Chapter 8 - Noviosk
I gaze out over my empire with pure satisfaction.
All the peoples of Srebat kneel under my rule. They know I’m the strongest of them all. Many tried to reject my power, but they had to face the truth: I am the undisputed master of this world.
Let’s not kid ourselves—I rarely kill. Humiliation is far more effective, and far less permanent, than death.
Of course, sometimes it has to be done. People need to know I won’t hesitate if pushed.
And I’m especially wary of those enemies who, once publicly shamed, might try again with more cunning and vengeance.
It’s fair to say my ability to detect lies has saved my life more than once.
When I bring someone to their knees, I ask them plainly if they’ve understood.
If they’ll try again. If they truly get that their surrender is final.
Their answer—and more importantly, their sincerity—determines their fate.
So here I stand, surveying my unchallenged empire… wondering what comes next.
For countless cycles, this is all I’ve done—establish order, assert dominance, crush resistance. My days have been filled with expansion plans, power displays, brutal training to push my strength to the edge. The stars have smiled on me, and I don’t take that lightly.
As Paviok wisely taught me, attachment is weakness. Loyal to his teachings, I’ve stayed cold and detached.
The Srebat females who’ve shared my bed got exactly what I allowed—some physical release to ease the tension, and a few gifts in return.
I don’t bother humiliating them. It’s pointless and counterproductive.
Pointless because females are already weak, no threat to me or my rule.
And counterproductive because I don’t want them abandoning my bed altogether.
Maybe the first few were disappointed, but they learned fast—and spread the word.
No emotional ties, but enough perks to make the visit worth their time.
Donusk, my second-in-command, steps in front of me.
“Chief, what orders should I relay to the team?”
“Why are you asking?”
“Well... the men are starting to get bored,” he admits.
Truth.
The good thing about my gift is that everyone knows about it—no one dares lie to me. If Donusk is standing there, avoiding my icy stare, it’s because even our own guys fear me.
“How bored?”
“They’re restless, Chief. We’ve restored order across Srebat. Everyone’s submitted to you and to our forces. Patrols have become routine. The men enjoyed the downtime after all those cycles of conquest, but now? They’re tired of the quiet.”
I see. I understand. I feel it too. The thrill of domination has passed. What’s left feels... hollow.
“Gather everyone by nightfall. I’ll make an announcement.”
A flicker of a smile crosses his face. He’d hoped for action. That’s the cost of absolute control—no one dares make a move unless I say so. Every breath they take is under my command. That’s reassuring. But it’s also exhausting.
Once Donusk leaves, I sink into thought.
I’ve always known this moment would come—the time to look beyond. To think bigger.
Srebat is just one planet among thousands. I’ve been too busy conquering this place to see how others live. From time to time, we’ve had visitors from the Coalition—a network of powerful individuals led by someone named Zor, one of the top figures in this quadrant of the galaxy.
I met him when he negotiated a travel permit across our territory. Space is waterless, and travelers refuel on planets that still have reserves. Needless to say, I struck a deal that heavily favored me and my people.
We received advanced weapons and translator units—Coalition devices that decode four major intergalactic languages: Brolok, Human, Polarien, and Nanjii, which is Zor’s native tongue, and more importantly, Xhor’s—the supreme leader of the Coalition, from what I gather.
If I succeed in joining the Coalition as planned, I intend to demand that the Srebat language be added to that system.
In diplomatic or commercial matters, full comprehension is vital—no room for missteps when negotiating from a position of power.
I was skeptical at first, unsure I’d ever grasp Zor’s words.
But now? I’m ready to use every tool available to expand our reach.
By nightfall, I’m ready.
I leave my tent and find Donusk waiting. The men are gathered around a massive fire, roasting a fat groouk. Their eyes find me, eager and alert. I waste no time.
“Brothers of Srebat,” I begin. “For many cycles, we’ve worked together to purge our world of chaos and weakness, installing strict discipline. That mission is now complete.”
I pause. The men nod, some exchanging satisfied looks. Others bow their heads in gratitude for what we’ve built.
“Today, I call you to action once more. Neighboring worlds suffer the same disease that once plagued Srebat—comfort without challenge, weakness masked as peace. It’s time to show the galaxy the strength and resolve of our people.”
Another pause. They lean in, eyes burning with curiosity.
“We will expand. Colonize. These planets are ripe for conquest and rich in resources. It is our duty to seize them—to raise our nation’s greatness.”
As I expected, they hang on every word. Some press their fists to their chests, pledging loyalty. A fierce hunger lights up their faces. They’d rather fight and die than sit idle. Just as I’d hoped.
“We have weapons. Translators. Every negotiation, every battle will showcase our cunning. We’ll demand respect. We’ll breed fear. And I will lead you there. Together, we’ll tame these worlds, forge new alliances, and carve Srebat’s name into the stars.”
Their fervor surges. They rise, fists clenched, roaring their support. I lift my hand. Silence returns quickly.
“Our mission won’t be easy. We’ll face resistance.
