot open and his body began to flay about, his arms shot back and forth, his legs kicking the assistants. Desperately Rails tried to hold him down “CHI HURRY HE’S GOING INTO SHOCK, WE HAVE THIRTY SECONDS TILL IT KILLS HIM” Rails shouted
“HOLD ON…. PROGRAMMING IN PROCESS, 30%” Chi replied
“HURRY” Rails shouted
“60%” Chi shouted

Suddenly Crimson ran into the room but was pulled back by Komodo, her arms extending to her loved one, her eyes and face covered in tears.
“Programming complete get them in” Chi shouted
Rails grabbed them and with a quick and decisive strike slammed the Nano mite filled Syringe into James’ Heart.

But at that moment the line came, on the heart monitor, a single long red line, Rails and the other medics ran back and forth trying to get him back but to no avail.
Grabbing the electrical charges, they placed on his heart “give me 250…… Clear” the jolt hit James and pull his arm up, but nothing else, “300…. Clear” Once again the jolt hit, and still nothing, the doctors had no choice but to give up and began to walk away.

On the far side of the room Komodo let Crimson go as she shouted in her sadness and despair he himself fell to his knees having lost a friend, running over to the bed she took her hands to his neck sensitively and said “listen to me you are not going to die…. You hear me…. I need you ….. Please...... PLEASE I LOVE YOU!!”
On James’ left hand the white light that was Kai’ began to die as well, until the holo projector went dark.
All present gathered around and bowed their heads.

After many hours Crimson refused to leave him, his body was badly torn, in the shock of the Nano mites; James had a dislocated shoulder, a broken leg and multiple broken ribs. But still the Nano Mites moved through his body.

Deep within in his blood and body the Nano Mites moved with great speed, at his shoulder they quickly pulled his arm into place, and with a large click it found its place.  Crimson noticed it and reacted "Doctor.... his arm has clicked" She said. Rails quickly came in and checked his commander.
"You’re.... your right.... also" He paused as he saw something else the black veins began to recede. Meanwhile deep within James' blood the Nano Mites continued their work, thy repaired James's Leg clicked into place as if it was never broken, and they didn't stop there they went even deeper, straight to his DNA, they brought his Maric and Human DNA back together.

"I don't believe it, the Nano Mites are repairing his body, but that shouldn’t be happening" Rails continued, through all of this James’ brain looked into memories, going from the moment he lost conscious, meeting Crimson, the last stand, Scaleon, all the way to him leaving to join the liberators, and before that the attack on his mother’s home, and before even that his days as a baby.

Crimson standing up in amazement and got close to James’s Face, hers merely centimetres away. "Listen to me James.... I love, so if you can hear me please don’t leave me" she whispered.
Deep within the Nano Mites, were about to pull of their miracle, thousands amassed at his heart rallied together and began to push and pull in and out. Slowly James' heart began to beat and then.
Fully conscious James took a breath and opened his eyes. And the first thing he saw, was the woman he loved, and his first words were “I Love you.... I love you".
In amazement Rails shouted out "JAMES.... JAMES LUCK..... GUYS HE'S ALIVE..... JAMES LUCK IS ALIVE"

Two specific people stormed in a Durk and a Felis both with shock covering their faces "IN THE NAME OF THE MOTHERUCKING ANCESTORS" Komodo shouted.

Lionel stepped forward with something important to say "now my friend I know that you need your rest but you need to come outside there's um..... Something that you need to see"
James nodded and pulled himself up from the bed, still feeling dizzy as the work within was still far from done, then from his chest a sudden crack, James fell forward, Crimson stepped forward and grabbed him keeping him up.

Slowly with the help of the woman he loved he began to make his way outside, but he did not have to wait as soon as he got to the open double doors he could see what he had too.
hundreds of people all standing around with assault rifles, spears, axes and shotguns, as he came out into the open space of the Free Village, the nights sky was free and clear, the stars shined brighter than ever.
Still relying on Crimson to remain standing, he asked "who.... who are all these people... Resistance members"

"Nope.... they are Maric Fighters..... Crimson.... she spread the word of the Hybrid Prince" Lionel replied
James, looked at the hundreds of fighters all looking to him "are they here to join the resistance" Slowly James extended him left arm to grip the stone doorway of the Hospital.

One fighter stepped forward “I am Torai Sal, of Clan Catha; we are honoured to be of service…. For you are not alone in your Goal and Hopes, I and others like me have dreamt of the Paradise you want to build…. And we are willing to give our lives to help you achieve it" and with that he kneeled to his prince and lowered his head, like a wave those behind him soon followed, all kneeling down to their prince, hundreds of fighters all kneeling down to the man who would lead them. James looked amazed never before had he seen such a thing, he looked over to crimson, who looked back and smiled at him, she then released her hold of him stepped down to the fighters and kneeled herself.
No longer was he James Luck commander of the Eva’s Paradise Resistance, he was James "Jam EZ" Luck Prince of the Maric Peoples.

Chapter 12: Our Last Hope

Three months later:
More Maric Fighters have rallied to the Hybrid Prince, the resistance now numbered in the hundreds of thousands of fighters. But something is coming, something that could tip the balance of the war, and Eva’s Paradise is the where the war will turn, for in the battle above and on the planet will decide who is winning the war and whose losing.

Resistance HQ location classified: Number of people over 2,000 fighters present
Inside the HQ James is about to get some information that could tip the balance of the conflict. Within his office he and crimson are discussing where the need for troops and supplies are needed most when through the door smashes Lionel and Komodo, “Boss man you need to hear this” Komodo shouts.

James nods with urgency; Komodo simply places a holodisk onto the desk and activates it, showing a series of images “these images James are from the 6.002 observational satellites orbiting the planet, capable of seeing ships that are nowhere near the solar system and well….” Lionel explained but komodo interrupted him.

“THE POINT is that the satellite saw a large enemy fleet coming in and well it saw something that can tip the balance of the war” He said zooming the image in and focusing on a specific number of ships four ships that were definitely recognisable for James.

“Invader Dreadnoughts!!!” He stated Komodo and Lionel both nodded “Just one of things almost destroyed the entire Liberator 12th fleet…. Four of them would almost be invincible… how long?”
“Three days at the most maybe less, but there is a bright side…. CHI!” Lionel ordered engineer Chi entered the office with a series of Holodisks “tell James what you have found”

Chi placed her disk onto the table and activated them, showing autopsy reports of the different Invader creatures but also images of a strange looking tower surrounded by debris and ruins.
“Well I have been looking at the reports and it seems that the invaders rely on a system network for the sending of orders to their creatures, all of which have a control Chip” Chi explained
“I know… and if you remove the chips from the skulls, they are able to stand and breath, and nothing else” James interrupted

“Yes but… it seems that the system needs a relay for the orders to be sent, you destroy the relay and then….” Chi continued
“All of the creatures will die” Crimson stated Chi nodded in reply
“And not just the ones here on the planet…. But also the creatures in the ships orbiting the planet” Chi finished

James couldn’t believe it, the Relay, if destroyed then the Collaborator militia will be on its own but of course there’s always a catch. “What’s the catch?” He asked
“All information points to the relay being in the ruins of Nouvelle Montreal” Chi replied
All present looked grim, the slaughter of the last stand. Crimson looked about, wondering why such a place, was so worrying to those around her. James pulled his left hand up with his palm facing upwards and Kai showed herself, “Crimson Nouvelle Montreal was the site of loyalist militia’s final all-out offensive… our last stand” Crimson now understood why they were so worried.

“we have to try though, if those ships get to the front line there’ll be nothing to stop them” James stated and all agreed the fighting was getting worse on Eva’s Paradise, they all understood that things must be worse on the front. But there was one problem.
“The only thing is that the relay seems to be powered by a…… a Thermionic power system, and” Chi explained

“Thermionic power is more powerful, than a tsar Class Nuke.” James stated
Chi nodded “it will destroy everything for 36 mile radius”

For a few seconds all were unsure, James looked to his feet and then at the faces around him “so do we risk it or do we let them pass” he said. All had no reply, as all could not form an answer, but soon an answer came.

From the doorway a resistance fighter charged in out of breath “Albert’s Guerrillas… are under attack”. All present rapidly made their way out to the great holo table, where a video message was being shown live on it were the guerrilla fighters desperately fighting for their lives, and failing, the odd sighting of invader grunts slaughtering the guerrillas. The leading fighter shouting his words “enemy forces… are slaughtering us boss… we need… to pull…. Pull out… otherwise aaaahhh” a plasma shot suddenly hit his chest and he fell backwards, and then nothing but static.
Within the war room, all were growing scared and fearful. James looked to his feet and then even worse news “Reports are coming in sir…. Resistance cells and forces across the planet are under attack…. Their exterminating us” a fighter said.

The Holo table soon showed multiple messages, all from different cells, all facing the same problem overwhelming Invader forces attacking and slaughtering them.
James stood tall and made a decision, “Skuller!” he shouted,
“Aye sir” Skuller replied, standing at attention
“Prep the carrier, we’re going to the relay” James replied turning out of the war room.
But then a sudden cough came in the silence, James paused and turned to see all of his friend looking at him, “What?” he asked.

