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Strife
In Space
Last
Updated: 01.21.00
The year is 2150. Mankind’s
avaricious nature has helped them expand far into the void we
call space. Their star-system has been divided into various
rival factions. These factions competed for economic dominance.
Peace was at hand, despite occasional business feuds. However,
when a valuable discovery is exposed, peace is abandoned.
Tensions fly, paranoia is everywhere, and all hell breaks loose.
Total strife occurs in space.
Chapter
1
"Beginning landing
sequence, captain," said Private Walker as he eased the
ship down to the surface of the chaste planet.
"Proceed," replied
Captain Spencer as he surveyed the reddish planet. He was
wearing the standard Quartz Federation uniform—a dark-blue
suit with his initials and rank at the left breast.
"Everything looks clear.
Just the way we found it."
Spencer and his crew were
aboard the Quartz Federation Colony Pod. The colony pod was a
large, silver ship capable of supporting life for a lengthy
period until a base was functioning. The colony pod was equipped
with 2 pulse cannons, turbo boosters, an advanced life system to
support up to 500 people, and held the materials of creating a
temporary base.
His crew was on a colonizing
expedition. The reddish planet currently called QF-3, was
recently found unclaimed and capable of supporting life. After
five days from the East QF Docking Station, they arrived safely
onto the untouched planet. The ship landed softly and
immediately the docking-doors were opened. Capt. Spencer and
five of his crewmembers stepped out.
Spencer took a deep breath.
This new air smelled clean and cool. He could see far into the
distance an abundance of mountains and lush forests. There were
several lakes nearby but no sign of animal life anywhere. The
ground was red with hints of green plants dispelled all over.
The sky was very clear and a gentle, a mild breeze could be
felt. Bright stars were seen contrasting against the dark
heavens.
"Alright crew, let’s get
to work!" cried Spencer. The pilots inside the pod opened a
large hatch revealing a storage compartment. The tools and
materials were distributed and each crewmember went diligently
to work. They had to build a temporary command center until more
materials were transported.
After an hour of their work, a
slight hum was heard in the background. The crew stood up and
felt uneasy as the disturbing hum increased.
"What the hell is that
sound?" exclaimed Private Kelly. She examined the skies but
found no answer. "Pilot!" Kelly said into her comlink.
"What’s that hum we hear?"
The hum became louder.
"I don’t know!"
replied Walker. "I’ll search for it with the ship
side-cam." He guided the camera to the origin of the sound.
He didn’t see anything.
The hum became even more louder
than before.
He revolved the camera once
more and soon he and the crew had discovered their answer. Burst
lasers ripped through the cannons of Wolverines sending panic
into the crewmembers. The Wolverines were fast, agile fighters.
They were capable of extremely high speeds with excellent
nimbleness and were feared for their powerful burst lasers.
"Everybody, retreat to the
ship!" cried Kelly just as she witnessed one of her
crewmembers being blown to bits. The crewmembers made a mad dash
toward the safety of their ship. It was so far away!
The Wolverines were very fast
and swooped down for another assault. Blood-curling screams were
heard as the crewmembers were quickly cut down.
The colony pod was already
ignited and desperately waiting for the rest of the fleeing
members. Four more were quickly butchered into bloody chunks.
Only two more men remained. They ran as fast as they could only
to be wasted by laser fire.
"Get us outta here
Walker!" bellowed Spencer desperately trying to save the
rest of the crewmembers’ lives. Walker blasted the engines.
The colony pod ascended quickly and made a frenzied getaway. The
Wolverines however, viciously pursued them. They chased the
defenseless Quartz Federation ship, arduously trying to knock it
out of the heavens. Walker was an excellent pilot and was able
to weave in and out of the line of fire.
"C’mon baby,"
Walker whispered to the ship as he calmly maneuvered it.
"Just a few more seconds and the boosters will
activate!"
"Get us outta he--"
Spencer never finished his
words. The turbo boosters activated just as the ship was
instantly struck and blown to a thousand burning shards.
