Chapter 45: The Call Before
The Storm
“Jaden!”
“Reed!”
Jaden stopped in her
tracks when she first saw Reed while opening the door into the interrogation
room. The duo ran towards each other and shared a hug while onlookers watched.
Jaden pulled back from
Reed and said, “It’s good to see some friendly faces!”
“I always knew you
would miss me. I am awesome after all.” Reed jested.
Jaden looked around to
see the rest of the crew, including Markus, Lucas and Vader, within the room.
“I’m surprised you guys didn’t fight your way in.” Jaden commented.
“Well, that’s the thing
Jaden.” Reed said as he released Jaden. “You never told us that Dark Viper is
your dad.”
Jaden’s smile turned
into a frown at the thought of her entire crew knowing the dark secret. She
looked at the rest and they all glared at her. She tried to explain to them but
choked mumbles were all that came out.
“Don’t blame her for
this.” Markus stood in for Jaden. “She didn’t know about it herself until we
kidnapped her.”
“And you two know?”
Gavin asked while pointing at the two brothers.
“We were clueless about
it too until Dark Viper attacked our home.” Lucas answered. “We were captured
and that was when Viper, or rather Blaze Hazard, revealed himself. Turns out,
when he wasn’t Dark Viper, he would watch over Jaden’s progress.”
“And you Vader?” Jaina
queried.
“This unit sustained
heavy damage during a scouting mission.” Vader answered. “This unit was taken
in and repaired by Dark Viper. I was then in debt to Dark Viper for preserving my
systems so he is now my master. He ordered us to watch over Jaden and ensure
her survival until an undefined period of time when we would take Jaden to him.”
Jaden stood and listen,
just as ignorant as her crew members over what her brothers and Vader just
revealed. She never knew that the trio were merely watching over her rather
than trying to turn against her. Lucas noticed her glare and nodded with a smile,
letting her know that there was never any hostility intended. In return, she
too nodded, though a bit more reluctant, while showing a half-hearted smile. It
would seem that there was finally peace between them.
“Well, I guess I can
understand why they would keep secrets. I’ve been keeping secrets myself.” Reed
said. “Now everyone in the crew knows everyone’s secrets…I think.”
Jaden nudged Reed and
asked, “You told them about you and your sister?”
“It kind of came out
during conversation. I had to tell them.” Reed answered.
Jaden turned to the
rest of the crew and realized that there were still suspicious glares directed
at one another. Her neck went cold at the thought of distrust amongst her crew
members and she did not want to risk betrayals when they were very close to the
big battle on Dissidia. She stepped forward, stopping at the center of the
room, and cleared her throat.
“Guys, listen up.” she
said. “Look, I understand why you all are angry, or at least suspicious, over
one another after everything that we have learned today. I know it is not easy
learning a dark secret from someone you know for a very long time. Believe me,
when Reed told me about him and his sister, I was stunned. But, I know it was
hard living with a secret that weighs on your heart and shoulders, so I did not
get angry. Some secrets are best left a secret.”
Jaden turned to Reed
and continued, “After all, what’s a little bit of secret amongst friends?
Everyone has secrets.” He nodded and gave a thumbs up to her.
“I don’t know if you
all will still trust each other after today and I certainly have no control
over it. No one knows how loyalty is born so I have no right to force it upon
you, even as your leader. But, the fate of the Salvagers will be decided in the
coming battle and we need one another to live through this. True, those three
were working for Viper all along. True, Reed was Dark Viper’s agent once and so
was Kida. True, Dark Viper is…my father. But, it is irrelevant now. Dark Viper
and his loyalists have decided to join us.”
“And what if Dark Viper
is still our enemy? Will you still be this forgiving lass?” Tareshah
questioned.
“I can’t answer that
because it did not happen. There are so many ways for things to work out but
only one outcome will happen and nothing can change it once it happens.
Personally, I don’t really care about “What If” as I am more worried about
“What Has”.” She turned to her brothers and added, “But, if you still want a
proper answer, then no, I won’t be as forgiving.”
“But how can you trust
that crazy father of yours after he tried to kill you so many times? And what
about Elysia? You trust her too?” Gavin queried.
“Elysia, I trust. She
did not know that I am Dark Viper’s daughter and she was just as shocked as I
am. And, no. I don’t trust the man you called, my ‘father’. But, he knows
Iblisan better than anyone alive right now and he will be a great help if he’s
willing to give it.”
