Chapter 37
The Win
You ended up falling asleep on Scar Rick but woke up in your bed. You stretch out on the bed as you listen to the music playing in the background. Then you wonder why there was music playing in the background. As you sit up, you recognize the song as one from Bird World; a song that meant danger. You run over to the old communication system you had set up. If they were ever in serious trouble, they would activate the song and you would come. Mind racing, you grab various clothing to change into; lots of pockets and camouflage. You check the time and calculate that the signal was sent only moments ago. If this was the old you, it would have taken at least one week for you to travel from your current location. Thankfully, this was a new you, with a new portal gun. Running to the main computer, you find the coordinates for Bird World and punch them in, opening a portal. You double check for weapons, knives, incendiary devices, and small plasma grenades; all in place, you walk through.
The scene that awaited you was pure chaos. Tree homes were on fire as small Federation aircraft flew through the air. Several Bird fighters were already in mid-flight, chasing after the much faster ships, but armed with the plasma cannons you designed, they were able to take each out. You call out in their language and were met with the song of re-joining which echoed through the woods. Everyone in this village now knew that you had arrived. A grey winged fighter swoops down to pick you up, soaring through the sky towards the main camp. You look down at the fight below. Families were zipping through the sky, seeking shelter in the side of the mountain retreat. You and Rick had told the people of this world that if they were to survive another attack, they needed shelter within a solid structure. The mountain cliff was the best bet and you were amazed at how well they listened.
Once through the narrow entrance, your jaw drops at the sight before you. They had listened alright; they had dug within the mountain and carved out a city. Various people of Bird World were within the mountain, rushing supplies to other families and forging weapons. The children were safe within larger homes that were protected by additional guards. The local medical facilities were flooded with incoming injured and you can tell from all the blood that they were outmatched. No matter how many times you argued with the counsel about their choice of protection and armor for their fighters, they would never listen; insisting that tradition and honoring their gods was far more important.
The fighter sets you down on the highest balcony overlooking the city. You wave thanks as he flies off to the next task. You walk into the room to see several females arguing over a large map in the center of the room. One female looks towards you and smiles, greeting you with the honorary gesture of an arm across the chest and the head lowered. Each female gives you the greeting in return as the room goes silent. You were told long ago that you were not to address the greeting but accept it as a thanks for saving their world. Eyes closed, you take a deep breath to remember this and walk towards the map.
"Alright, explain." You listen as each general tells you of their particular situation. There was a report dealing with the invasion, one on the amount of injured, one for the refugees still on their way, one for the status on the forging of weapons and one on the soldiers. A lot of information was thrown at you and you silently wished you had not ran off to deal with this on your own. After reading the map again and taking a moment to contemplate outcomes, you prioritize each issue and delegate what teams were responsible for what outcome. Your area of expertise was in the battlefield.
Three teams were currently engaging the enemy on the western border. Their numbers were dwindling but the forgers had just finished crafting the ship destroyer. This massive weapon was one of your favorites; created in a drunken stupor, you awoke to this magnificent weapon of pure chaotic destruction. A smile plays on your lips at the mention of your baby. You let the generals know that you were going to personally deliver the weapon and lead the troops. All agreed to the plan as you set off to meet with the forgers.
The people crafting the massive weapon were excited to meet you. Each had heard tales from their families of the battles you fought, and the victories won. They also greeted you with the honorary gesture and once again you had to fight yourself from yelling at them. You just did what anyone else would have done. All this was forgotten as they bring in the weapon. Running hands along the casing, you are amazed and proud at how well your blueprints were executed. You gave each worker their praise and punched coordinates into your portal gun, firing it at the nearby wall to walk through with the weapon.
Several soldiers were holding weapons to your head as you stepped out. Then three laughed their asses off having recognized you. Pleasantries were exchanged as well as the gestures you hated. You were briefed on what happened so far. The federation soldiers had come to this planet about three days ago. Their ship was badly damaged, and they only asked for food and fuel. The people of this planet, being so trusting, helped the ship and were thanked by a full attack. A larger armada was close by, and when they heard of the fuel source readily provided, attacked. The federation was once again after the precious materials naturally created by Bird World. You roll your eyes at their naivety; even though it was the very reason you fought so hard for them.
The situation did not seem as bad as they led you to believe though. There was only one battle ship, camped out in the upper atmosphere. Your weapon could easily reach that distance. Then boom! You smile, knowing that you soon get to see your baby in action.
"I need you to gather the troops. When I set this thing off, the soldiers nearby are going to scramble and search for the point of launch. I will need backup to ensure that I damaged the ship enough to send it into the atmosphere to burn upon entry. Thankfully this will draw out all their troops and we won't have to worry about those chasing the fleeing civilians." You look around as several men and women took to the skies and sent out a cry for assembly. Information was relayed as plans were set into motion. This was what you always appreciated about this planet; orders were followed because everyone understood that decisions were made for the good of the flock.
"Ma'am. The area has been cleared and troops are standing by for support. Only the necessary soldiers will remain behind to cover you until we see the all clear." With the gesture, he took off and signaled back to the others.
Setting up the weapon, you take a deep breath and focus up to the sky. All your calculations were imputed into the navigational computer as you smile darkly. Nothing better than blowing up Federation goons… One button and the laser fired, creating a red smear across the sky that dissipated the overhead clouds instantly. Once the weapon was fired, you took a quick look up into the trees to see every eye on the sky. You started to pack up the weapon, taking the energy source. You trusted your calculations; it was just a matter of time before the debris started to show in streaks across the sky. Plasma guns started to fire as the Federation troops closed in. Another smile formed as you grabbed your two pistols and ran into the firefight.
Two small battalions later, the sky started to turn dark with the dropping of burnt up Federation space trash. All around, you hear the whoops and cheers of the soldiers. A tall man with black wings picks you up off the ground to fly you around the troops as each thank you with their gesture. This time you smiled and sighed deeply. A win. Point Tess.
You land back near your weapon and portal yourself with the gun to the mountain retreat. As you approach the center, you are greeted with a swirl of winged people celebrating with the song of triumph. This is a song you have heard before and always welcomed it. Another person swoops you up into their arms and delivers you back outside, dropping you off on the steps of the town hall tree. You look up at the massive tree and hear the celebration, even from below. As you turn around, you see Rick slowly walking up to you, angry. You run up to him with a smile; explaining how this was a win for your beloved world and that you were sorry for not letting him know about this. Rick keeps walking towards you, shaking his head. As he approaches, you feel something is off…
An evil smile slowly curves his lips as you take off running the other way. You dive towards a nearby tree… and land in a dark room. The bastard created a portal directly in front of you.