Chapter Thirty-Six
"He came unto me when I am most helpless, he came to me when no one was there, he came to me when I needed someone the most….my body is the least I could give him in exchange for what he had done,"
-Selendis, Protoss Executor
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Planet Valdaris, Edge of Triumvate Space
At the edge of the outer colony, the first impression anyone would find would be one of normalcy as the winds of the forest barely make any sound or movement for any human watchman no matter how skilled or sharp their senses they may be to notice something. On this silence a shadow moved over the barks of the trees under the eaves of the forest watching with dark eyes at the colony being given light not by the familiar flameless lanterns that the Eldar are prone to use but the bright luminescent artificial lights coming from the makeshift posts scattered all over the place.
Watching from afar, or any scan from orbit would acknowledge nothing as wrong over the peaceful colony. However with the Lady Isha herself vouching for the information, the Expeditionary Fleet that had been diverted here had proof beyond reproach that this place is anything but safe. Reason enough that two Vindicare Assassins are deployed firsthand for scouting alongside one of the Harlequins that had been attached to the Inquisitor that spearheads this expedition.
Silent as the very shadows themselves, the pair of the Temple's Assassins moved over the silent colony leaving behind nothing but the silent echoes of the Harlequins laugh as they followed the luminescent lights which seemed to grow brighter the more the three moved deeper into the inner parts of the colony. Already the sounds of people are heard the more they neared the center.
What the three found there made even the Vindicare Assassins who have been taught to disregard their emotions in their line of work (Isha vehemently changed the usual "I'll make you only to be a weapon" mentality that the Temple nail on their assassins) to pause as their eyes absorbed the scene in front of them.
There they perceived something that practically made the two stoic assassins to be literally held back by the Harlequin as to prevent the two from ruining their mission as they tried to step out of their shaded cover to start blasting heads.
The colonists, or at least what remains of the colonists still alive are herded into small makeshift cage whereas the fair few that stood out among the fair sex are used as nothing more than pleasure slaves or tortured into their amusement by the humans wearing the black and white, their cries intermingling with the laughter of their capturers littered all over the small campfires and houses that once belonged to the Eldar on this colony. At the center is the largest tent where a platform of some kind is raised with a man wearing fatigues of white and grey crucified at a cross with both his eyes gored out and the word "TRAITOR" written out in English at his chest in his own blood. That normally would not faze the Assassins a bit but the young Eldar tied like a piece of meat at the bottom of the cross with dozens of littered wounds on her body while the men lined up behind her bare bottom made it infinitely clear what they planned to do the obviously panicked and terrified girl at the bottom of the cross who seemed to be trying her hardest not to cry her heart out to the heavens.
No time to waste.
"This is the Vindicare Assassin to the Fleet, we have confirmed that humans bearing the marks of the labeled terrorist organization of Cerberus by the Citadel Races have occupied the colony. All of the colonists except for a few dozen have been killed. Orbital bombardment is a big negative. There is no presence of any armor or anti-air emplacements. Recommend that we use drop pods straight in the middle of the village,"
"This is Inquisitor Freidrich. Tell me of your assessment Assassin, should we exterminate them or should we proceed with capturing them alive?"
The Harlequin merely shook her head as she loosened her hold on the two figures she is trying to hold. Already she knew what they would choose and if she's going to be honest with herself, she herself would do the same. It's already taking all her self-control not to look down as the sounds of the men finally taking advantage of the young Eldar in front of the cross while the rest of her kin are forced to watch.
"Extermination Inquisitor, none of them had any information that is relevant to us," the stoic reply came from one of the assassins, quite different from the struggling figure he is currently doing as it took all her strength to maintain her hold on the two men. "Requesting also permission to engage?"
"Granted, but make sure that your positions remain anonymous. Drop pods of the Phoenix Fang Chapter are on the way down to the surface. We'll deal with their ships over orbit. Good Hunting Assassin, the Emperor watch over you,"
"So would you mind letting me go now?" the Harlequin only glared at the Temple Vindicare long and hard before nodding as she slowly released her iron cold grip. Just in time to block with her open palm a punch from one of the Assassins that would have cracked her jaw open.
