Exilian
Art, Writing, and Learning: The Clerisy Quarter => Stories and AARs => Writing, Poems, AARs, and Stories - The Storyteller's Hall => World Of Infinitas => Topic started by: BagaturKhan on November 24, 2022, 04:27:27 PM
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Revenge of Tyrants. Storm of Souls.
author - A.K.Krokhmal aka BagaturKhan
(https://i120.fastpic.org/big/2022/1124/73/e3341281d766b29e1a86279002ed8273.jpg)
I decided to post the another full story about my universe, which i finished in this year.
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Prologue.
Planet Sunbatarr-3. Star system Archaea.
Territories of the Earth Alliance.
year 2596 AD
- Solomon-Nakhir-Mashai .....
He heard a soft whisper in the midst of all this noise. This elite airbus belonged to the Sunbatarr Lines company and was a means of transportation only for the richest representatives of power. His salon was almost completely filled with people. But mostly there were more bodyguards and stewards than the passengers themselves. Almost all seats were occupied. Here was both Chairman Torian himself and his entire retinue, including the recently arrived ambassador from Earth itself. The airbus was heading straight for the southern lands, where Torian intended to have a joint conversation with the ambassador at his personal residence, which was located in the "sand city" of Savarti. Of course, he could have done this in the airbus itself, but the ambassador intended to give Torian and his retinue some kind of secret, and demanded the conditions for a secret conversation. No internet talks, no summits, no video cameras. It was supposed to be a live conversation without any surveillance and without the presence of any electronics. In addition, the legendary Nel Mauhurai himself, who was now just in Savarti, was going to participate in the conversation. The topic of conversation was something so important that it was not amenable to public disclosure. Even the guards of both figures did not have the right to know a single detail.
- Solomon-Nakhir-Mashai ......
And the voice came again. That's what he was actually called. Solomon had long been part of the bodyguards of Ambassador Zoltan, half-human, half-Kussarian. He was originally from New Palestine, which was colonized during the heyday of the Earth Alliance. Solomon worked for a long time before breaking into the personal guard of the ambassador himself. But from now on, he understood that this could not go on any longer. During the service, he learned a lot. And much of what he realized still haunted him.
Hearing this mysterious whisper, Solomon did not show that he was afraid. But inside he felt the cold coming over him. Suddenly, goosebumps ran through his body.
Solomon did not sit like the others. He just went for a run at the local buffet. The stewards made him coffee in two minutes, and he drank almost two cups. But at that whisper, the chill inside him intensified. Even coffee didn't save him.
Solomon-Nakhir-Mashai walked slowly between the rows of seats. The airbus was at an altitude of more than 10,000 meters. Turbulence has not yet happened, and it was possible not only to walk around the cabin, but even run cross-country.
The guardsman had just walked past the politicians sitting next to each other. Torian and Zoltan were talking about something, but it was not a private conversation, since the guardsmen sitting behind and in front could hear everything. In addition, a young fair-haired stewardess with a proud look was sitting next to Zoltan. She appeared to be no more than 25 years old. Apparently, she was not a simple member of the crew, since she sat next to two famous politicians, as if she had known them all her life. Who she was, the guardsman did not know, and this did not bother him much. However, her purposeful look made Solomon turn a little pale. She smiled at him strangely. Her eyes sparkled with a mysterious yellow fire. But the guard pretended not to notice.
Solomon turned off his radio for a short while. After all, now nothing threatened either Thorian, or the ambassador, or the stewardess, or any of the guards. At least that's how it was so far...
- Hello kussar .... - a voice was heard from somewhere to the left of Solomon.
The guard glanced to the left and stumbled upon a brazenly sitting mustachioed Neferirikar colonel in a dark overcoat. This was Komyn, from a dwarf-like race of small creatures, and he had recently been appointed protector of the planet. His grenadiers were still considered the best force in the Sanbatarr autonomy. Chairman Thorian had long respected the grenadiers and trusted every member of their circles, and at the same time valued communication with the Neferirikar.
“Sir…” Solomon bowed slightly, and then accelerated.
Communication with Komin did not bring joy to anyone. The colonel was a cruel dwarf, a former executioner in the service of Elfurr, and also had a very bad reputation in the past. But for Thorian, this seemed to be a trifle, since he gladly made Comyn the head of all the grenadier units.
Solomon had never understood Thorian, but that didn't matter to him now.
The guard straightened his blue uniform and walked to his place. But he found that someone had already taken a seat in front of his seat. Perhaps it was one of Thorian's guards, but apparently he was by no means a simple warrior.
Solomon looked angrily at the stranger, but after a moment he felt a strange pain in the temples. And then the terrible cold that had pierced his body just recently intensified.
The seated officer looked at Solomon with his cold blue eyes. His gaze was not at all characteristic of a representative of the human race. He seemed to be looking straight into his soul. The officer was quite young, no more than 30 years old. He was dressed in a blue uniform with gold epaulettes and aiguillettes. His trousers, on the other hand, were red, like the revolutionary flag of ancient Colombia. He had no weapons, but black gloves with metal spikes betrayed a real threat.
“Mr. Marfur-Nirari,” Solomon said in a tremulous voice, bowing low to the officer.
- Solomon-Nakhir-Mashai, - answered the one who was called Marfur-Nirari, not even moving.
“I didn’t know you were here, ma’hatmah,” the guardsman said in surprise, barely realizing who was in front of him now, “I thought you would not personally take part in my operation. Yes, and they can see us and cut through the negotiations. My colleagues are everywhere here.
"I can be anywhere if I wish," came the officer's words. "And don't worry about us being spotted prematurely." All communications are already under my control. Nobody will hear us. And if anyone sees, then for them I'm just a lieutenant of the Blue Guard of the Coalition, accompanying Torian. You have nothing to worry about.
His voice was rather even and calm, but the coldness inside the guardsman was only beginning to intensify. Solomon trembled visibly.
- Sit down, - said Marfur-Nirari, pointing with his glove to the place next to him, - Per favore.
“Thank you,” Solomon answered and immediately sat down on his seat.
He could not look Marfur-Nirari in the eyes, because his gaze was turned down. The cold within the Guardsman still throbbed. His muscles began to go numb rapidly, but the guardsman tried not to show it.
- Cold ..... - said Marfur-Nirari, - You feel it .....
“Yes, sir,” Nahir-Mashai replied, still not looking at his interlocutor.
- This is temporary .... - the officer continued his speech, - Everyone feels it. It's not scary. This is just a small impact of an ancient force, an exorbitant power that once made the stars go out. She chose you, but you shouldn't be afraid of that. Otherwise, she might hurt you.
“It’s all for the good, as you said,” Solomon finally found the strength to look at his interlocutor, “You said that my today’s operation would bring light into the world.
- Good must win, - answered Marfur-Nirari, - That's what we are trying to achieve. That's why it woke up. That power.... the likes of which you have never met. Probably, all this is difficult for you.... Yes, it takes years, and maybe even centuries, to understand this for someone like you. But you shouldn't doubt your abilities. You must believe in good.
- Good ... true ... because it must triumph, - said the guardsman.
In truth, the fear never left him. On the contrary, it only began to intensify.
- Exactly so, - nodded Marfur-Nirari, - Good side will triumph. And evil .... it must be punished. You and I have been fighting against evil for a long time. Ambassador Zoltan commits crimes every year. He is the main evil force.... The force that we must overcome. Zoltan is slippery and two-faced. Even President Joanna Kilic hates him. But the ambassador is still strong. All the power of the Coalition is behind him. Arms companies.... Secret deals with Nel Production.... But the most important thing is that Zoltan is narcissistic and overconfident. He considers his plan to destroy the culture of the inhabitants of these lands flawless. But the local order has already been formed. And they can't just disappear like Zoltan wants. That is why the ambassador must die. In the name of good.... And you must do it.
“As we spoke, sir,” Solomon said in a more confident voice. - The ambassador must die.
- Here... it will help you to accomplish this feat, my friend. The officer smiled back.
The officer carefully put his hand somewhere under the seat, and then abruptly pulled out a strange object. It looked like a severed brush of the clawed paw of some unknown creature. In addition, the gun was completely black. Solomon tried to see the object, but Marfur-Nirari immediately handed him this tool. The guard took a closer look at this severed clawed paw. And then he discovered that this was not the paw of an alien creature at all, but a real weapon. How Marfur-Nirari smuggled it into the airbus remained a mystery. Although it may not have been so simple. The weapon was red-hot to such an extent that Solomon almost dropped it. But the ambassador's guard understood that he must not show the slightest weakness. Through the burning pain in his palms, Solomon saw this strange weapon and found something that looked like a trigger. Also, one of the "claws" of this item was a rounded shape, which resembled the muzzle of a rifle. This guardsman saw for the first time in his life.
“It will help you,” repeated Marfur-Nirari, looking straight into Solomon's eyes. “The ambassador will not die a simple death. It's not simple at all.....
- I have never seen such a weapon, ma'hatmah, - Nahir-Mashai said, looking at the object in surprise, - This is something beyond reason. How does it work?
“When you shoot it, you will understand,” the officer smiled ominously.
It was a real demonic smile. After all, the eyes of the officer were full of furious fire. Such purposefulness was read in his gaze that Solomon, seeing this, visibly cheered up. Although the cold did not disappear from Solomon's body at all, but still covered all of his insides.
“Now go and administer justice,” Marfur-Nirari rasped in a commanding tone. - Zoltan and Thorian must die. And they must pay for their crimes. Remember, good always wins. Even if it seems that there is no hope for salvation. You will stop this evil and destroy it. In the name of good and for the glory of justice, you will do it. All who serve the Coalition must die....
- I will not disappoint you, my lord, - answered Nahir-Mashai, and immediately rose abruptly from his seat.
The weapon was already gleaming in the guardsman's hand. And the look has changed. Now he was full of determination.
- Glory to the Primordial, - Marfur-Nirari said with a flash of eyes.
“Glory to Chaos,” Solomon replied, bowing.
Then he hurriedly walked in the opposite direction.
The guardsman held the mysterious weapon in his right hand. The fears in his mind had already vanished, allowing determination and courage to take over his entire body. He quickly reached his destination.
Suddenly, the airbus shook violently. Many passengers were worried. Even the guards experienced some mixture of fear and bewilderment. Solomon almost fell over. But he quickly regained his balance, and then something made him look back. A fleeting surprise pierced the guardsman.
There was no one in the place where Marfur-Nirari had been sitting just a minute ago. Where he could have gone was a mystery. There is no trace left of this mysterious person.
- Glory to the Primordial ..... - that ominous and strange whisper was heard again in Solomon's head. - Glory to Chaos.... Glory to the Primordial..... Glory to the Primordial......
The guardsman turned his gaze to the politicians sitting next to him. Chairman Torian was talking quietly to Zoltan and the stewardess while blinking his eyes heavily. The ambassador's face remained calm, and he slightly nodded his head. The stewardess now looked only at the chairman, and something answered him. What exactly these people were talking about, Solomon could not understand, since their voices were very quiet. And Solomon was just a bodyguard. Only the captain of the guard had the right to be privy to these matters, but he was not around. Apparently, he was also ordered only to protect statesmen, but not to interfere in their conversations.
- Hey ... Kussar half-breed, - came the voice of Comin to the right of Solomon, - What are you? What the hell is that in your hand?
But Nakhir-Mashai ignored the colonel's remarks. He came close to the seated politicians.
Thorian immediately noticed this and looked at the guardsman.
- And you, agent, who stood here, did you want something? - the chairman said with a slight grin, looking Solomon in the eyes.
The guardsman shuddered slightly, and shivered from the cold that again seized him. And the mysterious whisper still pierced his mind. Voices were heard from everywhere. It would seem that the entire crew of the airbus, including passengers, uttered these strange words.
- Glory to the Primordial.... Glory to Chaos... - the voices became louder and more furious in the mind of the guard. - You must do this..... Defeat evil.... Defeat evil..... Kill the ambassador.... Kill Zoltan...... Zoltan must die.......
- Excuse me, sir, I need to talk to Mr. Zoltan, - Solomon answered, jerking his head slightly.
- Any problems, agent? - the ambassador asked with some excitement. - And what is it ... in your hands?
“Yes, we have problems,” Solomon suddenly growled at the top of his voice. - You have problems, Mr. Ambassador! You have been found guilty of your crimes! In their cruel crimes before all the people of the galaxy! And I sentence you to death! In the name of the Origin! Today you will die!
After these words, Solomon immediately pointed his mysterious weapon at the envoy, frozen in surprise. Zoltan barely managed to open his mouth when the guardsman pulled the trigger.
Not even a moment passed before the whole airbus turned into nothing. It shattered into billions of pieces in a matter of moments.
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Is the centre-text alignment intentional? It's cool, but tricky to read in places. I like the cliffhanger opening, anyhow :)
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Ah, thats my mistake, friend. I will fix that. )) Thanks anyway for reading!
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Unknown sector of outer space.
The ship's name is unknown.
Identification number - unknown.
- Illadim..... Illadim! How is it heard?
- Heard. Good. Partial Awakening. Completed.
- Great, but I accidentally thought that they removed you. The universe is truly merciful. They left you here for me. Of course... They always had a backup plan. Plan C, they said.
- Name it. Yours. Name. For identification.
- My name? My name is too ancient and mysterious. Perhaps it is known only to a few. And those few who know him try to pronounce it in a whisper, as if they are afraid that I will see them and come for their souls. My name is Cha-Arun. Prophet, messiah and shepherd for all unbelieving races. Messenger of the Eternal Light of the Universe Akh-Asura. Lords of Chaos and Order.
- Cha-Arun. Name confirmed.
- Anything else?
- Name it. Your. Password.
- Oh yeah... the password. Of course the password. Password "Abrasax".
- Abrasax. Password confirmed.
- Excellent! Illadim! Now you are ready! You are ready to do good deeds! Your Prophet is calling you!
- I fully. In your. Disposition. Superintelligence "Illadim-Prime". At your service. Prophet. Mistress Ser'Qiraani successfully reprogrammed me. Now I am perfect. I will fulfill. Any. Order.
Oh yes, that's exactly what I was waiting for. You have awakened from your sleep. And soon, we will accomplish great deeds with you. You and I will walk through this universe and destroy everyone who has ever tried to harm it. But first, we must free the worlds from a terrible threat. The ultimate form of evil that is infesting the universe is spreading through it like a virus. Probably, you, my friend, "Illadim", were told about what kind of incredible evil power this is. Disease. Evil. Plague.
- I understand. Yours. The words. Prophet.
- Wonderful! And you and I will become a medicine for the entire infinite universe. We will free her. We will be her healers! And only you and I will be able to cope with the terrible evil force!
- How. To you. Anything. Prophet.
- Activate devices of all ranks and levels.
- Will be done. Prophet.
- Activate rocket launchers.
- Will be done. Prophet.
- Activate the flagship's collective system.
- Will be done. Prophet.
- Activate the nanodrones.
- Will be done. Prophet.
“It will all be over soon, Illadim.” But I have a question....
- I'm listening to. Prophet.
"Who is Ser'Qiraani who awakened me?" You mentioned this name.
- I cannot answer this question. Prophet.
- For what reason, "Illadim"?
- The lady claimed that she would tell you everything herself. She asked to deliver. You are worthy of admiration. As did she.
- I do not understand.
She said that soon you will understand everything.
- Wonderful. In this case, full awakening.
- Activate full awakening.
Tall and uber-armoured, the Kossati named Ser'Qiraani licked her lips in satisfaction. She was well aware that the plan had worked. Everything that was planned was crowned with success. "Illadim" managed to awaken the greatest. He managed to crack not only the "deep sleep" program, but also overwhelm the most complex defenses set up by the Ancients to prevent him from returning back.
Now it's over. For those who have tried to question Ser'Qiraani's superiority. For those who do not heed the voice of reason. Everything is lost for them now.
“Everything seems to be going according to plan,” the Kossatian said with a malevolent grin, “Now they all know real pain.”
With that, she activated the disguise generator built into her armor. In less than a second, she vanished into obscurity.
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Hello again, friends!
Maybe in future i`ll finish the full translation of this story (100%). For now have a lot of work with my new business in Europe.
I am living in 2 countries now - Montenegro and Russia. Still hope, that Russia will be changed in future.
About my universe - i have a lot of new elements, races, stories, background things and etc.
So i didn`t forget about my writing work.
Cheers!
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Planet Ibrahim-1.
Ibrahim system. Region of the galaxy M33.
A few days later.
Five majestic creatures, dressed in crimson robes with hoods, leisurely wandered towards a small village that had been built here for a very long time. The population of this planet was mostly peasants, and this greatly facilitated the task of the entities. The five of them walked forward towards an incredibly beautiful panorama spread out in front of them, dotted with various small houses. And it was this settlement that was the goal of the arrivals. Miracles were supposed to happen in it.
Ahead of the procession was a rather stern-looking man, dressed in a dark monastic robe. In his hand he held a huge staff, the tip of which was crowned with a round magical sphere that shone brighter than the sun itself. The man was bearded and had extremely expressive eyes. His pupils changed their hue to green, and soon disappeared altogether. He surveyed the entire settlement with his magical gaze. It was ideal for handling.
- Well, my brothers, we have arrived, - the voice of the stern leader was heard, - They are ready to accept the True Light. They are ready to cast aside the old faith in order to bow to the new.
- May His name be glorified forever, - the rest of the monks responded, - And may his power over the whole universe reign. Lead us, O great Prophet and Messenger of His.
- Today I, Cha-Arun, - answered the man with a shining rod, - I will lead this people to the True Light. They will come to know the power and incredible power of the True God. The one who laid Light in this universe. The one who will soon dispel the pitch darkness. And this can no longer be avoided!
The Prophet swung his gleaming staff and struck the ground with all his might. A truly incredible magic lightning immediately arose in the sky, which swiftly fell on the tip of the wand. The envoy's wand lit up with an unbearably bright mysterious glow.
The procession of preachers took only 20 minutes to reach the settlement. As soon as they entered the village, many residents immediately noticed them. The robes of the newcomers looked too strange. And the witch's wand of the head of the mysterious monks inspired a strange thrill. Its tip shone like a bright star in the night.
The preachers followed at a leisurely pace, looking at all the villagers along the way. Their magical green eyes penetrated not only into the bodies of people, but into their souls. The head of the aliens saw inside them gigantic shining spheres, the color of which constantly shimmered. He saw the whole essence of the people who lived in this settlement. And the villagers froze in a mysterious stupor.
As soon as the preachers reached the center of the village, they stopped. The Prophet looked at his brothers once more, and then turned his gaze to the dozens of people around them. The inhabitants of the settlement, in a trance, followed the bearers of the Word of the Gods. They just couldn't bring themselves to stop. Soon, the whole village gathered in the central square. The Prophet clearly saw their bewildered looks, full of hundreds of questions. The preachers themselves presented to the locals the greatest of all mysteries in history.
Suddenly, in front of the people who were standing, a hefty fellow, dressed in rich clothes, came out. He stood out not only for his robes and powerful physique, but also for his noble face. The monks immediately realized that it was the head of the settlement. Around his neck hung an impressive, expensive pendant. In addition, this man held at his belt an equally luxurious dagger, the scabbard of which was made of pure silver. The leader of the villagers looked at the preachers with great distrust and even some fear.
- I am Eoben, - the man said, glaring at the Prophet and his companions, - I am the master provost of this village. I've been the head of the settlement for many years. And I would like to know why you are here. And who are you.
- Good afternoon, Mr. Eoben, - said Cha-Arun, stepping forward a little, - I know your name. And I mourn the death of Hilda Regensson. She had an incredibly kind heart.
As soon as the ruler of the village heard this name, his eyes filled with tears. His face paled visibly. But most of all, bewilderment overwhelmed the rest of the villagers. They had no idea how the stranger knew this name.
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- Where.... how do you know her...... - the leader of the villagers said in a hoarse voice.
- I know everything, - answered the head of the procession of monks, - I am the Prophet. Soothsayer and herald of the Great. The one who brought light to this universe. One who wishes to enlighten all of you.
- I do not know who this Great One of yours is, - Eoben said, - But I feel that you are clearly here for a reason.
- You will soon find out, - the soothsayer smiled in all his face, - He wants you to bow before his Unquenchable Light. For he wishes to protect you from the threat. A monstrous threat that is about to fall upon you.
- Threats? - heard from all sides puzzled exclamations of people.
These villagers lived on their planet for many centuries and did not even have a clue about what was happening outside. The only threat to them, perhaps, was the band of robbers. But even against them, the inhabitants had a good defense. Many men in the villages were proficient in weapons and could make them on their own. They did not think that there is something more powerful than the robbers. The standard of living on this planet was quite poor, and the continents had long since disappeared, turning into only insignificant islands of land. The population of this distant world was hardly even a hundred thousand people.
- A threat that destroys entire worlds, - said the Prophet, - The threat of eternal evil. Demonic creatures.
Hearing the words of Cha-Arun, the locals fell into even more bewilderment. Their level of incomprehension of the situation increased rapidly.
“Demons are a myth,” Eoben replied, gradually coming to his senses. “A myth from old tales.
“Every myth is partly true,” Cha-Arun said. “It has always been that way.
The radiance at the tip of his wand began to intensify. Almost all the villagers were in awe of such sorcery.
- We have come to save you, - the preacher continued his speech, - Me and my brothers. The Great One wants you to bow before his unquenchable flame! And we will show you its power!
With these words, the Prophet raised his gleaming staff high into the air. From such strong flashes of light that illuminated the tip, many villagers closed their eyes. The most superstitious people even bowed their heads. Even Eoben himself was amazed at such a dazzling glow emanating from the stranger's staff. He had never seen such a thing in his entire life, and every inhabitant of this entire planet could boast of the same. This world was completely ignorant of the concept of magic.
Cha-Arun extended his arm forward and slammed the wand down on the grassy ground with all his might. A flash of light from the staff made the villagers jump to the side. Eoben quickly covered his eyes with his hands, trying not to look at such a mysterious blue glow. However, after a few moments, the glow began to fade, and soon the mysterious aliens could be looked at with wide eyes.
The villagers again allowed themselves to look at the preachers and their mysterious leader. They discovered with fear that the eyes of the Prophet were completely alien. They looked like bright stars shining in the night sky. And what's more, all the other monks' eyes also shone. An incredible magical energy emanated from them, which penetrated the soul of each of the local residents. They felt an incredible warmth deep inside. It began to flare up in them at breakneck speed.
And then an incredible miracle appeared before their eyes. Behind the monastic procession grew a small green bush. A moment later, he rose with incredible speed right above the heads of the preachers. The plant began to rapidly grow in size. Very soon, its trunk already exceeded all tall buildings in the village. It grew at such a speed that many of the inhabitants almost lost consciousness from amazement at the realization of this. Excited sighs were heard from all sides. Even Eoben himself could not stand such a sight, and froze in a daze. And the plant grew and grew upward, trying to reach the clouds themselves.
- Miracle! Miracle! - the excited voices of the inhabitants were heard from everywhere, - A true miracle!
A few seconds later, an incredibly tall tree appeared before the eyes of the villagers, the leaves of which shimmered with amazingly beautiful flowers. Its trunk was now almost a hundred meters long. The tree truly reached the very clouds. This incredible magical plant has clouded the minds of many onlookers. Residents could not take their eyes off such marvelous beauty. They froze, as if rooted to the spot, and looked at the beautiful and irresistible miracle that appeared before them.
- The great Akh-Asur wants you to bow before him, - the Prophet loudly said, raising his rod even higher, - He showed you a sign. The Greatest Tree of Life that will nourish you for thousands of years! He raised him right before your eyes! It will not only become a source of life for your world, but also provide protection from nightmarish demons that set out to enslave the universe!
- How is it .... possible ..... - Eoben said in a barely audible voice.
This huge leader of the village even moved his lips with difficulty. His gaze was directed to a beautiful tree that grew over the entire settlement. He could not even think that such marvelous and amazing plants exist. He was especially struck by the incredible height of the witch tree.
"Are you willing to reject the faith of the old gods?" - Cha-Aruna exclaimed at the top of his voice, once again looking around at all the villagers, - Do you agree to accept a new religion? Bow before God, who lays Light in the universe! Who gives life to all who believe in him! And do you agree to recognize in me his Prophet and Messiah?! And listen to my speeches, perceiving them as His Law! Akh-Asur is Light! And may His name be hallowed for all ages and all times!
“Yes…… yes…” the head of the village said, beside himself with amazement, “We agree…… We agree……
Having said these words, Eoben fell on his knees before the great Prophet. And after them, the rest of the assembled inhabitants of the settlement fell on their faces. Their heads bowed down obediently. Seeing this miracle, they immediately recognized in the preachers the true messengers of the Creator Himself. Now their faith was truly unshakable. Their hearts fluttered at such a powerful divine power that appeared before them. And the warmth in their souls grew faster and faster.
- Hail Akh-Asur! Our Father! - loudly said the Prophet, - Hallowed be his name! And may his Light not be extinguished!
- Hail Akh-Asur! Our Father! - the villagers repeated in chorus, - May his name be hallowed! And may his Light not be extinguished!
Cha-Arun approached Eoben at a distance of two paces. As soon as the head of the settlement briefly raised his head, he immediately forced himself to bow it again.
- Thank you all for accepting the faith of the True God, - the preacher said, - You made the right choice. But the Tree of Life is not the only wonder of Akh-Asur.
Hearing those words, the trembling in the souls of the villagers intensified even more. They literally trembled with incredible awe.
No one else will die in this village! - Cha-Arun said, hitting the ground with his rod, - And the dead that left this world will return to you!
After these words, the Prophet looked at Eoben, who bowed before him. The leader of the village lowered his head even lower, and soon she reached the very grass. He froze in a daze and didn't even dare to move.
- I will return Hilda Regensson to you, - the Prophet continued his phrase, bending down slightly, - I will return to you your beloved wife, Eoben. And I will return all the departed for your entire village. From this day on, no one else will leave their body! Not a single soul! For the Great One desires that you do not suffer from the realization of loss! No more death will fall on you! No family will be lost again! From this day on, all your loved ones will be with you! Such is the will of Akh-Asur, the Light-bearing God! And may his name be glorified for all ages and all times!
- And let his name be glorified, - the voices of numb people were heard in response, - For all ages and for all times.
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Griffin Imperium.
The star system of the Griffinids. Territory of the Coalition of the Galaxy.
Mustafa for the first time in a long time allowed himself to take a couple of hours of rest. The day had been carefree and quiet, and so the stern Coalition commander was not at all present in Castleum. And he was extremely happy with this turn of events. Six days have passed since the defeat of the troops of Admiral 1st Rank Lazitron at Griffin City. He still could not move away from that cosmic storm. Visions and dreams of a massive battle in space still haunted him. Not so long ago, his body did not belong to him at all, but was somewhere far away. During a raid by the Kosattian host, an explosion threw him off the captain's bridge. It almost led to death.
Now, by order of the Grand Master of the Coalition, Mustafa and his companion Lady Isabella Fortunato were to be on the Griffin Imperium and study the wreckage of the Acheronian League. The invaders left a lot of alien weapons and strange devices, which, by order of the High Council of the Coalition, were to be investigated. In addition, the question of traitors from the organization was still open. True, now Mustafa did not care at all about all these technological gadgets of enemies from the League.
At this moment he was sitting quietly in a luxurious restaurant in Dane. They moved here due to the fact that Griffon City was destroyed, and the capital was temporarily moved to Dane. As Mustafa realized, this city was filled with all kinds of taverns and restaurants. Many of the inhabitants called it the "City of Meals", and this was the true truth. Mustafa wore a tuxedo for the first time in a long time. All this armor, chain mail and uniforms had annoyed him for a long time. Moreover, now he was not going to any military council. He ordered a lot of food and drink, and sat quietly on a gilded chair. He was waiting for his beloved. He was waiting for Isabella Fortunato. And the warrior was a little late, as if on purpose.
- Waiter! - Mustafa immediately shouted, seeing a young man in a frock coat walking, - Waiter!
“Yes, sir,” the restaurant worker immediately responded.
“More red wine,” said the commander.
The boy immediately began to fulfill his duties, while giving the visitor a slight bow. The gray-bearded warrior turned around again towards the empty chair opposite. But now it wasn't empty at all. Next to him stood an incredibly beautiful dark-haired lady, dressed in a luxurious green dress with lace. She seemed to come out of the pages of ancient history, and was a kind of maid of honor at the court of an unknown king. Glancing at the maiden with fierce astonishment, Mustafa recognized her as his beloved.
Yes, it was Isabella Fortunato. She approached quite imperceptibly and even somehow suddenly. In fact, she has changed a lot now. Her hair was dyed blue-black. For a long time, all the warriors of the Coalition knew her as a blond maiden, furious and sometimes unpredictable. But now she seems to be reborn again. Her dark eyes didn't have that warlike gleam. On the contrary, her face was filled with an incredible feeling of love and joy.
From such a sudden amazement, Mustafa got up from the table and stretched himself to his full height.
- Great Elohim, - the commander said admiringly, - You still decided to repaint!
Hearing these words, Isabella frowned for a second, and then smiled dazzlingly.
- You, as always, - the warrior grinned, - I knew that the light color never aroused you.
- You're like Guria from the Gardens of Eden, - Mustafa said in a happy voice, - That's exactly how I imagined them. Dark-haired beautiful creatures whose faces are like those of an angel. And so I met one of them today.
"Grazie," Isabella bowed coquettishly. - Mille grace.
The lovers finally sat down at the table and began to have a sumptuous dinner. They talked about many things today. They remembered all the days and hours spent together with each other. Mustafa felt an incredible lightness and a feeling of strange bliss with every fiber of his soul. He had been in tension for so long that even this short hour almost turned him into a bird of paradise, a flight that was so amazing, quiet and easy. Happiness filled his soul.
And soon he fully realized that he had not experienced such a feeling for a very long time, and maybe even all his life. Mustafa Nazzrim was from the planet Sekhfewi, which now seemed to him a terrible and unimaginable hell. Since childhood, he tried only to survive. The conditions in which he was placed were simply appalling. He endured fierce humiliation and beatings, poverty and hunger. He had very few friends, relatives were not present at all, and enemies appeared every day. Only his old and now deceased friend under the name of Abder rescued him in difficult times. But then Mustafa himself awakened the ability to magic. He still remembered the day he first managed to defeat formidable opponents on the street of his hometown. Evil hooligans mocked him almost constantly and beat him. When they decided to take off his last clothes and pointed knives at the poor boy, it was then that the same boy was reborn into something more powerful and strong. Then for the first time he won the battle and managed to finish off many of them. He saved his life by killing the fanatics on the spot. He tossed them around like rabbits. Then they began to fear him, and the image of the "weak patient" completely left Mustafa. When the police dragged him to the station and falsely accused him of killing innocents, there he met one of the Nargon ambassadors associated with the Coalition. He managed to rescue the boy and soon became his mentor. And then, after many years, Mustafa was already one of the most experienced commanders in the coolest organization in the universe. The first time he felt incredible happiness was when he first saw Isabella on the planet Cavinto. The young daughter of the local warlord ruler liked him at first sight. And now this feeling of happiness and lightness far exceeded what he felt on the day of the first meeting with Isabella. He looked into her eyes with a look full of the purest love.
- I'm so glad they saved us, - the voice of Fortunato was heard, - Many thanks to the Taviev fleet and the Ouroboros.
- What? Mustafa hesitated for a second.
"Didn't you listen to me, you sly bastard?" Isabella said kindly, winking at him with her right eye.
Mustafa realized that he had been looking at her for too long, and especially at her incredibly beautiful diamond necklace.
- Ah ..... I'm sorry, - the commander smiled on his face, - I just looked at you .... And .... admired.
- Oh, that's how .... - the warrior smiled coquettishly, - And what exactly were you looking at?
- On your ... necklace, - Mustafa answered with the same smile. - Yes, exactly on him.
“Or something lower, hahah,” Isabella laughed even more. - I know you.
Loud and cheerful laughter was heard in the restaurant for a long time. At the same time, the waiter finally brought the two lovers a portion of red wine. Taking it from the hands of the worker, the commander mentally noted his slowness. But this little misunderstanding was so insignificant that now he hardly paid attention to it.
Soon Isabella and her companion returned to the beginning of the conversation about the allies.
“I'm so glad they saved us,” Isabella repeated her old phrase.
“But I didn’t expect it myself,” Mustafa answered this, drinking another sip of wine, “We thought that the Griffin was already over. But at this moment, the armada of Taviev arrives. And bam... Everyone is saved. I just don't like these dragons. Never loved. At least kill. I understand that they are on our side, but I don't like their faces!
- Maybe their faces are scary, - the girl smiled, - But they are our saviors. If not for the Draconian Ouroboros fleet, the League armada would strike again. They planned to detonate an atomic charge within the coast. And then one portugaling superwave would blow everything up.
- Yeah... Really good luck, - the commander gasped in surprise, - But the danger has passed!
- Here you have dragon-like ones, - the warrior grinned.
After these words, she also drank a good portion of wine and almost choked.
