Outer Rim: The Deception at Ralos Prime

Ralos Prime’s sky was a deep, unnatural violet when the “ship” arrived. From the ground, it looked like a rescue craft — heavy hull plating, quad engines glowing orange, even an American flag rippling from a mast. The colonists cheered. Reinforcements from Earth at last. Commander Drew Halvik stepped forward, comm-link open. “This is Halvik of Ralos Prime outpost. We are under active Mawborn assault. Requesting—” The ship’s front split wide. Not a cargo bay. A mouth. Rows of teeth unfurled like steel traps, glistening with black saliva. The flag snapped once in the wind before being sucked inside the gaping maw. “—Oh my god, it’s one of them!” Halvik’s voice cracked as the ground shuddered beneath him. From behind the false ship, another emerged — a blazing golden orb crowned with jagged horns, screaming as it streaked through the sky. Halvik’s second-in-command spun the comm dials. “Earth Command, this is Ralos Prime! The Mawborn are changing! They can disguise themselves as our own ships! They’re not just killers — they’re learning.” The “ship” monster roared, flames shooting from its engines — not for propulsion, but to scorch the settlement below. The golden one swooped low, herding survivors into its partner’s shadow. Somewhere far away, back on Earth, an operator logged the message. Another red beacon lit on the Outer Rim war map. The Mawborn weren’t just attacking anymore. They were infiltrating.

(Hand drawn in Procreate) 2024