“True, Dark Viper has
been his minion for a very long time.” Kida added.
“I let you guys choose
whether to trust each other or not. But, I still need you guys in this.” Jaden
said. She reached out a hand at the crew members and asked them, “Are you with
me?”
“I know I am.” Reed
said as he approached Jaden and placed his hand on hers. “Besides, without her
pretty body around for me to stare at, I will start to suffer from beauty
withdrawal.”
“Let the Highland
siblings be united again.” Markus said before he and Lucas placed their hands
on Jaden’s. Vader then placed his own metallic hand before saying, “This unit
understands this gesture. This unit is loyal to Jaden Highland and the
Liberator Alliance network.” Touched by their loyalty, Jaden showed a warm
smile at them.
She turned to the rest
of the crew and asked, “Well?” However, they still hesitated to react.
Kida, however, moved
towards Jaden after a brief moment of silence. She stopped before her and said,
“Everything I learned today was seriously a huge shock. For a moment there, I
thought I was going to have a heart attack. But, we’ve been friends for a long
time and I’m pretty sure I have at least one secret which I haven’t told you.”
She placed her hand onto the bunch and added, “You’ve earned my trust and
loyalty.”
“Thanks.” Jaden managed
with a smile.
Inspired by Kida’s
words, Gavin and Jaina moved in and contributed their hands. Xiara then moved
in after them while pulling a very reluctant Tareshah, who eventually gave in.
With all their hands bunched on top of one another, Jaden said, “We’ve been in
this together since we first started this rebellion and we’ve seen it developed
into a full-fledged alliance army. Let’s finish this war together.”
At the count of three,
they throw their hands into the air while shouting, “Together!” They then
exchanged friendly nudges amongst each other until they heard clapping coming
from the room’s entrance. They all turned to see Dark Viper, his eyes violet,
who walked in while flanked by his adoptive daughter, Elysia. His presence
silenced the crew’s gleeful cheers and ruined their moods.
“I’m glad to see that
everyone’s getting along after everything that transpired. Let’s hope it stays
that way.” Viper said.
“And let’s hope you
stay united with us.” Jaden replied. “We don’t like this as much as you do.”
“Noted.” Viper
acknowledged. “Now would be a good time for you and your crew to rejoin the
main fleet. My men and I will prepare for the time being. I will join you all
soon but I won’t take part in any battles to avoid reawakening Dark Viper
within me.”
“I will take part in
any battles in his place.” Elysia added.
“Well, I will gladly
fight side by side with my sister.” Jaden said with a beaming smile.
“Dark Viper. You still
waiting for my report?” a familiar male voice sounded, coming from outside the
room. The man walked in and his identity caused Jaden to gasp in shock.
“Ah, Jaden. I’m
guessing you already know the truth.” Blake Mason said. “I guess things are
much clearer now.”
“What are you doing
here Mason?” Jaden asked. “Don’t tell me you’ve been faking all this time and
that you have been Viper’s agent all along.”
“Somewhat true but my
allegiance remains with the Liberator Alliance.” Mason replied.
“I always knew you
cannot be trusted!” Tareshah exclaimed.
“But we’re allies with
Dark Viper now aren’t we? Does it matter if I’m his agent now?”
“I guess not but I got
my eye on you!”
“Now my head is just
spinning.” Jaden said while rubbing her forehead. “Look, spare us the details
for later.”
“Anyway, my report
Viper.”
“Give it to me.”
“The Alliance fleet
managed to break through planetary defenses and have cleared a landing zone on
the deserted lands surrounding the isle of Isla Muerta. We’re digging in and
camping there while we plan our attack on Isla Muerta where Iblisan resides.”
“You guys are very
efficient. I’m amazed that you’ve reached Dissidia already.”
“Hey, we’ve got the
fleets of every civilized race that used to have a problem with the Salvagers
on our side. Iblisan may be powerful and all but our united might can defeat
even his outnumbering forces.”
“The fleet leaders
missing Jaden and her crew yet?”
“Yeah. They’re
wondering if her crew is still alive since their transmissions were not
answered. They sent me to check on you guys. Best time to pick me since I can
send the report to you personally.”
“Keep up the good work old
friend. Our family can never repay our debt to you.”
