The Endless Sky Saga: Empire's Reach

[Mizagium]

((It's a project!))

Thunderhead

"Damn this weather to the Earth," the pilot swore. "I can't see a blasted thing!"

Rain pounded the glass windows of the bridge, making the already cloudy view nearly impossible to see through.

How ironic, Lord General Vitar thought. The Thunderhead getting lost in a thunderstorm! With a wry smile he briefly considered all the problems normally faced by airships.

The Thunderhead was just out of the factory, built in secret on an island deep in the Empire. Not even Vitar knew where, only the Emperor himself. This level of secrecy effectively defeated the spied from the GLIMM nations, and the Church and it's Amelian sycophants.

Vitar gave the pilot a studious look. Linigar Gabala had the look of a wild hermit, of a dirty homeless man. Neither was too far from the truth; Linigar had been shut up in the factory for over two yeas, working on this marvel of modern engineering. He and the crew knew this ship better than they knew themselves. They knew every nook and cranny on this ship, understood the electronics like they understood eating, and could fly it with the ease of breathing.

Lightning flashed on the starboard side, which caught Vitar's eye immediately. Linigar, however, seemed not to have noticed.

"Is it truly safe to fly this ship through a thunderstorm?" Vitar asked calmly. In his military career, Vitar had flown on hundreds of airship missions, with that many pilots, and he quickly learned that the first rule of flying was "Never Fly Through A Thundertorm!"

"'Course it's safe!" Linigar shouted over the roar of the storm. "Would I be flying the Emperor's new airship through a storm if it weren't safe?"

The question was rhetorical, but Vitar answered it silently anyway: Probably not. The Night Hounds would have your hide if you screwed up. Even so, an involuntary shudder worked its way up his spine as lightning flashed again, closer.

Forty years of habit was hard to break.

He eased back in his seat and felt the eerie hum of the electrical engines powering the craft again. He had been deliberately leaning forward to escape this feeling. When they first took off from Garroneis, the hum had been audible, filling the bridge with an almost-silence that was unsettling. Vitar has been on edge all the way thus far, much more at home with the stead chug-chug of the steamships.

That's how you know it's working!

So much was changing in the Empire these days, not the least of whihc was this electric-powered, rigid-frame airship whihc currently was the master of his life. If we make it to the Borderlands in one piece, he decided, I will never doubt this craft again.

One thing he could say about the Thunderhead was that it did not rock in the wind as did the steamships. That at least, was an improvement.

"Come on, come on," he heard Linigar mutter. "It should be here. Should be right here. Should be..."

Vitar's heart skipped a beat. If this is how I am to die, then at least it was in service of the Emperor.

But today was not his time, as a moment later, Linigar shouted. "There it is! There it is! I see the searchlights, Lord General! By the Goddess above, we made it!"

Vitar was so relieved that he failed to pick up admonish Linigar for his second mention of the Goddess during the flight.

Keeping a somber face, Vitar rose and said, "Excellent work, Captain Gabala. You have done the Empire a great service."

"You're damn right I have! Now hold on tight, I'm taking her down."

Vitar's stomach dropped when the Thunderhead began her descent. Airships were traditionally most vulnerable upon takeoff and landing.

When they landed, Vitar breathed finally. Linigar rested his arms over the wheel. "Welcome to the Borderlands, Lord General."

[Mizagium]

Rebels

Madali listened intently through the storm for the signal. The entire rebel squad had assembled with their dragonmounts and were now clinging to the underside of Moorloc Island, far enough under so that they were shielded from the rain. Normally blustery winds beneath islands were amplified by the storm raging around them. To protect themselves, the dragonmounts had folded their leathery wings over themselves, consequently trapping their riders as well.

Her mount made an anxious throat noise that sounded suspiciously like an out of tune saxophone.

"Hush", she soothed, stroking the serpentine neck. "Just a little longer." It studied her with wide red eyes. Dumb animal, she thought affectionately.

Wedged between the wing membranes and the saddle, Madalai began to sweat profusely. Dragonmounts were natural space heaters, and their leather wings were excellent devices for trapping it.

At least I know I won't freeze to death.

A dull crack echoed through the storm. Was that the signal? She urged her 'mount to unfold his wings. Fierce winds nearly ripped her off of her saddle. Sure enough, rebel riders were dropping off the island under-spires.

Lazarious flew by, pistol still smoking. It was indeed the signal.

"Off we go!" She dug her heels into the 'mount's hide and it let go. For a few tense seconds they fell. Then her 'mount's wings caught the wind and righted them with a lurch. The rebels got into formation, Lazarious taking the lead, and ascended through the wind and rain.

