Capítulo 35: Darkness in the service of light
A few days after the battle | Turian Colony
Dozens of ships broke through the clouds and headed for the land where the Hierarchy's camp was already in sight. Slowing down, the ships dropped to a shallow plain not far from it, slowing to a stop as they approached the ground. One made its way to the camp, landing in the only clearing of any size. When the engine dust had settled, a delegation of Hierarchy officers walked towards it.
Slowly, the ramp crept down, and three intelligent men descended. From the look of the one in front, it was clear that he was most likely the troop commander. The next two were either junior officers or personal guards. Soon the delegations met.
- Adrian Victus," the Turian general who approached, gave the military salute, "Pleased to meet you. - The Imperial commander stared at the alien briefly before removing his helmet. Beneath it was an incredibly pale human face. The lack of emotion made it look like a mask.
- Legate Albin Dars," the man placed his hand on the breastplate of his armour, "similarly pleased. This is Wulmer," he pointed to the officer in the cloak, "and Kardas, the officer with the two swords behind his back. They wore very unusual armour, especially the helmet, which covered the entire face except for the mouth. The exposed area also showed pale skin.
- You have an unusual appearance for a human...
- About that. My officers..." he raised his eyes to the sky thoughtfully, "the most 'understanding' of you, of all the Legion. If you have any questions, come to me or to them. As for the regular legionnaires, I ask you not to contact them, especially the younger ones. They see you a little differently.
- In what way? - The Hierarchy officer still didn't understand what he was being told.
- In a direct sense. You don't want any casualties; stay away from soldiers and equipment. And don't say I didn't warn you. - At that moment, columns of soldiers appeared from behind the ridge. They stamped their steps perfectly, doing everything in perfect synchronicity. - Here they come. I'd like to familiarise myself with the situation first.
- Of course, we'll go to the headquarters complex. - The officer pointed to the largest building in the camp, surrounded by several antennae, and the entire delegation headed there. Behind them, new groups of men and equipment came down the ramp.
- We have information that they have gained a foothold in the city and are probably using the inhabitants as a shield. - The Turian leaned over the map table and looked at Albin. "But now, with the factions coming in and the colony on the border, there may be little difference, if you understand.
- I see. - The Legate looked around the future battlefield. - What's that? - He pointed to a row of buildings at the city's edge.
- The recycling complexes. They've got all their artillery and air defences there. We've been trying to take them out, but we're getting hit by the city, and we don't have the manpower.
- I'll take the town if you can mount an assault on the compound. I don't need my soldiers made into mincemeat.
- Azzari Special Forces are arriving tonight. They'll also help with the offensive.
- We're not a siege legion to fight a long war; we'll attack tomorrow morning. I'm moving out from here,' he said, approaching the area twenty kilometres from the camp. - We'll launch the offensive from there. If all goes well, we'll finish tomorrow in one fell swoop. - Waving his cloak, the warrior left the room and headed for his troops. The Turians had no choice but to stare at him in displeasure, resenting how much the Imperials allowed themselves.
An Azari ship arrived during the night, and its detachment joined the Turian troops advancing on the compound. The Guard, on the other hand, moved silently forward, ready for battle by dawn. The Centurions stood motionless, waiting for orders.
Miners' Colony | Morning
The fighters were taking up their positions. The Hierarchy had reported the arrival of large reinforcements yesterday, so they were sure to launch an attack today. The sheer size of the defenders was offset by the trained troops. Many had never held a rifle before. Of course, it doesn't take much experience to shoot at an attacker in an open field, but still. They were in close contact with the experienced crews, who could explain the situation and give instructions to the newcomers in no time.
