Poe felt hazy. Why did he feel so odd? He rubbed his eyes …

"What's the matter, Poe?" a calm, feminine voice asked.

That voice. That familiar voice.

"Poe?" she asked again.

"Ah, yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired," he finally responded.

"Tenn says to meet her by the front."

Poe nodded. "Don't wanna keep her waiting. Remember last time we were late?"

His companion giggled. "Oh do I. She ghosted us for a week."

As they walked, Poe gradually felt normal. His surroundings and sight became more clear, more detailed. He looked to the female Irken on his right.

Poe remembered her. Baccria. His former best friend from the academy. Her garnet eyes still shined brightly as ever.

"Why are you looking at me?" Baccria asked, raising a brow.

"Thought I saw something on your face. You eat like a beast."

"Oh, shush."

The two entered a large, common room filled with dozens of Irken trainees. They were all at the academy for the same reason: to become Elites. That particular school was known for its students with high grades, thus producing the best of the best.

"There you two are!" Tenn loudly stated, tapping her foot on the ground. "Almost one minute late! Do you know what happens when you're late?"

"You ignore us for two weeks this time?" Baccria asked.

"Okay, first, screw you. And secondly, what happens is you miss important knowledge! What if you die on the battlefield because you missed information?"

Poe shrugged. "It'd be worth for a smoke."

Baccria stifled a laugh as Tenn punched Poe's shoulder.

"Whatever, then. Come on, the show's almost starting."

Today, each of the Irken trainees would be going through the same shooting, melee, and survival courses. It's the planet-wide exam, making it the most important of the year. For now, everyone was using the same rifle to take out holographic enemies.

"Who's up first?" Poe asked, sitting in a plastic chair.

"Rumors say it's Zim," Tenn replied, shuttering.

"Are we about to die?"

The gigantic screen on the wall suddenly came to life. The various Irkens scrambled to take their seats to see who would either embarrass themselves or set the bar. Anticipation silenced the room until …

Zim's face showed up on screen.

"Wish him luck, ladies," Poe said, rubbing his face. That little bastard nearly killed me during sparring once. Hope gets kicked out, he thought.

Zim's test ended almost immediately. He, somehow, missed every hologram and overheated his rifle. The screen announced his utter failure. Angry, he stormed out of the room.

Everyone in the common room laughed–even Tenn.

"Crisis averted, at the least," Baccria said, sighing in relief.

"Bit of a shame he didn't ruin the course, to be honest. I could go for some lunch," Poe said.

"You nervous?" Baccria poked Poe's arm.

"Not at all," he plainly stated, poking her back. "I think Tenn here wants to skip, though."

Tenn shot him a glare. "BS. I wanted to go first, but they call you up at random."

"With your luck, you'll be last," Baccria laughed.

"Don't jinx it."

As more and more names were called, Poe seemed to not remember any of the strangers' results at all. Finally, Tenn's name was announced and she readily jogged to the hologram course.

"She's gonna get perfect marks," Baccria said.

"Probably. All she does is train, eat, and sleep."

"Yeah. What do you do in your spare time?"

Poe rubbed his chin. "Good question, what do I do? I like to doodle."

"Really? Are you any good?"

"Not one bit. Not really what you're supposed to perfect, anyways."

Baccria frowned. "Says who?"

"I don't know."

"Hmph."

Before Poe could respond to her displeasure, Baccria was called. Her and Tenn high fived as they passed each other. Tenn, as expected, passed with flying colors. As Poe sulked, he saw Baccria's name and picture appear on screen. She was number seven in shooting, and number six in melee. Survival was not ranked, because anyone should be able to start a fire or hunt.

"Yeah, she's got this," Poe murmured.

As Baccria's test went on, Poe started to feel odd again. Everything was blurry. Why couldn't he see what was happening? As soon as he rubbed his eyes again, he opened them to see he was standing opposite of where he just was.

"Great work, Poe!" Tenn shouted. "You did almost as good as me!"

"Huh, wha?"

"Are you being humble? C'mon, brag a little."

Poe rubbed his head. "Sorry, just feel out to lunch right now. I completed my test?"

Baccria patted his back. "Yep, yep! Did quite well, if I may say so."

"I'm gonna go eat," Tenn said, waving to her friends. "See ya."

"Bye," the two remaining trainees said.

