Raith rested his temple against his fingertips as he sat in the quite of his office and scrolled through an endless list of recent incident reports. It just had not been his week. Since the Rigons’ arrival, quelling conflicts between species had been an ongoing battle. The most serious conflicts had been between the Rigons and the Malkaians. The Rigons decided that they too liked the seclusion of the city’s lower level caverns. He supposed it closer to what the beasts were accustomed to, but the Malkaians did not seem to care for their new neighbors’ rowdy antics. Kaine, the Malkaians’ iron fisted leader, had not been able to prevent the constant fights that broke out, some of which had turned serious. Even Nakyla, who’d stubbornly refused to move up from the depths and into the accommodations available to her upon her promotion to his team, had abandoned the chaos for the upper levels.

Raith just did not know what to do. General Tsa simply would not look past his Leonian appearance, no matter who had tried to assure the man that he was not a threat. The man was impossible, but without his cooperation, getting the others under control was only a dream. Raith felt as if all their hard earn successes, all their painstaking work, was unraveling at the seams.

A familiar report caught his eye, causing him to pause and scowl at the screen in frustration. He’d entered this report himself. Three days ago, a potential situation had arisen during the lunch rush. He had no clue what had started the altercation between a group led by Tsa’s son Madrick and a single Malkaian family unit, but the Rigons had been harassing a ticking time bomb. He’d personally been trying to recruit the family’s father for a year with no success. The quiet male was a dangerous warrior and rumored to have once been an expert assassin. Raith had been trying to enjoy his meal when the commotion had arisen and he’d quickly stood to investigate. That’s when he’d seen that Cassarian woman standing in the middle of it all. He had not been able to hear what was being said, but from her expression, it had appeared she’d been trying to diffuse the situation.

Whatever she’d said had worked. She’d led the group of Rigons over to where Askar sat with his friends. The Rigons joined the soldiers, the Malkaian family returned to their meals, and peace had been restored.

He had to find a way to put that woman’s talents to proper use.

Raith rubbed his throbbing temples as his thoughts once again focused on Sarhea. Nakyla had recently snapped at him after he’d made a snide remark about the Cassarian. He’d been infuriated after the two had made a spectacle of themselves in the training center. Nakyla had quickly fired back, claiming that he needed to get over himself and quit punishing Sarhea for not worshiping the ground he walked on.

Nakyla had never been one to hold back her true feelings, no matter who she was speaking to. He’d always respected her for this even though the older members of his leadership team chided him for allowing such disrespect. But this had been the first time he’d been on the receiving end of her true wrath. It had actually hurt and served to make him critically evaluate himself. Had he really fallen to that low?

Nakyla had later apologized, but the seed had already been planted. Perhaps she had been right. Sarhea had rubbed him the wrong way from the very beginning with the way she glared at him so defiantly and the way she always immediately went on the defensive like she had something to hide.

Raith sighed quietly as he turned away from the computer. Perhaps his ego had been the issue this entire time. It was true that before the Rigons had arrived, he’d not been accustomed to such resistance. But it did not matter now. The fact of the matter was that he needed her help, especially with the Rigons, and if it meant completely dropping his suspicions, he would make it happen.

He found his thoughts trying to drift to more pleasant thoughts. The quiet embrace of the night was sounding rather inviting at the moment. He’d much rather be scouting for signs of the drones and watching for their mystery friend than dealing with the stresses of city drama. Raith stood as his thoughts continued to drift to the past few nights. The Alpha team had ventured beyond the city for the first time since Lyle’s death four nights ago. They had been extremely cautious as they searched for signs of the drones, but they had uncovered nothing. The creature had been out as well. It never showed itself, but Raith could sense its presence; it never seemed too far away, almost as if it were watching over them. He almost imagined he felt its presence every now and then even within the safety of the city…

Raith slowly stood and walked over to the office window and peered out over the training facility. Watching the men and women below as they faithfully went about their daily schedules brought about a sense of pride. Who cared what a handful of grouchy Rigons thought; those troops down there put their heart and soul into their tasks. It did not matter to them that he was a Leonian without traditional training, did not matter to them that they basically made everything up as they went…

His gaze settled on a pair of figures sitting at a table near edge of the room. He quickly recognized them to be Askar and Madrick. The two had been nearly inseparable since the day Sarhea had introduced them. He could not fathom what a Cassarian and a Rigon could possibly have in common to warrant such a strong, immediate friendship, though at the moment, they appeared to be engaged in an intense discussion that was not going well for either of them.

