We paused outside as the crew spread out, keeping watch in every direction.
I lifted my comm and used the scanner to verify my Intel was accurate before we entered. “There’s a lot of bio-signs in the next room. We must proceed with caution.”
My emotions were hard to control as anger flashed throughout my body. Females were kept against their will inside. I knew all too well the result of capture and the degradation that would result. My past rose to the surface and threatened to break down the walls I constructed to keep the memories distant. With an iron will, I clamped down the urge to roar and break down the door, slaughtering every male inside.
Motok was poised next to my side, index finger hovering above the trigger on his blaster. The weapon hummed lightly, the energy pulsing through its core both powerful and deadly. My own weapon was held firmly in my right hand, leaving my left hand open to grab the jagged blade always present on my back. Most Braxthar trained with these “enlightened” swords in our youth but learned to hone our skills and become adept once we entered into service and were conscripted as warriors. Carved from the precious stone Velantium found in Vindar’s caverns, these swords held power in the blade and could absorb the life-energy from other species. Braxtharian males were adept at their use.
Every member of a Braxtharian crew were always warriors. It was our greatest honor.
“You said some of the bio-signs were weak.”
“Yes, Commander. I fear we’ll be too late.”
My quills were hot and trembled with anticipation. The likelihood of battle always affected me this way. A low growl left my lips.
I detected movement inside as Motok gave the signal for everyone to remain quiet. We landed on this planet only a few hours prior after Intel suggested that human captives were being sold in the marketplace as breeding stock for the inhabitants. I never suspected such a large-scale operation. The more we found out about Bly and Rymar’s treachery, the more we discovered their involvement in illegal trafficking of human females and the slave trade.
“We need to proceed with care,” Motok announced. “Don’t engage until I give the signal.”
Three guards were posted at each of the doorways, a total of nine. All were Zhorn. There was a reason so many slavers were armed outside the exits. Captives were forced inside to await their fate. When a scream shattered the silence, Motok didn’t hesitate to act.
“Move. Now!”
I split off with my Commander and tackled the first three guards without any problems. None survived our swift attack. Blaster fire burned through their red scaly armor with ease. Singed flesh left a stench behind as the other warriors closed in, unsheathing their weapons.
A scuffle across the room caught my attention and I noticed one of the Zhorn lifting his blaster, prepared to shoot Orion. I didn’t think, just propelled my body forward and slammed into the slaver amid the screams and cries of terror from the human females as the door flew open and we tumbled inside. They didn’t understand what was happening. Chaos erupted as we fought off the Zhorn and finally defeated the final remaining guards.
Seven females stared at us with wide eyes, frightened and trembling.
A solitary Zhorn yelled as he rounded a corner and lifted his wrist, the doors of the structure shutting with a slam. He would try to lock us inside until more of the slavers arrived. A single pulse from my blaster opened a hole clear through his midsection as he slumped to the ground. Knowing I needed to destroy the terminal located on the far side of the room, I shot a few bursts at the keypad. A small explosion erupted as the wall caught fire and the doors swung open again.
We needed to escape with the females before the blaze grew out of control.
I lifted my hands after placing the blaster back in its holster. Unsure if the humans had been given a universal translator, I tried to explain we didn’t mean to harm them. Several shook their heads. One cried out. Two were whimpering and crying in a corner. Only one appeared to understand my words.
“You’re not going to hurt us?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m Braxtharian. We’re here to rescue you.”
She didn’t fully believe my words but nodded, taking control of the group. They were led outdoors and toward the transport where they would dock with the Vindicator. Motok sent a message to Kerra and asked her to meet the females and provide what comfort she could.
We found nearly thirty more captives. All the females were guarded heavily. We defeated over seventy Zhorn in total. The raid was successful but not entirely.
After the last group was rescued, I turned to Motok. “I had hoped to find Rymar.”
“That makes two of us.”
“We haven’t breached the entire facility yet,” I pointed out. “I suggest we descend to the lower levels. All of the buildings are above ground but anyone in charge would retreat in the event of an attack. The schematic suggested several levels, but we’ll have to exercise caution. Cryton’s core contains dangerous and toxic gases.”
“Then we resume our search.” He scratched at his chin. “You don’t think the lower levels are protected against those harmful gases?”
“Not during a breach.”
Our uniforms were equipped with a layer of protection against harmful chemicals or airborne threats. We lifted the hoods and visors into place as a dozen of the Vindicator’s best warriors, Motok and his brothers, and I opened the hatch marked as hazardous and entered the lower levels. The schematic suggested that four tiers were built and the lowest could provide life support for nearly a span. We found nothing in the first three tiers. No guards. No bio-signs. No indication of any captives. It made sense. Humans couldn’t breathe and survive in such conditions.
I almost thought our effort was wasted until I heard what sounded like a female’s desperate scream. My entire body froze as I recognized the voice of the human female from the video Motok played for us only solar cycles ago. The recording was evidence of Rymar and Bly’s crimes. The horrible rape and murder of a human female that closely resembled Motok’s mate Kerra. Her sister Kacie Hargrave.
Impossible.
Chapter 2 – Valtus
Our species prided ourselves on mastering our emotions. It was part of being Braxthar. We never betrayed our feelings openly in front of the High Council or citizens of Vindar. Only our fellow warriors were witness to our actions and usually reserved for battle. What I did next didn’t make sense. My reaction to the female’s scream was irrational. The loss of control over my body disturbing and out of character.
No one moved out of shock as I acted on impulse.
My quills rose upward from my back as I couldn’t resist the call to battle my body demanded. Females were cherished among my race, revered, and pampered. They brought forth life. A symbol of beauty and promise.
I wanted to tear these slavers apart for their callous, cold, and brutal treatment. Taking females solely for the purposes of heinous acts against their will. I would never understand what led a male to dishonor a female. It was not our way. My shoulders tensed as her cry echoed in my head.
The slave trade was common among alien species. Although the High Council forbade such acts among the Braxthar people, many races condoned slavery and trafficking. It was a lucrative business with continued demand.