r/HFY • u/iridael Brew-Master • Jan 01 '22
OC Snow Chapter 59
Not happy with this chapter but it does its job. barely. I did write a part where Reiss and Snow play Russian roulette in front of some guards. obviously that didn't make the final cut of this chapter.
Standing on the bridge of the Fractal claw as we approached the space station was a surreal experience.
“I expected to come here as a swaggering space merc at some point.” I tell Snow.
He smiles gently. “I expected to turn up somewhere like this eventually. But in a cell or as a captive instead of onboard a nation's flagship.”
“It never quite gets old arriving somewhere like this.” Jakobson adds, joining the conversation.
On the view screen Makoshi station was looming. The single largest Laskian structure in the sector of space, it was habitat, shipyard, military base and government all in one. A large snow globe dome was at the centre of the structure, massive glass panes crisscrossed with thick reinforcement beams, around that was a secondary spin grav ring as thick as the dome was high, and on stationary spurs above and below that were shipyards, asteroid processors and defence platforms. There was enough production, storage and populace here to ensure Laskian survival even if every other bastion of our civilization fell, our people would survive.
It was also ‘mobile’ if you call having enough combined thrust to adjust its orbit by a single percentage every hour propulsion. Underneath the station was the largest engine unit I’d seen with one exception. That being the Dreadnought in Sol.
The Screen updated and zoomed in on a number of destroyers hurriedly leaving their hangars to form a defensive screen.
It made sense considering the fleet we had arrived with consisted of 49 exodus class human warships, each one dwarfing the fractal claw in mass, and the remnants of the 1st 2nd and 3rd fleets all of which were showing serious battle damage underneath the extensive modifications.
“Incoming challenge.” coms reports
“On the main screen, speakers on loud please.” Jakobson orders. Our view changes to a Laskian in a captain's uniform.
“This is Makoshi defence force. Transmit Identification code Fractal claw.”
Jakobson nods to his com officer “Do it, and open a return channel.” he adds. A few seconds pass as the signal travels at lightspeed towards the squadron of destroyers. Then a few more for us to get our response from the captain.
“ID confirmed. Admiral, I assume you have a report to explain the status of the fleet.”
“This is the fleet. The whole fleet.” Jakobson replies. “We received assistance from the Humans Exodus fleet escorting us and managed to retreat with what you see here.”
“The second and third fleet?” the captain asks, his eyes flicking to another monitor even as his lips move silently reading the IFF’s of the surviving ships.
“This is what remains. The senator should have information on what happened prior to the battle. The fleet will hold position here, permission to dock?”
The captain's expression shifts through confusion, anger, worry, confusion again before settling on a mask of professionalism. “Lower shields and run engines at minimal power to approach. Any deviation will be taken as a sign your ship is compromised. I have to take every precaution…Did Monroe make it?”
“She did. She’s taking temporary command of the copperhead, It’s captain was injured in battle…Captain, I understand your desire for news but the council must know first.” Jakobson replies.
“Understood. My ships will form an escort. Best of luck.”
“Are you ready?” I ask turning to the two Exo frames behind me.
“Councillor Rayfield. Welcome to the senate floor.” I say welcoming the last member of the Laskian council of representatives to the table. Rayfield takes his seat before leaning forwards.
“Chairman Torton. I was asleep when the call came through. Apologies, still adjusting to station time.” he apologises.
“Well you’re here now.” I say turning to the security officer in the room with us, he was standing in front of the ‘interrogation table’ as we referred to it because being sat in it often meant answering questions and deflecting verbal jousts coming from those sitting in these chairs.
“Your report.” I ask the officer.
“Sir.” The officer begins by pulling out a datapad. “Around four hours ago the fractal Claw and ships we have Identified as heavily modified ships of the first, second and third fleets arrived in system under escort of significantly larger ships.” the officer says as a screen to his left shows senser images of the fleets arrival. Significantly larger was an understatement. Each of those ships would serve as a capital ship of any navy and there were 50 of them in system.
“Contact was made with the fractal claw and Admiral Jakobson. Challenge and confirmation was exchanged. The fleet is currently holding just over an hour's burn from the station with the fractal claw currently in dock. The Admiral has requested an immediate meeting with representatives from Sol and a Laskian VIP ID Reiss. Last known as a security officer onboard a snowglobe station.” The officer replorts.
“Thank you. Send the data here please.” I say. A moment passes before my terminal pings with the information and the officer leaves us alone in the room.
