Chapter IV, "Confrontation"
7 hours later
Province of Scion, the Capital Province of the Protoss Homeworld of Aiur
Inside the Daelaam Nexus Point
"I don't like this Abraxis, I should be with you when you confront the Council! That was the plan! You need me there!" exclaimed Angelix, the view on her back was the bridge of the Spear of Adun, the projection blurring as multiple explosions rocked the ancient arkship. Zealots and high templar were on her back, moving around, checking the arkship's system and hull integrity, among others.
"You are needed more at the Spear, High Executor. Especially now that the New Conclave have renewed their attacks against us. We will need the arkship in the battles ahead and I trust you to keep it intact," said Abraxis.
Angelix shook her head, eyes glaring at the Hierarch, "Do not go formal on me Abraxis! You know as I do that I should be at your side when you confront them! I am your Right Hand, your High Executor! I was there since the beginning, the inception of this plan! And… and…"
Abraxis looked around the surrounding area. Looking over the warriors in his vicinity who was operating the nexus, he spoke. "Templar, leave us for a moment." "As you command, Hierarch," chorused the templar.
"Now tell me Angelix, what is the reason behind your insistence of joining me? You know we are pressed for time. And right now, we are in grave danger of losing what our forebears have established," said Abraxis.
Moving out of the bridge and bringing her communicator with her, Angelix asked, quietly, "…you know why Abraxis. Do I have to say it out loud?" "Yes. Enlighten me."
Hesitant, Angelix gestured towards Abraxis, emotion in her eyes, "I have been with you all throughout Abraxis. I fear for your safety, for your life. I know you, you would sacrifice anything, everything, to hold on to preserving the legacy of the Daelaam, of your ancestor. Do not deny it! And I can't let that happen! The Hierarchy will not bear it, I cannot bear it..."
"I appreciate your concern Angelix. But I have the Praetor Guard with me, as well as Feraz and Raeza. They will ensure my safety no doubt," said Abraxis.
Angelix shook her head, "Your Praetors have the same frame of mind as you are my dear Hierarch. Feraz and Raeza as well. If all of your death would save the Daelaam, I think, no, I know you would all willingly sacrifice your life for that cause. You need someone with a level head, someone who would keep you in line. Me."
"Hierarch, please, you must reconsider. I could easily warp down – Master Innarax, my second in command can take over, or Gynacus –"
Abraxis interrupted her, "Angelix. I promise you I will not be rash in this mission. Everything is at stake right now, I know that. But I need you to handle things for me while I am away. And at the same time you will be safe. I need you to be safe."
Angelix looked Abraxis eye-to-eye. Reluctantly, Angelix nodded, "Very well. But you must promise to update me of your condition while you are there. And I will monitor your progress here at the Spear. Constantly."
"Of course."
"Then I will return to my duties. May Adun guide and keep you and your companions safe. En taro Artanis my Hierarch," said Angelix.
"Keep safe Angelix. Protect the Spear of Adun. En taro Tassadar," replied Abraxis, as the projection screen shut offs. Abraxis then walks towards the opposite terminal which transmits to the assembled warriors outside the nexus point, "Brethren! The time has come! Ready yourselves! Praetor Guard, to me!"
45 minutes later
Twilight Council, Province of Scion
The Province of Scion was once ravaged and destroyed by the Zerg Swarm during the Great War. Declared by Hierarch Selendis during her time as the seat of the Hierarchy, in order to establish a leadership structure and supervising authority to delineate it from the seat of the High Executor, the foremost officer of the Golden Armada. The new Twilight Council, named after the old building the Hierarchy meets at Shakuras, was constructed to serve as its seat in the re-established homeworld of the unified protoss. Grand and diverse, the Twilight Council represents all protoss factions within the Daelaam. Banners bearing the decals of the original Auir protoss tribes, principal among them the Akilae Tribe, the Nerazim clans, the Tal'darim standard and the Purifier standard proudly waving across the building's entrance, while the surrounding vast grounds the building stands on is a hub for trade and culture.
However, while the influence of the Protoss Protectorate grows in the Koprulu Sector due to the acts they did during the End War, several judicators felt powerless. An argument was then developed – that the Hierarch is more of a martial leader – unfit to rule in times of peace, and the Hierarchy, while forms representation from the different protoss groups is slow and unmoving (though definitely better than the old Conclave – which every former judicator will deny) therefore a separate council was needed to balance the power structure within the Protectorate – a council that would serve and steer as 'guides' in the decision making of the Hierarchy. This group of judicators began a movement, influencing the majority of the protoss to clamor for the establishment of a separate entity, a Protectorate Council. Reluctantly, the Hierarchy agreed and the Council was established.
"The Hierarchy became bold and overconfident – that was why we never noticed how the Protectorate Council flourished within the Daelaam. We were focused in developing our relationship outside the sector, developing the economy and prestige of our homeworld, but we neglected what happens within. We were too late to put halt to this insurgency within. The Council manipulated the Daelaam and fed them lies. This will stop now," declared Abraxis, walking towards the Twilight Council.
Surrounding him were the Praetor Guard, the Hierarchy's advisor Raeza and the representative to the Council Feraz. Following them were the elite members of the Templar Guard. Reaching the entrance, two zealots blocked the group. "Hierarch. Welcome. Your guards will stay behind. Only you, the Praetor Guard and the advisors are allowed to enter, per the Council's orders."
"Zealot. Are you ordering the Hierarch? You presume much templar! Move and make way for us!" demanded Praetor Kevnar, moving as if he will attack the zealot. The zealot, looking wary, moved backward, but maintained his position, still blocking the entrance. His companion did the same.
"Kevnar, enough," said Abraxis. Turning around, he nodded to the members of the Templar Guard, "Templar stay outside the building. You know your orders."
"As you command Hierarch!" exclaimed on high templar.
Nodding to the zealots guarding the entrance, Praetor Gynacus remarked, "Lead the way, templar."
The council chambers was in the center of the building. As the group approached the chamber, it was obvious that more warriors were posted inside, as if hostiles were being escorted within. Majority of the stationed warriors were zealots, but there were a few dark templar warriors stationed as well. Ascendants and adepts were also seen. While most are clad in their tribe's or faction's specifically designed power suits, no standard or decal was indicated. However, it was noticeable that it was not blue or yellow, the colors of the Daelaam, that is evident on their armors, but rather it was purple – the color of the old Conclave.
Entering the chamber's entrance, two dragoons and an immortal welcomed them, the zealots moving back towards the main entrance. "This way, Hierarch." Said the immortal, guiding Abraxis and his companions towards the center of the chamber.
The circular chamber of the Twilight Council represented equality among the Hierarchy. No representative was above another and all stand among equals. The layout of the central chamber was a replica of the mothership's bridge, where in the middle a celestial array was placed, enabling the Hierarchy to view the status of each colony within the Protoss Protectorate. Much has changed since the Hierarchy last convened in the central chamber.
The original spherical layout was divided into two – discarding of the other half and replacing it with a large projection monitor. The celestial array was disabled and instead of a flat floor layout, the semi-circle was slanted upwards, increasing in height towards the middle, five high backed seats were placed, one for each council member, the middle seat highest among them. Seated now were the members of the Council.
The current Protectorate Council is composed of 5 members, each representing a different expertise in the protoss society. Johaz, the Grandmaster, was with the council at the beginning of its inception, old but wise, looking over the approaching group. Lisarra, a few cycles younger than Johaz but still older than the rest of the protoss gathered, was Mistress of Coin, claiming that her expertise and experience was due to being the former Conclave's treasury keeper, was sneering towards the Hierarch and his Praetor Guard. Bynamus, the Master of Arms, was looking at the group neutrally. Kristalis, the youngest among the Council members, almost the age of the Hierarch and his Guard, was looking over the group with curiosity in her eyes. The group stopped in front of the seated Council members, with Hierarch Abraxis standing at the middle of the group. Feraz, as the representative of the Hierarchy to the Council moved to join them.
"You may stay where you are Feraz," Lisarra said imperiously.
Confused, Feraz inquired, "What is the meaning of this Councilwoman? I am a member of the Council, the Master of Ships!"
"As of today, you are hereby removed from the Council due to lack of confidence, with a vote of 3 for removal and one abstention. The Hierarchy was already informed about this a few moments ago. But since you are here, then we are informing you so. The Hierarchy may send a new representative by the next week." Johaz said awkwardly.
Bynamus looked over Abraxis and asked, "Hierarch, we congratulate on your appointment. What is the status of the Armada after the attack of the insurgents? You are here to report your finding to the Council, are you not?"
"Yes Councilman. And more," moving forward to from the group and gesturing to the Council, "I am here to reveal the treachery of this supposed Protectorate Council!" exclaimed Abraxis, eyes blazing.
"What madness is this Hierarch? How dare you accuse us of treachery?" exclaimed Kristalis, standing from her seat.
"By the honor of my great forebear, Artanis, I declare, as Hierarch of the Twilight Council, Leader of the Daelaam this mummer council disbanded! My Praetors and I, as well as the other members of the Hierarchy have discovered the lie behind the creation of this Council. Old judicators who think they should rule once more and only them has the right to rule our society. They manipulated the Daelaam and convince them to clamor to create the Council," explained Abraxis.
"And as the plan succeeded, old war fabrication matrices was secretly stolen from the Hierarchy and the Armada using the access granted for Council members. We have only discovered this recently, after the attacks. The insurgents were part of the plan to remove the Hierarchy as leaders of our society, to cause chaos and confusion – for greed and lust for power!" exclaimed Abraxis, looking at each member of the Council in the eye, gauging their reactions.
"You accuse that the formation of the Council was a lie Hierarch Abraxis. Do you have proof, evidence? The Council was formed for this purpose – to curb the tendencies of Hierarchs like you to seek more power, destabilizing and militarizing our society. Balance. Tranquility. That is this Council's purpose," remarked Lisarra, as if not affected with the accusations.
The Hierarch's retinue looked at each other, amusement in their eyes. Praetor Lynnax exclaimed, "Such bold words coming from a traitor like you Lisarra! If not for the Hierarch wanting to settle this peacefully, we would have burst here and arrested you for treason to the Daelaam!"
"Treason? I did no such thing. The Council have ruled wisely unlike your Hierarchy. We have made peace bloomed in Aiur and in our settlements with our judicious rulings and decisions! I steered the Council to remind the protoss that only our elders, only through the wise, the judicators were we will have the successful society!" said Lisarra.
"Hah! You speak of wise rule? The Hierarchy have been taking the blunt of your mistakes! We were the one who did everything to prevent chaos from descending once more to the firstborn after your foolish rulings and decisions. And your manipulation with the Daelaam is now over Lisarra! How dare you twist your words, to lie to your people, you yourself do not deny that you knew and encourage the disorder we are experiencing now! Hundreds of our people died!" exclaimed Praetor Gynacus, anger apparent in his eyes.
Praetor Palinus, raising a hand, pointed towards Lisarra, "You are twisted creature – wreaking chaos and war amongst the protoss, just for your lust and greed for power? We know that it was you who planted the idea to your fellow judicators. And using your fellow Council members as your tools to achieve power? Despicable."
Johaz and Bynamus was shocked, surprise evident in their eyes. Kristalis, was shaking, anger and betrayal showing in her eyes.
"Is this true Lisarra?" asked Johaz.
"…"
Kristalis stood, eyes blazing with anger and resentment, looked at Lisarra and said, "How dare you use us as as your puppets to achieve power?! You speak of change, of progress yet it is you who are hindering us to progress! The Conclave is gone! And the protoss have learned that you judicators have that pride and prejudice that led to the downfall of the firstborn! Hypocrite!"
"You know nothing child. The Conclave will bring order to this convoluted society! We will restore the glory of the Empire!" exclaimed Lisarra, her eyes crazed.
Shaking his head, Abraxis looked to Johaz, "Johaz. We know you are innocent of all these. As well as Bynamus and Kristalis. But for the good of the Daelaam, this Council must be removed. Declare the disbandment of this group. We have not forgotten your advice and contributions. We would like to take you as advisors of the Hierarchy," said Abraxis.
"And you Lisarra. Planting the seeds of chaos and destruction – for your own purpose, for your lust and greed for power. Praetors, arrest her. She will stand trial for her crimes against the Daelaam," declared Abraxis. As the Praetors moved to arrest Lisarra, the dragoons and immortal in the chamber moved to block the Praetors. As answer, the Praetors ignited their blades.
"Templar! Move! You heard the orders of the Hierarch, follow – or be arrested yourself!" exclaimed Kevnar.
"We only follow orders from the Head Judicator," replied the immortal.
Abraxis moved forward, looking at Lissara, "Stand down Lisarra. Violence is not needed. Spare our people from your vicious ambitions."
"They are committed to the cause as I Hierarch. Judicator Guard! The time for the rise of the New Conclave has come! Do your duties, protect the Conclave!" exclaimed Lissara, as the doors to the central chamber burst open, a zealot falling down – and revealing the Templar Guard. The high templar leading two purifier adepts and two stalkers moved to approach Abraxis.
"Hierarch, the Templar Guard have arrested and subdued the templar guarding the Twilight Council. Our warriors report that the building, and the rest of the province is under the command of the Hierarchy once more," reported the high templar.
"You have done well my warriors. We have one more lose end to tie to subdue this rebellion," said Abraxis, turning towards Lisarra who was looking surprised at the turn of events. "You are outnumbered Lisarra. Order your forces to surrender. Your ambition is a folly."
"You are mistaken Hierarch! We are not yet done! You have just seen the power we wield! At this moment, your precious Citadel in Antioch, as well as your central nexus point New Telematros is being besieged by our forces! And we will liberate the Spear of Adun, the Conclave's creation from your High Executor! Even if I fall, the Conclave will endure!" declared Lisarra.
"Enough. Templar, arrest her and her companions!" exclaimed Palinus. The Templar Guard and the Praetors converged to Lisarra and her defenders' position. The dragoons and immortals started firing their phase disruptors, injuring the high templar who approached first. Blinking in front of the high templar, the stalkers covered the attacks while the Praetors moved the high templar on the sides.
"Strike to injure only warriors!" said Abraxis, igniting his twilight blades, approaching the insurgents. Kevnar, using his stasis field ability to disabled the dragoons and immortal. It was then at that moment that Lisarra was warping out, indicating a dimensional recall was being initiated.
"Do not let her escape!" exclaimed Gynacus, racing towards the control panel to activate the warp matrix disabler of the central chamber. However they were too late. Lisarra was able to warp out of the Twilight Council – leaving chaos and mess around.
"Kevnar. Track her location. I have a suspicion where she will go and her remaining troops will converge but we should be sure and precise," ordered Abraxis. Looking over his other Praetors, he said, "Gynacus, ready the Armada – make the necessary preparations, Palinus, do the same with the Shadow Guard. Once we have tracked the traitor's location, we will move out at once. Lynnax, confirm her declarations – check on the status of the Citadel and New Telematros. See to their defences. Secure the warp network in Khereson as well."
"As you command Hierarch! For Aiur!" chorused the Praetors, going about their respective orders.
"Feraz, you will remain here at Scion to oversee all the efforts of our Praetors. I am appointing you as part of the Praetor Guard as well – the Eye of the Hierarch. Monitor all communication lines in and out of Aiur. Disrupt enemy coordination efforts if you see an opportunity to do so," ordered Abraxis. "Advisor Raeza. It is time to implement the second part of our plan. You and the Matriarch will placate the Daelaam's fears. Regain their support and confidence in the Hierarchy," Feraz and Raeza nodded, Raeza warping out to go to New Telematros. Abraxis, moving towards the disabled celestial array – fired a light psionic beam on it and activating the device.
"Angelix, do you hear me? I know you are monitoring us from the Spear. What is your status?" said Abraxis, looking over the projection image. As expected, High Executor Angelix' image appeared, looking relieved.