"Don't ever come between us and delivering the Emperor's justice Harlequin," growled the man silently but with enough cold to melt the polar ice caps. "We'll let it pass this time but let this serve as a warning to you, there won't be a second time,"
The female Eldar Harlequin only narrowed her eyes as the Assassin took his hand away from her open palm as he followed his partner to a secure spot to nail the soldiers freely. Taking one more glance at the horrifying scene in the middle of the ruined colony, the Harlequin vanished alongside her companions with the barest sound of her passing.
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Road to the East Wall of Astranaar
"Let's move out! Go go!"
Three Chimaera vehicles moved running over rock and sand, their heavy bulks despite looking unimpressive compared to their both Protoss and Eldar vehicles are actually tougher than they look. Designed specifically to run into almost every terrain that isn't underwater, the Chimaeras can be related to be the future Humvee vehicles with their fast moving designs and slightly lighter armor that can take a lot other than heavy weapons specifically designed to destroy armor. They are the Imperium's best bet on traveling war torn areas fast and snuggly safe, only made safer during the rise of the Triumvate where the vehicles got an upgrade on their armor components thanks to the Protoss and Eldar engineers' efforts.
Currently however the Chimaeras that are running over everything on their path are anything but snug and safe as they moved over to their destination.
Sounds of gunfire sounded everywhere and judging from the continuous pinging all over the middle Chimaera's armor that Governor Constantine is riding, many are hitting their target compared to the ones missing them. He's just thankful that at least they managed to maintain at least three of the original five Chimaeras that had made this convoy. Normally he would have enlisted even the Leman Russ Tank to provide cover for the lightly armored vehicles but the sole tank on the FOB back at the North is the only thing that deters the enemy armor into making a solid push there. Thus he had opted to be content with what he had and just pray to the Emperor's mercy that no lucky rocket shot would hit the three remaining vehicles like the other two.
"Lead Chimaera, this is Governor Constantine, status on destination ETA?"
"An hour at most Governor, it would be faster if these bastards aren't present at the moment. They've got heavy fortifications ahead for….WATCH OUT FOR THAT CANNON DRIVER!"
The booming sound literally made the ground shake and even Constantine felt the impact force on his own Chimaera. "Sorry Governor, enemy cannons up front. Can't trust our Valkyrie escort to identify proper routes for us,"
And that's the crux of the problem.
Other than the five vehicles that had started this convoy, there are two other Valkyrie ships providing them with cover from the air as best as they could without being shot down. Apparently despite the best efforts of both the PDF on the North and the other hunting groups brave enough to leave the city's heavily defended walls to get rid of the downed shuttle survivors, many of the bastards managed to escape and form groups now spread out all over the area while slowly moving over the enemy's Forward Base and taking out unlucky hunting groups that dared to engage the grouped enemy forces with their small numbers only. Oh sometimes the arrogance of the Protoss and their misguided fate of being a strong race reminded the Governor of Roma of the Eldar before the return of their beloved goddess.
Another explosion rattling the entirety of the Chimaera's walls made Constantine grit his teeth. They cannot take any more of this too long. The enemy weapons compared to the might of the Triumvate may be inferior in several centuries but they are effective in large numbers. Already the three remaining Chimaeras have lost their prototype shield gained from the Protoss and are left with nothing but the armor of their walls to provide the occupants inside. They had already shifted gunner three times as the men manning the gun turret above the Chimaera became too exhausted to continue on. He needed every single one of them alive once they arrive at their destination. He had no idea what they are facing that captured the Protoss Executor, but he needed to be ready. It never pays to underestimate an opponent no matter how weak.
Looking at the view of the external cameras of the Chimaera he is riding at, all Constantine could see are the hundreds of Mass Effect Rounds pinging left and right all over the screen as the ambush of two separate Citadel groups that are situated on the roads tried their best to overwhelm the three chimaeras who simply kept running despite the enemy's efforts.
"Left turn, left turn. Once you've done that, go fifteen hundred meters straight. There you'll find a jutting rock over a burned corn field, make a right," the sound from the radio sounded belonging to that of the Valkyrie over watch providing directions for the convoy towards the place where the beacon of Executor Selendis is last seen.
