Aiming at my attacker I fired, a loud cry erupting as the laser tore
through his skin. I was winning.. finally, my revenge upon Xorofd would be
complete. As he struggled I leapt at him, grabbing his throat tightly,
making sure he couldn't escape. His choked gag cause me to squeeze harder
as I spoke angrily through my tightly clenched teeth.
"Retribution and your life is mine.." Ignoring the surreal murmuring around me I pulled out my laser, placing the end of the barrel to his forehead. Before I fired a scream pierced through the air, shattering my surroundings, bringing me to reality - it was not Xorofd I was about to kill, it was Maximus I had by the throat.. it was only a dream??
I quickly released Maximus, backing away from him as he fell over on the bed, coughing. My mind was racing - I didn't know what to do.. Another cough from Maximus brought me back. He had sat up on the bed and was rubbing his neck. I was afraid to speak.. afraid he may be angry, but I had to check on him.
"M-.. Maximus...?"
He looked up at me a bit. "Y-yes sir?" He asked, his voice a bit raspy. He didn't seem too angry, so I relaxed a bit and scooted back over to him slowly.
"Are you alright? .."
He nodded slowly as he looked down at his shirt, which was singed a bit from a laser shot. "You almost.."
"I know..." I interrupted. I didn't.. really want to know what I had almost done. ".. I didn't shoot you, did I?"
"No, but you almost did.." He looked back at the wall, which had a laser-size hole in it.
I winced, leaning back against the headboard of the bed. ".. what happened, Maximus? .. "
"I heard you from the living room and came to wake you up, but.. you must have been dreaming, because you thought I was Xorofd..."
"Oh.." I opened my left eye, realizing my right eye wasn't plugged in. "..I'm sorry, Maximus.."
"It's alright, sir." He leaned down and picked up my laser, holding it out to me as he stood. "I was also coming in here to see if you were going to come to the battlefield with me.."
I slowly took the laser, shaking my head as I closed my left eye back. "No.. I'm going to rest for a bit... think. I've got a lot of things on my mind."
"..if you say so, sir. You're free to get anything you need, if you get hungry." I nodded even though I knew I probably wouldn't get anything. "Alright.. I'll see you after a while, sir." He turned around and went to the door, pulling it shut slowly.
I opened my left eye as I heard the front door shut. I still couldn't believe that I had almost killed Maximus, even though it was an accident .. I was still responsible.
Plugging in my right eye I stood up off the bed slowly, setting down my laser as I picked up my outfit, slipping it on. I sighed, looking around slowly.
"..what am I going to do..." My stomach growled no sooner than I had spoke. I looked down, eyes half-closed. ".. well, I guess that answers my question.." I went to the door, opened it slowly, shutting it as I stepped out. Even though I had said I probably wouldn't get hungry, my stomach decided it would anyway. I walked into the kitchen, which was to the right of my room. I looked around at the clean counters. I didn't realize Maximus was so tidy. Opening the refrigerator, I looked at all of the food inside. He had an assorted choice of drinks, some sandwich meat, and fruits and vegetables. Not used to a big breakfast(since I usually don't eat much, if it all), I grabbed an apple and closed the door. "E'll sujt.. tae yn papel, hatit's lal..*" (*"I'll just eat an apple, that's all.." in the language Caujon) I bit into the apple as I walked into the living room. Same story as with the kitchen - it was clean. I sat roughly on the couch, taking another bite of my apple. Should I reconcile with Xorofd and become brigadier, or challenge him to reclaim my rightful position? I watched as I turned the apple around slowly in my hands. I'll wait.. see what this Xorofd is capable of. If this change in leadership is good or bad for the army.
Hearing a door close I stirred, opening my eyes a bit. A blur was moving about by the door. I moved my head to face the door a bit, opening my eyes more, Maximus coming into view. I sat up, yawning as I spoke. "Hey- .. Maximus."
".. hi." His tone sounded annoyed.
"W-...what's wrong?"
He shook his head, pacing to the middle of the living room, his arms crossed. I watched silently, leaning back on the couch, waiting on his response, if there was going to be one.
A few seconds passed before Maximus finally spoke. "It's Xorofd."
.. I figured. "What happened?"
Silence again. "..he ... ugh!" He growled, pacing back and forth angrily. "Okay." He stopped, scowling as he spoke angrily. "We got a new soldier today.. her name is Julie. Tallest Red said she had to join for a week. And that idiot of a General took it upon himself to do whatever he pleased with her."
A girl in the army? .. "...what did he do?"
"Well." He began pacing again, then stopped. "He raped her."
"..h-...he did what?!" I couldn't believe it.. he raped someone!?
Maximus nodded. "He told me to watch the army while he had some quote- unquote 'fun' with her."
"..that is disgusting!"
"Tell me about it."
I stood, angry myself now. "Where is she?"
