by Seth Libby
“What speech?”
“You know….the whole storm speech the Shenkar referred to.”
“Oh,” Liam said but didn’t elaborate any further.
After several quiet seconds Evan cleared his voice, an obvious indicator he was still waiting for a more understanding answer. Liam looked once again at the three men before he turned back to Evan.
“I never really thought about it actually, I was sort of caught up in the moment. The thought of someone coming to hurt the ones I loved just because we were intelligent life forms. The anger just bubbled up and I reacted, I didn’t really think over what I was saying.”
“Intelligent life forms? Clearly you haven’t been to the mall on a Sunday afternoon,” Evan said, shuddering to add to the effect.
Liam smiled at his friend’s comment but didn’t say anything further. Evan looked at Liam for a few seconds, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“You okay?” Evan finally asked.
Liam sighed as reached up and ran a hand across the back of his neck.
“It was just that conversation I had with Shizta. It made me think of my time aboard the Tryliene. It isn’t a memory I really like reliving if you get what I mean.”
“Yeah, I can imagine you wouldn’t, but you can always look at the positive side of it.”
Liam frowned as he looked over at Evan.
“What positive side can you possibly be thinking of?” asked Liam, the sarcasm in his voice clear.
“Well from the looks of it you scare the crap out of the Shenkar. I figure we could just drop you on their home planet, announce who you are and they will all surrender or drop dead of heart attacks,” said Evan, a broad smile across his face.
This time Liam laughed out loud at the sincerity that had been present in Evan’s voice.
“So Crystal and I were wondering if you would be the godfather?”
Liam looked back over his friend, not sure he had heard correctly.
“What was that?”
“Well Crystal and I were talking and we were wondering if you would be the godfather of our kid.”
Liam didn’t even need to think this over; he would do anything for his friends.
“I would be honored,” said Liam, smiling broadly.
“Cool, cool,” Evan said, then after a moment added, a bit uncomfortably. “Do you think Leah would be the godmother?”
“I don’t know, most likely, but I think you would need to ask her.”
“Yeah I suppose you’re right…don’t suppose you want to ask her?”
Liam laughed at his friend’s obvious discomfort.
“Afraid of her?” inquired Liam.
“Nah, she likes to mess with me….I never know when she is joking.”
“So? When she does that I just give it right back to her.”
“Yeah, easy for you to say, you are better than her with a plasma sword. She, on the other hand, is better than me and damn near as good as you. She is like a rabid ferret with a plasma sword.”
Liam laughed again but really couldn’t disagree with Evan. Evan was quiet for a few minutes before he spoke again.
“You ever going to marry that girl? You both are retarded for each other so what is the problem?”
Liam didn’t answer at first as the question had taken him off guard.
“Actually with all the excitement I forgot to tell you. I already asked her to marry me and she accepted. We just need to pick a date….probably going to be after she graduates so let’s keep this between us for now.”
Evan didn’t say anything, for once he was speechless. He just stood there with his mouth hanging open, a shocked look upon his face.
“Wow, who would have thought that was all it would take to stun you into silence,” said Liam, a mock look of shock upon his face.
This seemed to cause Evan to recover. Crossing his arms across his chest, at the same time he snorted, trying to look and sound insulted. After a few moments Evan couldn’t fight it anymore and his face broke into broad smile.
“That’s awesome, glad to hear everything is working out. Can I tell Crystal?”
“Yeah sure, just make sure it stays between us. I am an instructor after all and I don’t want anyone to think I am favoring her.”
“Yeah sure, that’s cool…hey, you know who is gonna be jealous?”
“Who?” asked Liam.
“Leah’s arch nemesis, Alyssa Birchette. You know the one that clearly has a thing for you.”
“You’re imagining things, she doesn’t have a thing for me,” Liam said, clearly uncomfortable at the possibility.
“Uh-huh, you keep telling yourself that,” Evan said, his voice heavy with sarcasm.
Liam was about to retort when he noticed Admiral Kelvin approaching.
Both Liam and Evan snapped to attention.
“Oh at ease, you two should know by now that when we are alone it’s just Liam, Evan and Frank. Although I have to say it is nice to see how you have both adapted to the military lifestyle even though you guys are still technically contracted.”
Relaxing, Liam nodded his head towards the lone ensign to indicate they were not alone. Admiral Kelvin glanced at the ensign then back to Liam and Evan.
“Oh, I seriously doubt he will say anything, looks to me he is trying to remain as invisible as possible. I doubt he will say anything to bring himself any attention.”
“Well, okay then, Frankie,” Evan said jokingly.
Admiral Kelvin gave Evan a flat look that clearly said if he used that name again he would regret it. Evan wilted slightly under the admiral’s stare and he quickly spoke.
“Uh…I was just kidding around, Admiral Kelvin.”
Admiral Kelvin continued his flat stare for a few more moments before his face split into a wide grin.
“I know, Evan, but don’t call me that again or I will have to assign you to janitorial duties.”
“Uh…yes sir,” said Evan, apprehensively.
