The rain stopped at last, he thought while walking back toward his ship, docked near the outer perimeter of the landing pad not far from the city wall.

These ships were his father’s new addition to his vast military. They were newer and much efficient ships, especially with the addition of new power shields. They could withstand any assault from a simple blaster to a much more powerful weapon.

His own ship was further customized; he just liked to have something different from the other soldiers. His was much bigger with unique extras such as long-range scanners and higher speed capability.

He proudly scanned his RX500. Opening the door on the smooth glass surface of the roof, he got in, and took off with his subordinates in tow. They were heading back to the main ship, stationed just above the atmosphere.

The GD Arcadoran was an enormous ship; his father liked everything in large scale, not just his ships, but his own empire as well. Since he could remember, his father always was a powerful and feared man throughout the galaxy. He never took 'no' for an answer. It was his way or no way at all. Whatever his father wished, he always got, even if it meant taking it all. This principal was his family’s tradition, and he obeyed and delivered for him, after all, he was his father's son.

When the time comes, he will take over his father’s immense empire as his rightful inheritance, but that time will have to wait, he thought. His aging father hadn't become weak over the years; on the contrary, he was more powerful than ever.

His father would never tolerate this type of defiance from anyone, especially from such a young woman like Fehera Dalamir, he thought. She has no idea who she's dealing with, but very soon she’ll find out, just like the others before her. Suddenly, her image came into his mind, and it disturbed him a little. The image of her walking toward him in the chamber, the way her long legs moved and her pretty rounded face, with those piercing, dark brown eyes. He quickly dismissed her image by shaking his head, then the main ship came into view, and he slowly approached the dock, landing smoothly, as always.

Opening the hatch, he got out and jumped down to the ship's deck, landing with a solid 'thud'. His gear was heavy and for good reason. It could withstand impact from dozens of different types of weapons. It never failed him in battle. Excellent customized body armor made of Nitinol. It afforded him maximum protection and flexibility at the same time.

He swiftly walked across the landing pad, with the other soldiers, up to the ship’s main control room. Passing the large mechanical room, where battle damaged RX 350’s were held, they saw busy mechanics repairing the ships diligently. His father wanted to make sure they were all ready to fight. There were nearly a thousand crewmembers on this ship, including soldiers and civilian personnel. On their way to the control room, men and women were busily passing by. They all had critical duties to attend to. There was an extreme order and thoroughness on this ship; everyone had a singular purpose.

Entering a large lift, they quickly rose, and in a few seconds, entered the main control room. His father was standing with Captain Otis at the main control panel, and they seemed to be in a heated discussion. The Captain abruptly saluted his father and swiftly turned around, leaving the room.

His father turned to face him. “I hope you bring me good news, my son.” He said while a small smile appeared on his hard face.

Reaching up and pressing down on either side of his helmet, he removed it and tucked it under his right arm, and answered in a confident tone.

“Good news father, we're about to conquer another one, and as usual, it looks like a very easy task. This backward planet, ruled by a woman, will be dominated in a matter of minutes.” Then he added. “Do you want to proceed, father?”

Looking into his eyes, his father said. “Yes my son, tomorrow you will return with five of our best squadrons, I believe that will be sufficient firepower. Take care to not harm her; we need her alive, and after your victory, of course, we make sure those crystals are found and brought back.” Then he added. “You know your stepmother, she believes there is some kind of power in those gems. I myself do not believe in superstitious objects, but, if she is right, we could harness something that would make us even more powerful. That alone is reason enough to take it all if I have to.” His voice sounded excited and covetous.

“As you wish father.” He swiftly replied, already thinking about tomorrow’s battle plans.

“It’s getting late. Make sure you prepare everything. Then get some rest and tomorrow be ready to take over this insignificant planet my son.” Then, he turned back to gazing out the ship’s large windows with a troubled face.

Standing behind his father, he gazed at the planet and her two small moons. Come tomorrow that small planet will be ours, he thought with great anticipation, and everything that comes with it, a small grin crept on his young, handsome face. Dismissing himself, he walked out of the main control room followed by his soldiers.

