Fierce Warrior Queen Crippled, Then Shockingly Saved By Human Slave She Hated | HFY | Sci-Fi
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[{'start': '1.120', 'end': '5.600', 'text': 'Amid the silent oceans of stars, where'}, {'start': '3.360', 'end': '8.960', 'text': 'broken empires drifted like forgotten'}, {'start': '5.600', 'end': '11.960', 'text': 'dreams, a single act of defiance would'}, {'start': '8.960', 'end': '15.920', 'text': 'ignite the dawn of a new'}, {'start': '11.960', 'end': '19.600', 'text': 'age. Orion Drax was no hero. He was a'}, {'start': '15.920', 'end': '22.480', 'text': 'slave, an engineer, a survivor, and'}, {'start': '19.600', 'end': '26.080', 'text': 'Empress Vilora. She was supposed to be'}, {'start': '22.480', 'end': '29.039', 'text': 'his executioner, not his salvation. Yet'}, {'start': '26.080', 'end': '31.519', 'text': 'fate and war had other plans. in a'}, {'start': '29.039', 'end': '34.800', 'text': 'galaxy fractured by betrayal and blood'}, {'start': '31.519', 'end': '38.800', 'text': 'trust would become the rarest weapon and'}, {'start': '34.800', 'end': '41.760', 'text': 'love the final rebellion. Fierce warrior'}, {'start': '38.800', 'end': '45.079', 'text': 'queen crippled in battle only the human'}, {'start': '41.760', 'end': '48.200', 'text': 'slave she despised fought for her'}, {'start': '45.079', 'end': '51.360', 'text': 'survival. The ambush came without'}, {'start': '48.200', 'end': '54.160', 'text': 'warning. One moment the draconian'}, {'start': '51.360', 'end': '58.239', 'text': 'flagship sovereign eclipse cut through'}, {'start': '54.160', 'end': '60.960', 'text': 'the void on a routine border patrol.'}, {'start': '58.239', 'end': '62.920', 'text': 'The next it shuddered violently as enemy'}, {'start': '60.960', 'end': '65.760', 'text': 'fire tore through its'}, {'start': '62.920', 'end': '68.720', 'text': 'hull. Empress Violora gripped the arms'}, {'start': '65.760', 'end': '70.960', 'text': 'of her command chair, her scaled skin'}, {'start': '68.720', 'end': '74.080', 'text': 'shimmering with iridescent blues and'}, {'start': '70.960', 'end': '76.159', 'text': 'purples under the emergency lights. Her'}, {'start': '74.080', 'end': '78.159', 'text': 'silver eyes narrowed as the tactical'}, {'start': '76.159', 'end': '80.240', 'text': 'display showed three unidentified'}, {'start': '78.159', 'end': '83.439', 'text': 'warships emerging from the nearby'}, {'start': '80.240', 'end': '85.680', 'text': 'nebula. Return fire target their'}, {'start': '83.439', 'end': '87.600', 'text': 'propulsion systems. She commanded her'}, {'start': '85.680', 'end': '90.000', 'text': 'voice carrying the natural resonance'}, {'start': '87.600', 'end': '92.720', 'text': 'that had rallied armies across 12 star'}, {'start': '90.000', 'end': '95.600', 'text': 'systems deep in the bowels of the ship.'}, {'start': '92.720', 'end': '98.240', 'text': "Orion Drax's hands moved with practiced"}, {'start': '95.600', 'end': '100.560', 'text': 'precision over the engine control panel.'}, {'start': '98.240', 'end': '103.280', 'text': 'The human engineer wiped sweat from his'}, {'start': '100.560', 'end': '106.720', 'text': 'brow, fighting to maintain power to the'}, {'start': '103.280', 'end': '109.680', 'text': 'weapon systems as damage reports flooded'}, {'start': '106.720', 'end': '111.680', 'text': 'his terminal. 3 years of servitude had'}, {'start': '109.680', 'end': '115.119', 'text': 'taught him the ship systems better than'}, {'start': '111.680', 'end': '118.240', 'text': 'its designers. Rerouting auxiliary'}, {'start': '115.119', 'end': '120.640', 'text': 'power, he muttered, ignoring the wounded'}, {'start': '118.240', 'end': '123.280', 'text': 'draconian technician moaning on the'}, {'start': '120.640', 'end': '124.960', 'text': 'floor beside him. The ship lurched'}, {'start': '123.280', 'end': '128.560', 'text': 'again, throwing him against the'}, {'start': '124.960', 'end': '131.160', 'text': 'bulkhead, a gash opened above his eye,'}, {'start': '128.560', 'end': '135.440', 'text': 'blood trickling down his'}, {'start': '131.160', 'end': '137.480', 'text': 'face. The intercom crackled engine room.'}, {'start': '135.440', 'end': '140.080', 'text': 'We need more power to the'}, {'start': '137.480', 'end': '142.760', 'text': 'shields. Orion Drax keyed the'}, {'start': '140.080', 'end': '145.760', 'text': 'communication panel. There is no more'}, {'start': '142.760', 'end': '148.879', 'text': 'power. The antimatter containment field'}, {'start': '145.760', 'end': '152.599', 'text': 'is already at critical levels. If we'}, {'start': '148.879', 'end': '156.000', 'text': 'divert anymore, you will do as'}, {'start': '152.599', 'end': '158.239', 'text': "commanded. Human. The officer's voice"}, {'start': '156.000', 'end': '159.720', 'text': 'cut him off by order of the queen,'}, {'start': '158.239', 'end': '163.120', 'text': 'clenching his'}, {'start': '159.720', 'end': '165.840', 'text': "jaw. Orion Drax's fingers hovered over"}, {'start': '163.120', 'end': '168.879', 'text': 'the controls. He knew what would happen,'}, {'start': '165.840', 'end': '171.160', 'text': "what had to happen. The queen's strategy"}, {'start': '168.879', 'end': '174.480', 'text': 'would destroy them'}, {'start': '171.160', 'end': '177.200', 'text': 'all. "No," he said firmly, initiating'}, {'start': '174.480', 'end': '180.280', 'text': 'emergency protocols instead, cooling the'}, {'start': '177.200', 'end': '183.599', 'text': 'reactor takes priority or we all'}, {'start': '180.280', 'end': '185.840', 'text': 'die. On the bridge, Alarm screamed as'}, {'start': '183.599', 'end': '188.159', 'text': 'another volley struck the flagship.'}, {'start': '185.840', 'end': '191.200', 'text': 'Vialora felt the deck plate beneath her'}, {'start': '188.159', 'end': '193.280', 'text': 'throne shudder ominously.'}, {'start': '191.200', 'end': '195.599', 'text': 'Your Majesty, the human slave in'}, {'start': '193.280', 'end': '198.319', 'text': 'engineering has overridden your command,'}, {'start': '195.599', 'end': '202.159', 'text': 'her first officer reported. Reptilian'}, {'start': '198.319', 'end': '204.959', 'text': 'features contorted with disgust. What?'}, {'start': '202.159', 'end': '208.879', 'text': 'Violora hissed, scales flaring with'}, {'start': '204.959', 'end': '211.840', 'text': "rage. Override him. I cannot. He's"}, {'start': '208.879', 'end': '214.480', 'text': 'locked us out of the system. Before she'}, {'start': '211.840', 'end': '216.159', 'text': 'could respond, the tactical officer'}, {'start': '214.480', 'end': '218.720', 'text': 'turned.'}, {'start': '216.159', 'end': '221.200', 'text': "Your Majesty, we're being pulled into"}, {'start': '218.720', 'end': '224.560', 'text': 'the gravitational field of the uncharted'}, {'start': '221.200', 'end': '227.680', 'text': 'planet. Without engine power, we cannot'}, {'start': '224.560', 'end': '230.680', 'text': 'break free. Violor rose to her full'}, {'start': '227.680', 'end': '234.159', 'text': 'height, nearly 7 ft of lethal grace and'}, {'start': '230.680', 'end': '235.480', 'text': 'fury. Evacuate the ship. All hands to'}, {'start': '234.159', 'end': '238.239', 'text': 'escape,'}, {'start': '235.480', 'end': '240.439', 'text': 'pods. As the bridge crew scrambled to'}, {'start': '238.239', 'end': '242.640', 'text': 'obey, she keyed her personal'}, {'start': '240.439', 'end': '244.720', 'text': 'communicator. This is your queen'}, {'start': '242.640', 'end': '247.280', 'text': 'speaking.'}, {'start': '244.720', 'end': '250.480', 'text': 'The human slave in engineering has'}, {'start': '247.280', 'end': '254.519', 'text': 'sabotaged our ship. I order any loyal'}, {'start': '250.480', 'end': '257.680', 'text': 'subject to execute him on site. In'}, {'start': '254.519', 'end': '259.880', 'text': 'engineering, Orion. Drax heard the'}, {'start': '257.680', 'end': '262.400', 'text': 'announcement with grim'}, {'start': '259.880', 'end': '265.479', 'text': 'resignation. The ship was breaking apart'}, {'start': '262.400', 'end': '268.639', 'text': 'around him. There was no time for escape'}, {'start': '265.479', 'end': '271.280', 'text': 'pods. With methodical focus, he sealed'}, {'start': '268.639', 'end': '274.960', 'text': 'the bulkheads of his section and braced'}, {'start': '271.280', 'end': '277.560', 'text': 'for atmospheric entry. The massive ship'}, {'start': '274.960', 'end': '281.919', 'text': 'screamed as it hit the upper atmosphere'}, {'start': '277.560', 'end': '284.639', 'text': 'friction, turning its hull molten. Orion'}, {'start': '281.919', 'end': '287.479', 'text': 'Drax strapped himself into an emergency'}, {'start': '284.639', 'end': '291.600', 'text': 'harness as the artificial gravity'}, {'start': '287.479', 'end': '294.400', 'text': 'failed. His last thought before impact'}, {'start': '291.600', 'end': '297.280', 'text': 'was of the irony dying to save the queen'}, {'start': '294.400', 'end': '299.919', 'text': 'who had enslaved him. The world became'}, {'start': '297.280', 'end': '302.919', 'text': 'chaos metal, tearing explosions'}, {'start': '299.919', 'end': '305.840', 'text': 'blooming, and finally darkness.'}, {'start': '302.919', 'end': '308.880', 'text': 'Consciousness returned to Orion Drax in'}, {'start': '305.840', 'end': '310.840', 'text': 'waves of pain. He blinked, finding'}, {'start': '308.880', 'end': '314.880', 'text': 'himself hanging upside down in his'}, {'start': '310.840', 'end': '317.840', 'text': 'harness. Debris scattered everywhere. A'}, {'start': '314.880', 'end': '320.440', 'text': 'fire burned somewhere nearby, filling'}, {'start': '317.840', 'end': '323.440', 'text': 'the compartment with acrid'}, {'start': '320.440', 'end': '325.919', 'text': 'smoke. With shaking hands, he released'}, {'start': '323.440', 'end': '328.400', 'text': 'the buckle and fell awkwardly to what'}, {'start': '325.919', 'end': '330.960', 'text': 'had once been the ceiling. His'}, {'start': '328.400', 'end': '334.520', 'text': 'engineering training took over. Check'}, {'start': '330.960', 'end': '337.560', 'text': 'for injuries. Cracked ribs dislocated.'}, {'start': '334.520', 'end': '339.880', 'text': 'Shoulder. Multiple lacerations.'}, {'start': '337.560', 'end': '343.280', 'text': 'Survivable. Check'}, {'start': '339.880', 'end': '346.680', 'text': 'surroundings. Ship destroyed. Reactor'}, {'start': '343.280', 'end': '349.160', 'text': 'offline, but stable. Check for'}, {'start': '346.680', 'end': '351.840', 'text': 'survivors. None visible in'}, {'start': '349.160', 'end': '353.600', 'text': 'engineering. Orion. Drax forced open the'}, {'start': '351.840', 'end': '356.639', 'text': 'warped door and stumbled through the'}, {'start': '353.600', 'end': '359.520', 'text': 'wreckage. The ship had broken into three'}, {'start': '356.639', 'end': '362.639', 'text': 'main sections across a valley of purple'}, {'start': '359.520', 'end': '364.960', 'text': 'huge vegetation. The bridge section lay'}, {'start': '362.639', 'end': '368.000', 'text': 'half a kilometer away, partially'}, {'start': '364.960', 'end': '370.560', 'text': 'embedded in a rocky outcropping. Logic'}, {'start': '368.000', 'end': '373.680', 'text': 'told him to run, to use this opportunity'}, {'start': '370.560', 'end': '376.800', 'text': 'to escape the draconians forever. Yet'}, {'start': '373.680', 'end': '379.680', 'text': 'something pulled him toward the bridge.'}, {'start': '376.800', 'end': '382.479', 'text': 'Professional curiosity perhaps, or'}, {'start': '379.680', 'end': '385.720', 'text': 'something deeper. The journey across the'}, {'start': '382.479', 'end': '388.400', 'text': 'alien landscape took nearly an stellar'}, {'start': '385.720', 'end': '391.560', 'text': 'cycle. Strange bird-like creatures'}, {'start': '388.400', 'end': '394.000', 'text': 'circled overhead, their calls echoing'}, {'start': '391.560', 'end': '396.080', 'text': 'unnaturally. The air was breathable but'}, {'start': '394.000', 'end': '398.199', 'text': 'thick with unfamiliar spores that made'}, {'start': '396.080', 'end': '401.520', 'text': 'his lungs burn when he'}, {'start': '398.199', 'end': '403.479', 'text': 'reached the shattered bridge. Most of it'}, {'start': '401.520', 'end': '406.720', 'text': 'was exposed to the'}, {'start': '403.479', 'end': '410.080', 'text': 'elements. Bodies of draconian officers'}, {'start': '406.720', 'end': '412.639', 'text': 'lay scattered and broken.'}, {'start': '410.080', 'end': '416.039', 'text': 'Orion Drax stepped carefully through the'}, {'start': '412.639', 'end': '418.960', 'text': 'wreckage, checking for survivors despite'}, {'start': '416.039', 'end': '421.479', 'text': 'himself. A weak groan drew him to a'}, {'start': '418.960', 'end': '424.479', 'text': 'collapsed section of'}, {'start': '421.479', 'end': '427.360', 'text': 'bulkhead. Beneath it, pinned and bloody,'}, {'start': '424.479', 'end': '429.280', 'text': 'lay Empress Valora herself. Her silver'}, {'start': '427.360', 'end': '431.880', 'text': 'eyes fluttered open, focusing on him'}, {'start': '429.280', 'end': '435.960', 'text': 'with immediate recognition and hatred.'}, {'start': '431.880', 'end': '440.160', 'text': '"You," she snarled, revealing sharp'}, {'start': '435.960', 'end': '443.280', 'text': 'teeth. "You did this." Orion Drax stood'}, {'start': '440.160', 'end': '445.199', 'text': 'over her, taking in her broken form. Her'}, {'start': '443.280', 'end': '448.080', 'text': 'lower body was crushed beneath twisted'}, {'start': '445.199', 'end': '452.280', 'text': 'metal, dark purple blood pooling beneath'}, {'start': '448.080', 'end': '456.960', 'text': 'her. "I saved what I could," he replied'}, {'start': '452.280', 'end': '459.680', 'text': 'simply. "Including your life, it seems."'}, {'start': '456.960', 'end': '463.840', 'text': 'Her clawed hand shot out with surprising'}, {'start': '459.680', 'end': '466.960', 'text': 'speed, grasping his ankle. "Finish it.'}, {'start': '463.840', 'end': '469.520', 'text': 'Then take your revenge, human."'}, {'start': '466.960', 'end': '472.160', 'text': 'Orion Drax looked down at her, the'}, {'start': '469.520', 'end': '474.879', 'text': 'fierce warrior queen now helpless before'}, {'start': '472.160', 'end': '478.000', 'text': 'him. In that moment, he made a decision'}, {'start': '474.879', 'end': '481.759', 'text': 'that would alter both their destinies.'}, {'start': '478.000', 'end': '484.639', 'text': '"No," he said, kneeling beside her. "I\'m'}, {'start': '481.759', 'end': '488.720', 'text': 'going to save you," Velora\'s silver,'}, {'start': '484.639', 'end': '491.160', 'text': 'eyes widened with disbelief. "Save me.'}, {'start': '488.720', 'end': '494.240', 'text': 'You would mock your queen even'}, {'start': '491.160', 'end': '497.280', 'text': 'now." Orion Drax assessed the wreckage'}, {'start': '494.240', 'end': '499.280', 'text': 'pinning her lower body.'}, {'start': '497.280', 'end': '501.680', 'text': 'The twisted metal had torn through her'}, {'start': '499.280', 'end': '504.080', 'text': 'armored flight suit, revealing scales'}, {'start': '501.680', 'end': '507.440', 'text': 'that shimmerred between deep indigo and'}, {'start': '504.080', 'end': '509.520', 'text': 'midnight black. Her royal insignia, a'}, {'start': '507.440', 'end': '512.560', 'text': 'star cluster rendered in precious'}, {'start': '509.520', 'end': '515.599', 'text': 'metals, lay shattered beside her. Not'}, {'start': '512.560', 'end': '518.399', 'text': 'mocking surviving, he began clearing'}, {'start': '515.599', 'end': '520.599', 'text': 'smaller debris. And right now that means'}, {'start': '518.399', 'end': '523.760', 'text': 'getting you out of here before'}, {'start': '520.599', 'end': '526.640', 'text': 'nightfall. The queen tried to move, then'}, {'start': '523.760', 'end': '528.480', 'text': 'hissed sharply in pain.'