The Titan Order: Chapter 1 (part 1)

                          The blue star hung high and bore down on Nova's head as he sat atop a weathered roof, in his usual spot where he liked to enjoy his lunch. It offered a perfect view of Havenbrook, the small colony that had become his home. The single road that passed through the center of town was now lined with freshly constructed buildings, signs of progress and resilience.

 

Havenbrook had been a colony for years, or so he had been told. The previous attempts to colonize it had failed, the crops unable to thrive in the planet's stubborn soil. But after years of perseverance and diligent work, they had finally achieved a bountiful harvest and were on their way to establishing a more secure foothold on the planet. For Nova, who had never seen Earth beyond pictures and videos, this alien world couldn't have been more different.

 

The sky had a faint red tinge, casting an otherworldly hue over everything below. The clouds, white and ethereal, took on odd shapes and sizes, as if they moved with a purpose rather than drifting on a gentle breeze. The soil, a deep shade of purple, contrasted with the vibrant blue of the native vegetation. It was a sight that never ceased to amaze Nova, reminding him of the countless possibilities that existed beyond the boundaries of his imagination.

 

They had chosen to colonize this planet because its atmosphere required only slight adjustments to be suitable for human life. Nova marveled at the incredible feats of engineering and scientific prowess that had made it possible.

 

The planets water, despite its crimson hue that resembled a cup of fruit juice, was safe to drink. Nova had never quite understood what gave the water its red color, but he had grown accustomed to it. He lifted his canteen and took a sip, relishing the refreshing taste that differed from the bottled supply they had brought from Earth. It was a small reminder that he was far from home, in a place where everything was wonderfully strange and beguiling.

 

With a contented sigh, Nova finished his meal and gazed out at the remarkable landscape before him. Just as he was about to get lost in daydreaming again, a voice called out from the distance.

 

"Nova, we gotta get back to work! Mr. Jenkins is gonna be pissed if you're late on lunch again," Sarah said, a friend he had known and worked with at Mr. Jenkins' hardware store for years.

 

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," Nova replied as he climbed down from his rooftop perch.

 

Nova slowly opened the door to the store, trying to make it in before he was noticed, but the bell above the door betrayed his presence. Mr. Jenkins emerged from around the corner, his furrowed brow adding a touch of perpetual dissatisfaction to his already stern face. Nova readied himself for the usual scolding, but to his surprise, Mr. Jenkins simply handed him his apron and said, "We got a shipment in. I need it all unloaded, organized, and stocked."

 

"Yes, sir," Nova said, securing his apron around his waist.

 

"And I'm gonna need you on the counter, Sarah. I gotta go home for the day. The wife's sick," Mr. Jenkins explained before walking out the door.

 

"That was weird," Sarah remarked, raising an eyebrow at Nova.

 

Nova nodded in agreement, a slight furrow forming on his forehead. "Yeah, must be something serious. I don't think anyone in Havenbrook has ever heard of Mr. Jenkins leaving work early or missing a day."

 

Sarah's concern deepened as she crossed her arms, her eyes searching Nova's face. "I hope everything's alright with him and his wife. He seemed really tense."

 

"Yeah, it's not like him at all," Nova agreed, his gaze shifting towards the door Mr. Jenkins had just exited through. "We'll manage without him, but I can't help but wonder what's going on."

 

 

 

As the sunlight began to fade and the lamps outside flickered to life, Nova and Sarah wrapped up their day at the shop and prepared to head home.

 

"I can't help but worry about Mr. Jenkins. I think I'll swing by his place to check on him," Nova said, a touch of concern wrinkling his forehead.

 

Sarah let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, you know how he is. He'll probably grumble at you for showing up uninvited."

 

Nova shrugged, determination in his eyes. "Let him grumble. I just want to make sure they're alright, and see if they need anything."

 

Sarah nodded understandingly. "Want some company?"

 

"Nah, it won't take long. The old geezer can handle himself. I just need to see with my own eyes," Nova replied, a grateful smile on his face.

 

"Alright then," Sarah said, her voice filled with warmth. "Take care out there. I'll catch you tomorrow."

 

With a final glance around the shop, Nova locked the door behind him. He turned towards Mr. Jenkins' house, and set off. 

