Mindoir.
A small, remote planet placed in the outer reaches of the Skyllian Verge, known for its lush green landscapes and tranquil surroundings. Despite the harsh living conditions, many people had migrated there over the years in search of a simpler life away from the hustle and bustle of the more densely populated worlds.
Living on Mindoir was not without its challenges. The planet was prone to harsh weather conditions, and natural disasters were not uncommon. The people of Mindoir had learned to be resilient and resourceful, relying on each other for support during times of crisis.
Liam was born and raised on Mindoir, and from a young age, he showed a fierce determination and an unrelenting work ethic. He looked up to his parents and learned the value of hard work and dedication from them. He was also fiercely protective of his younger sister, Talitha, who was born twelve years after him. Liam loved his little sister more than anything in the world and would do anything to keep her safe.
For Liam's family, life on Mindoir was tough but rewarding. His parents worked tirelessly on their small property fields, growing crops and tending to livestock in order to provide food for their family and the rest of the colony. They were respected members of the small colonial community and were known for their hard work and generosity.
What can we say about Liam's life in Mindoir? During his childhood, Liam spent much of his time helping his parents tend to their crops and animals, learning how to sow seeds, harvest crops, and take care of livestock. Despite the hard work, Liam loved being outdoors and surrounded by nature. He enjoyed exploring the nearby forests, climbing trees, and catching fish in the nearby streams.
When he wasn't working on the farm or playing outside, Liam could often be found reading books about space, different races, protheans etc... Imagining what it would be like to travel to different worlds. He was fascinated by the idea of exploring the galaxy and dreamed of one day becoming a space explorer himself.
But as Liam grew up, he became more and more fascinated by stories of bravery and heroism. He would often sneak into his parents' collection of old action vids and watched them for hours, captured by the bravery of the soldiers who fought against the galaxy's most dangerous threats such as Rachni.
But Liam didn't just want to witness their bravery from afar, he wanted to be an active participant in the action himself. So he began to train rigorously in hand-to-hand combat and marksmanship, using whatever makeshift weapons he could find on his family's farm. Sticks became rifles, gallows became alien blades, and even old bows were repurposed as futuristic weapons. Liam's imagination ran wild, conjuring up a variety of scenarios where he was the hero in shining armor, saving the day and protecting the innocent. He knew that one day, he too would be a hero of the galaxy.
Liam's passion for combat did not detract from his other interests. He still found joy in the simple pleasures of farm life, spending time with his family, and exploring the natural beauty of Mindoir. But in the back of his mind, he knew that his true calling lay beyond the borders of his peaceful homeworld, out among the stars, danger and adventures were waiting for him.
And the danger he always awaited arrived indeed.
As the black ships and shuttles descended towards the colony, Liam felt his heart rate quicken with fear. He knew that something terrible was about to happen, but he never could have imagined the horror that was about to unfold. In a flash, the peaceful tranquility of his life was shattered as a group of four-eyed pirates burst into the house, armed with shotguns and other deadly weapons.
Liam's first instinct was to protect his younger sister Talitha, grabbing her and hiding together in a closet, while, in the meantime, he shielded her eyes right before a brutal show unfolded before them. His parents, who had always been his pillars of strength and protection, were no match for the invaders. Liam watched in terror as they were cut down in a hail of gunfire, their bodies crumpling to the ground in a grotesque display of violence.
The stench of blood and death hung heavy in the air, suffocating Liam as he looked at the carnage in the room. The walls were splattered with gory remnants of his parents' bodies, their once-strong frames now broken and lifeless. Limbs and organs lay strewn about haphazardly, as if the pirates had taken pleasure in tearing them apart with their bare hands.
Despite the horror before him, Liam knew he had to stay strong for his sister, there was no time to cry or feel scared. He clenched his fists, feeling a fierce determination burning within him. He would make those four-eyed pirates pay for what they had done, and he would do whatever it takes to protect Talitha. In that moment, Liam knew that his life had changed forever, and that he would never be the same again.
"W-what's happening?" Talitha whispered in a trembling voice. "What is this sound?"
Liam put a finger to his lips and hushed her. Then he slowly stroked her long black hair with his hand as he peered out from the small crack in the closet door. His heart was racing as he tried to make sense of the chaos unfolding outside.
Liam strained his ears, trying to make sense of the pirates' conversation, but their language was unfamiliar to him. Frustration gnawed at him; he felt helpless and vulnerable. Suddenly, his attention was drawn to three of the pirates who were making their way towards the door of the house, leaving two others behind. Liam's heart pounded in his chest, he knew he had to act fast to protect himself and his sister. And if he wanted to act that was the right moment to do it.
"Tali, we have to move now," Liam whispered urgently, his hand still covering her eyes. "We can't stay here." He gently removed his hand from her eyes, revealing a look of fear in her own. Liam's heart raced as he looked down at his sister, her tear-stained face reflecting the fear and confusion in her eyes. He had always been the protective older brother, but he never imagined he would be in a situation like this.
As Talitha's eyes widened at that sight, Liam quickly covered her mouth with his hand, silently pleading with her to stay calm. His voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke to her.
"Please, whatever happens, don't make a sound," Liam continued, his voice low and steady. "Just follow my lead, and I promise you, I will protect you no matter what. Do you understand?"
Liam's heart sank once more as he felt Talitha's tears on his hand. He knew how scared she was, and he hated that he couldn't take away her fear. But he had to be strong for her. He took a deep breath and whispered in her ear again. "You have to be a good girl, can you be it?"
She nodded at last.
"Bak shir noshak?"
The sounds of Talitha's sobs and Liam's whispers did not go unnoticed. One of the pirates, alerted by the noise, turned his head towards the closet and stared intently in its direction. Liam's heart raced as he watched the pirate slowly make his way towards them, rifle at the ready. Every step felt like an eternity, each creak of the floorboards was sending shivers down Liam's spine. He held his breath, trying to keep Talitha calm as the pirate drew closer and closer. Sweat dripped down Liam's forehead as he mentally prepared himself for what was about to happen.