}, {'start': '526.640', 'end': '531.200', 'text': 'I command you to find a working'}, {'start': '528.480', 'end': '533.760', 'text': 'communicator instead.'}, {'start': '531.200', 'end': '536.560', 'text': 'My fleet will send search parties. Your'}, {'start': '533.760', 'end': '539.279', 'text': 'fleet thinks you\'re dead," Orion Drax'}, {'start': '536.560', 'end': '541.040', 'text': 'replied, his voice devoid of emotion as'}, {'start': '539.279', 'end': '542.959', 'text': 'he worked. And if there were any'}, {'start': '541.040', 'end': '546.080', 'text': 'communicators working, the emergency'}, {'start': '542.959', 'end': '548.240', 'text': 'beacon would be active. The memory of'}, {'start': '546.080', 'end': '551.360', 'text': 'their first encounter flashed unbidden'}, {'start': '548.240', 'end': '554.080', 'text': 'in his mind. Three years ago, he had'}, {'start': '551.360', 'end': '556.080', 'text': 'stood before her throne, back straight'}, {'start': '554.080', 'end': '558.800', 'text': 'despite the neural restraints digging'}, {'start': '556.080', 'end': '561.000', 'text': 'into his neck. He had been chief'}, {'start': '558.800', 'end': '564.320', 'text': 'engineer of the human resistance vessel'}, {'start': '561.000', 'end': '565.920', 'text': 'Defiance before its capture. You'}, {'start': '564.320', 'end': '568.480', 'text': 'designed the shielding array that'}, {'start': '565.920', 'end': '571.320', 'text': 'destroyed three of my battle cruisers.'}, {'start': '568.480', 'end': '573.839', 'text': 'She had stated, "Not a question, but an'}, {'start': '571.320', 'end': '576.800', 'text': 'accusation. I designed a defensive'}, {'start': '573.839', 'end': '580.480', 'text': 'system he had corrected. Your ships'}, {'start': '576.800', 'end': '583.080', 'text': 'destroyed themselves, attacking it. The'}, {'start': '580.480', 'end': '585.680', 'text': 'court had fallen silent at his'}, {'start': '583.080', 'end': '588.680', 'text': 'insulence. Violora had risen from her'}, {'start': '585.680', 'end': '591.440', 'text': 'throne, approaching with predatory'}, {'start': '588.680', 'end': '594.080', 'text': 'grace. Up close, he had been struck by'}, {'start': '591.440', 'end': '598.880', 'text': 'the intricate patterns in her scales,'}, {'start': '594.080', 'end': '602.320', 'text': 'the intelligence in those silver eyes.'}, {'start': '598.880', 'end': '605.040', 'text': 'The typical punishment is execution, she'}, {'start': '602.320', 'end': '606.760', 'text': 'had said. But wasting such technical'}, {'start': '605.040', 'end': '609.399', 'text': 'knowledge would be'}, {'start': '606.760', 'end': '612.959', 'text': 'inefficient. You will serve in my'}, {'start': '609.399', 'end': '614.760', 'text': 'flagships engineering section until your'}, {'start': '612.959', 'end': '617.200', 'text': 'usefulness'}, {'start': '614.760', 'end': '620.079', 'text': 'ends. The sound of metal groaning'}, {'start': '617.200', 'end': '621.760', 'text': 'brought Orion Drax back to the present.'}, {'start': '620.079', 'end': '624.560', 'text': 'He had managed to lift the smaller'}, {'start': '621.760', 'end': '627.519', 'text': 'debris, but a massive support beam still'}, {'start': '624.560', 'end': '630.880', 'text': "trapped the queen's lower body."}, {'start': '627.519', 'end': '633.440', 'text': 'I need leverage, he muttered, searching'}, {'start': '630.880', 'end': '636.560', 'text': 'the wreckage. He found a broken piece of'}, {'start': '633.440', 'end': '640.519', 'text': 'conduit that might serve as a makeshift'}, {'start': '636.560', 'end': '645.040', 'text': 'pry bar. Violora watched him with'}, {'start': '640.519', 'end': '647.440', 'text': 'suspicion. Why, help me. I enslaved you.'}, {'start': '645.040', 'end': '650.720', 'text': 'I threatened your execution moments'}, {'start': '647.440', 'end': '653.839', 'text': 'before the crash. Orion Drax positioned'}, {'start': '650.720', 'end': '655.600', 'text': 'the conduit under the beam. Hold still.'}, {'start': '653.839', 'end': '658.480', 'text': 'With a grunt of effort, he pushed down'}, {'start': '655.600', 'end': '661.440', 'text': 'on the improvised lever. The beam'}, {'start': '658.480', 'end': '663.440', 'text': 'shifted slightly. Violora gave a sharp'}, {'start': '661.440', 'end': '665.760', 'text': "cry of pain, but didn't otherwise"}, {'start': '663.440', 'end': '666.760', 'text': 'protest as he worked it free enough to'}, {'start': '665.760', 'end': '669.680', 'text': 'slide her'}, {'start': '666.760', 'end': '672.320', 'text': 'out. The sight of her injuries made his'}, {'start': '669.680', 'end': '675.040', 'text': 'stomach clench. Her legs lay at'}, {'start': '672.320', 'end': '677.920', 'text': 'unnatural angles, dark purple blood'}, {'start': '675.040', 'end': '680.800', 'text': 'seeping from multiple lacerations.'}, {'start': '677.920', 'end': '683.839', 'text': 'More concerning was her spine. A visible'}, {'start': '680.800', 'end': '686.959', 'text': 'dent in the scaled ridges that suggested'}, {'start': '683.839', 'end': '690.120', 'text': 'vertebral damage. "Can you feel your'}, {'start': '686.959', 'end': '693.839', 'text': 'legs?" he asked, already knowing the'}, {'start': '690.120', 'end': '697.600', 'text': 'answer. She glared at him. "Focus on'}, {'start': '693.839', 'end': '700.079', 'text': 'getting us rescued." "Human Orion Drax,"'}, {'start': '697.600', 'end': '704.399', 'text': 'he corrected absently, checking her'}, {'start': '700.079', 'end': '706.720', 'text': 'pulse points. My name is Orion Drax, not'}, {'start': '704.399', 'end': '708.959', 'text': 'human, and I am focusing on rescues'}, {'start': '706.720', 'end': '711.680', 'text': 'yours at the moment. He fashioned a'}, {'start': '708.959', 'end': '714.240', 'text': 'crude stretcher from debris and his own'}, {'start': '711.680', 'end': '719.800', 'text': 'jacket. When he moved to lift her onto'}, {'start': '714.240', 'end': '723.480', 'text': 'it, she bared her teeth. I will crawl if'}, {'start': '719.800', 'end': '725.000', 'text': "necessary. You'll bleed out if you"}, {'start': '723.480', 'end': '727.720', 'text': 'try.'}, {'start': '725.000', 'end': '730.880', 'text': 'Orion. Drax met her gaze'}, {'start': '727.720', 'end': '733.079', 'text': 'directly. Your choice, your majesty.'}, {'start': '730.880', 'end': '735.200', 'text': 'Pride or'}, {'start': '733.079', 'end': '739.040', 'text': 'survival? Something flickered in her'}, {'start': '735.200', 'end': '742.160', 'text': 'silver eyes. Rage then resignation. She'}, {'start': '739.040', 'end': '744.880', 'text': 'gave a curt nod. With careful movements,'}, {'start': '742.160', 'end': '747.519', 'text': 'he transferred her to the stretcher. She'}, {'start': '744.880', 'end': '751.040', 'text': 'was lighter than he expected. Her body'}, {'start': '747.519', 'end': '753.360', 'text': 'dense with muscle rather than bulk. He'}, {'start': '751.040', 'end': '756.240', 'text': 'tried to ignore the warmth of her scales'}, {'start': '753.360', 'end': '759.360', 'text': 'against his skin. The strangely pleasant'}, {'start': '756.240', 'end': '760.480', 'text': 'scent like amber and ozone that clung to'}, {'start': '759.360', 'end': '762.399', 'text': 'her.'}, {'start': '760.480', 'end': '765.200', 'text': 'The rest of the ship is scattered across'}, {'start': '762.399', 'end': '768.399', 'text': 'the valley, he explained, securing her'}, {'start': '765.200', 'end': '771.600', 'text': "with torn strips of fabric. I'm going to"}, {'start': '768.399', 'end': '774.320', 'text': 'look for supplies before the sun sets.'}, {'start': '771.600', 'end': '776.880', 'text': 'How do you know when the sun sets here?'}, {'start': '774.320', 'end': '779.040', 'text': 'Orion Drax nodded toward the horizon,'}, {'start': '776.880', 'end': '781.399', 'text': "where the planet's orange red sun was"}, {'start': '779.040', 'end': '783.920', 'text': 'already dipping behind distant'}, {'start': '781.399', 'end': '786.720', 'text': 'mountains. We have maybe two stellar'}, {'start': '783.920', 'end': '788.959', 'text': 'cycles. He dragged the stretcher to a'}, {'start': '786.720', 'end': '791.880', 'text': 'relatively sheltered area under an'}, {'start': '788.959', 'end': '795.839', 'text': 'outcropping of the strange purple hued'}, {'start': '791.880', 'end': '797.320', 'text': "rocks. I'll be back. Try not to attract"}, {'start': '795.839', 'end': '799.519', 'text': "anything's"}, {'start': '797.320', 'end': '802.160', 'text': 'attention. As he picked his way through'}, {'start': '799.519', 'end': '805.279', 'text': 'the wreckage field, Orion Drax'}, {'start': '802.160', 'end': '808.000', 'text': 'questioned his own decision.'}, {'start': '805.279', 'end': '811.040', 'text': 'The rational choice would be to leave'}, {'start': '808.000', 'end': '814.160', 'text': 'her take whatever supplies he could find'}, {'start': '811.040', 'end': '815.240', 'text': 'and put distance between himself and the'}, {'start': '814.160', 'end': '821.000', 'text': 'wounded'}, {'start': '815.240', 'end': '824.160', 'text': 'queen. Freedom was literally a horizon'}, {'start': '821.000', 'end': '827.440', 'text': 'away. Yet something deeper than reason'}, {'start': '824.160', 'end': '830.399', 'text': 'drove him. Perhaps it was simply his own'}, {'start': '827.440', 'end': '833.360', 'text': 'stubborn humanity refusing to abandon'}, {'start': '830.399', 'end': '835.839', 'text': 'even an enemy to a slow death. The'}, {'start': '833.360', 'end': '840.040', 'text': 'midsection of the ship had fared worst'}, {'start': '835.839', 'end': '842.959', 'text': 'in the crash, torn open like a gutted'}, {'start': '840.040', 'end': '846.120', 'text': 'fish. Still, he managed to salvage a'}, {'start': '842.959', 'end': '849.639', 'text': 'medical kit, emergency rations, a water'}, {'start': '846.120', 'end': '851.800', 'text': 'purifier, and most precious of all, a'}, {'start': '849.639', 'end': '855.240', 'text': 'portable energy'}, {'start': '851.800', 'end': '858.079', 'text': "cell. No working communicators as he'd"}, {'start': '855.240', 'end': '861.120', 'text': 'expected. The light was fading fast when'}, {'start': '858.079', 'end': '863.360', 'text': "he returned. Violora lay exactly as he'd"}, {'start': '861.120', 'end': '864.360', 'text': 'left her, though her breathing seemed'}, {'start': '863.360', 'end': '867.720', 'text': 'more'}, {'start': '864.360', 'end': '871.279', 'text': 'labored. "Your Majesty," he called'}, {'start': '867.720', 'end': '874.399', 'text': 'softly, not wanting to startle her. Her'}, {'start': '871.279', 'end': '876.040', 'text': 'eyes snapped open, pupils dilating in'}, {'start': '874.399', 'end': '879.440', 'text': 'the dim light'}, {'start': '876.040', 'end': '881.880', 'text': 'report. Despite everything, Orion Drax'}, {'start': '879.440', 'end': '885.360', 'text': 'smiled at the imperious'}, {'start': '881.880', 'end': '887.519', 'text': 'tone. "No communicators, basic supplies'}, {'start': '885.360', 'end': '888.880', 'text': 'only, we\'re on our own." He set to work'}, {'start': '887.519', 'end': '891.360', 'text': "immediately using the medkit's"}, {'start': '888.880', 'end': '894.160', 'text': 'diagnostic scanner on her injuries. The'}, {'start': '891.360', 'end': '896.480', 'text': 'results confirmed his fears. Her spine'}, {'start': '894.160', 'end': '899.160', 'text': 'was damaged at two points without proper'}, {'start': '896.480', 'end': '902.839', 'text': 'medical facilities. She might never walk'}, {'start': '899.160', 'end': '906.000', 'text': 'again. "How bad?" she asked, reading his'}, {'start': '902.839', 'end': '909.040', 'text': 'expression. "Bad enough. Your species'}, {'start': '906.000', 'end': '911.600', 'text': 'has enhanced healing compared to humans.'}, {'start': '909.040', 'end': '913.120', 'text': 'But some things are beyond simple'}, {'start': '911.600', 'end': '915.720', 'text': 'recovery."'}, {'start': '913.120', 'end': '919.480', 'text': 'He administered pain medication from the'}, {'start': '915.720', 'end': '922.480', 'text': 'kit. This should help for now. As night'}, {'start': '919.480', 'end': '925.120', 'text': 'descended, fully strange sounds emerged'}, {'start': '922.480', 'end': '928.079', 'text': 'from the alien forest, edging the crash'}, {'start': '925.120', 'end': '931.440', 'text': 'site. Howls and chittering calls that'}, {'start': '928.079', 'end': '934.320', 'text': 'raised the hair on his arms. Orion Drax'}, {'start': '931.440', 'end': '936.800', 'text': 'used debris to construct a rudimentary'}, {'start': '934.320', 'end': '939.360', 'text': 'shelter around them, then activated the'}, {'start': '936.800', 'end': '941.680', 'text': 'energy cell to power a small force'}, {'start': '939.360', 'end': '944.920', 'text': 'field. Not enough to last more than a'}, {'start': '941.680', 'end': '948.480', 'text': 'night, but sufficient protection for'}, {'start': '944.920', 'end': '950.720', 'text': 'now. In the soft blue glow of the field,'}, {'start': '948.480', 'end': '952.360', 'text': 'he finally properly cleaned and dressed'}, {'start': '950.720', 'end': '955.120', 'text': 'her'}, {'start': '952.360', 'end': '957.920', 'text': 'wounds. Violora watched him work with an'}, {'start': '955.120', 'end': '960.160', 'text': 'unreadable expression. "On my home'}, {'start': '957.920', 'end': '962.560', 'text': 'world," she said.'}, {'start': '960.160', 'end': '965.920', 'text': 'Suddenly, a warrior who cannot fight is'}, {'start': '962.560', 'end': '966.920', 'text': "considered already dead. Orirax's hands"}, {'start': '965.920', 'end': '969.120', 'text': 'paused'}, {'start': '966.920', 'end': '972.000', 'text': "momentarily. Good thing we're not on"}, {'start': '969.120', 'end': '974.720', 'text': 'your home world. My sister will claim my'}, {'start': '972.000', 'end': '977.600', 'text': 'throne when news of my disappearance'}, {'start': '974.720', 'end': '980.839', 'text': 'reaches the capital. Her voice had lost'}, {'start': '977.600', 'end': '983.320', 'text': 'its edge, becoming almost'}, {'start': '980.839', 'end': '986.240', 'text': 'contemplative.'}, {'start': '983.320', 'end': '990.000', 'text': 'Lysana has always believed humans should'}, {'start': '986.240', 'end': '993.680', 'text': 'be exterminated rather than utilized.'}, {'start': '990.000', 'end': '997.839', 'text': 'Your people will suffer under her rule.'}, {'start': '993.680', 'end': '1000.959', 'text': 'My people suffer under yours. Orion Drax'}, {'start': '997.839', 'end': '1003.120', 'text': 'replied evenly, finishing the bandaging.'}, {'start': '1000.959', 'end': '1005.920', 'text': "Violor's eyes drifted to the slave"}, {'start': '1003.120', 'end': '1009.279', 'text': 'collar still circling his neck. Its'}, {'start': '1005.920', 'end': '1011.120', 'text': 'control circuits fried in the crash. Yet'}, {'start': '1009.279', 'end': '1014.360', 'text': 'here you are, tending to your'}, {'start': '1011.120', 'end': '1016.800', 'text': "oppressor's wounds. Here I am, he"}, {'start': '1014.360', 'end': '1018.320', 'text': 'agreed, sitting back against the rock'}, {'start': '1016.800', 'end': '1021.360', 'text': 'wall.'