THE BLACK ROSE
AN ORIGINAL AND UN-OFFICIAL KILLZONE FAN-FICTION
CHAPTER III - A BALL FOR THE HAMMER FALL
PLANET HELGHAN, EASTERN REGION, CONSTANTINE CITY, SIX PANTHEONIC STATE - MAY 25TH, 2360
VISARI RESIDENCE
The next day, for Makro Golan, is somewhat complicated to go through, especially with repeating the same routines, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. Just making the custom black coffee and preparing the usual toasted bread, on small portions. Then, head away from the kitchen, passing through the steps of the vast social room, to her room. Then, it was about waiting for the next order of the day and deliver her the reports of the day from the company.
Her. Makro Golan's employer. Which was in the same room of the house that could easily be called a mansion.
The corridor where Makro walked on was somewhat finely decorated with classic dark purple painting on the walls, with bronze stripes intertwining each other at every turn, but still in a harmonic pattern. The brown, cold floor, painted to sound like a wooden floor, was also decorated with a lengthy tapestry. The corridor had doors on both left and right sides, of white hand-made wood, allowing access to each of the sixty rooms in the upper section of the house. Makro stopped on one of the doors and knocked twice on it.
"Makro.", he said, waiting an answer allowing him to enter.
"Come in.", spoke a soft but firm female voice, coming from inside.
Makro opened the door and entered the wide room. It somewhat seemed like a princess sleeping room, with the exception the bed didn't have any decorations aside from the organized covering Makro knew he didn't made. There was a pair of wide windows allowing gaze to the outer, empty gardens and their pathways. The walls of the room were painted in pure white, giving no room to decoration. The floor itself was white marble-painted with some tapestry was well, giving a fine touch to it. There was also a large classic-styled wardrobe and a modified wooden writing desk with a middle-sized window, installed on the table for coordinated make-up and hairdressing. On the top of that desk there was some closed make-up equipment on the left corner, some combs and hairbrushes stored in a box on the right corner, as well as some expensive order-made pens lying around. In the middle between them, there was some paper piece as well as a book written in Helghast language.
But no furniture, small or large, was the feature of the room. Instead, it was the person already inside it, looking at one of the windows to the outside. A female figure, with a fine black formal dress, with no clothing above her breast area, leaving bare shoulders and neck, which had a luxurious white necklace. Her hair, black as the night sky of older Helghan, was somewhat styled for a formal occasion, kept upward with a personal silver comb in the back.
Makro took no gaze at the female figure, he went on to place the made breakfast set into the bed. "I see you made the bed yourself again, my lady.", he commented.
"If you prefer you'd rather organize it, I'll leave it a mess then.", replied the woman.
"I did not mean to speak this way, my lady.", said Makro, as he indeed had no intention of offending his employer.
"I know, Makro.", spoke the lady.
"Your breakfast is prepared, as well as the recent report charts from the office.", spoke Makro. The female instead spoke nothing, she simply turned around, revealing her frontal side.
She seemed somewhat like a delicate porcelain doll, which should be left untouched. Soft cheek bones and a sharp mouth, not showing evidence of silicon improvements. A small nose and ears of what would seem the perfect size for the woman. Light skin, almost human, which would be perfect without the make-up, but that wouldn't prejudice it nevertheless. And eyes emitting a diamond-like green color, almost matching the three craved green stones on the necklace.
Her look emitted a conjunction of both serenity and authority. A look she had been training for years, enough to discomfort anyone who'd have second ideas over her. Makro wasn't afraid, nor has he shown any signs of it. But that look was pretty well enough to take out most of his confidence as butler.
"Makro... Do you know what day is it?", she asked, not changing her serious tone.
Makro hesitated before answering.
"May 25th, my lady.", he said.
"And you know this simply isn't the day, isn't it?", she inquired.
"I understand, my lady.", spoke Makro.
Suddenly, the door opened, revealing another female figure, this time utilizing a grey custom of a maid attire, bringing some cleaning equipment. She then took notice of Makro and the rich female lady looking at her and looked quite nervous.
"A-a-apologies, m-my lady, mister Golan, I-", spoke the maid, stuttering at the glance the lady gave her.
"Remain calm, miss Tiopa.", interrupted Makro, intervening to calm the maid down. "I'm certain your services will not be needed in this room."
"Yes, o-of-f course.", spoke Tiopa, proceeding on with leaving, before...
"One moment, miss Tiopa.", spoke the lady. The maid turned around, more nervous than she was.
"M-my l-lady?", Tiopa stuttered again.
"I suppose you are quite new in this occupation, are you not?", asked the rich lady.
"Y-yes.", Tiopa answered.
"Remember this, then: You only apologize if you have done something wrong.", spoke the lady. "You made no error in entering, you were just performing your work. Therefore... Do not apologize on doing nothing. Ever. Are we quite clear, miss Tiopa?"
"Y-yes, my lady.", answered the maid.
"When you are outside, you take a deep breath.", advised the lady. "I am not so... rash... in my actions. Unlike others."
She then, using two fingers of her right hand raised and tucked together, she wavered her hand, horizontally, to the right, meaning the dismissal of both the employees. "You are dismissed. You both.", she said.
Makro, before leaving, took a brief bow in reverence. "Lady Visari.", he spoke.
"Mister Golan.", she spoke.
Makro simply left the door of the house, along with Tiopa, leaving Lady Visari alone to wonder. No questions asked.
Outside, Tiopa was attempting to breathe on, recovering from the quasi foul-up she's done. Makro just looked at her.
"It is better we do nothing to unplease her, miss Tiopa. Today is simply not the best day.", he said.
"What d-do you mean, mister Golan?", asked Tiopa, somewhat calm now, but still retaining some nervousness.
"It's the completion of the seventh month since her father died.", he answered.
ONE HOUR LATER
OUTSIDE, IN THE GARDENS
The sky in that mid-day sounded somewhat serene, like a clouded day morning. But still, it was capable of seeing the strains in the shield, working at their best to contain the Petrusite irradiation, perfect for that day. And still, that sounded like a scenario of terror, but Lady Visari herself had to grow used to it. She had grown used to far too much things in the past seven months. In the past twenty years, she had grown used to it.
And yet, she wondered... Why was it she still felt it like it was yesterday? Of course, the day after was of constant pain and grief, but not as it sounded the hours after the news was given.
The news that her father, the great Autarch of Helghan, died.
But not in disease or the passing of natural time. It was far brutal than that. He was murdered. By the enemies who already left the Helghast race to die. On that time, she was completely broken and resorting to insane measures.
Were not for her friend, who shared that pain too much as well, she'd not survive that week.
Lady Visari went on to a special area in the gardens of her residence, that place where she alone could find some old remembrance of good days. She didn't bother looking at the other decorations trying to fill the huge voids of that empty green garden, divided by the pathways, she only wanted to get there, yet she was walking slowly.
Until she stopped by a giant, black steel statue of a bald man with a somewhat gross nose, stationed in it's large, black marble cubic base, looking somewhat like a graveyard tomb, wearing some sort of coat and with a posture as he was standing on his feet, making a political proclamation.
The statue of Scolar Visari. Autarch Scolar Visari. Lady Visari's father.
She stood in the frontal side of the statue, where, in the base, were two plates, one with an inscription of the family name and another with the name of it's members, along with their dates of birth and death, all in Human English. Many Helghast thought it as strange, considering Scolar Visari was the one who totally created the Helghast alphabet, but he wished so, and his wish, even in death, was something not to be denied.
VISARI
SCOLAR GREIM VISARI (2307 - 2359)
KATRINA GUNSTELING VISARI (2311 - 2332)
STRATUS VISARI (2332)
FOR ALL CONTRIBUTION DONE FOR HELGHAN,
THEY ARE FALLEN, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Lady Visari could read, as clear as day, the names of her father, mother and the brother she never came to grow up with. The brother who died in birth with her mother, when Lady Visari was still far too young and not so formed in the customs demanded by the Helghast elite caste. She wished she could know the latter both, but it was her father she missed the most. The man who was proud of her, despite of everything that happened, and the man who'd not abandon her, as she never let him down but once. The one who taught her the three great words that dignified the Helghast leadership.
Conviction. Vision. Determination. They always sounded, by a fate of irony, similar to the Helghast Triad that Scolar helped created.
And yet, there was something staining a border of the plate of the family member names, a stain of time itself. Lady Visari saw it and wasted no efforts in getting on her knees and using her own white gloves to wipe it clean. She wouldn't simply allow something like that to try and hinder the source of her best and worse memories she spent. She spared no strength, and she knew it was something she alone had to do, just like making up her own bed.
