Heart of a solider

A man with skin the color of the deep ocean strode confidently toward the grand gates of the Saltins' palace. His entire body gleamed under the alien sun, his presence commanding attention. Clad in heavy metal armor adorned with intricate designs, he exuded the aura of a seasoned soldier, one of high rank. The guards at the gate, their elongated ears and similarly blue-hued bodies marking them as Saltins, snapped to attention, their weapons at the ready, though they offered respectful salutes as he passed.

This was the Saltin planet, a world shimmering with a strange, otherworldly beauty. The people here, with their elven-like features and radiant blue skin, were formidable warriors. The man moved deeper into the heart of the palace, his armored boots echoing against the crystalline floor. Guards lined the hallways, each one saluting as he passed, their eyes filled with reverence.

At last, he reached a set of grand doors encrusted with dazzling diamonds, a testament to the wealth and power of the Saltin monarchy. With a steady hand, he pushed the doors open, revealing an opulent throne room bathed in golden light. At its center, on a throne plated with gold, sat the king of the Saltins—a towering figure whose very presence commanded fear and respect.

The man knelt before the throne, lowering his head to the polished floor. "My lord, accept your servant," he intoned, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.

The king's deep, resonant voice filled the chamber. "Arise, Ashcroft. You may speak."

Ashcroft stood, his posture straight, his gaze unwavering. "I have come to report the successful landing of our first missile, filled with carbon monoxide, on Kingdom Earth."

The king nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "As expected. By now, they will be gripped with panic, scrambling to prepare for our next move. We will strike again next week, ensuring their defenses are overwhelmed."

Ashcroft inclined his head. "How long will it take our ships to reach Kingdom Earth, my lord?"

The king leaned forward, his golden robes glinting in the light. "With the new warp drive-equipped ships, the journey will take just over three months."

"We will deploy the third division soldiers," the king declared, his tone decisive. "They will serve as the vanguard, testing the strength of Earth's forces. I am certain they will throw everything they have at our first fleet."

Ashcroft nodded but hesitated, a flicker of concern crossing his face. The king noticed and arched an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"

"My lord, do you not fear that your youngest son might betray us?" Ashcroft ventured cautiously.

The king's lips curled into a wry smile. "Be specific, Ashcroft. I have six sons."

"The youngest, born of an Earth woman," Ashcroft clarified, his voice measured.

The king's eyes darkened, his hand resting thoughtfully on his chin. "Why do you believe he would betray us?"

Ashcroft took a deep breath. "He has been vocal against the war, attempting to rally others in the army to his cause. He seeks to incite a rebellion against your command."

The king's expression softened, though his eyes remained hard. "I understand your concerns, but I cannot kill him. His mother still lives, and her knowledge of Earth is invaluable. She is the key to our victory."

Ashcroft nodded, though the unease in his heart remained. "I understand, my king. But what of the God of Earth? He is known for fiercely defending his people."

The king chuckled, a deep, ominous sound. "Have you forgotten who our God is? Saturn will crush Earth's God and his army of angels with ease."

Ashcroft allowed a small smile to touch his lips. "You have everything under control, my lord."

With a final bow, he turned and left the throne room, the weight of the impending war heavy on his mind. The Saltins were ready, their confidence unshaken. But beneath the surface, the seeds of doubt and betrayal had already begun to take root.

****

"Mom, why are you helping Father against your own people?" asked Fenric, his voice a mix of curiosity and underlying tension. He stood in the dimly lit chamber, his unique appearance casting a striking contrast in the soft glow of the room. His jet-black hair framed a face that told two stories: the fair complexion of his Earth heritage on his right, and the distinct blue hue of his Saltin lineage on his left. His clothing mirrored this duality, with one sleeve long and the other short, reflecting the divided identity he carried with him.

Elixir, his mother, sighed deeply, her gaze distant. She had faced this question many times in her heart, but hearing it from her son brought a new weight to it. "Fenric," she began, her voice steady but filled with an edge of sorrow, "I overheard your father speaking to Ashcroft. He said once he has no more use for me, he would dispose of me. My usefulness lies in revealing Earth's weaknesses so he can conquer it. And if I'm no longer useful, neither are you."

Fenric's expression darkened, the gravity of her words sinking in. "But why help him at all?" he pressed, struggling to understand the complexities of her decision.

Elixir's eyes softened, a mix of regret and determination flickering within them. "Because it's the only way to stay alive long enough to find a way to protect you. If I resist, we both die. If I comply, we buy time—time to find a way to change the outcome."

She paused, her mind drifting back to the past. "I was an astronaut, a scientist from Earth. I was sent to repair a satellite when the Saltins attacked. I was the only survivor, taken captive, forced to work as a slave in the king's court. I endured it all, hoping for a chance to escape."

Her voice grew softer, tinged with a bitterness she couldn't hide. "One night, after the king had drunk too much, I was tasked with guiding him to his chambers. That night changed everything. He laid with me, and from that, you were born."

Fenric listened, his heart heavy with the burden of his mother's past. "And because of that, you were moved from the dungeons to the palace," he said, piecing together the fragmented history.

Elixir nodded. "It's Saltin tradition. Any woman who bears the king's child is granted a place in the palace. But that wasn't mercy, Fenric. It was strategy. The king saw an opportunity. He knew Earth was the next weakest nation after Pluto. But attacking without understanding Earth's weaknesses would be his downfall."

She leaned in, her eyes locking onto Fenric's. "That's why I'm alive, Fenric. He needs my knowledge to ensure his victory. And while I provide it, I'm searching for a way to protect you, to protect Earth."

Fenric's jaw tightened, a resolve forming within him. "We have to stop him, Mom. We can't let him destroy Earth."

Elixir reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know, Fenric. We will find a way. But for now, we must play the part. We must survive."

The room fell into a heavy silence, mother and son both contemplating the perilous path ahead. In the heart of the enemy's palace, surrounded by those who would see them as tools or threats, they held onto a fragile hope—a hope that someday, they could turn the tide and save their world.