“Ah come on Viper. No
debts involved. I’m just doing my part.”
“So, the fleets are on
Dissidia right now and preparing for the assault upon Iblisan already?” Jaden
asked.
“Yup. That’s what I
just said.” Mason replied. “You want to join the fun? You better be quick.”
Acknowledging Mason’s
words, she turned to her crew and ordered, “Alright guys. You heard him. The fleet
made it to Dissidia and is now preparing to attack Iblisan. Everyone, hurry
back to the Crimson Spinner. We’re rejoining them.”
In compliance, the crew
nodded and ran out of the lair, making a beeline for the Crimson Spinner, which
was still docked within the forest and unmanned. Once everyone had left, Jaden
stopped by Mason and said, “You owe me an explanation for this Mason.”
“Trust me; my
explanation won’t be too different from your brothers’.”
“Either way, you owe me
one.”
“Yeah I know. I’ll see
you back at Dissidia.” Mason said before waving her goodbye and running out of
the lair to his ship.
Before leaving herself,
she turned to Dark Viper, staring at him while he stared back. She approached
him and said, “I still don’t trust you and I still haven’t forgiven you.”
“I know. I can tell.”
“But, thanks to your
father-in-law, I’m willing to give you a second chance. If anything goes wrong
because of you or Dark Viper, I will kill you.”
“Acknowledged. Good
luck, my daughter.”
Somewhat surprised by
his words, she remained silent for a few seconds before replying, “You
too…Blaze Hazard. Tell grandfather that I’m leaving.”
“Be careful Jaden.”
Elysia said. Jaden nodded and replied, “I will. I’ll see you in Dissidia.” She
turned around and ran down the hallway, out of the lair as Viper simply watched
her leave.
Finally exposed to
fresh air, Jaden took in a deep breath and heaved a heavy sigh of relief. She sprinted
for the Crimson Spinner, which was already prepared for lift off, and ran up
the loading ramp while it closes behind her. She rushed to the cockpit,
noticing that everyone was already preparing for battle along the way, and
stopping before Reed on his seat.
“Mason told me that
King Zian’s men have released an FTL node into Dissidia’s atmosphere so we can
just warp to the planet directly. We’re starting up an FTL jump once we hit
space so brace yourself Jaden.” Reed informed her.
“Alright. Just get us
to Dissidia as soon as possible. In the meantime, I need to do something.”
Jaden said. She turned to the intercom and spoke, “Jaina! You there? How’s my
horse, Lucky?”
“He’s asleep…and has
been for hours.”
“Oh good. Look after
him. I might need him soon.”
“Jaden, we’re lifting
off so get to your seat and put on your seatbelts.” Reed requested. She
complied and did as he said.
With a slow pull of the
steering handle, Reed lifted the Crimson Spinner off the ground and accelerated
straight into space. Once he reached the atmosphere, he activated the FTL
engines and shouting at the intercom, “We’re ready for blast off! Brace
yourselves!”
Slamming his fist onto
the FTL button, the ship warped forward and flew at the speed of light towards
Dissidia. As the ship rocked from the massive velocity, Jaden spoke in her
thoughts, “It is time to meet our fates. The Liberator Alliance has broken
through all obstacles and now, we’re at Dissidia. Isla Muerta, and Iblisan
Alkaidus, is next. Mom, I forgive you for lying to me. But, I hope your trust
in me and Dementius’s vision isn’t misplaced. Wish me luck.”
*
* *
“Wow. The fleet really
did their homework.” Reed commented as the Crimson Spinner flew past the ruins
of the ships floating within Dissidia’s space. “We really missed most of the
fun. We better find them if we don’t want to miss anymore.”
“You know where the
fleets have landed?” Jaden questioned.
“Well, no but we can scan
the planet for friendly ship IDs.” Reed answered. Seconds later, an alarm
sounded and Reed added, “And we found them. Hang on. We’re going in.”
Reed directed the ship
straight towards Dissidia, carefully decelerating the ship as it entered the
planet’s atmosphere and gravitational field. As the ship neared the ground, the
sight of a large number of ships landed on a field became clear.
“A lot of ships are
parked there.” Jaden pointed out. “And Mason told us that the army camped near
a coast.”
“We’ll land our ship
with the rest and find this encampment then.” Reed proposed.
