The Beginning of the End (Universe in Flames Book 4) by Christian Kallias

own values or, in this case, affects your own ego. If my father or I give you a direct order, you must obey it, no matter if it goes against your better judgment. Is that clear?”
    “Like crystal.”
    “Still, under the circumstances I believe my father’s reaction was perhaps hasty.”
    “Will you tell him that?”
    “Not in so many words, but I will try to make sure you get treated better. We indeed owe you our freedom.”
    That must have been hard for you to spit out.
    “Thank you, Miseo.” 
    “You’ve mentioned different powers with respect to your brother Laiyos.”
    “Yes. He seems not to age, and when he is pushed to the limit his power increases tenfold. In that ultra -Fury mode he is as powerful as he is unpredictable.”
    “Ultra Fury . . .” Miseo’s expression became more serious.
    “Did I say anything wrong?”
    “No . . . It’s just that your mention of Ultra Fury reminds me of an old legend amongst the Fury people.”
    “Which is?”
    “Well, legend has it that once every fifty thousand years a warrior of superior strength is born. He is supposedly immortal and would be more powerful than every other Fury combined.”
    “This is nonsense. And I can tell you from my experience with your father that he is infinitely more powerful than Laiyos; and I bet he only showed me but a glimpse of his powers, am I correct?”
    “Yes, Supreme Commander Arakan is the most powerful Fury there is. He thinks he is the Fury of legend, in fact.”
    “You don’t seem to agree.”
    “My father is very powerful, but immortal he isn’t; or, if he is, he still shows age.”
    “Unlike Laiyos.”
    “Yes. If your brother is that legendary warrior, he must be killed before he realizes the power he wields.”
    “I don’t believe in this legend nonsense, but killing Laiyos is actually on my to-do list.”
    “Good. I’ll help you if necessary.”
    “That will most likely be the case. Like I said, I lost in both our previous encounters.”
    “You’re a good warrior. I can sense a strong energy from you, but you reek of fear.”
    What? What is he talking about? Laiyos said the same thing.
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “That’s because it’s rooted deep within your subconscious, but I can smell it on you.”
    Argos wanted to argue with Miseo but decided against it.
    “If you say so. What’s next?”
    “How’s the mission we gave you going?”
    “My forces have invaded Tyronis. They’re cleaning up the planet as we speak. We’ll soon be able to leverage all the rich resources this planet and its belts have to offer.”
    “That’s great news. Have your armada go to the next world for more resources the minute they’re done.”
    “What’s the rush?”
    “We need to rebuild a fleet. We need to send a message that we are back and we won’t do that with those pathetic Zarlack vessels.”
    “Pathetic?”
    “They may look powerful, but they’re nothing compared to our own ships. With the resources you’ll secure from Tyronis we’ll built the first one. Once it’s done and you see it in action you’ll understand.”
    “Looking forward to it.”
    “You will, soon enough.”
    “Very well. If that will be all?”
    “For now. Thanks, Argos. I would appreciate that you don’t repeat the words ‘Ultra Fury’ to my father, or to anyone for that matter.”
    “You do realize that I just invented the name?”
    “Even so, invented or not I don’t like the image it projects. Please keep that to yourself. We’ll soon kill your brother anyway, together. I take it you don’t have a problem with that?”
    “None at all but I’d really like to be the one delivering the final blow.”
    “If at all convenient, I will gladly grant you this honor.”
    “Thank you, Miseo.”
    Miseo turned his back and left Argos’ ready room as quickly and unceremoniously as he had entered it.

C H A P T E R
VI
     
    When Commodore Saroudis entered the admiral’s ready room, she smiled at