Repercussion/Text

The Maynian Rover skidded to a halt, more and more checkpoints had arrived since their last journey. From the looks of it, the Par citizens didn’t feel safe. It made sense though as over the past five years, attack after attack had been brought to the Par’s door step. Be it a simple murder of a soldier or an attempt on Vee Christoph’s life. Jenn and Eshirca had been fatefully thrown together after the murder of the final Grad of Maynus, Noover Gevorian. They had both been working in the palace at the time of death, but the hardest part for both of them to fathom was the perpetrator of the crime.

Mac Follin had been apart of both these women’s lives. Jenn remembered the man for his charm and the years they had spent traveling around the rear sector, dreaming of the future. Eshirca knew him for a short time, but she was fond of the man. The news that he was an assassin shocked them both equally. They couldn’t believe the news that he was caught fleeing the scene and shot down by Nihalus Christoph, who announced this during his inaugural address. The fat pigs who had been loyal to Noover cheered Nihalus’ name. It seemed in the matter of a night everyone changed their alliance. Rebels became government and government became rebels.

A SecPol officer approached the Rover, ready to check for any illegal weapons. Boy, was he about to be surprised. Jenn was in the driver’s seat, waiting as the officer walked up to her window. He smirked as he noticed her beauty. “Hello, ladies,” he said noticing the older woman sitting next to her.

“Hello, officer,” the women said in unison.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I am required to check your vehicle.” He stared exclusively at Jenn when he spoke.

“What for?” Jenn asked, brushing a stray brown hair behind her ear.

“Oh, you know, just weapons and such,” he stepped closer to the Rover and put his hand on the door handle.

“Weapons? You mean like this?” Jenn asked pulling the large rifle that had been hidden between her left leg and the car door.

“Wha&mdash;”

Jenn fired a shot into the officer, blowing him backwards. He fell to the ground, dead. More officers spilled out towards their vehicle, Jenn was surprised by how many soldiers were stationed at one check-point. The officers drew their weapons and told the women to get out of their car. Little did the officers know, the women weren’t the only ones in the Rover. A small army had hidden in the trunk and two rows of back seats. Sixteen men, passionate and angry as ever, jumped out of their respective compartments and opened fire.

The surprised officers tried returning fire but were overwhelmed by the rebels massive arsenal of explosive weapons, pistols and rifles. In no time, the rebels had cleared out the area and continued on. One step closer to Nihalus.

Onward they traveled, clearing out more and more checkpoints as time went on. Nothing could stop them, their anger was too strong. They eventually reached the Lahari forest, a shell of its former grandeur. Traveling through it in the past was considered one of the most deadliest mistakes one would make. Now, the majority of the Spindell had been exterminated and the Par soldiers could stomp through and enforce their rule with even more ease.

The only commendable thing about the smaller forest was the ease they gained from it. What would have taken days, and surely risked all their lives, now was completed by the end of the day. No one died, the lack of danger prevented it.

Now they found themselves stepping into Belaham, their plan was in effect. They were to split into two groups, one led by Jenn, the other by Eshirca. Eshirca was to eliminate Vee Christoph, while Jenn had the honor of slaying the monster, the one who killed the man she loved. The one by the name of Nihalus.

“See you soon,” Eshirca said to her friend as they split up. Reports had said Vee was located in the Laronitis sector, in her own personal mansion. She took a 5-man group with her, much smaller than that of Jenn’s as breaching the palace was a much more difficult job due to the security protocol that Nihalus set up after he took over. No longer were monks allowed into the palace, if you wanted to enter, you had to show your face.

This wasn’t a problem for Jenn, she wanted everyone to know it was her who put down the monster. It was all she really wanted now. She gave everything to this rebellion, she even lost her father who died during the raid of Loka. Now she was so close, she could taste the sweet taste of victory, and the loads of ale they would be celebrating with later.

“Heading towards the entrance to Laronitis, wish me luck,” Jenn heard in her ear. It seemed all was going according to plan on Eshirca’s end. Jenn hoped the same would happen for her but knew the chances were slim when she saw the palace. The amount of guards had doubled since the end of Noover’s life, and they all carried some form of a blaster.

“Damn,” she said to her second in command, a young man by the name of Lafel. “I’m going to have to go in alone, but if you hear gun fire charge in an complete the job.” Jenn said, patting the young man on the shoulder. She hid a small pistol and knife in her waistband and then walked on alone. When she reached the palace entrance she was approached by an older looking man, an old man she recognized.

“Hello, miss. May I ask what business you’re on?” the guard said, he had aged greatly since the last time she had seen him, which had been on her first and only day of employment for the palace. She remembered his name well, it was Apul.

“Business? Can’t a young woman just come for a tour anymore?” She looked as harmless as possible but was ready to pounce at any time.