As the Cimrson Spinner
neared the ground, Reed pulled the ship back up and quickly decelerated it to a
stop. He lowered it upon an open space amongst the parked fleet and landed it
before turning off the ship’s engines.
“We’ve landed people. Time
to meet the rest of our friends.” Reed announced through the intercom. “Oh, and
get prepared. We may be buried here forever.”
Jaden left the cockpit
and made a beeline for her quarters, where she kept her katana. She snatched it
and then made a run for the cargo hold where her horse, Lucky, was kept. Upon
seeing its owner, the horse neighed ecstatically before approaching and
nuzzling her. She rubbed its nose, calming it down before pulling its reins and
directing it out of the cargo. Jaina, who was reloading her rifle nearby,
merely watched the duo.
With everyone ready for
what was coming, Jaden lead the crew down the loading ramp with Lucky on hand. The
brightness of the moon illuminated the area as night fell upon the planet. A
pair of armored and armed alien soldiers stood at the base of the ramp,
greeting Jaden and her crew with a bow. She reacted with a nod and a smile.
Upon setting foot on the planet, Jaden was briefly overwhelmed by a chill
crawling up her foot to her body.
“So, I’m now setting
foot on Dissidia, home of the Salvagers. I never thought I would ever get to
walk upon this planet which could have been my home if things were different.”
Jaden spoke in her thoughts.
“King Zian was hoping
you guys would return.” one of the aliens said. “We’re to escort you to our
camp.”
Jaden nodded and the
two aliens moved straight towards a nearby lake with the crew following them.
Along the way, several other soldiers greeted the crew with a gesture, mostly
nods or bows. A few trees were seen, prompting Jaden to ask Reed, “I thought
Dissidia is a desert planet. Why am I seeing trees? Heck, why is there water?”
“Dissidia is a desert
planet but not naturally.” Reed answered. “It used to be tropical before all
the wars scarred the planet permanently. Thanks to our crazy ancestors,
Dissidia is now a shadow of its former self.”
Jaden turned back to
the trees and felt saddened by the sight. “A shame. Those trees look beautiful,
standing out from this sea of brown and grey.”
“I agree. When I used to
live here, I was sick of seeing sand and rock. I’m grateful, at least, that I
get to fly around and see other worlds out there.” Reed remarked.
As the party walked
through dusts and strong winds, the sight of tents became clear in the horizon
and eventually, they could see the silhouette people walking around with a
campfire burning in the background.
“Why do you guys camp
up so far from your ships?” Gavin questioned.
“The land we’re walking
on, if you haven’t notice, isn’t stable.” one of the alien escorts answered
while looking at the ground. “In the event of a rain, we’ll be walking upon
mud. If the ships are grounded here, taking off will be problematic and, worst
case scenario, a landslide while bring our ships straight through our camp and
into the sea.”
“You guys really think
things through eh?” Kida commented.
“We have combat
scientists with us for a reason.” the soldier added.
Once the crew entered
the camp, nearby people ceased their actions before greeting the crew. The
sight warmed Jaden’s heart as humans, aliens, orcs, sirens, dragonites,
minotaurs, elves and VX Synthetics all greeted her as one. She expressed a
beaming smile on her face before giving them all a bow while her crew mimicked
her except for Vader.
“Ah, Jaden Highland. We
were afraid you wouldn’t make it.” orc
leader, Grand Shaman Yoren Windcaller, walked out of a tent while applauding.
“I’m guessing you were too busy bringing to fight to the cultists to answer our
transmissions.”
“Actually, there’s more
to it but I’ll talk about it later.” Jaden replied. She noted, however, a
sarcastic tone behind his words.
“Very well.” Yoren
said. “Your crew can go ahead and set up your own tents, or share with another.
It is best that we rest up before we begin our assault upon Isla Muerta.”
Complying, Jaden’s crew
began to disperse, preparing their tents for the night. Jaden then passed
Lucky’s rein to Jaina, telling her to watch over it for her, which she replied
with a smiling nod.
“So, Dark Viper’s on
our side now?” Yoren said out of the blue.
Jaden recoiled with
surprise before turning to him with a stunned look on her face. “How did you
know?”
“Blake Mason isn’t
known for keeping his mouth shut.” Yoren answered. “Right now, I’m wondering if
it is the best course of action child. He tried to kill us back at Nibelheim so
you must have a good reason to get us on our side.”
