Author's Notes: Someone reminded me to update this one a little while ago. Tbh I've moved on to tons of other writings (most of which I haven't bothered posting because then I'd have dozens of fics I'd never update) but since this fic is still in my files I really should post a chapter occasionally.
A New Leader
The soldiers had come sometime early in the morning. There were dozens of armed Irkens marching through the villages, setting buildings on fire, and hurting the innocent villagers. It was only when the elders arrived in camp that the captain's crew learned about the injustice happening on their own planet. Being so far removed did have its disadvantages.
"You can't show yourselves..." one of the elders spoke to Zebber who had taken over command in place of their absent captain. "If you do... the Irkens won't hold back... we'll all be killed."
The elders were dressed in long white robes which were outlined in blue. None of them were wearing masks, and they held their heads high to show their authority.
Lard Nar was standing outside the tent where Zebber and the elders were speaking. He rubbed his arm and kept his eyes downcast as he listened. This was partially his fault. It wouldn't be long before the Heroians started demanding some answers.
"But we can't let them just do what they want!" Zebber insisted.
"Yes you can!" the same elder snapped. "And that's exactly what you'll do. Lord knows what would happen to us if the Irken's leader ever found out you were stealing from his Empire..."
"He already knows!"
"What?" Another of the elders grew pale.
"How?" a third asked.
"Because the Tallest was already here with us, in disguise," Zebber remarked, throwing up his arms. "Ask Toffer about it if you want to know more! Apparently he's friends with that Irken tyrant!"
All of the elders turned to face the quiet Vortian.
"Is this true?" the second elder asked.
"Purple wouldn't kill anyone on Heroia..." Lard Nar mumbled. He bit his lip nervously and raised his eyes a little.
"How can you be sure?" the third elder questioned with a scowl.
Lard Nar tentatively reached for his mask and untied it. He removed it slowly and took an uneasy step back. "Because... he saved my life..." he sucked in a breath. "My hand... it's robotic. The red-eyed Tallest had it cut off...but Purple risked his reputation and everything else to get me away from the Empire."
"Tell us your real name," Zebber said as he stared at the Vortian.
"Lard Nar..." the former captain spoke.
"You mean... captain Lard Nar?" Zebber questioned; his eyes widening in surprise. "The one who led the Resisty?"
The Vortian nodded and clutched the mask tighter in his good hand.
"The Tallest said he was going to kill our captain!" Zebber stated.
"He was lying... he won't do it," Lard Nar spoke. "I know he won't..."
"Why did he send his soldiers here?" the first elder asked.
Lard Nar bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't have an answer for them. "I don't know..."
"He could be marking our planet for invasion for all we know." Zebber growled, running a hand down his face. "Aren't you supposed to be against the Empire? Shouldn't you have killed the Tallests instead of making friends with them?"
Why couldn't he stand up for himself? Lard Nar winced. The alien's voice was harsh and accusing... the Vortian wished he could say what he wanted to say rather than meekly accepting the anger being directed at him.
"Zebber!" the third elder spoke sharply. "Think before you speak so carelessly... this person knows both Tallest."
"He can help us," the second replied.
"Yes... please beg the Tallests to not destroy us," the first elder said to Lard Nar.
The leader of the Resisty had never begged Purple for anything on the Massive. Everyone thought the Tallest of Irk was a monster... and at one time Lard Nar had thought no differently. His planet had been ravaged by the Irken Machine and his people had become enslaved... according to Irken law he should have been killed or at the very least enslaved to the Empire.
Purple had forced him to become a slave for that purpose... at the time, Lard Nar thought the Tallest was just being cruel. He hadn't realized the Tallest were also bound by rules that couldn't be broken.
"I won't beg," Lard Nar insisted folding his arms over his chest. He felt cold. "Just talk to him... He'll tell you what he's thinking."
"But the Tallests are on the Massive aren't they?" Zebber asked. "No one can get close. They'll be shot down."
"You don't understand.." Lard Nar sighed. He couldn't keep brushing off these peoples' unwarranted fear anymore. None of them knew the real Tallest. "Purple isn't evil.. I mean... sure he was terrible in the past, but he's not like that anymore. He went back to the Massive because I asked him to help your people... he wouldn't shoot us down."