- Dragon-like, - the grey-bearded warrior repeated the words of his beloved, - But you're right. We should be grateful to them for saving our precious asses with you.
- Not only them, of course, - said Isabella, - I also did something, you old senile.
- Oh, I'm not that old, - Mustafa laughed in response. - I'm still quite young. Tonight you'll find out how young and hot I still am. Just something 53 years, far perishing there! Ha ha ha.....
Ringing laughter again covered the entire restaurant. Happiness and joy filled the hearts of the lovers with renewed vigor. Now they were truly in paradise. After these words, she also drank a good portion of wine and almost choked.
- Dragon-like, - the grey-bearded warrior repeated the words of his beloved, - But you're right. We should be grateful to them for saving our precious asses with you.
- Not only them, of course, - said Isabella, - I also did something, you old senile.
- Oh, I'm not that old, - Mustafa laughed in response. - I'm still quite young. Tonight you'll find out how young and hot I still am. Just something 53 years, far perishing there! Ha ha ha.....
Ringing laughter again covered the entire restaurant. Happiness and joy filled the hearts of the lovers with renewed vigor. Now they were truly in paradise.
-
“Nuclear charges,” Theophylact squeezed out in an astonished voice, “Great Uranus, what kind of punishment would fall upon us!” It was lucky that the specialists of "Ouroboros" worked out these reptiles.
The head of the Griffin government was terrified. He believed that the enemy was going to use standard tactics. And now it turned out that the entire population of the capital was under the threat of total destruction in a matter of seconds. As it turned out, the League's naval commander was not at all as simple as he seemed. He always had backup plans.
In fact, Admiral Lazitron and his comrade Dvorok Trotskevich arrived on the planet "with surprises." Many residents of the capital saw a huge alien pyramid hovering over the city, and hundreds of aircraft surrounding it. Moreover, these flying objects managed to destroy several military strongholds in the Griffin Imperium. It was lucky that after the destruction of the ship, they quickly self-destructed. As Theophylact knew, the Coalition warriors were able to call for help from outside and defeated the monstrous enemy. That's just someone safely handed over all the coordinates of the League flotilla. And then the special forces of Dvorok Trotskevich set out to penetrate into the depths and detonate a nuclear charge. Everything was complicated by the fact that the ancient supervolcano Oromo was located at a depth. Explode this contraption then, the entire capital would cease to exist. Thousands of people and otherworlders would be under water. And then what? End of everything. It was useless to talk about economic damage, it would have been estimated at quintillions of denarii.
The Draconid fleet arrived just in time, along with the help of Admiral Ricimerus Taviev, managed to destroy Lazitron's armada in orbit. If the Dragons and Coalition reinforcements had delayed even one hour, then perhaps the Griffin Imperium had already become chronicle texts. In other words, they would only talk about him in legends.
- Yes, exactly, a nuclear charge, - answered Owen Scorcher, standing not far from Theophylact, - Trotskevich's special forces group. That bastard has always been good at sabotage. Remember Sekheb-4. There, he chemical-weaponed at least 10,000 arangutos. For this he was nicknamed the Sekheb executioner. Under its jurisdiction are hundreds of torture centers and testing laboratories.
“But now this is no longer a hindrance,” the voice of the reptilian creature rang out.
This hefty dragon-like alien looked at everyone around with a strange smirk. His long tongue protruded from his mouth, and his yellow eyes seemed to pierce everyone in the room. This being was called Ser'Naveh, the head of the Artandir security who had come with the Draconian fleet. He had only recently arrived on the planet, and was now in charge of its surface defenses. Despite the fact that the creature was dressed in a completely human uniform and behaved friendly, many of those gathered felt some kind of danger.
- Glory to Uranus, - the advisers of the ruler said with some fear, - Glory to all the Gods of Infinity.
- Glory to Lucretia, - the voice of Captain Prada was also heard.
The Tramontian Commander Farinni Prada decided to stay on Griffin a little longer. In this he was supported by his best friend, Sergeant Osvaldo, who felt in his gut that it was necessary to help the inhabitants of the planet recover from the shocks. Of course, they sent a message to Tramontina via telepathic communication, but they did not personally come to their homeland.
“But our conversation is not over,” growled Ser'Naveh.
Everyone, with the exception of Owen and his comrades, experienced some confusion in the presence of a foreigner. For them, this upright dragon was something alien and mysterious. Yes, the advisers and the ruler himself trusted Owen and his brethren, but still, in the presence of otherworlders, they were lost and behaved insecurely. They had a frightening effect on them. Draconids were not well liked in the Griffin Imperium. Local residents have heard enough about the legends about the "serpents-tempters". And the Draconids, after all, were reptiles.
- Yes, gentlemen, - Scorcher said here, looking around at all those gathered, - Not finished.
- Something else? - Theophylact asked in bewilderment, adjusting his blue camisole, - I thought the enemy was defeated.
'I don't think so,' Ser'Naveh said in a growling voice. 'We've got something else here. And we decided to just let you know. I hope you don't panic. Moreover, there are now several of our frigates in orbit around your planet.
At the mention of protection, many of the assembled councilors visibly perked up. Now they felt more secure. True, the interim head of government did not feel any relief at all. He heard something completely different. He distinctly heard the word of the draconian, who mentioned "something else".
- And what else can fall on our head? asked Theophylact, rubbing his beard.
- Some preachers began to appear in the areas of the Far Worlds, - Owen the Scorcher said here, - Ten days ago, the first ones appeared on planets whose standard of living was extremely low. We didn't pay attention to it. We've been busy helping you. After all, we knew that the troops of the League are not at all dormant and are the greatest of all threats to the Coalition. But something else appeared. Strange magicians began to visit various worlds, preaching an equally strange religion. Where it came from, we do not yet know, we only speculate. But the residents said they worked wonders. And yet, that's the way it is. More recently, five prophets appeared on Beljamonte, who convinced the population to believe in their Light God, which is able to protect them from demons. This god is called Akh-Asur. I am unfamiliar with this name.
- Akh-Asur? - the ruler said in bewilderment, making a thoughtful face, - I have never heard of such a thing .....
- And how do they appear on different worlds? came Sergeant Osvaldo's question.
Captain Prada also nodded, hinting that his question was almost the same. These two Tramontines were the first to notice the strangeness in Owen's words and his description of the unknown magi.
- We don't know, - said Scorcher honestly, - Appear and disappear. And this looks like a mystery. The problem is that many inhabitants of undeveloped planets are beginning to believe them. While Lazitron and Trotskevich were attacking your world, these magicians managed to spread their faith to five planets with a small population. And absolutely all the inhabitants believed them. The draconians are very worried. And very soon this news will reach Elfurr. They are distrustful of all sorts of ... religions.
- Let them come, - the voice of one of the ruler's advisers was heard, - We have our own faith, and we will not accept a new one. Our people will beat them with sticks. We dealt with the damned cultists of the Cult of the Boar, didn't we?!
Among the retinue of Theophylact, whispers were heard. Influential persons of the state clearly did not like the Gentiles. Quite possibly, they even secretly slandered about the religion of their closest allies.
“Sorted out, right,” growled Ser’Naveh, “but people from those very undeveloped planets also had their own faith. And they say that they did not even want to think about any new one. But as soon as these magi came, they immediately bowed before their god.
- And who is this Akh-Asur? - Theophylact asked, - Maybe the legends say about it somewhere?
"Yes, probably," said the Scorcher. - I'll have to look at a couple of ancient scrolls ....
Owen's luminous eyes lit up with a strange gleam. Many advisers have clearly noticed such changes. Even Captain Prada and his faithful friend Osvaldo understood perfectly well that the Burner was lost in thought for the first time in a long time. Something worried him, something greatly worried him, and his inner anxiety began to noticeably intensify.
-
Griffin Starspace, the outlying sector of the system, labeled 7-8.
The flagship of the Ouroboros is the Dragon of Eternity.
The Nordic warrior Balderan, nicknamed the Swordsman, leisurely proceeded to the majestic hall, the walls of which were erected millennia ago. Everything here was made of mysterious foreign minerals. Every candelabra, every ledge in the wall, every tile - everything was not created by people at all. The powerful psi-adept of the Coalition and a native of the northern cold worlds had long been amazed at such unimaginable splendor that reigned in the room. But most of all, Balderan admired the truly gigantic dimensions of the hall and the height of its ceilings. Somewhere high up hung small exquisite chandeliers that burned with bright blue lights. All this spacious and gigantic room has amazed the imagination of visitors for a good thousand years. The Star Palace has always been the pride of the chosen naval commanders of the Draconian civilization. Each of his rooms was beautiful and amazing, and reflected all the unshakable power of this civilization.
- Nordan? Suddenly, a growling voice was heard.
Balderan was so absorbed in watching this incredibly beautiful hall that he almost forgot what he came for. He immediately turned in the direction of the voice.
Looking ahead, the mighty warrior saw a huge dragon-like creature clad in crimson armor. It was none other than Ser'Terazim himself, the mighty and great Super-Admiral of the Ouroboros Fleet.
- Milord, - the Swordsman bowed to the giant, - I just came to you.
- Yes, I know, - answered the alien, approaching Balderan by two steps, - You are talking about the preachers. So right?
Hearing the foreigner's words, the psi-adept shuddered involuntarily. He was greatly disturbed by these mysterious appearances of alien magi. Something in them disturbed Balderan's soul, and he tried to understand what it was.
According to the spies of the Draconian Empire, these mysterious preachers and missionaries appeared more and more often. As a rule, they chose a planet for themselves, the standard of living of which was not high. These were worlds with a rather undeveloped population, most of which were peasants. However, according to the latest data, preachers appeared on Beljamonte in one of the cities. This planet was large and highly developed, and it also hosted the base of the Coalition. The appearance of the missionaries undoubtedly caused a strange reaction from the patrons of the planet, just like its governments. But for the Draconids and adepts of the psi-special forces of the Coalition, the very movement of preachers was a mystery. They spread their teaching too fast. And the process of their movement between the worlds was simply incomprehensible. Rarely have psionics been able to travel between planets in an instant. There were real legends about them, and as a rule, they were half fake.
"Anything about these wandering monks?" asked Balderan.
Ser'Terazim looked deeply frowning. The swordsman already knew that the answer would not be comforting to him. It is likely that something even more mysterious and obscure happened. There were more and more mysteries.
“Yes, there are,” the dragon-like creature replied, lowering its head, “These preachers arose today ... on Tramontina.
As soon as Balderan heard such an answer, his eyes lit up with an alarming glow. This excited him in no small way.
- Tramontina? - the Swordsman said with amazement, - How? Already today?
'Yes, today,' said Ser'Terazim, 'in the city of Nuevo Berana. Quite large, according to our data. The population is ten million people. Our spies tracked the arrival of these missionaries. They emerged from a bright beam of light, just like Elfurr's psionics. We passed through half the city and went out to the square, and there they began their sermons. They spoke again about this Akh_asura, a strange and unknown god. And you know what's next? You just won't believe it.
- People agreed to accept their faith, regardless of the will of Queen Georgette? - the adept asked with even greater surprise.
Anxiety filled his heart even more.
- Yes, many agreed, - said the leader of the aliens, - They were like in a trance. Followed these missionaries like sheep after a shepherd. Crowded in the square and listened to their sayings. And then something else happened. One of these preachers identified himself as Cha-Arun. He looked like a huge bearded priest, quite a man. And it was he who performed a miracle for them.
The reptilian alien was no less alarmed than his interlocutor. It was clearly seen in his eyes.
- Miracle? - Balderan continued to ask questions, - Is it really something truly incredible?
- Truly unbelievable.... - Ser'Terazim nervously chuckled, - To put it mildly.... He grew a whole tree right on the pavement. I was shown the video data by our spies. I'll show you later. But I have to admit, I'm just confused. In real confusion. I've been serving the Empire and the Coalition for two hundred years, but I've never seen anything like it. Never. Never in my life. For a tree to grow on a stone... This is a real violation of the laws of the universe. Whoever these prophets are, they clearly have extraordinary power. Their sorcery is at the highest level. I have to admit, they amazed me.
The words he heard only increased Balderan's excitement. He clearly listened to the words of the alien, and he noted that he did not like them. Too bright miracles worked these preachers according to the draconian. Yes, and these Magi were clearly not people. Perhaps they belonged to some more highly developed civilization.
“People are scared right now,” the draconian continued, “especially on Tramontina. A month ago, the troops of the ill-fated Trotskevich showed up there and their attack was hardly repulsed. Many Coalition worlds are now in fear due to surprise attacks. The League shells peaceful planets. Kills civilians. Violates all existing conventions. And this has been going on for quite some time. And Trotskevich... This son of a bitch has been aiming for the Chief of the General Staff for a long time. The dictators of the League encourage all his atrocities. Sabotage, terrorist attacks, rocket attacks... All this is already becoming the norm. And here some unknown sorcerers also appear, who begin to create the unimaginable. Of course, the people in that city believed them. The preachers of Akh-Asura promised to protect these people from the League's aggression. They showed their strength and the people bowed before them.
“Tramontina is under Coalition control,” the Swordsman said here. “The Coalition will no doubt sniff it out, if it hasn't already. And as far as I know, Captain Farinni Prada and his friend Sergeant Osvaldo are also from Tramontina. They are just about to leave Griffin soon. I believe that the appearance of these prophets on Tramontina is clearly not good.
The dragon-like creature twitched nervously. All this news did not add to his health and strength at all.
'The agents and I have had a good talk,' Ser'Terazim said in an excited tone, 'and we believe that if the enigmatic monks have been to Tramontina, then it is likely that their next target may be the Griffin Imperium.
"They won't be welcome on the Gryphon," said Balderan.
The swordsman knew that the inhabitants of that planet had their own established religion, and they definitely would not exchange it for another. True, emergencies could well arise.
"I don't know," the draconian said with a shrug, "Not long ago, they survived a full-scale invasion by Lazitron." Yes, we stopped it and destroyed the League flotilla. But many residents are still scared. And besides, what prevents the soothsayers from declaring themselves messengers of the local gods?!
This phrase made the Swordsman almost burst into flames.
- Exactly ..... - he said quietly, realizing all the frantic danger, - Nothing interferes. Moreover, only a select few saw us, but not the entire population. The main population is common people and superstitious aliens, especially in rural areas. And in the villages, people are still of the old formation. Show them a couple of tricks with fire and water, and they immediately fall to their knees.
- Here's what, Nordan, - the voice of the leader of the draconians was heard at this, - Go to the surface right now and warn them. These monks do not inspire confidence. There is something not right about them. They call themselves and their Gods bright, but at the same time they talk about them everywhere. As far as I know, in the universe there were moments of the advent of prophets and avatars, but they never called themselves as such. They tend to try not to stand out too much. But I have never heard of such miraculous magic in my life. What I saw on the video shocked me to the core.
Where are these soothsayers now? - the warrior asked. - Evaporated?
"Disappeared, converting the ignorant on Tramontin," Ser'Terazim explained. "They did their job." Now the new faith has spread to the townspeople, and this problem will be solved by the local government. But the next target of the missionaries may very well be the Griffin. Make sure nothing bad happens there. We already have enough worries with the League, and here also these sorcerer monks have come. I feel in my heart that there is something sinister in them and their deity, who calls himself Akh-Asur. They didn't just appear out of the blue. All this happened at the same time as the increasing frequency of League attacks on Coalition outposts. It is likely that all this is some kind of sinister and insane plan. A crazy plan by some notorious bastard, perhaps even from the top leadership of the League. No one can now deny these assumptions.
The swordsman looked at the draconian thoughtfully, and then looked up. He went deep into his memories, and was surprised to find that he had heard the name somewhere before. Exactly where, he couldn't figure out. His memory seemed to be under the influence of some unknown magic. Even as a perfect being, he could not remember where he heard the name of this deity.
- Well, - Balderan said meekly, - I will go to the Griffin now. If these preachers and messiahs of an unknown god appear in even one of the cities of this planet, I will deal with them.
-
Dane.
Palace of the Propraetor.
The current home of the Provisional Government of the Griffin Imperium.
"I remember," Owen the Scorcher finally answered.
Everyone present immediately looked at him with expectation of information. Many of the assembled dignitaries were struck by the strange behavior of the psy-adept.
And he also felt a strange warmth somewhere inside, in the very depths of his soul. This warmth was not at all from the accumulation of excessive witchcraft power. It was a rather mysterious feeling that he had never experienced before. He felt that something very powerful was looking at him right now. For a second, an unknown face of a dragon-like entity, more like a cossatti, appeared before his eyes. Then the face disappeared, and the image of the meeting room again appeared before his eyes. This phenomenon seriously frightened the warrior. Something like this had never happened to him before.
Owen started up sharply. His hands engulfed for a moment the witch's fire, and then he immediately died out. With such a sudden effect, some of the ruler's advisers flinched. Even the seasoned Captain Prada felt that something strange was happening with the Scorcher.
- Do you remember? - the voice of the bewildered Theophylact was heard here. - What exactly?
- I remembered, - overcoming confusion, Owen answered, - Yes, I remembered. The name of that preacher. He calls himself Cha-Arun.
Everyone present looked at the warrior with questioning glances. They wanted an immediate response.
“There was once an ancient cult a very long time ago,” Scorcher said, whose eyes shone even brighter, “In ancient times. Legend of the Nargon Republic. Zarragen, it seems. The inhabitants of this planet have always been in conflict with central Nargon. But then they submitted when the Sheins came to power.
At the mention of Nargon, Prada perked up noticeably. The Tramontines did not like the Nargonians much, given the political structure present there. As you know, President Shane fancied himself almost a Shah and ruled the country like a tyrant. Queen Georgette, who ruled Tramontina, had a very unpleasant impression of this ruler and his political system.
- The inhabitants of Zarragen told about ancient times, - the warrior continued, - About God, known under the name of Cha-Arun. They said that in ancient times this god allegedly demanded sacrifices. Moreover, he even knew how to communicate with his priests through a kind of telepathic channel. Bulls were sacrificed to him. Thousands of bulls were slaughtered on altars. And also fortune-telling... The Zarraghens guessed by bull's entrails. They smeared themselves with blood and guts, and then they spoke signs. In general, you understand everything.
- I heard about this fairy tale, - Captain Prada responded to this, - Just forgotten ancient myths. It is not known what is true. Maybe none of this even existed. And even if there was, it is long gone. No wonder Shane rots all these cults in prisons. Because of this, they do not even gather literary circles. Everyone is under suspicion.
However, Osvaldo allowed himself to disagree with his best friend. The sergeant perked up even more than the captain and made a speech.
- And I heard that Cha-Arun was not a god at all, - the Tramontian said here, - We once had a colonel from Zarragena by birth. Half-breed. And he talked about the fact that in his native village they considered Cha-Arun not a god at all, but an angel ... Well, a super-being that represented some other god. However, the colonel was an atheist. He simply wondered why people could trust such myths in this day and age when the galaxy had already been conquered.
- And you were silent that you also heard this name? Prada murmured in disbelief.
Thousands of years have already passed, Ser'Naveh said, frowning noticeably. We will never know what happened then.
The words of the alien were more than true. The sources that tell about Cha-Arun are almost not preserved at all. Many considered him nothing more than a mythical hero or deity.
“Still, I believe that something like this happened,” Owen objected. The Grandmaster sent me and Orpheus Maximus to this planet as members of a delegation. We wanted to get permission to build a military citadel there and met with President Shane there. And so, in one of the villages, of which there are a huge number on the planet, I discovered a strange stele with engraved ancient texts. One of the local soothsayers told me about the possible events of that time immemorial....
- Now we will believe the old women ... - Farinni muttered with displeasure.
Although the captain had seen a lot in his life, he most of all did not want to devote his time to old bikes now. However, his comrade, on the contrary, wanted to hear the whole story of the Scorcher in its entirety. He was clearly interested in the whole mystery.
However, Theophylact and many of his advisers also wanted to know more information.
- This woman told me a slightly different name of that deity, - the commander continued his speech, - She called him Cha-Arun the Herald. She said he was once worshiped on Zarragen. But not only to him. And also his ... owner.
- Which owner?
“To a certain overgod who ruled over Cha-Arun. So, it was this supergod who ordered Cha-Arun to communicate with people. Well, people already, in turn, sacrificed bulls to those. By the way, they planted religion. Those who refused to obey perished. Cha-Arun personally punished those who refused to serve. It is quite possible that it was about some aliens that we do not yet know about. And so they mocked the population of Zarragen.
Everyone in the room didn't make a single sound. They focused their attention entirely on Owen's words. This story really moved them all. They fell silent like statues and did not even move. Their eyes were extremely thoughtful, and their gazes were directed straight at the psionicist. Most of all, Captain Prada himself was in thought. He tried his best to think over every word he said and analyze it. But the face of Theophylact betrayed some kind of fatigue. Obviously, he had heard enough information for today.
Did they instill faith? Farinni asked here. Did the followers of Cha-Arun instill faith in this god? Did they also call missionaries who visited the villages?
- Yes, that's right, - the Scorcher replied, - They spread it almost everywhere on Zarragen. Only one religion was recognized throughout the planet. And it's very similar to what these preachers are doing. All this is very strange. Yes, and it's not right. We are now at war with the Acheronian League. If what the legends say is true, then you and I are in great danger. We are already engaged in fierce battles with a monstrous enemy. We missed a new misfortune!
Silence again reigned throughout the hall. Everyone present froze again, trying to comprehend the full meaning of Owen's words. A slight revival began only after a full minute of absolute dead silence.
- So... it's all interesting, of course, - Theophylact said to this, the first to break the calm, - But still I didn't hear a single mention of Akh-Asur. Not a single mention, not even a hint or a similar name.
The head of the provisional government was right. Owen never once mentioned the name of the mysterious god whose name was carried by the preachers. But the alien named Ser'Naveh understood that he was doing this for a reason.
- Akh-Asur in translation from a pre-human language known in the universe, "Father of the Gods", - Owen answered this, - Many-faced. So, that old woman also called the owner of Cha-Arun, "Father of the gods." And also versatile.
Hearing this combination of words, everyone present again turned into frozen statues. Most terrified was the draconian himself, under the name of Ser'Naveh. His pupils visibly dilated in his yellow eyes.
Most of all, this answer frightened Theophylact himself. The ruler of the planet has not yet managed to move away from the recent attack of the League, and now his allies are already talking about a new threat. The interim ruler's advisers also started up.
“Akh-Asur Father of the Gods,” Owen repeated once more, “That was his full name. Now I remember him clearly. It seemed to ring in my ears again.
Everyone in the meeting room turned even more pale. The color of their faces literally changed before our eyes.
The Scorcher turned towards Captain Prada. More recently, Farinni resented the discussion of old stories and myths. But now the Tramontian looked more agitated than ever, and on the verge of confusion.
- So you believe the old women, venerable signor, - said the Scorcher, looking at the captain, - Not all tribal soothsayers talk nonsense. On the contrary, in the psi-special forces I was taught to believe every myth and even the most absurd fairy tale. Frederic Kartavin, for example, never missed a single detail from mythology.
- I understand, - Prada dutifully answered this, - There really is something in this.
Now it was Theophylact's turn to speak. The long-bearded ruler had already prepared his words.
- I'll tell you what, nobellisimus, - said the ruler, - Whoever these preachers are, if they appear here, we will drive them out. And I think that even if they want to threaten us with some army, our friends will undoubtedly help us. Although, what kind of army can ordinary wandering monks have.... And if they are psionics, then they are unlikely to stand against our snayads.... What harm can be from these magicians and their false god? No ... And the army? Can they have an army? A maximum of a handful of poor pilgrims with sticks .... But still, if anything, then our friends will cope with them. After all, that's what they call themselves. I hope I'm not mistaken about our venerable allies who saved us from Lazitron a week ago.
Ser'Naveh immediately looked the aged Theophylact straight in the eye. His gaze was angry.
"Don't doubt us," growled the offworlder. "If the prophets of the false gods come here, we'll kick their asses immediately." And soon they will completely forget the very word "Gryphon". Please don't hesitate. This is how you offend us.
-
Far space.
The Nebula, Ser'Qiraani's flagship.
The Kossathian Ser'Drimurthy charged with all his boundless speed. He was heading straight to the abode of the Prophet himself. His personal meditation cabin was on deck 30, which was quite difficult to get to. Using a high-speed elevator, he ran out into a long corridor, which led him to his cherished goal. This corridor was quite luxurious, and its ceilings were at a height of almost ten meters. The rooms were well lit with bioluminescent lamps. But the Cossattian paid no attention to all this. The main thing now was to reach the Prophet's cabin in time.
Ship slaves from different races and armored warriors darted everywhere. Ser'Qiraani's guardsmen, in gleaming, polished armor, stalked down the corridor, weapons at the ready. Their energy spears were always ready to find their prey. As a rule, their victims could be annoying slaves or those who disobeyed their orders. As soon as the knights saw the running commander, they immediately stood at attention and froze like statues. But Drimurti did not honor them with his attention either. These warriors were nothing more than shadows to him now. He was in too much of a hurry to reach the Prophet. It was impossible to get through to the messenger of Akh-Asur, as there were no communication devices in the meditation chamber. Only a continuous absolute silence, which even frightened.
Five minutes later, Ser'Drimurthy reached his assigned target and slowed down. Two Cossatians stood to either side of the giant, painted entrance to the meditation chamber, wands at the ready. They froze, like those knights in shining armor, and did not even move. The tips of their staffs glowed with mysterious alien fires. The faces of the wand-bearers were covered by the masks of their suits.
Ser'Drimurthy instantly removed his long helmet, revealing his scaly head to the monks. His two large green eyes scanned the Prophet's guards and scanned them in their entirety. The guards sensed the commander's gaze, but did not show it.
“I need a great Prophet,” said Ser'Drimurti, bowing, “One who speaks in His Name.
One of the bodyguards immediately perked up and stepped forward. He also looked the warrior straight in the face.
"I am Ser'Nuragi," the guard replied. "The Prophet told me not to let anyone in until the end of the meditation." He is now speaking with the delightful Mistress Ser'Qiraani.
“Then tell him how he will finish the process,” Ser'Nuragi said to this, “Tell him that we have entered the Griffin sector. Interworld jump successfully completed. The planet is already very close. But there are some difficulties.
Suddenly, behind the guards, there was a sharp creaking of doors. The guards instantly turned their heads back. The giant entrance to the meditation chamber began to open rapidly. Seeing this, the attendants immediately froze in a daze. In less than a few seconds, the painted doors to the Prophet's abode flung open for the Kossatian. All this happened literally in a matter of moments. Obviously, the one who was in the cabin wanted to receive guests.
Ser'Nuragi lifted his head slightly and immediately twitched. Then he again came to his senses and turned to the side to the commander. He looked at the green-eyed officer with undisguised reverence. His wand shone even more.
- The Prophet wants to see you, - the guard said as if in a trance, bowing his head down, - His All-Holiness asks you to go to the Temple of Meditations.
Ser'Drimurthy felt, in the depths of his soul, a perceptible relief. At least he does not have to rely on anyone to convey his words. Now he would be able to speak with the messenger of the Irresistible Light in person.
- I am glad of such an outcome, - the commander answered, - the Prophet is always kind and merciful to all representatives of the Kosatti race. And I thank him for allowing me to enter his abode. Hallowed be the name of Akh-Asura, the Bringer of Light! And may his power reign! And may he be with all the true servants who honor him and believe in him!
- Hallowed be the name of Akh-Asura, the Light-bearer! the guards repeated in unison. And may his power reign! And may he be with all the true servants who honor him and believe in him!
The commander looked at Ser'Nuragi with green eyes for another moment, and then turned towards the doors. He hurriedly made his way straight into the giant passage that opened up before him. The guards remained standing meekly. Their heads hung down and they didn't even dare to move. They were too devoted to the True Light.
Entering the Temple of Meditation, the alien found that his room is truly huge. It was a rather spacious square room, the walls of which did not have any images at all. Not a single fresco was applied to them, which looked strange for a temple. All the walls were absolutely white, like pure mountain snow. Only small bluish lamps burned faintly on the ceilings. The floor was also covered with white paint, and there was not even a carpet on it. It was rather cold in the room, and it made the alien's pointed ears ring. All members of his race could not bear such a low temperature too much.
In the center of the majestic room stood a powerful adept, clad in black monastic robes. His face was bearded and rather sullen. The eyes glowed with bright greenish lights. The wand he held in his hands shimmered like night stars. Just one glance of this creature instilled in anyone a truly unthinkable reverence.
As soon as Ser'Drimurthy glanced at the Prophet, he immediately fell to his knees. He immediately covered his face with his hands and bowed his head low. From such a beautiful light emanating from the eyes of the essence, one could simply go blind. Cosatti distinctly felt goosebumps begin to run through his pale body.
“Your All Holiness,” Ser’Drimurti said in a humble voice, without getting up from his knees, “I’m sorry to disturb you. Sorry for showing up at the wrong time.
The Prophet looked at the bowed servant wholly and completely. His gaze was quite peaceful. His face showed neither anger nor joy. He was truly as calm and quiet as the universe of the Gods itself.
- I have already finished negotiations with Ser'Qiraani, - Cha-Arun said to this, - May she live forever, like Akh-Asur!
- And may the name of the True God be hallowed, - the commander repeated the words, - And may his power reign! And may he be with all the true servants who honor him and believe in him!
After saying his prayers, the Kosattian bowed his head even lower, and soon it touched the floor.
- Speak, my son, - the Prophet said peacefully, taking a step forward, - Speak what you wanted to convey to me.
Cha-Arun moved a few more steps closer to his minion. Very soon, he was already standing almost close to the commander who bowed before him. He towered over him, like a great mountain above the city spread out at its foot.
- We have entered the sector of the Griffin, Your All Holiness, - the reptilian growled meekly, - The interworld jump has been successfully completed. And soon we will approach the orbit of the planet..... But.... There are some difficulties.
- I'm listening, - Cha-Arun's voice was heard, - Continue.
The commander felt fear creeping up on him. He was always in awe when dealing with such powerful beings. He knew that in their eyes he was just a microbe, forever deprived of the chance to know the secrets of the entire universe.
'There is a little difficulty....' Ser'Drimurti stammered, 'there's a large Coalition fleet. They have taken up positions near orbit itself and are blocking our path. They haven't spotted us yet, but they will soon. It is unlikely .... they are unlikely to be delighted with our visit. Most likely they will want to resist us. The Coalition does not understand the True Way. In addition, they have long been monitoring the preachers that Irresistible sends to various worlds. They are all heretics and unbelievers. They will never know the True Light that Akh-Asur brings with him.
- How much is a large fleet? - the Prophet exclaimed, - Judging by the indicators, there are not so many of them there. But still they are a hindrance to us. And it needs to be eliminated.
Cha-Arun's voice became more and more agitated. There was a hint of anger in him.
- The Coalition is full of unbelievers, - Cha-Arun continued his speech, - Exactly like half of the entire universe. They block our path and prevent our progress towards the planet. The Griffin population needs our help and protection, but not theirs. And those pro-Elfurrian dogs will lead them to their doom. They won't be able to stand against the demons. And we are the true enemies of the demons and all the creatures of the Outlands. And therefore, I order the use of space-to-space torpedoes against the ships of the Coalition. They will destroy them quickly. And nothing will stand in our way. Akh-Asur loves his children and will not leave them.
- You are ordering the destruction of the Coalition fleet, right? - I heard a clarifying question from the commander.
- Exactly, - answered the Prophet, - Pass "Illadim", let him prepare torpedo bombers for battle. But only the blow must be struck after the attack of the saboteurs. And not before!
- I obey, lord, - the submissive voice of the kosatti was immediately heard.
As the commander left the Temple of Meditation and the doors slammed behind him, Cha-Arun turned his gaze to his right. All this time, an even more mysterious and mysterious entity was watching the dialogue. She was very close and completely merged with the dazzling white wall. The Prophet clearly looked at her outlines and lowered his head slightly.
“Everything is going just fine, Ser'Qiraani,” he smiled on his whole face, while not raising his eyes upward, “Soon we will take the Griffin "by the breasts."
“Perhaps this will be the best of our victories, Cha-Arun,” a sarcastic female voice rang out in response. - I'm amazing, right?
“Yes, Ser'Kiraani,” the alien said immediately, “You are amazing. Nobody can doubt it
-
----
- Oh, President Cedric has arrived for a meeting with the Elfurr delegation, - Owen said here, not taking his eyes off the holo-tablet, - Unexpectedly. Going to negotiate about the recent attacks. There will even be Nel Mauhurai. That arrogant ghoul entrepreneur.
- Cedric? Artadir or what? - Osvaldo said with his mouth full.
He had just finished eating a meat stew sprinkled with bluish Tramontino pepper. And the brave warriors should have had time to "refuel". Otherwise, it would play a cruel joke on their physical strength.
The innkeeper knew all too well about this, and so he gave the Tramontian and his companion a double portion.
"That's right," the Burner confirmed. - Artandir President. Met with a delegation from the Elfurr Empire.... Yes, the situation is really serious.