Satisfied he had made his point he nodded and changed the subject.
“So back to the earlier subject, the Templars will serve in the officer capacity within the Praetorian Guard for any ground or ship-based assaults until the new batch of officers we select can be trained up. We will still need you for fighter protection but I will try to limit that to dire circumstances. There is another reason for me wanting you with the guard. Recovery teams recently unlocked some information that is rather disturbing. It seems the Shenkar have their own form of Templar Knights that are referred to as Elites. We don’t know exactly how tough these Shenkar are but if they can beat the cloned warriors easily then they could potentially be a problem.”
“Maybe we can get some information out of our friend back there,” Evan said as he nodded his head back toward Shizta’s cell.
Admiral Kelvin thought this over for a few moments before he snapped his fingers and smiled.
“That would be an excellent idea, Evan, and I know just the guy to do it.”
Liam didn’t like the way the admiral said that, which was quickly confirmed when the admiral turned to him and gave a smile that reminded him of the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.
“Liam I believe you could potentially unlock what is going on within Shizta. Just in your brief conversation I witnessed two things I never expected. One, when Shizta first saw you it was clear there was fear in his eyes and from what I have heard the Shenkar don’t experience fear. Two, during your conversation with him you seemed to sew doubt in his mind about his own outdated beliefs. I want you to continue your conversations with him, daily, if possible. Perhaps we will be able to learn more about the Shenkar and perhaps a weakness that we will be able to exploit. Any information we can learn could be useful. I know you had a horrible experience with the Shenkar when you were captured aboard the Tryliene but this could help immensely. I could order it but that just isn’t my style. So will you do it?”
Liam understood the reasoning behind what the admiral was asking but it still d
idn’t make it any easier. Rarely a night went by where he didn’t relive in his dreams what happened aboard the Tryliene. Of late, the dreams had lessened, ever since he began talking with Milton Johansin.
The elderly scientist had sought Liam out roughly a month ago asking not for more tests but simply for Liam to have dinner with him a couple times a week. During those dinners Milton had confessed his need for some normality. He had explained he had spent his life dedicated to his work. He never took the time to live and now life had passed him by. Milton had confessed how he regretted never marrying or never having children. He confessed that in a way he had come to think of Liam as a son and in some odd sense Liam was. Milton had been the lead scientist in the Templar knight program so technically speaking he had created Liam. Funny thing is over the past month Liam’s affection for the elderly man had grown into something of what a son would feel for a father. At least that was how Liam interpreted it. In truth, Liam’s own father had passed away when he was a young boy so it was hard for him to remember how he had felt.
“I will understand if you choose not to but please weigh all the options before you make your decision.”
Shaken from his thoughts Liam looked at the admiral and nodded that he understood him but before he could answer Evan spoke.
“Hey, if you want I could talk to Shizta instead.”
Liam smiled at Evan’s offer but knew immediately that wouldn’t be a good idea.
“No offense Evan but we are trying to create good relations not escalate the war more. If you were to talk with Shizta I think he would probably kill himself before accidently divulging any useful information,” Liam said sarcastically.
Evan looked up at the ceiling as he made a disgusted noise in his throat. Liam smiled at his friend’s affronted look but continued to stare at him and say nothing. He had known Evan long enough to know that this was all just an act. Continuing to keep his face turned towards the ceiling he glanced Liam’s way and finally his demeanor broke. A smiled forced its way across his face until finally he broke out into laughter.
“Okay maybe you are right on that point but I was just trying to help.”
Smiling Liam turned his attention towards the admiral.
“Alright, I will do it, but I can’t promise anything. For all I know he might get more defensive under my questioning. I was, as you know, the one who butchered over a thousand Shenkar warriors aboard the Tryliene.”
“Maybe, but I am willing to bet you will surprise yourself. If we even learn a small bit of information then it could make the difference of lives lost.”
“Okay when would you like me to start?”
“Well as soon as possible would be good but I need you to help in another matter first. As I stated before most of the officers will be replaced with Templars until they can train up a new set of officers and you will have to replace any non comms that were lost. What I need of you is for you to take some of these men and women and train them into an elite group of Praetorian Guard, kind of like a Special Forces group. A group that can really only be trained by a Templar.”
Liam thought this over and didn’t see anything wrong with this. It made sense in fact as one day there might not be any Templars left.
“Do you have any particular men and women in mind to choose from?”
Admiral Kelvin smiled at Liam’s question, his left hand reaching up to scratch the side of his face before he answered.
“Well let’s just say these men and women aren’t exactly the cream of crop. In fact all of them have had some disciplinary issues in their pasts. I would define them as an interesting group. However, when they are doing their jobs they are the best at what they do. This is more of a test to see if we can incorporate men and woman that are considered lost causes. If you are successful then perhaps we could utilize those men and woman that are part of the penal system…at least those with lesser crimes.”
“Well I guess if I can handle the Shenkar then I can handle some men and woman with attitudes.”
Admiral Kelvin smiled and reached up to clap a hand upon Liam’s shoulder.
