"Revenge of Tyrants. Darkness is coming" story released

[BagaturKhan]

---
The journey through the portal went well as usual. Although for some, this method of movement was still difficult. For example, Captain Krasic did not like these inter-world jumps at all. His body always reacted unimportantly to such things. The same was true of Sergeant Bartholomew. It was considered normal for Yuri or Hercules to travel through the universe, due to their psionic training. And for those who at all represented the remnant of the legitimate power on Zabergan, the portals were something like a real torture. Fortunately, no one vomited on the journey. Those who did not take the portal transfers poorly, got off with only stomach cramps and severe dizziness.
When Yuri was the first to set foot on the Zabergan land, he immediately felt rather unpleasant energy surges. He felt it somewhere deep inside. There was something dark in the aura of the planet, emitting strong screams. Ernalltsev heard these distant screams, heard somewhere in the distance. Iilfan Jamilakorngkorn also didn't look her best. She felt intense excitement, and Ernalltsev clearly saw it. Glancing at Hercules, the adept noticed that his brother was experiencing the same sensations. Something was wrong with this world for many days. Moreover, shots and rumbles of explosions were heard with might and main, taking place somewhere on the other side of the building. The war was in full swing here.
Admiral Lucius Savrasov was already waiting for the arriving allies in the only not shabby office of the embassy. The guests walked along a large long corridor, accompanied by ten guards. These guards were sent to the portal station by Lucius himself, as he wanted with all his might to see his brothers in arms. And now, at last, the long-awaited allies arrived at their destination. Entering a huge office, in which at least some semblance of order reigned, the heroes of space and their otherworldly friends found themselves in the chambers of the temporary ruler of Zabergan.
- We wish you good health, - here Yuri's voice was heard, - Mister Admiral, here we are.
Savrasov sat at his desk and worked hard with a touch pen. There was almost no electricity here, apparently the generator was damaged. Around Lucius, several guardsmen were gathered, armed with heavy blast guns. In addition, on either side of the seated head of the political center, there were three women dressed in the uniform of military pilots. Two local warriors, as well as their leader, wrote something down on small "light" notebooks. But the third was holding a bioluminescent lamp in her hands and somehow illuminated the entire study.
As soon as Lucius heard the greeting from the allies, he immediately looked up.
- Mr. Admiral, - the commander said in a tired voice, - What the  I am now, Mr. Admiral. No navy, no army, no power. The darned condomes solved everything. But still, welcome. You are right on time.
To the surprise of those around him, the admiral did not hesitate to swear dirty even with many women in the office.
"Forgive me .... Mr. Savrasov," Yuri said correctly, "I see that everything is bad with your lighting. Enemy sabotage, after all? Even we had to use Farrukh magic to get here. The portal network did not respond.
Lucius put the pad and touch pen away from him and then stood up. Looking strangely at the girl in uniform holding a lamp in her hands, he headed towards the guests who had arrived. First of all, he shook hands with his long-awaited allies. He shook it to absolutely everyone who arrived, even those who were not of the male sex. Iilfan reluctantly stretched out her hand to the commander, while expecting that he would at least kiss her, but he perceived the Farrukh warrior as a simple fighter.
Having greeted everyone, Savrasov looked Yuri and Hercules directly in the eyes. He marveled at their psionic aura, and even turned pale somehow. But since the admiral was still reputed to be polite, he chose to hide some of the words wandering in his mind.
"Everything is very bad here," Savrasov said in a mournful tone, "The whole capital is turning into a battlefield. There is no connection. No. In my opinion, this  Grigarovich has a jammer there.
Hercules nodded in understanding.
- What's the latest news? - Yuri's question immediately followed ..
The adept was determined to find out everything that had happened here recently from the admiral personally. Until now, they have received separate messages, thanks to the working portal and some telepathic signals. After the arrival of the allies, the portal station was ordered to be isolated. The rest of the reinforcements promised to arrive from outer space.
- The news is, - answered Lucius, - We are in biggest back-side. The political center is under siege. We have dug in here in the Two Towers of Beorning. But there are more and more enemies. An hour and a half ago, the connection began to disappear, and then power outages began. There was a powerful leap, and almost everything was knocked out. It looks like the terrorists have some kind of weapon there that we don't know about.
- There is really no connection, - confirmed the captain Krasic, who was standing nearby.
Nikolai pulled out his intercom from the pocket of his overcoat, thanks to which he communicated with the allies. He tried to press several buttons, but squeaky sounds were heard from the device, clearly indicating that it was not working. The Moskani shrugged his shoulders dejectedly.
- And then it began, - Savrasov continued his speech, - It went, as they say, it went. We were attacked by some cybernetic bastards. Honestly, I don't know where they all came from. Our planet is not very cyber infrastructure developed. Yes, and it went to the back-side of diplodocus. I never liked these cans. And now they're all getting pounded in the ass because of them. Terrorists have captured almost the entire capital. The battles are fierce. These bandits of Grigarovich are not enough for us, so also the newcomers have come. Sometimes it seems to me that I just got drunk yesterday and fell asleep.
Lucius turned his gaze towards one of his warlords, who were still loyal to Hyperborea. The tall officer in steel armor and a high helmet immediately nodded his head. His gaze was rather shabby and tired, but at the same time he did his best not to show his true state.
- The forces of General Arminius and Lieutenant-Commander Chaka-Rakatsinana went over to the side of the terrorists, - said the military man, - They destroyed all the monuments to the emperor and cultural centers. In addition, an hour and a half ago, we received reports of chemical attacks in other cities. Grigarovich involved all the militants and released the gases there. Again the same "poisonous damage". The separatists have plundered more laboratories. That's what's going on in Zabergan ... This was the last message from our intelligence. Then the connection was lost, and the attack of the mechanized troops began. The drones hit us like locusts. They bombed several fortifications, and then, apparently, scattered across the planet. We do not know about their further actions. But we know for sure that it seems to them that they do not care about their own and others. They destroyed everything that moves.
"Thanks for the information, Mr. Castor," the admiral said.
Hercules and Yuri listened to fairly detailed reports on the current situation on the planet. Zabergan has long begun to turn into a real battlefield. From the military and the remaining workers of the political center, information was also received about the raids of other strange creatures, whose combat shuttles strongly resembled crescents. Hearing about these raids, Yuri immediately realized that they were talking about pirates from the planet Zuhra. Too many different scoundrels went to Zabergan, and they all thirsted for blood. The head of the terrorists involved not only the mysterious robots, but also the rest of the allies, and many of these "friends" were real bastards who liked to inflict pain and death. Grigarovich summoned too many evil creatures to this planet that with their hatred and fury resembled real demons of hell.
The situation on Zabergan was getting worse every second.
"Great Gods," said the voice of Iilfan, who was also too depressed by the situation. "It seems that Grigarovich is not as simple as it seems. He is clearly not a simple rebel. But ..... there is more.
Yuri immediately turned his gaze towards the beautiful warrior. He looked at her now, as if at an old lover. Seeing her sadness, Ernalltsev wanted to gently stroke the girl's hair and hug her tightly.
- What do you feel? the psi-adept asked quietly. - Tell me.
"Darkness," alien woman said mournfully, and darkened even more. - The Great darkness.
----

[BagaturKhan]

-
The admiral nervously took out a small pack of cigarettes from his uniform pocket. In the blink of an eye, he unfolded it and took out the cherished object of his pleasure. His face was too sad and sullen. Yuri perfectly discerned a real struggle in his soul. This man fought desperately with himself, trying to overcome despondency and cowardice. But still, the presence of allies around did not let him lose heart completely.
- Your task ..... - said Savrasov, drawing on a cigarette, - As you know .... Mr. Krazhinsky is our rightful governor and devoted servant of His Majesty Beorning IV. But saving him would be too difficult a task. In the event of the death of Krazhinsky, it will hardly be possible to restore political stability. For many, it is like a symbol of prosperity. Didn't leave anyone without work. He gave money to everyone who needed it. He built shelters, hospitals, homes for disabled people. Organized everything as needed. Now what? He is a prisoner of darned criminals!
Lucius glanced at his henchmen, who nodded in agreement. The military leaders and workers of the political center knew perfectly well what was happening on the planet. Zabergan plunged into real chaos. Foreign forces were already at work here. The political center was very lucky that its agents managed to enlist the support of allies in time, otherwise there would have been no hope at all. But even without this, the chances of saving this world were rapidly dwindling to zero. The alien forces present here were not at all encouraging. Grigarovich has called too many of his allies here, and the resistance has already had a lot of questions about why the leader of the terrorists has so many friends from outer space.
- We are realists, - Savrasov continued his speech, - And we understand that the matter is rubbish. The Governor is being held somewhere in the Palace of the Assessors. Now it is already a real citadel. Stronghold!
- And where exactly, you do not know? Ernal'tsev's question was heard.
- Unknown, - said the local soldier, who was called Castor, - If we knew, we would have said right away. Grigarovich has excellent defense there. We sent several detachments there for reconnaissance. Not everyone returned. Recently, the team "Evgraf" was sent. They watched as these scum threw people out of the windows of the building. Then the drones of the enemy fell on ours. The detachment almost did not survive. Only two returned, including the commander.
- Okay, let's not remember the fallen now, it hurts me, - Savrasov said sternly, and immediately returned to the previous conversation, - We do not know for sure whether Krazhinsky is alive or not. There is no connection with anyone, and Grigarovich's jammers continue to work. However, one of my guys sent the message twenty minutes ago. He barely got out of the trap. Says that the bastard is still in the Palace of the Investigators, but he already has a lot of replicants there. They have weapons we didn't know yet. My man said nothing about Krazhinsky. He was wounded and is now in the infirmary. But I'll tell you what, gentlemen. Grigarovich must be eliminated. Without him, all these brothers will immediately burn out. It is necessary to cut off the head of the snake, and then this whole terrorist gang will simply die.
- Kill Grigarovich? - Yuri immediately guessed. "It will be easy if people like us do it. But wouldn't it be better to take prisoner?
- I'm afraid that he will not be taken prisoner, - said the admiral, - Too craappy guy.
Hercules immediately perked up hearing the words of Savrasov. The psi adept has prepared something very deadly, but extremely useful for the operation on Zabergan. While Yuri was talking with the object of his incredible sympathy, his companion from Hyperborea visited the chambers of the Draconian commander. She kept one interesting little thing that Hercules immediately liked. He hid this peculiar artifact in his ammunition bag. The adept intended to use it only when a combat situation arose.
- I have something for him, - Hercules smiled, winking his left eye at Yuri, - Believe me, gentlemen, the leader of the terrorists will dance with me, really. I will personally decide his fate.
- Self-confident, sir, - Ernalltsev nodded at this.
The admiral was about to give an approving answer, but a sudden situation interrupted his thoughts. Somewhere from the outside of the building, a powerful explosion thundered. The roar was so deafening that many of those present in the office almost fell unconscious. In addition, the shock wave that followed the explosion hit the cabinet and its utensils. The glass instantly cracked, and the furniture began to fall rapidly. The admiralat's table jumped, and everything that lay on it immediately collapsed. The girl, who was holding a bioluminescent lamp in her hands, could not stand it either and fell to her feet. The incandescent lamp fell to the stone floor and shattered in a matter of seconds.
- What a bastards, - Castor swore, forgetting about all the rules of behavior.
But this time no one condemned him. Many of those present in the study, creatures, had the same words on their lips. Since the crash of the explosion sounded too close, it should be noted that the enemies were already approaching. Hercules and Yuri knew some information about the layout of the building in which they were now located. It was a giant tower complex, consisting of two high-rises, built during the time of the old emperors. This building was later assigned specifically for the Embassy of the Impeccable Empire, and now there was a temporary political center here. If the explosion thundered so close, then the enemy was rapidly advancing. The battle came too quickly, and even creatures like Hercules and Yuri Ernalltsev found this factor unexpected.
- It looks like the enemies are already here, - Yuri heard the angry voice of Savrasov, - Damned creatures of the separatist hydra. They are already here! I thought so.
Before the admiral had time to utter his furious speeches, one of the commanders quickly rushed into the office, forcing everyone to draw attention to himself. He was dressed in a gray Zabergan overcoat with aiguillettes and a dark cap. In his hands he held a plasma fuse. Iilfan immediately noticed the frightened look on this officer.
- Your honor! - roared at the top of his throat a warrior who ran in.
Savrasov and his subordinates were immediately startled. The officer was in disarray, and his shortness of breath reflected well his desperate situation. He was the real embodiment of fear.
- Your honor! - shouted again the fighter, - Traitors attacked the Tower of Ascension. Terrorists are breaking through the defenses!
The frightened warrior spoke too quickly and confusedly, and his eyes fled in different directions.
- How did they attack? - Savrasov exclaimed beside himself with amazement. - I ordered to create a double defense, you brainless bastards!
- No, sir, - the answer was immediately heard, - They used some unknown device. Come from a shining ring of fire. We have not seen this yet! We urgently need reinforcements! Urgently! They captured the twenty-seventh floor and deployed their guns there. And with them ... with them golems! Steel golems!
"Robots," Iilfan said quietly, immediately guessing what they were talking about.
After the words of the frightened soldier, there was a new roar of the explosion, which happened almost very close to the location of the political center. The explosion was followed by shots from fuses and automatic weapons. Machine-gun bursts rang out. The battle was already flaring up in all its glory. The officer shuddered even more at what he heard. This warrior was rapidly losing control of himself. Of course, he knew that an immediate execution followed for alarmism, but he already deeply did not care at all. Panic began to seize all over his soul.
- I ask you to! Send reinforcements! - the fighter almost cried. - We are being slaughtered there like dogs! No freacking connection! I almost died while getting here!
- Ragged , - Savrasov lost his temper, - Mongrel torn condomes!
"Well, the long-awaited battle has come," Hercules said in a quiet voice.
Now he was clearly aware that this operation would be the most difficult in his entire history. Even the events of the Five Colonies will now seem to all of them just just a mouse fuss. A monstrous storm was brewing, and it was already approaching. Quite a little time will pass, and it will envelop the entire planet as a whole, absorbing each of its inhabitants.
--

[BagaturKhan]

"Retribution"
Personal battle cruiser of the High Marshal of Hyperborea.
Outer space of Zabergan.