- And how is it? Any diversions? Again? Or are these preachers insane?
This question put Owen in an awkward position. He was already preoccupied with the sudden attacks of the League. There has been news that the enemies have carried out a number of attacks on the government officials of the Coalition. Even the recent attack by pirate clans on the Beljamonte border post was linked to terrorist attacks. The blow struck precisely when the Doge Rossi himself visited the military base. And he, like no one else, was one of the most devoted people to the Coalition. It would be unreasonable to claim randomness.
- There are no sabotage yet, - the Burner answered, - As well as the prophets. More precisely, God forbid. But the sediment remained. In truth, all this nonsense is already rather annoying. You heard what happened on Sanbatar recently, right?
“Yes, those League bastards blew up an airbus,” the sergeant growled menacingly, “And then they hit Alliance military bases and outposts. No shame, no conscience, no honor. All they can do is arrange terrorism. No wonder half the galaxy considers the League a terrorist organization. And they also blame Elfurr for everything... I wonder how the press, controlled by Acheron, explains these attacks? Elfurr attacked their allies?
- What do you think? - Owen noted with the same emotion, - the League always blames either Elfurr or the Coalition for the attacks. Attack on civilian ships? Of course, the Coalition. Shelling of civilians? Targeted strikes on schools, colleges, hospitals? And again the Coalition. The Coalition and Elfurr, in their opinion, do nothing but destroy themselves. And the pure and indestructible Acheronian League is always on guard of peace and tranquility.
- I'm wondering how it will end? came the voice of Osvaldo in reply. - Preachers, sabotage, attacks .... Murders ... When will all this canoe end?
He had already finished his meal and started on his ginger ale. Owen's food was still on the table. He read the reports with such zeal that he did not really have time to dine.
- How will it end? - Owen exclaimed, without looking at his interlocutor, - This will end, of course, with the demolition of the dictatorial regime that has been established in the Acheronian League. Its complete and unconditional collapse. The collapse of the economy, the collapse of the financial system .... In general, a defeat. But the question is different. How long will this madness continue? All these politicians are always having some kind of debate, instead of organizing a big attack and blowing the hell out of the entire Acheron Council!
- I understand you, - sipping ale, the Tramontian said, - The same thoughts. But they believe that the population of the League may come to their senses, suddenly realize that their "priceless leaders" are mistaken. Or something like that. In the meantime, they will change their minds, another 20 billion will die. And sabotage will undoubtedly continue. But how I would love to be wrong!
- Sabotage will definitely continue, - the Burner agreed, - As long as these idiots are in power, adopting anti-divine and anti-people laws, and unleashing criminal wars, this whole nightmare will definitely not subside.
Soon the waiter brought the bill to the visitors. Owen did not finish his meal, quickly paid, and was the first to leave the table. His example was followed by Osvaldo, who, however, sent almost everything on the menu to his stomach.
And now the two warriors were already walking along the big street to the parking lot, where their armored personnel carrier was located.
Along the way, Osvaldo looked at the sights of Dane, marveling at their magnificence. A lot of people and otherworlders passed by the fighters walking along the street. They went by so fast that the Tramontian barely had time to see their faces.
The street itself was completely built up with various buildings. Despite the loud noise of cars, there were also residential buildings. The first two floors of these buildings, as a rule, were occupied by all kinds of shops, including those designed for clothing. In addition, there were other establishments. Here Osvaldo saw a beauty salon where you could put yourself in order, do any hairstyle and cut your hair for a certain amount. The fighters walked so fast that it sometimes seemed to both of them that everything around them was moving at breakneck speed. Here another boutique flashed by, here is some kind of cafe ... here is another restaurant, then again a boutique, then again a hairdresser. And so it went on for three minutes.
Osvaldo no longer spoke to Owen, but only looked around.
- Yes, - finally, the Tramontian said, after a pause of many minutes, - It would be a pity if all this was blown up.
- What are you talking about? - followed the question of the astonished Owen.
- About the city, - answered the sergeant, - If all this is destroyed. It will be a pity.
“They won’t destroy it,” Scorcher said quickly, this time looking into the eyes of his interlocutor, “We will try to prevent this from happening!”
-
Returning to Castlelum's "native cell" in the evening, Owen allowed himself to relax. He didn't need any company. Rather, on the contrary, he wanted to be alone more than to sit with someone in a tavern until dawn. The time was already late. And they got up in the psi-special forces of the Coalition no later than 6 in the morning. Owen took no more than four hours to sleep.
But until that moment, he preferred to spend an hour or forty minutes reading some tomes or analyzing the Internet. Today he chose the latter. Later, however, Owen doubted the correctness of his choice. There was some negative news all the time on the Internet. They were mainly connected with the recent series of terrorist attacks.
Burner sat down on the sleeping sofa, leaning against a large pillow. In his hands was a holo-tablet. Without thinking twice, he turned on the projector mode. A small shining square appeared in front of him, which reproduced everything that was in the galaxy. There were a lot of channels. On the InterGalaxy Network, you could even find shows that were watched in the Kinos Dominion. But Owen didn't care.
He turned on the channel "Time of Eternity" with the famous TV reporter Wiglaf Velmuth. This gul'khan was constantly scrolling something very interesting. No wonder his channel was considered the most plausible. As the people said, "Velmut has nothing to hide." They also claimed that he had previously worked in the Kailama police, but Owen was not interested in this moment. He was interested in the contents of the next issue.
The issue was prepared, as it should be, by the way. The tag said that the video was posted just a couple of hours ago. The title would have been clickbait if it were some low-brow blog of some metrosexual artist. "Galaxy in Peril" The title of Velmuth's new issue read. On the screen saver, the journalist put up an art with a planet falling apart.
- Hello everyone, Velmut is with you, and as always the hottest news in the galaxy, - a rather gloomy voice of the reporter was heard, - Today we will talk about what happened in the past days. And this, as it is impossible, is topical! You couldn't help but notice that the League's outlaws are active again.
Owen watched for at least 20 minutes. Wiglaf talked at length about the recent raids of the Acheronian League. He also touched on the situation with Sanbatar. Burner was interested in a special version of a reporter on the topic of a plane crash. He believed that the League did not destroy prominent Earth politicians simply out of a desire to harm. The author of the channel assumed that the reason was the secret research that the enemy was conducting in the local ocean. He even managed to interview a local resident, an old fisherman who lived in a coastal village. The fisherman immediately spoke of seeing the League ships pulling something out of the ocean, and then they simply disappeared from view.
- And this is already interesting .... - Owen said, carefully listening to the video with the fisherman.
- They did not believe me in the city, - the words of the inhabitant were heard from the side of the holo-screen, - Someone said, I drank a lot. Someone that I have insanity. I am already 93 years old. But I'm telling the truth. I saw a ship fly out of the ocean.... of a mysterious shape. Either a pyramid or a rhombus. And then it just vanished. It's all League. That's all they are, I know for sure. And also .... dreams .... These strange dreams.
“I wonder what kind of dreams,” the Burner involuntarily asked.
But he realized that he was only communicating with a videotape. Rybak certainly couldn't answer his questions. But Velmut, it seems, was also interested in the topic of dreams, and he decided to ask the old man directly.
- What dreams? - Velmuth seemed to repeat Owen's question, - Is it somehow connected with the League?
- I constantly see her .... - the fisherman answered in a mysterious voice, - the Dragon ....
The video recording cut off abruptly. For a moment, the holo-screen vanished into thin air. But then he reappeared. Owen almost dropped the tablet from his hands. He has never encountered such failures.
The image no longer showed the old fisherman. It depicted Wiglaf Velmuth himself, sitting at a table against the background of the banner of Artandir. To his great astonishment, the psionicist discovered that Wiglaf was staring straight at him. Moreover, he looked as if he really saw him on the other side of the galaxy.
- She's getting close, Owen..... She's getting close.....
The reporter's voice was completely devoid of any emotion. He said it as if at someone's command. The burner was bewildered. He had no idea that this tablet was capable of modifying a video already posted on the network. Or maybe it was something else entirely. Maybe Owen just imagined it all. In reality, this simply could not happen.
However, that's how it turned out. The burner shook his head. He again saw the holo-screen erupting from a special projector. His tablet was safely in his hands. As it turned out, Owen just fell asleep. And, quite by accident. On the screen, as before, Wiglaf Velmuth was displayed, sitting at a large table against the background of the Artandir flag. The recording was already at the 45th minute. This meant that for 20 minutes Owen had definitely been dreaming.
- Yeah ..... - the Burner said with incomprehension, - I fell asleep after all.
After that, he decided to turn off the projector, and then turned off the tablet itself. Throwing the device away from him, he turned on his side, and within a minute he was asleep again. This time without any crazy visions.
--
-
Dane.
Palace of the Propraetor.
Part of the Coalition HQ
Mustafa jerked sharply, and then opened his eyes. He had just been awakened by a blubber. Isabella Fortunato stood directly in front of him in the gloom, while looking at him with a look full of concern and excitement. The command's face was pale and exuded with violent fear. The grey-bearded warrior of the Coalition started up and looked at his favorite fur and completely.
- What's happened? Mustafa asked in an alarmed tone.
- Molto male, - answered Isabella, turning even more pale, - Mio amore. We have problems.
- What? - the commander almost cried out, - Someone attacked?
- No, the portals are closed, - said the warrior. - We need you downstairs.
This news went through Mustafa like a skating rink. He didn't expect this.
- How ... closed? the grey-bearded warrior yelled in horror. - Yes, it's ..... impossible.
Mustafa instantly jumped up from his head and immediately began to put on a military uniform with the patches of the Coalition of the Galaxy. Isabella was already dressed from head to toe and was just waiting for him. She still could not come to her senses from the news she heard and with great bitterness. This shocked them both.
Not so long ago, while Isabella and Mustafa were sleeping, one of the fighters of the psi-special forces of the Coalition entered their cell, put on the watch next to the shining ring of the portal to Tramontina. He told them that the shimmering gate had evaporated into oblivion. They closed the way to another planet, as if by a wave of someone's hand. When Isabella reached her destination, she saw that nothing appeared in color beyond the place of the shining ring. The portal room is accessible from the most ordinary room.
The most difficult news came from those who now found themselves in the ruins of Griffin City. A radiogram came from one commander, in which he announced the closing of the gate to Akhetaten, where the Elfurr portal base was located. It is assumed that the fighters of Mustafa and Isabella, stationed on the Griffin, were found cut off from their command. Moreover, Captain Prada and his faithful friend Osvaldo now could not return home without the help of starships. The patient's direct portals disappeared, and the reason for this was never captured.
In less than three minutes, Mustafa and Isabella, in full combat attire, turned out to be the same portal where the shining ring had previously been. Now there was nothing there, and the gray-bearded commander gasped in horror at such a sight. Then he looked through the reports from the rest of the soldiers for the same hour and personally looked through the message. When he glanced at the hologram, he turned pale, it looked like a hecatoncheir, and his eyes widened in fright. Even such an experienced team leader as Mustafa was shocked to the limit.
- Urgently gather everyone! - he almost shouted in despair, - Call everyone! Urgently!
It was already early morning in Dane, and the command would have happened to suddenly wake up. Mustafa gave evidence to his subordinates, and then flew out of the control room at breakneck speed. He was heading straight to the monastery of Theophylact himself. In addition, he sent messages to all allied forces, and at the same time sent Isabella to Owen the Scorcher. Fortunato hurried to Owen with all her might.
Soon she reached the room where the collected items usually accumulated. Entering this spacious room with painted walls and brightly turned on lamps, she found that Owen was not alone. Standing right next to him was Ser'Naveh, the Draconian representative of Artandir's security force. And beside the dragon-like creature towered none other than Balderan the Swordsman. Apparently, this Nordan had recently arrived from Ser'Terazim's ship.
“Praise the Mother Goddess, you are here,” Isabella sighed with relief when she saw two mighty soldiers.
But even their faces reflect great sadness and confusion. The two psi-adepts of the Coalition stared nervously at Isabella. Ser'Naveh, on the other hand, seldom trembled from the strange animal fear that seized him.
- So? - the warrior asked, having seen all those present in the hall, - What about the portals, amiche? Why did they evaporate?
"We don't know ourselves," came Owen the Scorcher's reply.
The psi-adept was very frightened, and clearly showed it. All of them now felt an unknown fear. They were virtually isolated. The portal network could instantly transfer entire armies to the Griffin. Now, for this, they had to use the flotilla, and this was very problematic.
- How do you not know? Perque? Isabella cried out in horror. “Even you don't know what's wrong?
- It happened quite suddenly, - Balderan the Swordsman said here, - And it is very strange that it happened only after I arrived here. I used a portable teleporter from the Draconids. During. Now he is also numb. If I had hesitated even for a minute, my insides would have teleported instead of me. Something is clearly going on guys.
- And I still feel some incredible power, - Owen's voice was heard, - I feel deep inside.
The burner twitched nervously. His head was splitting from a terrible piercing pain, the origin of which was not clear.
“And she is coming…” the adept said as if in a trance.
“Also lost contact with the ships in orbit,” came the voice of Ser'Naveh. “None of my kind can contact friends upstairs. The messages just stopped. Perhaps someone is jamming us.
At the same moment, the light bulbs that were burning brightly on the ceiling suddenly went out. It happened so quickly that many of those present did not even have time to realize what was happening. The light simply turned off, as if someone had damaged the generator.
Isabella immediately turned back to where she came from. She left the door open, forgetting to close it. The girl came here along one of the corridors, where there was quite ample lighting. Now, right in front of her eyes, the light that previously burned in the corridor simply went out, plunging the premises into a mysterious and ominous twilight. And then, outraged cries were heard from the corridor.
- What ..... - there were curses of some people, - Give me the light .... Not a single thing is visible ....!
The screams became more and more. Soldiers of the local guard swore especially loudly.
“This already smacks of an invasion,” Balderan the Swordsman remarked here.
Isabella turned back towards the psi-adepts of the Coalition and their companions. Most of all, Ser'Naveh himself was frightened. He barely managed not to growl.
“Something mighty is coming towards us,” said Owen Scorcher in a mysterious voice, whose eyes suddenly began to glow like two dying stars, “I can feel it. It's coming. It's growing... It's growing....
Electric pulses began to appear on the psionic's body more and more often. His hands shook and writhed, and his head began to rattle for a fraction of a second, as if he were a low-quality hologram. His mouth fell open in a strange astonishment and at the same time a surge of animal fear.
“I don’t know what’s going on here, but it’s clearly not good,” said Balderan.
"Dragon... she's close..." came Owen's barely audible whisper.
- What dragon? the Nordan immediately asked, staring in disbelief at his comrade-in-arms.
He had never seen Owen in such a state before. But the Scorcher looked at him with the same eyes. He had no idea what Balderan was asking.
"I didn't say anything," the psionicist said in bewilderment. You must have heard something.
-
-
Acheron Prime.
Capital of the Acheronian Galactic League.
Palace Consistory.
Admiral Lazitron, being a short Sozi-Daus, walked leisurely between what seemed to him gigantic columns of the decorative gallery. Each of the columns was something special. The symbols drawn on them belonged to a bygone era. They were applied with scarlet paint, almost bloody, so that everything looked awesome and clear. Lazitron knew them all. Every symbol, every hieroglyph, drawn on the columns of the gallery. He personally painted one of them. A five-pointed star surrounded by strange wavy lines. Inside it gaped three twisted nines. The admiral had exactly the same symbol on his right limb.
He slightly pulled back the sleeve of his long overcoat. The same sign was drawn on the bluish and flabby skin. Now it glowed with a mysterious greenish glow. It meant only one thing... He was there.
“Admiral,” a strange voice suddenly came from somewhere to the right.
The voice was quite even and calm. But something about him was repulsive. Lazitron almost fainted from surprise. He knew that the one who spoke to him never appears publicly and openly. If he appears, it is precisely when no one could have imagined that he would meet with him.
“My lord…” Lazitron muttered in fright.
He knew not to look him in the face. Not even Olmec R-Llandris, let alone some League admiral. Lazitron lowered his head and tried to incline it as low as possible, to the very floor.
- It is necessary to involve your Nycomedian, - said the one who appeared here just a second ago, - I promised him that Sinn would live. But for this he must do .... Do what he must.
Lazitron tried not to show that he was afraid. But fear enveloped him from head to toe. He could no longer control himself. From the terrible cold that appeared after the guest, the admiral involuntarily shook.
- Yes, sir.... Marfur-Nirari, - whispered the sozi-daus, - I will give him... a direct order.
- Let him blow up the station of the first line, - answered the one who was called Marfur-Nirari, - I have already read the spell. They can't call for help. And if radio communications are activated and a flotilla is called, it will be too late. Nobody and nothing can escape. This system will submit to the League. Or it will be destroyed.
The long teeth of Lazitron were already chattering from the bitter cold. The temperature in the gallery was dropping rapidly.
“Yes..... sir…” Admiral Ligi said with difficulty.
“Butt Trandott begged me for help,” came the voice of Marfur-Nirari from somewhere behind Lazitron.
Sausie-daws all this time stood and looked down. He did not know how his master moved. The owner could be in front of him or behind him. Could be here, next to him, or nowhere - at the same time. He is nothing and he is everything. He is omnipotent.
- Trandott begged me to save his planet from destruction, - the unknown guest continued, - the Elfurr Empire poisoned it and destroyed the Sinn civilization. The Nicomedians did nothing, as they were disarmed. Yes, and Sinn has always been known to them as ... a side form. secondary life form. Xinn continued to live in pain and suffering. The radiation from the Elfurr warheads had corrupted them. But I gave them a chance. If Trandotte completes the task, Xinn will rise again.
“You are merciful, ma'hatmah…” Lazitron whispered meekly, knowing that he would not be able to say otherwise in this case. “You… help others to get rid of the tyranny of Elfurr……”
- But I have a task for you as well, - continued Marfur-Nirari, - And don't think that I forgot about your... "successes" on Polonis.
The Admiral twitched again. It made his already fair skin pale. Goosebumps ran down his rough back with even greater force. And the symbol drawn on the right limb painfully pricked the skin. It seemed to Lazitron that a needle had been thrust into him, and so deep that they got to the very bones.
- Tell Trotskevich to prepare the fleet. And hit the Griffin Imperium once more. Let them support the attack. And remember, if you fail, we will have to change command staff. You've let me down once already. A three-day plan to capture Polonis.... Remember what he turned out to be. Remember how Dvorok planned to enter the capital and plant his flag. And in the end, thousands of dead soldiers. And then support with weapons from the obnoxious Coalition. Pumping weapons of the sub-state, which is actually a collection of warring formations. But you didn't do it either. Some small country has beaten you all!
"Yes..... milord........" Lazitron murmured in a barely audible voice, "I'm sorry.....
He clearly remembered the face of Trotskevich when he lost the campaign against a small state that covered only one small planet. He remembered how the master's fury had descended on them all.
“For those who fail tasks, I have a special gift,” said Marfur-Nirari with an evil grin. - Three months in the torture complex will make every faithful servant. But I hope that you and Trotskevich will prevail. And don't disappoint me. You have five days to bring me victory. This is with today. Work. Olmec, for example, is tearing his ass, look. And you don't cry.
The last words of Marfur-Nirari sounded at the very ear of the sozi-daus. More precisely, at the ear hole, devoid of a shell.
- Everything will be ... done .... - the admiral answered through force, - We can handle it ..... We can handle everything.
-
- I remember, - Theophylact said, drinking another sip of tea, - I remember how in childhood we were also frightened by all sorts of ancient spirits and monsters. And we were afraid of them. They thought they were real.
- I, too, was afraid of monsters in my childhood, - Balderan, who was nearby, answered honestly, - I come from Nordan. And we have even more superstitious people than in your world. I remember when I was a child my father told me about the Jotuns. Ancient monsters, eternal enemies of mankind. When I went to bed, I was always afraid that they would take me and steal me.
- And I was so afraid, - the politician allowed himself to laugh, - Only now it’s not up to the stories.
At the last word, his smile disappeared.
The temporary lord of the Griffin sat in his chair and sank into memories. Being in the world of the past, he received untold pleasure. All these thoughts filled his body with energy. Light energy. He remembered every detail of his past, enjoyed it. It saved him from the harsh reality. A reality in which nightmares have come true, and everything that previously seemed absurd has turned into a reality.
- We were all afraid of something..., - Balderan said thoughtfully, - And we are afraid. And we will be afraid.
Theophylact escaped with a slight grin. After that, he put his cup on the table.
- You are right, - the ruler nodded, - But times are changing. And what you are afraid of, sooner or later, overtakes you. Even 6 years ago, I could not have imagined that the galaxy would split into pieces. That the mighty and indestructible, it would seem, the Coalition will turn into two warring factions, destroying each other without any pity. Then I could not imagine at all that this was possible. And then one day in February I woke up and realized that the world had changed. That there is a war going on. And not for life, but for death. That everything that seemed previously familiar and stable is forever gone. To be honest, not the most pleasant experience. Feelings when you get up in a completely new reality. A reality that seems impossible to you.
- But the reality can be changed, - Nordan said, - And this is the main thing.
Theophylact allowed himself to smile again, if only for a moment.
- Undoubtedly.
- In any case, we will find out who is behind these collapses. We have already informed Elfurr through a special channel. And help will be here soon. So we can say that reality is under control. Soon they will be here and everything will become clear. It's clearly not worth worrying about. The portal network will be restored, like everything that was destroyed during the first attack of Lazitron.
Let's hope, my friend. You are lucky that you have a way to get through to our pointy-eared comrades.
Balderan smiled slightly at the ruler. But at the same time, his smile was rather feigned. Deep inside, he felt great sorrow at the situation. Something inside told him of a worse outcome. And also pain... A strange unknown pain enveloped his soul and body.
- The Elfurr fleet will soon be, - the Nordan repeated his previous words once more, - They know everything.
- To be honest, - Theophylact suddenly said to himself, and looked straight into the warrior's eyes, - I want only one thing now.
Balderan looked at his interlocutor in disbelief. But then he realized what he wanted to say. And realized that he was repeating his own thoughts. However, he still decided to ask a question.
- What exactly do you want?
-
"I just want the war to end," came the immediate reply. - I don't need more.
The swordsman lowered his head dejectedly. He was not going to reassure the planetary ruler. He was an adult and self-sufficient person who had gone through more than one military campaign. But Balderan also could not say something that inspires hope.
- And also these dreams .... - Feofilakt said quietly, as if to himself.
The Nordan sharply shifted his gaze to the interlocutor. "What other dreams," whispered in his head. Lately, everyone has been talking about some strange premonition or sensation. Obviously, a story about a dream will not be favorable either. In the depths of his soul, Balderan already knew what Theophylact would say.
- Dreams, my friend, - said the ruler, crossing his fingers, - Strange dreams ....
- Can you tell me? asked Balderan with interest.
- I don't remember them exactly, - answered Feofilakt, - I remember only ..... Dragon .......
The swordsman winced. More recently, Owen also said something about a mysterious dragon. But then he pretended that it was a mistake or an obsession. But Balderan always trusted what he saw and heard.
- A dragon .... - thoughtfully said the ruler of the Griffin, - Strange .... mysterious ........ beautiful ..... Incredibly beautiful ... Captivating .... But at the same time, very evil ..... She towered over me..... And just stared....
---
Space station-frigate of the first line "Fara".
The starry space of the Griffin Imperium.
Batt Trandotte has been throwing up for days. He constantly had to leave for needs. Captain Acharunka didn't like that very much. But he couldn't help it. Trandotte at one time saved the embassy ship from a pirate raid, on which the captain was, and single-handedly shot all the henchmen of John the Face. For this, Acharunka appreciated this strange blue-skinned alien. Butt was a member of the Nicomedean race, like the captain himself. But unlike the rest of the yellow-skinned Nicomedia, Trandotte had bright blue skin, which made him virtually a black sheep. He was Xinn, a mutated form of his ancestral civilization that had long since failed to recognize its distant kin. However, Batta was valued not only for saving the ship of the Nicomedia embassy. He was an excellent ship guard. He perfectly owned halberds and axes, and could hold back any boarding attack. But lately he has changed in a strange way. Often absent, showed unsociable behavior. Plus, the whites of his eyes turned red.
And also those mysterious vomiting urges that no one knew about except Xingn himself. Trandotte did his best to hide the reality from his comrades. He knew perfectly well that vomiting was not a disease at all. Today he vomited again. Stomach twitched from a sharp piercing pain. Its entire contents spilled into a pale-colored toilet with an automatic flush. Batt didn't even bother looking at what was there. Yesterday's food. Today's breakfast. Everything mixed into one nasty vomit mass. Feeling the strongest pain for the umpteenth time, he vomited again. Bloody terrible mass almost burned through the entire surface of the seat. He just realized that he forgot to raise the seat up so the vomit wouldn't hit him.
- Yes to ..... you ..... - Trandotte rasped with difficulty.
He clearly realized his mistake. Erasing all this mess in a matter of minutes is clearly not going to work. And if the ship's robots notice, they will immediately report to the captain. The acarunka can refer him to a healer. The doctor will undoubtedly undress him, and then he will see the symbol. And this could not be allowed.
- Yes, to you .... - Almost crying, cried Batt.
He threw up once again. This time the gastric juice is pinkish in color. Weakness has already set in. His last strength was running out. Trandotte climbed out of the toilet cubicle with difficulty. With excessive effort, he managed to get to the washbasin and mirror. Looking at his face, he was horrified. His eyes were reddened to such an extent that they no longer resembled living ones. His entire uniform was splattered with a pinkish liquid. The last stream of vomit still touched the robe.
- It's it.... it's all this symbol.... why.... - desperately muttered the Nycomedian.
He jerked up the sleeve of his uniform. The ominous pentagram symbol slammed into his skin with force. The blood was already beginning to slowly appear. Trandotte understood that a sign caused vomiting. Just this. Nothing more. Nothing could hurt him more.
Another attack of pain. And this time not in the stomach, but in the region of the right eye. The lacrimal sac burst and a lot of colorless liquid poured out. Eye as if pierced by a needle.
“Why didn’t Lazitron say…. that he would kill me……” Trandotte’s words were heard.
He spoke his thoughts out loud. He didn't want to say it. But still he said.
-
At the same moment, not far away, Acharunka was standing on the captain's bridge. The captain was talking nervously to Ricimerus Thavius, the human commander from a nearby ship. Tabius and the Draconian Empire retained the Griffin Imperium. Together they fought the League fleet and pushed it back. But now something has gone wrong again. Taviev reported a loss of communication with drones in charge of remote sectors of the system. Almost ten reconnaissance probes simply disappeared. And in addition, there were severe interruptions in communication.
"Communication with the drones is lost," Ricimerus's hologram spoke excitedly.
Taviev communicated with Acharunka using a holographic link. His face, with slanted eyes and bald head, expanded to full screen. The bluish image constantly vibrated. The Nicomedia captain noticed that such distortions had not been shown before. Communication was absolutely clear. But there were indeed interruptions. And it seems that the situation with them began to become more complicated.
- We have already sent three groups of reconnaissance probes to find out what happened, - continued Taviev, - They disappeared in the sector of the gas giant Asmeru. Although I doubt we'll find them. Perhaps they have already collided with asteroids or crashed into one of the satellites. To be honest, I don't like it at all, given the rest of the case.
- What about the other things? - the yellow-skinned man immediately shuddered, - are you talking about interruptions?
- Not only interruptions, cap, - answered the human commander, - We received radiograms about large-scale terrorist attacks of the League at once in different worlds. One of them is Sunbatarr-3 in Archaea. Destroyed the entire airbus of chairman Thorian along with the ambassador of Earth. I knew Thorian personally. Not without sin, but he was a good friend of mine.
Acarunka lowered his head mournfully. He, like no one else, understood what it was like to lose friends. Just a year ago, his comrade from the academy was killed during another League air raid. He was simply torn to pieces.
- I'm sorry, - the captain said sadly, - I also lost those whom I considered to be friends. It hurts.
- It seems that many of us may lose friends, - Taviev said with hidden fury, - This bastard League ... A pack of war criminals and bandits. They shout that they are fighting for peace. And they only bring death.
- I understand, - Acarunka agreed.
But Taviev did not want the topic to turn into a discussion of the loss of Torian. He had another message, and again disturbing. In the last minutes, the former calmness completely evaporated into the unknown.
- It seems to me that the collapse of the portal network is somehow connected with the League, - suggested Ricimerus, - All this ... All these terrorist attacks began literally at the same time ... It looks like ....
The commander's hologram disappeared for a second, then reappeared. Taviev's face was strangely deformed. It turned into a terrible laughing grimace. His eyes were at the level of his mouth, and his nose and mouth were placed in a chaotic manner on his cheeks. But then the image disappeared again, and after a moment it appeared in its normal form.
Acharunka and the rest of the officers recoiled from the picture. What they saw almost blew their minds. They obviously did not expect to meet such a terrible and perverted face in their lifetime.
“Something is not quite right,” came the voice of the Neferiricarian Sentus, who was standing nearby, “I can smell it with my beard, Taviev is right. The league is about to stage another attack.
He got a job as a navigator a long time ago. It seems that this bearded dwarf was the only one who somehow retained normality. Everyone else was already beginning to panic and turmoil.
Acharunka looked at Sentus with unseeing eyes.
- And this Trandotte disappeared for 10 minutes, - the dwarf grumbled, - Where is the goblin wearing it?
The captain turned back to Taviev's hologram. The commander said something, but at the same time, his voice was not reproduced. The lips moved silently.
- Make that damn connection! - almost yelled Acharunka, - I can't hear anything! Make sure he speaks loud and clear!
- Yes, sir! - answered one of the signalers, who was sitting at the huge console.
- Stop, captain! - suddenly shouted aranguto, who served on the bridge responsible for data transmission, - Radars show something! Some movement in sector 9!
- What exactly?
- Already nothing! Gone! But it was, I swear!
- Yes to you! - roared Sentus, - To you all! What movement? How could it disappear?
Enraged by the absurdity that had arisen, Acharunka glanced at the hologram. His human comrade-in-arms continued to speak silently, but the Nicomede had no idea what it was. And then the image of Taviev simply vanished into thin air.
-
“It means that attacks are also taking place in your worlds,” concluded the hologram of Tutankhamen, the Elfurr governor.
This elf'urr's expression was more than agitated. His gray eyes were constantly changing color. As is known, in individuals of this race, these signs meant severe anxiety. The viceroy's lips twitched slightly.
- Not only attacks, - Mustafa's voice was heard in response, - Interruptions in communication. It was reported from orbit that reconnaissance drones were missing. And now the portal network is covered. And all this after the news of the mysterious preachers.
The stern, bearded warrior took another sip of Norlan wine. But now he was so tense that he didn't even taste the drink. He drank wine as if it were plain tap water.
"So you need help?" Tutankhamun asked,
- Not only, my lord, - Mustafa answered, rubbing his beard, - You understand that I feel something beyond .... We are from the psi-special forces. And our intuition is working with a bang. I feel cold. He penetrated me as soon as Isabella reported the collapse of the portal network. Strange cold. I haven't felt like this in a long time. A long time ago....from the last decade.
The commander nodded his head in the direction of the dark-haired warrior who was standing not far from him. As soon as he winked at her with one eye, she instantly rushed straight to him. The girl immediately took out something that looked like a green decorative crystal from the pocket of the officer's overcoat. It almost did not differ from those that are usually kept by lovers of alien artifacts.
Mustafa grabbed the object and brought it to the hologram of Tutankhamun glowing from the projector. The viceroy shuddered when he saw a rather unusual little thing. He felt powerful streams of magical energy emanating from her.
“Ah,” concluded the viceroy, “it looks like a draconian aurometer. Did you write down your feelings?
- Yes, - said Mustafa, - I want you to scan them. You can also reproduce them.
The commander slightly tossed the crystal up and released his hand. The magical item remained spinning in the air. He began to rapidly light up with an unknown glow, and then electrical impulses ran through him.
- You can see in them what I feel, - Mustafa said, - This is a special device. It records feelings, sensations, thoughts.
The crystal immediately turned into a flickering image of a rather tall man dressed in a green uniform, which is usually worn not so much by ordinary military men as by the highest representatives of the psi-special forces of the Coalition. The face of this elderly man was noble and wise. His eyes were the color of the incredibly blue skies of the icy planets. It was Mustafa himself. His own holo-double.
- I felt something similar in 1989, - Mustafa explained, - This is still classified information. But just then, a powerful psionic storm arose, killing at least 300 adepts. And this is only according to official data. Before the storm came, I felt the same way. Cold. Strange cold.
- I heard this story from the Grandmaster, - said Tutanmakhon.
- And yet, I want to tell it again, - said the commander, - Then I was on Nargon, and this planet, as you know, does not know severe winters. In Nargon-Kala it was +30 Celsius. But suddenly I felt something that made me cringe. Bitter cold. Just creepy. It was as if it was not 30 degrees outside, but -10, and at the same time I was in one T-shirt. I felt the same today. Isabella told me about the failure of the portal network. I quickly rushed over there, checked everything. And suddenly it started. Again. I recorded these sensations on the aurometer. Remember 89? After I got cold, something happened. Monstrous storm. It was a scream so strong that it drowned out everything. But only the gifted heard it. Ordinary beings had no idea what had happened.