}, {'start': '1018.320', 'end': '1023.360', 'text': "Sleep if you can. Tomorrow we'll see"}, {'start': '1021.360', 'end': '1025.600', 'text': "what kind of planet we're really dealing"}, {'start': '1023.360', 'end': '1028.799', 'text': "with. As the queen's breathing"}, {'start': '1025.600', 'end': '1031.439', 'text': 'eventually steadied in sleep, Orion Drax'}, {'start': '1028.799', 'end': '1034.160', 'text': 'stared out at the alien landscape bathed'}, {'start': '1031.439', 'end': '1036.559', 'text': 'in the light of three small moons.'}, {'start': '1034.160', 'end': '1039.520', 'text': 'Beyond their fragile shelter, something'}, {'start': '1036.559', 'end': '1041.280', 'text': 'large moved through the underbrush. He'}, {'start': '1039.520', 'end': '1043.240', 'text': 'tightened his grip on a jagged piece of'}, {'start': '1041.280', 'end': '1045.839', 'text': "metal he'd fashioned into a makeshift"}, {'start': '1043.240', 'end': '1049.760', 'text': 'weapon. Freedom had been within his'}, {'start': '1045.839', 'end': '1053.919', 'text': 'grasp. Now he was trapped again, not by'}, {'start': '1049.760', 'end': '1056.240', 'text': 'a slave collar, but by his own choice. A'}, {'start': '1053.919', 'end': '1058.760', 'text': 'decision that might get him killed or'}, {'start': '1056.240', 'end': '1061.240', 'text': 'might change'}, {'start': '1058.760', 'end': '1063.760', 'text': 'everything. Dawn broke with brutal'}, {'start': '1061.240', 'end': '1066.919', 'text': 'intensity. Twin sons cresting the'}, {'start': '1063.760', 'end': '1070.880', 'text': 'horizon and immediately baking the crash'}, {'start': '1066.919', 'end': '1074.880', 'text': 'site. Orion Drax woke drenched in sweat,'}, {'start': '1070.880', 'end': '1077.440', 'text': 'his makeshift shelter already in oven.'}, {'start': '1074.880', 'end': '1081.120', 'text': 'The temperature rose 20° in quantum'}, {'start': '1077.440', 'end': '1084.280', 'text': 'ticks, he said, checking on Valora. Her'}, {'start': '1081.120', 'end': '1087.200', 'text': 'scaled skin had taken on a dry, dull'}, {'start': '1084.280', 'end': '1089.840', 'text': "appearance. Your species doesn't handle"}, {'start': '1087.200', 'end': '1093.039', 'text': 'heat well. We thermmorreulate through'}, {'start': '1089.840', 'end': '1096.160', 'text': 'our scales, she replied, voice raspy'}, {'start': '1093.039', 'end': '1098.200', 'text': 'without sufficient moisture. Orion Drax'}, {'start': '1096.160', 'end': '1100.799', 'text': 'immediately reached for the water'}, {'start': '1098.200', 'end': '1104.160', 'text': "purifier. The ship's coolant system"}, {'start': '1100.799', 'end': '1106.960', 'text': 'might have surviving reservoirs.'}, {'start': '1104.160', 'end': '1109.360', 'text': "I'll check after you drink. He held the"}, {'start': '1106.960', 'end': '1112.320', 'text': 'container to her lips, struck by the'}, {'start': '1109.360', 'end': '1114.960', 'text': 'strange intimacy of the gesture. Violora'}, {'start': '1112.320', 'end': '1118.160', 'text': 'seemed to feel it, too, her silver eyes'}, {'start': '1114.960', 'end': '1120.559', 'text': 'watching him intently as she drank. The'}, {'start': '1118.160', 'end': '1122.840', 'text': 'valley transformed under the harsh'}, {'start': '1120.559', 'end': '1125.480', 'text': 'orbital rotation'}, {'start': '1122.840', 'end': '1127.840', 'text': 'light. What had seemed like purple'}, {'start': '1125.480', 'end': '1130.000', 'text': 'vegetation now revealed itself as'}, {'start': '1127.840', 'end': '1132.679', 'text': 'crystallin growths that fractured'}, {'start': '1130.000', 'end': '1136.160', 'text': 'sunlight into prismatic patterns.'}, {'start': '1132.679', 'end': '1137.799', 'text': 'Beautiful, but offering no shelter. "I'}, {'start': '1136.160', 'end': '1141.440', 'text': 'need to build something better than'}, {'start': '1137.799', 'end': '1144.320', 'text': 'this," Orion Drax said, surveying their'}, {'start': '1141.440', 'end': '1147.840', 'text': 'meager camp. "The temperature swings'}, {'start': '1144.320', 'end': '1150.480', 'text': 'could kill us both." Violora watched him'}, {'start': '1147.840', 'end': '1153.280', 'text': 'gather materials from the wreckage. "In'}, {'start': '1150.480', 'end': '1155.440', 'text': '3 years of service, you never spoke this'}, {'start': '1153.280', 'end': '1157.720', 'text': 'much."'}, {'start': '1155.440', 'end': '1160.720', 'text': 'In 3 years of service, you never'}, {'start': '1157.720', 'end': '1163.360', 'text': 'listened," he countered, dragging a'}, {'start': '1160.720', 'end': '1167.120', 'text': 'large section of hull plating back to'}, {'start': '1163.360', 'end': '1169.760', 'text': 'camp. By mid-orbital rotation, Orion'}, {'start': '1167.120', 'end': '1172.799', 'text': 'Drax had constructed a more substantial'}, {'start': '1169.760', 'end': '1177.200', 'text': 'shelter, angling reflective panels to'}, {'start': '1172.799', 'end': '1179.600', 'text': 'deflect the worst of the heat. Inside,'}, {'start': '1177.200', 'end': '1182.480', 'text': 'he created a space just large enough for'}, {'start': '1179.600', 'end': '1184.559', 'text': "two, with Valora's makeshift bed,"}, {'start': '1182.480', 'end': '1186.200', 'text': 'elevated to prevent ground predators'}, {'start': '1184.559', 'end': '1190.200', 'text': 'from reaching her'}, {'start': '1186.200', 'end': '1193.200', 'text': 'easily. The first predator arrived at'}, {'start': '1190.200', 'end': '1196.080', 'text': 'dusk. Orion Drax had been collecting'}, {'start': '1193.200', 'end': '1198.400', 'text': 'liquid from condensation traps when he'}, {'start': '1196.080', 'end': '1201.360', 'text': 'heard the low vibrating growl. The'}, {'start': '1198.400', 'end': '1204.160', 'text': 'creature resembled a massive feline, but'}, {'start': '1201.360', 'end': '1207.200', 'text': 'with six limbs and translucent skin that'}, {'start': '1204.160', 'end': '1210.400', 'text': 'revealed pulsing organs beneath. Its'}, {'start': '1207.200', 'end': '1214.080', 'text': 'jaws could easily engulf his head. He'}, {'start': '1210.400', 'end': '1218.200', 'text': 'backed slowly toward camp. The predator,'}, {'start': '1214.080', 'end': '1222.080', 'text': 'stalking each step 20 m from safety. It'}, {'start': '1218.200', 'end': '1223.840', 'text': 'charged. Orion Drax sprinted, diving'}, {'start': '1222.080', 'end': '1225.760', 'text': 'through the shelter entrance as the'}, {'start': '1223.840', 'end': '1227.760', 'text': 'creature slammed against the hull'}, {'start': '1225.760', 'end': '1231.200', 'text': 'plating.'}, {'start': '1227.760', 'end': '1233.799', 'text': "The impact sent Violor's bed sliding,"}, {'start': '1231.200', 'end': '1237.039', 'text': 'and she gave a rare cry of'}, {'start': '1233.799', 'end': '1239.280', 'text': 'pain. "We need weapons," she hissed'}, {'start': '1237.039', 'end': '1242.640', 'text': 'through clenched teeth as the Predator'}, {'start': '1239.280', 'end': '1245.200', 'text': 'circled their shelter. Already on it,'}, {'start': '1242.640', 'end': '1248.000', 'text': 'Orion Drax pulled out a crude spear'}, {'start': '1245.200', 'end': '1249.679', 'text': 'fashioned from ship components. I'}, {'start': '1248.000', 'end': '1252.159', 'text': "salvaged some of the ship's electrical"}, {'start': '1249.679', 'end': '1253.919', 'text': 'systems, too. Working quickly, he'}, {'start': '1252.159', 'end': '1256.440', 'text': 'connected the spear tip to their power'}, {'start': '1253.919', 'end': '1259.039', 'text': 'cell, creating a makeshift electrical'}, {'start': '1256.440', 'end': '1262.080', 'text': 'weapon. When the Predator thrust its'}, {'start': '1259.039', 'end': '1264.720', 'text': 'head through the entrance, Orion Drax'}, {'start': '1262.080', 'end': '1268.440', 'text': 'drove the electrified spear into its'}, {'start': '1264.720', 'end': '1272.080', 'text': "shoulder. The creature's shriek was"}, {'start': '1268.440', 'end': '1273.640', 'text': 'deafening. It retreated, leaving them in'}, {'start': '1272.080', 'end': '1277.200', 'text': 'momentary'}, {'start': '1273.640', 'end': '1279.120', 'text': 'peace. In the quiet aftermath, Valora'}, {'start': '1277.200', 'end': '1281.960', 'text': 'studied him.'}, {'start': '1279.120', 'end': '1284.720', 'text': "You've survived hostile environments"}, {'start': '1281.960', 'end': '1286.679', 'text': 'before. The mining colonies where I grew'}, {'start': '1284.720', 'end': '1289.679', 'text': "up weren't exactly"}, {'start': '1286.679', 'end': '1291.360', 'text': 'paradise, Orion Drax replied, checking'}, {'start': '1289.679', 'end': '1294.360', 'text': 'his trap configuration. And the'}, {'start': '1291.360', 'end': '1296.520', 'text': 'resistance taught survival'}, {'start': '1294.360', 'end': '1299.520', 'text': 'skills. The'}, {'start': '1296.520', 'end': '1302.799', 'text': 'resistance. She repeated, "Your designs'}, {'start': '1299.520', 'end': '1306.240', 'text': 'killed thousands of my people. Your'}, {'start': '1302.799', 'end': '1309.440', 'text': 'invasion killed millions of mine." He'}, {'start': '1306.240', 'end': '1311.919', 'text': 'shot back, including my family. An'}, {'start': '1309.440', 'end': '1315.120', 'text': 'uncomfortable silence fell between them'}, {'start': '1311.919', 'end': '1318.000', 'text': 'as night deepened. The temperature'}, {'start': '1315.120', 'end': '1320.120', 'text': 'plummeted their breath, forming clouds'}, {'start': '1318.000', 'end': '1323.919', 'text': 'in the suddenly frigid'}, {'start': '1320.120', 'end': '1325.720', 'text': 'air. "We should conserve body heat,"'}, {'start': '1323.919', 'end': '1328.080', 'text': 'Orion Drax said'}, {'start': '1325.720', 'end': '1330.559', 'text': "pragmatically. Veora's expression"}, {'start': '1328.080', 'end': '1333.120', 'text': 'remained unreadable, but she shifted'}, {'start': '1330.559', 'end': '1337.280', 'text': 'slightly on her bed.'}, {'start': '1333.120', 'end': '1340.080', 'text': 'if we must. Orion Drax hesitated, then'}, {'start': '1337.280', 'end': '1343.440', 'text': 'lay beside her, careful not to disturb'}, {'start': '1340.080', 'end': '1347.760', 'text': 'her injuries. The warmth of her scales'}, {'start': '1343.440', 'end': '1350.960', 'text': 'surprised him. A dry heat like sunbaked'}, {'start': '1347.760', 'end': '1353.200', 'text': 'stones. Your heart beats quickly. She'}, {'start': '1350.960', 'end': '1356.559', 'text': "observed her voice softer than he'd ever"}, {'start': '1353.200', 'end': '1358.880', 'text': 'heard it. Survival instinct, he'}, {'start': '1356.559', 'end': '1361.840', 'text': 'murmured, hyper aare of every point'}, {'start': '1358.880', 'end': '1364.600', 'text': 'where their bodies touched. Outside'}, {'start': '1361.840', 'end': '1367.120', 'text': 'something large moved in the'}, {'start': '1364.600', 'end': '1369.919', 'text': 'darkness. Inside a different kind of'}, {'start': '1367.120', 'end': '1373.039', 'text': 'tension built between predator and prey,'}, {'start': '1369.919', 'end': '1374.760', 'text': 'though which was which had suddenly'}, {'start': '1373.039', 'end': '1377.919', 'text': 'become less'}, {'start': '1374.760', 'end': '1381.039', 'text': 'clear. A solar revolution passed in the'}, {'start': '1377.919', 'end': '1384.000', 'text': 'grueling rhythm of survival. Orion Dra'}, {'start': '1381.039', 'end': '1386.480', 'text': 'spent his orbital rotations scavenging,'}, {'start': '1384.000', 'end': '1389.360', 'text': 'improving their shelter, and setting up'}, {'start': '1386.480', 'end': '1391.520', 'text': 'defensive perimeters.'}, {'start': '1389.360', 'end': '1394.080', 'text': 'Nights were occupied by necessary'}, {'start': '1391.520', 'end': '1395.080', 'text': 'closeness as the temperature dropped to'}, {'start': '1394.080', 'end': '1397.919', 'text': 'near'}, {'start': '1395.080', 'end': '1400.960', 'text': 'freezing. "I need to check the bridge'}, {'start': '1397.919', 'end': '1404.159', 'text': 'section again," Orion Drax said,'}, {'start': '1400.960', 'end': '1406.200', 'text': 'adjusting Veora\'s position. "Her wound'}, {'start': '1404.159', 'end': '1408.880', 'text': 'dressings needed changing less'}, {'start': '1406.200', 'end': '1412.000', 'text': 'frequently. Now her species remarkable'}, {'start': '1408.880', 'end': '1414.960', 'text': 'healing evident despite the severity of'}, {'start': '1412.000', 'end': '1416.280', 'text': 'her injuries. If any communication'}, {'start': '1414.960', 'end': '1420.080', 'text': 'equipment'}, {'start': '1416.280', 'end': '1422.960', 'text': 'survived, it would be there. "Take my'}, {'start': '1420.080', 'end': '1425.520', 'text': 'sidearm," she said, gesturing to the'}, {'start': '1422.960', 'end': '1427.240', 'text': "stellar conduit blaster he'd recovered,"}, {'start': '1425.520', 'end': '1430.360', 'text': 'but left'}, {'start': '1427.240', 'end': '1433.440', 'text': 'untouched. "It has three charges'}, {'start': '1430.360', 'end': '1435.919', 'text': 'remaining." Orion Drax hesitated.'}, {'start': '1433.440', 'end': '1440.159', 'text': '"You\'re giving me a weapon. I\'m'}, {'start': '1435.919', 'end': '1441.840', 'text': 'prioritizing our survival," she replied.'}, {'start': '1440.159', 'end': '1444.440', 'text': 'though something in her expression had'}, {'start': '1441.840', 'end': '1447.120', 'text': 'softened over the orbital'}, {'start': '1444.440', 'end': '1450.000', 'text': "rotations. Besides, you've had numerous"}, {'start': '1447.120', 'end': '1451.840', 'text': 'opportunities to kill me. The crashed'}, {'start': '1450.000', 'end': '1455.200', 'text': 'bridge section looked different in'}, {'start': '1451.840', 'end': '1456.600', 'text': 'orbital rotation, light less imposing'}, {'start': '1455.200', 'end': '1459.200', 'text': 'and more'}, {'start': '1456.600', 'end': '1461.360', 'text': 'forlorn. Orion Drax picked through the'}, {'start': '1459.200', 'end': '1463.240', 'text': 'wreckage, methodically searching for'}, {'start': '1461.360', 'end': '1465.440', 'text': 'anything'}, {'start': '1463.240', 'end': '1467.840', 'text': 'salvageable. In what remained of the'}, {'start': '1465.440', 'end': '1470.480', 'text': 'command console, he found a partial'}, {'start': '1467.840', 'end': '1472.880', 'text': 'communications array. Not enough to send'}, {'start': '1470.480', 'end': '1475.039', 'text': 'a distress signal to the Empire, but'}, {'start': '1472.880', 'end': '1477.880', 'text': 'perhaps sufficient to create a planetary'}, {'start': '1475.039', 'end': '1480.600', 'text': 'beacon if he could boost the'}, {'start': '1477.880', 'end': '1483.440', 'text': 'signal. As he disconnected the'}, {'start': '1480.600', 'end': '1486.279', 'text': 'components, something caught his eye. A'}, {'start': '1483.440', 'end': '1489.600', 'text': 'data crystal embedded in the security'}, {'start': '1486.279', 'end': '1492.360', 'text': 'panel. Curious, he extracted it and'}, {'start': '1489.600', 'end': '1496.080', 'text': 'slipped it into his pocket for later'}, {'start': '1492.360', 'end': '1498.880', 'text': 'examination. The journey back was tense.'}, {'start': '1496.080', 'end': '1502.480', 'text': 'He sensed eyes watching him, though the'}, {'start': '1498.880', 'end': '1504.880', 'text': 'crystallin forest remained eerily still.'}, {'start': '1502.480', 'end': '1507.760', 'text': 'He arrived at their shelter just as'}, {'start': '1504.880', 'end': '1510.720', 'text': 'darkness fell. The protective measures'}, {'start': '1507.760', 'end': '1513.600', 'text': "he'd established, keeping predators at"}, {'start': '1510.720', 'end': '1516.480', 'text': 'bay. Veora looked up as he entered her'}, {'start': '1513.600', 'end': '1520.559', 'text': 'expression unguarded. For once you'}, {'start': '1516.480', 'end': '1522.080', 'text': 'returned, I said, I would. He presented'}, {'start': '1520.559', 'end': '1523.840', 'text': 'his findings, explaining the'}, {'start': '1522.080', 'end': '1526.640', 'text': 'communication possibilities while'}, {'start': '1523.840', 'end': '1529.120', 'text': 'omitting mention of the data. Crystal.'