About two decades ago, there was a war between two races from two separate planets called Earth and Elemen. Since that time, Earth has become a center of much universal culture. Since much of the planet was destroyed during the war, other races and cultures began to form trade routes and immigration to the Third Planet in the Sol System. War on Earth had generally ended, though skirmishes and rivalries did continue in some areas…particularly around rival alien races. However, in general, everyone was in relative peace on Earth- including Earthlings and Elemenians…who had once been fierce enemies. In fact, the two individual races eventually melded together so fluidly that they came to be known as a single race known as Earthians.

Under the Earthian Dynasty, the people of the Earth eventually began to thrive once more, and Earthians began to spread across the stars, eager to explore and meet with new cultures. However, the Earthian forces never took on a militaristic approach of any kind. The results of the previous war had taken their toll on the young world, and its people were not eager to see them repeated.

The Earth gained a small amount of fame throughout the universe both as a remote, luxurious place and as a primitive, backwards civilization. Most of the different nations and universal sovereignties felt no desire to conquer such a world…

…but there are exceptions to every rule.

5.12.2094

EARTHIAN SOLDIER

We’re under heavy attack!!

There’s just way too many of them

EARTHIAN COMMANDER

Pull together!

We have to protect the capital!

EARTHIAN SOLDIER

I…I can’t stop them….

….AAHH!!!

Hundreds of warships hover above the Earth’s surface, attacking the planet. The Earthian forces’ own ships are blasted out of the sky one after another, their weaponry no match for the invading army’s. The chief oddity about the attacking fleet is that they do not appear to be of the same make or design. In fact, they seem to operate at completely independent and varied levels.

Despite the seemingly hopeless odds, the Earthian soldiers continue their battle, resorting to their own natural abilities, that of psycho-kinesis (manipulation of nature) to try and attack the enemy armada. As to be expect, this proves completely futile.

The capital of the Earthian Dynasty, Sylenia, where the royal Zennon family remains, is bombarded by heavy fire. A forcefield protects the city from a few powerful strikes, but soon, the field breaks, and the city is pummeled by the alien firepower. Inside the royal chateau, those who cannot fight (women, children, and the a few others) are kept inside as they try to make it to a shelter. Two such people are a young nursemaid and a young blonde boy, age 12, as they race through the halls of the chateau.

NURSEMAID

Young prince, please try to hurry!

PRINCE

I’m coming, I’m coming!

The nursemaid turns and takes the boy’s hand, pulling him along. They make it to an elevator, where she holds it open and waits for him to enter.

NURSEMAID

Quickly, Prince Orion!

You must get inside!

ORION

Okay, okay! I—

Just then, there’s a loud explosion as the ceiling is broken down. A multitude of alien soldiers break into the room, with glowing energy swords pointed at everyone.

The frightened nursemaid and Orion stop. The nursemaid covers Orion, shivering with fear. The alien soldiers continue to talk amongst themselves in their alien dialect. Neither person can understand what they are saying.

ALIEN SOLDIER

(translated)

Stand up!!

Orion and the nursemaid don’t understand his words, so they don’t do as he commands. The soldier, angered, grabs the woman and pulls her, seemingly assaulting her. Believing that they may be in danger, Orion kicks the soldier between his legs, kicks the soldier in his knee, knocking him over. While the soldier is bent over in pain, Orion knocks his gun away and then gives him another kick in his jaw, knocking him down to the ground.

The other soldiers see what has happened, and after their initial shock, turn their weapons towards Orion, shouting in their native tongue. The distinctive whir of an energy weapon is heard, and Orion freezes in his tracks, realizing that this will probably be his last few moments alive…

…But then, there’s another loud rumble as another figure bursts from overhead. The guards turn and prepare to fire their weapons, but the individual is too powerful for them. He grabs one and throws him into another. Next, he fires a blast of energy at three other soldiers with lightning-quick reflexes. Then, touching the walls, he causes them to bend and change shape, reaching out and grabbing the soldiers and preventing their movements.

After finishing all of this, the figure turns towards the young prince. Orion doesn’t know what to make of it at first, but as the person comes closer, his face is instantly recognizable to the boy.

TERRAN

Hey, kid…you okay?

ORION
Y-Yeah…

TERRAN
(turns to the nursemaid)

How about you?

NURSEMAID

J-Just a little shaken up.

TERRAN

Good. We need to get you out of here and someplace safer.

In the Sylenian Tower, a middle-aged, red-haired woman makes her way to the control room. Inside, several other men, mostly middle-aged and older, are awaiting her along with the technicians inside the control room.

EARTHIAN COUNCILMAN
Your Highness…we’re glad you’re here!!

DREMORA

What’s the situation?

EARTHIAN COUNCILMAN

Most of our air defense has been completely compromised.

Our ground forces are in complete disarray.

At this point, this seems like a lot cause.

DREMORA

Dammit…

Danny…what do you think?

Daniel Zennon, Dremora’s brother-in-law, ponders for a moment.

DANIEL

I don’t think we have many options here.

They’ve gotten us completely beaten.

DREMORA

And what about Terran?

Almost on cue, Orion enters the room..

DREMORA

Rio!!

ORION
Panma!!!

Orion runs to Dremora and hugs her.

DREMORA

Didn’t I tell you about wandering off!?

I was worried sick!

ORION
But…

DREMORA

We’ll discuss this later.

But first, how did you get here?

ORION

Terran brought me here.

DREMORA

Terran!?

He’s here?!?!

ORION

Yeah…

…but he left to fight some more.

DREMORA

He’s going to fight all of these guys by HIMSELF!?

That’s suicide!!

ORION

No it isn’t!!

He’s Terran!! He can do anything!!

DREMORA

…

TECHNICIAN

Your Highness!!

The invaders are attacking the cities!!

DREMORA
No!! But those are civilian areas!!

EARTHIAN COUNCILMAN 2

It seems that they don’t much care for that.

Dremora is silent for a moment. Her face goes blank, and she takes long, troubled breaths. Orion, perplexed, looks up at her.

DANIEL

Uh, oh…

I know that look.

Dremora, what are you up to?

DREMORA

…

I just got a bit of an idea…

…but I’m not too crazy about it.

…however, we’re dealing with innocent lives here…

…so I guess I have no choice.

DANIEL

…what are you…?

DREMORA

Tell these invaders…whoever they are…

…that we surrender.

….This battle is lost.

…God help us all.

REMONA (NARRATION)

Ever since that day, six years ago, the Earth has been a principality of the Zalbachian Empire.

The Zalbachians claimed the planet in the name of their King, and soon established themselves as the central authority on the planet. They took control of everything- the military, the commerce…even the distribution of food and resources.

They also took full advantage of Earth’s status as a planetary "retreat". While the humans native to the planet Earth were looked at as mere objects, visitors to the planet (mostly royalty or other people of importance) were pampered and praised.

However, all had not been completely lost on Earth. There are rebellious factions located throughout the entire planet. These factions, a testament to the rebels that bravely fought against the Elemenian Empire during the Elemenian war, bravely fight to free Earth from the Zalbachian rule.

The Andes Mountains- Chile

Three ships slowly descend to the ground as Zalbachian soldiers direct them. Their bright lights illuminate the area under the dark night sky. The ships, fat and wide, are built for carrying cargo- not fighting. However, around the entire surrounding area, guards patrol the area, looking for any sort of disturbance. The ships manage to land safely, and the pilots exit, waiting for the cargo to be inspected by the soldiers.

The Zalbachian soldiers finish inspecting the cargo and then turn around to the pilot.

ZAL. SOLDIER

Alright, then…it seems everything’s in order.

You can begin unloading.

PILOT

Thank you.

(turns over to his co-pilot)

Okay, we can start now.

There is no answer.

PILOT

Hey…come on. Quit playin’ around.

Still no answer.

The pilot goes around to the other side of the ship. On the ground, he finds his co-pilot on the ground, knocked unconscious. Startled, he goes back to the other side of the ship to inform the guard. However, when he gets there, he finds that guard unconscious as well. He begins to panic and slowly backs away. However, as he does, he bumps into something. Turning around, he sees a young Earthian man standing proudly. The young man is blonde-haired and his looks are a bit on the wild side, with untamed hair, an open t-shirt, loose pants with military boots and knee pads. The young man smirks at him arrogantly.

ORION

Sorry, pal. Nothing personal.

PILOT

N-No…don’t kill me!!

I-I’ll do anything you want!

ORION

Who said anything about killing you?

Damn…I swear, people keep assuming the worst.

PILOT

T-Then, you WON’T hurt me?

ORION

(grins wider)

Now, I didn’t say THAT…

There’s a loud "whack", and the pilot falls over unconscious. He falls backwards, but is caught by another individual…a young Zalbachian female.

ORION

Good job, Remy.

Come on, we gotta get to work.

REMONA

Right.

Remona drops the soldier to the ground, and follows behind Orion as he goes over to the cargo ship, looking at the cargo.

ORION

(whistles)

Now this is what I call a haul.

There’s a sudden motion blur beside Orion and Remona. After it’s passed, another young man stands next to them, peering into the ship.

JET

Woooooow….

That sure is a lot of….

…

…whatever it is.

ORION

It’s fuel.

JET
Fuel?

REMY

I don’t think he means food, Jim.

ORION
Yeah…

Energy cells.

Enough here to power a small town for months.

JET

Sweeeeet….

ORION

Calm down, buddy.

You drool on my jacket and I’ll make you eat it with cranberry sauce.

Orion puts his hand over his ear, speaking into a communicator on his wrist.

ORION

Dove…

Can you read me?

DOVE

Right here, boss.

ORION

What’s the situation?

DOVE
I’m flying overhead right now.

So far, the guards haven’t noticed us.

ORION
Good.

But the second they do, you let me know.

DOVE

Got it.

ORION
Okay, Remy…Jet…

We need to start unloading these babies.

Remona walks up to one of the crates and braces herself. She then picks it up and sets it on the ground, stepping back.

JET
Okay, I’ll just pick this up and…

Jet bends down and tries to lift up the crate. He manages to lift it roughly two inches from the ground before he’s forced to let it go and it slams back to the ground.

JET

God!! How much does that thing WEIGH!?!

ORION

About 70 lbs.

JET

How do you know that?!

ORION

I can read it on the side.

JET

You can read Zalbachian?

ORION
Yep. Speak it, too.

REMY

It’s called "education", Jimmy.

Maybe YOU should give it a try.

JET

Ooooh….kay…

But, if they weigh that much, how are we gonna carry them all?

ORION

We’re not gonna carry ALL of them.

That’s crazy.

We only came for four or five cases.

So, Remy, if you please?

REMONA

Yeah, yeah…

Remona goes up to another crate and picks it up. She sets it down next to the other one. She repeats this twice more, placing all four crates on the ground close to one another, forming a square.

ORION

Okay, now it’s my turn.

Orion waves his hands, and a golden aura surrounds them. Light begins to gather underneath the crates, coming together beneath the crates to form a solid, holographic platform. The platform begins to rise into the air, floating.

ORION

Geez…this isn’t as easy as I thought.

Jet, you need to pull the platform back to our hovercraft.

I’ll make sure that it says afloat as you do so it doesn’t weigh you down.

JET

Gotcha.

This’ll be a piece of ca-

DOVE

Hey! Come in!!

Orion, come in!!!

ORION

What is it…!!?

DOVE

It’s the guards!

They’ve figured out something’s wrong!

A team’s on its way to investigate!!

ORION
What’s the ETA?!*

(*Estimated Time of Arrival)

DOVE

Um…..now, actually.

Bright floodlights wash over Orion and his crew, blinding everyone except Orion. A loud, booming voice is heard over a speaker.

ZAL. SOLDIER

Do not move!!

You are under arrest under the authority of the Zalbachian regime!

If you resist, you will be killed!

Orion starts to slowly raise his hands into the air.

ORION

Oh, no…

I think they’ve got us…

Damn it all…it’s over!!

ZAL. SOLDIER

That’s it…come along quietly.

ORION

Okay….I see that you guys aren’t very adept in Earthian communication skills are you?

Okay, let me explain…

…that was what we call "sarcasm".

…Okay, guys, take cover!!

Orion quickly tosses a small pellet to the ground as he and the others duck behind the ship.

ORION

Jet, get out of here!

We’ll cover you.

I can’t use my powers while I’m controlling that platform, so you’ll have to tell me when you’ve reached the hovercraft.

JET

Gotcha.

Jet walks up to the platform and puts his hands on it, getting ready to push it. His body glows for a moment, and an instant later, there’s loud booming noise. Jet leaves a dust trail behind as he darts off like a bullet, disappearing from sight.

Orion reaches under his jacket and pulls out a handgun. He and Remy flinch as a shot narrowly misses them, hitting one of the ships.

ORION

Well, you up for a little insane, suicidal combat, Rem!?

REMONA

Of course.

Hanging around YOU, one becomes accustomed to acting without using their brain.

ORION
That’s the spirit!!

Orion stands up and, taking a single energy cell, kicks it at the Zalbachian soldiers. He then shoots it while it’s still in the air, causing an explosion that sends them flying. Orion then makes a quick dash, heading towards another ship for cover, shooting along the way.

ORION
(whispering) Dammit, Jet…what’s taking you so long!?

Orion puts his hand to his ear again, speaking into his communicator.

ORION

Hey, Dove…what are you, doing your hair!?

We need help down here!!!

DOVE

Sorry, sorry.

The wind currents are tricky around here!

A Zalbachian soldier leaps 15 feet into the air, and lands on top of the truck Orion is hiding behind, startling him. Orion attempts to fire at the soldier, but the soldier, moving with blazing speed, knocks the gun out of Orion’s hand, snarling. The soldier then uses one of his talon-like hands to grab Orion’s throat and lifts him off of his feet, slamming him against a wall. Orion struggles for breath as the soldiers’ hand clasps tightly around his neck.

The next instant, though, there’s another loud snarl. The soldier feels someone grab his tail, yanking him away from Orion. Turning, he sees Remona. He attempts to slash Remona with his claw, but Remona dodges his attack and spins around with her own tail, knocking him away. Orion then leaps off of Remona’s back, delivering a flying kick tot he soldier’s gut.

Three more soldiers close in around Remona and Orion, and the two realize that they’re becoming overwhelmed. However, the next instant, a person with pinkish energy forming "wings" on her back zooms down, ramming into one of the soldiers, knocking him into a third. She then uses one of her wings to attack the third soldier, knocking him away.

ORION

‘Bout time!

JET
Hey, Orion!!

I made it!!

ORION
Thank you!!!

As all of the Zalbachian soldiers begin to regroup and get to their feet, Orion uses his abilities to make a large flash, blinding them.

ORION
Okay, Dove…

Get us outta here!

DOVE

Right.

Dove forms more "energy wings". Remona puts her arm around her shoulders, and Orion starts to do the same. However, he hesitates at the last moment.

REMONA
What are you doing…?

ORION

Hold on a sec…there’s something I wanna do first…

DOVE
Uh, Orion…?

We don’t really have time...

Dove looks as the Zalbachian soldiers, angrier than ever, start to come to their senses.

Orion, ignoring them, starts to use his powers to weld on something. Neither Dove nor Remona can see what he’s doing. However, after a few moments, Orion finishes. He goes back over to Remona and Dove and puts his arm around Dove as well. He has a big grin on his face.

REMONA

What did you do…?

ORION

Oh, nothing. I just left a present for His Royal Whiny-ness.

REMONA

Pres…?

You are a real idiot, you know that?

ORION

Yeah…but I prefer to be a LIVING idiot.

Dove? Any time now.

DOVE

Okay, sorry.

Dove takes off into the sky at a high speed, leaving just before the Zalbachian soldiers can catch her.

DOVE
Alright!! We made it!!

We’re in the clear!!

ORION

Oh crap….!!!

I wouldn’t be so sure about that!!

Everyone looks down as the Zalbachian soldiers suddenly begin to grow wings out of their backs. They then take off into the air, chasing after them.

REMONA
This is YOUR fault, you know!!

You gave them enough time to adapt to Dove’s flight!!

ORION

Hey, hey…

Don’t worry.

I have a backup plan.

The Zalbachian soldiers begin to catch up with Orion, Dove and Remona. Waving his hand, Orion creates a huge net from light energy. The Zalbachians become caught in the net for a moment, but eventually slash their way out of it.

DOVE
PLEASE tell me that wasn’t your plan…

ORION

Nope.

I just needed enough time to do…

…

…THIS!

The trio turns invisible in an instant. The Zalbachian soldiers look around, not sure of where they went. In every direction they look, there is nothing but open sky. There is no way to track them.

Some time later, the Zalbachian Prince, Gallan, sits in his personal quarters, deep in thought. Next to him, his bodyguard, a tall, four-armed woman named Meruda, stands beside him.

MERUDA
Is something troubling you, My Lord?

GALLAN

Hmm?

Oh, not really…it’s just…

MERUDA
The Earthians again?

GALLAN
….Yes.

Those damnable annoying vermin.

MERUDA

Don’t let them bother you, My Lord.

They’re merely insects buzzing around you.

Mere irritants.

GALLAN

Perhaps…but I’ve grown tired of their incessant buzzing.

I need to get rid of them…

…somehow.

Just then, there’s a knock on the door.

GALLAN
Who’s there?!

SOLDIER

I come with urgent news, Your Highness!

GALLAN
Oh?

This had BETTER be good.

Meruda…let him in.

MERUDA
Yes, My Lord.

Meruda moves over to the door and opens it, allowing the soldier to enter. He comes inside and kneels before Gallan, as Meruda goes back to his sid.e

GALLAN
Well…!?

SOLDIER
Your Highness…a group of rebel soldiers broke into one of our trade posts and hijacked a small amount of energy cells.

GALLAN
What?!!?

How did this happen!?!

Who’s responsible?!?!

SOLDIER

We’re told that it was Orion and his team yet again, sir.

Gallan growls angrily. His teeth begin to become longer and more ferocious.

GALLAN

Him…AGAIN…

MERUDA
My Lord…calm yourself.

SOLDIER
T-That’s not all, sir…

GALLAN
What else?!!?!

SOLDIER
H-He also l-left you a message…

GALLAN
A message…!?

The soldier holds out a small image replication. Meruda takes it from him, and then hands it to Gallan. When he sees it, Gallan grows even angrier.

The image is a picture of Prince Gallan. Burned over the image are the words: "I have no penis."

Gallan, angered beyond measure, throws the image device across the room, causing it to explode against the wall.

GALLAN

GET OUT!!!

And tell whoever was on patrol during this attack that they will be personally punished by me!!!

SOLDIER

Y-Yes, Your Majesty!

Hastily, the soldier leaves the room. Gallan continues trembling with anger. Meruda puts her hand on his shoulder.

MERUDA
Don’t let it get to you, Your Highness.

It’s only an immature prank.

GALLAN

It’s not the PRANK that upsets me, Meruda…

…it’s what it represents.

That blasted Orion and his friends…

…they keep humiliating me again and again…

…I’m SICK of it!!!

MERUDA

Perhaps you should speak with your father, My Lord.

Maybe he will assist you.

GALLAN

…

I suppose you’re right, Meruda…

…it’s worth a try at least.

(Gallan gets to his feet, getting ready to walk out of the room.)

I’m going for a walk, Meruda.

MERUDA
Yes, sir.

Meruda starts to move, ready to come along.

GALLAN

No…

You stay here.

I…want to have some time alone. To think.

MERUDA
Um…

Y-yes, sir.

Gallan walks out of the room, leaving Meruda behind.

Back on the Earth, Orion and his team celebrate a job well done in their headquarters.

ORION

Well, we lived through another one.

Good work, Jet.

You did good for a first mission.

JET
Hey, thanks.

ORION

Well, you all have the rest of the day off.

Get some rest. We’ll be ready again tomorrow

EVERYONE

Yes, sir.

Orion’s teammates begin to leave, going off to attend to their personal affairs. Only Remona remains with him.

ORION

What did you think about the mission today, Remy?

REMONA

It went well…

…despite a certain someone nearly getting us killed.

ORION

Hey, Dove wasn’t THAT late.

REMONA
I was talking about YOU.

ORION
Oh. I knew that.

Hey, we’re okay aren’t we?

REMONA
Yeah.

ORION
And we got what we wanted, right?

REMONA

Yeah.

ORION
And I’m still a stud, right?

REMONA

…

ORION

Heh. Can’t blame me for tryin’.

At that moment, someone walks into the room.

ORION
Hey, Tommy.

What’s goin’ on?

THOMAS

You won’t believe this, Rio.

Remember that message we sent out into space a week ago?