"Pilot! I need directions before I've seen the Emperor Forsaken street!" the pissed off shout from the driver of the head Chimaera practically made the other Guardsmen flinch. The man is obviously mad now and for good reason.
"You have to slow down, there's a delay. The directions are taken from command then to the FOB and then to me,"
"We can't slow down! We can't slow down! We're taking heavy enemy fire! We can't slow down!"
"Hold on, I no longer have the best view of your route,"
"By the Emperor's Mercy! Don't leave us hanging damn it!"
"Just get us to the beacon Pilot," the calm but serious voice of Constantine made the two shut up immediately as the tone of the Governor commanded respect without even trying. "Do your best the two of you. If the Protoss Executor isn't recovered and killed, we would lose not only an Executor of the Protoss command but also an ally of the Imperium and a good friend. So please. Cooperate or else we would end up nowhere if you keep bickering to yourselves,"
"Yes Governor!"
"Yes Governor!"
Thankfully the two shut up making Constantine sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He made a mental not to have the two shot for incompetency the moment they start arguing again.
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Eastern Wall Outskirts
If Selendis could breathe, then she would have been panting badly as her entire body ached and her head is hurting as if the very hammer of the Imperials' Emperor-god brained her. Not to mention it's currently taking all her self-control not to cry and mourn as she could no longer feel the emotions and thoughts of her brethren. The reason for that is no other than the severed nerve cords now eating dust a few feet away from her, courtesy of Kai Leng's sword when he didn't fail to notice the slightly terrified expression of Selendis when he's deciding which part of her to cut first when the stubborn Executor didn't answer his questions. Of course he had no idea what the importance of the hair-like appendage of the Protoss is for other than the fact that it caused severe bouts of agony and spasms to his captive that is now lying on the ground.
"You won't get anything from me human. I've endured worse than you have ever imagined," growled Selendis trying her best not to show her tone to be panting thanks to her tired psyche which had been braving the tortures they inflicted on her though she wanted nothing more currently than to crawl on the nearest cave and cry her heart out at her separation from the Khala.
"Maybe….maybe not," the monster inside a man's skin looking down at her shrugged as if her words barely affected him as he assembled what seemed to be a hooking spear. Looking at the cruel device being handled by the Cerberus soldier, Selendis if she could would have cried somehow knowing that the cruel device would soon be used on her.
If she's honest with herself though, Selendis knew that she's almost at breaking point under the hands of these bastards. All four of her limbs are broken alongside with all her fingers on both hands and feet. Her spine are blazing in agony non-stop unable to support her standing any longer as other than the "samples" they took, they also drilled her spinal column to the point where it is separated into two parts. Selendis has never screamed so loud as they did it. The agony she experienced is beyond mere words.
It is not however the worst they did, no its not. What they did that hurt her most could be seen by anyone clear as day every time anyone would see her.
Her legs which are bipedaled before are now shaped like that of humans thanks to the bats and beatings of the Cerberus soldiers to "humanize" her as much as possible. Seledis herself isn't ashamed to admit that she fainted after the severe rearranging of the bones on her limb. She might be strong and more loyal than most of her kindred where even the worst of tortures cannot break her but even she has her own breaking point.
"So, one more time my dear, where is the planet that held the stockpile of knowledge of technology of the Triumvate,"
Selendis only chuckled as she weakly opened her eyes, shining blue orbs glaring at the man holding the accursed hooked spear.
"You must be barking mad if you think for one second that I would spill the secrets of my people and my people's allies to someone like you….thief!"
Kai Leng turned red in anger as he approached the blue-skinned woman kicking her that she might face her front on the ground with her entire bare back facing him.
"So be it," as he speared the soft tissue just below the lungs of the female Protoss.
Selendis' cries of agony echoed hard and long throughout the empty sands with no one to hear her screams drowning the laughter of the Cerberus soldiers torturing her.
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Astranaar High Command
"Five Templar hunting groups to block the Singing Pass another ten here, here and here alongside the mountain ranges. Supply lines behind the streams covered by the remains of the Southern forest with the allotted guards there while the open sea hems them both in South and East. If we maintain these positions we will be at our strongest," finished Carax lamely trying his best not to fidget as he could literally feel the disappointment oozing from the Primarch watching the meeting alongside the rest of the Council of Astranaar. And just as he expected, Sanguinis spoke up once he's sure that the High Templar is done.
