Page 30 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
A flicker of a smile crosses his face. He’d hoped for action. That’s the cost of absolute control—no one dares make a move unless I say so. Every breath they take is under my command. That’s reassuring. But it’s also exhausting.
Once Donusk leaves, I sink into thought.
I’ve always known this moment would come—the time to look beyond. To think bigger.
Srebat is just one planet among thousands. I’ve been too busy conquering this place to see how others live. From time to time, we’ve had visitors from the Coalition—a network of powerful individuals led by someone named Zor, one of the top figures in this quadrant of the galaxy.
I met him when he negotiated a travel permit across our territory. Space is waterless, and travelers refuel on planets that still have reserves. Needless to say, I struck a deal that heavily favored me and my people.
We received advanced weapons and translator units—Coalition devices that decode four major intergalactic languages: Brolok, Human, Polarien, and Nanjii, which is Zor’snative tongue, and more importantly, Xhor’s—the supreme leader of the Coalition, from what I gather.
If I succeed in joining the Coalition as planned, I intend to demand that the Srebat language be added to that system. In diplomatic or commercial matters, full comprehension is vital—no room for missteps when negotiating from a position of power. I was skeptical at first, unsure I’d ever grasp Zor’s words. But now? I’m ready to use every tool available to expand our reach.
By nightfall, I’m ready.
I leave my tent and find Donusk waiting. The men are gathered around a massive fire, roasting a fat groouk. Their eyes find me, eager and alert. I waste no time.
“Brothers of Srebat,” I begin. “For many cycles, we’ve worked together to purge our world of chaos and weakness, installing strict discipline. That mission is now complete.”
I pause. The men nod, some exchanging satisfied looks. Others bow their heads in gratitude for what we’ve built.
“Today, I call you to action once more. Neighboring worlds suffer the same disease that once plagued Srebat—comfort without challenge, weakness masked as peace. It’s time to show the galaxy the strength and resolve of our people.”
Another pause. They lean in, eyes burning with curiosity.
“We will expand. Colonize. These planets are ripe for conquest and rich in resources. It is our duty to seize them—to raise our nation’s greatness.”
As I expected, they hang on every word. Some press their fists to their chests, pledging loyalty. A fierce hunger lights up their faces. They’d rather fight and die than sit idle. Just as I’d hoped.
“We have weapons. Translators. Every negotiation, every battle will showcase our cunning. We’ll demand respect. We’ll breed fear. And I will lead you there. Together, we’ll tame theseworlds, forge new alliances, and carve Srebat’s name into the stars.”
Their fervor surges. They rise, fists clenched, roaring their support. I lift my hand. Silence returns quickly.
“Our mission won’t be easy. We’ll face resistance. These won’t be battles like the ones we’ve fought before—they’ll be different. These worlds are home to creatures nothing like us. But I believe—I know—we are stronger. We have the might. The strategy. The will. Every fight will prove our worth. Every deal will be struck with the weight of our legacy. Together, we will make history. Our victories will echo across the galaxy.”
Cheers erupt. The fire roars behind me. My men, my warriors, stand ready.
“Srebats, prepare yourselves. At dawn, we leave for our first mission aboard the ship docked a few leagues from here—now ours, since its former owner met an unfortunate accident earlier today. His lieutenant will teach us how to fly it. I made sure of that. We’ll explore, conquer, and begin the next chapter. Be proud. Be ready. Carry Srebat’s honor with every breath.”
Another pause. Then, loud and clear:
“Forward! For the glory of Srebat!”
Their voices explode in response, loud enough to shake the heavens. We are ready.
I feel an indescribable thrill imagining the galaxy bowing before us. I see alien races surrendering, awed by our might. Each conquered world, every plundered resource, each fallen foe—proof of our unstoppable dominance. The universe will tremble before us. Our name will be etched into history as the ultimate species. That thought sets my soul on fire.
***
Dozens of cycles have passed since that fiery speech on Srebat. Now I stand on the bridge of our warship, watching the stars drift by through the de-opacified front bay. The universe feels within reach. I can’t help but feel pride at how far we’ve come.
I’ve joined the Smugglers’ Coalition—an organization both feared and respected across the quadrant. My exploits spread fast, and our name became legend. Srebats are now known for strength, brutality, and ruthless precision. As for me? I make the galaxy tremble.
I still remember our first coordinated strike. We needed more ships—the one we’d taken was far too small for our numbers. We hit hard and fast, wiping out resistance and taking the two crafts I had in my sights. That operation, and the next three, launched our meteoric rise through the Coalition ranks.
We’ve since plundered convoys, brokered lucrative deals, expanded our arsenal and coffers. Every mission has boosted our power and reputation.
I turn to face my warriors on the bridge. Their eyes burn with resolve.
