The Judge
The sizzling aroma of steaks diffused out the kitchen door. Just a single whiff of the smell aroused the delicate stomachs of the soldiers in the cafeteria. It was time for dinner on board the Vagrant, and soldiers that were late to the cafeteria found themselves standing on the back of a line that stretched all the way across the room.
Rex was at the very front of the line. It was difficult to be first in line every time, but he managed to do so anyway. He hated waiting on line, watching the people in front fill their plates. To avoid such a situation, he made it a priority to reach the cafeteria first, even if it meant sneaking off early from his duties to do so.
After receiving the last portions of food on his tray, he politely nodded to the kitchen staff and took his usual seat near the back window. There, in that far removed spot, he could enjoy a quiet meal with the view he loved.
“Is this seat taken?” A woman tugged on the chair next to him. It was the same woman who had helped him capture Darek. Her name was Layne.
“Don’t know.” Rex took hold of his fork and knife and licked his lips as he looked longingly on the tender, juicy steak.
“Don’t ignore me.” She slammed her fist against the table.
Rex sighed, placed his utensils down and turned to her. “What do you want?”
“You enjoy playing dumb?” Layne cracked a cruel smile. “Maybe I should just tell Dionus that you rejected his offer.”
Rex laughed and said, “At least I’m the one who’s only playing dumb…”
Layne’s smile disappeared. She grabbed him by the collar and breathed, “I’m sick and tired of your attitude. Lately, you’ve been skipping work. Do you know how bad you’re making Dionus look? And to top it off, Dionus gave you a very important assignment just yesterday, and you somehow managed to screw it up!”
“So? Why should you care? It’s not your problem.”
“It is my problem—more than you realize. And I want to settle this now. How about a duel?”
Rex shrugged. “A duel? You’re kidding. No one duels in this day and age.”
“You’re pretty spineless,” said Layne. “How about a wager to sweeten things?”
“A wager? What’s the wager?”
Layne revealed her wicked smile. “Our lives.”
“You’re crazy!”
Rex backed away as Layne drew her sword.
Everyone in the cafeteria fell silent. Instead of focusing on getting their fill of meat, they watched the argument between Rex and Layne escalate. While they couldn’t help but satisfy their curiosity about how the fight would turn out, they kept their distance apprehensively.
Layne gestured to him. “Shall we make things fair? I’ll let you have the first strike.”
Hesitating, Rex looked around the faces of the cafeteria. It didn’t look like anyone was willing to help him out. He was on his own. There was no way out of this fight. Even if he didn’t agree to it, he knew she would still attack him regardless. She had that kind of reputation. She had been on his back for over a week, hassling him and threatening him. He had to settle things with this crazy woman sooner or later. But that was fine with him. He had been practicing anti-law for the past year. All he needed was one powerful attack…and it would be over.
Rex felt his spirit flow like a mighty rushing flame coursing through his body. Power accumulated in the tips of his fingers. The cafeteria became noticeably hotter. He pointed his fingers at Layne and lashed out with a bolt of fire. The stream of flame soared across the room; Layne drew her sword and effortlessly blew out the flame with the swipe of her blade.
Layne laughed. “That’s it? I guess I shouldn’t have expected much. I don’t even know why they allow street scum like you to join the military.”
“Street scum?” This infuriated Rex even more. The temperature began rising ever more rapidly and everyone in the room began pouring out buckets of sweat. Rex spread out his fingers; a ring of light appeared before him.
“Now that’s more like it.” Layne smiled slyly.
“So that’s what you were doing.” Dionus stormed into the cafeteria, displeased to see that they were fighting. Rex withdrew his hand and the ring of light faded away.
“I thought I told you to deliver a message,” Dionus said to Layne.
“I’m sorry,” apologized Layne. “I have no words to express my regret. Please excuse me.” She hid her sword and left the room.
“I’m sorry about her behavior,” said Dionus, patting Rex on the shoulder. “It shouldn’t have turned out that way. I’m not sure why, but she causes trouble from time to time.”
“No, sir. It is I who should apologize. I was partly at fault.” Rex stood at attention.
“Please, take a seat,” said Dionus amiably. “Enjoy your meal. We can talk here.”
Rex took his seat but refrained from eating.
Dionus could tell that Rex was a little stiff. “Do you have something to say, Lieutenant?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” Rex straightened. “I don’t mean to question your motives or anything. But I still don’t understand why we arrested Darek. He’s harmless.”
“You don’t need to worry,” assured Dionus. “It was an accident. I had circumstantial evidence and made a decision in haste. But that is no longer my concern.”
“It isn’t?” said Rex. “Then what did you come to speak with me for?”
“I see potential in you, Lieutenant. Even in the face of suspicion and doubt, you followed your orders blindly like a true soldier. I could use someone like you.”
Rex raised a brow. “I don’t understand.”
“Rex, how would you like to be my escort? I’m going to the city of Fallence to have an audience with the Overlord. If you agree, I’ll only be taking you and Layne.”
“With all due respect sir, I do not get along with that woman, and I don’t see this working well, especially on a diplomatic mission.”
“Rex, listen to me. Underneath her cold exterior lies the gentle heart of a sweet girl.”
Rex couldn’t believe his ears. “Are you serious, sir?”
“That’s for you to decide.” Dionus started to leave. “Now, you don’t have to give me an answer immediately. Just make sure to tell me by tomorrow. I need to make arrangements.”
“I understand, sir.”
Rex watched him leave without so much as a goodbye. He sighed and wondered what Dionus was thinking. Visits to Fallence were not routine for Federation officers. Fallence was the city of Heroes. It was their headquarters and capital; it was a symbol of their power. Fallence was the home of the Sanctuary, where the Overlord reigned. Only the most honored kings or officials would dare go to speak with the Overlord—the undisputed leader of the Legion. Any blunder or embarrassment that took place in front of the Overlord would spell certain death.
It would be best to avoid that place altogether. After all, the Legion was the most respected establishment in the galaxy. Before the Federation was ever conceived, the Heroes were the ones who kept the peace. With sword in hand and peace in mind, they fought valiantly to prevent wars from erupting. A little trouble with the Heroes could hurt the Federation in a big way.
Setting that issue aside, he debated in his mind whether he should go or not. His main concern was Layne. Layne. Rex never knew her personally and never hated her until recently. She had joined the ranks of the Federation at the same time as Dionus. They have been together ever since. She was kind of Dionus’s lackey, always there for him, waiting on him hand and foot. Whenever Rex saw Dionus at a meeting, she would be right there by his side. Rex supposed it was admiration that she was the way she was. She would be right on the tail of anyone who spoke ill of the commander. Layne had gotten into so many fights that Rex was surprised she hadn’t been kicked out, but that was most likely the commander’s doing.
His stomach grumbled. He had almost forgotten about his meal. Rex picked up his utensils again and looked down on the steak. He cut a morsel off the meat and shoved it in his mouth. As he chewed, on
ly one thing came to mind: it had gotten cold.
CHAPTER 13
The Journey Begins