}, {'start': '1526.640', 'end': '1532.480', 'text': 'That night, as they huddled together'}, {'start': '1529.120', 'end': '1535.919', 'text': 'against the cold, Valora spoke about her'}, {'start': '1532.480', 'end': '1539.120', 'text': 'home world, a planet of vast oceans and'}, {'start': '1535.919', 'end': '1540.600', 'text': 'floating cities. For the first time, she'}, {'start': '1539.120', 'end': '1544.159', 'text': 'asked about his'}, {'start': '1540.600', 'end': '1547.279', 'text': 'Earth. Was beautiful once he told her,'}, {'start': '1544.159', 'end': '1550.159', 'text': '"Before the invasions, we had forests,'}, {'start': '1547.279', 'end': '1553.039', 'text': 'real ones, with trees and animals,'}, {'start': '1550.159', 'end': '1555.559', 'text': 'cities that stretched to the horizon.'}, {'start': '1553.039', 'end': '1557.400', 'text': 'You speak as though all humans lived in'}, {'start': '1555.559', 'end': '1561.440', 'text': 'harmony, she'}, {'start': '1557.400', 'end': '1563.200', 'text': 'observed. Orion Drax laughed softly.'}, {'start': '1561.440', 'end': '1566.240', 'text': 'Hardly we fought each other constantly'}, {'start': '1563.200', 'end': '1568.120', 'text': 'over resources, ideology, territory, but'}, {'start': '1566.240', 'end': '1570.320', 'text': 'it was our fight to'}, {'start': '1568.120', 'end': '1573.799', 'text': 'have. Is that why you became a'}, {'start': '1570.320', 'end': '1577.559', 'text': 'resistance engineer for freedom, for'}, {'start': '1573.799', 'end': '1580.320', 'text': 'survival? At first he admitted then for'}, {'start': '1577.559', 'end': '1583.360', 'text': 'justice. Their conversation lulled into'}, {'start': '1580.320', 'end': '1585.679', 'text': 'comfortable silence. Orion Drax became'}, {'start': '1583.360', 'end': '1587.760', 'text': 'acutely aware of her scales against his'}, {'start': '1585.679', 'end': '1591.120', 'text': 'skin, smoother than they appeared,'}, {'start': '1587.760', 'end': '1595.799', 'text': 'radiating pleasant warmth. "What happens'}, {'start': '1591.120', 'end': '1598.320', 'text': 'if we\'re never rescued?" she asked'}, {'start': '1595.799', 'end': '1601.279', 'text': 'suddenly. Before he could answer,'}, {'start': '1598.320', 'end': '1604.720', 'text': 'something large struck their shelter,'}, {'start': '1601.279', 'end': '1607.440', 'text': 'rocking it violently. Orion Drax grabbed'}, {'start': '1604.720', 'end': '1610.480', 'text': 'the stellar conduit blaster as a section'}, {'start': '1607.440', 'end': '1612.799', 'text': 'of hull plating gave way. The creature'}, {'start': '1610.480', 'end': '1615.760', 'text': 'that burst through was smaller than'}, {'start': '1612.799', 'end': '1619.559', 'text': 'their previous visitor, but more agile'}, {'start': '1615.760', 'end': '1623.679', 'text': 'with razorlike appendages and multiple'}, {'start': '1619.559', 'end': '1626.679', 'text': 'eyes. It lunged directly for Veora,'}, {'start': '1623.679', 'end': '1629.520', 'text': 'sensing the wounded prey. Without'}, {'start': '1626.679', 'end': '1632.280', 'text': 'hesitation, Orion Drax threw himself'}, {'start': '1629.520', 'end': '1633.760', 'text': 'between them, firing the pistol.'}, {'start': '1632.280', 'end': '1636.480', 'text': '[Music]'}, {'start': '1633.760', 'end': '1639.679', 'text': 'The creature reeled back, wounded, but'}, {'start': '1636.480', 'end': '1640.600', 'text': 'not defeated. It circled, preparing'}, {'start': '1639.679', 'end': '1644.320', 'text': 'another'}, {'start': '1640.600', 'end': '1647.159', 'text': 'attack. "Get behind me," Orion Drax'}, {'start': '1644.320', 'end': '1650.480', 'text': 'ordered, abandoning all'}, {'start': '1647.159', 'end': '1652.720', 'text': 'protocol. To his surprise, Valora'}, {'start': '1650.480', 'end': '1655.120', 'text': 'dragged herself into position, pressing'}, {'start': '1652.720', 'end': '1656.200', 'text': 'her back against his left side, she'}, {'start': '1655.120', 'end': '1658.559', 'text': 'warned'}, {'start': '1656.200', 'end': '1660.799', 'text': 'sharply. Working in unexpected'}, {'start': '1658.559', 'end': '1662.320', 'text': "synchrony, they tracked the creature's"}, {'start': '1660.799', 'end': '1665.919', 'text': 'movements.'}, {'start': '1662.320', 'end': '1668.480', 'text': 'When it attacked again, Orion Drax fired'}, {'start': '1665.919', 'end': '1669.960', 'text': "his second shot, guided by Valora's"}, {'start': '1668.480', 'end': '1672.640', 'text': 'tactical'}, {'start': '1669.960', 'end': '1675.279', 'text': 'instinct. The creature collapsed, its'}, {'start': '1672.640', 'end': '1678.399', 'text': 'strange phosphorescent blood pooling'}, {'start': '1675.279', 'end': '1679.559', 'text': 'beneath it. In the aftermath, still'}, {'start': '1678.399', 'end': '1683.440', 'text': 'pressed'}, {'start': '1679.559', 'end': '1686.799', 'text': "together. Orion Drax felt Valora's hand"}, {'start': '1683.440', 'end': '1688.640', 'text': 'close around his wrist. "Why did you do'}, {'start': '1686.799', 'end': '1690.159', 'text': 'that?" she asked, her voice barely'}, {'start': '1688.640', 'end': '1693.720', 'text': 'audible.'}, {'start': '1690.159', 'end': '1696.880', 'text': "I don't know, he answered honestly."}, {'start': '1693.720', 'end': '1698.960', 'text': 'Later, while Valora slept, Orion Drax'}, {'start': '1696.880', 'end': '1701.640', 'text': 'examined the data crystal. What he'}, {'start': '1698.960', 'end': '1704.640', 'text': 'discovered sent ice through his'}, {'start': '1701.640', 'end': '1706.320', 'text': "veins. The ship's final sensor logs"}, {'start': '1704.640', 'end': '1709.799', 'text': 'showed their attackers had used'}, {'start': '1706.320', 'end': '1712.240', 'text': 'draconian security codes to approach'}, {'start': '1709.799', 'end': '1714.080', 'text': "undetected. The ambush hadn't been a"}, {'start': '1712.240', 'end': '1716.399', 'text': 'random attack. It had been an'}, {'start': '1714.080', 'end': '1718.880', 'text': 'assassination attempt from within the'}, {'start': '1716.399', 'end': '1720.760', 'text': 'Empire itself.'}, {'start': '1718.880', 'end': '1724.559', 'text': 'It was'}, {'start': '1720.760', 'end': '1727.520', 'text': 'Lysana Vialora said flatly when Orion'}, {'start': '1724.559', 'end': '1730.919', 'text': 'Drax revealed his discovery. Her silver'}, {'start': '1727.520', 'end': '1734.760', 'text': 'eyes had gone cold reflecting'}, {'start': '1730.919', 'end': '1737.799', 'text': "nothing. My own sister. You don't seem"}, {'start': '1734.760', 'end': '1740.679', 'text': 'surprised. Orion Drax noted watching her'}, {'start': '1737.799', 'end': '1744.240', 'text': 'closely. Surprised?'}, {'start': '1740.679', 'end': '1746.480', 'text': 'No. Disappointed that she finally acted.'}, {'start': '1744.240', 'end': '1748.640', 'text': "Perhaps Valora's claws dug into the"}, {'start': '1746.480', 'end': '1750.919', 'text': 'bedding beneath her.'}, {'start': '1748.640', 'end': '1753.559', 'text': 'Power transitions in the Draconian'}, {'start': '1750.919', 'end': '1756.600', 'text': 'Empire are rarely'}, {'start': '1753.559', 'end': '1759.279', 'text': 'peaceful. Rain pounded against their'}, {'start': '1756.600', 'end': '1762.320', 'text': "shelter. The first precipitation they'd"}, {'start': '1759.279', 'end': '1764.480', 'text': 'encountered on this strange planet. What'}, {'start': '1762.320', 'end': '1766.720', 'text': 'had begun as a light shower quickly'}, {'start': '1764.480', 'end': '1770.159', 'text': 'intensified into a deluge that'}, {'start': '1766.720', 'end': '1773.679', 'text': 'threatened to flood their camp. "We need'}, {'start': '1770.159', 'end': '1776.640', 'text': 'higher ground," Orion, Drax said,'}, {'start': '1773.679', 'end': '1781.200', 'text': 'already gathering their meager supplies.'}, {'start': '1776.640', 'end': '1783.120', 'text': "Can you? I can't walk. She snapped."}, {'start': '1781.200', 'end': '1784.440', 'text': 'Frustration evident in the way her'}, {'start': '1783.120', 'end': '1789.200', 'text': 'scales'}, {'start': '1784.440', 'end': '1792.120', 'text': "darkened. I'm useless to you. Orion."}, {'start': '1789.200', 'end': '1794.559', 'text': "Drax knelt beside her. You're not"}, {'start': '1792.120', 'end': '1797.360', 'text': 'useless. Your knowledge kept us alive'}, {'start': '1794.559', 'end': '1798.960', 'text': 'this long with careful movements. He'}, {'start': '1797.360', 'end': '1801.760', 'text': 'lifted her one arm beneath her'}, {'start': '1798.960', 'end': '1804.960', 'text': 'shoulders, the other under her knees.'}, {'start': '1801.760', 'end': '1808.240', 'text': 'Hold on to me. Their eyes met mere'}, {'start': '1804.960', 'end': '1810.480', 'text': 'inches apart. Something unspoken passed'}, {'start': '1808.240', 'end': '1813.000', 'text': 'between them, a current stronger than'}, {'start': '1810.480', 'end': '1815.679', 'text': 'the rising waters'}, {'start': '1813.000', 'end': '1818.799', 'text': 'outside. Violora wrapped her arms around'}, {'start': '1815.679', 'end': '1821.120', 'text': 'his neck, her strength still impressive,'}, {'start': '1818.799', 'end': '1822.360', 'text': "despite her injuries. Don't drop your"}, {'start': '1821.120', 'end': '1826.399', 'text': 'queen'}, {'start': '1822.360', 'end': '1830.799', 'text': "human. Wouldn't dream of it, he replied."}, {'start': '1826.399', 'end': '1833.960', 'text': 'The ghost of a smile crossing his face.'}, {'start': '1830.799', 'end': '1836.720', 'text': 'The journey to higher ground was'}, {'start': '1833.960', 'end': '1839.640', 'text': 'arduous. The rain made every surface'}, {'start': '1836.720', 'end': '1842.320', 'text': 'treacherous, and twice they nearly'}, {'start': '1839.640', 'end': '1845.200', 'text': 'fell. By the time they reached a rocky'}, {'start': '1842.320', 'end': '1848.240', 'text': 'outcropping with a shallow cave, both'}, {'start': '1845.200', 'end': '1850.880', 'text': 'were exhausted. The cave barely'}, {'start': '1848.240', 'end': '1853.159', 'text': 'accommodated them, forcing a proximity'}, {'start': '1850.880', 'end': '1856.320', 'text': "that couldn't be"}, {'start': '1853.159', 'end': '1859.000', 'text': 'avoided. Their bodies pressed together,'}, {'start': '1856.320', 'end': '1862.039', 'text': "Orion Drax's back against"}, {'start': '1859.000', 'end': '1864.880', 'text': 'stone. Violora partially across his'}, {'start': '1862.039', 'end': '1867.360', 'text': 'chest. Violora was quiet so long he'}, {'start': '1864.880', 'end': '1869.919', 'text': 'thought she might not answer. She was'}, {'start': '1867.360', 'end': '1873.720', 'text': 'always the perfect draconian, she'}, {'start': '1869.919', 'end': '1876.880', 'text': 'finally said. Unflinching, merciless,'}, {'start': '1873.720', 'end': '1878.960', 'text': 'efficient. I was different. Different'}, {'start': '1876.880', 'end': '1881.480', 'text': 'how I questioned. I wondered if'}, {'start': '1878.960', 'end': '1884.720', 'text': 'domination was truly the only path to'}, {'start': '1881.480', 'end': '1886.559', 'text': 'security. Her voice lowered. I reduced'}, {'start': '1884.720', 'end': '1889.120', 'text': 'the execution rate of captured'}, {'start': '1886.559', 'end': '1890.600', 'text': 'resistance fighters by 60 during my'}, {'start': '1889.120', 'end': '1894.320', 'text': 'reign.'}, {'start': '1890.600', 'end': '1896.880', 'text': 'A Orion Drax absorbed this revelation.'}, {'start': '1894.320', 'end': '1898.799', 'text': 'Is that why I was spared? Perhaps her'}, {'start': '1896.880', 'end': '1901.440', 'text': 'claws traced unconscious patterns'}, {'start': '1898.799', 'end': '1904.399', 'text': 'against his chest. Or perhaps I saw'}, {'start': '1901.440', 'end': '1905.320', 'text': 'something in you. That orbital rotation,'}, {'start': '1904.399', 'end': '1907.640', 'text': 'a'}, {'start': '1905.320', 'end': '1910.080', 'text': 'reflection. The rain'}, {'start': '1907.640', 'end': '1913.200', 'text': 'intensified, drumming against the rocks'}, {'start': '1910.080', 'end': '1916.480', 'text': 'outside their small sanctuary. Water'}, {'start': '1913.200', 'end': '1918.799', 'text': 'seeped in, soaking them further. "What'}, {'start': '1916.480', 'end': '1921.200', 'text': 'will you do if we return?" Orion Drax'}, {'start': '1918.799', 'end': '1925.039', 'text': 'asked when he corrected himself. Reclaim'}, {'start': '1921.200', 'end': '1927.640', 'text': 'my throne. Execute Vexora for treason.'}, {'start': '1925.039', 'end': '1931.600', 'text': 'Her answer came without'}, {'start': '1927.640', 'end': '1934.720', 'text': 'hesitation. And the humans, the slaves,'}, {'start': '1931.600', 'end': '1937.679', 'text': "Veyora's eyes found his in the dimness."}, {'start': '1934.720', 'end': '1939.799', 'text': 'What would you have me do? The question'}, {'start': '1937.679', 'end': '1942.320', 'text': 'hung between them waited with'}, {'start': '1939.799', 'end': '1944.799', 'text': 'possibilities. Before he could answer,'}, {'start': '1942.320', 'end': '1947.840', 'text': 'thunder cracked directly overhead,'}, {'start': '1944.799', 'end': '1950.600', 'text': 'making the ground beneath them tremble.'}, {'start': '1947.840', 'end': '1954.000', 'text': "I never thought I'd die like this, she"}, {'start': '1950.600', 'end': '1956.679', 'text': 'whispered. Broken, dependent. Orion'}, {'start': '1954.000', 'end': '1960.679', 'text': "Drax's arm tightened around her"}, {'start': '1956.679', 'end': '1963.919', 'text': "reflexively. You're not dying in my"}, {'start': '1960.679', 'end': '1967.159', 'text': 'culture. This, she gestured to her'}, {'start': '1963.919', 'end': '1970.960', 'text': 'useless legs is worse than'}, {'start': '1967.159', 'end': '1974.720', 'text': 'death. A warrior should fall in battle,'}, {'start': '1970.960', 'end': '1977.519', 'text': 'not linger in halflife. In my culture,'}, {'start': '1974.720', 'end': '1979.399', 'text': 'Orion Drax countered, "We believe in'}, {'start': '1977.519', 'end': '1981.200', 'text': 'second chances, in'}, {'start': '1979.399', 'end': '1984.080', 'text': 'transformation. Their faces were'}, {'start': '1981.200', 'end': '1987.279', 'text': 'perilously close now, breath mingling in'}, {'start': '1984.080', 'end': '1989.440', 'text': "the cool, damp air. Valora's scales had"}, {'start': '1987.279', 'end': '1991.840', 'text': 'taken on a luminescent quality in the'}, {'start': '1989.440', 'end': '1993.159', 'text': 'darkness, highlighting the elegant sweep'}, {'start': '1991.840', 'end': '1995.159', 'text': 'of her'}, {'start': '1993.159', 'end': '1997.519', 'text': 'features.'