The stars that flew by the windscreen at incredible speeds was a beautiful sight each time that Sarce saw it. The beauty and serenity of the space that surrounded Sarce’s ship was one that would only be seen in the midst of nothingness. Soldiers and crew walked amongst the bridge, collecting data and guarding the ship as though it were a priceless item. The beauty of space itself was priceless, this ship is repairable and can be built again. Space cannot.

“Colonel, there have been reports of fighting amongst the troops.” A soldier reported quickly.
“Where has this been reported?” Colonel Livial asked, he would solve this problem.
“Within the soldier’s quarters, sir.” The soldier answered in quick reply.
“Very good, carry on.” Sarce replied and the soldier saluted.

The soldier’s quarters was a place of enjoyment and pleasure yet the travels of space had taken it’s toll upon the soldiers. Boredom filled their mind, longing for action and the sound of gunfire. The soldiers were understandably searching for a source of amusement and pleasure. Fighting was certainly not the answer. His footsteps were muffled by the sound of machines running and the constant buzz of action and organisation that the crew demonstrated.

He could hear the voices and laughter from a distant. With each footstep that Sarce took, the sounds grew louder in his ears. As he drew close to the action, screams of pain and mockery were ringing within his ear. He entered the quarters silently and watched the commotion with intrigue. Punches and shoves were thrown at random by the many soldiers that were tossed into the friendly battle. Innocent bystanders were pushed and shoved, some joined in, others stepped back.

As the fighting grew in size, the shoves and punches grew harder. Suddenly, a fist fell into the stomach of Sarce. He dropped to his knees, winded by the sudden force that was behind it. Sudden silence fell about the place as the soldiers suddenly realised who had fell. Sarce hoped that they were ashamed. Behaviour like this was not acceptable.

“Sir, I am terribly sorry.” A hand was offered and Sarce tossed it away.
“I have stood and watched this atrocious behaviour and I am disgusted. Do you have no other way to amuse yourselves?” Sarce said as he slowly stood up. “I challenge the strongest man here to an arm wrestle.” Sarce said, slowly turning his frown into a smile.

The crowd roared with cheers and laughter as Sarce offered the challenge to anyone who dared. This would amuse the soldier’s for some time. Who would take up the challenge, Sarce did not know but he wondered whether it was such a good idea. He knew he was strong but others were much stronger than him. ‘What if I lose?’ Sarce tossed the idea away. It was all in good fun.

“Sir, I accept your challenge.” A tall and muscular man stepped out from the crowd.
“Let the battle commence.” Sarce said in reply.

A table and two chairs was set up in the centre of the quarters. The crowd circled around the table and offered their luck and cheers as both Colonel Livial and the man took their position at the table. Their elbows banged against the table as their hands locked into position. Would Colonel Livial beat the challenge?

“Begin!” A young man shouted.

Sudden force was applied to Colonel Livial’s arm as the muscular man pressed hard against Colonel Livial’s arm. Colonel Livial felt his muscles tensing as greater force was applied. He would have to counter the force soon. He could hear the crowds cheers and he could feel the intensity of the battle surging from the figures around the table.

His arm suddenly grew stronger and he thrust the muscular man’s arm towards the table and he felt it lowering to the table until it hit the table. Suddenly, the battle siren sounded and Colonel Livial rushed to his feet. As he left the quarters in a rush, he smiled at the muscular soldier.

“Sir. We exited hyperspace at the destination you requested. On the boundary of Mimban in the Outer Region. As we entered real-time space, there were several battleships waiting and they open fired. What are our orders?” A young crewman reported.
“Boost all shields up to maximum capacity. Send all fighters to destroy the life support systems and turrets on the battleships. All other soldiers and crew members are to be ready for transportation within several hours.” Colonel Livial ordered as the crewman noted the requests.
“Yes sir.” The crewman saluted and left to transfer the orders to the soldiers.

