Page 36 of Selected By the Dragon Alien
Ellion considered this, his mind pieced together the fragments of his memories. “I believe the fortress is capable of interstellar travel, but it has been dormant for so long its systems are likely degraded. With repairs and the right crew, however, it could be a powerful weapon against the Axis.”
Yuric’s eyes narrowed. “And the Terians? They will not fight with us. If anything, they will fight against us, even though they are not warriors and they have no weapons.”
Ellion nodded, understanding the Hecron’s concern. “The Terians have been indoctrinated to believe that the Axis isdivine, that they are our saviors. We will need to show them the truth—that the Axis are a conglomerate that profit from imprisoning entire species, including the Terians.”
Yuric’s gaze darkened, his expression turning serious. “If we destroy the communications array, the Axis will respond with force. They will not take kindly to the destruction of their property.”
Ellion’s jaw tightened. He’d considered this many times. “The Axis have countless penal colonies. This one is dwindling, no longer profitable for them. They may not bother with an all-out war. They might send a squadron, but we can handle that.”
“And if we are faced with war?”
Ellion met his gaze. “Then we fight it.”
Yuric chuckled. “It would be enjoyable to fight with the dragon for once, instead of against it. And your memories?” he asked. “Do they return?”
Ellion grimaced. “In fragments,” he admitted. “It is confusing, out of order. But they are returning. I remember my brothers—five of them, scattered throughout the galaxy. And I remember the fortress—how to operate its command center.”
Yuric’s eyes shone with a fierce determination. “If you can operate the fortress’s command center, andifwe can convince the Terians to join us, we stand a chance if the Axis send more than a squadron.” He rubbed his chin. “I will say that my people have longed to travel beyond this solar system, but there is such fear of the Axis that no transports will carry us when they know where we’re from. But if that fortress is a ship…”
Ellion could see where Yuric was going with this. He also knew that the Hecronmasarwould be hunting every advantage for his people. Any good leader would do the same. “We need to break the Axis’ control over the planet, then we can arrange for more travel off world for your people,” he said. “But first, weneed to destroy the communications array. Without it, the Axis can’t send orders or enforce their will.”
As the Hecron medical team cleared the room, Yuric and Ellion began to discuss their plan in greater detail. The Zaruxian and the Hecronmasardiscussed the layout of the Axis’ communications array, the strengths and weaknesses of its defenses, and the locations of key control nodes that needed to be taken out. Ellion, drawing on his slowly returning memories, offered insights into the array’s structure and potential vulnerabilities. Even as he spoke, he knew the ships were on the way. The Axis coming to take from him the only thing that mattered—Turi.
TWENTY-FOUR
Ellion stood in the command center, surrounded by Hecrons poring over the different consoles and stations. He felt a sense of unease. His home—the fortress—had been his sanctuary for centuries, so it was jarring to have it invaded by so many beings who, until recently, had been adversaries. But he knew that their help was crucial if he wanted to break free from the Axis and protect Turi.
Yuric lounged in the weapons seat, watching the chaos with a calm, almost amused expression. “You seem tense, Overseer,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Ellion turned to Yuric, his wings twitching with irritation. “Do I?” he replied, his voice tight. “All this is…disconcerting.”
Yuric chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene. “Ah, thisisthe record for the most Hecrons in your starship,” he said, his voice filled with humor. “It will be a challenge to break it, but I’m sure we can manage.”
Ellion sighed. His expression softened slightly at themasar’slight tone. “You can,” he said dryly. “The fortress can hold hundreds, and with some adjustments, it can accommodate Hecrons as well.”
Yuric grinned and leaned back in his seat, his gaze thoughtful. “Are you doing all of this…” He nodded toward the Hecrons bustling around the command center. “For her?”
Ellion’s gaze met Yuric’s. “Yes,” he replied simply. “Turi is worth more than just freedom from the Axis. She is everything.”
Yuric nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “I know that feeling,” he said, his voice softening. “Although Fortu took some convincing.”
Ellion raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And here I thought she threw herself at you, considering your magnetic charm.”
Yuric laughed. “Don’t forget my good looks,” he replied with a cheeky grin. “But I knew instantly, the moment she tumbled into my arms. I knew I’d never want another.” Yuric’s smirk faded. His gaze settled on Ellion’s face. “Are you ready? Can you operate the fortress’s systems?”
“It won’t be flying anywhere today, but if we can get the targeting set up, you can operate the weapons.” Ellion gestured to where Yuric sat. “We can use those to take down the communications array.”
Yuric scanned the room, looking over his warriors. “Have you lot gotten the targeting system up and running?” he hollered.
“Yes, Yuric,” a female Hecron wearing a metal breastplate replied testily. “We can hear you just fine,masar.”
“Good. Then fire them up and send them to weapons control.” He looked to Ellion with a glint in his eyes. “Let’s take down that array.”
The command center quieted for a moment as the hum of long-dormant systems powered fully on for the first time in centuries. Ellion sat at the main chair and touched the screen before him. One by one, the consoles lit up in a vibrant array of colors and symbols. Ellion’s skin shivered at the feeling—the ship was waking up, coming alive.
Yuric settled into the tactical chair and shortly all of the systems came alive under his touch. He nodded to his warriors. A few of the Hecrons took to different seats—navigation, propulsion, life support—even though none of those would be used.
Ellion took in a deep breath as the seat beneath him warmed up. The systems responded to his commands like it had been made for him. Everyone in the room felt the shift of the massive ship waking up vibrating through their bones.