}, {'start': '1995.159', 'end': '2000.559', 'text': 'Transformation." She repeated the word'}, {'start': '1997.519', 'end': '2002.960', 'text': 'barely audible over the storm. Her hand'}, {'start': '2000.559', 'end': '2005.720', 'text': 'moved to his face, tracing the line of'}, {'start': '2002.960', 'end': '2008.240', 'text': 'his jaw with surprising'}, {'start': '2005.720', 'end': '2011.200', 'text': 'gentleness. Orion Drax remained'}, {'start': '2008.240', 'end': '2012.200', 'text': 'perfectly still, caught between instinct'}, {'start': '2011.200', 'end': '2016.120', 'text': 'and'}, {'start': '2012.200', 'end': '2020.480', 'text': 'reason. You have been many things to'}, {'start': '2016.120', 'end': '2022.480', 'text': 'me. Orion Drax, she said, his name'}, {'start': '2020.480', 'end': '2026.000', 'text': 'sounding strange and intimate on her'}, {'start': '2022.480', 'end': '2029.039', 'text': 'tongue. Prisoner, servant, savior. And'}, {'start': '2026.000', 'end': '2030.559', 'text': 'now he asked, voice rough. Instead of'}, {'start': '2029.039', 'end': '2033.440', 'text': 'answering, she closed the distance'}, {'start': '2030.559', 'end': '2036.279', 'text': 'between them. Her lips were warmer than'}, {'start': '2033.440', 'end': '2039.519', 'text': 'he expected,'}, {'start': '2036.279', 'end': '2041.679', 'text': 'softer, the brief contact, sending'}, {'start': '2039.519', 'end': '2044.360', 'text': 'electricity through his body that had'}, {'start': '2041.679', 'end': '2046.960', 'text': 'nothing to do with species'}, {'start': '2044.360', 'end': '2049.599', 'text': 'differences. When she pulled back, the'}, {'start': '2046.960', 'end': '2052.800', 'text': 'look in her silver eyes held both wonder'}, {'start': '2049.599', 'end': '2056.000', 'text': 'and terror at her own action. Outside'}, {'start': '2052.800', 'end': '2059.040', 'text': 'the storm continued unabated, matching'}, {'start': '2056.000', 'end': '2061.359', 'text': 'the tempest suddenly raging in Orion'}, {'start': '2059.040', 'end': '2064.320', 'text': "Drax's heart. Morning revealed a"}, {'start': '2061.359', 'end': '2066.639', 'text': 'transformed landscape. The crystalline'}, {'start': '2064.320', 'end': '2068.560', 'text': 'forest glittered with raindrops and new'}, {'start': '2066.639', 'end': '2071.679', 'text': 'growth had already emerged from the'}, {'start': '2068.560', 'end': '2075.520', 'text': 'suddenly fertile ground.'}, {'start': '2071.679', 'end': '2078.000', 'text': 'Orion Drax ventured from their cave to'}, {'start': '2075.520', 'end': '2080.520', 'text': 'survey the area, grateful for the'}, {'start': '2078.000', 'end': '2084.240', 'text': 'distraction from the lingering memory of'}, {'start': '2080.520', 'end': '2087.040', 'text': "Veora's kiss. Near the cave entrance, he"}, {'start': '2084.240', 'end': '2090.159', 'text': 'discovered a cluster of unusual plants'}, {'start': '2087.040', 'end': '2092.399', 'text': 'with translucent blue leaves. They'}, {'start': '2090.159', 'end': '2093.560', 'text': 'reminded him of medicinal flora from'}, {'start': '2092.399', 'end': '2096.079', 'text': "Earth's"}, {'start': '2093.560', 'end': '2097.320', 'text': 'rainforests. On impulse, he collected'}, {'start': '2096.079', 'end': '2100.880', 'text': 'several'}, {'start': '2097.320', 'end': '2104.480', 'text': 'samples. "What are those?" Veora asked'}, {'start': '2100.880', 'end': '2106.960', 'text': 'when he returned. Her tone carefully'}, {'start': '2104.480', 'end': '2108.440', 'text': 'neutral as though the previous night'}, {'start': '2106.960', 'end': '2110.960', 'text': "hadn't"}, {'start': '2108.440', 'end': '2113.320', 'text': "happened. I'm not sure, but they have a"}, {'start': '2110.960', 'end': '2116.400', 'text': 'structure similar to plants with'}, {'start': '2113.320', 'end': '2119.960', 'text': 'anti-inflammatory properties on Earth.'}, {'start': '2116.400', 'end': '2122.880', 'text': 'He knelt beside her. May I? After her'}, {'start': '2119.960', 'end': '2125.680', 'text': 'nod, he crushed the leaves, releasing a'}, {'start': '2122.880', 'end': '2128.000', 'text': 'sweet smelling sap. This might help with'}, {'start': '2125.680', 'end': '2131.240', 'text': 'your spinal inflammation. It could'}, {'start': '2128.000', 'end': '2134.640', 'text': 'reduce pressure on your neural pathways.'}, {'start': '2131.240', 'end': '2137.079', 'text': 'T you have medical training? She asked'}, {'start': '2134.640', 'end': '2139.960', 'text': 'as he applied the paste to her'}, {'start': '2137.079', 'end': '2142.520', 'text': 'injuries. Engineering encompasses many'}, {'start': '2139.960', 'end': '2144.800', 'text': 'disciplines, he'}, {'start': '2142.520', 'end': '2146.920', 'text': 'replied. His fingers worked with'}, {'start': '2144.800', 'end': '2148.839', 'text': 'precision, tracing the curve of her'}, {'start': '2146.920', 'end': '2151.320', 'text': 'spine, including'}, {'start': '2148.839', 'end': '2154.079', 'text': 'biomechanics. Violora shivered at his'}, {'start': '2151.320', 'end': '2157.520', 'text': 'touch. The Empire underestimated your'}, {'start': '2154.079', 'end': '2159.480', 'text': 'species adaptability. a common mistake.'}, {'start': '2157.520', 'end': '2161.839', 'text': 'His hands lingered longer than'}, {'start': '2159.480', 'end': '2164.640', 'text': 'necessary. You should rest now in the'}, {'start': '2161.839', 'end': '2166.960', 'text': 'orbital rotations that followed. Orion'}, {'start': '2164.640', 'end': '2169.839', 'text': 'Drax established a routine mornings for'}, {'start': '2166.960', 'end': '2171.359', 'text': 'gathering food and medicinal plants.'}, {'start': '2169.839', 'end': '2173.520', 'text': 'Afternoons for working on the'}, {'start': '2171.359', 'end': '2176.480', 'text': 'communication beacon, evenings for'}, {'start': '2173.520', 'end': '2178.720', 'text': "Veora's treatments. Neither mentioned"}, {'start': '2176.480', 'end': '2180.440', 'text': 'the kiss, though it hung between them,'}, {'start': '2178.720', 'end': '2182.640', 'text': 'altering the gravity of their'}, {'start': '2180.440', 'end': '2186.040', 'text': 'interactions. On the seventh orbital'}, {'start': '2182.640', 'end': '2190.079', 'text': 'rotation, Violora gasped during her'}, {'start': '2186.040', 'end': '2193.040', 'text': 'treatment. "What is it?" Orion Drax'}, {'start': '2190.079', 'end': '2196.000', 'text': 'asked immediately, concerned. "I felt'}, {'start': '2193.040', 'end': '2199.240', 'text': 'that," she said. "Disbelief evident in'}, {'start': '2196.000', 'end': '2202.480', 'text': 'her voice. Your hand on my leg. I felt'}, {'start': '2199.240', 'end': '2205.520', 'text': 'it." Orion Drax\'s heart raced. "Can you'}, {'start': '2202.480', 'end': '2208.119', 'text': 'move your toes?" She concentrated, face'}, {'start': '2205.520', 'end': '2212.000', 'text': 'tense with effort, slowly, barely'}, {'start': '2208.119', 'end': '2214.720', 'text': 'perceptible. Her foot twitched.'}, {'start': '2212.000', 'end': '2217.359', 'text': "It's working, he breathed, looking up to"}, {'start': '2214.720', 'end': '2218.839', 'text': 'find her eyes shining with emotion. The'}, {'start': '2217.359', 'end': '2222.079', 'text': 'treatment is'}, {'start': '2218.839', 'end': '2224.800', 'text': 'working. Without thinking, he took her'}, {'start': '2222.079', 'end': '2227.440', 'text': 'hand, squeezing it in shared triumph.'}, {'start': '2224.800', 'end': '2230.560', 'text': "She didn't pull away. That night, their"}, {'start': '2227.440', 'end': '2232.880', 'text': 'shelter felt charged with new energy.'}, {'start': '2230.560', 'end': '2235.599', 'text': 'Orion Drax worked on the beacon with'}, {'start': '2232.880', 'end': '2237.599', 'text': 'renewed determination, while Veora'}, {'start': '2235.599', 'end': '2240.079', 'text': 'attempted small movements with her'}, {'start': '2237.599', 'end': '2242.880', 'text': 'recovering limbs.'}, {'start': '2240.079', 'end': '2247.400', 'text': "I've been thinking about what you asked,"}, {'start': '2242.880', 'end': '2251.520', 'text': 'she said suddenly about the humans if we'}, {'start': '2247.400', 'end': '2254.240', 'text': 'return. Orion Drax set down his tools.'}, {'start': '2251.520', 'end': '2256.839', 'text': 'My father believed that true strength'}, {'start': '2254.240', 'end': '2259.760', 'text': 'came from incorporation, not'}, {'start': '2256.839', 'end': '2261.240', 'text': 'annihilation. He conquered, yes, but he'}, {'start': '2259.760', 'end': '2263.880', 'text': 'also'}, {'start': '2261.240', 'end': '2266.320', 'text': 'assimilated. Her eyes met'}, {'start': '2263.880', 'end': '2269.160', 'text': 'his. Perhaps there is a better way than'}, {'start': '2266.320', 'end': '2272.680', 'text': 'slavery or extinction.'}, {'start': '2269.160', 'end': '2275.760', 'text': 'alliance. Orion Drax suggested'}, {'start': '2272.680', 'end': '2278.079', 'text': 'partnership. The council would resist.'}, {'start': '2275.760', 'end': '2280.359', 'text': 'Then they would need to be convinced. He'}, {'start': '2278.079', 'end': '2283.280', 'text': 'moved closer, drawn by an invisible'}, {'start': '2280.359', 'end': '2286.640', 'text': 'pull. Or replaced, Valora reached for'}, {'start': '2283.280', 'end': '2289.680', 'text': 'him, her touch deliberate this time. You'}, {'start': '2286.640', 'end': '2292.760', 'text': 'would help me shape a new empire. I'}, {'start': '2289.680', 'end': '2295.280', 'text': 'would help you build a better future, he'}, {'start': '2292.760', 'end': '2298.800', 'text': 'corrected, closing the distance between'}, {'start': '2295.280', 'end': '2300.280', 'text': 'them. This kiss was different,'}, {'start': '2298.800', 'end': '2302.560', 'text': 'deliberate,'}, {'start': '2300.280', 'end': '2304.720', 'text': 'exploratory. Her scales were smooth'}, {'start': '2302.560', 'end': '2306.880', 'text': 'beneath his palms as he cradled her'}, {'start': '2304.720', 'end': '2309.400', 'text': 'face. She pulled him closer with'}, {'start': '2306.880', 'end': '2311.599', 'text': 'surprising strength, deepening the'}, {'start': '2309.400', 'end': '2314.000', 'text': 'contact. When they separated, both'}, {'start': '2311.599', 'end': '2316.560', 'text': 'slightly breathless. Orion Drax rested'}, {'start': '2314.000', 'end': '2319.599', 'text': 'his forehead against hers. "This'}, {'start': '2316.560', 'end': '2322.000', 'text': 'complicates things."'}, {'start': '2319.599', 'end': '2325.040', 'text': 'Everything worthwhile is complicated,"'}, {'start': '2322.000', 'end': '2327.920', 'text': 'she replied, her claws gently scraping'}, {'start': '2325.040', 'end': '2330.640', 'text': 'along his back, sending shivers down his'}, {'start': '2327.920', 'end': '2332.760', 'text': "spine. The beacon's light suddenly"}, {'start': '2330.640', 'end': '2335.079', 'text': 'flashed, drawing their'}, {'start': '2332.760', 'end': '2336.680', 'text': 'attention. "It\'s'}, {'start': '2335.079', 'end': '2340.240', 'text': 'working,"'}, {'start': '2336.680', 'end': '2342.320', 'text': 'Orion, Drax said, moving reluctantly to'}, {'start': '2340.240', 'end': '2345.359', 'text': 'check the device transmitting on all'}, {'start': '2342.320', 'end': '2348.960', 'text': 'emergency frequencies. "How long until'}, {'start': '2345.359', 'end': '2352.280', 'text': 'someone might hear it?" Ours\'s orbital'}, {'start': '2348.960', 'end': '2357.000', 'text': "rotations depends on who's"}, {'start': '2352.280', 'end': '2360.560', 'text': "listening. Violora's expression grew"}, {'start': '2357.000', 'end': '2364.240', 'text': "serious. If Lysan's forces find us"}, {'start': '2360.560', 'end': '2366.240', 'text': "first, then we'll be ready. Orion Drax"}, {'start': '2364.240', 'end': '2368.640', 'text': 'assured her. Though the makeshift'}, {'start': '2366.240', 'end': '2371.359', 'text': "weapons he'd assembled seemed woefully"}, {'start': '2368.640', 'end': '2373.839', 'text': 'inadequate against trained soldiers that'}, {'start': '2371.359', 'end': '2376.880', 'text': 'night, they held each other with new'}, {'start': '2373.839', 'end': '2380.440', 'text': 'awareness. The barriers between queen'}, {'start': '2376.880', 'end': '2383.040', 'text': 'and slave predator and prey completely'}, {'start': '2380.440', 'end': '2386.000', 'text': "dissolve. Outside the planet's three"}, {'start': '2383.040', 'end': '2388.400', 'text': 'moons aligned in rare conjunction,'}, {'start': '2386.000', 'end': '2390.400', 'text': 'casting their shelter in silver light'}, {'start': '2388.400', 'end': '2393.440', 'text': "that matched Valora's eyes as they"}, {'start': '2390.400', 'end': '2395.320', 'text': "reflected Orion Drax's gaze with equal"}, {'start': '2393.440', 'end': '2397.920', 'text': 'parts wonder and'}, {'start': '2395.320', 'end': '2400.320', 'text': 'desire. The healing had begun not just'}, {'start': '2397.920', 'end': '2402.640', 'text': 'of her body, but of something much'}, {'start': '2400.320', 'end': '2404.880', 'text': 'deeper between them.'}, {'start': '2402.640', 'end': '2407.599', 'text': 'The ship appeared on the horizon three'}, {'start': '2404.880', 'end': '2409.680', 'text': 'orbital rotations later, a sleek'}, {'start': '2407.599', 'end': '2412.520', 'text': 'draconian scout vessel descending'}, {'start': '2409.680', 'end': '2415.520', 'text': 'through the atmosphere with predatory'}, {'start': '2412.520', 'end': '2418.160', 'text': 'grace. Not a rescue team, Valora'}, {'start': '2415.520', 'end': '2420.320', 'text': 'observed grimly from the cave entrance.'}, {'start': '2418.160', 'end': '2423.040', 'text': 'Her posture tense despite the walking'}, {'start': '2420.320', 'end': '2425.440', 'text': 'staff Orion Drax had fashioned for her.'}, {'start': '2423.040', 'end': '2427.040', 'text': 'Her recovery had progressed rapidly,'}, {'start': '2425.440', 'end': '2429.880', 'text': "though she still couldn't manage more"}, {'start': '2427.040', 'end': '2433.839', 'text': 'than a few steps without support.'}, {'start': '2429.880', 'end': '2437.119', 'text': "Lysana's hunters, Orion Drax, studied"}, {'start': '2433.839', 'end': '2440.000', 'text': 'the ship through a makeshift scope. Six'}, {'start': '2437.119', 'end': '2442.200', 'text': "soldiers heavily armed. They're tracking"}, {'start': '2440.000', 'end': '2444.400', 'text': 'the beacon.'}, {'start': '2442.200', 'end': '2447.480', 'text': 'Deactivated, she ordered her voice,'}, {'start': '2444.400', 'end': '2450.480', 'text': 'slipping into royal command before'}, {'start': '2447.480', 'end': '2452.160', 'text': 'softening. "Please," they worked'}, {'start': '2450.480', 'end': '2454.720', 'text': 'quickly, gathering only essential'}, {'start': '2452.160', 'end': '2457.599', 'text': 'supplies. Veora strapped the stellar'}, {'start': '2454.720', 'end': '2460.599', 'text': 'conduit blaster to her thigh, its final'}, {'start': '2457.599', 'end': '2463.280', 'text': 'charge preserved for desperate'}, {'start': '2460.599', 'end': '2465.520', 'text': 'circumstances. Orion Drax concealed'}, {'start': '2463.280', 'end': '2468.000', 'text': 'various improvised weapons across his'}, {'start': '2465.520', 'end': '2471.160', 'text': 'body, including a particularly lethal'}, {'start': '2468.000', 'end': '2474.319', 'text': "blade, fashioned from the ship's hull"}, {'start': '2471.160', 'end': '2477.040', 'text': 'material. "The caves extend deeper into'}, {'start': '2474.319', 'end': '2479.079', 'text': 'the mountain," he said, supporting her'}, {'start': '2477.040', 'end': '2481.440', 'text': 'as they moved away from the'}, {'start': '2479.079', 'end': '2483.280', 'text': 'entrance. "We can lose them in the'}, {'start': '2481.440', 'end': '2486.520', 'text': 'tunnel system.'}, {'start': '2483.280', 'end': '2489.520', 'text': 'Progress was slow and'}, {'start': '2486.520', 'end': '2492.000', 'text': 'painful. Veora refused to show weakness,'}, {'start': '2489.520', 'end': '2493.880', 'text': 'but Orion Drax felt each suppressed'}, {'start': '2492.000', 'end': '2496.560', 'text': 'wsece as they navigated the rough'}, {'start': '2493.880', 'end': '2499.680', 'text': 'terrain. The tunnels narrowed, forcing'}, {'start': '2496.560', 'end': '2502.000', 'text': 'them to crawl in sections. Behind them,'}, {'start': '2499.680', 'end': '2504.880', 'text': 'distant shouts echoed as the hunters'}, {'start': '2502.000', 'end': '2507.280', 'text': 'discovered their abandoned shelter.'