Her initial impression of the rain was relief from the leathery oven from which she had emerged, but that quickly degraded into a disliking even greater than the one she had had for the heat. In minutes she was soaked to the bone. Wind constantly jostled her on her 'mount. She swore she would freeze solid before this night was over.

Lazarious shouted something back at them, but it was lost in the storm.. She was able to guess at what he said by following his outstretched arm. Something like "There's the island's edge! Once we're clear, the Imperials will see us!"

A cheer went up through the ranks as they surmounted the lip, and flat ground spread out below them. Not for the first time, Madalai wished she had her lance with her, but the storm had prevented any riders from bringing them. As they left, one rebel fighter was struck by lighting through his spear and died. They went back and left their spears.

Even so, it was a damn sight better feeling holding that than the volatile hand-bombs they all carried in a pouch attached to their saddle. She kept expecting them to suddenly explode as they flew.

All at once the bulk of the airship came into view. Madalie was taken aback by the size of it. It was huge! Ember never said it would be this big. The entire squad seemed to hesitate - except for Lazarious; he raced on. That broke the spell for the rest of the rebels, and they followed him, determined to drive the Empire from Borderland skies.

As one unit the flock descended on the docked airship. Strange. The airship makes no noise. She reached into that pouch and retrieved a handful of bombs, which she was forced to hold close so they were not picked up by the wind.

Lazarious set the pattern by pulling up out of his dive and dropping his bombs in one motion. Each rebel rider followed his example, whooping the whole way. He led them to a safe distance and altitude before turned to survey the damage.

"Impossible!" That one word split the night and caused everyone to look back at the airship. Madalai felt like screaming. The bombs had not left one single scratch on the airship.

[Mizagium]

Retaliation

Lord General Vitar rode out the attack on the Thunderhead with all the grace and poise expected of the Emperor's Lord General. This airship would not be brought down by such a pitiful attack by such a disorganized rabble as the Borderlands Rebel Army. Or was it the Mlooshep Liberation Front? It matter little. Both groups equally a threat to the stability of the Empire - they were both terrorist groups and condemned to death.

Many airships had been lost to similar terrorist attacks over the last sixty years. Vitar had been on one of those ships as a low soldier. He and a handful of others managed to escape the flaming wreckage of the Heinengrad. There they managed to hold off the rebels until the Red Wings arrived. Vitar touch the scar on his face, tracing it unconsciously from the corner of his mouth to his ear.

Never again.

"General!" That was Linigar. "The rebels have stopped bombing the ship. What are your orders?"

Vitar took his time in answering, wanting to project an air of calm assurance. "I want all troops to disembark immediately. Priority is to be given to crossbowmen and musketeers. Then I want the Red Wings to unload."

"Aye, sir." Linigar repeated his orders into a funnel that carried the sound deep into the barracks of the ship.

"Tell them not to pursue the rebels if they flee," Vitar added.

"Sir?"

"Now that they've seen the strength of the Thunderhead, I want word to spread of the Empire's might. I want them to think twice before attacking my airship ever again."

"Aye, sir," Linigar said hesitantly, but relayed the order.

From the bridge they watched the Imperial troops disembark and line up in formation despite the storm raging around them. Vitar took this opportunity to leave and rejoin his men.

"The Goddess protect you, Lord General," Linigar said.

"We are both men of the Empire, Captain, are we not?" Vitar asked while fastening his cloak to his armor.

"Why - of course, Lord General."

"Good. Then if I ever hear you utter any pertaining to the God or Goddess, anything related to the foolish belief of the Amelians again, I will personally report you to the Night Hounds, and believe me, I will take great pleasure in it."

Linigar was speechless. The Night Hounds - Imperial Secret Police!

"We have no need in our Empire for rediculous superstition, Captain. It is a weakness, a weakness that will bring our enemies down. Have I made my self clear?"

Linigar swallowed. "Crystal, sir," he meeked out.

"Good." Vitar swept out of the bridge like a fleeting shadow in the night.

[Mizagium]

The Getaway

Ember and Drenn dropped the guards with precisely executed kicks: one to the pelvis, one to the neck. Each second kick was accompanied by the sick snap of a breaking spine.

They left the bodies where they fell, not wanting to waste rime hiding them as they had earlier when they had first broke in. Laxarious could only provide a distraction for so long before he would have to retreat. Once he and his rebels were gone...after that...they would be out of time.

"How're we doing on time?" Ember asked Drenn. He checked his timepiece.

"If this is accurate we're slightly ahead of schedule."

"But that timetable failed to take into account the strength of the Thunderhead." She shot him a look. "From what we've seen about the airship, we can effectively cut the duration of a conceivable distraction in half. That means we're falling behind."

