Chapter 31: The Long-Awaited News
The tension between Azazel and Emperor Morris was palpable, stretching like a taut wire ready to snap. Anyone could sense it from miles away. Azazel's fury boiled beneath the surface, but his anger was born of misunderstanding. He didn't know that the emperor had been misinformed about Earth's invasion, his home planet. Nor did he fully grasp the chaotic events that had unfolded there. This ignorance fueled his fiery reactions, widening the rift between them.
Boyka, however, was less concerned about their feud. He had bigger problems. While the emperor brooded over political nuances, Boyka's mind was consumed with finding Princess Asake and thwarting Abbadon's growing influence. Each day of inaction was a ticking clock, and the weight of his responsibilities bore heavily on him.
One morning, Captain Michael strode into Boyka's quarters, his face alight with purpose. "Good day, Commander Boyka," he greeted, standing at attention. "I have news you've been waiting to hear. Gathering the intelligence was no easy task, but I've finally managed to piece it together."
Boyka barely looked up, his voice sharp and dismissive. "Oh really? If this is another trivial report, save it. I've got too many pressing matters to waste my time on foolery."
Michael stiffened but held his ground. "Commander, I would never dare waste your time," he replied. "This concerns Princess Asake's disappearance."
At this, Boyka paused, his cold demeanor giving way to a pang of guilt. He realized he'd spoken too harshly.
"I apologize, Captain," Boyka said, his tone softening. "I've been under a lot of pressure, and your delay in reporting didn't help my temper. But I'm listening now. Tell me what you've found. And remember," he added, lowering his voice, "whatever you're about to say stays between us. I don't want the emperor catching wind of this—not yet. I have my reasons."
Michael nodded. "Understood, Commander."
Taking a deep breath, Michael continued, his voice steady. "Sire, it seems we're surrounded by enemies. Abbadon's spies have already infiltrated this planet. They've been hiding in plain sight, gathering intelligence and waiting for the right moment to strike."
Boyka's fist slammed against the table. "I already suspected that, Captain. Don't bore me with what I already know. Get to the point."
Michael swallowed hard, but his next words were far more critical. "The key piece of information, Commander, is that I've discovered where Princess Asake is being held."
Boyka's eyes snapped to Michael, his anger dissolving into focused intensity. "Go on," he urged.
Michael pulled out a tablet and brought up a map. The screen displayed the outskirts of Avalon, where a hidden base sat nestled near the edge of the city, camouflaged by dense terrain.
"This is the location," Michael explained. "It's a covert facility, heavily guarded and nearly impossible to detect unless you know what to look for."
Boyka studied the map, his lips curling into a grim smile. "Damn, Michael, you've outdone yourself. This is the break we've been waiting for."
Straightening, Boyka barked his next orders. "Gather the men. Tell them to prepare for a mission. And bring Azazel and Rahel to me. I need to discuss the plan with them personally. This will be a test of their loyalty—and their usefulness to our cause."
Michael saluted sharply. "Yes, Commander. I'll see to it immediately."
---
Captain Michael wasted no time. He marched to the barracks where Boyka's soldiers were stationed and roused them from their routines.
"Rise and shine, everyone!" Michael shouted. "You're being summoned by the commander. Move quickly."
The soldiers exchanged curious glances. "Is everything all right, sir?" one of them asked.
"All is well," Michael assured them, though his grin hinted at excitement. "In fact, I think you'll all be thrilled when you hear the latest update. But first, summon Rahel and Azazel. The commander wants to speak with them as well—I suspect he's planning to bring them into the brigade officially."
The soldiers murmured among themselves, but their energy picked up as they hurried to carry out the orders.
---
When the group arrived at Boyka's quarters, the mood was unlike anything they had experienced in weeks. The oppressive tension that had hung in the air since their return seemed to have lifted, replaced by a sense of purpose.
Boyka stood at the center of the room, his presence commanding and focused. Around him, the soldiers felt a quiet excitement brewing. They knew something big was about to happen.
"Welcome," Boyka began, addressing the group. "I've received critical intelligence about Princess Asake's whereabouts. She's being held at a hidden base near the edge of the city. It's heavily guarded, but we have the element of surprise on our side."
He paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "This mission will not be easy. We'll face danger at every turn, and I expect absolute focus and loyalty from each of you."
Turning to Azazel and Rahel, Boyka's gaze sharpened. "As for you two, this is your chance to prove yourselves. I'm offering you an opportunity to fight alongside my brigade and show your commitment to our cause. But know this—this is not a game. If you join us, you must be prepared to give everything, even your lives, to see this through."
Azazel met Boyka's gaze without flinching, his expression hard. "I've already lost too much to back down now," he said firmly. "You have my loyalty, Commander."
Rahel hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking between Boyka and Azazel. Finally, she nodded. "I'm with you," she said softly.
Boyka's expression softened slightly. "Good. Now, let's prepare for what's ahead. Captain Michael will brief you all on the details of the mission. Dismissed."
---
As the soldiers left to gear up, the air buzzed with renewed energy. For the first time in weeks, Boyka's men had a clear goal, and their spirits lifted at the prospect of action.
In the silence that followed, Boyka allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. The mission ahead was fraught with danger, but it was also an opportunity—an opportunity to strike a blow against Abbadon, to rescue the princess, and to solidify the loyalty of those around him.
Whatever the outcome, Boyka knew one thing for certain: the tide was turning. And he would do everything in his power to ensure it turned in their favor.