"She's on her way here. Tallest Purple said for her to stay with us."
That was a bit of a relief. At least she wasn't with Xorofd. "Alright... what else happened that I should be informed of?"
"Xorofd decided he'd try being stubborn and run things his way and not listen to anyone."
"..well then. I'll just have to take care of him, won't I?"
Before he could answer there was a knock on the door. Maximus was silent for a moment, then said, "Come in." and the door opened, Antipater stepping into the doorway.
"Colonel?"
I sat back down on the couch slowly.
".. where is she, Commander?"
Antipater stepped aside, looking back. In the doorway behind him was a rather small, purple-haired Irken. She didn't look very happy. She seemed rather.. depressed.
Maximus smiled, even though I could tell he didn't feel like it. "Julie.. come on in. Make yourself at home." She looked up at Maximus, then Antipater, then walked in slowly. Maximus looked towards Antipater, nodding. "Thank you, Commander." He saluted, going out the door as he shut it slowly.
I was watching Julie. She was just.. standing there quietly, looking around with her half-way opened eyes.
Maximus looked to Julie. "Are you alright, Julie?" She nodded, looking at Maximus, her left antenna twitching a bit, but she remained silent. He nodded slowly too, glancing around, then to me. "Julie, this is Alexander.. former General."
She looked at me, finally smiling, even though her small smile appeared faint. "Hi.." She had a pretty voice.. but it was weak..
I nodded in response, the..'former' general thing really bugged me, but I wasn't going to tell Maximus.. "..hello, Julie.."
Maximus looked at his room, to me, then to Julie again. "If you want, you can have my room.. Alexander has the guest room already."
"..but...where will you sleep? .."
I leaned back on the couch, crossing my arms as I listened.
"I'll sleep on the couch."
She shook her head slowly, still looking up at him.. literally, she was very short.. about half my size. "No.. I-...I'll take the couch, sir.." That made me wonder.. she'd rather have the couch over a bed? .. So far she seemed thoughtful.
"Er-.." Maximus seemed to have lost his train of thought for a moment. "Um... alright, .. if that's what you want.."
She nodded, looking at me with her nearly emotionless eyes. It sort of frightened me.. was she.. uncaring, or just upset? ..
"Julie? .. Alexander? It's a bit late and I'm going to bed.. you two should too." Julie broke her gaze at me to look at Maximus and nod.
I stood, looking at Maximus as well. "Goodnight, Maximus.."
"'Night, sir." He headed over to his room and went in, closing the door behind him.
I then looked at Julie. "..you too, Julie."
She glanced up at me slightly, then closed her eyes, responding lowly. "Goodnight.."
I turned around and headed to my own room, stopping in the doorway to look back at her one more time. She had already curled up and nuzzled deeply into the pillow. I closed my eyes a bit at that. She seemed very upset.. maybe she'd be better in the morning. I walked into my room and closed the door, getting ready for the night.
I opened my left eye quickly, not moving or breathing. I had heard something. I lifted my head slightly and looked around the dark room. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Then I heard it again.. it was coming from the livingroom. It sounded much like a cry.. I sat up slowly and went to my door, cracking it enough to peer out into the room. Again, I saw nothing strange.. but I believe the noise was coming from Julie. She appeared to be having trouble sleeping. She was lying on her side, one antenna over her face, and she was whimpering a bit. Since I had my suit on I wandered over to her slowly, kneeling down beside the couch as I put a hand on her shoulder and shook her lightly, whispering, "Julie?.."
She whimpered, closing her eyes tightly as she tried to move away from me. I held her shoulder firmly, shaking her a bit harder. "Julie.. wake up.." She whimpered a bit more then jumped, looking up at me quickly, a look of fear in her eyes. I recoiled a bit, blinking. "Uh.. a-.. are you alright? .. it sounded like you were having a bad dream.."
"Y-yea.." Her voice was still quiet and scared.
I sat back down on my knees beside the couch. "Will you be alright alone? .. or would you rather me stay in here with you?"
She closed her eyes almost all the way, nodding slowly. "Would you?"
"Of course.." She weakly smiled, closing her eyes all the way as she nuzzled into the pillow she was clutching. I watched her in silence for a moment, then spoke lowly. ".. did you have a bad dream?.."
She nodded slowly again, replying almost at a whisper. "Yes.. xorofd was-.. h.." She stopped, whimpering again.
Xorofd.. I figured. I put my real hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry julie.. I'll take care of xorofd today.. alright?" Nodding again she nuzzled deeper into the pillow, her antenna falling down to the sides of her head. I began to slowly rub her shoulder, closing my eyes a bit. The poor girl.. she already seemed to have problems with the Tallest, and Xorofd had to go and make it worse.. he'll pay for this... there's really nothing I can do about the Tallest.. Then the question came to me: Why was Julie forced to join the army by Tallest Red in the first place? .. Julie wasn't quite asleep yet, so I stopped rubbing her shoulder for a second.
