Rise of the Half-Blood
His pace quickened as he broke into a light jog down the courtyard steps, jumping the last two steps so that he could return to his run as soon as he landed. His breathing was as always, slow and calculated – slow, deep breaths allowed him to focus more on the fight at hand instead of getting distracted, so the Sword-Maiden had taught him. Overhead, he spied the observation pod where he knew that Archon Jariel was watching him. He could also see a number of other figures huddled together inside the pod, but he was unable to make out their faces.
Ducking down, he dived behind a destroyed Augmentor bot as the ground began to rumble and shake around him. Gripping his sword tightly in his hands, he peered about for his target, his eyes scanning every area for only a nanosecond before darting to another location. Seeing nothing, he closed his eyes and exhaled sharply. As he did so, he made out the shape of his target off to the right; the slow, methodical steps of the Protector bot, its eye-beams scanning for his location.
Not willing to give it the advantage, he leapt from his hiding place and rushed towards the bot as its eye-beams glowed harshly, having detected him. As the eye-beams fired towards him, he leaped to the left, barely avoiding the vaporizing beams. Ducking into a roll, he closed in on his target, now firing its beams at him every five seconds.
Well, four point seven-six, if my count is right.
Diving to the ground, he slid underneath the bot's large legs and rammed his sword into its midsection before it could respond to his maneuver. The bot exploded into sparks and flame as a large part of it's body exploded due to the impact of his strike – and to avoid death, he rolled backwards, landing thankfully on his feet.
Sighing deeply, he took a moment to center himself by inhaling and exhaling sharply before he placed his sword back onto his back, the blade retracting into its sheath. Turning around to face the observation pod, he found it empty – that was because the Archon was now walking towards him, stepping over the various destroyed bot piles that lay around the training course.
"Well done, Dominus. You have proven your strength once more."
Dominus rolled his shoulders as he sighed deeply, the muscles in his back aching somewhat due to his action. Wincing, he forced himself to continue rolling his shoulders – the Sword-Maiden had told him that it would help build his endurance, somehow – as he reached down to his left, picking up a set of data-pads inscribed with information. The information upon the data-pads was valuable to him, the Archon had explained – it was filled with the history and culture of the Cassians, the people who Dominus would soon rule over.
In truth, he could hardly believe it. Having been born and raised here on the planet the Eldan called Nexus, he had begun training in martial combat from the time he was able to hold a sword. He preferred this life, years earlier, when the Eldan and the Sword-Maiden instructed him in all of their known combat techniques – his life was, he presumed, to be a soldier, fighting for the Eldan against their enemies. It was a bitter shock to him when the Archon informed him of his true purpose – he would be sent back to Cassus, home of the Sword-Maiden and her sisters, where he would establish and rule over an interstellar empire.
From there-after, his training was a mixture of combat skills and history lessons. He had to learn quickly – thankfully, his superior genetics made this easy – and he had soon mastered the history of the Cassian people. They were a fascinating lot – one planet, unified at the edges by a commonwealth that preached equality and strength, but in truth, faced food shortages, riots and civil wars between members. It was for this reason, the Sword-Maiden told him, that Dominus was needed to rule over her people.
Even though he had never been to Cassus, Dominus had come to think of the world as his adoptive home. His heart would always be here, on Nexus, but he knew that his duty was to the Cassian people. As he looked over the latest data-pad – this one was on the Commonwealth's political instabilities – he looked up to the window of his "classroom", where the Sword-Maiden stood, staring up into the sky.
"Sword-Maiden?" Dominus tilted his head, calling out to her.
Turning around with a sigh, she shook her head. "Dominus, how many times have I told you – I am Tresayne. I am not simply "sword-maiden" to you."
"I'm sorry – Tresayne." He shrugged. He knew that she preferred to be called by her given name, Tresayne Toria – but Dominus had a hard time with it. Protocol from the Commonwealth dictated that she be called only by her given title – she was perhaps the most revered Cassian alive today.
"It's fine." She nodded, a hint of a smile crossing her face. Dominus was always puzzled by this; every time they spoke, he noticed that she would look at him with a mixture of pride and sadness – something that he could not understand, and something that even the Archon refused to talk to him about. "Tell me, have you finished your studies on the Cassian parliament?"