Asking for assistance?

ORION
Yeah?

THOMAS
We just got a response.

ORION

From who?

THOMAS

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.

ORION
WHO!?

THOMAS
Beldez Genesha.

ORION

WHAT?!?!?!

Back on Gallan’s flagship, Gallan receives similar news.

GALLAN
Beldez is heading towards Earth!?!?

SOLDIER

Yes, sir.

GALLAN
…

This is BAD.

Beldez is an even WORSE threat than that idiot on Earth.

…

Whatever happens, we can’t let them join forces.

SOLDIER

What are your orders, Your Highness?

GALLAN
…

If Beldez is headed towards Earth, there’s only ONE rout she can take.

Wait for your chance…

…and then blast her ship to dust.

End of Chapter 1

Australia-

A strong, snowy wind blazes through a mountain valley, cutting through the landscape like knife. The snow is so strong that Orion and his company, having only stood in their places for the better of thirty minutes, are nearly ankle-deep in the powdery substance. Orion, wearing a warmer, thicker version of the jacket that’s his trademark, looks through a pair of binoculars, gazing over the landscape. He also looks up towards the sky, with great anticipation.

REMONA

See anything, yet?

ORION

No, nothing yet.

Just give it a little more time.

REMONA

I’m worried that if I wait too long, my tail’s going to break off in pieces.

Next to Remona, a tall, somewhat chubby young man laughs out loud.

ICEBERG

Aw, come on, Remy.

It’s not that bad.

REMONA

Says the guy who controls ice.

Did you forget that not everyone has the body temperature of a cabbage?

Or can use solar energy like Orion?

ICEBERG

Aw, quit complaining already.

Can’t you, like, grow some fur or something?

REMONA

My powers don’t work that way, you ass.

I can’t control them. They just…happen.

ICEBERG

(shrugs) Eh. Not my fault you got the ass end of the power stick.

REMONA

If you don’t shut up, your "ass end" will get BEAT with a "power stick".

ORION

Oh, I’m sorry…

…I wasn’t aware that we were hiding here for you two to draw the Zalbachs to us with your schoolyard arguing.

By all means, continue. I like acting as target practice.

Remona and Iceberg are silent, but retain bitter looks on their faces. Orion goes back to looking out into the distance, and a moment later, Remona’s large, animal-like ears perk up. She looks up in the sky, inquisitively.

REMONA

I think I hear something.

ORION

Where?

REMONA

Coming from the north.

Orion looks up with his binoculars, gazing into the sky. The sky is bright from the noontime sun, but the light barely bothers Orion at all. As he looks up, he can see the silhouette of a small, round object. It continues falling towards the Earth with great speed, and smoking- as if it burned its way through the atmosphere.

ORION

Wait a second…is that…

…a life pod?

Orion and the others don’t have time to answer that question as the object continues to streak across the sky. It pulls up slightly, attempting to maneuver itself, but remains on a sharp downwards descent. Orion lowers his binoculars as it begins to get closer, and realizes what’s about to come.

ORION

Hit the deck!!!

It’s gonna hit hard!

Orion and the others leap to the ground just as the object hits the ground nearby. Snow is sent up skyward by the impact, as the object cuts a cross the ground, leaving a trench of melted snow behind itself. As it eventually makes its way to a stop, Orion stands with a dome of light over himself and his allies, protecting them from the snow that was knocked loose from the impact.

ORION

Everyone okay?

REMONA

Yes, I’m fine.

ICEBERG

Same here.

ORION

Good.

Orion lowers his shield carefully, making sure that the snow around them doesn’t cave it in. Iceberg then uses his abilities to make the snow below them harden and rise them above the freshly-fallen piles.

ORION

Okay, let’s move.

The trio outfitted with special boots for maneuvering on snow, rushes towards the fallen craft. As they get near it, they find that it is entirely too hot to touch. The snow near it even melting from its presence.

ORION

‘Berg…cool it down.

Slowly. We don’t want to shatter it.

ICEBERG

Okay.

Iceberg uses his powers to slowly cool the outside of the pod.

ICEBERG

Good, God.

Could anyone even LIVE through that?

The fall was bad enough, but this was hot enough to cook someone like a steamed clam.

ORION

Not THIS person…I’m sure.

Once Iceberg has finished, Orion uses his powers to make a crowbar made of light. He crams it into the hatch and starts to struggle to pry it open. Remona gives him a hand, and a few moments later, the hatch pops open. Everyone looks inside, and inside, find a beautiful young woman. Her hair reddish-brown, her skin a medium, cocoa complexion, and her face soft and sensuous.

ICEBERG

Whoa…

Is…is…that her?!

ORION

Yep. This is Princess Beldez Genesha.

ICEBERG

She’s gorgeous.

She’s phenomenal.

She’s breathtaking.

She’s…

REMONA

She’s not moving.

Orion reaches into the life pod and touches her hands, face, and stomach.

ORION

She’s alive.

At least…I think she is…

It’s hard to read Lemuan physiology.

ICEBERG

So, what do we do now?

ORION

We get her back to base. And see if we can revive her.

VOICE

No, I’m afraid that you won’t be going anywhere.

Everyone turns and sees Prince Gallan behind them, along with a entire platoon of Zalbachian soldiers.

ORION

Well, well, well…

If it isn’t his "Royal-Pain-In-The-Ass-liness".

GALLAN

I have business with you regarding your escapades of the night prior, terran.

However, I’m in a more positive mood at the moment.

Therefore, I have a proposition for you.

ORION

Oh?

GALLAN

I have come here, primarily for the Earthian Princess. If you hand her over to me, I will spare your worthless lives.

Orion rubs his chin.

ORION

Hmm…well, I’ve given your offer a careful two seconds of thought, Gallan.

And my answer is…

(sticks up his middle finger)

A smile crosses Gallan’s lips.

GALLAN

Good.

Now, I have an excuse to slaughter the whole lot of you.

ATTACK!!!

The Zalbachian soldiers begin to fire at everyone. Orion erects a large shield and deflects all of their shots. He grunts under the stress of repelling so many shots at once, however, and the Zalbachian troops steadily advance forward, hammering Orion’s shield.

ORION

Ngh…

I’ll-ugh-I’ll hold them off!

Take Beldez and get the hell out of here!!

REMONA

But…!!

ORION

Don’t argue with me!!!

GO!!!!!

Reluctantly, Remona lifts up Beldez and she and Iceberg begin to run back the way they came.

GALLAN

After them!!

They mustn’t escape with the Princess!!

…But I want her captured alive!

A few Zalbachian ships take off into the air, chasing after Remona and Iceberg.

ORION

Not so fast!!

Reaching his left hand out towards the ships, Orion creates a light wall in front of one of the ships. The wall doesn’t stop the ship, but it knocks it off direction enough to cause it to crash into the others. The ships careen out of control, unable to immediately follow Remona and Iceberg.

However, doing this weakens Orion’s own forcefield enough that it breaks under the pressure of the shots. Orion falls to the ground, and the Zalbachians immediately swarm around him. Creating a staff with his powers, Orion spins on his back, knocking a large number of soldiers off their backs. He then spins the staff around behind himself, hitting the soldiers in that direction. Another soldier attempts to shoot Orion, but he uses the staff to vault out of the way, landing behind the soldier. Orion then kicks him in the back, before getting back to his feet and going into a ready stance.

ORION

Well, then…

Anyone ELSE want a beating?

Orion feels a hard blow to his back, knocking him to the ground. He rolls with the blow and gets back to his feet, turning around. He sees Gallan, with a sword drawn, ready to continue an attack.

GALLAN

If I were any less honorable, that would have been a killing blow.

ORION

Don’t worry.

I won’t give you another chance.

GALLAN

You’re a fool if you think you’ll HAVE to.

The Zalbachian soldiers continue to creep towards Orion, preparing to ambush him from behind.

GALLAN

Hold.

(the soldiers stop)

I will handle this one myself.

You assist in tracking down the two that escaped as well as the Earthian princess.

The soldiers make a motion with the arms, bringing out forward with their elbow bent and their fists pointing upwards. They then go off to chase after Orion’s teammates.

ORION

Facing me alone, Gally?

Come on…who are you kiddin’?

Last time we danced this dance, I made you look ridiculous.

GALLAN

I am well aware of that fact, Terran.

However, I challenge you to do the same.

ORION

Okay, then.

You asked for it.

Orion uses his powers to form a light sword. He then charges towards Gallan, initiating the battle.

Elsewhere, Remona and Iceberg continue running through the snow with Beldez. However, they are stopped in their tracks as a wall of snow is kicked up by a Zalbachian ship as it descends upon them with rapid speed. Two more descend as well, closing off any avenue of escape.

ZALBACHIAN SOLDIER

Stay where you are!!

Surrender or you will die!!

ICEBERG

Well, Remy?

Any bright ideas?

REMONA

…

We fight.

ICEBERG

THAT’S your bright idea?

Remona pulls a metal object, a large metallic star-like object, from a section on her suit. She tosses it at one of the ships quickly, and it smashes the glass windshield of the craft. A moment later, it lets out a powerful charge that shocks the pilots inside, causing it to lose altitude and fall to the ground.

At the same time, Iceberg uses his powers to make a huge mound of snow come down on top of another craft, covering it and obscuring visibility. Then, he freezes the snow, making it stay fixed on the ship, compromising it from attacking.

ICEBERG

Two down!

REMONA

Yeah, but they only need ONE to kill us.

Iceberg and Remona scatter, trying to escape being hit by the last ship’s blasts. However, Remona, still holding Beldez, cannot maneuver well and soon finds herself completely unprotected. As the ship maneuvers around to finish her off, a bolt of lightning suddenly comes from the sky, hitting it directly. The ship then starts to spark and sputter, falling to the ground.

Turning around, Iceberg and Remona see their teammates Thunder, Jet and Dove.

REMONA

What kept you?

THUNDER

Do you know how hard it was to FIND you in this storm!?!

Cut us some slack here!!

JET

You okay?

ICEBERG

Yeah, fine.

DOVE

Hey, where’s Orion?

Back at the crash site, Orion and Gallan continue their fight. Orion and Gallan lock weapons…Orion’s light blade pressing against Gallan’s sword. Though Orion attempts to use his powers to increase his strength, he is still no match for Gallan, who has become slightly more beastial, and as such, stronger. Gallan roars and pushes Orion away, staggering him. While Orion is off-balance, Gallan attempts to attack him. However, Orion uses his momentum to back-flip out of the way, and then summon a new lightblade. Orion attacks Gallan with it, but Gallan catches it in his hand. Under the pressure of Orion pressing down against it, Gallan’s hand starts to bleed.

ORION

You might want to check yourself, Prince.

You’ve gotten a bit of nasty cut there.

GALLAN

(smirks)

Remember when you gloated about having defeated me, terran?

Well, in defeat, one can learn a few things.

Orion’s lightblade suddenly disappears, the energy being channeled away.

ORION

Wh-What the…!?!

GALLAN

Haha.

Since our last encounter, I have trained my body to be able to absorb energy at a whim.

Gallan’s body starts to glow.

GALLAN

Furthermore, I can redirect that energy and displace it any way I wish to.

Like…THIS!!!

Orion’s eyes open wide as Gallan fires a blast from his hands, striking him head on. It hits him hard, knocking him back to the ground, where he falls unconscious.

GALLAN

Your friends may escape, terran…

(smiles…)

But I still hold an advantage.

A few minutes later, Jet comes blazing through the scene. However, everyone is long gone. In their place, he only finds Orion’s jacket.

Burned into it are the words, "Let’s make a trade."

End of Chapter 2

Inside a hidden base, Beldez starts to slowly regain consciousness. She feels bright, heavy lights above herself, and her head is swimming. She hears voices around her, muddled and distorted. She brings her hand up to her forehead, trying to regain her composure. She then sits up suddenly, closing her eyes and moaning- rubbing her temples.

VOICE

…shouldn’t try to sit up. You’re not quite healed, yet.

Confused, Beldez looks around herself and sees Remona, Iceberg, Jet, Thunder, and Dove, and a few others, standing around her.

BELDEZ

W-Who…are you?

Smiling, Jet walks in front of her and bows like a distinguished gentleman.

JET

Ah, such a lovely young maiden…as radiant as sunny day.

Allow me to introduce myself.

I am—

Iceberg grabs Jet’s collar and yanks him back.

ICEBERG

Oh, knock it off, Romeo.

Beldez continues looking at the faces in the room…but she notices that one is missing.

BELDEZ

Wait…

Orion….where’s Orion?

REMONA
The Zalbachs got him.

BELDEZ
What?

REMONA
He let himself get captured to rescue YOU.

BELDEZ

Oh, no…

Beldez hops down from the gurney she’s on and stands on her feet.

REMONA

Hey!

You’re not healed, yet!

BELDEZ
I’m healed enough.

If Orion needs to be rescued, I’m going to do it.

THUNDER

All by yourself??!

BELDEZ

What, you guys aren’t coming?

Everyone stands around, scratching their heads. Remona shakes her head in disapproval.

REMONA
Look, you don’t make the decisions around here.

When Orion’s gone, that’s MY job.

And I’m telling you that we can’t just rush into this without a plan.

Is that understood?

BELDEZ

Listen, I respect the fact that you are the second-in-command here.

I’m sure Orion knew what he was doing when he gave you that role.

However, speaking from personal experience, I think it would be best if we make our rescue attempt as soon as possible.

Gallan won’t opt to stay here for long. He’ll take Orion back to Zalbach, and I swear that when that happens, any chance of rescuing him will be flushed down the crapper.

REMONA

…

BELDEZ

Are we in agreement, then?

REMONA

……Fine.

DOVE
Wait…aren’t you forgetting something?

Exactly how are we supposed to get up there?

Spaceships ain’t exactly all that easy to find on Earth anymore.

Beldez chuckles for a moment. She takes a deep breath and begins to charge her powers. She starts to glow with an orangish-hue around her body.

BELDEZ

Who says we NEED one?

On Gallan’s flagship, the young prince enters his quarters, Meruda walking behind him. Gallan sits in his personal chair, and Meruda stands next to him. As Gallan looks over at Meruda, he notices that she has a very troubled look on her face.

GALLAN
What is it, Meruda?

What’s troubling you?

MERUDA
It’s nothing major, My Lord.

I’m just somewhat upset that you left me here while you went down to the planet.

GALLAN
I see.

I’m sorry, Meruda. But I wanted to face the terran on my own.

I wanted to defeat him without any help.

MERUDA
Understood, Your Highness.

GALLAN
Now, all we need to do is bring him back to the planet Zalbach.

Then, we’ll ask for the princess in exchange for his return?

MERUDA
Why would they go forth with such a deal, My Lord?

Isn’t she more of an asset to them than he is?

GALLAN

Perhaps…

…but they are also his friends.

If they believe that he is in imminent danger, they’ll want his safety to be assured.

Many of them have never even MET Beldez before.

She’ll have no attachment to them whatsoever.

MERUDA
I see…

GALLAN

(laughs)

Haha! You worry too much, Meruda.

Gallan presses a small button on a panel beside him, and a jug-like container slides out of a storage device. Gallan takes a drink from it, and then extends the jug towards Meruda.

GALLAN
Have a drink. This is a victory not only for US, but for the Zalbachian supremacy as well!

In a dark, murky room, Orion, his arms secured behind his back, and a power dampening crown on his head. Orion, aching and sore, starts to squirm a bit. He manages to sit up straight, and finally becomes aware of his bindings.

ORION

(whispers)

Cute. Very cute.

Orion looks down at himself, coming to a realization.

ORION

Aw, dammit…they took my jacket!

Relaxing his body, taking a deep breath, and then releasing it, Orion lifts his right leg up slowly. He slowly brings his leg, up to the knee, close to his shoulder. Grunting a little, he then folds the other part of his leg behind his head. His left leg is bent sideways, scrunched against his body to make himself as compact as possible. Finally, Orion begins to work his bound hands to the front of his body, passing over his folded legs. Straightening himself out, Orion now has his hands- although still bound- in front, where he has more freedom.

Fingering through his hair, Orion finds an extremely small pick. He takes it and start to tinker with the dampening device on his head. After a few moments, it powers down and falls off, causing a metallic clang on the metal floor. Feeling his power begin to return, Orion sends a wave of energy to his hands, breaking them free of the binds.

ORION

(stretching)

Aaaah…That feels a LOT better.

However, Orion becomes alarmed when he hears rustling.

ZALBACHIAN SOLDIER

(translated)

What was that?!

It sounded like it came from the prisoner’s cell.

ORION

Oh sh*t…

Outside of Earth’s atmosphere, Beldez, Jet and Remona fly up into space. Beldez using her telekinesis to protect them and propel them through space. Jet is experiencing a combination of fear and excitement while Remona remains mostly calm…though she continues to stare at Beldez with a cold expression.

BELDEZ

What?

Why are you staring at me like that?

REMONA

No reason.

BELDEZ

Well, could you stop?

It’s breaking my concentration.

JET

Ohmygodohmygodohmygod..I’m gonna die!!1

BELDEZ

And you aren’t helping, either.

You’re not going to die. I’ve got you.

And I’m providing air for you to breathe, so don’t worry.

But, I will need you to do something for me, Mr…uh…Jet.

JET
What’s that?

BELDEZ

Give me your hand.

JET
Hey! Now you’re talkin!

Jet gives Beldez his hand. A moment later, the trio bursts forward at super speed. Everything seems to light up brightly and after a few moments, they wind up in front of the Zalbachian ship.

JET

H-How did you DO that?!!

BELDEZ

It’s just a little trick I’ve picked up.

I can copy the powers of people I touch temporarily.

REMONA

Like a parasite.

BELDEZ

…

JET

Let’s just go inside, please?

I’d like to put my feet on solid ground.

BELDEZ

Hold on a second.

This’ll feel weird.

Beldez grabs both Remona and Jet’s wrists. She then starts to pull them into the wall of the ship. Their bodies start to phase through the side of the ship and after a few moments, they wind up inside the ship, inside of the engine room.

JET
Just…Just what the hell ARE you?

BELDEZ

…

REMONA

Let’s save the stupid questions for later, shall we?

I think you need to do something first.

JET
Huh? Oh, right.

Jet runs off in a flash, moving as fast as he can. An instant later, he returns.

REMONA
Well…?

JET

I took out 13 guards in the nearest adjacent rooms. After that, there’s a lock on the doors, and I couldn’t get any farther.

REMONA
I see.

BELDEZ

Zalbachian ships usually keep their prisoners on the lowest level of the ship.

That’s most likely where Orion is.

REMONA

Well then, that’s where we’re headed.

Back in Orion’s cell, two Zalbachian guards open the door only to find nothing but pitch blackness inside. The room is completely dark. Not even the light from the outer corridor reaches inside.

ZAL. SOLDIER

Something very strange is going on here.

Quickly, turn on a light.

ZAL. SOLDIER 2

I just did. It’s not working.

ZAL. SOLDIER

That’s impossible. I checked the equipment myself.

Just then, there’s a loud noise, and the sound of something hitting the ground.

ZAL. SOLDIER

What was that?

Hello…?

There’s another loud noise, followed the sound of something else hitting the ground. A moment later, Orion stops absorbing the light in the room into himself, and the room once again becomes visible. Orion squats in front of one of the soldiers and checks his equipment, taking his weapon.

ORION
You don’t mind if I take this, right?

What’s that? "Help yourself"?

Oh, you’re too kind.

Orion comes out of the room, holding his confiscated gun in front, checking the corridor. He finds that it’s clear, and then heads towards a door near the other end. He tries to pull it open a few times, but it’s securely locked. Orion curses and looks around for another way out. However, before he can act, the door opens and he hops back out of the way. His eyes open wide when he sees who’s on the other side.

ORION
Gallan…?

GALLAN

You…!?

The initial shock of the moment subsides and Meruda tries to grab Orion. Orion dodges out of the way, and holds his gun at her threateningly.

ORION
Okay, hold it right there!!

Don’t move, or I’ll—

Drawing a sai-like blade from her belt, Meruda slashes Orion’s weapon clean in half. Orion gasps in disbelief as he stands holding half of a gun pointed at her.

ORION

Oh, crap…

Meruda advances towards Orion, preparing to attack him with her own weapon.

MERUDA

Meruda, wait!

Remember, I need him alive.

MERUDA
Oh, of course, Sire.

Meruda puts away her weapon, but still advances towards Orion. She reaches out to grab him, but Orion grabs her arm and uses her own size and weight to flip her over. However, Orion doesn’t account for her two extra arms. One of them grabs his foot and trips him to the ground, knocking him to the ground. Meruda gets to her feet, holding Orion upside down from his ankle.

