The thin beam of blue light slowly faded from the ceiling, leaving the underground vault completely quiet. Dustin Vance slipped the smooth purple crystal into his dark coat pocket, feeling its gentle, rhythmic pulse against his chest. Lady Vivienne walked right beside him, her soft silver eyes filled with deep warmth as they headed toward the marble stairs.They walked out of the bank vault and stepped onto the wide white steps of the grand palace plaza. The afternoon sun was warm and bright, shining down on thousands of cheering citizens who filled the streets. The High Emperor and Princess Kaelen stood waiting by the royal carriage, surrounded by hundreds of golden-armored guards."Big Brother Dustin, you saved the city again!" Princess Kaelen cheered happily, running forward to wrap her arms around his waist. The little princess looked up at his handsome face with bright, shining eyes full of pure adoration. Dustin smiled gently, reaching down to pat her soft dark hair with an affe

Suddenly, a loud, grating laugh burst through the main communication speaker of the Ark Genesis, sounding like grinding stones and rusted iron. A holographic projection flickered to life in the middle of the bridge, showing the horrifying face of Warlord Vulgath. Vulgath was a massive alien beast covered in thick black scales, with four red eyes and two curved bone tusks jutting from his mouth. "Do not waste your breath screaming at your dying crew, little female captain," Warlord Vulgath mocked, his four eyes glowing with cruel, hungry amusement. "Your pathetic little colony ship is trapped in our net, and your ancient gods will not come down from the sky to save you." His heavy iron armor clanked loudly as he gestured to the swarming black cruisers behind him. "Turn off your reactor locks and open your residential doors right now," Vulgath commanded with a bone-chilling sneer. "My warriors want fresh, warm meat for the breeding pits, and e