章 41: Moment of truth
One month after the beginning of the war | Terra
- ...We are unable to contact the colonies in the Walser Segmentum. - The Emperor and Master Ordo Stellar walked quickly down the palace corridor, which the First Legion's legionnaires had been fortifying for the past week. Thousands of fighters, normally on guard duty, were now preparing to join other troops in defence of the planet. - Yesterday, a signal was lost from the last colony in the Vastor segment.
- What about our expeditionary force? - The Lord's metallic voice seemed to shake with strain.
- Only a few of the fleet have returned to their bases. From what they tell us, there has been heavy fighting in the area of the former Hierarchy. What is happening in the area of the Republics is unknown to us.
- Bad... - The Emperor's gaze went back into the void, unaware of what was happening around him. - Have you heard from the Legatus?
- Yes, and it's probably for the best. His attack fleet has retaken the Citadel at your command and is now approaching Terra with the station.
- Well, that's something. - At this point, they reached the large doors leading to the briefing room. As they approached, the guards opened the doors and let them into the next room, where all the supreme commanders were already gathered.
The pale faces of the men present, exhausted from the constant fighting, were dimly lit by the few lamps. At the Overlord's arrival, they slowly rose to greet him.
- Greetings. - As the commanders returned to their seats, the Emperor took his place at the head of the table and continued. - Intelligence reports that an invasion fleet will enter the system tomorrow. I've already ordered five fleets to enter the system and complete the evacuation of the population. The last ships will leave today, after which only troops will remain on the planet... - The silence has allowed the people to adjust to the news. This once-impregnable planet, teeming with life, now stands on the brink of war, preparing for its last stand. Thousands of ships, the largest fleet the Empire has ever assembled, are massing in the system, preparing to close in on the sacred planet. A vast war machine, about to throw millions into battle, paying with their blood and lives for one last chance to turn this war around.
- We will hold them off in the outer reaches as long as the strength of the legions holds. - Magister Legio marked the troops' location on a system map. - But with the support of the fleet, we will last longer.
- I could say the same... - said an officer in naval uniform. - We are capable of holding our own against enemy ships... But I need to find out how long we can fight. The doctrine implies facing an enemy whose number of ships is known. And from that, tactics and strategies are chosen. - He looked around at the people present. - At the moment, we know nothing about the attackers. Perhaps their forces, only a thousand ships. Powerful, technologically advanced ships...
- Technology is of no use here. - Magos' metallic voice rudely interrupted the reporter. - We have yet to find much technical superiority. The main factor is their numbers, which, as you said, are impossible to determine.
- Then I need something to add. - The officer sat down tiredly. After a minute of silence, a second, a third, the tension built up. - Is this the end?
- Maybe it is.
- There is one more chance! - The Emperor's thunderous voice made the dejected people remember who they were. - I didn't want to come to this, but there was no way out. Caro, demonstrate.
- As you command, my Lord. - After a moment, the hologram above the table changed to show the schematics of a huge device. - The schematics retrieved from the Comprehenders' archives made it possible to understand the workings of the machines that attacked us. The essence of the subspace catapults scattered across the galaxy are closely linked to a network of machines, and there is the appearance of a central hub among them. - A station known to those present as the Citadel stands out on the diagram. - We have yet to fully understand what makes it stand out, other than its structure, which allows it to transmit signals of enormous power into the surrounding space.
- But that's not the only thing that matters, is it?
- Yes, simply put, it is a signal store and antenna.
- But what does it transmit, and what is it? - The commanders looked at the diagrams with interest.
- We have not discovered the structure of the signal, we simply do not understand its structure, but the cyphers match those extracted from the destroyed machines. And yes, you're right. The repeater is a separate device connected to the vault. Then, a signal is sent to certain circuits, which propagates into the surrounding space, affecting the Reaper systems.
- Are we... ready to use it?
- Yes, Master Theros will deliver most of it to us, and the Order's fleet will arrive from the back worlds, along with the repeater. After that, we'll link them together at the rear of our fleet.
- What if there's a mistake? What if it doesn't work?
- Then we'll just have to accept fate.
- Let us hope everything is correct. - The Emperor has risen from his desk. - I will take the flagship to the Legatus and see that the device is activated. We only have to hold out for one day, which will decide the Empire's fate!