GALLAN

Haha.

Who’s looking pitiful NOW, terran?

ORION

Gee, I don’t know, Gal.

Got a mirror?

Orion, while upside down, makes a huge cannonball-like sphere shoot out at Gallan, hitting him and knocking him back through the door.

MERUDA

Your Highness!!

While Meruda is distracted, Orion twists himself free and cartwheels onto his feet, escaping her grasp.

GALLAN

Nevermind me, Meruda.

Just stop him!!!

He mustn’t get away!!

Meruda attempts to punch Orion with one of her hands, but he dodges it, making the fist crash into the wall, denting it. She then attempts to punch him again, denting another section of the wall. Orion simply dodges them, but soon turns and finds an enraged Gallan bearing down on him. Gallan, snarling and growling angrily, uses his superior bulk and strength to slowly overpower Orion.

GALLAN
Surrender, yourself, terran.

There IS no escape for you.

VOICE

We beg to differ.

A blast energy shoots towards Gallan, knocking him off of Orion. Orion falls to the ground, and groans. As he tries to stand, someone stands in front of him, extending their hand.

BELDEZ

(smiling)

Hey, there, Mister.

Need a hand?

ORION
Belle!!

Instead of taking her hand, Orion hugs Beldez firmly. Taken off-guard for a moment, Beldez smiles and pats him on the back.

BELDEZ
My…aren’t WE forward?

ORION

Hey, I’m just glad to see you’re okay.

I see my team made it.

BELDEZ

I’m fine.

But, we need to get out of here.

GALLAN
YOU!!!

Gallan, with Meruda helping him up, glares at Beldez hatefully.

GALLAN

The Lemuan witch.

So, we’ve come face-to-face at last!

BELDEZ
And I can assure you that I’m more repelled by it than YOU are.

GALLAN

Silence, you insidious delinquent.

BELDEZ

Hmm, it seems SOMEONE’S been thumbing through an Earthian thesaurus.

I’m inpressed, Gallan. You must be reading at, what, a third grade level now?

Gallan growls, becoming more and more agitated.

GALLAN

It doesn’t matter if there ARE four of you.

I’ll take you ALL on and…and…

Gallan, reaching for his sword, finds that it’s not there.

JET

Looking for this?

(tosses sword aside)

GALLAN
HOW?!

JET
Heh. You blinked.

ORION

Well then, seems you’re in a bit of a pickle, don’t it, Your Dumbassness?

GALLAN

…

Just then, an automated voice is heard.

VOICE

Hyperdrive system engaged.

Preparing for hyperspace jump…

JET
Oh, crap!

REMONA

We have to go. NOW!

BELDEZ

Okay. Remona and Jet, take my hands again.

Orion…just grab something and hold on.

ORION

(grins)

Okay, then…

BELDEZ

Something that WON’T get you slapped.

Orion grabs onto Beldez’s waist.

BELDEZ

Hold on…

Beldez, using Jet’s speed, zooms everyone away at a high speed, leaving Gallan and Meruda behind.

GALLAN

NO!!!

No…..no……..NO!!!!!
I HAD them!!!!!!

Gallan’s ship heads into hyperspace, sending him and his soldiers back to their home planet.

Back on the Earth, Beldez sets everyone down in a large, desolate clearing.

JET
Yes! Finally! Home at last!

Orion puts his hand to his ear, speaking into his communicator.

ORION

Thunder?

THUNDER

(over radio)

Orion!! Hey, you’re safe!!

ORION
Yeah, and I’m real proud of you guys.

You did your jobs.

Good work.

THUNDER
Thanks, boss.

I’ve traced the signal, and I’m sending a car to pick you up.

ORION

Thanks, man.

See you.

Orion ends his connection and then turns to everyone.

ORION
Hey, look, guys…thanks.

I owe you one.

Beldez shakes her head.

BELDEZ

The way I hear it, I owed you one.

You were captured because of me.

ORION

No, I was captured because of myself.

I chose to be in that situation.

Just like you chose to come and bail me out.

BELDEZ

(smiles)

Well, thank you…and you’re welcome.

REMONA

A-HEM!

Everyone turns towards her.

REMONA

Does it matter who saved who?

Technically, I rescued BOTH of you.

ORION

Oh…I guess that’s true.

BELDEZ
Well, uh…

…thanks…

…I guess.

Everyone remains quiet for a few moments.

JET

So, bro…what’s next?

ORION
"Next"?

(chuckles)

It’s time for the real party to start.

Time to get the Zalbachs off our damn planet.

End of Chapter 3

BELDEZ

(narration)

After arriving on Earth, I was able to reconnect with a part of myself that I hadn’t experienced in over 6 years. It feels exhilarating being back on the planet that my father and so many others fought for. It instills within me a sense of pride that’s unique in any other place in the universe.

I have to thank everyone for what they’ve done for me. Especially Orion. He’s really done such much for me, already. Despite the fact that we have a similar background, we never really got to know each other well…what with our age difference and my choice to explore the galaxy with my father. Even so, he treats me like a long-lost friend.

However, what I don’t understand is the attitude of his friend, Remona.

Ever since I came, she’s been acting very strangely towards me. I’ve always been enemies with the Zalbachians, but I’m on the same side as she and the others are. I have to wonder…is it because of my Lemuan heritage?

Planet Zalbach

Gallan and Meruda walk through a long corridor inside of the Royal Palace, a beautiful structure made from a sparkling material that resembles a mixture of marble and a white metal. As they reach the end of the corridor, the guards standing in front a huge double doors in front of them pull aside the doors and allow them to enter. Inside, they emerge within the expansive throne room, furnished with tremendously elegant items- including statues of every King and Queen that has ruled the planet. At the end of the room is the throne itself, resting on top of a short flight of steps. The King, an older Zalbachian male, remains seated there. To his left is another empty throne…slightly smaller. This is the throne that belongs to Gallan. On the opposite side of the King is another throne that retains a similar size as Gallan’s. Seated in this seat is Gallan’s sister and wife by arrangement- Gamora.

(Translated from Zalbachian.)

GALLAN

Father…Sister…I have returned.

Gallan and Meruda kneel in front of the thrones.

KING

Welcome home, my son. How went your journey?

GALLAN

I return in shame, Father.

I have failed you and the great Zalbachian Empire.

GAMORA

Oh?

KING

Please, Gallan. Explain.

GALLAN

I received word that one of our fiercest enemies, the Earthian Princess Beldez Genesha, was on her way to the Planet Earth to aid the rebellion there.

I attempted to stop her, but she eluded my capture.

However, during her rendezvous with the Earthian rebels, I managed to defeat and capture their leader, Orion Zennon.

GAMORA

Ah, yes…

That’s the one that’s given you so much trouble, correct?

GALLAN
That’s correct.

I planned to bring him back to the planet, where he could be bartered in exchange for the terran female.

However, she ruined my plans by assaulting my ship and escaping with Orion Zennon.

My ship, already in the process of warping, sent me out of range before I could respond.

KING

I see.

GAMORA

Such a sad story, Brother.

It’s a shame, really.

GALLAN

Yes…

Which is why I must ask you for forgiveness, Father.

I have no excuse for failure, and I will accept any consequences.

The King takes a deep breath, calmly thinking about the situation for a moment.

KING

Gallan, what I don’t understand is why you torture yourself so badly over such a small principality as Earth.

It’s merely one of dozens of worlds under our empire’s dominion, and losing it to a small group of rebels isn’t very much of a concern.

GALLAN

No, Father!

I was entrusted with the task of securing our empire’s authority on a number of worlds- the Earth included.

I can’t just let a small group of rebel pests defy the Zalbachian Empire and get away with it!

We have to show that our empire does not stand for insubordination!

KING

Hmm…

Does this have anything to do with Reddick?

GALLAN
W-What?!

KING

Does this have anything to do with your brother?

GALLAN

….

I-I still try to measure up to my brother everyday, Father.

Whenever our people see me, all they think is that I’m a pale imitation of him.

KING

If anyone does indeed think this, let them answer to ME!

You are my son and the heir to the Zalbachian throne. They will give you the respect that you deserve…

…or they will face swift punishment.

GALLAN
I-I am not worthy of such praise, Father…

Gamora squints her eyes, looking at Gallan’s hand, which has been bandaged after his fight with Orion.

GAMORA

Brother…what’s wrong with your hand?

GALLAN
Oh…this?

I was slightly wounded during my fight against the terran.

GAMORA

Hm…and yet Meruda remains without a single scratch.

How….odd.

MERUDA

Unfortunately, I was not there when that battle took place, Your Highness.

GAMORA

(sharply)

And why is THAT, Meruda?

Are you or are you NOT my brother’s bodyguard?

MERUDA

Yes, but I—

GALLAN
It’s not her fault.

I left without her…because I wanted to face the Earthian Prince on my own.

GAMORA

Perhaps…but why did you not FOLLOW him, Meruda?

What if he had encountered a threat that he had not prepared for?

MERUDA
I-I respected His Majesty’s decision to—

GAMORA
(yawns)

Pale excuses.

GALLAN
Gamora!!

GAMORA
Don’t get snippy at me, Brother.

The fact is, as your bodyguard, Meruda is to remain by your side at ALL times.

She had an opportunity to do so and chose not to of her own will.

Did you or did you not, Meruda?

MERUDA

…

GAMORA
I’m speaking to you.

Well?!

MERUDA

Yes, Your Highness…

I did.

A smile crosses Gamora’s lips.

GAMORA

Well, then.

She should be punished, shouldn’t she father?

She DID fail in her duties, after all…

KING

Hmm…I suppose you’re right.

GAMORA

(waves to the guards)

Please escort her to the dungeon.

I will decide her punishment later.

The guards quickly surround Meruda and start to pull her away. Gallan, concerned, starts to try and stop them.

KING
Let them go, Gallan.

Don’t worry…she won’t undergo any permanent harm.

Gallan lowers his head for a moment.

KING

Is there any other business that we need to attend to?

GALLAN

Y-Yes, Father.

I wish to ask for your assistance in routing the Earthian rebels.

KING

What do you desire?

GALLAN
I wish to ask for 200 ships, 14000 soldiers, and—

KING

Hahaha…

Are you mad, son?

You’re asking for a large enough fleet to destroy an entire star system.

It’s rather overkill for a small planet such as Earth, is it not?

GALLAN

But…

KING

We have other uses for such a force, Gallan.

I will not waste precious resources on such a small excursion.

I will grant you 40 ships, 2000 soldiers, and a few supplies here and there.

If this is not sufficient, then you will simply let the Earth be.

Is that understood?

GALLAN

Yes, Father.

Thank you.

KING
Very well, then.

GAMORA
I wish you the best of luck, Brother.

I want to hear all about your rousing victory when you return.

GALLAN

Yes…of course…

….Thank you…

Gallan, his spirits lowered, starts to trod out of the throne room.

Elsewhere in space, aboard a large space platform, a large number of people watch a fighting tournament- a sporting event that pits some of the best fighters from all over the universe against one another in a no-holds-barred battle for superiority. Inside, one competition ends as one fighter, a huge hulking beast with spiked arms and legs, slams his opponent to the ground…and then drops his body (complete with spikes) on his opponent’s defenseless body. Crying out in pain, the victim gives up and the match is awarded to his competitor.

ANNOUNCER

The winner……KUMARO!!!!!

The crowd cheers and begins to chant Kumaro’s name loudly. Amidst all of the applause, Kumaro waves at the crowd, flexing his muscles at the observers. About the only person unimpressed by this display is one young man seated in the fourth row, dressed in an Earthian business suit. That person being Orion. Reclining in his seat, his head resting on his hand, Orion keeps a bored, dull expression on his face…as if he couldn’t wait for this to end.

Time passes- nearly a half an hour. As the crowd begins to calm down, the announcer reappears in the ring.

ANNOUNCER

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for!

Our championship match!

The Challenger being Kumaro- the Tradolin warrior from the planet Vaut!

Again, the crowd cheers, and again, Kumaro goes through is routine of waving and flexing.

ANNOUNCER

And here comes the reigning champion…

…the Earthian Devastator…the woman who can break bones as well as hearts…

….Alita Zennon-Raynig!!!

The crowd goes into a frenzy, people getting to their feet to welcome the champion. Alita, a tall, muscular, green-tressed woman, comes out, making her way the ring. She skips any flashy or showy entrance, and merely walks straight in the ring, taking a few sings into the air to loosen up a bit. Orion sits in crowd cheering, clapping feverishly.

Soon, the fight is underway, and the crowd gets into the battle. Early in the match, Kumaro runs at Alita, looking for a clothesline with his spiky arm. However, Alita, showing her agility, ducks the attack and quickly puts her arms around Kumaro’s back, grappling him from behind. However, utilizing the odd Tradolin physiology, Tradolin manages to reach his arms behind himself and grab Alita, lifting her up and slamming her to the ground hard. Alita groans for a moment, and Kumaro flexes before he attempts to leap on top of her with his finishing manuever.

Alita, however, lifts her feet into the air, stopping him before he could fall onto her. She pushes off with her shoulders, shoving Kumaro into the air, where he lands on the ground with a thud. Alita then quickly leaps to her feet, ready to continue the fight. Kumaro quickly stands as well, annoyed that his signature move didn’t work. He grunts for a moment, and two of his spikes on his shoulders extend, allowing him to pull them out of his body. He then holds them as if they’re two large swords, ready to attack Alita.

He takes a swipe at Alita, but she dodges out of the way. He takes another swipe with his second sword, but again, Alita manages to sway out of range. However, Kumaro maintains a strong forward momentum, pushing Alita back towards the ring’s edge…where she can be rung out and lose the match. Kumaro brings down his sword, making a feint. As Alita attempts to dodge the blow, Kumaro instead comes up with a knee strike, hitting Alita hard in the chin and knocking her to the ground.

Blood comes out of Alita’s mouth, and she again falls to the ground with a heavy impact. Kumaro then puts his foot on her chest, flexing for the crowd- which is all too happy to show its appreciation.

Directly in front of Orion, two Tradolin males cheer Kumaro on.

TRADOLIN

Yes, Kumaro!!! Finish her!!

TRADOLIN 2

Cut her open!!!

Spill her blood across the ring!!

Leaning over, Orion taps one of them on their shoulder.

ORION

Excuse me…

…but I was under the impression that the one thing these competitions didn’t allow was killing.

TRADOLIN

Shut up, you Earthian weakling!

No one asked for your opinion!!

TRADOLIN 2

Haha…look at him! He’s smaller than a Welvian rat!!

These Earthians are jokes. The way I hear it, they don’t even ALLOW killing on their planet.

TRADOLIN

Haha…Jokes these Earthians are.

The Tradolins turn back towards the fight and continue cheering. Raising his eyebrow, Orion stands and raises his hand, using his powers to make a powerful flash just as Kumaro is about to bring down his weapon. Everyone in the arena turns towards him.

ORION
Hey, Alita!!

ALITA

R-Rio…?

Um, I’m a bit busy here…

ORION

(sign language)

Hey, could you hurry this up?

I wanna talk to ya.

ALITA

…..

(sighs)

Yeah, okay, sure.

The crowd starts to boo Orion for disrupting the fight.

TRADOLIN 2

What do you think you’re doing, Earthian?

TRADOLIN
How DARE you interrupt this match with your nonsense!?!

Orion grins widely, pointing to the ring.

ORION

Now, now…turn around or you might miss this.

The Tradolins once again face the ring, and once again, Kumaro prepares to bring his weapon down. However, this time, Alita catches it within the palms of her hands. Everyone is shocked by this move, and even more shocked when she quickly snaps the blade in half. Grabbing Kumaro’s foot and twisting it, she knocks him off-balance and gets to her feet. Still with his foot in her hand, she begins to twist his ankle hard, causing him tremendous pain. Unable to bear it, Kumaro gives up.

ANNOUNCER

The winner…and still champion….Alita Zennon-Raynig!!!

The crowd goes crazy, cheering for Alita. The Tradolins sit in complete shock, and Orion chuckles before standing up and walking away. Inside the ring, Alita shakes the referee’s hand and leaves the ring, taking a towel and wiping herself off. Orion walks up to her, clapping.

ORION

Great job, Allie.

You haven’t lost your touch.

But, why you didn’t just do that in the first place is beyond me.

ALITA
….

I see that you haven’t lost YOUR touch, either, Rio.

…For being annoying as hell.

ORION

Heh.

ALITA

You said you wanted to talk to me?

ORION

Yeah…but this is kinda personal.

Can we go somewhere private?

ALITA

Yeah. Our ship’s docked at the port.

We can talk there.

I’m sure Neal will be happy to see you.

ORION

Yeah, sure.

Lead the way.

Some time later, Orion sits inside of Alita and Neal’s personal cruiser ship- the Sabre. Neal Raynig, a skinny Zalbachian male, walks into the room, holding a pitcher of juice and a tray of entrées.

NEAL

Allie’ll be right out in a minute, Rio.

She had to shower and change.

In the meantime, enjoy some of this.

ORION
Thanks, man.

So, how are things with you guys?

Enjoying the married life?

NEAL

Well, yeah. It has its ups and downs, you know?

Just like everything else.

Orion takes a drink and starts eating some of the entrées.

ORION
This is really good.

NEAL

Thanks. I try.

A few moments later, Alita comes out of her room, dressed in a T-shirt and short pants. Also, her pony-tailed hair has been let down, so that it falls down to the small of her back.

ALITA

Sorry for the wait, Rio.

ORION

No problem.

ALITA
So…

…how’d you get all the way out here, huh?

Last I’d heard, the Zalbachs had Earth on total lockdown.

ORION
Yeah, that’s true.

But, some things have been changing lately.

We’ve made some real progress in the rebellion and managed to grab a few ships a couple of days ago.

We also managed to clear out a section for take-offs and landings.

ALITA
How did you manage to do all THAT?

ORION

Beldez is back.

Alita, stunned, sits quietly for a while.

ALITA
Beldez? Really?

ORION

Yep.

ALITA

No kiddin’. So my big sister’s finally come back to the Earth, eh?

How’d you manage to pull that off?

ORION

My team and I sent an S.O.S. out a little while back.

She responded to it and decided to come help.

ALITA

Wow…

….it’s been so long.

YEARS, hasn’t it?

ORION
Yeah…at least six.

ALITA
Where HAS the time gone…?

ORION

….

Listen, Allie….I have a favor to ask.

ALITA
No, Rio.

ORION

But, I haven’t even said what it is, yet!

ALITA

You want me to help you fight in the rebellion, right?

ORION

….

Yeah….

ALITA

So, then, like I said, my answer is "No".

Sorry, Rio.

ORION

But…but WHY!?

You grew up on that planet just like the rest of us.

We’ve finally got a chance to make some progress.

You’re the strongest person I know.

If we had your support, as well as that of Beldez, there’s no way we could lose!

ALITA

Rio…

ORION

Don’t you remember how much our predecessors fought for that planet?

Your mom and your dad? Terran and Genesis?

They worked so hard for it.

ALITA

Yeah…and look what happened.

All of it didn’t mean squat when the Zalbach came.

Everyone who wasn’t killed or captured high-tailed it away from Earth.

We haven’t heard anything from Terran or Genesis in all that time. For all we know, they might be dead. And if Beldez hadn’t shown up, we could’ve said the same about HER.

ORION

…

ALITA

Look, Rio…I’m sorry…

But…I don’t think you’re right about what Mom wanted.

She was the one who told us that war and fighting was wrong.

Right now, I just want to get on with my life and put the past behind me.

ORION

But, Allie…

NEAL

You heard what she said, Rio.

(Neal walks behind Alita and puts his arms around her. She takes his hand into hers.)

Or have you forgotten what happened the LAST time she used her powers for those reasons?

ORION

That…that was an accident…

ALITA

An "accident"?

I went DEAF, Rio!!

ORION

…

ALITA

Every time I use my power, I change the amount of force that affects my body.

Back then, I got carried away and lost control. All of the sound waves that hit my body were amplified to an unbelievable level.

I can’t DESCRIBE how painful it was.

And then, I lost my hearing.

I’ve been deaf ever since.

NEAL

Do you get it NOW?!

Alita doesn’t use her powers unless she absolutely HAS to anymore.

And even then, she uses very little.

Do you think she’s in any condition to be fighting a WAR?!

ORION

(lowers head)

No…I…
I…guess not.

ALITA

I think it’s time you left, Rio.

I’m sorry…but I don’t feel like talking about this anymore.

