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The undisclosed Imperial penal colony on Tartaaris has now been Rykrof Enloe’s home for several years.
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The Imperial garrison has prevented any prisoner revolts…
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…and recently intensified prisoner disposals.
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In the midst of it all, Rykrof Enloe has survived this harsh lifestyle for far too long…
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…and is now willing to take desperate measures.
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“I don’t understand why you’re going in this direction,” K3-95 asks.
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“The secret entrance into the Imperial facilty is southeast of here.”
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Rykrof ignores the droid as he continues north.
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“We’re going the wrong way!”
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“Perhaps this impossible human is losing his hearing?” the droid wonders aloud.
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“…or he’s just plain ignorant.”
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“Maybe I am,” Rykrof smirks.
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“Oh!” the droid exclaims sarcastically.
“What a privilege! He’s speaking to the lowly droid again!”
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“Just stay close to me,” Rykrof says.
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“And don’t make any sudden moves.”
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“Sudden moves? What are you talking about?”
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“This isn’t a very safe area…”
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“Hey you! Drop the weapons!”
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“Did you just intentionally get us captured?”
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“Shut up, droid!”
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“The droid is not a threat,” Rykrof assures the other prisoner.
“But you’ll find he’s most useful.”
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“Keep your hands where I can see them,” the alien growls.
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“I need to see Atracion,” Rykrof says cautiously.
“That’s the only reason we ventured this way.”
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“It’s going to be dark soon,” he continues.
“I don’t think any of us want to be out here when that happens.”
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“Right… I’m sure the boss would love to see you,” the other prisoner says.
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That night, an eerie glow envelopes the landscape…
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…as the Maker’s droids roam through the debris in their search for victims.
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Nearly a dozen kilometers away, the Maker slowly exits the Imperial complex…
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…while the watch guards curiously observe the warden’s recent behavior.
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“Sir?” Chief Rolem asks as he approaches the Maker.
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“With the recent spike in prisoner activity, I would not advise for you to…”
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“I have ensured that the prisoner population has dropped low enough to prevent any threats,” the Maker sharply interjects.
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“What is the latest status of prisoner 1067?”
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“Oh, Enloe,” the Imperial officer pauses.
“He appears to have been captured by Atracion’s gang…”
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“…but still, with the recent prisoner activities, I would recommend the garrison stays on yellow alert.”
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“Enloe isn’t stupid,” the Maker affirms.
“But he’s bolder than I realized.”
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“What do you mean?”
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“I do not believe he was captured.”
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“Enloe is attempting to form an alliance…”
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“…but he has no idea what is in store for him.”
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The next morning, Rykrof can only see pitch black…
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…as he is escorted to the leader of the prison gangs.
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“Steady,” a now familiar voice cautions him.
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Rykrof can quickly sense that he has gained an audience.
“Let’s see him,” a gruff voice commands.
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Rykrof’s escort then violently tears his mask off!
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A blurry view of his captors begins to form in Rykrof’s eyes…
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…as he realizes he is face to face with the Quarren known as Atracion!
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“Thanks for the hospitality,” Rykrof says.
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“You trespassed into my land!” Atracion bellows.
“The punishment is execution!”
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“I only came here to cut a deal with you,” Rykrof replies.
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“What could you possibly have to offer me that would be worth my time?”
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“Just kill him and be done with it,” one of his men suggests.
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“Yes… we haven’t had good meat in months,” the other agrees.
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“Let him talk,” the escort argues.
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“Indeed.”
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“Who are you?” Atraction demands.
“And what is it you want?”
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“My name is Rykrof Enloe. I’m here to offer a solution to our mutual problem.”
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“Enloe?” the Quarren replies.
“…I’ve heard of you…”
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“…sworn enemy of the Badoo Corba.”
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Rykrof then closes his eyes in anticipation of a laser blast…
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“No need to piss yourself,” Atracion laughs.
“I’m not going to shoot you.”
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“…at least not today.”
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“Then I hope we can work together to get off this planet,” Rykrof says.
“If you’re willing.”
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“And just how do you propose we do that?”
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“I can get us into the Maker’s complex,” Rykrof explains.
“But I’m going to need my droid.”
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“Why the droid?” one of the thugs growls.
“Why’s he so important?”
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“Quiet down,” Atracion warns his subordinate.
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“My audacious new friend and I have some talking to do…”
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“…in private.”
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