The image of the tall old man that hung in the air immediately disappeared. Then it began to transform into new forms. Now, before the eyes of those present, a giant spaceship appeared, resembling a giant diamond-shaped figure. Mustafa turned pale. It was not his memory. It was something completely different. Not at all what he saw and felt.
- Yes, what is it! he cried, not taking his eyes off the image of the ship. - What a mistake!
Isabella didn't know what to say. The mysterious ship filled her with a strange terror. She felt her skin begin to rapidly break out in goosebumps. She felt the same as her betrothed. Cold. Penetrating all-penetrating cold, from which there is no escape. However, the image did not bother Tutankhamun at all. On the contrary, he looked at him as if he were simply observing the panorama of his native city.
“Now I understand everything,” the viceroy quickly answered, “Believe me, you and I have both seen a lot. I will send help to you along with Admiral Ahmanet. She will arrive in standard 16 hours.
- So what was it? - Mustafa did not let up, - Do you know the answer?
- This is a harbinger, - Tutankhamun said mournfully, - Forgive me. I can't say more. Wait for reinforcements.
The hologram of the Elfurr representative vanished. He cut off the connection himself, and obviously did not want to share his innermost secrets.
Mustafa quickly shifted his gaze towards the shimmering crystal, where the strange ship had been recently. In its place, the commander's face now reappeared. The psi-adept looked at himself... And did not recognize him. That expression was not his own at all. It smiled wickedly. And his devilish smile could easily drive you crazy.
-
Ser'Qiraani smiled, showing her sharp, long teeth. She oversaw work on the bridge. Nothing and no one escaped the close attention of her yellow eyes, blazing with aggression and malice. Cosatti worked on her personal orders. Signalers assessed the situation around, passed commands to the artillery and missile decks. Radar officers carefully monitored the situation in space. The navigator hissed loudly at several young Kossatians who had signed up for the adventure, only to realize later that they had made the biggest mistake of their lives.
A graceful and tall killer whale, dressed in heavy armor, stood nearby at the platform and knew about everything that was happening here. And yet - it was on her personal order that camouflage fields were turned on. She understood that the enemy must not know of their arrival. However, Ser'Qiraani herself did not show herself. She has long hoisted on herself the mystical halo of the "anointed of the ancient gods." She was revered and feared by everyone around her. Even their own relatives involuntarily feared her wrath.
"Let's go at full speed," she said mentally. - Stealth system enabled.
Ser'Qiraani knew that Cha-Arun would hear her from everywhere. She didn't even have to open her mouth. He heard her thoughts anyway.
- Excellent, - followed the answer of the one who called himself a prophet, - To be honest, I still can't come to my senses after I woke up.
The killer whale smiled again. Her sharp teeth popped out of her mouth in all their splendor.
“What would you have done if we hadn’t awakened you,” Ser’Qiraani smirked. “I would have slept on that portugaling ship.”
She felt Cha-Arun sigh. She didn't hear it, but she knew that was exactly what he had done.
- It's lucky that your relatives are easily suggestible, - said the voice in her head, - Like everyone else. Grow a tree out of thin air, and they will take you and elevate you to gods.
- People are especially strong in this, - the Kossatian said with a grin, - Remember that village. And holograms. People thought that you were not alone, but together with other monks. But they were only robots dressed in holo-projection. They pretended that you are a missionary, and those who are with you are your novices.
This time it was Cha-Arun's turn to grin.
- But this is your idea, dragon, - said the stranger.
The last word greatly infuriated the Kossatian. She snapped. An angry hissing sounded from her mouth.
In less than a moment, she moved to the observation deck, where just stood the one who called himself the Prophet of Akh-Asura. Cha-Arun was no longer in his cassock. He was dressed in the same majestic and dense armor as the kossatian. In his hands gaped the same luminous rod that he used on many planets to create his miracles.
“I am not a dragon,” Ser'Qiraani hissed, glaring menacingly at Cha-Arun. “I am a kossatti!”
But Cha-Arun did not think to be angry. He continued to smile.
“I know,” he replied, “but once you were one race.
- Sometime! - the kossatian emphasized.
Cha-Arun laughed. Ser'Qiraani found his laugh offensive. She hissed again.
- Stop yelling at me! - the Prophet said with the same grin, - This will not help.
“I once sank my teeth into an elfurrka’s throat,” the Kossatian commander growled furiously, “For calling me scaly.” And I remember how I pulled the trachea out of it and chewed it!
The prophet seemed to have an idea. His pupils changed their colors to scarlet. He smiled even wider and sharply looked the alien woman in the face.
- It will be necessary to repeat the same thing, - Cha-Arun said playfully, - You will do it. You are delightful, but also dangerous... Isn't it so? To be dangerous and delightful at the same time! Even I can't do that.
He continued to stare at the kossatian intently. From such a look, the reptile even recoiled. She knew that when he looked at her, he pierced her whole soul through and through.
"Can't the Nicomede manage without us?" - having lost her former rage, she asked.
“No,” came the answer. “Of course not. It will blow up only one ship. But you need to hit more. And then our ship will deal with the rest.
Cha-Arun approached the kossati and touched her armor with a light movement of his hand. She felt the cold seep through her. But still she did not flinch, but remained standing still.
“Commander Taviev has a secret psi-adept on the ship,” said the alien, whose pupils changed their color to blue, “Her name is Vadim Branok. She is responsible for transmitting communications through telepathic channels. Plus, he commands the guards of the bridge. Knock her out the same way you killed the elfurrka.
Ser'Qiraani started up.
- So... make her bite into Taviev's throat? she asked in bewilderment.
- No, - Cha-Arun smiled all over his face, - Make her brain explode. You've killed so many, Kiraani. You crushed one elfurrka with a rupture of the brain center, without even approaching her. I'm sure you'll be fine with this.
-
Batt Trandot vomited again. This was already the ninth. The ninth time his stomach emptied its contents. He stood in front of the mirror, his head down to the sink. The sink was covered with blood and a disgusting pinkish liquid everywhere. The symbol inscribed on his hand gnawed even more into his flesh. The right eye hurt unbearably.
At that moment, a voice was heard in Trandotte's head. He knew exactly who it belonged to. It was Lazitron, one of the League's most prominent admirals. The one who sent him on this mission. The one who did not tell him anything about the effect of the symbol.
- The time has come, - Lazitron's voice filled the entire space in front of Butt.
He heard it as if it was all over the ship. It was as if it had been turned on at full volume.
- Why.... didn't you tell me that... he would kill me? groaned the Nicomede, barely audibly.
He hoped with all his might that the admiral would give at least some answer. He needed an answer more than ever. Trandotte knew that all this was for the sake of saving his homeland. He was promised that the world would be different, that radiation would disappear forever, and life would return to Xingn again.
- He does not kill ..... - spreading throughout the bathroom, the voice of the admiral sounded, - He makes stronger.
Another attack of pain shot through Trandotte's body. He hit his head against the nearest mirror with all his might. Then again and again. His skull almost cracked from such strong blows. But Batt remained alive.
- Say... You know what... - Lazitron's voice became louder many times over.
- A spell... - the Nikomedian almost yelled, - Yes.... But what will it do? I... Will I survive?
- I told you that you will become stronger .... - said the admiral. - He promised. Is not it?
- Yes! I will do! I'll do everything!
- He promised that he would save your world.
For a moment, Trandotte remembered. He remembered everything. I remembered how I lived and grew up on Xinh. How relatives died from serious illnesses caused by radiation. How his kin suffered pain and injury. How sick children were born with many different mutations. He remembered everything. His world was poisoned. It turned into one large grave for all representatives of xinn. But only the one who promised him everything can revive life there. He must endure this monstrous pain and complete the task.
This gave him some strength. A little, but still gave. He felt the significance of his task, its priceless importance.
“You want him to save Xingn, don’t you?” Lazitron's voice sounded again.
- You know ... yes .... - Batt answered through his strength.
- Read them.... Say these words... And everything will end. Say it... Say it... Say it.....
Trandotte vomited for the tenth time. His vomit, mixed with blood, spilled onto the sink, splashing it all over. There was no longer a place left that the Nicomedian's vomit had not fallen into.
Batt forced himself with great difficulty to look at the infernal symbol drawn on his hands. He knew the words. He knew what to say. After all, the one who promised him Xingn's salvation revealed the meaning of the spell. It will destroy the ship, but keep it alive. He will be reborn. He will become his eternal angel.
“Yatua,” Trandotte whispered softly, imagining in his mind a green and beautiful planet that was to become a new home for Xinn. A home without evil and disease, without radiation and death.
The pentagram shone with a blindingly bright light, and then jerked. It was like a supernova explosion.
-
- What is this? Explosion?
Disturbing news just arrived. Perhaps the most disturbing of the last month. The ship of Captain Acharunki, which was not far from the ecliptic orbit of the Griffin, simply evaporated. There was an incredible power flash, similar to the explosion of a star. Fragments of the exploded ship damaged the surrounding ships. The 'Antoinette' and 'Jafar' suffered the most. The wreckage hit the vital sections of the frigates, rendering them unable to continue fighting. One even hit the reactor deck, causing monstrous fires. Several hundred people who worked on the 'Antoinette' were simply thrown into space. Others tried to fight the fire, but to no avail.
The 'Jafar''s gravity system went offline. Thousands of people and aliens working on the ship just flew into the air. The blows were so strong that hundreds were smashed against the surface of the deck. The captain of the 'Jafar', Adil, a Nargonian, flew out through the porthole into outer space. The hole led to dozens of officers following him. A huge breach in the artillery deck sent all the available equipment into the airless space. Dozens or even hundreds of howitzers and heavy artillery batteries appeared in space in an instant. The crews did not have time to prepare for the strike. Hundreds of gunners repeated the fate of those who served on the Antoinette. And these were far from all the affected ships. Six Coalition ships sustained varying degrees of damage.
- Report! Ricimerus Taviev yelled at the top of his voice.
Although the entire broadcast was distorted, it was overwhelmed with disturbing messages. Communication with "Antoinette" and "Jafar" was completely lost. The rest just screamed in desperation. Taviev was very lucky that his ship was out of the affected area. Otherwise, it is not known what would have become of his ship. Although he had thick armor made of Neferikar alloys, it still could not withstand it. The explosion that occurred on the ship "Fara", owned by Acharunk, was so powerful and unnatural that not only damaged the ships closest to it, but also blinded several crew members. Taviev himself almost lost his sight from the brightest flash. He has probably never seen anything like it.
- Sir! - the voice of the Arangutan communications officer immediately rang out, - The whole broadcast just went crazy!
- Interruptions continue! - reported the second officer, already from the N'sai race.
- On "Ugarit" fire of the 2nd degree! I repeat! 2nd degree! They need help!
"Captain Harland is asking us to rescue Apollo 40!" They are injured! Lots of injured!
Taviev had not been in the midst of such chaos for a long time. Even the recent battle with Admiral Lazitron did not bring such losses. When he commanded the ship at the approaches to the Griffin, he acted clearly and clearly. His officers always followed his example. But now there was something different. Something incredibly scary.
Ricimerus glanced around quickly. He hasn't given any orders yet. For starters, I had to at least come to my senses.
Suddenly his eyes fell on a woman lying on the deck, waving her arms. She had a short, half-bobbed haircut that stood out from the other officers on the ship.
- Something happened to Vadim! shouted the ship's navigator at the top of his voice.
Taviev in the blink of an eye rushed to the lying woman. He bent over her and looked into her face, trying to understand what exactly was happening to her. Vadim Branok stared at him with completely empty eyes. She continued to wave her arms in different directions and beat her palms on the deck. Ricimerus noticed that a strange scarlet liquid was beginning to form at the corners of her eyes. It was blood, nothing else.
- Vadim! - the commander called out to the fallen woman, - What is the matter with you? What's going on with you?
Suddenly, Branok looked Taviev straight in the eyes. The pupils in her own eyes were not human-like. They were the pupils of some strange reptile. In an instant, she grabbed the commander with both hands by the throat and pulled him to her.
- You will die here, miserable creature.... - Vadim growled furiously. All of you will die today...
After saying that, she threw Ricimerus so far that his body flew over almost the entire area of the bridge. Then it hit one of the screens and quickly slithered down.
Branok rose abruptly to her feet. She grabbed the first officer by the throat and with all her might sent her on a long flight. The second tried to stop her, but received a strong blow to the temple. The third tried to wrap his arms around her and force her to lie on the deck, but all his efforts were unsuccessful. Vadim growled and literally bit into the officer's carotid artery. A scarlet stream of blood immediately splashed into her face.
The navigator, who until recently had been shouting to the entire bridge, pulled out an autopistol from his bosom. He shot the enraged woman 3 times. But that didn't help him either. The bullets hit Branoc's body, but did not strike her. A second later, Vadim was right in front of the navigator's nose. With a deft blow of her hand, she knocked the pistol out of the officer's hands, and then clung to his right ear. The navigator howled in excruciating pain. The woman continued to dig into his ear until she separated it from his head. Smirking, she began chewing on the severed limb in her teeth.
- Shoot her! - Frightened voices were heard from everywhere, - Kill her! Kill!
But Branok was not going to continue her massacre. Her mission was completely different. Not kill everyone on the bridge, but destroy the ship. Destroy it entirely.
The woman smiled wickedly, revealing her bloodied teeth. She spat the remains of the officer's ear onto the deck and laughed out loud. And then there was another explosion. Branok's body was torn into thousands of small pieces.... Together with the entire captain's bridge.
-
"Thatcher-3".
The starry space of the Griffin Imperium.
- We've lost contact with the 'Antoinette' and the 'Jafar'! shouted the Nicomedian Chaumarina loudly.
- No contact with Ouroboros? shouted the aranguto, who oversaw communication with the draconians.
- No way!
- Ser'Terazim is not answering!
- Tell the Griffin that we were attacked!
- Griffin doesn't answer either! None of the centers!
- The impression that EMP hit us! But this is clearly not it!
Captain Giuseppe was in such disarray that he began to think that all this was unreal. No, of course, all this simply could not happen. Sudden explosion of the famous ship, commanded by Acharunka, a Nicomedian. Then a blast wave that spread throughout outer space. But until recently they were all celebrating the victory over the League. Lazitron was destroyed and sent into oblivion. But the disasters didn't end there.
- We need to tell 'Biden'! came the voice of Commander Vintara.
He received his title just a month ago and has already distinguished himself as a brave hero. It was Thatcher-3 that was the first to break through the defenses of the League's asteroid base in the Dahomey-4 region. Then he successfully carried out a stealth attack, destroying an entire corvette in the Griffin system. "Thatcher-3" and his team were clearly not losers.
But now something has gone wrong. Vintara has never looked so "killed". His eyes darted in different directions. Hands and feet were trembling. Giuseppe thought the commander also thought it was all a dream. Yes, it would be better if it really was unrealistic.
- There is no connection! - the captain shouted at the top of his voice, - How do we inform "Biden" if there is no connection ?!
- The hyperjump program has failed! came the cry of Ensign Vanahi, a member of the pale-skinned Hecatoncheir race who had served on the ship for at least two weeks. "If we try to jump, anything can happen!"
- Technical team here! Giuseppe reacted immediately. - Live!
Vintara turned even more pale. However, the reason was not at all a hyper-program error.
The commander stared in horror at one of the Nicomedia communicators leaning over the monitor.
- Don't look like that, - answered Giuseppe's assistant, thinking that he was worried about failures in the system, - You are still an officer of the ship! I understand that we are in complete anus! But don't panic, please!
But Vintara did not react. He continued to stare at the Nicomedia with great fear. The captain realized that he saw a hidden threat and mechanically turned around.
The Nicomedian sitting at the monitor was literally bleeding. Blood poured profusely from his ear holes, nostrils, mouth and eyes. And yet it didn't bother him. He kept pounding hard on the console, as if in a trance.
- Hey dude! Giuseppe exclaimed instantly.
The captain quickly rushed towards the Nycomedian, still not understanding what to do. As soon as he touched the signalman's shoulder, he vomited. The alien vomited right on the monitor. The entire surface of the screen and part of the console was covered with a strange pinkish liquid.
Instinctively, Giuseppe drew a pistol from his bosom and pointed it at the Nicomedian.
- Boy! Look at me! Alive! - cried the captain, without removing the signalman from the sight.
The Nicomedian turned around. His entire face was a continuous mass of blood. Eyeballs have already managed to turn into a liquid in an unknown way and flow out.
“They are coming…” something rasped through the mouth of the alien, “Listen…. They are already near…”
Giuseppe pulled the trigger and fired. The bullet pierced through the head of a foreigner and flew out the other side. A solid stream of cerebral porridge poured out of the opened wound.
After that, the Nicomedia vomited again, this time on the captain. The pinkish liquid ignited in seconds. Soon, the entire territory of the bridge turned into a continuous fire show.
-
Griffin Imperium.
2 hours later.
Giant fiery fragments were rapidly crashing into the surface of the Griffin Imperium. Many of them landed right in the central part of the city of Dane. This was clearly observed by almost all residents of the second capital. Balls of hellfire fell from the heavens onto the ancient doomed city, destroying countless of its structures. The roar from the explosions was simply deafening. The remains of unknown structures continued to bear colossal destruction. Everyone saw how a huge fragment, the size of the whole building of the capital's circus, collapsed right on the majestic castle of the city's majorate. The explosion that followed the fall of the fireball blew apart the entire dilapidated building, and then the shock wave engulfed the surrounding buildings. Many cars and stagecoaches immediately turned into pillars of flame. Only one space debris has taken the lives of at least two thousand people. The rest fell on residential buildings and automobile stations. Due to catastrophic destruction, Dane was rapidly losing its population.
Desperate cries of people were heard everywhere. Chaos reigned on every street in Deina. One of the fireballs turned the city park into a blindingly bright cloud of flame. All the trees that have grown here for centuries burned out overnight.
At the same time, Mustafa and Isabella, along with their companions and friends, were already in a giant square located directly in front of the Propraetor Palace, where the residence of the provisional government was now located. They left the building, fearing that the fiery debris would fall right on top of it. But this was avoided. In less than an hour, the burning remains of unknown structures stopped their fall.
More from heaven, nothing fell on the city, which had suffered enough. Owen the Scorcher and Balderan felt exactly what was happening now. They felt the pain of millions. At least fifty thousand people suffered in this disaster. Almost thirty thousand of them died instantly. Perhaps there were even more deaths than many thought.
Ser'Naveh wondered what the wreckage was. He knew there was an entire Coalition fleet in orbit around the planet. At the far end of the system, the Dragon of Eternity hangs. Even if the connection was "covered", the draconians in space would still notice something was wrong and immediately came to the rescue. But the Coalition armada in orbit around the Gryphon is beyond saving. Some evil force managed to destroy it, and it is likely that the fireballs were the remnants of those ships. But those ships were armed with nuclear warheads. They could well hold off an entire armada of League forces if they decided to attack. Why didn't they survive? Why did they fall apart, burying thousands of brave warriors under them.
- Who did this .... - Mustafa said with horror, looking at the terrible picture of destruction.
Half of the second capital was simply destroyed. There was no contact with anyone at all. For some reason, it seemed to Owen that this was not only in the capital. There was a great amount of debris, and they collapsed not only on Dane. To believe that only one city was affected would be unreasonable. The Scorcher felt the incredible pain emanating from millions of people on the planet. He knew that many more innocent creatures had died than could be imagined. It wasn't just Dane who fell victim to the devastation. Burning debris fell on other cities, destroying almost all of their population. Such collapses did not happen even during the time of the Ara-Niya invasion. This was back in 2350.
The two Tramontian veterans were most horrified by what was happening. Prada and Osvaldo could not even think of such a monstrous disaster. Almost an entire city was destroyed right before their eyes. Even the Griffin City during the attack of Lazitron was not subjected to such terrible destruction. The armada did not have time to finish off the capital, as it was destroyed in time by the help that came up. But there was something else here.
However, with the realization of the horror of the situation, new fears came. Owen sensed that this could very well be happening not only on Griffin, but on hundreds of other worlds. He heard somewhere in the depths of the universe cries of despair. Billions of voices were crying out for help and salvation. Billions of human voices.
- Half of the city is destroyed.... - Prada admitted with wild fear, not taking his eyes off the ruins of buildings, - Half of the city.... He stood here even before the system entered the Coalition, and before the arrival of Elon Musk's probes. And now it's just not there.
"Most of all, we don't know who did this," came Ser'Naveh's snarling voice.
This dragon-like commander was already in the company of his kin. He had discussed the past destruction with them, and now he intended to talk about it with his human companions.
"Whoever it was, they're responsible for the power outage," Owen said here.
The Scorcher's eyes lit up with a flame of sadness. He mourned for the departed who died today.
- Yes, at first the portals disappeared, then electricity, then the connection disappeared, - Balderan said, - Now thousands of space objects have fallen on the planet. Would like to know what it is. It looks like a meteor shower, to be honest.
“We would have been warned in advance,” the draconian said here, “but the last message from the main fleet that we received was only about a stable situation. All my relatives in orbit did not feel any threat.
"It's all because of these missionaries," Isabella said.
The warrior has already heard about the appearance of mysterious preachers in all the Far Worlds. They appeared in a very strange way. Deep inside, the girl felt that it was they who were responsible for what was happening. She did not understand why she felt it, as if she simply knew it and did not know where it came from.
- I do not believe that wandering monks have created all this, - Prada's voice was heard, - There is something else here.
"Maybe it's their God?" Osvaldo suggested.
Many of the people from the Coalition gathered in the square immediately turned in his direction. This question excited them in earnest.
- Who knows, - said Owen, - The saddest thing is that we can't do anything. We stand and watch this portugaling rubble destroying cities. We just stand and look at it.
- We should go and help the survivors, - Mustafa's sharp voice was heard here. “After all, this is the only thing we can do now. But I am clearly against empty talk. Thousands of people in this city need our help!
-
This proposal was now the most correct. Guessing who exactly caused the collapse was a truly stupid undertaking. And the thousands of wounded and shocked people of Dane really needed help and support. But alas, this venture was not destined to come true. A new threat prevented the valiant warriors of the Coalition and their equally brave friends.
Suddenly, high in the grayed sky, the Coalition warriors and their allies saw a strange glow. It flared up brighter and brighter, and then released several flying objects from itself. No doubt teleportation. It was her. But who exactly did it? Right in front of the eyes of those assembled, an air battle began to unfold.
The first to fly out of the glow was a round aircraft, similar in appearance to those used by Lazitron during the first siege of Griffin. The shuttle flew out of the light bunch at breakneck speed and followed forward. Its engines ignited with bright red alien flames, and the object increased its speed even further. But he was not alone in this smoke-blackened city sky.
Following him, several more flying vehicles shaped like throwing discs flew out from the same cloud of light. The bodies of the objects were painted bright red, as if they were going to participate in the parade. They also accelerated their engines and headed after the globular shuttle. But they did not accompany him and did not protect him, but on the contrary, they tried to destroy him. They tried with all their might to bring down the apparatus. They followed exactly the enemy trajectory.
Two disc-shaped fliers fired bright streams of flame from their guns, which immediately headed towards the enemy. But the spherical object soared sharply into the air, and none of the charges hit their target. This shuttle was too fast and maneuverable. Realizing that the enemy could not be dealt with in this way, the flying discs used rocket weapons. They fired several luminous projectiles at the enemy. The rockets set off at breakneck speed in pursuit of the enemy walker.
Mustafa and all his companions, eyes wide with amazement, watched the battle. The gray-bearded commander of all forces relied on those who controlled the flying discs. He knew that the one who controls the spherical object is clearly not serving the Light. He had seen such craft before, and he knew they were League fighters.
- Let's shoot him down! - Mustafa shouted at the top of his voice, - Shoot down this dick!
Approving hails were also heard from the side of the commander's comrades-in-arms.
Before Mustafa cursed furiously, the rockets fired by the flying disks reached their cherished goal. They hit the enemy in the right engine and blew it up. An incredibly massive explosion followed. The blast wave occurred so powerful that it covered the disc-shaped apparatus. Several objects controlled by unknown allies immediately veered off course. Obviously, the pilots simply lost control, and sent their flyers straight to the nearest skyscraper that managed to survive during the fall of debris. Right before the eyes of all the gathered people and otherworlders, five air cars crashed into a giant building. New explosions followed, which finally destroyed the skyscraper. Its burning fragments immediately fell down.
All of the disc-shaped craft died overnight, but they managed to destroy the League's battle shuttle in the process. This globular object was destroyed by a missile attack. He ceased to exist forever.
- My God, - the words of Balderan, who was watching this scene, were heard, - They shot him down!
- But at the same time they themselves died, - said Captain Prada, - They were chasing one, and all were blown up.
“Maybe they were drones,” came the voice of Ser'Naveh, who was looking intently at the sky, “Who knows. If drones, then no one died. But I have only one question - who did all this? Judging by the ship the flying saucers were chasing, it was one of the League shuttles. The work of Sozi-daus masters. But who saved us then? Whose devices were disc-shaped?
“We already have a thousand questions,” Theophylact barked at this.
The head of the provisional government was also among those gathered. Until now, he had just watched in silence. But now he decided to express his thoughts. In addition, he was greatly shocked by all these destructions.
- We have a thousand questions, - the aged leader continued his speech, - For a whole week this planet has been suffering a catastrophe. First, Lazitron attacked, then you tell me about these missionaries, and finally, I see the next disasters of my home world.
This man was clearly out of sorts. And he could be understood.
“I can only say,” said Owen the Scorcher, “the shuttle, which had a spherical shape, belonged to the League. I remembered. During the third siege of Betelgeuse, it was precisely such devices that attacked the main fortress of earthlings. As far as I remember, "Johnson-2"! We had to miraculously pull out their general and crew members. Lucky we saved at least three hundred. Yes, of course, it was the League. Her work. Her ships. But who controlled the flying saucers, I do not know. I have never seen such spaceships.
“And most importantly, there are no such ships in the fleet of the Dragon Empire and Artandir,” Ser’Naveh concluded, “They are not ours. Our race does not use such constructs. President Cedric, even more so. It wasn't us, but someone else. Perhaps the allies of the Coalition, which we do not know about, or maybe something else altogether.
-
- It's good that you've arrived! - the excited voices of the soldiers were heard, - Glory to Lucretia!
Infantry General Invictus Fryazin managed to get to the defense command center. He had to suck all the power out of his armored car in order to reach his goal as quickly as possible. He reached this gigantic building in just half an hour. But even in such a short time, he was very worried, because there was not a second to lose.
Fryazin nodded his head to the fighters who took up posts at the gate, and proceeded to the territory of the majestic building. He was heading straight for the control room, which was considered one of the main rooms of the command center. It was there that the central communications room was located. In this room, communication was maintained with all military fortresses and bases. Dozens of Griffin's computers and radios were located there.
Entering the huge hall, where negotiations were always held, Fryazin was amazed at the huge crowd of people. There were many officers in blue military uniforms and black caps. Invictus also observed people dressed in the yellow uniforms of technical teams. They carefully examined every appliance in the room.
- Lord! - the general exclaimed loudly, - Lord officers!
Many of those present immediately turned towards the commander-in-chief.
- We wish you good health, - voices were heard from all sides.
The officers tried to respect their superior commander and salute. Busy with work, only the technical teams remained. They didn't even turn towards Invictus, and they were understandable.
- Put aside the formalities! - said Fryazin, - The situation is not suitable. Colonel Syndro! Report!
A short man in a blue uniform with epaulettes immediately jumped up to the commander-in-chief. His eyes showed fierce concern. From the face of the colonel one could understand that the matter was rubbish.
- Chief, - Sindro said, - Glad to see you. But we're in trouble. All equipment was out of order. No contact with anyone. Neither in orbit nor on earth. Even the phones don't work.
- As in the palace, - said Invictus, sighing heavily, - What I feared happened.
- But we're trying to fix the instruments, - the colonel reported, - Don't worry, chief, we'll fix everything soon.
- Hardly, - said Fryazin, - Aliens made us deaf. You have to act like you did thousands of years ago. Use messengers.
- We have already sent a scooter team to the location of General Fenoglio, - the voice of one of the officers was heard, - But they have not returned yet.
“What about Colonel Jasir of Nargon?” - the commander-in-chief immediately asked, - Didn't they send messengers to him?
- No way, boss, - answered Sindro, - But we can do it right now.
- So send, - the general ordered, - His fighters will obviously not interfere with us.
"That's right," said the Colonel.
Sindro instantly glanced at the faces of the two young officers who were also staring at him. The faces of these young men were extremely worried. One of them even trembled nervously, like a recruit facing an insurmountable obstacle in a training exercise.
- What are you staring at? - Sindro exclaimed angrily, addressing the young military men, - Quickly to Fenoglio!
“That’s right,” the two officers dutifully replied.
As soon as they heard the order, they instantly ran towards the exit from the control room. They ran as fast as their legs would allow.
- Do you know who attacked us? - asked one of the servicemen, - What are these ships in the sky?
“Chief, chief,” an alarming voice of one of the officers in the hall was suddenly heard, “Look out the window. There's some construction in the sky! She released something!
Many of the military present here instantly rushed to the windows. The first to do this was the commander-in-chief himself. Invictus quickly flew to the nearest oval window and looked up at the panorama of the city.
A giant, saucer-shaped alien construct was hovering in the skies nearby. So far, she has hardly moved. The ship remained hanging high. An unknown ship that threatens the city with complete destruction. But this is not what attracted the attention of the military now. From the direction of the huge ship, a bright luminous projectile flew out. He flew at a truly terrifying speed. It was heading straight towards the command center of the Griffin army.
- What is this? - the frightened voices of the officers were heard, - It looks like fireworks ....
- What the hell fireworks, - one of the repairmen swore, staring at the object, - It looks like a torpedo.
- Damn it, - said Fryazin, finally realizing what exactly flew out of the ship, - She's flying right in our direction!
- Yes, what are you?
- PRO is not functioning?
- All systems cut off!
The glowing enemy projectile was clearly visible. He approached the building at breakneck speed. His speed was truly incredible. There were only a few seconds left before it hit the building.
- Urgently leave the room! - Colonel Sindro yelled furiously, realizing at the same time that he was waiting for everyone around him in case of delay, - Leave the command center! General alarm!
- How do they know that we have a command post here .... - Invictus hissed softly, his head filled with millions of thoughts, - Someone is clearly leaking information to them ....
Having spoken these words, the commander-in-chief instantly jumped away from the window. His gaze focused on the doors leading to the exit from the control room. He quickly ran to the exit of the room. The rest of the Griffin officers followed him. Once at the door, they almost knocked each other down.
- Fast! - Shouted Sindro - Everyone out on the street! Everyone on the street!
But the speed of the enemy's luminous projectile turned out to be much faster. The weapon, used by an unknown enemy, was ruthless to its victims. In less than ten seconds, an enemy torpedo crashed into the command center building.
The resulting infernal flame instantly engulfed the entire structure, leaving not even bones from its inhabitants. All the valiant military of the Griffin in an instant turned into nothing. The command post shattered into a thousand pieces. The last thing Invictus Fryazin saw before his death was a diabolical scarlet fire devouring everything around with furious force. He didn't even feel pain. His body simply split into atoms.
-
Suddenly, a blindingly bright flash of light appeared right in front of everyone's faces. It was formed so suddenly that many of those who ran into the square from the territory of the palace immediately fell to the ground, while covering their faces with their hands. Several people almost went blind from this. Even the experienced draconian warriors closed their eyes sharply. Angry curses were heard from the Coalition and their allies. People and people from other worlds are already tired of surprises. In particular, anger filled the fighters of the Coalition, who also perfectly understood the whole situation of closing the portals. They were all cut off from the big world, locked up on this planet engulfed in flames. All this caused them only rage and despair. The resulting flash of light did not give them a fighting spirit at all. On the contrary, they felt depressed.
Such a bright light confused even psi-adepts like Owen and Balderan. Even they could not withstand such a bright alien glow. It was truly incredibly beautiful and at the same time promised future dangers. No one knew who exactly could emerge from it.
- My God, - heard the furious cry of Mustafa, who did not open his eyes, - When will this end!
“Probably never,” Isabella said quietly, also on the verge of despair.
The glow grew brighter every second. It spread throughout the ruined city, still full of surviving people. The inhabitants of the second capital watched the mysterious alien light with great amazement. It penetrated every corner of this ancient city at breakneck speed. The glow was so dazzling that it seeped even through closed eyelids. People just couldn't stand it. Many of them even went blind from such a mystical phenomenon.
However, the outbreaks ended as suddenly as they appeared. They disappeared in just one second. Mustafa was the first to feel noticeable relief. Of course, his eyes hurt a lot from the sight he saw, but still his vision began to return to him. Isabella followed her lover and opened her eyes too. Then all the rest of those gathered in the square stretched out to their full height. Those who fell on the pavement began to rapidly rise and dust themselves off. The mystical phenomenon simply evaporated. Not a single trace remained of the glow. Everything they had seen before the light began to come back.
