Collected short stories

[ruane]

“So, what do you think, commander?”

Ruane watched the damaged skytrooper crawl along the floor towards its weapon. After the beating he had inflicted upon it, that it could move at all was impressive. “They’re very resilient, but until we can alter their behavior, a restraining bolt and the removal of their long range communication abilities renders them little more than novelties. Have you had any break-throughs?”

Jaroste shook his head. “No. I’m working on it, but it’s going to take more time to locate someone who can figure it out. They’re very complex.”

Ruane frowned. “Keep working, then, but don’t neglect the other projects. We have enough guards for now.”

“Yes, commander.”

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[ruane]

The two knights struggled fruitlessly against their bonds, and Commander Ruane patted one on the shoulder with an easy smile. “I do hand it to you knights, you’ve certainly managed to root out the traitors in our organization. Another six months, and I might be able to trust the uninitiated in our ranks.”

The knight jerked away and narrowed his eyes at Ruane. Bruises bloomed on his face and more than one place in his armor seeped blood. “What are you…?”

“More than a match for the two of you, I’m afraid.” Ruane stood back from them and crossed his arms. “As diverting as this little charade has been, I have a base to run. You’re going to tell me who sent you.”

The knight spat at Ruane’s feet. “Why would I do that? You don’t even feel the Force. We can outlast you.”

Tendrils of dark energy flowed up Ruane’s arms and his eyes took on an unnatural red glow as a smaller robed and masked figure faded into view nearby. Ruane looked over at him, and when the figure nodded, he continued, “I will have the information regardless, but I suggest you cooperate. It will make this much faster.”

The knight’s eyes widened as he looked between Ruane and the masked figure, but he shook his head. “I will not betray Zakuul.”

Ruane gave him a respectful bow of his head. “So be it. But I will have that information for my master. Perhaps I can change your mind before it breaks.”