She kept going on and on, even as the stain gone out, using her strength. In doing so, however, she began to feel something else. That same feeling she had months ago, of that anguish, desperation, sorrow, anger and grief, all those emotions mixed together like in a whirlwind and amplified a thousand-fold. The feeling kept growing until tears started coming out of her eyes and her breathing pattern came stronger and faster, but still she didn't make any crying noise.
She was strong, but apparently it just wasn't enough for a feeling like this. Months had passed and she let go on, but there was still some tear to make due for. She then stopped and layed her back on the base, like some child and not a rich lady, not being anymore capable of doing that cleaning with her gloves, but she managed to at last clean that damn stain.
But then something came up on her. An old memory, with her and her father. Something she could find some comfort with. She calmed down, despite all the grief.
The only thing wrong was... It was the day of her last dance with him.
THREE YEARS AGO...
It was a fresh and star-filled night outside the Visari residence, but the real beauty lied inside the building, inside the vast social room, where the large, classic luxury lamp provided most of the needed light, but other side lamps on the white walls didn't falter with providing the light on the sparse room. There was little to describe the rooms floor due to the great amount of people gathered there, like Makro and other servants attending to the people with the drinks and small food portions suitable for the cream of the crop of the Helghast society. There were no curtains that night on the social room, leaving the windows bare and exposed to the night sky. To fill the void of silence, a group of violinists, as well as a pianist, stood by a special stage, playing the music of the time.
Many of the male guests wore the appropriate social attire, some of them with beams of red color with border black and white stripes crossing their torso, also decorated with medals of sorts, denoting their superior power in Helghast society as military officers or members of the once Helghast Senate, a small elitist council responsible for upkeeping the bureaucracy in the Helghast Empire and the city of Pyhrrus. With that, Scolar Visari could easily concentrate on other matters in a wider scale for the nation. Only some military figures, like Admiral Orlock and General Metrac, kept their original military attire they used when they weren't in any social event. Not only them, but, also, the only civilian which didn't seem to change his clothing was Jorhan Stahl, Chairman of Stahl Arms Inc. The female guests were mainly dressed with luxurious attire of varied sizes, but most of them seemed to carry white, pink or purple colors, varied hairstyles and colors, obviously most were treated with chemicals to support the intolerance of Helghan's conditions at the time.
But not Lady Visari. She was dressed with the custom-made golden attire with symmetrical white stripes she gained years ago, properly made for the occasion. Such was the advantage of being the daughter of the great Autarch, but she wasn't any custom person to abuse of such privilege. Not like those other naughty ladies next to her in the table, talking rubbish to each other and senselessly laughing at it.
'Foolish ladies...', she thought. 'Never experienced any hardships nor took preventive action against it, but wait until you see, oh, you just wait...'
Of course, she remembered she'd just be like them, were not for all the classes and private education her father pushed her into, ever since she was five years old. Obviously she followed suit, her father advising her some things. But it was only after that day everything changed. The day to that visit in the Library in Pyhrrus. It was only supposed to be a text research, but then came the liking of obtaining information from those pieces of paper the humans used to call books. Ever since then... life changed to her, she had grown beyond her own self. Somewhat.
"Well, I see you are far too reserved for something so delicate. Even for a supposed 'Black Rose'.", spoke an elder, sarcastic voice behind her. But she didn't bother to turn around at all, as she knew who it was: Her father's competitor and the most abusive member in Helghast society, whom came to stand beside Lady Visari the moment some of those naughty women left the table and went on to the crowd behind her.
And it was obvious Jorhan Stahl did know of that title the young males of the elite have given to Lady Visari. The young ones who attempted time and again to pair with her. With little success of course, as her resistance was unbreakable. Yet, she came to like that title.
"Perhaps.", she answered.
"Perhaps?", asked Stahl, smirking as he got to pick up a glass of champagne. "The daughter of the Autarch of Helghan is delicate, intelligent, beautiful and, dare I say, very well educated, but not social with others, be they girls or boys... Shameful, should you be planning to establish a family base and continue the Visari name."
"Which is not on my plans as of yet.", Lady Visari answered. "Now... what do you want, Stahl?"
"Please, Ilinia...", scoffed Stahl, drinking his glass. "Why asking the questions you already have the answers for?"
The lady somewhat let a sarcastic smirk come on her face. "Does that concern that plan of yours for marriage?", she asked.
Stahl laughed a little. "And why not?", he asked. "Think of it, my dear Ilinia: Stahl Arms and Visari Corporation, two of the greatest weapons industries in Helghan, merge together, in marriage between their most influent membership. And, when I become Autarch, of course... It will be perfect: One Triad, one nation, one people, one leader, one vision, one purpose... One corporation. Both of us would have so much to gain on this, as well as our... heirship."
Ilinia simply looked at Stahl briefly, in a curious manner.
"You know, my dear Jorhan... You should keep dreaming like this.", she said, making Stahl stop with that arrogant smirk of his. "It does wonders for that temper of yours. Quite really.", she finished as she left, leaving Jorhan somewhat confused and frustrated.
A male, staunch laugh could be heard behind Stahl. He turned around to see a bald, old looking man with a well formed mustache and an uniform that was Helghast, but quite reminded an antique from the Soviet Russian era.
"Well, Stahl...", spoke the once alive Admiral Orlock, laughing at it. "It seems I didn't need to do anything this time."
Stahl didn't say anything, he simply stayed by the table, anger rising at him as Orlock left as well, going to join Ilinia in one of the windows. The Admiral didn't need to look at Ilinia as she knew he was beside her. 'A sixth sense of sorts.', Orlock taught.
"Quite a show back there, my lady.", commented Orlock. "I suppose he didn't desist from the idea already."
"Obviously not.", spoke Ilinia. "But white grizzly hair and rubbish old looking is simply not my ideal for a pair."
"Heh, I thought he had that aspiration for becoming Autarch again.", scoffed Orlock. The Admiral did know of Stahl's excess of ambitions, even the Autarch himself knew.
"He is too much convinced he'll be the next in line after my father.", spoke Ilinia. "Obviously, he doesn't know there are people more fit for the cargo, people... twice the Helghast he will ever be."
Orlock was proud, as Ilinia knew exactly who she was referring to...
Then a noise came in from the people the stairs above, horns announcing the arrival of someone as important as the rest of the elite.
"Ladies and gentleman.", spoke a male voice by the doors of the residence. "Autarch Scolar Visari."
The doors opened as applause came in and a man entered the room. His clothing was not like the lavish wear Helghast elite men beared on, with the exception of a few ornaments that'd make him more of a railroad baron or an industrial leader of the 19th Century than a national leader. But that clothing was one to be more than respected, it had to be admired by the elite itself, as well as everyone on Helghan. His head was entirely bald, with no apparent sign of returning hair, a torn and stern face, rough with the eons of time. A severe look of blue eyes which could not be confused by anyone. The Autarch of Helghan himself, father of Ilinia Visari.
Ilinia was already facing Scolar when he entered, waiting in the position she learned to greet both her father and leader. As he approached her daughter, she raised her hand in courtesy, her white glove in await.
"Father.", she simply said.
Scolar gently picked her hand like the father she was, with both his hands and then, briefly after, he went on to kiss it like a gentleman. He looked proud of her own daughter, a beauty of his making.
"Ilinia.", he said. "No matter how many times I have seen it, nor where, my daughter, that dressing of yours still remains a splendid sight."
Scolar then extended his left hand to her.
"Shall we?", he asked.
Ilinia needed not to answer, she simply extended her hand to grab with her father's, black and white gloves intertwining together in harmony, as she approached to embrace him. Another music started, a more calm one, but with saddening tones. Ilinia knew that time had come. But she was fortunate her father was with her, the same person who helped with that part.
A slow ball-dance had began between father and daughter. In a continued and perfect synchronized pattern, they each performed their moves, turns and steps in an exemplary manner. People who didn't know that Ilinia was his daughter could easily confuse Visari dancing with his spouse. But the people watching it were silent, even Stahl himself, but admiring the skills of those two. Especially Admiral Orlock, it wasn't everyday you could see an old-time friend and leader capable of such a thing, like dancing.
When the music ended, Ilinia and Scolar separated from each other slowly and bowed in reverence to each other. A wave of applause came across the room, as Scolar felt himself renewed thanks to that dance.