Upon hearing Mason’s
name, Jaden’s fists clenched as her anger builds up. Slowing her breathing in
an attempt to regain her composure, she told Yoren, “I’m not really into
discussing this now if you don’t mind.”
“As you wish.
Regardless, the rest of the leaders are waiting for an explanation so I hope
you can convince them.”
“You don’t sound angry
or suspicious.”
“I trust you. That’s
why I’m not getting angry yet.”
“Well…thanks.”
Yoren formed a smile,
apparently happy to hear her thanks. With a gesture, he asked Jaden to
following him as he moved deeper into the encampment.
“Tell me Jaden, how
would you rate our progress thus far?” Yoren asked.
Caught off guard by his
question, Jaden stumbled in her words before answering, “Better than expected
honestly.”
“Do you think we will
be just as successful in the battle to come?”
“Why are you even
asking me this?”
“Throughout my time
knowing you, I’ve always noted a lack of confidence within you.” Yoren replied.
“What’s holding you back child? Why do you always look down on yourself?”
“I…I don’t know.” Jaden
said. “I just…don’t like to think too highly of myself. It is our overconfidence
that releases the darker side of our personalities.”
“Well then, I
appreciate you being humble. However, now that we’re close to what could
perhaps be our final battle, we need your confidence now more than ever. The
people look up to you. Don’t lose yourself now.”
“I…very well.”
Yoren stopped before a
campfire before turning to Jaden. “Iblisan could attack anytime. We must be
prepared at all costs and we need you to lead us when it happens.”
“Why don’t we just
attack Isla Muerta now? If we defeat him, we could end this war now.”
“Our warriors are
exhausted Jaden.” Yoren replied. “Look around the campfire Jaden. Most of them
could barely keep their eyes open.” He added while turning to the snoozing
soldiers bunched up around the campfire. “Most of us are mortals Jaden. Even
the VX Synthetics needed some rest before heading into battle.”
“I see. Are you guys ok
with the VX Synthetics joining us?”
“Of course. Having a
renegade group of AIs on our side could prove beneficial. Their leader, Rex,
explained that they decided to help because of the possibility that they may be
hacked by a virus again. They wish to prevent that.”
“Very wise move of Rex.
So, assuming that Iblisan attacked, what will we do?”
“Well, we would have to
fight, exhausted or no. Like I said, you will lead us. You’re still pretty
fresh despite everything that happened.”
“Grand Shaman! Grand
Shaman Windcaller!” a male voice shouted, coming from behind Yoren. The
shouting awakened the warriors around the campfire. An orc approached Yoren and
Jaden, stopping before them and bending down in exhaustion.
“Malactus. What is it?”
“We’ve got a situation
brewing within the human side of the camp. A scuffle is happening.” Malactus
reported.
“Of all times…Come on
Jaden. We’ll try and break this up.”
Malactus led Jaden and
Yoren to the human side of the camp, stopping before a crowd composed of mostly
orcs and humans. Jaden and Yoren pushed their way through the crowd and saw a
pair of humans standing over a bloodied orc on the floor.
“Your kind has no place
in this war!” one of the humans shouted. “This is our fight, not yours. You and
your ugly people better leave before we send in more of our warriors to clear
you all out!”
“Edgar, they’re here to
help! Stop this nonsense!” the other human exclaimed while shaking Edgar’s
shoulder.
“Sod off Benny!” Edgar
shouted while shoving Benny’s hand off his shoulder. “If you’re going to keep
defending them, you’re no different from them ugly monsters.” he added before
punching Benny straight into his nose. He then turned back to the orc and
stomped his face before shouting, “Stay down bastard!”
“Hey, break it off!”
Jaden bellowed. “What in Ariel’s name is going on here?”
“You…you’re Jaden
Highland.” Edgar said. “Jaden, these non-humans have no place in this war!
Don’t you see? They’re secretly attempting to invade our lands! They gave us
entire armies so that they could turn against us once Iblisan is no more!”
“And what in your fucking
paranoid mind gave you that idea?”
“Jaden, don’t be a
sympathizer. Our ancestors tried to wipe these creatures off the face of the
world and they are right to do so! And not just them! The elves, dragonites,
minotaurs, all of them! We humans are the superior race and if we let them take
‘help’ us, we’re dooming ourselves!”