“Tours haven’t been given for the last five years, and they probably won’t happen for a long, long time. Unless the Kaiser proposes it and the people vote it in, obviously.” Apul said, he had become even more serious since the last time they met.

“Oh, is there any way I can convince you,” she tried sounding sexy, but she never had been too skilled at that. She just sounded more ridiculous than anything.

“Well sure, follow me,” he said leading her through the gate. The other guards gave Apul approving looks. When they were finally far enough away, Apul looked at her, “I’ve been waiting to see this day for a long time,” he said, still looking at her.

“What do you mean,” Jenn asked, a bit scared.

“I know why you’re here,” Apul replied.

“Really?” she held her hand on her hip, she grasped the handle of her knife. She knew she would be able to slit his throat before he could call out, but she was couldn’t help being a bit curious.

“Believe it or not but there are some of us still loyal to the Gevorian way.” Apul said, looking forward.

Jenn released her knife, letting her arm dangle by her side. “So you’re prepared for the chaos about to ensue?”

“I’ve been waiting for this day since I watched the Gevorian shuttle take off.” Apul said, looking into her eyes as they continued walking.

“Well do you know where our Kaiser is now?”

“Right now,” he paused for a second, thinking about it. “He is probably giving his speech over the holovids. He’ll be in his room shortly.”

“Could you perhaps show me his room?” She asked, she knew this was where it would have to happen. She would press her gun to his head and pull the trigger, or maybe stab him repeatedly, or both. She had not been able to decide yet, the possibilities were endless.

“Sure, I’ll try to keep the guards away, so you’re on your own if you need any help.” Apul said, Jenn had a feeling that he doubted her ability. But she knew she could do it, she had trained for years to see this day through.

“Fair enough,” Jenn eventually said as they reached the suite. Apul used his key and opened the door. The room was marvelous, though Jenn was bothered by all the paintings of the murderer on the walls, she had never seen a more vain man. The door then closed and Jenn was all alone. “I’m inside the suite, how is it one your end?” Jenn asked over her coms, she wanted to hear her friends voice, to know she was alright, but there was no answer.

“Eshirca?”

Still no answer.

“You there?” Jenn asked one more time before telling herself that Eshirca just cut coms due to them being in Vee’s mansion. It made perfect sense to her.

Jenn paced back and forth before realizing standing out in the open would alert Nihalus of her presence, so she hid, under his bed. She knew it wasn’t the safest place as it was hard to get out from under it if there was an emergency, but it was all she could think of. She laid there for many more minutes, waiting. Just when she was letting her mind wander, she heard the door open and a man clear his throat.

This was her moment, her opportunity, her chance to get payback. She was ready. She slid out from under his bed. “Nihalus Christoph,” she said pulling her blaster, on your knees.

“Oh, a visitor,” he said lifting his hand above his head, his palms facing her. He slowly approached.

“Stay back!” Jenn yelled, he didn’t listen. Before she could pull the trigger on him, she smacked her in the face and then knocked gun out of her hands. The pistol slid out of reach as Jenn tackled Nihalus. She landed a flurry of punches into the man’s hard stomach. His long hair had grown gray over the years but he was still a fighter. The two rolled on the ground for a while until Jenn tried to break free and grab her knife. But upon touching her hip, she realized it was on the ground, out of sight.

This caused Jenn, in a frenzy, to kick herself free and jump for her gun. It was too far away for her to upright grab it, but it grazed her fingers. She started pushing herself closer, but it was no use. Nihalus was pulling her away. She kept fighting, though. She eventually got to the gun and grabbed it. She spun over, pointing it at her enemy. She was victorious, now all she had to do was pull the trigger.

“On your knees,” she said softly. Nihalus, knowing the end was near, obliged. “Why?” she asked.

“Why what?” he asked, confused.

“Why out of all the people on this planet did you pick Mac?”

“Mac, you mean Follin, the Menace of Maynus? I don’t know what you mean.” he replied, trying to sound innocent, but she knew otherwise.

“I know you hired him, one of your soldiers told us. The rat spoke fast,” she said, remembering the mousy man. He had been her first kill.

“People will say anything under duress,” Nihalus said, trying to find a way out of the situation.

“Admit it!” she yelled, pushing her gun into his forhead.

“Okay, I hired him!” he finally yelled. “You want to know why? Fine, I’ll tell you.” he said, tears were starting to fall from his eyes and continued down his cheeks. “It was easy. Offer a poor man money and he’ll do anything,” he put his hands to his face in an attempt to hide the tears. Jenn knew it was an act, to make her forgive him, something that could never happen.

“Why’d you kill him?”

“He was a threat, he knew what happened and could ruin everything.”

“Why not send him away?” Jenn was furious and was barely stopping herself from bashing in his head.

“Look what you’ve done, don’t think I don’t remember you. I sent you far away, but you came back. That’s the last time I’m ever listening to a dying man’s last wish.

