Chapter 28. Demonic Flame Rhinoceros Seizes the Republic
"Unable to initiate self-destruct sequence," the computer simply explained.
"What?" Noah turned to Jeffrey in shock. "what happened?"
The Vulcan just looked at him. Without sensors, he was helpless on the bridge. Errors can be hidden anywhere inside the ship. There is simply no way to fix it now.
At this moment, the door of the left turbine elevator opened, and the demonic flame troops armed with weapons rushed into the bridge. Noah watched helplessly as his crew were herded together as the demonic flames were about to hijack his ship.
At the same time, Safety Director Ted planned to enter the right turbine elevator from the bridge and go to the engine room. Noah wanted to ask the chief engineer about the situation. After a communications failure, the only way to find information is to send someone to other parts of the ship to look for the situation. However, he wasn't sure if that made sense. Doing so will just waste too much time. By the time the captain knew what happened in the engine room, the situation may have changed significantly.
There is no doubt that Ted will encounter other survivors in the engine room. Despite the severe damage to the ship, the last sensor data didn't lead him to think anyone else on the ship was dead, at least not yet. Ted himself was ready to die. If all had gone according to plan, they would all be dead by now. But the demonic flames unexpectedly stopped attacking. The move was as surprising as the attack itself. For Ted, this was more unsettling than the prospect of death. Now all of them had no idea what was about to happen. This uncertainty and extreme fear is extremely distressing. They are completely controlled by the enemy, who can do whatever they want with them.
He stared absently at the pulsing lights on the bulkheads, which flickered briefly before disappearing again every time he passed a level. He couldn't even remember what he was thinking. They are thrust into this situation so quickly, suddenly faced with death, that few can remain sane.
But suddenly, the elevator cabin shook violently. Ted was thrown against the wall and then to the ground. The steel of the hull clanked and squeaked, and then all was quiet.
Ted struggled to raise his head. His left cheek burned and his left hip ached. Without a chance to make any defensive moves, the left side of his body crashed into the wall. Because the elevator had no sharp edges, he suffered no external injuries. But there may be some unseen internal injuries that add to his headache. However, he is not a doctor. Fortunately, Ted could still move relatively freely without having to bend his body in pain, so he decided not to think too much about it. He rolled quickly, first onto his side and then onto his back. A slight feeling of nausea came over him and he had to lie still for a moment. He stared first at the ceiling, then at the walls. The light no longer pulses, but illuminates the elevator cabin evenly and dimly. The only light source illuminating the elevator cabin. The original lights have been extinguished. This means the elevator has stopped moving. It's trapped.
But what happened? Has the magic flame reopened? This possibility is quite small. What caused the elevator to stall?
In fact, if he was attacked again, he might not be able to take it anymore. In that case, he will die slowly. Perhaps there was an explosion inside the ship, causing a power outage. Or the demonic flames destroyed the spacecraft's system. There were many possibilities, but he could definitely rule out the possibility of another attack.
The only way is to find out what happened. He must get out of here as soon as possible. There is an emergency exit hatch at the top of the elevator cabin. He has to get there and then he can climb up the elevator shaft and out into the hallway through one of the elevator doors.
He tried to stand up, but a sudden wave of dizziness made him fall down again. Apparently, his head injury was more serious than he thought. His body refused to obey him. He still has pain on the left side of his body. The dizziness made him feel a little dazed. Nausea surged through his body, and he had to grit his teeth and focus all his attention to resist. The nausea slowly subsided but did not disappear completely. Still, he tried again. But the second attempt to stand up also failed. The nausea returned and he was barely able to turn on his side to avoid vomiting. The collision of his head against the wall was much worse than he initially expected. Everything was spinning before his eyes, and he didn't know which direction was up or down. He lay there panting, trying to stay awake. But he couldn't do it. It slowly darkened before his eyes, and then he lost consciousness.
"The Federation ship Republic has been captured by us," Kakuzui reported proudly. "No resistance of note was encountered. No one of our men was injured. Total victory."
"Yes," Xiqu replied. However, he did not feel the joy of victory in his heart. The victory was so easy that the enemy's resistance was almost laughable. Such victory brings no glory. If he were the supreme commander of that strange ship, he would never give up so quickly. Perhaps the Federation's technology is indeed far less powerful than the demonic flames. If this was the case, then the gods should have ordered an attack long ago. This will be a worthy and successful war. And in his opinion, the sooner this war should happen, the better. However, he had no right to make such a suggestion to Heaven. No one can do that. The gods are infinitely wise and they know what to do.
