Vindicator (StarMates: Braxtharian Warriors #1)

Prologue – Motok

“You’re being temporarily reassigned.”

The words hung in the air as I struggled to grasp their meaning.

I’d been lead command of the Braxthar Legion’s Elite Force for the last fifty-two span.

Never in that time had I ever been tasked with anything other than the training of our military or strategic missions with the fleet.

Confusion clouded my thoughts as I fought to control my emotions.

Losing my composure in front of the council was a foolish mistake.

Only young impetuous soldiers made such reckless and impulsive decisions and were unable to control their outbursts.

“May I ask the council their reasoning?”

“Our planet is under threat and our race risks total annihilation.”

“Why?”

“Direct and repeated violation of the Cardinal Edict.”

The answer was shocking. I wasn’t sure which of the Elders had spoken because I sank to one knee, my head bowed with the devastating news.

Rumors had spread for the last few decades, but no one was aware they were actually true.

“How long do we have?” There was no point in asking how long they knew of Vindar’s vulnerable condition.

All that mattered was our response. “What do you require of me?”

“Rise, Commander Motok. Your mission is most delicate.” Senator Rymar slowly rose to his feet and gestured to the viewing screen that appeared in front of us. “The power of the slave traders is our biggest threat in addition to the loss of trust within the Galactic Conclave.”

“Isn’t this a task for the ambassadors?”

“No, not entirely,” the Senator revealed. “We have proof of corruption. A human was captured last month in the most tragic of circumstances and her last known connection was a Braxtharian envoy.”

Last month? Why had I been kept in the dark? Who found her? Where was she being kept? “Is she safe?” I feared the worst but awaited the council’s discretion.

“The images we must show you are graphic. Prepare yourself.”

In all my span of galactic travel, conquering planets and defending our home world, I had never seen such brutality as what appeared on the viewing screens.

Video of a violent assault played out as a young human female with pale skin and vibrant green eyes was taken, abused, and forced into sexual acts against her will.

Zhorn slavers stood at the sides of the room and watched as she was raped repeatedly and fought against her captors as she was beaten and tortured until her last breath left her brutalized lungs.

A roar launched from my chest and I pounded with my fists, swearing and crying out at the extent of her suffering.

She was a human. Protected by the Cardinal Edict.

This was absolutely a direct violation of that primary directive.

My quills rose upward from my back as I couldn’t resist the call to battle my body demanded.

The slave trade was common among alien species.

Although the council forbade such acts among the Braxthar people, many races condoned slavery and trafficking.

It was a lucrative business with continued demand.

Lesser species were offered protection in exchange for technology and further exploration of their planets and culture.

Earth was one of the primary planets in need of extra security.

I thought they were well guarded. Until now.

The end of the video paused as the young female’s fist opened and the camera froze on the delicate mark displayed on the inside of her wrist. Proof she had been exactly as the council declared.

A sexual slave but also a protected citizen of Vindar.

How could this have happened?

Senator Bly lowered his head and his eyes met mine, full of pain and despair.

“We were too late to save this female. Human slaves have been scattered across the expanse of space and are fabled to reside within several different galaxies. Our lack of Intel has compromised this female and no doubt many more. You must find and return with every slave that bears that ancestral mark as well as any humans you encounter.”

My eyes closed and the dark blue starburst with silver highlights appeared in my mind.

A symbol of our people that covered the flags of Vindar throughout the planet and our cities.

These human slaves were protected by the Cardinal Edict but if they had the mark then it was my duty to ensure their safety as citizens of our republic.

“I will not fail,” I promised as my eyes opened.

“I’ll bring every last female home.” These captives probably wouldn’t understand the mark or why it was given but it was sacred to the Braxtharian race.

I doubted they were given the decision to receive such a mark if it was forced upon them by the slavers or any of Vindar’s enemies.

Were the Braxtharian people being framed?

“Take only your most trusted warriors and five battle cruisers. Search the ends of the universe until you are certain no more captives linger in hiding or captivity. We have fit the ships with updated weapons and stealth modules. You have every resource available at your disposal.”

Crossing my arm over my chest, I called out the Braxtharian war cry and turned to leave the room.

“We have one year before the fate of Vindar is decided. You must bring these females home before that time has ended. Only then can we negotiate with the Conclave and prove our innocence.”

Senator Bly stood next to his brother. “Beware the Seekers, Commander. They already suspect our planet’s precarious condition. You will certainly be followed from the moment you leave orbit.”

Nodding, my lips flattened into a thin grim line.

Seekers.

Exactly the sort of problem I didn’t need right now.

My planet and my people were in danger, but my mission was clear. Bowing to the Elders, I spun on my heel and left the council’s chambers with a renewed sense of purpose.

I didn’t waste another minute and left to gather my brothers and bravest soldiers.

There wasn’t enough time to stop and say goodbye or issue promises to those I’d leave behind.

Too much was at stake. I’d find these human captives, save them, and I would bring them home.

The entire Braxtharian race depended on my success.

An investigation into the female disappearances and their connection to the Braxthar empire must be launched.

Someone wanted to hold our planet responsible for this tragedy.

I wouldn’t allow it.

Vengeance burned bright in my soul for the ones who would harm such innocents. Once the humans were home and safe, I would find those responsible for torturing that young female and I would exact terrible justice on her behalf. Let the council try to stop me.

As Commander, I had far more power than they realized.