Power coils are cracked… Need to find somewhere habitable… I flick the rotating dial on my console and it points to a dusty brown world. Just enough power left in the coils to get there. Scanner shows an Ember Maw ship in the atmosphere, if I’m quick enough I can avoid them. I swing wide around, but the gravity of the planet pulls the coils out completely and I have to prepare for a crash landing. 

I try to aim my ship close to the nearest town. It looks meek but it’ll probably have at least some kind of shop where I can buy replacement coils. As I come crashing down to the planet I tuck all my limbs into my shell and allow the harness to prevent me from flying out. The ship screams as it skids across the stone, spinning wildly before slamming into a mountainous dune. I wait for the silence before I peek my head out.

I grab my hilt and head out to the town, I see what looks like a field of small hills amidst the haze. As I get closer I realize what they are, the man digging next to a corpse clarifies any doubt. The horns emerging from his neck tell me he is a starforged, I walk past as he says “Nothing in that town but death!” The cybernetic arm tells me he means what he says.

I turn to the right and see a section of smaller graves that causes me to stop in my tracks for a moment. “Then I suppose I must speak with death,” I say back before continuing on. He says something else, but I’m no longer focused on him, my eyes now locked on the town. 

I see two goons drunkenly approaching me, they stop when they finally notice me. Close enough to blitz them, but then they speak. “Hey! You! Give us your credits!” They’re clearly drunk, they have no care who I am.

“What can you tell me about this place?” I ask, my face remaining stoic as I grip my starblade hilt.

“Ohhh, you wanna know about the town! Well this is the town where you’re gonna die! If you don’t give us your credits!” they both try to close the distance as I slide my feet into the stance. 

As soon as one of them puts a hand on my shell, I concentrate and the blade flashes lightning fast, its swirling nebular glow deactivated just as quickly, and I throw his corpse into his ally. Who, terrified, runs away back towards the town. I slowly follow, like a predator stalking his prey.

As we get close I spot a makeshift tower, I climb it and just observe the town below. My brown shell mixes in with the dusty brown sky, making me practically invisible. I see the fool from before run into a large building, and then emerge moments later with about fifteen or so others, equally as foolish. 

He tries to direct them out of the city, but I see as on the other side of town is another large group of fools, each grabbing whatever melee weapons they can find and preparing for a fight. Both sides meet in the center of the city, about 30 useless fools arguing.

“We got no fight with you today! Go back to your base!” The one I spoke with shouts at the other gang. 

“No way. Looks like you're setting up for an ambush! We won't get caught with our pants down!” The other one shouts back. They all raise their weapons as if about to strike. Not one of them has any real experience in a fight. I decide to descend the tower and make my way towards them. 

As I stepped forward, the fool I tried to speak with turned and looked at me “You! You better leave or we’re going to end you!” I do not slow my pace, continuing to walk towards him undeterred. “You stop right now!” I still do not stop. He grabs three men and they each ready their weapons.

I quicken my pace and begin a silent run towards them. The first one, oversized, swings his hammer down towards me. I dive towards his legs and he falls face first onto his hammer. The other two try to coordinate their strikes but they have no training. I grab the hammer, now sitting on the ground, and swing wide to take out their legs as well. All three are now laying on the ground, another runs at me as I hurl the hammer forward, driving it into his chest. He spits out blood and drops to the ground. 

Both groups run off to their respective sides, and I stand amidst the groaning bodies. Two limp away back to their base, while leaving their companions to die in the dirt. I turn and examine the town, seeing a cantina. I walk in and see a Kheltasi, his exosuit, heavily modified. “...Great. Another useless killer. What do you want?” He turns around and he’s washing a cup.

“Water. And information. You got either?” I say dropping a single credit on the counter. Before flicking it with my finger.

He sets the water down in front of me, and then says, “You want information. Leave, this town isn’t friendly to strangers. ‘Specially those that kill their members.”

“Well I was thinking about putting down roots.” I take a sip, “this place seems as good as any. So who were all those fools running about?” I look at him with a calmness he is probably unfamiliar with, he seemed uncomfortable, clearing his throat.