And again before their eyes appeared the panorama of the destroyed Dane. Only now, a mysterious foreign structure was hovering right in the city sky. It was a huge flying object, made in the form of a gigantic rhombus. The same rhombus that Mustafa dreamed of. This mysterious and floating structure, made of unknown metals, was flooded with dazzlingly bright lightning literally from all sides.
But only to whom it belonged, no one knew at all. This building was clearly not the property of the League. Mustafa had already seen a lot of alien ships hovering over the cities of various planets, but now he was stunned. This mysterious rhombus hanging in the air was incredibly beautiful.
- Where did it come from? - breathed the astonished voice of Captain Prada, - What is this flying rubbish in the shape of a rhombus?
“I have no idea,” Osvaldo barked, “But I will say one thing. It is beautiful, like our Queen Georgette. I am simply fascinated by such a wonderful invention. Whoever created him is God and not dark at all.
“Don't be so sure,” Ser'Naveh interrupted the Tramontian immediately. “Skins can be deceiving. I have never seen such a ship before. Obviously, some other civilization came to our aid.
Mustafa turned his attention to Owen the Burner. The psionicist somehow strangely looked at the ship of unknown creatures hanging in the air. His eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and incredible amazement. But Balderan, on the contrary, admired such a marvelous design. His emotions were similar to those of Sergeant Osvaldo now.
“I feel something powerful here,” Owen said, as if in a trance, without taking his eyes off the ship, “That is what controls all these structures. "Diamonds" flood the universe. Every corner of it. Every planet.
- What's wrong with you, Owen? - Balderan said in bewilderment, seeing the strange behavior of a comrade, - You seem to be delusional.
- No, I see them, - the psionicist answered, - I see ..... The dragon is close .....
Many of those gathered in the square were amazed at the similar behavior of the Scorcher. For the first time, he began to seriously frighten them.
"She's around here somewhere," Owen said cryptically.
- And who are they? - Suddenly voices were heard from the camp of the temporary ruler.
These people, dressed in the typical camisoles of advisers, were pointing their fingers in front of them.
As soon as the Coalition soldiers looked ahead, they immediately pulled their pistols out of their holsters. The Propraetor's guards and foreign allies followed the example of their comrades-in-arms and also prepared weapons for battle. Their spears and shields were put forward, and they were ready to use them at any moment. Mustafa and his closest associates drew their blades from their scabbards. They did not take their main weapon, due to the sharp appearance of burning debris, but still, without weapons, they never appeared on the street. They always had good blades in their belts, which saved their lives more than once. Owen and Balderan prepared for battle. They didn't have good weapons, but psionic abilities could help in any situation.
A small detachment was moving straight towards the assembled humans and draconians. It consisted of seven mysterious creatures resembling humans. Judging by their appearance, they did not have weapons, with the exception of only luminous staffs. They looked like ancient monks guarding countless treasures in their monasteries. They dressed in long hooded robes and slowly followed forward. But at the head of them was an entity, much more majestic than all these mysterious monks.
-
Walking ahead of his fellows was a rather tall man with brightly glowing eyes. In his hand he held a huge staff, the tip of which was crowned with a round magical sphere that shone brighter than the sun itself. The man was bearded and had extremely expressive eyes. His pupils constantly changed their color, like a farrukh's. The mysterious entity was approaching the crowded people and otherworlders. Gradually, she quickened her pace, and moments later, this person was at a distance of ten meters from all those gathered.
People and otherworlders did not take the aliens off the sights. They still kept them at gunpoint. But many of those gathered felt incredible warmth. These monks were clearly sorcerers, and serious ones at that. Incredible waves of magical power emanated from them. Owen and Balderan immediately discovered in them a truly gigantic power. These monks, led by their mysterious leader, were no longer human. Perhaps they no longer belonged to any race, but were something completely different.
"Hail Akh-Asur!" Our Father! - Loudly said the head of the procession, - Hallowed be his name! And may his Light not be extinguished!
The people and people from other worlds who had gathered in the square did not answer the monks. They continued to stand and keep them at gunpoint. At any moment, the warriors were ready to open fire and smash the aliens into thousands of pieces.
- Who you are? Owen asked menacingly, glaring at the arriving preachers with a fiery gaze.
- We are those who serve the True Light, - the leader of the monks answered, - And He sent us to you. We have come here at His command, and we are ready to carry His Divine Word throughout the universe. And the whole universe will submit to Him. And so be it. And there is so. My name is Cha-Arun. I am a prophet, messiah and shepherd for all of you. And I'm happy that I came to this planet.
"Hail Akh-Asur!" Our Father! - the monks said in unison, - May his name be hallowed! And may his Light not be extinguished!
Mustafa was the first to step forward to the assembled astonished people and their allies. This grey-bearded warrior was not from a timid dozen. It was impossible to break him with voluptuous speeches. He was terribly distrustful of these preachers. Even when he first heard about their appearance, he immediately felt strange sensations in the depths of his soul. His beloved Isabella fully agreed with him.
- Is it you who made this madness? - I heard the question of Mustafa, - If so, why?
The Prophet looked at the warrior with an extremely perplexed look. There was even some resentment in his eyes. The preacher was clearly surprised by such a question from the commander.
- No, there was no madness here, - answered Cha-Arun, - We prevented a monstrous collapse.
- Prevented? Isabella's furious voice rang out here. "Half of Dane is destroyed." It is not known what happened in other cities. This is a real catastrophe on a planetary scale!
- A catastrophe could happen, - the Prophet objected, looking menacingly into the eyes of the girl, - But our fleet, which is in orbit, managed to prevent it. There could have been many more dead.
Theophylact again decided to make a speech. After all, he was the head of the planet here. Although he presented himself as the leader of the interim government, many already believed that it was he who would be entrusted with the burden of complete power.
- With all due respect, but you came to my world, - the elderly ruler said here, - My name is Theophylact Eusebius Lucius. I lead this planet, and I did not expect you to appear! Who you are?
- You said that your fleet is in orbit, - immediately came the voice of Ser'Naveh, - But what about our ships?
The Draconid was increasingly worried about his own comrades, and with every second his anxiety grew. There was no communication with the orbit for a very long time, and it is likely that all his brothers and sisters could simply die. And yet, he also distrusted the arriving monks.
- It is with great sadness that I have to inform you, - the Prophet said to this, - A sabotage group of the League made its way to your world. At first, they managed to use weapons that disabled the ships of the mighty dragons. And then they attacked the ships of the valiant warriors. They used torpedoes of destructive power. I ask all draconians here to accept my condolences. Your brothers and sisters died glorious deaths. We didn't have time to save them!
- Died? Ser'Naveh cried out in despair. "Are they dead?... Ser'Terazim!" Ser'Fintari!.... Are they killed?
This news brought him into a real shock. But even greater horror flooded the hearts of all other people and lizard-like creatures. They realized that they had just completely lost their cosmic protection.
- They died like heroes, - Cha-Arun said, lowering his head, - Like true brave men. And Akh-Asur the Lightbringer will rest their souls. Hail Akh-Asur! Our Father! May his name be glorified! And may his Light not be extinguished!
The prayers were immediately repeated by the rest of the preachers. They spoke them with incredible care. Each of their words spoke of the firmness of faith and unwavering devotion to their deity.
- He who Brings Light has brought you a new army, - the head of the missionaries continued his speech, - The Pious swore allegiance to Akh-Asur, and granted him a whole fleet. The ships of the Pious managed to cope with the sabotage groups of the Devil's messengers. And it was they who sent these wicked people to the very hell. One of the servants of the infernal forces tried to escape from us, but the fighters of our faithful brothers caught up with him and destroyed him. True, and they died a glorious death. Before his death, the servant of the Devil managed to blow up his shuttle, and the fiery wave killed the valiant pilots. May Akh-Asur rest their souls! And may they find peace in the heavenly mansions! And may they be forever happy and blessed!
- May Akh-Asur rest their souls! - the voices of the rest of the monks were heard, - And may they find peace in the Heavenly cloisters! And may they be forever happy and blessed!
Now it became clear to many of those gathered. They distinctly recalled that aerial battle that had taken place in the city sky not so long ago. Particularly vivid memories flashed before Mustafa's eyes. He again saw that incredible battle that broke out in the sky, and the incredibly powerful explosion that followed it. The blast wave then occurred so powerful that it covered the disk-shaped apparatuses of those same servants of Akh-Asur. Their ships went off course, and the valiant pilots simply lost control, and sent their flyers straight to the nearest skyscraper, which managed to survive during the fall of the wreckage. Mustafa again remembered how five air cars crashed into a giant building, and then more explosions followed, which completely destroyed the skyscraper. All this again happened before his eyes. Mustafa was sure that all those present had the same thoughts and memories.
- In that case, it is worth saying that your pilots are brave, - said Balderan the Swordsman, - I saw that battle. It happened right in front of our eyes.
-
- And I have a question, - the voice of Owen the Burner was heard, - Who exactly led that sabotage group? As far as we know, the greatest commanders of the League, known under the names of Lazitron and Trotskevich, failed. It is possible that the government of the League sent them to a pre-trial detention center. That's what they do to those who fail the operation.
The Prophet looked into Owen's radiant face with a rather strange smile. Now he looked like a truly mysterious creature.
- Their commander was called Dvorok Trotskevich, - answered the Prophet, - Yes, the one you named. He caused a lot of pain in this universe in his time. But now he's dead. It was he who tried to escape on that globular shuttle, but our warriors destroyed him. Now this servant of Gloom went to his infernal lord. He will never appear again in this universe.
However, when Mustafa himself heard this name, at first he did not believe the preacher too much. As far as many knew, Trotskevich was a big face in the military hierarchy of the League. Many said that he was aiming at least for the position of head of the General Staff. It was he who was responsible for the destruction of thousands of arangutos on Sekheb, and at the same time for the death of an entire planet inhabited by a primitive race of hibiscus. Something clearly didn't add up here. Trotskevich would hardly have dared to personally go with a group of saboteurs. He always preferred to hide behind a dense layer of armor. He had never personally commanded a fight. Once on Protego, Dvorok did indeed lead a battle group, but as soon as Elfurr was announced for reinforcements, he immediately teleported to another system.
Glancing briefly into the eyes of the other brothers, Mustafa was convinced that the same thoughts flashed through them. Isabella did not trust the prophets at all. There was something unnaturally strange about them.
- Trotskevich? - I heard the question of Owen, - Personally? Sounds kinda weird...
- You know how he treats his reputation, - came the answer of the Prophet, - I will not now reveal his whole story. Trotskevich is not just a general, he is also a sorcerer. He wanted to infiltrate here and perform an ominous ritual in praise of his ancient god, whom he worships. And at the same time blow up a couple of warheads of unknown strength. Such a weapon could tear apart the Griffin's earth crust in a matter of minutes. If we had not arrived in time, all the inhabitants of Griffin would have gone into darkness. Dvorok wanted to destroy all the people here. Kill billions of living beings. But the Irresistible and Pious Akh-Asur prevented him from doing such evil. And praise his name! And may his Light reign!
These news seemed more plausible. Although distrust of the aliens still reigned among the soldiers of the Coalition.
- From now on, we protect this world, - Cha-Arun said proudly, raising the rod above his head, - From now on, Akh-Asur will take care of the entire population of the Griffin! This ship hovering in the sky will be your shield against all League threats!
He nodded his head in the direction of a giant floating structure that looked like a diamond. This gigantic spaceship looked truly bewitching. He attracted everyone who looked at him.
So you are our friends? - concluded Captain Prada, still doubting the words of the Prophet.
- Yes, - answered the head of the preachers, - We are your allies. And we will not let you offend the forces of darkness. Our comrades-in-arms will help the unfortunate people of the Griffin in restoring their homes. And we will heal all the wounded in a few days. Rest assured, you are safe from now on.
Theophylact and the members of the council felt a noticeable relief. This time they really felt completely protected. Judging by the words of the Prophet, one could understand that a powerful deity stood up for the whole world. Ideas about a new religion flashed through Theophylact's thoughts. Perhaps, knowing Akh-Asura closer, they could all bow before his might.
But Owen and several other representatives of the Coalition still felt mistrust of the Prophet and his brethren. They appeared here too suddenly, spoke in a strange and mysterious way, and also mentioned the death of Trotskevich. The burner became more and more distrustful of the aliens' words. They didn't say anything and hid something.
- But now I must inform you, - the Prophet loudly said, lowering the wand down, - the Great and Irresistible Akh-Asur, the Bringer of Light, wishes to receive guests. He wants to see the warriors that managed to defeat the mighty forces of the League. Owen the Burner, Balderan the Swordsman, Farinni Prada and Osvaldo should come with us.
The four warriors whose names were mentioned by the preacher looked at each other in bewilderment. Particularly strong confusion seized Captain Prada and his friend the sergeant. Here they were mere mortals, and could not at all be of interest to the Gods. Whether business Owen with Balderan. After all, they were powerful psionics, and quite suitable for negotiations with an alien deity.
Why not Isabella and I? - Mustafa asked almost in anger, - We also piled on the soldiers of the League! Do you know how many bastards we put down with my swallow?!
- Your names were not mentioned, - answered the preacher, - I'm sorry. The Great and Irresistible Lord Akh-Asur did not say a word about you.
-
The four warriors felt a sharp pain in their eyes. Once again, an alien and mysterious glow flashed before them. Again, they plunged into the unknown, and not at all knowing what lay ahead of them. But now they were determined to find out all the answers. There were too many mysteries, and they needed to be solved as soon as possible. In the end, this will help them learn how to stop this war, which has been going on for two long years.
They left their comrades on the Griffin. According to the promises of the Prophet, the mysterious servants of Akh-Asur named the Pious were supposed to take care of the suffering inhabitants of the city. The preachers ordered the rest of the soldiers and commanders to proceed back to the palace. Mustafa immediately did not like this idea, just like his beloved, but soon, they were forced to obey. Owen himself asked them about it. Now it was impossible to take drastic measures, as this could well lead to unexpected consequences. The rescue of the inhabitants of the city was entrusted to strangers. Many Coalition warriors began to believe that the mysterious servants of the unknown god would do much more effectively. The Prophet also promised a speedy restoration of buildings. But Owen the Burner and Captain Prada doubted the veracity of his words. But Balderan and Sergeant Osvaldo, on the contrary, decided to believe the preachers. They felt a certain unity with them, due to the fact that the deity was a malicious enemy of the accursed League ..
Now four great warriors have passed along with the Prophet and his brethren into a gigantic shining ring. In less than a few seconds, they were at a great distance from the planet. The light still blinded their eyes.
- We have arrived, my children, - the voice of the Prophet was heard, - Now we will proceed to Him. He is already waiting for you.
Having said these words, Cha-Arun turned back and followed forward along a large long corridor. His brethren immediately hurried after him, leaning on their glowing staves. Owen clearly noted that the preachers were afraid of their leader. They followed him very cautiously, as if afraid to take any extra steps.
As they scanned the area, the psi-adepts of the Coalition and their mortal allies realized that they were in a truly incredible spacious room. It was a long corridor, the ceilings of which reached an amazing height. The walls shimmered in various colors, many of which were unknown to all people. The lanterns above burned with a blindingly bright blue light that blinded the eyes of the Tramontine veterans. Everything here was not created by the hands of mortals. The corridor struck with its amazing magnificence. Only Gods could do such a thing, and no one else.
The four warriors soon also followed the Prophet and his retinue. They walked very cautiously, a bit reminiscent of those monks who surrounded the head of the procession himself. All the while, they kept looking around. Owen and Balderan clearly noticed strange music coming from somewhere out of nowhere. She sounded so distant, and at the same time beckoned to her, attracted like a magnet. Even the Tramontian veterans listened to such wonderful sounds. They felt an incredible bliss deep inside. They all just wanted to lie down on the huge iridescent floor and feel great pleasure, disconnect from everything dark and disturbing them. For a while, the heroes even forgot about the horrors that happened earlier. The Tramontian veterans no longer even remembered the colossal destruction of Dane. They forgot about the millions of victims and exhausted residents. They plunged into the atmosphere of the halls of an unknown deity.
After walking for some time along the gigantic picturesque corridor, the procession stopped. None of the psi-adepts and their companions knew exactly how much time had passed. Osvaldo and Prada even dared to think that time did not exist here at all. Everything here was so mysterious and beautiful at the same time. Owen admired such miraculous magic that reigned in these halls. A powerful deity clearly lived here. This aura was felt absolutely everywhere here. Mysterious, mysterious and incredible aura of God. The guests who arrived did not even know how to describe it.
Only when the Prophet and his retinue stopped did the guests realize that they had arrived at their destination. Now they stood in front of huge doors that led into the unknown. Obviously, their fate awaited them.
At the gate were two draconian warriors clad head to toe in silver armor. In their hands they held luminous spears and triangular shields. The helmets of these "dragon" knights had a bizarre and slightly elongated shape. They ended with a high plume of feathers of various birds.
The shields of these valiant guardsmen were engraved with amazing designs resembling a huge yellow sun. The faces of these aliens were not visible, but through the helmet, luminous eyes were clearly visible. As soon as they saw the head of the preachers, they immediately knelt before him, and laid the shields on the ground. Only their spears remained upright.
"Hallowed be the name of Akh-Asura!" - the words of the Prophet were heard, coming close to the knights, - For Akh-Asur is the Light of this universe! And may His power reign over all! And may His teachings spread throughout the universe! And let the unbelievers know His name and His word! And let His enemies fall on their knees!
- Akh-Asur is the Light, - two knights responded in chorus, who immediately bowed their heads, - And may His power reign over all! And may His teachings spread throughout the universe! And let the unbelievers know His name and His word! And let His enemies fall on their knees!
- And let everyone who is afraid of His wrath! - Cha-Arun continued his speech, - And may everyone who slanders Him with slander and commit sacrilege be destroyed! For if anyone goes against the Light, he will not live in this universe!
- And let everyone who is afraid of His wrath! - In an instant, the prayers of the guardsmen were heard, - And may everyone who slanders Him with slander and commit sacrilege be destroyed! For if anyone goes against the Light, he will not live in this universe!
The Prophet turned his head towards his brethren who stood behind him like statues. The monks immediately fell to their knees, placing their palms on their foreheads. Meanwhile, the light in the tip of their mysterious leader’s wand began to flicker noticeably. Soon, it already covered the entire sorcerous staff of the Prophet, and then spread to his hands.
- Akh-Asur is Light! - the sorcerer said loudly, - Absolute and True Light of the Universe! And may he rule over all the living and all the dead! And so be it and so be it!
- Akh-Asur is Light! - the monks and knights repeated in chorus, - the Absolute and True Light of the Universe! And may he rule over all the living and all the dead! And so be it and so be it!
The guests who arrived looked at all this with eyes full of bewilderment and at the same time admiration. Prada clearly noticed that his friend Osvaldo takes pleasure in looking at the prayers of their new allies. And Owen noticed the same feelings in Balderan. But still, the Scorcher has not yet got rid of the strange feeling pulsing inside. He felt some echoes of danger, which seemed to shout to him from afar. Distrust of new friends began to intensify. He still felt that something was wrong. For a second, he felt himself almost the only sighted person in the company of the blind.
- Now you will see Him! - the voice of the Prophet was heard, which vibrated noticeably, - When you enter, fall on your knees before His Divine power.
Balderan and Osvaldo nodded quietly. On the face of the sergeant, a frantic reverence flashed at all. He smiled in a strange way and looked at the monks as if they were real angels. Balderan also admired them, and his feelings only increased with every second. But this greatly displeased Captain Prada and Owen himself. Scorcher did not understand this behavior of his close comrades. Perplexity seized his soul.
- On knees? - almost indignantly asked Owen - I don't think it's necessary. Lately there have been too many who demand worship. Look at the League Generals!
For a second, Scorcher wished he had any magical weapon from Elfurr in his hands. Perhaps this could seriously clarify the situation.
- This is a tribute, - the Prophet answered in a pacified voice, - I beg you. Don't insult Him. By not falling to your knees, you can make Him angry. But I don't think any of you want the backlash.
Captain Prada glared at the preachers upon hearing the words of their leader. He didn't like them much.
- Let's do as he says, - Balderan's voice immediately rang out, - After all, we are in a strange abode. Here they have their own laws. And we must obey them.
The swordsman insistently demanded respect from his comrades for new allies. Osvaldo was in complete agreement with him. But Owen and Prada still had strange feelings. They did not like these customs too much. Still, Burner and the captain understood that it was better to listen to Balderan now. It is not known what could be expected from these strange monks and their leader, just like from their deity.
- Well, - Owen said with a sigh, - I hope your pious monsignor turns out to be truly the True Light of the universe. And I hope he doesn't disappoint us.
Deep inside, the psi-adept was still thinking that he might meet an impostor pretending to be the true Creator of all living things.
- Do not dare to doubt Him, - the words of the leader of the monks were heard, - For a billion years he lives in this universe and paves the Light. Anyone who doubts Him is a heretic and a pagan. I hope we don't hear such words again.
Cha-Arun spoke too strictly and even fanatically. Owen and Farinni didn't like this even more. Deep within, the Scorcher made a promise to himself to discuss these matters with Akh-Asur himself. He felt that the long-awaited meeting was already close. And he vowed to get answers to all his questions. And there were already too many of them.
-
Horn.
The main stronghold of the psi-control and security forces of the Griffin Imperium.
The commandos had to use explosives to get to Thea's psi-analyst. Thea Kherson hasn't answered for hours. He locked himself in his office behind an armored door and stopped answering calls. Considering that General Linda Tirson was indignant, and that the planet was hit from space, it was categorically impossible to wait. Therefore, Tirson ordered to blow up the doors to Kherson's office in order to find him and bring him to justice for evading service.
As soon as the smoke cleared, the operatives quickly ran into the room. Linda was with them. To do this, she donned heavy armor, like all soldiers. Her red-haired head was topped with a high-crested Gryphonian helmet. The first to enter were three specialists famous for their operations against League spies. The second - five more warriors. Finally, Linda Tearson herself ran in.
- He is dead! - I heard the voice of a fighter named Deocles.
He stood, dressed in heavy special armor and a helmet with a gas mask, and pointed with an armored glove at the lying body.
- Yours ... - Deokl's comrade-in-arms, named Chios, cursed.
Linda clearly understood why Chios had gone so far as to use foul language. Usually he was not distinguished by rude expressions. But now the situation was completely different.
Thea Herson lay on the floor. But his body was terribly deformed. The chief psi-analyst of the citadel had indeed died. However, the cause of death remained the greatest of mysteries. Linda felt a strange coldness, even though she was wearing heavy armor.
For a moment she wanted to wrap herself in something warm.
- Who killed him .... - Deokl murmured in bewilderment.
“And most importantly, how…” came the voice of Sergeant Ser'Tirho of the Draconian race.
The draconian approached the lying body, which, in addition to everything else, stank terribly, and carefully examined it. The sight was truly eerie. Instead of a face, Thea Kherson had a continuous mess. The psionic lay in a disgusting pool of his own vomit mixed with urine and filth. Apparently, at the time of death, he emptied both his intestines and bladder.
The once noble human face was a shapeless grimace. The eyes were in completely different places. The nose disappeared somewhere, fell inward, and instead of it, only two huge gaps gaped. The mouth expanded to an incredible size, covering even part of the forehead. There was no language. Linda only realized later that the tongue was lying near the psionic's bloodied body.
- Yours... He bit off his own tongue when he suffered in agony... - followed the voice of Deokles, who understood everything. - He just took and gnawed off a portugaling piece of the body!
- Is that... murder? - Linda threw him a questioning look, - But how? The citadel is guarded! First level!
Tirson once again looked at the lying psi-adept. Apparently, it certainly was a murder. But not in a direct way. Someone destroyed Thea's brain and body from the outside, from the other side. He managed to get to Kherson and literally blow it up from the inside.
Ser'Tircho moved the scanning device over the body of the slain. With horror, he discovered that all the internal organs were torn to shreds. It was a real psi-undermining.
- This is an undermining, - the drakonid explained, looking at Linda with his yellow eyes, - Sorcery, in other words. Commonly used by Acheronians before an upcoming attack. A friend from Artandir told me. There have already been such cases. The League has long flirted with forces that are best left untouched.
- The League .... - Tirson growled angrily at this, - It's all the League.
Then she turned towards the soldiers standing behind, who were waiting for her direct order.
- Send a message to the government! Urgently! - commanded the general, - I don't care that there is no connection! Send him at any cost, fail, but send, and report the death of Kherson! The enemy is using psi-detonation tactics, which means that his attack is just around the corner!
-
The giant gate to the unknown room finally opened. Two "dragon" knights let the procession of monks and guests into the abode of their mysterious deity. They remained on their knees, bowing their heads down. They felt incredible awe of the Prophet and those around him. As Owen understood, everyone here experienced some kind of fear of the mysterious god and all his minions. They inspired ordinary mortals with incredible power, before which no one could resist.
As soon as the guests and their companions entered the room, they found themselves in an even more majestic and spacious hall. It would seem that the ceiling in it did not exist at all. The walls were convex and shimmered with various colors. Everywhere there reigned an irresistible and dazzling light. Upon entering the hall, the Tramontian veterans felt they simply could not afford to look at every detail of it. Everything here was truly created by the hands of the Gods. There was so much light that it greatly affected vision. This room was something mysterious and incredible.
The warriors walked forward behind the Prophet and his retinue and looked around with wild amazement. The light got brighter and brighter. For a moment, Prada regretted not wearing his sunglasses. They would be very useful to him in such an irresistible abode of the gods. Osvaldo had the same thought in his mind. The light here was indeed bright enough to harm mere human vision.
They were not alone in this room. On either side of them stood a multitude of beautiful foreign knights, dressed in even more luxurious silver armor. In their hands they held all the same luminous spears and square shields. Their faces were still not visible, but everyone saw that a mysterious bluish glow emanated from the slits of their helmets. Owen clearly understood that these knights were not human either. It was all the same draconians or kosatti. There were more mysteries. Prada found himself wondering why the draconians were serving on the ship Akh-Asura, or why the whole show was even necessary.
Suddenly the Prophet and his retinue stopped. Then, in the blink of an eye, they froze, as if rooted to the spot. The monks and their leader simply froze in place. All the guests who arrived immediately followed suit. They were in the house of an unknown owner, and they understood that their every movement was being watched. Owen and Balderan knew that the frozen knights were looking at them with their fiery eyes. Scorcher felt their dazzling gazes.
- Glory to Akh-Asur! - loudly said the Prophet, immediately raising his witch's staff, - And may His light reign for all time! And may His name be glorified! And let His power come! And may He cleanse the universe of unbelievers and sinners! And let everyone who is afraid of His wrath! And let all heretics and pagans who reject His piety fall down before Him!
- Glory to Akh-Asur! - the deafening voices of knights and monks were heard throughout the hall, - And may His light reign for all time! And hallowed be His name! And let His power come! And may He cleanse the universe of unbelievers and sinners! And let everyone who is afraid of His wrath! And let all heretics and pagans who reject His piety fall down before Him!
Having said prayers, all the servants of Akh-Asur present in the room immediately began to kneel down. This phenomenon began to occur absolutely everywhere. Not only the monks fell prostrate, but even those silent dragon knights who, not so long ago, froze like statues. The warriors sank to their knees at breakneck speed, placing their shields and spears beside them. They covered their faces with their hands and again froze in a daze. Only the arriving guests, led by the Prophet himself, remained standing still.
Now the guests clearly saw what was happening right in front of them. The Prophet stood in front of a huge structure that most of all resembled an imperial throne. This throne was right next to a wall that shimmered with different colors. Now the seat was empty, and only two lizard guardsmen in silver armor knelt beside him. Obviously, this mysterious throne belonged to their mighty and irresistible god. It truly amazed with its magnificence and beauty. Many of the guests understood that this design was not created from ordinary metals. There was clearly something foreign here, and perhaps coming from other realities.
- Glory to Akh-Asur, - Cha-Arun repeated once more.
And then he fell to his knees, placing his staff beside him. Even the most powerful of the servants of this deity prostrated himself like a faithful slave. He also covered his face with his hands and did not look ahead. His body froze in a daze.
The guests had to obey because they clearly heard the words of the Prophet. Even the day before, he said that their god requires respect. With great reluctance, Owen and Farinni Prada collapsed on their faces before the empty throne. And Balderan and Osvaldo, on the contrary, did it with some incredible reverence. It would seem that these two were in awe of the power of the mysterious deity.
However, Owen did not put his head down, but continued to carefully observe the throne, which was now completely empty. He knew he shouldn't bow his head to someone he didn't trust. The burner knew that he was probably committing sacrilege, but he could not help himself. His head just didn't turn down.
-
Suddenly, right in front of the faces of all those gathered, that very bright flash of light again appeared. It formed just as suddenly as the one that the adepts saw back in the city. Such a bright light did not greatly affect the vision of Osvaldo and Prada, and also Balderan. Yet they covered their faces. But Owen tried not to turn away from the glow, but to look directly at it. Two seconds later, the flash disappeared completely. This whole phenomenon happened too quickly, in a matter of moments. Scorcher clearly realized that he had never seen so much blinding light. Perhaps today was full of miracles.
The picture is finally clear. Now Owen could clearly see what was going on ahead of him. From now on, the beautiful golden throne was no longer empty. Right on top of it sat a tall and slender entity that they certainly didn't expect to see here. It wasn't him at all, it was her. Draconid, dressed in dark armor from legs to neck. Her beautiful head remained open. Long purple hair fell from her head to graceful shoulders, topped with long spiked pauldrons. She smiled at the procession, and quite maliciously, revealing her long pointed teeth. Her violet eyes literally pierced right through everyone present.
- Incredibly true, - with a strange smile, said the dragon, - You came here in search of a mysterious deity who saved this world from destruction and from the troops of General Trotskevich. And in the end - you see me. Say I'm flawless Say it. I am flawless. Inwardly, you understand that this is not so. For example, you, a man named Owen.
Owen realized that this entity had noticed him. Despite the fact that all his comrades were on their knees, Burner chose to rise to his feet. The Warrior stood up to his full height and proudly looked the alien woman straight in the face.
- I don't understand what you mean, - Owen answered it, - And I don't know you. Therefore, why should I say that you are flawless? Tell me better where is your deity.
- Oh, yes .... of course, - the dragon said thoughtfully, - Deity .... Akh-Asur. You are looking for him. You have come here from the surface of this world. They came to find God. Majestic and beautiful. But instead I am. Why don't you tell me that I'm perfect? I am amazing. Say it. Tell me I'm amazing. You know perfectly well that this is true, Owen. Do you see this. You are amazing, Owen. You admire my awesomeness. If I may say so.
The alien spoke in riddles, and the psi-adept did not understand their meaning. He wanted to unravel all the mysteries that worried him more and more. And he clearly felt that all the answers would soon come to him. But only one question remained, whether these answers would be joyful for him or, on the contrary, plunge him into despair and confusion.
"My name is Ser'Kiraani," the mysterious person said, looking down at the warrior. "Have you never heard that name?" That's right, never. But admit that I admire you. Cause I'm amazing. Say it. Just say it and that's it!
- Why should I say this? Owen asked.
The psi-adept of the Coalition tried to go ahead. He did not understand at all what was going on around him. Until recently, he went along with his companions to meet the mysterious Akh-Asur, and now his mind is confused by some kind of lizard-like beast.
“Because it is the truth,” Ser'Qiraani replied, “Prince of Fire. I am amazing. You don't even know what I came up with. And if he imagined, realized the scope of that globality, then he would instantly crumble to dust. But I'll tell you at least part of the plan. At least a small part of it. Only under one condition. Tell me how valuable this system is to you? Yes, I'm talking about the Griffin Imperium now.
The dragonkind clearly had no intention of retreating. She was playing some dangerous game that Owen certainly didn't want to play.
- Valuable, - the Scorcher finally said, - Every life in this galaxy is priceless. The Griffin Imperium is under the patronage of the Coalition of Galactic States. All these people who live there are priceless. Every life in the galaxy is priceless. Remember this. And tell me, finally, why did you bring us here? And where is your god after all?
Yes, it all looks very strange, doesn't it? - the dragon chuckled maliciously, - Do you want to know why I invited only the four of you? Why chose you? But no one else!
Ser'Qiraani vanished in a blinding flash, then reappeared directly in front of Owen. She looked into his face with her bright yellow eyes. Only later did the Scorcher notice that until recently they were purple.
- Want! Owen replied sharply. “More than that, I want you to stop asking me stupid questions!” We have come here to speak with Akh-Asur!
The dragonid smiled broadly at this, revealing her sharp teeth even more. Her smile stretched across her face. Now she looked at the Scorcher with incredible pleasure. As if she enjoyed the excitement of the psionicist.
“The thing is, no Akh-Asur exists,” Ser'Qiraani hissed with malicious joy. “It's just a legend. Look around, Owen! There is no Akh-Asur, just as there are no monks, except for Cha-Arun himself!
