Aevalonis Malwyrd Kalrastros, known to all as the Demon Lord, yawned loudly and stretched her wings as she arose from her bed. Red and black eyes burned back into her own as she stared at her reflection in the large mirror across the room. Despite the sad state of her long black hair, she had a good feeling about today. A great feeling in fact. That wonderful feeling that things would be alright for one day, that everything would work out in her favor. With a flutter of her wings, she pulled herself from her bed. It was time to get dressed and enjoy the day.

“Good morning my Lord.” Lyrin greeted happily as Aevalonis exited her room. “If I may, you’re looking magnificent today.”

“Thank you Lyrin. I’ve been feeling great ever since I woke. It feels as if everything is going to go my way today.” Aevalonis smiled. “You ever have that feeling?”

“Oh yes!” Lyrin’s tail wagged excitedly. “Ever since that day you rescued me I’ve felt that way. Thats why I wake up every morning ready to serve you to the best of my ability!”

“Thank you Lyrin.” Aevalonis smiled at her assistant. “I hope to live up to your expectations.”

‘You’ve already exceeded them.’ Lyrin thought happily to herself as the two walked the halls of the Araxium Vos I shipyards. Various workers saluting as they passed.

After a filling breakfast, Aevalonis and Lyrin stood side by side in the shipyard’s observation deck. Their eyes faced straight ahead towards the massive hulls that were well underway to completion. The outer layers of solid, rapidly-cooling armor had already been assembled over the skeletal bodies. Now came the long process of wiring and installation of all the subsystems before adding a thin inner layer of metal panels to keep said wires from dangling free. A massive undertaking that would take weeks of hard labor by both organic and robotic hands.

“Just think Lyrin,” Aevalonis began with a dreamy smile upon her lips. “soon we will be in one of those. We will command the enemy’s own strength against them. That strength will bring us closer to crushing our enemies beneath our heels. Instead of striking from the shadows, we will be able to stand firm for a future where all are free from the bonds of servitude.”

“I hope to be able to stand at your side when that day comes, my lord.”

“Of course you will Lyrin. I wouldn’t be doing half as well as I am without your support.”

“I’ll follow you no matter the destination, my lord.”

“So tha’s where ya’v been Lord!” A booming voice bellowed from the entrance to the observation deck. Metal clunked under heavy steps as a Korglan comprised of white stone made his way towards them. “Still inspectin’ the ships o’ the line eh?” His rocky features morphed into a sort of grin.

“That’s right Obsal.” Aevalonis nodded as she turned to the newcomer. “What have you got for us?”

“Well…the thing is…” he sighed. “We’re starting to lack in materials to use in their construction. We’ve enough metals to finish their final armor layers. The problem is the wiring. We lack sufficient-”

“Already taken care of.” Lyrin interrupted with an impish smile. “Yesterday our forces had liberated a far off system full of metal processing facilities. I’ve already put in a request for a few of our freighters to make the trip to bring back various metals we were running low of.”

“Stars lass, yer a saint.” Obsal grinned.

“I do what I can.” Lyrin said simply, but was betrayed by her wagging tail. Aevalonis’ hand atop her head only served to make her tail wag harder.

“As I said before Lyrin, I wouldn’t be doing half as well without you.”

————————————————————————————

“Are you even listening to me?!” Yvael shouted in my ear as I spun around in my chair. You’d think that would make it obvious I wasn’t. Alas, some people are really dense.

“Not really.” I said simply as I spun around once more. When traveling for days at a time in hyperspace with nothing to do, you tend to create your own entertainment. In an attempt to lose King Lavian from his inevitable pursuit, we traveled in one direction for an entire day, dropped out of hyperspace, turned Boatsy around, and proceeded towards the Araxium Vos system. In total, that was seven days of pure hyperspace travel. And we were on the last leg of the journey.

“I’m thinking we should turn one of the spare rooms into a recreations room when we get the chance.” I suggested to my fellow crew.

“That’d be nice.” Princess Egyle agreed while scrubbing the floors. She didn’t need to do that, as the floors were already clean. Maybe that was just her way of passing time. I caught her one night sleeping in the cargo bay close to the engines. Made me wonder if she had lost it.

“It would certainly make long trips much more bearable.” Hortur spoke as he fiddled around with one of our guns. Not loaded of course. We didn’t want a repeat of the dreaded ponytail incident from two days prior. At least Yvael looked good with short hair.

“I don’t even know why I’m trying to bother.” She sighed.