The preparations were interrupted by the rising whistle of the enemy, and all the fighters rushed for cover. Some ran into buildings, others jumped into newly dug trenches. But the shelling was strange. The shells fell right up to the defences, creating huge dust clouds without exploding. It all looked like a deceptive manoeuvre, for the artillerymen of the Hierarchy would not have their consciences smeared like that. All weapons were pointed toward the cloud, and the gunners began to wait. Suddenly, the first silhouette appeared in the dust. A shot rang out, and a line of fire shot it upwards from below. The silhouette staggered and collapsed to the ground, causing a chuckle among the faction positions, which quickly subsided as the newly dead man began to rise awkwardly. When he was over, he continued on his way, but this time a rifle appeared in his hands, impulses shooting from it and flying towards the city. At the same moment, more silhouettes appeared beside him. There were already over a hundred of them, and they were growing. As they encountered the wall of fire, many fell, only to rise again moments later and continue. When they reached the invisible line, they began to accelerate until they reached great speed and ran the rest of the way. Heavy equipment and artillery even fired at the attackers, holding them back for moments.
Soon the first of them reached the trench and leapt at the Azari in Eclipse form. The woman tried to struggle back, but the soldier's bared teeth sunk into her flesh, tearing a chunk out of her throat. When the warrior landed and saw his unkillable victim, he immediately crawled to her. He began gnawing at the exposed parts of her body. As he did so, his brethren also took cover and pounced on their victims. Soon the trench was filled with a bloody slurry of torn flesh and blood that poured profusely onto the ground. With no sign of life, the orders in their heads drove the soldiers further away, tearing them from their food. The seemingly unruly horde entered the city in a raging sea and began to sweep away any pockets of resistance. Many carried knives and oddly shaped small axes, which they used to immobilise their prey. Then it was over. If any survived, they divided their spirits, trembled in dark cellars and sewers, and prayed to their gods.
Men in dark robes, bearing the symbols of the temples of Mortaris, walked the battlefield. They found the severely wounded or simply stunned minds and carried them to the city's centre. The dead fighters were piled in huge heaps and left for now. Fallen Legionnaires were piled in rows near special devices where incomprehensible and terrible things were done to them.
A group of the supreme commanders of the Empire, Republic and Hierarchy had just approached one of these.
- I don't see the point of such tactics. - A Hierarchy officer looked with disdain at the number of dead Imperial soldiers. - We could have done this in a less bloody way.
- Your tactics need to be more varied and considered. - That's what the Azari said,
- You just need to learn all the details. - This was not the first time the Imperial officer had heard these remarks, so he simply brushed them aside.
- You don't care about casualties? - This attitude towards the soldiers made the Hierarchy officer furious.
To end this dialogue and not return to it, Albin walked towards one of the corpses and called the others after him. When the whole company approached the remains, they saw the body in three pieces, the head, the upper half and the legs. The explosion had obviously scattered them.
The Legate pointed his hand at the remains and clenched his fingers into a fist. The upper half jerked once, twice, then lifted. And despite the dazed commanders, it crawled to its feet. When it reached its target, the two halves fused into a single body, but very badly. Chunks of flesh protruded from the body, and intestines spilt out. Standing upright, the body clumsily moved to its head, stumbling and falling to the ground a few times. Soon that part took its place as well. The face twisted, and the 'whole' man slowly approached the Legate again.
- As you can see," he paused, "I have suffered no loss to mending. - This was addressed to the soldier, who turned and moved towards the mechanism where the remains of his brothers lay. The novices quickly found bodies that were unfit for further use but might still have organs and opened them. The body parts were then sent on to be reattached to the lost legionaries. This macabre conveyor belt gathered momentum at a terrifying pace. Still, it seemed to be the order of the day for these people. The corpses were loaded onto special vehicles and then driven off toward the incoming landing craft.
- We leave the prisoners in your hands. - The novices led several columns of prisoners to the Space Soldiers. - We'll take the bodies.
- What do you want with them? - The Turian's eye twitched, for what had happened today was beyond his comprehension.
- We should fly back to Morris. We'll save money on food. - Albin smiled for the first time during the battle, for it was impossible to look at the faces of his allies' commanders without smiling. With the sword held by the novice in his hand, the Legate walked slowly towards the ship...
