Chapter 1 - The Admiral

The reflection in the mirror revealed an enthusiastic as well as worn out and tiresome face, through the features present from the saggy eyes and the slightly wrinkled skin the one that stuck out the most would be the blue skin and flattened nose, those familiar with the Sejatharian species could easily assume the age range of this beleaguered figure to be in the early 200s. The Sejatharian are a reptile like species with rough spiky flesh on their skeletal figure as well as featuring two large nostrils on each side, these features present are seen to be worn out indicating that they have seen many battles in their past. The Medlahn academy insignias on the uniform present that the Sejatharian is of substantial military rank and an experienced veteran, the identification tag featured on the right breast presents the name Secundus Rafak, and a further detailed look at the tags provides the Sejatharians full identification and military ranking as Admiral Secundus Rafak. Three deep breaths are taken as Secundus Rafak braces himself for the imminent ceremony where he is to address the populace for his part in the successful recapture of the Sejatharian world Issophon from the Dittakar Hegemony in the recent climax of the relatively short engagement over the planet's surface. Although Secundus feels triumphant at retaking his homeworld from the most despicable and hated beings in the galaxy he pondered in his mind at whether it had been worth the cost, 250 spacecraft destroyed, 600 with minor to critical damage, as well as the lives of 480,000 Sejatharians, the price of reclamation was severe, but today that was unimportant as this was a day of celebration, triumph and perseverance through a defining moment in history. "Alright, i'm ready" spoke the admiral softly to himself as he stepped away from the mirror whilst taking one last look at himself in order to see if his appearance would appeal to the ecstatic crowd that were awaiting his presence, he wore on himself full formal military apparel with 3 medals pinned on the upper right near his left shoulder and his admiralty cap proudly resting on his rough scalp and finally stepped out of his dressing chambers and proceeded down the corridor making way for the auditorium. As he got closer with each step the vocals of the crowd got louder with excitement for the arrival of Admiral Secundus Rafak. Finally the entrance to the stage is reached and for a brief moment the Admirals vision turns dark as if he has just phased into another plain of existence, vision then returns with a bright and luminous hover droid casting its light upon him as the stage reveals itself before him and sights his close friend and fellow Sejatharian soldier Admiral Duros Truut who wore the same style of military wear and cap whilst bearing slightly younger facial features and an excited personality as he announced the appearance of Secundus Rafak "Now I present to all those loyal to the Sejatharian Confederacy, the hero of Issophon, Admiral Secundus Rafak!" these words bellowed throughout the auditorium as the crowd whistled and cheered as the Admiral took his first steps onto the stage and approaches his old friend placing his hand on his shoulder staring at him and saying "With each day of you by my side all foes will tremble" these words were said softly and quietly away from the noise amplifiers so that only Duros heard them and he returned a smug smile and speaks "No matter the sacrifices made" and gives a nod of respect to Secundus as he makes his way off the stage giving all access to Secundus and the admiring mass of Issophons inhabitants with all eyes locked on him as he approached the vocal amplifiers in dead silence, the Admiral thought to himself "This is it, remember your practice" he places his hands behind his back standing firm with head held high and begins his speech "Today marks a day not only of triumph and humiliation over the greatest and most horrific threat our civilization faces but a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who put themselves in great danger in order to defend those from harm" the admiral's words echo through the hall as his words seem to sink deep into the crowd dramatically focusing their full attention to what else might come from this speech "The true heroes of today are not found on the stage but in the burned out husks and charred remains of those who cannot see our moment of victory and their sacrifice will spread a message across the entire galaxy, one that says the truth, the Sejatharian people stand as one, stand strong, and stand together". These somber words that Secundus produces decrease the crowds joy and excitement as the reality of the sacrifice made to liberate their world seems to hit them in full and the Admiral makes his way off the stage and towards Duros Truut who seems to be looking his way in dismay towards the crowds reaction.