"Queen Zeela! I have news
about the recent colonization mission!" said Chancellor
Terry Lowin as he trotted into the Royal Hall. The Royal Hall
was a large, circular room. At the walls of the room were
portraits of past, great leaders of the Quartz Federation. In
the center, Queen Zeela was sitting in her throne in an
exquisite red robe. Her auburn hair was tied up where her golden
crown fitted snuggly. Her face was pale from make-up, which
contrasted her red lips. By her side were her two trusty
handmaidens who tirelessly assisted and guarded her. Queen Zeela
replied calmly,
"I’d like to hear it,
Chancellor."
"Yes your majesty. I have
terrible news to bear however." He paused and looked at the
queen. Her calm visage was replaced with nervousness and worry.
"Although not one of the crewmembers returned, I received
this message just a few minutes ago in my office."
"What is it?"
"I think its video
footage. I haven’t seen it yet."
Queen Zeela spoke again in a
calm fashion, "I’d like to see it."
"As you wish." He
took from his pocket a small disk. He inserted into the Royal
Hall’s computer. He pressed a few buttons and a screen
appeared with the footage in action.
The screen showed a black
background speckled with spots, outer space. The camera shooting
the video then revolved as it caught sight of 10 Wolverines
progressing quickly towards the screen. Flashes of light were
unleashed and screams and the yelling of orders were heard. The
camera focused on one of the Wolverines. The familiar red
Seventh Reich insignia was seen on hull. The camera lost sight
of the Wolverine. Only sounds were heard. Thundering explosions
and screams were perceived. Then the camera shook violently as
the ship prepared to take flight. The image moved and stars were
seen flitting by. Laser beams ripped through the sides of the
image, rocking the whole footage. Then the ship jarred intensly
as the image was lost.
Static remained.
Queen Zeela stopped the video
aghast at what she just saw. She had to take action. She was a
newly elected leader and had to take the initiative to seem
commanding.
"That…that was
appalling!" said Zeela. The queen’s handmaidens and
Chancellor Lowin were speechless. "Contact President
Grussheur of the Seventh Reich now! I shall speak to him about
this matter."
"As you wish your
majesty."
Lowin activated the interlink.
He punched in a few codes and a large screen appeared in front
of the throne. President Grussheur IV soon appeared on the
screen. He was wearing a black and red Seventh Reich military
outfit with a nineteenth century sword hanging from the side of
his waist. At a diagonal across his chest, Grussheur wore a
shoulder banner which said: "The Glorious Seventh Reich".
It was also noticeable that his old age was grasping him, he was
balding at a considerate rate. He had a disgruntled look on his
face as he smoked his cigar. He answered with a bellow.
"Who is it?!"
"It is I, Queen Zeela of
the Quartz Federation."
"Oh, Queen Zeela! It’s a
pleasure to see you." Grussheur responded with a smile.
"I’m
afraid I cannot say the same about you, President Grussheur. I
have evidence that your fighters attacked our defenseless colony
pod. Is this true, President Grussheur?"
"What are you talking
about?" Grussheur sharply responded. Queen Zeela then
played the video, showing scenes of the Seventh Reich insignia
and burst lasers ripping out of the Wolverines.
"That’s what I’m
talking about, President. Now explain yourself!"
"That…tha…that was my
planet! Your colony pod trespassed our borders! We had to
exterminate it after you disregarded our many warnings!"
"There’s no proof in
your slander! You lie!"
"I…I don’t have time
for this Zeela!"
"An intrusion can
easily be prevented with more peaceful means. Instead, you
attacked our ship and killed all of our crewmembers aboard! I
demand one million galaxy credits as retribution!"
"Never! Your retribution
is too high and you had no right to be on that planet!"
"We did not see your
faction flag. However, I shall drop this matter in hopes of
keeping peace. One more interference in our matters though, I
will not be responsible for the repercussions on you and your
faction. Queen Zeela out."
The interlink disconnected and
the screen disappeared.
