Tal stood beside the general and stared at the large screen. “Over the past three months”, General Tonoris began, “a rogue special operations unit has been hitting seemingly random targets across the galaxy, killing both military personnel and civilians.” Tal turned to the general. “Three months?!” He said in a hollow voice. The general continued to stare straight ahead. The calm in his voice irritated Tal. “These traitors are a thorn in the side of the Rebellion, but our operations necessitate keeping this problem as quiet as possible. We have sent two other units to deal with this problem. The results were…” The general’s features hardened and his voice grew cold, “disappointing. None of our units made it out alive.”
Tal’s mind raced with the general’s information. He and his men had been sent to Kindari to witness the slaughter and the wake of the Black Brigade’s destruction. Tal was angry, but said nothing. Why hadn’t the general sent in a recovery team and briefed him afterwards? Why did Tal and his men have to waste time and resources by going to Kindari, only to arrive too late?
After a long silence, the general spoke. “Look at this screen, Captain. Study it well.” Tal could see the heads and shoulders of several figures, dressed completely in black. Their helmets were black except for the fiery sword insignia emblazoned across the forehead. After studying the screen for a few minutes, the general faced Tal. “I wanted your unit to witness what you’re up against, Captain” he said. “I wanted them to see, to smell, to hear what these….traitors have done.” Tal nodded his ascent. “I expect you and your unit to hunt them down”, said the general abruptly. He turned and faced the screen, locking his arms behind his back as he studied the forms of the black-clad soldiers. “The Black Brigade could seriously cripple the Rebellion’s efforts. Some planets are loyal to us and our cause, but others see this problem as an inability to maintain stability and security. If the Black Brigade is allowed to continue it terroristic attacks, the Empire will eventually offer to stamp them out, thus creating that stability and security. This will cause the affected planets to side with the Empire and its resources. We simply cannot allow that. The Empire will allow it to remain a problem just long enough to undercut us and portray us as unstable.”
Tonoris paused and turned again to face Tal. “You have your orders, Captain. Hunt these traitors down and exact justice. Colonel Denlo is waiting on the bridge to give you your next assignment.” Tal saluted the general. “Yes, sir”. he said. Tal reached the chamber doors and prepared to exit. “Captain Daris.” The general called after him. Tal turned around and saluted again, “Sir?” “This matter MUST not be kept quiet at all costs. Some may be curious about the Black Brigade and their motives.” Here, the general’s face set and his eyes hardened again. “I, however, am not. Hunt them down, Captain, and leave NONE alive. Understood?” Tal saluted and nodded, “Understood, General.”
To Be Continued
Science Fiction
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