ORION

Yeah, okay.

NEAL

I’ll see you out.

Orion leaves. After he does, Alita walks up to Neal with a guilty expression on her face.

ALITA

Neal, honey…Do- Do you think I was too hard on him?

NEAL

What? No way.

You had to make him understand, right?

ALITA
I-I guess so.

But…I still feel as if I let him down.

NEAL

You have to take care of yourself, right?

No one can fault you for that.

ALITA
Yeah…

(sighs)

But he did have a point…

I DO miss Earth…

Some time later, back on Earth, Orion sits alone inside the recreation room of the rebel base. As he sits back, deep in thought, Beldez wanders in.

BELDEZ

Hey.

ORION
(turning)

Oh, hey.

BELDEZ
You okay?

ORION

Yeah…I guess.

BELDEZ

Still upset over what happened with Allie?

ORION

Yeah. A little.

BELDEZ

I wish I could have gone with you…

…just to see her.

But, it’s been so many years….I wouldn’t know what to say.

ORION

Well, I don’t think you could have done much worse than I did.

BELDEZ

You’re too hard on yourself.

I’m sure you gave it your best.

ORION

Yeah…but that wasn’t good enough.

BELDEZ

(changes the subject)

So…how about Draco?

Wanna try to contact him?

ORION

(shouting)

I don’t want ANYTHING to do with him!!!

Beldez jumps back, startled.

ORION

Sorry…It’s….It’s a long story.

BELDEZ

I see…

Beldez sits down next to Orion, thinking for a moment.

BELDEZ
Hey, I know…

Why don’t you show me around?

ORION
Huh?

BELDEZ

If this is gonna be my home for the foreseeable future, I might as well learn where everything is, right?!

ORION
I guess…

Beldez takes Orion’s hand, dragging him out of the chair.

BELDEZ

Well, then…

Let’s go!!!

ORION

Okay, okay!!!

Geez!!

Some time later, Remona walks into the recreation room…only to find Iceberg and Thunder inside, playing videogames and another teammate, named Traxx, laying on a hammock.

REMONA

Excuse me.

Have either of you seen Orion?

ICEBERG

Uh…last I saw him, he was giving Beldez a tour.

Hey!! I thought you said no super moves!!

THUNDER

Ha!! Sucker!!

TRAXX
(chuckling)

Heh…if I could give her a tour anywhere…

…it’d be straight into my room.

Oh yeah…

Remona, annoyed, grabs Traxx’s hammock and flips it over, knocking him to the ground where he lands on his backside.

TRAXX
Ow!! That hurt!!

I landed on my ass!!

REMONA

Good. Now maybe you can stop thinking with it.

Elsewhere, Orion and Beldez walk arm-in-arm as Orion continues to show her around.

ORION

And this is the communications room.

We can listen in on just about any signal we can find there…and find out if it’s worth our attention or not.

Down this corridor is the gym…where we spar and work out and stuff.

And over here is—

BELDEZ
Excuse me…but what’s this room?

Beldez points to a room with a symbol of the Earthian Dynasty on it.

ORION

Oh…

Um….well….er…that’s….MY room.

BELDEZ
(grinning evilly)
Really?

Let’s take a peek shall we?

ORION

Hey, wait a sec!

Beldez opens the door to Orion’s room and goes inside. In his room, there are pictures of Terran and other clippings and images from the Elemenian war.

BELDEZ

Wow.

ORION

Uh…yeah.

On the table next to Orion’s bed is a newspaper clipping reporting the press conference when Terran made his very first public appearance.

BELDEZ
You’re a real fan of my father, huh?

ORION
Are you kidding?

He’s…like, the epitome of everything I wanna be! I mean…he was right in the center of the Elemenian War…and he turned it around just like that! The final fight between him and his brother at the end of the war is legendary!!

BELDEZ
I know. I was there.

ORION

Oh yeah, that’s right.

BELDEZ

I didn’t actually SEE the fight…and I was about…oh…3 at the time, but I have a VERY good memory.

ORION
Oh yeah…

…the Lemuan thing.

BELDEZ
I’m sure that my father would be proud of how much you look up to him.

ORION
Yeah…well…

I’m really hoping to meet him someday.

BELDEZ
I see…

ORION

Well then…shall we move on with the tour?

Beldez sits down on Orion’s bed, smiling at him slyly.

BELDEZ

Oh, I don’t know…
I kinda like this room.

….it’s so….nostalgic.

VOICE

Well, if you like it so much…Orion can move out, and YOU can stay here.

ORION
Remy?

Remona enters the room.

REMONA

You were supposed to go on patrol a half-hour ago, Rio.

But, I think you were too busy being….

…distracted.

ORION
Oh, damn!!

I totally forgot!!

Thanks, Remy!!

Orion runs off.

REMONA
Yeah, that’s what I’m here for.

Remona glances over at Beldez, who looks back at her.

REMONA

Yes? Is there something you want?

BELDEZ

Not from YOU.

Angry, Beldez pushes past Remona and leaves the room. A soft growl emanates from Remona as she watches her leave.

End of Chapter 4

Somewhere in deep space, five shadowy figures remain cloaked in darkness. Their faces hidden, their true identities remain a secret to all. They are known as many things in many different languages, but in the Earthian language, they are known as the Galactic Council. They are the single tribunal around whom all universal affairs revolve. However, they prefer to conduct their business in obscurity

COUNCILMAN ALPHA

I trust that you have all heard the news.

Princess Beldez Genesha has made her way to the planet Earth to join with the rebellion against the Zalbachian Empire.

COUNCILMAN BETA

It was inevitable.

She has been a constant thorn in our side.

COUNCILMAN DELTA

She does not yet have the power to directly oppose us, though.

There is no need for concern just yet.

COUNCILMAN EPSILON

This is true. However, we need to keep a close eye on her…

…as well as those others on Earth.

COUNCILMAN OMEGA

The Zalbachians lose their control over the Earth more each day.

They were all that ensured that the Earth would not become contaminated by Lemuan influence.

COUNCILMAN DELTA

However, with Beldez returning, it’s probably a matter of time before that strategy is negated.

COUNCILMAN BETA

We may need to purge the Earth completely.

Its residents have only proven to be a liability.

COUNCILMAN ALPHA

Let us not be hasty.

We have not yet implemented our trump card.

Beldez and her allies may yet prove useful to us…

In Zalbachian strataspace, Gallan comes onto his flagship, with Meruda by his side. Meruda has slight lacerations on her arms and legs from her "punishment" earlier.

GALLAN

Meruda, are you sure that you’re alright?

Perhaps you need time to rest.

MERUDA
No, My Lord.

I won’t leave your side again.

I have learned my lesson and I won’t fail again.

Gallan puts his hand on Meruda’s shoulder carefully, as not to hurt her.

GALLAN
No matter what anyone else says…

…you’ve never failed ME, Meruda.

MERUDA
I…

…thank you, Your Highness.

Gallan and Meruda walk deeper into the flagship, making their way to the bridge.

BRIDGE ATTENDANT

Your Highness…we await your orders.

GALLAN
I want you to take us to the Rondarrea system.

MERUDA
But, sir! That’s hostile territory!

You know that the Rondae and the Zalbach are fierce rivals!

GALLAN
Of course I do.

Gallan smirks, an evil grin crossing his face.

GALLAN
Who better to help me DESTROY the Earthians once and for all?

Back on Earth, Orion and the rest of his team are gathered in the War Room, where they are all waiting for Orion to give them their new orders.

ORION

Thanks for assembling so quickly.

This mission came up at rather short notice, but I think that we’re ready to meet the challenge.

THUNDER

So, what’s up, Rio?

DOVE

Yeah, we hitting something big? A military base?

ORION
Not quite, Vince. A vault.

TRAXX
A vault?

JET
Who are we…Al Capone’s gang?

ORION

Cute, Billy. Cute.

No, we’re going to hit the reserve within Guardian City.

ICEBERG

Whoa, whoa…

Guardian City?

This is a JOKE, right?

BELDEZ

Uh…what’s wrong with Guardian City?

REMONA

Guardian City is the most heavily-guarded city on the Planet Earth.

It’s full of Zalbachian-sympathizers and those who are loyal to the Empire.

BELDEZ

Is that right?

THUNDER

So, once again, we must ask…

This is a JOKE, right?

ORION

Nope.

We’re definitely going through with this.

It’s all been planned out.

JET
What plan?!

To see how long we can stay alive before they smear us against the wall?

ORION

I wouldn’t ask you guys to do this if I didn’t think you could.

I’d think you’d trust me enough to know that while I enjoy taking risks and acting goofy now and then…

…the one thing I would NEVER do is toy with any of your lives.

If none of you trust me enough to believe that, then I suggest you walk out of the room right now.

Everyone sits silently, no one moving from their chair. Everyone looks at one another with a guilty look on their faces, scratching their heads and coughing inconspicuously.

ORION

Alright, then.

Orion shows them a hologram of a building in the center of the city. As the view zooms in, a certain portion of the building becomes highlighted in red.

ORION

This is our main objective.

The vault within the central compound.

They’ve got motion cameras, infrared lasers, psionic sensors, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree over there.

REMONA

The vault itself is made of a nearly indestructible Elemenian alloy and protected by an electromagnetic seal. It only opens with voice commands uttered from the vocal cords of a Zalbachian.

Thunder lets out a deep breath and runs his fingers through his hair.

THUNDER

Man, the more I hear this, the more I’m hating it.

ORION

Oh, if you thought THAT was bad, we haven’t even mentioned the round-the-clock Zalbachian patrols and 10-seconds response teams that guard the area.

JET

So, can you tell us exactly HOW we’re supposed to beat all this?

ORION

Just getting to that, buddy.

REMONA

We’ll have to split into two teams.

Thunder, you’re our technical expert, so we’ll need YOU to be part of the first team that infiltrates the building and opens the vault. Coming along with you will be myself and Jet.

THUNDER

Gotcha.

ORION

The second team will act as decoys to lure the enemy away. We’ll attack here.
(points at another area of the map)

A weapons depot. We’ll do a feint to make the Zalbach believe that’s our true objective.

REMONA
Beldez, we’ll be counting on you to be our big guns.

BELDEZ

(nods)

Check.

ORION

Well, if we’re all clear on this…

…let’s go.

Hours later, the plan begins. Both teams are in their positions, ready to commence.

ORION

(on radio)

Remona, are you guys ready?

REMONA

When you are, Rio.

ORION

Well, then. We’ll start the first phase.

Once we’ve got their attention, you guys can begin.

REMONA
Right.

Orion turns towards his teammates.

ORION

Okay, people…let’s make some noise.

Deep in space, on the planet Rondar, Prince Gallan speaks with the sovereign leader of the Rondarreans, General Nith-Tien. Both Meruda and Nith-Tien’s two bodyguards follow behind.

NITH-TIEN

Well now, young prince…

…this is quite a surprise.

It’s not everyday that one finds a Zalbachian willing to consort with a Rondarrean.

GALLAN

These are desperate times, General.

Sometimes, they call for us to do desperate things.

NITH-TIEN

Yes, quite true.

Also, a truce between our races has been long overdue.

GALLAN
Yes. For too long now, we have fought amongst ourselves despite retaining a common enemy.

NITH-TIEN

Ah…you refer to the Lemuan woman, correct?

GALLAN

Of course. That wench has now made it her position to interfere with Zalbachian business.

She has joined forces with a rebel group on the planet Earth.

NITH-TIEN

Must be quite aggravating for you…after trying to live up to your brother and a—

Gallan raises his hand.

GALLAN

Don’t.

Don’t speak of my brother.

Ever.

NITH-TIEN

Ah….my apologies.

GALLAN
So, then…do we have a deal?

NITH-TIEN

Wait just a minute, princeling.

We’ll provide you with what you requested, but might I ask what’s in it for us?

GALLAN

Well…

…In exchange for your assistance…

…upon my ascension to the throne, I will relinquish any Zalbachian properties within the Rondarrean system back to Rondarrean control.

Furthermore, no Zalbachian forces will attack Rondarrean forces without justification.

Nith-Tien smiles, blowing smoke from a long, flute-like pipe. A smile crosses his face.

NITH-TIEN

In that case, Your Highness…

…we have a deal.

GALLAN

Good.

When can we expect the Genos to be ready?

NITH-TIEN

They will take a few months to complete to your specifications…

…but as soon as they’re finished, we’ll deploy them to the Planet Earth.

GALLAN
Thank you, General.

NITH-TIEN

The pleasure is all mine, princeling.

Inside the Guardian City capital building, an officer is sitting down inside of an office, going over some of his office duties and checking his daily routines by computer. Suddenly, a soldier runs in.

ZAL. SOLDIER

Sir!!! We’ve sighted rebel forces within the city!!

They’re trying to break into our weapons depot!

ZAL. OFFICER

What!!?

Send out our defense units!
Don’t allow them to escape!!

ZAL. SOLDIER

Yes, sir!!

On the city streets, Orion runs into an alleyway just as a few blasts narrowly miss him.

VOICE

Freeze, rebel!!!

Do not move or we will eliminate you!

As Orion turns, he sees a few Zalbachian soldiers run into the alley from the opposite end, however, the narrow make of the alley forces them to charge at him single-file.

ORION

Guys, guys…

You’re making this MUCH too easy for me.

Orion uses his powers to make a solid hologram of a bar connecting between the two sides of the building. Orion jumps up and swings around the bar, kicking the lead soldier and knocking him into the others. Orion then flips upwards, landing so that he’s standing on top of the bar, and then leaps up, planting one foot on the wall, kicking off, putting his other foot on the opposite wall and kicking off of that one. He repeats this a few more times until he’s made his way to the top of the building.

Elsewhere, Traxx and Iceberg work as a team. As the Zalbachians attack the two of them, Traxx uses his ability to control the ground to make it rise and fall, knocking the soldiers off-balance. While they’re distracted, Iceberg freezes them in place.

TRAXX

Ye-hah!! We did it, man!!

ICEBERG

Damn straight!!

Iceberg and Traxx give each other a hi-five and pose confidently. However, their happy mood is shot down when the Zalbachians suddenly begin to change. They bulk up slightly and break free of the ice. Then, snarling and growling in anger, they turn towards the two of them.

ICEBERG

Sh*t!! They evolved!!!

TRAXX

Crap!

Traxx once again tries to make the ground shake, but the Zalbachians are barely phased by it, their feet having gained claws that clutch the ground, holding them steady. They leap into the air and completely avoid Traxx’s attacks. He and Iceberg look behind themselves as the Zalbachians get ready to continue their attack.

However, at the last moment, Dove, with her wings stretched out, rams into the Zalbachian soldiers hard, knocking them down. She then swoops back up into the air before landing next to Iceberg and Traxx. Shortly after landing, she holds her head and staggers a bit. Iceberg tries to hold her up.

ICEBERG
Hey, you okay?

DOVE

Yeah…just…winded, I guess.

TRAXX

Yeah, well, you saved our asses, Dove.

Thanks.

DOVE

Yeah, well, that’s just fine…

The three look up as the Zalbachian soldiers, angrier than ever, start to charge at them.

DOVE

…but who’s gonna save US?!?!

The Zalbachians get ready to pounce on them before a section of the ground rises up, forming a wall a solid rectangular wall. The Zalbachians slam into it so hard, they shatter it. However, the impact knocks them unconscious, merely a few feet from Iceberg, Traxx, and Dove.

ICEBERG

Hey, Traxx…

…did YOU do that?!

TRAXX
Huh, me?!

No way. There’s no way I could have that much control over my powers.

…Not YET, anyway…

DOVE

Then who…?

Beldez lands on the ground, her eyes slightly glowing red.

BELDEZ

You guys okay?

ICEBERG
Yeah…thanks.

TRAXX
Yeah…I’m impressed.

You’re something else to pull THAT off.

BELDEZ
(smiles)

It was…uh…nothing, really, thanks.

Beldez looks around, concerned.

BELDEZ

Have any of you seen Orion?

DOVE

Wait…as a matter of fact…

I haven’t heard from him in a while.

Elsewhere, Orion flips from rooftop to rooftop, trying to stay one step ahead of his Zalbachian pursuers. The communicator on his arm sparking and damaged, Orion has no way of contacting the others for help. It takes every ounce of Orion’s athletic ability to stay ahead of the Zalbachians. He leaps from the roof of one building onto the awning of another, then flips backwards onto the side of another, landing with both feet planted on the side. He then launches from that position, covers himself with a thin shield, and bursts through the window of the opposite building.

Inside the building, women scream, and as Orion gets up, he realizes that he has leaped into a women’s dressing room. Inside the room, several half-dressed women stare at him.

WOMAN #1

Who are you!?!?

ORION

Sorry, ladies…

Uh…

What are you girls doing later tonight?

Orion starts to make his way to the exit, but before he can, the Zalbachian soldiers burst through. With Orion cornered in the room, Orion puts up a shield as the Zalbachian soldiers start to fire. The women scream and try to get out of the way of the blasts.

ORION

Stop firing, dammit!!

There’s innocent people here!!

The Zalbachian soldiers continue firing, and Orion, growing angry, uses his powers to cause a powerful flash. The Zalbachians stagger from it, and Orion then uses his power to make a lasso. He uses it to pull one of the soldiers to him, and then covers his real fist with a giant solid light one. He punches the Zalbachian soldier hard, knocking him through the window.

In this time, the other two Zalbachian soldiers have come around, and one of them attempts to shoot at him. Orion yanks a towel off of one of the women, leaving her completely uncovered.

ORION

Sorry!

Just need this for a sec.

Hey, nice tattoo!
Is that a rose?

Orion tosses it over the soldier, and then quickly runs up to him and kicks his arm so that his blast harmlessly hits the wall. Orion then uses his powers to make a staff and loops the staff underneath the armpit of the soldier, and twirls it to get him off-balance. He then throws that soldier out of the window as well.

However, the last soldier grabs Orion from behind and slams him against the room wall, hard. Orion groans and is unable to react before the soldier picks him up and throws him across the room into a table, breaking it.

ORION

You know…(cough cough)

…I was making myself look pretty damn manly in front of the ladies here.

Can’t have you ruining that, now can I?

ZAL. SOLDIER

I’ll ruin more than THAT, you rebel rodent.

ORION

Well, hurry up, then.

Stop scratching your furry ass and kill me already.

The Zalbachian roars and raises his hand to attack Orion. However, the next moment, he brings his hand down and right in front of Orion’s face, it stops short, slamming against something hard. Orion smiles as the soldier staggers back in pain.

ZAL. SOLDIER

What…did you do?!?!

ORION

Invisible barrier, pal.

It’s like slamming your hand into a steel door.

Orion gets to his feet. The Zalbachian soldier snarls, and his body begins to enlarge. He becomes more bestial than before.

ORION

Damn…

…I took too much time.

The Zalbachian soldier slashes at Orion with claws, but Orion dives out of the way. He rolls on the ground and springs back to his feet quickly. The Zalbachian soldier attempts to pounce onto him, and Orion jumps onto desk, narrowly avoiding him. However, Orion isn’t able to react fast enough the next time. The Zalbachian soldier tackles Orion, putting him into a bear hug and the two shoot out from the previously-broken window and begin to fall.

On their descent, the snarling Zalbachian soldier continues to hold Orion as they start to careen towards the pavement below.

ORION

Ugh…Let GO of me, already!

And for God’s sake…would someone on your stupid planet invent MOUTHWASH already!?!

Using his powers to expand a light field around his body, Orion forces himself free. However, he continues to fall down and finds himself without anything to grapple onto. However, the next instant, he feels himself caught by a pair of arms.

BELDEZ

I’ve got you!!

ORION

Thanks Belle…

What WOULD I do without ya?

BELDEZ

Die a horrible, horrible death smeared across the ground in a bloody mess?

ORION

…

Frank, aren’t we?

BELDEZ

You asked.

Orion and Beldez touch down on the ground. Dove, Iceberg and Traxx come up to them.

TRAXX

Hey, Orion!! You’re okay!!

ORION

Yeah. Thanks for noticing.

Any word from Remona’s team?

DOVE

They said they should be back any minute n—

JET
We’re back!!

ORION

Did you get it?

Thunder holds up a small, black, box-like object.

THUNDER
Yeah…

…uh…

….whatever it is…

ICEBERG
That’s what we came here for?

JET

I thought it’d be money, or something.

ORION

Sorry to disappoint you.

If we’re done here, let’s get the hell out before the Zalbachians’ reinforcements arrive.

Suddenly, a half-dozen Elemenian attack ships appear above, firing at everyone. They all scatter out of the way and look for cover.