"Containment? That's what we would do?" barely concealed sounds of sarcasm dropped from the tone of the Primarch.
"Until there is a better option, yes," it took all of Carax's patience not to draw his glaive against the sword of the Primarch for health reasons. He's not dumb enough to allow his pride to get the better of him and challenge the son of the Emperor in a piss off fight. He may be the Governor of Astranaar, but the guy despite not having jurisdiction over Protoss forces are someone that even the Hierarch himself respected, something that is extremely rare since Kaldalis had a higher stick up his ass than any other Protoss alive.
Besides he does believe that his plan is what's best for his people. Right now the enemy has gathered enough forces on their base that it's getting harder and harder to send soldiers outside the walls for either reconnaissance or patrol. Not to mention that the status of the two fleets hammering each other on the orbits of Astranaar are still uncertain. Compared to the fighting above, the outcome here would not matter. Astranaar could not withstand a concentrated full fleet invasion that can attack the city where even the gun emplacements could not overcome them.
"And when there's ten times as many? What then?" asked Sangunis folding his hands at the chest of his armor glaring at them all. He can't help but feel irritated as the Council simply averted their gazes from his, the cowards.
"If there were easy answers-," Carax began but is immediately cut off by the Primarch.
"Our priority is supposed to stop them from gaining even more ground. Every moment we tarry here would cause even more of them to gather their and strengthen their force. We need to destroy their base and their forces would be nothing more than dust on the wind where then our hunter groups could take them down little by little. Fail there and it is a matter of time before they overcome us simply with sheer numbers,"
"What do you propose then?" asked the High Templar quite annoyed now by the interruptions of the Primarch though he had an inkling already as to what Sanguinis will suggest.
"Send everything we've got," said the Primarch simply. "Destroy their base, scatter their forces once and for all. End the immediate threat,"
"And what about the enemy fleet from above Primarch? What would we do about them? What would we do once some of them break off and attack the undefended city? Both you and I know enough that even with our entire force pulled together, we don't have the numbers nor the equipment to both defend the city and attack them in an all-out force as you suggested,"
"We'll worry about that later. Have a little fate on our forces above us High Templar. The Battle fleet that have just reinforced the defense fleet hasn't let anyone who believed on them down yet,"
"Don't forget that we have already lost more than half and a quarter of the original forces that we have here on the city Primarch. That leaves us with one, two , three, barely enough for us to mount a full offensive. I'm not against you Primarch, believe me. I'm just reminding you of the risks that are waiting for us once we start this plan of yours. It is a risky gamble and even if the forces on space do manage to hold them off, there's no guarantee that we can achieve the victory that your plan will succeed. We had no idea what is waiting for us there Primarch, or what defenses they would be able to amount,"
"But if we stay here, we would surely die," pointed out Sanguinis. "Anything less than either my father or mother appearing on the heavens for salvation, and all of you know as I do that that won't happen even if the Triumvate as a whole is at stake. One of the main fleets of the Navy would arrive here the day after tomorrow. We just have to make sure that survive the day they arrived and causing untold mayhem on the enemy by destroying their base is the best way I can see so far,"
"So it's a risk we have to take Primarch. The question is, is it worth the risk?" spoke the High Templar looking at Sanguinis who only made a feral grin as he stared at the holo-map.
"Who said that war isn't a gamble High Templar? The good thing is, I plan to win this,"
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Craftworld Ulthwe
"I never thought that the day would come that I would be hiding my very identity on my very own Craftworld," muttered Caerys beneath her breath earning her a harsh hush from one of the Seers at her side forcing the Eldar of Ulthwe to grumble before one more sharp look made her concede defeat as she pulled the cowl of the cloak over her eyes to cover the gem at her forehead and hide her face on the shadows. Nobody must know that she is connected at what Macha would do until it is done else the hatred of the bigoted of her people against Ela Ashbel be also turned on her.