"How can you explain the presence of these soldiers?" the third elder demanded gesturing to the distant field. The captain's boys were going about their business, trying to look like they weren't attempting to eavesdrop. "Obviously they aren't here to spread peace."
"You don't have any idea what Purple is facing right now," Lard Nar began. "Do you think it was easy for Irk's leader to step away from his post like that? He could be killed for acting on his own, but he's been doing that ever since the Empire conquered my planet..." Lard Nar's gripped his hands tightly into fists. "He… I know he was there when my crew died. He and the red Tallest had them killed… but looking at him now I just can't… I don't want to hate him."
What was he saying...? Purple could defend himself just fine on his own. There was no reason to be saying any of these things...
The elders and Zebber stared at him with unreadable expressions.
"Elders!" someone from town was rushing through the field in order to meet with the planet's eldest and wisest. "Elders! The Irkens have captured some of our brothers and sisters! What should we do!?"
Zebber glowered at Lard Nar. "So..." his growled through clenched teeth. "Do you still think your Tallest is innocent now?"
The former leader of the Resisty swallowed. No words came... what was Purple thinking?
"We have to stop them!" Zebber insisted, pushing past the elders who were trying to grab him.
"No child, this is not a battle we can win," the first elder insisted. "If we stay quiet they might let the rest of us go."
"A true Heroian wouldn't sacrifice anyone!" Zebber exclaimed in his anger.
"Your captain was always saying that, and look... he's gone and we're being terrorized by the Irkens," the second elder claimed.
"Our captain was a brave man," Zebber stated. "He would have never sat in the dark and hoped for the best like you cowards are doing! He would have..."
Smack!
The second elder struck the unruly Heroian across the face. Tears came to Zebber's eyes as he brought his hand to his cheek. "You're all cowards..." he whispered, biting his lip and turning away.
One of the elders grabbed Lard Nar by the arm. "You must help us... please get these Irkens to leave us in peace."
The Vortian couldn't fight them... he allowed himself to be led through the field by the three elders. They were heading towards the Irken's landing site. Lard Nar swallowed. He could feel a tremor creeping down his spine as the Spittle Runners came into sight.
His heart began beating twice as fast. He looked away so he wouldn't have to imagine the Irkens piloting those ships. He didn't want to picture their jeering faces or hear their mocking laughter.
Then the elders began dropping back one by one until Lard Nar was left standing alone in front of one of the spittle runners. He peered up to see if he could find the pilot, but the glass was purple and hazy. If there was anyone inside he wouldn't be able to see them.
"State your business," a voice rang out from a hidden speaker. Lard Nar grasped his mask tightly to his chest. He could barely keep himself standing as his mind spun around in circles, trying to find the words he needed.
"I said state your business," the voice said, sounding annoyed. "Or do you want me to shoot you where you stand?"
"I... uh..." Lard Nar's mouth felt dry. He couldn't even swallow. "I was wondering..."
"Well, spit it out!" the voice snapped.
"I was wondering why you were on this planet... and not... somewhere else?"
"Our Tallest sent us here obviously," the voice over the speaker remarked.
"Yeah, but why?" Lard Nar asked standing up a bit straighter. This Irken was actually pretty annoying.
"That's classified information!" the voice insisted. "Go away or I'm going to shoot you. I mean it."
"Did the Tallest order you to shoot us?"
"No, I just don't like you."
"Well the feeling is kind of mutual..."
"Then go away and stop bothering me."
"You came here and started bugging us first. The least you can do is give us some answers."
The voice paused for a moment. Lard Nar cringed. He couldn't believe he'd spoken so carelessly. The Irken pilot was probably getting ready to roast him.
A long sigh came from the speakers. "Look. The Tallest didn't really tell us anything. An Irken guard gave us orders under the direct command of Tallest Purple to come here and find some relatives of the aliens we captured," the Irken explained. "I would suggest you leave before the higher-ups return. A favoured of the Tallest isn't completely untouchable... the only reason I'm even speaking to you is out of respect for my leader."