Raith tensed as Madrick suddenly stood and began pacing. The Rigon’s face was scrunched in frustration and anger. Askar quickly stood and appeared to be trying to calm his new friend while pressing a point. For a brief moment, Madrick got right in Askar’s face, even appeared to be yelling, but the young Cassarian stood firm. Raith was about to step out of the office when Madrick’s gaze looked straight up in his general direction. His posture stiffened as he stepped back from the window. Askar was now moving toward the stairway leading up to where all the offices overlooked the facility. The Cassarian paused and urged the balking Rigon to follow.

Now what? He was not in the mood for trouble. Raith backed toward his desk as Askar ascended the steps with a very hesitant Madrick in tow. It was wishful thinking to hope they were heading to one of the other offices on this level. His nerves were on edge as he moved around to his chair and sat. It was not long before a knock sounded on the door. Raith exhaled slowly as he prepared for the worst.

“Come in,” he called.

The handle turned and Askar’s head appeared in the opening.

“Commander Raith, sir-do you have a spare moment?”

There was a hint of urgent excitement in his voice that instantly roused his curiosity.

“Sure Askar. What do you need?” he asked as casually as he could muster.

Askar opened the door wider and glanced back to the hesitant Rigon who stood just out of sight.

“Sir, I’ve been talking a lot lately with…” he paused and urged Madrick forward with quick hand gestures.

A very displeased Madrick finally moved into view. Raith did his best to hide the unease that tried to rise up.

“Been talking with Madrick here, and sir, the Rigons know some things that could really help turn the tide in our battle with the drones.”

Raith’s attention was instantly captured. He quietly stood and gestured for them to enter. Any information about the drones was welcome, no matter who it came from.

“Please, come in. Have a seat,” he said and motioned to two chairs off to the side.

Askar quickly stepped in, but Madrick remained hesitant. Raith sighed quietly as Askar drug the two chairs before the desk.

“Please, Madrick. I know I am the last creature you wish to help, but if you have information that will help us defeat our common enemy, you would be helping every soul within this mountain.”

Madrick scowled fiercely as he hesitated, but after several more quick gestures from Askar, he grudgingly stepped into the room. Raith knew it would be pointless to address the Rigon so he turned to Askar.

“Now, how about you just start at the beginning,” he urged as he retook his seat.

Askar needed no further prodding. “Sir, a couple days ago, Madrick and his friends joined us at lunch. It did not take long for us to discover that we had a lot in common-mainly when it comes to our positions in the military. It turns out that both of us hold very similar ranks within our respective forces.”

Raith glanced up at the rigid Rigon who glared down at him. “You are a squad leader? I am curious-what type of squad do you lead-how many men?”

Madrick hesitated as he shot Askar a critical glare, but Askar only gestured him on in frustration. He finally sighed heavily.

“I once led up to one hundred men, depending on the mission. Our group was responsible for perimeter security, reconnaissance, and we were heavily relied upon for first response,” he grumbled.

Raith eyed the man curiously. He seemed so young to have so much military responsibility. Askar was twenty one years old and only now had enough training and experience to lead a small squadron.

“If I am allowed to ask-Madrick, how long have you had such responsibilities?”

Madrick’s brows furrowed deeply as he scowled at the floor in thought. He finally glanced over to Askar in frustration.

“I’m…I don’t know how…” he started.

“Commander, sir, the Rigons are not used to our time keeping system yet. From what I can figure, Madrick is around nineteen Taloan years old. Sir, he has had his position since he was roughly fourteen. He’s been in training since before he can remember!” Askar suddenly cut in as he spoke up for his friend.

Raith’s eyes widened.

“You have been in training since childhood? I must say, I’m quite impressed. There are not many who can make such a claim.”

Madrick’s glare returned as he grunted and glanced down at Raith in distaste.

“On the barren wasteland where I was forced to grow up, only those who learned defensive tactics at a young age survived to contribute to the next generation.”

The air in the room thickened with tension. Raith knew the young man was eluding to the harsh conditions they had endured at Leonian hands after his species had been banished to one of Leonia’s most distant moons. It was Askar who finally broke the minutes long silence.

“Madrick, tell him what you told me about the years before your world was attacked.”

Madrick’s gaze locked on the Cassarian before he closed his eyes and shook his head.