◆◆◆

The water was nice and warm, just the way she liked it. It flowed down her strong and nicely shaped figure. Bowing her head, she let the warm liquid wash down on her long red hair. It felt really relaxing for her to enjoy this little pleasure at the end of a long day. Her gaze fixed onto the white tiles of her shower; she was lost in thought. She knew tomorrow they would come and bring more of them; to take her treasured gems. She could never allow that to happen. These crystals meant everything to her people. Without them, they would be defenseless.

Turning off the water, she stepped out of the shower and almost fell when she noticed her friend Deva, leaning against the doorframe of the washroom with an upset face. Fehera quickly wrapped herself in a towel, and walked to the sink.

Looking into the mirror, she saw her friend still standing in the same spot.

"Are you going to say something or did you just came here to enjoy the view." She said smiling into the mirror, while starting to brush her long, wet, red hair.

"You know why I'm here Fehera."

She knew why she was here, and why she had that sour expression on her pretty face. She was the one and only friend she had since they were little children. Deva, being an orphan, was raised with Fehera like a sister. They grew up together, studied together, fought together and sometimes, cried on each other’s shoulders. They were like twin sisters, feeling each other’s pain and happiness. They could read each other's emotions, which sometimes led to disagreements, but in the end, they loved each other like family. Even though they acted like twins, there was nothing similar about their appearance.

Deva was a couple of years older than Fehera, and while Fehera was pale skinned and redheaded, Deva had beautiful olive skin with long, dark brown, wavy hair and dark almond shaped eyes. Her favorite color was black, which she wore all the time. Then, she spoke in a serious tone.

“Come tomorrow, we need to be ready for anything, get busy fortifying our positions now. I’m just hoping somehow we can pull this off and survive, because what we are up against this time its no joke, Fehera.”

Looking into the mirror, and locking eyes with her, she replied.

“I’m aware of that Deva, but it will make no difference when they're defeated, just like the ones before. I have full confidence that we will be victorious, if it comes to a fight.” She paused, and said. “Please have some faith in me, have some faith in all of us Deva. They will leave here empty handed and disgraced; we’ll make sure of that. Go ahead and make preparations for whatever may come, just be ready.”

Letting out a big sigh, Deva said. “Let it be that way my dear friend.”

Pushing herself off the doorframe, she turned to leave, but before she left, quickly rushing behind Fehera, with a sudden move she pulled her long hair then laughingly said. “You forgot a spot.”

And before Fehera could grab hold of her, she ran out laughing and slammed the door behind. These are the moments Fehera enjoyed, these carefree and crazy connections between them. They were already in their twenties but still acted like ten year olds from time to time. Smiling, she walked into her bedroom and put her nightgown on, which felt nice and soft. Then, she walked to her large bookshelf that completely covered one side of her bedroom wall with all manner of books.

In her free time, she loved to read, and since she can remember, her favorite was of the legendary deer. So, she picked out a large, worn, brown, old book and sat on her bed to read it. It was already faded from reading for many years and the picture on the cover was barely visible anymore, but she could still make out a huge deer head with very large antlers. This book somehow appealed to her more than others. There was something in there that pulled her like it was magnetic, but tonight was not the right time to get into this book, Fehera thought. Quickly she dressed and within minutes, was outside helping her people prepare for the upcoming fight.

◆◆◆

In orbit, he was also getting everyone prepared for tomorrow. When everything was done and in order for deployment, he retired for the rest of the night to his spacious, neat room. He was tired and just wanted this to be over already. He didn't want to spend more time here than need be. This planet somehow gave him this weird sensation deep inside him. This feeling was new and unwelcome therefore he didn't like it. After getting out of his armor, and taking a quick shower, he headed back to his room to read his favorite book. While he tried to concentrate on the page, his troubled mind kept going back to the red haired beauty, with her piercing deep brown eyes.