“James, Montreal, was a slaughter the last time went, we go in force all we are going to do is slaughter our last chance” Lionel stated Komodo stood next to him, nodding in agreement.
“I didn’t say we would be going in force, we will go in silently plant the charges and get the hell out before the enemy even knows what the hell is going on” James replied, now understanding this the others began to smile and nod as they knew a few could succeed where many failed.

Komodo darted off, to his room and slowly came back in a matter of seconds covered in the ruggish and tough military armour of the Durk, brisling with weapons, dozens of pistols strapped to his legs, two assault rifles strapped to his back and half a dozen sawn off shotguns strapped to his belt and along his tail, the piece de resistance a heavy calibre machine gun in his hands. “Let’s get bloody” He proudly stated pulling on the loading system of his Weapon with a powerful Che Cha.

All nodded and repeated the action of grabbing their weapons and armour, Lionel fitting his light Felis armour, although it might not provide much protection from invader plasma weaponry it allowed greater movement, Stepping from his room his light plated armour was more similar to the old armour of the Saracens during the Crusades on Earth, mostly made of light metals and cloths. In his hands he held the Felis weapon of choice, the Arc crossbow,

(the arc Crossbow: traditional weapon of the Felis Honour Guard , Unlike the other Felis arc Bows that rely on a the user having to wear an arc bow bracer to pull and release the laser charge, the Arc Crossbow does not require such , it does so automatically, so all the warrior must do is aim and squeeze the trigger,  the bow is also reinforced metals which are grounded to a blade allowing the bow to be used as a melee weapon, if necessary the arc cross bow can also be altered into an electronic spear, by extending and manoeuvring certain parts of the bow it becomes the length of a two handed spear that harnesses an incredibly powerful electronic charge. only members of the Honour Guard are permitted to use such weapons.)

Crimson grabbed her many Maric blades and fitted them to her belt As well as her blades she put on her light weight armour and Her distinctive Red Hood, but as James went to pick up his rifle and not his heirloom, Crimson grabbed to it first, and gloated at him for getting it first. James once again was left with his family weapon.

James though grabbed many things, dozens of explosive packs into his backpack, two pistols in two holsters on his hips, his family heirloom strapped to his back, and half a dozen knives. Other than that he just wore the garbs of the resistance. But then a group of Maras lead by Crimson entered his room, two of them carried a large box.
They laid it in front of him and left, leaving Crimson and James alone, “We have made this especially for you James” She said placing her hand carefully on the metal rusty box.

James slowly walked up and carefully opened the lid, within it he could not believe what he was looking at, and Crimson stepped behind him and embraced him head on his shoulder speaking calmly into his ear, “you are the future of this land, he who brought us all together, its time you looked like it”. And with that she let him go and walked out to meet the others.

An hour went by, Crimson, Lionel and Komodo were prepped and ready waiting in front of Skullers Troop Carrier, and meanwhile all around them the resistance fighters and Maric warriors ran back and forth prepping the defenses for a possible attack. But then something made them all stop and look at the entrance to the war room. Crimson, Lionel and Komodo soon noticed to and stared with amazement, but crimson Smiled at what she saw.

Stepping into the sun was James Luck, wearing specially made hybrid armour of both the resistance and Mara, the metal was dark black, the chest plate held a red symbol on it, that of a serpent pieced by a spear, the Maric symbol of freedom. His arms were bare, but on his leg were reinforced greaves and boots, made of the strongest Maric metals.
But his head was protected by a strong metallic helmet with a long shark fin like crest from the tip of the forehead and diagonally upwards for a few inches.

Taking in a deep and powerful breath, he began to make his way to the fighters rushing to prepare the defenses. “Brothers and sisters…. An entire army comes against us.... I know that our chances of success are very small, if any of you wish to leave do so now, you are free people, you have the right to choose your future" No one was moving, all remained firm, they believed in him, they all held firm watching their leader, hearing his words
"Very well.... now let us prepare ourselves and free our world from the occupation..... Today is an honour that can truly we call ours.... and even if we fail.... let our story be told... for thousands of years.... let this final stand show that we have made our choice…." James paused once more, all we looking to him with truth in their eyes, they knew just like he did that this would decide the future of everyone, not just Mara or colonist but all.

"THAT WE HAVE CHOSEN TO DIE KNOWING WHAT IT IS TO BE FREE…. THAN LIVE OUR ENTIRE LIVES AS SLAVES!!” He shouted raising a defiant fist. All around him cheered and the Maras sent out a great roar for war and battle. James turned to the carrier and boarded, to see his friends smiling at him….. And like he said they have chosen to die free.
But they weren’t calling for victory they were calling his name, again and again, they shouted, not out of fear or hatred but out of loyalty, James luck had done the impossible and was about to do the impossible, he had united two groups that would have sooner kill each other than fight alongside each other, and now he was going to throw the enemy off their home once and for all.
But it’s easier said than done.

At Montreal the War for Eva’s Paradise would be decided meanwhile high above the new enemy fleet of invincible battleships, cruisers, transports and carriers had arrived and were now preparing for the trip to the front line.


Chapter 13: The Reunion

Location: Nouvelle Montreal Position: Communication Relay Alpha
The relay was a sight to be seen the great tower shot up into the sky, higher than the empire state building, the relay was a single tower with it thermionic power source buried within the ground beneath meanwhile all around it were the ruins of Nouvelle Montreal, the site of the last stand.
On its landing pad was a single Carrier surrounded by the bodies of grunts and hunters, all recent.
Under the relay amongst the many corridors the pattern was the same multiple invader bodies and the odd Collaborator militia soldier. At the entrance to the power cells there were the fighters in a battle against Grunts and militiamen, Komodo with his massive Machine gun spraying and praying for a hit, Lionel hitting with every shot from his bow.

With every kill they had each kept score Lionel was on 27 whilst komodo was on 21
“HEY FUR FACE 21 ALREADY” He shouted over his MG

“STRANGE… I’M ON…. 37” Lionel replied between using his crossbow, Komodo paused his spray and pray

“WHAT NO FURRY POINTY EARED CAT WILL OUT SCORE ME” He shouted, he dropped his MG and pull two of his shot guns and began to fight up close, hitting and shooting the Grunts as they kept on coming. When they were finally dead, Komodo and Lionel caught their breath, but looking down the long corridor, even more Grunts and Hunters were filling the long haul.
Turning back to the Invaders, they prepared and charged, war crying as they went, komodo fired his weapons again and again, Lionel preparing to strike enemies with his bow.
With each kill they kept score.

"224....225....226." Komodo Counted

AS he did lionel was higher "246.....247....248...249"

Crimson and James weren’t there though, they were within the power cell, planting as many explosives as they could they had already planted around 50 all over the primary cell.
But James paused, something was coming, he turned and saw something new,
Stepping from the shadows of the room two figures appeared, one James Knew very well it was the Invader Commander, but the other he could not believe, The figure was wearing Maric armour and held two Maric blades, but as the figure turned to look at the commander James could see an implant clear as day.

Although enslaved James was having to fight his own father.
James moved over to Crimson, “Run… get the others and get to the carrier, tell Skuller to get the engines primed” Crimson stopped and looked at him, “I’ll keep him busy” with that she grabbed him by the collar lifted his helmet and kissed him, before running in the direction of the large amounts of gun fire and reptile like shouts, knowing full well that’s where komodo would be.
James reached into his bag and got his long knives, and prepared to face his opponent, his father charged with his left arm held high with a blade still gripped. James dodged and jerked but refused to fight back.

“You coward fight back!” his enslaved father shouted throwing another strike but yet another miss
“I won’t fight my own father” James replied blocking another strike
“Your father is dead…. Ever since he met you on that hill all those months ago” his father stated.
He threw a great and powerful strike that although did not kill it threw James back and onto the floor.
The commander began to smile and stepped up behind his slave.
James ceased all movements as a Maric long sword tip was held at his throat, but he wasn’t afraid as he could see his father’s eyes. Because as he stood their another battle was being fought inside his father’s head, as memories of his love, James’ mother and his sister, pushed back the controlling power of the implants.

“Strike him down….. Kill him…..KILL HIM” the commander shouted
But nothing happened, his father just stood there lowering the blade, away from his son.

 “No…. No…. NNNNOOOO!” He turned and swung the sword at the commander.

James saw it the power of love can conquer even technology.
His father turned “go my son… get your friends and free our people AAAAHHHH” raising the sword for another attack on the commander.
But as James ran he could hear one thing “My name is Torrelik Val, I fight not for the People but for my Son”

Sprinting like mad over the bodies of the creatures and militiamen, he looked at the detonator in his hand to check the timing 2 minutes, 1 minute thirty as he passed a dead goliath and then as he reached the landing pad he saw everyone all on board and the skuller in  mid-air, 10 seconds. James jumped off the landing pad arms spread up trying to grab the ramp, he succeeded but barely, Crimson, komodo and Lionel grabbed an arm or a leg and pulled him up. With everyone on board, Skuller gave a warning “hold on tight” and put the carrier on full thrust, all engines pointed back and the carrier shot forwards away from the relay.