“I will remember you said that. Also just to let you know, this upcoming mission will have embedded reporters aboard the Kraken. I know how you feel about them but they are being forced on us by the council. The council feels we need to follow the story of the Kraken and its crew as a positive story arc. They will be following the crew, the Praetorian Guard, the Paladins and yes the Templars around. They are not to interfere in everyday functions and will need to clear any interviews with the command staff but please do not give them to much of a hard time.”
“I will try, sir, but I cannot guarantee anything,” Liam said, a smile across his face.
Admiral Kelvin smiled back then saluted Liam and Evan before he did an about face and exited the brig.
“Do you get the feeling he wasn’t completely honest on how colorful the men and woman you are supposed to train are?”
“Yeah, I didn’t like the way he smiled when I mention I shouldn’t have any problems.”
Evan looked like he wanted to say something but instead changed the subject.
“So shall we get going?”
Liam and Evan left the brig and headed off towards the fighter bay. The pair walked in silence for several minutes before Evan spoke.
“So what do you think of being a legend within the Shenkar?”
Liam let out a slight disgusted snort at the thought of this.
“Do you really believe that crap?”
“Sure, why not? I am sure your deeds have spread throughout the Shenkar military. An unknown warrior who seemingly rose from death only to slaughter the whole crew of a battlecruiser. Liam, you are my friend but I have seen you when you were angry. What was it called? Dala Dvierik? You truly are the storm of death or death storm; however they want to translate it. I have watched you use your new abilities, seen how they are growing and to be honest it puts me in awe. Every day your abilities seem to grow in intensity with seemingly no limits. It makes me wonder the devastation you could unleash and it also worries me if you were to ever lose control. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t anyone I wouldn’t want next to me in a fight but just remember you always need to keep control.”
Liam thought this over and he could see where his friend was coming from. He himself worried the limits his abilities would have or what could happen if he did lose control.
“I wonder that every day, my friend, and it scares me to think of what could happen if I lost control,” said Liam, grimly.
Evan looked at his friend for a moment before he smiled broadly, clapping Liam on the back.
“You will be fine especially with me and Steve around to keep you in check.”
Liam laughed at Evan’s comment, holding his hands up in mock fear.
“Oh, I am so frightened.”
Evan laughed again then something seemed to occur to him.
“You know I think we should warn others of you though, someone might accidently unleash the Dala Dvierik.”
“Oh ha ha, very funny,” Liam said sarcastically.
Before Liam could stop him, Evan quickened his step to move ahead of Liam. As he did this he held his arms aloft in front of him and spoke in a loud commanding voice.
“Everyone move aside, move aside I tell you! Move aside for Dala Dvierik.”
Startled crew members looked at Evan, upon seeing two Templar knights heading their way, they quickly stepped aside. Liam quickly moved forward to attempt to quiet Evan but Evan, in turn, quickened his step.
“Will you be quiet!?” Liam said in loud whisper.
Ignoring Liam, Evan continued walking quickly up the passage shouting loudly.
“Step aside quickly! For you do not wish to unleash the storm of death!”
Liam could see the smile upon Evan’s face as he glanced back to make sure he wasn’t within Liam’s reach. This time Liam didn’t whisper but still tried to keep his voice quiet as he spoke.
�
��So help me if you do not shut up I swear I will pull out my plasma sword and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine!”
Clearly not believing Liam would follow through on such a threat Evan continued his loud speech.
“Yes, you heard me! The storm of death walks these corridors so step aside….”
But whatever Evan was going to say was suddenly cut off in a yelp as he saw Liam pull his plasma sword free of his belt and ignited it, his face wearing as evil a grin as Liam could manage.
“Uh...Liam I was just kidding you know,” Evan said quickly.
Liam continued to move forward as Evan back pedaled a few steps before finally turning and breaking into a full sprint. Liam sprinted after Evan, not trying to catch but instead staying just close enough to keep him moving. Startled crew members jumped aside, pressing themselves against the walls, at the sight of two Templar knights sprinting through the corridors...especially since one had his plasma sword ignited.
The pursuit lasted until they reached the hanger bay where their fighters were secured. Knowing he had nowhere to go Evan wheeled about, throwing up his hands in surrender.
“Okay okay, I am sorry and I won’t bring up the storm thing again.”
Liam switched off his plasma sword and stood there with his hands folded across his chest. Several moments passed as Liam continued to stand there while Evan shifted uncomfortably.
“Liam? Come on, you know I was just joking, don’t you?”
Liam smiled finally which made Evan relax visibly.
“I know you were joking but it was fun to chase you throughout the ship,” Liam explained.
“Oh ha ha, very funny….by the look on your face I thought you really meant to follow through on your threat. I can’t think of anything worse than that.”
Liam smiled and was about to speak when he spotted someone approaching from across the hanger bay. From the look on their face it appeared this person was extremely unhappy.
“Uh…Evan you might want to turn around. I think someone wants to talk to you.”
The smile Evan had been wearing immediately slipped from his face as he turned to see who Liam had referred too.”