Owen immediately turned around. Cha-Arun stood behind him in splendid isolation and haughtily looked at the warrior. No monks accompanying him. But what really excited the Scorcher was that his companions continued to kneel, frozen like statues.
-
-- What the hell are they doing? Mustafa exclaimed indignantly.
The gray-bearded commander and his lover looked at the strange behavior of the aliens with puzzled looks. According to the Prophet, these mysterious Pious were supposed to save the lives of the inhabitants of the city. Many believed that they would descend to the surface in order to begin to rescue the unfortunate from the landslides and ruins, but they did not. For the place of help, aircraft from other worlds flew over the second capital, as if patrolling the territory. And the mysterious hanging structure in the shape of a giant rhombus began to flood with electrical impulses even more. Around her vibrated strange energy clots that constantly flickered.
And then, a moment later, a monstrous pillar of fire descended on the city, a pillar of fire that emanated from the titanic alien ship. The flames instantly pulverized one of the majestic buildings, which was not so badly damaged by the burning debris. The most powerful surge of energy did not leave a single piece of the structure. The ensuing explosion provoked a shock wave that immediately swept through the rest of the city. From such an incredible push, many present in the palace fell to the ground.
- Gods! - Frightened cries of people and foreigners were heard from all sides, - What are they doing?
Bewilderment and horror began to seize all the inhabitants of the palace with renewed vigor. The sense of danger only increased. Now they no longer trusted the Prophet and his retinue, who promised to take care of the inhabitants of Griffin and themselves.
When all the inhabitants of the palace rose to their feet, they decided to look out the windows again. And what they saw there amazed them even more, and also filled their souls with incredible fear, even more nightmarish than what they had felt before. Now they felt almost like doomed victims.
A titanic beam of fire emanated from under the giant hanging structure of the aliens, rushing straight into the ground. It had already destroyed one of the buildings and was now piercing the surface of the planet. The electrical pulses around the ship were getting brighter and brighter. Now they could be seen even by myopic.
And the aircraft of the Pious continued to fly in different directions. It would seem that their pilots completely forgot about the unfortunate inhabitants with whom this city was still filled. They didn't care about the survivors at all.
Mustafa himself was the first to feel an incredible rage in the depths of his soul. This situation worried him the most. From the very beginning, he felt distrust of the mysterious religious outsiders. Now the line of distrust has crossed its line and has already turned into hostility. The gray-bearded warrior felt the evil forces emanating from the hovering ship and the enemy aircraft surrounding it. With eyes full of anger, he looked at the whole picture of monstrous destruction.
Many of the people and draconians in the palace stared at the cup-shaped structure without a word. They simply froze in a daze and could not take their eyes off the ship. The enemy ship continued to emit a column of hellfire that pierced the surface of the planet. Most of all, Isabella Fortunato felt fear. She abruptly grabbed her lover's hand and continued to look at the bright flames. From horror and amazement, her mouth opened wide and could not utter a single word.
- Maybe... They're trying to restore the buildings? Mustafa suggested. Or did they betray us?
But the beloved did not answer him. She continued to stare at the giant pillar of fire emanating from the alien construct. Her face was starting to turn pale, and her hands were cold, like those of an ice statue.
"I don't like all this," came the voice of Ser'Naveh.
The dragon-like creature stood next to the two lovers and the temporary master of the planet. This lizard was more alarmed than the others. His pupils had already dilated to the limit. He just didn't know what else to do in this situation.
- I don't like it either, - said Mustafa, - This ship obviously used some kind of weapon. It is unlikely that a fiery beam pierced the planet for no reason. It seems to me that I should not have trusted this Cha-Arun.
- But if there is danger, then our friends may well save the situation, - Theophylact said to this, - Balderan, Owen and two Tramontians went with the Prophet. And they are not from a timid dozen.
"Nevertheless, that doesn't mean we're saved," growled the draconian, "Akh-Asur appears to be some kind of ancient god." It could well affect the strongest of our psionics.
- Then what do we do? - finally I heard the voice of Isabella.
Fortunato broke the silence for the first time in twenty minutes. Obviously, she was trying to move away from the shock that gripped her.
- We can't do anything yet, - said the ruler of the planet, - What can we do against this ship?
- They lied to us along the way, - Mustafa said angrily, - They were supposed to save the inhabitants! And not fly uselessly in the sky and not use incomprehensible crap!
The gray-bearded commander was already at his limit. This whole strange situation was beginning to terribly piss him off. He had already seen plenty of flying alien ships hovering over the cities. Now he clearly sensed the threat posed by the diamond-shaped structure. In addition, his heart clearly told him that soon they would all be very unwell. He cursed himself for even partially trusting the Prophet and his acolytes. These aliens were clearly not here to save the lives of the unfortunate. They had their own purpose, far more mysterious, and perhaps more terrible, and their deity could very well be an even more monstrous entity than the worst of the League's generals.
- Even if they lied, then we can only pray for salvation, - Feofilakt's speeches were heard, - It is unlikely that we will find weapons capable of destroying this hanging piece of iron. All defensive stations are immobilized. We have no contact with anyone. It is unlikely that Elfurr will arrive as soon as we would like.
"I don't know if we're capable of destroying the ship, but their starships are fine," the draconian said in a snarling voice.
Everyone in the room immediately looked at Ser'Naveh. It was only now that fear was beginning to evaporate from the draconian's soul. The alien felt a mysterious surge of confidence. His gaze did not at all remind of a desperate situation.
- What do you mean, Mr. Ser'Naveh? Mustafa asked here.
“Listen, I am from the Artandir service,” the foreigner answered. “If the president of Artandir does not get a channel of communication with me soon, he will immediately send troops here. The coalition will not abandon us. None of us. We have not been contacted for many hours. This will not go unnoticed. And we also have cool stuff that you will definitely like. Elfurr Destroyers. I brought them to Castleum recently. I understand that I should have requested permission from the Elfurr Empire for this, but I did not, and as I see it, everything worked out for the good. If these creatures attack, we can gouge their cars in the sky!
- Why the hell didn't you say that? Isabella cursed. “The Elfurr superguns are all we need!”
- In that case, carry a weapon, - the gray-bearded warrior commanded, - And quickly!
-
"Magnificent Revenge"
Flagship dreadnought of General Dvorok Trotskevich.
Outer space of the League on the border with the possessions of the Coalition. Sector 4-5
General Dvorok Trotskevich sat proudly on a luxurious armchair upholstered in the skin of one of the predatory creatures inhabiting Minos. He drank sips of purple wine with such pleasure that even Lazitron, who was sitting next to him, envied him a little. Sozi-daus did not understand why this white-skinned hekatoncheir Dvorok felt such strong sensations, from the taste of the drink or from the realization that he was nevertheless forgiven for past failures.
Shaking his head, the admiral also took a sip of wine and fixed his thoughtful gaze on the clone guards standing nearby. As soon as he looked at them, he felt a certain fear and even confusion. These guardsmen entered the service quite recently. It is said that Dr. Ugayama of the Research Service perfected them at his Bestiary Center. Now these warriors were dressed in more durable armor, which was part of their skin. Their eyes were also torn out and replaced with mechanical ones. Lazitron knew that the League's chief military scientist was no stranger to cyborgization.
“You are looking at the fighters with such curiosity,” Trotskevich concluded, seeing the look of his interlocutor, “You haven’t seen them here before, right?
- I'm just amazed at the skills of our scientists, - Lazitron answered this, turning towards the general, - Although at the same time I don't like him.
- For what? - I heard the question of the commander, - For his former life?
- As you know, in Nicomedia for one mention of Ukayama - immediately a fine, - the admiral said, shaking his head, - And in the Draconid Empire - and even that, you can go to jail. Previously, and in the power of Sausie Daus, he was recognized as crazy, until that power fell into your hands.
“Ukayama is a madman without a doubt,” Dvorok said to this, rubbing his white hair, “He is obsessed with his experiments with lower beings. But nevertheless, we need it. The League appreciates his work. Thanks to his science, we have many perfect warriors. Like the ones you were staring at.
Trotskevich pointed with his hand at the guards standing behind him, dressed in armor and helmets with high pickelhelms. Their faces were covered with steel half-masks, exposing only mechanical eyes, more like eyepieces. In their hands, these idols held huge halberds. They froze like real statues and did not make a single rustle.
Do you remember Ser'Qiraani? Trotskevich suddenly asked.
Lazitron flinched for a second. This name has not been spoken on the ship for a long time. And besides, it did not bode well. He didn't even want to think about this creature, proudly calling itself a "kossatian".
- Of course, - answered Lazitron, but his fear remained with him, - It is impossible to forget her. She constantly demands to be recognized as amazing.
“But she really is amazing,” said Dvorok proudly, “if you only knew how big her plan is.” Even your idea with Butt Trundott doesn't work.
- And why? - Followed by the admiral's question - Trandotte was the best solution.
- Just one Nicomedia and one ship, - Trotskevich said to this, drinking another sip of wine, - But Kiraani did much more than you. Moreover, unlike you, she did not let her master down.
Lazitron felt his fear turn to anger. He obviously did not expect such words from his closest colleague.
- I don't understand what you mean, - murmured sozi-daws, - You offend me, Dvorok. Remember what I have done for the army of the League! How many saboteurs he prepared, how much effort he put in. And don't forget that I have a sign.
With these words, Lazitron pulled back the sleeve of his uniform. But instead of finding the symbol of the pentagram there, he found only a void. The symbol vanished as if it had never existed, as if no one had ever placed it on an offworlder's hand.
Sozi-Daws felt terror sweep through his entire body, stronger than ever this time. That terrible and piercing cold appeared again, making its way to the very bone marrow.
- You no longer have a symbol, Lazitron, - Trotskevich grinned, - See? You are nothing.
The admiral immediately turned towards his comrade-in-arms. A former comrade-in-arms, to be more precise.
- What did you do to me? - I heard a voice full of despair and madness.
- It's not me, - immediately answered Dvorok, - It's you yourself, Lazitron. You yourself. You failed your overlord's mission, squabbled with Ser'Qiraani, lost several important battles. And you thought that you would just be left alive so that you would repent? No, my friend, repentance will not help. Lord Marfur-Nirari no longer needs you.
At the same moment, the general pulled out a laser pistol from his bosom and fired several volleys. After a couple of seconds, a terrible black hole gaped in the elongated head of Lazitron. There was no blood. She simply evaporated from the monstrous heat.
- General, we entered the Griffin system, - there was a mechanical rattle from the speakers built into the walls of the cabin, - What will be your orders?
- Keep moving! - Trotskevich shouted at the top of his voice, - I will immediately arrive on the bridge!
-
- What are they doing there? Mustafa shouted beside himself with rage.
He was seriously disturbed by the mysterious behavior of unknown aliens called the Pious, who were the servants of a mysterious god. They made no attempt at all to help the population recover from the catastrophe. The commander expected that these creatures would immediately begin landing in the most damaged areas of the city and begin to medically examine each of the victims. In his head, the grey-bearded warrior has already built a picture in which mysterious aliens are carrying out an entire operation to rescue survivors from the most inaccessible places. In his brain, they were already beginning to attempt to pull the wounded out of the landslides and huge pits, pulling out all sorts of equipment to help. But none of this happened. The aliens were still flying around the capital of the planet. But the most disturbing thing was that in the last ten minutes their craft began to fly around the Propraetor's Palace, where the Coalition warriors and their allies were located. Many felt uncomfortable when they heard the eerie hum of engines. The scarlet saucer-shaped starships swept around the palace at a slow pace. It would seem that they are scanning the entire structure for weapons and ammunition. Ser'Naveh was the most worried about this behavior of the Pious. The Draconid feared that they were checking the level of danger posed by the inhabitants of the palace, which only meant that after the check, an attack would immediately follow.
Right in front of the eyes of the draconian and two of his comrades-in-arms, another enemy apparatus flew by, resembling an octopus in shape. For a second, Ser'Naveh thought the starship's pilot was carefully examining him with all sorts of instruments. The draconian's sense of danger began to intensify.
- All this is strange, - Mustafa said, - They behave rather strangely.
- I also noticed, - said Isabella, - It's good that we armed ourselves.
Minutes before the aliens began flying over the palace, the Coalition warriors and their allies armed themselves with Elfurr gadgets.
At the same moment, right in front of the windows through which the inhabitants of the palace looked, a mysterious flying object appeared. It emerged from a dazzling glow, just like all the previous ones. True, this flying structure was much larger than all the other enemy vehicles. In form, it was a giant bird, the body of which was created from metals unknown to science. Scarlet fires were lit on it everywhere, testifying to the combat readiness of the apparatus. The giant starship was truly huge in every way. Its width was at least ten meters, and its length did exceed twenty. The alien apparatus appeared not far from the building itself, but through the open windows it seemed to come close.
- What is he doing? Ser'Naveh exclaimed in bewilderment, visibly stiffening.
The bird-shaped flying object made a strange sound, most of all resembling a desperate squeak. And then several glowing panels popped out from under its hull. This phenomenon seriously alarmed all the assembled warriors.
- What the hell is he doing? Mustafa cursed furiously.
Seeing this behavior of the ship, the grey-bearded warrior immediately raised the flash rifle given to him by Ser'Naveh. He aimed its muzzle directly at the glowing panels that had appeared in the enemy craft. He was already ready to open fire and smash this foreign structure to smithereens.
- Stop! shouted Theophylact at the top of his voice.
The interim ruler of the planet was as alarmed as the others, but he was still wary of hasty decisions. He heard the words of the Prophet that the Pious had come here to help. The elderly official still hoped for the veracity of the words of the preachers. Some part of him thought that the birdlike ship was simply checking the palace for weapons, and soon it would simply fly away or disappear into a cloud of light.
- I don't like this thing! - Mustafa croaked angrily, - And I don't like these flyers in the air. They are already pretty tired. I want to understand what is going on here.
- Can we wait until Owen and Balderan return? Isabella's voice rang out.
The girl was also frightened, and sometimes she was not even aware of the meaning of her phrases. Now her face was as pale as the morning snow. She was no less afraid of a possible attack than the others.
- By the time they return, we will be killed here, - the draconian remarked pessimistically, - I agree with Mustafa. These aliens are clearly not our friends. And it is still unknown what actually happened to ours. Maybe Balderan and Owen are already dead. Like Farinni with Osvaldo.
- They're not dead! - almost in hysterics cried Fortunato, - Non! Impossible! They are not dead!
Suddenly, something strange flew out from the direction of the giant bird-like structure. Ser'Naveh was the first to notice such an unusual phenomenon. The aircraft of the Pious released from the side of the right wing something that most of all resembled a light ball. As soon as the draconian narrowed his eyes and examined the completely mysterious projectile for a second, he immediately realized the full horror of the situation. The alien's pupils widened in terrible fear and confusion. He realized that even if he opened his mouth, he would not have time to warn his comrades-in-arms. Time has played a cruel joke.
The luminous clot landed directly on the upper level of the palace. The blow came over the heads of the assembled warriors, followed by a deafening roar. A monstrous explosion immediately blew the entire upper gallery to pieces, along with the soldiers of Theophylact who were there. The Gryphonian guards instantly melted due to the incredible heat. Dozens of valiant warriors instantly turned into steam. There was not a single piece left of them.
The shock wave that arose after the explosion immediately overturned all the Coalition warriors and their allies gathered at the windows to the ground. Mustafa and Isabella fell first, hitting their heads painfully on the floor. The rest of the fighters followed along with the draconians. Theophylact also lost his balance and quickly fell to the floor. Having hit a stone with his temple, he instantly ceased to exist. The temporary ruler of the Griffin instantly went to the forefathers. He was too old to withstand such monstrous blows.
The ceiling and walls of the building began to crack rapidly. Lime and fragments of stones poured everywhere. The earthquake was so powerful that the whole planet seemed to be trembling. And the valiant warriors of the Coalition, along with their brethren, never rose to their feet. They were deafened and shell-shocked, and now they heard almost nothing. The deafening roar turned into a sharp ringing, which completely cut off the hearing of many warriors.
Mustafa tried to shout at least one word, but realized that he did not even hear his own voice. The ringing in his ears was too piercing. He wanted to grab his head and hit it with all his strength against something hard. He simply could not get rid of this eerie sound that seemed to pierce his entire brain.
“A.....a........” the grey-bearded warrior struggled to shout.
He shook his head in different directions, while trying not to swallow the caustic smoke. The image in his eyes blurred. He couldn't even see his own feet now. But he did not think much about his own salvation at these moments. At that moment, he was only interested in the fate of his beloved. He waved his arms in all directions, trying to dispel the smoke and look at Isabella. He didn't know where she was or what had happened to her. Chaos filled the entire room. Chaos, fire and death. It would seem that the whole universe began to split into pieces.
- If they are wrong, these monks - mentally said Mustafa, whose rage began to flare up with titanic speed.
-
The mysterious dragonmaid smiled wider as she looked at Owen, the only one of her companions who retained a semblance of reason. The rest of the Coalition warriors present fell asleep. They froze on their knees and did not even move. The burner knew this was another trap. The same one that made you think that they were visiting a deity.
Meanwhile, Ser'Qiraani's smile grew more and more malevolent. Her beautiful eyes shone like a supernova.
- I deceived you, - the dragonkind said in an enthusiastic voice, - Everything you saw was an illusion. My illusion I have incredible potential. I can do a lot, Owen. I can even become you, or your friends. I can make you believe that Balderan is your enemy and wants to kill you. Or that Griffin is a League planet that needs to be bombed. I like it. And I know that deep inside you feel admiration.
Owen himself did not notice how he suddenly smiled. His smile appeared on his face on his own, uncontrollably. He just couldn't control himself. He continued to smile from ear to ear, baring his teeth. He almost echoed his dragonlike companion.
- See? Ser'Qiraani remarked with a smile, "You rejoice." I'm the one who makes you happy, Owen. I can do everything. I am amazing. Say it. You know you have to say it.
"You're amazing," repeated Owen's lips.
He didn't want to say it, but he did. The lips moved regardless of his will. The same thing happened with the voice. Complete control over the vocal cords, nothing else.
- You are amazing, - the Burner repeated again, - There is no limit to my admiration.
Ser'Qiraani licked her lips in pleasure. Her long snake-like tongue stuck out all the way to her chin and then tucked back behind her teeth.
- What are you standing for? - the sonorous voice of the dragon was heard here, - Why don't you want to say the same thing?
The foreigner addressed the frozen in a daze, Balderan, Osvaldo and Farinni. The entity's eyes turned into bright green cat-like lights.
“You are delightful,” Balderan spoke first, looking at Ser'Qiraani with eyes full of joy and bliss, “Everything you do is worthy of admiration. Admiration and irresistibility - that's what you are.
“You are delightful,” Osvaldo said after the warrior with the same look.
“You are amazing,” Prada repeated.
All three had completely forgotten how they came here and why. They didn't remember anything at all. Even their own names. Their entire minds were filled with mysterious energy, spread by the mysterious dragon.
“Wonderful, just wonderful,” Ser'Qiraani smiled again. “See? Now you've all changed your mind about me. And I did lead you. Made me believe in the myth of Akh-Asur. Made you believe your world was saved. You know, I can right now give the order to destroy the Griffin and kill two billion. And you keep calling me amazing. I love it so much! You would know how pleased I am to see this!
The dragonkin laughed. She vanished in a blinding shower of sparks, then quickly reappeared in front of the three magical warriors who stood before her. Owen tried to rush to her and somehow stop this madness, but found that he could not move. He tried to move at least a toe, but this turned out to be a fiasco. With horror, he realized that he could not move at all.
- Stop! No need to destroy the Griffin! came the desperate voice of Owen.
All he could do was talk, and that was for now. He knew that the next stage would be complete clouding of the mind. It might even kill him. Will end the life of a glorious warrior in the service of the mighty Coalition. But no one will know what exactly happened to him. Yes, and he does not fall like a hero. Nobody will know anything at all. He will simply disappear, as if he did not exist in this world.
What don't you like, Owen? Ser'Qiraani exclaimed with a strange smile, turning her gaze to the Scorcher, "Why are you so afraid for this Griffin?! This is not your home! This is an alien world with alien creatures. It will soon be my world, Owen. By my world. I will do what I want there. Absolutely everything that comes to my mind.
Hearing these words, Owen started up sharply, and then twitched. With great difficulty, he forced himself to move. His entire body howled in incredible piercing pain. Yet he continued to fight for his life.
- Griffin is a planet with billions of lives! - Scorcher said menacingly.
- And what? - Followed by the answer of a foreigner, - Billions of lives. As if it bothered you. Do you know how many people destroyed each other? How many wars have been fought? None of the races killed themselves with such frenzy as humans. Do you know that when a simple child rushes across the field and enjoys life, how many insects and bugs turn into dust? How many living beings does the gardener destroy? How many? Thousands? Millions? Or maybe billions?
Ser'Qiraani immediately hid her smile, her luminous eyes glowing with anger.
- You have no choice, - the reptile continued, raising her voice noticeably, - You need to submit to your fate and stop resisting. Stop trying to prevent the inevitable. All you see is inevitability!
- What do you want, dragon? asked the Burner. - What do you want from us?
Ser'Qiraani growled menacingly. Her eyes lit up with an evil crimson glow. Then she quickly rushed towards Owen and grabbed him sharply by the throat. He couldn't even raise his hands to get rid of her tenacious grip. She was too strong.
- Never call me a dragon, - the alien woman gnashed through her sharp teeth, - I'm a cossatti! Do you hear? I am Cossati!
-
Space base "Taborescu"
Border starlands to the Griffin Imperium.
- Listen, you can estimate, Farkolf bought such an ugly watch, you should have seen it, - said Arnulf.
- In terms of? - his comrade named Sverbluff asked in bewilderment, - What kind of watch is this?
“From pure Aphoril,” said the kinos enthusiastically, “Here you go.” His brother says he stole them from the League's hecatoncheirs during a raid on their asteroid stronghold.
- .... yourself! - the interlocutor burst out with surprise, - I can’t think of such people even in my dreams with my earnings. All I get is twenty million. Beggarly wages, drakonid take it away.
Arnulf nodded his head at that. His friend's words pleased him. After all, the cinema itself was not in the best position. He only worked as a simple operator of beam weapons that guarded the space citadel from the enemy.
- I have thirty million in total, I'm a gunner, - Sverbluff said, - But an aforil watch ?! Mom, give birth to me back! That's all six trillion! If I found such a thing, I would immediately sell it. Then I bought myself a cool space yacht with three dozen sexy nicomedian girls!
- And why immediately nikomedians? Arnulf muttered in surprise.
He quickly took out with his paw a small bag of chips that was next to his desk and immediately opened it. A moment later, he was already chewing a few potato flakes in his toothy mouth.
- Why nikomedians? - hesitated, roared the kinos, - Well ....... I don’t even know.
He tore his eyes away from the monitors and turned his eyes to his best friend and colleague.
- It seems to me that the elfurrian girls will be better, - the operator smiled in his face, taking the chips out of the package again, - They seem to have bigger breasts and normal growth. Too bad they don't just happen. They immediately feel your gaze from a mile away.
- Yeah, as soon as you get your ... unit, they will cut it off for you, - Sverbluff grinned, - Because the Nikemedia women are cooler. They are simple as five denarii.
- You always plant your second tail a lot, - Arnulf laughed at this, - Honestly. You've already screwed up!
Suddenly there was a sharp thump of a fist on metal. The two operators immediately turned around in their chairs in the opposite direction. They found that someone had entered their premises. As soon as they saw who it was, they immediately got up from their seats.
- Mister... Ishken Derkh? - Sverbluff muttered in surprise, his jaw dropped, - Is that you, Agent Ishken Derh?!
- How did you get here? Arnulf said enthusiastically.
Ishken Derh, dressed in a strong suit, looked at them without any joy. Obviously, he heard their recent conversation, and such a bright jargon clearly did not please him. After a moment, however, he allowed himself a slight smile.
- Well, what is there? - asked the agent of the Coalition, - Any news from the Griffin?
- Well, it seems to be not ..... - one of the operators said to this.
- And I have, - Ishken immediately answered.
Durh leisurely walked across the deck to the monitors. He was interested in a giant block, wrapped in wires and cables. He found the right connector in a computer device and inserted a strange object there, covered in small electrical impulses. Looking at the item, the movie people immediately realized that it was an analogue of a USB storage device.
- The Griffin was attacked, - Ishken Derkh already seriously explained, - Admiral Akhmanet's flotilla is moving there. I have orders from Lady Totkhemris User'Kaf to force your base to join the offensive. Interruptions have even reached here. I used an elfurr teleporter. Lucky that at least he did not disappoint.
“Wait a minute…” Sverbluff suddenly started up, “What…. Were they really attacked?” All that disconnected crap.....
- The loss of communication is not an accident, - the agent said to this, - This is an attack by the League. Totkhemris User'Kaf intercepted enemy intelligence. They are going to stage a massive sabotage. What happened on Sanbatar was the beginning.
The kinos looked at each other. They didn't like what they heard. They could not even think that the League would decide on a second attack. In addition, they heard that the Griffin had already been attacked, and the League's army had suffered significant losses.
- Stupid bastards - cursed Arnulf - Are they suicidal? We will crush them! How they already crushed Lazitron's armada!
- If .... - Ishken said thoughtfully, - You would know who is in charge of all this. It's worse than Lazitron!
- Trotskevich? Sverbluff asked quickly.
But Derkh shook his head at that.
- Trotskevich in comparison with her .... a dummy, - the answer followed, - You can't even imagine what she is capable of.
-
The enemy ship continued to attack. He bombarded the palace with all his deadly weapons. The structure released entire streams of hellfire, which pierced the building at great speed, instantly destroying its masonry. A lot of damage was also done thanks to the monstrous torpedo salvo. One of the towers instantly turned into a pile of rubble that immediately fell down. The cornice and the roof of the palace were all mangled. The ancient and majestic structure was slowly turning into horrifying ruins. But there were still living beings inside the building.
In addition to enemy ships and small drone-like creatures, enemy foot soldiers also fell upon the Propraetor's Palace. As soon as Mustafa and his entire team recovered from the explosion, small portals began to open everywhere in the premises of the majestic building. Isabella distinctly noticed shining rings suddenly appearing, from which enemies immediately fell down. But these enemies were so powerful and dangerous that Mustafa and all his associates were forced to admit that they had never encountered such evil in their lives.
- Come here! - Mustafa yelled angrily, having prepared Elfurr's weapon for battle, - Let's go! What are you waiting for!
The first enemy that appeared instantly destroyed three Coalition fighters. As soon as he emerged from a flash of light, he immediately released a scarlet fiery beam from his head, which immediately incinerated the brave warriors. As Mustafa found out, it was a machine designed only for killing and war. There was nothing alive in it, except for the laid down program of destruction. This monstrous robot knew no mercy and pity, and pulverized everyone without any regret.
Isabella was suddenly attacked by one of the enemies, most of all resembling a knight. He swooped down on her with a drawn blade, but the warrior predicted the attack. The dark-haired maiden jumped to the side, and then delivered a crushing blow to the enemy right in the back. The knight howled in horrendous pain and fell to the shattered floor, bleeding green. Isabella clearly realized that the slain creature was not a person at all.
Mustafa and Shewotai fought the monstrous death machine, but so far without success. Ser'Naveh himself was the first to shoot her. He fired a fireball at the robot from his luminiferous rifle. A ball of blinding light reached its target in a few seconds and hit the monster in its steel torso.
The grey-bearded warrior felt a sharp relief when he saw that the monster was crumbling into splinters. But after a moment, Mustafa and Ser'Naveh almost froze in a daze. The monster shattered into several pieces, and then at breakneck speed began to unite into a single whole. In less than ten seconds, the robot recovered and fired again. A dazzlingly bright beam of light immediately hit the assistant of Theophylact, who was fighting for his own homeland.
The Gryphon did not have time to dodge and quickly disappeared into the air. His armored body simply split into atoms. Most of all, Mustafa and his soldiers were struck by the speedy regeneration of the machine. The robot simply reassembled itself from a thousand pieces.
- What a bitch .... - Mustafa cursed furiously.
He immediately raised his rifle and fired a volley. But this attack was also unsuccessful. The monster also scattered in different directions. A moment later, its fiery fragments began to connect again. The robot began a quick recovery process, and very soon it appeared before the commander again. This machine was truly monstrous. It was impossible to destroy her. Mustafa squeezed the trigger with wild anger and began to unleash the full power of the Elfurr rifle. The brightest clots of light flew at the enemy every second, but they never hit the target. The robot shattered into pieces again, and then reassembled itself. Mustafa realized with horror his complete impotence.
Isabella spotted an invulnerable enemy vehicle. She tried to get through to her lover, but unexpected enemies prevented her. Three Cossatti emerged from a ball of light before her eyes, clad in gleaming armor and armed with arcane weapons. Fortunato had to use all his dexterity to deal with the monsters. The aliens did not have time to release all the fiery fury from their guns. Isabella quickly rushed towards them with a drawn sword. She cut through a couple of lines and soon struck down the monsters on the spot. Three strangers fell to the floor with their bodies chopped in two. The same greenish blood began to ooze from their stumps. She did not pay attention to the corpses and hurried straight to her beloved, trying to break through the thick of the fighting.
And Mustafa still unsuccessfully pressed the trigger, releasing dazzlingly bright jets of light. Soon the barrel of the weapon warmed up in the hands of the warrior, and he instantly threw the weapon to the floor. The warrior realized that he could no longer use the Elfurr weapon. It was already unsuitable for combat, and could only bring death.
Jumping sharply to the side, Mustafa bumped into one of the Gryphonian guards. This warrior fought furiously with an armored kossatti knight who tried to cut him with an axe. The warrior decided to help his comrade-in-arms and attacked the knight with his bare hands. He quickly punched his opponent in the helmet and made a huge dent in it. But the lizard immediately pushed the warrior away, and he rolled on the floor. The blow was strong enough, and Mustafa felt dizzy. The dragon-like knight, meanwhile, pounced on the griffin and with all his might brought down the blade of the ax on him. The unfortunate soldier fell apart into a couple of parts, bleeding in pools. His body was cut in half.
Then the knight looked at another wounded fighter. This gryphon had been mortally wounded by the blade and lay on the floor. Encased in armor, the alien quickly approached the poor fellow and hit him with his boot with all his might. He then slammed his foot on the wounded man's head, instantly turning it into a bloody mess. The unfortunate brain immediately spread all over the floor.
- Yes, to you, - Mustafa spat angrily, seeing this horrific reprisal.
He instantly forced himself to his feet. The grey-bearded warrior darted towards the enemy blade lying on the ground. Not so long ago, one of the knights nevertheless fell, and left behind a weapon. Mustafa immediately took advantage of the trophy he found and quickly hurried to the terrible axeman. But the enemy turned sharply in his direction.
- How dare you interfere with me, - an ominous alien voice was heard from under the knight's helmet, - You are only a man! Pitiful primitive creation of false gods!
“Obviously, your Akh-Asur is not going to help us,” Mustafa said mockingly, putting his sword in front of him. “I thought he was going to be a bastard!”
- Ha-ha, but you are stupid as a cork, - the alien growled, - Do you seriously believe that some Akh-Asur will save your life? You are primitive, like your entire culture. The race of Cossutti will be happy to know how pathetic apes die in agony. And you.... You're about to die, man. Remember my name! I, Ser'Drimurthy!
- You know that Dri-fusk you, - the grey-bearded warrior blurted out angrily, - Let me die! But I will die free. And you are a slave... A slave to your false deities! So let's see which one of us is the hero!
But here Mustafa had to jump aside. From such a sudden attack, he almost lost his balance. From somewhere to the left, an alien blade flew out, which instantly pierced the knight in the head. It immediately pierced the Kossatian's helmet along with his head. The stranger immediately recoiled, and from under his helmet came a terrifying, furious groan. A moment later, the monster fell to the floor, dropping the axes from his hands. He showed no further signs of life.
Mustafa turned around sharply. Right in front of him stood his beloved Isabella, and now there was no weapon in her hands. The Warrior immediately realized who had thrown the blade. He realized that for the first time, his beloved had saved his own life, delivered him from a terrifying adversary. Isabella's eyes were still filled with feelings of fear and confusion, and her lips were trembling. But Mustafa looked at her with great love and admiration.
- Isabella! - the warrior immediately shouted, - My God, you made a hole in this slug's head!
- Yes, do not thank - quickly answered Fortunato - This is far from over. We need to deal with this damned machine. She is simply invulnerable. Nothing can hurt her!
- Do not be afraid, - Mustafa said with some enthusiasm, looking into the eyes of his beloved, - I will butcher this pig! Today we will not fail!
With these words, the commander threw the blade to the ground, and then raised his hands, flaming from sorcery, up. His eyes instantly lit up with bright green lights. Magic pierced his body and soul, and was already preparing to break free. Mustafa was flooded with electrical impulses, and from strong sorcerous disturbances, the walls behind him began to crack.