As they got airborne a great and powerful Bang shook the air and covered all other sounds, turning to look back out the back of the carrier James could see the flames coming “GGGOOO!”
Skuller hit full throttle, something he had never done before, the carrier shot forwards throwing everyone back with a great force, and by mere luck managed to stay ahead of the blast, the great mushroom expanded high above them, and high above the invader ships could see this ever expanding blast of fire and smoke.

Then the dust shot backwards towards the relay, and a sudden jolt of blue energy shot outwards from the relay faster than any ship but did no damage, nothing happened to James or the others or even the carrier.
Shooting straight across the planet, visible to all the energy made its way past the surviving and fighting resistance members struggling to stand against the enemy, but as the energy passed the invaders, they all just fell to the ground.

Like a giant EMP never stopping the energy killed all invader forces on the planet, at the HQ the surviving Maric fighters and residents of the free town desperately hung on, Chi and Rails were fighting on the front, when Rails was hit by a plasma strike to his shoulder, Chi helped him up and began to pull back, supporting him with one arm and shooting with the other Chi could see dozens of Hunters and Goliaths coming her way, the hunters got closer and closer, with their infamous speed.
But in the distance a blue light could be seen, slowly the light got closer and closer filling the horizon and then like a wall of lightning shot passed them, the Goliaths fell to the floor with a great thud, their weapons though did not turn to dust as they usually did, but the hunters still attacked, Chi was thrown to the ground as hunters prepared for the kill, but they too noticed the energy closing in.
Then it hit them, and they too fell to the ground, those that were further in the town began to flee trying to climb the steep cliffs around the town but the energy hit them causing them to fall from great heights.

All present couldn’t believe it; Chi and Rails went to the War room, to see all across the planet resistance cells and guerrillas were seeing the same thing.
Back at the relay the surge was not done, the electrical surge pulled back, and shot out once more in a huge ball of energy built up at the base and shot upwards like a gigantic dome ever expanding.
The newly arrived Invader battleships, cruisers, carriers and transports all saw the dome of energy come closer and closer, till it hit them all on board fell to the metal floors and the ships began to tilt and fall into a gravitational orbit, those that didn’t do so hit one another destroying each other through crashing and falling debris.

James knew that this was the beginning he knew that now the collaborators were on their own.
And from the carrier he sent a message openly to the people, “Freedom is a cause and liberty is a right…. Today we the united people of Maras and Colonists destroyed the invading enemy…. To our traitorous Governor… I give you this message…. Don’t bother sending out your troops….. Cause we are coming for you”
______________________________________________________________________________
But James refused to leave the relay yet, there was one thing to do, he had to give his father a proper Burial that was the least he could do.
Slowly Skuller brought the carrier around and lowered to the debris filled earth.
Walking down the ramp slowly with a tear falling from his cheek, taking many slow and steady steps across the rubble of the ruins, he made his way to the remnants of the control room, the room was a shell of its former self, the walls were close to collapse, the once powerful generator was everywhere, bits and pieces all over the room, under the rubble were the burnt corpses of the Grunts and Hunters. Unlike the rest of the tower, which was burnt to a crisp, the room was perfect, as if there had been only a bad earth quake.

On one side by an emergency door was the sole body of the Invader Commander, burnt from the blast. Not far away from its corpse was the only body James cared for. Laying on his back with many cuts and scratches was his father, in the centre of his chest was a single Scorch mark of a Plasma rifle.
Running to his father he lifted him up, but paused he was still alive, leaning him up against a slag of metal. Back against the metal his head hanging low, arms slumped down his side, and his legs extended out. James desperately tried to help his father, Torrelik Val pulled his head up and looked at his son, gripping his sons arm “Stop…. My boy…. Stop just…. J… just …… sit with me”.
James listened to him and sat down next to the left of his father, who was getting weaker by the minute, slowly his father leaned in on his son. Reaching into his armour, he pulled something, a slips of paper, wrapped around something the size of a small Cube no bigger than the old Rubik’s Cube. Passing it to his son he spoke “This…. This is…. Important…. To seeing….. Your destiny…..” James reached out and carefully took it into right hand.

Slowly his father began to slump more, his head was now resting onto his son’s right shoulder, “It’s alright…… Lock ta nor ra mek moreay” and those were his last words in our tongue that’s “I am going to your mother and sister” releasing his final breath, his head remained resting on the shoulder of his son, feeling tears flow down his face, James laid his head on his fathers, and closed his eyes.
Outside Komodo, Lionel, Crimson and Skuller, were treating the injuries they had received in the fight when from the dust cloud and smoke came a figure, James carrying the lifeless body of his father. Lionel and crimson ran out, helping him and laying the body down on the ground. “We going to need a bloody Medivac” Komodo stated, Crimson hovered over the body trying to help her fallen king.

Standing tall, his right hand clenched and his left holding tightly the object his father had given him, James his face still filled with tears “It’s too late” He said, clearly with sadness in his voice. Looking around Crim even saw her Friends filling with tears, Lionel, Skuller and even Komodo for all of his toughness was feeling his tear ducks flowing. Crimson got to her feet and pulled James close, knowing that he was the one feeling the worst.

“I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry” She sobbed, James resting his head, on her shoulder, he too had tears pouring down his face, his eyes sealed shut, for he had lost so much, his mother, his sister and now his father. Once released, he pulled his right hand up, opening the papers, to show a Cube, with the rim covered in Maric symbols. The papers were the most important, one was a letter, the other was an old paper based photograph, and the image was that of James’ past. Him, his mother and sister, when James was only a baby.

Lifting the body of a king Lionel and Komodo carried it onto the Carrier, and placed it with care onto the floor in the middle of the space. Skuller wiped his face and got to his seat and set the carrier off, into flight, away from the ruins and to take them home. Crimson wanted to give a sign of respect from a small pack under her seat she pulled an old tattered Maric banner, it was the Banner of Freedom the great White Dragon, the Maric Royal Emblem. And layed it over the body of her king, the banner now covered the body, from his head to his feet. After she had done so with great care she returned to her seat.

Inside Komodo looked to his friend and brother in arms, reaching under his chair he pulled out his bag, feeling around inside, he pulled out a set of glasses and a strong Bottle of Durkish Liquor one of the strongest liquors in the federation, passing out the glasses, and pouring a few centre metres into each glass, everyone present, even Lionel, the teetotal Felis had a glass, in the cockpit, Skuller gripped his glass, with care whilst also trying to keep both hands on the controls, Komodo drizzled a small amount from the bottle onto the floor and made a toast “ To absent friends”, all raised their glasses, and began to take a drink, of the five of them only two did not get almost choked on the drink, James and Komodo.

 “You have to respect him brother” Komodo stated, looking at his brothers in arms, James turning his gaze from the body of his father to as he says “one who swears like a drunken sailor”. But Komodo wasn’t done yet, “he did what he sought out to do” he stated. James continuing his gaze.
“To make Peace with his SON” Komodo finished, James knew he was telling the truth, all his father wanted was to get his sons forgiveness. And now he had it.
But there was something even greater that James could, see from this battle, no matter how advanced the invaders are, they cannot overcome the eternal strength of something even greater than technology.

Something that cannot be seen, something that all find sooner or later, something that is truly eternal, and can change the entire universe, Love.  James saw that the love a father had for his son was even greater than the invaders.

After a moment of silence James removed the papers from the object his father had given him, the papers were photographs old paper based, they were of the family, when he was only a baby, all of them, his father, mother and his sister many years ago when things were different. The Cube brought more of his attention to bear, the cube was strange. It was made of a mixture of Gold and Crystals, The outside of it was mostly made of gold but with small diamond shaped “Windows” into it, the windows and the centre were completely made of some kind of Crystal, that was strange it seemed to glow in the limited light coming from a small window next to James.


Chapter 14: Farewell

Finally home, James still filled with tears picked up his father, but not alone soon Crim lifted his right leg, whilst James took the left, Komodo took the right shoulder and Lionel the left. Together they carried a fallen king and father off the carrier, down the ramp. The fighters all cheered at their return at least until they saw who they were carrying, the Maras lowered their heads in respect.
Many Maric Fighter rallied to gather sticks and branches for a Funeral Pyre, Others however collecting floating pollen of the Uincas flower (a great flower that collects in pollen in its petals and combines it into a single baseball sized orb filled with a gas that lifts it high, but the reaction of pollen and the gas cause it to glow, once it reaches a certain height the orb opens and releases all of the pollen, allowing it to fall to earth, many say that the pollen resembles pixie dust from old children’s tales).

