The Nebula Chronicles

After everyone was seated Catella opened the meeting. “I want to officially welcome Asha. She is the commander of the soldiers that protect the capital city of Cexion on planet Velland in the Volan Galaxy. This group of elite soldiers are made up of the firstborn women from each household, and it is an honor and a lifelong commitment to join the Vellanites. “The planets within Volan have been peaceful up until now, but Asha has brought to our attention some disturbing news. The city of Cexion has been attacked and everyone killed or taken captive. Asha thinks they may have been taken off planet, because the army has found no sign of the missing people. The Dakon tribes that inhabit the outer regions pulled the elites from the city by a false report that they were attacking one of the smaller settlements far from the city. When the Cexion leaders received the request from the settlement, they immediately dispatched the elite army. The elites were led into a trap, and while fighting the hill tribes, the city also fell under attack. These attacks could not have been carried out without outside help from one of the other planets, but no one is sure which one. Thus, Asha’s secret visit to Nebula to request our assistance to identify which planet and find who helped the Dakons.” During Catella’s speech Ursa had not said a word but continued to stare at her sister. Ursa stood and faced Asha across the table and demanded, “What of our parents?” Asha shook her head and Ursa’s face turned white. “And Illa?” Ursa’s voice shook. “We found no sign of Illa, and it is presumed that she is with the captives.” Asha’s voice was firm and did not waver. “How could you let this happen? You are the commander of the elites.” Ursa’s voice had risen, and her hands shook at hearing the news of her parent’s death and of her younger sister missing. “If you had not blocked all communications from me, I would have informed you sooner.” Asha’s words held reproach as she stood at the table and faced her sister.