Chapter
2
"I recently saw the
chancellors’ car and instead of saying ‘Protected by
Electro-Guard’, it said ‘Protected by Election Card!"
sniggered Nathe. "Thank you ladies and gentlemen. Have a
good afternoon!" He left the stage as scattered applause
was heard. Nathe Hammer was a comedian. Not a very talented one,
but a job-worthy comedian nonetheless. He had black hair and was
well-built. He left ‘Houd’s Nest’, the comedy club, and
found his friend, Tom Larkin, waiting outside. They started
walking home.
"Election card?! Where do
you find this crap?!"
"Yeah, I need new stuff
for my gigs. So, how’s life in the teaching business?"
"It’s swell,"
replied Larkin. Larkin was a self-defense instructor. He was a
strapping, young fellow with short, brown hair. He also had a
smile that would light up a roomful of people.
"Hey Tom! Look at this
speeder!" exclaimed Nathe pointing to a beautiful, red car.
Cars in this day and age were wheel-less. Anti-gravity sensors
were attached at the base of every car. This device allowed cars
to hover facilely in the air. Traffic was now distributed in
three-dimensions. An intersection no longer included cars on the
ground, but in the air as well. Accidents did not frequently
occur however, Locomotion Sensors were attached to the sides of
the cars for extra safety. Any object that came within a few
feet of the car at a threshold speed would instantly the stop
the car.
"Wow." replied Tom.
He was speechless and astounded by the allurement of the car. He
went for a closer look. He read the sticker that identified the
owner of the car. "It says that it belongs to Houd!"
"Houd? The owner of
‘Houd’s Nest’?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Damn! I never knew he was
rich! I should ask for a raise."
They both left and reached
their home in a short while. Nathe entered their entrance
password and the door opened. They walked in and immediately
plopped themselves on the couch. The television was turned on
where an important news broadcast was ensuing.
"Yesterday morning upon
landing QF-3, a Colony Pod sent by Queen Zeela, was destroyed by
a Seveth Reich attack. Evidence confirms that 10 Wolverines were
employed during the assault. Unfortunately, all members of the
Colony Pod were extinguished. With more information, here’s
our newly-elected Queen Zeela at the Royal Palace from last
night’s conference.
"Good evening ladies and
gentlemen. This morning, our Colony Pod en route to QF-3 was
attacked and destroyed. I apologize for this unfortunate
disaster. There will be a funeral procession…"
"Whoa." said Tom,
staring intently at the screen.
"What is it?"
"She…She’s the
queen?"
"Yea, that’s Queen
Zeela. What’s the ‘whoa’ about?"
"She’s beautiful. Wow!
Damn she’s hot!" Tom proclaimed finally. Nathe, with a
perplexed look was about to say something but was shushed.
"Listen to what she has to
say!" Tom exclaimed emphatically.
"…Although I have
withdrew all aggressive action towards the Seventh Reich, I
shall not hesitate to heed warnings and fight back. Please be
prepared for martial combat if the situation shall arise. I will
inform you of the whereabouts in the future. Queen Zeela
out."
"Damn, doesn’t she look
good? How old is she?" Tom excitedly asked.
"I think she’s about
your age—26, 27. Somewhere in that area."
"You think I could date
her?"
Nathe burst into uncontrollable
laughter. After about a minute, he whisked the tears from his
eyes, got off from the floor, and saw a sarcastic snarl on
Tom’s face.
"Sorry about that."
Nathe apologized with a small chuckle. "But you date her?!
That’s hilarious. Your chances are very slim. Sure you two are
the right age, but come on, be realistic! You probably gotta
save her life or something in order to even talk to
her!"
Chapter 3
"That Zeela! She’s
threatening me! Ha ha!" President Grussheur laughed
heartily. "She’s so young and impotent! What’s she
going do to me, sue me?!" The Presidential Office roared
with laughter. The Presidential Office was a rectangular room
with a large oval table in the center. President Grussheur and
General Salvadore sat on the opposite tips. Grussheur’s most
trusted and competent advisors were there to discuss on future
defensive matters, but the conference topic has swerved widely
to amusement and jubilation.