“Stop this maddening
talk! They volunteered their assistance! They are our allies! Don’t you see
that?”
“All I see are
monsters.” Edgar retorted. “You’ll see. They’ll kill us the moment Iblisan is
defeated. They are our ancestor’s enemies and I will gladly die before I betray
them!”
“Our ancestors are
warmongering fools and a lot of us know that! You cling too much to our
traditional beliefs! Now’s not the time for that!”
“Tch, you’re a woman.”
Edgar said. “What the hell do you know?”
“What did you just
said?” Jaden said while stomping her way to Edgar. “Because you’ve certainly
got my attention now.”
“Women in power are far
worse than these monsters and I can’t believe that I actually thought you were
different. A woman’s rightful place is in the kitchen, not in the battlefield!
Why can’t you women ever know your place?”
“I’ll show you your
place!” Jaden exclaimed. She flung a clenched fist at Edgar’s belly, forcing
him back while the crowd gasped in surprise. As he recovered, he looked up to
see Jaden, raising both her fists in preparation for combat.
Startled by her
actions, he shouted, “Bloody bitch!” and retaliated by dashing at her and
attempting to punch her. She dodged the fist by sidestepping and hit his belly with
her knee. She then brought down an elbow onto his back, forcing him up, before
grabbing his face and forced him back onto the ground.
Holding him down, she
punched his face continuously, venting all her bottled up anger into each punch
while the startled crowd watched. With each punch, Edgar’s movement began to
slow and his face began to bruise and bloody. Eventually, she ceased her
assault and stared at him while panting with exhaustion.
She released his face
before standing up, looking down upon the fallen man. Recognizing his defeat,
he remained silent as he stared back at her.
“You…confound me
woman.” Edgar managed. “Why do you have no respect for tradition?”
“Because change is
natural and traditions defy change. And, even you should know that nothing can
defy nature.” Jaden answered. “In other words, traditions are never meant to
last forever and sticking to tradition is being old-fashioned.”
“But, our forefathers
died fighting these monsters!”
She kicked his face
before correcting, “Allies! They’re our allies, not monsters!”
Edgar rubbed his face
before listening to her answer, “Do you even stop to think who started those
wars in the first place? Our ancestors were idiots who think that this world
belongs to us humans only and that the non-humans are a mistake of the gods.
You’re smarter than this! Don’t listen to those stories! And besides, who’s the
one dying to help us now? Humans? No, the non-humans are. They are due the
respect we used to give to our old heroes and heroines.”
“No! No they don’t!
You’re just a foolish woman blinded by lies!” Edgar exclaimed before quickly
standing up and punching Jaden in the face. However, his punch did not seem to
hurt her in anyway and she slowly turned her face back to him while breathing
hard with rage. In retaliation, she thrust her knee into his belly, punched him
and tossed him into a nearby empty tent.
As he tried to recover,
Jaden taunted, “You speak of woman like we’re nothing but a man’s property, yet
you’re getting your ass kicked by one. Since you like the old traditions so
much, maybe I should just keep kicking you ass to prove that you’re a
weakling!”
Once he was on both his
feet, he tried to attack her again but stopped before her katana, which was
pointed right at his neck.
“Or maybe I should just
kill you now. People like you are nothing but a liability to the Liberator
Alliance and the Salvagers!” Jaden threatened. Everyone went silent, waiting in
anticipation and fear of what Jaden was about to do. Sweat trickled down Edgar’s
head as he feared for what might become of him.
Eventually, Jaden
lowered her katana, seemingly unwilling to kill him. Edgar, along with the
crowd, heaved a sigh of relief.
“I will never
understand people like you.” Jaden said. “Those people you call ‘monsters’ are
mortals like us. We all breathe the same air, eat the same food, drink the same
water, and occupy the same world. What right do we have to deny them those? We
are much more alike than you would like to believe.”
Edgar looked down with
a frown as he listened to Jaden’s words.
“And women…Is it really
hard to see me as a human rather than a woman? Is it truly so hard to give us
the same right and respect that a man receive? You better remember that it was
a woman who defeated Iblisan during the First World War. We deserve just as
much respect as a man does.”
Jaden went silent as
she glared at Edgar, whose sad facial expressions made her assume that he was
starting to understand her words.