"Johrak she'hah!"
As the first batarian cautiously approached the closet, the second one suddenly barked at him in their harsh language. Liam couldn't understand what they were saying, but the aggressive tone and sharp intonation made it clear that the second pirate was urging his companion to hurry up.
In a matter of seconds, the pirate's grubby fingers coiled around the knob of the closet and, with a firm grip, he yanked the door open and was met with an unexpected but pleasant sight. Two young humans were huddled together in the corner, their wide eyes reflecting their terror. These were the kind of humans he was searching for: young and strong enough to become good slaves that were worth a lot in the market. The pirate licked his lips in anticipation, imagining the hefty profit he would make. But he couldn't have anticipated what was going to happen next.
As soon as the pirate's eyes met Liam's, the human boy lunged at him with all his might, his fists pounding against the batarian's chest. Caught off guard, the pirate stumbled backwards, his grip on his rifle loosening.
The young boy's fingers trembled as he reached for the pistol hanging on the pirate's belt. Liam's heart pounding in his chest, he fumbled with the weapon's seal until it finally opened. As he held the gun in his hands, Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of empowerment. For the first time since the pirates had invaded their home, he felt like he had a chance to fight back.
"Ugr-"
Whatever the pirate was trying to say was cut short by the next boy's action. Without hesitation, Liam aimed the gun directly at the pirate's head and pulled the trigger multiple times as the weapon roared to life. The sound of gunfire echoed through the room as the pirate fell to the ground, his blood spilling out around him in a dark pool.
You would expect a look of triumph on the boy's face, but reality was way different. Liam's expression remained unchanged even after the pirate's body hit the ground with a thud. There was no sense of satisfaction on his face, no sign of victory. His icy cold gaze remained fixated on the lifeless form in front of him, he did not flinch even once. His sister, on the other hand, was not as composed. She screamed at the top of her lungs, covering her ears to block out the sound of the gunshots.
The sudden turn of events left the second pirate in a state of confusion and panic. He readied his rifle, trying to shoot at the two young humans who had just taken out his companion. But before he could even raise it to his shoulder, Liam had already drawn his own weapon and fired a shot.
The sound of the gunshot echoed through the room, bouncing off the walls and piercing the ears of everyone present. The pirate stumbled back, clutching at his leg in agony. Blood seeped through his fingers, staining the floor a deep red.
Despite the pain, the pirate was determined to retaliate. He gritted his teeth as his fingers coiled with newfound strength on the rifle's trigger, but Liam was too quick for him. Another shot rang out, and this time he hit the pirate's other leg, making him fell to his knees. The pirate looked up in terror as Liam cocked the pistol right on his face, a cold and deadly glint in his eyes.
The pirate's heart pounded in his chest as he realized that he was about to face his own death, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. His life flashed before his eyes as he braced himself for the final blow.
In the corner of the closet, Talitha was still covered her ears and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the terrifying sounds of violence.
The sound of another gunshot echoed in the small room, causing Talitha's body to tense up in fear as it pierced her ears once more. Before she could process what was happening, she felt a pair of firm hands grabbing her arms and shaking her with urgency. She wanted to open her eyes, but fear had rooted her to the spot. Then, a soft and familiar voice called out to her.
"Tali, are you hurt? Can you move?
...
Please, answer me!"
The words spoken by her brother were muffled and hard to comprehend, as her ears still rang from the deafening gunshots. She struggled to open her eyes, her vision was blurred and disorienting. Gradually, her brother's face came into focus, and she saw the concern in his expression. She noticed his hands trembling as they held onto her arms, it was no longer the steady grip she felt before.
Talitha's voice was quivering as she spoke, her eyes darting around the room as if understanding what happened there. "I...is everything okay?" She managed to ask, her words faltering with fear.
"Yes. I took care of the bad guys, we are safe," Liam said, trying to sound as calm and reassuring as possible. He looked over his shoulder, back at the room, scanning the lifeless bodies on the ground. He wanted to add "for now" but he didn't want to scare his sister more than she already was.
Liam kept his arm around Talitha's shoulders, guiding her carefully as they made their way out of the house. His grip tightened when they passed by their parents' lifeless bodies on the ground. He shielded her from the sight, his heart aching at the thought of what they had just witnessed. Talitha, however, was already traumatized enough from what she had already seen. Tears were streaming down her face and her sobs were getting louder. Liam knew he had to act fast to get her away from this gruesome scene.
Liam heaved a sigh of relief as he scanned the area for any signs of the pirates. He couldn't bear the thought of facing them again, not after what they had done to his family. Talitha, still in shock from the events that had unfolded before her, clung tightly to her brother's arm as they made their way out of the house.
Liam noticed that the neighboring farms were eerily silent. There were no sounds of people shouting, dogs barking nor animals crying... Just the distant sound of a ships and explosions. Liam's heart sank as he realized that the pirates had probably moved on to the next village to continue their rampage. He couldn't help but check his gear once again, making sure he had everything he needed. He looked at the pistol he used to kill the two pirates, and then at the sniper rifle he had taken from one of them. It was something he had always wanted to shoot with, but now that he held it in his hands, he didn't feel happy, the excitement he had imagined was gone. How could anyone be happy about the situation they were in?
As they left the remains of their home behind, Liam and Talitha walked towards the forest bordering their parents' fields. Talitha was now sitting on a tree stump, holding her leg, her face twisted in pain. Liam immediately rushed to her side, seeing a weird injury on her leg. It was a gunshot wound, but thankfully it seemed like a minor one.
Realizing he didn't have a first aid kit, Liam tried to improvise by using a bit of his clothing fabric as a bandage. He knew it wasn't a proper medical treatment, and the wound was at risk of getting infected, but he couldn't just leave his sister in agony. The last thing he wanted was for her to suffer even more than she already had.
As Liam worked on Talitha's wound, he still kept an eye out for any potential danger, scanning the surrounding area. The forest was eerily quiet, and Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. They needed to move quickly, find help, and get as far away from their home as possible before any of the pirates returned.