"But seriously sir,"
said one of the advisors, "we must take action to safeguard
our nation."
"Yes men, it is imperative
we do so. After we obliterated their colony pod, we have to
expect anything to happen. What ideas do we all have?" said
Grussheur. His advisors thought for a second. One of them spoke
up,
"I feel that we have to
defend all of our colonies with much more than we had before.
Queen Zeela is pissed off at our actions and could strike at
anytime."
Numerous whispers were heard.
The advisors were in accordance of what was just said. Another
advisor spoke,
"How ‘bout if launch a
major offensive?"
All eyes were set on the
president. He and only he, himself had to power to initiate an
invasion.
"Hmm… This prospect seem
very enticing. I…"
"Excuse me Mr. President
for interrupting," said one of the advisors near Grussheur,
"but you really can’t be serious? You can’t invade the
Quartz Federation!"
"And why not!"
Grussheur snapped.
"We’d be going too far!
We will seem oppressive and evil to the galaxy. Many factions
will support them if they choose to ally themselves. I feel that
we should launch a major offensive when she finally
counteracts against us."
"Well said! But don’t
you ever interrupt me again, you presumptious boor!"
proclaimed Grussheur as he stood up and violently waved his
finger at the advisor. He sat down and continued to talk.
"But, very well said. Yes, we will go to far when we
invade. However, sitting here will be inane. She could strike us
at any moment or not strike us at all! Nonetheless, my mind is
made up. We shall invade the Quartz Federation, but not at this
present moment. First, you must all see how Queen Zeela is a
danger to our society. I cannot have her disrupting the peace of
our empire at any time of peace." said Grussheur very
boldly. Salvadore sat there, listening intently of what his
leader was trying to say. Grussheur then spoke coldly waving his
finger at every word. "So, I want Queen Zeela dead!"
Salvadore’s eyebrows rose up
showing his amazement.
"Are you sure that’s
wise? You could get brutal criticisms from the public and from
other leaders!"
"Doesn’t matter. She’s
a bane to our safety and can strike at anytime. And to destroy a
nation, you must destroy her leadership. A nation without a
leader cannot function!"
"But, don’t you think we
should discuss the matter with her first?" pleaded
Salvadore.
"I doubt that it’ll
solve anything. Like the great Otto von Bismarck of the Second
Reich once said, ‘The great questions of the time will be
decided, not by speeches and resolutions of majorities, but by
blood and iron.’ We shall solve this matter by blood. Have her
killed! I want no more rebuttals! Do it now and good day to you
all."
"Yes sir."
Salvadore and the advisors
left, giving orders to their men. The operation would be set.
Later that day…
The Ruling Royal Council met
with Queen Zeela that day. They were mandated to join and had
feared her since the attack on QF-3. The Ruling Royal Council
only consisted of four important advisors. They were Chancellor
Terry Lowin, Captain Warsay, General Alvin Sargon, and Secretary
of Diplomatics, Sharon Jordan. Captain Warsay was head of the
Royal Guards. He is considered the Queen’s elite bodyguard.
General Sargon was second in command of the armed forces and all
military operations (after the queen). He helped her with the
most influential, military decisions. Secretary of Diplomatics,
Sharon Jordan was the Head Diplomat. She was in charge of all
foreign affairs.
The Royal Council however,
consisted of twenty advisors. They were mainly in charge of
passing laws and electing officials.
"I have called this
meeting," Queen Zeela stated as she entered the Royal Room.
She was wearing a dark robe with beautiful gold lining. Under
the robe, she wore midnight-blue tights that easily outlined the
soft contours of her body. "To discourse the situation of
the Seventh Reich. Any questions? Good. Meeting commenced."
She sat down. Two Royal Guards then departed the room leaving
the main door closed behind them. She took a deep breath and
began to talk.
"The recent attack on our
Colony Pod at QF-3 was a total embarrassment to the Quartz
Federation. I had to let them get away with this because I knew
that they had a more powerful militia. Grussheur is like a
bully. He picks on weaker nations. But we shall not let another
assault occur ever again! We need to protect ourselves. Any
thoughts?"
