Days turned into nights and nights into days. And he waited along with every other human on the hellish planet for the enemy to attack. What were they waiting for? A certain bloodlust had overcome him. They had won in the first round, but that would not happen again. This sickly world wouldn’t die. Not on his watch.

He had spent the time learning all about the planet’s defenses, its troop numbers, and their location. There were extensive tunnels underneath the planet due to the mining. He had many of them booby-trapped. A major plus was that many of the commanders had fought previously for the emperor against a planet nearby where blasphemy had taken hold. The Emperor’s divinity had been questioned. They had all been slaughtered. A fitting end to treachery.

Lazarus, one of the loyal troopers who saved him previously rushed into his room panting in the noxious gasses that constituted the air on the planet.

“They are entering into orbit,” he sputtered.

“Finally,” Timothy replied turning his wheelchair and heading to the control center down the corridor.

“Tell the Emperor’s Representative that now is the time to address the planet.”

“He has left the planet,” Lazarus replied.

The wheelchair came to an abrupt halt.

“What?”

“He reportedly left a few hours ago. He said it was on urgent business of the Emperor.”

Timothy’s heart quickened, his hands clenched, “I will do it myself so.”

The habitat only becomes increasingly impressive as it draws. It is cylindrical in nature just like my home one but this one is larger.

Tabitha then speaks –

“This habitat has a larger surface area than the entire earth containing vast oceans, mountain ranges, and forests. It harbors life that last existed on Earth over sixty-six million years ago before it was wiped out by a huge asteroid, or at least, that’s what I’ve heard. You will not believe your eyes. Some of these are like gigantic monsters that will you to shreds in an instant. Others, are much smaller but hunt in packs and are even more dangerous. Most only eat plants but even with them, it would be wise to keep your distance. The most fearsome of them all is called Tyrannosaurus Rex. You need to prepare yourself mentally for what you are about to face.”

“Then why are we going there, Tabitha? Are you crazy?”

“Because that is where we have a base. Very few people live in the habitat, even though it could house all of the Earth’s population. Nature is allowed to thrive, and there is far less surveillance. It’s dangerous but safer than most places.”

Without even thinking I responded, “I will follow wherever you go.”

It was true. There was no turning back now.

“For the Emperor!” Timothy roared.

“For the Emperor,” they roared back.

Timothy continued –

“Together, we can repulse this evil. I promise you that I will either defend this planet or I will die.

And if I die, my death will be glorious as will the deaths of all those who fighting this menace. They will forever be remembered.”

The atmosphere in the large, cavernous room was now solemn.

Timothy opened a 3D holographic display of the planet. Blue lights from each top corner coalesce to create the display.

Most of the planet was already devoid of life except for pockets here and there. Fortunately, there was a fortification in each due to the constant threat of a pirate attack.

A commander was put in charge of each one. Timothy would be taking command in his current location. This world was draining and he had no wish to see more of it. There was too little time for him to carry out inspections in any event.

So he warned them what was coming –

“First, some of your people will turn to monsters. They must be slaughtered for they are already dead. Then you will be bombarded from the sky. Make sure your shields are raised.

This is the arrival of your enemy. Then the battle begins. This is do or die. Any troops who leave their post including you are to be shot.

You are dismissed.”

Timothy then went to rest.

This is the first time that I have experienced weightlessness. The ship does not rotate like most do these days. For the first time in my life, I can see Earth through the transparent array. It is almost completely covered by an array of habitats. Some appear small but others are massive. Still, I can make out the blue and white of humanity’s homeworld.

“You’ve never seen it before, have you?” Tabitha asked.

“No, I have not,” I replied, “and it is so beautiful.”

“Pity more people didn’t agree, eh. Life is now almost inhospitable at the surface. All because of corporate greed. That is part of what my faction is fighting against. That planet can still return to its former glory. The people can be free,” Tabitha said more loudly, her eyes wide and face stern.

“Are you really sure that can be done though? I know we thrashed the place but can it really be undone?” I replied.