“You’re right.”

“Please, don’t kill me,” Nihalus pleaded. He broke down, crying more hysterically than before.

“Is that what Mac begged, too?” Jenn’s fury was growing. She wanted him to suffer.

“I’m sorry!” He yelled, he was shaking erratically.

“Sorry? Sorry, isn’t going to bring the boy from the rear sector back. Sorry isn’t going to miraculously bring all the men that died by your hand back to life. Sorry is shit,” she pushed out through clenched teeth.

“Is there anything I can do to save myself?”

“No,” Jenn said, ready to pull the trigger.

&mdash; &mdash; &mdash;

Eshirca opened the door to Vee’s mansion and was shocked to see the high marble walls and regal furniture. It reminded her of the palace she had once cleaned daily, actually most had once been a part of the palace. She was surprised not to see anyone in the room though, no maids, no guards, no Vee. Eshirca turned off her com-link, the last thing she wanted was to have Jenn contact her and get her detected. In front of her was a stair case and to her left was what appeared to be a kitchen of some sort.

As she walked into the kitchen, she notice a large brick oven and a simple wood table. They were very simple amenities, ones more commonly used by the poor. Vee probably liked having visitors see them so they would think she was more down to earth than she really was, that’s how she had imagined the Christoph family to be like. Just a band of filthy liars. The small kitchen was empty of any patrons, which caused Eshirca and her band to head up to the stairs.

Eshirca silently walked up the marble stairs with her small group, they were careful not to make a sound. They were now steps away from killing the monster’s kin and putting a stop to this Par fascination. Everything was going well until the climbed to the top of the stairs and were met with two guards.

They handled the guards easily enough, it was who stepped through the door in front of them that gave them a fight. Five men opened fire at them from the door in front of them while three men attacked them from a door to their right. Two of the rebels were shot down almost immediately, and one more fell down the stairs, his neck snapping as he tumbled. This left Eshirca and two rebels, a numbers game that nearly failed. They were able to gain an advantage with their short range explosives but even after they cleared out their enemies, one more remained.

Vee Christoph looked at her opponents, with her handgun she killed the two men, just leaving her and Eshirca. “Who sent you?” Vee asked, pointing her gun at Eshirca.

“We’ve come to free the people,” Eshirca replied.

“Have you heard yourself speak, ‘free the people,’” she said approaching the older woman. “Can’t you see that we are already free?”

Eshirca grunted as she tackled the young woman to the floor. They began scratching, punching and kicking one another in a brutal fashion. Both women were bruised and bloody by the time they tumbled to the stairs. After they reached the bottom, they continued their brawl. They knew this would only end once the other had died and both these women could put up a fight.

Eventually they separated, both grabbing weapons. Eshirca grabbed a vase while Vee broke a leg off of her heirloom table. Eshirca tried smashing the vase over Vee’s head, which most likely would have killed her, but Vee dodged and hit Eshirca in the back of the leg. Eshirca collapsed to her knees as Vee swung into her back.

Eshirca fell to her stomach and rolled as Vee kicked at her. She crawled away, but Vee chased after her, wildly swinging. Most of Vee’s swings missed, but the occasional would hit Eshirca’s ankle, causing her to scream out in pain. Eshirca began kicking back after she accidently trapped herself in a corner. Things weren’t looking too good.

“Just give up already,” Vee yelled as she ran into the corner after Eshirca. Trapping Eshirca, Vee wildly swung, smashing Eshirca’s head in, again and again. She only quit when the table leg had become so distorted it was hard to tell what it had once been, same went for Eshirca’s face.

&mdash; &mdash; &mdash;

BAM! Nihalus crumpled to the floor, dead. Jenn had done it. She then heard static over the coms, this was even more great news. “Eshirca!” she yelled. “Can you hear me?”

“Who ever this is, I advise you to crawl back into whatever hole you were in and just disappear.” the woman on the other line said. It hadn’t been the voice Jenn was expecting, it was Vee’s.

“Where is Eshirca?” Jenn asked, she felt an emptiness fill her. She knew what had happened, Eshirca was dead, she had failed.

“She’s dead, now please leave.”

“That’s kind of hard, miss,” Jenn replied, rage began to fill her head. First Mac, then her father and now Eshirca.

“Why is it hard?” Vee asked, curiosity was clear in her voice.

“Well right now I’m located in the palace suite standing over your father’s dead body.”

“I can see why that makes things difficult, how about we make a deal.”

“What kind of deal?” Jenn was confused, she had expected Vee to have been furious at the loss of her father, but she sounded even more relieved than earlier.

“One that assures that you and everyone you’ve arrived with leaves this city and doesn’t come back until one of us is dead.” Vee proposed a great deal, one that, if taken, would allow Jenn to return home and make a new plan. “I am not my father,” Vee added.