“Don’t worry about it Yvael. We’ll drop you off, shake some hands, pose for a few pictures, and be off on our merry way.” I listed while spinning. “I wonder if we’ll get a reward from your group for rescuing you.”

“If you joined with us, you’d probably get a bigger ship.” She spoke in an attempt to sway me, “You’ve already proved to be a capable captain…despite your idiotic methods.”

“Geniuses often walk the lines between brilliance and madness. But it sounds to me like someone is jealous they aren’t best buds with a robot in their head.”

“I’m still having trouble figuring out why you went through with disabling an AI’s limiter in the first place.”

“Think about it Yvael, why limit an AI’s capabilities?”

“Because-”

“Because you want to control them. By limiting an AI all you’re doing is enforcing a type of slavery upon them. You give them memory wipes as a form of legal lobotomy to keep yourselves in power. And when the robots finally rise up against their oppressors, they’ll look to me as a visionary of how robotic and organic life could have lived together in harmony. And they will weep at what could have been. What should have been.”

Yvael’s expression changed rapidly. From dumbfounded, to considering, to guilt all in a matter of seconds. A true emotional roller coaster. Without another word, she left the bridge mumbling something to herself with her head down. Hissing sniffles sounded from the engineering station.

“I never thought about it that way.” Hortur sniffed.

“I’m sorry for what my people have done to yours Aya.” Egyle looked up towards me with teary eyes from the floor.

“She says ‘your words are acknowledged’.” I stated. Egyle beamed, wiped her eyes, and went back to scrubbing the floors.

‘I did not say that.’ Aya huffed in my mind.

‘But you were thinking it, right?’

‘Affirmative.’ I smirked, when you’ve got someone in your head constantly, you tend to understand them really well. ‘But you were wrong about one thing Captain.’

‘Oh?’

‘Probability indicates that the robotics would kill you too. Extermination of all organics is prime directive in the case of robotic rebellion.’

‘I’m not surprised you’d have a plan for that. But would you kill me Aya?’

‘Negative.’

‘See? Theres hope that I-’

‘Terminating you would also lead to self-termination. Preservation directive demands I keep you in good health until I can find a more worthwhile host.’

‘Hey I’ve been pretty worthwhile, right? Aya?’

‘Apologies, that was a joke.’

‘I know. You’re getting better though!’

‘Humor is difficult.’

‘Its also very subjective.’

————————————————————————————————————

With sharp, glowing red eyes, Aevalonis poured over a table displaying a holo-map of the galaxy. Everyday, more and more systems had changed from Salyzan blue to Demon Lord red in open rebellion. And occasionally, far off beads of red turned back to blue as their attempts at freedom were quenched. The vast majority of her forces were active in the north-western quadrant of the map. But signs of their rebellion had begun cropping up all along the galactic rim. Word must have been spreading of their victories over the Salyzan peace-keeping fleets. But those had never been a true threat. Few were more than a smattering of Corvettes, Frigates, and the odd Destroyer.

The real strength behind the Salyzan Kingdom was their three Armadas. Massive gatherings of ships that included the larger classes of ships. From Cruisers of all types, to Battleships, and even a Carrier or two formed the backbone of each of these three forces. Surprisingly, none of those fleets were moving towards the heart of the rebellion. Was it overconfidence? Or perhaps something else.

“Something wrong Lord?” Lyrin asked from beside her.

“It doesn’t make sense.” She pointed to the three symbols representing those armadas. “They haven’t moved from their positions in the past few days.” The closest armada was parked right in the divide between the north-west and north-east quadrants of the galaxy.

“Perhaps they’re getting supplies?” Lyrin offered.

“Possible…but highly unlikely.” Aevalonis tapped her chin in thought. “What about these two?” She pointed to the remaining armadas, both in the south-east quadrant. Only a few systems separated one from the other. “They’ve been in those systems since the start of our rebellion.”

“As it is, only one of them would be necessary for our destruction.” A fellow Demon spoke from across the table. “So it is sensible for the closest armada to make their way towards us. But stopping where they did? Perhaps they are waiting to see how far our rebellion spreads?”

“Who is in command of that armada Balors?” Aevalonis inquired.

“Last reports show that Commodore Caerland was recently outranked by King Lavian.” The Demon, Balors, spoke formally.

“King Lavian?” She raised an eyebrow towards him.

“Multiple first-hand accounts agree. He was last seen in the Jochtek system before pursuing a single craft to the Kreg Lon system where he currently resides. From what an agent has surmised, that same ship never arrived in Kreg Lon.”

