Looming Threats and Hidden Rage

Off on the horizon, large ships glided effortlessly over the clouds. The shimmer of gold from the silent twisting beams of their hulls glistened delicately in the night. A low hum filled the air as the enormous propellors on the sides of each of the ships kept them afloat amongst the stars. As the moons' light reflected off the metal, it gave the illusion that the heavens was turning amongst itself.

Within the largest ship at the forefront of the fleet, massive curving copper columns held up the vaulted glass windows that made of the cockpit. Standing before the glass windows that allowed a clear view into night and beyond stood a man. He wasn't the tallest, but he was well built, his muscles easily viewable under the his almost black uniform. Short shaved brown hair emphasized his sharp features. He stood at attention, seemingly lost in thought as he stood silently. On his chest sat a crest of interlocking Rubys in the shape of a fiery bird, its eyes catching the low lights every so often and sending fractals of light against the glass.

Machines hummed beneath him as his crew scurried about their stations on the lower level, their various devices illuminating the relatively cramped space. Tight lines pulled on each of their faces, none of them daring to approach their captain who stood like a god above them on the catwalk. They continued on, working quietly, performing their duties while the man at the front continued to search the dark ahead.

Eventually, another man approached hesitantly. He was a scrawny Metalian, clad in dark green with a long, narrow face that seemed aged well beyond his years. The captain didn't acknowledge him outwardly, but it was clear he was aware of his presence by the slight tilt of his head. "They have been located again, Captain Aenon. Towards the foot hills. It appears they are trying to escape through the northern pass." For a moment Aenon didn't react to the shaky voice, as if frozen in place. Then, a small smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. He turned on the man with a pleasant smile. "Excellent." He held out his hand to receive the small piece of paper that his subordinate had held out with a shivering hand and wandered lazily down the hall above his worker bees to the heavy black doors that slid away at his presence. "Deploy the Vespers. I want them dead before the next sundown." "Yes, Captain."

"And one more thing, Ponst." He stopped right at the doors as the slid open before him. Ponst jumped to attention, not daring to look Aenon in the eye. Sweat began to bead on his face. Aenon smiled cheerfully. "I shouldn't need to remind you what happens if you fail again." "No sir. All states are clear for deployment. We will not fail you." The smile grew wider. "Good."