"What are we gonna do now?" Talitha asked her brother, her voice filled with exhaustion and fear. Liam looked at her tired eyes, red and swollen from tears.
Liam finished tying the bandage around Talitha's leg before answering her question. He looked up at the sky, scanning for any sign of danger or strange ships.
"We have to reach the garrison's outpost at the main colony," He said, his voice firm despite the fear that was gripping his heart. "That's the safest place of the colony. I'm sure the soldiers are doing something against the pirates... That's our safest bet for sure."
He hoped his words would offer some comfort to his sister, but the truth was that he had no idea what the soldiers were doing. Mindoir had always been a quiet and peaceful planet, with a small and poorly equipped colonial garrison. Liam had no doubt that the soldiers stationed there were no match for the pirates. But he held on to a small shred of hope. Maybe the soldiers had called for reinforcements, or maybe there were other soldiers coming to their aid at that very moment. It was a long shot, but it was the only hope they had.
"How do we get there?"
Liam gestured towards the trees behind them. "We need to go through the forest. It's our best chance to avoid any pirates and make it to the garrison outpost quickly."
"Okay." Talitha said weakly as she struggled to stand up.
Liam immediately came to her aid, wrapping her arm around his shoulder to support her weight. He could feel her trembling from exhaustion and pain, but he knew they had to keep moving. The longer they stayed in one place, the more vulnerable they would become.
"Lean on me," Liam said, his voice soft and comforting. "We'll get through this together."
They began to make their way into the dense forest, Liam leading the way with Talitha leaning heavily on him. The trees were tall and imposing, casting long shadows that seemed to reach out and grab at them. Liam tried to keep his breathing steady, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger.
The forest, once a place of comfort and solace, now felt like an entirely different world. Liam's heart was pounding as he trudged through the underbrush, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger. The birds had stopped singing, and the rustling of the leaves was amplified to an alarming degree. The once peaceful trees now seemed twisted and ominous, their branches reaching out like bony fingers. Shadows danced around them, as if alive and hungry for prey.
Liam felt as though he was being watched by unseen eyes, and every sound sent shivers down his spine. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding, and even his sister's presence couldn't dispel the suffocating feeling of dread that had taken hold of him. Every step felt like he was being pulled deeper into the unknown, further away from the safety of their home.
This was no longer a place where Liam could relax and explore. It was a place of fear and danger, where death could lurk around any corner. He knew that they had to keep moving if they wanted to survive. They had to reach the garrison outpost before the pirates caught up to them. But every step they took felt like a gamble, a game of chance with the stakes higher than ever before...
As the two siblings made their way through the forest, Liam found something strange, his eyes were drawn to something on the ground ahead. He squinted, trying to make out what it was. As they got closer, the image became clearer. It was the corpse of a fully armored soldier, his weapons scattered around him and his armor marked by the insignia of the Alliance military.
"What's that?" Talitha's broken voice rang in Liam's ears, she probably didn't recognize the Alliance symbol but she was surely scared, if that body was there it meant that the pirates have been there for sure.
"Wait here," Liam said to his sister, comforting her with his words as he brushed her head with his hand. He put her near a tree, making her sit beneath its shadow. "Let me check it out."
As Liam turned to leave, he felt a tug on his shirt. He turned back to see his sister holding onto his shirt with a desperate grip. Her eyes were pleading, and she looked like she was about to break down. Liam knew how scared she was, and he didn't blame her for not wanting him to leave her side.
"It's okay, I won't be long," he said, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. He knelt down in front of her and took her hand in his. "I'll be quick and I won't go too far, okay? I just need to check it out and make sure there's no danger."
They stayed in that position for a bit longer until Liam felt that his sister was finally convinced by his words. He gave her a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder before slowly freeing himself from her grip and heading towards the corpse.
Liam slowly made his way towards the corpse, his heart pounding against his chest as he cautiously scanned the surroundings for any signs of danger. The eerie silence of the forest was deafening, broken only by the sound of his footsteps echoing through the trees. As he approached the fallen soldier, he felt a chill run down his spine. The sight of the bullet-ridden body sent shivers down his spine, and his mind raced with insults towards the pirates who did this.
He knelt down beside the corpse, keeping his gun at the ready, as he carefully searched the body for any clues or useful information. His hands trembled as he reached out to press the button on the soldier's helmet, and he braced himself for the worst.
As the helmet slowly opened, the smell of blood and death hit him like a wave, making him gag and stumble backwards. He took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself, and slowly approached the helmet again, his eyes watering from the stench.
The soldier he was looking at was a male soldier, around his 30s. Liam didn't recognize him, he didn't know if he was already there on Mindoir when the pirates attacked or he landed later. He was thinking about that when he noticed something protruding from the soldier's ear. Curious, he reached out and gently tugged at it, revealing a small, black earbud.
"Ew..." Liam's eyes scanned the black earbud, completely covered in blood. "Gross..."
He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he wanted to put the earbud in his ear. But after a brief pause, he decided to take the risk. He carefully inserted the earbud and started scanning through radio frequencies on his omnitool, hoping to find some useful information.
As he listened intently at a rather normal, but unsettling, static sound, Liam heard a faint voice coming through the earbud. The voice was distorted and difficult to make out, but Liam could tell that it was a distress call. He quickly adjusted the settings on his omnitool, trying to clear up the signal.
"Crr crr.
Uh... Am I broadcasting?
I'm broadcasting?
Shit, ok.
This is the Systems Alliance Emergency channel. It sounds like the Mindoir colony is under attack. Stay tuned for further updates.
Crr crr."
The alert kept repeating, over and over again, as Liam tried to listen intently. There was no sign of anyone coming to their rescue. No human voice that would assure them that everything was going to be okay. Just an automated message that Liam listened with a growing sense of unease.
Talitha watched as Liam fiddled with his omnitool, his brow furrowed in concentration. She wondered what he was doing and why he was taking so long. For a whole minute, he stood there motionless, lost in thought.
Finally, Liam turned his attention back to his sister, but there was something different about him. His face held a look of discomfort and worry that she hadn't seen before. He walked towards her but then stopped midway.