}, {'start': '2504.880', 'end': '2509.119', 'text': "They'll follow our trail, Violora"}, {'start': '2507.280', 'end': '2512.520', 'text': 'whispered as they paused in a small'}, {'start': '2509.119', 'end': '2516.880', 'text': 'chamber deep within the mountain.'}, {'start': '2512.520', 'end': '2520.200', 'text': 'Luminous scent fungi provided dim blue'}, {'start': '2516.880', 'end': '2523.680', 'text': 'light, casting her scales in ethereal'}, {'start': '2520.200', 'end': '2526.920', 'text': "patterns. I'm slowing you down. Orion"}, {'start': '2523.680', 'end': '2530.720', 'text': 'Drax cupped her face. We do this'}, {'start': '2526.920', 'end': '2532.400', 'text': 'together or not at all? Her eyes'}, {'start': '2530.720', 'end': '2534.680', 'text': 'softened.'}, {'start': '2532.400', 'end': '2538.319', 'text': 'When did you become so loyal to your'}, {'start': '2534.680', 'end': '2540.920', 'text': 'queen? Not to my queen, he corrected,'}, {'start': '2538.319', 'end': '2544.000', 'text': 'brushing his thumb across her cheek to'}, {'start': '2540.920', 'end': '2547.119', 'text': 'you. The distant sound of footsteps'}, {'start': '2544.000', 'end': '2549.119', 'text': 'broke the moment. They pressed deeper'}, {'start': '2547.119', 'end': '2553.280', 'text': 'into the cave system, eventually'}, {'start': '2549.119', 'end': '2556.240', 'text': 'emerging into a vast underground cavern.'}, {'start': '2553.280', 'end': '2558.640', 'text': 'A subterranean lake spread before them,'}, {'start': '2556.240', 'end': '2560.880', 'text': 'its black waters perfectly still,'}, {'start': '2558.640', 'end': '2562.599', 'text': 'reflecting the crystallin formations'}, {'start': '2560.880', 'end': '2566.960', 'text': 'hanging from the'}, {'start': '2562.599', 'end': '2569.119', 'text': 'ceiling. We need to cross. Orion Drax'}, {'start': '2566.960', 'end': '2571.760', 'text': 'said, eyeing the narrow ledge circling'}, {'start': '2569.119', 'end': '2574.000', 'text': 'the perimeter stay close to the wall.'}, {'start': '2571.760', 'end': '2576.960', 'text': 'The ledge was treacherous, barely wide'}, {'start': '2574.000', 'end': '2579.680', 'text': 'enough for single file movement. Halfway'}, {'start': '2576.960', 'end': '2582.319', 'text': 'around, Violora stumbled, nearly falling'}, {'start': '2579.680', 'end': '2585.040', 'text': 'into the dark waters. Orion Drax caught'}, {'start': '2582.319', 'end': '2589.720', 'text': 'her, pulling her firmly against him.'}, {'start': '2585.040', 'end': '2592.720', 'text': '"I\'ve got you," he murmured against her'}, {'start': '2589.720', 'end': '2595.119', 'text': 'ear. The intimacy of the position sent'}, {'start': '2592.720', 'end': '2597.920', 'text': 'heat through both of them despite the'}, {'start': '2595.119', 'end': '2601.200', 'text': 'danger. For a breathless moment, they'}, {'start': '2597.920', 'end': '2603.200', 'text': 'remained entwined hearts racing in'}, {'start': '2601.200', 'end': '2604.839', 'text': 'tandem.'}, {'start': '2603.200', 'end': '2608.240', 'text': 'Movement'}, {'start': '2604.839', 'end': '2610.640', 'text': 'ahead. Veilora whispered suddenly, her'}, {'start': '2608.240', 'end': '2613.359', 'text': 'superior vision catching what Orion Drax'}, {'start': '2610.640', 'end': '2615.280', 'text': "couldn't yet see. They pressed into a"}, {'start': '2613.359', 'end': '2617.440', 'text': 'shadowed al cove as two soldiers'}, {'start': '2615.280', 'end': '2619.400', 'text': 'approached from the opposite direction.'}, {'start': '2617.440', 'end': '2622.960', 'text': 'The hunters moved with professional'}, {'start': '2619.400', 'end': '2625.839', 'text': 'precision. Weapons ready, nowhere to run'}, {'start': '2622.960', 'end': '2629.440', 'text': 'now, one said in the harsh draconian'}, {'start': '2625.839', 'end': '2632.240', 'text': 'language. Orion Drax felt Veilora tense'}, {'start': '2629.440', 'end': '2635.839', 'text': 'against him, preparing to fight despite'}, {'start': '2632.240', 'end': '2639.000', 'text': 'her condition. He squeezed her hand, a'}, {'start': '2635.839', 'end': '2641.359', 'text': 'silent signal. She nodded almost'}, {'start': '2639.000', 'end': '2644.040', 'text': 'imperceptibly as the soldiers passed'}, {'start': '2641.359', 'end': '2646.880', 'text': 'their hiding place. Orion Drax'}, {'start': '2644.040', 'end': '2649.839', 'text': 'struck. His makeshift blade found the'}, {'start': '2646.880', 'end': '2652.319', 'text': "first soldier's throat while Valora with"}, {'start': '2649.839', 'end': '2654.880', 'text': 'surprising speed tripped the second with'}, {'start': '2652.319', 'end': '2657.839', 'text': 'her staff. The soldier tumbled into the'}, {'start': '2654.880', 'end': '2659.920', 'text': 'lake with a startled cry. The water'}, {'start': '2657.839', 'end': '2662.000', 'text': 'erupted. Something massive surged'}, {'start': '2659.920', 'end': '2664.480', 'text': 'upward, dragging the thrashing soldier'}, {'start': '2662.000', 'end': '2668.079', 'text': 'beneath the surface. Blood spread in'}, {'start': '2664.480', 'end': '2670.079', 'text': 'dark clouds as the unseen predator fed.'}, {'start': '2668.079', 'end': '2672.760', 'text': 'The others will have heard Orion Dra'}, {'start': '2670.079', 'end': '2675.920', 'text': "said, collecting the fallen soldier's"}, {'start': '2672.760', 'end': '2677.839', 'text': 'weapon. This way, Violora pointed toward'}, {'start': '2675.920', 'end': '2678.839', 'text': 'a tunnel barely visible behind some'}, {'start': '2677.839', 'end': '2682.960', 'text': 'crystal'}, {'start': '2678.839', 'end': '2685.920', 'text': 'formations. I can smell fresh air.'}, {'start': '2682.960', 'end': '2688.520', 'text': 'The tunnel ascended steeply, challenging'}, {'start': '2685.920', 'end': '2691.200', 'text': "Valora's recovering"}, {'start': '2688.520', 'end': '2694.160', 'text': 'strength. Orion Drax supported her'}, {'start': '2691.200', 'end': '2697.760', 'text': 'without comment, understanding her pride'}, {'start': '2694.160', 'end': '2699.839', 'text': 'too well to offer unnecessary help. When'}, {'start': '2697.760', 'end': '2703.160', 'text': 'she finally stumbled, he caught her'}, {'start': '2699.839', 'end': '2705.760', 'text': 'against his chest, their faces aligned'}, {'start': '2703.160', 'end': '2708.480', 'text': 'perfectly, breaths mingling in the'}, {'start': '2705.760', 'end': '2711.440', 'text': 'confined space. Despite everything, the'}, {'start': '2708.480', 'end': '2715.599', 'text': 'pursuing hunters, the alien environment,'}, {'start': '2711.440', 'end': '2718.560', 'text': 'the odds against them, Orion Drax felt'}, {'start': '2715.599', 'end': '2720.720', 'text': 'an overwhelming urge to kiss her again.'}, {'start': '2718.560', 'end': '2723.960', 'text': 'Violora made the decision for him,'}, {'start': '2720.720', 'end': '2727.520', 'text': 'pressing her lips to his with fierce'}, {'start': '2723.960', 'end': '2730.079', 'text': 'urgency. The kiss was hungry, desperate,'}, {'start': '2727.520', 'end': '2732.960', 'text': 'possibly their last. "If we don\'t'}, {'start': '2730.079', 'end': '2736.280', 'text': 'survive this," she whispered against his'}, {'start': '2732.960', 'end': '2739.200', 'text': 'mouth. know that you have changed'}, {'start': '2736.280', 'end': '2742.240', 'text': 'everything. Orion Drax deepened the'}, {'start': '2739.200', 'end': '2744.040', 'text': 'kiss, his hands sliding down her body'}, {'start': '2742.240', 'end': '2746.640', 'text': 'with newfound'}, {'start': '2744.040', 'end': '2748.839', 'text': "boldness. We're going to survive, and"}, {'start': '2746.640', 'end': '2752.079', 'text': "then we're going to change everything"}, {'start': '2748.839', 'end': '2754.480', 'text': 'else. The sound of pursuit grew louder,'}, {'start': '2752.079', 'end': '2756.800', 'text': 'forcing them apart. They continued'}, {'start': '2754.480', 'end': '2758.760', 'text': 'upward, emerging onto a high ridge'}, {'start': '2756.800', 'end': '2761.040', 'text': 'overlooking the'}, {'start': '2758.760', 'end': '2763.839', 'text': 'valley. Below, the remaining hunters'}, {'start': '2761.040', 'end': '2767.079', 'text': 'spread out in search patterns. Above the'}, {'start': '2763.839', 'end': '2770.480', 'text': 'twin sons began their descent toward the'}, {'start': '2767.079', 'end': '2773.119', 'text': 'horizon. "We make our stand here,"'}, {'start': '2770.480', 'end': '2776.480', 'text': 'Violora said, her voice steady despite'}, {'start': '2773.119', 'end': '2778.960', 'text': 'her exhaustion together. Orion Drax'}, {'start': '2776.480', 'end': '2782.400', 'text': 'nodded, the stolen draconian weapon'}, {'start': '2778.960', 'end': '2783.640', 'text': 'heavy in his hands. former slave and'}, {'start': '2782.400', 'end': '2786.079', 'text': 'wounded'}, {'start': '2783.640', 'end': '2789.119', 'text': 'queen. They prepared to face their'}, {'start': '2786.079', 'end': '2792.400', 'text': 'hunters as equals, united by something'}, {'start': '2789.119', 'end': '2794.119', 'text': 'neither had expected to find in this'}, {'start': '2792.400', 'end': '2796.560', 'text': 'hostile'}, {'start': '2794.119', 'end': '2799.680', 'text': 'world. They survived the night through'}, {'start': '2796.560', 'end': '2803.359', 'text': 'strategy rather than strength. Orion'}, {'start': '2799.680', 'end': '2805.599', 'text': "Drax's traps claimed two more hunters,"}, {'start': '2803.359', 'end': '2807.839', 'text': "while the planet's indigenous predators"}, {'start': '2805.599', 'end': '2810.560', 'text': 'dealt with another, drawn by their'}, {'start': '2807.839', 'end': '2814.160', 'text': 'carefully staged distractions.'}, {'start': '2810.560', 'end': '2817.599', 'text': 'By dawn, only one hunter remained more'}, {'start': '2814.160', 'end': '2820.160', 'text': 'cautious than his fallen comrades. "He\'s'}, {'start': '2817.599', 'end': '2822.240', 'text': 'calling for reinforcements," Valora'}, {'start': '2820.160', 'end': '2824.880', 'text': 'said, intercepting transmissions with'}, {'start': '2822.240', 'end': '2827.440', 'text': 'the stolen communicator. "We have'}, {'start': '2824.880', 'end': '2830.640', 'text': 'perhaps three orbital rotations before a'}, {'start': '2827.440', 'end': '2832.400', 'text': 'larger team arrives." "Orion Drax'}, {'start': '2830.640', 'end': '2835.200', 'text': "adjusted the support brace he'd"}, {'start': '2832.400', 'end': '2838.240', 'text': 'constructed for her back using salvaged'}, {'start': '2835.200', 'end': '2842.400', 'text': 'armor plates. Then we have three orbital'}, {'start': '2838.240', 'end': '2845.119', 'text': "rotations to prepare. How's this feel?"}, {'start': '2842.400', 'end': '2847.599', 'text': 'Violora stood testing her balance. The'}, {'start': '2845.119', 'end': '2849.720', 'text': 'brace provided stability. Her healing'}, {'start': '2847.599', 'end': '2853.160', 'text': "spine still couldn't manage"}, {'start': '2849.720', 'end': '2856.000', 'text': 'alone. Better with this. I might even'}, {'start': '2853.160', 'end': '2859.520', 'text': "fight. Let's focus on getting you mobile"}, {'start': '2856.000', 'end': '2862.400', 'text': 'first, he suggested, hands lingering on'}, {'start': '2859.520', 'end': '2865.280', 'text': 'her waist. Walk to me.'}, {'start': '2862.400', 'end': '2867.560', 'text': 'She took her first unaded steps in'}, {'start': '2865.280', 'end': '2870.400', 'text': 'nearly two solar'}, {'start': '2867.560', 'end': '2871.800', 'text': 'revolutions, each movement deliberate'}, {'start': '2870.400', 'end': '2874.800', 'text': 'and'}, {'start': '2871.800', 'end': '2877.720', 'text': 'controlled. When she reached him, her'}, {'start': '2874.800', 'end': '2881.040', 'text': 'triumph shown in her silver'}, {'start': '2877.720', 'end': '2882.760', 'text': "eyes. Orion Drax couldn't resist pulling"}, {'start': '2881.040', 'end': '2885.440', 'text': 'her into an'}, {'start': '2882.760', 'end': '2888.000', 'text': 'embrace. "Engineering encompasses many'}, {'start': '2885.440', 'end': '2890.680', 'text': 'disciplines," she quoted back at him,'}, {'start': '2888.000', 'end': '2893.599', 'text': 'her tone teasing despite their dire'}, {'start': '2890.680', 'end': '2896.480', 'text': 'circumstances. including structural'}, {'start': '2893.599', 'end': '2899.200', 'text': 'support for stubborn queens," he'}, {'start': '2896.480', 'end': '2902.119', 'text': 'replied, earning a throaty laugh that'}, {'start': '2899.200', 'end': '2905.280', 'text': 'sent pleasant shivers down his'}, {'start': '2902.119', 'end': '2907.800', 'text': 'spine. They established a new base in a'}, {'start': '2905.280', 'end': '2910.240', 'text': 'defensible position with multiple escape'}, {'start': '2907.800', 'end': '2913.280', 'text': 'routes. A lesson learned from their'}, {'start': '2910.240', 'end': '2915.839', 'text': 'previous encounter. Orion Drax began'}, {'start': '2913.280', 'end': '2918.400', 'text': 'constructing more sophisticated weapons'}, {'start': '2915.839', 'end': '2921.960', 'text': 'while Veora developed their tactical'}, {'start': '2918.400', 'end': '2924.400', 'text': 'plan. Your engineering skills are'}, {'start': '2921.960', 'end': '2927.040', 'text': 'remarkable, she observed, watching him'}, {'start': '2924.400', 'end': '2928.480', 'text': 'modify the dead soldiers weapons. In'}, {'start': '2927.040', 'end': '2931.680', 'text': 'another life, you might have been a'}, {'start': '2928.480', 'end': '2933.920', 'text': 'weapons master on my home world. In'}, {'start': '2931.680', 'end': '2936.680', 'text': 'another life we might never have met, he'}, {'start': '2933.920', 'end': '2939.760', 'text': 'pointed out. Her expression grew'}, {'start': '2936.680', 'end': '2942.400', 'text': 'thoughtful. Do you regret that? Meeting'}, {'start': '2939.760', 'end': '2946.160', 'text': 'me as a slave rather than an equal,'}, {'start': '2942.400', 'end': '2949.599', 'text': 'Orion Drax set down his tools. I regret'}, {'start': '2946.160', 'end': '2952.480', 'text': 'the circumstances, not the outcome. He'}, {'start': '2949.599', 'end': '2954.240', 'text': 'moved to her side, taking her hand.'}, {'start': '2952.480', 'end': '2956.960', 'text': "Though I'm not sure Vexera deserves my"}, {'start': '2954.240', 'end': '2959.359', 'text': 'gratitude for the assassination attempt.'}, {'start': '2956.960', 'end': '2962.240', 'text': "When I reclaim my throne, she'll regret"}, {'start': '2959.359', 'end': '2964.880', 'text': 'it far more. Valora promised her claws,'}, {'start': '2962.240', 'end': '2967.520', 'text': 'extending reflexively. Throughout the'}, {'start': '2964.880', 'end': '2970.000', 'text': 'orbital rotation, Violora practiced'}, {'start': '2967.520', 'end': '2972.880', 'text': 'walking, gradually, rebuilding her'}, {'start': '2970.000', 'end': '2976.200', 'text': 'strength. By evening, she could manage'}, {'start': '2972.880', 'end': '2978.720', 'text': 'the perimeter of their shelter without'}, {'start': '2976.200', 'end': '2981.200', 'text': 'assistance. Her natural draconian'}, {'start': '2978.720', 'end': '2983.520', 'text': "healing accelerated by Orion Drax's"}, {'start': '2981.200', 'end': '2985.880', 'text': 'plant treatments was performing what'}, {'start': '2983.520', 'end': '2988.720', 'text': 'would have been impossible for a human'}, {'start': '2985.880', 'end': '2990.559', 'text': 'spine. As twilight fell, they'}, {'start': '2988.720', 'end': '2993.119', 'text': 'intercepted another transmission from'}, {'start': '2990.559', 'end': '2995.599', 'text': 'the remaining hunter. They found the'}, {'start': '2993.119', 'end': '2997.920', 'text': 'scout ship Orion Drax translated his'}, {'start': '2995.599', 'end': '3001.079', 'text': 'command of the draconian language still'}, {'start': '2997.920', 'end': '3003.920', 'text': 'imperfect. Something about usurper'}, {'start': '3001.079', 'end': '3006.720', 'text': "protocol. Veilora's expression darkened."