Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 45

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.