The Jurou Biljana male opened a door and pushed Providence in, then slammed the door closed, locking her in the dim prison.
Providence shivered as she huddled naked in the far corner of the cell. Tears squeezed past her clenched eyes and she furiously scrubbed them away. She had to be brave, but it was hard not knowing what horrific fate awaited her when that door opened again.
Dagaa
Dagaa stood near the center stage of the market tent as Kagan mounted the steps of the dais to address and rally the people.
Dagaa smiled as he looked around at all the Vidya and Scelus Cadi that had gathered with the sole intent of seeing that justice was served where the Jurou Biljana were concerned. The reptilian traders thought they could cheat the Cadi. They were about to learn otherwise.
"The Jurou Biljana just entered orbit and will be landing soon." Madhava reported.
Dagaa nodded to Kagan letting him know it was time. Kagan turned to the hundreds of Cadi gathered in the massive tent. He was an imposing regal figure, dressed in both the colors of Vidya and Scelus Cadi, crimson and obsidian. Everyone's eyes were on him as the noise of the crowd died down.
"Citizens of unified Cadi, I am humbled today to see the way our people have set aside their differences and come together as the strong, proud people our ancestors hoped for."
A loud cheer and thunderous noise rose up as the gathered warriors stomped their feet in agreement.
"We stand poised at the precipice of a new age for Cadi. As you know the universe is a vast place and we are not alone in it. Our years of fighting amongst ourselves blinded us to outside threats and even potential allies. No longer can we ignore this fact while shamelessly squabbling amongst ourselves."
"We have become too dependent on the goods provided by the Jurou Biljana merchants. The reptilian species has taken advantage of our situation. No longer will we stand for this. It stops here. It stops today. Not only are we are gathered to make right the wrongs the Jurou Biljana have wrought against us, but to send a message to the universe that the Cadi are no longer an easy mark."
Kagan had to pause as again the crowd broke out in cheers.
"But do not misunderstand my message. The Cadi are great, but we are not the only species that exists in this vast and glorious universe. If we hope to move forward, we must seek to exist in harmony, not only here on Cadi but with the other honorable peoples that we will come to meet." Kagan turned serious.
"All around us stand a people, the Toufik, whom we have subjugated to hard labor, because all our efforts were selfishly turned to war. We have taken advantage of the fact the Toufik seek refuge from a dying planet and are willing to put up with being chattel, so that their people may merely survive. They are not the simple beasts of burden we deluded ourselves into believing because it served our purpose. I know this first hand having fought side by side with them. No longer can we claim to be an advanced race while condoning the subjugation of another." Kagan bellowed.
Dagaa looked to see Stone, his hairy Toufik compatriot, standing amidst members of his clan. The male bowed his head in deference to Kagan's acknowledgement.
Dagaa noticed the serious looks on many of the warriors' faces. Many nodded, though a few shook their heads. Kagan knew it was this very issue of welcoming and forming alliances with other species that had divided his planet and started the civil war so long ago. Add to that the difficult task of freeing the Toufik and their planet was in for some rough times. The Daimio knew he needed to tread carefully so soon after ending the terrible war, but Kagan was also unwilling to stand down on certain issues.
"There will be much needed change in the years to come. Some of these changes will be difficult, but I have no fear that we can weather the storm, because we are Cadi!" Kagan threw up his fist as he shouted.
A deafening cheer rose up from the people making Dagaa smile. It seemed the vast majority saw the wisdom of their Daimio's words. It gave Dagaa hope and made him proud to be alive in this age.
"What ship do you want?" Dagaa asked Cyprian and Madhava as they exited the tent and watched the three Jurou Biljana vessels land on the field outside of the auction tent.
"Well that one looks like it's on its last leg." Cyprian commented as he pointed at the one on the left.
"When we get the signal, you take that one and clear it out. Kagan wants the Jurou Biljana to have safe passage off Cadi and that's it. They made it here in the piece of shit, surely they can make it home again."
"Sounds good. I've got the one in the middle." Madhava nodded towards the craft made for speed.
Dagaa grinned at Madhava's feral expression. He could tell the warrior was spoiling for a fight. They were too used to combat, but none of them had seen a good battle in months.