Xiqu tried hard to focus on his eyes again. He wanted to see these humans with his own eyes. So far, he has not seen them. If a contact with the gods had mentioned them, he would have known about it. The gods seem to have great respect for this race. He had also heard about the humans from another Federation ship that had been captured a few months ago. Nor did they show much resistance. But after they were sold into slavery, they became very rebellious. No matter what kind of punishment is used to discipline them, it is in vain. Therefore, all slaves who were sold were regrouped and sent to the mines. There, they can't do any harm.
However, Xiqu did have contact with humans, but only in writing. It was a strange way to communicate, but the human insisted on it. And he proposed a deal that Xiqu couldn't refuse. That's why he deigned to talk to a human. Because in his opinion, talking to an inferior species is an insult to his dignity.
"I'll go over and talk to the commander of the ship," he told the crew of his intentions. The demonic flames should protect the corridors of the strange spaceship to prevent anyone from trying to assassinate King Xiqu. Although he doubted whether these humans had such ability now.
"Yes, they are slaves," Kakurei said in retort. "They are lower beings, destined to work for us. They are not worthy of speaking to you."
"But just now, they were our enemies in the battle, not slaves," Xiqu replied in a suppressed voice. If he didn't want to lose his authority, he could no longer tolerate Jiao Rui's constant retorts.
Jiao Rui still looked angry, but he chose to remain silent. To him, whether they are enemies or slaves, they are all inferior creatures. Only the true race is the true God and the chosen people of the true God, that is, the demonic flames. But any further words might endanger his life, so he chose to obey. "King Xiqu, do you want to teach them the rules of conduct in the slave market?" he asked with a hint of contempt.
"I doubt we can sell them on the slave market," Xiqu replied calmly. "Think about our experience with this species. They are turbulent and rebellious. Very aggressive. They will not resign themselves to their fate. As miners they may be useful, but otherwise they may be worthless."
Jiao Rui lowered his head slightly. "Forgive me, King Xiqu," he said in resignation. "As always you have thought of everything."
Of course, he had thought about it. He couldn't allow himself any uncertainty. The king is never wrong. He is transcendent and omnipotent. This image must be maintained.
Xiqu smiled in his heart. Only in the heart. Due to his anatomy, he is unable to truly laugh. Demonic flames cannot do this. Just a loud, weird laugh that sounds pretty scary. But this is not allowed for a king who is always on duty. And Xiqu is always at his post, so he never smiles.
Jiao Rui is an excellent weapons officer. He's young and very curious, which is a good sign that he can achieve more in his career. Xiqu wanted to support him without attracting too much attention. As you get older, it always pays to keep in touch with some of the younger officers. However, he couldn't take too many risks. If Kakurei is given too much freedom, he may one day become hostile to him. This is unacceptable.
"Do you want to go with me?" Xiqu invited his first weapons officer.
"It would be my pleasure," Kakurei replied.
Xiqu left the command room without saying another word, and Jiao Rui immediately followed him. They passed through the Demon Flame Ship in silence until they reached the passage connecting the ships. The lighting in the corridor is not bright and the walls are simple gray.
Xiqu and his companions were shocked when they entered the Federation spacecraft. The light inside the spacecraft is bright, almost wasteful.
"How can humans live in such a bright environment? It's simply dazzling!" Jiao Rui complained. Demonic Flame's compound eyes are completely unprotected. They have no counterpart to the eyelids. Therefore, they have no choice but to endure this brightness.
"Shut up, don't complain." Xiqu warned sternly. "This is something not worth doing."
"I didn't mean to offend you," Kakurei quickly explained. "I just wanted to express my shock at this craft."
"Come on, follow us."
There is a demon flame guard on duty near the passage. His mission is to prevent Republic escapees from entering the Demon Flame ship. After all, humans may also have a sense of revenge and want to destroy the Demon Flame Spaceship.
"Take us to the bridge." Xiqu ordered the guard.
The guard just nodded slightly and took the lead. He received an order. He followed blindly, even though now there was no human demon flame guarding the passage anymore.
They entered the bridge via the port turbine elevator. In Xiqu's sight, a spacious circular deck appeared. Various consoles line the walls, interrupted only by two turbolift entrances and a large screen. The space also has a two-level lower level in the center. There are two consoles there too, facing the screen, and in the middle of the space is the command chair.