"Um, Poe," Baccria began, waiting for Tenn to be out of sight. "do you have a couple minutes?"

"Sure, what's up?"

Poe wanted to also go eat, but, something told him to stay with Baccria.

"Well, I … just come to my room."


Poe sat on Baccria's bed. It was standard issue: red sheets, metal base, and pillows to match. She had a picture of a forest hung up on the wall. The room itself was also neat and orderly, like any good soldier should have it. A single candle sat on the lone table.

"So, Baccria, what's the deal?"

"Poe, what I'm about to say cannot leave this room, okay?" she pleaded.

"I'm no Blorch rat. I'd never betray your trust."

"Okay, okay, so … I-I write poetry." For the first time ever, she blushed. Poe had never seen such a bashful expression before.

But, the word 'poetry' confused Poe. "That thing Vortians write?"

"Well, not just them, but yes. Remember Skald? From the outing? He showed me his favorite poems, and-and I really liked them."

This is a revelation to mark the ages! An Irken, writing poems? Poe thought.

"May I read some of your works?" he asked.

Baccria remained flustered. "Um, yeah, sure. Ha." She went under her bed, and pulled out an old shoebox. She took off the lid, revealing paper and pens, which Poe had never really seen much of before.

Those seem rather old, he thought.

"I'm, uh, still an amateur writer, so go easy on me."

As Poe was handed a small excerpt, he noticed the paper was decorated with pencil drawn flowers. These little doodles were … cute?

"Alright, want me to read it aloud?"

"No! No."

Poe chuckled.

"As the sun rises, so does my insides

As we walk, my chest is in knot ties

Your eyes are like jewels,

their glance make me a fool.

I wish I could confess to thou

I just don't know how." -Baccria

She was correct; it was rather cringe. But, even so, Poe felt a weird sensation from inside his chest.

Baccria's face seemed hot. "Do … you like it?"

"… I think I do. I don't quite get this whole poetry stuff, but I feel something."

"Oh, good. Good. I'm so embarrassed."

"No need to be. It's just us."

After Poe's words, Baccria put her hand on Poe's. She began to rub his hand with her thumb; Poe felt his heart skip. But why?


Poe jolted awake. He touched his face to make sure he was truly conscious. He was still in his soft, Vortian bed, still in his homey room, and still on his mission.

"Ha, I forgot about that …" Poe whispered, still feeling Baccria's touch. He suppressed that memory in the back of his mind, not wanting to remember the memory of his first love.

His only love.

"Computer," Poe said. "How close are we to Taraska?"

"Only twelve hours, Master Poe. Did you sleep well?"

"Mm, kind of." He got out of bed. "Computer, ring Captain Skald."

"Ringing."

Poe picked up a little handheld tablet from inside the end table drawer. The computer had full access to all electronics on board.

A male Vortian appeared on screen. His eyes were droopy.

"Poe? Why are you calling me so late?" he yawned.

"I need to talk to a friend."

"Here I am. What's the scoop?"

Poe lay back down. "I had a dream about Baccria."

"Oh." Skald frowned. "I get why you called now."

"I feel like such a fool."

"Poe, you're not." Skald leaned back in his cushioned recliner.

"I am. She asked me to run away with her, Skald, right before the Operation. But I ignored her. I ignored her, and now I'm never gonna see her again."

"You don't know that. What if she's out there, still waiting for you? Or, looking for you? I'll be realistic: one day your face will be plastered across the galaxy, Poe. She's bound to see it when that happens. I think she'll want to see you."

"Yeah, she'll see me in a casket."

"You won't let yourself die. You're too proud for that, Irken."

"Hey."

"I'm kidding, man." Skald yawned again. "But stay positive, Poe. You cannot fall into despair. I know a thing or two about depression, and trust me, it's not fun."

"What do you do? When you feel hopeless?"

"Hm. I count my blessings, pray to the Good Lord and Lady, and just … carry on. Oh, and I read anything I can get my hands on. Speaking of which, did you get those Meekrob books?"

"I did. I'll lend you a copy when this is all over."

"That's the spirit! Ah, I gotta get going. The Royal Marines Parade is tomorrow, and I'm giving a speech."

"Knock 'em dead, Skald."

"Take care."

The screen faded. Poe sighed as he put the tablet down.