“Just two rival families fighting for the hold on the town.”

“Yeah, which flavor of crime do they specialize in? Can't be the knives. Much too sloppy of fighters…” I say leaning back and scratching my chin. 

“Oh and I suppose you’re going to train them up?” He scoffs. “Figures someone would come along and show them how to get more deadly.” He fills up the cup again and looks out the window. “No, these are two rival Crimson Blade houses.” 

“And where are the children? Why are there no sounds of joy?” I take another sip of the water.

“Joy left this place long ago… Now all that's left are the broken pieces left behind. I’m T’k, and what do I call you?” 

I take a breath looking out the window, looking at the dusty streets and feeling the weight of the centuries on my shell. “Shae’Thuu’Ilae”

I see him lift his head while continuing to work the rag. “My translator got that as 2’3’6.” He looks me up and down assessing the wear of years across my face. “I asked for your name… not your age…” I freeze and turn to look at him.

“It has been a very long time since I’ve met someone who knew Elare Vae…” 

“And it’s been a long time since anyone came in speaking it, ‘specially an Akeshi. Fine, Three Hundred Thirty it is.” Just then two people came in, bright smiles on their faces, as T’k went behind the counter.

“Hello and welcome to our town!” The first one says her greasy hair laying flat across the crown of her head, “We wanted to apologize for those ruffians you met outside town.” and she sets down a large bottle of alco with an unusual level of menace, staring at the man.

“But they clearly weren't a problem for you!” jeers the other, tall and skinny, but his words drip with disdain. “Besides, you don't want any of that junk. We got girls that you can take your pick of!”

“Not interested.” I wave them both off. “Let me know when you actually want to have a discussion about payment. If not, you can take your alcohol, and take your girls.” They both stand up, shocked that someone would even think to refuse these offers. They both open their mouths to say something back. “Listen, if the next words out of your mouth are anything other than a number. You can save it.” They both walk out dejected, back to their respective sides.

“So, who exactly are these two groups to the Blades? Can’t be major players… they’re far too stupid…” I say out loud, pondering to myself.

“Lesser groups! The ones in charge were former big shots among the blades.” T’k says, answering my question. “Sold their services as protection. Now they partake in their protection and grew complacent.”

I just look at him and peer at his exosuit a bit more. He looks to have installed flame proofing and some toxin ejectors on his wrists. 

“And who exactly are you to them?” my eyes now laser focused on him. “Because a regular tavern owner wouldn't know all about the syndicate. Nor would he be prepared for an ember rite.” 

I see him flinch at the words.

“I’m on my Wandering Bloom, been around for a while.” he says not looking up. “I spent time with the syndicate.” He’s being purposefully evasive.

“Been centuries since I’ve seen a native of Neryssa. I thought Kheltasi stopped doing the Wandering Bloom after the Syndicate took over.” 

“The syndicate didn’t take over Neryssa.The government claims neutrality…” I can hear the frustration in his voice. “It protects them from the Ascendancy. Not that they even want it.”

“Well Virexis got turned into a wasteland, so I’d say you got lucky on that one.” I take a swig of water, and lean back. “Do you mind if I stay here while they figure out how much money they can give me?”

“Why are you doing this? You could clearly take all of them. Do you just like playing with your victims?” He slams his hands on the bar.

I sit up and look at him. “I would assume there's about eighty thugs. I’m not as capable as that. No, I’d rather have them fight each other. Then I can clean up whoever is left over.” He doesn’t move, he still seems angry. “So, can I stay here? I’m sure I’ll have more than enough money soon enough.”

“Fine.” He says, as I move myself over to a bench and let myself rest for a while. 

“I won't take up much space.” As I pull my leathery arms into my shell and prepare for a rest. 

By the time I wake I see a man walking in and standing there before me, a colonial, grizzled from years of pretending to be tougher than he was. “So, you're the warrior? Don't seem like much.”

“Well, you should see me when I’m standing. So, what is your offer?” I say barely looking up at him, he puts a heavy bag down on the table. I hear the clink of actual metallic coinage. 