"Julie?"
Without moving she responded quietly. "Yes, sir?"
"Why.. exactly did Tallest Red make you join the army?"
She opened her eyes about half-way, staring off. ".. b-.. becausehe hates me.."
Well, I figured that.. Tallest Red hates everyone.. but why should he hate such a small, kind Irken as Julie? ..
"Why? Did you do something to get him to dislike you?"
"No.. he just does. He always has and he always will."
"Oh.." Now that's a bit odd. How could you hate someone, but have no reason with which you do? .. "Did.. he dislike your family, or anything like that?"
"No, my mom was very popular."
Then.. why? "And your father?"
No answer for a moment. "..I've never known my father."
I winced a bit. Not knowing your father must be bad.. "I'm sorry.. not to be nosy or anything, but do you know why?"
"I've heard that he was captured or something.. either he's dead or still a prisoner somewhere."
"I see.. and your mother?"
Another small moment of silence. "She was killed in a cruiser explosionwhen I was four."
I began to rub her shoulder softly again, for I could see that her eyes were beginning to glisten. I don't blame her.. losing both of her parents and being alone at such a young age.. but why should the Tallest dislike her? It still didn't make sense.
"Well.. then what happened to make the Tallest hate you?"
"I don't know.. after my mom died he just said that I was going to be an invader.. and from thenon I was sent from planet to planet.. I think about twelve planets in total."
Twelve..?? She's conquered twelve planets and the Tallest still hates her? "Did the Tallest give you supplies?"
"No. But would a really crappy runner count?"
"Not if it was really bad.."
"It was. It's probably one of the best now.. I've done a lot of touch- ups and upgrades to it."
Another thing to bring to question.. "You're a mechanic?.."
"I guess.. I can fix my ship easily. It's my past-time, really.."
"..then perhaps I could appoint you the head of cruiser repairs for the army?"
She opened her eyes quickly,looking up at me. "..b-.. but... me?"
I shrugged. "Why not?"
"W-... well.. because the Tallest said that-.. if.. I weren't..dead... um.. in a week, then.. he'd kill me himself..."
I quickly lost my smile quickly. "..oh..."
"Yea." She laid her head back down on the pillow, closing her eyes. "So it would be pointless to give me any high position, since I'll be dead in a week anyway."
"Well.. maybe we could convince him to let you live?"
"He said this time it was final. It's no use. He's put off killing me for eleven years."
I really had nothing to respond to that with. Maybe we could convince Tallest Red to not kill her.. it was a possibility.
"Thank you for trying to cheer me up, sir.. you can go back to sleep now, if you want."
I stopped rubbing her shoulder again. "A-.. alright.. you'll be okay?"
"I guess.. not like I've ever really been okay.."
"Alright.. if you say so.."
Standing slowly I patted her shoulder a bit. "Don't worry Julie, things will turn out better.."
She looked up at me slightly, half-smiling. "Maybe.. goodnight, sir.." She snuggled into the pillow, closing her eyes again.
"Goodnight Julie..." I slowly walked back to my room and off to bed for the night.
Following slightly behing Maximus, whom Julie was lingering close to for protection I presume, I looked around the main area of the army training quarters. Xorofd was nowhere to be found. Antipater had walked over to Maximus as I was searching for Xorofd, and I caught onto the end of their conversation.
"..so where is he?"
Antipater motioned to my old office. "In there."
"Who?"
They both looked at me, then Maximus answered.
"Xorofd. Apparently he's had himself locked up in his tent all morning."
I felt my left eye twitch a bit. That was MY tent. "...oh. Well..let's bring him on out here. I've a few words to exchange with him."
Antipater seemed confused, however Maximus nodded slowly, looking at Julie to say for her to stay, then headed over to the tent. Julie looked around a bit nervously, then scooted over to me slowly. I glanced down at her and she offered me a weak smile. I slightly smiled back, then looked around a bit again.
"Sir, Xorofd will be here shortly."
I moved my attention to Maximus, then nodded slowly. "Alright.. Julie, I want you to stay with Maximus."
Nodding she slowly walked back over to him, standing close. I smiled a bit then lost it completely as Xorofd stepped out of .. MY tent. He was putting hishat on as he slowly walked over and came to a stop a few feet from us.
"Y-.. yes?"
"I just came to check on how you were doing, Xorofd."
"Oh.." He appeared to be troubled about something.
I took this opportunity to shove him backwards as hard as I could. "You BASTARD.. you steal my rank and then rape an innocent woman?!"
Xorofd had nearly fallen onto his back, caught completely off guard.
His face didn't change very much to my accusations, only retained his slight upset look.
"Have you no respect or honor?"