"Thank you. Thank you all.", he said, especially to Ilinia, who now retreated to the middle of the crowd. "Gentlemen, ladies, it is comforting to see you all once again, even at the eve of our next day. Now, if we can, please, continue..."
The crowd resumed their party as Scolar went on towards Admiral Orlock and the man beside him, one with a somewhat classic military should, but also a fine silver armor plate on his left shoulder, and a dark-red cape, reminding him of a futuristic version of the Roman Centurions. He was Armin Metrac, one of Scolar's most trusted generals, next to Joseph Lente, also a general, but far too arrogant compared to the charismatic blond haired person.
"Orlock, old friend.", Scolar said. "I saw you admiring the dance earlier, haven't you?"
"You haven't lost your touch as of yet, my Autarch.", answered Orlock. He then turned to Metrac. "Isn't it right, Armin?"
"Enticing.", that was Metrac's only answer.
The party went on for some time before the tables and chairs could be brought into the room, in which all guests, including Ilinia, Orlock and Stahl sit down. Only Scolar went on his feet, in a particular stage with a microphone and some water glass for him to speak. There was full silence in the room and all guests were paying strict attention to him, as he spoke his words.
"Obviously, it was never easy to congregate such a nation from nothing, especially when you would have people far more interested in their own agenda than in a plan of mutual gain. Perhaps only my good friend Orlock will remember this situation we passed on, when attempting to convince an industrial plant to join us, it had a name that I can't seem to remember. It was me, Orlock and two more bodyguards watching over us, while meeting the owner with twelve other people... A sign of bad luck, perhaps."
A brief, depreciative laugh filled the room.
"I only remember that man did not wanted to join our goals of rebuilding Helghan, and that those twelve men around him, carrying the oldest Earthly guns I have ever seen, were enough to hold the factory. I simply pulled that personal pistol I carried in that time. The man said: There is thirteen of us here, your ammunition is enough to only kill ten people. Can you remember it, Orlock?"
"It was incredible the reply you gave him, my Autarch.", replied Orlock.
"Indeed, good friend. After all, the words I spoke were: What if we kill ten of your men here, and the remaining two sons of bitches..."
Scolar went on to drink some water before finishing.
"I and Orlock strangle them?"
A burst of laugh echoed through the room.
"Of course, he was insulted, he said I would soon be dead should I attempt such a move, if not at that time. It was when Orlock answered the threat too, wasn't it?"
Orlock simply got on slowly on his feet. "I said: You better do a real good work on it, then, you bastard, and I mean a REAL good work on it. Because if we aren't dead in four days, you are in the fifth!", he said, sitting down after.
"Who could tell the owner did not back down on his threat?"
The laughs echoed once again on the vast room. Scolar waited for the laughter to cease before restarting.
"But now... It is serious this time... For this entire decade I have never seen such growth and prosperity we now enjoy. And it was all because of some things: The fact that the people needed to be under one flag and because of the values of the Triad: Duty, Loyalty, Obedience. 'Tyranny!', that is what the ISA and the people on Earth would tell. But there, the value of freedom is a privilege, already given for free at birth, like food to the poor. Here, on Helghan, we know better: It's something you have to work for. Here, the sweat we contribute to the Helghast as a whole is the currency to our freedom of choice. Many leaders believed that leadership was about the skill to govern the state. That is the function of the people who work with the leader. I discovered that leadership itself is about saying two words and only two words to the masses outside: 'Do so.' and 'Enough!'. Many here must now be thinking: 'How couldn't we see it was so easy to rule over the people?'."
"And I say, it was because we have allowed the people to decide what is good for the nation. But I ask: Do they really know what they want? How do they know, how can we rest safe knowing it is they, not someone capable of decision, who decide the best for us all? I answer: Look to the outside, what we are now. What has a divided people done in the past, better than this? Blood and sweat, the absence of liberty and a few bodies laying on the streets, are the heaviest of prices we pay for such things, but someone must have the courage to pay the price. As someone must have the courage to tax it. Conviction, vision, determination. The Triad of Leadership, the values that made me build what is all this now. Many on Earth complain about the leadership of one man alone over an entire people, but it was those 'one man' who ensured humanity's travel through out space, not 'many men'. It was the result-demanding policy and strict rule of the corporations who ensured humanity's prosperity and survival off-world, not some lethargic bureaucracy made by parasite clusters, sitting behind their confortable chairs, to prevent the so-called 'powermongers' from rising to their deserved place in history!"
As Scolar stopped speaking a brief noise could be heard outside, by one voice alone and then by many others.
"Listen.", Scolar said.
"For the Emperor! Hail Visari!"
"Visari Victor!"
"Hail Helghan!"
"Helghan Forever!"
"Fight for the Dream, die for the Dream!"
"Servants in life! Heroes in death!"
Every men and women inside the Visari residence, young and elder alike, could hear the claiming the superior officers and soldiers said outside. How loyal they were to the nation. How grateful they were for it. Amongst the people paying attention, the one doing the most was Ilinia, who always inspired on her father for true leadership. Ilinia was indeed a Helghast woman, where she had no rights at all. But she had her inner right to be enlightened by the clear words he spoke, that made no references to constitutions or laws, no jokes on human rights and such, but that enlightened but a simple fact, one she always knew ever since she was on the library. The fact humanity was letting itself fall apart due to simple, straight-foward laziness. Her look towards Scolar was one of respect, but the shining on her eyes showed she had hope in his guidance. Would seem natural, given she was daughter of the greatest man on Helghan, but she always spoke for herself, as Scolar taught.
Scolar himself was proud too at the claims the soldier masses said outside. He just waited for the shouting outside to cease so he could return his speech.
"I began to hear such words five years after I assumed leadership. Half of the ten years when I once asked for time, when I have already done so much. That is another secret of leadership, my people: Build so much in a few span of time, and they'll love you and worship you. You might even begin to admire the much they are capable of doing for the Helghast as a whole, and realize they just needed guidance and a tight leash. In the end we all know this: Democracy, the democracy from Earth, from the former land called United States of America, is a dead dream. An excuse the populace there found to become lazy and dull, only wanting to do their part at their time of their liking, or when things begin to get too difficult. The real democracy is what we see here on Helghan, the way of struggle. Every Helghast born and human as well has rights we do have to respect: The right to work. The right to produce. The right to serve. The right to fight. Beyond that, most is privilege. And the rest is duty."
Afar, on the room, the very clear silhouette of Armin Metrac walked forward towards Visari's stage. He waited for Scolar to see him and give him permission to come forth. Then, Metrac came close to the Autarch and whispered something to his ear. Scolar dismissed him and returned to the last stages of his speech.
"My people... I'm afraid the time has come now. Now, I must attend to what is to come. I now dismiss you all, and I can only ask and wish one of each: I ask you return now to the safety of all our beds, wishing the best of fortune for our brave men, out of many who'll die on the next days. As I wish a very safe and great future and hope for you and all Helghan, in what will come now. Thank you, and good night, my people. My sons and daughters of Helghan."
A wave of applause came from the people who stood on their feet to do so, as Scolar retired to leave the stage and head to a door opposite to that he entered before. The rest of the guests went on to leave the house and head back to their mansions. Ilinia, as she was in her own house, walked up the stairs to her room. Arriving there, she could hear her father make the proclamation to his soldiers from afar, deciding to listen some more before going to sleep.
"My people. Sons and daughters of Helghan. For many years, we have been a broken nation: Shunned, oppressed, and conquered by those we sought to escape! Ten years ago, I asked for time, and that time was granted by you! You, the strength in my arm, the holders of my dreams."
"Our forefathers embarked on the greatest exodus in the history of all mankind. An exodus for freedom! Helghan became that freedom! Our new world changed our bodies. At first, it weakened us, but in fact, we were growing... stronger. In the time you have given me, I have rebuilt our nation, I have rebuilt our strength, and I have rebuilt our pride! Our enemies at home have been re-educated, we have given them new insights into our cause."
"On this day, we stand united once more. On this day, those driven to divide us will hear our voice! On this day, we shall act as one, and we shall be ignored NO MORE! Defenders of the Helghast dream, NOW IS OUR TIME!"
Ilinia didn't notice the time pass on while she had that memory being experienced on. It felt almost like a whole day, but it was, factually, one hour she stood there, on that position. Ilinia had already stopped crying and sobbing, but still retained a saddening look. Her face's makeup was somewhat a bit ruined from the crying, but at the time, it was something she wasn't giving a damn about, and she wouldn't do it now. She didn't bother to stand on her feet and retain the elite posture she had hours ago. She could only speak alone and sounding and to herself, as well as to the statue above her and on her back. And she did.