DOVE
Too late!!

REMONA

We have to get back to the ship!

It’s our only way out.

If they box us in here, we’re sitting ducks.

ORION

We need to clear the way.

Thunder, can you knock their sensor off-line with some static?

THUNDER

Coming right up.

Thunder places his hands close together, but apart. Electricity begins to build up between them, and he charges his powers in the center. He then raises his hands into the air and causes the electric ball to shoot out into the sky and disperse quickly into a multitude of smaller modules, thoroughly blocking out the ships’ sensors.

THUNDER

That buys us maybe ten seconds.

ORION

GO!! GO!!
Everybody MOVE!!

Everyone starts to run (or fly for those who can) through the streets, heading towards their hidden ship, which is in the middle of an aqueduct, mostly out of sight. However, the distance between their positions is pretty extensive. They don’t get very far before their ten seconds expire and the ships are once again on their trail.

DOVE

Here they come!!

ORION

Scatter!!

The group separates in smaller sections and everyone starts running in different directions- but still generally heading towards the ship. The Zalbachian ships continue to fire at them with increased firepower. This time, the blasts explode when they hit the ground, cutting off one group with Beldez, Remona and Thunder with a wall of flame.

THUNDER

Crap!!

We’re blocked off!!

BELDEZ

No, we aren’t…!

Beldez raises her hands into the air. After a moment, the flame quickly snuffs out, leaving nothing but scorched ground and billowing smoke.

THUNDER

Way to go!!

You’re a lifesaver.

BELDEZ

We’re not safe YET.

Come on, let’s go!!

In another area, Jet and Orion run with two more ships on their tail. A blast is fired near them, and the two are tossed a few feet- landing on the ground hard. Everything in the area begins to catch fire.

JET

Crap!!

Jet heads towards an alleyway. Bumping into a little boy- who is startled by all of the commotion.

BOY

Stupid rebels!!

You’re bad men!!

I hope the Zals catch you!!

JET

Dammit, you little punk!!

Move!!

Jet shoves the little boy out of the way, continuing to run.

ORION
JET!!

Orion starts to run after him, but soon notices that the boy is right beneath a wooden pillar…which has weakened from the flame and is about to give way. The boy doesn’t notice it, and is crying heavily. Orion quickly rushes towards the boy and dives at him as the pillar gives way, sending debris down on both of them.

Dove, Iceberg and Traxx make it to the ship first, and Iceberg quickly climbs into the pilot’s seat.

TRAXX

Is it safe to fly out?

We could get shot down.

ICEBERG

We don’t have a choice.

Besides, those Zal ships can’t maintain high altitudes.

If we can get high enough, we should be safe.

DOVE

But, we gotta wait for the others first!

Jet is the next to arrive.

JET
I’m here!

DOVE
Where’s Orion?

Wasn’t he with you?

JET
I dunno…

…I thought he was behind me.

TRAXX

Oh, crap…

JET
Don’t tell me that idiot’s gotten himself captured again!!

Finally, Beldez, Thunder and Remona arrive.

REMONA
Is everyone onboard?

ICEBEERG

Orion’s not here yet.

REMONA
The Zals know where the ship is, now.

We can’t stay here.

BELDEZ

But what about—

REMONA
We’ll find him.

But right now, we’ve gotta get moving.

BELDEZ

…

ICEBERG

Okay, then…takin’ her up…

The ship’s engines quickly start, and it starts to hover along the ground. Making its way out of a large pipe, it takes off into the air, narrowly avoiding fire from the Zalbachian ships.

ICEBERG

This is impossible!! How am I gonna get low enough to find Rio!?

DOVE

You won’t have to!

Look right there!

Dove points towards the ground and everyone sees Orion running towards the ship, calling out to them.

BELDEZ

It’s him!!

THUNDER

Yeah, but we ain’t the only ones that see him…

Everyone looks and sees two Zalbachian ships start to close in on Orion.

TRAXX

He’s not gonna make it!!

Beldez heads towards the hatch.

BELDEZ

Oh yes, he is.

A Zalbachian ship fires at Orion. Orion sees it coming and puts up a shield to protect himself. Despite that, the impact of the blast knocks flat to the ground. He groans for a bit, and attempts to get up. However, the ships are circling around, looking for another shot…

…when suddenly a powerful blast of energy comes from nowhere and strikes one of them. Orion looks up and sees Beldez, glowing with power, as she streaks across the sky like a fireball, attacking the ships.

BELDEZ

Come on, you bastards!

You’ve got something ELSE to worry about now!!

The ships fire at Beldez, and she evades them, continuing to attack. She even turns herself into a human cannonball and rams into one of them. As Orion watches this with an open mouth, the ship pulls up alongside him. Inside, Traxx and Dove are motioning for him to get in. Orion quickly leaps inside and the ship rises into the air. Beldez, seeing that her job is complete, takes off into the sky and catches up with the ship.

Inside, everyone lets out a much-needed sigh of relief.

TRAXX

(sliding along the wall to the ground)

Oh, man…

…I don’t EVER want another mission like THAT.

THUNDER
Well, we got out of it in one piece, at least…

…for…uh…

…whatever THIS thing is.

Beldez takes a good look at Orion, trying to see if he’s alright.

BELDEZ
You okay?

Without saying a word, Orion angrily walks over to Jet, glaring at him.

JET
….

…what?

Without saying a word, Orion punches him in the jaw and knocks him out cold.

Hours later, back at Headquarters, Orion admonishes Jet while the rest of the team is present.

ORION

…to have been the most reckless, idiotic thing I’ve ever seen!!

JET

What!!?
I was trying to avoid being shot at!

What do you want me to do?!?!

ORION

You PUSHED a little kid into a hazardous situation without even giving it a second thought!!!

JET

Look, I didn’t know, okay!?!

And, he’s okay right?!

ORION

That is NOT the point!!

You PUSHED a little kid out of your way to save your own skin!!

And his endangerment was a byproduct of that act!

JET
Cut me some freakin’ slack!

He was a Zal sympathizer! He wasn’t even on our SIDE!!

ORION

I…

DON’T…

CARE!!!!

Orion’s voice booms throughout the room. Everyone is startled by just how angry he is.

ORION
A life is a life.

It is not our job to choose who can die and when!

We do NOT go around acting like we’re GOD!!

Orion tries to calm himself down…closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

ORION

You’ve given me no choice but to suspend you, Billy.

Until further notice, you’re pulled from active duty.

JET
WHAT?!!

ORION

You will remain here and give secondary support.

You’re no longer part of the field team.

JET

Oh come on!!
This is total B.S.!!!

You’re just pissed off because YOU were too damn slow to keep up, so you’re taking it out on ME!!!

ORION

You are DISMISSED, Billy!!!!

Jet starts to say something, but holds back. He walks past a pile of papers situated at the edge of the desk and pushes them off angrily, knocking them to the floor. He then leaves the room.

Minutes later, Orion and Beldez walk together through the halls of the base.

BELDEZ

That was a side of you I don’t ever want to see again.

…You okay?

ORION

….yeah.

It’s just that…

…things like that piss me off.

And every time he opened his mouth, it got worse.

BELDEZ

I see…

ORION

He KNEW the rules.

We do NOT endanger innocent people.

BELDEZ
(giggles)

ORION

What’s so funny?

BELDEZ
Oh nothing…

…it’s just that…

….what you just said reminds me of my father?

ORION
Really?

BELDEZ

Yeah…

I like it…

…it’s cute.

ORION
"Cute"…eh?

Well, yes, I do fit that description in a number of ways, don’t I?

BELDEZ

Hmm…I see that EGO of yours hasn’t gone down any…

The two finally make their way to a room and enter it. Inside, Thunder and a few of the rebel technicians are fooling around with something on a computer.

ORION

How’s it going, Vince?

THUNDER

Well, now that we know that the black box was really holding a sort of program, we were able to extract it and download it to our mainframe.

ORION

Good.

BELDEZ
That means it’s finally ready!

THUNDER

Huh?

May I ask exactly what’s going on?

ORION

How about we just show you?

Orion goes over to a computer console and presses a button. After a few moments, a large glowing orb appears within a huge glass tube in the center of the room.

BELDEZ
Well hello there, Yagamo.

How are you?

YAGAMO

Online and ready to serve, Lady Beldez.

End of Chapter Five

ORION

(narration)

Five months have passed since Beldez’s arrival on the Earth. In that time, my team, with Beldez’s assistance has kept the Zalbachian forces on edge for quite a while. On our own, we have overtaken three Zalbachian forts and destroyed numerous defense stations. Not merely Beldez’s power, but her presence alone has helped us to turn the tide in this rebellion. What looked damned near hopeless a short time ago now seems like it’s so close.

If I were asked to describe Beldez…I’d simply answer:

"An angel."

Sylenia- The capital city of the Earthian rebel forces. Converted into a thriving metropolis following the Elemenian War, Sylenia has come to be seen as the symbol of everything the Earthian culture stands for. When the Zalbachians took over, they briefly occupied it, but the rebels made Sylenia the first place that they reclaimed in their attempts to retake the Earth.

Near the center of the city, there is a large estate. Not belonging to a solitary person, but used by the Earthians as a meeting and gathering place, the estate is a beautiful, elegant place. During such gatherings, the estate is bustling with activity. Outside of the manor, on the exterior grounds, Orion and his team stand and look around. Most of them in complete awe.

They have all dressed up in formal attire and has been exceptionally groomed for this event. Orion and the other men dressed in suits. Orion himself dressed in white while the other guys are dressed in black. The girls are all dressed in various elegant gowns. Beldez in particular is wearing a black, strapless gown that is laced down her back, and her hair has been made into an updo. The only person not in attendance is Remona.

DOVE
Whoa…this is the Sylenian Estate!?

ORION

That it is.

ICEBERG

I like it. I’ll take two.

TRAXX

Yeah, right.

With the amount of dough WE make, we wouldn’t be able to afford this for another 2000 years.

Orion and the others enter the manor, which is filled with people from all over the Earth- Earthians, pure-blooded Elemenians and Earthlings, and even other races that have since migrated to the Earth. The room is a smorgasbord of different cultures.

BELDEZ

I’m impressed.

It isn’t every day that you see this many races gathered in one spot.

ORION
These are all the major supporters of the rebellion. Rebel soldiers, officials, and even some key benefactors.

Thunder elbows Iceberg on his arm, repeatedly, trying to grab his attention.

THUNDER

Hey, ‘Berg…

ICEBERG

What is it?

THUNDER

Check out the hottie sitting at the table over there.

(points)

ICEBERG
The blonde one?

THUNDER

Nah…the one with orange skin and the weird antler-like things.

ICEBERG
Aaah…I see her now.

The Va-Lok.

Yeah, she’s hot.

THUNDER

I’m gonna go over and talk to her.

ICEBERG
Uh, you DO know that Va-Loks almost NEVER mate with humans, right?

THUNDER

Heh. I call that a challenge.

Thunder starts to walk away, towards the Va-Lok woman. Iceberg rolls his eyes.

ICEBERG
Oh, brother.

Just then, Thunder is cut off by someone.

THUNDER
Hey, what gives?!

VOICE

What’s this?

Is that any way to greet your father?

Thunder looks up and sees Daniel Zennon, his father, and the original "Thunder" standing in front of him.

THUNDER

Dad!!

DANIEL

Long time no see.

So, how are things, Vinnie?

THUNDER

Um….fine.

Thunder looks over his dad’s shoulder, anxious to keep going towards the Va-Lok girl.

DANIEL

You should at least contact me from time to time.

I want to hear how things are going.

THUNDER

Don’t you mean that you want me to spy on Orion and then report back to you?

DANIEL

That’s not what I—

THUNDER
Dad, can’t we talk about this later?

I’m kinda in a hurry.

Daniel sighs and steps aside, allowing Thunder to keep going. He then turns and sees Orion and Beldez.

BELDEZ

So, you wanna dance?

ORION

What? So soon?

BELDEZ

Yeah, of course.

You never know when some kind of interruption’s gonna—

DANIEL

Orion! Beldez!

BELDEZ

(sigh)

See what I mean?

Orion and Beldez turn towards Daniel.

ORION
Hello, sir. How are you?

DANIEL

I’m fine, thank you.

Now, are YOU a sight for sore eyes, Beldez.

It’s been quite a while.

BELDEZ

Yeah, it has, Uncle Dan.

DANIEL

Haha…"Uncle Dan"….

…you still remember.

BELDEZ

Heehee…yup.

DANIEL

Er…excuse me, you two…

…but I need to speak with you for a moment, Orion.

ORION
Why am I not surprised?

(sighs)

Rain check on that dance, Belle?

BELDEZ

I’m not goin’ anywhere.

A few minutes later, Orion and Daniel stop in a private office room. Thunder closes the door behind them and then turns around to Orion, who has his arms folded.

DANIEL

Beldez has grown into a lovely young woman hasn’t she?

And she looks so much like her moth—

ORION

I’m sorry, sir…but I’d like to skip the small talk.

DANIEL

…

ORION

No offense, but whenever you want to talk to me about anything, it usually ends with one of us slamming or hitting something.

DANIEL

(sighs)

This…is about Beldez.

ORION

What about her?

Thunder reaches on a table and picks up a sheet of paper. He then hands it to Orion, who gives him a cold stare and then looks down at it.

FEDERATION of the ALLIED PLANETS

CRIMINAL DOSSIER

Subject: Beldez Genesha

Homeworld: Earth

Race: Lemuan

Classification: A-2 Federal Criminal

The subject known as Beldez Genesha is one of the last-surviving members of the Lemuan race. Extremely powerful and cunning, she is wanted for treason, piracy, possession of stolen goods, inciting a riot, assaulting Allied officers and terrorism. She is to be considered extremely dangerous and not to be taken lightly. Contact Allied authorities immediately if sighted.

After reading the paper, Orion looks back up towards Daniel.

ORION

How…did you get this?

DANIEL

I have sources.

But, do you realize what this means?

ORION

Yeah.

Those Alliance guys aren’t very thorough.

Beldez isn’t really all Lemuan…technically, she’s more Elemenian than anyth—

DANIEL

Don’t screw around, Orion.

You know exactly what I mean.

ORION

…

Yeah, she’s a criminal to the Alliance.

So?

Technically, so are we.

DANIEL

True. However, we have the Zalbachian "code" protecting us.

The Zalbachians would never allow the Allies to impede on the personal Zalbachian rebellion.

ORION

Yeah, yeah, I know.

DANIEL

I don’t think you’re realizing how SERIOUS this is.

Beldez isn’t just a petty rebel like the rest of us. In the eyes of the Alliance, she’s a major threat.

ORION

So what are you saying?

DANIEL

I think you should have consulted me before you invited her to this planet.

ORION

Excuse me?

Last time I checked, I didn’t take orders from you anymore.

DANIEL

Don’t get coy, Orion.

You may not be under my direct command, but you are STILL a part of the rebellion.

You can’t just go acting on your own.

This whole thing with Beldez has the Committee very upset.

ORION

Well, tell them that if they have concerns regarding this, I will gladly come to see them.

And then, they will all be able to soundly kiss my ass.

DANIEL

Dammit, Orion!

This is very serious!

Do you realize that if the Alliance were to become involved in this, that we will have NO chance of beating them?

ORION

Beldez has already said that if that happens, she’s willing to leave the planet.

But, she wants to do whatever she can to help.

DANIEL

And it’s just that simple, huh?

ORION
Yeah, it’s just that simple.

DANIEL

(lets out a deep breath)

Okay, Orion…we’ll play this your way…

….for now.

But, I’m warning you that the Committee doesn’t like this one bit.

ORION

Yeah, well, frankly I don’t give a rat’s ass WHAT they don’t like.

They can continue sipping tea and talking politics while WE actually do all the fighting.

DANIEL

…

The room is quiet for a few moments as Orion and Thunder don’t utter a word.

DANIEL

Well, I guess that we’re done here.

ORION

Great.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I have a dance to get back to.

Back at Orion’s hidden rebel base, Remona quickly walks into the communications room.

REMONA

What’s going on?

TECHNICIAN

We’ve detected something speeding towards the Earth’s atmosphere.

We’re not sure what it is.

TECHNICIAN 2

We’ve just detected three more, ma’am.

They seem to be moving in unison.

REMONA

I see.

Keep me posted.

Remona starts to walk out of the room.

TECHNICIAN

Where are you going, ma’am?

REMONA
To inform Orion.

At the Sylenian manor, Orion walks back into the main hall. As he does, he walks past Iceberg, who’s watching while holding a glass filled with punch.

ICEBERG

I don’t believe it.

ORION
What?

Iceberg points over to Thunder, who’s dancing with the Va-Lok woman.

ICEBERG

How the hell did he DO it?

ORION

I think it’s obvious.

(grins widely)

My influence is starting to rub off on people.

ICEBERG

Well, could you throw a little of that this way?

I’m feeling stupid standing here by myself.

ORION

You want a partner? Hold on a sec.

Orion walks up to Dove.

ORION

Hey, Dove.

DOVE
Yeah, Rio?

ORION

You wanna dance?

DOVE
Sure.

ORION

Not with me.

With ‘Berg over there.

See…he’s a bit shy…but he’s been dying to ask you all night.

DOVE
Are you serious?

ORION

Oh yeah. He’s itching for you to ask him to dance.

DOVE

Well…okay…

Dove walks over to Iceberg and the two start to talk. After a moment, Dove starts to pull Iceberg out onto the dance floor. Smiling, Iceberg mouths the words "Thank you" to Orion. Orion merely waves in reply.

BELDEZ

My, my…aren’t we a good friend?

ORION

Well, I try to take care of my friends, you know?

BELDEZ

That’s sweet, Rio.

So now, shall we?

ORION
Let’s.

Orion takes Beldez’s hand and the two of them go out onto the dance floor and taking each other arm in arm, begin to dance.

BELDEZ

So, what did you and Uncle Dan talk about?

ORION

Nothing…

BELDEZ

Don’t lie to me, Rio…

I can smell it.

ORION

…

Well, you, actually.

BELDEZ

Me?

ORION
He says the Committee doesn’t like the idea of you being here.

BELDEZ

I see…

…well, we knew that this would probably happen.

ORION

Yeah…

…but that doesn’t mean it’s okay.

You’re one of us, you know.

BELDEZ

Thank you, Rio…

You don’t know what that means to me…

…After all this time, I…

…I’m finally not alone anymore…

ORION

…huh?

Alone? What are you talking about?

Beldez doesn’t answer. The two of them continue to dance until the song stops. After it’s over, Beldez starts to wander away…a saddened expression on her face. She looks as if she’s miles away.

ORION

Belle…?

What’s wrong?

Beldez walks away hurriedly. A concerned Orion follows her and follows her as she goes outside onto a balcony, looking out towards the sea.

ORION

Belle…come on!

Talk to me, will ya?

What’s wrong?

BELDEZ

…
Rio…I…

…There are things that I haven’t told you…

…about…about me…

…and my father…

ORION
What things?

BELDEZ

…

While we were out in space, my father, Genesis and I traveled from planet to planet…Doing what we could to mingle with different cultures and try our best to represent the Earth. We wanted to try and bring as many cultures together as we could.

…But, as we went from world to world, we quickly learned that everywhere we went, people only showed us contempt and hatred…because…because of our Lemuan heritage.

ORION

…

BELDEZ

Up until now, I haven’t said much about this…because I didn’t want to get you all wrapped up in my problems. But now, it seems that’s unavoidable.

ORION
Belle…

BELDEZ

No, Rio…please…just listen…

What you’ve seen up to now…that…that isn’t the "real" me.

ORION
What?

BELDEZ

Sure, I pretend to be this tough-as-nails, sexy woman…but, the truth is, I’m not that strong. Sure, I have these powers…but what good are they?

They…they didn’t help when they were needed the most.

ORION

I…I don’t understand…

Beldez sighs and raises her arms into the air. The soil below magically comes up with them. She begins to move her hands around and the soil starts to take shape. Orion watches with amazement.

BELDEZ

I love art. It’s my passion. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved to create things. Sculpture…paintings…decorating. I haven’t aged since I was 17…when my powers kicked in. I loved to use them to change things…to alter nature into a perfect symphony and something simply beautiful.

The dirt takes the shape of human beings, as Beldez continues to command it.

BELDEZ

It’s the same way with my body. Over the years, I’ve treated it like a canvas. Whenever I needed to change something, I just made a tweak here and an alteration there. My body is a form of my art now. The universe sees me either as a heroine or a criminal now. I have to keep changing my appearance to stay hidden.