"Abraxis thank the gods. I was cut off from the communications systems before you were about to apprehend Lisarra. I feared the worse," said Angelix.
"We are fine Angelix, but Lisarra has threatened to capture the Spear from our grasp. Strengthen your defenses there. The Spear must not fall to the enemy." declared Abraxis.
Angelix nodded, "Do not worry Abraxis, we have everything under control. We have fend-off the attacks from the starships of the insurgents. As soon as you moved to arrest the traitor, their starships started warping away. I suspect they are coming to the surface to defend their mistress. Praetor Lynnax should look out for starships not under our command."
"Agreed. Lynnax, Gynacus. Coordinate and let our starships know that their orders is to stay in their positions. Question those not in their assignments," reminded Abraxis.
"Johaz. Bynamus," called Abraxis, addressing the former Council members, "We appreciate your service for Aiur, for the Protectorate. I am saddened that you were used by the traitor to further her ambitions. Please, consider our offer for you to be advisors of the Hierarchy."
The two former Council members looked at each other. Nodding to Abraxis, "We will consider the offer Hierarch, we are honored. We also apologize for our contribution in this disaster. Adun and Tassadar guide you and your warriors on the task ahead. We will leave you now to your preparations. Kristalis?" said Johaz, then looking over at Kristalis, who seem to be having an internal debate with her thoughts. "I will stay for a while Johaz. Thank you."
As the two left the chamber, Kristalis approached Abraxis with apprehension, wary of the Hierarch's reaction. "Hierarch Abraxis. I thank you for your efforts earlier. You have averted a disaster. Lisarra has just proposed the transfer of the command of the Armada from the Hierarcy to Bynamus, as Master of War," she paused, as if humiliated, and added, "And I ask pardon for my actions earlier. I did not mean to offend you or the Praetors…"
"There is nothing to forgive Kristalis. You were deceived by the traitor, just as Johaz and Bynamus have been, and taken advantage of," said Abraxis.
Kristalis nodded and looking at Abraxis with adoration in her eyes, "You have changed a lot since we last met Abraxis. When we begin our training at the Templar Grounds. I have admired your strength then, how you rose from the ranks and fought for the glory of our people. I was glad when I heard that you were made Hierarch. I have thought then that we worked well together, when we were tasked in that simulation. Do you still remember that?"
"Yes, yes. That was my first tactical training. You were a good tactician as well Kristalis, we have –"
"Hierarch. Now is not the time for reminiscing the past. We have things to accomplish. Aiur's fate is at stake," Angelix said, irritated and glaring at Kristalis, who was glaring back.
"Abraxis, I want to assist your efforts. Please, let me help. I may be of assistance to the war effort," pleaded Kristalis.
Angelix voiced her disagreement, "No Abraxis! She will only hinder our efforts. She know nothing of how we operate. As your High Executor and Right Hand, I firmly –"
"I know tactics and strategy. Do not discount my abilities in war. Do not underestimate what I can do High Executor!" exclaimed Kristalis.
Both looked over at Abraxis, who looked as if he wanted to disappear on the spot. "Well, Hierarch? We await your decision," said Angelix, while glaring back again to Kristalis.
Abraxis looked over to his Praetors, who was looking over the argument with laughter in their eyes. "Do not include us on your dilemma Hierarch. You get to decide, as our glorious leader, hehe," sniggered Gynacus. Palinus, Kevnar and Feraz laughed, while Lynnax shook his head in amusement.
"Bastards," muttered Abraxis, turning back to the arguing ladies. "Very well. Unfortunately, you cannot be in the battle lines with me Kristalis, nor with the Praetors who are overseeing the efforts of the Armada," said Abraxis. Angelix looked triumphant, Kristalis angry and disappointed, "But, you may assist here in the Twilight Council with Praetor Kevnar to track the traitor's location and the movements of their army," said Abraxis. Angelix then turned to glare towards Abraxis. Kristalis, meanwhile, although a bit disappointed beamed at Abraxis. As if to interrupt any more disagreements, Abraxis added, "My decision is final. Let us move on to the matter at hand then…"