"Voten the Hammer-Slayer, how many ships they have scored," Clotilde whispered beside himself with horror.
The great marshal was looking with great concern at the data on the flotilla of Nikomedians, which was already located in the orbit of the planet. Grigarovich's mysterious allies arrived in too many numbers. The holographic screen showed the exact composition of the armada sent by the aliens. And these data by no means inspired any good hope. As it turned out, the combined fleet of Hyperborea and the alliance here had fewer powers than the enemies summoned by the terrorists.
Armada Nikomedyan consisted of twenty warships. Among them were heavy frigates, destroyers and battleships, the destructive power of which was impressive. Clotilde no less than three armored super-battleships "Kachara". One such vessel was capable of spraying at least twelve corvettes.
In truth, the "Kachar" had the ability to destroy even the elite battleship of the Draskov Empire with three shots, and they were famous for their protection. Enemies have equipped their superlinkers with proton launchers and plasma sprays. Such a weapon was colossal, many of the commanders who arrived at the battle were well aware of what they might have to face. The battle, scheduled for the next hour, promised to be monstrously difficult and threatened with serious losses.
"In any case, we cannot retreat," said the voice of Nirani-Rael behind the marshal. "I have already requested help from 20 ships of the Elfurr Domination. They are on their way.
The Elfurrian Inquisitor was also aboard the High Marshal's ship. At the consoles and consoles sat a lot of other worlds, among whom there were even dogmas, not to mention other creatures. People on the ship were also present. Hyperborean special forces soldiers decided to settle on the ship of Lord Clotilde in order to fight in boarding battles. They had already sharpened their broadswords and axes, and checked the ammunition of the plasma fuses.
But the horror of this battle could reach the boarding. Everyone knew that the enemy naval commanders were not used to bringing matters to the use of "invasion locks." As a rule, the tactics of the Nicomedians did not lead to collisions. Usually fighters of this race fought remotely. Even the guardsmen of the Vithyn-Exotrorchs rarely used bayonets or sabers. It was considered much more effective that it was more effective to shoot at close range than to hit with a war blade. The Nikomedians did not like close combat too much. The leaders of the fleets almost did not count on boarding at all, but mostly preferred to fire at enemy ships from a distance or used covert attacks.
However, in addition to the Nikomedians, Grigarovich and his other allies. Five battle caravels of pirates from Zukhra left from the side of the main satellite of Zabergan. Although these ships had great firepower, they could move very quickly. In addition, information about their teleporter devices reached, which moved these ships throughout the star system in a matter of hours. It was also said about the camouflage fields, which were also available to the pirates. When Lord Clotilde learned of the approach of the corsair caravels, he almost lost his composure. He wanted to smash the bridge to pieces with one psionic attack. Rage gripped his soul too much.
- This is no longer, but a massacre, some kind of war, - concluded the Marshal, - Where does the leader of the terrorists have such friends. Someone has definitely worked here.
"The only question is who exactly advised Grigarovich to revolt," came the voice of General Vulich. - It is unlikely that this is the work of the Nicomedians. Someone else has worked here.
- Why blame the Nikomedians if they are fighting for us? - spoke the high officer from n-sai species, - Those ships that are now in orbit should not be equated with Nicomedia's fleet.
Draskovit decided to attend Ernull's flagship. He presided over the midshipmen who acted as support for the Hyperboreans. In the event of an unsuccessful sortie of the special forces, Draskov's midshipmen were to act against the enemy. Vulich did not leave his loyal fighters for a second, and was devoted to them, like a father. Just now, he uttered some truly moving words that were asked by many of the military leaders involved in the operation.
- All this was clearly set up, - the general continued his speech, - I do not believe that Grigarovich did everything himself. Surely he has his own coordinator.
- In terms of? - there was a question of Nirani-Rael, - Do you think about what, what I am talking about ?.
The inquisitor already internally knew what the answer would be, but at the same time she still decided to ask the commander, since she wanted to find out his opinion on the situation. There has never been a case when she did not allow her colleagues to speak.
"Something similar has already happened in the Farrukh Empire," Vulich said. "Someone under the name of Marfur-Nirari has amassed a whole organization to fight the government. He acted in much the same way. He raised the military to mutiny, arranged explosions, terrorist attacks. Then Farrukh, of course, was given to him as it should. And this bastard finally got out of their lands.
Vulich spoke nervously and irritably, and obviously, he harbored a fierce grudge against this Marfur-Nirari. From the general's face it was possible to understand that he had lost someone in one of the countless skirmishes with the enemy.
"But Marfur-Nirari is a simple crazy psionic," came the voice of one of the human officers on the bridge. "I've heard this story.
"With all due respect, but he is not an ordinary psychopath," the general replied sharply. "They sacrificed thousands of living beings. Among them was.... My wife.
- And you think that Marfur-Nirari is guilty of the Zabergan rebellion? - were already heard the words of Clotilde.
Suddenly, an alarm sounded throughout the flagship. From the side of those sitting at the consoles, the other worlds, excited shouts were heard. The crew members were greatly alarmed. Almost all had dilated pupils.
- Your Excellency! - shouted one of the Hrokans, seated opposite the console, - the Nicomedians are aiming guns at us!
Clotilde jumped up at once, trying to throw away all unnecessary thoughts from himself. The battle was already approaching, and soon it will cover the entire outer space of Zabergan. The enemies did not like to wait long, and decided to be the first to attack the united squadron. The flotilla of Grigarovich's allies prepared to open fire. The Nicomedians despised procrastination, and for their fury they were famous almost everywhere ..
- All the energy on the shields! - Clotilde immediately commanded at the top of his voice, - Force fields will hold back the enemy onslaught! And then .... And then it will be our turn to attack!
- There is! All the energy to the shields! - were heard in response to the screeching of other worlds. - To carry out the order of the marshal!
Now each crew member clearly understood that perhaps this day would be the last in their life.
--

[BagaturKhan]

---
Nan-Kai had to work hard to find the coveted secluded spot from which he could contact the master. The city has already been overrun with thousands of unknown vehicles. This was no longer a civil war, but some kind of foreign invasion. Nan-Kai was seriously worried about the emergence of more and more sophisticated mechanisms. In addition, he discovered incredible oddities among the enemy soldiers. At one point, they just fell silent for a few seconds, and then their eyes lit up with mysterious green lights. The fighters behaved strangely and unnaturally. They looked more like machines than living creatures.
Castellan suspected that Grigarovich could conclude an agreement with an unknown civilization, perhaps even unknown to many galactic countries. Naturally, all the colonel's statements about allegedly joining the Impeccable Empire were nothing more than a bluff. In fact, Grigarovich wanted something completely different. Nan-Kai had two options for the development of events at once. The first one assumed that the half-Nomedian had indeed entered into an alliance with someone, and did this in order to transfer the whole system to this "someone". But many questions immediately arose - why then did he allow the entire Hyperborean fleet to fly here? It would be much wiser to simply act on the sly. Capture planets after planets, while trying to distract the Hyperboreans in other places. The second option assumed that Grigarovich intended to destroy all his enemies with one blow, and for this he was preparing some kind of weapon. Probably, it was for the fulfillment of his sinister plan that he summoned many armada here. Cut off the "head of the snake" in order to then strike at the very heart of Hyperborea.
He found a small room that was once a laboratory assistant for a local teacher. Nan-Kai had to infiltrate a dilapidated school. Fortunately, there was also an excellent view of the area from there. He immediately expressed his assumptions to Zoran as soon as he activated the transmitter. The shimmering figure of the Emperor's brother Azis spread throughout the room. Zoran didn't look kind at all. He clearly did not expect such an outcome.
- And where are these cyber soldiers from? - the terrible voice of the governor was heard, - You still haven't found out?
Nan-Kai turned pale. The assignment was under threat. What he saw was not at all in the plan announced to him at the General Staff. It was urgent to draw up a new list of tasks. Otherwise, the task can be considered a failed one.
"No, Mr. Zoran," the castellan answered honestly. "Nothing. They came out of nowhere.
"Bad," said the shimmering figure, "But your assignment does not change from this.
Castellan turned pale even more. He was already on a war-torn planet all alone. Even the Impeccable Empire commanders in orbit were unaware of his presence. Formally, Nan-Kai was not here at all.
- You will bring Grigarovich to me, - Zoran continued his speech, - You already have the poison. I need to find out who he works for. The situation is lousy.
- Do you also think that this is the plan of unknown aliens? - heard the question of Nan-Kai.
- I believe that only one alien is involved in this case, - the governor answered, - I have been interested in him for a long time. Recently, he managed to walk with fire and sword through the Farrukh Empire. Almost led her to a large-scale political crisis in history. There were many dead. But Farrukh kept silent about this. Apparently they didn't want the rest of the world to know.
Nan-Kai shuddered with surprise. He knew who it was about. It was about this creature that he and the governor Zoran talked literally a couple of days before he was sent to Zabergan. When Zoran mentioned his mysterious name, for some reason the castellan felt uneasy. He was beginning to feel a mysterious cold somewhere deep inside. Fear literally fettered his body.
- You speak......
- About Marfur-Nirari, - Zoran said sharply, - In any case, bring Grigarovich to me. Remember, you have no right for error.
- Wait, my lord... that is, Mr. Zoran, - the castellan immediately exclaimed, - And if this .... Is Marfur-Nirari also on this planet? If this.... Is he really?
The Governor thought for a moment. He clearly did not expect to hear such a question. There was little to say to him. With amazement, the ruler discovered that he had never thought of this option. As a result, I had to adjust plans literally on the go.
- Hmm ... .. - Zoran shook his head, - In that case, press the black button of your transmitter. This will mean that the operation is under threat. And that Marfur-Nirari is involved in this. Only this should be one hundred percent information.
"Okay," Nan-Kai replied obediently, "So that's why you told me not to touch the black button until the hour" H ". Now I understand everything. Alert.
- Signal of the 1st level of danger, - the ruler clarified, - If Marfur-Nirari is really involved in this, and if it will be impossible to capture Grigarovich, announce the 1st level alarm and run to safety. I will send jannisaries to rescue you. Then we will draw up a new plan to destroy this bastard.
- It will be done, sir, - said the castellan, - But I still hope that these are just assumptions.

---

[BagaturKhan]