The Irken had been unusually honest. Lard Nar stepped back. He didn't feel comfortable standing in front of vessel that was commonly used in the Armada. Being in the shadow of an Irken Spittle Runner brought back unpleasant memories... when his ship had crashed, these vessels had landed all around it, filled with armed soldiers ready to shoot anything that moved. His crew had all perished. Their frightened screams still plagued his nightmares.
"Hey, Vortian," the voice spoke again.
"Y-yes...?" Lard Nar responded, snapping back to the present.
"Try not to get caught again."
"Er... yeah. Sure." Lard Nar walked back to the elders who were standing a short distance away. "It sounds like Purple is taking the families of the three captured Heroians somewhere... I'm not sure why..."
One of the elder's breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that's all they wanted..."
"We'll cover this up... in a few years it will be like it never happened," the third elder decided.
A roar of energy sounded from the field behind them. Lard Nar and the elders turned and watched as one of the captain's ships took off from the field.
"That foolish boy!" the second elder cried in dismay. "He's going to get our planet destroyed and all the rest of us killed!"
"Have the planet's defences shoot him down!" the first elder told the third.
"By the time we contact the embassy, it will be too late!" the second elder interjected.
Lard Nar closed his eyes and breathed a sigh. As frightened as he was, he couldn't sit idly forever... His eyes snapped open and he sucked in a breath. It was his fault Purple had returned to the Empire. If anyone was going to help the Heroians; it should be him.
He ran before his mind had time to think about the consequences. A loud roar came from behind him as the Spittle Runners ascended into the sky. They were already returning to the Massive...? Had they been poised to take off as he was talking to one of the pilots?
The camp was bustling. Most of the captain's crew were talking and pointing up at the sky. Some of them were just standing and staring. No one was really sure what to do since their leader was gone, and the second in command had just flown away by himself.
Lard Nar stopped in front of the only remaining ship in the field. This is where the majority of the Heroians following the captain had gathered. The Vortian's own leadership skills had been buried under his fear and self-blame... but he wanted to save the captain and his crew... he wanted to help Purple escape the same way the Tallest had helped him get free if it was possible.
As his father would say "it's time to suck it up and get to work." Shortly after he said that, his father died in a lab meltdown... right. He needed to think of something else that could motivate him; something that wouldn't remind him of a terrible accident.
"Why are we all standing here?" he asked, raising his voice over everyone's talking. "Zebber left didn't he? We should be following him."
The Heroians all turned to look at him with confused expressions.
"But... he's heading to his death..." Kotto said raising an invisible brow.
"If you are all afraid of dying, why did you join a group of rebels in the first place!?" Lard Nar demanded. This was it. He needed to say something to rally everyone together."Yes you could die, your captain could die, and your friends could all die, but we continue to stand up against the Irken Machine because it's the right thing to do. If you want to stay alive, you better go surrender yourself to the Irkens now and hope they take pity on you."
Everyone became quiet as they stared at Lard Nar. The Vortian had a look of determination and he spoke boldly as a captain would.
"If you don't want to die that's fine..." Lard Nar told them, breathing a sigh. "I can't say I blame you. The Empire does horrible things to its prisoners... but I will be taking your ship regardless of whether or not you decide to come along. It's your choice."
Why did he just tell everyone he was going to steal their ship? He wanted to burry his face in his hands. If the captain's crew wanted to they could grab him now and end his "crazy talk" right there. What authority did he have to order these people around and take their stuff? He was a stranger. It was his fault Purple had come to their planet in the first place.
"I'll go," Naku said, raising his hand.
"I'm going as well," Nuka remarked.
One after another, everyone began to volunteer to come along.
Lard Nar threw his mask on the ground. He wouldn't need it. The Empire already knew who he was and Purple would know it was him anyway. "Then our next destination is the Massive. I hope you're all prepared."
"Yeah!" someone shouted, raising his fist in the air.
"Let's go get 'em!" someone else echoed.
Lard Nar turned away from them all. What was he doing...? Didn't he just escape that horrible place?
A wave of anxiety rushed over him when he heard the shouts and cheers of the Heroians. They reminded him of his crew. What if he was leading them all to their deaths…? What if they were slaughtered by the Irkens too?