...
In the war of Nest City, both factions were diligently preparing for victory. At this moment, the orbital dry dock had yet to be transported into orbit, and the fleet under the governor's command had not yet returned to the Talon system.
Thus, no one noticed the emergence of a purple rift in the tranquil expanse of Talon space, through which a Rogue-class cargo ship burst forth from subspace, the rift sealing behind it.
Inside the ship's bridge, all crew members, including the captain, stood breathlessly, their eyes fixed on the metallic panels surrounding the ship as they folded and ascended, revealing the infinite void of space beyond.
"Ah… Praise the Emperor!" the captain exclaimed, kneeling in fervor. "By His grace, we, the crew, have finally beheld the reality of the void."
"Praise the Emperor! Praise the Emperor…"
"Surviving the subspace storm is undoubtedly a miracle bestowed by the Emperor!"
The other crew members fell to their knees, bowing before the emblem of the two-headed eagle that symbolized the Empire.
Soon, footsteps echoed as the bridge doors swung open, admitting ten officers clad in green power armor, their eyes shimmering with a violet hue. Upon witnessing the cosmos outside, they too began to extol the Emperor.
The subspace storm was a dreadfully terrifying phenomenon for those utilizing subspace engines, for it meant they could become trapped within, subjected to the whims of the horrifying creatures that inhabited the subspace realm.
In such circumstances, unspeakable horrors could befall the ship, such as a crew member succumbing to madness and initiating rituals, or, even worse, the entire crew spiraling into frenzied chaos. Even if they escaped the storm to return to the material universe, they might discover that centuries had slipped by unnoticed.
"What system are we currently in?" one officer inquired.
"Talon," the captain responded, approaching the viewport to survey the three planets revolving around the star. "I have conducted business here before."
"Oh… wait, so you truly are a merchant?" the officer demanded with rising ire. "Our entire regiment has come to assist your system, and you merely send a merchant vessel to ferry us home?"
"Then what do you propose? To execute me or to return to your homeland of Cadia?" the captain replied, a smile playing on his lips.
In the dimly lit bridge, the officers' violet pupils sparkled like gems as they struggled to contain their simmering rage.
"Can we return to Cadia now?" the officer pressed.
"Not yet," the merchant replied with a chuckle, shaking his head. "We still require some time for preparations, and this ship has sustained some damage. We need an appropriate location for repairs."
"Very well," the officer conceded reluctantly. Operating a ship was no simple task, and as soldiers of the Star Realm, they were entirely dependent on these merchants to return home.
The officer then turned to his comrades, issuing commands to each of them. "You shall each take a small contingent of soldiers to the various planets of the Talon system and negotiate with their governors to see if they can assist us with repairs."
"If they refuse, that's of no consequence; we can negotiate terms, such as offering our assistance in battle."
As he spoke, the officer's gaze fell upon a scarred man: "Kreed, you will take White Shield to Talon One. I know you possess a talent for persuasion."
"Yes, sir," Kreed responded, saluting in acknowledgment.
"Take this," the officer said, producing a cigar from his pocket and handing it to Kreed. "Smoke this while negotiating with their governor. Combined with your scarred visage, he will surely perceive you as a figure of great influence."
"Yes, sir," Kreed said, tucking the cigar into his pocket.
...
Moments later, a transport craft emerged from the Rogue-class cargo ship, soaring towards Talon One below. As the vessel smoothly navigated the atmosphere and glided above the Nest City world, Kreed unexpectedly instructed the pilot to open the hatch, steadying himself against the door while observing with curious eyes.
Like the majority of Nest City worlds, the natural environment of Talon One was deplorable; yet this was not due to extensive pollution but rather the inherent barrenness of the planet itself. Nevertheless, the air remained marginally breathable, allowing them to forgo their respirators for the time being.
The transport craft soon reached the apex of the tower.
"Do not descend yet," Kreed commanded the pilot, turning to the others. "Do you not find this situation peculiar?"
Upon hearing this, the others gathered at the hatch to survey the scene below.
There were no nobles in sight, only numerous soldiers engaged in rowdy antics in the tower's streets, as if the area had already been occupied.
However, Kreed quickly discerned that the soldiers were not invaders; rather, this was their barracks, as evidenced by the many supply facilities constructed in the vicinity.
"Let's head back," someone suggested.
"No. Let us explore the lower levels," Kreed replied, gently patting the pilot's shoulder to signal him to navigate the transport craft into the lower city.
After a circuit around the towering structures, the pilot found an entrance from the outside to access the lower levels, albeit one that was somewhat challenging to enter.
"Brace for impact, everyone," the pilot said, donning his helmet and steering the transport craft directly into a section of wall reinforced with steel patches.
Kreed and his companions were accustomed to such jarring encounters, so they showed no reaction. Once the transport craft came to a swaying halt, they climbed out of the vessel.
They had crashed into Zone Seven of the Talon Nest City, where crowds of curious civilians began to gather around the uninvited guests.
Before long, a squad of soldiers approached.
Noticing that these soldiers were all clad in power armor, Kreed immediately assumed they were elite guards protecting significant figures. However, just as he was about to introduce himself, another figure in power armor descended from above, blocking his path.
Kreed scrutinized the newcomer, noting that their armor was far more ornate than that of the others.
The figure appraised Kreed and his party, seemingly concluding they posed no threat, and then spoke in a muted tone from within the helmet, "Who are you?"
"A group of Cadia citizens caught in a subspace storm, seeking assistance," Kreed replied. "Allow me to speak with your commander."
"I know not what Cadia is; all I know is that you are uninvited guests," the armored figure retorted, stepping back and raising their hands, the shoulder-mounted cannon trained on Kreed and his companions.
Despite being fresh recruits of the White Shield, Kreed's group exhibited remarkable tactical acumen. They swiftly sought cover and readied their laser rifles for combat.
Just as tensions escalated, Kreed stepped forward to shield his comrades from the cannon's barrel, calmly stating, "I am the captain of the Eighth Company of Cadia; we bear no ill will."
The armored figure relayed this information, subsequently receiving orders from their superiors, which were communicated back to Kreed: "You refuse to disclose your name; do you expect me to believe you harbor no malice?"
"Kreed," the man declared promptly. "Usaka E. Kreed."