The desolate planet echoed with silence as Ashton stood alone, waiting beside the ship filled with Xyran hostages. The desolate surroundings only made the wait even longer. "I should not have arrived here so early," Ashton sighed as he swung Balmond around to pass his ti as there was nothing else to do. As he stood there, Rea, unable to contain herself longer, taunted Ashton with a sneer, "How long do you think you'll live after today? My guess is a couple of years at most."
"A couple of years? How you're generous, aren't you?" A smirk played on Ashton's lips as he responded, "Believe , I'm itching for sothing to go wrong during this deal so that I can put you all ungrateful bastards in your place. Knowing how egotistical your kind is, I'm sure I won't be disappointed."
"You only won last ti because of the elent of surprise," Rea retorted. "Now that we know your capabilities, you stand no chance against us, even with your summons."
"That could go both ways. Last ti, I had my people to defend, so I couldn't go all out," Ashton nonchalantly shrugged in response, "But on a planet like this? Nothing is holding back anymore. So if I were in your shoes, I would pray that your so-called council isn't full of morons and values your life to so extent."
Before Rea could respond, the distant sound of thundering engines interrupted their exchange. Ashton looked up, a wry smile forming as he saw hundreds of Xyran ships hovering over the desolate planet. The awaited mont had arrived.
"Finally... Maybe I should demand more ships from them for lacking punctuality," Ashton mumbled, crossing his arms. "Nah, that'll be petty even for my standard."
Within monts, a smaller ship descended from the fleet, heading towards them. From it, Ibis disembarked, accompanied by six Xyrans whom Ashton assud to be her bodyguards. The tension in the air was as high as ever as the two parties faced each other, with the hostages caught in the middle of the brewing storm.
Ibis approached, her expression unreadable, and Ashton welcod her with a nod. The atmosphere crackled as Ibis stared at Ashton with nothing but utter disgust. "Ibis, or should I say commander Ibis now?" Ashton greeted, his tone neutral. "I heard the news of you getting demoted, and I can't help but feel sorrow for you-"
"Cut the crap," Ibis spat, her eyes reflecting both rage and defeat. "We are not here to play gas, Ashton. So let's get straight to the point."
Even though she dismissed Ashton's words, Ibis was surprised that he knew about her demotion, as only those on the council knew that fact. But if Ashton also knew about it, then it ant the council had a spy. Ibis didn't even want to think about it. If Ashton had an insider within the council, he could have already been aware of Ibis's plan following their exchange. In other words... her life was in danger.
'It's not the ti to think about all that,' Ibis shrugged the thoughts out of her head. 'Let's proceed with the plan for now and see what happens later.'
"Straight to the point, huh? Of course, Let's do what we're here for," Ashton gestured towards the hostages on the ship. "I'll release the hostages as soon as I'm handed the control of the ships."
"Release the Xyrans, and you'll get your warships. As promised."
Ashton sighed and shrugged, "I was expecting you to yield, but it seems that won't be the case."
"Yeah, I should give you the key before the release so you could capture us all again?" Ibis rolled her eyes. "I don't think that's happening."
Ashton chuckled. He didn't know why Ibis was acting out now as if he wanted; he could have either taken over the ships or destroyed the fleet by now. Still, after the shit he had been pulling recently, it shouldn't have been a surprise that Ibis wasn't trusting his words. anwhile, Ibis glanced at Rea. A silent signal passed between them as she inford her about the attack she'd initiate following their release. With a nod from Rea, the plan was in place. "See, Commander, I'm not here to break our promises," Ashton remarked, a hint of mockery in his voice. "Unlike you."
"Accusing of dishonesty? Just how low are you willing to fall, Ashton?" Ibis remained composed, "You know what? Let's not waste ti searching for your answer. You'll get the keys, so release the hostages."
With Ashton's signal, a bunch of skeleton soldiers appeared out of nowhere, and the hostages were set free. A cautious calm settled over the scene as the exchange unfolded. The Xyran hostages, uncertain of their fate, looked warily at Ashton, their captor, before joining their comrades. Ibis inspected the hostages to ensure their safety, her gaze finally eting Ashton's. "The hostages are free. Now, I trust you'll keep your end of the bargain."
True to her word, Ibis gestured toward the fleet of Xyran ships, "They're all yours. You might think you have won, but rember, Ashton, crossing us again will have severe consequences."
"Consequences like death?" Ashton couldn't help but laugh at the notion. "Feel free to try, but only if you're ready to sacrifice your own."
"We'll see about that..."
As the Xyrans boarded their ships, tension lingered in the air. Ashton watched Ibis closely. The Xyran ships ascended into the desolate sky, leaving Ashton alone on the barren planet.
As the distant hum of the Xyran engines faded, Ashton stored the master key to the Xyran fleet's AI in his inventory before turning around.
"How long do you people intend on hiding?" Ashton smirked as he turned around. "I sent your people away already, so co on out and get this over with."
Just then, a dozen Xyrans removed their camo cloaks, revealing themselves. During Ashton's training, both Vulcan and Flintmace had told him about them. The elite soldiers amongst the Xyrans excelled in assassinations... the Infiltrators.
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