Tales from the Empire
Operation: Dark Skies
By Robert C. Moore
April 11, 1997

Episode 4:
A Deadly Game
Stardate: 2411.3.21


Fear is what makes a man cringe. It is not for us to decide whether to run or hide, but rather should we stand or fall. If I am the starchild, then should I run away or fight for freedom? That is what fears me now.
Kero Topa's journal entry

Mr. Evans decided to hold class outdoors due to the nice weather.

"Class, what is this I hold in my hand?" He held up an old weapon that was once used by Imperial soldiers a long time ago.

"A lightspear." I said.

"Good. Would you like to demonstrate, to the class, how this is used?" He handed it over to me. With a light touch on the side of the instrument, a beam emerged from its shaft. The class was in awe. I waved it around from side to side, then presumed a fighters' stance.

"Thank you Kero. Can I have another volunteer to demonstrate the fighters ability?" He glanced up and down, until he spotted Holly. Holly was one of the best fighters and was preparing to go to the Academy, a special school for the Resistance.

As Holly took the lightspear and presumed her position to fight him, you could feel the tension in the air. Suddenly Mr. Evans told them to go. Kero immediately took charge. He hit left, right and then from behind. Each time she was just able to catch him. Then he caught her, forcing her lightspear to go flying.

"Stop!" Mr. Evans shouted. At that, Kero shut off the beam. "I think that is enough for today. Kero, can I see you in the principal's office."

The rest of the class went downstairs to the classroom. Holly was disturbed, but didn't want to talk to Kero.

"Kero, what were you thinking?" Mr. Evans said. "This was only supposed to be a demonstration. I didn't want you to overpower her. I mean, did you see what Holly looked like? She was scared, afraid you could kill her."

"I would not!" I defended myself. "It was just this sensation had come over me. A feeling of intense power."

"Have you ever taken classes in Martial Arts?" Mrs. Logan, the assistant principal asked.

"No."

"I mean you performed like a pro, more like a advanced student. I find that strange for someone with your background." Mrs. Evans began probing Kero's mind for a solution.

"I do remember a time when my father would take out this old uniform and lightspear, and play alone with it. At first, I thought he was practicing for a Holloween party. Now, I'm not so sure."

"Kero, I believe that the best thing to do is to forget about the incident." Mrs. Logan explained. "Although your father did serve the Mesmolites way back, in the Aeros War."

"What Mrs. Logan is trying to say, is that maybe, it was something you could have learned from watching your father perform." Mr. Evans explained. "Although I don't have proof of his father as a fighter."

"Why don't you join your classmates now. We'll discuss this later." Kero got up and left the room.

The two of them were alone to face each other.

"You should have seen it. Kero was an expert fighter. Like he knew how to fight. Are you sure about his father?"

"Yes I am, and I have the paperwork to back it up." Mrs. Evans replied, with a casual smirk on her face.

"Good. I would like to examine it ASAP."

TO BE CONTINUED...