Colonel Livial was worried. He had expected this plan to be surprise and that he would face little opposition. This was not what he expected. Several large battleships firing upon this ship was not what Colonel Livial would call peaceful. He could hear the shields being boosted and he saw the turbo lasers from both Colonel Livial’s and the attackers ships. The attackers turbo lasers were deflected by the shield and Colonel Livial saw the fighters flying towards the battleships with fluency and skill.

He saw explosions and gunfire. Several of Colonel Livial’s fighters were being chased by B-Wings and the battleships of the attacker were under constant bombardment by the bombs that were dropped by the unmarked fighters. The rumbling of Colonel Livial’s ship engines roared into life as the ship moved forward at a slow pace. The turbo lasers of both his own and the attackers were firing at a constant rate and the fighters were flying at a masterful level.

Colonel Livial saw several large explosions to the left and realised that the engines of a battleship had been destroyed. He was pleased that the space battle success was within the grasp of Colonel Livial. He asked for a communication link to be set up between this ship and his fighters.

“Sir, the communications link has been created and we are now online.” The crewman said.
“Very good.” Colonel Livial said before returning to the battle.

He needed a battle plan. He couldn’t continue constant bombardment. His fighters would grow few and far if that was to continue. He needed to fool the attackers. He thought to himself. A diversion and retreat plan. Colonel Livial knew what to do.

All the fighters would divert towards the left of the battleships as if they were attempting to gain access to the planet. The main ships, meanwhile, would fake a retreat. The attackers would then lower their attack and the fighters would return to full bombardment attacks upon the life support systems and engines.

“Soldiers, I have a plan.” Colonel Livial said over the communication link. “All fighters must fly to the left of the battleships as though you were trying to access the planet’s atmosphere. The main ships, meanwhile will be faking a retreat.” Colonel Livial paused. “Once the battleships have stopped firing, return to immediate battle and continue bombardment.”

He ordered the ships to be turned around and he heard the engines rumbling under the weight and he saw the windscreen of the ship turning away from the battle. He noticed the fighters following his plan exactly. The battleships would soon stop their attack. As the ship lurched forward away from the battle, he realised that battleships had stopped firing. His plan had worked.

“All fighters return to battle, I repeat, all fighters return to battle.” Colonel Livial ordered. This would one of many battles that Colonel Livial would win.

He ordered the ships to turn again and fire at the battleships once the ships are in range. He knew that the life support systems would need to be destroyed using missiles. He ordered two missiles to be loaded and ready. The fighters were quickly back into action and the sound of engines exploding was heard from the battleships.

“Fire missile one.” Colonel Livial shouted.

The order was sent into the communication link and he saw the missile firing towards the main battleships underside. That was where the life support systems would be placed. He wondered whether he would be accurate in his plans and the battle would be won.

Explosions and shots were firing from all directions, turbo lasers from both sides of the battle were firing constant volleys of shots, engines roared into life as battleships lurched forward in the hope for a greater chance of success. Fighters flew across the space, dodging and weaving, turning and firing at the enemy.

“Commander, what are the current damage levels on our ships?” Colonel Livial asked.
“Sir, our shields are at 75% thus there is no current damage to the ships.” The commander replied.
“Excellent, and the enemy’s battleships?” Colonel Livial asked, wondering how long the battle would take.
“The enemy’s battleships have no shields and their damage levels seem to be at around 50%.” The commander explained in a mundane tone.
“Very good.”

One missile had been fired and it had caused a massive amount of damage to one of the battleships. Would the second missile do the same? Colonel Livial calculated the trajectory and range. It seemed that one of the battleships had ceased firing and was retreating. Could this be a plan of their own? Colonel Livial didn’t want to find out the answer.

“Fire missile two!” Colonel Livial ordered.

He saw the missile fire in the direction of the retreating ship. It was slow but it would have major damage on the ship. He wondered whether he had made the right decision. Would the ships connect a communication link? If so, he would ask them to surrender and they would be spared through mercy. It was strange for a single ship to retreat.