"Did you even have to ask?" Drenn shoved the timepiece back into his pocket, feeling it tick tick tick away the seconds of his life.

"No," she admitted. "But I wanted to demonstrate the point to you."

He could not help but grin. Even in her condescending manner, Ember Tolumla was still the greatest person he had ever met. No one was sure if Ember was her real name, or if it was a nickname invented to match her hair, but that was what she was known by in the MLF.

"We're wasting time," she snapped. "Lazarious won't be able to hold out much longer."

"Right." He followed her down the corridor, struggling to match her double-quick stride. He cast a glance back over his shoulder to make sure they were not followed.

As he followed her, Drenn noticed Ember placing a reassuring hand on her bag. He never thought her a nervous person, so he assumed it was out of the compulsive carefulness she so often displayed. Were he in her shoes, he supposed he would have done the same thing. After all, they had risked their lives for that information.

At each junction of hallways, Ember chose a direction instantly, never once hesitating to think. She must have memorized the layout, he thought. That's good, because I sure as hell didn't.

Suddenly she stopped -- no, froze. Drenn started to ask what was the matter, but she silenced him. She whirled her head around, and he saw her too-green eyes widen.

"Night Hounds!"

"What? Where?" He made to turn around, but she caught him.

"No time! Come on, the exit is just ahead!" He was then dragged along before he could protest. When he managed to look back, he did not see anyone following them.

"Uh, Ember?"

"Not now, Drenn! We're almost - no!"

Standing between them and freedom from the Imperial complex was a Night Hound officer, dressed in midnight-black armor that seemed to absorb all light. He had a look of surprised triumph, like a chess player who suddenly found he had his opponent's king in check.

"Get out of our way," Ember growled.

"You know, you almost had us," the Hound said as if she had not spoken. "It's not often that the MLF and BRA work together like this. I suppose only you could have pulled it off, eh?" There was a peculiar twinkle in his scarlet eyes, eyes particular to the Hounds.

"They just needed the right motivation, is all."

Why is she even answering him?

"Oh? What could that be? Two groups with with very different goals seldom unite, although history does tell us it can happen -- the enemy of my enemy, and all that."

"Ember..." Drenn tugged on her arm. A group of soldiers was gathering behind them.

"Carlon listens to every word I tell her," Ember continued, "and Lazarious leaps at the opportunity for danger." She shrugged. "Easy."

"But you didn't count on us, though." It was not a question.

"No. Unfortunately, I failed to account for..." she trailed off as his word sunk in. Us? She spun around to see the line of soldiers. "Dogs!"

"Just come back with us, Ember," the captain said. "We won't bite."

"Neve!" Drenn declared, wrenching free of Ember's grip and stepping forward. "We'll never bow to the Emperor."

"Drenn..."

"I wasn't speaking to you, rebel scum!"

The next few moments happened so fast, Drenn could hardly follow it. The Night Hound made a motion forward, toward him, but was intercepted, who delivered a powerful blow to his side. The Hound recoiled, using his momentum to bring a kick around to her back.

Drenn never saw if the kick connected because at that moment, he heard the unmistakable snick of a crossbow being drawn. Instinct pulled him round to face the noise.

Then he found himself falling to his knees.

"No!" he heard Ember shout. He stared down at the arrow protruding from his chest. Behind him, something was thrown violently against the wall. It must have been the Hound, for a moment later, Ember bounded into view and crushed the crossbowman's skull with a single blow. Less than thirty seconds passed before all of the soldiers lay dead.

"Ember..." Drenn whispered, falling onto his back.

"Sorry," she said and ran past him. The last thing he saw was an upside Ember running out into the storm.

Then darkness.

[Mizagium]

Successful Defeat

Madalai watched in agony as another dragonmount fell to its death, carrying its rebel rider with it. They joined the countless other dark forms that plummeted towards the Cloudcover. She tried not to think about how the Earth God greedily awaited those fallen soldiers who would never receive a proper funeral.

Lazarious led another charge on the Imperial soldiers, dropping the last of his bombs on their heads. Madalai followed, though she had already expended the last of her bombs. an arrow whizzed by her head - the fifth since she started counting. She watched with lazy barrel-rolled away from a badly-hurled lance.

This was getting them nowhere. Already over a third of the rebels who had ridden out were dead - and ti was climbing to almost half. The initial fire that had burned in all of them was dwindling to a few red coals, and the storm was rapidly extinguishing them.

She could no longer feel her hands gripping the reins of her 'mount, or her calves squeezing desperately on the saddle. Her hair was plastered to her head and her clothes were so completely drenched that she thought they would never dry.