"I miss you so much, father.", she said, looking at the sky filled by the surface of that energy bubble mixed with the violent Petrusite irradiation outside. "I just wished you could cry on how is everything crumbling. Everything you built, everything we've done. Not just the human bastards. Our own, too. And they will kill us all if they are left unchecked."
She slowly picked herself up, now looking at the plating containing her father's full name and that of his family below.
"Father...", she said, hesitating. "Even as much as I obeyed you and respected your decisions, I must confess... I've done things away from you. I've hidden things from you. And now...", she took a deep breathe before continuing her saying. "There are things I still have to do. Things I couldn't do while you were still here. Things you know it is wrong. Things that are contrary to your belief... and your trust. I can only say... I once wanted to do it for my own gain. But now... it has to be for everyone of us. It is wrong, I know. But... we can't just let them win. Let us only hope it will...", she hesitated. "It will be the better for us all."
Ilinia looked behind her, behind the path she'd have to look back.
"Father... I have to go.", she said, gently placing her stained white glove over the cold black marble of the base. "I only must ask, where ever you are, please... Regardless of what may happen in the next days, don't think ill of me, father. I only hope you understand it all. Farewell, father... my Autarch."
Ilinia left the statue, tracing back her steps to the mansion behind her. She had only that to settle, that matter with her father's soul and her conscience. Now, it was about doing it and going all the way.
No more as Ilinia Visari, daughter of the fallen Autarch.
But as Ilinia Visari, daughter of Helghan.
No more as Ilinia Visari, a powerless and afraid girl.
But as Ilinia Visari, a decided and determined Helghast woman.
And no more as Ilinia Visari, an orphan, rich lady of Constanine City.
But as Ilinia Visari, the leader of the female activist movement.
THE NEXT DAY PLANET VEKTA, SOUTHERN REGION, RAYHOVEN CITY
RAYHOVEN CITY TRIBUNAL - COURT ROOM
That tribunal wasn't so much used in the past, before the Helghast invasion. But then, the violent battles in Vekta City had transferred all legal acts and cases to that building, as Vekta City's tribunal was one of the many buildings put to ruins because of heavy fire. Such was the case of the Court Martial to come at the time.
The court room was nothing like standard judgment rooms, it instead was quite sparse allowing for several chairs and a frontal area for multiple defendants. The side held a standard jury section with the standard minimum number of chairs, which was fifteen peers. The prominence of bright white light as well as the very light green wall painting denoted the importance of the room, combining with the exceptionally clear white floor. The area where the judges sat was also generously wide and a bit above the area suited for the witnesses and defendant questioning, as usual. However, the central area of the judges table and chair was progressively elevated, giving room for two most influent judges in the table and the president of the current case on the center. In the front of the table, the evident symbol of the ISA flashed on it's authority for the human eyes on the room. There was also a larger symbol behind, surrounded with words forming an evident circle, the phrases divided by what would seem to be stars.
INTERPLANETARY STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
SAFETY, LIBERTY, INTEGRITY
The room was somewhat filled that day, with civilians wearing formal black and grey suits, military officers in their attire and the defendants in the front, wearing the standard clothing provided by the ISA Department of Military Corrections, a simple green shirt and pants with black shoes, the words ISA-DMC flashing big and black on the back of the shirt. That was the dressing Sev, Rico, Natko, Jammer, Hooper, Devon, Miller, Kowalski, Alvarez, Lloyd, Dunbar and Gutmann were wearing. Jammer no longer had that hood on, thanks to the ISA personnel, revealing the full extent of her hair and head, which was loose and only decently brushed.
On the table beside, where lied the prosecution section, there was a few persons on dark suits, one with the look of fifty years old and two of thirty-five, as well as one with a white-gray military suit, decorated with medals and shoulder pads with yellow stripes and dark-red tie, but he was somewhat younger for the work, seeming like he was twenty-five to twenty-seven years old. That young one somewhat caught Sev's attention, given he had shark looks from his black eyes and the posture like he'd already won the case before it even began. The man was simply waiting for the thing to start and be done with.
Then, a voice already came in from one of the Military Police officers standing guard on the right side door.
"All rise!"
All members, both spectator, defendant and attorney went on their feet, as the twin doors opened and men started walking inside heading towards the judges' table, but they instead were wearing military officer attire denoting the highest ranking of ISA hierarchy.
"The military planetary court for the tribunal of Vekta is now in session.", the MP officer spoke. "The Honorables General Field Marshall Harold John Ayers, Colonel-General Owen Silver and Major General Clinton Davenport presiding the session. God bless the ISA, the UCN and their honorable court."
Besides the description of three judges, six others, without having their names said, also entered to occupy their chairs in the lower levels in the table. General Ayers, the seemingly only African-american amongst the judges, was quite mature and strong for a command position in the ISA, wearing the most decorated dark-green suit than the others and sat on the highest position, in the table's center. The other two people beside him, however, where as white as clear daylight, only their ages being the difference: The first, Owen Silver, was quite old and on the verge of retiring his position while Clinton Davenport was somewhat on his forty years old and still had much time to carry on in his military career. Still, Ayers wasn't the only black-skinned person in the court room, as there were some amongst the spectators as well.
Upon sitting on the central chair, Ayers started the process without delay.
"Thank you, officer, you all may now sit down.", he said, and everyone in the room went to their seats. "We now begin Court Martial process for the day May 26th, 2360, case 853-B-Vekta, the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance against elements of the first Helghan offensive expedition, sent on the apex of the Second Extrasolar War, April 23th, 2359. Defendant names are: Thomas Sevchenko, Ricardo Velasquez, Shawn Lance Natko, Maria Puentes, codenamed 'Jammer', Maxwell Hooper, Jeronimo Miller, Sandro Alvarez, Donald Gutmann, Roger Nathaniel Kowalski, Finch Devon, Jennifer Lloyd and Moore Dunbar, codenamed 'Snowball'. It is noted that names Jason Narville and Ruckel Levi, codenamed 'Rodent' are voluntary AWOL, is that correct?"
Sev leaned in to speak to the judge-general.
"Yes, sir, your honour, it is correct.", he said.
"Very well, mister Sevchenko.", continued Ayers. "The motive of the case being inquire of violations of the Human Rights accords and agreements between planet Earth and colonies, as well as violations of the military codes of conduct of both the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance and United Colonial Army. Violations are: Article 2-1948, Section A: Massive multiple homicide and murder, also known as Genocide. Article 2-1948, Section B: Conspiracy of willful, premeditated and voluntary intention to commit Genocide. Article 91-2001, deliberate disobedience of lawful orders towards warranted and/or non-commissioned officers of equal or superior rank, as well as interference with military hierarchy and command structure and disobedience towards one or multiple articles of standing military law, Insubordination. Article 133-2001, unlawful and illegal conduct, inside and outside operation field, unbecoming and undeserving of rank, status and occupation as a subject within military ranks, Conduct Unbecoming."
"Lawful judicial inquirers are: Harold John Ayers, General Field Marshall responsible for all ISA ground military forces stationed on planet Vekta. Owen Silver, Colonel-General responsible for all naval forces stationed on planet Vekta. Clinton Davenport, Major General responsible for all air, atmospheric, low-orbital and high-orbital space forces stationed on Planet Vekta. Nigel Frankfurt, Colonel and major Chief of Military Staff of Vektan Eastern Region. Paul Garrison, Colonel and minor Chief of Military Staff of Vektan Western Region. Sarah Louis Deveraux, Major of Interior Security, Vektan Southern Region. Leonard Maddox, Major of Inter-Continental Security, Vektan Northern Region. Jonah Roberts, Colonel, ISA Intelligence Division on Vekta. Rourke Hunter, Colonel, ISA Central Strategic Command on Vekta."
Ayers then turned to Silver. "General Silver, can you please read the transcription sent by the prosecutor part and the District Attorney's office on Earth?"
Silver picked up a paper of sorts and started reading: "Your honour, General Ayers, accusations are the following:", said Silver.
"That the defendants intentionally, deliberately and with full conscience of the illegality of their actions, committed yet-to-be-known actions which resulted on the sudden change in atmospheric and surface conditions of planet Helghan, homeworld to a post-humanoid species known as Helghast and political center of the Helghast Empire, provoking loss in audio-wave communication and failure to read biological life, natural and organic, on the surface, possibly death of every element of flora and fauna on the planet. Situation of these charges is aggravating given that, One: Planet Helghan originally contained over ten billion confirmed in Helghast population, clustered in areas spread across the planet in political, industrial and commercial population centers. Two: Defendants returned to planet Vekta with an unknown Helghast space craft, small fighter design, fueled by an unrecognized energy source. Three: Violation and break of cease-fire agreements between the ISA Council and military high ranks of Vekta and chain of leadership on Planet Helghan, performed after six months of intense negotiation and agreement."