That night they laid their fallen king on his funeral pyre, all Maras and fighters holding the pollen orbs in their hands, except the bright white glow of the pollen there was no other light. James lifted a single fire lit torch, raised it high as a salute to his father then finally lowered it to the pyre.
In sudden gust the pyre burst into flames, producing bright orange and red flames. He reached into his pocket and pulled the picture of his family that his father had given him holding firm he raised his right hand and saluted his father with pride, respect, honour. As he did so those around him began to release their Pollen Orbs, allowing them to float into the nighttime sky, that for the first time in the history of Eva’s Paradise was starless, as if the stars refused to shine on a dark night. The orb rose up slowly refusing to be pushed by the near none existent wind.

Like a wave those around him released their pollen and like an army of stars rising from the earth, hundreds if not thousands of pollen orbs levitated into the night sky. All across the free town the orb came, lighting the night sky as the great flame continued to aggressively burn, consuming the body of the king.
James stood firm Crimson standing next to him his friends behind him, and an army of Resistance and Maras all mourning the men and women lost in this stand. Not a word was said as other funeral pyres were lit, for the resistance fighters and Maric warriors who had lost their lives. High above the pollen began to filter down, glowing in the light of the burning fire.

Crimson stepped back for a second and stood next to Komodo and Lionel, she carefully whispered a few words, “I’m worried about James, and he hasn’t said a word since it happened”
After these quick words she returned to her place next to James and took in a deep and strong breath.
Crimson lifted her head and began to slowly sing over the roar of the flames, (translated) “He stood… he fought… for all… he saw…….. He stood for his son… he loved and fought…….. Fight on… fight on… to see a land we’ve earned…. A land that will one day be ours…. He stood… he fought… for his son… we mourn our king…. A hero to the Death…. Fight on… fight on… Our King we swear…. We stand for the one you called son…. For all of the blood they spilt we shall spill more…. Sound the horn of war…. For we go to war…. For the land that we’ve earned…. For the land that will be ours…. Paint the plains Crimson red….. Our king …. He saved his son from death…. Fight on…. Fight on… to see a land we’ve earned…. A land that will one day be ours….”
Slowly the Maric began to follow her example, they knew it was the song of the prophecy…. A prophecy of one who will die and from his ashes a hero will rise to free their people “We stand for our lord… who saved his son from death…. May the Gods follow you… from the ashes a lord will begin anew, from the ashes our lord will be born…? A king… who stood…. Who fought… for all… he saw…. He stood for his son…. He loved… he fought… Sound the horns…. For we go to war…. For we see the land…. That will be ours once mmmmooooorrrrrreeeee.”

As these words were sung, James his eyes almost sealed shut from the loss and the pain of being the last of his family, finally felt something other than pain, he felt Anger and Rage, His eyes shot Open and his Iris was now once more very different, they were blood red.
 ______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 15: The Heart

Journal entry: James Luck 2438 January 2nd
The war has changed now here on Eva’s Paradise, Christ listen to me, Colonists call it Eve’s Paradise but Maras call it Eva’s paradise.
Well don’t matter
Any way the war has changed, the militia is all that’s left, it’s been weeks now since the relay destruction. The invaders are now all dead, still cleaning up the corpses, and have to be careful of falling debris from those invader ships up above.
But we are now winning, the Maric Hordes have invaded the colony under the banner of a Serpent pieced by a spear. All 2 million warriors, not the small force of 200,000 my father invaded with decades ago.
The militia has retreated to the cities, and now it’s a proper war, no more guerrilla tactics, now we fight head on.
Plans are already in motion for an assault on the capital city, but we have to plan everything, the outer defences, inside the thousands of militia troops, and of course the six million people that could caught in the cross fire.
Komodo is in favour of a full frontal assault, but I think it would be slaughter, especially with those large Heavy cannons on the outskirts of the city.

Lionel thinks we should sneak in fight guerrilla style warfare inside the city, but Curfews and martial law make it near impossible for people to sneak around, our cells there are having to keep quiet.
Besides there are still militia forces scattered in fortified towns and bases around the colony, I don’t want to fight on two fronts.

So I made the choice of dealing with them first, so then the militia has more pressure put on them.
So it’s off to fight with the horde.
But first I have one thing to do.
More specifically something to read.

“My son
I am sorry for what I have done. I failed you, when you were a child, I failed when your mother died, and I failed when your sister was killed.
I hope you can forgive me for what I did, but those extremists could have returned for you, so I thought it best to leave you so that they will have no reason to return.
Now if you are reading this, I am dead, and you are now the king.
If you are to lead our people, you will need the blade of our ancestors, the sword that has been held by all kings.
When you mother died I vowed to never pick the blade up again.
I took your mother and gave her a burial for a queen in a tomb shining in star light.
I placed the blade with her, go to her and for fill the destiny of the King of Sands and blackened stone, for only those with the blood that flowed through my heart can bear the blade.
I leave you with these word.
The words of your mother, “Do not turn from the people, for it is the Good and Great warriors that stand up for them…. When others would turn and run”
Although death is eternal know that I will love you always for I am now with your mother and sister, in the light of the stars.
You’re Father”

James asked crimson to come with him for this, as he knew exactly where to go, the temple of the starlight, and the Maric temple to the ancient spirit Eva.
The temple was huge, built into the largest mountain on the planet, the walls were strongest in the world. So strong not even fallen debris from the battleships could even put a crack into the stone.
Entering the long hallways, seeing only by the use of torch light, James and Crimson made their way through the many hallways and corridors, when one corridor showed something of importance.
Painted images covered parts of the wall, the first of the images was that of battle, colonists and Maras fighting each other. Then the same but with a Maric male and a female colonist laying down their arms.

Followed through with them holding a baby then another, then the largest of them paintings. A house burning with bodies surrounding it, amongst them a single Mara holding the body of a woman.
“Whose story is this?” Crimson asked,
James didn’t answer, as he knew what it was, it was the story of his family, how his mother and father, came to be lovers, and how arrogant, violent, nationalistic extremists took it all away.
Slowly the hallway turned to a large open tomb, with a single shine of light coming down from above, onto a sarcophagus in the centre. On the top was an exact stone replicate of his mother lying still.

Held within her arms, was a blade, a short but sharp blade, with a Dragons head on the head of the hilt, the width of the blade was great at first but it quickly turns to a sharp and deadly point. Running down the centre of the blade were Maric Runes and symbols.
James stepped forward and with his left hand, he gripped the hilt and pulled. But it did not budge, there was no movement what so ever, he tried again and again but could not move it an inch. He began to feel tears flow down his face, as he pulled and pulled. Crimson came up and grabbed him, stopping him from hurting himself. Holding him close, she cried with him.

Releasing him slowly, James pulled his right hand up and held the blade gently and began to turn away, not even trying to pull it, thinking that his hand would just slip over the metal of the hilt, but then he heard the sound of metal and stone scratching together.

He turned around and saw the blade in his right hand, holding it up to his face, he could see clearly the runes and symbols. He then remembered his father’s letter, only those with the blood that flowed through my heart can bear the blade.
He didn’t mean his blood he meant the blood that flowed through his love, the woman he loved, his mother.

Crimson looked at him bearing the royal blade, the strongest sword of all Maras, none could compare to its strength. Seeing the man she loved holding it, she felt even more tears flow down her face.
For he was now truly the Hero of the Old Maric prophecy, the prophecy given by the Ancient spirit of Eva. He is the hero that will return the land to its people.

Chapter 16: The Lost Deity

There was more to this temple than met the eye however, there was an artefact that is most sacred to the Maric peoples. The Ancient spiritual goddess Eva, Crimson wanted to show it to her love and her friends, gave a small token given to them that to them.
A day after the sword was retrieved; two friends approached the temple to meet the two lovers. Komodo and Lionel had never seen such things before, the halls and stone of the temple were beautifully crafted, in a way, which seems nearly impossible. Crimson lead the way, in the direction of the inner sanctum, as they got close the stone became smoother and smoother.

Then they came to an archway into darkness, komodo took a step forward and a stone below his foot shifted, before they could react light blasted around them as flames, ran along a small groove in the walls, through the archway and the darkness was removed. Showing a large circular room the flames rushing along the outside, faster than any flame ever seen.
In the centre of the room atop a large stone was a statue of a figure, a very tall figure, standing almost 3 metres. The statue was that of a being but one without a face, which was blank. A long and thin hood covered the head, and the back was similar to that of a cloak. The long arms of the statue came forward and down, its hands were together forming almost a cup like gesture.

Around the walls however was much more, paintings, showing the same figure coming down from the stars, the Maras bowing and worshiping it. As well as the Prophecy of the Hero, but the piece de resistance was in the centre behind the statue, a painting of the Figure with its arms wide open and above it within almost a cloud, Invader ships!
James suddenly clicked to an unbelievable theory, the Maric Goddess was an Ethereal, the lost race.

(Galactic file 31: ETHEREAL
An extinct race of supreme beings that were capable of using their minds as weapons and tools, some even believe that they could see events of the future. Not much is known of the Ethereal as they disappeared almost 10,000 years ago. There are many theories as to their disappearance.
Unfortunately all information on the Ethereal comes from the objects and writings that they left behind, mostly because no remains of these ancient peoples have ever been found, all that is known about their Biologically is that they were a tall race of humanoids.

