The protagonist's character development is a standout aspect of the story. You effectively portray his internal conflict and growth, which adds depth and relatability to his journey. For example, you show his initial reluctance to get involved in the resistance: "I was not about to give my life for a lost cause. Even if it meant being a slave... I would still get to live." This establishes his cautious nature and sets the stage for his eventual change of heart.

The tension in the story is well-crafted, particularly in scenes where the protagonist interacts with the resistance and confronts the Nomad guard. The buildup of suspense keeps the reader engaged and invested in the outcome. For instance, when the protagonist decides to intervene to save his friend, the tension is palpable.

The story effectively explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and freedom. The use of the Nomads as an oppressive force and the resistance as a symbol of hope adds layers to the narrative. This is exemplified in the protagonist's final act of defiance, where he sacrifices himself to buy his friend time to escape.

The story's pacing could be improved, especially in the beginning. The initial paragraphs provide a lot of background information about the conflict between humans and Nomads, which can be overwhelming and slow down the narrative. For example, the detailed explanation of the war and the Nomads' arrival could be condensed to maintain reader engagement. Integrate the background information more seamlessly into the story through dialogue or the protagonist's thoughts. Show, rather than tell, key aspects of the conflict to keep the pacing brisk.

Some of the characters' motivations could be further developed for greater depth. For instance, the protagonist's decision to join the resistance feels somewhat sudden and could be better justified within the narrative. Additionally, the Nomad guard's motivations for his actions are not fully explored, making him feel more like a generic antagonist. Provide more insight into the protagonist's internal struggle and the events that lead to his decision to join the resistance. Similarly, delve into the Nomad guard's perspective to add complexity to his character and motivations.

The dialogue and interaction between characters could be more dynamic and expressive. While the story effectively conveys the plot, the dialogue sometimes feels flat and could benefit from more emotion and depth. For example, in the scene where the protagonist confronts the guard, the dialogue could be more impactful to heighten the tension. Focus on creating dialogue that reveals character emotions, motivations, and conflicts. Use dialogue tags, gestures, and facial expressions to enhance the interaction between characters and make the dialogue more engaging.

Overall, the story presents an intriguing premise of humans resisting alien occupation, with a protagonist who evolves from a passive observer to an active participant in the resistance. The narrative effectively builds tension and conflict, especially in the protagonist's internal struggle and eventual decision to take action. The story's strength lies in its thematic exploration of courage and defiance in the face of oppression.

The pacing at the beginning is a bit slow due to the heavy exposition, which could be streamlined to maintain reader engagement. Additionally, some character motivations, particularly the protagonist's and the Nomad guard's, could be further developed to add depth and complexity to the narrative.

the story has great potential and could benefit from tightening the pacing, enhancing character motivations, and refining the dialogue to create a more immersive and impactful narrative. With some adjustments, the story could become even more compelling and resonant with readers. Keep up the good work, and continue exploring these rich themes and characters!