The Third Book of the Alienbutt saga. Emperor of the Universe. Part 51.

WELCOME TO THE FLAKES

Chapter 12

INTERSTELLAR NEWS CHANNEL 9 NEWS FLASH
With our swingometer now showing that Emperor Fluffy has a majority control of over ninety percent of the Inner Systems, the exalted one made a rare appearance. Appearing in full battle suit that our fashion correspondent claims will be the trend of next season’s high fashion, alongside the High Priest of Righteous Indignation, they sent out a call for volunteers to aid in the war against the heretics.
The Order of Righteous Indignation will be forming a military arm of its church, known as the Volunteers of Fluffy. These courageous volunteers will take over planetary security. Those showing greater aptitude will be assigned to work with their own droid fighter ship, becoming the glorious fighter pilots needed to improve the fighting capabilities of the Emperor’s fleet. Trained and prepared to the very highest standards, these holy warriors will be at the forefront of the war against evil, ensuring a lasting peace when the war is won. Emperor Fluffy personally pledged that no volunteer would be turned away from serving the Empire.

“So you’re the mighty Alienbutt? Well I’m not so impressed,” the marine standing in front of him said.
The marine was a grizzled old veteran who had obviously worked his way up to sergeant and then told the marines that that was his position. He was the man to tell everyone else what to do; rank didn’t come into it. He was the man that gave the orders and if an officer was smart, he did as he was told.
“Neither am I, and I know me, so we’re off to a good start,” Alienbutt said, pulling a hip flask from one of the pouches on his belt.
The sergeant’s expression didn’t change. “You seem to be the person responsible for putting my boys and girls in danger, sending us into yet another stupid fight.”
Alienbutt looked around the room and noticed the rest of the marines were all looking busy while listening to every word.
“To be honest, I’m used to working alone but was over-ruled,” Alienbutt said with a shrug.
Suddenly the sergeant came to attention and a moment later Major Kaela walked into the room. “Commander Alienbutt, I see you’ve met Sergeant Edion,” the major said as the marines all worked even harder at looking busy.
“We were just building up to swapping stories,” Alienbutt said, taking a drink from the hip flask.
“I leave swapping stories to the chaplain,” Sargent Edion said.
“Where is the chaplain?” the major asked, looking around the room.
“Giving his sermon over breakfast, Major,” the sergeant said with the slightest of eye rolls to show his disapproval.
“Good, they’ll all be in the same place. Introduce Commander Alienbutt to the chaplain, Private Cox and Trix. I want them to be his shadow on this mission,” Major Kaela ordered before turning to Alienbutt. “I just need to ensure all the equipment we’ll need is ready; it should only take a couple more hours. Once we’ve had a spot of lunch we can get booted and suited.”
Sergeant Edion stood unmoving until the major had left the room then he looked down at Alienbutt. “Major Kaela is a stickler for detail and personally ensures everything is ready, that’s part of the reason we’re the best. Now let’s go introduce you to the chaplain. Some people find him a little odd but he does have good points too,” the sergeant said.
“And what are his good points?” Alienbutt asked as the sergeant began to walk off.
“He’s real good at killing the enemy,” the sergeant said with pride.

Walking into a small canteen, Alienbutt saw three people sat at a table, two were eating from bowls and the third was speaking. He held a small book between his hands.
“Even with the loss of his right eye, or maybe because of its loss, the Holy Llama could see the truth in the chaos of nature. Blessed Sung knew that all science was a product of nature’s chaos and every breakthrough was the result of our minds coming to terms with that chaos.” The man stopped speaking as Sergeant Edion approached with a look or irritation on his face.
“The Major says you’re to look after the Commander on the mission. His safety is your responsibility, Chaplain,” Edion said. “Private Cox and Trix are with you too.”
“We’re on babysitting duty then?” the chaplain said, looking over at Alienbutt for the first time.
“Your orders are to keep him alive,” Sergeant Edion said with a shrug. “It’s up to you how you achieve this.”

To be continued.
All images are mine.