Liam's voice was barely audible as he whispered to his sister, his eyes fixed on something in the distance. Talitha strained to hear what he was saying, and finally caught the words, "I saw something."
She felt a shiver run down her spine as Liam turned to her, his expression serious. "I'm gonna check it out, stay there," he said before disappearing into the bushes.
As she watched her brother disappear into the bushes, a sense of dread washed over Talitha. Her mind raced with questions: What was Liam doing? What did he find? The absence of answers to these questions gnawed at her, and the more she thought about it, the more her anxiety grew. She tried to calm herself down by taking deep breaths, but her thoughts were too scattered, too erratic. She felt like she was going crazy with worry.
Soon after, Liam emerged from the bushes, his face contorted in a strained expression. It was clear he was trying to appear calm, but Talitha knew him too well to be fooled by his façade. She could sense the tension radiating from him, and it sent a shiver down her spine.
"What did you find?" She asked, her voice filled with anticipation. She was curious to know what had caused such a reaction in her brother.
"I saw something, but it turned out to be a wild animal." Liar. Talitha couldn't believe her brother would lie to her like that. She had always trusted him, but now she couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hiding something from her. It was clear as day that he was lying, and he wasn't even trying to cover it up. She wanted to confront him, to demand the truth, but, before she could say anything, Liam pulled her along. Talitha stumbled and nearly fell, but he kept a tight grip on her arm. She tried to resist and pull back, but his strength was too much for her.
Talitha struggled to keep up with her brother's fast pace, but Liam showed no signs of slowing down. "Hey wait," she protested, her voice laced with unease. "You're hurting me."
But Liam didn't seem to hear her. His grip on her arm tightened as he pulled her along the forest trail, his eyes scanning the trees around them. Talitha could feel the fear rising in her chest as they went deeper into the woods.
"Please, Liam, slow down," she begged.
Liam turned to look at Talitha, his expression serious. "We have to hurry," he repeated, his voice urgent. "I found a radio and it's saying that soldiers are coming. We need to find them before other pirates arrive. We'll be safe then." Liam's voice trembled as he spoke, his words coming out in a shaky whisper. He tried to keep his composure, but the sight of the corpses he had discovered behind the bushes was still fresh in his mind. The bodies of soldiers, executed without reason and thrown haphazardly into a mass grave, still lay there, lifeless and haunting. The pirates had been there, and their brutality was evident in the fresh corpses that lay in those holes. Liam knew that they needed to get out of there quickly before they were discovered by the pirates, who were likely still nearby.
But Talitha couldn't help but feel a wave of disappointment wash over her as she realized that Liam was lying to her, again. She had always been able to tell when he was being dishonest, and this time was no different. It hurt her deeply that her own brother couldn't trust her enough to be honest with her.
As they made their way through the dense forest, the pace at which they were walking began to slow down considerably with each passing moment. Talitha, struggling to keep up with Liam's pace, found herself limping behind him, her footsteps growing slower and weaker by the second. Despite her protests, Liam seemed unable to stop and continued to forge ahead, leaving her struggling to catch up.
Talitha's complaints grew louder with every step, her voice filled with pain and exhaustion. She couldn't take it anymore and finally, with all her strength, she collapsed onto the ground, tears streaming down her face.
Liam stopped in his tracks and turned to look back at his sister. Talitha was clearly exhausted, and he knew he couldn't keep pushing her any longer. He felt a pang of guilt and knelt down in front of her, placing a gentle hand on her head. He could feel her trembling under his touch and her ragged breathing. Liam realized that he had been so focused on their survival that he had forgotten to take into account how difficult this must have been for Talitha, who was not used to this kind of situation.
"Hey, it's okay," Liam said softly, trying to comfort his sister. "We can take a break here for a bit. Catch our breath and rest a little. Okay?"
Talitha nodded weakly, still struggling to catch her breath. Liam gently helped her to her feet and led her to a nearby tree, where they sat down and rested for a few minutes.
"It's going to be alright," he whispered into her ear. "I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise that." Liam held her for a few more minutes, and they both sat there, taking deep breaths and trying to calm down.
Liam's reassuring words seemed to have no effect on Talitha as she continued to sob uncontrollably. He grew more concerned and asked, "What's wrong?" It wasn't until he remembered her wounded leg that he realized what was going on.
He carefully unwrapped the bandages, taking his time to make sure he didn't cause her any more pain. As he peeled away the layers of cloth, he could see that the wound was not healing well. The area around it was swollen and discolored, and when he touched it, Talitha winced in pain. Blood oozed from the wound, saturating the bandages. Liam recoiled at the horrible stink emanating from the wound. It was clear that Talitha's injury had become infected, and he couldn't help but feel guilty for pushing her so hard.
"We can walk for a bit more, and when we will-" Liam paused mid-sentence, his eyes fixed on Talitha's infected wound. He quickly realized that she wouldn't be able to walk any further in her current condition. "No, you can't walk like this," he said, shaking his head. "I could carry you on my shoulders, but we would be too slow. We need to move quickly."
Liam's mind raced as he tried to come up with a solution to help his injured sister. He felt helpless and frustrated, knowing that time was running out. He didn't want to leave her alone, but he knew he had to act fast if he wanted to save her.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of pondering, he made a decision. "Stay here," he said firmly, trying to hide the pain in his voice. "There should be a farm not far from here. I'm going to check for any medigel while you stay here."
Talitha looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, her face contorted with pain. "You want to leave me here alone?" she asked weakly.
Liam nodded, his jaw set with determination. "If this is the only way I have to save you... Yeah."
"But..." Talitha's eyes were wide with fear, and tears streamed down her face. She was shaking with terror, as she looked at her brother with tears in her eyes. Talitha's voice trembled as she spoke. "Please don't leave me here alone," she pleaded. "I don't want to be separated from you. What if those monsters find you and do to you what they did to mama and papa? What if those monsters find me? You promised we would stick together and get through this. Please don't go."