Sarabaric System | "Dominus Imperium"
Aria enjoyed her sleep. The softness of the bed and the incredible warmth spreading through her body made her feel incredible. Her mind was constantly at rest; images from her childhood and the highlights of her life flashed by. It would go on indefinitely, but one day it would end as if it had been cut off. The light faded, and consciousness began to break through. After a few moments, her eyes began to open slowly.
The woman lifted herself gently over the bed as she was slightly dizzy, and her strength had not fully returned. Here she remembered everything that had happened to her on Omega. The rape, beatings, and abuse hit her like a hammer and made Aria cringe against the back of the bed. She pushed her feelings to the back of her mind and looked around her room. The bed was huge, perhaps ten metres long and about as wide. Above the bed was a beautiful canopy, the snow-white fabric of which felt liquid to the touch as it was incredibly soft. It was like real water, flowing at the slightest touch.
The blanket was incredibly light and airy, embroidered with patterns running down to the centre, where a bird was embroidered in gold. The headboards of the bed were decorated with wooden carvings.
The floor was lined with smooth planks glistening in the light. The floor itself was divided into squares with stone borders, also beautifully carved. The walls were decorated with tapestries depicting what appeared to be ancient events. They were divided by stone columns that were also supported by arches that connected under the ceiling.
Another amazing thing was the light. The light came from candles in special candelabras on the columns. Because of this, the light in the room was subdued and very "delicate". The room was elongated so that the exit was opposite the bed and looked like an ancient arch reinforced by columns. The room was filled with various furniture, vases and flowers.
Sitting on the edge, the woman finally realised she was not wearing any clothes. The only thing nearby was a small table with a large tray of fruit and a pitcher of some kind of drink. As she looked at it, she did not notice anyone approaching. Just as she was about to strike the biotic, she could get a good look at the person who had visited her. A humanoid robot was wearing a faceless mask and white and gold sukkot. His entire body was also decorated with various patterns, and on his clothing was a symbol in the shape of a skull with all sorts of pipes.
Turning her gaze to his arms, she saw a set of underwear and... a dress? Due to the strange rhythm of life, the Queen had not worn anything but her usual suit for a very long time. It was a peculiar characteristic of hers. Now, however, there was no choice. The woman began to dress, taking the clothes from the synthetic man's hands, watching him with one eye. However, he simply stepped aside and waited for the process to be completed.
When she was finished, the machine moved towards the exit. At the door, she turned and silently called Aria after her. She wanted to show character but quickly remembered that she didn't even know where she was, so she had to follow her escort.
As they left the room, they found themselves in an impossibly large hall, the ceiling lost in shadow. She saw several other synthetics moving along the corridor, ignoring her company. Her companion stood again, glaring at her, waiting at the corner. Noticing this, the woman hurried after him. Soon they came to a large gallery with a huge glass wall overlooking the star, revealing all its beauty in unbelievable closeness. There was a single table with someone sitting at it and several plastics with dishes and carafes standing nearby. While waiting for the woman to approach the table, her companion pushed one of the chairs aside and helped her to sit down. When Aria sat down, carefully placing her foot on her leg, he walked away quietly.
- Greetings, Aria. - The figure at the table nodded slightly, the hood over his head obscuring his interlocutor's face except for two brightly burning eyes.
- Likewise. - The suspicion in her voice was also evident in the look she gave her interlocutor.
- You have nothing to suspect me of. I'm the one who got you out of Omega, so there's no point in hurting you.
- Thank you for that, of course, but I doubt you did it for nothing.
- You're right; all I want from you is personal obedience, nothing more.
- That's a very dangerous thing to say... Especially to me. - She was glowing with biotic light, and a fire of anger was in her face. But something snapped, and the glow vanished instantly, leaving the woman looking at her hands in confusion.
- Don't think you're more important than anyone else. You may have more power than most, but you're far from the true power. - He snapped his fingers, and Aria's hands glowed blue again. - I am not limiting your power; I need a guarantee that you will help me one day. Remember, I will come to you one day and ask for something.
- Is that all? - she asked sarcastically.