The entire bridge crew was gathered on the lower level, while the Demonic Flame Warriors stood on the upper level, pointing their weapons at the humans.
A human came forward. He was a middle-aged man with long, silvery hair. When Xiqu entered the bridge, he stood up. Clearly, he was an important figure.
"I'm Captain Noah," the human said in a firm voice that didn't sound the least bit frightened. "I request to speak with the commander of Demon Flame."
A demonic flame approached and pointed his weapon directly at Noah's nose. Xiqu raised his paw, and the guard immediately took a few steps back.
"What does captain mean?" Jiao Rui asked curiously.
"I command this ship," Noah replied grimly.
"So it's equivalent to the king's position," Jiao Rui pointed out with interest.
Xiqu listened silently. This way he got the information without asking any questions. This added to his reputation as the undeniable and omniscient king.
"But aren't you the commander of your fleet?" Noah turned to Jiao Rui, because he had also made a speech before, but this sounded more like a clear statement.
"No, I'm not," Jiao Rui immediately denied. He definitely didn't want to come across as arrogant to his superiors.
"That's what I think. You are, right?" Noah said directly to Xiqu now.
Xiqu was a little surprised, but couldn't tell. At least a human can't see it. "What makes you think that?" he asked.
"You just made a signal with your hands and your crew backed off. But I'm not going to start playing guessing games with you." Noah was angry and he would do anything to save his crew, even though he had no idea of his own Too much hope.
Noah impressed Xiqu. Apparently, even two simple eyes can notice tiny details. Until now, he had been convinced that prismatic eyes were the pinnacle of evolution. Perhaps this captain was indeed unusually smart and perceptive for a human being. "Yes," he confirmed proudly. "I am King Xiqu. Your ship is now confiscated. You and your crew belong to the Demon Flame Empire from now on. You will obey orders or we will punish you appropriately. You can only speak when you are allowed to ," Xiqu announced loudly for everyone to hear.
"How ridiculous!" Ingmar couldn't help but say.
Immediately, a demon warrior approached and struck Ingmar hard on the head with his weapon. Ingmar lost consciousness, collapsed and lay motionless. Vader wanted to take care of him, but was rudely stopped by the Flame Warrior.
Just as Captain Noah was about to protest, the left turbolift door opened, preventing Noah from saying anything. Another demon warrior came in and grabbed Charles tightly with his claws. Apparently, during the raid, he quickly left the bridge, although no one else on the ship noticed.
"He asked to see you," the warrior reported, then stepped back.
"I helped you capture the Republic." Charles said immediately. He tried his best to appear strong in front of the demonic flames, but his voice was trembling. "I completed our agreement. Now it's your turn."
Noah's eyes wandered between Charles and Xiqu as his brain processed the information. Charles actually worked with Demon Flame. It was an elaborate trap, and Charles was the bait. Mo Yan obviously knew that Starfleet officials could not stand still in the face of this story. They tapped into Starfleet's humanitarian ethos. And Charles actually participated in it, even though he did go through torture. His body clearly communicates this. How much of his story is true? Probably very few. And what benefit did he gain from it?
Chapter 29.
This was incredible to Noah. Charles completely convinced him. He had no doubts. Charles seemed too sincere. And his injuries are compelling evidence. By the time they found him, he had suffered so much from the demonic flames that it seemed completely unthinkable that he would help them. But now they've been turned upside down.
Xiqu looked at Charles silently, without speaking, standing there like a statue, leaving Charles completely at a loss. His previous tough attitude completely disappeared.
"You promised me my freedom. And Joan's freedom," Charles now clearly felt very threatened.
Now Noah understands Charles' motives. He even understands it to some extent. If he was given such a task and in return his daughter would be safe and sound, it was a difficult decision for him as a father to make. However, he was trained by Starfleet Academy and knew he could never accept such terms, even if it meant the death of his daughter.
Xiqu continued to look at Charles quietly for a while, and then said slowly, "You will get your reward immediately." Then he drew his weapon and fired without hesitation.
The lethal energy struck Charles in the abdomen. He managed a choked sound and then disappeared. All that's left is atomic dust.
Noah instinctively took a step forward. "What does this mean?" he protested. "Is this necessary?"
A demonic flame warrior hit him with his fist, causing him to stumble back. But he stood his ground. There was blood coming from the nose. After a brief touch, he confirmed that the nasal bones were not damaged.
