Legend Beyond The Stars Read Free

turned to address a younger man, operating a vast complex array of intricate panels, schematic displays and holograms.
    “Wyomeh, locate the quickest exit from this sector and ready the ship for the jump. Casis, declare battlestations and prime the auxiliary weapons. Magar, I assume we have two divisions ready for boarding?”
    Receiving an affirmative nod in response, Tarak turned and strode towards the door.
    Magar followed and motioned for Pilot Officer Wray to fall in beside him.
    “Do you believe we can overthrow our enemies, Tarak? So many cycles have passed and yet the war rages on. I admit there are times when I wonder whether it would be better for usto depart the Darkos System. Seek a new world to live what time we have left in peace,” asked Magar of his friend.
    “Do not let the other men hear you speak so!” Irritated, Tarak shot his second-in-command a cold look. “There is no peace to be had for us, Magar. How can there be with our race facing extinction?”
    The warriors turned and entered a small apartment. Tarak punched in his code and several panels slid open with quiet smoothness. He perused the collection of weapons presented, then methodically attached his selection to various clips and compartments concealed in his armour.
    From the corner of his eye, he noticed his friend’s glum expression. “We must fight to the end. Of more importance, we must continue our search. We must have hope.”
    Magar remained silent and Tarak realised his friend did not need to ask the obvious question.
    “Do you have hope, Tarak?” Wray insisted.
    Tarak clamped down on the bitter resignation gnawing constantly at his very spirit. For over ten cycles their greatest minds had laboured seeking a solution whilst their warriors had waged war in a never-ending battle, and still no solution had been found.
    Why should now be any different?
    In reality he held very little faith they would attain their goal with whatever the traders hawked. The long reign of the mighty Warlord Guardians of the Seven Galaxies was at an end. His people, now little more than rebels fighting a desperate rear guard action.
    Renegades who continued to wage war in an attempt to buy time—this was all that was left of a warrior’s duty. As one who had imbibed with his first breath the age old traditions of the Darkon code of honour and valour, he believed the only thing left for him and those who chose to follow, was to die in battle.
    His gut clenched as if an Elite sabre prong squeezed it dry of all its juices.
    By the stars of Darkos, his race would be remembered as proud and glorious warriors long after they were reduced to dust — his duty as the eldest son of their leader demanded it .
    Hence, this journey so far from their home system to investigate the rumours of a mysterious payload. If the traders proved to be untrustworthy, he would deal with them then turn his attention to the next battle.
    “I have no hope, Wray.” He faced his officers. “But at all costs we must continue to fight for our freedom. Should the goddess decree, we will die with weapons in our hands and honour in our hearts. No one will smear the name of the Darkons while I live.”
    He clapped a heavy hand to the back of Magar, a blow which would have felled a lesser warrior. “Are we not the best fighters in the Seven Galaxies?”
    The older warrior snorted. “Affirmative. No one can beat us in a fair fight. That is why after twelve cycles of war, they still have not conquered us.”
    “Nor will they, my friend. Now we will stand, as always, united. I know of what you all will lose by following my lead on this voyage. I can think of no better companions to fight at my side. Come. Let us see how deceptive these traders are.”
    Tarak secured the panel and the warriors stepped into narrow tubes which lined the opposite wall. In an instant they were whisked to a lower level. Here, there was a hub of activity. Maintenance crew on hover boards performed final checks