by Hao Yang
“But…”
“Shut the fuck up! There is something about this Human and we will find out.” Wy itetn said firmly and then left the room.
Chapter 128
When the 14 fleets commanded by General Kalan was closing to the atmosphere of Sylareon, Kalan met the three fleets from defensive department. After a brief conversation with the deputy chiefs of the three fleets, Kalan’s fleets entered the atmosphere of Sylareon without any resistance.
The defense mechanism of the palace contained two shields system. The outer shield not only held up against the air attack, but also acted as anti-air weaponry. The inner shield protected the center area of the palace against the ground attack.
Kalan didn’t care the possible casualties and all he wanted was to finish Liutein as soon as possible. To save time he ordered ground attack while the outer shield was still on. As a result, one of five drop vessels was either shot down or crashed while landing. Thousands of combat vessels were firing their big guns at the palace. Numerous missiles from both sides crossed in the sky. Explosions and gun fires lightened up the night. On the ground, giant tanks, artillery units, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers in combat armors flooded out of the drop vessels. They swarmed around the palace and quickly engaged into the fights against the defensive forces from the palace. It was brutal and bloody. Within minutes, the soldiers’ blood painted the field purple, with body parts here and there.
Kalan saw it clearly from the flag vessel of the Seventh fleet. The moment the defensive force consumed the first wave of ground force, Kalan immediately ordered the second wave attack. As time went by, the strength of outer shield was dwindling down and his fleets slowly turned the tides of the battle. By the time of middle night, the ground force broke through the palace wall and quickly destroyed the energy towers supporting the outer shield. Kalan’s fleets quickly got the upper hand and swiftly occupied most of the palace except the center area which was protected by the inner shield.
Kalan smiled quietly as he watched the palace burning below his feet. For him, this was the most beautiful picture he had ever seen.
Doensen walked to Kalan and said, “General Kalan, your son Klaycon is here. He called in early and we picked him up.”
“Good, bring him in.” Kalan said with a big grin.
Klaycon stumbled into the bridge and saluted his father.
“My son, you did a very good job. Unfortunately, we were one step late.” Kalan said proudly.
If Klaycon saw his father’s happy face in another situation, he would be thrilled and jumped in the air, but right now he could only squeeze out a bitter smile.
“So my grandpa is dead?” Klaycon asked nervously, casting his eyes down.
“Things didn’t work out as we planned.” Kalan said calmly.
“I see.” Klaycon sighed as he peeked at Kalan.
They both fell into silence for several seconds.
“Klaycon, may I ask you a question?” Doensen asked politely.
“Of course.” Klaycon said and looked Doensen in his eyes.
“How did you get out?”
“Oh, I… When I woke up, I saw a tunnel. So I got into the tunnel and walked out.” Klaycon said briefly.
“How do you leave the tunnel?” Doensen asked coldly.
“I called my friends Zier, Nissen and Carila.” Klaycon said casually. He knew that was not true at all. He called Gloria and Gloria saved him from that tunnel.
“They must have to drill a hole to get you, huh?” Doensen said with a grin.
“Yea. I don’t know why the tunnel was sealed at the other side.” Klaycon said innocently.
Doensen and Kalan looked at each other, searching for answers.
“That was probably done by Liutein’s soldiers.” Kalan said firmly.
“I agree.” Doensen nodded.
“Did you find my mom and my sister? We attack the palace like this. Liutein will kill them.” Klaycon said hastily in a worried tone.
Kalan didn’t know what to say. He didn’t even think about this when he launched the attack.
“If they were dead, they were dead a long time ago.” Doensen said sadly.
“Son, this is just something we have to live with. We will search the palace and see.” Kalan said in a low voice.
“I understand.” Klaycon nodded.
“Klaycon, you look tired. Get some rest. You have done well today, my son.” Kalan said as he hugged Klaycon.
Klaycon hugged back awkwardly.
“Doensen, why don’t you find Klaycon a cabinet?” Kalan said.