Truth be told, Caerys never expected that Macha would be the one to aid her on her current predicament about Ela's safety. When she heard the hearsay from some of the servants that act as her contacts all throughout the large convoy of Craftworlds fighting their way to the breach, she didn't believe it at all. The fact that the Macha, great Farseer of Biel-Tan and one of its best is the previous caretaker of Ela Ashbel before the former Farseer of Bleeding Tears was then ripped away from her.
She had seen Ela Ashbel's state the moment the blonde Farseer is thrown on that dirty cell. The Farseer of Bleeding Tears didn't look like a half-starved dog beaten to submission but rather that of a dainty monarch nourished to full health. The fact that she's also clean didn't escape Caerys' notice. Ela Ashbel had been taken care of and provided under the watch of Macha and the more honest part of her mind agreed to Caerys that the reason that the Craftworld had Ela tossed there along with them is because of the fact that she's not paying for her sins enough for shaming their race as a whole.
As for Macha, after the horrible beat down where she ended up as the Farseer of Biel-Tan's punching bag of frustration, Caerys never expected the red-head Eldar to assemble a team of Seers loyal only to her on a "friendly" visit to her Craftworld after Caerys informed her of Ela Ashbel's state.
As she watched now the red-head Farseer acting all pleasant and friendly to the inhabitants while she is flanked by five Seers in full retinue and with their masks on, Caerys can't help but shiver either in fear or relief, she didn't know. The smile on Macha's face as she smiled to guards and civvies seemed sweet…too sweet in fact that it screamed danger literally to anyone who isn't dumb enough to get out of her way immediately. Sure Caerys made her promise not to kill anyone after she gave Macha the access security codes that will open most doors of Ulthwe, but she can still beat most of the idiots that got her in way bloody with the flat of her spear. She just wished anyone isn't dumb enough to enter Ela Ashbel's prison while they're still…
Caerys nearly fell on her rump as she bumped to the suddenly rigid back of Macha which is as hard as a brick wall for some reason, her cowl falling off from her head.
"Macha, what's the- oh," Caerys blinked as she finally understood why the Eldar Farseer of Biel-Tan suffered temporary transformation into a statue.
In front of them are two Eldar bearing the robes of Ulthwe, the design on their crests obvious that they belonged to the interrogation group that the Craftworld employed against the prisoners that they rarely caught. They are usually reserved only for the worst of criminals or spawns of Chaos, and to see them here right now bent over the shivering form of her friend who is curled into a small ball at the farthest part of the room holding her bloody ears while they are holding some of the instruments they used for questioning made it immediately clear as to what they are doing.
"Aahh, Honored farseers," bowed the first interrogator not noticing the slowly burning anger of the two Farseers that is slowly being filled to the brim as he returned his gaze at the terrified former Farseer of Bleeding Tears that he had been at the process of having its ears removed. "I'm glad that you've come, I've been given direct orders from the Council to have this harlot's proof of being an Eldar removed after she sullied herself with filthy-,"
He never got to finish his insults to the blonde Eldar when a thunderous kick at his chest that made every Eldar in the dugeon wince as the surprised Interrogator flew three feet in surprise from the attack before planting at the nearby Wraithbone wall forming a web of cracks where his body landed. His companion also caught by surprise at the sudden assault of his partner, never registered the followed up upper cut that immediately sent a door-bell message at his brain forcing it to shut down. He's already fainted before he even hit the floor.
"What are you doing?!" shrilled Caerys in disbelief looking at the two downed interrogators. "I thought we agreed that you won't attack anybody here?"
"No, I agreed that I won't kill anyone that doesn't pose a threat," grunted Macha coldly as usual as she checked Ela Ashbel who had fainted from blood loss and stress. Eldar ears are extremely sensitive and the two have been trying to hack hers away.
"What do we do now?" asked Caerys looking once more at the two interrogators who have lost in the world of oblivion. "They'll blame Ela for attacking them since they are obviously sent here on their orders. They could even push for execution after this,"
"We take her to a place that is not filled with Eldar," answered Macha as she hefted Ela Ashbel in bridal style on her arms gesturing to her Seers to follow as they exited the dungeon with many a curious civilian eye blinking at the retinue. "The only place I know that will not harm her though they might ignore her,"
"And what is this place Farseer Macha?" asked Caerys falling in behind the black-robed Biel-Tan warriors.