"Thank you, mister Silver.", spoke Ayers. "Performing judicial case today is prosecutor Linus Davies, Colonel of the United Colonial Army stationed on Earth, and defense attorney...", he stopped as he didn't see any person in suit besides the defendants in the front row.
"Gregori Slavick Hakha, Colonel of the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance forces stationed on Vekta.", interrupted the voice of the same name, now entering the room to join the defendants.
Hakha himself was wearing a dark green suit of his own, with white shirt and black tie, something proper for the tribunal, but not so fit for his Helghast look. Still, it was the only suit he was ever able to gather on for his early days of study in law school. Many of the people looked on with shock, awe and some with indignation at the Helghast, that bald person of pale-skin with a suit, walking on the room.
"Good to join us... Slavick.", whispered Rico.
"Now's not the time, Rico!", whispered Hakha, reprehending him.
"Mister Hakha, you were warned, the moment you chose to volunteer for this case, that your Helghast origin can cause significant influence in your defense of the defendants, may it be for better or worse. Are you still aware of this fact?", asked Ayers.
"Yes sir, your honour, I am, thank you very much.", replied Hakha, cordially, as he sat down besides Sevchenko on the far right corner.
"Very well, then.", spoke Ayers. "Then, perhaps, we can start the initial stages of this case's opening, starting with the prosecution. Mister Davies, if you please..."
The young man said nothing but he got on his feet to stand before the court room's people, with the judges watching behind him, starting his speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honored members of this tribunal, high command of the ISA military branch.", he said. He then, as if he was mad, raised both his arms to the above, like a priest doing oratory.
"DEATH TO ALL HELGHAST! THEY ARE ALL THE SAME THING!", he shouted, in a slow manner. "THIS... Is what you can hear in the shouting interior of one person... Not all those twelve people, but one person, alone, sit here, in this court room.", he than progressed more quieter, but going to the defendants table, pointing his finger at Rico.
"Him. Ricardo Velasquez. His friends call him Rico.", he said. "Sergeant of the ISA infantry forces, twice known for his distinct actions here in Vekta. One, in the Space Defense Platform crisis caused by one of ours, traitor General Stuart Adams. The other was right here, in Rayhoven, in the chase and arrest of another General and another traitor we are well familiarized, Dwight Stratson, in the illegal smuggle of nuclear ordinance to forces loyal to the Helghast Empire, under the command of Autarch Scolar Visari at the time. Recognized war hero, man of action. An example for ISA soldiers to follow, born by occasion, not by us of the ISA, we simply trained him and armed him and sent him to action. Or is he not?"
"Because, here's the question, if he's a war hero, why's he standing before court martial at this moment?", Davies asked, incredulous. "And that, ladies and gentleman, is because mister Velasquez is not the ideal example we are supposed to believe in! Because, behind Rico Velasquez, the legend, the person, that Rico Velasquez is, is a whole different story. The person is a man of violence, with a past of uncontrollable violence, with a RECORD of violence! Not only this, but also unprecedented prejudice and racist behaviour against the very enemy he fought, with an almost religious fervour!"
"It is the duty of the military of not being afraid, ladies and gentleman. Not being afraid of the enemy, not being afraid of facing him, not being afraid of dying in doing so. But we must also not be afraid of admitting our mistakes, our faults, the same way we admit our glories. We must also not be afraid of admitting we were wrong when we gave permission to control portions of our infantry and a better position to a man so undisciplined and relentless enough to disobey authority and engaging targets even when not necessary, for the pleasure of killing!"
"Now, I don't have any prejudice against the person Rico Velasquez, nor the 'legend' he is. Quite the contrary. And that because it's not just him standing here, in this room, we have here people who collaborated on his side during the siege of Helghan! Thomas Sevchenko and Shawn Natko are known to serve in the same squadron Rico served. Maria Puentes was not from the same squad, but came to know him and join him in combat, as did Maxwell Hooper, as did Roger Kowalski, as everyone of the lot did! Eleven souls who stood with him, killing rank after rank of Helghast military personnel, either because it was in the way of the mission, either because the Helghast fired first... Sometimes, by pure pleasure too. And that very well qualifies them as accessories and associates to murder, given the charges presented today."
"The evidence we will present you this day, as well as in the following days, will show you the murderer, not the hero, that Rico Velasquez is. A man that didn't simply stop when all Helghast military personnel was killed, that he insisted to go on with civilians, women, elder, children! There are three questions about this: 'How', 'Why' and 'Is He'. How did he manage to kill ten billion people in one stroke? Why all do this? Is he capable of not only killing all those people... but also enjoying do so, taking some... macabre and sick pleasure in performing this? Is he so capable of hate, far beyond what any other humans could do? Unfortunately, ladies and gentleman, the evidence will point that way. But your decision will count on if the murderer, the responsible for all those nonsense deaths, is one man... or all mankind. These are my arguments, as well as the demonstration of several parties united to properly process this man, all depending on me, their prosecution officer, Colonel Linus Nickel Davies, UCA 6th Divisional Command, on this day, May 26th, 2360. God bless the ISA, the UCN and this court. Thank you, your honour."
Davies, having finished his speech, went on to his seat.
"The defense can now make their initial proclamation. Mister Hakha...", spoke Ayers.
Hakha went on his feet and walked towards the frontal area, facing the crowd and his defendants with the judges facing his back, like they did with Davies. Hakha, briefly after looking at the crowd, started his speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen. It seems that...", he started, somewhat hesitating in doing so. "Even in a place of authority like this tribunal, there is irony present: The irony you behold even now. You see the irony of a Helghast defending a killer of other Helghast. But I assure you, I am half-Helghast. Which makes my other half a human one, and a half irrevocably in debt with the ISA and the people representing it. People like Ricardo Velasquez."
"Beforehand, I would like to indeed establish several facts: Yes, my homeworld, Helghan, is dead. My people are dead. Perhaps I may be the last of my species, unless there are other Helghast elements who defected as well and I wasn't aware of. Indeed, Rico isn't a saint, properly said: Our 'first' encounter was not so amicable."
"But, should I be in his place, I would do the same thing. But there's one point that the prosecutor, Colonel Davies, brought as true, and I would like to thank him for it: Yes, Rico didn't ask to be a hero, as the ISA didn't make him one. We simply trained him and we armed him and we sent him into action, indeed. Both in Vekta and Helghan, even if he wanted to be voluntary for the action, the final decision was not his, it belonged to his superior officer, the dead Colonel and, also, a war hero, Jan Templar."
"As it is also true his past was one of violence, and the factor of why he hated my people so much: Ask yourselves, how many of you were in a platoon in which, after a battle you could easily call 'massacre', you and you alone are the only survivor? How many of you battled for a small city in which only you managed to survive? Because this was known about my people, they did not take prisoners, and those they did take would suffer far worse fates than a quick death. In the end, it is not a voluntary hatred against the Helghast Rico nurtured, his nature did it for him. Survival instinct. The same can be said for his colleagues, eleven men and women who were also trained, armed and sent into action by us.", he spoke gesturing into the other defendants than Rico himself. "This alone is hardily a reason for Court Martial, but rather a medical examination."
"The prosecution will present evidence, attempting to sway you to the fact Rico Velasquez, alone, is a monster. But if he is indeed a monster, then the ISA will also look far guilty than him, because the ISA nurtured that monster. The ISA nurtured all the other eleven monsters. I admit, I have no evidence nor anything that can help me fight whatever they may present you in this court. But there will be also a serious flaw in the prosecution if they cannot answer the 'How' Colonel Davies spoke of. Because, if they cannot answer that question alone, if they cannot present an evidence, whatever the faintest it can be, that it was possible to kill ten billion Helghast in one stroke, then I cannot prove that my 'clients' are innocent of willful and voluntary Genocide, but they cannot also prove they are guilty."