But they always find me…sooner or later..

I’m always afraid that sooner or later, they’ll catch me…

…and I’ll end up just like my father…

Beldez’s statues take the shape of Terran and Genesis, turning into exact replicas of the two.

ORION

Huh? You mean Terran?

What happened?

BELDEZ

I…I’m pretty sure he’s dead…

ORION

WHAT?!!?

How?!?!

BELDEZ

The day of the invasion, my father decided that he was going to try and do the best he could to protect the Earth. But, then, the Earth was forced to surrender, and the Zalbachians continued to press the attack on him. Both myself and Genesis were under heavy attack as well, and we couldn’t manage to help him.

The Allies cornered me and captured me…and then tormented me by showing my father being overwhelmed by Zalbachian forces…

….and then being blasted into nothing by their most powerful weapon.

Orion is speechless.

BELDEZ

Those Alliance bastards…they were the ones responsible for destroying the rest of my race….the Lemu.

After massacring their entire civilization, there were only two left: My father and myself.

…

…and now there’s just me.

ORION
Terran, no…

At that moment, Remona bursts onto the balcony hastily.

REMONA

Orion, something urgent has come up.

ORION

Remy?!

REMONA

I have to tell you something.

ORION

This can’t wait?

REMONA

No.

ORION

(sighs)

Okay…

What is it?

REMONA

We’ve detected four objects heading towards the Earth extremely fast. At their current rate, they’ll be here in less than one hour.

ORION

Meteors, maybe?

REMONA
Not unless they have steering wheels.

They turned in mid-flight.

ORION

Is there any danger of it being extinction-level?

REMONA

If you mean from their size and speed…no.

However, there’s no telling what they are.

ORION

Okay, then…thanks Remy.

Orion turns towards Beldez.

ORION
Listen, Belle…

…if you need a minute, we can handle th—

BELDEZ
No…I’m going.

ORION
But…

BELDEZ
I came here to help, Rio.

And that’s what I’m gonna do.

My…my father would want that.

ORION

…I see…

(turns around)

Well then, let’s go.

We’ll suit up on the way.

End of Chapter Six

One half-hour ago:

At the rebel headquarters, Beldez is inside the ladies’ dressing room as she, half-dressed, prepares to put on the uniform and gear given to her by Orion. However, suddenly, she hears a slight noise. Turning around, startled, Beldez sees Remona leaning against a wall, staring at her.

BELDEZ

What the--?!

What do you WANT!?

REMONA

Just keeping an eye on you.

BELDEZ

Well, could you pick a better time to do it?

I’m not dressed at the moment.

REMONA
Hmm…that’s funny.

With the clothing you wear, you don’t usually look much different.

BELDEZ

Excuse me?

You have a problem with the way I dress?

REMONA

It’s pitiful. The way you parade around like some cheap tramp.

BELDEZ

I’m proud of my body…

Proud enough to know that there’s no harm in flaunting what you’ve got.

REMONA

That’s ASSUMING you have something TO flaunt.

BELDEZ

That’s funny…

…Orion seems to think so.

REMONA

…

Well, Orion’s an idiot, so he doesn’t count.

BELDEZ

I’m sure he’ll be glad to know you think that way about him.

REMONA

Orion knows what I think.

He’s my friend, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t hesitate to tell him when he does something stupid.

BELDEZ

That’s great. Really great.

Glad to hear you’re such good friends.

REMONA

Yes…

Good enough that I know that YOU need to stay away from him.

BELDEZ

Oh, I do, huh?

Or what? You’re gonna scratch me with those Zalbachian nails of yours?

REMONA

Try me.

The room is silent for a long period of time. Beldez and Remona are silent, staring at one another with disgust. The only thing that breaks this moment is the sound of the room’s door opening.

DOVE

Hey, what’s taking so long, Belle?!

We’re ready to go.

BELDEZ

Oh…uh…sorry.

I’ll be ready in a minute.

DOVE

Okay…just hurry up, willya?

Dove leaves the room, and once again Remona and Beldez are alone. They continue to stare at each other for a few moments.

REMONA

Just…stary away from him, you hear?

We won’t have this conversation again.

Remona turns around and walks out of the room, leaving Beldez. Beldez’s eyes glow slightly, emitting a reddish hue.

BELDEZ

You’re damn right we won’t.

In the present:

Orion, Iceberg, Dove and Beldez stand in the middle of the Arabian desert as a strong wind blows sand across the ground. They are looking up in the sky as four bright objects are seen in the daylight. Orion puts his hand over his ear, ready to speak into his communicator.

ORION

Okay, Thunder…when are they gonna hit?

THUNDER

They should hit in about…..

…five….four….three….two…..

Everyone watches as the four rapidly drop out of the sky and hit the ground hard miles away. There’s a bright flash, shortly followed by a loud rumbling noise.

ORION

Okay, we’re gonna check it out.

REMONA

(over radio)

Be careful. We don’t know what we’re dealing with and…

sherrrrrak..fllzzztt…

ORION

Remy? Remy?

I didn’t get that. Can you hear me?

Remy!?

In the base’s communication room, Remona has a similar problem.

REMONA

Rio? Hello? Rio?

(she hits the machine a few times)

THUNDER

Hey, hey! Don’t do that!

This is sensitive equipment?

REMONA

Well, what the heck’s wrong with it?

THUNDER

Nothing…it just seems as if our signal’s been jammed.

REMONA

Jammed? By who?

Could this have something to do with those four objects?

THUNDER

I’m not sure.

I can locate the source, but it’s gonna take a little time.

REMONA

Good. Get to wo-

Just then, there’s a loud BOOM, and the entire base shakes violently.

REMONA

What the--!?

Back in Arabia, Orion lowers his hand, looking at his communicator.

ORION

…the hell?

BELDEZ

What’s wrong?

ORION
I lost contact with the base.

You guys try your communicators.

Everyone attempts to use their own communicators.

DOVE

I…I’m not getting anything.

ICEBERG
Me either.

BELDEZ

Same here.

Orion presses a few buttons on his communicator and once again his hand to his ear.

ORION

Can you hear me, Belle?

BELDEZ

Yeah. Loud and clear.

ORION
Then it’s not our equipment.

Something’s wrong at the base.

DOVE

What do we do?

ORION

You two stay here and see if the base comes up.

Belle and I will check out the crash site.

If we get in any trouble, we’ll call you.

ICEBERG

Okay, Rio.

Good luck.

Orion steps in close to Beldez and puts his arm over her shoulder. She then puts her arm around his waist and takes off into the air, heading towards the crash site. Meanwhile, at the base, Remona, and Traxx go towards the source of the loud noise, where they hear loud noises, gunfire, and yelling.

REMONA

What’s going on!?!

REBEL SOLDIER

I-It’s the Zals!!

They’ve attacked the base!!

REMONA

Remona looks up and sees a squadron of Zalbachian soldiers storm into the base, firing.

TRAXX

This…this can’t be happening…

How did they FIND us!?!

REMONA

We’ve got a leak…

Hovering above the crash site, Beldez and Orion look down the area of the impact…each object leaving a crater a mile in diameter. The objects themselves are large, spherical metallic structures. Orion looks at them curiously, not sure what they are.

ORION
What…what ARE those things?

BELDEZ

(gasps)

Oh, no…

ORION

Huh?

You know what they are.

BELDEZ

(nods)

They’re…

Before Beldez can answer, there’s a loud noise and the four spheres begin to shoot out large amounts of steam from inside. After releasing all of the steam, they begin to crack open like eggs. Finally, with a powerful explosion of force, large, grotesque creatures emerge from the spheres, growling and screeching.

BELDEZ

They’re…Genos!

ORION
Huh?! Genos? What the hell are Genos!?

Beldez isn’t given enough time to explain. As soon as the creatures see Beldez and Orion in the air, they immediately sprout insect-like wings and, screeching loudly, zoom into the air like rockets, heading straight for them. Seeing them, Beldez moves Orion out of the way as the Genos ram into her hard. Groaning in pain, Beldez loses her grip on Orion, and without her, he starts to fall…

Back at the base, an alert has gone out as every available person gets ready to defend the base. Near the source of the breach, Remona and Traxx fight against the overwhelming odds of the Zalbachian soldiers. A Zalbachian soldier fires at Remona, but, growling, she nimbly leaps to the side, dodging the blast, and tackles the soldier to the ground. Remona then dodges as a Zalbachian soldier slashes at her with his claws. Wrapping her tail around his waist, she spins and throws him into two others. However, one of the soldiers comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around her in a bear hug. Remona squirms, trying to get free. As she does, the ground shakes violently, and a group of crates stacked in the room topples over onto the soldier.

TRAXX

You okay, Remy!?

REMONA

Look out behind you!!

TRAXX
Huh?

Traxx turns just as a Zalbachian soldier jabs him with a taser staff. As the shock courses through his body, Traxx is stunned, and falls to the ground unconscious. Remona finds herself alone as more and more Zalbachian soldiers crowd into the room. She looks around erratically, ready to strike at anyone who attacks as she snarls angrily.

VOICE

Hmm…fighting to the bitter end, are we?

Good, good…perhaps you haven’t COMPLETELY turned your back on your heritage.

Remona turns and sees Gallan enter the room, walking confidently.

REMONA
You…!!

GALLAN

Hello, baby sister.

I have NO desire to hurt you…so I’d prefer if you just made it easier and surrendered.

Orion continues to fall, as Beldez tries desperately to fight off the Genos.

BELDEZ

RIO!!!!
G-Get off of me, dammit!!

Orion, seeing that there’s no chance of Beldez rescuing him, uses his powers to create a board underneath his feet. He then creates a rail underneath himself and starts to use the board to grind along it, sliding downwards. He can barely make the rail as fast as he can grind along it, and it’s requiring all of his concentration to do so.

Meanwhile, the Genos are swarming around Beldez like locusts, crowding around her. Beldez can no longer think about how to defend herself. She’s merely punching and firing her powers wildly, trying to keep up. Orion takes the "rail" into a steep decline and then makes it quickly swerve upwards like a ramp, launching him into the air. He then makes a large holographic fist over his real hand.

ORION

Hey, Belle!! Heads up!!

Orion uses the massive fist to punch two of the creatures. Beldez then grabs another’s foot and throws it at the fourth. Orion starts to fall again, but this time, Beldez catches his hand, and they slowly set down onto the ground. The Genos land on the ground as well, surrounding the two of them.

ORION

Okay, Belle…care to tell me what we’re up against here?

BELDEZ

Genos…genetically-created lifeforms.

They’re used all over the universe as slaves, soldiers…and even food.

ORION

Genetically-created? You mean that somebody MADE these?

BELDEZ

Right.

But, it couldn’t have been the Zalbachs…they don’t allow the use of Genos.

ORION

But, who ELSE could have sent them?

BELDEZ

Beats me.

Uh, oh…here they come again...

You should alert Iceberg and Dove.

I’ll buy us some time.

Beldez puts her hands out in front, holding out her palms. A powerful wind begins to kick up like a tornado, blowing towards the Genos. Orion, meanwhile, contacts Iceberg and Dove. The Genos are barely affected by Beldez’ makeshift sandstorm, and continue marching forward. Beldez increases the power of her sandstorm, concentrating with all her might. The Genos’ advance starts to slow, and eventually, they come to a dead stop. However, a large bluish gem on their chests suddenly begins to glow.

BELDEZ

Oh, no…!!

The Genos all fire an intense beam of energy from the gems on their chests. The powerful blasts collide in the center where Orion and Beldez are. There’s a large explosion and a tremendous amount of sand is kicked up from the blast. A short time passes, and the sand and dust begin to settle. As it does, Beldez and Orion have barely been protected by a thin shield Orion has put up, but the force of the blast has still taken its toll. They are laid out on the ground, barely moving.

The Genos, two of them growing a large blade from their forearm, walk forward towards them. They quickly stab Orion and Beldez with their blades…or so they believe. Suddenly, Orion and Beldez quickly flicker away, having been mere holograms.

ORION

Surprise!!!

Orion runs towards two of the Genos, creating a shield in front of himself and using it as a battering ram. He hits them hard, knocking them to the ground. Meanwhile, Beldez fires two powerful blasts at the Genos, making them slide along the ground and into a sand dune. The two then stand back-to-back, ready to continue.

ORION
How you doin’, Belle?

BELDEZ
I’m just catching my second wind.

You?

ORION
I think that was my THIRD wind

Are ALL Genos this powerful?

BELDEZ

Some are. Most aren’t.

Since Genos are artificial, people tend to make them as powerful as they need them to be.

ORION

So, what’s the most powerful one’s ever gotten?

BELDEZ

Well, there IS the case of one having the power to destroy an entire planet.

I believe you’ve heard of her.

Her name’s Genesis.

ORION

What?!

The two Genos Orion toppled rise up and start to charge Orion and Beldez. Orion, however, uses his power to make a staff that jabs one of them in its stomach, stopping it in its tracks. Orion then points his finger like a gun, and a cannonball-like object shoots towards the creature, knocking it down again.

The second Geno continues to charge at Beldez, but, waving her hand, she causes the sand to shift under its feet, toppling it.

ORION

Damn!! They just keep coming!

Be straight with me, Belle…

What do you think our chances are, here?

BELDEZ

Honestly?

I think we need a miracle.

ORION

(smirks)

Oh, is that all?!

BELDEZ
"Is that all"!?

You think you can get us a miracle?

ORION

Beautiful, I attract miracles like stale bread attracts mold.

The other two Genos burst from the sand and quickly zoom in to attack. Before they can get close, a blur of motion crosses in front of them, leaving an energy trail, stopping them in their tracks. The blur is Dove, as she stops and hovers in the air.

DOVE

Now, ‘Berg!!

Clasping his hands together, Iceberg unleashes a powerful blast that freezes both of the Genos in place. Orion then uses his abilities to subdue the remaining two within a light field.

ORION

Belle!!

Get them NOW!!

BELDEZ
I’m on it!!

Beldez lets out a loud yell, and the ground starts to shake as she draws energy into her hands. She then jerks her arms forward, unleashing a powerful blast onto the Genos. A massive explosion occurs, billowing smoke into the air.

ICEBERG

Alright! We got ‘em!!

ORION

What the hell took you two so long!?

DOVE
Hey! I had to carry Iceberg here!

He weighs a TON, you know!!

ICEBERG

Oh, shut up.

ORION

Yeah, well…at least they’re all dead—

Orion’s words are proven to be false as one of the Genos burst forth from the cloud of smoke…seriously injured, but nonetheless alive. It darts right past Orion and straight for Beldez. Before Beldez can react, the Geno’s blade pierces her stomach, running her through.

ORION
BELLE!!!!

NO!!!!

Angered, uses his powers to create a blunt object and swings it hard, slamming against the head of the Geno. Orion continues to pound the creature hard, but it quickly grabs his throat, lifting him from the ground.

ORION

Urk…you…you think you’ve got me, huh?!

Heh…

…Time to educate your dumb ass!

Putting his hands together in a prayer-like formation with his fingers pointed towards the Geno, a shaft of light appears, going straight through the Geno’s body. The Geno staggers back, dropping Orion. Not letting his concentration waver, Orion causes the shaft to grow vertically, as it completely splits the Geno in half. After getting to his feet, Orion walks over to the Geno’s body and spits on it. He then goes over to Beldez, who’s being attended to by Dove and Iceberg.

ORION

Belle…Belle!

Are you alright?!

BELDEZ

I…I’m hurt bad, Rio…

I…I think I’m dying…

ICEBERG

You…you can’t die, right!?

You’re so powerful…

I mean…can’t you just heal yourself or something?

BELDEZ

Some injuries…I can just heal…

…but this one…it’s too much…too fast.

ORION
Hold on, Belle…we’re gonna get you some help.

We’ll put you in a juvie tank* on the hover craft…

…just to help you until we can get a doctor.

(Rejuvenation tank.)

Orion turns to Dove.

ORION
Get the hovercraft. Hurry!

DOVE

Okay!

Dove flies off hurriedly.

Minutes later, the hovercraft stops just outside of the base as Orion and the others see the destruction that’s occurred inside.

DOVE

Oh my God…

Orion suddenly opens the door and runs out, heading inside the base. The others quickly get out and follow him.

ICEBERG
What happened?!?

That question is answered as bright lights appear. Zalbachian soldiers appear, pointing their weapons at them. Orion and the others are blinded for a moment, but look up and see Gallan standing in front of them.

GALLAN

Ah…you’ve come home at last.

(chuckles)

We were waiting.

ORION
Gallan…!?

GALLAN

It’s a funny thing about insects…

…they’re pesky when they’re spread out in the field…

…but once you find their nest, you can get rid of them quite easily.

ORION

Where are my friends, dammit?!

If you hurt them…

GALLAN

Oh, they’re quite unharmed…for now.

Gallan snaps his fingers and Remona, Thunder and Traxx are brought out, bound and helpless.

REMONA

Rio!!

ORION
Remy!!

GALLAN

As you can see…I haven’t hurt any of them very badly.

After all, how could I harm my dear sister?

ICEBERG

S-Sister?!

Remy’s….his sister!?

REMONA

…

GALLAN

Oops…I didn’t accidentally reveal some intimate secret now did I?

Oh dear…I apologize. I’ll be more careful in the future.

ORION

Stop playing games, dammit!

We don’t have time for this!!

GALLAN

Oh, that’s right…Beldez is gravely wounded, isn’t she?

ORION

!!

GALLAN

I saw the whole fight within optical receivers I placed within the Genos.

It seemed that she was hurt pretty badly.

Of course, I’d be willing to help her…after all, I DO need her alive so that she can stand trial for all the crimes she’s committed against the Zalbachian Empire.

ORION

(grits his teeth)

GALLAN

All you have to do is surrender. Then, no harm will come to either of you.

You have my word.

ORION

"Your word?" Your word!?

I’ve got a word for you, you furry-assed bastard!

No, make that TWO words:

F*ck you!!

Suddenly, a cluster of soldiers topples over. A few moments later, a blur appears right in front of Orion as Jet appears.

ORION
Jet!!

JET

Sorry I’m late…These jokers weren’t able to catch me…so I waited for a chance to strike!

GALLAN

Why, you…

GET THEM!!!

The Zalbachian soldiers fire at Orion and company, but he creates a shield which blocks their blasts.

ORION
Come now, Gally…
"Get them"?

Try to be more original.

REMONA

Orion!! Get out of here!!

Don’t worry about us!

ORION
But…!

REMONA

We’ll be fine…!

If you want to save Beldez, get out of here NOW!!

Orion hesitates…but, realizing that Remona’s right, he and others start to retreat.

ORION

We’ll be back for you, Remy!

Count on that!

Getting to the hovercraft, they quickly take off…narrowly escaping.

SOLDIER

My Lord…they have managed to escape!!

GALLAN

I see…

(smiles)

Heh…

REMONA

You’re…smiling?

GALLAN

Of course…

Because whether you know it or not, dear sister…you’ve just helped me usher my plan’s master stroke!

Miles away, in Sylenia, Orion and his team watch as Beldez, still in a rejuvenation tank, is rushed to the medical ward. As they do, Daniel suddenly enters the room excitedly.

DANIEL

Orion! What’s going on!?

ORION

Beldez is hurt.

She’s hurt bad.

DANIEL
I know that.

I meant, what’s going on at your base!?!

JET
Somehow, the Zalbachians have found us!

ICEBERG

Our base was destroyed…and the rest of our team’s being held captive.

DANIEL

What!?

How could THAT have happened!?

ORION

I don’t know!!

It…It just doesn’t make any—

At that moment, a soldier bursts into the room.

SOLDIER

Sir!!!

We’re under attack!!!

It’s the Zalbachians!!!

DANIEL

WHAT!?!

ICEBERG

No!! Not here, too!!

DOVE

How-How could they have found us!?!

ORION
There’s NO WAY they could get to both OUR base AND Sylenia unless…

As the realization hits him, Orion looks at Jet.

ORION

…Exactly HOW did you say you avoided being captured again, Jet?

JET

Uh…I…I was too fast, I guess…

ORION

You were too fast for the Zalbachs!? For THAT long!?

They would have EVOLVED against your speed!

DOVE

Wait a minute, Rio…what are you saying?

ORION

You…traitor!!

It was YOU, wasn’t it?!

JET

…

Before anyone can Blink, Jet punches Orion in the stomach, grabs the soldier’s gun and holds it to Daniel’s head.

JET

Nobody move!!

Or he gets it!

And don’t think I’m just playing around.

I WILL shoot the old geezer.

ORION

You…bastard!!