“My pleasure.” Doensen said happily.
Klaycon and Doensen left the bridge, headed to the living quarter.
Chapter 129
After the outer shield was gone, the inner shield only lasted less than one hour under the missile hailstorm. When it fell into pieces, nothing could stop Kalan’s ground force. They met a little resistance at the entry to the underground city and that was about it. They soon cleaned up the leftover and started to search survivors. Most of the royal families hid in the underground city. After capturing them, Kalan learned where most generals and their families were kept. Kalan was so happy to find his wives and children were all alive, even though they were weak and sick. Some of his brothers were dead, but Kalan didn’t really care, because he had so many.
Right now Kalan was standing on the scorched ground, enjoying the night. It was such a peaceful night, cool and quiet. Even the smoky air smelled like victory.
A colonel ran to Kalan, saluted him and said, “General, we have finished searching the understand city, but we haven’t found Liutein yet.”
“I see. Double your men. Search every corner. Dead or alive, I want him found.” Kalan said coldly.
“Yes, general. Right away!” The colonel said and left.
Later Kalan joined Doensen at the flag vessel of the Seventh fleet. They stopped by the medical bay where the five surviving generals in the Joint Commanders of Staff were receiving examinations and treatments. Surprisingly, Liutein only killed two out of seven.
As soon as Kalan walked into the room, those generals applauded for him. Kalan acknowledged each of them and said, “I just learned that most fleet commanders are fine.”
“That is wonderful.” General Ilina said calmly as if she didn’t care.
“General Kalan, what happened to your father was a true tragedy.” General Tuies said sadly.
“I have tried my best, but...” Kalan sighed.
“Where is his body?” General Etyei asked seriously.
“We have taken care of that.” Kalan said calmly as he winked at Doensen.
“That is right. We managed to recover part of General Klizan’s body.” Doensen said.
“And who are you?” Etyei said in disgust.
“He is Doensen, the deputy chief of the Fifth fleet.” Kalan said.
“Why do you bring a deputy chief here? You should know his rank is not high enough.” Etyei said unhappily.
“I understand. I was thinking about introducing him, because without him I couldn’t save you.” Kalan said in a hard voice.
Etyei lost steam and lowered his head. Ilina and Tuies smiled quietly at Kalan. Riethen and Ueowskn kept their cool faces without showing any support for anyone.
“Did you locate Liutein?” Ilina asked.
“Not yet. I have found and detained all royal family members except him. My soldiers are searching for him as we speak. I suggest we interrogate them to find out more details about this mutiny.” Kalan said.
“This is not up to you. We will give you the order.” Etyei said coldly.
Kalan glanced over at other four generals. Ilina and Tuies gave Kalan an understanding look. Riethen and Ueowskn smiled reluctantly.
Kalan saluted to every general and left with Doensen. Now he knew he had no chance to replace Klaycon and became the chair of offensive department. But he didn’t want to give up until he tried everything.
Chapter 130
In the
next morning following that crazy night, Jason noticed other prisoners looked at him differently. Some of them acknowledged him in a respectful way; some gazed at him jealously; some stared at him with hateful eyes. As he walked by a big fat Intinese, one of the first class species, the Intinese spit on Jason’s right foot. Jason slowly raised his head, staring at the Intinese. He had a very large built, two times taller than Jason, resembling the shape of a rubber ball. Jason thought if he punched this Intinese, that body probably would suck in his arm. The Itinese stared at Jason angrily with his long tongue hanging out of the mouth. Jason lowered his head, walked away and sat down at a table far away from that Itinese.
Just at this moment, Luee walked by Jason’s side and said, “You just met Faty.”
Jason was about to ask something, but Luee had dashed to a table in the distance.
Jason recalled that the Faty was the fighter Luee bet on. He stirred his thin soup and took a sip. Then he noticed something was moving in the soup. He slowly took it out using the spoon. It was a small worm. Jason heaved a sigh and held the worm with his hand. He was thinking about playing tough and eating it. But this black little thing was really disgusting.