“You mean you’re not a murderer? What about Eshirca, huh?” Jenn was furious, she had lost her last friend.

“I defended myself,” she paused, she was clearly choked up. “If it were up to me, she would still be here.” Jenn didn’t want to believe her, she was a murderer she thought to herself. But she wasn’t, and deep down Jenn knew it.

“Okay, I accept. One problem, though,” Jenn finally said after minutes of contemplation.

“What is that?”

“I’m pretty sure the second I walk out and the guards see me, I’ll be shot,” she said, looking down at her bloody knuckles. With tender fingers, she touched her face. It was a bit puffy, and blood had been trickling from her nose. She looked battle-hardened.

“I sent out a message to my head security guard, he will escort you and your people to the edge of town, where you will travel through Lahari and never come back. It that clear?”

“Yes,” Jenn said, opening the door and seeing Apul.

“Hello, miss,” Apul said looking at her and then at Nihalus’ body. It was very faint, but Jenn could see a smile spread across his face. “I was informed by Vee that I am to escort you out of the city,” Apul said as Jenn walked out of the suite.

Jenn wanted to talk to Apul, but feared for his life for if Vee found out where his true loyalty was. So she didn’t say a word. She just kept her eyes forward and looked to her future as the walked past the darkening palace. The sun was descending and the moons would soon light their way back home. Jenn had never been able to see sundown at the palace, but Eshirca had often spoke of its beauty.

Eshirca was right, the way Culor’s array of color reflected of the windowed walls was beautiful. It made the halls and rooms that were lucky enough to have windows look even more gorgeous. She was saddened that this would be her last time walking through the palace, and even more saddened that her father, Eshirca and Mac couldn’t be by her side. It was only Apul, who was about to be the final rebel in the city.

As the two reached the exit of the palace she looked on to some of the guards who were standing at the walls and others who were in the watchtowers. Some gave her nods of approval, some of disgust. It appeared that Vee had announced Jenn’s victory to the guards, it was probably the only way they would stand down. So she walked on, eventually meeting with her remaining rebels. When they arrived, the rebels drew their weapons on Apul, who didn’t even flinch. Jenn was just thankful that the rebels didn’t open fire immediately, something she probably would’ve done.

“It okay, the mission has been aborted.” Jenn said as she approached Lafel. Once in reach, she put her hand on the blaster he was aiming and lowered it. “No more, Lafel. Not now.”

“Did you finish the job?” he asked.

“Yes, the bastard is dead. But Eshirca didn’t make it,” Jenn said, tears filling in her eyes.

“How do you know? How are you sure?” Lafel said, tears of anger began to stream down his cheeks. Lafel had always thought of Eshirca as a mother figure, she was the reason he was still fighting and still breathing.

“Vee told me,” was all Jenn could say before collapsing to the ground. Lafel fell with her, wrapping his arms around her as she pressed her head into his chest, crying.

“Its okay, you’re safe.” Lafel said, he looked up to Apul who, with a somber face, pointed to the forest. They needed to get out, before Vee’s kindness seized.

“Thank you,” Lafel said to Apul. Lafel helped Jenn up and they all walked on, into the forest line. They would never return, for they could never return.

&mdash; &mdash; &mdash;

“Today we put to rest a friend. A woman who started this rebellion, and died trying to complete our goals. She will never be forgotten,” Jenn said, it had been over a week but every time she thought of her friend tears streamed down her face just as tremendously as before. The only way she could go on was with Lafel standing by her side, she tightened her grip around his hand and continued on.

“She left this world to go onward and upward and we should not dwell on it,” she couldn’t believe what she was saying. She felt like a hypocrite, telling people to forget when all she could do was remember. “To continue thriving as a rebellion, we must fight on. Split up, take control of whole cities and bide our time, for once Vee is dead, we will attack Belaham once more!” Crowds cheered, all but Lafel, who looked at her seriously. She knew it was wrong to talk about this during her best friend’s funeral, but it was the only opportune time.

“We will split into smaller factions, identified only by a color and a name. We will start our domination of this planet, and when the time is finally right, we will strike. The Loka and Lo-Intob company, you will be Green Follin, for our fallen comrade.” The large group cheered. They had always felt pride in the man who rose from poverty, even if he was the man who helped destroy the Gevorians.

“The residents of Indego, Quebol and Unloa, you shall fight under the banner of Blue Larild,” she said, thoughts of her deceased father flooded her mind. The way his face would wrinkle up when he smiled. She missed him dearly.

“And finally, for those of us from Belaham and Groften, we will hunt, kill and conquer, fighting under the greatest name of all,” she said, trying to think of a name that evoked fear. Purple Eshirca? No, it didn’t sound right. Red Eshirca? Close, but it still wouldn’t cause a tremendous uproar when people heard its name. She then remembered her friend’s last name, one that would cause fear. “We are Red Talon!”

The End