“I want you to
apologize the orcs around here and yes, I mean every single one of them. If any
of them told me that you didn’t apologize, I will give you one punch for each
complaint I get of you.”
Complying, Edgar walked
towards the orc he assaulted and apologized to him before turning to the crowd.
Jaden simply watched as he went on with the apologies. The other human
involved, Benny, approached Jaden and said, “Jaden, thanks for breaking that
up. Edgar’s stubborn but he’s a good man. The Dissidian Tribals are really a
close-minded bunch but they’re not evil.”
“Dissidian Tribals?
They’re helping us?”
“Yeah. King Zian sent a
scout to their tribe to try and get their help. It took a lot of persuasion but
they eventually agreed when the scout reminded them of what happens if we
fail.”
“Sounds like an
effective scout. What’s his name?”
“Scout Jeffery Mantis.”
“I’ll be sure to thank
him if I see him.”
“He did a good job
bringing them to us but they’re having a hard time adapting and discarding
their old racist and sexist views. Edgar’s an example. Still, you pulled
through and stopped him so, thank you.”
“Anytime. And you are?”
“Recruit Benny
Longhorn. My family members were Salvager nobles before the Grand Betrayal. I’m
the only one left alive and I’m ready to give Iblisan a piece of my mind.”
Jaden offered a shake
of hands with Benny, which he accepted, before saying, “Good to have you on our
side Benny. Thanks for trying to break it up before I came. We need more
open-minded recruits like you.”
“No problem. Anyway, I
need to get back to my post. It is nice knowing you Ms. Highland.” Benny said
before turning away and leaving. As she watched him leave, Yoren approached her
and said, “That’s one hell of a display Jaden. You really sent a message to all
racists and sexists residing amongst us.”
“Racists and sexists
are the last type of people we need now. I’m glad I managed to put one in his
place.”
“And that gave me
confidence in your ability to lead us. Better yet, you stood up for my people.
For that, I thank you Jaden Highland. You’ve earned my respect.” Yoren said
with a deep bow.
Humbled by his gesture,
Jaden’s smile was revived. She bowed down after him and said, “Anytime Yoren.
Anytime.”
*
* *
“Alright Ms. Highland,
I believe it is time for you to take your rest.” Yoren said after travelling
around the camp with Jaden. The duo stopped before a large, decorated tent in
the heart of the encampment before he told her, “And you’ll be sleeping in
there.”
“What? That big tent?”
Jaden asked with seeming awe.
“Yeah. Our leader’s
tent needs to stand out, unless you don’t mind getting lost finding your own
tent amongst many others.”
“No this is fine. I
think I’ll love this.”
“Oh wait till you see
what we left for you inside the tent. It’s a little present from your loyal followers.”
Yoren teased her. He then turned and walked away, leaving her to find out the
surprise herself. Anxious, Jaden entered the tent and stood in awe at the
“little present” left for her.
A metallic armor,
colored in the traditional Salvager purple, was hanging by the ropes along the
tent’s ceiling. The armor comprised of a breastplate, a combat chain-link
skirt, greaves, gloves, boots and a single shoulder armor piece attached to the
breastplate via a leather sling. The armor had a shiny, new look and as she
reached out to rub the breastplate, she was amazed by the smoothness of the
armor.
As she observed the
armor, she noticed a note taped onto the armor. She took it out and read it,
“Dear Jaden Highland. We present to you this armor crafted together with some
of the Liberator Alliance’s finest blacksmiths and fine-tuned by the
scientists. Yes, every race is involved in the armor’s creation. We would like
to call it, ‘The Armor of Revolution.’ We gave the armor a traditional Salvager
feel to it while incorporating alien technology into making it extremely
durable. Treat this as a thank you for all you’ve done for our people. We hope
you like it. Yours sincerely, the Salvagers.”
A beaming smile slowly
formed as she read the note. She looked at the armor and stroked it, thankful
for the dedication her followers are showing in her cause. She stuffed the note
into her pocket before lying down on a sleeping bag prepared for her. She
thought about the battle that it to come and feared for what might happen while
she slept. However, thinking about her new armor, she knew that the Liberator
Alliance will have no problems working together to defeat a greater evil. Her
eyes closed as exhaustion overwhelmed her and when darkness came, she fell into
a deep sleep.