During their time however it is believed that they subjugated multiple other minor space faring races that were possibly present at the time. However the leading theory is that they were client Races, where basically in exchange for the Ethereal Protection these races would, pay them tribute as if the Ethereal were Gods. Nothing is known of these other races as the Extinction of the Ethereal seems to have involved them as well. )

“It was them” James stated looking around him
Crimson turned to him in amazement “Your right the ships there, are those of invaders”
Komodo turned to look as well “who the hell is that?” he asked pointing at the deity.
Crimson looked to the statue “Eva, the goddess of the paradise, she’s our deity, our spiritual guardian”
But James saw something very important, "She not a goddess, she’s an Ethereal, and she knew" he stated
All looked to him in bewilderment, "they knew that the invaders were coming and tried to warn young civilizations but no one believed them"
"What the hell do you mean? Piss face" Komodo asked
"On earth one religion has something known as the apocalypse, more specifically four horsemen" James replied "And how many invader groups attacked earth"
Komodo Clicked his fingers "Four" he said realizing what he was talking about.
"So the Ethereal warned humanity, but no one believed them, so when they said the four armies, Humans looked at it as a myth" Lionel Replied now beginning to understand.

Looking around Crimson couldn’t believe it, the spiritual belief of her people was actually just a warning from a dead race. A race that that bordered on the supernatural. But the prophecy had one last thing to show, the identity of the one who would lead the people to victory.
As the others wandered and looked at the impressive paintings of the story of Eva. Crimson however felt a reason to return to the statue of her Spirit.

Standing before the spirit herself, she took a deep long breath, raising her head allowing her newly grown long dark black hair loose, to fall onto her shoulders. Releasing her breath, she stepped forward, and slowly looked to the cupped hands of the spirit. Seeing within the hands, the most precious of Maric relics. The memory of Eva.
A small silver coin like object, with perfect circular outline, no more than a two or three inches in in width. The size was not important however, what was, is that which is upon it. A single image, Crimson gasped in amazement.

“Hey Crim what’s wrong” James asked turning in response to the Gasp.
Stepping back from the statue Crimson gave her response “It’s you”
James and the others didn’t believe her, and quickly moved to look, once there they too were amazed.
The relic held an engraved image, of James Luck carrying his father’s lifeless body, in the exact same way he did after the attack on the Relay.
“That’s impossible….. This bloody place is thousands of years old” Komodo stated walking away from the statue. Lionel too stepped down.
James was the only one to hold firm, raising his right hand he slowly he pushed it closer and closer to the relic, until his palm could feel the cold metal of the coin.

Gripping it in his hands, he brought it up, looked at it carefully analyzing every detail, when it hit him, the shape, it’s the same shape like piece from the Golden Cube, with great speed he pulled the cube from his pack and slowly inserted the Coin into the slot. Then in a flash the fires died down, which was strange, at first, then it got stranger, from the relic a light came, bright yellow. The Cube began to change, the corners came loose, the cube began to lift carefully into the air, and the corners moving into the different corners of the room, the cube itself hovered over the statue of Eva.
Then from the statue a strange purple like glow began to appear, all present couldn’t believe what they were seeing, Komodo thought he was actually passed out.
Slowly the light from both grew more powerful, and the paint on the murals too began to glow in their individual colors. Then the most impressive thing yet from the statue something stepped forward, an exact copy of the statue but alive.

Crimson dropped to her knees and bowed to her goddess, the figure was completely blank, almost ghost like, the only difference was that it was far much taller not 3 metres but almost 5 metres.
“What are you?” James nervously asked.
The figure turned its ghostly body in his direction and then looked down at him and then in a light and kind Feminine voice it answered “A Memory…. Of Eva”. Crimson remained on her knees and did not move an inch, Komodo once more thought he was unconscious, Lionel on the other hand was stood still as if he was frozen.

James was the only one who pushed for information “What…. What happened to your people?”
The Memory paused for a moment raising its arms, showing memories of their war and then replied “Our people were the apex of civilization in this galaxy…. But at the height of our rule….. We were attacked….. A race of technology and numbers….. Invaded our worlds….. We fought…. But we were always few in number…… we were defeated…. Throughout it all we looked for answers...” The memories turned to those of Ethereal looking for answers “Some looked to the past…. But a few looked to the future, and that is when we saw…”

“Our war?” Crimson stated finally returning to her feet.

The Memory nodded slowly “we sent messages to those who would face the next war…. The next invasion…. But we all saw one thing in common…. A person… a hero who would lead the war to victory” The memory then pulled its other arm along to point at James. “But also we saw what…. Would be should you failed”
 
James stood firm and gave an order “Show us!”

The memory pulled both arms back to it body and locked its hands close to it chest, “The future is a complex thing, and never remaining the same… the smallest choice can change it”

“I SAID SHOW US…. We deserve to know” James shouted

Looking to the floor the memory contemplated. “Very well” Raising both arms diagonally upwards, the ethereal showed the future at an accelerated rate the entire room became like a simulation showing the world as if they were outside of the temple, first it showed Eva’s Paradise in ruins, the cities rusted away and the people living in the ruins of the collapsed buildings “First your worlds will be stripped bare of all resources, and the people left to survive on their own, the Attackers continuing to expand their empire” then the planet began to break apart as the sun went super nova, and swallowed the world and all other planets in the system, the star then collapsed In on itself, and exploded into a great expanse of fire and light.

“Soon there will be nothing left to conquer and they will seek to go to other galaxies, like they have before, nothing will stop them, until…. The entire Universe… is in their empire….. Without diversity of life, society and technology the universe is doomed” Slowly the many galaxies and stars began to recede, and the eternal darkness of deep space took hold. As the entire of space became nothing, the Memory brought forward a horrifying reality. “The last of the protons are now decaying…. I give to you the end of the universe”.

Looking around James could see nothing, there was nothing, everything gone. He was horrified at what he was seeing, he was now even more afraid of the future, not to mention his fear of what would happen should he fail.
“Wait the universe will die out anyway, it doesn’t mean that they did it” Kai stated.
The memory lowered its arms and locked it hands at it chest once more, “yes the Universe will one day die, but they will hasten the inevitable, rather than see their empire fall they shall destroy the universe”

James and Crimson were full of tears, James now felt an overwhelming pressure on his soul, and he now knew if he lost, everyone was lost. The memory saw this and oddly enough showed some form of compassion “but as I said, the future is not determined, it can ever so easily changed” James looked up to this memory and wiped the tears from his face, and smiled. The memory then gave something to give him something to take with him, “I shall however give you a gift, young hybrid… I understand that you have lost much…. At your lowest point, grip the relic once more and even death itself will be turned backwards” With that the memory began to turn to nothing, and the light of the fires returned to their great power. The cube rather rapidly returned to its normal self and became nothing more than a Golden Cube with a great crystal in it.

James, not once looking away from the statue of Eva began to go into a deep though with the cube and relic in his hands. She had given him another reason to fight, another reason to seek the end of the invaders, another reason to live.
Looking around him he saw everyone still in shock after what they saw “What the hell are you doing…. Don’t you know there’s a war on…? Come on….. Let’s take back our planet” James boldly began to walk out the Royal blade strapped to his back, his armour refusing to budge as he walked.
With those words, the others came back to the present and followed close behind grabbing their weapons. The time had come for the People of Eva’s Paradise to take back their world.

Chapter 17: United We Stand

Journal of James Luck
Location: 26 miles from Nouvelle Paradise (Colonial Capital)
15th august 2438
This might be the last entry in this journal.
Since the beginning of this war I have written into this journal every day, every battle.
I have always tried to give a true account of the things I have seen and the things that I have done.
But it is now that I see the true extent of my actions, looking around me in this massive camp, tents as far as the eye can see.
I see people from all walks of life coming together to free their land. Maras and colonists helping each other, these are people who used to hate each other.
Even my friends Komodo and Lionel, two warriors from two different worlds are now standing together as brothers. Despite them having the contest, which gets the most kills. (Still think Komodo tries to round his numbers up)
But against all the odds the people have come together, and now together we shall be free.

Outskirts of Nouvelle Paradise:
James stands atop a large pile of boxes and crates all containing the weapons and ammunition for the fight to come. around him the Free peoples and Maric warriors rush to and fro preparing their weapons and armours, below him James could see his friends and love, Komodo once more brisserling with weapons, two assault rifles strapped to his back, half a dozen sawn off shotguns strapped to his tail, on his forearms he strapped some pistols. And in his mouth a fat cigar, the tip burning and smoking away with every puff.

To his left was Lionel once more in his lighter and wearable light skirmishing armour, now dyed into a more reddish colour, on his right for arm and hand was the bracer meant to work with the arc bow. He however was more focused on maps of the city. Devising how he could fight in such as tight space, in his opinion it was a guerrilla’s worst nightmare, tight streets and tall buildings.
Crim however was busy making sure that her knives and daggers were nice and sharp, ready to cut the throats of those who betrayed the people of Eva's Paradise. James though wore his Maric armour, the royal blade strapped to his back, pistols held in holsters on his hips, and finally something new devised from Chi (still pronounced Shay) on his left arm above the metal of his new skin, was a new grapple.

