Chapter 2: An Unexpected Ally
Jason followed the cloaked figure as they navigated twisting back corridors and maintenance shafts, moving ever downward into the bowels of the massive station. His rescuer was obviously skilled in covert maneuvers and evasion.
They had yet to encounter any other inhabitants this deep in the station's substructure. But Jason knew it was only a matter of time before the bodies were discovered and alarms raised. He had to use this opportunity to find out what was going on.
Turning down another deserted passageway, Jason grabbed the stranger's shoulder, halting their brisk pace.
"Wait. Why are you helping me?" he demanded. "Your combat skills are impressive. What is your identity and agenda?"
The cloaked figure turned, regarding him silently for a long moment. Finally, a feminine voice responded. "There will be time for explanations later, my lord. But know that I am sworn by oath to your service. Right now, we must make haste to escape."
With that, she set off again down the corridor. Jason frowned, unsatisfied by the cryptic answer. But she was right about their urgency. Questions would have to wait.
Their route ended at a large chamber housing rows of transport pods. The woman headed directly for one, entering coordinates into the control panel. Jason climbed in behind her, the hatch sealing as the pod hummed to life.
Artificial gravity deactivated as the pod shot forward into open space. Through the front viewport, Jason saw the massive battlestation receding behind them. Adjusting course, the pod bypassed patrolling warships and slipped into the gaseous folds of a nearby nebula. They were clear, for the moment.
Jason opened his mouth to begin questioning his rescuer again when she threw back her hood, revealing long dark hair and sharp features. Her eyes gleamed with an intensity bordering on fanaticism. Kneeling, she bowed her head low in reverence.
"My lord, it has been too long. I am pleased the fates have brought us together again when you needed aid most."
Realization struck Jason. He recognized this woman from Darius' memories.
"You are First Lieutenant Vara Talus, commander of the Shadow Wing stealth squadron."
One of the few fleets that had escaped intact after the grand defeat, Shadow Wing specialized in reconnaissance, sabotage, and asymmetric warfare. Darius had granted Vara wide operational autonomy, finding her unconventional methods quite effective when applied correctly.
"Yes, my lord," Vara said. "After your capture, we hid in the Kuiper Belt according to failsafe protocols, awaiting opportunities to strike against the traitors. When we learned of the trial, I was sent to recover you, or make them pay in your name if need be."
"Impressive initiative, Lieutenant Talus. You judged the situation well and took action when needed. The fates were with us that you arrived in time," Jason replied.
He now had the beginnings of an underground network to leverage. Though a single stealth squadron could not reclaim his empire, they were valuable cells to nurture. Together, Jason and Vara could plant seeds to undermine the new regime's authority and coalesce his hidden loyalists.
For hours the transport pod flew on, weaving through nebulae and asteroid belts to disguise its trail. Vara remained vigilant at the controls while Jason contemplated potential next moves. Eventually, they approached the coordinates for the secret rendezvous point.
A gas giant loomed ahead, its many moons dotted with scattered mining colonies and refueling stations. Vara deftly maneuvered them to one of the outermost rocky satellites, barren and pockmarked from eons of meteorite impacts. Nestled in a deep crater was a compact stealth frigate.
Docking with the larger vessel, Jason and Vara boarded to a greeting from a full honor guard of elite Shadow Wing commandos. But Jason waved away the formalities.
"At ease, soldiers. We have much planning to accomplish."
They gathered in the frigate's strategic planning chamber. He sat at the head of the table, Vara on his right, holo-displays illuminating the faces of his inner council. Jason was pleased to find several more familiar from Darius' command ranks. United again, their combined intelligence could prove formidable.
But first, Jason needed to gauge their true loyalties. Were they devoted to Darius the leader, or simply hoping the restoration of his empire would elevate their own status? While Vara seemed a zealous acolyte, the others were more uncertain quantities.
"Before we begin, I wish to make my position clear so I know who I'm working with," Jason stated, meeting each of their gazes in turn.
"Darius Kross built an empire on sheer personal strength and determination, loyal only to himself. But I recognize now that was a flawed path. If we are to reclaim our power, we must build a strong foundation of trust and shared vision."
"In the past, I ruled through fear and domination. Our new empire should be based on mutual benefit and aligned interests. There are foes still to fight, but we will do so with wisdom and precision."
He let the words hang for a long moment before continuing.
"I don't yet know most of your motivations for being here today. But I trust you all have personal reasons. I offer you this: Follow me loyally again, and when we emerge victorious, you will gain status and security beyond your dreams."
Jason could see the calculating interest stir in their eyes. They were hooked, but he needed concrete actions to cement their loyalty. After a pause to build tension, he moved to the next phase.
"Our path ahead will not be easy. Therefore, I will provide you each a show of faith."
With a thought, Jason interfaced wirelessly with the ship's vault systems through his neural implant, authorizing an invisible data transfer.
"I have just deposited fifty thousand imperial credits into accounts under each of your personal command codes. Use this wealth as you see fit."
A ripple of surprise went through the council at this display of generosity. They quickly checked their accounts to confirm the deposit.
"My friends, consider this payment for services yet to come. There will be more, much more, as we progress. We begin our long journey back into the light."
The dangerous zeal he sensed from this inner circle told Jason his gesture had been wise. Credits were good, but purpose and vision motivated heroes and fanatics alike. And he needed both to plant the seeds for a shadow empire that would rise in time.
The meeting progressed smoothly from there. They analyzed potential vulnerabilities to exploit across the coalition worlds, drafting plans to stir dissent and chaos. In addition, they plotted strikes against assets and supply depots of Kross's betrayers, both to punish past sins and stockpile resources for themselves.
One council member raised an issue. "While our stealth vessels can harass supply lines, we lack the firepower for direct assaults on fortified bases."
Jason nodded. "Your concern is valid. I have a thought on that."
Accessing the neural implant, he summoned technical data on an experimental anti-matter missile in development by the Imperial Dynasty's R&D division. The EMP-AM bomb theoretically could disable electronics across a moon-sized area while avoiding fallout. Darius had banned its use for fear of retaliation. But now ethics mattered little, only victory.
"I believe Shadow Wing can capture and replicate this technology to give us a powerful asymmetric attack option," Jason proposed.
Eyes lit up around the table at the bold plan. They quickly organized strike teams and technical assets to raid the R&D station where prototypes were housed. Within days, the mighty would again know fear when weapons born of their own arrogance were unleashed.
There was much more to discuss, but weariness overtook Jason as the planning session wore on. The drain of recent events was catching up with his still-weakened body. Noticing this, Vara suggested they adjourn for the night.
She escorted Jason to private quarters prepared for his use. Stopping at the door, she shook her head in wonder. "Even powerless and adrift, your will drives you to rise again. Destiny is truly at work. Sleep well, my lord."
Finally alone, he sat heavily on the room's simple bed. Jason allowed himself a moment to feel the full weight pressing upon his shoulders. Tremendous obstacles awaited. But also opportunity, if he could rally these remnants into assets.
With focus, the pieces could be moved into place, step-by-step. The board was set, the game in motion again. And Jason Wake did not intend to lose. Especially not with a second chance at galactic domination.
The scattered embers of Darius Kross' empire may have cooled, but from their ashes, a mighty conflagration could stir once more. Jason needed only the patience to nurture the flame. For now, rest and preparation were required.
Resolve renewed, he extinguished the lights and passed quickly into sleep, the future battles yet to come already unfolding behind his eyes
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