- Serve the Empire!
The vast fleet, drawn from virtually the entire Empire, moved slowly through space. The final hours of the battle counted down, creating an emotional storm in the souls of those preparing to fight in this system. The gunners finished adjusting the cannons, trying to achieve optimum accuracy. Numerous crews, urged on by officers, prepared the ship's systems, loading shells into the turret's lift feeds. Batteries hummed, storing energy for the energy cannons, ready to spew it into the void at the command of the men. Thousands of fighters and raiders on the decks of the mighty carriers were fueled and equipped, their pilots taking one last look at their tactics against the machines.
Suddenly, the space beyond the system's edge warped, and a second later, a black ship appeared in space. The effect immediately repeated itself, releasing more and more ships, steadily increasing in number. Soon there were more than a hundred, then thousands. Gradually, the entire armada trickled into the system. As they entered the system, the Reapers lunged forward, spreading their tentacles like real animals. The cannon nests glowed bright scarlet, warning the Organians of imminent death. But humanity had no intention of surrendering or retreating today; everyone was prepared to die defending the cradle of the Empire. The laser weapons flashed in an instant, and the room lit up as if a new sun had been born. A myriad of pulses crashed down on the invaders with unbridled power, shredding hull metal and melting the insides of the machines. In return, scarlet fire lashed the Imperials, shattering shields and melting armour. Missiles burst from their silos, hurtling towards their targets. They travelled vast distances in a matter of seconds, carrying the wrath of humanity and exploding in the depths of the Reaper lines. The forces of both sides continued to arrive, and there was no end to this battle...
- The fleet has begun the battle, Overlord. - Achilles' hologram stood in the hall's centre, looking up at the Lord.
- I know. - I looked out of the huge window into the starry void, where impulses and explosions flashed from time to time. - How long until we reach the Legatus Squadron?
- According to my calculations... I'm picking up their signal. I am reporting an attack by a Reaper strike force!
- Put it on the map quickly! - A moment later, a hologram of the system unfolded in front of me. A huge arc depicted the main battle, which stretched across the Pluto ellipse and occupied practically half of the system. But the most alarming thing was a large group of ships led by the flagship Mars. They were now under attack by two dozen Reapers, trying to break through the formation and get to the station. - We can't afford to lose the Citadel. Tell the Order ships to set a new course. We'll rendezvous at grid 34-5, have them deploy the horn and wait for our arrival. "The Dominus Imperium will rendezvous with the Legatus, and then we'll arrive.
- I do your bidding. - The huge ship shuddered as all engines began to fire in sync. Then the ship began to accelerate, rapidly approaching the stricken ships. With the device itself, their escort was heading deep into space. - We'll reach the Citadel's position in two minutes. Any firing orders?
- Navigate the situation; I can't help you or get through to the Reapers' minds. Put me through to the Legatus for now. - The hologram that appeared was heavily clogged with interference, so I could only make out a silhouette. - Good to see you. Give me a status report.
"Overlord," - the Legatus' voice was heavily distorted - "I am on the station with my legion. Our communications are blocked, and I cannot contact the ship.
- I am coming to you and will join the fight shortly. How much will you be able to increase the speed of the station?
"The tugs will be hit if they accelerate. We won't be able to take out the station until the enemy is destroyed. - At that moment, one of the cruisers burst into flames, and a huge explosion tore its hull into pieces. - "I don't know how long we can hold out."
- I'm already in a firing position. - The hologram showed a firing trajectory rapidly approaching the first enemy ships. - As soon as the Dominus fires a salvo, start accelerating; we don't have time to wait for total destruction.
"Roger that, waiting for impact." - The silhouette punched itself in the chest and disappeared. - Achilles, when the first targets are in range, permission to open fire.
- Roger that...
The colossal ship moved out from behind the squadron, its thrusters tearing through space as it turned to face the remaining Reapers. The mighty reactors hummed, feeding the ancient weapons with thousands of terawatts of power. The calculating machines awakened and aimed at the Reapers. Charged batteries flashed, and all stored energy was released into space in a second. The beams travelled the separation distance in a second and pierced the hulls of the ships. The places of the mighty ships were now occupied by clouds of debris that would remain there for centuries.