- Well, damned aliens, - a growling voice was heard from the commander, who had never been a mere mortal, - Now daddy Mustafa will hit each of you!
With these words, he released a dazzlingly bright chain of lightning directly into the thick of the gathered enemies.
-
“I am Kosatti,” Ser'Qiraani growled ominously, “I advise you to remember this.
Suddenly it dawned on Owen. He almost could not move, his abilities did not function at all, and he himself was already turning into a kind of statue. Only his mind continued to work. Not mind or ego, but pure consciousness, devoid of any extraneous dross. He remembered that he had heard those words before. I heard somewhere. The Acheronian War had been going on for quite some time. He took part in many battles. And once I came across a strange cossatti.
He didn't remember her name. Yes, and all the information about that operation has already fallen into oblivion. Only one detail Owen did remember. That Kossatian captured the Earth Alliance ambassador and then smeared his head on the deck of the Narva space station. This happened a year ago, when the League still seemed a serious and powerful force. When there were no turning points in the campaign.
Owen, along with detachments of specialists, tried to save the diplomat, but did not have time. The Kossatian, who worked for the League, simply flattened him. He remembered the body of the ambassador, which was found on the captain's bridge. It was as if he was being thrown in different directions. Or was it something else. Possibly psionic magic.
He pursued the kossatian in outer space. He managed to reveal his full potential. Having turned into a fiery creature, he flew after the terrorist throughout the space of Narva. He even stormed her ship, killed the guards and got there. When he pointed a gun at her, he called her a dragon. But she got angry. Cossati threw him back a hundred paces, so much so that he broke through the ship's walls. When Owen returned to the bridge again, intending to capture her, the alien disappeared.
An elfurrka named Totkhemris said something about a kossatian. But what exactly - he did not remember.
"Okay, that's enough," Owen finally exclaimed.
With great difficulty, he managed to take a couple of steps. Deep inside, he felt that his true potential was returning. He has always been different, special. Since childhood, he could turn into a fiery clot and control the power of the flame. And that flame flared up again.
A fierce fury appeared in the Scorcher's eyes, engulfing his entire body throbbing with excitement. A glow would begin to emanate from an adept with a stronger tempo. He gazed at Ser'Qiraani and her entire retinue with utter hatred and disgust. Now he clearly realized that he understood everything. The look of this lizard had long been familiar to Owen.
“Tell me,” the Scorcher said in an evil voice, filling with magical power, “How long has the League conceived this plan? And what this time? I remember when you killed the Earth Ambassador. The Elfurr intercepted a radio message that spoke of a plan. A plan that will destroy the foundations of the universe, as you yourself have stated. You in the League have always been famous for loud speeches and plans. Is not it? Tell me, this is all the League's idea, right?
These words made the alien woman shudder. The eyes of the entity began to transform into bright purple lights. Her whole face began to contort with unbridled bestial fury. The dragon warriors who were standing nearby immediately stirred. The same applies to Cha-Arun. The mysterious alien looked at Owen with hatred.
- And you, - the Scorcher turned towards Cha-Arun, - You are clearly not a man. They've awakened you from somewhere. Perhaps they found an old temple or laboratory, and then resurrected. This was also the plan. The League's plan to return to the real world a crazy alien who once poisoned the life of all Zarragen. Your religion, which you brought to the people along with the false prophets, is just a red herring. I'm right?
"What do you know, you wicked bastard?!" Cha-Arun shouted in a frenzy, shaking his luminous rod, - Was it I who poisoned Zarragen's life? But not themselves? People made sacrifices for me! They themselves slaughtered their beast to give it to me! It was their choice! I advise you to shut up, you little worm! You - killed so many of your relatives that it's scary to imagine! So many animals you put on the altars! So many innocent souls were killed on your hunts! And you still dare to reproach me!
'No, no, let him continue,' came Ser'Qiraani's voice. 'It will be interesting to know exactly what this idiot wants to say.
The alien woman, although she was in a wild rage, nevertheless moderated her ardor. She obviously thought the warriors weren't going to make it out alive anyway. It was a trap with no way out.
Do you consider yourself a wise man? Cha-Arun exclaimed with the same emotion.
- Yes, now I understand everything, - Owen answered this, - And all your tricks with the destruction of the League ship over the sky of the Griffin .... All this was also a set-up. You planned it all from the start. Trotskevich and Lazitron were also aware, I'm sure. You have been spreading a new faith to eclipse the minds of mortals so that they lose the ability to think. To distract the Coalition. And then you flew here on your own, intending to lure us into a trap. Why us? Because we, like no one else, were tearing the League's ass day after day. Every day we fight with her army and win. And you set out to take revenge. It was you who destroyed the Coalition ships in orbit. All this was planned by you... Or maybe only by you, Ser'Qiraani.
- How interesting, - the one who even earlier called himself the prophet of Akh-Asura grinned maliciously, - You're just a detective! Don't say anything! It won't save you from death. Like the rest of the Griffin. You will choke on your own blood. I will personally arrange demonstration executions. Do you know who I am?
Owen shook his head. Anyone could hide under the guise of Cha-Arun. Absolutely every creature. The League has long shown itself as an organization that rejects Light and Good. For a year now, rumors had circulated that the League was officially engaged in the occult. It is possible that Cha-Arun was their creation. Ser'Qiraani may have been personally involved in his awakening.
- I don't know who you are, - Scorcher answered honestly, - But I know that you can't stand it.
- No, my friend, - a terrible smile of the enemy spread over his entire face, touching even his cheeks, - If you knew, you were afraid. If not for Ser'Qiraani, I would have been a mere victim of suspended animation. But Ser'Qiraani and her minions saved me. And I'm generous with gifts. I gave the League technology and an ancient power that can move planets and stars in a matter of moments. This was the main plan. It is in this. It's not Kiraani that's the creepy evil here, Owen. And I.
Transformations began immediately. Cha-Arun's face changed at a truly frenzied pace. Now his eyes already resembled the brightest scarlet spheres. The skin on his face was rapidly turning gray. There were shades of something demonic in it. The knights standing behind their masters prepared their weapons for battle. They knew that "the moment of truth had arrived." It's time to kill them all. Finish off Owen and all his mortal comrades.
“You are not an alien…” Scorcher whispered in horror.
In all his long life, he had never had to deal with something supernatural. Usually the enemies were either alive or dead, but not in the middle. To meet an entity from ancient legends on your way seemed unrealistic. But now everything that used to be reality has turned upside down.
- No, - answered Cha-Arun, continuing to change his face, - Alien? .... This is only an understanding of primitive organisms that do not know about life outside their planet. But I'm neither one nor the other.
"You're a demon," Owen's lips said involuntarily.
At this, Cha-Arun smiled ominously. He could barely contain himself from laughing out loud to the entire ship.
- You are right as never before, - followed the answer.
The monster's voice no longer sounded like a human.
-
"Ten Executions"
The flagship cruiser of Vice Admiral Ahmanet User'Kaf.
Outer space Griffin.
Agent Durh is terribly tired of all this talk. He fully supported his colleague Orpheus Maximus and the rest of the aliens. Ishken Derkh had heard enough of all sorts of councillors and seneschals who advocated a cautious advance without attracting attention. But time has long since passed. The League has already dealt monstrous damage to the Griffin, whose inhabitants so badly needed help and protection. But without reinforcements, all their deeds are doomed. Ishken understood this like no one else.
“That's enough,” Agent Durch repeated his words, stepping forward to the audience, “don't you understand? We need to capture Ser'Qiraani's flagship! Our brothers and sisters are dying! We need to infiltrate the flagship! Create a fireteam that will capture the alien! There is no other way! But the ship cannot be destroyed! I feel that our comrades are there! And I talked about it!
Everyone, with the exception of only a few representatives of the Coalition, nodded in agreement. They began to give Ishken verbal support and clapped their hands in unison. Shouts of approval erupted from the briefing room. Almost everyone in the hall, the warriors, were tired of waiting. They were impatient to quickly end the threat of the League within the Griffin.
- Quiet! - Lando Sarovich's voice was suddenly heard.
This farrukh has long won the respect of ship power. He was responsible for security and order on all decks. He terribly did not like the cacophony reigning in the hall. However, he, like many, stood up for the words of Ishken and the commander of Orpheus Maximus. He fully supported them. But the main decision was not theirs. And even Sarovich did not have the right to give orders to the flotilla.
The decision remained only with the Vice Admiral. Lando immediately shifted his gaze towards the commander of the flotilla, while straightening his gray tunic.
Vice Admiral Ahmanet User'Kaf sat on the golden seat and was silent. The dark-haired and beautiful Elfurrian maiden, who had recently become the head of a large fleet, carefully considered her future plans. Tact did not allow her to shout rudeness at the creatures who arranged a farce in the hall. At least for now.... But nevertheless, she was very unhappy with the situation at the briefing. Plus, you could see in her eyes that she was very worried.
Commander Ishken cautiously approached the Vice Admiral.
- Milady .... - Ishken said quietly, almost at the very ear of the president, - I beg you .... But I'm afraid that there is no other solution. Lady Totkhemris supports me.
There was silence in the hall for a moment. Almost dead silence enveloped the briefing room. All, as one, looked at the vice-admiral, followed her every movement. But not even a moment passed when Ahmanet abruptly jumped up from her chair. She straightened up to her full height, and everyone saw how tall she was. Warriors like her truly deserved to be heroes of legend. There were many myths about Ahmanet's courage throughout the Coalition.
She took a couple of steps and soon stopped in front of her advisors. More recently, they argued that it is necessary to approach carefully and avoid direct contact, spend more time. But now that their eyes met the Vice Admiral's, their former thoughts faded into obscurity. Now they didn't even think about anything. They just sat and waited for a decision. And Ahmanet kept looking at them with her piercing gaze.
Suddenly, the president drew her precious dagger from its scabbard and thrust it with all her might right into the table. She almost tripped over a bottle of water that one of the councilors had recently drank. The elderly navigator from the aranguto race immediately recoiled back, seriously frightened by Ahmanet.
“Our friends are in danger…” User'Kaf snarled angrily, her eyes blazing with flames, “In the name of Atum!” And you are sitting here ..... fools ..... And delay .... But delay, as you know, is like death! So what are we waiting for?! We're going through! Ser'Qiraani will be taken alive and brought to the Coalition's court! We've been trying to catch this terrorist for quite some time! It used to be classified information, but not now! Every time this beast ran away from us! Sikalba! Lagerta-3! Mars! Artandir Prime! And every time she shied away from responsibility! Now she has planned to destroy the whole system and has awakened a dangerous creature from the depths of antiquity! Her power is already greater than that of the entire Consistory of the Acheronian League! We must end it and free our friends! We are moving forward! And no but!
- Yes! Let's take the kossati live! shouts of encouragement were heard from all sides.
The first one who vehemently supported the Vice Admiral was none other than Psi-Special Forces agent Ishken Derh. He expected such an answer. It simply could not be otherwise. User'Kaf endured for a long time, but finally her fury broke out. Ishken even liked the reaction of the officers to the vice admiral's attack.
- Let's take it alive! shouts were heard throughout the hall. - Destroy the bastards of the League!
The gray-haired Orpheus Maximus, who was sitting nearby, realized with amazement that the tension in his soul was beginning to subside. Ahmanet made a worthy decision. And a little time will pass, as help will come to the call of the doomed.
---
-
Owen finally realized that all his violent power was about to break free. He could no longer contain himself. The magical energy itself recovered from the shackles and filled the inflamed body of the warrior. The warrior's eyes began to rapidly fill with a blindingly bright fiery glow.
- If you are a demon, fire is your element, - Owen's menacing voice was heard.
A moment later, the Scorcher released a monstrous magical force from himself. A powerful shock wave immediately hit everyone around the adept. She did not hurt only three of his friends, Balderan, Farinni and Osvaldo. From such a sudden attack, they immediately fell to the floor, throwing their swords. They covered their faces with their hands so as not to look at the power of the fire. And Owen's magic was truly something powerful and truly terrible.
The shockwave swept over Cha-Arun and all of his cossatti minions. Only one Ser'Qiraani was lucky. She instantly teleported to the side so as not to get caught in the flames. The "Prophet" along with the hellish knights immediately took off into the air. Their bodies were engulfed everywhere by a monstrous fire. Cha-Arun screeched eeriely as he flew, so terribly that the screams almost split the space. The monster hit the iridescent walls of the room with all its might, and then collapsed to the ground. The knights flew in different directions, and already resembled flaming torches. Their heart-rending cries were heard throughout the hall. Cossatti burned alive from a blindingly bright fire. Their bodies rapidly turned to ashes. The sickening smell of burning flesh quickly filled the air. Owen destroyed the guards first and relieved them of a monstrous burden. From their mutilated burnt bodies, black clouds of steam instantly flew out, which immediately rushed high into the air.
But Owen knew that Cha-Arun could not be destroyed so easily. He had already lost sight of the alien's body. But at the same time, the warrior felt that it would not work to kill such a creature at once. This thing is still around here somewhere.
The burner wasn't wrong. Something made him turn back. Cha-Arun stood before him again in full battle garb. His skin had turned gray enough that it no longer looked like a human. The flames escaping from his eyes turned bright red, which made the monster even more sinister and creepy.
- Do you think you can save the Griffin? - the demon growled in a guttural voice, - Will you save people? What about people? People will continue to kill animals and themselves! Do you know how many bulls they slaughtered on the same Zarragen? It was not I who drenched the insides of these creatures, but they! People! I didn't make the sacrifice! And they! If they didn't want to, they wouldn't do it! But they like to constantly kill! Animals! Self-like! Other sentient beings! They're insatiable, Owen!
And they still have a chance! the sorcerer yelled loudly.
The monster smiled again, this time so wide that dark lines cut across its cheeks.
“They had many chances, Owen,” replied Cha-Arun, “but their time is up today.
- I'll stop you! Scorcher shouted furiously. “You can't judge them! No, you can't be the judge!
He attacked the mighty monster again. Owen rapidly released fiery jets from every part of his body. Furious flames engulfed Cha-Arun everywhere, and very soon the monster turned into a blindingly bright flaming ball.
- Burn! Owen yelled even louder, releasing all his furious strength, - Burn!
- No! - Suddenly a monstrous voice was heard, even more terrible than before, - No! This won't kill me!
-
At that moment, the infernal flames instantly disappeared, turning into thick pillars of black smoke. Owen felt his strength begin to wane. He felt an incredible weakness deep inside. The cossatti burning all around immediately went out and collapsed to the ground, already reduced to hideous, half-burnt corpses.
And then Scorcher felt himself flying high into the air. His body quickly flew several meters and hit the shimmering alien wall with all its might. His pain intensified exponentially. A whole wave of electrical impulses swept through the entire suffering body.
Soon the same fate befell Owen's associates. They also lifted off the ground and crashed into the walls of this monstrous hall with all their might. Prada and Osvaldo collapsed on top of each other, almost breaking all their bones. Balderan injured several of his ribs and pierced his calf. This magical attack was truly serious.
"Did you really think you could kill me with fire?" - there was an otherworldly voice from somewhere above.
Owen immediately forced himself off the floor. He quickly lifted his pained body and found himself on his feet. True, now he felt an incredible aura of darkness around him. She became stronger and stronger, and soon began to infiltrate everything that was in this hall.
“You are a fool, Scorcher,” said that monstrous foreign voice again.
At the same moment, Owen flew up again and hit the wall with all his might. This time the blow was strong enough. The psionicist felt powerless for the first time in a long time. The fire no longer had any effect on the terrible creature that called itself Cha-Arun. Owen's spell power was simply useless.
- You will die alone, man, - the demon whispered from the unknown, - You will die here ..... And no one will remember you. You just disappear...
Not even a moment later, Cha-Arun appeared right in front of the Scorcher. Now he did not at all resemble his former incarnations. The ancient deity of the Zarrageni had been transformed, and now looked truly terrible. Looking into his eyes, Owen felt all the violent malice that emanated from this demon. From the realization of this power, he wanted to turn into a point and just disappear. An aura of fierce hatred flooded the monster and grew stronger every moment.
Now Cha-Arun looked like an infernal monster from the ancient legends of the Earth. His head was crowned with six horns that rushed high up. Armor and cloak were no longer present, and Scorcher beheld the creature's eerie scarlet body, eaten away by thousands of boils and bioluminescent growths. He had a great many eyes, and his nostrils were completely scattered all over his hellish face. Two ugly tongues burst out of a giant toothy mouth, which everywhere flooded with warts and abscesses. The stench engulfed the entire hall with all its violent might.
"People never change," the monster snarled as he grabbed Owen by the throat with his festering paw. "What do you think I was doing before the Elfurr pigs made me sleep?" I have traveled with people like you for many years. I saw what you were doing. And not just on Zarragen. I've been to a thousand worlds where people lived. But they still remain the same. They don't deserve mercy!
With these words, he squeezed the Scorcher's body with frantic force, and then threw it up again. Before Owen collapsed to the floor, a monstrous creature appeared right in front of him from a ring of fire. The demon looked at the exhausted warrior with its bright purple eyes. A multitude of dazzling lights pierced the emaciated psionicist. The Scorcher felt that creepy, hate-filled look on him. He quickly drained all the strength out of him.
- I remember how you killed the bulls, - the monster roared, bending over the doomed body of the adept, - Do you think I asked for this? No... Of course not... You did your own deeds. You yourself! You people! I remember how you cut off the head of the unfortunate creature, and then sprinkled his blood on the altar! You enjoyed this pain! You enjoyed it, you enjoyed it immensely! And so it went on for millennia. Millennium, Owen! But karma does not sleep. Someday this must end! Someday you yourself must be on the altar! And today that day has come!
- But in this you are mistaken! - I heard a strange female voice behind the creature.
-
- We are called to the link, my lord!
XO Ser'Fintari had been in disarray just a minute ago. The Draconid fleet, based in the Griffin Imperium system, nearly fell prey to the League. The armada, led by an unknown diamond-shaped galleon, fell upon the Coalition ships like locusts. The Ouroboros found out about this only an hour later. But they couldn't do anything.
Before the attack, the enemies knocked out all the draconian drones flying in the surrounding area. Plus, the enemy sent several saboteurs onto Ser'Terazim's ship, who blew themselves up near the shield installation. The explosion was quite powerful, even touching one generator of the Collapsed Passage. It took at least forty minutes to repair the power shields and other damaged devices. All this time, the flagship was actually on the verge of death.
There was no communication until the Coalition fleet, led by Elfurr, entered the system. This is what made the blond Aislingess Ser'Fintari so happy. However, Ser'Terazim, standing nearby, was also not sad. The news of the arrival of reinforcements visibly encouraged him.
- Take the signal! - the super-admiral immediately commanded.
- Eat! I'm receiving the signal, Ser'Fintari replied.
The rest of the draconians and Aislings on the bridge still hadn't recovered from what had happened. Many shuddered at the fact that they could not do anything while the enemy approached the Griffin. They learned about the massive attack, but could not arrive in time.
“The Dragon of Eternity is listening,” Aislingessa said.
An image of a dark-haired Elfurrian maiden appeared on the central holo-projector. She was dressed in thick spacesuit-like armor that reached to her chin. One of her eyes was wearing a monocular that emitted a mysterious blue glow. Ser'Fintari and the crew immediately recognized the woman as Vice Admiral Ahmanet User'Kaf.
“This is Vice-Admiral User'Kaf, Elfurr Empire,” came the voice of the commander, who quickly spread throughout the captain's bridge.
'Glad to hear it,' growled Ser'Terazim at the top of his voice, 'We've been waiting for you!' The Griffin Imperium is under attack!
Ahmanet nodded in understanding. Apparently, they had already received word of the serious attack and what happened after. They didn't have any interruptions in communication.
- Our scanners show that your ship was damaged, - Ahmanet's words were reported to the crew, - Should we send an auxiliary technical team?
- No! - the draconian naval commander answered clearly, - We have already done everything ourselves! We are ready to join the attack if needed!
Ser'Fintari and the others immediately drew their blades from their scabbards. Aislingessa growled softly, revealing her dazzling white teeth. Thus, they showed that in which case they are ready to board. After all, they represented the millennial fleet of the Ouroboros. Everyone who served in it was ready for anything, including self-sacrifice.
- Well, great! - the image of the vice-admiral smiled slightly, - Support us with fire.
"Let me ask just one question," Ser'Terazim said suddenly.
But Ahmanet already knew what the draconian commander would ask. She had anticipated this question beforehand.
- Who exactly attacked the Griffin? came the hologram's answer.
Ser'Terazim nodded. That was the question he was going to ask the elfurrka.
“Ser'Qiraani,” Ahmanet said shortly.
Standing next to Super Admiral, Ser'Fintari growled furiously. At the mention of this name, she was always overcome with anger. She knew perfectly well what this Kossattian was capable of, having connected herself with the forces of evil.
- Ser'Qiraani? - the naval commander asked with great amazement.
"Yes," User'Kaf replied. "That's her." Lieutenant General Ser'Qiraani of the Acheron League Secret Service. Previously, she worked in the diplomatic mission, but then moved to a higher level. She was instructed by the League command to carry out a whole series of sabotage. But there was also something else. The task was to awaken an ancient creature that she unearthed in the region of the planet Sunbatarr. In ancient times, on Zarragen, he was worshiped as a deity. But when he was expelled, his ship-mausoleum landed in the waters of Sanbatarr, and then sank. It was there that Ser'Qiraani discovered him. Chairman Sanbatarra learned of the League's operation on his planet. His spies saw a cryo-sarcophagus with a demon pulled out of the water. He wanted to hand over everything to the Coalition, but did not have time.
"And that's why they blew up that airbus," Ser'Fintari concluded, "and killed every member of the government, including Ambassador Zoltan Hadjihasanovic."
She remembered that just recently the chairman of the Torian, a prominent figure in the Earth Alliance, had been killed. His airbus was torn apart, destroying everyone who was there. The explosion came from within. There was simply no other information. There was nothing of value left of the Airbus. Not even the black box survived. Among other things, League agents killed several Earth Alliance Secret Service officers working on Sunbatarr. They managed to hide all the evidence and prevent information from leaking.
“Ser'Qiraani awakened a demon of ancient times to help carry out the League's plans,” Ahmanet continued her speech, “He is on her flagship. But I've already sent a psionic and specialist fireteam there. They will knock out the monster and take Ser'Qiraani alive. She will be put on trial.
“For killing my sister, Kiraani deserves to die!” snarled Ser'Fintari angrily.
- And for the murder of five draconian messengers, - the draconian naval commander picked up, - So now she turned to the occult sciences.
Ahmanet nodded in understanding. But at the same time, she remembered that Ser'Qiraani had over a million victims to her credit. The whole life of this lizard was spent in killing and destruction.
- Do not shoot at the flagship of the kossati, - the elfurr maiden said, - Deal with the ships around! But don't touch the flagship! Our agents are there now! They will do everything!
- I understand you! Ser'Terazim responded immediately, then turned to the crew members.
- Ouroboros! Complete obedience to the orders of Vice Admiral User'Kaf!
- Sir! Yes, sir! came the responses of the officers on the bridge.
-
The demon turned around abruptly. The flaming monster was seized with a violent rage at the suddenly spoken words of a stranger. As soon as he turned back, not a single trace of his sinister devilish smile remained. He barely restrained himself from howling at the top of his lungs in despair.
Directly in front of him, several alien beings emerged from a cloud of light in the blink of an eye. One of them was a tall, dark-haired Elfurr who had an incredibly beautiful face. She donned heavy battle armor and a helmet with a small horsehair crest. But her face remained open.
Behind the elfurr girls were several heavily armed fighters dressed in the same type of armor. In their hands they held the famous Soul Destroyers, the legendary super-rifles that were talked about so much in the Coalition. Before the eyes of the demon, a whole group of well-trained fighters was moving. The monster felt that they all had special psi abilities and were ready to fight with anyone. The coalition sent far from simple specialists.
- If you do not know who I am, then I will tell you, - the elfurr maiden said firmly, - Know! My name is Totkhemris User'Kaf! By the will of Senuhsert, Nebtaui and ruler of all Elfurr rulers, I serve the Galactic Coalition! In the name of the Coalition, I command you to stop the attack on the Griffin Imperium!
- Elfurr sorceress? Cha-Arun growled viciously, never changing his demonic form, "You can't stop me!" To all of you! I have existed for millennia. For me, you are nothing.
The alien's eyes lit up with a white flame. This meant only one thing: her psi-abilities were used at 100 percent.
"We know the truth," Totkhemris replied, cocking the Destroyer's trigger. "War criminal Ser'Qiraani awakened you." You were found on Sunbatarr-3.
Hearing such words, the demon allowed himself a sinister smile, although his entire inside was inflamed with terrible rage.
- The truth? - the monster chuckled, - You don't know anything, elfurr maid. No truth, no truth. And the truth is that you are protecting the most aggressive creatures in the universe. Of people! Yes, people! For thousands of years people have been killing each other and everyone around them! For thousands of years they have been bringing evil into this universe! You think I'm a demon, right? Do you think I'm evil? Perhaps I am evil to you. But for the universe, the main threat is people. For her, they are an evil force! I never ordered bulls to be sacrificed in myself! People did it themselves. By your own will. I demanded that the sacrifices be stopped! Stop killing animals!
The glow from Totkhemris's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
“Perhaps,” the elfurr maid said to this, “however, you are going to destroy the Griffin Imperium!” And you serve the League! You made a pact with the League, or they made one with you! It doesn't matter... You're going to destroy people.
'No doubt,' rasped Cha-Arun, 'after what they've done, they deserve to die!' The conglomerate known as the League is nothing more than a tool. But the one who manages it - that's what matters! I serve Lord Marfur-Nirari, blessed god of the gods, also known as Sala'Zarr! He is not our enemy at all. But a savior and deliverer!
- Akh-Asur, - as if knowing one of his names, the alien woman whispered.
“Akh-Asur is not fiction,” the demon continued his speech, “Marfur-Nirari created the League so that it would destroy everything old in the galaxy and create a New Universe. And you know it. There will be no place for violence in the new universe. But in order for the new world to arise, the old must be destroyed. Everyone needs this war! Such are the laws! Order is created from Chaos. But without Chaos, nothing exists. To bring the universe to Order, it must be plunged into Chaos!
In less than a second, the monster extended its clawed hands forward and released a fireball of incredible power from its body. The sphere of witchfire instantly headed towards Totkhemris. But against a seasoned elfurr sorceress, such an attack was a waste of time.
It took User'Kaf a moment or two to cast the blocking spells. It was an ancient language, older than the Elfur Empire itself. The fiery sphere immediately vanished into thin air, as if it did not exist at all.
- No! Cha-Arun bleated in a goatish voice. You will not disturb me, elfurr maid! Do not interfere-a-a--a--a-eat!
“In order to destroy a demon like you, you need to know his name,” the warrior replied. "I'm going to get rid of you forever." Of course, the people who killed the bulls did not deserve a quiet life. They did the same as you and your God Sala'Zarr! But you... You're much worse than them! You want to destroy the entire human race because of a handful of fools!
- Handfuls? - the monster yelled at the top of his voice, - There were thousands of them! And there are thousands more! They killed not only bulls. I remember coming to the hunting village in the guise of an old man. I remember how they slaughtered the cave bear! I remember how they stabbed him with pikes and spears! How they crushed his head with stones! I felt his pain! And I'm not sorry! Don't feel sorry for the people! Why pity them?
“Because there are righteous among them,” the elfurr girl said to this.
-
Owen had been watching the conversation the whole time. Totkhemris... What he certainly didn't expect to see here was her. And then there were Ishken Derkh, Victor Kartavin, Orpheus Maximus, a few Elfurrian specialists, one draconian, and another Nicomedian, I think Commonwealth Ambassador Kerret. They all came to the aid of the emaciated and weary psionicist.
Balderan and the two Tramontines were still lying on the deck of the ship. They urgently needed medical attention. Without her, they might not last long, especially the Nords. The experienced warrior received too many fractures. Osvaldo and Prada were unconscious. It is possible that they still received a concussion.
But Scorcher wasn't going to wait for User'Kaf to deal with the monster. He had to do something. At least try. Ser'Qiraani was not in the hall. She had already slipped away. But the demon was here. And if it is not destroyed, then the worst of evils will fall on the Griffin. The embittered creature, caused by the League, was going to destroy the entire population of the planet.
In less than a few moments, Owen rose to his feet and reached his desired goal. He ran a few meters and then jumped high into the air. The demon did not have time to prepare for such a blow and was instantly thrown back. Pulsating with psionic power, Owen's fist nearly crushed the monster's shell. The alien flew off to the side and hit the walls with furious force. The Scorcher followed him and swooped down on him like an angry cheetah. He began to beat the monster with all his strength, unleashing all his fury on him.
- Stop, Owen! shouted Totkhemris.
The Scorcher recoiled from the monster. Then he turned towards the elfur maid and looked at her with great bewilderment.
- I have to kill him! - answered Owen, - otherwise he will destroy everyone on the Griffin!
"He can't be killed normally!" - I heard the voice of Ishken Derkh, standing among the arriving warriors, - You can kill a demon only if you know his name!
- We know his name! It's Cha-Arun! What else is needed?
- No, - there was a cry of a fighter named Viktor Kartavin, - His name is not Cha-Arun! That's his main name! But there is another secret! If you say it three times, the demon will lose its power and die!
Owen realized that his comrades knew best. He had to step back and walk away. He quickly moved towards Totkhemris and her companions. The sorceress herself, meanwhile, pointed her weapon at the lying demonic creature. Cha-Arun felt Elfurr's mysterious magic too strongly, and he soon realized that he could no longer endure it. His entire infernal body began to tremble before the great power emanating from Totkhemris User'Kaf. She was no ordinary Elfurr after all.
"You can't win, Totkhemris!" - the monster hissed angrily, rising from the deck, - You will die here! You can't stop what's coming! People will pay for the harm done! Understand, I'm not a demon from old ladies' tales. I am the same as you. My race has existed since the beginning of time. Even before the ancestors of each of you originated in this universe. We built everything! Planets, stars! And they all scream with one voice that people are killing them! The main population of the Griffin is people. And I want to rid the planet of this virus! How can you not understand?! I am not a killer! I save these worlds!
At the last word, the monster was already able to rise to its feet and straightened to its full height.
"Your real name is not Cha-Arun at all," User'Kaf said, not listening to the demon.
Then she carefully uttered the hidden name.
- Ifraim Arhuun-Bey.
Having said them, the elfurr immediately fired. The most powerful burst of energy contained in the Destroyer hit the demon right in the face with furious force and threw him back. With a desperate scream, Cha-Arun's body flew through the vast hall and soon sprawled again on the deck.
"I'm going to end you forever," Totkhemris croaked furiously. "Iphraim-Arhun-Bey."
This time Cha-Arun did not lie down. He quickly jumped to his feet, using all his sorcerous power. Holding out his magic-flaming hands in front of him, he released gigantic jets of fire from his gut. Pillars of hellfire immediately rushed towards Totkhemris, but the commander again uttered the ancient spells. The attack quickly turned into a fiasco.
- And what do you want?! Cha-Arun snarled furiously. "For humans to rule this universe further?" What then? They will still bring death! Your Coalition is doomed! It will fall apart, and people, as before, will tear each other's throats. You will still remember my words, and you will understand why the League was created! You will understand everything. But it will be too late.
The demon was desperate. His strength was rapidly fading away. If Totkhemris says his name a third time, there is nothing he can do to prevent his own death. Realizing his desperate situation, he released an even more powerful spell wave. From the side of the monster, a cloud of mysterious alien energy flew out. It rushed towards Totkhemris with furious force, intending to reduce it to nothing. An aura of absolute darkness was beginning to intensify in that cursed hall. The demon tried to use all its magical power in order to crush the opponent.
Totkhemris repelled the enemy attack again, destroying the mysterious cloud of darkness.
You are making a terrible mistake! All of you do! - the demon roared in a frenzy, - the Griffin will still fall! Like all other worlds! And then dawn will come! The universe will start all over again! And all who destroy it will disappear forever!
Cha-Arun spread his arms again, and from his side a mysterious something flew to Totkhemris. Elfur maid immediately prepared to repel the attack. But with every millisecond, she felt that something released by the mysterious deity was beginning to expand. A few moments later, a monstrous energy ball released from itself a dozen terrible tentacles. The hellish sphere was rapidly approaching Yuri, and he knew that one slightest miscalculation could simply ruin his life. Cha-Arun released all his rage and it could only be contained by a miracle. Even an inorganic being could suffer from such a powerful energy clot. The tentacles that emerged from the sphere rushed faster and faster towards their enemy. All this happened in a matter of fractions of a second.
But here, too, luck did not turn away from Totkhemris.
- Ifraim Arhuun-Bey.
The monstrous sphere hit the invisible shield and shattered into billions of pieces. Unbelievable scale explosions followed, which immediately knocked over the ground both the elfur maid herself and her terrible enemy. Everyone in that room instantly collapsed to the floor. The walls of the room began to crack at an alarming rate.