(James's new grapple was created using gravitational technology, in other word the grapple is fired without a wire or rope, but within it is a piece of gravitational power, so it can travel endlessly, and if the wearer wants to retrieve or be transported to the grapple all he has to do is activate the gravitational power within the bracer, so in other words the two have gravitational pull that only pull to each other)

But it was only a prototype, but James didn't care his completely metal arm and metal leg were prototypes and so was the only person allowed in his head, KAI.
But James knew it was time for a speech.
"Good evening" He shouted

Slowly all began to turn their attention away from their tasks and towards the one who has lead them to this moment.

"In a few moments... we alongside the other free peoples will begin our assault on the capital... and we shall be fighting the largest battle in the history of our planet" He paused at this moment and began to realize what he was saying...

"Our Planet... those are the words that matter here.... we cannot be divided by petty differences.... not anymore..... We have to show the enemy..... That no matter what race we are, Colonist.” he pointed to the human colonists who had fought from the beginning “Maras" he pointed to the woman he loved “in the end we are all.... The people.... of Eva’s Paradise" spreading his arms to all in front of him, hearing this all cheered, shouted and roared in favor.

But he was not done yet, "it’s somewhat ironic, it was in this city, that we one fought each other... we both slaughtered each other...... and once more we shall be fighting for our freedom.... though.... not from annihilation, taxation or persecution...... but from..... Enslavement...... today we are fighting for the right to choose..... To choose our own futures..... And I swear to you that the future is on the Horizon.... for the night is always darkest before the dawn"

All looked at him with serious faces, Mara and colonist alike all were beginning to agree with him. He began to draw his sword and pointed it at all the brave people in front of him.
“And I swear to you the dawn is coming..... So WHO WANTS TO SEE THE DAWN RISE OVER OUR PLANET" he raised his sword in a sudden and proud stance. All below him too felt proud of that, all present were willing to follow his words, they were going to ensure that the Dawn will come.

Chapter 18: Honour to the End

The capital was in a state of crisis, the people had risen up in rebellion, the armed police force now supported the Resistance, the Militia was losing control, and the Governor was forced to stay inside a militarized district. All the while the city around him burned, falling deeper and deeper into the control of the Resistance, The gigantic army of freedom destroyed all Militia checkpoints and troops in its path.
On all of the streets, the bodies of the dead fell and very few of them were Mar or resistance, behind them the police tried to maintain peace and order. And threw it all James fought with the men and women next to him, the royal blade bloodied from one fight after another next to him were as always the cunning ARC Bowmen Lionel and the Swearing Explosive Komodo. Oh and of course crimson, fighting tooth and nail for her home, leading the Infamous Hellenic Guard.

(Hellerick Guard: the Guard is a very old collection of the most elite fighters of all Maric Peoples, both men and women fight in the Hellenic Guard. They are usually tasked with guarding the High King, the Royal Family and most especially the People, but in times of war, they act much like elite Special Forces, infiltration, assassination, sabotage etc. They are known for wearing a distinctive style of armour, although every individuals armour and weapon is distinctive to each member, the Guards style is that of strong but light armour, with a type of helmet that resemble an Earth Y for a visor.

During the Maric wars the Hellenic Guard took part in many missions, mostly reconnaissance and in the Great War the Hellenic guard saw many transformations but its duties remained the same, protect the people.)
The City of metal was changing, where once there was only fear and hatred, now there was anger and hope. Ordinary people, who previously stayed out of the way of the Militia, now picked up whatever weapons they could find and fought the oppressors. Meanwhile within the Military district, militiamen ran back and forth, fearful for their lives. They knew that the end was coming, that they would hold out much longer.
Back with the resistance James returned to the old Police Station, now the Resistance HQ. Walking through the halls, past the holding cells filled to breaking point with Militiamen, Collaborators, and criminals, taking advantage of the carnage. James kept walking, through a set of double doors, into the Squad room.

The room was large, its ceiling was high, almost 4 metres up into the air, the walls were solid stone, metal and wood, but every now and again even they shook a tiny bit as Militia rockets found an odd target, covering the floor was a mixture of Carpets and rugs, all with drops and stains from blood spilt by the wounded and dead. Zig zagging the room was sets of simple wooden walls only a few feet in height. Usually meant to organize the different squads and groups within the Police. But now those now served as stations for communications. In the center of the room was a large Holographic Table producing a constantly changing 3D map of the City, shown in green the hologram produced everything occurring in the battle. Positions of the Resistance fighters, Militia Checkpoints and defenses. But then a red dot followed by a yellow dotted line came up from the map, or more specifically the Military District.

On the far side of the room was a  wooden double door, pinned to it was a slip of paper reading Infirmary but the words on a plaque next to the door were they were “Morgue” covering the door were bloody hand prints. And in front of the door were the slide marks of blood, from wounded being dragged in. Above the whole room were electrical chandeliers constantly rocking back and forth, as the building shacked making all those below wary of them falling.

Then a voice shouted out, “INCOMING ROCKET FIRE!!!” the voice was that of an officer observing the table. From the other side of the room a second shout came.
“CCCCCOOOOOVVVVEERRRRR” It cried, hearing this al officers and resistance fighters took cover bracing them for the explosion.
Within a second the explosion hit and the whole building shook, Chandelier’s high above rocked back and forth, with the electrical light illuminating the whole room, flickered on and off. When the shaking stopped, they rose to their feet and continued their work. James knew the fight would be tough, but with that Rocket fire it was getting harder and harder, as people were being forced to keep their heads down.

The leading Police officer saw James and began to walk over to him, he was middle aged man with olive coloured skin, and his face was covered in cuts, bruises and blood. He wore the uniform of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit of the Police; over the blue Uniform he had simple body armour. On his belt was a single holster containing a pistol, his hair was short almost none existent, his Face was showing a lot, under his eyes he had a tone of bags, showing he had zero sleep in the previous days. Below his eyes was a face that was battered and bruised, under all the evidence of a tough fight, there were wrinkles both of age and exhaustion. Covering them was the simple stubble of a growing beard.

“James…. Good to see ya brother” He said extending his hand
James grabbed it with one hand and embraced the officer with his right arm, “Long time no see, Tomas” His old friend smiled, hearing this, knowing that no matter what had happened before, Tomas joining the Collaborator Militia (Technically as a spy for the resistance) and James joining the resistance. But throughout it all he still called James a brother.

Releasing his brother James smiled looking at the man he called his greatest friend. Tomas returned the smile. But then Tomas cleared his throat and began to speak “Right… uhh…. Krra…. Let’s talk”.
He began to walk over to the Holo table to explain the situation, James too cleared his throat and Returned to his war face. He too started the quick march to the table.

Tomas started his report “Right…. This is the situation….. We now control much of the city… but the Military district, remains out of reach…. The enemy fire down from above the walls….” He paused still pointing into the military district. Before continuing “but the main problem are the Long Range Rockets that their firing from behind the walls…. If we don’t take them out…. They’ll slaughter us all…. We can’t take the Governor until we take out those Rockets”

James heard these words and understood what it meant, if the rockets kept firing then the city would become nothing more than a pile of rubble. Leaning forward, James had much to contemplate, how does he get into the district? How does he find the launches? Why the hell is he thinking how? “For god’s sake James just fricking blow them up” James thought to himself. Chuckling at his thought he looked at Tomas and stated “Leave em to me, when you see gates wide open come in guns blazing” Tomas returned his friends look with one that made it clear that he was questioning what his friend was going to do.

But James didn’t care he turned marched out of the room and made his way through the holding cells and into the Garage. The garage was very similar to the rest of the station, piles of rubble and destroyed vehicles dotted the large concrete space. The only thing that could be heard or seen were the constant comings and goings or rebel fighters, police tactical teams (SWAT) and Mara warriors, all piling onto the multiple Armoured Personal carriers and other armoured vehicles going to the front line.

But James was looking for something tough he was looking for something fast and manoeuvrable, turning his head slowly carefully analysing the multiple vehicles, couple of old cars, some unarmoured police vehicles, the Rebel vehicles. Then he saw his choice a hover bike, dark black, with supporting wings on its rear pointing diagonally upwards, Smiling at his choice he made his move. Grabbing his rifle pulling the strap over his head and should, he mounted up, revved the engine once, twice and thrice, until he was sure that it was ready. Everyone present could hear the sounds of the engine even above all of the other sounds and engines around the garage. James saw the faces, staring at him and just smiled, as people cleared the way for the ramp leading up to the street James pulled the bike around, it engines gushing small blue flames from the exhausts. With the way cleared, he made one quick statement “LETS ROLL”, releasing the brake he and the bike shot forward, like a laser bolt from a rifle. Seeing him go made everyone remaining to mount up and roll out as well. Jumping into or onto the many vehicles they poured out of the garage onto the rubble filled street.