 

The path to Mr. Jenkins' secluded house wound its way through the tranquil outskirts of the town. Unlike the other residents who sought the comfort of community, Mr. Jenkins preferred the solace offered by his humble abode. Every day, he embarked on the familiar walk, seeking respite amidst the serene surroundings.

 

After a brisk half-hour journey, Nova's eyes caught sight of the small cabin, its walls fashioned from blueish logs. Bathed in the moon's gentle radiance, the dwelling took on an ethereal quality. Nearby gardens bloomed in vibrant hues, native vegetables shimmering with a delicate blue sheen. It was a sight Nova had grown accustomed to, a reflection of Mr. Jenkins' harmonious connection with the land.

 

As Nova approached the cabin, a sinking feeling tugged at his heart. No warm glow spilled from the windows, no signs of life emanated from within. Perhaps, he thought, Mr. Jenkins and his wife had retired early, seeking rest after a long day. Just as Nova turned away, ready to retrace his steps, a low creak shattered the silence, echoing through the night.

 

His breath caught in his throat as Nova spun on his heels, fixated on the slowly opening door. "Sorry, Mr. Jenkins, I just came to—" His words trailed off as his gaze fell upon a bloodied hand clutching the door's edge. Panic surged within him, propelling him forward with a surge of adrenaline. In a single motion, he flung the door wide open.

 

There, sprawled on the floor, lay Mr. Jenkins, his form drenched in a chilling crimson hue. The sight sent shockwaves through Nova's veins, a torrent of emotions threatening to overwhelm his senses.

 

"Mr. Jenkins!" Nova's voice trembled with panic, his heart racing in his chest. "What happened?"

 

A feeble rasp of a voice whispered from Mr. Jenkins' bloodied lips. "Th-they killed her, Nova," he choked out, blood spilling from his mouth. "She was... gone by the ti-"

 

Tears welled up in Nova's eyes, his voice breaking with grief. "Mr. Jenkins, it's okay. I'll get help," he stammered, already turning to rush back to town. But Mr. Jenkins reached out and grabbed his arm, his touch frail yet firm.

 

"No, boy," he gasped, each breath a struggle. More coughs erupted, blood staining his words. "I'm not... gonna make it. You have to go back... and warn the colony."

 

His hand slipped from Nova's grasp, his body growing still. A final, raspy breath escaped his lips, forever silencing his voice. Nova stood there, a mix of sorrow, shock, and determination swirling within him. 

 

Nova gently laid Mr. Jenkins down, tenderly closing the man's eyes before swiftly making his way back to the town. Anxiety twisted in his stomach, propelling his legs to move faster, fueled by the gnawing fear that he might be too late. Panic surged through his veins, urging him beyond his physical limits. As the town emerged into view, Nova's heart sank. The once bustling buildings now stood engulfed in flames, with rail rounds embedded in the walls, leaving scorched marks of destruction. The scene was a chaotic tableau, devoid of any signs of life.

 

Amidst the turmoil, a piercing scream sliced through the air, accompanied by distant echoes of laughter. Nova's anger flared, overriding his fear as he zeroed in on the source. Stealthily approaching a gathering of unknown men in the middle of the street, their rugged appearance, shaved heads, and worn power armor marked them as formidable adversaries. They formed a barrier, obstructing Nova's view of something he desperately needed to witness.

 

Determined to circumvent their blockade, Nova strained to catch a glimpse of the harrowing sight beyond. Suddenly, the men shifted, revealing a chilling tableau that shook him to his core. A lifeless figure lay sprawled on the ground, crimson pooling beneath their motionless body. Around them, the lifeless forms of Nova's fellow colonists lay strewn, their existence abruptly extinguished. The sight overwhelmed Nova, causing his stomach to churn and bile to rise. He retched uncontrollably, his body convulsing with the sheer revulsion and grief that consumed him.