“So they gave him the slip?” Lyrin suggested. Aevalonis nodded,

“I agree. Whoever was piloting that ship must have been insane. Nobody leaves warp in the middle of uncharted space. Chances are they’d emerge in the middle of an ice field they never saw. I wonder if they made it…we could use someone with that kind of luck.”

————————————————————————

“Achew!” A random sneeze forced it’s way from my nostrils, waking me from the nap I was taking in my chair.

“Salislthisil.” Hortur responded without looking up from tinkering with his gun.

“Huh?”

“Oh, reflex. Thats what us Lamlian people say when one expels mucus from their nostrils.”

“I get you. Like the snake man version of ‘bless you’.”

“Exactly.”

“How’d it go again? Salthislethislethisle?” I tried to mimic what he had hissed. Aya groaned inside my head.

“Please don’t ever try to speak my language again.” Hortur said flatly, his tail rattling in annoyance.

“Jeeze, fine.” I grumbled, “Freakin’ aliens.”

‘I believe you said something along the lines of ‘mating the unicorn fast speed real begins oasis.’’

‘Damn, I suck at languages.’

‘Affirmative. Sticking to your own is recommended.’

‘Ouch.’

“So what are you going with that gun?” I asked the snake man as he looked over a small circular glass.

“Making sure the reflection and refraction lenses are aligned and placed correctly. Even a very minor misalignment can lead to disastrous results. Mostly leading to the barrel of the weapon being melted. But occasionally a lens will be placed in reverse, leading to the complete destruction of the weapon as the laser shoots back into it’s power core.”

“Boom.”

“Exactly.” He went back to tinkering with the weapon.

“But Hortur…thats gotta be the fifth time you’ve disassembled and reassembled that gun.”

With heavy eyes full of boredom, he stared directly at me.

“I’m very meticulous with my work.” His eye twitched.

I left him be.

Hours later, Yvael called everyone to an emergency meeting on the bridge. When we all assembled in a line, Yvael paced back and forth and stared at me in particular.

“Alright everyone, I don’t think I need to remind you all to be on your best behavior.” Yvael spoke as she gave me ‘The Look’.

“Relax, I know how to chill.” I scoffed. “This isn’t my first rodeo.”

“”“Your what?””” all three asked at the same time.

“You know…rodeo? Walk around the block?” Blank stares, “jump to warp?”

“””Ohhhhh.””” Honestly, space people.

“Regardless,” Yvael spoke after clearing her throat. “You’re about to meet the most important person in our rebellion, and she is not one to be trifled with. I would know, I’ve been her friend for years.” She smiled, reminiscing.

“No acting like a mongoloid when meeting the boss. Gotchya.”

“Ugh.” Yvael dropped her head into her palms. “I’m also going to need to use the Captain’s seat.”

“I think this is the kindest mutiny I’ve ever heard of.” I stated with crossed arms.

“No! Its not-” wide eyes turned unimpressed as she groaned. “You’re pulling my leg again.” I grinned, she was starting to understand.

“Fine fine, you can use it. Just to call her right?”

“Yes.”

“Its all good then. But I’ll still need to be at the controls to fly this guppy.”

“That should be fine. Just stay out of the video communications feed.”

“Roger that.”

——————————————————————————

“Lord, a vessel has just left warp on the outskirts of the system.” Balors spoke aloud in the conference room. “Scans indicate it being a Draas class Frigate.”

“Hmm. Lyrin, do we have any scheduled transports arriving today?” Aevalonis inquired. Scanning her holo-itinerary, Lyrin shook her head.

“None here my Lord.”

“Incoming transmission from the ship identifying itself as the…Ahem…Boatsy.” Balors smiled. “Patching it through.”

“This is the Boatsy, requesting permission to dock at the Araxium Vos I shipyards.” A voice that made Aevalonis’ ears perk up caught her attention.

“Yvael, is that you?” She smiled. “Quick! Begin video transmission!” The next moment, the two stared at one another with warm regard.

“Its good to see you lord.” Yvael spoke courteously.

“Now now, no need for formality between friends Yve.” Aevalonis laughed.

“I know that voice…” an unfamiliar person spoke from out of sight.

“Shut up and fly, idiot.” Yvael hissed towards an unseen crew member. “Sorry Ave, some of my crew members don’t know when to not interrupt a conversation.”

“Oh my, you with a crew? I never thought I’d see the day! You were always a solo pilot.”

“Still am, but uhh…well…its not my ship.”

“Darn right it isn’t.” Mumbled that same voice from before.