At the same time, the escort ships started to move, their engines roaring, taking their precious cargo further away from the 'front line' with each passing second. The Lord's ship also slowly turned to follow its smaller brethren, scanning the area with the trunks of its monstrous cannons. The squadron soon reached the rendezvous point, where the Order's fleet was already waiting, its adepts making final checks on the Gorn. As the station was driven beyond the secured perimeter, the Legatus squadron turned sharply and set course for battle, joining the main fleet. "The Dominus Imperium took position above the structure, controlling the surrounding space.
- Legatus? - I flew out of the hangar in my ship and headed for one of the Citadel's petals. - Communication restored?
- Yes, Master. - There was no picture, so I could only hear his voice. - I hear you clearly. I've taken the Presidium with my men, and we've cleared the area of the xeno elements.
- Were they in the way? As far as I know, they're not interested in anything other than maintaining the station.
- You're right, but we will keep this, and security comes first. - There was a sound on the other side. - We also discovered a transmitter control room in one of the hidden areas of the station. My magos are working on it now, relaying something about the huge device they found that forms the basis of this room. From what they say, I understand something about a teleporter or something like that.
- I know what they mean. - A small smile appeared on my face. - Tell them to concentrate on him. We'll deal with him later if all goes well.
- Understood. I'll get in touch with them right away. Anything else?
- I'll be with you shortly, where are you now? I don't want to waste any time...
- Under the Council Chamber. And be careful. We're starting to dock with the transponder. - In confirmation of his words, the hulls began to open, and dozens of tugs pulled the Gorn inside, gently guiding it into the station's centre. My fighter had flown nearby, so I could see the docking process in detail. In an instant, the tugs fanned out to the sides and let the Gorn float free. After flying the last kilometre of inertia, it braked and crashed into the mounts, immediately locking it in place. Hooked up to the station's power grid, the Gorn emitted dozens of lights, and its machinery began to move.
- I confirm docking. - Suddenly, the Legate's voice breaks through. - But we see no change in the station's control. Are you sure, Overlord?
- There's a specific control, and I'll take care of it. Just keep an eye on the situation and wait for me. - The ship slowly came to rest on the deck supports, and the cockpit lantern hissed to the side. I hung my sword from its sheath on my belt before climbing out of the cockpit. After glancing around the empty hangar, I quickly made my way to the nearest lift, which was only a stone's throw away. Placing my palm on the control panel, the lift quickly went up, and soon I was in the Presidium area, involuntarily admiring the beauty of the fountains. Looking around the empty streets again, I made my way to the tower leading to the control console. The unfamiliar silence was overwhelming, but I quickly pushed it aside and concentrated on my goal. As another elevator slowly took me to the highest point, I had time to think. I leaned my sword against the glass wall and closed my eyes momentarily. What if it didn't work? I am still looking for a way to replace the Gorn for everything else. And I know all the options, but this is far from a game, and there's no telling how it will end... If I had a few more years, at least a year, I would have solved the mystery, but now with the madness of going into the unknown. And if I did otherwise...
Laughing at the memory, I waited for the lift panel to beep and, grabbing my sword, made my way down the corridor. Immediately I noticed a hole in the wall, behind which was another corridor lit by emergency lights. As I approached the breach, I looked carefully inside, and finding nothing of note, I made my way in alone. The room ran far to the left, so I had no choice but to follow it into the darkness, my sword slung over my shoulder. I did not walk long, about ten minutes, and soon a network of corridors led me to a spacious room with a huge panoramic glass window behind which I could see the entire Citadel. And in the centre of the room was the console I was slowly approaching. I ran my hand over the surface, leaving an imprint in the years of dust that had inexplicably landed here. It came to life at my touch, illuminated by dozens of lights and circuits. As I was about to touch one of them, I was abruptly interrupted:
"Overlord, a group of Reapers have broken through the defence line and are heading this way."
- Do we have anything to stop them?
"Yes, but their forces are constantly arriving, and their numbers here could become extremely unpleasant. I advise you to hurry!"
