Condition Evolution 4 by Kevin Sinclair (parable of the sower read online .txt) 📗

retake it quickly. The Empire licks their wounds and tries again a year or two later. They are under the impression that they have achieved a great feat by taking these outposts. Little do they realize they have yet to reach our next layer of defense, which they will find far more formidable. It has been custom designed to defend against the Fystr, should that fateful day ever come.

“So, yes. In conclusion, we have nothing to fear from the Galactic Empire. Our main concern at present time is how were you able to find us? How were you able to travel this far away from Fystr-controlled space?” He spoke smoothly. There was no sign of arrogance in his voice, he just sounded concerned.

“We’re carrying out military contracts, so we can grow and train our crew, and still hope to attract more members. Ultimately, we want to take out the Fystr and retake our home planet, Earth. I mean, I know this might sound delusional, but we have grand plans to free all planets suffering at the hands of Fystr suppression.

“Oh, and while we’re while we’re at it we hope to free the Veilitians and Torax from the oppression of the Empire, and anyone else suffering at their hands.” I fell silent, satisfied that I had got all of that off my chest, but feeling a little ridiculous at the same time.

The Apochros all looked at me with a mixture of expressions, ranging between amusement and amazement.

“That is an impressive ambition. How goes it so far?” asked a scarred but still handsome Apochros, who had given his name as Fiekela. His expression was one of amusement.

“Let’s just say we’re hunted by pretty much everyone in the galaxy right now. But to be fair, that was happening anyway. The Fystr will not stop until we are all dead, and the Galactic Empire would have attempted to capture and hand us over. The only real difference that our quest has made is that now the Galactic Empire has their own reasons for wanting us dead.” I grimaced.

“So, what are you intending to do now?” Fiekela asked.

“That’ll need some thinking on,” I laughed. “I suppose it’d be great if we could stay here a little while, if you’ve no objections? We’ve an injured crewmate that needs attention. He is the Fystr caretaker that enlightened us to what was going on. We’d be grateful if you could offer any assistance to get him back to health. He’s in a bad way, thanks to being tortured by his fellow Fystr.”

“You have him with you? The caretaker that ascended you?” Jezai asked, taken aback.

“Sure we do. The Fystr had him imprisoned on their ship, but we fought to get him back.”

A blonde female Apochros named Galivea spoke. “How did you manage to retrieve him?”

“The same Fystr that imprisoned Ogun caught up with us around a week ago. Not a full fleet or anything, just two of their fastest Hunter ships with 40 Fystr in all, led by Heiliun the Great, Eighth Commander of some shit or other. Anyway, we beat the shit out of them, took their ships and recovered Ogun,” I summarized.

“Did they surrender?” two people asked at once.

A presence appeared in my mind at the same time. Ignoring the question, I shouted loudly to all of the Apochros in front of me. “I’m not even gonna check who that is, but you need to get the fuck out of my head, now!” The gentle pressure I’d felt suddenly left.

“Impressive! You were able to feel my presence,” Galivea announced, not perturbed in the slightest that she had been caught. “How long have you been able to use your mental abilities? Can you speak mind to mind yet?”

“Which question would you like me to answer? Fystr and ships, or mental abilities?” I said, feeling the well of anger bubbling inside me.

“Ships, please,” Jezai said.

“Righto! First off, it wasn’t a space battle. We fought on a supply station, a day out from Beler 3103.”

There was a collective gasp.

“They have followed you this far? You may have led them to us!” Fiekela snapped. The first cracks in the armor of the supposedly peaceful Apochros.

“Whoa, hang on a minute. I really don’t think we have. The ones who found us must have been a very advanced force given the timings. We all probably need to speak with Ogun when he wakes. He’ll know more of their movements than we do right now.”

“Very well. We can be patient and explore this further when the caretaker regains consciousness,” Jezai said. “For now, please explain to us how you survived against 40 elite Fystr warriors? They are unparalleled in battle. So it is exceedingly difficult to believe that a force of hindered, even with other races assisting, would be able to stand against them.”

Ember snorted at that, and I had to agree with her sentiment. Fucking Fystr, no matter what they called themselves, were always underestimating us. I took a deep breath before answering. “It’s a mistake to take Uprising’s skillsets and expertise lightly. We have Veilitians who can turn invisible, along with being total cold-blooded killers when the occasion calls for it. Then we have the Torax who have an affinity with fire, including being fucking laserproof! Then to top it all off, we have a fine collection of humans who have all developed a higher level of mental ability. Astrid, Rufus and a few others have become pretty strong.” I gestured to the two captains.

Fiekela was the one to reply to my statement, and I was beginning to dislike the dude. “While you may consider yourselves strong, I do not think you understand the power of an elder Fystr. Heiliun alone should be able to beat your little army.” I definitely sensed a little of that arrogance slipping through.

Ember placed a hand on my arm. “Stay calm,” her voice sounded in my head. She was right to, I wasn’t here to start a fight with these guys. We needed allies, and this