"How much longer" she called through chattering teeth to the rebel leader. The wind and the rain had subsided somewhat, allowing the rebel to communicate.

"We have to wait until Ember and Drenn-" He cut off abruptly. "Come on guys! One last charge, I promise."

There was no way any of them could refuse. Madalai noticed something different in the way he said it, though. He really meant it this time.

"Once we pull out of the dive," he said, "don't stop. Go straight home. Give it all you have and never look back." that made them all smile. One of his favorite things to say was "Never look back".

Newly invigorated, the rebel riders followed their fearless leader down through the dive. He went low this time, stirring up the rank of soldiers around the airship. Most were able to duck out of the way, but the few who remained received nasty gashes from the 'mount's tiny, razor claws raking their faces. 'Mounts' claws were little more than sharp hook used to grip the under-spire of islands, and each other during mating flights. For Lazarious to get close enough to use them as weapons...it was the hihgest level of recklessness.

Madalai dared not push her 'mount that low, but she did come down enough to make some duck involuntarily. As she was pulling out, she felt her 'mount jerk forward. It spun forward, all control lost. As she watched the ground rise up to meet her, Madalai realized her mount must have been struck by an arrow, or a bullet.

She had enough presence of mind to launch her self off the saddle at the last second so that she would not be crushed by the falling beast. To avoid landing on her head, Madalai twisted in the air, landing instead on her left arm. Bones snapped and pain shot through her whole body as she slid along the ground in a crumpled heap. Whatever energy had remained from the flight vanished like smoke in the wind. From her painful position, she could see Imperial soldiers advancing on her.

Pain blurred her thoughts and darkness her sight, but she was aware of leaving the ground. Her dead 'mount and the soldiers fell away below her.

"I got you," someone shouted. "You're gonna be alright!"

"But...I...though you..said..."

"I don't leave anyone behind," Lazarious said as she blacked out.

[Mizagium]

Failed Success

Lord General Vitar watched the rebels flee into the night with growing suspicions. He had expected them to flee after the first strike proved useless, but had not been surprised when they returned for a second. Even when his soldiers appeared and began picking them off, they persisted. they were lucky, though. The bombs had spooked the Red Wings' dragonmounts enough so that they could not be ridden.

But when they kept coming, kept dying, he knew something was wrong with the whole situation. Vitar knew a diversionary tactic when he saw when, and the rebels had employed a fairly basic pattern of attack and retreat. They were never close nor far for very long. Always keeping the soldiers on the defensive. His instinct was to abandon the rebels in search of whatever it was they were distracting him from, he had orders to eliminate and rebel force he encountered in the Borderlands. The Sky Bridge must be extended. Those orders came direct from the Emperor himself; he could not ignore them.

The pistol was still smoking in his hand when the rebel leader recovered the girl, dashing Vitar's hopes of interrogating her. Valuable information could have been learned from her, not he least of which included the location of their base of operations. Not that the Lord General would ever sink so low as to torture her himself, no, that duty was reserved for the Inquisitors. They knew how to break even the hardest men. A girl would be no trouble to them.

"Let them have her then. It only delays the inevitable." He cast the spent pistol aside for a soldier to retrieve. He should no have even bee seen holding it.

"Lord General Vitar!" A man dressed in maroon armor hailed him.

"Commander Raykis," he acknowledged flatly.

The Red Wings commander dropped to one knee. "Lord General, I apologize for the failure of the Red Wings tonight."

"Fear not, commander. The failure was not your tongith."

"Sir?"

"Who is the man who trained the dragonmounts you ride?"

"Er...that would be Esden. Handler Esden, Lord General."

"Ah, yes. Esden." He scanned the ranks over Raykis's head and indicated the nearest to come. "Find Handler Esden and inform him that he is to report to my office in one hour. On second thought, I have not yet become acquainted with my new office. Instead, have him meet me here, in front of the Thunderhead."

"Yes, sir!"

Raykis swallowed nervously. "May I ask what you intend with Handler Esden, Lord General?"

"You must already know, Commander," he said, motioning for him to rise. "Esden failed in his training of the Red Wings' dragonmounts. He failed the Empire and he shall be reprimanded." there was a certain on reprimanded that made Raykis shudder.

"Aye, sir. Is there anything else?"

He considered this. "No, not at them moment. Actually there is: gather all of the men who disembarked from the Thunderhead. I want them to be here in hour hour."

He had no the heart ask what for. "Aye, Lord General."

As the Red Wings commander walked away, Vitar allowed himself a frown. No one fails the Empire/

No one fails me.

