Prelude to Alteeda
Written by Adam Mullen, with art by Mike Lombardo, and edited by Ted Kendrick. August, 2022.
Tomorrow, I will go to battle to defend the Naams Protectorate and its people. As a soldier of the Protectorate, I swore to protect them from the evils of the Skran Imperium. It’s been ten years since this war began. I’ve seen so many battles over that time. I’ve tried to ignore the pain and loss I’ve suffered, but as hard as I try, I cannot forget what the Imperium took from me. I don’t know how much longer the war will rage, but after tomorrow’s invasion of Alteeda, the tide will turn in our favor, and I can try to build a new life for myself.
Over the last ten years, I made a name for myself among the people of the Naams Protectorate. They saw me, Kel Jarren, as their hero, a symbol to lead the charge against the forces of evil. I didn’t fight this war to become a celebrity, but to make sure there is a future for every citizen of the Protectorate. I heard rumors that Imperium soldiers use my face as target practice. Well, they’ll get their chance tomorrow when we reach Alteeda.
Intelligence reports that Alteeda is a main hub of commerce for the Imperium, which gives them an upper hand in the war. If Alteeda could be captured, we could disrupt their supply lines. Imperial troops would be cut off from their resources. It would be a matter of waiting for their troops to starve and give up. I, and every Protectorate soldier, want nothing more than to bring the Imperium to their knees. I saw what they did to my home world of Ralbatas III. I would do anything to make sure it never happens to another Protectorate world.
The bit of intel from the reports that troubles me is that Alteeda is home to a large civilian population. Protectorate Tactical Command assured me that our invasion plan would create very few civilian casualties, but if they put up a fight, we shouldn’t hesitate to fire. I must admit, I feel conflicted about these orders. Civilians shouldn’t be targets in a war, but on the other hand, the Imperium never batted an eye when it rained hell upon the citizens of Ralbatas III.
The soldiers that I lead are highly trained and loyal. We’ve fought together side by side for many years. I call every single one of them a friend, and trust them with my life. No matter what happens tomorrow, whether we claim victory or are defeated, I am honored to fight alongside them. They look to me for guidance. I plan to speak to them shortly before we make planet-fall. I will tell them, as I have many times before, not to fear death, but welcome it so long as you prove yourself worthy of its embrace.
Whatever tomorrow’s outcome, the Naams Protectorate will undoubtedly be victorious in the end, whether the war ends in the coming days or years. We fight to protect all citizens. I wish that my daughter Kendra was here to see how far we’ve come. I fight in her name. One day, I will be reunited with her.
©2022 Lumo Station LLC.
“TALES FROM THE LOST DOMINION,” and “LOST DOMINION,” all characters, designs, and story elements are ©2020-2024 Lumo Station LLC. All rights reserved. No reproduction in any format, digital or print, without the express written permission of Adam Mullen.