"..it is something you would not understand." He replied lowly, not even daring to look at me.
"Are you saying I do not understand that you are a sick bastard?"
Xorofd stared at me with the same expression, then looked away slightly. "Think what you want, Alexander.."
"Will you defend that statement?"
He looked back at me, with the same expression. "If you hold me accountable for actions that were not of my own choosing, feel free to challenge me. I will not refuse."
This statement confused me.. was he saying that he did not do what was witnessed of him? .. is he mad?
Drawing my sword I replied, "If you so state, Xorofd. Draw thy sword and fight, coward."
He slowly drew his sword, nodding. "I shall defend my innocence.."
"...you lie." I leapt towards him, missing my first bound but I quickly drew my other sword and sliced backwards, hearing Xorofd's painful snarl as my blade cut deeply across the center of his back. I grinned, pleased with getting the first hit in this time- and a good one at that.
"Lost your touch, Xorofd?" To answer my mocking he attempted to return my blow, but I was deft, avoiding his slow attack and returned his thrust with my own, again making good contact- my sword was driven deeply into his side. Another sharp snarl mixed with a cry of pain came from Xorofd as he tightly closed his eyes, beginning to shudder. Grinning again I pushed my sword in deeper, causing Xorofd to slowly fall to his knees, dropping his sword. I jerked my sword out, watching as the blood slowly oozed from the deep and wide incision in his side. Xorofd panted a bit, opening his eyes very slightly. I smirked.
"Give up, Xorofd?" The only response I got was Xorofd's weak pant. I slowly circled around to in front of him, looking down at him, moving my right sword around a bit in my hand, waiting on his response. He glanced up at me, then back to the ground, closing his eyes.
"G-go ah-head, al-lexand-der..k-kill me for b-being in-nocent."
I glared slowly at this statement. He is still saying he's innocent? Then I remembered...
"Well, wince you said you would fight to defend your innocence, and you've lost, .. so guess what that means?" No answer, so I continued, sneering as I lowly said, "It means you're guilty.." Again he did not answer. I shifted, stepping back, looking for a vulnerable spot. Since he was on his knees, I could easily reach his stomach and chest.. Finally I found an opening. Dropping my other sword I took a step back, kneeling a bit, then gripped the handle of my other sword tightly with both hands, thrusting the blade of it deep into Xorofd's stomach at a slight upward angle, the sword going in all the way to the hilt. Xorofd had gagged, opening his eyes all the way, staring down at nothing, twitching a bit. I growled, trying to pushmy sword in further, listening to Xorofd's painful groans. Standing as I slowly withdrew my sword from Xorofd's stomach I watched as he slowly fell forward, laying on the ground, panting very weakly. I watched him now, then closed my eyes, announcing,
"I re-claim my rightful position as general of the Irken army.." No answer once more. Moving my sword around a bit I looked back at Xorofd, my eyes half-open. He had stopped moving, but he was still very slowly breathing, blood still soaking into the ground from his stomach. I glanced back at Maximus, who had his arm around Julie. She was trying to hide her face tokeep from watching the fight. Hearing a raspy cough I looked back down at Xorofd. He wasn't moving at all now, and not breathing from what I could see. Reaching over with my sword I poked at Xorofd slightly. "Xorofd?" He didn't stir. ".. meh..."
"Alex?"
That voice.. I turned around quickly, to find Nova directly behind me. He was dressed in a red shirt and black pants and boots, covered with a long, black trenchcoat and rectangular sunglasses.
"Nova.. hi.."
He nodded slightly, looking down at Xorofd a bit, then back at me. "Who was he?"
"..Xorofd. Yea."
"...NOVA!!" Suddenly both Nova and I were looking down at Julie, who had run over and clung tight to Nova's side. He smiled, wrapping his arms around her.
"Hey.."
..they know each other? My best friend not even telling me that he knew this girl?
Julie nuzzled deeply into him, her antenna falling. Nova glanced up at me, then back down to Julie. "Are you alright?" She nodded slowly, not saying anything.
"How do you know her, Nova?"
He looked back up at me. "She's one of my patients.."
His patients? ..one of his mental patients? [ Nova's occupation is psychiatry.. so he deals with people who have certain problems often. ]
"..really?"
"Yes-"
"Sir?"
I looked at Maximus, who had interrupted. "Yes?"
"Um.. what are we going to do with Xorofd?"
I blinked, looking back at Xorofd's lifeless body. "Oh... .. um.. take him to Jy, have him revived. Then bring him back here and bind him, I have some things I want to ask him."
Maximus nodded, saluted, then glanced down at Xorofd, grabbing his arm, beginning to drag him to the medical facility.
".. Alex, I'm going to take Julie with me, alright?"
I looked back at Nova, then to Julie, who was still clung to him. "Alright.. I'll see you later then.." He nodded, then disappeared, teleporting. Once I was alone I slowly sighed.
"..I'll just have to wait and see what happens with Xorofd..." I turned, walking to my tent slowly as I sheathed my swords.
To be continued...
"Retribution and your life is mine.." Ignoring the surreal murmuring around me I pulled out my laser, placing the end of the barrel to his forehead. Before I fired a scream pierced through the air, shattering my surroundings, bringing me to reality - it was not Xorofd I was about to kill, it was Maximus I had by the throat.. it was only a dream??
I quickly released Maximus, backing away from him as he fell over on the bed, coughing. My mind was racing - I didn't know what to do.. Another cough from Maximus brought me back. He had sat up on the bed and was rubbing his neck. I was afraid to speak.. afraid he may be angry, but I had to check on him.
"M-.. Maximus...?"
He looked up at me a bit. "Y-yes sir?" He asked, his voice a bit raspy. He didn't seem too angry, so I relaxed a bit and scooted back over to him slowly.
"Are you alright? .."
He nodded slowly as he looked down at his shirt, which was singed a bit from a laser shot. "You almost.."
"I know..." I interrupted. I didn't.. really want to know what I had almost done. ".. I didn't shoot you, did I?"
"No, but you almost did.." He looked back at the wall, which had a laser-size hole in it.
I winced, leaning back against the headboard of the bed. ".. what happened, Maximus? .. "
"I heard you from the living room and came to wake you up, but.. you must have been dreaming, because you thought I was Xorofd..."
"Oh.." I opened my left eye, realizing my right eye wasn't plugged in. "..I'm sorry, Maximus.."
"It's alright, sir." He leaned down and picked up my laser, holding it out to me as he stood. "I was also coming in here to see if you were going to come to the battlefield with me.."
I slowly took the laser, shaking my head as I closed my left eye back. "No.. I'm going to rest for a bit... think. I've got a lot of things on my mind."
"..if you say so, sir. You're free to get anything you need, if you get hungry." I nodded even though I knew I probably wouldn't get anything. "Alright.. I'll see you after a while, sir." He turned around and went to the door, pulling it shut slowly.
I opened my left eye as I heard the front door shut. I still couldn't believe that I had almost killed Maximus, even though it was an accident .. I was still responsible.
Plugging in my right eye I stood up off the bed slowly, setting down my laser as I picked up my outfit, slipping it on. I sighed, looking around slowly.
"..what am I going to do..." My stomach growled no sooner than I had spoke. I looked down, eyes half-closed. ".. well, I guess that answers my question.." I went to the door, opened it slowly, shutting it as I stepped out. Even though I had said I probably wouldn't get hungry, my stomach decided it would anyway. I walked into the kitchen, which was to the right of my room. I looked around at the clean counters. I didn't realize Maximus was so tidy. Opening the refrigerator, I looked at all of the food inside. He had an assorted choice of drinks, some sandwich meat, and fruits and vegetables. Not used to a big breakfast(since I usually don't eat much, if it all), I grabbed an apple and closed the door. "E'll sujt.. tae yn papel, hatit's lal..*" (*"I'll just eat an apple, that's all.." in the language Caujon) I bit into the apple as I walked into the living room. Same story as with the kitchen - it was clean. I sat roughly on the couch, taking another bite of my apple. Should I reconcile with Xorofd and become brigadier, or challenge him to reclaim my rightful position? I watched as I turned the apple around slowly in my hands. I'll wait.. see what this Xorofd is capable of. If this change in leadership is good or bad for the army.
Hearing a door close I stirred, opening my eyes a bit. A blur was moving about by the door. I moved my head to face the door a bit, opening my eyes more, Maximus coming into view. I sat up, yawning as I spoke. "Hey- .. Maximus."
".. hi." His tone sounded annoyed.
"W-...what's wrong?"
He shook his head, pacing to the middle of the living room, his arms crossed. I watched silently, leaning back on the couch, waiting on his response, if there was going to be one.
A few seconds passed before Maximus finally spoke. "It's Xorofd."
.. I figured. "What happened?"
Silence again. "..he ... ugh!" He growled, pacing back and forth angrily. "Okay." He stopped, scowling as he spoke angrily. "We got a new soldier today.. her name is Julie. Tallest Red said she had to join for a week. And that idiot of a General took it upon himself to do whatever he pleased with her."
A girl in the army? .. "...what did he do?"
"Well." He began pacing again, then stopped. "He raped her."
"..h-...he did what?!" I couldn't believe it.. he raped someone!?
Maximus nodded. "He told me to watch the army while he had some quote- unquote 'fun' with her."
"..that is disgusting!"
"Tell me about it."
I stood, angry myself now. "Where is she?"
"She's on her way here. Tallest Purple said for her to stay with us."
That was a bit of a relief. At least she wasn't with Xorofd. "Alright... what else happened that I should be informed of?"