“Sir, the battleships have requested a communication link be established.” A young man told Colonel Livial.

So Colonel Livial had made a mistake. Lives would be lost.

“Can the missile be detonated safely?” Colonel Livial asked quickly.
“No, sir.” The young man answered. Colonel Livial threw his fist into the chair.
“Can the missile’s route be changed?” Colonel Livial asked. He wanted to know what the enemy had to say.
“No….wait….yes.” The young man replied.
“Excellent, divert the missile’s route to an open space and wait for further instruction.” The Colonel said.
“Yes, sir.” The young man saluted and began setting a new course for the missile.

Colonel Livial watched as the missile slowly turned away from the battleships and flew into open space. Colonel Livial was proud that he had saved the lives on that ship. Though, he knew that, deep inside his body, it was his fault for the risk. Would the enemy surrender and leave this space? Would they order war against the ships?

“Sir, the communication link has been established.” The commander said.
“Very good.” Colonel Livial replied.

This would be it. This would be the moment of truth and fate. Would this space become a place of battle and destruction? Or would it become a place of mercy and surrender? Only one person could make this decision. That person was on the other end of the communication link. Their actions would decide their fate.

“You have fought valiantly. You have lowered our morale to the penultimate level and our ships are almost completely useless. You are a good commander.” The voice said.
“I fought as I would be expected to fight. I have fought with bravery, strategy and honour. Your morale means nothing to me. If you surrender, you will be free to leave this space. If not, you will be destroyed.” Colonel Livial said in quick answer.
“Surrender. Mercy. I surrender. Give us mercy.” The few words that the voice said.
“Leave this space immediately.” Colonel Livial replied.

The battleships of the surrendering group were travelling away from the planet. Clearly, these people did not want to travel back to the planet. Who were the enemy? Where they the famous Coway? He doubted it. The Coway did not use battleships and used close combat. It must’ve been humanoids of some sort. Mimban must’ve been conquered by humans or humanoid before Colonel Livial had decided to take the planet.

“All fighters return to hangars. You have done well.” Colonel Livial spoke over the communication link.

As the ships flew into the hangar and landed, Colonel Livial ordered the ground shuttles to be ready within the hour. The planet would his within the next few days. He had to defeat the opposition that had settled on Mimban and the planet would then be his for the taking. It wouldn’t be to difficult. He could use politics and negotiation or he could use military force. He had fifteen thousand fully armed men beside him and that was a reasonable size for such a small planet. He would attempt negotiation first.

“Men, be ready for battle. I will be speaking with the leader of this planet’s army. I doubt that this planet has a government. If they refuse to allow us to take the planet without the use of force, I want you to assassinate the leader. Snipers should be posted in the treetops and I will give the signal for you to fire several shots.” Colonel Livial said to the fifteen thousand men that were stood before him.

These men would be the force that would conquer planets, in whose name though. This planet could be claimed for himself, or it could be claimed for the Germanican Grays, or it could be claimed for the Galactic Coalition. The army and ships had been provided by the Germanican Grays but the Galactic Coalition needed the planets. They were in a war.

He saw the marching troops walking towards the ground shuttles. They were laughing and talking, happy at the recent victory and it was clear that the army felt that the resistance that would be put together would be lacking in disciple and poor quality. These men were trained and organised. Success was definite.

As Colonel Livial walked towards one of the ground shuttles, he wondered about the resistance. Would they be as strong as the battleships that had surrendered in space? Would the resistance be waiting with weapons and soldiers as the ground shuttles entered the atmosphere? Only time would tell.

The ground shuttles lifted and exited the ships hangar. Colonel Livial had set up a communication link between the ground shuttles, himself and the ships. The troops would have immediate access to communication links via Colonel Livial. This would mean that he would know if there was any cause for concern. The ground shuttles moved forwards quickly. They were close to the planet’s atmosphere.

“Men, hold on and be ready.” Colonel Livial said before grabbing a handle.