- We'll talk about the rest later. When we get yours back.
- I have yet to agree. - The man got up and walked to the railing behind a window.
- Your consent is nothing more than a formality I will grant you. I have no difficulty doing so with your mind that you will dance around the pole at my will... - another blue flame flashed around the woman. - But I will allow you to make that choice yourself while you're still free.
- And why is that?! - The anger didn't seem to go away this time. - Since you're so powerful, what's the point of arguing with me?!
- It's my way of having fun. - The answer knocked Arya out of reality, causing her to turn off her biotics and stare at the man before her. - I'm much older than you; my entertainments are few and varied.
- Do you do all this for fun?
- No, I'm doing it for what I've already done. I told you, you have great power, but only in your world. In the universe, you're a grain of sand. - The next few minutes passed in silence. She tried to think about who she was talking to... and he just took his time.
- Do you only want favours and loyalty? - Aria asked with a suppressed voice.
- For now, yes, we'll discuss it later... if we can.
- And what will I get? - The repression in his eyes changed to interest.
- Isn't life enough? - The man looked intently at the Queen.
- In my case, yes, a long time ago. - She sat down again in her chieftain's position above the situation. - And for a speck of dust, you will give me much. - Aria smiled carnivorously at these words, causing her interlocutor to laugh.
- And what do you want? Is it money?
- And her too, but we'll talk about the rest later. - The smile never left her face. - For now, I have to get my seat back.
- And your daughter?
- She's with my people, so I'm safe for her.
- Then all that's left is to take out the top guys. Do you know who exactly?
- Yes, it's necessary to eliminate almost all the officers in general. Still, we need to kill Vido, Jonah and his deputy, and Ganar. But if they get together and we can get them, then you and I will need more than you and I for all the officers.
The interlocutor, who had now sat at the table again, hummed and snapped his fingers. The space around the table blurred, soon revealing rows of black plastics heavily laden with weapons. There were at least a hundred of them, maybe more.
- Not to worry about the fighters.
- Then I don't see a problem. - Aria looked around the rows of vehicles with an appraising eye. - If we start tomorrow, we can finish tonight, partner. - She underlined the last word and looked intently at the man.
- Call it what you will; my true name remains hidden forever. - He snapped his fingers again, and the guards around the table vanished.
- So, what do we do now if we have a deal? - An interested glance wandered into the darkness created by the hood, trying to make out the contours of his face. The owner of the place just waved his hand lazily in response, and the synthetic servants quickly brought up the table and began to set it with various dishes. The rest of the evening was spent discussing cooperation and mere conversation...
- The bots are ready. - Two black-clad figures sat on the roof of one of the towers. - When we finish with the ringleaders, they'll do their part.
- Good. - From the moment the pair left the ship, the woman's seriousness never left her face. She threw herself back into the fight she was used to and regained the charm she had lived with her. - They are already assembled. How do we kill them? - A carnivorous grin reappeared on her face.
- It's your revenge. You decide.
- Then I want to play with it. - She drew the curved sword he'd given her after their encounter from behind her back.
- As you wish, they will support you. - The man nodded towards the plastics floating in the shadows.
- Then let's go. - She stretched out and jumped down, then the suit shifted and glided towards the Faction Tower. Her partner followed with a sigh.
The first two guards went down with holes in their heads. Running out into the noise, Aria lifted herself up with her biotics, then threw on her gifted sword. She liked it incredibly well for some reason and now carried it everywhere. Dropping the corpse from her weapon, she pulled out what looked like a PP and moved inside. A dozen floors were all the same, with a few sentient beings standing on each one, dying in a fraction of a second. A special device simulated conversations and responded to dead patrols to avoid detection.
- There's an IMIR and a bunch of soldiers. - The company huddled against the wall around the next corner. A security robot was at the end of the corridor, and half a hundred fighters from various factions were on duty near the door.
