Free Star Brigade: The Supremacy (SB3) by C.C. Ekeke

Conuropolis. After those attacks, UComm wisely demolished any remaining statues. But the monoliths hadn’t been the most destructive weapon employed that day, as the Korvenites had hijacked a battle station meant to be shared with the Kedri Imperium. Luckily, Star Brigade had disabled the station, allowing UComm forces to destroy it.
    But the cost… Habraum’s thoughts landed on Honaa Ishliba, as he knew V’Korram’s had. Months ago, the Cerc had grieved and moved past losing the Star Brigadier who died saving him. But this abrupt reminder was a scalding brand to the chest. He tore his eyes away from the cityscape to gasp for air.
    “Reminded me of Honaa,” V’Korram began, his growl muffled by the pounding rains. “Once Star Brigade’s future was secure, all he wanted was to go back to Rothor IV.”
    Habraum stared. He didn’t expect such an admission. “I know,” the Cerc muttered reflexively. Before he died, Honaa had revealed to Habraum his desire to return to his family and homeworld.
    “Someone has to remember him.” V’Korram’s voice cracked. His eyes hadn’t left the cityscape. “Naming a vessel after him isn’t enough...”
    “No one’s forgotten Honaa.” Habraum regained composure and returned his gaze to V’Korram. “I haven’t.” Another fork of lightning flashed, fully illuminating the Kintarian’s feline features. Habraum winced at the sorrow there. He took a tentative step forward, placing a hand on the taller V’Korram’s shoulder. “Sorrow isn’t the only way to honor his sacrifice,” he said.
    “I know, Captain,” the Kintarian snarled, ears flattening.
    “Just listen,” said Habraum, ever patient. “Before I returned, Star Brigade’s survival was partly because of him. Every moment with my son since Maelstrom’s attack is thanks to Honaa. Being grateful for those things are a few ways we keep honoring him.”
    V’Korram considered this and lowered his head almost in benediction, soaked ginger hair spilling back over his face. Habraum breathed easier. Reaching V’Korram was never easy.  After a lengthy silence, Habraum removed his hand from his lieutenant’s shoulder. “You good?”
    “Yea,” V’Korram said, brusque and surly again.
    “C’mon, then.” The massive Kintarian turned and padded down the outcrop toward the Ishliba . Even with the deluge of rain and muddy earth, his footsteps barely made a squish of noise.
    Habraum lingered on the outcrop under the hammering rain, lost momentarily in Conuropolis’s endless sprawl. Two consecutive lashes of lightning lit up the cityscape again. And Habraum wondered, where had Honaa’s remains fallen?
    The Cerc sighed heavily, slowly turning away from the view and the memories. He followed V’Korram down to the Ishliba. His team was waiting.
     

Chapter 5
    “Explain to me how attending another superfluous dinner party helps reach a peace accord between Faroor’s two species?” Taorr the Younger, son of Maorridius Magnus, tried to remain calm while addressing Faroor’s Defense Minister. But he found metal walls had more give than this stubborn creature.
    “Representing the Ttaunz’s best interests in your father’s place should not warrant a debate,” Faroor’s Defense Minister Haemekk threw back on the holoscreen floating before Taorr. “Sympathizing with those unwashed Farooqua savages only weakens your family’s position, especially as they keep suicide bombing our cities. I handle the Farooqua and the real politics. You and your brother are the face of the Ttaunz leadership. That is the deal, pup.” The Defense Minister narrowed his button-like blue eyes. “Turn your transport around, get dressed in proper clothing, and attend Senator Praece’s banquet. Now .”
    Haemekk never had to shout. The force behind his words nearly cowed Taorr, like they had many times in the past. And Haemekk’s face, stern and unsmiling, teased at war stories that were the stuff of nightmares.
    For years, Taorr had