"Xorofd decided he'd try being stubborn and run things his way and not listen to anyone."
"..well then. I'll just have to take care of him, won't I?"
Before he could answer there was a knock on the door. Maximus was silent for a moment, then said, "Come in." and the door opened, Antipater stepping into the doorway.
"Colonel?"
I sat back down on the couch slowly.
".. where is she, Commander?"
Antipater stepped aside, looking back. In the doorway behind him was a rather small, purple-haired Irken. She didn't look very happy. She seemed rather.. depressed.
Maximus smiled, even though I could tell he didn't feel like it. "Julie.. come on in. Make yourself at home." She looked up at Maximus, then Antipater, then walked in slowly. Maximus looked towards Antipater, nodding. "Thank you, Commander." He saluted, going out the door as he shut it slowly.
I was watching Julie. She was just.. standing there quietly, looking around with her half-way opened eyes.
Maximus looked to Julie. "Are you alright, Julie?" She nodded, looking at Maximus, her left antenna twitching a bit, but she remained silent. He nodded slowly too, glancing around, then to me. "Julie, this is Alexander.. former General."
She looked at me, finally smiling, even though her small smile appeared faint. "Hi.." She had a pretty voice.. but it was weak..
I nodded in response, the..'former' general thing really bugged me, but I wasn't going to tell Maximus.. "..hello, Julie.."
Maximus looked at his room, to me, then to Julie again. "If you want, you can have my room.. Alexander has the guest room already."
"..but...where will you sleep? .."
I leaned back on the couch, crossing my arms as I listened.
"I'll sleep on the couch."
She shook her head slowly, still looking up at him.. literally, she was very short.. about half my size. "No.. I-...I'll take the couch, sir.." That made me wonder.. she'd rather have the couch over a bed? .. So far she seemed thoughtful.
"Er-.." Maximus seemed to have lost his train of thought for a moment. "Um... alright, .. if that's what you want.."
She nodded, looking at me with her nearly emotionless eyes. It sort of frightened me.. was she.. uncaring, or just upset? ..
"Julie? .. Alexander? It's a bit late and I'm going to bed.. you two should too." Julie broke her gaze at me to look at Maximus and nod.
I stood, looking at Maximus as well. "Goodnight, Maximus.."
"'Night, sir." He headed over to his room and went in, closing the door behind him.
I then looked at Julie. "..you too, Julie."
She glanced up at me slightly, then closed her eyes, responding lowly. "Goodnight.."
I turned around and headed to my own room, stopping in the doorway to look back at her one more time. She had already curled up and nuzzled deeply into the pillow. I closed my eyes a bit at that. She seemed very upset.. maybe she'd be better in the morning. I walked into my room and closed the door, getting ready for the night.
I opened my left eye quickly, not moving or breathing. I had heard something. I lifted my head slightly and looked around the dark room. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Then I heard it again.. it was coming from the livingroom. It sounded much like a cry.. I sat up slowly and went to my door, cracking it enough to peer out into the room. Again, I saw nothing strange.. but I believe the noise was coming from Julie. She appeared to be having trouble sleeping. She was lying on her side, one antenna over her face, and she was whimpering a bit. Since I had my suit on I wandered over to her slowly, kneeling down beside the couch as I put a hand on her shoulder and shook her lightly, whispering, "Julie?.."
She whimpered, closing her eyes tightly as she tried to move away from me. I held her shoulder firmly, shaking her a bit harder. "Julie.. wake up.." She whimpered a bit more then jumped, looking up at me quickly, a look of fear in her eyes. I recoiled a bit, blinking. "Uh.. a-.. are you alright? .. it sounded like you were having a bad dream.."
"Y-yea.." Her voice was still quiet and scared.
I sat back down on my knees beside the couch. "Will you be alright alone? .. or would you rather me stay in here with you?"
She closed her eyes almost all the way, nodding slowly. "Would you?"
"Of course.." She weakly smiled, closing her eyes all the way as she nuzzled into the pillow she was clutching. I watched her in silence for a moment, then spoke lowly. ".. did you have a bad dream?.."
She nodded slowly again, replying almost at a whisper. "Yes.. xorofd was-.. h.." She stopped, whimpering again.
Xorofd.. I figured. I put my real hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry julie.. I'll take care of xorofd today.. alright?" Nodding again she nuzzled deeper into the pillow, her antenna falling down to the sides of her head. I began to slowly rub her shoulder, closing my eyes a bit. The poor girl.. she already seemed to have problems with the Tallest, and Xorofd had to go and make it worse.. he'll pay for this... there's really nothing I can do about the Tallest.. Then the question came to me: Why was Julie forced to join the army by Tallest Red in the first place? .. Julie wasn't quite asleep yet, so I stopped rubbing her shoulder for a second.
"Julie?"