"I am Helghast. I too have had my moment of grief, anguish and anger in seeing my only home, my only family of ten billion confused people, confused by a government willing to sacrifice it's own citizenry for a simple victory, either elite or proletariat, getting murdered by a sudden change in atmosphere only your Christian God could explain. But, still, I defend this man, Rico Velasquez, because I am also Human. The prosecutor claims your decision will either determine it's either one man or all mankind who's guilty of ten billion dead in just a few seconds. But, and this is a rather large BUT, he seemed to mean it literally. Because, truth be told, should that 'one man' be pointed guilty, then... there will be the certainty for the Helghast species, should they still be alive on Helghan: Humanity is guilty, and the guilt appointment of Velasquez will certify it. I do not know the consequences of it should it happen. But I, like Colonel Davies, have a duty here: To ensure my clients and my friend, dare I say, do not have to find out. And neither anyone of us. Thank you."
Hakha went on to sit on his table, where then Ayers restarted.
"Very well, then.", spoke Ayers. "The prosecution can now call it's first witness for testimony."
"Of course, your honour.", spoke Colonel Davies. "The office would like to call defendant Thomas Sevchenko for testimony."
Sev then stood on his feet, walking towards the witness' table. A military officer walked on to the table too.
"Raise your right hand.", the officer said, and Sev followed suit. "Do you swear, in this court, regardless of the evidence shown or contrary argument, to speak the truth, only the truth, nothing but the truth, so help you, God?"
"I swear.", spoke Sev, sitting on the small chair.
Davies then approached the witness table to dialogue with Sevchenko.
"Full name and rank for record, please.", asked Davies.
"Sevchenko, Thomas Grant, Sergeant, First Class.", replied Sev.
"Mister Sevchenko.", started Davies. "It is informed you served in the same squadron mister Velasquez did, as well as mister Natko, is that correct?"
"Yes.", Sev deadpan replied.
"May I inquire how you came to meet?", asked Davies.
"Objection, your honour, unless it can show relevance to the occurring case.", said Hakha.
"Sustained.", spoke Ayers. "Mister Davies, please, only referring facts."
Davies then picked up a small green file on the prosecution desk before returning to the witness' table.
"Mister Sevchenko.", started Davies once more. "It is noted here that, besides mister Velasquez and mister Natko, there was a fourth member in your squadron, Corporal Dante Garza, whom was killed in action in the Helghan Invasion, is that correct?"
Sev, before feeling nervous, was intervened by Hakha.
"Objection once more, your honour.", Hakha said.
"Sir, the next questions referring to Corporal Garza will demonstrate interest of relevance to the case, I assure you.", quckly replied Davies.
"Are you absolutely certain, mister Davies?", asked Ayers. "Because, if this is a waste of time, it may have serious consequences in your part."
"Oh, that I am, your honour.", replied Davies.
Ayers waited briefly, considering the decision to make.
"Objection overruled. Mister Sevchenko, please answer the question.", spoke Ayers.
"Yes, Colonel, Dante Garza was a member of Alpha squadron.", replied Sevchenko.
"This, mister Sevchenko, is a post-action report, with a precise description, sent by you and mister Natko, on the manner he was eliminated. Your words, as well as those from mister Natko, on the events surrounding Corporal Garza's deceasement.", spoke Davies, showing the green file he was carrying. "Words mentioning Sergeant Velasquez lack of conduct and negligence which resulted in Corporal Garza's eventual fatality. Here, it mentions a hostage situation involving your unit and deceased scientist, doctor Evelyn Batton. In the words prescribed here, you spoke that Sergeant Velasquez, instead of waiting the call to flank the Helghast soldiers and effectively eliminate them and save lives, he advanced foolishly into battle, resulting in three fatal gunshot wounds on Corporal Garza in the process. Is that correct, mister Sevchenko?"
"Not entirely...", answered Sev, but somewhat low that Davies sounded like he didn't hear.
"Excuse me, mister Sevchenko?", asked Davies.
Sev leaned foward to answer into the microphone.
"I said not entirely, sir.", spoke Sev, clearly this time.
"What do you mean 'not entirely'? Do you basically mean that what is written here may be wrong?", asked Davies, defyingly.
"Objection, your honour. Inflammatory question.", Hakha spoke from his desk.
"Sustained.", spoke Ayers. "Remake your phrase, please, mister Davies?"
"Mister Sevchenko, it is written here, black words in white paper, your official version of the post-action report concerning the death of Corporal Garza, which is sustained by mister Natko was well, and now you claim that is not entirely true? What do you mean with this?", asked Davies, detailingly.
"Permission to speak freely, your honour?", asked Sev, looking at Ayers.
"Why such permission, soldier?", asked Ayers. "Do you wish to explain, in details, to the Counselor, is this it?"
"If that means answering beyond a 'yes' or 'no', then yes, sir.", answered Sev.
"Go on, then.", answered Ayers.
"Thank you, your honour.", Sev obliged, looking at Ayers then to Davies. "Colonel Davies, the report should denote the presence of another ISA soldier on the hostage situation, and that the Helghast have executed that soldier moments before the actions that resulted on the death of my squad mate. Perhaps you forgot that part... sir."
Davies looking incredulous, seemed like Sev was trying to make fun out of him.
"'Perhaps I forgot that part'?", he asked. "Mister Sevchenko, are you aware that ridicularizing the court is a federal offense?"
"Yes, I am, sir.", answered Sev, politely.
"Then how can you claim that I forgot the mention of an ISA soldier present in this hostage situation, written in this file?", asked Davies. "Do you mean, pardon the offense, to call me stupid, is that it?"
"Objection! Speculation!", claimed Hakha.
"Sustained.", spoke Ayers.
"I mean, mister Sevchenko, do you mean, by your assumption that I forgot the mention of the ISA soldier, that I withheld information relevant to suggest another conclusion?", asked Davies, quite nervous at every turn.
"Objection, another speculation!", claimed Hakha once more.
"Colonel Davies, I will not say it again.", warned Ayers with a firm tone.
"Mister Sevchenko!", spoke Davies with a firm tone. "By I saying that I forgot the part of an ISA soldier being executed moments before mister Velasquez's rushed actions, do you mean that I intended to confuse an unconsidered action with one of negligence that-"
"Mister Davies, this is enough!", reprehended Ayers.
"...contributed to the death of your colleague, is that what you mean?", continued Davies, expecting an answer.
Naturally, people suffering that kind of pressure would shout out the truth due to stress and anger. The problem was, Sev didn't lose his posture or his calm, which was unnatural even for Davies.
"I did not say you were confusing things... sir.", spoke Sev, quite in control of himself.
A small, quiet wave of mumbling came across the room, but one even Ayers could hear.
"Order.", Silver said while beating the hammer he carried on the desk's circle.
Davies just looked at Sev, quite indignant and confused at the answer. A sign Sev knew: Davies didn't know what to do. The defendant overcame him in the word fight.
"The office is finished with mister Sevchenko.", finalized Davies, nervous at it, returning to his table with his colleagues.
"Has the defense any questions for mister Sevchenko?", proceeding Ayers, quite in control, especially after the small episode occurred minutes ago.
"We do, your honour.", answered Hakha, getting on his, proceeding foward like Davies did.
"Mister Sevchenko.", started Hakha. "Despite my objection earlier when mister Davies asked you how and mister Velasquez came to meet, may I simply ask for how much time have you and mister Velasquez operated together, whether in the same squad or in different squads?"
"Two years, sir.", answered Sev.
"In these two years in which you and mister Velasquez operated together, have you ever witnessed any behavior changes of any kind in your squadron colleague?", asked Hakha.
"None whatsoever, sir.", answered Sev.
"Mister Sevchenko, psychological records do speak of mister Velasquez's uncanny behavior towards people of my kind. Helghast.", spoke Hakha. "Have you ever seen this behavior change for the worse?"
"Mister Velasquez's behavior was quite relevant, sir, but I haven't witnessed any changes nor actions indicating such.", Sev answered.
"Does that also apply to treatment with Helghast prisoners of war, actions with Helghast wearing ISA colors inside or outside the battlefield or with Helghast civilians?", asked Hakha.
"Yes, sir.", spoke Sev.
"Has mister Velasquez ever made prejudicial comments on any Helghast-related matter?", asked Hakha.
"Unfortunately, he occasionally made, sir.", answered Sev.
"How prejudicial it was, mister Sevchenko?", asked Hakha.
"Somewhat minimal, sir, only standard prejudice against Helghast and the actions the soldiers committed.", answered Sev.
"Very well, then.", answered Hakha. "Now, concerning the report written by you and mister Natko and presented by Colonel Davies... It was informed that, amongst the hostages in which were included the mentioned ISA soldier, named Ashton Briggs, and doctor Evelyn Batton, there were also Corporal Garza and mister Natko being held under Helghast control, is that correct?"