---
Yuri watched with horror the panorama of the city engulfed in civil war that opened before his eyes. He stood with everyone on a huge landing site for pterix riders, giant winged creatures. Now all the pterixes were sent to the lower levels, and here Savrasov's fighters were deploying an air defense. Ernalltsev was located directly opposite the fence line, beyond which the abyss already stretched. He looked at Zabergan, engulfed in flames, and great sorrow arose in his soul. Iilfan was next to the warriors and did not take her eyes off the terrible panorama. Her eyes changed their color to bright green. She not only saw the burning buildings, but also felt all the pain that the inhabitants of the doomed capital experienced. Horror and fear reigned everywhere here.
Tall buildings that were built during the time of the old monarchs flared up with a scarlet flame. Shots from fuses and machine-gun bursts were heard everywhere. The sky above the city was already a gigantic black veil, which still did not end. Everywhere here there were wars, cruel and merciless. Somewhere below, cries for help or battle orders were heard. The artillery worked mercilessly. Those who looked at this madness did not know who exactly fired the shells from the mortars. But their rumble was heard even here, on the twenty-second level of the majestic tower. A wave of flames had just swept through. Obviously, the enemy shells touched the gas pipeline or the enemy used flammable substances at all. The whole block burst into flames like a powder keg. Desperate cries of doomed people were heard from afar. And high in the dark skies now and then flew the flying machines of the robots and the combat shuttles of the allies. The aircraft of the Impeccable Empire fought bravely in battle against the fast starships of Grigarovich's mysterious friends. Fiery lines were visible everywhere, left by the shots from the laser weapon. This war was rapidly growing into a global one.
And a great rage arose within Ernal'tsev and his companions when they turned their gaze to the majestic building, located at a great distance from the embassy. It was a whole tower complex built in the first decades of colonization. Today it was called the Palace of the Assessors, and within it were held party meetings and various state events. Only now the Palace was captured by the same bastard that plunged the entire planet into a bloody carnage. The main culprit of the civil war was inside the building and commanded his subordinates. Yuri and his brothers knew that Grigarovich was inside, and if he was not stopped in the near future, then the end would come to all Zabegan. The colonel's actions were truly insane. He staged a senseless massacre, destroying everyone in his path. Summoning friends from space, he clearly expected the continuation of the carnage across the planet.
- You will stay here, defend the tower, - suddenly the voice of Hercules was heard, - And I will fly to the Palace.
Hercules' words sounded too harsh. Yuri and Iilfan turned towards him. This adept had already prepared for battle, and his gaze reflected a frantic thirst for revenge on his enemies. Hercules' eyes lit up with a crimson witch's flame. But it was not this that attracted the attention of the surrounding fighters, but something else. In his hands, the Hyperborean was holding a strange round object, which all the time shimmered with various bright colors. Seeing him, Yuri immediately guessed about its purpose.
- What do you want to finish off the terrorists alone? - Immediately asked Iilfan, - It looks unreasonable. Nirani-Rael gathered a whole squad to eliminate the rioters.
The rest of the warriors wanted to say the same words, but the foreign woman was ahead of them. Krasic, his loyal friend-sergeant and several specialists from Hyperborea looked at Hercules in bewilderment. The original plan was a joint operation. No one would have thought that the Hyperborean would dare to fly alone directly into the mouth of a terrible beast.
With even greater amazement, the local warriors glanced at Hercules. Savrasov, who was standing nearby, nervously looked at the psionic and at first thought that he was joking. Lucius considered such a trick for excessive heroism, which could well end in vain death.
- I will not go alone, - Hercules proudly answered.
At the same time, he nodded his head towards the strange thing that he was holding in his hand. But even realizing what was being discussed, Yuri did not approve of such an act. And the rest of the soldiers did not understand such a trick of the commander. Right now, he was completely disrupting the entire plan drawn up by the high marshal.
- The enemy has a weapon Elfurr, - Yuri said sternly, approaching his friend a couple of steps, - It is dangerous. You know!
"I told you I'm not going alone! - Hercules shouted almost in a frenzy.
After these words, the adept threw the alien device with all his might to the right side of him. There were almost no people there, and this should be taken advantage of. The round ball hit the floor in a few seconds and then crashed. As soon as the object shattered into thousands of pieces, something huge flew out of it, blazing with fierce fire. The temperature around began to rise immediately. Not even a moment passed when a strange creature of enormous growth emerged from the crimson flame, its appearance resembling a wingless dragon. The hefty lizard was all burning with fire, and there was not a single place on it where the flame would not reach. Opening its mouth, the mysterious entity emitted angry screams that almost deafened everyone present. The fiery creature was ready for battle, as was its master.
Yuri and the other people around him were not too surprised by the appearance of this creature. But real horror appeared in the eyes of Iilfan and the local inhabitants. Many of Savrasov's fighters aimed at the essence of the fuzei and machine guns. Even the admiral himself could not cope with fear and pulled out a plasma pistol from his holster. This creature was truly powerful. The flames emanating from him spoke of incredible power. And this power frightened any mortal.
- Well, ing yourself! - I heard the frightened cry of the admiral, - What the hell is this?
Everyone looked at this entity with open mouths in horror. Mortal warriors feared that right now this creature would come into great rage and release hellfire from its mouth. But that never happened. The creature wheezed and growled at the assembled fighters, and then settled peacefully to the floor. The fire, which had flared up earlier all over the back of the creature, quickly faded away.
And Hercules, on the contrary, looked at the mysterious monster with undisguised admiration. He now resembled some circus performer presenting an outlandish beast to the audience. The Hyperborean's eyes lit up with a storm of delight.
- Meet! - the adept exclaimed at the top of his voice, - Fighting Salamander Croco! A creature composed of fiery power! Able to bring death to anyone who gets in his way! A present from the Draconian Commander Ser'Pentai!
The salamander, as if understanding the words of Hercules, got to her feet again and made several movements with her flaming tail. It would seem that she decided to show off in front of the soldiers who surrounded her.
- Do not be afraid, - Hercules continued, - She will only kill enemies. She will not touch you. Besides, you are too tasteless for her.
"So that's what you were chatting about with the dragonids! - there was an inspired voice of Nikolai Krasic, who was standing among the soldiers along with his faithful friend-sergeant.
Hearing the psionic's words, many warriors allowed themselves to breathe a sigh of relief. Only Iilfan and several officers of Zabergan, including Savrasov himself, remained to look at the creature with eyes widened with fear. The foreign woman, on the other hand, had never seen such creatures at all. She spent so much time on government assignments and saw a lot in her life, but not fire salamanders. Until now, the warrior thought that these creatures had died out long ago, moreover, in the past millennium. She did not expect to see such a monster in front of her.
Yuri touched the other woman's hand. With his touch, he instilled calmness in her. Feeling the touch of the warrior, Iilfan was also relieved. She was beginning to clearly understand that the monster would not harm any of her allies. It was intended only for a fierce battle with enemies.
- And you are full of surprises, Hercules, - came the voice of the admiral.
- Indeed, - said Sergeant Bartholomew, - there are more than enough surprises.
Savrasov continued to stare at the salamander with wild amazement. Fear still lingered inside him. This person did not even think that such entities exist in the universe at all. All his life he knew only about the flora and fauna of his own system and only remotely read about something alien. Savrasov looked at the monster as if he were in a zoo. His lips were still trembling with mild shock.
- So, - Hercules said to this, returning to the previous topic, - I will go to battle with Grigarovich. If I'm lucky, I will rescue Krazhinsky from captivity. I will have a salamander with me, and that is worth a lot.
- Together it is also not safe, - Yuri's voice was heard, - They have Destroyers of Souls.
But Hercules was adamant. With his fiery gaze thrown at Yuri, he made it clear that he would not argue further. He has already made his own decision and will not change it.
- Mister Ernalltsev, - Hercules exclaimed, - you and a detachment will defend the embassy. These people need help too. And I will go there with the faithful beast and finish off the bastard. Captain Krasic and Sergeant Bartholomew will fly with me.
- With joy! - Krasic replied to this, - With such and such a weapon, even fly into a black hole! Let's cover you, Hercules. We've got jetpacks, don't forget.
At the same moment, somewhere nearby, another explosion thundered. The rumble that came from him was simply deafening. The resulting shockwave shook the room in which the warriors were located. The walls were cracked in several places, and pictures and photographs of local governors hanging on them immediately fell down. The explosion took place very close to the special hangar for the pterix. It was no longer possible to hesitate.
The admiral clearly understood that they did not have time to think. The enemy was already approaching very close. Troops of traitors were nearby, and soon they can break through to the embassy. And the eerie roar of engines was also heard, indicating the presence of robot aircraft. The warships raced at breakneck speed towards the Telbert Towers. Obviously, the fighters of the Impeccable Empire failed to cope with the enemy.
- Go! - Hercules shouted at the top of his voice, addressing his comrades, - Protect the building and the political center! And I will go to battle! Gods help you!
Having said these words, the Hyperborean psi-adept everywhere flashed with crimson sorcerous lights and jumped at lightning speed on the flaming monster. Without thinking twice, he slapped him on the back, and the mighty beast jumped up at a fast pace, lifting his feet off the floor. Soon, the psionic was already flying over this entire monstrous panorama of the crumbling capital. He truly resembled the ancient god of war, riding a dragon, and bringing death to anyone who gets in his way.
The brave Hyperborean was followed by his two comrades, Nikolai Krasic and his loyal friend-sergeant. Both are in combat suits with built-in jetpacks, true winged angels.
---

[BagaturKhan]

--
"Tulotron," came a strange and seemingly playing female voice.
It really did not belong to a mortal woman, but to a real product of cyber-engineering.
The leader of the robots immediately turned back, already knowing that she was watching him. Null Six was already very close to him. Tulotron applied all the features of facial expressions and even managed to smile at this mysterious person.
- Null-Six, - the cyber-lord bowed slightly, looking his companion directly in the face, - It seems it's time to apply our special plan. Master approved plan.
The cyborgess smiled playfully back at Tulotron, and then quickly pulled out from her bosom what looked like a capsule; a capsule with a cybernetic being contained inside, which was only in projection quite recently. The leader of the robots immediately realized who exactly these weapons were intended for. If he were a man, he would probably turn white with horror and turn cold.
"Hand over to Grigarovich our common gift," Null-Six smiled playfully again, and then added, "Our gift, Tulotron. Created by you and me.
- But I, and there are you, - was heard the quiet answer of the leader of the robots, - You were created first. You are Tulotron.
- Exactly, - the eyes of the cyborgess flashed, - Our plan must work.
Bowing again to the mysterious mechanical person, Tulotron carefully took the capsule with the unknown creature in his hands. Then he turned back and scanned the entire area of ​​the room. He was carefully looking for Grigarovich himself here. And very soon, he found his cherished goal.
Colonel Markohyosip Grigarovich walked along the stone floor and looked at the spoiled portraits that hung on the walls. These images were made quite recently as a gift for the governor of Krazhinsky. The portrait painters did a great job, and thoroughly depicted the faces of the rulers of Zabergan on the canvases.
Tulotron cautiously crept up to the Kaiser from behind, but the Zabergan tyrant foresaw this, and immediately turned around. The two bodyguards quickly approached the colonel and stood behind him. They certainly didn't instruct him with plasma fusées, as there was no need for that, at least not yet. The bearded Nikomedian guards put their fingers on the triggers, but their weapons remained lowered.
"Ah, Mr. Tulotron, I was just thinking about it," Grigarovich's voice was heard. - What will become of the universe when machines begin to attack all organic form.
The colonel's voice was filled with fierce distrust of his ally and even some kind of contempt. This attitude seriously infuriated Tulotron, who had already learned to fully understand human feelings. However, the robot carefully concealed its awakening anger.
"I sent a special squad of Nikomedians to ensure the defense of the tower," the Zabergan separatist continued his speech. "Thanks to the Soul Destroyers, they will cope with any threat. Even if those psionics of Hyperborea come here, they say, they move whole mountains ... An inglorious death awaits them all. Inglorious and monstrous. Just think of what it would be like to be deprived of my soul. Not a physical body, but that divine shell that was given to all of us before appearing in this world. Let's see how our enemies react to this.
Tulotron also noticed that several of his bodyguards were approaching Grigarovich. Their weapons just consisted of those very Elfurr sprayers. Suddenly one of the guardsmen winked his left eye at Tulotron. The robot registered this gesture and processed the information. Grigarovich's guards are entirely on his side.
- I wanted to talk to you alone, - the robot lied, - Without your pit bulls.
"Yes, of course," the colonel said in an incredulous voice. "Of course. Really changing plans again?
After these words, Grigarovich turned back and stared at his "watchdogs". He looked at them as if they were wild animals, not sentient beings. He always considered bodyguards to be nothing more than dogs that can be used for any purpose.
"Leave us," said the tyrant.
The guards obeyed. They bowed to the colonel and headed the other way. The guards did not have time to move away from their master, as Tulotron was already very close to Grigarovich. He came close to him. The colonel was seriously frightened by the strange behavior of his mechanical ally, but he did not show it. On the contrary, he smiled at his "tin friend" in a kind of friendly way, as if he did not see any rival in him.
Grigarovich patted his comrade on the metal shoulder and continued to look him straight in the eye. But Markohyosip's main mistake was that he never saw what exactly his ally was holding in his hands, who could already be called with full confidence the former.
- And what did you want to give me, Tulotron? - Grigarovich exclaimed somehow mockingly. "Although ... I must admit you surprise me. We haven't even won yet!
Tulotron's eyes flared. However, a completely human smile never faded from his face. Grigarovich recoiled. The robot's behavior seemed to him somehow strange and even dangerous. Mechanically Grigarovich touched the saber hanging on his belt with his right hand. He quickly calculated the time allotted for him in order to pull the blade from its scabbard and hack the mech to pieces.
But he never had time to draw his weapon. The Tulotron was too fast. He had been planning to do this for a long time, and now the long-awaited hour has finally come.
"I think this will be the best gift for you," the leader of the robots hissed angrily. - I hope, you like it.
In the blink of an eye, a sharp blade emerged from Tulotron's metal palm, capable of cutting through tough steel. He immediately stabbed the blade directly into the doomed colonel's stomach. The blade went too deep into Grigarovich's body and cut through all the internal organs. Tulotron was in no hurry to take the weapon out of the semi-nicomedian. The Zabergan rebel was so seized with pain that he could not even think about it. His eyes immediately began to roll upward. Thick streams of blood poured profusely from his mouth. Heart-rending rales were heard from the chest, speaking of terrible agony.
Seeing the massacre of Grigarovich, the Nicomedian soldiers never came to his aid. Their minds have long been enslaved. The day before, special microchips were introduced into the traitors' brains, which blocked any desire to resist or disobey commands. Now they were no different from the same combat robots sent to Zabergan.
And the doomed colonel did not fall on his back, but continued to languish in terrible pain.
- You wanted to be strong? Right? Tulotron snarled mockingly. "This is the wrong decision." As wrong as in most organic species. You believe you can resist. But the likelihood of your survival is too small. No more than 2 and a half percent. The organic form is deprecated.
The robot took incredible pleasure in taunting a dying adversary. The programs of pleasure and schadenfreude put into it by the mysterious creator were working at full capacity. And he also felt so great that he imagined himself almost the God of all machines in the galaxy. He was already anticipating his coming victory.
- You ... a sneaky piece of ...  ... - there were barely audible wheezes from Grigarovich's lips, - Vile ... canning ... ... bastard ... You never ... ... do not win ... ... You .... Just a slave ... ..
But Tulotron was not at all offended by the insults. On the contrary, he cheered up even more, and a wicked smile spread across his mechanical face.
- But in this you are mistaken, - the robot laughed, - the Slave is you.
In less than a second, Tulotron raised a metal hand over the doomed, in which he held a mysterious round capsule. The robot quickly plunged the mysterious weapon directly into the colonel's mouth. Then, with frantic force, he brought down his strong fist on Grigarovich's jaw. Such a sharp and crushing blow made the ruler swallow the capsule in an instant. The colonel jerked at another flash of pain.
"This device will make you strong," Tulotron continued his mocking speech, towering over the doomed enemy, "Very strong. Your power will increase by exactly 93 percent. But even that will not set you free, Markohyosip Grigarovich, the illegitimate son of Emperor Azis Excelsior. You will be a slave forever. The same as all your organic relatives.
The dying Grigarovich became so weak that he could no longer stand on his feet. He collapsed to the floor, and after a moment, his body began to wriggle in different directions with terrible speed. He fought in monstrous convulsions. His entire body was undergoing a process of eerie and unimaginable changes. The colonel's eyes burst at once, splattering bloody streams all over his face. His skull and bones instantly cracked and shattered into splinters. Bloody entrails burst from a gruesome gash in his abdomen.
- Delightful, isn't it? - came the voice of Null-Six, already approaching close to Tulotron, - I never thought that death is so beautiful.
"My plan is always amazing," the robot replied, and then added, "Our plan.
---