"I have one." said
Chancellor Lowin. "Traditionally, the best way of ridding a
bully was to befriend with other people. In other words…"
"Alliances." General
Sargon stated.
"Excellent suggestion
chancellor." replied Queen Zeela. "Secretary Jordan,
you’ll be in charge of creating these alliances."
"Yes your majesty."
"Make them quick. I sense
an upcoming threat."
"Yes. But I’m afraid
only two allies will actually help us in this ordeal." said
Secretary Jordan in a saddened voice.
"Please, do explain
why."
Secretary Jordan turned on a
viewing screen where the map of their star system was exhibited.
She zoomed in on their planet, Terria.
"As we all know, we are
located on the small planet, Terria. We aren’t too distant
from Earth, which means Grussheur won’t find it very strenuous
to attack us. On Terria, there are two factions, the Rouge
Confederacy and the Xeran States. Only the Rouge Confederacy is
powerful enough to help us. Our second possible ally is another
confederate state. The American Confederacy. They are located on
Earth which can give us an offensive advantage. That’s all can
say. Two possible allies."
"Two will be enough."
responded Queen Zeela. "General Sargon."
"Yes my queen."
"I want you to
ready…"
Queen Zeela stopped as four men
in black suits suddenly bursted through the palace windows.
Their black suits included suede boots and a belt full of
compartments. Each of the mystery men had a laser pistol in
hand.
"See you in hell, your
majesty!" snarled one of the mystery men evilly. He aimed
his pistol toward Queen Zeela and he fired.
Chapter
4
"Nooooooooo!" cried
Chancellor Lowin as he jumped up and took the blast right in the
chest. The powerful laser blast seared through his clothing and
skin and dissipated his bones. He landed on the ground with a
hard thud.
Dead.
Queen Zeela and her advisors
were startled.
"Take cover!" cried
Queen Zeela. The rest of the advisors quickly jumped to the back
of Queen Zeela’s desk where she stood. General Sargon and
Capt. Warsay took out their blasters. Queen Zeela and Secretary
Jordan however, did not have a weapon.
"Come out Queen
Zeela!" said one of the mystery men in a guttural voice.
"We came here to crash your party!"
"Stay down my queen."
said Capt. Warsay as he took out his comlink. "I’ll
contact the Royal Guards."
"No! Look at them!"
Queen Zeela pointed. "They just wired the door. Anything
can happen if the doors are opened!"
"Well, I’m not going to
sit here and do nothing!" General Sargon said bravely. He
hopped up and fired twice.
"Ahh!" cried of the
men as he was shot down.
"Alright that’s
it!" hollered one of the mystery men. "Queen Zeela!
All we want is you! Step out and save the lives of your advisors
or all of you shall die!"
"Don’t listen to
him." whispered Capt. Warsay. He sprang up from his
crouching position and fired his weapon. He fired three
times—each shot aimed at their weapons. In an instant, the
mystery men were disabled. Cursing were heard as the three of
them grabbed their hands in pain.
"Charge them!"
The three men charged. Capt.
Warsay and General Sargon stood up to fire but the mystery men
were too fast. Two quick roundhouse kicks and both advisors lost
their weapons as well. Queen Zeela looked in disbelief but her
fighting instincts quickly kicked in. She hastily donned her
large robe, revealing her petit, compact body.
While Sargon and Warsay engaged
in their own mystery men, one was without action. Queen Zeela
eyed him. She jumped on to the table and unleashed a kick. The
man moaned as his neck snapped back. She agilely jumped down.
She hugged the floor and sweep-kicked him. He went down with a
hard thud. Zeela bounced back up easily and with tremendous
grace.
"Didn’t expect a queen
like me to fight, eh?"
The mystery man didn’t
answer. He was confused and very fearful. He was afraid what a
ruler like Queen Zeela was about to do to him. Then all of a
sudden, she stomped his crotch. Her sharp, high heels made
contact as the mystery man helplessly yelped in pain.
"Feeling
comfortable?" growled Queen Zeela with a mad look in her
eyes.