These won’t be battles like the ones we’ve fought before—they’ll be different.
These worlds are home to creatures nothing like us.
But I believe—I know—we are stronger. We have the might.
The strategy. The will. Every fight will prove our worth.
Every deal will be struck with the weight of our legacy.
Together, we will make history. Our victories will echo across the galaxy. ”
Cheers erupt. The fire roars behind me. My men, my warriors, stand ready.
“Srebats, prepare yourselves. At dawn, we leave for our first mission aboard the ship docked a few leagues from here—now ours, since its former owner met an unfortunate accident earlier today. His lieutenant will teach us how to fly it. I made sure of that. We’ll explore, conquer, and begin the next chapter.
Be proud. Be ready. Carry Srebat’s honor with every breath. ”
Another pause. Then, loud and clear:
“Forward! For the glory of Srebat!”
Their voices explode in response, loud enough to shake the heavens. We are ready.
I feel an indescribable thrill imagining the galaxy bowing before us.
I see alien races surrendering, awed by our might.
Each conquered world, every plundered resource, each fallen foe—proof of our unstoppable dominance.
The universe will tremble before us. Our name will be etched into history as the ultimate species. That thought sets my soul on fire.
***
Dozens of cycles have passed since that fiery speech on Srebat. Now I stand on the bridge of our warship, watching the stars drift by through the de-opacified front bay. The universe feels within reach. I can’t help but feel pride at how far we’ve come.
I’ve joined the Smugglers’ Coalition—an organization both feared and respected across the quadrant. My exploits spread fast, and our name became legend. Srebats are now known for strength, brutality, and ruthless precision. As for me? I make the galaxy tremble.
I still remember our first coordinated strike.
We needed more ships—the one we’d taken was far too small for our numbers.
We hit hard and fast, wiping out resistance and taking the two crafts I had in my sights.
That operation, and the next three, launched our meteoric rise through the Coalition ranks.
We’ve since plundered convoys, brokered lucrative deals, expanded our arsenal and coffers. Every mission has boosted our power and reputation.
I turn to face my warriors on the bridge. Their eyes burn with resolve.
“Brothers of Srebat,” I begin, “we’ve become an unstoppable force in this quadrant. Our name inspires fear. Our holds overflow with rare cargo. Our armories brim with weapons. But more importantly, we’ve earned the respect and fear of all who know us. And now, I reveal our next objective.”
They listen, rapt.
“The Eastern quadrant is under the rule of Xhor. I haven’t met him yet—but his reputation is clear.
Cruel—not a flaw in itself—but also cunning.
Which means he can’t be trusted. People fear him, yes—but mostly they fear his unpredictability.
We Srebats are different. We believe in Truth.
We want others to fear us because they know exactly what it’ll cost to cross us. ”
I tap the display showing the quadrant’s map. I pull up Zor’s last known coordinates—Xhor’s right hand.
“We’re going to take his base. Zorath. According to our intel, he doesn’t see this coming. And once he’s gone, Xhor will have no choice but to acknowledge me as someone who matters. That’s how we move into the upper circles of power. Zorath is our next conquest.”
I turn to Korrak—stern, relentless, and loyal. He replaced Donusk after he died on a mission. He’s been at my side ever since.
“Korrak, prepare the troops. We leave at dawn.”
He nods and gets to work. I trust him completely.
Later, I retreat to my cabin to refine our strategy. Zorath is fortified, but we have surprise on our side. We’ll strike fast and hard. No mercy.
Coalition leaders grow arrogant. They fear only the Confederation—that bleeding-heart organization that preaches everything we reject.
Empathy. What a joke.
Empathy makes you weak. It opens you up. It burdens you with other people’s pain. In a universe where survival is war, why take on someone else’s struggle? Compassion paralyzes decision-making and clouds self-interest.
I chose to focus on myself. On strength. On progress. And that’s what made me free.
The Intergalactic Confederation is vast and powerful. Even I steer clear of them. Not worth the fight—not yet. They catalog, explore, and protect… leaving the weak untouched. Nonsense.
But they’re not my concern. Not now. My plan is to take over the Coalition. One step at a time.
Zor first. Then Xhor—when the time is right.
I study the base schematics, perfecting the operation. We’ll be flawless.
At dawn, with a steaming cup of bronik from Srebat in my hand, I meet the men in the cargo bay. They gear up. They’re focused. I remind them of the mission’s stakes, though they already know.
We land silently on Zorath’s dock. Two guards approach. They’re dead before they can ask a single question.
Pathetic.
Our troops deploy instantly, taking position. I give the signal. The strike begins. We move like clockwork, sweeping through the base. In no time, Zorath is ashes. And yes, we salvage everything of value. We’re not fools.
Back in my cabin, I consider how to handle Xhor. I won’t challenge him yet. Better to make him think I’ve peaked. That I’m content with this latest conquest. Let him trust me. Let him show me his hand.
Once I know every secret of this quadrant—then I’ll take his place.
But I’ll wait.
And I’ll be ready.