[Mizagium]

Farm Life

When dawn broke, Tavark Huerlie had already been down at the dragonmount stables for over an hour. Ariel, the red 'mount he was currently attending, lifted her reptilian head and uttered a few bursts of the peculiar almost-music that the creatures were so famous for.

"Oh, shut yer beak," Tav admonished when she bent back down to his level. "Yer gonna set the rest of 'em off! Is that what ya want?"

Ariel stared at him with a look that was almost understanding. Almost.

"You don't care one lick, do ya? You just want yer food, eh? She mashed her head up against his. "Oh, ya understand that, do ye?" She nuzzled his neck.

"Fine! Here, lemme--Oh git off, would ya?" She pulled back. "Better." He dumped the bucket he was carrying, emptying its contents of meaty slop into the trough she and Melisa shared. Sure enough, once the food was down,a turquoise 'mount sauntered over and dug in beside Ariel.

"Yeah, yeah. Eat up you great lizards. Ma and Pa are takin' you two out today. Not you," he said to the blue snout that peaked up over the divider. "Not today; you'll git yours soon, though."

Behind him, someone opened the stable door and stood in the doorway. "Are they ready yet, Tav?"

"Almost, Redd, almost. Sweet Goddess above, can't ya give the poor beasts a chance ta eat?"

"Ma don't like it when you swear, Tav." He could almost see the frown on his little brother's face.

"Well, she ain't here, is she?"

"Tavark..."

"Now don't ya use that tone with me, Little Red. You ain't Ma nor Pa, and theys the only one who call me Tavark."

Redd stayed silent, but Tav could feel the boy burning inside. "Little Red" was not his favorite nickname, and one Tav only called him when he got on his nerves. He knew how much it bugged him: about as much as Tav hated "Tavark", though ti wa actually his name.

"Yeah, yeah," he said finally. "Here, come git 'em." Tav opened the stall door and took both girls by the reins.

"Jesse came by," Redd said as he was handed the 'mounts.

"So early?"

"Sheesh, that girl juss don't let go, does she?"

"Though you liked her?"

"Well, I do. It's just - never mind. I'll tell you when yer older."

"I'm thirteen, thank you," he said indignantly.

Tav ruffled his hair. Redd really hated that. The thought made him smile. He probably deserved more than a "Tavark" by this point. "Not old enough, I'm afraid. Now go on; don't keep Ma and Pa waitin', ya hear?".

To his surprise, Redd stayed calm. "You gonna see Jesse?"

"Yes, if that'll git you outta here!"

"Good. I like her?"

"Then you can have her," Tav said when Redd shut the stable door. He felt hot breath on her neck. "Don't give me that, Argone." He rapped the 'mount on the bridge of its snout. "You don't know nothin' 'bout girls neither."

Argone snorted indignantly.

"There's more to 'em than matin', ya know."

Argone seemed unconvinced.

[TEAM_DERRICK]

i genuinely like this.

[Mizagium]

--Rebels Take Warning

Madalai leaned carefully against the wall, making sure not to jar the sling that held her broken arm. It was bad, the medic had said, but not that bad. She would recover, but she would not be flying any time soon.

The hell I won't. I'll fly with just my legs and the reins in my teeth if I have to.

From her vantage point in the back, she could watch the rest of the rebels file slowly into the council chamber.

Not one smile among them.

Ordinarily, after a raid, the room was alive with shouts and congratulations as everybody was still coming down off of the adrenaline rush. Today...today was measurably different. The fallen riders' absence was made all the more real by the amount of room left one the doors closed.

So empty!

And the silence! No was saying a Goddamned thing to each other. That was probably the worst of it. Madalai wanted to scream; she felt like as though the silence was going to crush her.

Just when she thought she could stand it any longer, Lazarious entered with Ember close on his heels. His usual upbeat attitude and optimistic flair were absent.

Last night took a hug toll on him, Madalai thought. If Lazarious can't find something to smile about, what hope is there for the rest of us?

He took his usual position on the raised dais at the head of the chamber, lifting him several inces above the crow - though it could harldy be called a crown today. All eyes instantly locked on him,but the fearless leader refused to shrink.

"Last night," he began slowly, "we lost a lot of our comrades. No one expected the losses to be so great, but you all went out there knowing the risks. They knew the risks." He repeated it as if to convince himself. "But let us not mourn their loss. Let us instead, remember them as the heroes that they are. They died fighting for freedom, and that is a great thing. I feel honored to have earned their trust and loyalty, to have fought beside them, to have deserved the sacrifice of their lives."

He paused. Madalai thought she saw him wipe his eyes, but from the back it was hard to tell. Ember stood a pace behind him, her too-green eyes were fixed on his back. Like a cat waiting to pounce, she thought.