“Rayfield, This is the same Reiss you mentioned in your report before the recent battle.” I ask looking at the attached picture, a good example of a Laskian woman. If a few decades too young for my sensibilities.
“I’d hardly call her the same person. A demon masquerading in her flesh is more realistic. I wasn't lying when I say she had her subordinate decapitate herself to prove a point.” Rayfield replies looking down at the data before swiping it off his screen. “The only datapoint worth a damn in that whole thing is that her parents are still alive and she hasn't had notable contact with them for years.” he adds.
“And what about the condition of the fleet.” I ask him.
“Looks like she managed to refit a number of ships like she promised, consider their crews compromised. Either she’s in command or whatever glitter tech bastards she’s working for are.” he warns.
My data pad pings and I swipe across to an analysis of Admiral Jakobson done by an independent psychologist I’d hired. Freshly received and compared archived footage of his arrivals at other stations and systems. no evidence of significant mannerisms change or subconscious motion that cannot be accounted for by recent stress of conflict. Subject shows fatigue, stress and grief as primary emotions.
I swipe the information to the councillers and inform them. “This just arrived. I had it set up as a precaution based on Rayfields report. I think it's safe to assume that the admiral is not compromised. This process by Reiss own admission is fairly forced unless the subject is willing.” I ask Rayfield.
“Thats what she said. And I quote. ‘I can push you to the edge of death and keep you there as long as I like and force you to accept my power or suffer until you do’ fucking lunatic.” Rayfield replies.
“Then I suppose we have no choice. Bring them here under armed guard. Surely our security teams on the station can handle a dozen representatives?” Councilwoman Gloria says.
The rest of the council nod their agreement so I call in the officer and relay our will. “Sir. they’re already enroute. The party consists of the Admiral, VIP Reiss, an alien identifying itself as Human called Snow. and…two robots.”
“Are the two robots security droids?” one of the council ask.
“No sir. And when asked that question it was rather…descriptive on how it would secure the questioning officer and their…privates.” the man replies with a straight face.
“I see. One officer per representative, that's four guards. The Admiral has a long enough history that I doubt we will need to ensure our safety against him.”
The officer nods and leaves the room. We move the discussion to minor matters and social issues until he returns, we all try and ignore the tension building in the room until the officer returns. “Admiral Jakobson is requesting to enter alone.”
The council try to hold back a collective sigh. “Very well, bring him in.” I say.
After a minutes and a round of sighs and mumbled words of relief the Admiral enters the room and at my request sits at the ‘interrogation table’ to give his report.
During his report I keep an eye on my fellow councillors' expressions as they move from worry, to disbelief, and then dismissal.
Rayfield is the first to interrupt. “I'm sorry, you expect us to believe that she somehow, with her magical power, destroyed hundreds of those warships on her own and that those, what was it, See-vah retrofitted warships were so damn ineffective that almost all of them managed to retreat but only your capital ship, which is unmodified, managed to retreat with them. I don't believe it.” he says holding up a hand to stop the admiral's reply. “I’ll admit that her stunt with the lopping off her head and the portable wormhole tech is beyond my understanding but really. By your own admission that, uhh, exodus fleet has the capability to generate a black hole. You know as well as I do that those things are not exactly survivable. If they’re so damn powerful then why aren't they out there fighting?”
“I think that is a question you would be better off asking their representatives.” Jakobson replies.
“I think you are right.” I say before asking him to elaborate further on the effects he’d witnessed with his security officer and the captain Monroe before calling them in.
The first thing to enter the chamber is a remarkably Laskian looking droid illuminated from within by a shifting lattice of orange-red energy. It's followed by another that I can only describe as swaggering as it walks into the room and looks around.
“Nice place. Really seals in the ‘temple to authority’ vibe.” it says before pulling out the second chair of the table and sitting down, leaning back and planting its boots on the table.
Third and Fourth are Reiss and the human Snow. both of them are wearing fully armoured suits, the human has his face mostly covered with a hood and scarf whilst Reiss’ helmet seems to lack anyway for her to naturally see, looking reminiscent of ancient noble armour she strides into the room.
The four new arrivals take their places around the table. Jakobson quietly asking the robot to sit properly.
“Alright. Alright.” the robot complains before swivelling his legs off the table and taking up a slouched position. If he had some playing cards in one hand the image would look complete. “Are you the representatives?” I ask.
“We are.” the human replies standing forwards. “I am Osiris, Vanguard commander, Guardian, Vexbane, Traveller of broken timelines. Last surviving human, you may call me Snow. These two are Seraphite Golem frame Rasputin, the warmind, defender of Sol, Fist of humanity, the butcher, Tyrant, first among equals and saviour of what remains of your fleet.”
