Narrow escape

The aliens rushed in blasters firing at their query determined to make short work of the plaskarites. The guards put up a spirited resistance as laser bolts flew furiously between the two groups. Secret doors on the panel whose exterior blended in with the with the wall around around them began to slide open. Once the opening was large enough to allow entrance, everyone in the throne room scrambled forward into the relative safety of the elevator. The guards brought up the rear firing none stop at the chestnut brown furry aliens as they also retreated to the elevator.

A laser bolt from an aliens blaster hit king Krain in the back and he fell forward in the arms of aides who quickly half carried, half dragged his prostate figure into elevator. The last shots of the fierce battle were being fired as the elevator's doors and it begin it's rapid descent to the underground palace. Guards held their weapons at the ready facing upwards at the ceiling of the elevator.

King Krain supported by the aides, raised his head.

"Princess". he called out weakly as the elevator sped along a shaft going deep into the planet.

After plunging head long for several meters a concrete slab slid into place over the fast descending elevator and it's occupants breathed a sigh of relief.

King Krain looked up at the princess.

"Your majesty...", Princess Nina replied tearfully.

"I don't have much time, my life fast fading away...".

"What are you saying your majesty"

"This is not the time for sentiment, our people are frightened and demoralized. They need strong leadership, now when their world faces, greatest peril".

"I have no regrets, I leave my people, united a planet. As my reign is ending yours has just begun. You must be strong. Our people are despirited by the inability of our defences to even slow down the rapid advance of the alien invasion. It is upon you princess to restore hope among the people, to make them believe in themselves once again. You must rally them to kick those hairy monsters back into space. The house of Krain has always risen to challenge and must raise once again to meet the current challenge".

"The blood that flows through your blood, is that of the plaskarite forefathers, legendary men of valour who achieved many great exploits. It is they who gave much in the cause of a united planet in whose footsteps I have had to live all my life knowing that one day I too will be called upon by destiny to make my mark in history. It is not a light responsibility that I have had to bear from the day the crown passed from my late father to me, as it had passed from his father to him".

"What are you saying..!", princess Nina cut him off emotionally.

"It is now your turn to step up to the call of duty as your ancestors did before you".

"It is also my royal command, that you lead our people. They have always looked to the house of Krain to lead the way. Show them that the house of Krain still stands and they will rally behind you, they will fight for you to take back our world from the alien invaders".

"Do you princess Nina accept this last request from your king?"

"I do your majesty, princess Nina replied with tears running down her beautiful face.

"For Plaska!", shouted king Krain appearing to be himself again.

Everyone else excitedly took up the war cry" for Plaska!, for Plaska!

Raising a hand for silence, king Krain proceeded,

"You must find your cousin Pais, he will help you to rule',advised king Krain.

"Pais is a soldier your majesty, he has no experience of the politics behind running a planet", argued princess Nina.

"He does not need it, you have. You will find Pais to be a worthy ally", gently smiled the king.

"You will be each other's strength in this new struggle to liberate our planet".

"Prince Pais is already waiting for us at the underground palace", an aid politely advised the princess

King Krain 's eyes slowly began to shut his head slumped down.

"Your majesty" cried out princess Nina as she desperately shook king Krain's limp body by the shoulders.

The general spoke urgently into a hand held communicator, "Attention, his majesty shall be arriving at the underground palace shortly. Medical please be on hand to receive his royal presence with a sleeping mat, over. Priority 1 communication".

The elevator stopped it's descent and the doors slid open into a vast underground passage full of people standing respectfully on either side leaving a clearing in between. Medical personal quickly rushed forward with a sleeping mat between them as soon as the prostrate figure of king Krain's was brought out of the elevator between two aides, and laid on the mat. Princess Nina walked beside her unconscious father as he was being carried away on the mat.

Prince Pais rushed forward dressed in military regalia and approached princess Nina.

"What happened princess, I was helping with evacuating the last of our people from the surface when I heard the priority 1 message. How is his majesty?"

An aide came approached the te royals, "your majesties the aliens are burrowing into the ground. They are heading towards the tunnels. They are coming for us!".

The alarm in the aid's tone immediately drew everyone attention.

"What!?" the shock was as much evident in Pais' voice as it was by the expression on his face".

"We must counter attack immediately, declared princess Nina, "and catch the aliens of guard with a surprise attack, just when they think we are beaten".

"Allow me to lead the troops into battle my princess. Your place is here with your people. You do more good here helping to calm the people" put in Prince Pais.

"I will do more good out there fighting to defend my subjects, what they need right now is a saviour and not a pep talk", snapped the princess.

"I am a warrior, I must fight for my people. You will come with me Prince Pais and we shall fight against the aliens together..

Princess Nina turned to the general without giving Pais an opportunity to respond.

"General, assemble your best warriors", while I retire to my chambers to change into more suitable attire.

"Very good your majesty", the general saluted smartly as princess Nina walked towards an open door and disappeared through it.

Moments later princess Nina and prince Pais were leading a small band of troops to the surface.