He yearned to be back on Caparx with the Vortian exiles, and wanted to remain on a farm somewhere. There, he and Yumi could be happy and safe; but like Skald had said, Poe had to remain positive. He could get that farm after the war was won. After he killed all the Invaders …

"Do I have to kill them?" he wondered aloud.

"Theoretically, no, Master Poe," Computer said.

"Oh, sorry. I was thinking out loud."

"No need to apologize."

"So, how can I not kill the Invaders?"

"Simple: you arrest them. Send them to Caparx, and then when the war is won you have a big trial for each of the Invaders. You could even have a trial for the Tallest."

"Huh." Poe had never thought of that before. No one really suggested that to him either. "It'd certainly make for a good show."

"Think it over, Master Poe. Why don't you get back to sleep?"

"Right. Goodnight, Computer."

Poe closed his eyes, seeing nothing but Baccria and her natural smile.


"Master Poe. Master Poe?" the computer called.

"I'm awake!" Poe yelled as he shot upright. "Am I late?"

"No, you have an hour to get ready."

"Good. Thank you, Computer," Poe said, tossing the covers off. He'd make the bed after the Taraska mission.

He got a change of clothes and a towel ready, and went to the bathroom. Poe was suddenly grateful he was the only organic being onboard, as there was only the one bathroom. It'd be hotly contested for an entire crew!

Speaking of hot, the shower water warmed Poe's body. It made his aching body feel nice.

Poe tried not to think about how many times the water was recycled, but the thought was there nonetheless.

Now dried and dressed, Poe walked to his favorite room to find Yumi. The little robot was happily sitting on the sofa, humming to herself.

"Good morning, Master!" she greeted.

"Hello, Yumi. Which sunrise should we imagine today?"

"Hm, let's go with Caparx again."

"Wise choice."

Poe and Yumi walked to the armory together; on racks and shelves were a wide variety of antique rifles, sidearms, and swords Poe loved to collect. Old objects simply seemed so cool to him.

However, the only modern piece of equipment was his body armor. It was black, like his ship, and had a retractable helmet with night and thermal vision; state of the art, custom made Vortian technology. Poe slipped neatly into his gear, the formerly mocked revolver already in its holster.

Rather than sit in the lounge, Poe and Yumi sat in the bridge.

"Master, what's Taraska like?"

"From my research, I found that it is a wonderful planet. Lush forests, plenty of picturesque farmland, and gorgeous architecture."

"Ooo."

"Don't get too attached. We'll have to leave after the job."

"Right …" Yumi pouted.

The planet Taraska, homeworld and capital of the Tarassi Empire, soon appeared in their sights. It was a beautiful planet; blue oceans and mainly green landmasses, with a desert or tundra here and there. Poe welcomed a new environment different from Meekrob.

He entered the atmosphere, and was within minutes met with a squadron of Tarassi fighter pilots. They were a bit too close for comfort.

"Master Poe, we are being hailed," the computer announced.

"Let it through."

"STATE YOUR BUSINESS, STRANGER," a voice bellowed over the comms.

"Agh, I'm here on Vortian Royal Business! Her Majesty Trillia III sent me on a diplomatic pursuit," Poe responded.

"LAND IN THE DOCKS. NOW. OR FACE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION."

"Roger that! Where are the docks, exactly?" Poe was a bit nervous.

"FOLLOW US."

The seven jets started to turn down, so Poe followed suit. Something tells me that I almost died, he thought. They all passed the clouds, revealing a gorgeous city underneath the ships. The city, which Poe assumed to be the capital, seemed right out of a history book. Not a single skyscraper or modern road was in view, and all the buildings were traditionally constructed. A couple parks were scattered around, to provide nature for the citizens.

The docks, too, matched the city. Nothing was bland or boring on Taraska.

"Yumi, I think this mission is a bit over my head," Poe said as he realized the vastness of the capital. I've never seen a city like this since Irk.

"We can do this, Master, don't worry!"

"I hope so."

The ramp lowered, giving Poe some much needed fresh air. He and Yumi slowly walked down, and were met with a dozen guns pointed at them.

Poe noted the uniforms of these Tarassi soldiers; dark purple outlined with white, and feathered helmets that matched. Their weapons, however, were much more modern. They all held a combination of a battle axe and kinetic rifle, which Poe knew could do some serious damage. He had seen similar weapons used by the Caparxitdons. The Tarassi were a mammalian race; they were covered with a light amount of fur, and had sharp canine like teeth.