“Fifty Credits. You better be worth it.” He says to me, I hear the smug sense of arrogance in his voice. 

“I’ll consider it a down payment.” I extend my arm out of its shell and grab the bag, bouncing it in my hand before stowing it in my satchel. “So , which one do you work for?”

“To the brothel. Come on.” He waves me forward. I look at T’k and just give him a smile and a nod. “Thanks for the patronage.” I toss him five coins from the bag, and head out following the man.

“You get a room, board, and a girl for you.” He says looking forward, I have to extend my stride.

“I’ll just take the room and board.” As we walk into the building I see the cowards from yesterday all smothering up to women who appear disconnected from reality. One of them looks at me and realizes who I am, before he goes cowering back into a room. As though my mere presence would be enough to send them to their death. 

A round face pops out and looks at the man who I followed. “The boss wants to speak with you.” Then he looks at me, “both of you.”

I say nothing, I just follow them. We arrive in a meeting room, where a Zorai is sitting at a chair, with a colonial woman standing next to him and a Zorai umbric child standing in the corner. “Welcome sir. What should we call you?”

“Akeshileth.” I say, recalling the Elare Vae word for bodyguard. 

“Well Mr. Akeshileth. We are gratuitous that you have accepted our terms for your services. You can call me Storm-Hand. We’re thrilled to have you working for us.” He says with a forced energy.

“I’ve accepted the credits as a deposit for my services.” I tap the bag on my side. “But I will need a salary if I am to remain. I expect this every ten-day.” The Zorai looks to his wife, now making it obvious who is in control. I see a small twitch in her eye but just as quickly he turns back.

“That is acceptable.” He says, when his wife grabs him and leans down close and whispers something before standing up and opening a door behind his chair.. He just looks back up at me and  “Will you excuse me? My wife wishes to speak with me.” With that he stands up and enters the room behind him, with his son following before shutting the door.

The man who escorted me here just begins muttering to himself about how little he gets paid. I just smile, now I have an angle to exploit. “What do you think they’re talking about? And is it normal for them to plan things without you? You seem fairly competent to me.” 

“Not as competent as you apparently…” He stands up and leaves the room. Now I have my opportunity. I stand up and press my ear to the door.

I hear the wife arguing, “You can’t seriously be willing to pay this vagrant fifty credits a ten-day!? We’d be out of business in a month.” 

“You think I don't know that. That's why we’re going to attack the others now. They must still be reeling. And with Akeshileth at our side, we’ll send them to rout.” The husband replies back. 

“Then, we will kill the akeshi and take all our credits back.” The wife is now gleefully laughing. I sit down in the chair and tuck my arms back into my shell.

They emerge from the room and he looks to his son. “Go and rally the troops!” he looks at me with a gleeful look in his eye. We are going to bring the fight to them. I look at his wife who is now approaching me very cordially.

Then she looks around and sees my escort is gone. She looks back at me, “where did Rex go?” 

I just shrug. “Was Rex the guy who came in with me? He mentioned something about taking a break.” She looks distressed and goes out of the room to find him. I just look at Storm-Hand and give him a smile and nod before standing up. “Well, I guess we’d better get this over with.”

He begins to walk out as I slowly follow, when I look out the window I see Rex walking away with his weapon in hand. He turns around and gives me a smile before continuing.

I make it out into the street where I see all forty of Storm-Hand’s men standing in the street ready to fight. Then I look across the town and see the other forty men on the other side. I look at Storm-Hand and see him trembling from the thought of having to fight. When his wife joins him trying to figure out where Rex went. 

“He left. And I should too, before you follow through on your plot to kill me in my sleep and take all my money.” I grab the bag of credits and throw it back at their feet and walk away back towards the tower. Before looking at the gang across the way and shouting “They have offended me and I have severed ties. That is all.” Then I climbed the tower and watched as the groups began to slowly walk towards one another. 

Suddenly two loud blaster shots are heard as both groups stop, followed by a terrified man running into the town. Another blaster shot blows the man's head apart on the few men who were nearing each other. Followed by a shout “What in the Oracle’s name are you vekking idiots doing?” with that a large canine being stepped forward holding a scatter gun, usually meant for crowds. 