Nodding, he put down the data-pad. "As much as I can, Sw – Tresayne. It seems a very flawed system – the arguments between client-states seems to permeate the landscape. Instead of these states coming together to help their people with food shortages, they would rather argue about petty land claims." His fists clenched with anger as he thought about the starving people on the streets of Merida, the Cassian capital city. When I arrive, he thought, I will ensure no man or woman goes without a full belly.
"I lived it, Dominus. I know what you mean." Tresayne sighed, stretching her arms above her head. "The food riots in Merida, the free-state wars – I saw it all first hand. I am just glad that it is – or will soon be, over."
"Rest assured that when I arrive on our home-world, I will punish those who would rather war then help our people. Justice will be swift and merciless."
In the back of her mind, Tresayne's thoughts swam. She was proud of Dominus, of the man – well, as much of a man as a genetically engineered individual could be – as he proved to share her views on the troubles that consumed the Commonwealth. She longed to tell him the truth, the whole truth, about why she was here, about the Eldan and their "work", about how he was the reason for her being trapped on this gods-forsaken world – but she knew that she could not. The Archon had made that abundantly clear to her upon his "birth" that he must never know the truth behind her presence here. In fact, he encouraged her to think of the "boy" as her own, a son she never had.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't do that – at least not yet. Dominus had not been "born" to her in the traditional way, but created, from a mixture of her genetic material and that of the Archon's. The boy was designed as a true hybrid, Jariel had explained – an apex of evolution; a blend of Eldan and Cassian.
He has the passion of a Cassian, that's for sure.
Cassus – the reason she was here. The reason for everything started with her home, her people. How it had all changed that fateful day when the Eldan ships blotted out the sky, and those damned robots – the Mechari, from what she was told – made their proclamation to the Commonwealth's terrified leaders.
Deliver to us Tresayne Toria or be destroyed. Comply and be uplifted by our masters.
And she had agreed, for her people, to go with the Mechari to Nexus – but not before she altered the deal by demanding that her Sword-maidens be allowed to accompany her. To her surprise, the robots agreed to her request, and the fleet departed for Nexus. Upon her arrival, she was told that her people were "chosen" by the Eldan, the Mechari's creators, to be the head of a powerful interstellar empire – and the price for saving her people was that she was never to return. The Eldan had demanded a hefty price, but once again, for her people – she agreed.
That was, well, it had to be years ago, now. She couldn't really tell how long – but not a day went by without her thoughts turning to home. And now, the time was at hand – Jariel had told her that Dominus was nearly ready to depart for Cassus. She spent little personal time with him, but she had done her best to ensure he was up to date with Cassian culture and history – in addition to imparting her combat skills to him.
"I hope, for Cassus's sake, you mean your words, Dominus." she sighed, idly picking up one of the data-pads on the desk next to her. "They've heard those words spread by many before, who used their anger and hope to hoard the power for themselves – if our history proves anything, it's that the Cassians are tired of false hope."
"I will not give false hope, Tresayne." Dominus stood, shaking his head. "I will show our people prosperity that will be the envy of the galaxy, rest assured! It is what they deserve after all that they have suffered through – the wars, the famines, the pestilences, the disease of corruption at the heart of this so-called Commonwealth."
Tresayne smiled. Setting down the data-pad in front of Dominus, she walked towards the door of the facility, which hummed as she approached. "I know you will, Dominus. Call it a 'feeling', but seeing you during your training, it gives me hope that Cassus will have a leader that it can be proud of at long last. Now, if you will excuse me, I must...have words with the Archon." Offering a small bow, which Dominus returned, Tresayne exited the room swiftly.
Turning back to his pile of reading material, Dominus returned to his studies.
The walk to the Archon's chamber was swift – Tresayne did not want to linger in the halls of the Eldan for very long. They were creators, scientists, masters of reality – but their religious-like devotion to what they termed the "Nexus Project" unnerved her. They told her very little about it; only that the creation of Dominus was a small part of it, but the apex of the Project would be something that she as a Cassian would never be able to comprehend. She knew that curiosity could be dangerous – if not deadly – here around the Eldan.
As she passed through a small antechamber, two figures stood ahead of her, deep in conversation. Pausing, she approached them and nodded, their faces recognizable up close. "Ah, Ohmna, Korol. It is good to see you both again." The two in front of her were among the only Eldan that she could tolerate for even a small period of time – Ohmna was a member of what she called the Order of the Progenitors, responsible for directly creating new life on Nexus.