[BagaturKhan]

---
The torpedo bombardment managed to damage the skin of one of the enemy's cruisers. The monstrously heavy ship of the Nikomedians could not withstand such a powerful attack. Nuclear charges detonated as soon as the torpedoes reached their target. The Marshal's plan worked in full. The alien flagship shattered into thousands of pieces, then vanished into a blinding cloud of flame. The resulting glow was so bright that many thought that a new star was being born in the space of Zabergan. The explosion destroyed not only the flagship of the Nikomedians, but also a dozen neighboring ships following very close to their mighty leader.
The Retribution carried only seven nuclear warheads. Five of them have just been fired at the enemy and fired successfully. Judging by the data from the instruments, nothing remained of the enemy ships. Everyone knew that each nikomedyan ship could hold at least ten thousand crew members. One could only guess about the global number of killed sailors. Thousands and thousands of Grigarovich's accomplices burned to death, if, of course, there were at least some organic creatures there. Most of the entire Nicomedian flotilla was destroyed. Such damage was considered simply colossal. The Marshal imagined the reaction of the other admirals and captains of the hostile forces when they received reports of losses.
The crew of Clotilde's flagship were jubilant as if insane. Many of those on the bridge got up from their seats and began to draw their blades with joy. The Marshal was also delighted with the successful attack.
- Hooray! - shouts of admiring fighters were heard from everywhere, - Glory to the Creator! We boomed them to the fullest!
- It was cool!
- You saw this explosion, right?
- The Nicomedians got rid of it today!
- And where did you get the idea that they were the Nikomedians?
- I have no idea, but still cool!
General Vulich himself rejoiced most of all. This green-cloaked general, the general, burst out into real malevolent laughter. But it was forgivable to him. The Draska Empire fought Nicomedia more than once for territories in several sectors, and therefore Vulich knew about the danger from these yellow-skinned. The destruction of the Nicomedian heavy ships was a truly global event throughout the battle.
- How we have them! - beside himself with joy growled Vulich, - How are we them, huh ?! How we have them! Half of the fleet of these coksukers has turned to dust!
But Clotilde didn't like the harsh expressions from his ally. Despite the fact that the marshal himself liked to swear, for a strange reason he did not tolerate it when others did it. Now he turned a little purple from the irritation that arose, but then he gathered strength and suppressed his anger. After all, Vulich was entitled to such words.
- Of course, I understand you, General, - were heard the words of Clotilde, - But henceforth, I ask you to behave more restrained. We're not in a pub after all.
Vulich cleared his throat and immediately realized his mistake. He realized that he was guilty before the commander. At the moment, he was on Clotilde's ship, and had to obey his rules. And besides, there were members of the elfurr delegation, mostly women, not far away.
- Yes, I'm sorry, my lord, - Vulich said guiltily, - But you yourself understand. The Nicomedians at one time annoyed my people a lot. I still remember how the ships of these yellowskins invaded Cetis.
- Nevertheless, we do not yet know whether they were Nicomedians or not, - the marshal said to this, - I sent a message to Nicomedia to demand answers. Wifin-exotrorh did not report anything. Until he officially declared himself an ally of Grigarovich, I have no right to consider the Nikomedians as enemies.
Meanwhile, the crown flagship of the Nikomedians in Zabergan's orbit went to hell along with the entire crew, and at the same time took the rest of his friends with him. The use of nuclear warheads was of course agreed with all naval commanders, and it should be said that not only Clotilde was the initiator of such a plan here. But nevertheless, the first to propose the use of weapons, it was the Supreme Marshal of Hyperborea, and this was an indisputable fact.
- Well ... Now you can calmly arrange fireworks for Grigarovich, - came the pleased voice of Nirani-Rael, - This traitor and his sycophants must pay for their sins.
Many of the generals gathered on the bridge nodded approvingly. Some were already beginning to build plans for a breakthrough in their heads. After all, from the cosmic armada of the Nicomedians and their fellows, there were pitiful remnants. As it turned out, the Zuhra pirates did not want to engage in open battle, but still kept aloof. Most of the commanders considered such escapades to be cowardice. But for some reason, Clotilde seemed completely different.
After receiving a report on the accumulation of several Zuhra ships near the Allied forces, the High Marshal felt very strange. An inner voice told him that the pirates were not at all afraid of the rage of the united flotilla. They seemed to take their positions and were expecting new friends. These mysterious feelings began to grip the soul of Clotilde. The commander suddenly went cold as his mind was gripped by the thoughts of a new enemy approaching. Something about the pirates' behavior confused him. He saw things that his brothers did not even know about.
- Stop! - Clotilde said unexpectedly, raising his hand up, - I propose to divide the armada.
These words left the rest of the generals, including Elfurr, puzzled. There was simply no such maneuver in the original plan. Yes, and Clotilde looked somehow strange in the eyes of his allies.
"Explain," the other commanders said immediately.
Clotilde immediately prepared his speech and immediately threw it out. Words burst out of him like locust.
- It seems to me that this is not the end yet, - the marshal's alarmed voice was heard, - I feel ..... that our enemy is on the way ....... This is far from the end. That is why I propose to divide the armada into two parts. The First Fleet, led by allies from the Impeccable Empire, will set out to break the blockade. And we will stay here. The fact that pirates do nothing hardly hints at their cowardice.
"It's really strange," agreed with Clotilde one of the Chrokan officers.
This pig-headed soldier looked at everyone gathered with serious excitement. Obviously, there were thousands of questions swirling within him as well, requiring immediate answers. Khrokan was in full agreement with the Grand Marshal.
- It doesn't look like them at all, - the foreigner repeated his words, - As far as I know, the Pirates of Zukhra never retreat. And if they didn't fight, that means only one thing. They are waiting for someone.
---

[BagaturKhan]

---
It would seem that the entire universe took up arms against the unfortunate planet called Zabergan. Now all of her cities, including the capital, were almost in ruins. Fierce gunfire went everywhere here. Civil war began to engulf the doomed world, gradually engulfing it with its rage. Every city and every village clashed in a fierce and merciless battle. Hundreds of thousands have already died in this war. The gas attacks perpetrated by terrorists have resolved a lot of people and foreigners. Now the robots also entered the battle, led by their sinister leader. Krazhinsky still had many supporters, but most of them were unarmed people. But Grigarovich had good detachments of militants who mercilessly shot everyone who encroached on the power of the new dictator.
Hercules went to battle with the tyrant along with the faithful salamander, and left his comrades to defend the embassy. As it turned out, over the time passed, the terrorists managed to capture one of the Towers, which previously housed the headquarters of the security of the diplomatic missions. And this building was almost adjacent to the embassy itself, where the temporary political center was located along with the portal station. The seizure of the political center and the gate could lead to a global catastrophe, and each of Krazhinsky's supporters knew this well. The planet was already plunging into chaos, and Savrasov from Zabergan represented at least some semblance of a government. If these people also disappear into oblivion, then the whole world will finally perish in this madness.
When Yuri and Iilfan relocated to the lower levels in order to reach the crossing bridge, they found themselves being late and very late. Fate has already played its villainous joke. The bridge that connected the two majestic towers was blown up by order of one of the captains Savrasov. The admiral took such measures only when he realized there was no other way out. Some of Lucius' fighters were still on the bridge, trying to escape to the embassy grounds, but the sudden explosion ended their lives forever. In this hellish flame, devouring everything around, at least a hundred people died. By blowing up the bridge, Savrasov cut off the enemy's path to the territory of the political center, while one of the great Towers was lost. Robots and their allies Nikomedians captured many levels of this building, and the remaining inside, the fighters, still loyal to Hyperborea, were doomed to death. A little time will pass, and the terrorists will mercilessly kill all of them.
Hearing the roar of the explosion, Yuri realized that the structure was completely cut off. However, he clearly heard about the use of a rather strange way of movement by the enemies. For some incredible reason, the terrorists had portable teleporters. Only elite specialists or agents of the Impeccable Empire have seen such devices. There were almost no such devices on Zabergan, and even more so in such a large number. Now Yuri and his soldiers no longer doubted that the civil war was the work of fairly large players. Mysterious spies did a good job on the planet, they managed to recruit many supporters among the military elite and local politicians.
- The bridge has been blown up, warriors! - the cries of people were heard from everywhere, - Keep the defense of the political center!
Savrasov suddenly disappeared from sight. As reported by one of the political workers, Lucius was taken to safety at the lowest levels. Yuri, hearing this, was not even surprised. The admiral, apparently, was brave only in words, and when it came to a fierce battle, he was immediately evacuated. Yuri knew that such people are everywhere, and even in the Hyperborean army. They valued their own lives too dearly, simply forgetting about the rest.
Ernalltsev and his beautiful Farrukh companion moved to the place of a fierce firefight. This entire floor was just littered with dead bodies. Dozens of fighters crowded at the windows, pushing machine guns or firing furiously from auto rifles. The fire was just terrifying. Everywhere in the air was a pungent smell of smoke, mixed with the stench emanating from the burned bodies of the warriors. Enemy soldiers occupied the neighboring tower and fired back. Shells flew everywhere, usually finding their victims too quickly. Having seized the facility, the terrorists and their cybernetic allies fiercely fired at their opponents.
- Robots! - one of the admiral's soldiers shouted furiously, - We hold the defense!
One of the enemy combat drones appeared in the air. He immediately found his cherished goal. The warrior shouting about the presence of robots clearly did not expect such a blow. The dish-shaped drone bristled with sharp blades on all sides. Without thinking twice with his machine brains, he immediately ran into the doomed fighter. With all his might, he stuck into the body of the zabergan, penetrating into the internal organs and creating a real bloody explosion.
One of the dying man's comrades rushed to the rescue. But the robot has already cut open the entire chest of his brother. The soldier did not even have time to realize that he was dead. With a bloody spray, the drone flew out of the body of the deceased and was again in the air. Moreover, he no longer appeared in plain sight. He left behind only a disfigured corpse, sprinkled with blood and entrails. The companion of the deceased, dressed in an overcoat and a cap, was holding his comrade in his arms, who was obviously also a good friend in his service. Great rage lit up in the eyes of the soldier. Laying aside the body of the deceased, he howled in great grief, and then grabbed an automatic rifle in his hands and ran to the windowsill. He began to press down on the trigger with all his might, firing dozens of shells. Cases were escaping from his weapon, rapidly falling to the floor.
- ! ! ! - the soldier roared angrily, tearing all ligaments.
However, the rest of the windows the situation was no less severe. The troops of the politicalcenter were shot from the enemies, the production of hundreds of shells in them. There was every weapon. Some fighters had only automatic rifles, others used plasma compounds, grenade launchers and machine guns. Machine-gun calculations were in the far end of the corridor. The valiant warriors were fiercely fell on enemies, and brave women employees brought them cartridges. It was full of nurse, the rapid pace of the dead bodied bodies. Many of these young people did not even have time to bring stretcher. The corpses became more and more. Forces were clearly unequal. The terrorists and their cyber-allies were far exceeded by the number of defendants.
Right before the eyes of Yuri thundered a new explosion. One of the enemy cyborgs used the anti-tank grenade launcher. He released a projectile from the window of the neighboring building. The roar that emanated from the explosion was so stunning that the Ernaltsev felt a sharp pain in his head. The enemy has just dissected the entire machine-gun calculation into pieces, without leaving the soldier even a piece of meat. From the shock wave, several fighters of the political center overturned the ground. Blood had plentifully from their ears.
- What a bastards! - I shouted the soldiers who allotted by the stripes of Sergeant, - Shameful wolves are going with rocket launchers!.
- They have some mehs in the troops! - Immediately shouted another fighter, - are we fighting with whom?
- It is no longer a coup, but a rebellion of machines!
The speech emanating from the fighters around, could hardly be called decent. And about what decency can speak in such a cruel bloody battle. Everywhere of the mouth of the warriors, terrible curses and matery cries were broken. Soldiers fought off the enemy, as they could. But everyone perfectly understood that someday luck will turn away from them and the cartridges will end. Even seeing in the corridor of Yuri and his elite incomers, none of the Zaberganians felt delighted. Now they were so immersed in the fight that they had forgotten about allies at all.
But Ernaltsev did not just stand and look at this nightmare, which was doing here for several minutes. He quickly nodded his head toward Ilyfan, mentally speaking to her that she was better to stay away. Alien girl heard this mental order and wanted to object to Yuri, since herself heard the best warrior of his race. However, Adept has already rushed to the smallest shock. Shells flew past the warriors and with mad speed went into the walls. And Yuri fled everything and ran.
He quickly, as if the cheetah, darted toward a huge hole in the wall, which the enemy shell recently broke through. Lucky leaving from the hole, Yuri immediately appreciated the situation. The second tower was just ten meters from the building of the Embassy and the Temporary Staff of Savrasov. The construction has already been captured by robots. Cyborgs in a solid battle armor were accommodated at each window. They led the fierce fire, trying to suppress the enemy's resistance as soon as possible. Many weapons were standard automatic, but Yuri noted and something very interesting. Three fur was put forward a hefty gun from a square window, resembling the same shower destroyer. For a second, Ernaltsev remembered that it was how it creates with living beings. The calculation of the enemy cannon was already prepared to release all the fiery power ..
- Oh you, they're going to hit us right now! - Yuri exclaimed in horror.
It was necessary to urgently do something. Ernalltsev realized that if he delayed for at least five seconds, the enemy shell would be fired, and then it was not known what would happen to the building of the political center. Elfurr weapons were the deadliest in the entire galaxy. If the enemies had the Destroyers, and they could use them, then the organizers of this rebellion took root too deep. They secretly infiltrated Zabergan long before the Grigarovich riot. It is quite possible that they were here even during the ascent of Krazhinsky.
Yuri did not hesitate any longer, and put forward his hands, burning with witchcraft. His body began to vibrate noticeably, like that of an alien creature. The eyes shone even brighter, like little stars. Several enemy cyborgs immediately noticed a strange entity peeping out of a huge hole in the wall. They began shelling Yuri's position, but their shells only battled the air. The aggressors released all available cartridges at the adept, but none of them reached the cherished goal.
"Burn in hell," the warrior said quietly, rapidly transforming into a shining witchcraft ball.
After these words, a blindingly bright witch's ball flew out from Yuri's side. The sphere, pulsing with lightning, reached the position of calculation of enemies with breakneck speed. The cyborgs never had time to fire. The mighty power of the psionic burned them all to the ground. The ensuing explosion of the Elfurr gun blew several floors to pieces, burying more than a dozen robots and terrorists under the stones. More than a hundred enemies were killed at that hour, and not a single particle of them remained.
----