Most of the cowardly fighters on both sides took the opportunity to scurry away before Storm-Hand stepped forward “Nox! It’s great to see you again! What are you doing back here?”

“Xan’Kirill is consolidating and wants an update on the planet. How are the ventures going?” The woman who runs the other side steps forward but keeps her head lowered. “You know, the ones that I left both of you to take charge of while I oversaw the blades in this sector? Because to me it seems like you both have split up the town that I worked hard to unite. Is that what happened?” 

He just stands there waiting for them to respond and when no one does he squeezes his scatter gun trigger and shreds half the group standing next to him with the closest becoming nothing more than pink mist. “Still no answers? Very well. I’ll speak with both of you and figure out what is happening.” 

Both sides walk off as he follows Storm-Hand to his brothel. I descend the tower and return to the cantina, T’k is there just watching through the window with a look of sadness and fear. When he catches sight of me he straightens up, “Well that didn't go how I expected it. Who was that Canoi?”

He sets down something that sounds like tools from behind the partition and enters into the main area. Carrying a glass and a pitcher of water, “You didn't get the bloodbath you wanted. Must be a sad day for you.” He slams them both on the table before me. “That’s Nox, he works for one of the biggest bosses in the entire outer rim. Also one of the craziest men I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet. He is the reason I’m now the owner.”

“No. I didn't. This new man will make it significantly worse. Could be tricky from here on out.” I look out the window to see a man drag off the dead bodies from the street out to the graveyard. Suddenly the greasy woman from the day prior walks in. carrying what looks like a stench cloud with her.

“Why don't you come join me? We got some things to discuss.” She tosses a bag of credits at me and I catch it with a lightning quick strike of my hand. In the same motion I stand and begin walking with her to their side.

I follow her silently as we enter their brewery, and we walk into the boss's office. The woman from out in the square, cowering from Nox is now projecting an aura of strength. “So, we heard that you cut ties with the Storm Hands. I am Zhiva, but you can call me Star-Claw, and I am thrilled to have you here with us.”

“Well, things seem to be going through a change, with the arrival of the Canoi. Why should I even accept this?” I hold up the bag of credits and drop it on the desk between us.

She leans forward her feline traits attempting to soften. “You are one of the best fighters I’ve ever seen, I want to recruit you. You’d bring the quality of the blades up under Xan’Kirill.” Suddenly the door opens behind me, and Star-Claw straightens up.

“And who is this? I’ve heard quite a few tales about a deadly Akeshi who wandered into town. Killed some blades and then started a bidding war.” I look at Star-Claw, her expression now has a look of fear hidden behind her eyes. 

“I’m just a traveler, you can call me Shae’Thuu’Ilae. I should leave you two to discuss business.” I attempt to stand but he shoves me back down into the chair. 

“How much were you planning to charge Star-Claw here? Because I heard something about 50 credits a week.” Star-Claw’s face changes to a look of shock.

“Hadn’t discussed a fee yet.” I look at him, “Storm-Hand had enough for forty useless idiots, I managed to take out six. Figured there'd be some extra money.” I tuck my arms into my shell and try to make myself comfortable.

“So, you figured you could kill a bunch of blades members and then sell your services?” His voice doesn't raise, he simply grabs a hammer and taps it on my shoulder. “It seems to me like you are playing some kind of a game here.” 

“Not really. I’m just looking to make some money. I’m a skilled hand when a fight breaks out.” I extend my hand out and brush the hammer off, before retracting it into my shell again. “Storm-Hand and his wife had planned to murder me. After they had won the fight against Star-Claw here.” I hear nothing in response, then he sits in the chair next to me.

“That makes me feel like a proud father. That they would be willing to kill you in your sleep.” I stood up, “Very well. You can go, best keep an eye out, in case someone thinks to finish the job.” He extends out his gloved hand gesturing for me to take it. I look at it and it appears to glisten as if covered in some liquid. 

I keep my arms inside my shell, “I’ll leave you two to your discussion. Thank you Star-Claw, and you as well.”