“Yes, it can. You’ll see it the next when we meet my crew. Lush vegetation and creatures you’ve never even dreamed of. Whether or not you’ll be happy is another thing.”

“Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

“You’ll see,” she laughed sheepishly and then looked away.

Suddenly there was another bolt and the ship’s direction changed away from Earth and towards a giant green habitat.

It took some time for the Commanders to appear and the Representative had made his excuses about an urgent bureaucratic problem and left. There were six of them in total each responsible for the defending forces in their area. They were all middle-aged and immaculately dressed in the blue uniform of their rank.

Timothy could sense their fear. None of them looked at him directly, they were sweaty and fidgety.

He knew that they needed motivation and a belief that victory was at least possible. It was the time for him to speak.

“The great menace facing us overwhelmed the last planet that I was on. All humans, animals, plants, and microbial life were wiped from its surface, leaving a thriving world of billions just a dead rock floating through the void that is space.

I should have died then too but the Emperor still had plans for me. He brought me here to help defend your world, and together we will. I believe that this world will not be as amenable to our enemy. That, despite our low numbers, we can stop them right here and right now. For the Emperor.”

“For the Emperor,” came the half-hearted reply.

“Tell me your names. So that I can have them written for posterity.”

Hello readers. Just a quick update. My blog is approaching 1600 views for 2023, which is the same as all of last year with two months still to go. So, it’s looking like a record year and I’m quite happy with that.

I’m really enjoying writing Pegasus and Wheelchair Wars, and I hope you enjoy reading them. Do let me know in the comments section below. There’s still a long way to go in each and I’m hoping to bring you on some fantastical adventures and brutal battles. I’m back in the mood to start writing a few romance stories too. If only I had more time.

It’s still in my plans to publish some new materials. Been a few years at this stage. Knowing me, I’ll probably release a few books all in one year lol

I got a recent promotion so have been busy, busy in my day job but hoping to take a good few weeks off over Christmas to get some writing done.

Just then the ship bolts forward and Tabitha falls into my arms. Her long, braided hair covered my face.

“What happened?” she says in a concerned voice.

“The ship is being moved along the conveyor belt to a launch position. It won’t be long now.”

She smiles and says, “Guess I’ll go and get my own seat. For safety. Till later.”

Gingerly, she makes her way to a seat a few meters away in front of one of the dilapidated computer arrays. Parts of it start to light up in green, red and yellow.

The ship is being jerked left and right, up and down and we both quickly realize it prudent to put on the safety belts that fortunately still work. The ship is being moved much faster now and my stomach is feeling queasy.

Then the abrupt halt. The strain on my body is intense. If not for the belt, a serious injury would have been unavoidable. Then there is nothing but space outside the ship. I lean forward briefly before I’m pushed back as the ship launches.

Then for the first time in my life, I experienced weightlessness. I flap my hands up and down in wonderment.

Tabitha laughs and says, “You’re crazy.”

The crowd hushed in deference.

“The people thank you for coming to the defense of their home world. Your legend had already reached this small part of the Empire but never did we think we would need you so badly. Please follow me.” said the Emperor’s Representative.

Timothy surveyed his surroundings. He was on a hilltop fortification which was surrounded by large mountains on every side. Artillery and laser guns lined the battlements.

He was led to a large, stone whose large wooden doors quickly closed behind him. He and his three loyal men found themselves surrounded by naked women. Their skin was red and dry, at times leaving flakes on the floor. A result of the hostile environment.

It had indeed been some time since he had the pleasures of the flesh but rage flew through his veins. The Tyranids were just a short few days away. There was no time for this or other formalities. Maybe later, after victory.

“Get out, get out now,” he shouted.

The women looked at each other in astonishment.

Then his machine guns perked up and pointed at some of them.

They immediately fled.

“What’s wrong? Would you prefer some boys instead? Whatever you desire,” a perplexed-looking Representative said.

“Now is the time for war, not pleasure. I want to speak to your top commanders at once.,” said Timothy authoritatively.

“Yes of course,” came the reply.