The Past

Upsilon Beta 9-6 AKA Praetorian Earth

RaZrEsHaT and a dozen Praetorian Guards make their way through one of the many slave camps. The wretched inhabitants run at the first sight of the black-garbed meta-human soldiers.

RaZ holds a fist in the air and the troops come to a stop behind him. He glances over to a small hut, lifts a device, and points it at the door. A series of electronic beeps confirm this is the location.

He turns to his soldiers, "Our target inhabits this domicile. She's a mutant dissident who has raided and bombed a dozen nearby Praetorian bases, stealing food and killing soldiers with her mind. She's a powerful telepath, and is considered a threat to the Empire. Tyrant himself ordered her execution. Activate Psi-blockers and proceed."

Two soldiers enter the hut and drag a female slave out into the street.

The girl pleads with them to stop. RaZ grabs her face, covering her mouth with his leather glove. "By order of Lord Tyrant you are hereby executed for crimes against the Empire."

"Viktor," RaZ calls to the Praetorian Guard standing on his right flank.  Viktor is the Tyrant's personal assassin and RaZ's first officer, codenamed Praetoriat. He steps forward and draws his blade.  As Viktor prepares to execute the slave girl, he pauses for a moment and realizes he knows her!

Suddenly the assassin's blade drops to the ground, "Vivvian?"  She brushes her dirty auburn hair from her face. "Viktor, is that you?"  The cold-blooded killer falls to his knees and embraces his long-lost sister. "I thought I'd never see you again!"

Suddenly RaZ grabs Viktor by the neck and pulls him to his feet. "Praetoriat! You will carry out Lord Tyrant's order immediately."  He turns and bows at Raz's feet, "Sir.. She may be a mutant, but she's my sister, perhaps we could train her. Please.."  RaZ is shocked at the suggestion, "You will do your duty soldier!"

Preatoriat bows his head. "Sir.. I cannot."

Viktor has served on RaZ's squad for a short time, and this is the first time he has disobeyed orders. RaZ becomes furious. He reaches down and takes Viktor's blade from the ground. "You dare disobey me?"

With lighting-fast precision RaZ twirls the blade once, using his super strength to sever Viktor's right arm in one stoke. He swings the blade in a half circle, brings it around in front of him, and decapitates Vivvian with one slice of the deadly blade.

Viktor writhes in agony on the dirty street beside the twitching headless corpse of his sister. RaZ bends down, and grabs Viktor by his armor chest plate. "This was a test Viktor, and you failed! Spies in their organization informed us she was your sister, so Tyrant assigned you to be her executioner! I should kill you now for your lack of devotion, but perhaps you are still of use to me and the Empire. If you ever disobey my orders again, it will be the last time."

RaZ stands and drops the bloody blade on Viktor's chest.  "Squad, take him to the nearest infirmary, see if they can save his wretched life."