Beyond - Legends THE NEW IMPERIUM - The Second Great War, Part 1: "Darkening Skies"

SUMMARY: The storm arrives and casts a dark shadow over the New Imperium. The Danube and Basra systems have fallen. As new Diktat Rytor, Minister of War Dogar, and the newly-restructured NI War Cabinet desperately try to implement a defensive strategy, the fearsome Warlord Nimrod's elite Altarin'Dakor strike forces assemble and descend into NI space with a fury. Their next target appears to be the planet Jengar. But with Maarek Stele and his squadron blacklisted and placed there on backwater patrol, what will they do when the enemy comes storming in? Meanwhile, Nimrod readies his battle plans - unorthodox plans that even Zalaria may not expect. The Shok?Thola Nimrod will mercilessly wipe out everything in his path, unless the disparate New Imperial forces can band together to stop him - and even then it might not be enough. Who will survive?

These stories feature Maarek Stele and Kir Kanos, as well as a host of completely original characters. The majority are all-original.


*Formatting issues may make it harder to read on the message board. This story is also available online at* http://www.newimperium.org/archives/Chapter12.htm
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Prologue: First Strike




Torinn?Vinn Envirodeck

Titan-class Command Ship Ascendancy
Danube System, NI Territory

Epsilon Sector, Outer Rim
1345 Hours Ship?s Time




Naguis?Voxavit Kamren Thansil relaxed as he stretched out naked on the table, enjoying the sensation of the purposeful, massaging hands moving across his back. The tropical atmosphere was thick with the smell of herbs and sweet fragrances, clearing his sinuses and allowing him to take deep, filling breaths of air. The Ascendancy?s premier envirodeck was reserved exclusively for officers of prestige and those who had earned considerable honor in service. It was also the spa that the Vox?Donn himself ? the ship?s admiral and task force commander ? also frequented, making it an honor indeed for visiting soldiers. As Wing Commander of the Black Rain flight group, Kamren Thansil was one such distinguished officer.

The sound of soothing, natural music played softly throughout the deck, caressing his ears and further helping to relax the worries of military life. It was a luxury not often afforded in times of war. Every soldier?s service was rewarded based on the quality of his service and his accomplishments. Whether it was the pleasure of a warm meal or a free hour on the Titan?s most luxurious envirodeck, everyone was duly rewarded.

Kamren sighed as the expert hands of his masseur worked the tightness out of his back muscles, pressing hard at first, then softening into a rhythmic pattern in tune with the music. Aromatic oils were applied next, sending icy fingers crawling over his skin, to be replaced just as quickly by a warmth that bled into his battle-weary bones. The scent of the fragrances was strong and intoxicating. For a while he just lay there on the verge of semi-consciousness, letting his mind focus away from his worries, into the bliss of nothingness.

Though his eyes were closed, he still saw a darkening of vision as a shadow moved overhead. All too soon, he thought.

?Naguis?Voxavit??

The comforting hands leaving his back, Kamren let his mind return to the senses of his corporeal body, and he pushed himself up slowly, swinging his legs around to sit on the raised bed. His masseur politely stepped away, leaving Kamren alone with the visitor. Sweat dripped down from his bangs onto the bridge of his nose, and rivulets slowly made their way down his bare skin, caused by the high humidity of the tropical environment, but he ignored them. Raising his head, he turned his eyes toward the figure standing at the front of the bed.

?I am sorry for disturbing you sir,? his second in command apologized.

?What is it, Vos?? he asked, studying the man?s face. Vos Quinlan was in full uniform, meaning he still on duty, probably coming from the Wing?s own hangar section. ?I see this is not a social occasion,? he not