"Before we continue, I want to say a prayer for those same heroes. We were not able to recover their bodies in the heat of battle, and so they fell to the blackened hands of the Earth God." He bowed his head and everyone followed. "Oh Goddess above, many of your beloved children were lost last night, lost in the fight for freedom. In their deaths, they fell below the Cloudcover, and beyond you reach. I apologize, Sky Goddess, for they were in my care and I failed them and you. We pray for the time when you will return to the Skylands and defeat the Earth God once and for all, and recover those souls who are trapped beneath us. In your name we pray. Amen."

"Amen," Madalai intoned. She lifted her head with the rebel congregation and noticed that Ember had not bowed her head at all.

Heartless bitch!

"No I am going to turn things over to Ember."

Lazarious stepped to one side, letting Ember stand at the head. They made a conscious, visible effort to avoid looking at each other. Whatever warmth was left in the room fled.

"The information I have stolen," she began without preamble, "is extremely valuable to the EMpire. They are obviously willing to kill to retrieve it."

Didn't even bat an eye for poor Drenn!

"Once Lord General Vitar discovers you were distracting him for me - and he will find out - the full might of Garru-Garra will fall on your heads like a mountain. Vitar will hunt you like dogs.

"I regret having to put you at such a risk, but I assure you, it is necessary. The information must make it to the Confederacy."

"I don't suppose you can share that information with us?" Lazarious asked, his voice heavy with scorn. "Seeing as how we risked everything for it."

"Of course not," she replied without missing a beat. "I need to get this to the Confederacy at once. The fewer who know the specifics, the better."

"So...what's the plan? Can you tell us that?"

"Plan? I get to the Confederacy aboard a merchant vessel from the Mlooshep Islands. We can't send a mimic-bird ahead to warn them, though; it runs the risk of being intercepted."

"You're going alone and unannounced to Glimm?

"Is that a problem?" The way she fixed her too-green eyes on him was enough to chill the blood.

"Nope." He matched her stare. "You cost the lives of nearly a thousand people, so why should I care whether or not it all turns out fine? Why should I care if was worth it?"

Madalai could have sworn she saw lighting arc between them, the friction was so great. Ember was fuming visibly; Lazarious was cool as ice. Abruptly she turned and stomped out of the chamber, each step a clap of thunder following the lighting.

There you have it folks.

Lazarious slumped down on the dais and put his head in his head in his hands.

[Mizagium]

((I forgot to thank you, Derrick))

-Three short chapters-

Closing the Gap

From his scaly perch, Lombard Raykis observed the construction site below. He was technically off the clock at the moment, but patrolling was something he did out of habit, with or without pay. Unfortunately, the Empire did not pay overtime. He ran a hand through his graying hair. Maybe they should.

The rebel attack the previous night had not hindered the Sky Bridge's newest extension very much. All thanks to the Thunderhead. Raykis had to admit that at first, he had been skeptical of the airship's capabilities, but after seeing it withstand the rebel bombardment, he was the first to admit he had been pleasantly surprised. The rigid-frame vessel had lived up to Linigar's endless boasts.

Damn fool of a pilot, he thought. He's gonna get himself in a mess of trouble with that mouth of his one day.

that made him think of Esden. He was the best dragonmount trainer in the Empire - not anymore, though, now that Vitar was through with him. It had been brutal watching the Lord General berate the man in front of everyone. Through the whole thing Esden remained dignified, which only made Raykis feel worse.

I was the one who told Vitar who he was. I got him fired...among other things.

After all, could you really blame Esden? Everybody had been startled by the bombs, especially the horses. They had had a harder time getting those miserable beasts outside than the dragonmounts, but Handler Propest - the horse trainer - was still employed.

I suppose he had to make a point, but public humiliation on top of stripping him of his rank? Not how I would have handled things.

Raykis sighed. But then, that's why I'm the Red Wings' commander and not the Lord General of the Empire.

He turned his attention back to the unfinished Sky Bridge span. Similar projects had been underway in the Borderlands for decades, connecting individual islands - which probably served the rebels quite nicely - but never one of this magnitude. Teams currently working to build it from both ends. And, from what he could gather, teams all over the Empire were working on individual spans that would be air-lifted in, already completed.

It was the largest single construction project in the Empire, or any of the Skylands, and it would finally connect the Empire to the Borderlands.

Next stop, the the Mlooshep Islands.

Raykis gazed off into the distance, back towards the Empire proper. all he could see was open sky. Somewhere out there lay the greatest military force in the world, the land of his birth. Just beyond the horizon, the greatest craftsmen that could be found worked to close the gap between the Empire and the rest of the Skylands.