As the shuttle entered the planet’s atmosphere, he saw evidence of a waiting resistance. Though the next few minutes would tell. The shuttles were lowering and lowering towards the planet’s surface. Suddenly, a missile flew past the shuttle and exploded causing a major disturbance. It looked as though the planet would have to be taken by force.

“Get these shuttles onto the surface as quickly as possible.” Colonel Livial ordered the pilots. “Men, be ready for instant action.” The soldiers roared in cheers and applause at the sound of battle. The characteristics of a true soldier; the pleasure of battle.

The shuttles struggled to control the ships as the missiles fired from the ground and the shuttles had their work cut out. Still, the shuttles were lowered to the ground and the doors were opened quickly. Soldiers rushed out the doors in arms and the sudden sound of gunfire was heard. Colonel Livial grabbed an automated blaster and ran out into the battlefield.

Shots and figure were spanned across the opening. The constant sound of gunfire was ringing in Colonel Livial’s ear and he knew that the battle for Mimban had begun. Colonel Livial searched for a place of cover and saw a large fallen tree that suited perfectly for silent shots.

As Colonel Livial crouched behind the fallen tree, he could see bodies falling to the floor in death. Colonel Livial rose from the crouched position and fired several shots at the enemy. An enemy fell to the ground and he went back into a crouched position. The screams of pain and agony resounded in Colonel Livial’s mind. It was torturous and Colonel Livial hated the sound. He knew that it was a sound that would resound constantly in battle, yet the hate and emotion that came with the sound would never cease to exist.

Colonel Livial quickly rose to fire another volley of shots across the battlefield. A few of his own men had fell in the battle yet he knew it was natural. The battle at this section would soon be over. He knew that his enemy was a humanoid but who they worked for, he did not know. He looked at the battle. The enemy had surrended. Or this platoon of the enemy had surrendered.

He saw what looked like a superior officer within the ranks of the platoon and called for him to sent to him. The man had a look of evil and murder within his eyes. He seemed merciless. He wondered whether this man would take Colonel Livial to the resistance army’s leader or would Colonel Livial and his troops be sent into an ambush?

“I want fifty of our best troops to search the immediate area for traces of ambush and recent activity.” Colonel Livial ordered a commander.
“Yes, sir.” The commander said before rushing off.

The enemy’s officer stood before Colonel Livial and he waited patiently.

“Your men did not need to die. We want to take this planet in peace.” Colonel Livial said in an honest tone.
“Peace is not a word that we have seen much of.” The man replied and Colonel Livial wondered what he meant by the comment.
“What is that you mean? Your planet is free from attack on an outer level.” Colonel Livial said.
“The Coway, fierce and merciless warriors were once a controlled and secretive species. Until a few years ago. They have become brutal and savage and killing mercilessly. We long for peace as you do.” The man said in fear. Clearly, the Coway were a large threat.
“Take me to your leader, I wish to speak with him.” Colonel Livial asked politely. This man was not as merciless as he first believed.
“Very well. Our leader will not be happy at our loss.” The man said before walking towards the east side of the forest.

Colonel Livial ordered the troops back to the clearing and set them into a guarded position in a box formation, surrounding both the officer and Colonel Livial within the box, protecting them from immediate danger. He did not wish for this man to die. He would be needed.

The path was perplexing and long. The heat and humidity was distressing and dangerous yet still the march continued. The treetops did nothing to block the powerful light rays that flooded onto the bodies of just under fifteen thousand men. It was tiring and Colonel Livial wondered whether he would have the energy to proceed with negotiation and settlement terms. He could wait until later in the evening but he felt it best not to run the risk of ambush.

As the path turned towards a clearing, Colonel Livial set his eyes upon a large village. It was unique in it’s design and he wondered whether this place could become a industrial city. He would contact the appropriate business associates at a later date. His primary concern was the peaceful takeover of this planet.

“Our leader is in the main camp. It is straight ahead.” The officer said before wandering off.

Colonel Livial quickly ordered the snipers into position and walked towards the camp that the officer had pointed towards. He wondered whether he would find the correct place but soon found it. It was larger than other camps and was protected by two guards. As Colonel Livial came to the entrance of the camp, the guards allowed him to pass. He offered his thanks and entered the camp, searching for a sign of the leader.

A tall and strong man came from the far reaches of the camp and Colonel Livial realised that this man was the leader of the resistance. The man was dressed in appropriate dresswear and he seemed to have a powerful and menacing aura that emanated from his soul. As the man stood before Colonel Livial and looked him the eyes, Colonel Livial stared directly into the pupils of the man’s eyes and waited for a response.

Without blinking, the man said to follow him. Colonel Livial walked close behind the man and followed his ever footstep. He could see the destination where they were heading. A tall building at the centre of the camp. This must be his offices, Colonel Livial thought. As they came to the door of the building, the man took a set of keys from his pocket and opened the door.

They walked into the building and saw a spacious area. At the centre of the area was a large conference table and appropriate seating. Colonel Livial guessed this would be where the negotiation would begin. It was time for Colonel Livial to use his negotiation skills to the best of his ability. It would be a long evening.

“Please, take a seat.” The man said, offering a seat to Colonel Livial.
“Thank you.” Colonel Livial replied and sat on the offered seat.

The man moved around the table and took his place opposite Colonel Livial. This man seemed reasonable and intelligence. Perhaps the negotiations would not be as treacherous and tiring as Colonel Livial first thought to believe.

“Please, make your proposal for our people and I will assess the proposal.” The man said.
“Very well then.” Colonel Livial paused. “I and my troops wish to have this planet taken in peace. The lives of my troops and yours are of the utmost importance to me. No lives need be killed in the name of takeovers and such. Your men are free to stay on this planet in peace.” Colonel Livial paused in waiting, wondering whether the man would respond. “The planet would be taken in the name of the Germanican Grays, a small faction within the galaxy. The planet would have upgraded defence systems and troops would be positioned at key points. The planet would be developed into a commuting and prosperous place.” The Colonel paused again. “It is in my best wishes that this planet is developed into a strong and peaceful community, full of success and harmony. What is it that you want?” Colonel Livial asked.

The silence between the two men seemed long and dangerous. The heavy breathing that resonated from Colonel Livial’s nostrils caused the silence to seem even more dangerous and torturous. Just as Colonel Livial felt as though he would break, the man spoke in a soft tone.

“We want to be free from the threat of the Coway. We know where they are in hiding and we wish for the Coway to be destroyed as a species. Can you offer this?” The man said.
“If this is what it will take for a planet to be taken in peace, I accept.” Colonel Livial replied.
“Excellent, several of my men will act as guide to the Coway hiding place.” And with that, the man left without warning.

Several armed men walked towards Colonel Livial and they asked him to collect his troops. The battle, seemingly, was not over for the troops under the authority of Colonel Livial. As Colonel Livial and the armed men exited the building, Colonel Livial’s troops stood in a flanked formation in waiting. He ordered the troops to follow him in an defensive stance in the flanked formation. The soldiers responded quickly.

The armed men walked towards the end of the camp. A long and dusty road led away from the camp and it led to the mountains in the distance. Colonel Livial knew that the Coway hid in the caves on the side of the mountain. Colonel Livial had to find a way to destroy the Coway. Instant action would not work, the Coway were bred warriors. Missiles? Grenades?

As the armed men and Colonel Livial and his troops followed the dusty path, Colonel Livial wondered about the task that would need to be completed before the planet could be taken in peace. He would rather gain the respect of the people than take a planet in bitterness and spite. It was not in his honour to do such an action.

Minutes later

Soldiers surrounded the cave in which the Coway settled during their pauses of murderous attacks and savage beatings. The guides that had taken the squadron to this place had fled soon afterwards. It was clear that the people of Mimban were scared for their lives because of the savage and brutal psychological setting that filled the minds of the Coway.