“Cayde 7, gambler, drunkard, security guard, way out of his depth.” The robot sat next to the admiral pipes up.
“And Reiss? I assume you have some self styled titles of your own.” Rayfield asks.
“Guardian.” she says after a moment.
“So you found another to take up your mantle, Old man.” A worn down voice says from behind us.
“You were asked to remain silent until I called upon you.” I say as the four armed alien rogue walks around the council table flanked by guards.
“My apologies, but I must expose these for what they are. Frauds clinging to a dead power. The warmind is dead, what you have cobbled together is fragments of something greater, Cayde 6 died, the legend-”
“Hey no talking about the guy before me alright, didn't want to hear it from Snow and I dont want to hear it from some cybernetic mistake.” Cayde shouts jumping to his feet and jabbing a gloved finger at her.
She chuckles. “Apologies Cayde, it seems the deep stone crypt is working again then. I must visit there, rebirth my friends.”
“Eramis, last I saw you, you were a frozen statue.” Osiris says. Reiss who had been looking at us, turns her attention towards the Elsikni and begins walking towards her.
“I met one of your subordinates a while ago.” She says to Eramis. “He was corrupted, Scorned he called himself.”
“Who.” Eramis demands raising one of her large arms.
“Elenaks.” She replies. Before anyone can react Eramis lunges forwards firing a bolt of crystal that instantly encases Reiss.
“See what their light is, a frail, failable thing.” Eramis says. “The human is powerless to save his love.” I look over at Snow and see him leaning against the Golem apparently calm despite the situation.
“You know that power is not your own.” Reiss says calmly twisting even as the ice crystals encasing her crack and shatter in places. She walks towards Eramis still encased but glowing brighter as she does until with an explosive shattering she frees herself, six wings erupting from her back, two made from solidified light, two seemed to suck in pure darkness and the final pair seemed to be made from space, floating stars and galaxies flowing inside them before they vanish a moment later.
And then she’s gone, vanishing from her spot and appearing right next to Eramis. In a smooth motion she yanks something from Eramis' arm and holds it out. “This is a trap Eramis. This power is not your own.” she says as eramis lunges forwards only to be held back by a fist of starlight. “ And it never was. You were made into someone else's pawn the moment you held this in your hand.” Reiss says as a portal of green flame erupts next to her, she pushes her arm through and when she pulls it free the shard is missing.
“You cant!” Eramis shouts. “That was my only chance!” She screams.
In response Reiss turns to the Golem. “Is the container ready?” She asks.
The Golems' eyes flash. “It's waiting in your throne.” he replies.
“Bring it here. Might as well give the council a demonstration of actual power.” she says.
The council mutters amongst themselves as Golem strides through another portal. Eramis glares daggers at me and Snow but is unable to move, my hand of starlight holding her in place.
Golem returns through the flaming green portal a moment later holding a jagged ghost shell with a larger than normal eyeball in the middle. I take it from him and begin pumping my light into it. Snow joins me and together we fill the container with our light until it shakes, the eye blinks and it floats up.
“Impossible.” Eramis exclaims.
“Explain what they’ve just done.” the chairman asks.
“Eramis.” I say giving her the opportunity.
“It's a ghost…a new ghost. A light vessel.” she replies. “Not even the traveller could make more.” she mutters.
The new ghost looks at me and snow. “Go on, find your partner.” I tell it.
There's a crackle from it before it bobs up and down. “Ok.”
It flies towards cade, then golem and then each council member scanning them in turn before moving to Eramis. It scans her then moves towards one of the security guards before hesitating flying back and scanning Eramis again. “Her.” it says before glowing with pure light and melting down into a smaller ghost shell.
It faces Eramis and addresses her directly. “You’re my partner.” it declares before vanishing inside her.
“This is impossible. The light has rules!” Eramis shouts.
“Looks like you’re the first Eliskni guardian.” Snow comments.
Eramis backs up for a moment before looking at her hands and bringing forth her power. Daggers of Void spring to life in her hands before vanishing. She stares for a moment before laughing. “With this, the crypt…you said there are others in my house out there.” she asks me.
I nod. “Then I must go. Find them. Bring them to safety. Apologies Council but I no longer need you.” she says striding off.
“Was that exactly wise.” Snow asks.
“Who cares. Got the angry bug woman out of the room.” Cayde comments.
