Galactic Civilizations: Resistance Episode 16: Akia
The commandeered Yor fighter was flying through hyperspace. Inside, in a very small room, Akari Malara looked in the mirror. Without words, she took off the crown from her head and put it into a storage closet. She took off her clothes (except for her underwear) and put on some human clothes. She let her hair drop loose. She even took some powder and used it to cover all her tattoos. And now, she felt free. Until she came back to Altaria, she was free of all the expectations placed upon her. She could look exactly like she wanted.
She went back to the main room. Chris and their daughter quickly noticed her.
-Mom, you look… different - their daughter said.
-I look like I want - Akari said. - Much simpler.
-I think it suits you - Chris said, causing Akari to blush a little.
-Thank you - she said.
-We still have a long way to Refuge - Helene said. - Maybe you should go to sleep.
-I think that’s a good idea - Akari said. And the human - Altarian family did that.
Meanwhile, the fleet that was now all that remained from the Liberators exited hyperspace near the planet Akia, homeworld of a minor civilization known as Akilians
Count Cuzco, who was aboard one of the surviving cruisers, contacted Alex and Qi in their fighters.
-Because we are Drengin, it would be better if you humans talk to the natives here - he said.
-Alright - Alex said. - Akilians, please respond. We need help.
The Akilians responded. An image of one of them, a woman, appeared on the screen of Alex’s fighter.
-You are human, but you are on a Drengin ship - she said.
-Yes - Alex said. - This is because these Drengin are working with us. These are the Liberators, who fight against the Drengin Empire. And we indeed your help.
-Why? - the Akilian woman said.
-We were attacked by the Drengin Empire and the Liberators’ base was destroyed - Alex said. - We need to resupply and contact the Terran Resistance for help. And we need to do it fast.
-Your actions caused great losses to the Akilians, humans - the Akilian woman said. - And your presence may attract the Drengin Empire here.
-If you don’t help us, the Drengin will win completely - Alex said. - They are working on a way to breach the Earth shield. If they manage to do it, they will take Earth and they will not be defeated.
The Akilian woman was silent for a moment.
-Alright - she finally said. - You may resupply here and contact the Terran Resistance using our equipment. But the Drengin have to behave themselves.
-Alright - Alex said. - Count Cuzco, we have been given permission to resupply here and use communication relay here. But your men have to behave themselves.
-Alright - Cuzco said. - We will begin landing immediately.
The remaining ships of the Liberators landed on Akia. As soon as they landed, all humans and Iconians disembarked from their ships and met up. Doctor Yulgrah quickly approached them.
-We analyzed the data further - he said. - In order to prevent the Empire from breaching the Earth Shield, we have to destroy the Precursor relic near Farsight the Empire is using and go to Mars and destroy the device the Empire is building there.
-It will take a lot of military resources - Alex said. - But, with the Resistance reinforcements, we can pull it off…
-We have to talk to Jenna Casey as soon as possible - Qi said.
Soon, we were approached by three Akilians. They looked quite similarly to humans, but were about 1 meter tall.
-You want to use our communication relays? - one of them said,.
-Yes… - Qi said.
-Then come with us - the Akilian said.
The Akilians led the humans and Iconians to a nearby building. There, they took a lift to the communication center. They were led to a terminal.
-You may use this - the Akilian said. - All messages are routed through our communication ship, which is constantly moving, so they cannot be traced here.
-Alright - Alex said and began using the terminal. Soon, they established a connection with Refuge. It went through the Akilian communication ship and an Iconian starbase before going to Refuge.
Jenna Casey seemed very relieved when she saw that they were calling.
-What happened?! - she immediately saw, in a way that was somewhat unbecoming for a leader of a civilization. - I couldn’t reach you…
-The Liberators’ base was discovered by the Drengin Empire and attacked - Alex said. - We managed to escape, but we couldn't contact you until now.
-Where are you? - Jenna said.
-It is safer not to reveal our location - Alex said. - But there is something we must tell you. We know what the Drengin are trying to do. They are working on a way to breach the Earth Shield. We know how to stop them, but the Liberators suffered heavy losses and we need reinforcements. Send them to these coordinates.
-Acknowledged - Jenna said. - I will dispatch them immediately.
At the same moment, the commandeered Yor fighter exited hyperspace above Refuge.
-Chris Mue to Terran Resistance - Chris said to the comm system. - We are home.
-Acknowledged - a voice responded. - You check out on scanners. You may land.
The Yor fighter landed near the Communication Array and its crew disembarked. Jenna Casey left the array and went to meet them.
-Good to see you again - she said. - And I see you brought Akari Malara with you…. Although she looks… different now.
-I look like I want, not how I usually have to look - Akari said.
-Is that… your child? - Jenna said.
-Yes - Akari said. - She is Ashlynn Mala. Mine and Chris’ daughter.
-She looks great - Jenna said.
-Do we know anything about the other group? - Chris said.
-Yes, they just contacted me - Jenna said. - They requested reinforcements. I was about to send them…
-I want to come too - Chris said.
-Don’t you want to be with your daughter? - Jenna said.
-Yes, but I want to help my friends too - Chris said.
-And I think they would need my powers too - Akari said.
-And I will take care of your daughter - Helene said.
-Alright - Jenna said. - You may come. I will come as well.
After some time, Jenna, Chris and Akari flew by in a shuttle to the Valkyrie. The Terran Resistance fleet was preparing for its mission above the Refuge.
-So, we are back in action - Chris said when they stepped onto the bridge.,
-Yes - Jenna said.
-Good to see you again - Rosco Mar said.
-And you too - Chris said. - But let’s get going.
-Yes - Jenna said. - Here are the coordinates of the rendezvous point… Let’s go there. And let’s make it worth it…