She tried to stand up, wincing in pain as she put weight on her injured leg. "See, I can still walk. Just let me come with you-"
"You can't walk!" Liam's grip on his sister's shoulders tightened as he forced her to sit down again. His words were harsh, but he couldn't let her risk worsening her injuries. He saw tears streaming down her face, and he immediately regretted his tone. "You can't," he repeated in a softer voice, "Please, Tali, I know you're scared. But I need you to trust me, okay? I won't let anything happen to you, I promise. But right now, you need to rest. Your leg needs time to heal, and I need to find something to help it. If I leave now, I'll come back faster."
Talitha sniffled and wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "But what if they find me?" she asked again. "What if they find me and do bad things like they did with mama and papa?"
"They won't find you," he reassured her. "I'll be back before you know it. And if anything happens, just remember to... Play dead."
Liam's throat tightened at the thought of what he had just said. Looking at his sister's confused expression, he realized that she had not fully grasped what he said. Good.
"Tali, Let's play a game!" He suggested with forced cheerfulness.
"Do you like statues?" he asked and waited for her response. When she nodded, Liam continued with enthusiasm. "Great! Then let's play! All you have to do is drop to the ground and be as still as a statue until I come back. And if you can do that, I promise you'll win a big, big prize! How does that sound?"
Talitha nodded again, but her eyes were filled with uncertainty. She wasn't really convinced by her brother's words.
"Ok then, the game... Starts now!"
Liam saw his sister dropping to the ground, pretending to be a statue, as he was slowly moving away. The pirates were around for sure, Liam just hoped that his strange strategy was gonna work, and that pirates didn't bother with a dead body... Anyway, he had to move fast in order to get the medigel for his sister.
The farm was at a considerable distance from where Liam had left Talitha, and he had to endure a grueling journey of nearly two hours to reach it. He traversed the barren landscape, carefully avoiding any encounters with the fearful pirates. The sight of more common graves and the countless ruins of buildings along the way served as a stark reminder of the devastation they had brought.
As Liam drew closer to the farm, the extent of the destruction became increasingly apparent. Debris scattered the area, with collapsed buildings and charred remnants bearing witness to the rampage of the pirates. Flames flickered in the distance, casting an eerie glow upon the landscape, while the air was heavy with the acrid smell of smoke and the faint scent of blood.
Liam's mind was filled with questions and confusion as he traversed the desolate landscape: Why had they chosen his planet as their target? What motivated their merciless actions? Were they driven by pure malevolence, or was there some hidden purpose behind their brutal onslaught?
He couldn't understand it.
In the meantime, Liam's ears caught the sound of crackling static from the radio he had found. The once-distant voices grew louder, drowning out the eerie radio silence he was used to. The radio came alive with urgent updates and information about the Alliance's forces deployed on the planet.
Reports of reinforcements and military movements echoed through the airwaves, offering a glimmer of hope to the young guy. The voice on the radio mentioned the imminent arrival of the SSV Einstein, a ship that would bring much-needed support to the planet. Liam's heart leapt with anticipation at the prospect of the soldiers' arrival. Now he knew where to find them.
Finally, after what felt like an arduous journey through a desolate wasteland, Liam arrived at the farm. The once-thriving hub of agricultural activity now stood in a state of disarray and neglect. He took a moment to catch his breath and survey the area, hoping to find the medigel he sought within its dilapidated walls.
Liam cautiously made his way toward the farm's main building, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. The building, once probably a bustling center of agricultural activity, now stood as a haunting reminder of the devastation wrought by the pirates. Its once sturdy roof had caved in, leaving a skeletal structure of shattered bricks and fallen debris.
Approaching the dilapidated structure, Liam felt a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. The walls that remained were a patchwork of crumbling bricks, bearing the scars of the pirates' destructive rampage. He treaded lightly, aware that even the slightest misstep could send the fragile remnants tumbling down.
Every movement was calculated, every glance a careful assessment of his surroundings. Liam knew that in this desolate landscape, danger could lurk in every corner. He had seen the horrors inflicted upon his people, and he was determined to avoid any unnecessary risks. He listened intently for any sounds that might indicate the presence of the pirates or any other potential threats. His grip on his weapon tightened, ready to defend himself if the need arose.
Liam heard a voice, a male voice, shouting with all his lungs. It was loud and filled with urgency. He found cover near the door of the farmhouse, his hand firmly gripping his pistol as he cautiously peeked inside.
Two pirates emerged into Liam's view, their presence sending a shiver down his spine. One of them was crouching on the ground, while the other stood a short distance away, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a sense of alertness.
Liam scanned the area for a bit more and noticed something. The pirate, who had been crouching, was holding a young captive, roughly his age, to the ground. The boy's desperate attempts to break free from the pirate's grip were met with forceful resistance, as the pirate pinned him down with a knee to his back, suppressing any hope of escape.
Liam's mind raced with conflicting emotions as he stared at the two pirates before him. He knew he had to act swiftly and decisively, not only to cure his sister's wound as soon as possible but also to go back before other pirates found her. He couldn't care less about that guy on the ground, there was no room for hesitation or mercy.
Liam raised his firearm, aiming directly at the head of the pirate who knelt on the ground. His finger rested on the trigger, his heart pounding in his chest. Time seemed to stand still as Liam pulled the trigger, the sound of the gunshot ripping through the air. The pirate slumped to the ground, lifeless, as the world around them momentarily froze, just like it happened back into his house.
"Nyk bahak!" Whatever the other pirate said was a complete mystery to Liam, but he saw the pirate aiming his rifle directly at him. Reacting swiftly, Liam mirrored the pirate's actions, gripping his pistol tightly and preparing to shoot first, just as he had done during the attack on his own home. However, this time, the pirate had the upper hand.
A hail of bullets erupted from the pirate's rifle, hurtling toward Liam with terrifying speed. The air filled with the deafening sound of gunfire as the projectiles sought their target.
Liam's instincts kicked into overdrive as he attempted to evade the onslaught. Some of the shots found their mark, striking his right shoulder with searing pain, while others narrowly missed, whizzing past him and disappearing into the distance. His body jolted from the impact, his muscles tensing in response. The unbearable pain threatened to overwhelm him, but he refused to succumb. Gritting his teeth, Liam fought through the agony.