 

Startled by the retching sound, one of the men turned, directing the others' attention towards Nova's presence. "Ey' boys, look what we got here. We missed one," he jeered, provoking raucous laughter from the group. From within a nearby building, a commanding voice beckoned Nova closer. In a thunderous explosion of splintered wood, a towering suit of armor emerged, standing twelve and a half feet tall. Its rusted and patched exterior bore testament to its former glory, now marred by neglect and crude welding. Strained servos emitted a grinding sound, indicative of the machine's inadequate maintenance. The armored figure pounded a hand against its chest, boasting, "Pretty sweet, eh? Me and the boys found it, and luckily Gordo managed to fix it."

 

Nova's anger surged, his voice cracking as he confronted the bandits. Tears flowed freely down his face as he uttered the damning words, "You... you bastards!"

 

The bandit leader dismissed Nova's outburst with a condescending tone. "Tsk tsk tsk, now, boy, you shouldn't resort to name-calling."

 

Sobbing, Nova struggled to articulate his pain. "You murdered them all," he managed to choke out, his voice trembling with sorrow and fury.

 

The bandit leader chuckled callously, a malicious glint in his eyes. "Murder? How is it murder if these people were already doomed?" He said with a chuckle. “What do you think happened to the other people who attempted to colonize “Havenbrook”?” With disdain, he emphasized the name "Havenbrook," causing Nova's eyes to widen in realization.

 

"Ah, so you finally get it," the bandit leader taunted, gesturing towards his accomplices. "We're what's left, abandoned by the very people who sent us here to colonize this wretched place."

 

"That's your justification? That's why you slaughtered my entire colony? My family?" Nova's voice cracked, his pain and indignation intertwining.

 

"Listen, boy, it's not personal. Well, maybe a little," the bandit leader retorted callously. "What made you think you'd survive when we couldn't? We're merely expediting nature's

course, driven by hunger. And you lot had set up a pretty nice settlement here. You know what? You should join us, boy. You've got some fire."

 

Amidst the tears streaming down his face, Nova couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, a mixture of defiance and resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

 

"You've got to be kidding? Do you actually think I'd join your... what, band of merry men?" Nova's laughter grew hysterical. "I'll kill you, bastard."

 

The bandit leader smirked, unfazed by Nova's defiance. "See, now that's the fire I'm talking about. I mean, it's not like there's much left here to cling to," he taunted, gesturing towards the decimated town.

 

"I'd rather die," Nova spat, his voice dripping with rage.

 

"Well, that's unfortunate, but we can do that too," the bandit leader shrugged, nonchalantly turning his back. He pointed towards one of his men. "Kill him, and make it nice and slow."

 

The designated man laughed eagerly, relishing the opportunity to inflict further torment upon another soul. He began approaching Nova slowly, savoring the impending brutality. But Nova refused to back down. Instead, his eyes darted around and caught sight of a hammer nearby. Swiftly seizing his improvised weapon, he took a defiant stance. The bandits erupted in laughter.

 

"Better be careful, Lugo, or he'll take your head off," they jeered, mocking the man advancing towards Nova. Lugo continued laughing, waving his rifle above his head. Then, he aimed at Nova's feet and fired a shot. Yet, whether fueled by raw anger or something else, Nova remained unflinching. Anger flickered across Lugo's face for a moment, seemingly appalled by Nova's lack of reaction or evasion. Lowering his rifle, he closed the distance between them.

 

As soon as Lugo was within range, Nova swung the hammer with all the pent-up rage that had been consuming him. The hammer collided with Lugo's armored arm, but it barely made a dent, merely bouncing off with a resounding ring. In response, Lugo backhanded Nova, the enhanced strength of the power armor sending him hurtling through the air. However, as Nova landed, he ensured to roll over onto his face, concealing the hammer he still tightly grasped. He didn't move a muscle or make a sound, even holding his breath to appear as motionless as possible. The pain from the impact racked his body, but he knew this was his only chance.

 

"Hey!" the leader shouted. "I said make it slow! You killed him way too quickly." He rubbed his helmet with his metal hand. "Well, can't be helped, I guess. Make sure he's dead, and let's move on." The bandit approached Nova, but just as he drew near, Nova swung the hammer with all his might, aiming directly for the man's head. It connected with a sickening crunch, and the bandit in the power armor slumped over.

 

The bandits' laughter abruptly ceased. The man in the bulky armor turned slowly, his optics fixing upon the lifeless body of Lugo.