The other, Koral, was of the Order of the Shapers, responsible for the creation and alterations of the landscape of Nexus to suit the needs of the Eldan. Both figures wore their traditional green-black uniform of a dress tunic, slacks and knee-high boots. Ohmna also wore a blue-green shoulder-patch indicating, presumably, that she was a Progenitor, while Korol wore a yellow-green shoulder-patch indicating his role as a Shaper.
Both nodded in respect as she approached. "Ah, Lady Toria!" Korol exclaimed. "It is always good to see you again. Are you in good health?"
Tresayne nodded. "I can't complain, Korol. Though if I did, I'm sure that Ohmna would take good care of me – I hope." She shot a smirk in the direction of Ohmna, who smiled back – the woman seemed to have no knowledge of "sarcasm".
"Of course, Tresayne!" Ohmna protested, shaking her head. "If there is anything that troubles you with regards to your health, please inform me at the soonest! I am not as well-versed in Cassian biology as I am with the native creatures of Planet Nexus, but I am sure I can see to your well-being just as any of your people's healers can."
It was always the same routine, Tresayne sighed to herself. Since her arrival here on Nexus, the Eldan had been a mixture of reverently polite and falteringly annoying – they treated her as though she were a delicate flower that could die at any moment. Truth be told, she tired of their cautious nature regarding her health – she would much rather be out exploring Nexus with her sisters then reaffirming her health to those who knew of it already. Despite their outward politeness, Tresayne knew that many of the Eldan saw her as nothing more then an experiment – something to be used and discarded as they saw fit. Ohmna and Korol, to their credit, at least hid their feelings better then some, which was why Tresayne tolerated them better.
"Relax, Ohmna. I was joking." Tresayne chuckled dryly. "I'm fine, and I intend to stay that way, of course. At least, physically. Mentally, I'm exhausted – teaching Dominus everything about Cassus and the Commonwealth is...taxing."
"Of course! Your world has a fascinating history, Lady Toria." Korol beamed as he nodded his approval. "Just remember, of course, Dominus needs to know everything before he departs. We can't have him looking foolish in front of your people and their leaders."
"Don't worry about that, Korol. Dominus will be ready – mentally and physically. You've seen how he's grown over the years, in terms of his charge to the Cassian people – to my people. I have no doubt that when he arrives, my people will fall over themselves to please him. Finally, a leader that they can count on -"
...and all it took was my sacrifice, Tresayne finished in her head.
"We have studied you and Dominus over the years, Tresayne. We also share your opinion!" Ohmna replied, her eyes studying Tresayne as they always did – the woman seemed obsessed with finding out every little detail about both her mind and body. "He is an impressive creation – his Eldan genes will serve him well with your people." She smiled before continuing "It was why the Luminai Project was so meticulous – we needed a superior genetic pattern to forge a superior being."
"And I think I share Ohmna's belief that in you, Lady Toria, we found that superior pattern." Korol finished as he nodded knowingly at her.
"You are...too kind." Tresayne remarked dryly. "But you must excuse me – I have to meet with the Archon. It's quite important – you know how it is with him." she smirked as she passed by the two, who parted to let her through. She heard their quiet chuckles as she continued through the antechamber, heading towards the double-doors that lead to the Archon's Chamber, the place where Jariel oversaw everything on Nexus – including Tresayne and her "son".
Approaching the doors, she pressed the control panel on the right-hand side, which beeped to life as a green image of an Eldan flickered above the console. This being was the Caretaker, as Jariel had called him, and "he" served as the master computer program for the Nexus Project. It was interesting, Tresayne had initially thought, to speak with a computer. But over her stay here on Nexus, she had come to find the Caretaker more then just a computer – it was truly a unique being.
"Ah, hello to you once more Lady Tresayne!" the program barked, her ears closing slightly instinctively. "My scans indicate that you are in peak physical condition with no genetic abnormalities – which is excellent news, I'm sure! Now, what may I assist you with today?"
"Caretaker – it's always a pleasure, I'm sure. I have a meeting with the Archon, if you wouldn't mind letting me in." Jariel had asked to speak to her this morning on a "critical" update to Dominus's impending departure, but she had ignored his earlier summons and declared that she would meet with him when she had the chance. Now that Dominus's training was finished for the day, she would humor him.