Xiqu threatened calmly, but emphasized every word. "I said slaves are not allowed to talk. If you want to survive, you should learn this."
Noah tried to protest again, but Jeffrey stopped him. The captain barely suppressed his anger. Jeffrey is right. They are now completely controlled and bound by the demonic flames. There is no way to change this now. They must save their strength and wait for better times. Taking pointless actions will only get them injured or killed. The captain swallowed his anger. He stared angrily at Xiqu's angular eyes, but remained silent.
Xiqu felt strange about Noah's excitement. Why does this man care so much about other people getting killed? He didn't care. Xiqu, for his part, won't give in just because his crew is threatened. While his crew is helpful in achieving his goals, he doesn't care about them. The most important thing for everyone is themselves. If his crew dies and it benefits him, then let them die. "Bring new slaves to our ship."
Jiao Rui nodded, and then gave the moving instructions to the soldiers.
"Report!" a demon flame responded.
"What's the matter?" Jiao Rui asked stiffly.
"I checked their computers. There were over four hundred slaves on this ship."
Jiao Rui glanced at Xi Qu. But Xiqu didn't react. Apparently he had no intention of changing his plans, even if Kakurei resented it. To him it was a waste of slaves. They should take everyone away. But if you want to continue to live, you must obey his orders, because Xiqu is the king. Therefore, Jiaorui only ordered the warriors to take away half of the slaves. Only leading officials and the strongest individuals remain. The warriors should examine all the slaves and pick the best ones to take away.
From Jiao Rui's point of view, this was a smart solution, Xi Qu had to admit. Because if problems arise later about a certain slave, the responsibility is not on Kakurei. After all, the choice of slaves was not decided by him, but by the warriors. "Take away everyone who is in the engine room. No engineers can be left behind," Kakurei added in the order.
Xiqu continued to stand there, observing the situation without moving. He gained important insights. He simply told Kakurei that he planned to take half of Starfleet with him. Jiao Rui disagreed, but wisely he did not pursue it further. Now he was delivering some orders he hadn't received. He intervenes in the selection of slaves. In fact, he should have asked which slaves to take first. The only reason that kept Xiqu from punishing him was that his order was the same as Jiaorui's, and it seemed that they had discussed it before. This will not harm his reputation. But he knew now that he had to be careful with his first deputy.
The elevator system gave Xiqu a headache. He prefers a simple system of walkways and stairs, especially when handling slaves. Now how does he get the bridge crew to his ship? This is a small logistical issue. If he took all the prisoners into the elevator, there would be no room for his own men, and they would have to follow in front or behind. But Starfleet officials would be briefly without supervision, a risk he simply couldn't afford. If two of his warriors follow him in the elevator, they are at a disadvantage and will be at a disadvantage in combat.
"Bring these slaves to our ship," Xiqu ordered, pointing to the crew on the bridge. "Each one will be guarded by a warrior. Put a knife to their ribs. If they make any wrong move, kill them. But only if the slave behaves abnormally," he ordered.
The soldiers understood. Any harm to a slave will be severely punished. Usually a death sentence. No one wants to take such a risk.
They drew their knives and each took a prisoner. Then they enter the elevator.
"King Xiqu?" Jiao Rui stood in front of the elevator on the right and pressed the request button several times. But no response. "The elevator seems to be broken."
Xiqu just looked at him briefly and then said, "This won't affect us. A functioning elevator system is enough."
Jiao Rui nodded slightly, indicating that he understood. He took the remaining soldiers and prisoners into the elevator on the left, leaving Xiqu on the bridge.
Xiqu's eyes slowly swept across the entire bridge. This spaceship is so huge, yet so helpless. This was absolutely incomprehensible to him. Why didn't the builders consider more weapons systems? The ship could have been a floating fortress, and no one had the slightest chance against it. To him, this was yet another proof that they were no threat to humanity and that they should be conquered as quickly as possible. He couldn't understand why the gods were so hesitant.
He slowly walked to the command chair. His paws carefully slid over the armrest. Then he sat down in his chair and let out a low sigh-like sound. Now he was in full control of the ship. The chairs were definitely uncomfortable though. Too soft. Just like Starfleet itself.
Xiqu's eyes fell on the screen and he saw stars. He could feel the ship now in his hands. It's a pity that the former captain of the ship can no longer see this scene.