JET

Watch the insults, pal. I’ve got an itchy trigger finger here.

(smirks)

YOU already know how little I care about human life, ain’t that right, "Boss".

ORION

…

I just have one question:

Why?

JET

Oh, this was what I was sent for in the first place.

ORION

"Sent"?

JET

I’m a Guardian City Sentinel. I was ordered to join your little group and help the Empire take you and the entire rebellion down.

Of course, even if I wasn’t ordered to, I STILL would have done it.

I find you really annoying.

ORION

You…..

(takes a step forward)

JET

Ah-ah! Don’t try it.

I can pull this trigger faster than you can move three millimeters.

As Orion and the others are helpless to do anything, Zalbachian soldiers burst into the room, with weapons drawn. Orion and the others have no choice but to raise their hands in surrender. As they do, Gallan once again strolls into view.

GALLAN

Hehe…

Didn’t I tell you it’d be easier if you had just surrendered before?

Then, you wouldn’t have led me straight to the central rebel headquarters.

Oh well…I guess I should thank you.

Hahaha…

…take them.

Orion feels a powerful blow on the back of his head as he is knocked unconscious. He falls the floor and everything blacks out…

End of Chapter Seven

Out in space, Alita and Neal Raynig’s ship, the Sabre, is docked at another arena space station. Inside, Neal stands in front of a monitor, watching with close intent. A stern, worried look is on his face. As he continues to watch, the door opens and Alita walks in, holding a championship trophy and radiating with pride.

ALITA
Neal! I did it again!! I defended my title and won!!

That makes twenty-five successful title matches!

I’m on a roll!

I’ve never felt so good in all my—

Alita, noticing that Neal isn’t listening to anything she’s said, stops and looks at him with a puzzled expression.

ALITA

Neal? Honey?

What’s wrong?

Neal turns around, his expression grim.

NEAL

I think you’d better watch this, Allie…

It’s about Orion.

On the Planet Zalbach, the King makes his way into a conference room. Gamora, his daughter, has her arm looped around his and she and several attendants help the weakened, sickly King walk slowly. Making their way to the back of the room, there is a large chair situated at the head of the conference table. The King stops at the seat, and slowly starts to sit, careful not to hurt himself.

GAMORA
Careful, Father…do not strain yourself.

KING

Let me be, Gamora. I’m not that helpless…yet.

Sitting in his seat, Gamora takes a smaller seat next to him. In front of them, a large vidscreen rises from the table. A Zalbachian soldier walks up to them.

SOLDIER

My lieges, Prince Gallan requested that we have you present for this moment.

He instructed us that you were to have a FULL view of the broadcast he is about to air.

GAMORA

I DO hope he gets on with it.

I so hate suspense.

KING

Hmm…what exactly is this supposed to be about?

SOLDIER

Gallan did not tell us, exactly.

He only mentioned that it would portray the renewed strength of the Zalbachian regime over the planet Earth.

On Earth, Orion, unconscious, feels a hard slap across his face. With a start, he opens his eyes and tries to focus them. He aches all over and his head is swimming.

VOICE
Wake up, sleepyhead.

School’s about to begin.

As Orion’s vision begins to return to him, he sees a grinning Jet standing in front of him, his hands on his hips and his chest poked out proudly.

ORION

J-Jet…?

JET

Ah, you’ve finally woke up.

I thought maybe you had brain damage or something.

Of course, not as though that would make much difference…

ORION

W-Where am I?

JET

Oh, you’ll see soon enough.
I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise…hehe.

Jet walks up to Orion and puts his arm around Orion’s shoulder in a friendly manner. As Orion’s wits come back to him, he realizes that he is bolted to a large X-shaped construct…with each of his arms and legs bolted to one of the shape’s extensions. He looks almost as though he’s about to be crucified. He was inside a dark room…it looked almost like a container. A square, metal container.

JET

So, pal, let me ask you…

…how you feeling?

ORION

Like I just spent a night doing the nasty with your fat mother, Billy.

…and she was on TOP.

JET

Ouch. That hurt.

I’m so, deeply wounded…

…no, wait…I don’t like my mother anyway.

Jet pats Orion on his back.

JET

You know, pal…I have to say, it wasn’t so bad being part of your little group.

There were some nice people there; some good folks that just happened to be on the WRONG side.

And I always did like Remona. She’s pretty hot for a Zal chick.

That fiery little temper of hers is quite the turn-on, you know.

Say…..

Maybe after this is over, she and I can become a little "closer"…

…Y’know, go out for a few drinks, watch some films on vidscreen, and maybe head someplace private for a little fun…?

ORION

…If you touch her, you’ll regret it.

JET
Haha! Yeah, right. What’re YOU gonna do about it?

ORION

I don’t HAVE to do anything. If you so much as look at her the wrong way, Remona’ll make a woman out of you.

JET

Yeah, well…we’ll see.

Not that YOU’LL be around long enough to see it.

At that moment, there’s a loud metallic banging noise.

JET

Oops…they’re ready.

I guess this is goodbye, then, pal.

But…just before I leave, let me give you a little something to remember me by.

Jet punches Orion hard in the gut. Orion’s stomach feels like it’s on fire as he groans in anguish. He then starts to cough as he struggles to regain his breath. Jet laughs and walks away, leaving him alone.

Outside, there’s a loud commotion in the middle of Guardian City. People have flooded onto the streets and headed towards the city square, where the Zalbachian Empire has assumed full control. There, the Zalbachians have set up sort of mini-auditorium, ready to put on a show that will draw a large audience. Soldiers surround the entire area, as the people watch from a distance. Things are relatively quiet until one of the soldiers hails the coming of the Prince. A fanfare immediately follows and Prince Gallan walks out into the middle of the spectacle amidst a roaring applause. Meruda remains by his side. Calm and composed, Gallan walks up to the scaffold directly in the center of the audience and within view of the video cameras. He raises his hand to quiet everyone, and then prepares to make an address.

GALLAN

Greetings to all.

I want to thank you for taking up my invitation to bear witness to this historic event. I am airing this as a live feed throughout all of space.

Of course, because of the distance the signal must travel, some of you may not receive this broadcast for up to 30 minutes after it has been sent.

I apologize for the delay. It was unavoidable.

And Father, I especially hope that YOU are watching, because this is being made in your honor.

I want to declare that, as of this moment, the rebellion on the Planet Earth has been successfully negated.

The Zalbachian Imperial has once again established its sovereignty throughout the galaxy!

ALITA
WHAT?!!?

GALLAN

This was made possible, in part thanks to the great people of Guardian City; truly noble people whose loyalty to the Empire was unyielding.

(there is a roar of applause)

And I would also like to thank one particular citizen of Guardian City, William McDougal, who single-handedly infiltrated the enemy camp and helped defeat them from the inside.

There is another round of applause as a spotlight focuses on Jet. Smiling, he happily takes a bow.

GALLAN

And now, to verify the surrender of the Earth’s rebel factions, I now bring to you Daniel Zennon…a member of the Earthian Council which was behind the revolt.

Gallan steps aside and Daniel, escorted by Zalbachian guards, makes his way towards the scaffold. As he steps up, he hears the people shouting and booing at him. As he moves to the center of the scaffold, Daniel gives a stern look to Gallan. Gallan merely smirks in response. Turning towards the spectators and Daniel lets out a long breath

DANIEL

As of right now, I am hereby ordering all rebellious factions on the Planet Earth to cease and desist any hostile activity against the Zalbach Empire.

Surrender to the Empire, and turn in all weapons or confiscated devices or weaponry.

Our fight is over. We lost.

Gallan steps back in front of the cameras, smiling.

GALLAN

And there you have it, kinsmen across space.

The Zalbach Empire has successfully defended Earth as a principality, and has retained its sovereign right to rule.

On Zalbach, Princess Gamora and the King continue to watch the broadcast.

GAMORA

My, my…isn’t THIS quite the surprise.

Brother has finally succeeded in his little terran enterprise.

Aren’t you pleased, father?

The King merely sits back and watches, a look of uncertainty crosses his face.

KING
Hmmm…

Meanwhile, near the Earth…

VOICE
Should we get involved now, Sir Arnok?

ARNOK
No…remain where you are.
Do not move until I give the order.

VOICE
Yes sir.

Back in Guardian City, Gallan motions for his men to go over to a large, metallic, trailer-like enclosure.

GALLAN

And now, I will present you with the person who has caused me more trouble than any other that I have encountered on the planet Earth.

Please…bring the prisoner forward.

The guards open the metallic enclosure, and loud, rumbling noise is heard along with the creaking of metal. It’s a sound similar to that of a rolling tank. As the noise grows louder, a large, rolling platform comes out of the enclosure. On top of it, a bruised, weakened Orion remains fastened to the "X"-shape. The Guardian City denizens boo and hiss loudly at him.

ALITA
Oh, Dear God…

Rio…

Orion is rolled onto the podium, dead center for everyone to see. Once he’s stopped in place, Gallan strolls out in front of him, a wide, triumphant smile on his face. Orion’s eyes are fixed on his, as Orion looks as though he’s trying to burn a hole through Gallan. Gallan turns back towards the cameras and audience, ready to continue addressing them.

GALLAN
This…my compatriots…is Prince Orion Zennon.

The bastard prince of the Earthian Dynasty.

Leader of a shameless, degenerate pirate faction on the Planet Earth…

…as well as an enormous pain in my backside.

Inside an armored gunship, the unconscious Beldez is inside a rejuvenation tank as a platoon of soldiers watch over her.

ZAL. SOLDIER
Man, why are WE stuck in here guarding this wench when we could be out there celebrating with the rest of the men?

ZAL. SOLDIER 2

Someone had to do it, you childish oaf.

Now be quiet and just do your job.

This Earthian female is responsible for singlehandedly destroying more than a dozen of our outposts on other worlds, and destroying Geno-factories.

Frankly, you should be honored that His Majesty trusted you with such an important task.

ZAL. SOLDIER

Yes, yes…you don’t need to lecture me.

I’m just saying that if she’s so dangerous, why don’t we just eliminate her now?

ZAL. SOLDIER 2

Because His Highness told us not to..
Do you want to question his orders?

ZAL. SOLDIER
Uh…n-no.

ZAL. SOLDIER 2

Then stop asking me all of your dumb questions.

She’s in suspended animation for the time being.

Believe me, she won’t be going anywhere for quite a while.

GALLAN
We Zalbachians pride ourselves on being a fair race of honor and civility.

Therefore, I would be remiss if I did not give even a menial felon such as this a chance for redemption.

Gallan walks up to Orion.

GALLAN
Do you admit your guilt of treason against the Zalbachian Empire?

ORION
…

GALLAN
I say again, are you guilt of crimes which DEFY the authority of the Zalbachian Empire?

ORION
…

GALLAN
DO YOU!?!?

Instead of answering, Orion snorts up mucus and spits a loogie into Gallan’s face.

ORION
Hope that answers the question.

The audience can’t help but chuckle. Even Alita does, though uncomfortably. Gallan growls like an angry beast.

GALLAN
GUARDS!!!!

Orion yells out in pain, as a surge of white-hot energy courses through his body. Orion’s friends and allies watch helplessly. Remona struggles against her restraints, growling and roaring angrily. Gallan gives his soldiers the signal, and they flip a switch, ending the energy current.

GALLAN
Now then, let us try this again…

…do you confess your crimes against the Zalbachian Empire?

ORION
"Crimes?" "Crimes!?"

How much of a "crime" is trying to restore the planet you grew up on to its position as a place of peace and freedom…

…instead of a tourist attraction used to line the pockets of a greedy Empire?

How much of a "crime" is wanting the planet you love to be free to make it’s own choices…and NOT be forbidden to make progress or new discoveries?

If you call that a "crime", then yes, I’m guilty…and damn proud of it.

Gallan’s stern impression forms a smile.

GALLAN
Very well…since you admit your guilt, I will now offer you one…and JUST one chance to save yourself.

Gallan holds out his hand, with the back side of it facing Orion’s face. Orion scrunches his face and turns it slightly to avoid touching it.

GALLAN
You will kiss my hand and swear allegiance to the Zalbachian Empire.

If you do so, then you will be spared.

If not, then everyone here will witness you die a horribly painful death.

Now, choose your fate, terran.

And choose wisely.

Orion looks at Gallan’s hand, and then looks Gallan in the eyes. He looks out into the crowd at the concerned faces of his allies. He sees Iceberg and Dove moving their lips, mouthing the words "Do it". Alita does so as well from her point in space, but Orion is not there to see it. Remona, calming herself enough to watch, gives Orion a look that affirms that she wants him to save himself as well. Off the side, however, Jet chuckles to himself- either way, he’ll have a good show, so it doesn’t matter to him at all.

GALLAN
…WELL?!

ORION
Okay, sure…I’ll kiss your hand.

GALLAN
Heh…

ORION
But first, you’ll need to kiss my ass.

Gallan, his rage getting the better of him, roars and punches Orion square in the jaw. Orion’s lip is busted open and blood trickles from his mouth.

GALLAN
Pathetic. An unrepentant, shameless traitor.

You’ve earned your fate.

Your execution will begin immediately.

Do you have any last words?

If so, you have five minutes to speak them.

Orion leans his head back, closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and exhales. He then opens his eyes and once again faces the audience.

ORION
My name…is Orion Zennon.

I am a man that has lived on Earth…and a man that will die on Earth.

Like many who were born on Earth, I come from a heritage of people who endured numerous, devastating hardships.

Decades ago, our forefathers fought against one another to try and secure the planet for the people they loved…for their children. Many people shed tears, blood, and died so that those children would grow up in a world that they forged with their own hands.

When it was all over, those that remained united to peace together a dream.

They dreamed that the Earth would become a planet that was respected and revered through space. A world that people saw as an inspiration…one that would never be forgotten in the chronicles of the universe. They wanted a world that was well-worth the sacrifices, the pain, and the efforts of their people.

But somehow, when the Zalbach came, they took away more than our governments, or our technology. They took away our dreams.

All of this time, myself and people like me have fought to keep sight of that dream.

It’s one thing to lose a planet…but losing hope is far, far worse.

If Gallan truly thinks this rebellion is "over", he’s a fool. An utter, complete, and undeniable fool.

I’ve made it clear time and time again that the only way I’m giving up is when I’m dead…

…and even then, I’m coming back to haunt your ass.

As long as my will is not broken, I REFUSE to give up!

And as long as there are others that feel the same way, this will never…EVER be over!

GALLAN
Time’s up.

ORION

WE are the children our forefathers fought for.

It’s up to US to make sure that they didn’t die for nothing.

GALLAN
I said your time’s up!!

ORION
Remember who you are!
Fight!! FIGHT!!

GALLAN
GUARDS!!!!!

ORION
FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEAAAARRRRGGHH!!!!!!

Another wave of intense pain courses through Orion’s body. Orion’s teammates cringe in horror. Dove turns to Iceberg to bury her head in his chest, but a Zalbachian guard pulls her away. In space, Alita breaks down in tears, realizing that she’s moments away from losing her little brother. And Remona trembles with rage, Orion’s screams of pain driving her absolutely mad, as if she can feel his pain herself.

However, a moment later, the Zalbachian soldiers start to feel Orion’s pain as well. All over the area, soldiers start to yell out in pain. The Earthian captives look around, wondering what’s going on.

ICEBERG
What the hell--?!

DOVE
What’s wrong with them?

THUNDER
Who gives a damn!? Now’s our chance!!

Thunder kicks a Zalbachian soldier, and takes his gun. As another turns toward him, he shoots him and then shoots the bonds holding Remona hostage. Remona, freed, strikes down the soldiers surrounding her with a single swipe of her tail. Her rage has caused her to grow slightly larger, more feral. The brows over here eyes have thickened while her eyebrows have nearly disappeared. Her teeth and claws have both increased substantially in size, and her expanded muscles have torn parts of her clothing to make room for them. Three more soldiers attempt to subdue her, but in her enhanced state, she knocks them around before they even point their weapons in her direction.

As Remona continues her rampage, she hears a voice calling out to her.

DANIEL
Remona!! REMONA!!!
No…don’t worry about them! Just save Orion!!
I’ll take care of this!!

With one mighty leap, Remona bounds more than twenty feet across and lands on top of the podium next to Orion. She takes out the two guards that controlled the energy output and then shuts it off herself.

ORION
Ugh..T-Thanks, Remy…
I…I knew I could count on you.

Remona can’t answer before someone comes up behind her and tackles her. As Remona fights to regain control, she finds Meruda’s four arms trying to pin her down.

Meanwhile, Daniel concentrates, stretching his arms outward. A few moments later, a powerful EM pulse shoots out, but in a very small area. The restraints holding both Orion and the entire platoon of Earthian rebels fizzle and break apart. Afterwards, Daniel falls to his knees, out of breath.

TRAXX
Allllll…RIGHT!!!

Stomping his foot to the ground, Traxx causes plates of Earth to shoot up underneath the Zalbachian soldiers. Iceberg freezes seven soldiers in place, and then Dove, with her energy wings spread, knocks them over like a bowling ball.

GALLAN
No…!! NO!!!
Kill them!!! Kill them ALL!!!

Thunder fires an electric blast at one soldier, and finds another sneaking up behind him. He narrowly dodges a blast from his gun and then kicks the soldier down, adding a dose of electricity afterwards for good measure.

THUNDER
You know guys, this REALLY seemed like a good idea at the time and all…

…but we are SERIOUSLY outnumbered here.

ICEBERG
Well, maybe you shoulda THOUGHT of that before you started acting like the Lone Ranger.

Elsewhere…

VOICE
Now, sir?

Shall we do it NOW?!

ARNOK
Yes! NOW!!

SOLDIER
(to Gallan)
Sire! At the current rate, we will gradually wear them down, but due to the tenacity of our opponents, and the effect of the strange sensation that befell us moments before the battle began, most of our men seem unable to evolve. At the current rate, we’ll suffer heavy losses before we pull out any sort of victory.

GALLAN
Damn these Earthians…damn them all!
Fine! Order our gunships to weed out the Earthians.

We’ll take them out in one fell swoop and save the sacrifices of my men.

Back in the heated battle, Orion sees Remona struggling against Meruda. He starts to rush over to her to help, but before he can get near, there’s a blur of motion, and a cushion of air forces Orion back. He looks up and sees what caused it.

ORION
You…!!

JET
(makes kissing noises)
Hey, snookie. Daddy’s home.

Zalbachian gunships start to fire into areas thickly concentrated with Earthian soldiers. Dozens of soldiers become mowed down by the power of the cannons.

DOVE
(dodging aerial fire)
Crap!!
We’re sitting ducks here!!!

TRAXX

No, ducks can fly away.

We’re more like the fish in a barrel.

However, without warning, a Zalbachian warship explodes into pieces. The sight of this is so sudden and astounding, nearly everyone stops to check it out.

THUNDER
Holy--!

ICEBERG
What the hell just happened?

Another fleet of ships, different from the Zalbachians, appears. They begin to shoot down the Zalbachian ships and swarm all over the place. But even more surprising, is that when the occupants of the ship deploy, they turn out to be none other than Genos. But not like the other, more mindless Genos that were encountered before. These Genos are intelligent.

ARNOK

Fend off the Zalbachians!
Find Lady Beldez and free her!

Jet and Orion both look at these new entrants into the battle…both with wide mouths.

JET
Genos…….

….that talk…and fly ships?!?!?

ORION
Hey, they’re OUR side, so I don’t give a damn if they’re skateboarding fungus.

Orion kicks Jet in the side, and Jet staggers a bit. Agitated, Jet starts to run around Orion in a circle at super speed. Orion can’t see where Jet is. All he can see is a blur surrounding him at all sides. Suddenly, Orion feels a punch in the jaw…then a punch in the stomach…then in his back…and then in his jaw again. And then, he feels what seems like he’s being punched in two places at the same time. Orion knows he’s in trouble. Without his powers, he doesn’t stand a chance…

The ground starts to shake violently underneath Jet and Orion. Jet loses his footing and has to stop running. After he does so, a blast of ice comes and freezes his feet in place.

JET
What the--?!

Iceberg blows on his finger as if it’s a smoking gun.

ICEBERG
Let’s see you run fast now, Jackass.

Orion chuckles, and walks in front of Jet.

ORION
It’s so nice to still have friends, isn’t it?

Orion punches Jet in the face with everything he’s got…knocking him out cold.