"Ah, of course! But I am curious, Tresayne – you were expected at least four hours twenty seven minutes ago. Has there been a delay of sorts that the Archon should be aware of before you are granted access?"
Tresayne sighed. "No – there was no delay. I simply haven't had the time to visit yet. Now please, let me in."
"Of course! Access granted – please remember to be respectful in the presence of the Archon, the Head of the Nexus Project and my creator-in-chief! He is a worthy specimen of an Eldan, Lady Toria!"
As the Caretaker faded from her sight, the doors slid open with a rushing hiss. Stepping through, she entered Jariel's chamber. It was a circular affair, with a large window overlooking his project desk – upon his desk were various terminals and data-pads, presumably for monitoring all the projects that the Eldan were working on at the time. The rest of his chamber was rather barren, with only a small bookshelf in one corner and a framed picture of a star in the other – the Archon was not much for frivalities.
Looking up from his work, Jariel smiled. "Ah, Tresayne. There you are – I was beginning to wonder if you had not received my message. Please, have a seat." he said, gesturing to the empty chair at the front of his desk. "I trust you are feeling satisfactory?"
Tresayne nodded, sitting down gingerly upon the chair. Her eyes glanced from corner to corner – an instinctive reaction from her early days as a Sword-Maiden; one was taught to always look for danger in every corner – something that, from last week's test, she had passed on to Dominus, thankfully. "I'm fine, Archon." she stated plainly, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible. "Now, what is this about? Your message said that you had an update on Dominus and his departure."
Jariel nodded, his elongated fingers grasping a class of blue liquid and drinking from it. Presumably some kind of Eldan wine, Tresayne mused – Eldan food was not something that she enjoyed. Their servants, the creatures called the Pell, had tried offering it to her and her crew upon their landing on Nexus, only to find the food made them seriously ill – vomiting and severe muscle aches were one of the terrible side effects. Thereafter, the Cassians were fed a nutrient paste that, while bland, didn't cause them any pain.
"Yes – I think you will be both pleased and disappointed, however." The Archon licked his lips, carefully pursing his lips together as he studied Tresayne from across the table. "Pleased to know that Dominus's departure date has been moved up. He leaves for Cassus in three days instead of seven. Disappointed in the fact that your...involvement...with the Nexus Project is now concluded, sadly."
Tresayne didn't react. He was right about one thing – she was happy to learn that Dominus was leaving four days sooner then expected – it was four days less that her people had to suffer from the failings of the Commonwealth. The end of her involvement, however, was something she had come to expect. The only thing that she was concerned with was what awaited her. What would they do with her, now? She and her surviving crew – mostly her Sword-Maidens, those who did not try to flee back to Cassus – and some male ship officers who remained behind – were bound to this world until their deaths as part of the agreement made with the Eldan. The only thing that she wondered about was their fate – would the Eldan discard them as though an unwanted toy, turning them over to their Progenitors to be experimented on? Or would she be kept alive for something more sinister? It was clear that the Archon was fascinated by her, and she wouldn't be surprised in the least if he had planned some kind of unnatural fate for her specifically.
"What happens now?" Tresayne said after a long pause. She felt her hand gliding to her sword-hilt upon her back, slowly but surely. If I am to die, she thought, I hope I can at least take him with me. She cared little for her fate, but being able to deny Jariel the satisfaction of watching her die would at least bring her some comfort.
He smiled – the slick, deceptive smile that he always wore around her. "That is entirely up to you, Tresayne." Placing the glass down onto the desk, he gestured to her. "We have an agreement with your people, as you know – for you, the Cassian people will gain an invaluable gift – and from that gift, forge the greatest empire the galaxy has ever seen. I take my bargains very seriously – we will follow through on our promise. Of course, we also promised you that you would not come to any harm here on Nexus."
Tresayne braced herself. She felt that he was going to reveal that it was all a lie, that she would be made into some kind of experiment for young Eldan to study and tinker with for the rest of her existence. Breathing in sharply, she stared ahead at the Archon, keeping her expression impassive and neutral as always.
"And so, you have options, my dear. You may remain here, a guest of my people, and learn, explore and observe at your leisure. But I must warn you that your phase of the Nexus Project is now finished – we shall soon be moving on to far more ambitious things, as I have touched on before. If you were to interfere in our project in any way, I would need to destroy you and your sisters."