}, {'start': '3003.920', 'end': '3009.520', 'text': 'Vxara has officially claimed the throne.'}, {'start': '3006.720', 'end': '3012.319', 'text': "She's declared me dead. Is that good or"}, {'start': '3009.520', 'end': '3015.359', 'text': 'bad for us? Both the search may become'}, {'start': '3012.319', 'end': '3018.000', 'text': "less urgent, but if we're captured, she"}, {'start': '3015.359', 'end': '3019.920', 'text': "didn't need to finish the thought. That"}, {'start': '3018.000', 'end': '3023.680', 'text': 'night, their physical therapy session'}, {'start': '3019.920', 'end': '3026.480', 'text': 'evolved into something more intimate.'}, {'start': '3023.680', 'end': '3029.400', 'text': 'What began as Orion Drax massaging'}, {'start': '3026.480', 'end': '3033.280', 'text': 'tension sorn from her healing muscles'}, {'start': '3029.400', 'end': '3036.280', 'text': 'shifted when Veora pulled him forward,'}, {'start': '3033.280', 'end': '3039.599', 'text': 'claiming his mouth with increasing'}, {'start': '3036.280', 'end': '3041.760', 'text': 'confidence. "Are you sure?" he asked as'}, {'start': '3039.599', 'end': '3044.160', 'text': 'her claws expertly unfassened his'}, {'start': '3041.760', 'end': '3046.200', 'text': 'clothing. Her reply was to guide his'}, {'start': '3044.160', 'end': '3049.440', 'text': 'hands to the clasps of her'}, {'start': '3046.200', 'end': '3051.520', 'text': 'armor. "I have never been more certain'}, {'start': '3049.440', 'end': '3054.760', 'text': 'of anything.'}, {'start': '3051.520', 'end': '3057.760', 'text': 'They came together with the intensity of'}, {'start': '3054.760', 'end': '3059.079', 'text': 'survivors. Each touch a defiance of'}, {'start': '3057.760', 'end': '3061.480', 'text': 'death and'}, {'start': '3059.079', 'end': '3064.319', 'text': 'separation. Their differences in'}, {'start': '3061.480', 'end': '3066.559', 'text': 'physiology created unexpected pleasures'}, {'start': '3064.319', 'end': '3070.119', 'text': "as they explored each other's bodies"}, {'start': '3066.559', 'end': '3073.240', 'text': 'with equal parts curiosity and'}, {'start': '3070.119', 'end': '3075.440', 'text': "desire. Violor's scales heightened"}, {'start': '3073.240', 'end': '3078.119', 'text': 'sensitivity where they brushed against'}, {'start': '3075.440', 'end': '3080.200', 'text': 'his skin while her strength even'}, {'start': '3078.119', 'end': '3084.079', 'text': 'diminished. thrilled'}, {'start': '3080.200', 'end': '3085.640', 'text': 'him. Afterward, lying entwined in their'}, {'start': '3084.079', 'end': '3088.800', 'text': 'makeshift'}, {'start': '3085.640', 'end': '3091.839', 'text': 'bed, Orion Drax traced patterns along'}, {'start': '3088.800', 'end': '3094.559', 'text': 'the iridescent scales of her shoulder.'}, {'start': '3091.839', 'end': '3097.040', 'text': 'What happens if we make it back? When'}, {'start': '3094.559', 'end': '3100.040', 'text': 'she corrected, echoing his earlier'}, {'start': '3097.040', 'end': '3103.119', 'text': 'optimism. "And when we do, do everything'}, {'start': '3100.040', 'end': '3105.480', 'text': 'changes. Your people won\'t accept this,"'}, {'start': '3103.119', 'end': '3109.280', 'text': 'he said, gesturing to their intimate'}, {'start': '3105.480', 'end': '3112.559', 'text': 'position. "They won\'t have a choice. Her'}, {'start': '3109.280', 'end': '3114.800', 'text': 'expression grew serious. The empire has'}, {'start': '3112.559', 'end': '3118.880', 'text': 'stagnated under traditions that no'}, {'start': '3114.800', 'end': '3120.520', 'text': 'longer serve us. Perhaps this us is the'}, {'start': '3118.880', 'end': '3125.000', 'text': 'catalyst for'}, {'start': '3120.520', 'end': '3128.000', 'text': 'evolution. Dawn brought renewed'}, {'start': '3125.000', 'end': '3130.880', 'text': 'purpose. Veora continued her physical'}, {'start': '3128.000', 'end': '3134.000', 'text': 'conditioning while Orion Drax completed'}, {'start': '3130.880', 'end': '3136.240', 'text': 'work on their modified weapons. By'}, {'start': '3134.000', 'end': '3139.119', 'text': 'mid-orbital rotation, she could move'}, {'start': '3136.240', 'end': '3141.800', 'text': 'with almost her former grace, though'}, {'start': '3139.119', 'end': '3144.640', 'text': 'extended exertion still caused'}, {'start': '3141.800', 'end': '3147.200', 'text': 'pain. "We need to capture that ship,"'}, {'start': '3144.640', 'end': '3150.760', 'text': 'she said as they finalized their plan.'}, {'start': '3147.200', 'end': '3153.839', 'text': '"It\'s our only way off this planet."'}, {'start': '3150.760', 'end': '3155.640', 'text': '"Orion." Drax nodded, loading the last'}, {'start': '3153.839', 'end': '3158.400', 'text': 'of their improvised'}, {'start': '3155.640', 'end': '3162.880', 'text': 'explosives. One hunter against the two'}, {'start': '3158.400', 'end': '3165.520', 'text': 'of us. "I like those odds." She pulled'}, {'start': '3162.880', 'end': '3169.040', 'text': 'him close, pressing her forehead to his'}, {'start': '3165.520', 'end': '3171.280', 'text': 'a draconian gesture of deep connection.'}, {'start': '3169.040', 'end': '3174.680', 'text': 'We are more than queen and save now,'}, {'start': '3171.280', 'end': '3176.960', 'text': 'more than survivors. Partners, he'}, {'start': '3174.680', 'end': '3179.559', 'text': 'suggested. Her smile revealed the'}, {'start': '3176.960', 'end': '3182.319', 'text': 'elegant danger of her predators teeth in'}, {'start': '3179.559', 'end': '3185.040', 'text': 'everything. Their plan unraveled the'}, {'start': '3182.319', 'end': '3187.760', 'text': 'moment they spotted not one but four'}, {'start': '3185.040', 'end': '3189.079', 'text': 'draconian soldiers guarding the scout'}, {'start': '3187.760', 'end': '3193.119', 'text': 'ship.'}, {'start': '3189.079', 'end': '3195.040', 'text': 'Reinforcements had arrived early. Vexora'}, {'start': '3193.119', 'end': '3198.280', 'text': 'must have traced the transmission,'}, {'start': '3195.040', 'end': '3202.400', 'text': 'Veyora whispered from their observation'}, {'start': '3198.280', 'end': '3203.960', 'text': 'point. These are her personal guard. I'}, {'start': '3202.400', 'end': '3206.800', 'text': 'recognize the'}, {'start': '3203.960', 'end': '3209.599', 'text': 'insignia. Orion Drax studied the heavily'}, {'start': '3206.800', 'end': '3212.200', 'text': 'armed soldiers through his scope. We'}, {'start': '3209.599', 'end': '3214.960', 'text': 'need a new approach. We need a'}, {'start': '3212.200', 'end': '3218.559', 'text': "diversion. Valora's expression hardened"}, {'start': '3214.960', 'end': '3222.480', 'text': "with decision. I'll draw them away."}, {'start': '3218.559', 'end': '3223.800', 'text': 'You take the ship. Absolutely not, he'}, {'start': '3222.480', 'end': '3225.800', 'text': 'replied'}, {'start': '3223.800', 'end': '3228.680', 'text': "instantly. We're not"}, {'start': '3225.800', 'end': '3232.400', 'text': "separating. This isn't a debate, Orion"}, {'start': '3228.680', 'end': '3235.200', 'text': "Drax. It's tactics. Her voice softened"}, {'start': '3232.400', 'end': '3237.599', 'text': 'as she touched his face. I can'}, {'start': '3235.200', 'end': '3239.319', 'text': 'outmaneuver them in the crystal forest,'}, {'start': '3237.599', 'end': '3242.640', 'text': 'even in my'}, {'start': '3239.319', 'end': '3245.520', 'text': "condition. They won't expect their dead"}, {'start': '3242.640', 'end': '3248.640', 'text': 'queen to be the bait. Before he could'}, {'start': '3245.520', 'end': '3250.880', 'text': 'protest further, the wind shifted. One'}, {'start': '3248.640', 'end': '3253.800', 'text': 'of the soldiers raised his head,'}, {'start': '3250.880', 'end': '3256.200', 'text': 'nostrils flaring. They had caught their'}, {'start': '3253.800', 'end': '3259.200', 'text': 'scent. Too late for'}, {'start': '3256.200', 'end': '3261.400', 'text': 'planning, Valora said, pushing Orion'}, {'start': '3259.200', 'end': '3265.040', 'text': 'Drax toward the densest part of the'}, {'start': '3261.400', 'end': '3268.559', 'text': 'forest. Run, they fled. As energy'}, {'start': '3265.040', 'end': '3271.760', 'text': 'weapons scorched the ground behind them,'}, {'start': '3268.559', 'end': '3274.079', 'text': 'Valora moved with surprising speed.'}, {'start': '3271.760', 'end': '3276.319', 'text': 'Despite her healing injuries, her'}, {'start': '3274.079', 'end': '3278.079', 'text': 'evolutionary advantages evident in her'}, {'start': '3276.319', 'end': '3281.280', 'text': 'ability to navigate the difficult'}, {'start': '3278.079', 'end': '3283.920', 'text': 'terrain, Orion Drax kept pace,'}, {'start': '3281.280', 'end': '3286.079', 'text': 'adrenaline sharpening his senses. The'}, {'start': '3283.920', 'end': '3289.440', 'text': "first trap they'd set orbital rotations"}, {'start': '3286.079', 'end': '3291.280', 'text': 'earlier, caught one soldier unprepared.'}, {'start': '3289.440', 'end': '3293.119', 'text': 'The ground collapsed beneath him,'}, {'start': '3291.280', 'end': '3296.280', 'text': 'sending him plummeting into a pit of'}, {'start': '3293.119', 'end': '3300.160', 'text': 'crystalline spikes. His scream cut off'}, {'start': '3296.280', 'end': '3302.680', 'text': 'abruptly. Three left. Orion. Drax'}, {'start': '3300.160', 'end': '3305.119', 'text': 'counted as they continued'}, {'start': '3302.680', 'end': '3307.839', 'text': 'running. They separated at a forked'}, {'start': '3305.119', 'end': '3310.559', 'text': 'path, executing their contingency plan'}, {'start': '3307.839', 'end': '3313.359', 'text': 'without needing to speak. Two soldiers'}, {'start': '3310.559', 'end': '3317.040', 'text': 'followed Veilora while one pursued Orion'}, {'start': '3313.359', 'end': '3319.839', 'text': "Drax's perfect division. Orion Drax led"}, {'start': '3317.040', 'end': '3322.160', 'text': 'his pursuer toward the second trap, a'}, {'start': '3319.839', 'end': '3324.720', 'text': 'trip wire connected to explosives'}, {'start': '3322.160', 'end': '3327.040', 'text': "fashioned from the ship's fuel cells."}, {'start': '3324.720', 'end': '3330.040', 'text': 'The blast shook the forest crystal'}, {'start': '3327.040', 'end': '3334.160', 'text': 'shards, raining down like lethal'}, {'start': '3330.040', 'end': '3336.559', 'text': 'rain. No time to confirm the kill. He'}, {'start': '3334.160', 'end': '3339.240', 'text': "circled back toward Velora's position,"}, {'start': '3336.559', 'end': '3341.599', 'text': 'heart pounding with more than'}, {'start': '3339.240', 'end': '3343.160', 'text': 'exertion. The sound of energy weapons'}, {'start': '3341.599', 'end': '3345.520', 'text': 'echoed through the crystallin'}, {'start': '3343.160', 'end': '3348.160', 'text': 'formations. He found her engaged in'}, {'start': '3345.520', 'end': '3350.400', 'text': 'direct combat with one soldier, her'}, {'start': '3348.160', 'end': '3352.880', 'text': 'movements fluid despite her recent'}, {'start': '3350.400', 'end': '3355.359', 'text': 'paralysis. The other soldier lay'}, {'start': '3352.880', 'end': '3357.920', 'text': 'motionless nearby neck at an unnatural'}, {'start': '3355.359', 'end': '3360.480', 'text': 'angle. Orientrax raised his stolen'}, {'start': '3357.920', 'end': '3362.880', 'text': 'weapon to assist, but Valora had already'}, {'start': '3360.480', 'end': '3365.400', 'text': 'gained the upper hand. With a precise'}, {'start': '3362.880', 'end': '3368.400', 'text': 'strike to the throat, she dispatched her'}, {'start': '3365.400', 'end': '3372.079', 'text': 'opponent. For a moment, she stood over'}, {'start': '3368.400', 'end': '3374.960', 'text': 'the fallen soldier chest, heaving scales'}, {'start': '3372.079', 'end': '3378.400', 'text': 'shifting through colors that reflected'}, {'start': '3374.960', 'end': '3381.760', 'text': 'her heightened emotional state.'}, {'start': '3378.400', 'end': '3383.960', 'text': 'Orion Drax had never seen anything more'}, {'start': '3381.760', 'end': '3386.880', 'text': 'beautiful or'}, {'start': '3383.960', 'end': '3389.520', 'text': 'terrifying. The ship, she said,'}, {'start': '3386.880', 'end': '3392.599', 'text': 'straightening with imperial dignity,'}, {'start': '3389.520', 'end': '3395.280', 'text': 'despite the violence just'}, {'start': '3392.599', 'end': '3398.319', 'text': 'enacted. Now they approached cautiously'}, {'start': '3395.280', 'end': '3400.480', 'text': 'alert for additional guards. The scout'}, {'start': '3398.319', 'end': '3402.079', 'text': 'vessel sat undisturbed in the small'}, {'start': '3400.480', 'end': '3405.200', 'text': 'clearing.'}, {'start': '3402.079', 'end': '3406.960', 'text': 'Its sleek design, a stark contrast to'}, {'start': '3405.200', 'end': '3410.079', 'text': 'the crystallin wilderness surrounding'}, {'start': '3406.960', 'end': '3412.640', 'text': 'it. Can you fly it? Valora asked as they'}, {'start': '3410.079', 'end': '3414.839', 'text': "entered through the rear hatch. It's not"}, {'start': '3412.640', 'end': '3419.119', 'text': "unlike systems I've worked"}, {'start': '3414.839', 'end': '3422.079', 'text': 'with. Orion Drax replied, examining the'}, {'start': '3419.119', 'end': '3425.160', 'text': 'controls basic principles apply across'}, {'start': '3422.079', 'end': '3427.359', 'text': 'species. Propulsion is'}, {'start': '3425.160', 'end': '3430.000', 'text': 'propulsion. As he initiated the'}, {'start': '3427.359', 'end': '3432.559', 'text': 'pre-flight sequence, an alarm blared.'}, {'start': '3430.000', 'end': '3434.880', 'text': 'The forward screen activated, revealing'}, {'start': '3432.559', 'end': '3437.960', 'text': "a face similar to Veora's, but with"}, {'start': '3434.880', 'end': '3440.839', 'text': 'scales and shades of emerald rather than'}, {'start': '3437.960', 'end': '3444.760', 'text': 'indigo. Her eyes widened in apparent'}, {'start': '3440.839', 'end': '3447.520', 'text': 'shock. Sister Vexara hissed, recovering'}, {'start': '3444.760', 'end': '3449.160', 'text': 'quickly. The reports of your death were'}, {'start': '3447.520', 'end': '3451.799', 'text': 'clearly'}, {'start': '3449.160', 'end': '3455.520', 'text': 'exaggerated. As will be reports of my'}, {'start': '3451.799', 'end': '3457.760', 'text': "defeat, Violora replied coldly. You've"}, {'start': '3455.520', 'end': '3461.680', 'text': 'committed treason against your queen.'}, {'start': '3457.760', 'end': '3464.240', 'text': "Vexer's laugh was harsh. I am queen now."}, {'start': '3461.680', 'end': '3466.359', 'text': 'The succession has been formalized. Your'}, {'start': '3464.240', 'end': '3470.920', 'text': 'return would only bring civil'}, {'start': '3466.359', 'end': '3475.480', 'text': 'war. Then civil war comes. Violora'}, {'start': '3470.920', 'end': '3478.480', 'text': "promised. Vexer's gaze shifted to Orion"}, {'start': '3475.480', 'end': '3481.839', 'text': 'Drax. And you bring your pet human to'}, {'start': '3478.480', 'end': '3485.200', 'text': "challenge me. How far you've fallen,"}, {'start': '3481.839', 'end': '3487.880', 'text': 'sister. Fallen. Violora spat her voice'}, {'start': '3485.200', 'end': '3490.160', 'text': 'low and edged with pain. yet fierce'}, {'start': '3487.880', 'end': '3493.599', 'text': 'determination. I rise where you have'}, {'start': '3490.160', 'end': '3496.280', 'text': 'sunk into tyranny, Vexara. A brief'}, {'start': '3493.599', 'end': '3501.040', 'text': 'charged silence followed before Vexara'}, {'start': '3496.280', 'end': '3502.799', 'text': 'barked. Guards, elite, detachment now.'