“We thought we had finally been ignored by the Leonians as they focused on killing each other on their home world. But then, they began to watch us again. They sent spy machines to our world that were equipped with deadly weapons. If we ventured too far from our established territories, they killed us. They were the reason we were forced to set perimeter defenses in the first place. For many years, we existed in relative peace so long as we didn’t stray too far, but then, something changed.”

Madrick’s glare darkened as he paused. “The machines began attacking us without reason. I guess you Leonians wanted us gone from yet another world. But we had improved our technology and were able to fight back. We destroyed their machines, we stole their weapons.”

Madrick’s gaze was defiant as he glared back at Raith. What he said left Raith confused. Why would the Leonians attack the banished Rigons when they had already been left to die? These machines…he needed clarification.

“You said machines watched you, then later started attacking you…What did they look like? Did you ever see ships come to maintain them or bring more?”

“You should know what your killing machines look like,” he spat in anger.

Raith could only sigh as he struggled to contain his own growing frustrations. He turned back to the confused Askar.

“Askar, why have you come, why have you brought Madrick here if he does not wish to help us?”

“Madrick, I told you already about this. Commander Raith did not grow up with Leonians. Please, he needs to know what you told me,” Askar pleaded with his fuming friend.

Madrick glared at Askar before turning his dark gaze back to Raith.

“Leonians will say anything to learn our secrets,” the Rigon growled.

Raith shoved himself to his feed and turned away from the pair. The pounding in his temples increased as his frustration grew. Askar would not have attempted this meeting if the information he had was not important, but he could have relayed it in confidence without Madrick’s presence. How was he supposed to communicate with a creature who hated the very sight of him? A sudden thought struck him. Perhaps if he distanced himself from his kind…Raith turned back to his guests with a new determination in his gaze. Askar began to fidget in his chair while Madrick continued to glare at him.

“I suppose I can somewhat understand why you distrust me so strongly. My species seems to have a sordid past. When they got rid of the Rigons, they turned to killing each other over war torn dirt. Looking back, I guess I’m lucky they abandoned me when they first arrived on this world,” he spoke flatly.

A brief hint of question flashed in the Rigon’s eyes before the glare returned. Raith arched a brow as he crossed his arms before him.

“Ah, so you did not know that they would abandon their own? Perhaps they truly were as vile as you make them out to be. I often wonder why I was even rescued as an infant by the first group who fled the civil war on Leonia. Why did they waste their time saving me if all they did was toss me into the arms of the first Taloan they encountered when they stepped off their ship? They did not want me, and this pattern only strengthened as I grew up. I was not raised in their ways so I was considered an outsider that could not be trusted.”

He paused as he glared back at Madrick. He thought he recognized a stronger hint of question in the young man’s dark eyes.

“And now? I suppose it was all for the best. As I’m sure you have noticed, there is a distinct lack of Leonian presence here. They and their intolerant, warring ways were the first to be destroyed. I am alive today because I was not one of them. I may look Leonian, but inside, my thoughts, my ideas, my values-they are Taloan. Like the Rigons, Taloans were never fully accepted by the Leonians, even after the Taloans welcomed them with open arms. Even on a new world with the chance for a fresh start, the Leonians stubbornly held to the ideas they had tried to escape from. So forgive me if I get a little flustered when I’m constantly being held responsible for the crimes of a species that practically threw me away.”

His voice was more laced with distaste that he’d intended. The entire outburst surprised him. He’d gotten carried away, had spoken on a whim out of frustration and now wondered if he really did feel this way. Askar’s eyes were wide and questioning. Even Madrick seemed unsure how to respond. Without further word, Raith returned to his chair and began idly sifting through the stacks of paperwork piled on his desk.

“The ships,” he heard Madrick’s hesitant voice finally speak up.

Raith tried to keep his expression unreadable as he cast a quick glance up at the young Rigon.

“The ships were darker than the usual Leonian warships. They had new weapons I did not recognize. They would come every so often to collect their machines and replace them with new ones. After we attacked their outpost and stole their weapons, they began regularly attacking us.”

“Commander, when Madrick was describing the machines and the ships to me, I couldn’t help but remember the days after that first attack. Do you have any pictures of those ships? The skidders?” Askar asked quietly.