Meruda and Remona continue to fight. Meruda is using two of her weapons, a short sword and a weapon resembling a sai. Meruda is much larger than Remona, but Remona is more nimble. She dodges every slash that Meruda attempts with her weapons and even the punches she attempts from her two free hands. Remona leaps on top of an awning at the top of the stage-like construct and Meruda follows her. Again, Remona dodges the attacks from Meruda. This time, however, Remona slashes Meruda’s face with her claws, drawing blood. Meruda, angered, tries to pounce on Remona, but Remona dodges and Meruda falls through the awning, crashing into the wood below.

Inside one of the few Zalbachian ships that remains grounded, Arnok and a squadron of Genos make their way into the room where Beldez is being held. Making quick work of the soldiers guarding Beldez, Arnok goes over to the juvie tank and opens it. The bluish liquid that fills it pours on the floor, and a barely-conscious Beldez stumbles out as well.

ARNOK
Lady Beldez?
Lady Beldez…are you alright?

BELDEZ

A-Arnok…you came…

ARNOK
Of course I did.

But, there isn’t much time, my lady…

…your wound still is not fully healed.

Gallan reaches into a compartment on his belt and then holds out a small glowing orb to Beldez.

ARNOK
Please, Lady Beldez…

…this will help make you well.

Outside, despite the noble efforts of the Genos and the Earthians, they are still badly outnumbered. Remona leaps to Orion’s side and begins fighting side by side with him, both fighting off as many Zalbachian soldiers as possible.

ORION
So, how does this look to you, Remy?
What do you think the outcome of this fight will be?

REMONA

Hmm…to put it bluntly…
…We will all die horrible, brutal deaths laying in a pool of our own blood.

ORION
Great.

I’ll die last, though, right?

REMONA
No…I will.

Right after I kill YOU.

The battle continues, and the Zalbachian soldiers finally start to evolve. The Earthian and Geno soldiers start to become overwhelmed. However, just as things seem bleak, a bright beam of light bursts from the roof of the ship Beldez was held captive in. Beldez bursts from the top of the ship, her power welling up within her. She glides above the battle, drawing the attention of everyone below.

GALLAN
No….!!

ORION
All right!

Beldez raises her hands, and bolts of lightning storm down from the sky, striking the Zalbachian ships, and even hitting many of the soldiers. However, after several strikes, Beldez starts to waver. She begins to fall.

ORION
Belle…!!!

Orion cuts through the sea of combatants, pushing them aside as he rushes below Beldez. With one great effort, he leaps forward and catches her, falling onto his back, hard.

ORION
Belle…are you okay?

BELDEZ
I’m…fine…

I just haven’t gotten all of my strength back yet.

ORION
What’s up with those talking Genos?

BELDEZ
Well, like I said, not all Genos are the same.

And my father and I took a lot of time to free the Genos we came across from slavery.

They’ve been…sorta my personal protectors ever since.

ORION
Why didn’t you tell us sooner?

BELDEZ
Well, I felt that if there was a leak in your team, the Zals would find out about them and compensate for it.

ORION
Heh…you clever little minx.

A Zalbachian soldier attempts to attack the two with a spear-like weapon. Orion grabs the handle of it, stopping it inches from Beldez.

ORION
If you’re not one-hurdred percent, make a break for it Belle!

Ask your Geno friends to get you outta here!

BELDEZ
No!
I’m staying here!!

Beldez quickly gets up, points her palm out towards the Zalbachian soldier, and hits him with a blast of focused energy at point blank range. The soldier goes flying backwards from the force of the blast. Beldez stops and puts her hands on her knees, gasping for breath.

ORION
Belle, you can’t go on like this.

BELDEZ
No…I have to…

For…my friends…

For my father…

And…for you, Rio…

Beldez lets out a loud yell, clenching her fists and throwing her head back. A moment later, the ground explodes underneath the Zalbachian soldiers, tossing them around. Gallan, being protected by a wall of Zalbachian soldiers, watches as his dreams are dashed right before his eyes.

GALLAN
I…I will NOT lose this battle!
I’ve come TOO far!

Release the Genos!!

ZAL. SOLDIER
….My lord…is that truly necessary?

GALLAN
If I give you an order, it’s necessary!
Now, do it!

ZAL. SOLDIER
Yes, Your Highness!

More metallic trailers like the one Orion was held in begin to open. Snarling, monstrous Genos come out, attacking everything. The creatures primarily focus on Orion and Beldez, but are so mindlessly devoted, they attack any and everyone in their path. Iceberg, amongst those trying to defend Orion and Beldez, manages to be slashed in the side by one’s long razor sharp claw. Remona grabs the creature and throws it into several others, buying them a little time.

Back on Zalbach, the King becomes agitated with what he sees.

KING
General Malfon…

MALFON
Yes, Sire?

KING
I would like to speak with my son now.

GAMORA
You want to speak with Gallan now, Father?

Surely under the current circumstances—

KING
I know perfectly well what circumstances these are, Gamora.

I have given you a command, General.

MALFON
At once, Sire.

Gallan continues to watch the battle unfold- pleased that the Genos he has unleashed are turning the battle back into his favor.

SOLDIER
Prince Gallan!
Your father wishes to speak to you.

GALLAN
My father…?!

Now?!

SOLDIER
Yes, sir.

The soldier brings a comm screen forward to Gallan. On the screen is Gallan’s father.

GALLAN
Father!

As you can see, things have gotten a bit out of hand, but—

KING
Gallan, call off the attack right now.

GALLAN
W-What..!?

KING
Do it. NOW.

Gallan hesitates, not understanding why his father is asking him to do this. But, not wishing to disobey, Gallan turns to his men.

GALLAN
All soldiers of the Zalbachian Empire, stand down.

Call off all Genos as well.

The soldiers stop, confused. The Earthians and the Geno Army stop as well.

KING
Now, I want this to be broadcast through all open channels.

The monitors throughout the area, as well as those throughout space, begin to show the Zalbachian King’s face.

KING
I, the King of Zalbach, will apologize to all that view this for the shameful display that was just witnessed.

My son, Gallan, has committed an atrocity that I will not tolerate and will now proceed to rectify.

Gallan is shocked by his fathers words.

GALLAN
Father…!?
What…are you saying?

KING
You know very well what you’ve done, Gallan.

Did I not tell you that the force I gave you to reprimand the Earth was enough?

GALLAN
….Yes, Father.

KING
And don’t you realize that the use of Genos, in any way shape or form, is expressly forbidden in the Zalbachian Empire?

GALLAN
Yes, Father, but…

KING

Then it seems to me that you not only disobeyed me, but gained the services of some of our fiercest rivals, and ignored a Zalbachian precept as well.

GALLAN
Father, I…I was only—

KING
As honorable as your intentions were, your approach was highly contemptible.

I am very disappointed in you.

Gallan starts to reply, but he’s too crushed to do so.

KING
There is only one recourse for your foolhardy decisions, Gallan.

You will need to face one member of the Earth’s rebels in a duel.

GALLAN
And if I lose, Father?

KING

The planet will be freed from Zalbachian occupation and be free to do what they wish.

GALLAN
But…but FATHER!!

KING
Are you afraid, Gallan?

Can you not handle a situation without your precious Genos to assist you?

GALLAN
…

No, Father…I…

I…accept.

KING
Very well.

Now, to Earthians, I ask this…

..Who amongst you is willing to accept this challenge?

The Earthians look amongst themselves, nearly all of them are hurt, injured, fatigued, or worse. However, after a moment or to, one person steps forward.

ORION
I am.

Remona grabs Orion.

REMONA
Rio…don’t be stupid.

You don’t have your powers.
Also, you’re too weak…

ORION
I’m not hurt that bad, Remy.

Not for this.

BELDEZ

But Orion…

Zalbachian duels are to the death.

And without your powers, you can’t—

ORION
I can fight without them.

Besides, I’ve fought Gallan before…so I know more about him than anyone else.

REMONA

But…maybe I could…

ORION

Look, Remy…this is the way it’s gotta be.

Gallan and I have a history, so we all knew it was gonna come down to him or me one day.

This is the time that every one of us KNEW was gonna happen sooner or later.

Remona is silent.

BELDEZ

Okay, Rio…I won’t try talking you out of it anymore…

Just…be careful, okay?

Orion smiles. He reaches up to Beldez’s face and brushes her hair aside, gently caressing her face.

ORION
Look, if I don’t survive this, there’s something I wanna know I’ve done first…

Orion pulls Beldez’s face to his and kisses her. Beldez is caught offguard at first, but soon, she is putting just as much feeling into it as Orion. After some time, Orion steps away, ready to begin.

BELDEZ

Look, dammit…

…after a kiss like that, you had BETTER survive!

ORION

Heh…

…Yes, ma’am.

Don’t worry…your father had his moment.

This is mine.

Everyone clears room so that Orion and Gallan can step forward and have plenty of room to fight. Gallan removes his royal armor and cape, and then unsheathes his sword.

ORION
If you wanna make this fair, Gally…

…don’t I get a weapon, too?

GALLAN
Of course.

Gallan reaches out and takes a halberd from one of his soldiers. He tosses it to Orion, who catches it with one hand. Orion twirls it around a few times, and gets in a battle-ready stance.

ORION
Okay, I’m ready when YOU are.

GALLAN
Well, then, terran…

…let’s end this!!

Gallan charges towards Orion, and Orion parries his attack with his halberd. Gallan, however, spins around quickly and delivers a powerful elbow strike to Orion’s back. Orion feels a stinging pain in his back, and he stumbles a bit. Gallan attempts to slash his sword at Orion, but Orion manages to duck out of the way in time.

ORION
Ha! Nice try, Gal.

But you’ll need to be a LOT quicker than THAT!

Putting the handle of his halberd between Gallan’s legs, Orion manages to trip him. Gallan falls onto his back hard. Before Orion can capitalize, however, Gallan’s tail grabs Orion’s leg and pulls him off of HIS feet, as well. Gallan gets to his feet, his tail still wrapped around Orion’s ankle. Orion kicks and pulls his leg trying to free himself, but Gallan’s tail is too strong.

GALLAN
Is speed your only weapon, terran?

That is, besides your flapping tongue?

Gallan’s tail, with Orion in tow, makes a quick whipping motion, slamming Orion to the ground a second time.

GALLAN

It is those that use their assets cunningly that win a match.

And if I say so, using my tail in this matter was quite cunning.

While Orion is still struggling with his tail, Gallan raises his sword, ready to deliver the final strike. However, quickly, Orion thrusts the handle of his halberd between Gallan’s legs quickly, nailing him in the groin. Gallan roars in pain, leaning over and staggering back.

Orion whips himself up onto his feet in one smooth motion.

ORION
And if I may say so, smacking you in your crotch was even MORE cunning.

Gallan shoots Orion a look of loathing. As his pain subsides, he begins to laugh loudly, his bestial laughter echoing throughout the area.

GALLAN

Not bad, terran…but you have forgotten one thing.

ORION

(Orion looks down)
Well, I’m wearing underwear, so that wasn’t it…

I give up. What did I forget, Gal?

GALLAN
You are without use of any of your special powers, are you not?

ORION
Yeah…so?

Gallan’s smile grows wider.

GALLAN
I am not.

Letting out a howl, Gallan’s body begins to quiver. Hunching over onto his hands, his body convulses wildly. As Orion watches, his expression diminishes as he realizes what’s coming. Moments later, Orion’s muscles expand greatly, his feet and hands grow long claws that extend over three inches. Gallan’s canine teeth become long fangs, and even the bones in his leg change shape, becoming double-jointed like a dog’s.

ORION
Aw, crap…

The motion is so fast, no one can follow it, but Gallan rushes forward, ramming into Orion so hard, he goes flying back into a wall of Zalbachian soldiers, landing on top of them.

ORION
Ugh…
Hey, thanks for breaking my fall, guys.

Orion looks up and sees the snarling Gallan bearing down on him. Gallan reaches down to grab him, but Orion uses his halberd as a vault, leaping onto Gallan’s shoulders. Orion does a handstand on top of Gallan’s shoulders, and, while still holding onto them, kicks Gallan hard in his back with both feet. Using the kick as leverage, he flips backwards and lands on the ground nimbly like a cat.

ORION

Ha! Your body might’ve gotten bigger, Gallan.
But looks like your brain didn’t get the same treatment.

Gallan gnarls, turning back to Orion.

GALLAN
Does your tongue ever stop, terran?

Let’s see how much you use it when I rip it out!

Gallan approaches Orion, and Orion takes a jab at him with his halberd. Gallan, however, grabs the tip of it and snaps off the blade as if it were a twig. Gallan tosses the blade aside, and attempts to claw at Orion. Orion raises the handle of his halberd to block it, but the force of Gallan’s paw-like hand snaps the handle in half. Orion yells out as Gallan’s claws scrape against his chest, drawing blood.

While Orion is still in pain, Gallan backhands him, the force of the blow knocking him to the ground. Orion’s head is spinning from the force of the blow, and he can barely move. Gallan walks over to him, putting his enormous foot on Orion’s chest. Orion yells out in pain both from the feeling of Gallan’s foot crushing him and from the open wound Gallan’s claws gave him on his chest.

GALLAN
Yes…yes!!

Cry out!

Scream in agony!
Haha…scream!!

Suddenly, a sudden sensation washes over Orion. Everything around him starts to dissolve away. He feels as if he’s going to another time…another place…

ZEPHERON

Haha!!

That’s it!! Scream!!!

Let me hear the wonderful sound of you wailing in agony!!

Come on, louder!! I can’t hear you!!!!

Orion sees a number of images flash into his mind. He sees someone he recognizes as Terran and a darker, more sinister person that looks like Terrans double that could only be Terran’s brother, Zepheron. But lastly, he sees someone he doesn’t recognize. A short-haired, blonde woman. She appears to him floating in an empty void. She smiles at him and holds out her hand to him.

UNKNOWN WOMAN

No, no…

The time has not come yet.

You still have much to do.

Orion is bewildered, not grasping the meaning behind her words.

UNKNOWN WOMAN

Your destiny still lies ahead of you.

Go now, and fulfill it.

And just like that, Orion snaps back to his senses. But, he feels invigorated. As he does, he also feels another feeling come over him, as if he’s only partially in control of himself. Orion’s body begins to glow and emits a powerful golden aura. Gallan looks down at Orion with bewilderment before the aura surrounding Orion forces him off with a mighty push. Gallan steps back as Orion floats to his feet majestically, the aura around him only growing brighter and brighter

GALLAN
What…what is this?!

ORION
Oh, enough of this, Zepheron.

Everyone watching is startled by this, not understanding it at all.

THUNDER
Rio…!?

What’s up with you….?

BELDEZ

What’s…going on?

Orion rushes forward, punching Gallan in the face. The force of the blow staggers even the massive girth of the evolved Gallan. Gallan roars angrily and attempts to slash at Orion, but Orion catches Gallan’s hand as if it were nothing.

GALLAN

This…this is IMPOSSIBLE!!!

ORION

Orion uppercuts Gallan with everything he’s got Gallan flies backwards and hitthe X-shaped mechanism that once had held Orion. After doing so, Gallan’s body recedes back to its normal form, and he slopes over, unable to continue fighting. At this sight, everyone is completely in shock, even those watching from space. Beldez and Remona rush over to Orion.

BELDEZ

Rio…what happened?

Orion turns to Beldez.

ORION

REMONA
Orion!?

Are you alright?

Remona shakes Orion fiercely. Suddenly, he comes back to his senses.

ORION

B-Belle…?

Remy…?

What was I…doing…?

Orion looks over and sees Gallan, groaning, and still struggling futilely to get up. Meruda is helping him. Orion starts to walk over to them.

BELDEZ

Orion, wait!

REMONA

What are you doing?

ORION

It’s still not over yet…

…there’s something I need to do…

Orion walks over to Gallan’s sword, which had been dropped during the fight, and picks it up. He then continues walking over to Gallan. When Orion reaches Gallan, Meruda kneels in front of her fallen master, stretching her arms outward, trying to protect him from harm.

GALLAN

Away from me, Meruda…!

MERUDA

No…! I won’t!!

GALLAN
I said away!!

MERUDA

Forgive me, My Lord…

…but I am NOT moving from this spot.

A look of surprise comes over Gallan’s face. Letting out a deep sigh, he places a hand on Meruda’s shoulder.

GALLAN

You fool…

…you loyal fool…

Orion raises his sword, prepare to deliver the final blow. However, he hesitates and turns towards the monitors with the King’s face on them.

ORION

What do you say, "Your Highness"?

What’s it gonna be?

The King lowers his head, letting out a heavy sigh.

KING

My son’s life is in your hands, Sir.

GAMORA
Father…!!

No!!

KING

Silence, Child.

He won fairly.

(turns to Orion)

Do with him what you wish.

Orion turns back to Gallan. Meruda’s eyes catch his gaze. She looks at him deep into his eyes, as if they would pierce his soul.

ORION

Why don’t you move…?

If I kill him, it would mean your freedom.

MERUDA

Perhaps…but…

That would not be a life I wish to have.

If you kill him…you will need to kill ME as well.

Meruda’s words touch Orion. The sincerity he feels within them makes him feel uneasy.

ORION

It…wouldn’t be right for me to kill someone with a heart this devoted, Gallan.

But, I won’t have to…I can spare her and you as well…

…but you have to concede defeat.

GALLAN

…

ORION

…I’m waiting…

GALLAN

I…I do.

You have won, terran…

…you have won.

Orion drops his sword. He turns back towards the King.

ORION

There.

Now, it’s time for you to hold up your end of the deal.

The King nods.

KING

And so it is done.

Henceforth, the Earth will be known as a free entity.

All Zalbachian influence will be removed from the planet, and all those who dwell on the Earth will be free to determine the planet’s fate amongst themselves.

ORION

Thank you.

A look of shock and disbelief washes over everyone in attendance- Earthian and Zalbachian alike.

TRAXX

D-Did we just win?

DOVE

Yeah!! We did!!! We won!!

The Earthians begin to celebrate, yelling out loudly. Dove, in her happiness, kisses a surprised Iceberg on the lips.

Orion walks back over to Beldez and Remona, let out a deep breath.

REMONA
I don’t believe it.

You actually did it.

Beldez runs over to Orion and hugs him.

BELDEZ

I’m so happy, Rio!!

My father would be so proud of you!

ORION

Heh…thanks Belle…

But…

BELDEZ

But, what?

ORION
Well, now that this is over, you won’t have any reason to stick around, huh?

I mean, the rebellion’s over, and—

Beldez puts her finger over Orion’s lips to quiet him.

BELDEZ

Now, now…you needn’t worry about that.

I’m staying…for one very important reason.

Beldez kisses Orion on the lips passionately.

BELDEZ

I…love you, Rio.

ORION

And I love you, Belle…

Orion and Beldez kiss again, wrapping their arms around each other. Remona watches them for a moment, her expression not happy in the least. She then lets out a grunt and walks away.

Back on Planet Zalbach, the door opens in the room where the King and Gamora sit. A woman enters.

WOMAN

You called for me, Your Highness?

KING

Yes…I wanted to inform you that the Earth has now been freed.

As such, your obligation to me has ended.

You are now free to go back to the planet.

WOMAN

That…that is great news, Your Highness.

It’s been so long since I’ve been there.

KING
Yes, I know…

I regret not letting you go earlier…

…but with the rebellion, well…

WOMAN

Yes, I understand…

KING

Well then, this is goodbye.

Farewell, Dremora…

…and may you live a long and prosperous life.

DREMORA

And you, too, Your Highness.

I hope our paths cross again…

A number of evenings pass, and Orion, Beldez and his team (minus Remona) watch as Dremora gets off a Zalbachian ship at the Sylenia port. After Dremora has exited, the ship blasts off and heads off the planet.

THUNDER

There it goes…the last Zalbachian ship.

TRAXX

Good riddance if you ask me.

Orion rushes over to Dremora, hugging her.

ORION
Panma!!

Oh, it’s…it’s so good to see you again!

DREMORA

(smiles and pats Orion on his head)

It’s nice to see you as well, Orion.

(looks up at Beldez)

And you, too, Beldez.

BELDEZ

Same to you, Mother.

ORION

Well, let’s go…

…we’ve got lots of catching up to do!

Years and years!!

Hours pass, and late into the night, Orion sits in his room at Sylenia. He suddenly hears a knock at the door and gets up to answer it. When he opens the door, he finds Beldez leaning against the wall. A sly look is on her face, and she’s dressed in a silk nightgown, which gives off a hint of intimacy.

ORION

B-Belle…?!

What are you doing here…?

BELDEZ

Hello, Rio…

…I just thought we need to do some catching up of our own…

…years and years in fact…

Beldez starts to untie her nightgown as she closes the door shut.

End of Act One