Silence. The wind blew across the face of the troops and Colonel Livial wondered how to exterminate the Coway. He had explosive devices; time bombs, grenades and missiles. Time bombs would allow for the Coway to escape; as would grenades. Missiles are rather loud. Colonel Livial settled upon time bombs. He ordered the commander to come to him.

“Commander, I ask for the troops to surround the caves. Find all entrances and possible exits and have them manned. This operation is based on a ‘shoot-to-kill’ command. Any signs of life and I want the troops to shoot immediately. Do not wait for higher command. Once the troops are positioned and have manned all possible exits, set a time bomb for each exit at 30 seconds. Move the men roughly 150 metres away from the exits and then return to the position immediately after explosion. Do you understand?” Colonel Livial asked.
“I do. I have just one query, if I may.” The commander said.
“You may.”
“30 seconds seem to be a rather long period of time, why this amount of time?” The commander asked.
“30 seconds allows for the soldiers to escape the immediate dangers and it will also provide suitable time to find which exits are used by the Coway.” Colonel Livial explained.
“Very well.”

The commander saluted and walked towards the squadron of troops to explain the orders. Colonel Livial could see the troops walking towards the caves. This would be the true test of command. He wondered whether would be followed correctly. If they were, the operation would result in immediate extinction of the Coway and no deaths on the part of the squadron. If not, the operation would result in a massive battle between the Coway and the squadron. Colonel Livial didn’t like his chances in a battle against the Coway.

The commander told Colonel Livial that the troops were in position.

The moment of truth.

Colonel Livial ordered the time bombs to be set and to be deployed. He could hear the orders being sent and the sounds of buttons being pressed. He could hear the ticking of the bombs counting down. He knew his soldiers would have to move now. He turned towards the caves and saw the squadron running away from the caves. Was it from the bombs or the Coway? He would soon find out.

The final seconds

He looked at the caves in waiting. The seconds slowly counted down. Three. Two. One. A huge explosion from the east to the west, north to south bellowed out from the caves. The sound of screaming Coway as their bodies burnt in the massive heat. He knew that some Coway would survive, though they would be very weak. He would capture a single Coway for research processes.

“Commander, order the squadron to kill all but one Coway. I need one for research purposes.” Colonel Livial shouted.
“Yes, sir.” The commander said before rushing off.

Gunshots were heard and he knew that several men would die before the Coway were extinct. He could hear the screams of war and battle, anguish and pain, coming from both the enemy and from the platoon. As the commander explained that all the Coway had been killed, or so it was believed, Colonel Livial ordered the platoon to recollect and travel back to the camp.

The commander sat in the same position as the previous meeting yet this time, there were no guards and a large document was on the table that separated the commander and Colonel Livial. The papers riffled as the commander took deep breaths and slowly moved his hand towards the paper. This was the contract that would officiate the control of Mimban by the Germanican Grays and allow the planet to be developed into an industrialised planet.

“The contract states that all control will be placed into the hands of your faction whilst allowing my troops to be positioned here as defenders of the planet. It also states that the planet will be under the control of your faction according to the agreement made between ourselves and that if the terms of conditions are breached, I will regain control of the planet. Do you agree to the terms?” The commander stated as he reviewed the contract.
“Indeed, I agree to the terms of conditions and I understand the policies that are stated by the contract. I will sign them immediately.” Colonel Livial said.
“Very well.” The commander said as he drew a pen from his pocket.

The commander brought the contract to his side of the table and flipped the pages to the places that needed signing. As each page was signed, a black cross was swept dotted line, signalling that the page needed to be signed by Colonel Livial. As the document was passed to him, he quickly flicked through the pages, reading the document and studying the small-print, seeing that all was well, he signed the necessary pages.

“And so the deed is done.” The commander said.
“Indeed.” Colonel Livial shook the commander’s hand and walked away from the table with the contract in hand.