Chapter One
Wildstar walked slowly through the halls of Desslok's flagship, his gun drawn. An explosion shook the ship, likely an aftereffect from the explosion in the control room. A second, more powerful blast sent him to his knees.
"Sandor, what was that?"
"Looks like the fire is spreading to the engine. We should get out of here in case the entire ship blows."
"Roger," Wildstar replied. "I'm heading out."
However, he had no intention of leaving. He had come too far to leave now. He would make Desslok pay for all the lives he had destroyed.
The same explosions that Wildstar had felt were even more pronounced on the bridge of the flagship. Mere moments ago, there had been three people on the bridge; now only one still lived.
Desslok pressed his right hand into the floor, wincing in pain.
"Talan?" he whispered weakly. No response was forthcoming, but that was unsurprising. The odds that he could be heard by anyone were not favorable.
He slowly pushed himself to his feet, surveying the half-destroyed bridge. A form lay buried beneath rubble, one he recognized as General Talan.
"I am all that as left of the great Gamilon," Desslok murmured.
"Desslok!"
He lifted his head, looking up at Wildstar. The young captain's weapon was trained on him, ready to fire at any moment. "I have been waiting for you, little boy from Yamato," Desslok said quietly.
Wildstar walked towards him, his eyes bright and powerful. "In the last battle, you were fighting for your planet," he said suspiciously. "What is your purpose for this battle?"
"Yamato is a great ship. Captain Avatar was a great commander. But humiliation burnt deeply within me. Destroying Yamato became my only reason for living. And now you have become my archenemy." He paused, resisting the urge to cry out in pain. "And a worthy enemy you've become."
An explosion shook the bridge, sending bright fire blazing up nearby. Wildstar narrowed his eyes. Both of them knew that they had to leave quickly.
"Draw your weapon, Desslok."
Desslok lifted his right hand from his side to point at Wildstar. His vision was already blurring, keeping him from telling when the Yamato's captain would fire. Behind him, he thought he saw Starsha walking up, concern written over her pale features.
"Shoot, Wildstar!"
Wildstar raised his gun to eye level, directly at him. Yet he still held back.
"Hurry up and fire!"
He raised his hand to point his weapon at Wildstar, unable to keep his hand from shaking. Across the bridge, Wildstar narrowed his eyes. He had seen it.
Let him.
Desslok's weapon fell from his hand, clattering to the ground. Wildstar looked up at him, shock etched over his face. "You've beaten me, Wildstar," he whispered hoarsely. Desslok collapsed, only managing to keep himself from falling back completely.
"Desslok!" Wildstar shouted, followed by the sound of running feet. Gentle hands touched his arm, and he opened his eyes to see Nova leaning over him. He gently brushed her away, looking up at Wildstar, who stood frozen in the center of the room.
"All I wanted was the restoration of Gamilon and revenge on Yamato. Even if it meant being under the hire of the White Comet. . . and bearing the humiliation that went with it. But I'm content. . . I fought well. . ."
Desslok hesitated, holding back the pain that threatened to consume him.
". . . My battles have come to an end."
"Leader Desslok," Wildstar said sadly. It was the first time Wildstar had called him by that title, an indication of respect. One warrior acknowledging another.
Wildstar moved towards him, acceptance in his gaze. Willing to be a friend to him, here and now, when nothing in the past mattered.
A pile of rubble shifted, revealing the barrel of a gun. And a face, twisted with pain and anger. But the weapon was pointed at Wildstar.
Nova leaped to her feet. She'd seen him too. And she refused to let Wildstar be injured.
Desslok could only watch as she shoved Wildstar away, taking his place in the line of fire.
Time stood still.
Wildstar looked up at Nova, who was moving too slowly. Too slowly to avoid the shot from the unidentified enemy in the corner of the room.
Please, he begged anyone who might be listening. Let her avoid the shot. Let her survive.
Why was it he was trapped in this still universe? Why did he have to think of a thousand ways to save her, only be incapable of movement?
All he could do was will Nova to move, to be able to leap away.
Suddenly, she fell to the side, shoved out of the way by someone else. The shot soared over her shoulder and hit the one behind her.
Desslok, Leader of Gamilon, fell to the ground, his eyes closing for what Wildstar believed to be the last time.