But the mystery man wasn’t
about to give up. He lifted a concealed pistol for a shot at the
queen. Zeela had already anticipated his move and stepped right
on his wrist, spewing blood from his tender skin. He dropped his
pistol and tried to lift his head, screaming in pain during the
assault. Then in one smooth motion, she forcefully kicked his
head. Blood ran freely from his mouth.
"Ugh," groaned Queen
Zeela. "My shoes are bloody!"
Meanwhile, Capt. Warsay was
having no trouble fending off his opponent. He blocked the
mystery man’s attacks with ease and lunged at every
opportunity. With a flurry of punches and kicks, Capt. Warsay
easily subdued his enemy.
Things were different with
General Sargon. Sargon was experienced, but old and not as fast
and strong. Sargon attempted a punch but the mystery man
effortlessly dodged the old man’s attack. The mystery man
connected Sargon with a blistering kick. Sargon groaned and
clutched his stomach in pain. The mystery man then pulled out a
knife from one his compartments. He kicked Sargon again and
said,
"You’re too slow old
man! Let me put you where you belong!"
With that, the mystery man
stabbed Sargon in his stomach. Blood oozed from Sargon’s mouth
as his eyes froze. He bowled over, dead.
The mystery man laughed in
victory.
"Murderer!" cried
Queen Zeela just as she had defeated her opponent. She made a
dashing jump kick which knocked the mystery man off-balance.
"Oooomf!" the mystery
man moaned as he grabbed his ribs hoping to ease the pain.
"You fucking bitch! I’ll kill you, for the sake of the
Seventh Reich!"
She disregarded his comment and
went towards his side, picking a knife from one of his belt
compartments. With a turn of her body, she swiftly attempted a
slash at his waist.
He blocked her arms and punched
the left side of her stomach vigorously.
Queen Zeela groaned painfully.
She quickly broke free from his grip. She rolled away and threw
the knife at him as soon as she popped back up. The knife spun
too fast to stop. It pierced his arm, opening up a huge bloody
gash.
Blood spewed everywhere.
Queen Zeela abruptly took a
defensive stance and smiled wryly. The man smiled back, bearing
his hideous teeth. He seemed unhurt by the knife. He knew now
that one of them had to die, and it would end right now.
Then in great haste, they both
charged each other. The man tried to clothesline her, but she
ducked and punched hard at his unguarded mid-section., Queen
Zeela then said to the crouching man,
"Your attempt to kill me
has failed, fool! The punishment is death!"
She swiftly lifted her leg and
brought it down vehemently on his back. He crouched more and
cursed her in every way he could. She kneeled down in front of
him and delivered the final hit. With all her might, she issued
a strong uppercut. The mystery man flew backward landing hard on
the concrete. He was unconscious and had a bloody, mangled face.
It’s over, Queen Zeela
thought. The ordeal is over.
She surveyed the room and saw
five men on the floor, not moving. Just then, the royal guards
and the queen’s handmaidens rushed in. The guards were wearing
light blue uniforms. They each wore a black beret and were
equipped with laser rifles. They came as soon as they were
contacted.
"I dismantled their
wiring." said Secretary Jordan. "Too bad I couldn’t
help out General."
"Queen Zeela!" cried
one of her handmaidens as she sped in. "Are you
alright?"
"Please do not worry.
I’m alright." Queen Zeela replied haughtily. "I
nailed them good!" she said with a smile. She paused and
looked disheartened. There was a large opening in Chancellor
Lowin’s chest. The charred skin was still smoking. His face
stayed the same at the moment he was hit, his mouth opened
showing much expression. "Take the bodies of General Sargon
and Chancellor Lowin to the morgue. We’ll have a funeral
procession for them tomorrow."
"What about the four
assassins?"
"Shoot them all and send
them to President Grussheur."
Queen Zeela started to leave
the room. She turned around and stopped.
"Captain Warsay!"
"Yes, your majesty?"
"Have Colonel Williams
prepare our troops. I want them mobilized by next week!"
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