Without moving she responded quietly. "Yes, sir?"
"Why.. exactly did Tallest Red make you join the army?"
She opened her eyes about half-way, staring off. ".. b-.. becausehe hates me.."
Well, I figured that.. Tallest Red hates everyone.. but why should he hate such a small, kind Irken as Julie? ..
"Why? Did you do something to get him to dislike you?"
"No.. he just does. He always has and he always will."
"Oh.." Now that's a bit odd. How could you hate someone, but have no reason with which you do? .. "Did.. he dislike your family, or anything like that?"
"No, my mom was very popular."
Then.. why? "And your father?"
No answer for a moment. "..I've never known my father."
I winced a bit. Not knowing your father must be bad.. "I'm sorry.. not to be nosy or anything, but do you know why?"
"I've heard that he was captured or something.. either he's dead or still a prisoner somewhere."
"I see.. and your mother?"
Another small moment of silence. "She was killed in a cruiser explosionwhen I was four."
I began to rub her shoulder softly again, for I could see that her eyes were beginning to glisten. I don't blame her.. losing both of her parents and being alone at such a young age.. but why should the Tallest dislike her? It still didn't make sense.
"Well.. then what happened to make the Tallest hate you?"
"I don't know.. after my mom died he just said that I was going to be an invader.. and from thenon I was sent from planet to planet.. I think about twelve planets in total."
Twelve..?? She's conquered twelve planets and the Tallest still hates her? "Did the Tallest give you supplies?"
"No. But would a really crappy runner count?"
"Not if it was really bad.."
"It was. It's probably one of the best now.. I've done a lot of touch- ups and upgrades to it."
Another thing to bring to question.. "You're a mechanic?.."
"I guess.. I can fix my ship easily. It's my past-time, really.."
"..then perhaps I could appoint you the head of cruiser repairs for the army?"
She opened her eyes quickly,looking up at me. "..b-.. but... me?"
I shrugged. "Why not?"
"W-... well.. because the Tallest said that-.. if.. I weren't..dead... um.. in a week, then.. he'd kill me himself..."
I quickly lost my smile quickly. "..oh..."
"Yea." She laid her head back down on the pillow, closing her eyes. "So it would be pointless to give me any high position, since I'll be dead in a week anyway."
"Well.. maybe we could convince him to let you live?"
"He said this time it was final. It's no use. He's put off killing me for eleven years."
I really had nothing to respond to that with. Maybe we could convince Tallest Red to not kill her.. it was a possibility.
"Thank you for trying to cheer me up, sir.. you can go back to sleep now, if you want."
I stopped rubbing her shoulder again. "A-.. alright.. you'll be okay?"
"I guess.. not like I've ever really been okay.."
"Alright.. if you say so.."
Standing slowly I patted her shoulder a bit. "Don't worry Julie, things will turn out better.."
She looked up at me slightly, half-smiling. "Maybe.. goodnight, sir.." She snuggled into the pillow, closing her eyes again.
"Goodnight Julie..." I slowly walked back to my room and off to bed for the night.
Following slightly behing Maximus, whom Julie was lingering close to for protection I presume, I looked around the main area of the army training quarters. Xorofd was nowhere to be found. Antipater had walked over to Maximus as I was searching for Xorofd, and I caught onto the end of their conversation.
"..so where is he?"
Antipater motioned to my old office. "In there."
"Who?"
They both looked at me, then Maximus answered.
"Xorofd. Apparently he's had himself locked up in his tent all morning."
I felt my left eye twitch a bit. That was MY tent. "...oh. Well..let's bring him on out here. I've a few words to exchange with him."
Antipater seemed confused, however Maximus nodded slowly, looking at Julie to say for her to stay, then headed over to the tent. Julie looked around a bit nervously, then scooted over to me slowly. I glanced down at her and she offered me a weak smile. I slightly smiled back, then looked around a bit again.
"Sir, Xorofd will be here shortly."
I moved my attention to Maximus, then nodded slowly. "Alright.. Julie, I want you to stay with Maximus."
Nodding she slowly walked back over to him, standing close. I smiled a bit then lost it completely as Xorofd stepped out of .. MY tent. He was putting hishat on as he slowly walked over and came to a stop a few feet from us.
"Y-.. yes?"
"I just came to check on how you were doing, Xorofd."
"Oh.." He appeared to be troubled about something.
I took this opportunity to shove him backwards as hard as I could. "You BASTARD.. you steal my rank and then rape an innocent woman?!"
Xorofd had nearly fallen onto his back, caught completely off guard.
His face didn't change very much to my accusations, only retained his slight upset look.
"Have you no respect or honor?"
"..it is something you would not understand." He replied lowly, not even daring to look at me.
"Are you saying I do not understand that you are a sick bastard?"
Xorofd stared at me with the same expression, then looked away slightly. "Think what you want, Alexander.."