One day soon, he thought hopefully.

Vitar's Anger

"They did what?" Vitar demanded of the Night Hound oficer.

"They broke into the - "

"I know what they did," he cut him off. "what I want to know is how?" He turned away and slammed a fist on his desk. "How did one girl - ?"

"Two."

"Excuse me?"

"There were two: a boy and a girl."

"Even better," he said throwing his hands up. "How did two children break into a heavily guarded military complex and escape undetected?"

The Night Hound officer's scarlet eyes hardened.

"That's not entirely correct. They did not escape completely undetected. the boy was killed while Jaxon was apprehending the girl."

"And how did that go?"

"The Hound answered with a tight lipped smile.

"Jaxon is recovering from a shattered ribcage and punctured lung. I don't think you quite understand what kind of person Ember is, Vitar."

"I understand completely, captain. One of the Empire's elite soldiers was defeated easily by a lone girl. I am severely disappointed."

"Well, thankfully it is only the opinion of the Emperor that matters to me. The Night Hounds are here under direct orders from the Emperor himself to weed out the insurgents. We do not take orders from anyone except him, not even the Lord General." Vitar met the man's venomous gaze. "So do not presume you have ability to scold me like a misbehaving schoolchild, Vitar."

He took Vitar's silence for an apology and let the matter drop.

"Rest assured, Lord General, Ember will be found and the information recovered. You will not be disappointed," he added with a mocking smile. He turned and left the office in an unceremonious manner not granted to anyone except a Night Hound. Even the lowest among them was beyond Vitar's control.

In a sudden flash of violent anger, Vitar hurled an expensive-looking vase at the closed door. He stared at the pieces, thinkg about how it had not soothed his anger.

Pulling Rank

"Absolutely not," Raykis answered flatly.

"the request is a formality, commander," said the Night Hound levelly.

"I don't care. You are not taking a single one of my Red Wings. I will not allow it."

"Just like I said to Lord General Vitar less than an hour ago, I tell you that you don't have the authority to refuse my request." He paused, letting the information sink in. "I will be taking three Red WIngs with my Hounds to go after the girl. For now, I am willing to allow you to pick whihc three, but I do not have the time nor the patience to wait much longer."

Raykis kept his outward demeanor calm while he raged inside. This man just shows up and assumes rank over me? But then, I suppose he is; he is, after all, the Secret Police. If he outranks Vitar, he outranks me.

"Take Veirghis, Behsbee, and Domzyo. Make sure you tell them I ordered them If they protest - "

"I will send them to you so that you ma assure them. Thank you for your cooperation, Commander. I am running short of time, so any expediency is appreciated."

As he walked away, Rakis had no trouble deciphering the hidden meaning behind the words.

I am glad someone around here knows how to respect rank.

[Mizagium]

Storm in My Gut

Jesse found Tav staring out over the edge of the island. He heard her trudge up behind him slowly, as if contemplating whether or not to disturb him.

"Hi, Jesse," he said before she did.

"How'd you know I was here?"

"Well, ya don't exactly move the grace of a cat, y'know." He smiled at her indignant huff. "And no one else but you dares to get this close to the edge of Tiu'elle, except me."

"I suppose." She moved up beside him and took his arm. It used to be an assurance from falling - Tav was always much surer on his feet than her - but now he suspected it was more out of habit than anything. "I only come out here when you're out here."

"Why's that?"

"'Cause you ain't afraid of fallin'."

"That ain't true, Jesse. I'm terrified of fallin'."

"But you don't show it," she protested. "Why I like you." She snuggled closer; Tav returned the gesture mechanically.

"What's a matter?" she asked.

"Its just - out there" he pointed at the horizon "is the Empire. Just at the edge of sight, the Empire in tightenin' it's grip on the Borderlands. After that, they gonna come for us." He turned his head to look down at her. "Don't that bother you?"

"I don't think about it much," she admitted.

"Why not?"

She shrugged. "That big war against the Empire, that happened before you or I was ever born. Somethin' that long ago just doesn't seem like it affects us. does it worry you?"

He exhaled sharply and turned back to the open sky. "It didn't use to, but lately - I dunno. News keeps comin' in 'bout more and more Imperials in the Borderlands, clashin' with the rebels. And I - I just have this feeling in my heart that something's going to happen."

"What kind of feeling?"

"It's...like when you see a storm coming, and the clouds are black as sin. And they just hang over, but it never rains. And you know its gonna storm, but t keeps waitin' and waitin'..."

"Tav, that's-"

"Crazy, I know."

"No, not crazy. Never crazy." She thought about it. "Well, okay, maybe a little."

