Kapitel 19: Chapter 19: Into the Dragon's Alley
As Boyka's spacecraft descended onto the jagged cliffs of Nebula—known to most as Polaris—the wind howled through the desolate terrain, a haunting melody against the backdrop of impending danger. The landing was smooth, precise, yet cautious. Boyka knew all too well that any false step could alert Abbadon's forces to their presence. His vessel came to a halt at the edge of a steep precipice overlooking the valley below. From there, he could see distant outposts, their faint lights flickering like ominous sentinels.
Turning to his soldiers, Boyka's voice was resolute, cutting through the tension like a blade. "We need to conceal our movements from here on out. This planet is hostile territory, and Abbadon's spies could be anywhere. I'll not sugarcoat the situation—we are walking into the dragon's alley. The chances of survival are slim. Some of you may not return."
The soldiers exchanged nervous glances, the weight of his words sinking in.
"I must ask you this now," Boyka continued, his piercing gaze meeting each of theirs. "Are you ready to follow me through the snares of death? Are you willing to serve me without question? If any of you have doubts, I won't hold it against you. You're free to leave now. But be warned—once you commit to this mission, there will be no turning back. I will tolerate no hesitation, no questioning of my authority."
For a moment, there was silence, save for the rustling wind. Then, one by one, the soldiers straightened their postures and gave a slight bow, silently pledging their loyalty to Boyka.
Boyka nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Good. Your devotion does not go unnoticed. I swear to you, I will do everything in my power to protect you. Together, we will see this through."
Reaching into his satchel, Boyka retrieved a map—the emperor's secret blueprint for navigating Polaris. It detailed hidden pathways and obscure entrances that would lead them to Abbadon's imperial palace undetected. Boyka unfolded the map carefully, his eyes scanning the intricate lines and markings.
"This is our guide," he said, addressing the group. "Stick to the path. Stray from it, and you risk not only your life but the mission itself. Now, move out."
---
The trek through the mountainous terrain was grueling. Loose rocks crumbled beneath their boots, and the soldiers' breaths misted in the frigid air. Above them, the sky was a dull gray, streaked with clouds that seemed to mirror the tension in their hearts. As they moved, they remained vigilant, their eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of Abbadon's reconnaissance aircraft.
"Commander," one of the soldiers called out, breaking the silence.
Boyka turned. "What is it?"
"I believe we should change our outfits," the soldier suggested. "If we're spotted wearing these, we'll be immediately identified as intruders. It might also help to attack one of Abbadon's smaller military installations. We could use their uniforms and weapons for better disguise and to arm ourselves further."
Boyka considered the suggestion for a moment. "You're right," he said. "Hand me the map."
Studying the parchment, Boyka traced a route with his finger. "There's a small barracks here," he said, pointing to a spot near a valley pass. "It's isolated and lightly guarded. That will be our target."
Gathering the soldiers around him, Boyka laid out a plan. "We'll strike under the cover of darkness. Quick and silent. In and out. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Commander!" the soldiers replied in unison.
---
The night descended like a shroud, cloaking the group as they approached the barracks. From a distance, they could see the soft glow of lanterns and the shadowy figures of guards moving lazily at their posts. The soldiers of Abbadon, it seemed, had grown complacent in their control of Polaris.
"On my signal," Boyka whispered, his voice barely audible.
The attack was swift and brutal.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Gunfire echoed through the night as Boyka and his men overwhelmed the unsuspecting guards. Chaos erupted as Abbadon's forces scrambled to respond, but it was too late. Boyka's soldiers moved with precision, taking out targets with ruthless efficiency. Within minutes, the barracks was subdued, the last of the guards falling lifeless to the ground.
"Secure the area!" Boyka barked.
The soldiers sprang into action, dragging the bodies of the fallen into a nearby storage shed. Boyka stood over the pile, his expression grim. "We can't leave any evidence of our presence," he said. "Strip the bodies of their uniforms and weapons. Then burn the remains or bury them—whichever is quicker."
The soldiers complied without hesitation, working quickly to dispose of the bodies and change into the stolen uniforms. The transformation was startling; clad in the enemy's attire, they now looked like a detachment of Abbadon's own forces.
---
Once the barracks was cleared, Boyka gathered his team in the main hall, which they had converted into a temporary base of operations. He spread the map on a table, marking their current location and their next objective.
"Our disguises will only get us so far," he said. "We need to remain cautious. From here, we'll proceed to the imperial palace using the hidden pathways marked on this map. This mission is far from over, so stay sharp."
The soldiers nodded, their resolve unshaken despite the dangers ahead.
Boyka's gaze hardened as he looked over the group. "We've made it this far because of your discipline and courage. I expect nothing less as we move forward. Remember, the fate of this mission—and perhaps the emperor himself—rests on our shoulders."
Turning toward the door, Boyka adjusted his stolen uniform, the fabric still stiff and unfamiliar. "It's time to move out. From this point on, we're no longer soldiers of Avalon. We are Abbadon's men. Act the part, or we won't make it out alive."
With that, Boyka led his team into the night once more, the shadows of Polaris closing in around them. The path ahead was treacherous, but their resolve was unwavering. In the distance, the towering spires of Abbadon's imperial palace loomed like a dark promise, beckoning them toward the heart of danger.
The mission had only just begun.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein