Chapter Three: Blackguard Rising, pt. 1
AN: Since 9.9.14, I think we've all been a little busy zipping around the solar system and whacking aliens in a million & one different methods of slaughter. Thanks to all those fellow Guardians who have taken the time to review this story and to all those who've chosen to follow the adventures of Fireteam Obsidian. Also a special shout-out to my fellow Dirty Old Bastards; kicking ass 'n taking names with old-school gun-fu has never been so much fun! See 'ya all starside….
The Last City, Earth
"Hangar Control to Peregrine Flight, you are cleared to make your approach through City airspace. Set IFF transponders to frequency 180.85 on omnidirectional pulse. Remain on present heading to the Tower. Any deviation from your current route will result in immediate disintegration."
"Roger that, Control. Maintaining present heading and setting all IFF transponders to frequency 180.85 on omnidirectional pulse. Please advise The Speaker that Fireteam Obsidian is requesting an audience with him soonest. Both the Commander and the Warden are recommending that it should happen without delay."
The Javelin STS transport swooped in and hovered in front of Tower Plaza as a boarding ramp cycled open to receive its passengers. First to disembark were a dozen Titans clad in Vanir armor with Sahara AR-3 auto-rifles cradled in their massive arms. They lined either side of the walkway then took their auto-rifles and presented arms as a single entity. The Tower's annunciator system boomed with the following message:
"Commander, City Titan Corps arriving!"
Both FOTC soldiers and technicians stopped whatever activity they were performing, came to the position of attention, and rendered a salute to Commander Zavala as he strode forth from the transport. He was in deep conversation with his ghost, Caesar, who seemed to be arguing with its partner. They were having a heated discussion on the after-action report submitted by Mal'xian Chak-Tii, the team's warlock. Sliver Longstride hated paperwork and Keisari dux Hawkmoon felt that actually doing a scribe's job was beneath him. Since the warlock fancied himself as a scholar, they elected to let Chak-Tii do the scutwork that needed to be done for the FOTC. It was an arrangement that worked out for everyone involved. Except for a few vocal bureaucrats in the Consensus, the AAR's received from Fireteam Obsidian were given little or no scrutiny. Until now.
The hangar's annunciator system boomed a second time: "Warden of the Circle, arriving!"
Cayde-6 leisurely strolled down the passageway as he and his ghost, Artemis, talked about which hunters among the Circle were ready to enter this year's Iron Banner tourney. The Warden suggested that Sliver Longstride should enter the competition. Artemis disagreed; she thought the idea of one of the infamous 'Liege-Killers' taking part would discourage younger and less experienced hunters from entering. Unlike Commander Zavala and Caesar, their conversation was very amicable. They proceeded on their way to the Hall of Guardians to conference with the Speaker. The Vanguard were ready to recommend to the Consensus that Fireteam Obsidian be fully reinstated with the FOTC and be allowed to reside within the City. There would be the usual protests of course, but the Black Guardians did make a significant contribution to the City's security by the retrieval of the JORMUNGAND system. Also the rescue of the Reef's Crown Princess, Yizi Il-Allitys Feystorm, would strengthen the City's position in the current negotiations for an alliance with the Reef. These were great victories indeed that never would have been achieved without the heroic efforts of Fireteam Obsidian.
As the Vanguard commanders and their ghosts continued through to Tower Plaza, the final group of passengers disembarked from the Javelin transport. The Tower's annunciator system boomed one last time: "Fireteam Obsidian, Chosen Few and Designated Reaper Crew, arriving! Guardians, we salute your victorious return!"
Fireteam Obsidian swaggered down the ramp, their helmets swiveling as one as they scanned the hangar area for any overt threats to their presence. They knew they had enemies as well within The Wall. Their weapons were kept close and ready for action.
Yet the 'Liege-Killers' didn't need to worry for the crowded hangar burst into spontaneous applause as well as a few shouts of encouragement. The assembled FOTC soldiers and technicians formed ranks then rendered a perfect hand salute to the passing Black Guardians. As Keisari dux Hawkmoon, The Last Executioner passed the Vanir-clad Titans, the Commander's guards knelt down on one knee to pay homage to a veteran who Held The Line. Sliver Longstride waved to the crowd with genuine delight. Mal'xian Chak-Tii studiously ignored the crowd as they worked their way through the excited masses out of the Tower Hangar. Even more crowds greeted them as they walked quickly through the Plaza and into Tower North. FOTC Security Forces and their sentry bots cleared the entrance to the Speaker's domicile. As they entered the Speaker's home, Cersei activated the privacy screens and ordered the Security Forces to maintain a cordon that extended 200m in all directions. Once that task was completed, she summoned a number of bots to serve tea and other assorted refreshments for their guests. The Speaker noted with great disappointment that Ikora Rey, the City's Supreme, had declined his invitation to welcome home Fireteam Obsidian. Rey did send a brief congratulatory message via e-mail that was received by the Black Guardians' armor but the Speaker could tell from its flat monotone that there was still bad blood between her and Malx'ian Chak-Tii. It was a situation that he would have to deal with sooner rather than later. Once everyone had a drink in hand, the Speaker began the meeting.
"Before we start, I'd like to raise a toast to Fireteam Obsidian on a most impressive victory. The 1st Murican Rangers have started sweep-and-clear operations throughout Old Chicago for any remnants of the House of the Celestial Tyrant. They will be reinforced by elements from the Pathfinder Brigade and the 3rd Volunteer Rifle Corps. Our engineers are working on restoring that node and reactivating the Transmat Transport Network in the ruins of the North American Empire. None of this would have been possible without your efforts. To Fireteam Obsidian!"
The members of Fireteam Obsidian had already removed their helms and tossed back their tumblers of aged whiskey with abandon. Once they were done with their drinks, Malx'ian Chak-Tii took the memory crystal from his pouch and presented it to the Speaker. The crystal caught the ambient sunlight then projected an orange-hued holographic display which streamed blueprints and schematics of Golden Age technology. There were notes about energy production using Generation IV reactors and Lithium-Air Batteries. A full series of research papers on the creation and maintenance of Artificial Minds, including a full section on the Warminds Charlemagne and Rasputin. Additionally whole sections on Hyperloop systems, spaceplanes, and virtuasphere technologies were also included. The Speaker was impressed with the warlock's boldness. Princess Feystorm had indeed found the Argonne Treasure.
"Extraordinary," said Cersei "but I see little evidence of military R&D plans or anything connected with weapons development. Can I have your opinion on why this is, warlock?"
Malx'ian Chak-Tii smirked at the ghost's barb. "Cersei, it's all in the AAR that our fireteam submitted prior to our arrival here at The Tower. If you have a problem with my report, take it up with Commnader Zavala." The warlock pointed towards the massive Titan. Commander Zavala merely shrugged at the suggestion. The warlock helped himself to another lamb kabob while Cersei's single photo-receptor flared blue in annoyance. She knew Chak-Tii was hiding something but without any solid evidence, there was nothing the Security Forces could detain him on.
"Cersei, please, it is a time for celebration after all. We must show our gratitude to these brave guardians! Come, it is time for the City to show its true appreciation."
The Speaker summoned forth his Iridium Crozier and raised it over his head. A bright, white flash blinded everyone. Minutes later they all appeared on the steps before the Hall of Guardians as applause thundered from the thousands of people who gathered in Tower Plaza. The Speaker gestured once then the crowd became silent. After checking that he was synched with the Tower's public-address system he began to talk. He was very confident that this ceremony would convince the Black Guardians that the City was looking more towards the future. The Speaker hoped that the various factions would forget the fireteam's role in ending The Faction Wars. He understood the guardians' reluctance of appearing here in the Tower Plaza. It made them vulnerable.
"Fellow citizens of the Last City, all too often we have more cause to mourn in sadness. It seems as if the heavens despise us for being all too human, for possessing gifts of creativity, of resilience, of our refusal to surrender to the Darkness that has all but consumed our solar system. We have buried both the common soldier of the FOTC and the extraordinary few guardians that protect us from the various invaders who desire to rob us of our destiny to journey among the stars. Usually we do not have a reason to be joyous or to give thanks here as a people. Today we do have a reason to celebrate!"
Exiting the Hall of Guardians below them, Commander Zavala and Cayde-6 strode forth from Vanguard HQ with slim cases in hand. The crowds went wild as the Vanguard leaders approached Fireteam Obsidian with serious expressions on their faces. Then Commander Zavala's gravelly voice reverberated in the Plaza.
"Keisari dux Hawkmoon, step forward and be recognized by a grateful City."
The titan powerhouse of Fireteam Obsidian marched in front of where Commander Zavala stood. Then Hawkmoon snapped a hand salute and held it. The crowd kept silent as they continued to bear witness to this historic event. Zavala unrolled a flimsi-scroll and began to read off a citation.
"On 2714 9.9, Keisari dux Hawkmoon, a member of Fireteam Obsidian on detached duty with the Vanguard, effected the rescue of an allied VIP and the capture of a notorious HVT on the FOTC's Blacklist. During the fighting, he was briefly a prisoner of the Enemy. He gained valuable intelligence during his brief period of captivity and did make his own escape back to friendly forces. For his bravery, the Consensus is awarding the hasta pura ." The Vanguard commander held out a silver colored spinmetal spear to his fellow titan. Hawkmoon accepted the award with restrained grace. Then he did an about-face and returned to stand alongside his fireteam. Once the titan was back in place, Commander Zavala waved over Cayde-6 to stand in his place. The Exo Warden unrolled his own flimsi-scroll as he summoned the next awardee to be recognized.
"Sliver Longstride, step forward and be recognized by a grateful City."
The master hunter of Fireteam Obsidian walked forward towards Cayde-6 and grasped each other's forearms in the ritual greeting of The Circle. Once apart, the Warden of the Circle spoke again. There was genuine pride in the Exo's voice.
"On 2714 9.9 Fireteam Obsidian, while on detached duty with the Vanguard, executed a search-and-destroy mission against the Fallen House of the Celestial Tyrant. During the fighting, an unusual development was uncovered where the fireteam adjusted their priorities to effect the rescue of an allied VIP. Those actions have been beneficial to the ongoing negotiations for a formal alliance with the Queen of the Reef. Once the allied VIP was secured by friendly forces, Sliver Longstride led an assault on the House of the Celestial Tyrant with the warlock Malx'ian Chak-Tii which resulted in the destruction of their stronghold and the capture of their Captain, Ar'rakyss the Unyielding. In recognition of your bravery, the Consensus is awarding you the Honor Star, Golden Class. Wear it with pride, master hunter." Cayde-6 presented a slim case that contained a vaulted five-pointed, star-shaped badge. Included was a ribbon on which the date '2714 9.9' was engraved on a plate. Sliver Longstride and Cayde-6 exchanged the ritual greeting of The Circle once more then parted ways.
The Speaker had decided that both he and the present Vanguard leaders would present the next award. With the Supreme absent, the Coven was split between those loyal to their current leader and the growing number of warlocks who chose to flock to Malx'ian Chak-Tii and The Elder Sign. It was a disturbing situation to witness as a fellow scholar of The Traveler. With the warrior-mystics of The Coven divided, it just might be the chink in humanity's armor that the Darkness could exploit for its own gain. He just hoped that both the Supreme and the Emissary of Oblivion could settle their differences before the Hive launched their new offensive against the City. He raised his arms high as he summoned the last member of Fireteam Obsidian.
"Malx'ian Chak-Tii, step forward and be recognized by a grateful City."
The Awoken warlock dispensed with walking altogether as he floated into the air then burst with raw, solar energy. Ethereal wings of fire extended from his shoulders as he dazzled the gathered citizens with his very public display of power. He levitated in front of the Speaker for a moment before his feet touched the ground and he reverted back to normal form. The crowds roared with approval but the warlock did not seem interested.
When it came down to it, Malx'ian Chak-Tii didn't feel the need to be among these sheep. There were other, more pressing issues that concerned him. With the Hive threatening to invade Earth, a public awards ceremony wasn't worth his time. Yet the warlock understood the need for public spectacle and to keep up the citizens' morale. He gracefully bowed to the Speaker then stood at attention. The Speaker took another slim case from Commander Zavala and spoke once again. It was now high noon as the sun shone brightly in the sky. The crowds waited anxiously for the Speaker to finish the day's event.
"On 2714 9.9 Malx'ian Chak-Tii, warlock assigned to Fireteam Obsidian, did engage a sizable force that were later identified as belonging to the Fallen House of the Celestial Tyrant in the swamplands of Old Chicago. It was during that engagement that the fireteam had discovered the presence of an allied VIP being held prisoner by the Fallen. At great personal risk, Malx'ian Chak-Tii fought his way to and rescued the VIP from the Enemy. After securing her release, the warlock called in the 1st Murican Rangers to escort the VIP back to safety. Upon being informed by Sliver Longstride that their teammate Keisari dux Hawkmoon was captured by the Enemy, both guardians took the initiative and executed an assault that demolished the Fallen stronghold and resulted in the capture of Ar'rakyss the Unyielding, a HVT on the City's Blacklist. For these actions, the Consensus is awarding you the Iridium Cross for Conspicuous Gallantry."
A great cheer arose from those warlocks wearing bonds that projected an imitation of The Elder Sign. As the FOTC's highest award for valor was lowered over Chak-Tii's head, a scuffle had broken out between members of the New Monarchy and Chak-Tii's supporters that was quickly broken up by uniformed Security Forces constables. Cersei and the Speaker were both glad that the Newtype Suppression Field generators were active otherwise Tower Plaza would become a war zone. At least everyone had the good sense not to unholster their weapons and gun each other down in public. The constables calmed down the reasonable ones but the uncooperative were placed into shackles for later transport to the Municipal Detention Center. It reminded the Speaker that even in the midst of total genocide the human race could still be divisive as ever.
Commander Zavala stepped forward and had another award to present to the warlock.
"On the same date, Malx'ian Chak-Tii retrieved a memory crystal from the Enemy that contained a number of valuable schematics of Golden Age technology. The applications of this will be used for a number of military and municipal upgrades. On behalf of a grateful City, warlock, we present to you the Clear Skies & Bright Stars Award for improving our security and quality of life."
The Awoken titan handed over another slim case which held a sky-blue and chrome-yellow ribbon inside. Chak-Tii shook the commander's hand and hoped that this ceremony wouldn't last much longer. He had an appointment that he needed to be at. The warlock was starting to get irritated with the flowery speeches and the needless politicking. Chak-Tii knew the Hive weren't going to wait much longer to invade the Earth. Preparations needed to be made to not only repel them but annihilate them from existence. He tried not to roll his eyes as Cayde-6 walked up and stood next to Commander Zavala.
"Finally, " the Exo Hunter said, " individually these guardians are formidable. As a single unit, a fireteam, they are unstoppable. In recognition of this both the Vanguard and the Consensus have created The Order of Obsidian which will be awarded to those guardians who have fought on against insurmountable odds. Those guardians who have been chosen for induction into The Order of Obsidian are the most elite warriors of the FOTC's Protective Forces. And the first awardees are, of course, Fireteam Obsidian."