}, {'start': '3501.040', 'end': '3504.960', 'text': 'From behind the shattered crystalline'}, {'start': '3502.799', 'end': '3508.240', 'text': 'boughs, a small team of sleek armored'}, {'start': '3504.960', 'end': '3509.480', 'text': 'figures emerged, their voices clipped'}, {'start': '3508.240', 'end': '3512.799', 'text': 'and'}, {'start': '3509.480', 'end': '3515.920', 'text': 'authoritative. Queen Vexara awaiting'}, {'start': '3512.799', 'end': '3518.799', 'text': 'orders. Orion Drax gripped the hilt of'}, {'start': '3515.920', 'end': '3520.200', 'text': 'his salvaged weapon and exchanged a look'}, {'start': '3518.799', 'end': '3523.839', 'text': 'with'}, {'start': '3520.200', 'end': '3526.440', 'text': 'Violora. "I suppose we\'re doing this the'}, {'start': '3523.839', 'end': '3529.880', 'text': 'hard way," he'}, {'start': '3526.440', 'end': '3533.520', 'text': "murmured. Valora's reply was"}, {'start': '3529.880', 'end': '3537.680', 'text': 'sharp. "No time for regrets. Use my'}, {'start': '3533.520', 'end': '3539.599', 'text': 'traps, Orion Drax. They know no mercy."'}, {'start': '3537.680', 'end': '3541.200', 'text': 'In a flurry of dialogue punctuated by'}, {'start': '3539.599', 'end': '3544.720', 'text': 'the clatter of falling debris and'}, {'start': '3541.200', 'end': '3548.000', 'text': 'sizzling circuitry, Orion Drax directed'}, {'start': '3544.720', 'end': '3549.720', 'text': 'left flank trigger trap alpha now a'}, {'start': '3548.000', 'end': '3553.520', 'text': 'hidden conduit'}, {'start': '3549.720', 'end': '3556.400', 'text': 'wind as the ground gave way beneath one'}, {'start': '3553.520', 'end': '3560.640', 'text': 'approaching guard. One of the elites'}, {'start': '3556.400', 'end': '3563.200', 'text': 'sneered as he fell. "What treachery is'}, {'start': '3560.640', 'end': '3566.000', 'text': 'this?" Your own queen\'s miscalculation,'}, {'start': '3563.200', 'end': '3568.240', 'text': 'apparently, Vexera retorted, though her'}, {'start': '3566.000', 'end': '3570.200', 'text': 'tone betrayed a grudging respect for'}, {'start': '3568.240', 'end': '3573.280', 'text': "Veilora's"}, {'start': '3570.200', 'end': '3575.640', 'text': "defiance. Amid the chaos, Veilora's"}, {'start': '3573.280', 'end': '3578.640', 'text': 'tactical mind shone through'}, {'start': '3575.640', 'end': '3580.880', 'text': 'Orion. Drax adjust the frequency on the'}, {'start': '3578.640', 'end': '3585.280', 'text': 'improvised disruptor, cut their calms'}, {'start': '3580.880', 'end': '3587.440', 'text': 'off on it. Orion Drax answered briskly,'}, {'start': '3585.280', 'end': '3591.119', 'text': "his fingers dancing over a panel he'd"}, {'start': '3587.440', 'end': '3593.359', 'text': 'rigged from scavenged circuitry.'}, {'start': '3591.119', 'end': '3596.760', 'text': 'With a surge of static and a flicker of'}, {'start': '3593.359', 'end': '3599.880', 'text': "light, the elite guard's radio sputtered"}, {'start': '3596.760', 'end': '3602.760', 'text': 'silent. One guard, eyes wide with'}, {'start': '3599.880', 'end': '3606.119', 'text': 'disbelief, shouted, "Communications'}, {'start': '3602.760', 'end': '3608.920', 'text': 'offline. Fall back." But orders from'}, {'start': '3606.119', 'end': '3612.200', 'text': 'Vexara cut his retreat'}, {'start': '3608.920', 'end': '3614.640', 'text': 'short. "Stand your ground for the'}, {'start': '3612.200', 'end': '3618.160', 'text': 'throne." The ensuing melee was'}, {'start': '3614.640', 'end': '3620.119', 'text': 'punctuated with desperate dialogue.'}, {'start': '3618.160', 'end': '3622.880', 'text': 'Keep them off, my'}, {'start': '3620.119', 'end': '3625.359', 'text': 'queen. Violora roared as she vaulted'}, {'start': '3622.880', 'end': '3628.480', 'text': 'over a shattered support beam, her voice'}, {'start': '3625.359', 'end': '3632.119', 'text': 'blending command with raw emotion.'}, {'start': '3628.480', 'end': '3635.520', 'text': 'Queen, the trap in corridor B. Activate'}, {'start': '3632.119', 'end': '3638.480', 'text': 'it. Orion Drax called maneuvering amid'}, {'start': '3635.520', 'end': '3641.520', 'text': 'the skirmish. A secondary trap, a net'}, {'start': '3638.480', 'end': '3643.839', 'text': 'woven from energy. Conductive filaments'}, {'start': '3641.520', 'end': '3646.799', 'text': 'descended onto another group of guards,'}, {'start': '3643.839', 'end': '3650.480', 'text': 'ins snaring them in a pulsating grip. As'}, {'start': '3646.799', 'end': '3652.280', 'text': "the last of Vexera's elite fell or fled,"}, {'start': '3650.480', 'end': '3654.520', 'text': 'a sudden tense'}, {'start': '3652.280', 'end': '3657.280', 'text': 'silence filled the'}, {'start': '3654.520', 'end': '3661.240', 'text': 'clearing. Violora blood and rain'}, {'start': '3657.280', 'end': '3665.480', 'text': 'mingling on her scales turned to Orion'}, {'start': '3661.240', 'end': '3669.040', 'text': 'Drax. We have captured their scout'}, {'start': '3665.480', 'end': '3672.319', 'text': 'vessel. Orion Drax frowned, surveying'}, {'start': '3669.040', 'end': '3675.520', 'text': 'the small craft with a critical eye.'}, {'start': '3672.319', 'end': '3678.040', 'text': "It's intact, but it's tiny. It can"}, {'start': '3675.520', 'end': '3681.280', 'text': 'transport only one'}, {'start': '3678.040', 'end': '3684.640', 'text': 'person. At these words, voices lowered'}, {'start': '3681.280', 'end': '3686.040', 'text': 'and hearts pounded as both leaders faced'}, {'start': '3684.640', 'end': '3689.839', 'text': 'the inevitable'}, {'start': '3686.040', 'end': '3692.720', 'text': 'dilemma. "Who will go?" demanded one of'}, {'start': '3689.839', 'end': '3693.480', 'text': 'the remaining soldiers. His tone laced'}, {'start': '3692.720', 'end': '3697.200', 'text': 'with'}, {'start': '3693.480', 'end': '3700.880', 'text': "incredul as he lay wounded. Violora's"}, {'start': '3697.200', 'end': '3704.559', 'text': 'eyes met Orion Drax steadily.'}, {'start': '3700.880', 'end': '3707.920', 'text': 'I cannot leave my throne, my people, or'}, {'start': '3704.559', 'end': '3710.280', 'text': 'my allies behind, she stated her voice'}, {'start': '3707.920', 'end': '3713.920', 'text': 'soft yet'}, {'start': '3710.280', 'end': '3715.480', 'text': 'resolute. I must stay to reclaim what is'}, {'start': '3713.920', 'end': '3718.880', 'text': 'rightfully'}, {'start': '3715.480', 'end': '3720.559', 'text': 'mine. But I, Orion, Drax began the'}, {'start': '3718.880', 'end': '3724.079', 'text': 'weight of his own survival and their'}, {'start': '3720.559', 'end': '3726.799', 'text': 'shared past, evident in every syllable.'}, {'start': '3724.079', 'end': '3731.200', 'text': 'Violora interrupted her tone, gentle yet'}, {'start': '3726.799', 'end': '3733.920', 'text': 'unwavering. No. Orion. Drax. You have'}, {'start': '3731.200', 'end': '3735.920', 'text': 'already risked everything for me. I'}, {'start': '3733.920', 'end': '3739.319', 'text': 'trust you to prove to the Empire the'}, {'start': '3735.920', 'end': '3742.079', 'text': 'truth of our cause. Take my royal'}, {'start': '3739.319', 'end': '3744.880', 'text': 'insignia. Let it be your bond at court'}, {'start': '3742.079', 'end': '3747.760', 'text': "and your right to lead. Orion Drax's"}, {'start': '3744.880', 'end': '3750.720', 'text': 'eyes glimmered with conflicted emotion'}, {'start': '3747.760', 'end': '3753.839', 'text': "as he reached out. You're asking me to"}, {'start': '3750.720', 'end': '3757.680', 'text': 'become not just your savior in battle,'}, {'start': '3753.839', 'end': '3760.640', 'text': 'but your ambassador of hope. Exactly,'}, {'start': '3757.680', 'end': '3763.200', 'text': 'she whispered. Infiltrate the palace.'}, {'start': '3760.640', 'end': '3765.599', 'text': 'Rally, those still loyal to our vision'}, {'start': '3763.200', 'end': '3768.880', 'text': 'and secure our future. I will stay'}, {'start': '3765.599', 'end': '3770.200', 'text': 'behind to guide our people from within,'}, {'start': '3768.880', 'end': '3773.359', 'text': 'even as I'}, {'start': '3770.200', 'end': '3776.640', 'text': 'heal. A quiet pause allowed the gravity'}, {'start': '3773.359', 'end': '3778.799', 'text': 'of her words to settle between them.'}, {'start': '3776.640', 'end': '3781.200', 'text': 'Then I shall carry your emblem with'}, {'start': '3778.799', 'end': '3782.440', 'text': 'honor, my queen.'}, {'start': '3781.200', 'end': '3785.119', 'text': 'Orion'}, {'start': '3782.440', 'end': '3787.240', 'text': 'Drax vowed carefully, fastening the'}, {'start': '3785.119', 'end': '3790.400', 'text': 'gleaming insignia to his'}, {'start': '3787.240', 'end': '3793.680', 'text': 'tunic. I promise you, our people will'}, {'start': '3790.400', 'end': '3797.280', 'text': 'know the truth, and Vexara will fall for'}, {'start': '3793.680', 'end': '3801.359', 'text': 'her treason. A distant commotion echoed,'}, {'start': '3797.280', 'end': '3805.119', 'text': "and Vexara's sneer returned as she spat."}, {'start': '3801.359', 'end': '3808.960', 'text': 'Your naive hope will be your undoing.'}, {'start': '3805.119', 'end': '3811.440', 'text': "Veora Veora's retort was icy calm. The"}, {'start': '3808.960', 'end': '3813.359', 'text': 'Empire is ready for change. Sister and'}, {'start': '3811.440', 'end': '3816.319', 'text': 'Orion Drax will be the spark that'}, {'start': '3813.359', 'end': '3818.400', 'text': 'ignites our return to power. Later,'}, {'start': '3816.319', 'end': '3820.480', 'text': 'hidden beneath the fractured arches of a'}, {'start': '3818.400', 'end': '3823.599', 'text': 'forgotten corridor in the underground'}, {'start': '3820.480', 'end': '3826.000', 'text': 'recesses of the palace, Orion Drax'}, {'start': '3823.599', 'end': '3828.280', 'text': 'convened with a cadre of disillusioned'}, {'start': '3826.000', 'end': '3831.760', 'text': 'officers and sympathetic'}, {'start': '3828.280', 'end': '3836.720', 'text': 'aristocrats. "Listen well," he urged in'}, {'start': '3831.760', 'end': '3839.799', 'text': 'a hushed tone. "Violora\'s claim is true.'}, {'start': '3836.720', 'end': '3842.839', 'text': "Vexara's rule is built on fear and"}, {'start': '3839.799', 'end': '3847.400', 'text': 'betrayal. Our loyalty must be to'}, {'start': '3842.839', 'end': '3850.640', 'text': 'justice, not tyranny. A skeptical noble'}, {'start': '3847.400', 'end': '3854.720', 'text': 'questioned. And what of the humans? Do'}, {'start': '3850.640', 'end': '3859.079', 'text': "we dare ally with a slave? Orion Drax's"}, {'start': '3854.720', 'end': '3861.400', 'text': 'reply was firm. Humans are survivors,'}, {'start': '3859.079', 'end': '3863.599', 'text': 'innovators. They will no longer be'}, {'start': '3861.400', 'end': '3866.520', 'text': 'despised. They will be valued as'}, {'start': '3863.599', 'end': '3870.160', 'text': 'partners in a new era. I have seen'}, {'start': '3866.520', 'end': '3872.559', 'text': 'firsthand the merit in every life.'}, {'start': '3870.160', 'end': '3875.280', 'text': 'Across the empire, murmurss of disscent'}, {'start': '3872.559', 'end': '3877.520', 'text': 'grew louder. In clandestine meetings,'}, {'start': '3875.280', 'end': '3880.240', 'text': 'former palace guards and council members'}, {'start': '3877.520', 'end': '3883.160', 'text': 'whispered, "The queen who was declared'}, {'start': '3880.240', 'end': '3887.160', 'text': 'dead returns, and with her'}, {'start': '3883.160', 'end': '3889.760', 'text': 'hope. At last, the decisive moment'}, {'start': '3887.160', 'end': '3892.720', 'text': 'arrived. Undercover of darkness, aided'}, {'start': '3889.760', 'end': '3895.839', 'text': "by Orion Drax's newly forged alliances,"}, {'start': '3892.720', 'end': '3898.559', 'text': 'a daring rescue mission was launched.'}, {'start': '3895.839', 'end': '3901.039', 'text': 'Violora weakened, but Unbowed was'}, {'start': '3898.559', 'end': '3904.480', 'text': 'spirited away from her confinement in a'}, {'start': '3901.039', 'end': '3906.880', 'text': 'coup orchestrated by loyalists. In the'}, {'start': '3904.480', 'end': '3910.160', 'text': 'grand throne room, now reclaimed from'}, {'start': '3906.880', 'end': '3912.640', 'text': "Vexara's oppressive forces, Violora"}, {'start': '3910.160', 'end': '3915.200', 'text': 'stood before the gathered assembly. With'}, {'start': '3912.640', 'end': '3918.720', 'text': 'a voice both tender and triumphant, she'}, {'start': '3915.200', 'end': '3921.280', 'text': 'declared torbital rotation. I reclaim'}, {'start': '3918.720', 'end': '3923.400', 'text': 'not just my throne, but the promise of a'}, {'start': '3921.280', 'end': '3927.599', 'text': 'just'}, {'start': '3923.400', 'end': '3930.079', 'text': 'empire. I name Orion Drax as my savior'}, {'start': '3927.599', 'end': '3932.520', 'text': 'and consort, whose courage has mended'}, {'start': '3930.079', 'end': '3935.520', 'text': 'the rift between our'}, {'start': '3932.520', 'end': '3938.720', 'text': 'peoples. A stunned silence was quickly'}, {'start': '3935.520', 'end': '3941.760', 'text': 'replaced by resounding cheers. Long live'}, {'start': '3938.720', 'end': '3943.680', 'text': 'Empress Violora, one exalted, while'}, {'start': '3941.760', 'end': '3946.720', 'text': 'another added, "Long live the Alliance'}, {'start': '3943.680', 'end': '3949.359', 'text': 'of Strength and Compassion."'}, {'start': '3946.720', 'end': '3951.440', 'text': 'Vexera, exposed and defeated, was seized'}, {'start': '3949.359', 'end': '3954.240', 'text': 'by the very officers who had once obeyed'}, {'start': '3951.440', 'end': '3957.359', 'text': 'her. For treason they cried as she was'}, {'start': '3954.240', 'end': '3959.839', 'text': 'led away, her reign ended by the very'}, {'start': '3957.359', 'end': '3962.720', 'text': 'revolution she had incited. As the'}, {'start': '3959.839', 'end': '3965.920', 'text': "assembly's fervor swelled, Valora"}, {'start': '3962.720', 'end': '3966.760', 'text': 'stepped toward Orion Drax, her eyes soft'}, {'start': '3965.920', 'end': '3969.839', 'text': 'yet'}, {'start': '3966.760', 'end': '3972.720', 'text': 'resolute. We will reshape the empire,'}, {'start': '3969.839', 'end': '3975.680', 'text': 'she murmured. No longer will humans be'}, {'start': '3972.720', 'end': '3978.680', 'text': 'shackled by prejudice. Together we will'}, {'start': '3975.680', 'end': '3982.039', 'text': 'foster a new era of equality and'}, {'start': '3978.680', 'end': '3986.480', 'text': "innovation. Orion Drax's reply was"}, {'start': '3982.039', 'end': '3989.440', 'text': 'gentle, his tone imbued with hope. Then'}, {'start': '3986.480', 'end': '3992.799', 'text': 'let our union be the cornerstone of this'}, {'start': '3989.440', 'end': '3995.359', 'text': 'new world, where our strengths unite and'}, {'start': '3992.799', 'end': '3998.799', 'text': 'our differences become our greatest'}, {'start': '3995.359', 'end': '4001.720', 'text': 'asset. In that charged moment, amid the'}, {'start': '3998.799', 'end': '4005.440', 'text': 'echoes of rebellion and the promise of'}, {'start': '4001.720', 'end': '4006.920', 'text': 'reform, the Empire began its long'}, {'start': '4005.440', 'end': '4009.440', 'text': 'overdue'}, {'start': '4006.920', 'end': '4011.799', 'text': 'transformation. A future where the bonds'}, {'start': '4009.440', 'end': '4014.319', 'text': 'between queen and consort, warrior and'}, {'start': '4011.799', 'end': '4017.359', 'text': 'engineer, would forever alter the course'}, {'start': '4014.319', 'end': '4017.359', 'text': 'of history.'}]