"The second choice is quite simple – you may leave at any time. Not from Nexus, mind you – the security of the Project cannot be compromised before we are ready – but you may live out your lives here on Nexus in the wilds. Build a society, a town, a city – the world is your play-house, as Cassians are fond of saying."
"That's it?" Tresayne stated, slightly taken aback. "No secret clause? No 'you must agree to be made into mulch for us to help your people' contract? You seek nothing but...to let me and my sisters go?" She could hardly believe it – she figured that the Eldan would have some kind of hidden "catch" to their aiding the Cassians – but if they did, she was not seeing it.
Jariel chuckled lightly to himself. "Of course! Do you honestly believe that I would destroy such a magnificent specimen such as yourself, Tresayne? It was your primal pattern, after all, that was chosen to be blended and combined with my own – it makes us 'parents', effectively! I wish no harm to you or your people – the loss of your vessel, while unfortunate, was necessary to preserve our security – but you know this, as I told you when it happened and you saw the fragments fall back to the ground."
"I...merely expected something more deceptive from you, Archon. I can barely read you and your people at the best of times – and every time I think I am finding something, some secret or another, you throw another surprise at me." Tresayne exhaled, a sense of relief washing over her mind – she didn't have to fight her way through this complex to her sisters, and she didn't have to be "augmented" as the Progenitors were so fond of saying.
Jariel laughed beside himself. "Ha! You wound me, Tresayne. I may be many things, but as head of this project, I am an honest and able administrator. I would never compromise the future of this project based on some absurd notion of killing you. I am not Nazrek – who asks for your DNA all the time, mind you – I am much more practical then he. You have performed a great service for the Eldan and the Cassian people, both."
"Dominus leaves in three days."
"Yes, three days. We all feel that he is ready – he is truly an apex of evolution." He paused, idly tapping at one of the many consoles in front of him. "Your choices are before you, Tresayne. You need not tell me anything or do anything until he departs. Even after Dominus leaves Nexus, you need not tell me of your decision. I shall find out one way or another, of course."
Tresayne swallowed. Her choice was simple – she wanted nothing to do with the Eldan or their "facilities" any longer. Her followers – sisters and males alike – would agree. Many of them were equally as disturbed by the Eldan as she was. Of course, she could not simply just hack and slash her way through them and depart into the wilds like a madman. She would wait – at least to see Dominus off – before she departed.
She owed him that much. After all, he was the closest thing she had left in terms of "family"
The gathering of her sisters and the male Cassian officers was silent. The bonfire crackled roughly as all eyes were on Tresayne, the night sky glistening above her. She had called her followers here, to a small clearing in the area the Eldan referred to as Wilderrun – it was only a few hours trip to the Eldan complex that she called "home". A few Pell milled about as well, the beings eagerly serving Tresayne and her fellows just as they did the day of their arrival.
"So those are our choices, my brothers and sisters." Tresayne said, peering about at the gathering of faces. She had just finished telling those assembled of the "choices" that Jariel had presented her. Explaining every detail of the Archon's offer, she spoke carefully and chose her words with extreme caution. She did not want them to think the "offer" to be at all simple, especially with the Eldan's web of deception and trickery.
"I say we forget the Eldan. After Dominus departs for Cassus, we make a life for ourselves here. We owe it to our families, to our loved ones – to those back home of whom we left behind – so that we could give them better lives." Tresayne paced from side to side as she spoke. "We don't need them – and so we shall discard them before they decide to discard us." Murmurs of approval tittered up from the group as she stared hard into the fire. "Our lives here will not be easy. I do not mince words in that regard. But as one, we will endure."
The group broke into scattered chatter and applause both. As she left from her position at their head, she approached one group, consisting of one of her Sword-Maidens and a Cassian male officer, one she recognized as Lieutenant Othard, one of the junior navigators on the Maiden's Journey. He bowed with respect to her as her sister saluted crisply.
Her beloved second, Octavia, stood at her side. "Lady Tresayne, we shall follow you anywhere, as I told you the day we departed from Cassus. To be honest, it shall be refreshing to depart from the grip of these Eldan."
Lieutenant Othard spoke next, his chiseled chest exhaling sharply as he did so. "Agreed, Lady Toria. I've longed for this day – the Eldan are incredibly unnerving, even for all they say they'll do for our home. I say to hell with them and their Project; we'll build something great here."
