Mitth_Fisto

Prologue
It was the worst of times, a time that seemed to go on without end. The good times, the best of times were over four generations in the past, so far that few ancients on the eastern fringe could yet recall its freedom and peace for all.
Jariel gazed intently out the view port onto the once verdant world of Fibuli, one of the last worlds taken by the invaders. Though they had finally retaken the world, freeing the millions that had been held in chattel slavery, and in many cases just plain slavery. The face of the world below would take a long time to heal from the scars and wounds visible from the strip mining, and the unseen damage from waste disposal, big game hunters going unchecked, and the careless drilling for the precious fluids and gases within the core. But all of these worldly scars paled in comparison to those worn by the people that had been forced to live entire lives where freedom from slavery and death by the burning were nearly only a faded story from long ago.
To simply know these things and to look down on that world would make any descent beings heart ache, but for Jariel it made his heart nearly break once more for the three systems that were still in desperate need and oft in worse conditions for being under the invaders heals all the longer. His heart broke even more for the four worlds still controlled by the invaders and his family which still waited on Ekibo, still waiting for rescue.
Coming silently up behind him came a soft voice just above a whisper, ?It is hard to believe we beat them from this world nearly ten years ago. If only we had known not only how badly in need the people were, but also the need of the world for rebuilding.?
?The people still need rebuilding, their spirits and hearts are still recovering.?
?True, but we are here only to free, stabilize, and protect before moving on to fight the next good fight. Of all people I thought you would want that Jariel, or has your training within the Elite Ranger divisions and with that small visitor made you forget about your parents sacrifice to smuggle you out of the cesspit Ekibo has become.? She intoned smugly.
Whirling around he bit out thru clenched teeth, ?I could never forget their sacrifice, no more than you could forget your parents death on Fibuli by burning used till only charred bones were left. Only our shared sorrow prevents offense, don?t let your bitterness poison our friendship Marrikuarii-Captain.? Turning away he turned back toward the view port.
?I was only making sure you were unchanged in heart, despite who may have trained you since you escaped Ekibo. Especially since you?ll be leading an infiltration team for the next battle before the week is out to the Brochiib system.? She said with a conciliatory air that almost made his gut wrench.
Though he wouldn?t say anything about it, he was disappointed that Ekibo was not to be his first mission as a leader. ?Who will be taking us in??
?Someone very trustworthy according to our limited information, the attempting smuggler king Karde has agreed to help us. Apparently there is no lack of love between his organization and Corporate Sector Authority. He did not specify who, at least no one I or any Rangers know, would be transferring your flight in secret but they should arrive here shortly. Until then I suggest you prepare your new team. Good morning and good hunting.? With a curt nod of the her head she turned to walk briskly down the corridor back to her chambers.
?Good hunting.? he replied with a curt nod in return, and as he walked to the ships library for any helpful details that may help during the mission planning, he could not help as his mind wandered, I am coming Mom and Dad, the journey may be longer but I?ll get there, I will get there as soon as physically possible.