“Are you going to eat that?” A weak and coarse voice struck Jason from the behind.
“I...I don’t think so.” Jason said slowly as he looked back. A very old Glycan was standing behind him with a sloth hanging on the shoulder.
“Do you mind?” The old Glycan said gently as he pointed at the worm.
“Go ahead.” Jason said as he handed over the worm.
“Thanks.” The old Glycan said and fed the worm to the sloth.
“Luc says thank you.” The old Glycan smiled kindly and sat at a nearby table. Then he started eating his breakfast.
Jason peeked at the Glycan, wondering why he could keep a sloth in this pet-unfriendly prison. He walked to the Glycan and said, “Hi, can I sit here?”
“You can sit anywhere you want.” The Glycan said carelessly.
“I am Jason.”
“Geuinm.”
“I am wondering how come they allow you to carry a sloth with you.” Jason asked curiously.
“I guess I am too old to be concerned about. Besides, Luc is not a sloth. Right? Luc” Geuinm said easily as he patted the sloth.
The sloth nodded with a proud grin.
“It can understand what we are saying?” Jason said in surprise.
“Well, he can do more than that!” Geuinm said proudly.
Jason reached out his hand, trying to pat the sloth. But sloth simply blocked his hand with its claw.
“He is a little shy.” Geuinm smiled quietly.
“So how long have you been here?” Jason asked politely.
“I was one of those who designed this prison and I am also the first tenant.” Geuinm said casually.
“That is about 80 years!” Jason said in surprise.
“Yea, so I heard that you are picked by the warden. That is pretty quick for a new guy.”
“Well, it wasn’t my intention.” Jason sighed.
“Yea, they all say that.” Geuinm said coldly.
“If you designed the prison, why you are still here? I mean you never tried escaping?” Jason asked curiously.
Geuinm laughed and said, “If I were you, I wouldn’t ask this type of question. You gotta hurry on your breakfast.”
Jason smiled in embarrassment and then focused on his food.
After a quick breakfast, Jason and other prisoners started the day. Every two hours, they could take a 10 minutes break on the site. Other than that, they can’t even stop to go to restroom.
During a break, Luee came to Jason with a flattery smile, his jagged teeth glowing yellow. Jason acted like he didn’t see Luee.
“Hey, yo, I have a fucking amazing business idea!” Luee said excitedly.
“Oh, yea?” Jason couldn’t care less.
“Yea, dude, I am fucking serious. You see, we can partner up in this fight thing.”
“OK. So what can you do?” Jason asked ironically.
“Man! That is not the right attitude to treat your partner. I am telling you. You need someone to advertise for you, to ask others to bet on you, to carry your stuff while you are fighting and to train with you.” Luee said hastily.
“To train with me? You?” Jason joked.
“Hey, man, you really think you are tough and fast, huh?” Luee said in a shrill voice.
Jason suddenly jabbed Luee’s face. Blood busted out of his nose right away.
“You mother fucker!” Luee shouted angrily as he covered his bleeding nose.
“You didn’t see it? Let me slow down, so you can catch it.” Jason said and punched Luee’s face again.
Other prisoners around them broke into laughter.
“You fuck, man, I am trying to help you. You idiot. Now you are in trouble. I will get you later.” Luee said slowly with an evil smile.
“Well, I have had enough troubles. I don’t mind having one more.” Jason said easily.
Luee spit on the ground and walked away.
Chapter 131
Gloria knew Jason left with Lisania. On the one hand, she was angry, but on the other hand, she felt relieved, because she knew Lisania loved Jason and Jason would be safe. She called Titainein and asked her about Jason, but she didn’t know anything. Then later Titainein called Gloria and told her that Jason was locked up in prison Listan. Gloria had a hunch that might have something to do with Hylocan. She tried to get back to training center right away, but had to wait several days until General Kalan freed the Glycan trainees detained on planet Satulous. When she finally arrived at training center, she immediately got in touch with Titainein and requested a meeting with her and Jason’s other friends.