James was already far ahead, the streets were either empty or filled with rebels and Maras fighting the militia. The different buildings ranged in types of destruction some were barely touched whilst others were close to collapse. The roads were filled with the bodies of Militiamen, the air was truly filled with death, but above that was smoke as fires raged almost uncontrollably. James soon found himself in a fight, as he made his way down the middle of a street, he was caught in a cross fire, on his left within shops, behind shops and debris were rebels and Maras firing their many rifles, whilst on his right using only debris and broken down vehicles were a group of outnumbered Militia, they too were firing laser bolts from their rifles, but on either side of them were the corpses all militia.
Weaving and jinking on his bike James avoided every shot fired, he would have liked to help but he had a bigger Job to do, he had date with lady rocket Launcher and the desert was going to be explosive. As he made his way through the many streets, the bodies began to change, switching from predominantly Militia to mainly Mara and rebel fighters.

In his ear communicator he could hear the many communications between the many resistance groups fighting in the city “This Is Komodo we’re pushing forward, the militia are on the run”, “This is Skuller we’re at the wall but we’re pinned down”. “Lionel here were falling back the rockets are hammering us”.
And that was when he saw it, the high metal wall of the Military District, the wall was over 4-5 metres in height and was incredibly thick, it could be hit with a bomb the size of a car and remain standing.

James didn’t care how high it was, because he was going over. He already could see how, the debris of destroyed vehicles, at first wouldn’t be much of a worry, but together it makes the perfect ramp for a hover bike to get over the wall. But James was taking no chances “Kai, run a simulation” He asked.
“Simulation running” Kai replied, threw his left eye James began to see the simulation in action, first the scanning of the debris and the wall, to get accurate numbers and results. Next he saw the multiple simulators as Kai ran the numbers to decide the best course of action. Within a second the answer, came “James if you to be successful then you must begin the run at exactly thirteen metres away from the ramp”.

Hearing this James pulled back on the bike so that he could get to the correct range, once there he took a deep breath, revved the engines a couple of times, gripped hard on the brake, revved even harder than before, but did not release, he waited for the engine to build up in power, once he was sure, well truthfully when he felt it, the entire bike pulling itself forwards. Feeling his stomach churning, he released the brake, the force of the bike shooting forward almost pulled James off the bike entirely.

As the Bike shot forward in came the Militia fire, the few militiamen defending the wall opened fire, with their small bolts of Laser shooting forward barley missing James and the Bike. James continued moving forward as the bike got faster and faster, with every second the rubble made ramp got bigger and bigger as he got closer. As he struck the ramp, the bike nearly fell apart from the bottom striking the rubble hard, but thankfully it held together. As the bike flew into the open cold air of the night, James could see beyond the wall. He could see the military district, the reinforced military style buildings, metal and stone from one wall to the other, at the very heart the Governors “Mansion”, the very symbol of the Governors Corruption. The Mansion was a large double story building, with many pointers that told anyone who saw it that it was definitely the most expensive home on the planet. Statues lined the roof in a variety of poses and expressions. On the second level there was a balcony with flowers and dozens of other plants, the front door was a huge double set, of solid decorative wood, even the windows were styled to be decorative.

But this quick look was over as sudden as it began, James turned his attention once more to the Militia that were still of course shooting at him, after a slow exhale, James made his move, there was no way he could keep his bike, so he released his strong grip on the handles and with that release he began to slow down, but the bike continued to shoot forwards, straight into the path of a squad of oncoming Militiamen. The Bike crashed with a tremendous force, the loud bang as it hit the reinforced concrete buildings, the fires that erupted from the heart of the Bikes power cells shot outwards in all directions giving the impression of the gates of hell.

As this occurred James made his rough (Crash) Landing, crashing onto the dirt of the interior rolling along his side, and with tremendous skill he quite literally rolled himself onto his left knee, before that though he pulled the two pistols he had on his hips. His arms extended hands gripping the side arms tightly, fingers on the triggers ready for a fight, the Militia at the wall now took aim as well and were ready to end the resistance Leader. Well they could try anyway, only one thing stopped them two individual Laser Bolts coming from James’ side arms one to the throat whilst the other got one to the heart, James thought to himself as the bodies fell from the battlements “Thank god for quick reactions”.

Raising from his knee, he began to breathe again, inhaling and exhaling as if he had just ran a marathon. After a few breaths he made a quick statement “AAAH I’m getting to old for this crap”
But once he finished his statement Kai was quick to respond “How old are you exactly?”
James smiled and chuckled at the question as Kai already knew the answer, it was merely attempt by Kai at a joke.

Continuing his steady breathing, James closed his eyes for he needed to focus, but he wasn’t focused on breathing he was focused on sound, he didn’t know where the long range rockets were, so he used on old Maric technique, stopping clearing your mind and feel what you are looking for. With his mind clear the world began to expand within his mind, he could hear more and more, shouting and gun fire in the distance more clearly. The sound of explosions and finally the sound he was seeking the loud fiery blast of a Long range Missile Launcher. His eyes shot open and a smile returned to his face, he brought his left hand up to his ear Pushed the communicator and said “To all resistance forces keep pushing, this is James Luck and I’ve found the Missiles”

After sending the message he made his move, calling on his Maric bloodlines for their speed and strength, he moved as fleet as the fastest bird, he had come so far, before he was afraid of his Maric side for the fear of the Blood rage, but now he could control it, for he no longer cared for revenge he had something worth fighting for, worth living for.
 Moving through the twist and turns of the alleyways of the district, moving to the roof tops was easier than anywhere else, unlike in the other areas of the city this district was still climbable, apart from the odd Militiamen there was no resistance, James jumped and leaped from one building to the next as he made his way to the origin of the sound.

But then the buildings ended, and he came to a large circular flat open ground, with no cover and nowhere to hide. In the dead centre was what he was after, an large hover vehicle with a large cannon like barrel on top of it, angling upwards, around it were Militia loading a missile into the back of the barrel, Next to the barrel was single chair and control system, with three screens, James guessed that each had a purpose of aiming and firing the missile, the vehicle was larger than anything else James had seen, it was the length of a goliath and just as wide, it was very well armoured, with multiple armour plating overlapping each other around the base and up to where the vehicle met the barrel.
Once a missile was loaded the militiamen at the controls began to manoeuvre the barrel and the vehicle towards the intended target, next to the vehicle however was a commander, James thought to himself “He must be giving the orders” James began to think of what they are aiming at “Kai any idea what they are aiming at?” He asked

Kai began to estimate and James could see it all in his left eye, which of course allowed his to see what Kai was doing. “Wait their aiming for the Hospital!” James couldn’t believe it the hospital was the medical facility for the Resistance and the people of the city, it was a safe zone where he had the women and children escape the worst of the fighting. And they were going to lob a 9 foot long high explosive missile at it.

The missile launcher then fired, with the sound of a thousand artillery guns. The deep boom of the blast and the missile shooting over almost deafened everyone including James, The missile shot upwards and slowly began to arch its way to the target. The next thing James could see was the enormous explosion of the Missiles impact. And the great gust of smoke and debris thrown up from the blast, above that he could hear the thunderous roar of fire from the blast echoing out across the city, and all he could do was pray that it did not hit its target. But even if it did he could make sure that no one else fell victim to the missiles, he began to prep himself, dozens of militiamen were down there and they wouldn’t let him just place some plastic explosives on the missiles.

Grabbing his rifle, he pulled the cylinder shaped power cell, the width of a small cup and the length of a small banana. He checked the power statues, and he guessed thirteen shots left. He placed the rifle down and checked his pistols cells, only 9 each. Other than this all he had was his sword, and he wasn’t sure that he could take them all on with just his sword. And even if he did he would only have a few seconds before reinforcements turned up. So he planned his options.

Looking out onto the open space he looked for options, the missiles were packed together, close to the launcher, if he could get some explosives on there he could take them all out in one go. But how was he going to get there without being seen by the militia, alternatively he could take them one by one in a stealthy manner. But there’s no cover for him to use and most of the cover is close to the launcher and being used by the militia. Option three causes a distraction, convince them to move to somewhere else so he could move quickly to the launcher, not the commander would only order some not all.

Multiple other options were open to him, but James couldn’t see any options that he could exploit, “wait!” James thought, a sudden idea had popped into his mind, the commander was using a radio to receive targets. Most likely from Militia troops in the city. So why not do the same, why can’t he “suggest a target”.

“KAI can you get access to the militia coms” James asked
Kai was quick to answer “Already done, why?”
James felt a small crooked smile on his face, “Because we’re going to ask for a Missile to hit the wall” H began to chuckle at the idea of having the militia kill each other (by accident of course)
Kai gave a green light to the idea “Okay James Vocal distinguishing system ready” (basically the Nano mites could change his voice to make him sound like someone else entirely)

James cleared his throat before making his move “MAIN GATE REQUESTING SUPPORT OVER!”
Pausing to see the reaction down below James could see a lot of activity, the commander was ordering and pointing at the objects and munitions. A reply soon came “This is Launcher 1, we hear you...”