Madrick shot him a questioning glance. Raith had been thinking the same thing. He’d not personally seen the aftermath of the first attacks, but plenty of pictures had been taken to document the events. He turned to his computer and began digging through old files that he’d not browsed in over a year. He opened one directory that contained several images of the dark hulls of enemy ships overhead. The ground around the mountain was strewn with smoldering debris. Raith turned the computer screen so that the two younger men could see. Madrick’s eyes widened.

“That is them! What…what battle is this?”

Raith slowly scrolled through the pictures. He paused on one, a wide shot taken from the safety of the city that showed many enemy ships of all sizes. The destruction on the ground was horrific.

“These ships are not Leonian. They are the vessels of our enemy, the enemy that has been destroying the worlds of all who were driven to the safety of this city. If you are curious at all, the smoldering hulks of metal in those images are what remained of the Leonian fleet. The Leonians made this world their home out of necessity, and volunteered to patrol the expanse around it. I half think they were keeping watch to make sure none of the opposition forces from Leonia came looking for them. But on the day of this battle, more than half their numbers were in orbit with just about all their ships. I remember the skies turning red with explosions at the onset of the attack and I hear it rained pieces of destroyed ships for days.”

Madrick’s eyes were wide as he moved closer to the desk and sat in the empty chair to get a better look. Raith continued to slowly scroll through the images.

“After destroying the Leonian fleet, these ships set to work destroying everything else. Energy fire rained down from the sky, rained down on everything and everyone, no matter their species, age or gender. Out of untold millions, only the ones who made it into this mountain survived. When the enemy could not destroy us here, they set to work destroying everything around us, killing the natural world beyond these walls.”

Madrick’s dark eyes were wide as they locked on the devastating images. He finally cast a questioning glance up to him.

“Energy fire? White fire from the sky?” he asked.

“Yes. It sounds as if you are familiar with it.”

Madrick could only stare at the images on the screen.

“Yes. It killed many before we were driven underground. We thought…we thought it was the Leonians further punishing us for stealing their stuff. I do not understand. Why were these things on our world? Why did they wait so long before attacking us?”

Raith could only shake his head.

“From what we have learned from previous refugees, this enemy, whatever it is, attacked the most advanced civilizations first. They destroyed any who posed a significant threat to them. My best guess is that they were using your world as a stage to keep watch on Leonia, to monitor their activities and learn their weaknesses. They most likely did not consider the Rigons a threat.”

“Until we attacked them,” Madrick muttered in frustration. “If we had not attacked them first, we would still be living on our own world.”

“Not necessarily. After a while, the enemy began killing anything living on any world. We have creatures here from even the most primitive worlds. They were rescued by fleeing creatures from more civilized places searching for safe havens to hide. It made no difference in the end.”

“Madrick, tell him about the weapons,” Askar prodded quietly.

“Weapons?” Raith asked with a raised brow.

He could tell that Madrick was overwhelmed. The Rigon scowled at the computer images while idly rubbing his temples in thought. He only barely seemed to hear the question.

“Weapons…yes, the weapons…The weapons we stole from the machines were unlike anything we had ever seen. They caused great destruction, and were much more powerful that the cannons we had at that time. After we stole that first batch, we were never able to get more. So we began to attempt to copy them. They were far too advanced to make exact replicas, but we came close. The ones we made could take down the medium sized ships. Before long, their counterattacks became too continuous for us to leave our tunnels. We were not able to test our newest versions.”

Raith could only stare at the young Rigon with wide, questioning eyes.

“Commander, he has weapons that can take down a skidder, perhaps even larger ships!” Askar finally exclaimed.

He cast a quick glance to the Cassarian before refocusing on Madrick.

“Let me get this straight. You copied the enemy’s weapons, were able to take them down, and have untested newer versions? Did…did you bring these weapons with you?”

Madrick glanced nervously over to Askar.

“I am not sure,” he finally replied hesitantly.

Askar shot him an incredulous glare that confirmed to Raith that the Rigon was lying. But Madrick appeared quite nervous, even afraid.

“When the contents of your ship were placed into storage, there were no unusual weapons cataloged. If they did come with you and are still on those decaying hulls of ships, they must be recovered! This breakthrough could turn the tide for us!” Raith exclaimed.

Madrick remained silent as Raith leaned forward across the desk.

“Madrick, don’t you want to be an instrumental part of saving everyone within this mountain? The Rigons could go down in history as the ones who provided us the key to our victory!”

“I cannot speak to you of such things! If my father found out…”

There was real fear this time in Madrick’s voice and expression.

