บท 75: The Consensus Divided
Turbulent clouds brewed in the horizon, the seemingly calm night sky was just a facade, as chaos spiraled across the tower.
An eerie and sinister gaze coveted the earth, and it could no longer be hidden. Those under the ghastly moonlight felt a blood-curdling fear, a chill spread through their bones. The consensus grew anxious, as all high ranking guardians were gathered in the Speaker's hall.
Solemn faces winced, aghast and appalled. Countless questions sprouted, but no one held the answers. The Vanguard were silent, subjected to the dire circumstances, all eyes fell on the heralds of the last city.
In these dire times, as all hope seemed lost, the speaker, presiding in his chair, spoke up. His soothing voice resounded, as the chilling cold seemed to fade.
"An ancient enemy has resurfaced. As you all must know, our lunar scouts were ambushed and annihilated. All forms of communication have been cut off. The moon, is lost."
Faction heads, team leaders and elite guardians nervously shifted in their chairs. A stifling silence seized the room. Disquieted and unable to respond, their utter belief in the Traveler was shaken. Were they not the chosen? Had they not sacrificed? How had they lost?
The speaker sensed these tensions, as he took a pause. He glanced at those disheartened.
"The Hive, who we thought had vanished from Luna, buried themselves deep within its surface. Aiming to strike back. Now, they attack, aiming to take everything from us once again."
He stood up, guiding the eyes of the room to the window. Stepping out from the table, the speaker traced his hands over the dim halo emanating from the great machine. The great will behind its existence remained resolute, filling the speaker with strength.
"We, are the last of the light. Survivors of a great collapse. The first to rise and the last to fall. The risen who banished the dark. We are the champions of humanity."
His gaze carried warmth, a distinct aura exuded, filling those around him with light.
"We are guardians, and our light, will not be extinguished."
The warlock's rose to their feet, the titans approached closer. The hunters remained quiet, yet their eyes had changed, carrying a dangerous killing intent.
Zavala took the lead, his hands tapped the table, calling for their attention.
" We've pushed back the hive once, at the burning lakes. But the city needs time. We've spent far too many resources on the Ahamkara excursion. The consensus must decide the next move."
The faction leaders grimaced, they too had paid a steep price to execute the Ahamkara, however, could they support such a war campaign again? No, that wasn't the question.
A single glance around the room made it painfully obvious, those that back out now were worse than scum. Their very existence was at question. Future War Cult, Dead Orbit and New Monarchy, all were under intense scrutiny.
The Elites had already made up their minds. To them, attacking Luna was the Hive setting their eyes back on Earth.
Omar Agah, an elite gunslinger was disgruntled. The Battle of Burning Lake was the greatest disaster in his eyes. Although they had pretty much exterminated the majority of Hive colonies from earth, the cost was far too great.
The titan orders felt the same, Vell Tarlowe of the Pilgrim Guard, Gunnvor from the First Pillar Order, Calisto Yin of Firebreak, Han JungHee of Stoneborn and Blythe-8 from the Sun Legion. All elites were in unrest.
Praxic Fire and the captains of the hunter regiments, Tevis and Sai were present. Although they were directly under the Vanguard, their standing within the consensus was well respected.
All were silent. Yet each guardian present had a burning desire to avenge the ones they had lost, to push back their enemy and reclaim their moon.
The room grew dimmer, the floor creaked as Lord Shaxx sauntered to the center table. His stride was calm, releasing a suffocating pressure that yanked air from their lungs. Suddenly, an air of respect rose from the guardians present.
Ears perked up, as all faces turned to Warlord. Unlike his boisterous and jovial nature, Shaxx seemed distant and worrisome.
"It is true that we must strike back. However, striking at an unknown enemy is a gamble. We cannot risk the fate of humanity on such a thing. We stood together at Burning Lake, and the Hive we faced were ruthless."
A sullen and melancholic memory flushed the room, those present could hear the grief woven within his words. Shaxx fell quiet, recalling his final battle.
"There were thousands, Knights wielding blades inscribed with sinister magic, wizards with indecipherable sorcery aiming to decant our very souls."
"A hundred thralls ambushed each of us, held us down till their armies reaped our light. We were powerless. Their swords devoured our might, their magic and arcane showed wisdom and cunning beyond us."
"Oceans soiled with their corrupted corpses, the dirt beneath our feet, soaked in toxic blood, rendering it barren. The Skies marred with a legion of magicians, armed with their grimoires and rituals. Yet, we persevered, and survived."
His words rang out, yet many were dissatisfied with his intended message. Shaxx noticed their eyes growing sharper.
"Attacking the Hive on the moon is a fools endeavor. We know nothing of their tactics. Their Sword and sorcery will cut through our Light. We cannot afford such a fight."
"Lord Shaxx, had it not been you, such words would signify cowardice." Lakshmi-2 chimed in, her eyes drifting to the various elites gathered. Although her words earned her a sharp glare from certain titans, the exo continued shamelessly.
"The Future War Cult exists to address such difficult campaigns. No matter the risk, we will never back down."
Shaxx clenched his teeth, an audible grit resounded, his hands dropped to the table.
"You do not understand their power. Your warriors have faced mere imitations on earth. Our enemies are far stronger than you could ever perceive. This is no time for false bravado."
The instant the warlord dropped his hands, many guardians instinctively raised their guards. Suffice to say Shaxx's outburst caused the Consensus to split apart. The room was no longer amicable for discussion.
Naturally, the Vanguard issued a few days notice to decide their final vote. To the war mongers, it was a clear attempt at collecting extra resources, whereas those supporting a more cautious response found it a good way to settle the Consensus.
None knew the exact stance of the Vanguard, however, one thing was certain. The Consensus had no choice but to decide the fate of the city.
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[Vanguard Quarters]
"This is madness!"
The door to Zavala's room slammed open, a furious titan on the other end.
"Lord Shaxx."
"We barely eked out a victory at Burning Lake. Has the Consensus not read my report? You need to see reason, Zavala."
"We're preparing-"
"Zavala, you cannot think this is wise. Those swords, we need to study them further, to train against them."
"Lord Shaxx."
"We're not ready, the city is not ready."
Zavala heaved a sigh, "That is a matter for the consensus to decide, old friend."
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