Right now Titainein, Sayilin, Erikon, Lucis, Idi and Orizy were waiting for Gloria in the movie theater.
“I can imagine what Gloria will say.” Titainein sighed.
“Me too.” Sayilin said.
“I don’t blame her.” Idi said sadly.
“There is nothing we can do.” Lucis said firmly.
“Well, I don’t know about that.” Sayilin said.
“What do you mean?” Lucis asked.
“You know, Jason is our friend. At least, we should try.” Sayilin said.
“Even if we know that is suicide.” Lucis said in a provocative tone.
“Jason will save any of us, even if he knew that is a suicide.” Erikon said.
“Because he can always see the good side.” Orizy added.
“I heard the life in that prison is horrible. Many prisoners died before they could finish their terms. But I am quite sure Jason could make it.” Sayilin said confidently.
“Let’s talk something practical before Gloria is here. You guys have any plan?” Titainein said.
“So we still save Jason?” Lucis asked in surprise.
“If you don’t want to, nobody is going to blame you.” Titainein said kindly.
“Oh, don’t blame me? How nice! Don’t you forget I am closer to Jason than you.” Lucis said unhappily.
“So what is your decision? Are you in or not?” Titainein asked coldly.
Lucis paused for a second and shouted, “I can’t believe this. I am in.”
Erikon gave Lucis a big hug. Others smiled happily.
Right at this moment, Gloria emerged from the back of the theater. She had been here all along.
“You are spying on us?” Titainein asked.
“No, I just got here a little early.” Gloria said easily.
“You heard what we just said.” Sayilin said.
“I do. If you guys didn’t want to help, I won’t come out.” Gloria said calmly.
“All right, at least now we can save some time.” Lucis said ironically.
“Do you have any plan?” Titanein asked.
“For a prison like Listan, we have to have someone from inside to save Jason.” Gloria said.
Others all nodded.
“Do you know any guard or prisoner?” Sayilin asked.
“I think what Gloria meant was to put someone in.” Titainein said.
“I don’t think the prison will hire any of us as a guard. Wait a minute! You mean go in there as a prisoner?” Sayilin said in surprise.
“Yes, that is correct!” Gloria said in a heavy voice.
Everyone looked at Gloria in shock. It took them several seconds to collect themselves.
“Gloria, you are just as crazy as Jason.” Titainein sighed.
“That is the only way and I will go.” Gloria said calmly.
Everyone gazed at Gloria. Sayilin and Titainein wanted to say something, but they realized Gloria had made up her mind long before she brought this up.
“We don’t know how they will treat female prisoners.” Lucis said in worried tone.
“It doesn’t matter!” Gloria said firmly.
“OK, when do you plan to get in there?” Titainein asked.
“In three or four weeks. I want all of you to collect the information about the prison. Blueprint, security system, guards, anything and everything. Also we need to have a vessel standby in case I contact you guys.”
“I will take care of the vessel and give everyone the assignments.” Titainein said.
“Let’s say if you got in there, when do you plan to contact us?” Sayilin asked.
“At least two months after I get in there. It’s hard to say.” Gloria said in a low voice.
They fell into silence for several seconds.
“I want to thank all of you for this. Thank you.” Gloria said as she looked around.
“Thank you!” Titainein and Erikon said simultaneously.
Others nodded at Gloria.
Chapter 132
It had been three weeks since Jason arrived at prison Listan. Jason couldn’t imagine another thing more boring than swinging a sledgehammer all day. He missed Gloria, his father and friends. He dreamed of Gloria every night and he couldn’t help. The only thing stopped Jason from losing himself was the notion to break free to see her. He had been thinking about it since he talked with Geuinm. Even though Geiunm told him it was impossible. Jason was not the type of guy who listened to others. He started to take notes on guards’ shifts, when drones left to be charged and other routine stuffs.