- If we throw... - she was about to say, but a man stopped her. He stretched his hand towards the corridor and made a clenched fist. Within seconds, there was gunfire and the screams of dying intelligence. Rushing forward, the entire squad opened fire on the unexpected foes, and the battle was over in literally half a minute. The battered, shiny robot carcass lay in a corner, showing faint signs of life. The approaching bots riddled it with blades protruding from its wrists.
- We could not be heard. The door is soundproof. - The Companion went to the door, put his hand on it and closed his eyes.
- Are you going to ask it to open? - came a laugh from his partner, who crawled around the guards' bodies.
- I don't need to; I can do it myself. - He stepped away from the door and headed for the woman. - They're in there discussing something.
- Probably about me. - She smiled again, showing her snow-white teeth. - Let's not keep them waiting, then...
The Krogan lay in a pool of blood gushing from his head. He had just lost his jaw and eyes and was already on his way to another world. By this time, the room was filled with the screams of the Azari and the Salarian Aria were working with. It was useless to ask anything of the synthetics holding the victims, and the man listened to music while admiring the view from the window. Soon two more fell breathlessly to the floor, leaving the last prisoner, who was now actively kicking, alone.
- Can you show the appeal over Omega? - She took Azari's head and walked over to her partner.
- I can. - A bot emerged from the formation, stood before Aria and began to transmit the image from its camera. She appeared before him with the severed head and her prisoner in the background.
- People of Omega! I, Aria T'Loak, have reclaimed what is rightfully mine. My reign will continue, and I will not lose power. You all owe me a debt of silence, and to prove my loyalty, you will finish off the remnants of the factions that have milked the station and you without me! And now I'll show you what happens to those who cross me! - The two bots pulled the last prisoner up, and Aria walked slowly behind him, drawing her blade across Vido's cheek. Once in position, she blew the prisoner's head off in one sharp motion. Grabbing his hair, she lifted him and approached the cell. Gunshots and cheers could be heard from the street, from almost every neighbourhood. - This will happen to everyone! - The camera switched off at these words.
- A good speech.
- You sound as if you had said it yourself. - The woman folded her arms over her chest.
- Even in front of many people. - The partner stepped back to the door. - We're done here. You take care of the lost one; I'll be back tonight. There's something to do. - With these words, he disappeared into the shadows...
The day was spent assigning the Wiseguys to their posts, cleaning the corpses and setting up the clubhouse. Aria had already changed into her usual costume and was now at her podium, observing the club's life from there. Suddenly, an old acquaintance of hers appeared from the shadows. The guards did not react to him, as they had been warned.
- I'm done. - He sat down on the sofa next to the Queen.
- Don't you want to tell me about it? - Aria looked at her companion with interest.
- You might say I'm increasing your power, so there will be no more of this.
- Don't you trust my work? - Aria's face grew unhappy.
- A simple precaution. - The man leaned back on the sofa.
- I wanted to discuss the rest of my cooperation. But not here. - She got up and walked towards the car park, accompanied by the guards. The man followed, and soon, the two ran towards one of the towers. Soon they reached the Queen's apartments, which had been renovated only a few hours ago.
- Not a bad way to live. - The man slowly made his way inside, taking in the surroundings.
- Not even close to your ship. - The woman went to the back of the apartment. Soon there was the sound of water. He walked to the huge panoramic window and sat on the luxurious sofa, picking up the tablet beside it. Ten minutes passed in silence when suddenly blue arms were wrapped around my neck, and something elastic was pressed against my back.
- I never got a chance to thank you for all this. - The woman's voice gave me an incredible feeling... Two thousand years hadn't taken away the desire or the feeling, but it had dulled it incredibly.
- It's not that important. The caress of a woman interests me the least. - The man continued to stare at the tablet without a single emotion.
- And yet... - she slowly crawled into his lap. A beautiful, naked body appeared before the warrior, a body many would have given their lives for. - I owe you one. But I don't even know your name... - Her face was so close that she could see her partner's handsome features.
- Is it so important? - His gaze, unemotional, stared straight into her eyes.
- Yes... - she was already close enough to whisper in her ear.
...
- Emperor.
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