“What if we could get Madrick to his ship? Is there a way to get out through the ship bays to the landing zone undetected, Commander?”

Raith cast a quick glance to the hopeful Askar. It would be extremely difficult.

“I’m not sure. That area is heavily monitored. If I tried to ease the security, it would look suspicious. It would be nearly impossible to go unnoticed if we were toting unusual weapons in.”

“Leonian…” Madrick started then paused. “Commander, sir,” he continued, visibly unsure about using the title. “Even if there are weapons there, I could never turn them over to you. My father would know. I’d be cut off and my life would be in great danger!”

Raith now fully understood the young man’s predicament, but if the Rigons had such weapons, he needed access to them. An idea was quickly taking shape; by nature, Rigons were proud creatures who placed great value in military honor. His forming idea would still be dangerous for Madrick, but could possibly look better for the young Rigon if he were discovered.

“Madrick, would the trouble you faced be as severe if the transgression brought great honor to your species?”

Confusion quickly replaced the fear.

“I do not understand. What honor could possibly cover over disobeying my father’s commands?”

“Your father seems to be the type that places great value on battle victories. I know he places great pride in your abilities. Would the trouble be as severe if you used your weapons to defeat enemy drones out in the field? If you, and only you, were the one to operate them?”

A scowl formed on Madrick’s face as he considered the idea. “Perhaps he would not be as harsh with me, but there would still be great trouble if I were discovered. Just what are you proposing?”

Raith contained the grin that wanted to spread across his face. He was not trying to manipulate Madrick, but he needed to know if such weapons technology really did exist. He saw an expectant look enter Askar’s gaze. The Cassarian knew what was coming. Raith leaned forward and rested his chin on interlocked hands.

“I’m inviting the both of you to accompany my team and I on a series of search and destroy excursions. These are very important and dangerous missions. Stealth and accuracy are essential to your survival. And if the opportunity arises, you will be able to test those untested weapons.”

Askar’s eyes widened. “You mean…go out…there…just the two of us…with the Alpha team?”

The Cassarian’s emotions were hard to decipher.

“I know it has not been long since your brother’s death, Askar. Do not feel you must do this if you are not ready. You know firsthand the dangers we face out there. This time, there will be far less weapons to defend us. This goes for you as well, Madrick. This is not a decision to be made lightly. As much as I want to see these supposed weapons, and yes, your combat skills, the safety of the team comes first. You would have to be willing to work with my team, and that includes me. The lands beyond these walls are harsh and unforgiving, and many good soldiers have lost their lives out there. No one can guarantee your safety or survival, but I will fight till my last breath to achieve that goal.”

“Sir, I am ready. Those bastard drones killed my little brother. I’d love nothing more than to take as many of them down as possible. And to do it with the Alpha team…”

Raith allowed a slight smirk at Askar’s enthusiasm-he’d always figured the young soldier to be headed for greatness. He turned his questioning gaze to Madrick. The Rigon appeared quite perplexed.

“Madrick, there is no greater honor than working with the Commander’s team. I told you about them. If there was any way to claim a great military honor, it would be to claim victory in the field under the Alpha team,” Askar prodded in excitement.

“I…I don’t know. I will have to consider this,” Madrick quietly replied.

“That is understandable. I know this puts you in a difficult position, but only you can make this decision. There is no pressure. The maneuvers we will be preforming the next several nights will be a common occurrence, so there will be plenty of opportunity for you to take part, when you are ready. If and when you decide to join us for a mission, you can find me here or out in the facility. A more secure way, should you desire it, would be to get with Askar so he can contact me.”

“I will think it over and let you know,” Madrick finally replied with a grunt and stood.

Askar quickly stood as well. “Thank you for seeing us, Commander,” he said.

“Any time Askar. I look forward to seeing you back out there.”

“As do I sir,” he replied and turned to follow Madrick, who’d already walked to the door.

Without further word, the Rigon opened it and stepped out. Askar nodded in respect as he followed suit. Soon his guests were gone and all was quiet once more.

Raith felt a rush of excitement and hope. Yes, this development meant that he would have to come to terms with his personal issues with the Rigons, but it had to happen eventually. He saw real hope with Madrick. The young man was not nearly as stubborn and hateful as his father. If they really had superior weapons technology…the possibilities were momentous. He found it hard to concentrate on anything else as he tried to finish up the morning’s work before lunch.