Tresayne nodded to them both. "We shall, Othard. And Octavia – I am glad that you decided to accompany me. This journey was difficult enough – to have my Sisters at my side was a mistake that our Eldan...hosts...shall recognize soon enough. We will do more then thrive, my followers – we shall build our own civilization here."
Othard once again bowed low. "I'm no sword-maiden, Lady Toria, but my skills, as limited as they might be, are yours from now until my heart stops beating. I think the men who follow us agree with me on that one." Othard had, in his capacity as the highest-ranked officer left, taken leadership over the male Cassians who had stayed behind. Tresayne had no objections to this – Othard was a capable officer and a fast thinker. He would prove useful for establishing themselves free of the Eldan.
She smiled. "Octavia. Have our sisters prepare our supplies. Othard, take an inventory of both weapons and food. When Dominus departs in two days, we leave – just as soon as the trails from his ship are cold. I do not want to spend another minute confined to the Eldan complex – especially near that arrogant lout Jariel."
The two of them nodded and departed, dispersing around the bonfire to the rest of their encampment. Tresayne took this time to walk somewhat away from the bonfire, staring up into the sky. It was rare that she had any time to herself at all, between the Eldan and her sisters and Dominus, she was constantly busy.
As she stared up into the black void of space, her thoughts turned to her late father.
I wonder if you would be proud of what I've become and what I've done. I've a feeling that you would – but I can't tell with you. I never could.
Now, more then ever, Dominus's thoughts raced.
Today was the day that he was due to depart from Nexus and to begin his journey to Cassus – where he would take his place as leader of the greatest empire the galaxy had ever seen. At least, that was the plan.
Everything has lead up to this, he told himself, breathing sharply. Standing in front of the full mirror in his quarters, he admired his uniform carefully – a simple yet elegant tunic of black, green and red – the Cassian color – adorned his chest. His slacks were black with a red stripe running down both sides and his boots were completely red and black. He truly looked as though he belonged to two worlds.
At his side was a sword of Cassian design, yet Eldan make – it glistened and gleamed in its scabbard as he adjusted it on his belt. The Archon had told him the sword was crafted as carefully as can be – it replicated the Cassian's sword design in every way. They had wanted to use Tresayne's sword as a model, but it was practically melded to her body, and she had refused to remove it for sampling.
He brushed his hands through his hair, making sure it looked as presentable as possible. Even though the voyage from Nexus to Cassus would take some time – time that he would spend in cryo-sleep – he had to look formal for the ceremony that the Archon was celebrating. Everyone would be there – all of the Eldan, as well as his mentor and combat trainer Tresayne. He wanted to demonstrate that he had truly learned all there was to learn about both Eldan and Cassian culture.
His purpose was clear. He was Dominus, the first half-blood born to Eldan and Cassian. He was destined for greatness since he was a child – he represented both Nexus and Cassus – his blood burned with pride for both worlds, despite having only lived on Nexus. Despite his lack of interaction with Cassians aside from Tresayne, he was determined and dedicated to them. They were like his family just as the Eldan were. Even the Archon, as distant and occupied with other projects as he was.
He was the fulfillment of the legacy of Cassus and Nexus. A legacy that would see Cassus reborn and uplifted – under his leadership, he vowed to bring them out of the dark period of the Commonwealth at all costs. He would not and could not fail them. To fail Cassus was to fail not only himself, but the Eldan.
A sharp buzz at his door caused him to jump slightly. Turning to face the entrance to his quarters, he took one last exhale. "Enter." he commanded in his most formal sounding voice. Behind the door was a Mechari – in fact, it was the Mechari, Axis Pheydra. He had been informed of who she was and what her purpose was – she was the leader of the Mechari constructs and would be traveling with Dominus to Cassus to aid him in establishing his empire.
Dominus nodded at the construct. "Axis Pheydra. So we meet once again." he walked deliberately towards her as he kept his gaze steady.
The construct bowed her head slightly. "Dominus. It is agreeable to see you in your prime. I understand that you are prepared – you certainly seem so by your elegant appearance." As he stepped past her, the Mechari followed in lock step as they walked down the hallway of the facility. "Are you ready?"
Dominus nodded in her direction. "As ready as I will ever be. This is my destiny, Axis – I must be ready. To be unprepared is to fail – something that is not and will never be an option for me."