"Will you defend that statement?"
He looked back at me, with the same expression. "If you hold me accountable for actions that were not of my own choosing, feel free to challenge me. I will not refuse."
This statement confused me.. was he saying that he did not do what was witnessed of him? .. is he mad?
Drawing my sword I replied, "If you so state, Xorofd. Draw thy sword and fight, coward."
He slowly drew his sword, nodding. "I shall defend my innocence.."
"...you lie." I leapt towards him, missing my first bound but I quickly drew my other sword and sliced backwards, hearing Xorofd's painful snarl as my blade cut deeply across the center of his back. I grinned, pleased with getting the first hit in this time- and a good one at that.
"Lost your touch, Xorofd?" To answer my mocking he attempted to return my blow, but I was deft, avoiding his slow attack and returned his thrust with my own, again making good contact- my sword was driven deeply into his side. Another sharp snarl mixed with a cry of pain came from Xorofd as he tightly closed his eyes, beginning to shudder. Grinning again I pushed my sword in deeper, causing Xorofd to slowly fall to his knees, dropping his sword. I jerked my sword out, watching as the blood slowly oozed from the deep and wide incision in his side. Xorofd panted a bit, opening his eyes very slightly. I smirked.
"Give up, Xorofd?" The only response I got was Xorofd's weak pant. I slowly circled around to in front of him, looking down at him, moving my right sword around a bit in my hand, waiting on his response. He glanced up at me, then back to the ground, closing his eyes.
"G-go ah-head, al-lexand-der..k-kill me for b-being in-nocent."
I glared slowly at this statement. He is still saying he's innocent? Then I remembered...
"Well, wince you said you would fight to defend your innocence, and you've lost, .. so guess what that means?" No answer, so I continued, sneering as I lowly said, "It means you're guilty.." Again he did not answer. I shifted, stepping back, looking for a vulnerable spot. Since he was on his knees, I could easily reach his stomach and chest.. Finally I found an opening. Dropping my other sword I took a step back, kneeling a bit, then gripped the handle of my other sword tightly with both hands, thrusting the blade of it deep into Xorofd's stomach at a slight upward angle, the sword going in all the way to the hilt. Xorofd had gagged, opening his eyes all the way, staring down at nothing, twitching a bit. I growled, trying to pushmy sword in further, listening to Xorofd's painful groans. Standing as I slowly withdrew my sword from Xorofd's stomach I watched as he slowly fell forward, laying on the ground, panting very weakly. I watched him now, then closed my eyes, announcing,
"I re-claim my rightful position as general of the Irken army.." No answer once more. Moving my sword around a bit I looked back at Xorofd, my eyes half-open. He had stopped moving, but he was still very slowly breathing, blood still soaking into the ground from his stomach. I glanced back at Maximus, who had his arm around Julie. She was trying to hide her face tokeep from watching the fight. Hearing a raspy cough I looked back down at Xorofd. He wasn't moving at all now, and not breathing from what I could see. Reaching over with my sword I poked at Xorofd slightly. "Xorofd?" He didn't stir. ".. meh..."
"Alex?"
That voice.. I turned around quickly, to find Nova directly behind me. He was dressed in a red shirt and black pants and boots, covered with a long, black trenchcoat and rectangular sunglasses.
"Nova.. hi.."
He nodded slightly, looking down at Xorofd a bit, then back at me. "Who was he?"
"..Xorofd. Yea."
"...NOVA!!" Suddenly both Nova and I were looking down at Julie, who had run over and clung tight to Nova's side. He smiled, wrapping his arms around her.
"Hey.."
..they know each other? My best friend not even telling me that he knew this girl?
Julie nuzzled deeply into him, her antenna falling. Nova glanced up at me, then back down to Julie. "Are you alright?" She nodded slowly, not saying anything.
"How do you know her, Nova?"
He looked back up at me. "She's one of my patients.."
His patients? ..one of his mental patients? [ Nova's occupation is psychiatry.. so he deals with people who have certain problems often. ]
"..really?"
"Yes-"
"Sir?"
I looked at Maximus, who had interrupted. "Yes?"
"Um.. what are we going to do with Xorofd?"
I blinked, looking back at Xorofd's lifeless body. "Oh... .. um.. take him to Jy, have him revived. Then bring him back here and bind him, I have some things I want to ask him."
Maximus nodded, saluted, then glanced down at Xorofd, grabbing his arm, beginning to drag him to the medical facility.
".. Alex, I'm going to take Julie with me, alright?"
I looked back at Nova, then to Julie, who was still clung to him. "Alright.. I'll see you later then.." He nodded, then disappeared, teleporting. Once I was alone I slowly sighed.
"..I'll just have to wait and see what happens with Xorofd..." I turned, walking to my tent slowly as I sheathed my swords.
To be continued...