The red-head merely let off a tired sigh of annoyance as she looked at the Battle-Barge flying alongside Ulthwe with the marking of a black raven with a red teardrop on it.
"We're taking her to the Blood Ravens Farseer Caerys. It's time I get acquainted with my old friend and nemesis, their Chapter Master Gabriel Angelos,"
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Planet Alchera, Temple of Isha
Laerys only smiled as she watched the reunion of the three Eldar females. Her heart warmed as she watched Cana limp toward Maila who is being held by a sobbing Laetri like she's afraid that the young Exodite girl would be taken away from her once more.
She can't help but feel joy for them. Currently she is staying at the temple of her mother after her breakdown at the discovery of her lineage. Thanks to the talk she had with her father, she had eventually calmed down though she took the time off to travel here before meeting with her mother and brother to calm herself down. Being the daughter of Isha (despite being adopted), the art of healing is comprehendingly easy for her and Laerys puts it to good use regularly here at the Temple.
Frankly it's not because she is nervous or angry about her current predicament, no. It's because her mother and her father is making the gooey eyes over once another once more. For millennia old beings, they acted more like rabbits that can't get their hands off one another. And adopted or not, Laerys felt completely uncomfortable that she might walk out of the bathroom and find her father and mother having a go at it. The two always forgot already to lock their doors most of the time at night where she and Sanguinis can hear them every time they had their daily "wrestling match". Something that deeply unnerved her and her brother most of the time. That's the reason as to why the two of them spent so much time here on the Materium instead of home.
Watching the three people chat each other amicably as they helped Cana limp to keep up with them towards the Singing Fountain of the Temple, Caerys can't help but notice the faint silver aura surrounding the revived Eldar youngling that made the edge of her lips curve upward. It seems that the legends of the Lucii Kings proved themselves true once more. Too bad that none of the people of the Triumvate other than the monarchs of Lucius and her father and mother is aware of the power that demands a terrible price.
Silently whispering a blessing to the deceased King Regis, Laerys plastered a smile before going down to join the three females who are talking with one another. Besides, she needed to know more about her lover's friends. Who knows, maybe they can also join in the bed when they're close enough.
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Omake:
"Hi,"
The Emperor only blinked alongside Isha as the duo stared down over the small girl who looked positively adorable with her soft eyes and cute face looking up at them. She's dressed in what seemed to be a regular dress of the Eldar but she lacks the long hair that all Eldar females possess. At her shoulder sat what seemed to be a miniature version of a Tyranid Ripper snoring without concern.
"Hello, who are you child? And how did you enter here?" asked the Emperor trying not to show his worry as to how the sanctum of his and Isha's home been breached by this…by this little bugger. It took all his self-control not to blast the small Tyranid snoring at the girl's shoulder.
"Well I am lost," sniffled the girl looking down as her eyes turned gooey with tears. "I'm wandering around when I lost my mommy and daddy. I don't know where they are,"
"Alright," gulped the Emperor of Mankind bending down forcing the adorable tyke to look at him. "Maybe if we know your name and your parents, then we could help you find them,"
"Okayy," oh it took all his effort not to squeeze her as she sniffed her drool. She's just so cute. Judging from Isha's emotions, the Eldar goddess is also suffering the same as he is.
"I am Lofn and my mother is Taldeer and I forgot my father's name,"
Two pairs of eyes only blinked in disbelief before exclaiming together one loud…."WHAT?!"
Ahem, this page credits to 1d4chan ideas hahaha
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AN:
So that's that and please review. Next chapter all torture and bad shit will finally be put to an end. We're nearing the end ladies and gentlemen. Keep up with me in a few more chapters.
PS: Constantine X Selendis won in a massive landslide of votes. So they're a pair.
PS: Taldeer suffering later even more.
PS: Craftworlds about to enter finally.
PS: To whoever it is that prompted me to read the 1d4chan about Lofn, I love you and I hate you the same time. I fell in love with the bugger immediately and I hate the perviness of that site. Still, I had to ask. Is the Lore on that wiki true or not?