"Yes.", answered Sev.
"According to the report, a shot was fired on the head of Private Briggs, resulting in his instant death, shortly before you and mister Velasquez acted, as you mentioned to Colonel Davies, is that correct?", asked Hakha.
"Yes, sir.", answered Sev.
"However, instead of waiting to flank the enemies guarding the hostages, mister Velasquez immediately rushed into combat. Can you suppose it was in his instinct to act before another execution occurred?", asked Hakha, but before Sev could answer, he was interrupted by Colonel Davies.
"Objection, your honour, speculation!", claimed Davies.
"Sustained. Please, mister Hakha, rephrase.", spoke Ayers.
"Mister Sevchenko, given that a hostage was shot and killed by Helghast pointing weapons at hostages, was it possible that the Helghast planned to repeat it on doctor Batton, or your squad members, therefore giving Rico some reason of his own to not wait for the time to act, preferring to do it that instant?", asked Hakha.
A brief silence went on the room.
"Yes, there was quite this possibility, sir.", answered Sev.
Hakha then went on to his table.
"The defense is finalized with mister Sevchenko.", spoke Hakha.
"Very well. Mister Sevchenko is now dismissed from testimony.", spoke Ayers, as Sev went on his feet and the M.P. escorted him back to the defendant desk. "The court will briefly recess for lunch. One hour.", he concluded as Silver beated the hammer once more, but only one time.
"All rise!", spoke the M.P. officer as everyone stood on their feet and proceeded to the main door behind them. As he was also leaving, Hakha calmly thought.
'A good first round. But let us see the next ones...'
PLANET HELGHAN, EASTERN REGION, CONSTANTINE CITY, SQUARE D-19B - MAY 26TH, 2360
FORT CHARON, 2-1-2 MILITARY SERVICE STATION
HELGHAST MILITARY 1ST RESERVE'S BASE OF OPERATIONS.
Yesterday's bureaucracy made it somewhat harder for Auran Stracht to transfer most of his armed forces to provide a twelve-hour turn security to the City Hall. He'd always do it in one of the turns while leaving his trusted Lieutenant to guard the home base of the 1st Reserve.
Bureaucracy wasn't supposed to happen at the time when Scolar Visari ruled over the Helghast. The problem was that Visari was dead and most of Helghan had been overtaken by the cataclysm, making problems with military records, forms and communication somewhat difficult. Now, it became a headache every single day, even when it meant a simple patrol occurrence catching up some interloper who wasn't supposed to be on the street during martial law.
Unlike the sparse 3-3 Fire Bases the Helghast Empire once used on Vekta to stage major assaults, the 2-1-2 Military Service Station that Fort Charon was had a somewhat poor defensive grid, having only a few watch towers with the customary troopers, with their mass-fabricated helmets and goggles and cheap armor, either carrying the famed StA52 Assault Rifle or the feared VC32 Sniper Rifle, as well as a VC25 Anti-Air Gun Battery alone, spinning at it's beveled cylindrical base with it's twin guns always pointing at the sky, prying for the next victim yet to taste their 45mm bullets. The floor of the base's inner perimeter was clear white, filled only with the gray modern-like military buildings occupying it as well as the simple concrete wall with barbed wire above surrounding and protecting the Fort from an open assault. Amongst the buildings included a medium-sized garage, suitable enough to fit the light vehicles the Helghast military had, the munitions depots with enough ammo to sustain conflict for one month, soldiers' firing range, the barracks with it's annexed mess hall and, last but not least, the Fort's command center, capable of communications with the world outside. The base didn't have anything more to offer than the essential, not even artillery batteries or support for air forces, making it just a pit stop for reservists and damaged vehicles.
Auran once remembered the name 'Charon' as an Earthly legend, but one that the Helghast seemingly came to admire. It spoke of an unnatural boat man, whom came to take the souls of the dead and deliver them into the oblivion of a volcanic landscape many humans feared. Thus, the Helghast delivered the name, hoping the boat man would come to, one day, deliver the ISA bastards into the same land for their actions.
The people occupying it, which was Auran's 1st Reserve, wasn't much of a rudimentary combat force, much less a decent infantry division. Filled by simpleton troopers whom didn't have enough performance ratings to be in any other divisions of the Helghast military, only with the essential weaponry and driving quite outdated vehicles like wheeled, mobile cages known as Buggies, fast enough to allow scouting while supporting a top base with a frontal light machine gun for infantry combat. However, it was somewhat impossible for the gun to rotate, making cover while escaping seemingly impossible. The only other vehicle the 1st Reserve had, plus more decent than the Buggy, was the ATT-12 'Crawler' Armored Personnel Carrier, a predecessor that, like the Hound LBT, was left behind in favor of anti-gravity technology. Still, the 1st Reserve didn't have any adequate ordinance, not even it's own set of Hound tanks, even less anti-armor weaponry to face enemy vehicles. In the end, the 1st Reserve of the Helghast Military was so much fit for escort and guard duty as AA cover combat, not having a single heavy-issue weapon or equipment. Not one at all.
The Crawler could be seen as the uptight, wheeled cousin of the Helghast standard APC used by the Third Helghan Army during the invasion of Vekta, but the problem was that, despite carrying the same EAW25/4 Chimera Heavy Weapons Platform, used for anti-air defense, it was somewhat tighter than the updated model, which once allowed eight men inside, the Crawler allowing for only six men to travel as passengers inside it. The Chimera had a side door for the gun operator and the driver, but the passengers got to enter in the rear door, as traditional with old human vehicles.
But today, it was about making up the first day of that security turn, playing watch guard for the Mayor against angry crowds and people known to be worse. Having left his formal officer attire behind in the barracks' locker room, Auran wore the traditional gray Helghast field uniform that contained his name in Helghast language, the torso armor that provided resistance only against small firearms, with some frontal backpacks containing his water canister, the standard respirator with it's thick hose pouring out, field rations and combat issued items, like a small glass, usable in situations for assessing a situation and how to deal with it. His belt holding his pants contained a few outdated StAG-4 fragmentation hand grenades that, despite being left behind by it's fabricator in favour of the grenade launchers, were fabricated en masse months before and proved more useful against enemy infantry despite the performance of the ISA's M194 Fragmentation Grenades. There was also a waist on the belt allowing to hold the famed StA-18 Tropov Pistol, suitable for emergency situations and close-quarter combat, as well as a side backpack storing a set of shells for the shotgun part of the StA52. His pants were presumably tight, but they were comfortable in fact and allowed for decent mobility, having only knee plates for protection, their trail finishing at the bulky-like boot wear.
Such was the same clothing for most Helghast troopers standing line close to him, with the exception those were all wearing their helmets, googles and respirators while Auran didn't. There were at least twenty of them. In front of them stood yet another soldier, but his helmet had a white stripe paint literally dividing the grey metal of the helmet in two, which signed him as a Helghast Grenadier, but also as a ranking field officer. Auran Stracht's Lieutenant, Capal Izoti, who quickly took notice of Auran's arrival and made the traditional Helghast salute.
"Sir!", Izoti said.
"At ease, Lieutenant.", spoke Auran. "Is this it?"
"Aye, Commander.", answered Izoti. "Twenty of the finest for the first day."
"Good.", spoke Auran, then facing towards the Helghast soldier group. "Listen up! I know some among you are quite unpleasant on us playing bodyguards for Mayor Skyler, that this was supposed to be the work of the lazy bums in the Urban Enforcement Force."
Some troopers, behind their masks, snorted in a quiet laugh, as Auran mentioned the UEF, which was far lighter than the 1st Reserve in armor and weapon matters, and their indeed supposed job. In the background of the group, a line of four Crawlers, with only their drivers and gunners, and five fully occupied Buggies, set as one type of each in every dot of the line, drove towards near the backwards of the trooper squadron.
"But the Mayor asked for military. He'll have the military! But the 'real' military laughs at us, calling us incompetents and shunning us for doing something they say 'boring'. I say it's better to work on something boring than work nothing at all, not like the other military types the others are so quite acquainted with. We are not these types who do nothing, and we are not some incompetents either. We may be the unluckiest, but we are the most hard working unit in all Constantine. Let us act just like it! Is that clear?"
"SIR, YES SIR, YES SIR!", shouted the trooper group.
"Good it is!", Auran shouted. "Hail Helghan!"
"HELGHAN FOREVER!", shouted the troopers once more.