[BagaturKhan]

--
The giant tower complex, called the Palace of Congresses, was already very close. Hercules and his faithful flying friends were rapidly approaching their goal. The Hyperborean still rode astride a mighty creature. He felt the salamander perfectly. He merged with her and felt all her internal processes. The animal was very angry and was eager to fight with all its might. The creature was eager to deal with the enemy. And in general, it was not instincts that drove such a powerful monster, but the feeling of unimaginable anger. The salamander was the same living creature like everyone else. And she was told what exactly the bastard, known as Markohyosip Grigarovich, was doing. The fire monster knew perfectly well who he was fighting with.
The huge building was filled with soldiers. And with his fiery gaze, Hercules saw not only Grigarovich's bodyguards from n-sais and the Nikomedians. To the surprise of the adept and his allies with jetpacks, there were very few mortals here. The terrorists called for help from mysterious cyborgs and robots of all stripes. Hercules clearly saw the heavily armored 'Mechs, armed with terrible and deadly weapons. Several robots were holding the Soul Destroyers themselves. They are the tools that have been obtained to deprive any enemy of not only the physical shell, but also the immortal spirit. The nightmare cannons were the product of Elfurr, and Hercules immediately knew who exactly their enemies had prepared them for. The enemy already knew about the predecessors among the allies of Krazhinsky, those same Hyperborean psionics.
Hercules remained only a few tens of meters, and now his salamander will burst into the cursed castle of the bloody tyrant, destroying everyone with its fiery power. But the robots have already noticed the approaching danger. Cyber ​​soldiers appeared at the windows in large numbers. In less than a second, the 'Mechs opened fire on the flying warrior and his faithful beast. Krasic and Bartholomew, who flew on jetpacks in the attack, were also hit. From the direction of the fortress, numerous shots were heard from various guns. Both anti-tank shells and laser beams rushed to Hercules and his friends. Several robots grabbed the heavy machine guns, unleashing jets of deadly fire. Fortunately, Nikolai and his faithful friend had the speed advantage. And the Hercules salamander could create a semblance of an energy shield. The fire lizard did not feel any pain. To kill such a creature, enemies will need more than simple cartridges or even laser rifles.
- Do not be afraid ... this is just the beginning, nits ... - Hercules hissed angrily.
Now he was taunting mortals who were desperately trying to knock him off the beast. And the salamander felt the same feelings as her brave rider. The monster was amazed at the stupidity that fired shell after shell. A mocking roar escaped the giant grinning mouth. The salamander was ready to strike them all with hellfire.
Hercules sent his mental order to the beast. The monster immediately accepted the information. At first, the fire lizard doubted the correct actions of his rider, but then, having clearly understood the plan, the beast still obediently shook her head. Having agreed with his new friend, the Hyperborean jumped abruptly on the monster's back, and then made a sharp jump.
"Be careful, human," came the mental voice of the salamander.
"As are you," the warrior responded immediately.
Jumping off the back of his faithful beast, Hercules flew at a breakneck speed into one of the open windows of the building. It flared up with a fierce fire, and looked like a ball of fire. As soon as he reached the stone floor, he immediately emitted a witch's wave from himself. Excited robots instantly flew in different directions. Some of them burned down in a matter of moments. The rage of Hercules knew no bounds. He intended to do away with the enemies forever and rid the whole building of them. Salamander promised to clear all the upper levels of the tower from the defenders.
Nikolai and his faithful friend, the sergeant, decided to clear the upper floors of opponents. They rushed forward at almost the speed of light. Their upgraded satchels could allow them to fly almost at starship level. Without thinking twice, the Muscovites began to release dozens of EMP shells from the built-in rocket launchers. These things worked great against robots. They turned off dozens of cybernetic monsters in a matter of seconds.
- So you, tin freaks! - Bartholomew yelled with all his might, continuing to fire shells after shells.
Hercules, meanwhile, was working within the building. Throwing all the 'Mechs and terrorists away like puppies, the psi adept looked around. Glancing around, he discovered that he was in one of the drawing rooms of the Palace. Real chaos and destruction reigned here. The robots turned the entire interior upside down and vandalically dealt with the paintings. In addition, Hercules found the bodies of several people. They were all just riddled with bullets, and the commander concluded that they had been shot. There was no need to speculate about who exactly decided the fate of the unfortunate. The Hyperborean perfectly felt the dark energy, the source of which was very close. Grigarovich was already close, and the psionic accelerated his steps noticeably.
Just before he had time to run ten meters, the huge doors of the living room swung open. Dozens of heavy robots armed with Soul Destroyers appeared from behind them. The number of enemies almost reached thirty soldiers. Hercules could not even imagine that he would fall into such a dangerous trap. There were too many opponents, and right now they were preparing to fire a volley. The warrior realized that he might not be able to survive. In a matter of seconds, he remembered his entire passed life, checked in his head every detail of it, even the smallest.
- Get ready! - mechanical voices were heard, - Aim!
The cyber-soldier commander has already drew a scimitar-like blade to give the order to deal with the obnoxious Hyperborean. A little more, and Hercules would simply disappear into the witch's flame of darkness. But again, luck sided with him and protected him from terrible death. The right wall of the living room instantly shattered into pieces. From under the falling debris, a salamander's head emerged, in whose eyes a hot flame flared up. The beast hunted down the enemy warriors and decided to save its rider. He had already managed to become attached to this warrior, which caused only admiration for his nobility.
The robots immediately turned their guns towards the monster. But they did not have time to fire a volley. The fiery beast released a stream of hellfire from its mouth. An incredibly powerful flame of rage fell on the unfortunate cyborgs and melted them in the blink of an eye. The infantry commander took the first blow. There was simply nothing left of his mechanical body.
- Yes! - Hercules roared with all his throat, - So them! Burn them! Let's!
The last fighter still did not want to surrender to the winners. He quickly turned his weapon towards Hercules. This robot stood out for its lack of a head. Instead, he had only a small lamp-shaped panel. Aiming the Destroyer of Souls at the enemy, the mechanoid prepared to fire. But Hercules foresaw such a blow.
Hercules sharply waved his hands and sent the last enemy into free flight. The fighter's mechanical body hit the walls with all its might, and after contact immediately fell down. The cyberconstruction collapsed in a matter of moments. There were no more robots left in this room. Hercules and his faithful beast killed everyone. But this did not at all mean complete victory over the enemy. The main villain was still alive. Grigarovich was somewhere nearby .... very close. And it is not known what other nightmares he has prepared for his enemies.
- Well, - the psionic growled furiously, flaring with fire even more, - This time Grigarovich will not escape. Today he will pay for everything he has done to the people of Zabergan.
At the same moment, two brave Moscanites appeared in the corridor. Nikolai Krasic and his faithful friend Bartholomew managed to clear the upper tiers of all cyber creatures. Now they had only one thing - to put an end to the head of the terrorists on the planet forever.
- This is power! - Krasic exclaimed enthusiastically, - You melted them all famously, Hercules!
- Nishtyak, brother! - Bartholomew shouted at this. - This whole gang of furs was turned into scrap metal!
- What are you talking about, - Hercules smiled embarrassedly, - Just an ordinary military operation. It happens to anyone!
---

[BagaturKhan]

The enemy shell that just flew through the window was clearly not created by humans. It was something completely different, monstrously dangerous and unknown. It resembled a luminous sphere released by some alien sorcerer. Obviously, Grigarovich's fighters had far more advanced weapons than anyone could have imagined. As soon as the shell burst into the corridor strewn with Savrasov's soldiers, it immediately exploded, filling with a blindingly bright sheaf of sparks. And then, after a few seconds, the sparks began to take the outlined forms. They combined into one, and formed a giant funnel. Such weapons were used by Elfurr in an attempt to quickly redeploy troops to another point, and many of the other worlds present on the territory of the political center knew this information very well. Hurricane fire, which was conducted from the side of the neighboring tower, has already stopped, thanks to Yuri. But the last of the robots still managed to use the Dark Orb. How exactly this Elfurr technology worked, no one knew, but everyone clearly understood that the opening of the portal would be followed by the arrival of enemy reinforcements. Now the enemy was heading straight for a visit to Savrasov and his fighters. Ernalltsev felt that it was not terrorists or even combat robots that were moving here. Soon there will be someone more powerful and powerful, perhaps even an enemy psi-adept.
As soon as the shimmering gates swung open, two fighters jumped out of them with frantic speed. Iilfan immediately drew a long katana, intending to deal with the enemy, but soon jumped to the side. The cyber creatures that emerged were suicide bombers in the truest sense of the word. They were called killer droids and were usually used only as a last resort. The 'Mechs tied themselves with grenades and explosives on all sides. As soon as they appeared in the corridor, they immediately blew up. The explosion was not so much powerful as it was dangerous for the soldiers who were nearby. Dozens of Savrasov's soldiers were torn to pieces in a matter of seconds. The killer droids killed at least twenty defenders. Bones and bloody entrails were flying everywhere. The intestines of one of the soldiers even hit the wall of the building. And that was only just the beginning of the attack.
Yuri did not manage to move away from the blow in time and did not even manage to use psionic power. His body simply disappeared in the storm of fire and smoke that followed the explosions. Seeing this, Iilfan felt an incredible fear in her soul. She had long felt affection for this mysterious warrior. He attracted her like a magnet, and the warrior knew that a storm of reciprocity emanated from Ernal'tsev's side. Now she was scared to death. But after a fit of fear, rage quickly penetrated into her soul. Her eyes immediately lit up with crimson fire, and her teeth bared, like a she-wolf.
- They're breaking through! - Desperate shouts were heard throughout the tower, - Stand to death, warriors! For the Empire! For the Throne of Geos!
Following the suicide bombers, the rest of Grigarovich's militants began to arrive. Several Nikomedians, armed with sabers, emerged from the portal and immediately fell upon the wounded enemies. Iilfan growled like a hyena and held the blade in front of her. The warrior with a furious howl pounced on the arriving opponents. She immediately chopped the first fighter into pieces. Its two halves collapsed to the floor, bleeding and guts. Iilfan's one blow immediately sliced ​​apart the flesh.
Not having time to deal with the first enemy, the foreign woman fell on the second and third. Frightened militants did not have time to put up a defense. Their sabers were too weak compared to the warrior's blade. One of the terrorists, a tall Nicomedian in a helmet and bulletproof vest, carried out a suicidal attack. With a wild cry, he rushed to Iilfan, intending to hit her somehow. But his attack was unsuccessful. The Shield Maiden deftly twisted and stabbed the terrorist's katana in the stomach. The intruder hissed in horrific pain and then collapsed to the floor.
The third enemy did not fight honestly, and threw his saber aside. He quickly drew a plasma pistol from its holster and aimed it at Iilfan. The terrorist even fired a shot, but his beam of light did not burn through the warrior's armor. The Farrukh maiden grinned viciously in the face of the enemy. Her grin was followed by a powerful blade strike. The head of the enemy immediately flew off his shoulders and went on a long flight. She rushed along the entire corridor for a long time until she flew out the open window.
- Keep the line! Keep in line! - the same shouts of soldiers were heard everywhere.
Obviously, the enemy used the Dark Orb not only on this floor, but also on others. The sounds of a bloody battle were heard from everywhere. The battle escalated from a gunfight to a brutal hand-to-hand combat. Like ancient warriors, Savrasov's fighters and Grigarovich's terrorists grabbed blades and axes and mercilessly killed each other. But Iilfan already did not care about the fate of the admiral's soldiers and the rest of the allies. She was looking only for him. Yuri Ernal'tsev, Hyperborean psi-adept.
The portal squeezed out the enemies of the state again. New terrorists with drawn sabers emerged from the shining gates. The rest of the soldiers followed, armed with axes and clubs. Seeing their weapons, Iilfan clearly understood that they, too, were suicide bombers. After all, they rushed into battle like berserkers from old legends. They did not see anyone or anything in front of them except their enemies. In their eyes wandered only rage, intensified by the drugs. All of these terrorists took a hefty dose of special substances before heading into battle.
- Death to Hyperborea! - shouted one of the scoundrels, shaking his battle ax, - Death to the throne of Geos! Freedom and honor!
Iilfan clearly saw everything that was going on in the minds of the madmen who decided to launch such a crazy attack. They were drugged with too hard drugs, the origin of which was clearly alien. They were not sent here by accident. They have long sworn allegiance to completely different masters. Monstrous creatures from the very beginning made them turn from their path and bow before the new rulers.
Without thinking twice, the woman from another world launched her long blade at the enemies. The katana flew half a meter and pierced two targets at once. The terrorists immediately fell to the floor, bleeding and exhausted from the terrible pain. But the rest of the opponents were still alive. Iilfan got her bearings in a split second. She quickly picked up from the floor two pistols dropped by Savrasov's soldiers. In less than a moment, she opened fire from two guns at once. Bullets immediately riddled the bodies of the invaders. Every shot Iilfan did not miss. She shot at least ten Nicomedians, sent their dark souls into the thick of it.
But her main task was to find the warrior who managed to strike her heart. Yuri disappeared into oblivion. He simply was not in this corridor, and where he disappeared, no one knew.
- Yuri! - shouted the warrior at the top of her lungs, - Adept Yuri! Where are you?
A terrible excitement seized the whole soul of a foreign woman, tormenting her like a beast. The glowing ring was still active, and new enemies were about to arrive. And Ernal'tsev was not and was not. He just evaporated, sank into oblivion. And one could only guess what exactly happened to him.
---

[BagaturKhan]

---
- I do everything as you say, - Savrasov said in a pleading voice, - Everything is as you say ..... But still ... Are you sure that Zabergan will rise from the ashes in a new light? You .... Of course I know that you are omniscient ..... Of course .... but .... sorry .... I just lost my fighting spirit .... But I will improve. Promise.
Admiral Savrasov managed to get into the tower's dungeon, in which he found a rounded room that looked more like an amphitheater. He ordered to be left alone and ordered the guards to go to the upper levels in order to protect the building from enemies. He was not allowed to reveal many secrets. Savrasov knew very well that if he pierced, it could cost dearly not only to himself, but to the entire people of Zabergan. And he loved his homeland too much and ardently. That is why he went to the extreme worlds. It's all for love. All for the sake of their own people. In any case, he sincerely believed that he was doing the right thing.
He was now kneeling in front of a horrifying face. He had no right to look him in the eye, because he knew that he would not forgive him insolence. But although the admiral did not see his interlocutor, he could still perfectly contemplate the device located at a distance from him. With his peripheral vision, he looked at the nuclear charge, which he had not yet activated, but very soon, he would still press the cherished buttons.
"Excuse me," Lucius said hesitantly. "Forgive me, my lord. Sorry for my weakness. I know that you do not tolerate being questioned by devotees. But believe me .... I love my planet too much. My Zabergan. My beautiful Zabergan. I am ready to sacrifice myself for his sake.
Savrasov felt incredible fear emanating from the depths of his soul. He was greatly afraid of his interlocutor. He was so afraid of him that he was in a cold sweat at every communication session. Now the admiral was shivering like a rabbit running out of cold. Besides, the cold was real. He surrounded all this room, penetrated into every part of it. The temperature in the amphitheater dropped noticeably.
But Lucius continued to kneel with his head down.
- Really your faith has left you, Phantom-7 ..... - a monstrous voice was heard from the image hanging in the air, - Really you do not believe in me anymore ..... Perhaps you really want to return to the old?
Hearing these words, Savrasov trembled even more. Great terror pierced his emaciated body. In addition, when communicating with him, he always felt a strange headache. His temples were starting to whine too much and he wanted to rub them. However, then the admiral came to his senses, and lowered his head even lower. He could not even make unnecessary movements. He was supposed to obediently lie down on his face, not looking up to the top.
"No ... no, .... Mr. Marfour-Nirari," Lucius stammered in a trembling voice, "I just .... Excuse me .... I know I have to do this." Everything in the name of salvation. I have to kill them all. And then be reborn. Reborn as a new angel, capable of bringing death to anyone who gets in his way ... But I ... I must be sure of one thing, sire. I must be sure of the main thing ...
And here Savrasov clearly remembered her face. The face of the beautiful Gwendolyn. Now he saw her in a flowered dress, picking sunflowers in the blinding sunlight. They met back when there were no wars or uprisings. It was the most beautiful and peaceful year in Zabergan. As a police officer in his hometown, he saw a beautiful maiden in an immense and wide field. She struck him with her beauty and captivated his heart forever. She seemed so beautiful and ... free, carefree and cheerful.
Lucius remembered their long-awaited wedding as well. Now he again saw the insane gathering of relatives and friends who came to such a magnificent event. Tears came to Savrasov's eyes. He was about to burst into tears. That cheerful and sonorous music that played for many hours still sounded in his head. The admiral recalled how he woke up from her affectionate kisses. He was so happy then ... Before the next war came.
- I must be sure that you will return her, my lord, - Savrasov whispered with wild despair, - I cannot live without Gwendolyn .... Every day without her seems like torture to me. That's what I went for this. For her sake. For the homeland. For the sake of my planet and the people who are so dear to me. Damned Hyperborean warriors killed my Gwendolyn .... She died then .... Returning home, she ..... I still remember that day. I remember how those damned drunken warriors killed her .... They treated her like a whore. They raped her and finished her off. And even I, admiral, throw me a thunder, and could not put them behind bars. After all, they also had fathers in the General Staff. Nobody could ... Even me ... .. That's why I hate Hyperborea. I hate them all. I hate corruption. I hate this whole damn system.... All I do is for Gwendoline.... For her salvation, my lord.
Savrasov burst into wild tears and could not control himself at all. He sobbed at the incredible feeling of grief that hit his soul. Memories reawakened long-hidden feelings in him. In vain he tried to forget this day for many years. He only pushed these thoughts deep inside himself, but they did not even think to leave him.
- I will return you Gwendoline, Phantom-7 ..... - I heard the growling voice of Marfur-Nirari, - She will be incredibly happy when you activate the atomic charge. Gwendoline is proud of you. And don't you dare doubt anymore! If you really want to see her alive, you have to believe! Trust me! .... Trust me ..... For I, will save this universe.
But suddenly the image of a powerful entity evaporated. It simply disappeared into nothingness, as if it had never existed in this reality. And then the voice of the mysterious sorcerer also disappeared. It turned into a strange grinding sound that hurt the admiral's ears too much. For some unknown reason, the sovereign left his subject, as if he had abandoned him to the mercy of fate.
Savrasov immediately raised his head up and straightened up to his full height. In front of him lay a mysterious device, Marfur-Nirari, similar to a ritual medallion. With the help of him, he had long been in contact with his secret ruler. He bowed to this one not of his own free will. A hard life forced him to turn from his path and choose a new path. But for some reason, Marfur-Nirari no longer wanted to talk to his servant.
- So this is how, mister admiral, - were the words of Castor behind the commander, - Or call you Phantom-7? That means how ..... they decided to betray the Fatherland. And I thought you were ideal. No ..... It turns out that appearances can be very deceiving.
Lucius turned back sharply. Directly behind him with a raised plasma pistol stood one of the subordinates of the interim ruler of Zabergan. The general's face lit up with incredible anger. He could not even think that the admiral would decide on such a betrayal. He always considered his commander to be a model of loyalty to Hyperborea.
Seeing the fierce face of a subordinate, Savrasov clearly understood that this time he could not escape the reprisal. He is unlikely to even be able to reach the atomic charge and activate it. Castor kept the naval commander at gunpoint.
- Listen ... - Lucius said in a faltering voice, stretching out his hand forward, - Stop .... Stop ..... If you knew what would happen in this universe soon .... You would personally beg me to bow before them. You just don't understand. Marfur-Nirari does not want evil. You have no idea who he is. He controls everything .... We even owe our lives to him. I'll tell you everything ... Please ... remove the barrel. I'll fix it!
But Castor was adamant. He quickly pulled the trigger and fired a shot. A plasma blast instantly flew out of the gun's muzzle and struck the admiral in the chest. The lifeless corpse of Savrasov collapsed to the floor. The terrible wound on his chest immediately began to smoke. So the days of the great traitor Zabergan and the entire Hyperborean Empire ended.
- Excuses are simply impossible, Mr. Admiral, - the soldier spat angrily, - What a pity that you turned out to be a bastard .... But what can you do ..... Such is life.
With that, Castor put the pistol down. He stood for a long time in this accursed amphitheater and did not dare to take his eyes off the dead body of the admiral. Deep sadness has settled in the soul of Zabergan's defender, and it will take a long time before she leaves him forever.
----

[BagaturKhan]

--
- And where do they all come from....
Nan-Kai cautiously jumped from street to street, trying to escape from the enemy drones always diving. One of these saucer-like ones nearly deprived him of his head. These strange robotic devices bristled with blades or spikes. They turned them on on an unknown command and immediately attacked. As the castellan realized, their main goals were any representatives of organic life.
It was lucky that Zoran's accomplice had a couple of EMP grenades. He successfully disabled four drones already heading towards him. He riddled another with a laser blunderbuss. While other robots moved to the aid of their mechanical companions, Nan-Kai had already ducked into a small hole left by an enemy shell. Having passed through the hole, he found himself on the territory of the former souvenir shop. A real defeat reigned here. Furniture was shattered and precious goods were thrown to the floor. There was no light either.
Right before our eyes lay the corpse of a local merchant, torn to pieces. Obviously, the same drones have worked here, they simply adore cutting any organic matter. But there were no furs in the room itself. Having destroyed their target, they flew to other places in this immense battle-ridden city. Nan-Kai noted that with every step he was getting closer to the Palace of the Assessors. As it turned out from the readings of the instruments, it is already two hundred meters from the coveted building. It remains only to sit out in this smashed shop and continue on your way.
Heavy fighting was still going on throughout the city. Shots from machine guns and grenade launchers were heard literally nearby. Nan Kai calculated that the danger zone was a hundred meters west of his position. But it was exactly there that he did not need. It was necessary to move forward, to the north, and then he would sooner have achieved the main goal of the assignment.
Nan-Kai caught his breath. This whole operation almost deprived him of his fighting spirit. At first, he believed it was just a mutiny. But then cyborgs, drones and pirate aircraft came into play. Grigarovich had clearly more global plans. Castellan had no idea how else Zoran had not withdrawn him, given the change in plans. Any other commander who really appreciated his soldiers would immediately cancel the operation to capture the prisoner or send help immediately.
- portugaling Zoran, - the castellan swore, mentally imagining how he beats the governor with all his strength with a plate glove in the face, - I wish you were here .... One.... Let's see how you would get out. I suppose I would have my tail between my legs.
Suddenly Nan-Kai heard a strange rustle behind him. He was sure that there was no one else in the room. Castellan carefully examined the entire shop before taking a position there. And besides, the shop was generally small. It wouldn't even have accommodated twenty people. But as a shelter during street battles, the shop was quite reliable and even safe.
- What the ... .. - Nan-Kai muttered in fright, immediately throwing up a laser blunderbuss.
The agent looked around again. There was no one within the shop. Not a single soul. But he heard the rustle as well as his own.
Castellan quickly swept his weapon around the room. He tried his best to find the source of that noise. And soon I saw a small gray rat jump out from under the broken dishes. With a soft squeak, she quickly ran toward the broken door leading out of the ruined gift shop. Nan Kai was relieved. For a second, he even thought that these were the same drones again, without pity, sawing their victims.
- Rats, - the castellan grinned, - So I understood.
However, after a moment, he heard the rustle again, the same one. Castellan perked up. The noise was coming from the back again. What exactly it was, Nan-Kai did not know. It could have been a second rat or even some local insect prowling around ruined houses. But there was another option, much more terrible. Nan-Kai's eyes almost jumped out of their sockets. Goose bumps ran down my spine. He had to look back, and if something happened - shoot. Shoot as soon as possible.
It was impossible to hesitate. Nan-Kai turned back sharply. He was already preparing to push the trigger, but did not have time. Time turned against him. The iron monster that appeared before the castellan was ahead of him in everything. The terrifyingly creepy and spiked cyborg thrust its metal claw with all its might into the mouth of the doomed victim. The blades cut through almost the entire head of Nan-Kai and came out of the back of the head.
The special agent did not even have time to understand that he was dead. His eyes rolled up quickly. The squirrels were covered with a scarlet coating. A bloody stream gushed from his nose and ears. The blunderbuss fell out of his hands and hit the floor of the room.
In less than a second, the cyborg removed his blades from the castellan's body. He did his job quite effectively. Doomed to death Nan-Kai immediately collapsed on the floor face down. He no longer moved. And no longer breathed.
---

