Stranded on a Tiny Planet

Escaping Anashee

In Anashee...

Coroc entered the EFP commander's chambers less than a nublar from when he requested a meeting with her. Madala knew Coroc well; he had been her combat flight instructor when she was but a raw recruit to the program. Time had seen them both in separate directions; Madala climbing the ranks to Commander and Coroc slipping into retirement. Upon hearing of his desire for a meeting, Madala didn't hesitate to arrange it

"Coroc. I haven't seen you for a long time." She greeted, her back straight.

"Not since your promotion. It seems the position suits you."

Madala lowered and lifted her tall plumage at the compliment, "I hear you wanted to discuss something of great importance?"

The older Ansheetan nodded solemnly, "I'm sure you're aware that the people are growing restless. I fear riots and worse are about to happen if something isn't done about this giant."

Madala gave him a look, "Something?"

His plumage flicked slowly upward, "I am offering to slay this giant."

The female commander leaned forward with an incredulous look on her face, "You think you can kill him?"

"You know this giant is not invulnerable. Anything that can get sick can be killed." Coroc stated simply.

Madala scoffed and then asked, "Have you suggested this to Elder Felreh?"

Coroc sighed, "I have the feeling she would not approve of my methods...she never possessed the gumption for violence when it is needed."

"And you thought I would think differently?"

He nodded, "Even when I trained you, you were never afraid to jump into combat. You met it proactively and head on."

Madala sighed and closed her eyes. She did agree something needed to be done about this very real threat the giant alien posed, but she didn't like the idea of going around Elder Felreh to accomplish it.

"How would you do it?" she asked, the doubt evident in her voice.

"Let me worry about the 'how'. I merely need use of three able fighting squadrons to achieve it." He gave her a serious look, "And I will also need the young one whose chrysalis was taken."

Madala's plumage lifted with shock, "The young one? Why?"

"I think the giant may want her back. She would make an excellent lure to get him where we want him."

Madala mulled over that proposition a moment but then shook her head, "You may recruit any who are willing to assist you. I will not order them. But, using the young one is out of the question. I can't have you thrusting a non-combatant into such a dangerous situation."

Coroc thought a moment but then nodded with no argument.

"Thank you, Commander. Will you propose this to Elder Felreh?"

Madala sighed, looking down, "Not until you succeed. If you fail I will deny all knowledge and say you acted alone against my better judgement."

The older trainer nodded and saluted before turning and leaving.

At that moment her door guard burst in, "Commander Madala! I have two scouts with urgent news to report!"

Madala motioned her hand, "Bring them in."

Coroc stepped aside, allowing the two young scouts to hurry in. They saluted smartly.

"Commander Madala! A small group of Rogashay bandits have invaded into our territory!"