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EARTH DATE: JULY 21 10:00 AM
Sarisia, Galadin Star System
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THEIV WALKED BACK INTO their rooms, more than a bit disgusted that he’d forgotten an important data strip. It had taken him two weeks, since their arrival in Sarisia, to arrange this meeting with the Emperor. He needed to drop this information off with his contact, and head over to see Night. His brother might be the Emperor, but he still managed to make time for Theiv, not that it had been easy to arrange.
It was the season of Yarl, and every dignitary or person of importance was trying to see him right now. Yarl was the time of granting favor, and everyone wanted the Emperor’s favor. The festivities would get more and more exuberant, as the month slowly ticked by, in a blatant effort to impress the Emperor.
Today was the 9th of Yarl, only 21 more days to go. Theiv wondered what he would see today on his way to the Emperor’s private office. There were some pretty outlandish displays during this time every year. If he weren’t running late, he would have enjoyed the sights. He made a mental note to take Brooke to a couple of the festivals. She would probably find it fascinating.
It had been too long since he’d seen his brother, but that was the life of a Dragon Warrior. Especially when they lived on different planets and their planets were not exactly friendly with each other.
The room flashed bright and Theiv dived behind a table, but it was too late. A phase pistol fired, then another. Theiv was struck in the arm but managed to palm his own weapon with the other hand. He ducked behind a chair and returned fire. His aim was true, and the man crashed into the table as he went down. The other man fired, and the phase stream burned across the top of Theiv’s shoulder. He swore and fired back, then ducked behind another chair.
“Drace sent us to collect you, Draakon. He doesn’t want you interrupting his dinner plans.”
“Tell Drace I have my own plans tonight, and he is going to have to be satisfied with fucking with one of you instead.”
The huge Althanean with long messy hair laughed, an ugly sound that grated on Theiv’s nerves. “Our orders are to bring you to him. We’ve been promised a night with that sweet little Zemyneah he keeps with him. I’m not missing out on that, Draakon, so you might as well make this easy for all of us and surrender.” Theiv replied with another burst from his weapon. The room flashed bright again, and several more of Drace’s men appeared.
Theiv began laying down a heavy volley of weapons fire. He had to get to the door. He had to finish his mission. Brooke. He tried to send her a warning over their bond, as he stood up and continued to fire, trying desperately to take out as many of Drace’s men as possible. A blast caught him full in the chest, and he fell, his last thought on the woman that everyone wanted.