Flash fiction prompt from https://www.eadeverell.com/flash-fiction-prompts/. 4. “Walking back home along the rim of the galaxy…” This fourth story was inspired by a mix of science fiction and high fantasy. Comment and share if you've enjoyed it!
Being an Asteria warrior isn't always as glamorous as people might think. As elite soldiers in Queen Amara's army, we were carefully selected and trained to endure anything, fear nothing and protect our queen with our very life. We're always there, concealed in her shadow, ensuring her safety, or journeying through the Atori galaxy to eliminate threats to her rule. We're her silent protectors, her steadfast blades, her loyal guardians.
Having the honour of being in the queen's entourage doesn't mean we spend our days revelling at parties, indulging in extravagant feasts, or sipping the finest wine. While we do enjoy some comforts that come with the prestigious role, we rarely get a chance to truly unwind. We remain vigilant, in public and private, ready to prevent anything that might jeopardize the one who unified Atori under her banner.
Queen Amara has her fair share of enemies; not everyone is supportive of her rule. While her vast spy network gathers intelligence on those who oppose her, it's up to us, the Asteria, to ensure the hard-won peace remains intact. I might be biased, but I do believe she's a just ruler who genuinely cares for her people. She might be ruthless with traitors, but she can't afford leniency when so many rely on her leadership.
Coming from a small struggling planet, I remember how difficult life was before Queen Amara. A dishonourable man held power, imposing heavy taxes on villages to fuel his greed. He lived in the opulent fortress city of Edelios, surrounded by luxury, while we toiled on the land, barely scraping by. When Queen Amara and her forces arrived to liberate us, I volunteered to aid in infiltrating Edelios' walls, catching the tyrant off-guard under the shroud of night. Their triumph was swift, and since then, my people have known nothing but prosperity. I'll eternally be grateful for that.
I left with the queen and her soldiers that day, embarking on a new life. I never looked back, and never felt regret. Sometimes, difficult tasks are necessary for the greater good, and I'm content to play my part. I'd willingly lay down my life for the ideals we stand for.
Tonight is no exception. I withdraw my blade from the body of a man who'd been selling arms to rebels. No one saw me enter, and no one will witness my exit. I'll erase all traces, leaving nothing behind. After dousing the interior of the small dwelling with fuel, I place a small device, provided for this mission, on the floor. With a button press, I activate it and swiftly leap out the window, nimbly navigating rooftops and alleys. Flames rise behind me, devouring any remnants of my presence.
The fire is intended to burn intensely but briefly, causing minimal collateral damage. I don't linger to ensure this. In my rented room at a local inn, I confirm I'm unnoticed and free of surveillance devices before I retrieve a small book from my pocket and activate my holographic device. I highlight details about my target's clients and send them to the information network, which will investigate and identify the rebels. They will determine whether they should face arrest or elimination, depending on the threat level. Meanwhile, I await further orders.
As I change from my dark uniform into more comfortable attire, my holo chimes. I'm pleasantly surprised to find a message from Kaylan, a fellow Asteria. Although we typically work solo unless on queen duty, Kaylan and I trained together and became best friends.
"Done already?" the holographic image teases. "When are you coming back? I miss you!"
While the nature of our training usually results in stoicism, Kay is exceptionally sociable. Their friendly demeanour has made them friends across various departments. It's not shocking that news of my recent activity has already reached them.
"Are you really surprised?" I respond. "Unfortunately, still on standby."
As I record my reply, my holo chimes again, this time displaying a text message.
"Hold on," I say, quickly checking its content.
Thank you for your good work, Asteria. Local authorities will take it from here. Please report back to Helios.
Helios is Queen Amara's fortress, but it's not an ordinary castle. More akin to a ship, it's massive and it travels across Atori. Multiple portals enable the queen's agents to move swiftly between planets and the floating citadel.
"I'm coming home, wait up for me?"
I send my holo message as I gather my few belongings. A text reply comes instantly.
Always.
Walking along the rim of the galaxy, I head back home, aiming for the nearest portal. The mostly deserted streets echo with the alarm bells announcing the fire I ignited. By the time the city's night watch arrives, only ashes will remain, and I'll be long gone, escaping the ensuing chaos.
Beyond the city, serenity and calm prevail. Under Queen Amara's reign, crime has drastically diminished on this planet. I recall my first visit here, where crime lords held the cities in their grip, and citizens feared each outing might be their last due to random violence. Restoring order and securing the safety of the majority were precisely why I committed to this role, regardless of the danger to myself.
Reaching the portal—a swirl of energy that would disintegrate anyone without the Queen's mark, a magical symbol tattooed on her agents—I step through without hesitation. A familiar sensation tugs at me before I reappear on the golden vessel, Helios. It's been my home since I left my childhood farm and being back brings me a sense of comfort.
Without delay, I head for the throne room, navigating the maze-like corridors with ease. The patrolling guards recognize me and offer a salute as I pass; as an Asteria, I stand above their rank.
At last, I arrive at my destination: two grand, engraved golden doors. The guards glance at me and lower their weapons.
"Proceed, Asteria. The queen awaits."
They bow slightly as I step forward, and the doors swing open.
The room isn't as grandiose as one might imagine. Although it's spacious enough for the queen's receptions, it maintains an air of intimacy. The throne sits center-stage, near a back wall adorned with stained glass that lets through starlight. The room is illuminated by soft, hovering lights, emulating the celestial vistas we traverse. Queen Amara occupies her golden throne, her crystal crown resting atop her dark hair. She greets me with a gentle smile and gestures me forward.
I know at least four fellow Asteria are concealed in the vicinity, but I don't stop to locate them. I make my way to the throne and kneel before my queen, promptly offering my report.
"The threat has been neutralized, details on the rebels have been forwarded, and local authorities are taking charge, as instructed. Everything went smoothly, without incident."
"Excellent, as always, Asteria."
Her voice carries satisfaction and approval, sparking a sense of pride within me. I'm well aware of my abilities, but receiving commendation from the queen herself is undeniably gratifying.
"Your duties for the night are complete. Your next assignment will arrive in the morning. Rest well, you've earned it."
"Thank you, Your Highness," I respond respectfully as I rise. "May your reign over the stars continue until their final spark."
I bow deeply before exiting the throne room, making my way to my quarters. Unlike other areas of the floating castle, my room is relatively unadorned. Bare metal walls, minimal furnishings, and an absence of personal belongings. After all, my frequent travels require little beyond essentials. The room's most striking feature is the sizable window, offering an unhindered view of the expanse filled with stars. It almost feels as though I could slip through the reinforced glass and lose myself in the open abyss.
Eager to reach my bed and get some sleep, I open the door only to find Kaylan waiting for me, a wide grin on their face. I drop my bag as they wave a bottle of liquor.
"Drinks and gossip?"
I offer a rare laugh before collapsing onto the bed beside them, grateful for their companionship in the midst of this demanding life. Oh well, an Asteria warrior doesn't truly need sleep.
Comments