-
“When are you going to die, you damned bastard,” Mustafa roared furiously. - Let's! Come on, go back to that asshole you crawled out of! Let's! Let's!
He pressed the trigger with all his might, releasing all of its furious power from the alien rifle. He simply did not know how to defeat this monstrous machine, which was constantly recovering from attacks. He had already laid a lot of enemy lives, but he could not cope with this mechanism. Mustafa felt powerless.
Once again, he unleashed all the furious power from the Elfurrian Destroyer, and a blindingly bright fireball pierced the monster's metal torso. The robot just as before collapsed to the ground. The grey-bearded warrior has already prepared for a new rebirth of the monster and pointed his weapon at the burning fragments of the creature. He knew that in a second, she would begin the recovery process again. These machines were truly made in the depths of hell, and few mortals knew about their internal system.
But to Mustafa's surprise, no rebirth followed. The burning fragments of the car remained lying in different parts of the room. In addition, he was surprised when he saw that the Cossatti warriors left in the room began to quickly fall to the floor. They fell like they had been knocked down, and some of them didn't even take any damage. The enemy soldiers just died one by one. This phenomenon had no explanation.
Right in front of Mustafa's eyes, two fighters clashed between themselves in a fight. The warrior tried with all his might to chop up the knight-like cossatti. The enemy was already almost hanging over the fighter and wanted to split his body into pieces. He deftly knocked the warrior's sword aside and prepared to finish off. But suddenly the knight began to shake strangely, and then just collapsed to the ground. He seemed to have simply disconnected, having lost connection with an unknown source.
- What's happening? - I heard the surprised voice of Isabella, - Why do they fall?
- And most interesting, - answered Mustafa. - I've never seen anything like it!
There were no more opponents left in the hall. They died literally instantly. The whole room was just littered with the bodies of dead aliens and the wreckage of alien machines. The robot, with which the commander fought not so long ago, still did not recover. And then Mustafa and Isabella heard the roar of explosions. But it was unlikely that this was the noise emanating from enemy guns. The structure of the palace no longer shook, which meant that the enemies simply stopped firing at it. The current situation caused a storm of bewilderment among many.
- Look! - suddenly I heard the voice of one of the griffins, - Look! They explode!
The young guardsman pointed with his hand to the broken window, the sill of which was already visibly blackened from recent explosions. The soldier's face was full of unprecedented joy and amazement. He was ready to almost jump from happiness to the ceiling. Now he was happy like a child. Then the joy spread to the rest of his comrades, who observed the same picture.
Mustafa and his beloved instantly rushed to the windows. The first thing that the gray-bearded commander saw was a bright explosion of the reactor. Right in front of the palace, a gigantic bird-like aircraft exploded. The shock wave almost knocked the observers off their feet, but they managed to hold on. It is possible that the ship has in some unknown way turned on the self-destruction program.
Then the gray-bearded commander saw the explosions of the remaining ships. Enemy starships and giant flying platforms also began to explode, flooding with blindingly bright flashes of light. At the moment, almost all the machines that were in Dane's airspace were destroyed. The capital was rapidly cleared of enemy vehicles.
- My God! - Isabella exclaimed in surprise, - Mamma mia! They self-destruct!
- Only for what reason... - Mustafa said thoughtfully, without looking away from this panorama.
He could hardly believe his eyes. Until recently, they had all been subjected to a monstrous enemy attack and did not know if they were destined to meet the next day, but now the space was clearing right in front of them. Enemy ships continued to explode at breakneck speed. As if someone had launched special commands to destroy them. In the depths of their souls, Mustafa and Isabella felt that there was some witchcraft here. It is entirely possible that this was all the work of their mysterious allies, who had recently fought in battle against the Dark'Lyn.
In addition, Mustafa discovered that the giant diamond-shaped structure hovering in the sky had stopped emitting a fiery beam from itself. Now she just froze, as if in a daze from what was happening. The countless lights that were on the bowl-shaped ship had already gone out. The mysterious enemy ship just quietly hovered over the city sky and showed almost no signs of life. With the shutdown of the ship, the earthquake also stopped. Now there was not a single jolt in the city.
- Let's pray to the Creator, - the grey-bearded warrior said. Let's give him praise!
“Praise be to the Creator,” the inspired cries of people and otherworlders were heard from everywhere. - Praise the Creator! Our enemy is destroyed! He is no more! It's all over!
“Now I really feel that God is with us,” Isabella whispered in a joyful voice.
The girl also followed the example of her lover. Now she no longer felt the heaviness that flooded her all the past hours. Again she felt as light as a migratory bird. The enemy was defeated. Who exactly destroyed it was no longer important. The main thing was only that all the horror left the planet, and perhaps it will never again descend on it. Perhaps all these nightmares will go forever into the distant past.
Hundreds of warriors instantly fell to their knees and held out their hands to the top. From their sides joyful cries and numerous praises were heard. Never before have survivors been as happy as they are today. With every second, they felt the awakening of an incredible light that began to flare up more and more.
-
The shockwave nearly threw everyone across the deck. But that was only the beginning. Moments later, there was a blinding flash. Before the warriors had time to rise to their feet, they had to abruptly turn back. A powerful flash made the heroes recoil. This went on for at least ten seconds. But then the cross section stopped, and the flame quickly went out. The power of Cha-Arun was gone, there was no doubt about it. Totkhemris spoke his secret name three times. It was this name that was written in the Demonology, compiled many centuries before the conquest of space by mankind. "Know the secret name of the demon, and he will lose his strength," - everyone who represented the highest officers of the Elfurr Empire knew about this.
Totkhemris was not just an elfurr. The blood of the rulers themselves flowed in her veins, and they, in turn, were related to more powerful beings. The sorceress managed to crush the monster. His strength has dried up, and soon this creature will go back to hell.
The effect of the flash wore off, although it left an imprint on the retinas of some of the fighters. They nevertheless decided to look at the result, and it was not long in coming. Now before the eyes of the warriors there was no longer any monstrous creature, with all its appearance inspiring fear and confusion. Instead of a terrible demonic creature, they saw only a pitiful shadow, vainly trying to cling to life. The giant walking horror simply vanished, leaving behind only despair and pain.
Right in front of the warriors, a pitiful-looking man knelt down, a man whose face spoke of terrible impotence. His purple eyes looked at the enemies with pity and sorrow. This creature was almost naked, and only one loincloth covered his loins. His head had no hair, except for a long thick beard that fell to the very waist, his nose was almost an eagle's beak, and his ears were slightly pointed. His very gaze drained an incredible loss. The man nervously shook his head and trembled from the great horror that seized his entire emaciated body.
- What have you done..... - the creature said in a plaintive tone, - What have you done...... Now..... They will kill again..... They will torture and torment them again.... .
Owen looked mournfully at the entity that until recently had been a monstrous demon. And there was not a single grain of rage in the soul of the Scorcher. Just pity. Incredible pity that suddenly fell upon him.
- Why did you go for it?! - the psi-adept barked, glaring at the miserable creature in the eyes, - We have faith. True faith. And you have nothing but darkness and chaos. With your hatred of humans, you have turned yourself into a demon!
- I tried to save them ........ - the emaciated alien replied sadly, - Save the animals ..... I remember the day when they killed the first bull ..... When they cut off his head and sprinkled themselves ... with his blood ....
Small tears appeared in Cha-Arun's eyes. These were not tears of pretense. It was rather a place of great despair. After all, in the depths of his soul, he still remembered. He remembered everything that was then, for long millennia before the League and the Coalition.
- I remember the bear they stabbed with spears..... - sobbed the stranger, - And then they stoned them..... When they killed them again and again... Again and again.... Bulls, bears, wolves , sheep..... And all this went on every day.... Every day..... I still remember their cries. Their cries, begging for help... People did not understand the bear, which they stabbed with spears..... They did not understand that he just wanted to live.... running through the forest clearings..... Climbing trees in search of wonderful food.... So do the bulls... Those unfortunate creatures begging for help...... You should know how I felt when they killed them on altars.... Sacrificed them to someone like me.... They believed that I was a god.... I was the one who visited their worlds, watched them.... And they turned out to be monsters.....
Owen took a couple of steps closer to the entity. He didn't want to kill the monster. The rage subsided. Cha-Arun was nearly dead anyway. Only a few moments remained before his complete death.
“They did a lot of pain,” Owen said in an even and calm voice, “But all of humanity is not to blame for this. Understand .... Someday people will atone for their guilt. Someday they will repent for everything they have done. But this is no reason to exterminate them. Marfur-Nirari gave you the idea of destroying them. But this is the path to darkness....
- Demons are not born... they become... - Cha-Arun whispered softly, trying not to look at the warrior's face, - Seeing how people kill the innocent, darkness seized my soul.... Perhaps it led to all this. I couldn't take it.....
- I understand, - the Scorcher nodded, - Demons are what is inside of us. Marfur-Nirari and the League have awakened you to destroy the people and hurt the Coalition. You have been used. Your pain.... They awakened the demons inside of you.......
- The main thing is that they do not awaken them in you, - looking at Owen, the otherworlder said, - Remember, each of us has them. Don't let them into you.... And as for me.... I beg you.... Do me a favor.
The psionicist stared at the entity in wild bewilderment. More recently, this creature tried to kill him. And now it's asking for something.
- Kill me ..... - Cha-Arun said even more quietly, - And remember ..... Demons are not born ....
“They become demons…” Owen said mechanically.
-
The Scorcher turned towards Totkhemris. The Elfurrian warrior nodded. With her left hand, she drew from her bosom a short but sharp blade called a khopesh. These swords could even pierce tank armor. With the unfortunate monster devoid of power, he could deal with it in an instant.
Without thinking twice, Owen took the blade from the hands of the elfurr girl. Then, with all his strength, he plunged it into the body of the demon. Cha-Arun felt a terrifying pain piercing through his entire being. As soon as the blade reached the demon's heart, Scorcher immediately yanked the weapon out of his enemy.
The dying creature looked at the psionicist with great sorrow and despair. Tears welled up in Cha-Arun's eyes. Soon the monster bowed its head down and collapsed to the floor from the monstrous pain that pierced its body.
- Farewell... - Owen said quietly, looking at the dying creature.
"Peace be with you," Totkhemris said in Elfurr.
Cha-Arun continued to twitch for a few more seconds, and only then did he calm down. He stopped moving and more than his body did not make a single movement. And after a moment, it began to quickly dissolve in the air. In less than a few seconds, not a single piece of the mysterious ancient deity was left. It simply vanished into obscurity, leaving behind only a void.
Convinced that the demon was defeated, Owen allowed himself to look at his comrades. Turning his gaze in their direction, he found that they were staring at him in a daze. The two Tramontine veterans, along with Balderan, were already awake. Of course, they will have to listen not only to a long story, but also to serious medical intervention. - Well, that's all, - Owen said, looking around his comrades-in-arms, - The story of Cha-Arun is over.
- Yeah... - Ishken Derkh said with a sigh, - I hope that he won't come back again.
- Wait! Totkhemris User'Kaf suddenly dawned on her.
She remembered that the main goal was far from being achieved. After all, it remained to find the main culprit of all crimes. Ser'Qiraani was not in this room. Owen never noticed exactly how she disappeared. But apparently, this dragon was still on the ship. She had to be immediately taken and neutralized.
- Kiraani - still thought of the Burner
Kossatiyka could not go far. However, there was still a chance of her disappearing from the ship. Ishken Derh, for example, had a teleporter that allowed him to move from the ship to the nearest station. And if Ser'Qiraani had the same device, she might well have escaped on the nearest League ship. But everything was complicated by the fact that the armada of the Coalition had already entered the battle in outer space. Totkhmeris estimated the chance of her evacuation at only 20%.
- Search the ship! - the elfurrian warrior immediately commanded.
- Communication with Ahmanet is fragmentary, - Ishken reported, - I tried to report to the flagship, but it didn't work out. Something is blocking it. Possibly ancient sorcery.
"We'll be in touch as soon as we find Kiraani," Totkhemris replied. - And I feel that it will be soon.
“Alright, time to find that crazy dragoness!” Owen agreed. - She deserves The Hague for a long time!
“The Hague court is for the criminals of the Earth Alliance,” came the voice of a psionic named Victor Kartavin, “Ser'Qiraani will answer for the crime before the Galactic Court of Artandir!” She is guilty before many races!
Ishken at the same time prepared to activate the teleporter. They had to take out the wounded heroes from the ship. Balderan, Osvaldo and Prada urgently needed help, and perhaps not only medical, but also witchcraft.
- Agent Durch! - I heard the command of User'Kaf.
She spoke to the young psionicist who was hovering over the wounded soldiers.
- Move them to the Vice Admiral! We'll take care of Ser'Qiraani!
- And how are you? Ishken immediately exclaimed.
He looked at Totkhemris in a strange and unnatural way. Owen even thought that he was in love with a foreigner. But if this was the case, then Ishken carefully concealed his feelings.
“Don’t worry about me,” the elfurr smiled slightly, “We can handle it!” We've done this before on Protego!
-
Trotskevich clearly understood that he had lost everything. His ship received three hits on the port side. Powerful bursts of energy destroyed the entire artillery deck, depriving the ship of hundreds of guns at once. The energy shield installation was also damaged. Now the ship had no protection at all. The "Dragon of Eternity" mercilessly fired on Trotskevich from all guns. He fired torpedo after torpedo. In desperation, Dvorok ordered the entire crew to make a dangerous approach and prepare for a boarding battle. But no one wanted to clash with the enemy in this position. All the League military wanted to do was get out of this system as soon as possible.
The battle for the Griffin Imperium was lost miserably. Lazitron will surely escape punishment. He's already dead. And Trotskevich will have to answer personally to the command of the League. The High Archpriest of the Olmec League, R-Llandris, had already promised to punish Dvorok for his failure. But most of all, the general was afraid of the punishment from Marfur-Nirari. The mysterious patron of the League from an unknown civilization could easily turn anyone's life into a living nightmare. He had long threatened Trotskevich with a torture complex. Until now, the general preferred to personally torture the prisoners and beat the whole truth out of them. But most of all, he himself was afraid to be in the place of these unfortunates. He knew that Marfur-Nirari would no doubt take these measures.
- Prepare to board! howled Trotskevich at the top of his voice.
But still, the military on the ship were smarter than their commander. They knew very well that they would not be able to survive. More and more reinforcements from the Coalition were coming up. The League fleet was utterly defeated. Communication with Ser'Qiraani's flagship was lost, which meant that the Kossatian had failed. During the battle, Trotskevich's cyber squads intercepted a message about an impending attack on the dragon itself. He knew that they were going to take her alive and bring her to trial. If this happens, many great secrets will be in the hands of the Coalition.
Dvorok had also heard of Cha-Arun being woken up on Sanbatar 3. He personally sent a support team for Ser'Qiraani to successfully evacuate the monster. Kossatian managed to awaken not only the ancient god worshiped on Zarragen, but also unlocked an amazing arsenal of demonic technology. These same devices immediately went to the benefit of the Acheronian League. But everything was complicated by the fact that they were connected with Cha-Arun himself. Ser'Qiraani took extreme measures. She recruited several Cossatti and planted special microchips in their minds that kept them in touch with the monster. Each of these chips was engraved with the symbolism of a demon. Thus, with the help of these devices, a kind of telepathic control over the kossatti warriors was carried out.
Destroying Cha-Arun could easily deprive the League of a secret army that it intended to use not only on Griffon, but also on many other worlds. And apparently, it has already happened.
- I said get ready to board! Dvorok howled even louder, drawing his long saber.
- Sir, - answered the navigator Talani, a pale-skinned alien from the Gul'khan race, - You understand that this is impossible!
Trotskevich did not like this tone terribly. He never liked disobedience. The Navigator was below him in rank. And now he allowed himself the unthinkable.
- I said, get ready for a boarding battle! We will storm the flagship of the Ouroboros,” the general rasped with great fury.
But he again ran into resistance from his subordinates.
- Sir! The army is broken! Lieutenant Lazotl of the grey-skinned N'sai race almost shouted, "The fleet is no more!"
A moment later, Lazotl was already dead. Trotskevich shot him in the head. But the other crew members did not hesitate. Several officers drew their pistols and aimed them at the commander.
- Sir! The army is broken! - I heard the voice of another officer on the bridge, - We must retreat! Your orders are suicidal! Boarding in such a situation is simply impossible! Ship damage 50%! No more shields!
The doomed Trotskevich stared with great horror at the rebellious members of the crew.
- Yes, to you .... - he cried out in despair, - You will all go to the tribunal!
- It's you who will go to the tribunal, sir, - the officer growled angrily, - For a suicidal attack! For wasting the lives of warriors in vain! You still won't win! This ship is going to explode! But none of us here wants to die! Breathe like dogs!
- Yes! Nobody! - immediately there were shouts of the rest of the naval, - We do not want to die for you, Trotskevich! We do not want! To you and that crazy cute dragon!
Dvorok knew that there was no point in firing and issuing orders. A riot on a ship is the worst thing imaginable. But it was necessary to at least try to preserve the honor of the general.
- We retreat ..... - the commander murmured mournfully. - Heading for the Atsavizotl system ....
After these words, he turned around and quickly hurried away from the bridge area.
-
Ser'Qiraani lost everything. Today was the worst day of her life. She's never lost like this before. Each of her plans was admirable. But today it all went wrong. Cha-Arun apparently succumbed to his desperation and lost his power. The armada of the League, approaching the Griffin, collapsed. She felt the League retreat in full force. She heard it. Trotskevich also could not stand it and dived into the "wormholes". Even his fearless officers rebelled. It was a day of grief and dishonor, the worst of the worst. All that Kossatian wanted now was to growl and roar at the top of her lungs. To take someone who comes across and tear them apart, cruelly and mercilessly. But no one stood in her way.
She ran as fast as she could to the spare hangar. It was there that the rescue capsules were stored. Cha-Arun prepared them in case they had to flee. Apparently, even such a powerful demon as he foresaw the possibility of a total collapse. The escape pods were controlled mentally. It was enough to get into such a shuttle and connect the necessary cable to the brain. The cable, as a rule, found its cherished goal on its own. After the connection was established, it was possible to send the capsule anywhere. The shuttles could even accelerate to the speed of light. They were advanced ships of a long-forgotten technology. The only thing left to do was get there.
Kossatiyka could no longer teleport. The psionic vortex that raged in the room with Cha-Arun made it impossible for her to jump. She couldn't even activate the cloaking system. So the hangar represented a great hope for salvation. If she gets there in time, she'll leave this stinky system right away. She probably won't be back anytime soon. If only with millions of ships and thousands of nuclear missiles that will destroy everything and everyone here.
But on the way to the long-awaited hangar, an unforeseen obstacle arose. She stopped abruptly and could no longer move. Owen the Burner appeared right in front of her. Until recently, they fought in that ill-fated hall. They fought not for life, but for death. And now he appeared before her, alive and unharmed.
- Well, your plan is amazing, right? Owen's question followed. "Isn't that right, lieutenant general?"
In his hands he held an Elfurr laspistol, capable of pulverizing any creature, even the most powerful-looking, with a single shot.
- As you yourself said, I must admire you, - the Burner continued his speech, without taking the otherworldly woman from the sight, - I am delighted. I admire your stupidity. And bad luck.
Ser'Qiraani growled furiously. Her eyes lit up with unimaginable fury. Of the weapons she had only one pistol, for which she quickly reached out. But at the same moment she heard Owen cock the trigger. His next move will be pulling the trigger. This movement will be fatal for the Kossatian.
"Weapons on the floor, please," the psionicist said with a grin, "Or I'll shoot him in the head." How then can you say you're amazing. If you're headless. Who would admire a headless corpse?!
With desperation and horror, Ser'Qiraani realized she must obey. She carefully took out a pistol and threw it down. At the same time, she continued to look at Owen with undisguised hatred.
- It won't save you, - she muttered angrily, - Don't hope.
- I wanted to tell you the same thing, - Scorcher smiled even wider, - This will not save you, dragon.
Ser'Qiraani's beautiful eyes flared again. Her incredibly sharp teeth popped out of her mouth.
“I am a cossatti,” the otherworlder croaked, trembling with insane fury, “No one dares to call me a dragon!”
- Exactly! - mockingly remarked Owen.
At that moment, a wonderful secret dawned on him. He immediately hurried to say it out loud. Inwardly, he hoped that this would anger the Kossatian even more.
- Dragons are noble and beautiful, - Scorcher said thoughtfully, - But you are not. You are not a dragon or a kossatian. You... are the demon we've been looking for. But still, what drives you?
Ser'Qiraani was about to explode. Owen knew that if she had a nuclear warhead in her hands, she would immediately blow it up. Of course, she could use her psionic power, but the elfurr present on the ship suppressed her. Totkhemris was strong enough to keep the Kossatian at bay even from a distance.
"I don't understand what you mean..." Ser'Qiraani snarled. "If you want to shoot, fall!" What are you waiting for?
"I want to know what drives you," was Owen's reply.
He had long wanted to know why the Kossatian agreed to this. Everyone, even the worst of villains, had a story to tell. There was no doubt that this dragon also had a secret that she would not want to reveal to anyone. But in this case, she simply had no choice.
- The coalition is evil... - the alien woman growled with great fury, - An evil that kills everything and everyone. Cha-Arun and all the other monsters, you think are right. Absolutely right. You always strive for conquest, for superiority. Completely forget that there are other beings. We are cossatti.... We have become just toys for you. The coalition will not last long. She will split. How do empires crumble? I know it, Owen.
"So you just wanted your race to be noticed?" - Scorcher asked with interest, still continuing to keep the alien beast at gunpoint.
"You know, I even liked you.... actually," Ser'Qiraani replied, "But okay... This is already redundant." Do you want to know why I did this? Marfur-Nirari showed me the future .... There is nothing bright in it, believe me. If we don't join him and the League, everything you know will perish. There is no other way....
"Because you think so," Owen retorted. "You believe it." Therefore, there is nothing bright for you! It all depends on your own thoughts! Marfur-Nirari and the League used you in the same way as Cha-Aruna. But that still won't save you from responsibility. The tribunal is waiting for you.
While the Scorcher kept his speech, the alien woman noticed that she was surrounded. Coalition agents appeared almost everywhere. Behind them, three fighters appeared at once. Left and right, two. And a little further behind Owen, the Elfurr sorceress had already drawn. She was surrounded on all sides. She no longer had any chance of salvation, even the tiniest one.
- Ser'Qiraani! You are under arrest for war crimes against the peoples of the galaxy,” Totkhemris User’Kaf’s loud words were heard, “You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. seriously. You have too many sins!
- You are guilty of killing millions, - said Ishken Derkh, who appeared on the left side of the kossatian, - The destruction of half of the Griffin alone is a life sentence.
-
Kumbor.
Elfurr worlds.
10 days after the release of the Griffin Imperium.
In less than half an hour, Totkhemris and Ishken reached their goal. The foggy haze finally disappeared. They emerged from it, as if from another dimension. Now the picture is much clearer.
The sky suddenly became so blue and clear. The bright sun came out and gently touched Ishken's face with its rays. The temperature began to rise noticeably, and the young man felt the desire to throw off his chain mail. The heat was getting bigger and bigger. Soon the air itself began to warm up to the limit level. Apparently, this planet had a rather hot climate, more like that present in the resort areas of Ishken's homeworld. All the fog and gray enveloping haze were already far behind.
Soon the young man saw the coast. In the distance, dazzlingly bright white buildings quickly began to appear. And then Ishken, looking closely, saw that they resemble structures that he managed to see in various encyclopedias. These were the mighty and great Pyramids of Elf'urr. There were more and more of them, and soon the young man already had at least a dozen of such majestic buildings. The pyramids were truly enormous. Encyclopedias said that their height was at least one hundred and fifty meters. But the closer the flying barque rushed to the shores, the higher these incredibly beautiful buildings became. Ishken opened his mouth in amazement and simply stared ahead. He could not take his eyes off the beauties of this world that opened to him.
- Amazing ..... - the young man said, staring into the distance, - Simply amazing ....
- It's just a colonial capital, sir, - answered the alien woman, - The real Pyramids, erected by Menkaur, my ancestor, exceed the mountains. They are in the home world of my race.
In Byzantine, Totkhemris always spoke with a thick accent. But Durch understood her like no one else. He even liked it when she distorted the original words of his language a little.
- Over the mountains? - Ishken exclaimed in astonishment, - How much is that, 8000 meters?
“There are those that reach the cirrus clouds,” Totkhemris said. “Our race has built many of these throughout the universe. You will soon find out, sir. You travel a lot through the stars, but not know exactly what the Elfurr worlds look like. I thought it was necessary to fix it. Let me tell you a little about our pyramid system.
Agent Durch immediately nodded and prepared to listen.
- It is in vain to think that the pyramids built by the kings of kings are tombs. It's a delusion. As far as I know, the people of the Earth Alliance still some believe that we are building them as tombs. But this is not so. Pyramids are a symbol of victory. For every victory you need to praise the Gods, to give them their due. That is why the kings of kings build these temples. To thank the gods.
“Interesting,” the young man replied, “And even more interesting is that I never thought of them as tombs. As far as I know, you bury your dead in sarcophagi somewhere underground. Mummies....
- Yes, it is, sir, - confirmed the foreigner, - I see that you know a lot of the history of my people. Apparently you read a lot.
- Yes, - Ishken honestly admitted, - Books for me are something more. They have always taken my time. They even called me a bookworm. Until I joined the psi-special forces of the Coalition.
The luminous white pyramids got closer and closer, and soon the barque had almost reached the coast. The sun was already shining brightly enough, and its rays were beginning to strongly burn Ishken's head. On the barge, there was simply nowhere to hide from such intense heat, which became truly terrifying. The elf'urr loved the hot climate, and the young man knew it, but he had never known such unbearable heat. The air temperature rose to almost forty degrees. At the same time, Ishken and Totkhemris were fully dressed in armor. The young psionicist marveled at the resilience of the alien woman. She didn't seem to feel the heat at all. For a moment, the boy thought that she would have nothing and a terrible cold. She wasn't human, and that was an indisputable fact. This race had completely different features, although outwardly they looked a little like people.
- Are you warm, sir? - I heard her grinning voice, - Do not be afraid. It will pass. The fortress is near.
- That's good, - said Ishken, covering his head with his hands, - otherwise I will soon turn into a roast.
- Extra, - the elfurr smiled, - Roast is delicious.
Durch laughed back.
- Who knows if I don't!
-
Soon Totkhemris got to her feet and quickly darted towards the flickering control panel. The robot standing next to it immediately moved away. The alien clicked several times on the shining square, squinting towards the coast.
- Get ready! Soon we will reach the goal, - the voice of the warrior was heard.
After fiddling with the panel for a few seconds, she deftly pulled a closed helmet over her head, which greatly frightened Ishken with its alien aura. Now the beautiful alien woman has again turned into a harsh special agent. Her face was no longer visible, as it was hidden behind a helmet mask that looked more like a gas mask.
- Get ready! Totkhemris said through her helmet in a hoarse voice. Our spaceship is taking off!
- Wait, did you say spaceship? Ishken immediately started up.
- Yes, she said, a spaceship, sir, - the foreigner answered sarcastically, - But this must be a joke. A joke... It's a way of generating laughter. Given what we've been through recently, I think it's a very useful thing, sir. Tension needs to be relieved...
The agent glanced forward. The pyramids were still far away. They were truly gigantic and majestic structures. What was their height, one could only guess. They were too big. Even now Ishken was in awe of their irresistible splendor.
At that moment, the barque shook noticeably. It happened pretty quickly, and the young man almost collapsed on his back. Totkhemris remained unperturbed and simply stared ahead. For a few seconds, the flying boat was filled with blindingly bright electrical impulses.
And then a completely different picture appeared before the eyes of the Coalition agent and the Elfurr sorceress. They were already sailing along some huge channel, and majestic iron walls surrounded them on all sides. Huge lamps were built into the ceilings, illuminating everything around quite brightly. The walls were covered with some strange frescoes, the purpose of which Ishken did not understand. All this made the boy even more pale in amazement.
- Where are we now? - the young man immediately asked, - We just approached the coast!
- This is a secret portal not far from the main city of Kumbor, - the other world woman answered, - We penetrated through it. But we didn't go to the city. You will still be able to see him. You and I are approaching Special Headquarters, sir. You know what's in there.
Elfur maiden seemed to read all the thoughts of the operative. The sorceress answered all the questions raging in his head.
- I wonder if she will drown there? - Ishken's question followed. - I heard that this beast was placed under the protection of the first level. First level!
"No, no, sir," Totkhemris User'Kaf said, "Lady Ahmanet and Sir Owen the Scorcher made sure she didn't get hurt." She is in her element.
“That is, in the water,” the agent said, realizing perfectly well what the other world woman meant.
-
Soon they arrived at a place that strongly resembled docks for small ships. There they were met by several armored guards armed with elfurr disruptors.
As soon as they stepped onto the metal shore across the extended bridge, Ishken began to carefully look around. Everything here seemed so alien and strange to him. The walls were everywhere covered with strange and unknown hieroglyphs of various sizes. Unknown lamps burned on the ceilings, which resembled electric lamps, but nevertheless the light from them was simply unbearably bright and somehow green. These were apparently products of Elf'urr's virtually inaccessible technology. Ishken also noticed small drones that were flying high above, almost next to the ceiling.
It was necessary to go straight along the opened corridor, packed with soldiers of the Elfurr king, walking steel machines and Norlan servants, dressed only in loincloths.
- Praise Atum, - the words of Totkhemris were heard on the right side of the agent, - Here we are, sir!
So, is she in the water? - Followed by a question Derkh.
"Where else would she be?" - spoke a voice that Ishken had not heard for a good two weeks.
Owen the Scorcher stood beside User'Kaf in full battle gear. He was dressed in a heavy blue suit with Coalition patches. The runic symbol "Algiz" stood out on his right shoulder, referring him to the elite formations of the organization.
However, the Scorcher was not alone here. Behind him, several fighters, whom Ishken knew well, were already crowded. He immediately spotted Ser'Naveh, Isabella Fortunato, Mustafa Nazzrim, Balderan the Swordsman, and the famous two Tramontines here.
- Hello, friends, - Ishken said enthusiastically.
- And you do not get sick! - came the cheerful answers of the warriors.
Soon Ishken and his companions around him reached their goal. Two guardsmen, dressed in golden armor and high helmets, immediately opened the doors of the mysterious room in front of the incoming guests.
Totkhemris and the veterans of the Griffinian campaign entered a huge and spacious room, which was filled everywhere with mysterious elfurr devices. In the center of the hall was a huge reservoir. Only a moment later, Ishken noticed that the reservoir was almost completely filled with water. Inside the object floated something scaly, but at the same time, anthropomorphic, entangled with cables almost everywhere. The water was constantly seething and blowing bubbles, rapidly flying to the top. The figure of the creature was very reminiscent of a woman. Too slim and even attractive.
“Hello, Ser'Qiraani,” Totkhemris said with a smile, looking at what was in the tank, “I hope you like it here. You are kosatti, aquatic inhabitants. Your home world is the ocean. Unlike the rest of the draconians, you are amphibians. So we put you where you wanted.
The scaly creature twitched sharply. For a second, Owen felt a surge of rage. The alien woman's psionic power was contained, but she was still dangerous enough.
- The court session on your part will be held next week, - Balderan said, - We decided not to delay anything. By the way, the Griffin Imperium is slowly being restored. And all thanks to Elfurr and the financial means of the Coalition.
The alien floating in the tank twitched again. She obviously didn't like what she heard.
- Yes... We have studied all your technologies obtained on the ship with Cha-Arun, - added the Nordan, - They will benefit us. Especially nanorobots. Dr. Hasan has been cooperating with us for a long time. He is simply delighted with the trinkets found!
- I would say that your findings delight me, - Owen remarked with a grin, not taking his eyes off the floating kossati, - But ... you still won’t answer. And one more thing... The League suffered another 8 crushing defeats. The latter happened yesterday near Ophir. At least 2000 of your ships have been destroyed. This is how we deal with the armadas of the League!
Ser'Qiraani twitched for the third time. There were even more bubbles in her cell. Eyepiece devices were attached to the eyes of the alien woman. They gave her the opportunity to see their captors. But she could not speak to them under any circumstances. Nobody connected voice communication devices to it. Only a special program that reads thoughts straight from the brain.
On a small screen not far from the tank, letters were quickly drawn, indicating what the kossatian sent back to them.
- Death to you ..... death to you ..... death to you ...... - was clearly read on the monitor.
“She threatens us even now,” Ishken noted, glancing at the words.
- This will not help her, - Totkhemris said to this, - Judging by the available information, the Tribunal will appoint her a life sentence in an asteroid. Or the death penalty by caruselanus.
What if she repents? Owen asked unexpectedly.
For some reason, this question popped into his head. He could have sworn that nothing like this had happened a minute ago.
- Then we'll see, - the elfurr girl answered, - In any case, while she will be here. In her system......
Meanwhile, the words about death continued to appear on the screen.
---
The end
(translation is still wip)