"Of course, Dominus." Axis replied; after several minutes of silence, Dominus approached the large double-doors leading to the access hangar. It was through those doors that he would begin his destiny, and once he crossed that threshold, there was no going back.
As if there ever was a chance to go back, Dominus thought to himself for a brief moment. Two more Mechari suddenly flanked him, bowing their metallic heads in respect as Axis gestured them into position. "We are in formation, Dominus." Axis stated, the other two Mechari standing ramrod stiff on either side of him. "Once we pass this door, the ceremony shall begin."
Pausing for only a moment to gain his composure, Dominus pressed the access button on the door, which flickered for a moment before the hissing of the doors opening hit his ears. With a deep sigh, he stepped through into the hangar.
Inside the hangar were at least a dozen Eldan, by his count, lead of course by the Archon, who stood right beside the ramp to a shuttle – presumably, the ship that would take him to Cassus was docked in orbit of Nexus. The Eldan were lined up six to a row on either side of the docking ramp, while a dozen Mechari stood in a "V" shape around them, their bodies appearing as though they were deactivated. At the Archon's side stood Tresayne, who's face wore the same neutral expression Dominus had come to know over these past few years.
Flanked by the Mechari and Axis Pheydra, Dominus walked up to the Mechari/Eldan group and bowed slightly. The Eldan all bowed back to him, and being up close, he could make out their faces – Ohmna from the Progenitors, Ionis from the Watchers, Vorion from the Makers, Aviel of the Weavers, Korol from the Shapers, and Elyona of the Evokers. Those were the ones that he recognized, at least; there were at least a half-dozen more whose faces he could not name.
"Dominus," The Archon began, beckoning him to come closer. "your time is at hand. Your hard work, dedication and skill have paid off today. The time has come to depart from this world and journey to planet Cassus, where you will uplift their people as we have long promised. You will deliver them from poverty, from hunger, and from chaos. In you, the Cassians will have found their savior."
Dominus nodded, his palms beginning to sweat slightly. "Yes, Archon. I understand what I must do."
"Good." the Archon smiled, gesturing to Tresayne, who walked up to Dominus until she was but a few metres from him. "I shall give you two time to say good-bye. When you are ready, step up the ramp and claim your destiny."
As Jariel stepped off to the side, Dominus looked into Tresayne's eyes. "This is it, Tresayne. Today I fufill the promise that we made to Cassus. Today – I depart to serve my people." He felt pride building in his chest as he spoke the words he had long since come to accept. "If it was not for you, I would not have a purpose as grand as I do now. For that, I thank you."
Tresayne's stone-faced expression faltered for only a few seconds, as she fought and won the battle with her emotions. Reaching out, she patted Dominus on the shoulder. "You do me much honor, Dominus. I am the one who was proud to teach you of our ways. You truly will be the salvation that Cassus needs. I have no doubt of this – our people finally have a leader they can believe in."
Dominus smiled softly, bowing before her. As she filed out of the hangar, he turned to the Archon and nodded, stepping up the ramp of the shuttle-craft. As he did so, Axis Pheydra and the two Mechari sentinels who had followed him into the hangar filed up the ramp beside him. Turning his head, he looked down at the Archon. "I am ready."
Jariel could only nod, his heart bursting with pride – everything was going perfectly. "The rest of the Mechari will be sent aboard your ship along with the last of the cargo. Before you go, Dominus, take a moment – there is no turning back. I will not lie to you, it is likely that you will never return to Nexus. We will only call upon your empire when our own work is complete."
Dominus nodded with regret. "I understand, Archon. And I accept that – for Cassus and for Nexus, both." With that, he turned around quickly and stepped into the shuttle, taking a seat on one of the benches along the side of the wall. The shuttle hummed as it prepared to depart, the ramp folding up and retracting and the doors sealing shut. As Axis Pheydra took a seat beside him, Dominus rubbed his hands together, both in anticipation and fear.
"A curious gesture, Lord Dominus." Pheydra nodded at his hands.
"My way of preparation, I suppose, Axis." he smirked. Just then, the shuttle began its ascent as Dominus felt the gravity briefly changing due to lift-off. Peering out the side port window, he saw the spires of the Eldan complex grow smaller and smaller as the shuttle climbed higher and higher, until nothing could be seen of them at all – leaving him to the cold, black curtain of space.