He stands up and tries to block my path. “Let's at least have a drink. You're supposed to be some powerful warrior, it's only right you should drink like one.” with that he attempts to place his hand on me. I back away from his attempt.

“No, really. I will leave and come back later.” I extend a hand out and place it on my hilt.

“Haha” he laughs loud enough to shake the room. “You certainly are wary. Well I will let you leave. But we will see each other again.”

I keep my hand on my hilt and walk out of the room, aware of every creak in the floorboards. I make it outside and I head back to the cantina. “T’k! I have miscalculated. That Nox is plotting something and I think I’m getting in his way.”

He just looks back at me, his face unchanged. “That’s what you wanted isn't it?”

“No. I wanted them to kill each other. Not me.” I feel myself starting to get dizzy. Did he poison me somehow? “Take This!” I toss him my starblade hilt. I cant risk them taking it. 

I see his face change to one of sorrow. “This… this is a… that means you’re a…”

“Yeah. Now keep it hidden, I think they are coming for me and I don’t plan to go down without taking a few with me.” I grab a broom and snap the end off with my foot. “I’ll pay you back.” With that, I head out the door using a makeshift staff.

Suddenly the sky goes dark, was it night? Is it my eyes? I shut it all out and try to focus on my surroundings. 

KA-CHOOM

I’m thrown forward onto my face. Shot with a scatter gun. I jump up and face the direction the shot came from, my vision is almost totally failing. “Nox? Why are you doing this?” 

“You thought you could be clever, play some simpletons against each other. You must think you're the smartest person in the room, in every room you walk into.” I hear the voice circling me, and I turn my body to face it. 

“If you're wondering why you can't see, I used a simple inhalant from my friends at the Serpent’s Coil. They’ve developed a spray that can render the recipient blind. Temporarily of course… but that's enough time for us to have some fun.” 

I know he is going to try and knock me over, so I get into the Anchor stance I learned as a child. 

I feel a slam to my leg but I hold against it, I strike where the attack came from, but I hit nothing. My leg feels like something has cracked, when I feel a slam into my arm. He’s trying to knock the staff out of my hand. I hold tight against his effort.

KA-CHOOM

Another shot from the scattergun, this time to my chest. I still don't move, but I feel my shell crack again. I’m exposed. 

“Where’s all your skill now?” He laughs, taunting me. “You’re holding onto that broom handle, but you haven’t hit me yet.” 

He slams the hammer into my broken shell. I can't help but let out a grunt. I’m losing concentration, he knocks me from my stance, and proceeds to hammer me into the ground. When I reach up, I feel a leg hold my arm down and slam the hammer into it. 

My vision fades… this is where I end… at the wrong end of a psycho…

I wake in a haze of darkness and fog, I try to open my eyes but the light doesn't change. I reach forward and feel nothing but wood, as though I’ve been placed in a casket. But then I hear voices on the other side of the box. I feel the broken bones in my fingers, no time to think. I crash through the walls of the box. 

I burst out ready to take on whoever, but my eyes are so swollen I can barely see anything, I faintly make out the metallic outline of an exosuit. “T’k” I say before collapsing again. 

Days pass. I spend two of them completely useless. Blinded, unable to close my hand. When I finally can see again, I realize that T’k has taken me underground. 

I see his secret, he is one of the Neryssan Guardians. On his Wandering Bloom, trying to find some real value in this galaxy. Long thought extinct. But then, so were the Luminar Knights. 

He never says anything to me, beyond letting me know that he has given me food… I eat everything I can trying to build my strength. 

Finally I speak. “Thank you.” He just nods and continues his routine. “I’ll-uh find a way to pay you back for this.”

“Payment’s not necessary. Why didn't you announce your presence?” He looks at me like he’s seeing a long lost angel. 

I let out a long sigh… “T’k, I’m not a real knight. I’m a ghost. The order died fifty thousand years ago. All that's left are fragments that don't know they're dead yet.” I hold my head as I look at him, trying to show him the exhaustion.