Tav kept his head fixed on the horizon, afraid of what he might say if he spoke. The light continued to fail until it was no more than a dull orange glow on the horizon.

"I should get back," Jesse said with a yawn. "Goodnight." She stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. Only when he was sure she had gone did Tav turn and watch her silhouette shrink.

Oh, Jesse, how can I tell you? How can I tell you that the love I feel for you isn't the same as your for me? We grew up together, Jesse. You're like my sister. And that's how I think of you, another sister...not the way you think of me. How can I tell you, Jesse?

How can I break your heart?

[TEAM_DERRICK]

DON'T STOP! WRITING!

[Mizagium]

Parting Words

"Come to wish me a safe journey, did you?"

"the hell I did." Lazarious folded his arms and halted a distance away from where Ember prepared her black dragonmount. "I'd never wish you anything."

Amber secured the bonds on the saddle. "It might be in your best interest to do so."

"How do you figure?"

"The information I carry with me cost the lives of a hundred rebels." She cast a mocking over her shoulder. "Or don't you want to make sure it was all worth it?"

Lazarious scowled. How was it so easy for her to turn any argument back on him? But he had practice with her and recovered quickly.

"for your information, I didn't even come to see you off, I came to see the information a safe departure. That and the 'mount." He titled his head to one side. "Or isn't it important enough to spend my time on?"

She whipped around in a heartbeat and fixed her too-green eyes on him. "Are we never going to reach a point where we see eye to eye, Lazarious?"

He answered her question with another question. "How do those lenses feel?"

"Like a sheet of glass over my eyes, you know that."

"Yes I do. I wanted to remind you why we can never see eyes to eye."

His words stung harder than she had anticipated.

"I - I'm trying my best, Laz," she said slightly softer than before.

He found himself at a loss for words. Had he actually broken through cold-as-ice Ember? Compassion flared and died in the same instant.

Remember who she is.

"Well, I shouldn't have to remind you that trying won't win this war, Amber. Only successful action will - starting with you getting to Glimm." He turned away. "So try harder."

Her moment of weakness passed, she stood up straighter. "Do I need to remind you that successfel action is also required of you an your rebels to occupy Vitar and the Empire's attention for me?" she challenged.

"'Course not."

"Good." She climbed up into the saddle. "Sure you won't wish me luck?"

"Never." He started walking away.

She watched him go for a moment, then, resolutely, she flicked the reins and kicked her heels. The 'mount uttered sharp musical screech, spread its wings and dropped off the island.

[TEAM_DERRICK]

Oh cool, you didn't stop writing

[Mizagium]

((Last one for now))

In Pursuit

Through the darkness, squad leader Felix tracked Ember's dragonmount with his crimson eyes. He was standing on the dragonmount Verghis steered, his hands dripping the Red Wing's shoulders. Not for balance, but to provide subtle corrections in altitude, direction, or speed in perfect silence.

only Night Hounds had the dexterity and balance to stand on a flying dragonmount, just as they were able to penetrate the darkness with their tainted eyes.

Felix loosened his grip a fraction, an indication for Verghis to fall back slightly. He knew Pierce and Guy were doing the same to Behsbee and Domzyo without looking. Obedience was the first thing a Hound learned.

And that was what Felix was doing despite grumblings from the Red wings about letting her stay ahead. The three Imperial dragonmounts could easily overtake the girl on her. Just as easily could any one of them kill her and retrieve the information. But the Emperor's orders were clear: Let the girl lead them to the MLA base and kill them all.

Night Hound obey orders.

Squad leader was an honorary position, given only temporarily. the only rank than mattered (or even existed) was officer. Commanders, captains, and squad leaders were chosen by the Emperor on a case-by-case basis. If you failed your mission, chances were you would never be shosen again.

Because of this, the Hounds were not motivated by promotion, only a desire to serve the Emperor. Failure was a disgrace. Fortunately, it rarely occurred.

And I shall not fail.

It had been ground into him since basic training on Niefhelm, since before his eyes turned blood red with taint, to fail was the disgrace yourself, the Night Hounds, and the Emperor. There was no worse fate for a Hound than to fail a mission set forth by the Emperor. Death was a more honorable option. Indeed, many mission leaders who failed committed suicide in one form or another.

One woman even jumped from Niefhelm to the Cloudcover in front of a batch of new recruit. No one wanted to fail after that.

I will not fail.

He tapped Verghis's shoulders, signaling him to increase altitude.

[TEAM_DERRICK]

:3

[Mizagium]

any questions?

[TEAM_DERRICK]

Nah man.
Just hangin'

[Mizagium]

Ha. I just found this story again while going through my files. Wasn't complete, so I copied what remained here on the site.

Yep.