- Understood, send the Order into battle. I'll start preparing the cannons. Stand down. - I switched off the communicator, placed my palm on the console and closed my eyes. Immediately the world turned yellow-grey, showing a completely different perspective. I knew it was a fake console and who was in charge of this device. Finding the connecting nodes, I slowly reached a point with a platform hidden in the floor. After a few more moments of conquering the mechanism, I returned to the real world. A space battle was unfolding before me, with the Order ships surrounding the station and sweeping away any approaching Reapers in a whirlwind of fire, buying me time. Not wanting to waste their time, I quickly climbed onto the platform and gave the mental command to lift off. Slowly, it carried me to the ceiling, from where a blindingly bright light began to beat down. Soon we were so close that I had to cover my eyes as all my sensors began to scream excessively. At this point, I felt like I had been yanked sharply upwards and almost immediately thrown to the ground. Slowly opening my eyes, I saw the platform from which three roads led off, allowing me to choose my path. A beam flashed through the middle in the same second, hitting the Gorn area.
Before my eyes, a translucent figure detached itself from him and moved swiftly towards me. Up close, it was the silhouette of a child staring at me emotionlessly.
- I have been waiting for you. - His voice seemed to come from every direction. I could hear the child's tones and the voices of very different people in them. - You managed to come here and now...
- Spare me your stories. - The silhouette stopped abruptly and seemed to look at me angrily. - I know what you are; you can't fool me with this child.
- Your journey has been long; take one of the...
- I told you. - I tried to keep the emotion out of my voice. - Stop this spectacle.
There was a long silence, during which he stared at me until he spoke.
- THIS IS YOUR WILL. - The voice was incredibly loud, and there was only the roughness of metal, typical of the Reapers. At the same second, the light flashed again, causing me to blink my eyes shut for a moment and find myself in an unfamiliar room in the station as the light faded. I was in a huge gallery, crowned by a dais with a throne I had seen before. Only this one stood in stark contrast to its predecessors, if only because of its dull black colour. Its owner, who sat on it, maintained this style but was almost a complete copy of me. Noticing my interested gaze, he stood up and spoke to me:
- This is your will. And as I see it, you were expecting me.
- I realised the first one was a fake. I know too much.
- You're not the only one. - Seeing me tense at that sentence, he began to slowly sink. - You're not the first to be transferred; the system chose you to replace me. That's how you prove yourself. However... - For a moment, he disappeared. Still, my intuition threw me sharply to the side, and a moment later, a black figure landed in his place with a drawn sword. - I will prove that there is no replacement for me. I HAVE ACHIEVED TOO MUCH! - He swung again, trying to reach for me, but the blow was parried by my blade.
- You're impulsive. No wonder your soldiers need a proper strategy! - After fending off two more attacks, we went our separate ways.
- I don't need that! - His laughter filled the hall. - Ancient empires fall like a house of cards when the wind blows. Believe me, yours is no different. - He lunged at me, aiming for my chest, but I parried the blow, swinging it aside.
- I have yet to see your power. The system may be right. - After blocking a dozen more blows, I stepped back a little.
- You want power? - There was a hint of amusement in his voice. - When you fall, I will laugh at the ashes of your Empire, but in the meantime, I will show you.
A black-red cloud erupted behind me, pushing me sharply forward. At that moment, he struck, knocking the sword from my hand and throwing me to the ground. I couldn't resist and fell to the ground, clutching the severed fingers of my left hand. For some reason, I felt the pain completely, even though I was a mechanism.
- Do you like it? - He slowly approached me, kneading the hand that held the sword. - It's partly a simulation of life. Space doesn't care about your steel body. Here, you will feel real pain, and in the end, you will die. - He raised his sword to his head. - This cycle has gone on too long.
At that moment, an unknown silhouette appeared in front of me, hit by the Catalyst, which crashed into him at great speed, sending him on a long flight into the depths of the hall. Rising sharply to my feet, I was surprised to see the Legate clutching the deep cut on his chest with his hand and slowly falling to his side. Hurrying from my seat, I was beside him in a second, lifting his head.
- I'm all right; it's been a long time since I've been human. - His voice was very low. - You must finish here. Victory is dearer than my life. - With these words, he offered me his sword. I took it in my hand, nodded silently and moved quickly in the direction my enemy had disappeared. On the way, I picked up my sword and stepped carefully between the pillars, bringing my weapon forward.