"Dammit!" Liam exclaimed through gritted teeth, his hand instinctively reaching for his wounded shoulder. As he felt the warm stickiness of blood seeping through his fingers, a wave of pain surged through his body. The intensity of the gunshot wound was overwhelming, causing him to drop his gun to the ground.
His vision blurred slightly as he fought against the pain and dizziness. With trembling hands, he applied pressure to the wound, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood. The metallic taste of iron filled his mouth as he coughed, the effort exacerbating the agony spreading through his body.
He was now a vulnerable target, exposed and defenseless. The pirate's rifle remained pointed in his direction, but to Liam's surprise, no shots were fired. Instead, a chilling stillness settled over the scene, broken only by the distant sounds of chaos and destruction. The pirate's gaze locked onto Liam, their eyes locked in a tense standoff. It was as if they were studying him, assessing his every move. The silence seemed to stretch on endlessly, heightening the tension in the air.
Liam's spirit had been on the verge of breaking, his hopes fading as he prepared to accept his fate. With a heavy heart, he lowered his head, overwhelmed by the weight of his perceived failure. In the midst of his pain, his thoughts turned to his sister, his beloved Talitha. The promise he made to her echoed in his mind, a haunting reminder of his duty to protect and return to her side. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving her alone, vulnerable and defenseless, for the rest of her life. How could he forgive himself for breaking his promise? How could he have let her down? How could he abandon her in her time of need?
But just as despair started to consume him completely, a sudden, piercing sound shattered the silence. A gunshot reverberated through the air, cutting through his desperate thoughts like a beacon of hope. Liam's head snapped up, his eyes widening in surprise.
The pirate's body lifelessly collapsed to the ground, as the guy who was being held down rose to his feet, clutching the pistol that had just saved Liam's life.
The guy's hand trembled as he discharged a few more rounds into the lifeless body of the pirate. Liam watched at that scene, while a mixture of fear and anger reflected in the young man's eyes.
"He's dead, there's no need to keep shooting," Liam called out to the guy, and his words seemed to cut through the haze of adrenaline that had consumed him. The guy's grip on the pistol loosened, and he slowly dropped it to the ground. Liam watched as the guy nodded shyly at his words, and, without a word, he turned and hurriedly made his way towards another room.
That was a likable outcome for Liam. He didn't want any further involvement with him, he was grateful that he had been saved tho. Taking a deep breath, he refocused his attention on his task: find a medikit for his sister. The search would not be easy amidst the wreckage and chaos that surrounded him, but he was determined to locate the much-needed supplies for his sister.
Carefully navigating through the debris, Liam meticulously combed through the shattered remnants of the farm building. His hands reached out, sifting through the rubble and overturned furniture, his eyes scanning every nook and cranny in search of the elusive medikit.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly as Liam's hope flickered, his heart sinking with each fruitless moment. But then, his eyes caught sight of a glimmer, a small, red iron box with two white crosses painted on its sides.
"Found it!"
Just as Liam was about to reach for the shiny red box, a voice echoed through the room, causing him to stop.
"You have to help me!" a trembling voice called out to him, breaking the silence. Liam turned his head towards the source of the sound and saw the same guy from before staring at him with wide, desperate eyes. His expression quickly shifted when he noticed Liam reaching for the medikit.
"What are you doing? Are you stealing?" The guy exclaimed, his voice filled with shock and accusation. "That's not yours!"
Liam chose to ignore the guy's protests, his focus unwavering as he clutched the medikit tightly in his hands. He couldn't afford any more delays. His sister's safety depended on his swift return. With determined strides, Liam made his way towards the exit but as he was about to leave, a weird sound caught his attention, causing him to turn his head. To his surprise, he found the guy standing there, his trembling hands clutching the very pistol he had used earlier. The expression on the guy's face was a mixture of fear, desperation, and something else that Liam couldn't quite decipher.
"Give me the medikit back, and I won't shoot you," the guy said as his eyes were darting between Liam and the precious medikit he held.
Liam's gaze hardened as he locked eyes with the guy, his tone filled with a mix of anger and defiance. "Was that the first time you killed?" he asked, pointing towards the lifeless body lying on the ground nearby. The guy nodded in response, his face reflecting a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Liam took a step closer, his voice low and intense. "I've killed three of them already," he continued, his words dripping with a bitter resentment. "Do you think I'm scared by a guy who can barely hold a gun? Piss off!"
Despite Liam's clear warning, the guy stubbornly kept pointing his gun in his direction. His voice quivered with desperation as he tried to explain his situation. "I-I can't let you take that medikit! It's ours! My sister needs it. She can't make it without medical treatment!"
Liam's heart skipped a beat as he heard the guy's words. Sister. Just like him, this guy had a sister who was in desperate need of medical treatment. The weight of his actions suddenly hit him, flooding him with remorse and guilt. How could he justify stealing from someone who was in the same situation as him? A pang of empathy washed over Liam as he realized the common struggle they shared. He needed to know more, to understand the full extent of their circumstances. With a conflicted expression, he took a step closer to the guy and asked in a softer tone, "Tell me more about your sister. What happened? Is she hurt?"
"Her leg is stuck under a metal piece of the roof, and she needs medical attention. I can't move that thing alone... That's why I came here and asked for your help."
Liam stood there, his mind racing as he contemplated the gravity of the situation. He understood the desperation and urgency in the guy's voice, the desperate plea for help. After a moment of internal struggle, he made a decision. With a heavy sigh, he gently placed the medikit box on the ground. "Half of this medigel is yours, the other half is mine. Use it to heal her."
"Half? That's our medigel not yours."
"I saved your life, you owe me that."
The tension in the air gradually dissipated as the guy reluctantly lowered his gun. With a nod of agreement, the guy gave in, "Fine, half is yours."
Liam wasted no time in further debate and instead focused on their new main objective. "Where is she?"
The guy pointed in a direction behind the ruined building. "She's here, follow me."