"Let's move!", Auran said, proceeding to one of the APCs as the rest of the group. There was five troopers in each of the APCs shortly after. The fourth had Auran inside, therefore making it six men, all spaces taken. The tight space was something of a matter for Auran, but then, life in the military was never easy.
The line simply headed outside the base and into the city's streets. The destination: Constantine City Hall.
PLANET VEKTA, SOUTHERN REGION, RAYHOVEN CITY - MAY 26TH, 2360
RAYHOVEN CITY TRIBUNAL - WAIT ROOM C, PROSECUTION
"You are one of the best lawyers we could afford."
Davies didn't do anything but simply stand in that window, looking at the city below while the pause for lunch was in progress.
"We assured it'd be easy, everything was prepared for you."
He didn't mind at the comments, after all it was just the first round of the trial. Anyone can lose earlier, but later... that'd be the turning point.
"You had even more authority than that... thing they call a lawyer."
The city was looking beautiful, with that clouded morning matching the urban landscape, alright.
"And yet, that defendant was three times lower than you in rank and he knocked you at the first round."
Davies simply turned around to the people sat on that room and clearly spoke: "It's not over yet."
The wait room in the tribunal for the prosecution office didn't look like a meeting room, more for a living room, given each one of the green sofas placed in there. There was also some wooden hack with water, coffee and some cookies to snatch something. The floor had some well-made tapestry but couldn't be seen in details because of the poor lightning in the room, in which only the faces of the other persons besides Davies could be seen.
An old man, overweight, with white hair and age bearing almost sixty. One of the members of the ISA council.
A forty-five year old male, with black dyed hair and glasses, wearing a visible dark-red tie. A member of the Helghast Right Association, labeled HE.R.A for simplicity.
A bald, slender old person, sounding in his fifties, with mustache, similar to Helghast Admiral Orlock, but he was no Helghast. In fact, he was a secretary for the United Colonial Nations.
Last, but not least, was a thirty-year old Caucasian person, with some considerable weight, but not too much to change his straight form. A member of the diplomatic corps.
"It was simply the first round, and I think that Helghast prepared him the whole yesterday. The problem lies on the road ahead.", continued Davies.
"That's also the problem, Davies.", spoke the ISA Council man. "Not only he gained significant advantage, but we also used up one of our potential cards, which we may not be able to do so again."
Davies understood that, naturally, he referred to the file describing the death of Corporal Dante Garza.
"Also, I think it wasn't smart to focus alone on Velasquez.", spoke the HE.R.A member. "The other eleven may not easily go down with him as you thought."
"It's too late to change course now, gentlemen.", replied Davies. "And, as I mentioned before, there was too little to be found on the other eleven defendants. Velasquez is the core point here: He goes down, the others go easily."
"I hope so.", spoke the bald secretary. "The media's cover of the trial, alone, has already dropped down ISA approval rating by six per cent, almost ten!"
"Still, there was something mister Hakha brought that caught my attention, on that excellent speech of his.", spoke the ISA diplomat. "Pardon my criticism on it, but he used your speech of 'one man or all mankind responsible for Helghan' to bring his point that, should Velasquez be called guilty then everyone is guilty too! I don't know about you, but somewhat that Half-Hig man actually managed to sway the jury to his point."
"Which is why I need your influence, once again, to let me do whatever it takes to win this case.", quickly spoke Davies.
Suddenly, the people in the room seemed confused by Davies' request.
"What?", asked the ISA diplomat.
"Are you out of your mind?", asked the ISA counselor along. "We've already took a big chance bringing your desired witness to the court, anything else and the press might know of it, say the ISA wants to put those folks away at any costs, then we are screwed down to the neck!"
"Our association is also at risk with this trial, Davies, we might lose support by going any further.", spoke the HE.R.A member.
"Better to lose my mind than the next edges over the case, I say!", claimed Davies, with a firm tone. "On the other room there is a Helghast turncoat with a dozen of morons I wouldn't trust a pea shooter with, probably laughing at our first fall down and how we must be vulnerable. And the problem is, the jury is seeing exactly a bunch of morons and idiots who just had the bad luck to trigger destruction at the wrong time, when they should be seeing murderers and racists."
"Heh. You speak like you were at war, Davies.", scoffed the diplomat, calmly.
"Oh, quite the contrary, sir, we are at war.", spoke Davies, "All of us are at war, we are always at war. The difference is that they fought it in the field and we are doing so right here and right now, more with pens than swords. And you know everything is allowed in war."
"For you, Davies, but Ayers doesn't quite agree with it.", spoke the ISA counselor. "He's a man of principles, and doesn't like people bending things under his nose."
Davies simply looked at those people with an intimidating look.
"Gentleman, facing an angry judge is quite easy to deal with. Facing a media scandal is easy to deal with. But it's not, sure as fucking hell, too easy to deal with the consequences should that jury declare Rico Velasquez innocent.", he said. "It's quite easy to support the fact that humanity looks guilty by training, arming and sending him into action, if they declare him guilty, but not if they do it the other way around. Can you imagine the diplomatic problems you can face? No more negotiations, no more trading agreements, no cease-fire, nothing, if the Helghast are still alive and they find out about it. You know why? Because they'll be sure the ISA is not worth it, for sheltering a mass-murderer in their ranks. Most of your budget would be cut off for lack of work and transferred to a number ten times larger than those twelve morons. Not to mention the HE.R.A too will greatly lose more support than in under a manipulated scandal. Can you bear that picture on?"
The other folks in the room exchanged looks of nervousness on the truth Davies was spilling out his mouth.
"Rico Velasquez is a casualty of court war. I feel sorry for him, I'd give him the Colonial Medal of Honor if I could, but he's a casualty of war. As the other eleven are too unlucky and I'm sorry for it. I want that Carte Blanche to act on any length for the next days, and I want it ASAP. Now, if you excuse me...", he finished it, leaving the room to go to the toilet.
On Wait Room E...
The twelve defendants and Hakha stayed on that room for some time, waiting for their meal to be delivered. Their morale was quite high, given the initial advantage delivered.
"Nice one, eh, Sev?", spoke Rico. "Guess that Earthy lawsuit boy fuck didn't see that one coming."
"Yeah, no thanks to Hakha and his training hour here.", replied Sev, looking at Hakha. "Hell of a speech, by the way."
"Thanks, Sevchenko.", spoke Hakha, gladly. "However... I don't think it's the last of it on the court."
"What do you mean?", asked Hooper.
"I saw a look within Davies' eyes, something I've only seen on another man, which was Cobar. A true shark's look.", Hakha said. "That might mean he's willing to do whatever it takes to win us over."
"No, he can't do it, Ayers is too much of an honest judge to allow it.", Kowalski replied.
"That's the problem: I think Davies will do it under his nose.", spoke Hakha.
The other people then seemed to rapidly lose their morale and exchanged serious looking.
"We won a round now. But we still better watch out for him.", concluded Hakha.
PLANET HELGHAN, EASTERN REGION, CONSTANTINE CITY - MAY 26TH, 2360
SOMEWHERE ELSE...
"Well, well... seems everything is in order, as usual. The guns will be ripe for the picking.", spoke a male voice in that thick dark, beholding a depot somewhere in the southern region of the city, from the small view of an outdated computer monitor, showing images of a hacked camera from Constantine City's surveillance grid.
"Are you sure, boss?", spoke another male voice, also looking at the monitor. "Seems the glowing tin cans haven't forgotten our last visit."
"Oh, sure they haven't, and that'll just add more for the fun.", the first voice replied.
"You mean that bastard Stracht?", spoke the second voice, alarmed. "You know we don't tackle him, he'll chew us up and the wagons, the other groups won't like that!"
"Fuck the groups, fuck Stracht, we'll dry that storage either way.", the first voice spoke, defyingly. "You just ready the wagons for some more armor and speed."
"What about the mounted guns?", asked the second voice.
"I wanna race him a little bit, work him out of his base.", the first voice spoke, jokingly. "We leave him there and he'll fat a lot. No, we keep the mounted guns light. Besides..."
The monitor shut down.
"Taking risks is part of Scavenger business."
NOTES:
- The original notes denoting clear statement for this story, like the AU warning and such, can be found in the prologue (Or chapter 1, whichever you like).
- Special Thanks to: Ankhata, Enigma-Nemesis and Avenger09 for the warm comments.
- Never thought making Helghast names was so hard to make up.
Chapter 4 is still under development, especially now that things are about to warm up and I'm close to the six chapters. After those, you can expect some combat at long last. However, I should take some time reading other Fanfictions to make up decent battle scenes. Read, enjoy and comment. Thank you.