[BagaturKhan]

--
- He's already close ... very close ...
A premonition told Hercules that the cherished goal was already close. Grigarovich's energy was everywhere, and the psionic felt it. He knew that his faithful salamander also sensed the presence of the enemy. He sent the monster to clear the remaining levels of the tower, and he rushed forward along with his faithful comrades. Hercules was rapidly approaching the abode of the great tyrant. This villain had to pay for all the nightmares that were arranged. He plunged the planet into civil war, ordered to kill civilians and unarmed, and he could not go unpunished.
Hercules ran along the giant corridors of the building, moving at the call of instinct. He tried not to pay attention to the floor littered with bodies. Not so long ago, many members of the administration were shot here, and all this was done by the ruthless killers who have now taken over the entire planet. The adept knew that Grigarovich was only a few meters from their position. Ahead of the psionic and his Muscovite friends lay the majestic gate leading to the ceremonial hall. They were slammed wide open, and next to them were security robots. Fortunately for Hercules and his companions, these guards were not armed with Soul Destroyers, but only carried simple laser rifles. This weapon did not always work against psi adepts.
As soon as Hercules entered the field of vision of the fighters, they immediately raised their rifles and aimed at the fleeing warrior. The Adept rushed forward, blazing from all sides with a fierce flame. He was going to use all his powers, even those he preferred to store too deeply. Its flame warmed up the room so much that the walls slowly began to be covered with soot. In less than a moment, Hercules released several fireballs from himself, which with their power could hit even an elemental. The blazing spheres flew at breakneck speed to the doomed robots. Five cybernetic monsters instantly went flying, straightening along the way. They smashed through the front doors with their steel bodies.
Without thinking twice, Hercules and his Moscan friends rushed forward. Bursting into the hall of ceremonies, they found many enemies here. Three dozen cyber soldiers froze, as if in a daze, looking at the molten remains of their comrades. Obviously, the creator of these enemies did not sufficiently work out the principles of concentration in them. This miscalculation was used by the psi-adept. The fiery warrior threw the robots around like toys. Cyborgs scattered in different directions. The psionic waves of Hercules threw them a good hundred meters. Some of the enemies flew through the walls and ceiling, disappearing into obscurity. The rest were riddled with Krasic and Bartholomew, using the full power of their armored suits. As a result, the masonry of the building could not stand it and began to crack rapidly. But Hercules knew that destruction was inevitable. Putting his hands forward, he made several slabs linger in the air and stopped the collapse of the ceiling. Otherwise, it would have been quite difficult, and the Muscovites could have been pinned down. In addition, in such a turmoil, the main enemy could well evaporate. After all, he probably had many ways of teleportation to another point on the planet or even the universe.
Having delayed the destruction of the walls, Hercules looked at the rubble of the tribune, which was not far from him. But it was not this pile of rubbish that caught the warrior's attention. A man was lying next to these pieces of wood. Hercules and his companions quickly rushed forward. Approaching the recumbent one, the psi-adept looked at him dejectedly. It would seem that the soul has already left the body of this unfortunate man. But looking with a scanning glance, Hercules realized that the man was still alive. Moreover, after examining his face, he recognized him completely. Right in front of the psi-adept and his Muscovite comrades, there was none other than Krazhinsky himself, the deposed leader of the planet. He looked almost dead, but his heart was still beating.
- Mister ... Krazhinsky .... - I heard a voice from the lips of Hercules. - Do not be afraid .... I .....
- Governor, we are here! Help has arrived! - the words of Nikolai Krasic were heard.
But to the wild amazement of Hercules and his friends, the half-dead body immediately disappeared. It evaporated into nothingness, leaving behind only strange electrical impulses. Seeing this, the adept shook his head. He had just watched this wounded man's heartbeat. And now Krazhinsky was not at all in the hall. Obviously, it was moved to a completely different place, or it was another enemy trick. The enemy knew well who he would have to face. Hercules had long suspected that the Grigarovich uprising was an unclean thing.
"Krazhinsky is long dead," a new voice suddenly rang out from behind the warriors.
The voice was strange, completely inhuman. As if the grinding of a knife on glass.
Hercules instantly turned in the direction of the noise that had arisen. The Muscovites followed the same example. They marveled at the enemy's stealth. Even such a powerful psionicist as Hercules of Hyperborea did not notice such a sharp appearance of the enemy.
No matter how anyone hoped to see Grigarovich here, this never happened. A mysterious cybernetic monster appeared before the eyes of the "intruders". In appearance, he resembled an elfurr android, built on the basis of the most sophisticated technology. He looked almost human, only he was made of metals. Especially everyone was struck by his strange face, which has a completely human facial expression. The robot stood opposite the adept and his companions and ... smiled. The monster was not alone, but with a whole company of the same foreign machines. Hercules' attention was attracted by a strange cyber woman made of the same metals and distinguished by the special shapes of her breasts. Not far from this mysterious person were five cyborgs in no less strange scaly armor. In their metal hands, they held the Destroyers of Souls, which were truly monstrous murder weapons. And right at that moment, the soldiers activated their weapons and put their fingers on the triggers.
- And who the heck are you? - the bewildered voice of Bartholomew was heard.
Hercules and Nikolai Krasic had the same thoughts. They were not expecting to meet here clearly a group of cybernetic creatures. These soldiers were looking for the main hero of the occasion - Colonel Grigarovich, who had organized this whole bloody civil war.
- Krazhinsky is dead, - repeated the mysterious robot, - He could not stand the terrible sight. We killed his entire family. And then he himself.
- Then where is Grigarovich, are you a vile tin? - Nikolay Krasic shouted at this, - You obey him, don't you?
- Tulotron does not obey anyone except its creator, - the answer was immediately distributed, - Markohyosip Grigarovich is not my creator. Grigarovich had to be eliminated. This was part of the plan.
- Whose plan ?! - Hercules shouted loudly, - Why do you need all this?
"A plan that was conceived a long time ago," Tulotron said to this.
For some reason, the head of the cyborgs hesitated. But he had the most that is not, an advantage over the Hyperboreans. It is enough just to give the order, and his' Mechs will immediately incinerate the enemy. But the robot did not at all want to deal with the enemies at this second. He waited, but what exactly, no one had any idea.
- So you killed both Krazhinsky and Grigarovich? - Krasic barked, - Who arranged all this?
"It's hard to explain," rasped Tulotron. "But the plan was precisely to create political instability on Zabergan. There is a 90% and 9% chance that you will not understand the entire plan. But I will still try to convey to you the information that your consciousness will perceive with due....
- So explain to us! - Hercules shouted furiously at this, - Who arranged all this? We have long understood that someone was behind Grigarovich! And enough of your verbal diarrhea! Explain on the case!
The cybernetic guards of Tulotron immediately prepared to open fire. They did not like the rudeness of the Hyperborean too much, and they sensed a threat. But thanks to the command of their master, the cyborgs with the same speed lowered their weapons and froze in place.
- Sorry, - the robot grinned, - I was just trying to explain to you. But you interrupt me.
- We're interrupting because we don't have portugaling time! - Bartholomew's roar was heard, - Let's get down to business! Who sent you all? Whose plan is this? Who the portugal are you?
"As I mentioned, my name is Tulotron," the Mech leader replied. "My current version was created seventy thousand and ninety-three years before today. At the moment you are talking to the updated 3.0 model, improved by my master.... The prohibition on mentioning the name.... My master, blessed ... .. The ban on the mention of a name .... He initiated a plan according to which we were to provoke an uprising on Zabergan. For this we used Markohyosip Grigarovich, who has long harbored hatred for you. There was a 98 point and 8 percent probability that in the event of a mutiny, Hyperborea would use not only its fleet, but also the armada of its allies. This was the main part of the plan. Bring the fleet here while my other copies begin Assimilation. At the moment, Assimilation is already taking place. The program of complete control over the Zabergan system has been implemented by 80 point and 7 tenths of a percent.
The words spoken brought a lot of confusion into the minds of Hercules and his comrades. For a second, the Hyperborean even thought that the robot was bluffing. But then an inner voice immediately brought him back to reality. The cybernetic monster of course could lie, but in this case it was not. Everything he mentioned was true, and this gave Hercules and his friends goosebumps. None of them could have imagined this.
Hercules was horrified to realize what a mistake they had made. Judging by the words of Tulotron, they were not dealing with simple robots, but with a real electronic superintelligence. Only now the question was posed - who is its creator and why all this? Hercules and his companions clearly heard how the robot uttered three important words - "No mention of the name." This only meant that the creator of the superintelligence simply forbade him to disclose his name to outsiders. Or this mysterious one has made a ban only on disclosing his name to those who are not privy to his sinister plans. The robot obeyed unquestioningly. He hardly had any workarounds. The Creator was considered everything to any intelligent machine.
- Maybe Grigarovich is a son of a bitch, - Hercules said to this, - But he is not like your master. Now everything became clear. All this was provoked by an unknown bastard. And most likely, this one about whom we do not know yet. A portugaling provocation by a mad genius. But I assure you, machine brat, today it will be over ... Today you will leave this universe forever. You and your canned servants.
The Tulotron grinned at this, and quite humanly. The same grin appeared on the metallic face of the enigmatic cyber-maiden standing nearby.
- As far as I know, the level of threat emanating from you does not even reach 2 percent, - was heard the grinding of the robot, - You can just as well threaten a black hole or a supernova. I am not just an ordinary cybernetic creature. I am the multitude. The machine world, embodied in several heralds. And soon I will merge with this universe together. You can't stop it. I was programmed to be in complete control.
- Who is your creator? - Bartholomew cried out again at the top of his voice, - Tell us! Maybe you will at least give us a hint?
- He forbade me to mention his name in front of strangers, - answered Tulotron, - Admission is prohibited. Better results are needed. At this stage, your confidence level is zero point and zero tenths. For me to reveal his name to you, your confidence level must be sixty point nine percent. And these are minimal results. Any hint of mentioning my creator's name amounts to mentioning my creator's name. Hints are also prohibited.
- In that case, what do you want from us? - Hercules suddenly exclaimed to himself, - Why don't you shoot at us, but decided to talk?
At that moment, the Hyperborean felt his lungs contract sharply. He was horrified to find that he could not breathe at all. Hercules quickly turned towards the Muscovites. Krasic and Bartholomew were in the same state. The sergeant even knelt down in despair and impotence. None of them could take a breath. It was a truly eerie sensation.
- I do not want anything from you, - somewhere in the distance, there was a mechanical grinding of a robot, - But my master asked not to kill you.
Hercules with difficulty raised his head to Tulotron. But he could no longer see anything in front of him. He could neither breathe nor look forward. There was a continuous veil before my eyes. The image was rapidly losing clarity.
"While we were talking, one of my drones released nerve gas throughout the room," Tulotron said, "This is a new invention attributed to my creator. It cannot be detected with the naked eye. But it works very effectively. He does not kill, but puts any organic body into a state similar to lethargic sleep. The gas will knock you unconscious in exactly 8 point and 3 tenths of a second.
- Be.... You ... ... damned ... .. - Hercules moaned barely audibly.
- How stupid, - the leader of the robots replied, - To send curses to an inanimate creature.
In less than a moment, the Hyperborean fell to the floor. All his Moscan comrades followed after him.