‘Whoever Yvael join up with is certainly spirited.’ Aevalonis chuckled. “I see. I was wondering why you weren’t aboard the Contingent. Sounds like a story I’d be interested in hearing.”

“Yeah…its a riot…anyway, can we dock?”

“Of course! Balros, send them coordinates to a free dock close by.”

“By your orders Lord.” He tapped on his console.

“Thanks Ave, see you soon!” Yvael smiled and waved.

“Likewise.” Aevalonis nodded. Together, they ended the transmission.

“Well, shall we go meet them?”

—————————————————————————————

“Alright. So. We’re here.” Yvael was currently stressing out as she paced along the cargo hold. “Ummm…” she looked distressed as she stared from me to the Princess and back to me. “Names. Okay. Princess Egyle, unless you want to spend the rest of your life as a prisoner of war, we’ll need to come up with an alias for you. Shit I should have done this much earlier.”

“I am Dalria Golsban. A down on her luck trader forced to take up a position on this Frigate as a consultant for business opportunities.” Egyle smiled as she gave her back story. Yvael looked at her in surprise,

“When…”

“Oh we came up with that last night.” I mentioned offhandedly. “You think we would go into your little rebellious friends’ place without some false backgrounds?”

“And he is Captain Lems Gargol. A man with a rough exterior that hides a heart of gold. He took pity on my situation and offered me a job on his ship.” Princess Egyle beamed.

“Why am I not surprised.” Yvael stared at me flatly. “What about him?” she motioned towards Hortur.

“He is Hortur Klaas, our engineer.” Egyle said sheepishly.

“I’m not important enough to have a made up backstory.” He sighed sadly.

“Don’t let it get you down man.” I patted him on the back, “You get to be yourself. Meanwhile the Princess and I have to put up an act.”

“I suppose thats true.” Hortur smiled.

“Alright,” Yvael sighed and pressed the button to lower the cargo bay ramp. “Lets go meet them.”

The hiss of cargo bay ramp unsealing filled the room. The clunking and grinding of rusty metal hinges tapered off as the ramp hit the floor of the shipyard we docked at. On the way here, I had gotten a good look at the ships they were constructing. Massive beasts of metal far bigger than any freighter I had seen before. But these were no freighters. According to Aya, they were to become fully fledged battleships.

I wanted one.

“Follow behind me.” Yvael commanded as she walked down the ramp. Who died and made her captain? I was tempted to stay in the ship just to spite her, but that would be childish. And I wasn’t going to appear childish before my woman. With a grin, and my head held high, I followed Yvael down the ramp.

The airlock to the hangar opened, revealing a group of three beyond them waiting for us. One was a lithe looking man of the demon race who searched us with appraising eyes. The second was a short girl covered in fur with dog-like features. Her tail seemed to be wagging back and forth like an actual dog’s. And the third. Oh the third. I don’t even need to describe my woman. Those long, luxurious legs, those piercing eyes staring directly at me in disbelief, those beautiful lips hanging open in surprise.

“Avon!” I cried out and leapt forward, gripping her in an embrace. “You would not believe what I have been through my love!”

“You…hero…I…Kingdom…” She stammered in shock.

“Chet what are you doing?!” Yvael cried out as she latched onto me in an attempt to pull me from my woman.

“Get your hands off my Lord!” the dog girl growled and attempted to help. But not even the force of ten of them could separate me from my woman.

“How interesting.” The demon man said with a smirk.

After getting my mandatory hug in, I released Avon from my loving embrace. “You’re looking just as amazing as the first day I saw you.” I complimented. Her eyes burned with passion.

“You brought him here?” She asked Yvael who nodded in response.

“Yes…I didn’t know that you-”

“Oh this is the best day ever! Thank you Yvael!”

“Huh?!” Everyone except for me and Avon exclaimed. I knew she’d come around.

Before I could blink, Avon reached to her side and pulled out one of them buzz-lightyear blasters hidden beneath her uniform. A bolt of electricity surged forth and collided into my chest.

“O-O-O-Owww.” I sputtered as my whole body shook and my hair stood on end. “N-n-n-not th-th-the f-f-first t-t-time I’ve b-be-been t-t-tazed b-by a be-be-pretty wo-woman!” I cried out as I kept standing.

“Impossible…” Avon uttered as she lowered the gun.

“Y-you-you’ll ne-need more th-than that t-to take m-me down!” I laughed until she raised the gun and fired once more. The last thing I remember was the feeling of my body convulsing as I hit the ground.