James couldn’t believe they were falling for it “THE REBELS HAVE BROKEN THROUGH WE NEED DIRECT FIRE ON THE MAIN GATE!” once more he paused and hoped they would buy it.
After a minute or two of silence a reply came “Copy that time to target 2 minutes” Jams couldn’t hold back his chuckle, he knew they were stupid, but not this stupid. After a minute the missile was loaded and began to aim in the direction of the main gate. The extreme bang echoed out once more as the missile shot upwards.

As the missile neared its target the Militia coms soon became deafening “THE MAIN GATE IS GONE…. REPEAT THE MAIN GATE IS GONE… MARAS ARE OVERWHELMING US AAAAAHHHH” the radio went deafly silent with static

Chapter 19: Missiles Go Bye Bye

The launcher became a hive of activity as they couldn’t believe it, militiamen ran back and forth trying to do something useful, the Commander was in shock he had ordered the missile that had just destroyed the main gate and let the enemy in. James now had his chance.

He leapt down from his perch and charged weapons readied, rifle aimed at the commander, he fired a single bolt. It shot forward faster and faster through the warm dry air of the night until finally it struck its target, striking the commanders throat as he was shouting and cussing at the militiamen.
The surrounding soldiers couldn’t focus on what was happening, all they knew was that their commander was dead and some random bugger was running at them screaming his head off, and to top it off the leader of the resistance was attacking them.

Those that didn’t run for their lives didn’t know what to do, and the whole time James charged at them, whom had now drawn the royal blade and was holding it high above his head ready to strike. In a flash he was in and amongst them, cutting and slashing back and forth, quicker than the wind of a great storm, the militia fell faster than the sun in the winter.

Before long those that didn’t cover the ground around the launcher were joining the runners. James sheathed his blade, ran to the missiles and began to destroy the launcher and the missiles, from his pack he pulled a small explosive carefully placed it onto the missiles pressed a few buttons, afterwards the device lit up and began to send out small beeps in unison.

Hearing this James finally did what needed to be done, obviously he bloody ran for it.
A few seconds later the whole ground became a crater as the missiles, launcher went up in epic flames, James only a few feet away was thrown by the sheer force of the blast, landing on the reasonably flat ground near buildings, but it didn’t end there the many explosives and missiles stored nearby also went up in a great gust of flames, smoke rose up higher and higher creating a large ever expanding mushroom of smoke, dust and sand.

Regaining his senses James began to make his way to the main gate, placing his hand on his right ear to access communications, and he began to give orders “to all resistance forces the Launcher is down, I repeat The Launcher is down… Crim rally everyone you can and meet me at the main Gate” he released his hold and continued his run.
After many minutes of running, zigging and zagging between the many military buildings James finally found what he was looking for, the shattered ruins of the Main Gate.

The debris was covered with bodies, all of them Militia, hovering over the bodies were the warriors of the Hellenic Guard. In their distinctive helmets they gave their king a slight bow out of respect. But one person in particular was the only one to come closer. James knew exactly who it was, as after all who else would be wearing a Blood Red hood. The figure proudly walked up to him and embraced him, arms rapping around his neck. James returned the favour and knew exactly it was Crim.
After finally being released from her killer hug, she moved back to let her King do the talking. “Let’s go get the Governor” He shouted.

The Guard all cheered with deep power and pride in their voices. Raising their weapons high as they cheered.
Ahead of them was a long road that lead straight to the Governor’s Mansion, Drawing the Sword of his ancestors, James raised it high and slowly lowered it in the direction of the governor’s Mansion, pulling his arm back his began his charge, Behind him were Crim, the Guard and the endless hordes of the people, as they all funnelled through the wreckage of the main gate.
For the Governor he could see it all, standing atop the balcony of his home, he could see hundreds of thousands of in his words incredibly pissed off peasants, all charging in his direction, all wanting his head.

Suddenly Militiamen came forward “Sir we must get you to safety”. The soldier grabbed his arm.
The Governor just simply pointed “you see that” pointing in the direction of the attackers
“Yes sir I see Maras rallying and coming this way” the soldier replied
“No they are rallying to their King” the governor finished
In the Year 2338 the people of Eva’s Paradise, Colonist and Mara Alike, put aside their differences and took hold of their freedom, they fought not just for their futures, but for the futures of their children, a future where they choose their own path.

The traitors and Collaborators were all arrested and charged on counts of murder, treason, collaboration with an occupying force. And the breaking of the right and liberties of the people.
A new government was established one that consisted of both races, and for the first time in centuries, Maric families lived in the fertile lands, alongside the colonists.

Chapter: 20 the Hellerick Massacre

This is breaking news with your host Tony Supreme
Good evening today, the Federation received an update from what was until recently classed as an occupied planet in the war against the invader.

A message was sent by Resistance Forces on the Planet of Eva’s Paradise stating that the people of the human colony alongside the native Maric peoples had launched a series of offensives that had eliminated both the Invader occupiers as well as the Collaborating Militia.

Admiral Hirohito of the Liberators stated today that he and several other Federations ships will be leaving immediately to provide Relief supplies and assistance to the people of the colony.

The Admiral also stated that the victory by the resistance on Eva’s Paradise might prove to be a turning point and a lighting strike to galvanize the many resistance forces throughout the occupied zone

24 hours later:
This is Federal News with your host Tony Supreme
Yesterday we reported the liberation of the Planet of Eva’s Paradise, early this afternoon at 14.00 hours of the Eva’s Paradise clock, Federal Forces restored order to the war torn Colony and assisted in the construction of a new Colonial Government.
As well as this reports have been given to us that…

Suddenly a large amount of radio static both by sound and visual. A different voice and images began to be shown
The images were that of slaughter, bodies of Maric Fighters, wearing the Maric Hellerick Guard armour, with Federal troops over their bodies, an entire field filled with the bodies of nearly the entire Hellenic Guard.

“This is a pirate signal… If you are hearing this you need to know the truth” the voice went
The images began to change to that of celebration “We had liberated our home, we the people of Eva’s Paradise Colonist and Maric alike, truly freed ourselves”

Once more the images changed, to that of Federal Ships coming in with the people cheering below “then the FEDERATION came… claiming to be coming here to help us… and we were ready to see them as friends… but we were wrong”
The following images showed a hero being arrested, James Luck being grabbed and pulled onto one of the ships by the Federal troops “they took a hero of our People, claiming he was a traitor, but we all knew the truth…. But only the Hellenic Guard refused to stand down….. So they slaughtered them”

Once more the images turned back to the bodies of the dead “the federal troops all around them opened fire on them…. Not a single one had their weapon in their hands…. Yet the federation claimed that they were aggressive…… how can they be aggressive for defending their king….. How is it that the Federation can slaughter an important part of a Peoples Culture and get away with it…? But a Hero has to be arrested for TREASON JUST FOR DEFENDING HIS HOME AND FREEING A PLANET FROM THE GREATEST EVIL THIS GALAXY HAS EVER KNOWN”.
The voice calmed for moment, paused and then the dragon and spear was shown as the final words came “Do not believe the lies of the Federal controlled Media, This is the voice of Liberty signing off”

Static covered the screen once more before returning to the regular daytime broadcasts.
This is where the war was.
The planet of Eva’s Paradise had been freed, the war was turning around, but still the Planet was under occupation. And still James Luck would fight, he would be the spark of that which could lead to the entire Federation dividing. Although the future is not certain, we can choose our future by our actions. James luck made the decision to stand not kneel. To fight for all that he held dear. And now because the Federation was afraid of losing its power, they would no longer fight just the Invaders, they were about to plunge themselves into CIVIL WAR.

This is not the end of the story, not by a long shot, the war had only just begun.
For before he was arrested James Luck visited the Collaborator Governor in his jail cell.
The cell was nothing special, it was merely an old colonial jail with bars instead of force fields, a simple mattress and pillow along far side away from the bars, with a small slot like window in the back wall, besides that all that was within the bars was a simple toilet, No other forms of comfort.
From behind the bars, the governor just sat leaning against the wall, for he knew for certain that his trial was coming, and he could be facing the death penalty. But James walked in slamming the door behind him.

The governor smiled at his visitor "I guess I should count myself grateful" he mocked "The King of the Maras... has come to visit me in my lowly cell"
James didn't say a word, he merely took a series of small steps that placed him before the bars, "You should count yourself lucky, I spared your life" he proudly stated "The people wanted to kill you"
The governer was quick to ask "Why didn't you? I'm dead anyway"

"NO your not, your going to live and see this land become a better place, that is my gift to you.... your punishment is the knowledge that you could have been a part of it" James instructed.
Then the governors eyes turned away, as he pondered something "Why are you really here?"

James took a deep strong breath before responding in his clearest voice "Because your going to tell me something" the Governor returned his gaze back and James.
 
“Where is my Sister?”

To be continued