The Speaker placed silver-and-black sashes that had the FOTC logo and a starburst insignia on all three members of Fireteam Obsidian. Cam-drones digitally recorded the historic moment as applause and a few cat-calls broke out from the crowd. Once the Speaker was finished and signaled that the event was over, the crowd made a bee-line for the various tables that were serving food and liquor. The Consensus believed the awards ceremony should also reward the ordinary citizen for doing their part in keeping the City well-maintained and supporting the FOTC in its combat operations against the various alien factions hell-bent on wiping out humanity. It was the least the City could do to keep the citizens' morale up.
As soon as the Vanguard and The Speaker left Tower Plaza, Malx'ian Chak-Tii had excused himself and told his team-mates that he would meet them later at their favorite tavern/beer hall, The Bastards Lounge in the Overwatch district. Checking his chronometer, the warlock saw it was half past one in the afternoon. He had plenty of time to make his appointment. The warlock decided to make a full circle of the Tower and ensure no one was following him. After an hour or so of running surveillance detection runs, the warlock made his way to Traveler's Walk. To the Embassy of the Reef and to the Queen's Emissary, Petra Venj.
Malx'ian Chak-Tii invoked several cantrips to disguise his identity and his person as he approached the front gate of the embassy. In accordance with the FOTC's homeworld security protocols, the Reef could not station any of its Fallen troops from the broken House of Wolves here in The Last City. Light bent and rearranged itself around his person as his armor took on a rose-gold shade. His bond morphed into one usually worn by the Queen's Guard. The gatekeepers crossed their force-pikes and barred his entry into the embassy.
"Identify yourself, stranger. You wear the armor of Her Majesty's Guard but we do not recognize you." Both gatekeepers kept their hands on the butt of their machine-pistols.
The warlock gestured once as the illusion fell away and his armor, The Royal Robes of Hastur, blazed with red-tinged ethereal flames. His Pallid Mask morphed into a ravenous beast that opened its terrible maw and snarled at the guards who cringed in fear. They pulled their machine-pistols and were about to trigger a burst when a voice was heard in the courtyard.
"Hold your fire! By order of the Crown Princess!"
Princess Yizi il-Allitys Feystorm and her heavily-armed and armored escorts filled the courtyard. Chak-Tii could hear the kinetic coils of pulse rifles and heavy machine guns energizing. Sentry bots with disruptor cannons flared with an iridescent emerald glow. The warlock knew that the Queen's Guard was fanatical in their devotion to the Royal Family. They would die before any harm would befall their charges. He took in the beauty of Princess Feystorm.
She was tall for an Awoken female at 2.5 meters. Her hair was a silky onyx, tied in a ponytail. A gold tiara with a single star-shaped sapphire sat on her brow. Princess Feystorm was attired in a military-grade skinsuit that had a number of defensive arrays that protected its wearer from any sort of attack that also included NBC and nano-form assault. The well-worn hand-cannon in her shoulder holster had seen much use and Chak-Tii knew it wasn't from just target practice at the Guards Barracks. The Crown Princess was a formidable enemy just like her mother.
"I'll only ask this once, warlock. Who are you?"
The warlock touched his helmet which retracted back to reveal his face to the Crown Princess. Her mouth formed an O in shock as the rest of the Queen's Guard backed up and aimed their weapons at the guardian. Alarms sounded as the Embassy went into lockdown mode. Chak-Tii opened his arms as the Crown Princess crashed into him. She hugged the warlock fiercely as tears streamed down her face. Then the warlock's voice, assisted by his power, reverberated in the air.
"I am Mal'xian Chak-Tii il –Allitys Feystorm, First of my name. Champion of the Reef, Queen's Consort , and former Commander of the Queen's Guard. I order you to stand down immediately. The Emissary of Oblivion has returned to seek an audience with the Queen!"
In a hushed whisper, the Crown Princess said, " I've missed you so much Father…"
TO BE CONTINUED...