opening poem line “Stare into the light for too long and you’ll learn the true meaning of darkness”

The world of Rorokis was of relative value in standards of beauty and livability, but it held high deposits of rare metals and minerals and its proximity and positioning to the other worlds was of great strategic benefit to any who would desire to control the trade routes in and near the solar system. An outpost of considerable productivity could be made here for the Ephangian expansion, however it was certainly not above notice to others as well. As of yet, no major campaigns had been waged by any forces of note, but that did not mean there were not individuals of all kinds who may take advantage of things for themselves in the meantime. 

From pirates to various capitalists governments and even rogue traders, the space around the star systems outside of any major empires remained dangerous places for peaceful travelers, the local populace and deep space drifters alike. However, for a warrior who enjoyed the madness that was deep space travel and exploration, it was always an interesting place to be as there was always something to get into if you really wanted to. 

Just like clockwork there was a distress call made to any nearby ships by a small trade fleet returning to friendly space from a journey beyond its star. Many times in space, there was no one to answer calls for help. No one to hear your screams, and even if there was, they were just as likely to take advantage as assist. Yet, on a day like today, it was as good a day to fight as any and even better, it was always a good time to showcase the grace of higher class and purpose. A class only the Ephangians populated as far as the Aenyali was concerned. 

A gathering of Ephangian warriors stood aboard a ship bay of the Reglicha, having been summoned for a strike team mission on sudden notice. Of course all in attendance were ready for the call to battle as not only warriors, but members of the 1st legion of Eripme. But just because they were brothers and sisters in arms and under the same banner did not mean they did not have their discrepancies. 

‘I’m one of the best of the best and the stats don’t lie. Every time I step on the battlefield I put in work and I bring results so back the fuck off. To be honest you should probably be taking notes’ the younger legionnaire said while cleaning his blade, sitting atop a small crate of shock needles. He did not care to look away from his current task as if the conversation was beneath him, not even his large coyote-like ears shifting for awareness.

‘Taking notes? Of what? The way you recklessly disobey orders to pursue your own agenda? Selfish. Or maybe you’re talking about how you slack off in training and prayer. Pathetic. Or no, I bet you mean I should be as arrogant as you, always patting myself on the back as if I do so much more than those around me.’ Cracked back the older Ubi. The lines in his face and depth of his eyes told he was well aged for an Ephangian, but that was all the more impressive in the legion and one reason why he held such regard amongst most in it. 

‘Look, I know what bothers you, and it’s inevitable…’ Inoruq narrowed his glare, still looking at his blade and its sheath, microfiber cloth in hand.

‘Ino don't. You don’t always have to fight’, came the voice of an nampia named IxL. She too was skilled beyond her years and though she wasn’t without her faults, unlike Inoruq she was a model of discipline and respect. Still she had a fondness of Inoruq that as far as Ubi was concerned was one that he chalked up to the foolishness of youth. Sweet as she was, she was always closer to Inoruq than Inoruq was to her. 

‘Shut up IxL. This doesn’t concern you and I didn’t ask for your help nor opinion’ 

‘Yea, don’t sweat him IxL. Let this lil jackass tell me something I don’t know then’ Ubi said walking up behind the younger warrior, his eyes beaming through the back of Inoruq’s hooded head. Inoruq placed his blade in its sheath. He had argued with Ubi before, but it was beginning to feel like it was becoming personal. If so, Inoruq had no problem talkin shit and backing it up. As the rest of the legionnaires began to take notice of the growing argument they looked on, deciding not to come between the two as the dispute seemed personal. Ubi himself may have been the leader of the 7th battalion of the 1st company, but to the upstart Inoruq he was just another dickhead with authority.

‘Alright. You want me to spell it out for you? You're a control freak and you can’t stand someone better than you not under your control and you can’t stand the fact a half Vaszian like me could be so much more than you. Even now you’re afraid and it’s all because you know deep down inside your time is coming and soon.. One way or the other, someone you view as beneath you is taking your spot and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.’

‘Is that what you think? That I’m afraid of losing to a spoiled brat like you? Don’t make me laugh pup. And the fact your Vaszian has nothing to do with anything, or haven’t you noticed with your head so far up your ass you're not the only one of them here with us?’ Ubi responded, refusing to back down. He knew the day would come he may have to personally discipline this upstart and if it was today he wouldn’t mind in the slightest. 

‘What iv noticed is that you want your ass beat’ 

‘You’re out of line!’ Ubi yelled, grabbing Inoruq by the arm ‘Now you look, I don’t care how talented you are, you’re part of the first now and we don’t have time for your fragile ego you little shit! If you really feel that way look me in the eyes and say it’ 

Inoruq felt the pressure of the old man’s grip. He was strong indeed, but that didn’t matter. Who the fuck did he think he was? 

‘Get your Jah damned hand off of me before I break it’ he said as he stood face to face with Ubi, the warriors watching for one reason or another still reluctant to intervene.

‘Threatening a senior officer now? You’re a real tough guy arnt you? I don’t know what the Archai and 1st captain see in you, but whatever it is has to be better than this because when I look at you right now I see hyped up bum. I almost want to pity you. All that talent and no structure, it’s a shame really. I’ll admit you have potential, but’ Ubi lowered his voice and leaned in closer so only Inoruq could hear his next words, ‘I know your little secret and if I’m really being honest… You’re more than lucky to be here. Now if you got something to show me swing. Swing and try me you mut’

Inoruq clenched his fist as Ubi’s words struck a chord. He was literally hot. If he laid this nam out here and now what would be his punishment? Did he even care? The possibilities stormed into his head.

‘My secret?…’ His voice was becoming a growl as his temperature increased, ‘You think you know me, yea? You think you know what I can do?’ The tips of his ears began to cinder and his eyes were catching fire.

‘I don’t think shit. I know you can’t beat me’ Ubi’s face was serious as he stared the younger nam dead in the eyes, the aura of air beginning to flow around his body in a aggresive manner causing the hair and garments of those in the room to flutter.

‘You two can’t be serious right now!?’ IxL said, her voice like a pebble throne against a stone wall.

‘Fuck it then’ Inoruq’s frown turned into a sinister smirk, but..

*‘Noitena!’

The voice of the 1st captain rang into the room like an amber alert, instantly commanding all attention.

‘Saved by the bell.. Pup’ Ubi said as he brushed past Inoruq to stand at attention, the air pressure instantly dissipating to normal levels. Inoruq sucked his teeth. He had quelled his anger for now and he wouldn’t make a fool of himself in front of the captain as the sound of IxL’s sigh of relief gave him one last moment of annoyance. A time would come when Ubi would eat his words and when it happened Inoruq would be there to see it.