"By the way, the name is John. What's yours?" the guy asked, breaking the silence as they made their way towards the other room.
"Eh..." Liam hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether he should reveal his name or distance himself from John. But considering their current situation and the shared objective, he decided to give in. "I'm Liam, nice to meet you."
John's face brightened with a hint of relief as he answered. "Likewise, Liam," he said with a grateful smile. "We may be in a tough spot right now, but it's good to have someone else by our side." The tension from earlier seemed to have eased slightly, as they now shared a common goal. Liam couldn't deny the comfort of having another person to share the burden of their circumstances.
As they entered the room, Liam's eyes fell upon a young girl, pale and visibly in pain, her leg trapped beneath a twisted piece of metal. She looked up at them with wide, fearful eyes, her face stained with tears.
"J-John!" The girl's voice trembled weakly as she desperately called out. She attempted to rise from her position, however, the oppressive weight of the debris pressed down upon her, making her effort useless.
"Shh, Jane, stay calm," John said, as he knelt down beside her. With gentle care, he placed the medikit near her. "I've managed to find someone who can help us out. I swear everything will be alright."
With her tired green eyes, the red-haired girl scanned Liam, studying him intently. Though she appeared younger than both him and John, the age difference seemed rather slight, perhaps only a year or two.
"Are you sure? I heard those gunshots and the things he said to you," the girl complained, her words digging under Liam's skin.
Liam's words cut through the air like a dagger, his voice dripping with bitterness. "I have no interest in staying here and helping you. I can leave you there beneath that thing if you want," He retorted, his tone laced with poison.
The girl's eyes bore into Liam's, the intensity of the moment causing the tension in the room to rise even higher.
"No! I need your help!" John interjected, his voice filled with urgency. He turned towards his sister, his eyes pleading with her. "Jane, he offered to help us. I-I understand your reservations, you don't trust him but please... At least trust me on this."
Jane's gaze shifted between her brother and Liam.
"Fine." The girl let out a dismissive snort, her initial distrust still lingering in her expression. However, the sight of her brother's trust in Liam began to sway her perspective. Reluctantly, she decided to set aside her reservations.
"I don't like you," she stated bluntly, her voice laced with skepticism. "But if my brother believes in you, then I'll give you a chance. Just don't make me regret it."
The process of freeing Jane from the metal junk was arduous and tiresome. Liam and John used all their strength, carefully lifting and shifting the debris to free her trapped leg. Liam's injured shoulder didn't help at all. The wound protested with each exertion, sending waves of pain through his body. But he gritted his teeth and kept going.
In Liam's opinion Jane's wound, while serious, wasn't really bad. The bone was indeed broken, but it appeared to be a clean fracture without any significant damage to surrounding tissues. He was not a doctor but Liam's knowledge of basic first aid allowed him to assess that Jane stood a good chance of recovering fully without any lasting physical implications.
As John tended to his sister's leg, carefully applying medigel to the wound, Liam found a moment of rest. He took a seat against the wall, feeling the fatigue and pain spreading through his body. The gunshot wound in his shoulder throbbed relentlessly, sending waves of agony throughout his being. With a clenched jaw, Liam reached for a cloth and placed it firmly over the wound, applying pressure to stop the flow of blood. Every touch sent a jolt of pain, but he gritted his teeth and pressed on. The makeshift bandage offered some measure of control, but Liam knew it was only a temporary solution. Without proper medical treatment, the risk of complications was high.
As Liam focused on tending to his own wound, he noticed John approaching him. The man had finished attending to his sister and now stood beside Liam.
"How is she?"
"She might be younger, but she's tougher than me, that's for sure" John chuckled, his gaze drifting between his sister and Liam. With a determined expression, he set the medikit down on the ground before addressing Liam. "Thanks for your help. I couldn't have done it without you, and I really appreciate it... I mean it. Speaking of which, here's your other half. I can help you apply the medigel on your wound if you want."
Liam's gaze met John's. With a deep sigh, he recollected the strength need to rise to his feet, using his functioning arm to support himself and reached out to firmly grasp the medikit.
"Uh?" John's brow furrowed in confusion as he observed Liam's actions. He tilted his head to the side, his expression reflecting his confusion. "Wait, shouldn't you tend to your wound here? Moving around might worsen it."
Liam's gaze drifted downward as he pondered John's words. He knew deep down that tending to his wound immediately was the wise decision, but he couldn't bear to use the precious medigel on himself when his sister still needed it. It wasn't fair.
"This medigel is not for me, but for my sister. She's waiting for me... And she's injured."
John's expression shifted as he recollected all the things Liam did and they slowly made sense. He felt empathy towards Liam's situation, realizing the similarity between their predicaments. "I'm sorry to hear that. You helped me when I was in your situation. Now, let me help with your sister. I owe you that."
"There's no need to help me," Liam said, focussing on his omnitool. "I don't need assistance. However, if you want to do something useful, take your sister to the coordinates I'm sending you. I found a radio from a fallen soldier, and it seems like an Alliance ship will be landing there soon. They can provide her with further medical treatment."
"And what are you gonna do?"
"I have to go back to my sister," Liam said firmly. "Once I tended to her wound, we will make our way to the ship together. If everything goes well, we'll meet you there."
"Are you kidding?" John protested, his voice filled with concern. "If we stick together, our chances of survival will be higher. I'm coming with you, and I'll bring my sister along."
"Hey, don't speak on my behalf!" Jane's voice echoed from the background.
"Did you see her leg?" Liam pointed at Jane, emphasizing the severity of her condition. In response, she snorted. "Your sister can't even walk. I need to get there as fast as I can. Bringing you along would only slow me down."
"I'll carry her on my back, I'm used to physical work after all. I... I used to help my parents on our farm." His voice trailed off, filled with a mix of longing and sorrow as memories of his deceased parents flooded his mind. He took a moment to compose himself before continuing. "So yeah, I can bring her along with no problem. I could probably be faster than you."
"This is not a race or a joke," Liam insisted. "Your sister's leg is badly injured, she needs immediate medical help, you should help her not me."
