Jackal sighed . Her orders were clear . She was to take the Xenth family and kill them immediately for harbouring fugitives .
“ Boss , I know you don ’ t like the idea of doing what we plan to do shortly , but we have to follow the Federation ’ s orders ,” one of Jackal ’ s seconds said . Jackal sighed again . “ I know , Chris ,” JackaI said . “ This isn ’ t right . They should be allowed to have a trial in front of the Federation before being massacred like this .”
“ I know where you ’ re coming from , boss ,” said Chris . “ They need to be shown some ounce of respect .”
Another one of Jackal ’ s men spoke up from behind . “ Boss , it ’ s time ,” he said . “ It ’ s now or never .”
Jackal let out one last sigh before picking up her gun and loading the weapon .
“ Come on then ,” Jackal said . “ Let ’ s get this done with .”
Everyone quickly and quietly moved out and surrounded the building , awaiting Jackal ’ s command . Nodding her head once , both front and back entrances were busted open and all windows were remotely locked so the family inside couldn ’ t escape . They forced open the doors and marines rounded the family up into a large room along with the fugitives that had been hiding there .
“ Do you know why we are here today ?” Chris spoke , a stern tone emanating from his mouth .
“ No , I don ’ t understand ,” a man wailed . “ Why have you burst in here without warning ? I want to speak to your superior .” Jackal stepped forward . “ I ’ m Jackal Sunbeam , newly appointed Lieutenant General to the Federation ,” said Jackal with an air of confidence . “ Unfortunately for you , we have evidence from these gentlemen beside you that you have been harbouring fugitives . I am under strict instructions by the Federation to have you killed on the spot . Is there anything you want to say before my men carry out the command ?”
“ Yes ! Yes . Please , don ’ t hurt my daughter , Alloun . She ’ s gone off to the Federation Technical University on X1-312 . She had nothing to do with what is going on here , I swear to you ,” the patriarch of the house said .
“ Anything else ?” Jackal said , trying not to let her emotions get the better of her . She tucked them deep down and clenched her jaw .
The remainder of the family shook their heads back and forth in silence .
“ Very well , gentlemen , you know what to do ,” Jackal said .
Six heavily armoured men lifted their guns and took aim ; the stabilising mechanisms in the guns helping them to keep aim on their targets . “ Now !” Jackal commanded . The men fired their guns , hitting their targets cleanly , killing everyone in an instant .
Jackal walked outside to communicate the mission ’ s success and Alloun ’ s whereabouts to the General . Deep down , she felt awful about what she had to do , but as a newly appointed Lieutenant General , she couldn ’ t let that opportunity slip away from her . She stuffed feelings of regret deep down and continued to give orders to her men .
Fifteen Years Later
“ Jackal , you need to get out here ! Something ’ s happening ,” Lou shouted from the command centre of Jackal ’ s research ship , the Chimera . Jackal walked out onto the mezzanine from her office , followed by her droid . She looked down . “ What is it , Lou ?” Jackal asked . “ It ’ s the computer ,” Lou replied , wiping sweat from her brow . “ It ’ s throwing out the