He just looks at me. “You have been reborn. You can change. Change who you are. There are things worth changing for.” Staring through me, he holds out the Starblade. “You carry the legacy of a lost age, but you needn't live up to the ghosts. There are people alive now who need a new legacy.” I gently grab the hilt from him.

I concentrate and activate the blade. As it extends I hold it out for T’k to truly see. The pattern across the wide blade swirls in a mesmerizing display of stars, planets, and nebular clouds. I twist it in my hand and feel my resolve growing again. “Is Nox still here?” I see his face change to fear, he says nothing. “Is he?”

“It’s gotten bad.” He still doesn’t look at me. I deactivate the blade. “Nox wanted to make a point. He felt you embarrassed Storm-Hand. So Storm-Hand was killed. They are all working under Star-Claw now. And Nox is making sure people respect her.” I stand up and head to the door that T’k has been using, I silently make my way up the steps and try to sneak a peek out the window.

There they are, Storm Hand, tied up on a pole, next to him is his wife. Both died several days ago. 

I grab my hilt and walk back down the stairs. “Where’s he holed up? This can’t continue.”

“He’s taken over the brothel. He’s got a crew in there.”  I look down at my chest, the wound is still healing up. I touch it and wince at the pain. I look around for something I can use, I grab a pan and place it over the weak spot. I grab a cloth and tie it around my shell. “What are you gonna do, cook him?”

“If I have to.” I take a knife and tuck it into the band. “I need something for the gas.” I look around for something I can use as a mask. T’k holds out his hand and shows me a breather. “That’ll do.” I take it from his hand and test it. 

“Youre going to do this alone?” He looks at me like he’s preparing for a fight as well. 

I just look him up and down and turn back towards the stairs. “Watch my back… Make sure he doesn't put another hole in it.” 

I walk out of the building and into the street, the air is thick with anger and desperation. As fighters emerge from the house and attempt to step between me and the Nox. “Move! Or die!” I activate the starblade and charge towards them. 

I cut the first down and slice through the second, the blade searing with the energy of the Strand. Both of them scream in pain before expiring, I continue towards the building as another three men try to get in my way, I hear a blaster from behind me and the fighters get distracted by T’k. 

Before I enter the building I smell that familiar stink, I pull out the breather and proceed through the entry.

I rush up the stairs as fast as I can in the hopes that I can take whoever it is off guard. I rush towards the first door I see. I’m about to pull it open when I hear a click from behind the door. I duck behind the wall and press the door.

KA-CHOOM

The scattergun eats through the door, I duck in quickly taking the knife from my sash. I hurl it at his shooting hand and roll to the other side of the doorway in a single motion.

I hear the clatter of the gun hitting the floor. I turn and prepare myself to rush in. Before I can even enter the doorway I am kicked backwards. Nox stands, laughing. “You got my gun, but I will still crush the little turtle. Again.” 

He steps towards me and prepares the hammer to strike me again. As he lowers the weapon, I instinctively grab the pan and block his swing.

My arm shudders at the force behind it, then he puts his whole weight into it, driving me backwards. 

I slam the hilt into his ribs and activate the blade as it slices into his chest. The violet nebular glow illuminates the room as he coughs out a chuckle of blood. He takes a few steps before he slumps backwards against the wall. 

I turn back around and run to help T’k who has taken defensive positions in the brothel behind me. Star-Claw is attempting to invade. I rush out the front door and stand between all of them.

 Star-Claw points her blaster at me, as I hold the starblade, hoping I am quick enough to deflect at least one. 

Behind me I hear the thundering steps, from the darkness, dragging his hammer across the floorboards is Nox. still trying to gain the strength to swing his hammer at me. Before eventually collapsing in the street between Star-Claw and me. 

“You should leave Star-Claw. Tell Xan’Kirill the planet is lost.” She just looks down at the now dead Nox bleeding in the street. 

“Disperse!” She turns around and walks over to Storm-Hand’s corpse, cutting down his body along with his wife. 

I look at T’k, who is now smiling. I walk back into the brothel and go straight to the office that was used before. I grab the bag of credits and walk back down to meet him. “Do you have any power coils?”