"Then what about your sister? Where is she? Isn't she in danger right now? Doesn't she need medical help?" John's voice grew urgent as he interrupted Liam. "We can keep arguing about it or start moving. The choice is yours. But what I think is-"
Before John could finish his sentence, a strange sound pierced the air, capturing their attention. The unmistakable noise of weapons being readied and armored footsteps approaching echoed through the room, causing both of them to tense up with a shared sense of apprehension.
As they turned around, their eyes met a daunting sight. A platoon of heavily armed individuals stood before them, their rifles trained on Liam and John. Tension filled the air as the weight of the situation settled upon them. One of them raised his rifle to his shoulder, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Identify yourself!"
Liam's eyes widened in disbelief as he comprehended the leader's words. They were speaking in English, the very language both Liam and John were speaking.
"Drop your weapons and lay down!" the soldier commanded, his tone filled with authority.
"Stand down, soldier!" Another commanding voice resonated in Liam's ears. The words were firm and authoritative, conveying a sense of experience and seniority. Liam's attention shifted to another soldier who had appeared, seemingly of higher rank. This soldier approached, placing a hand on the rifle of the previous soldier, guiding it downward. As silence filled the air, the more senior soldier turned his gaze towards Liam, John and Jane. With a composed demeanor, he addressed to the soldier. "Don't you remember our orders?"
"Sir yes sir!"
"Could you count their eyes for me?" The more senior soldier asked.
"Two, sir!"
"Then why did you raise your rifle against them?"
At the third question, the soldier remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground below. A solemn stillness settled upon him, his shoulders slumping slightly as if burdened by the weight of unspoken words. In response, the more experienced soldier let out a tired sigh.
"What do they teach you rookies in boot camp these days?" He muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with a mix of exasperation, as if he wasn't expecting a response, but rather complaining about it.
After that, the older soldier approached the trio, he activated his omnitool, swiftly pushing its buttons. In an instant, a peculiar orange light enveloped them, casting an otherworldly glow in their immediate vicinity. John hurriedly reached Jane, positioning himself in front of her, his arms forming a shield around her fragile form.
The older soldier's gaze fixed on the results of the scans. He let out a weary sigh beneath his helmet and took a moment to collect himself before speaking their names.
"Liam Hawkins, John Shepard, and Jane Shepard. According to the colonial civil registry, you were born in this planet. You three are among the few fortunate survivors, uh?"
"W-who are you?" John asked, his voice trembled in uncertainty.
The older soldier reached up and detached his helmet from his armor, revealing a face that defied Liam's expectations. He wasn't as old as Liam had imagined; instead, he appeared to be in his early forties, with a strong and seasoned countenance.
"I'm Lieutenant Ernesto Zabaleta, from the SSV Einstein," the older soldier introduced himself, his voice carrying a tone of authority and reassurance. "You shouldn't worry, kid," Lieutenant Zabaleta continued, with confidence. "Everything is going to be fine from now on. What you've experienced here is going to end soon. We are driving those pirates off the planet."
SSV Einstein? Survivors? As Liam processed those informations, his mind raced with possibilities. How much time had passed since he had left Talitha alone in the forest? If the SSV Einstein was already present, it indicated that a significant amount of time had passed. Could they have found Talitha as well? The thought consumed his thoughts, intertwining fear and anticipation. "Did you... Did you find a little girl in the nearby forest? Her name is Talitha Hawkins, and-"
"We found many people in the forest, kid." Zabaleta replied with a chuckle. "Some more alive than others... However, no one by the name of Talitha was among those we discovered. If she was found by another group, she may be at the camp we're establishing in the main colonial hub nearby. We can escort you there, just like we're doing with other survivors."
Zabaleta left a bit of time for Liam to reply, but he couldn't say a word. What the lieutenant said gave him no hope. The possibility of Talitha still being lost in the forest weighed heavily on his mind. What if she was still out there waiting for him?
"We will go with you," John said firmly, gently placing Jane on his back and making his way towards Zabaleta. "My sister needs medical attention. She is wounded."
"There's a combat medic in our Mako, just outside the building. She can help her," Zabaleta said, pointing towards the vehicle. He then turned his gaze towards Liam, his expression filled with concern. "And what about you?"
Liam closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. He knew the logical choice would be to accept the help offered by Zabaleta and ensure his own safety. But his heart was torn, unable to abandon his sister in the unknown.
"I appreciate your offer, but I can't go with you," Liam finally replied, his voice determined. "If there's no certainty that my sister is safe, I can't leave her behind. I have to go back and help her. She's wounded too, and I can't bear the thought of her being alone and in danger."
"Yeah, we heard that," Zabaleta responded, a hint of concern in his voice. He reached into one of his armor's pockets, retrieving a pack of cigarettes. With a quick motion, he lit one and took a deep drag, the smoke billowing around him. His gaze settled on Liam, observing him closely. "You can't go on like this, kid," Zabaleta said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "You need medical treatment just as much as that girl, if not more. I'm amazed you haven't collapsed from the pain already."
Liam's face tensed, the pain etched across his features. He clenched his injured shoulder, trying to suppress the agony that radiated through his body. "I can't afford to think about the pain right now," he replied, his voice strained. "My sister needs me."
Zabaleta took another drag of his cigarette, his eyes narrowing with understanding. He stepped closer to Liam, the smoke swirling between them. "I admire your determination, but you can't be of any help if you're incapacitated."
Zabaleta exhaled another plume of smoke, his brows furrowing in contemplation. He took another drag from his cigarette, the tip glowing brightly, before finally responding. "I can't just let you wander off in your condition. However, what if we hop in our Mako and search for this Talitha together?"
Liam's eyes widened with a flicker of hope, he nodded eagerly, the pain in his shoulder momentarily forgotten. "Yes, let's do it. We need to find her as soon as possible."
Zabaleta crushed the half-smoked cigarette beneath his boot and gestured towards the parked Mako nearby. "Get in, boys!" He instructed to the other soldiers, his voice firm. "We have a damsel in distress to save."