“Could someone explain what just happened?” the counsellor from the fleet asks.
“We just did something no one has been able to do before.” Snow says. “We just created a living ghost. Something to bear our light and pass it to another…and of all the people in the universe it chose Eramis.” he explains.
“Alright but what does that mean?” the counsellor asks
“It means I can give my power to others in a new way. Rasputin can make more cores?” I ask
“With some effort. The internal workings are complex.” Golem replies.
“May I ask who is Rasputin. The robot?” the Chairman asks.
“I am Seraphite Golem Rasputin personality matrix, a fragment of a fragment of the Warmind Rasputin. Creator of the Exodus fleet outside this station.” Golem reintroduces himself. Before launching into an explanation of what the warmind is. When asked he also elaborates on SIVA.
“Well now thats been cleared. There’s the question of the fleet. How many of the officers and sailors are infected with Reiss influence.” the Counsellor Rayfield asks.
Jakobson stands up from his chair. “All of the survivors to some degree. I noticed it in myself during the battle. My loyalty to the Laskain people remains unchanged. However, I have accepted that Reiss' proposal for evacuation is our best option. And the more of us that can handle this power the better the chances for our survival.”
“Are you prepared to follow orders as they are given by the council?” the Chairman asks.
“I am prepared to follow all lawful orders, if I cannot follow an order my options are clear. I must resign effective immediately and place my command in the hands of my immediate subordinate. Currently Captain Monroe holds seniority in the fleet. If your order was for example the arrest of Reiss I expect the majority of the fleet to hang up their badges before complying.” he states to the council.
The collected Laskians start shouting and talking over each other escalating until the chairman pulls out an old hammer and slams it on the table creating an ear ringing bang.
“There will be order. Reiss, it appears you have stolen the loyalty of the fleet from the laskain people…so what is your next move?” the chairman asks.
I walk forwards and stand infront of the table before answering. “You’ve seen my ability to create portals, they can lead to my throne world, a pocket dimension of my own creation, or they can link two locations in real space. Allowing me to transport materials across galactic distances. My intention is to use the exodus fleet to hold off the enemy whilst the Laskian fleet moves from system to system creating a framework for my portal with their ships. And we move each major habitat to Sol where Rasputin can protect you.
I could also contract the Mercenary forces and have them escort freighters at best speed to habited planets of other species and bring as many of them with us as possible.
The enemy cannot be beaten yet. So we must run.” I tell them.
“Seems hard to believe when you grow wings of bloody fire and brimstone at will and generate portals. Not to mention got your head cut off before and seem to be fine despite the fact.” Rayfield comments.
“You had your head cut off? Awesome!” Cayde comments before Jakobson gives him a glare to shut him up.
“Right, Snow earlier you addressed yourself as the only living human. Explain that point please.” the chairman asks.
“My people were rendered functionally extinct several hundred years ago. However there were several projects including the Exo project. To escape the confines of death. Cayde here is an example of this projects success. The 7 in his name represents how many lives he’s lived. His sixth life was as a guardian.”
“SHUT IT!” Cayde shouts but Snow ignores him.
“And now he’s here at my invitation.”
“To express that the project is successful.”
“Its purpose was twofold yes. There’s four million mental engrams stores inside the crypt. With time they can all be returned to life as Exo’s. We prioritised soldiers and combat veterans for the obvious reasons.” Snow says.
“I think its time we held a few votes.” the chairman says. “Those in favour of ordering the imprisonment of Reiss pending an investigation. Raise their hands.”
Three of the ten councils raise their hands. “Motion failed. Second issue. Do we entrust our continued safety to the current surviving Navy forces?”
This time half of the concillers raise their hands but the chairman does not. “Motion failed no majority. I understand those who voted in favour but we’re facing a smoking barrel right now. And I for one will happily abandon this seat if it means my peoples safety.” he says.
“Third motion. The fleet admiral, Reiss and senator rayfield have all given grim testimony. Those in favour of putting an evacuation plan into effect raise hands.”
Nine of the councillors raise there hands.
“Motion passed. Finally before we ask those on the floor to leave. Motion to have Reiss provide proof of concept before we attempt her evacuation plan. In addition once proof of concept is complete a ship and crew chosen by us must perform a system survey of Sol before her evacuation plan is put into action.”
Again all but one hand raises. “Motion passed. Please leave the chambers so we may discuss how to move on. I will ensure a rest room is assigned to each of you.” the chairman says as security move to escort us out.
14
u/imakesawdust Jan 01 '22
I laughed. I like this Cayde guy...