A low whistle came from my right, and I barely had time to block the blow before Catalyst appeared from behind a pillar. Grabbing my friend's sword from my belt, I swung it away and struck him in the wrist, sending him flying and filling the room with an animal scream of pain. Another flash followed, but when I could see, I was stunned...
I was standing in the middle of the city where I was born in my previous life. This street was also familiar to me. Somewhere in the trees, birds were chirping, and in the distance, cars were honking. It all hit me so hard that I couldn't stand it, and I touched the nearest tree, feeling the rough bark under my living fingers. Suddenly I was greeted by a ringing voice. I turned to see a girl running towards me. She was smiling and stretching her arms towards me, calling for me to come too. I stretched out my hand to meet her, and my gaze fell sharply on the bandaged arm of the runner; the bandage was barely visible, so I caught it almost by accident.
It was like ice water splashed on me, clearing my mind. As I lunged for her, I only managed to thrust my blade forward at the last moment, slicing through the frightened girl's stomach and thrusting the blade at the guard. She began to cough blood and looked at me lost, resentment flashing in her eyes and her lips whispering softly, "Why? I regained my emotionlessness and leaned into her ear.
- I was able to bury my past, don't try to seduce me with it. - Then I swung the sword into her. Instantly, the illusion vanished, revealing Catalyst before me, clutching the sword that protruded from her belly. Putting a hand on his chest, I dropped him to the ground and looked around. We stood on a platform next to the throne that caught my eye.
- You know the legend. - My opponent rose slowly to his knees. - Whoever kills the dragon becomes the dragon. The cycle repeats itself.
- Is that what this is about... - the voices in my head whispered indistinctly, urging me to take the throne and reveal a new victor to the galaxy.
- No one wants these organics, the Catalyst, to replace the Catalyst. This cycle will continue over and over again. This is destiny. - he hissed in a cough distorted by the interference.
I slowly drew my hand towards the beckoning throne. The voices grew stronger and stronger, constantly pressing on my consciousness.
- It would be quick. Just strip away any remaining humanity...
I stopped abruptly. My mind was surrounded by images of everything I had built. Everything I had fought for and cherished. To give it up for an aimless existence and the constant expectation of such an end... This path is not mine. I grabbed the sword sticking out of the defeated man, pulled it sharply out, causing another cry of pain, and swung it into the throne room, splitting it in two.
- NOOOOOOOOOOOO! - The voices in my head were instantly gone, leaving only lightness. - YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF THIS! YOU HAVE JUST POSTPONED THE CYCLE! - the kneeling man shouted.
- We'll see about that later. - I took the second sword and struck horizontally, silencing the loudspeaker. - Your cycle is over; you've been beaten by a house of cards. - With a slight jolt to the forehead, his head dropped and rolled down the stairs. The body stood for a few more seconds before also falling. On the other hand, I threw down my swords and rushed towards the Legatus.
- Did we make it? - I had to strain my hearing to determine what he was saying.
- Yes, we made it. - Just ten seconds ago, the Gorn had fired a shot, shutting down every machine in the system. His signal flew towards the other stars, hurrying to end the war.
- Good, then I'm not really needed here anymore.
- I can find a solution; I could transfer you into a new body, but it's unlikely...
- Don't do it. - Tears welled in my eyes, but I couldn't; I didn't know how to cry, so they choked me. Stifled by my helplessness with the power I had. - My time had come long ago; I lived only for you. And I have fulfilled my destiny. - A faint smile spread across his face. - I wanted to achieve the ideal, to suppress fear completely, as you did.
- I was afraid too...
- You... I don't believe it. - His eyes widened in surprise. - At what?
- Waking up... I used to be afraid of waking up.
- I don't understand.
- I can't explain, I'm sorry. - I smiled. - We only have a little time. But I've conquered that fear. When I have people like you, I'm not afraid to disappear.
- I'm not afraid to disappear. Thank you. - He started to cough. - It's so strange; I can't determine where the cough originated.
He leaned back on his elbow, and slowly, his hand shaking, he clenched his fist against his chest.
- It has been my pleasure to serve you, Lord. Forgive me... ...I have... ...my legion. Farewell. - At these words, his eyes went wide, and his body went limp. He seemed to be lying there, but I knew his soul had left the metal. I gently put my arms around his body and held him close.
- Goodbye, my only friend...
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