"Irken! Why are you here?" a soldier shouted.

"Greedy for our homeworld, too?"

"Piss off back to your hole, bug!"

Poe knew the insults were certainly warranted, but, that last one hurt.

"Good day, friends!" He observed all of their stern, angry faces. "You know how to make a guest feel welcome!" Gotta lighten the mood somehow, he thought.

"Enough jokes, Irken," a rough voice said. A taller Tarassi stepped out from behind the soldiers. He wore a dark red version of the Tarassi uniform. "I am Baron Jal ba Huls. Who are you, and why are you on our planet? Answer wisely."

"I," he removed his helmet. "am the Ex-Invader." Poe bowed. "Here on Royal Business from Her Majesty, the Queen of Vort and its colonies."

"A substantial statement. Prove it, bug." The baron nearly drew his sword.

"Look," Poe turned around. "No PAK. Only Irken without one." He then turned back, and pointed to the Vortian Crown upon his breast.

The baron's face loosened up. "Ease up, men. He's legitimate."

The weapons of the soldiers returned to battleaxe form.

"Well, Ex-Invader, we are not quite sure what you are, but what you say means one thing to me: Welcome to Taraska. Follow me; His Majesty will want to meet you."

"I'd be honored. Is Yumi okay to come?"

"The SIR unit? Robots are normally banned on palace grounds, but, you are a guest. She can come." He turned to one of the soldiers. "Tell His Majesty we are bringing an esteemed guest from the Queen of Vort."

"Right away, sir," the soldier said, then running off.

"Thank you, my lord," Poe said.

"Ah, a polite Irken," Baron Jal said as they walked. "How peculiar."

"You will find many peculiar things about me."

The trio entered a carriage, pulled by some two legged animals Poe had never seen before. He'd learn about them later. For now, he admired the city streets. The normal citizens who saw him appeared angry, confused, or afraid. Poe would have to get used to those looks.

"Ex-Invader, do you have a name I can call you?" the baron asked.

"My name is Poe."

"Poe, I must warn you about the risk you are taking by being here in public, although I am sure you are aware of such things. Are you not afraid of your betrayal becoming known to the Irken Empire?"

"I am afraid of that, yes. However, I have my duties as I am sure you have yours. If I am discovered already, than so be it. It's gonna happen eventually," Poe said, still looking out the window.

"Eroham is a beautiful city, isn't she?"

"Oh, pardon my manners. I love it here already."

"It's so pretty," Yumi said.

The carriage quickly pulled into the palace grounds. The driver opened the door for the passengers, bowing as the baron stepped down. Poe immediately was awestruck by his surroundings: white birds flying overhead, green trees and colorful flowers, and a humongous palace made of some type of tan stone, with red tiled roofs. A similarly constructed temple was also in the area.

Yumi almost ran off into the palace gardens, but Poe grabbed her antenna before she could get lost.

"This way," Baron Jal commanded.

Salvefenborg Palace was considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in all the galaxy, and the interior décor proved that fact. Various paintings of famous Tarassi monarchs and nobility lined the walls, as well as a couple clerics of their faith. Marble busts and fancy porcelain vases sat on richly engraved tables, too; Poe gulped at the thought of breaking anything.

Just as they all reached a tall, wooden door, the baron stopped and turned to Poe.

"I will be waiting out here," Baron Jal said. "His Majesty is inside. I wish you well."

"Thank you," Poe said, shaking the baron's hand.

The two royal guards by the door opened it for Poe and Yumi, allowing them entrance.

As the doors closed behind him, the Ex-Invader immediately met the eyes of the king.

"So, you are real," the king said, placing a half eaten fruit into a bowl. "We have much to discuss, my newfound friend."


I am somewhat happy with the chapter length; it's 6 and a half pages, which isn't too bad in my mind. Please, if anyone reading has any critiques or compliments, leave a review :) Also, I should mention this: Taraska and the Tarassi Empire is based on a randomized Stellaris empire when I had multiple name list mods installed, so that's where the names are from. I'm pretty sure Taraska is a place in Poland, though. Have a good day!

Pax Christi

Song of the day: Doris Day - Dream A Little Dream Of Me