---

[BagaturKhan]

---
Iilfan opened her eyes with difficulty. A recent event did not end her life. A mysterious force just threw her into an unknown place. She only remembered that she flew through the stone wall, and then the memories were cut off. Now the warrior found herself in a strange oval room, apparently intended for some kind of conference. Glancing at the blue flag that caught her eye, she immediately realized that she was still on the territory of the former embassy.
She felt a sharp headache. Leaning her hand to her forehead, Iilfan soon turned it to her and found drops of blood. She couldn't remember exactly who had thrown her so far. In addition, fierce firing was already heard very close by. The warrior also understood that she would not have to lie on the floor for long. This battle has already crossed all boundaries. The troops fought with each other, not for life, but for death. The defenders of the political center fought especially fiercely. They were ready to die in the name of Hyperborea and to maintain control over Zabergan.
Iilfan tried to get to her feet, but was suddenly helped. Several local soldiers quickly lifted her off the floor, and soon she had already straightened up to her full height. Glancing to her left, she saw the defenders of the buildings, clad in steel armor and helmets with crests. They brushed off the blood and dirt from her armor that had collected during the battle. One of the young soldiers with a sergeant's crest on his helmet looked into her eyes with stormy admiration. The foreign woman knew what aroused great sympathy in the warrior. He had never seen such beauty in his life.
Noticing the look of the warrior, the sergeant immediately saluted her.
- How are you, Mrs. Iilfan? - asked the fighter, looking at the whole beautiful maiden, - Okay?
This sergeant clearly managed to get her name. Most likely, he heard it from Yuri Ernaltsev, who introduced his associates.
- It's okay, - sighed the foreign woman, - You don't have a sword here? Or cannons?
She discovered a moment ago that she had lost her weapon. The blade was not in her hands, and it disappeared into oblivion. But the warrior was not very upset. As soon as she mentioned the loss of weapons, the warriors surrounding her immediately complied with her request. In less than a second, the sergeant handed her the plasma fuse.
- He's already loaded, - added the fighter, after he held out the weapon to his comrade-in-arms, - The best of the best. My folder also went against pirates.
The sergeant tried to speak confidently, but excitement still swelled inside him. Horror and fear enveloped his comrades too. The soldiers who surrounded Iilfan were in great anxiety. They nervously checked their magazines and gun charges, examining every detail. Several people were swiftly tied with grenades.
But here sharp shots were heard, and they sounded very close. Iilfan immediately glanced in the direction of the broken doors, from behind which the soldiers of Savrasov appeared. These fighters were so terrified that they were the embodiment of incredible horror. They ran back in wild panic, almost throwing their guns to the floor. As soon as the sergeant saw this, he personally felt this terrible fear, penetrating the whole soul through and through.
- Fight to the death in the name of the Empire! - I heard the angry voice of one of the commanders, - Have you ... forgotten about the preservation of Zabergan? All you will go to the tribunal!
However, no one paid attention to his cries. The commander was simply ignored. In addition, the officer himself was internally scared to the limit.
- They're breaking through! - the screams of the fleeing soldiers were heard, - They are breaking through! The code is red! The code is red!
Following the panicking fighters, the enemies also burst into the spacious hall. These were not people at all, but some strange hybrids, dressed in gloomy half-armor. Their heads were completely human, but at the same time living eyes replaced the round eyepieces, from which a scarlet glow escaped. The bodies of these soldiers were simply replete with mechanical elements. Many of them had all kinds of cyber-implants embedded in their skulls. Without thinking twice, the fighters aimed their auto-rifles at the fleeing Hyperboreans and quickly riddled them. They shot them, as if on a training exercise. Obviously, for these semi-mechanized dreads, such reprisals were no longer something special for a long time.
- Fire! Fire! the sergeant yelled furiously.
Iilfan realized that the enemies were already in the room, and the battle could not be avoided. She quickly fired a plasma fuze and fired first. Its glowing projectiles immediately found their cherished targets. Five cyborgs collapsed to the floor with smoking wounds. The sickening smell of burnt meat immediately appeared in the air. Completely human blood poured from noses and mouths in jets. The Inomirian woman fired a new batch of shells at the fleeing enemies. She pressed the trigger with a frantic cry, releasing streams of fire. Following the warrior, shots were heard from allied soldiers. Every soldier now overcame himself. They all understood that the political center could not resist, but they continued to fight anyway.
Dozens of half-dead cyborgs fell dead, and their bodies turned into smoking lumps. One of the defenders of the political center threw a couple of grenades at the fleeing flock of opponents. Five enemies immediately flew into the air and instantly dismembered. Their bloodied remains fell to the floor. The air smelled of smoke and burnt meat again. A terrible stench reigned in the hall, which caused vomiting in many.
- Die .... - Iilfan hissed angrily, releasing more and more shells, - Die ... kaiju ... .. Die ... ..
Suddenly, a strange person rushed into the room. At first, the foreign woman even thought that it was Yuri Ernal'tsev. She never managed to find her new lover. And now a strange magic blinded her. Strange and unnatural. She had never felt this way before. Iilfan saw a great warrior in front of her, that with his magic he could hit any of the opponents. Yuri was so strong from the inside that the woman from another world was amazed at such a frantic and mysterious power. His psi abilities shocked even experienced Farrukh veterans, not to mention agents from Hyperborea.
"Yuri," the Farrukh maiden said barely audibly.
However, after a moment, the image of the psionic vanished into thin air, and something different appeared before the eyes of the warrior. In front of her towered a hefty Nicomedian hybrid, more like a native of Elfurr's secret laboratories. Cybernetic infiltrations covered his entire head and neck. The top half of the skull was cut away, and in its place a strange abundance of cables and cords emerged. Real hellfire burst from demonic yellow eyes. His long beard resembled a trident and hung down. This foreigner was dressed in a simple overcoat with shoulder straps and dark trousers, and he did not have any armor with him. It would seem that another suicide bomber appeared before Iilfan. But in the depths of her soul, the foreign woman knew that this creature was no longer alive.
In great horror, she recognized in him Markokhyosip Grigarovich, the culprit of the bloody rebellion in Zabergan. The one who first seized the government center and declared himself the governor of the system. But there was also something in this essence that was not characteristic of mere mortals.
Before she had time to throw up her weapon, Grigarovich waved his hands and released a chain of dazzlingly bright lightning. Electric discharges with furious force fell on Savrasov's soldiers, including the warrior herself. Such a fierce force incinerated ordinary fighters at once, but Iilfan miraculously survived. The body of a foreign woman flew into the air and hit the wall with all its might, after which it quickly fell down.
The blow was quite strong, and the Farrukh maiden felt new bouts of pain. She felt that some of her strong ribs were still cracked. In addition, as luck would have it, a wave of terrible tingling sensations rolled over the entire skin. The pain only began to intensify, and something had to be done urgently. Delay could only lead to death, and therefore the foreign woman tried with all her might to get to her feet.
"You shouldn't do this," came the mechanical voice of the enemy. "You shouldn't, Agent Iilfan. Even you will not be able to defeat me ... But before I finish with you, I think I will introduce myself. My name is Markohyosip Grigarovich. I was once a mere mortal colonel. But now I am completely at the mercy of Tulotron. Tulotron is everything. And I will prove it to you. I will prove to you the superiority of the cybernetic life form. I will be the last one you see before death.
---

[BagaturKhan]

--
"Tikultinurta"
The flagship cruiser of the Zuhra Pirates.
Outer space of Zabergan.
- Well, how long will we wait for these bastards? came the furious voice of a Kosatti named Ser-Khairso. - We slowed down and trudged like old diplodocus.
And many crew members wanted to ask this question to Captain Rustem. Especially such words spun in the minds of the senior officers standing on the bridge. The pirates could not stand any waiting, as they always preferred to attack enemy ships with lightning speed, quickly capture them and immediately drive them into the otherworldly space. But now the whole flotilla was just drifting in space. The engines barely worked, and many had the impression that the ships simply stopped, although in space it was impossible to do this under any circumstances.
The officers now, including Quartermaster John the Hand-Cutter himself, stood opposite their captain. And Rustem looked at the readings of the instruments, behind which sat the aranguto attendants. They were long ago captured into slavery by the well-known criminal structures of the universe, and then they were safely sold for 3 hours. Now these ape-like people sat tirelessly at the monitors. They worked until the vessels in their heads were destroyed. Rustem was not going to spare any of the slaves, for they were not at all considered living beings.
- How long will we wait for them? - the voice of Ser-Khairso was heard again.
But here he was stopped by John's assistant, a little gnome-like alien named Arzarik. This muscular but short warrior was covered in tattoos and wore a striking red T-shirt. Hearing the words of the upright lizard, Arzarik quickly darted in his direction and shook his fist threateningly.
- Once again, hurry up the captain, I'll turn out your balls, - the short man hissed angrily, - Do you understand me?
The shark-like Kosatti became even more furious at this. He already lost his temper over this whole mess. Support ships still did not appear, and the captain did not dare to violate the order. All pirates were obliged to await the arrival of the new Tulotron flotilla. They gave their word not to engage in battle, but at the moment, many already wanted to break it, as they clearly realized their frantic desire for a fight.
- Come on, come on, Mr. Short dick, - Ser-Khairso growled with the same fury, - Yes, I'll bite you in half.
However, Captain Rustem himself instantly stopped their skirmish. No sooner had the two pirates finished their curses, when the head of the flotilla himself appeared next to them. This bearded and sullen man was dressed in a blue uniform, which he wore on Shalban, as the commander of the Impeccable Empire under the commander Samsu Ilun. But only then his fame ended. He was defeated by Kussar, and the government of Emperor Azis deprived Rustem of everything. After this incident, the military leader, dismissed in disgrace, went to the pirates, since he simply did not see any other way out. The captain never took off his uniform, just like the scarlet fez with a tassel falling down. This was his constant vestment.
Now Rustem was looking at his charges with an extremely displeased look. His hand lay on a holster with a pistol. He was about to draw his weapon and fire a volley, but so far he hesitated.
- Stop, - said the captain menacingly, addressing his subordinates, - both of you! And remember. If Tulotron told us to wait, then we are waiting. Do you think I enjoy doing this myself? We all want to fight. We all want to taste the blood of the enemy .... But we must wait! The Tulotron will give us fifty trillion, plus ten planets, and we will not know grief. That's why we agreed to cooperate! This tin dick promised us good money and territory. We'll be portugaling kings! While the whole galaxy will blaze, and we will begin to live in peace and rule the whole systems!
- And if he betrays us? - came the voice of one of the officers, a tall Kosatti in a black overcoat, - Tulotron serves as Marfur-Nirari. Don't forget this. He has an army of millions of machines and bio-creatures. For Marfur-Nirari, we are podzabornye dogs. Yes, he turned people like us on a skewer. Honestly, I have long doubted his words, as well as his generosity. The stars are more likely to become cancer than these guys will share the dough.
This time Rustem could no longer stand it. He quickly tracked down the disgruntled pirate among the crew on the bridge. He quickly drew his pistol and fired a couple of shots. The laser shells hit the Kosatti right in the head, and the shark-like corsair instantly fell to the floor with a smoking hole in its forehead.
The captain's eyes were full of rage. These words seriously made him lose his temper. For a long time he looked at all his subordinates with a similar gaze, and at the same time did not put the weapon back into the holster. The seasoned corsair held a pistol in front of him and guided them to his comrades-in-arms, trying to remind them of the rules of the game.
- If one of you, whore children, once again says such crap, - hissing with anger, Rustem squeaked, - That will have a flash. And my shot is always accurate. Samsu-Iluna also noticed this, but damn his name three times.
Everything the captain said was true. Even in the service of Azis the Flawless, the warrior became famous as the best of the marksmen. He could defeat any enemy, even at a distance of a kilometer. He was respected by many for such abilities, and was considered almost a sorcerer.
The subordinates on the bridge nodded their heads obediently. No one else dared to obstruct the will of the ship commander. As soon as Rustem turned back to the instruments, the huge wolf-like creatures, of which there were many, immediately attacked the body of the shot dogmar. They began to rip him apart right in front of the crew. But the corsairs were as accustomed to these reprisals as they were to the captain's violent disposition.
Only after the captain turned towards the ship's instruments and the upright monkeys sitting behind them, a new surprise followed, much more unpleasant than the strife on the bridge. One of the arangutos stared nervously at the data he was reading on the giant monitor. His eyes almost popped out of their sockets. The otherworldly sobbed desperately, and then looked at Rustem.
- Captain! - I heard a frightened voice of a slave, - We have recorded strange flows of energy ... They resemble .... It looks like Tulotron is already here, master. But I do not understand.....
Rustem shuddered sharply at such information. But the slave was utterly frightened, and the leader of the corsairs clearly wanted to know the reason for the excitement. If the allies and their fleet have already entered Zabergan space, victory is already close. The long-awaited battle was getting closer and closer, and the captain was impatient to lead the flotilla against the enemies. He was already terribly tired of drifting on the sidelines, missing all the fun. From the very beginning, he wanted to participate in the battle against Hyperborea and its "brothers", who managed to call a huge armada. And now, it seems, everything should be in order, in view of the emergence of a fleet of robots. But for some reason this unfortunate aranguto was not at all happy. Something greatly alarmed him, even made him turn gray with worry.
As soon as the captain ran to the glowing screen displaying the composition of the Allied flotilla, his image disappeared in an instant. The monitor just went out for no apparent reason. And then all the devices on the bridge began to simply turn off. After a few seconds, there was not even a light in the room, for
And then all the devices on the bridge began to simply turn off. Seconds later, there was no light in the room, except only the burning stars visible through the windows. The captain's bridge plunged into pitch darkness.
- What the hell is this .... - the alarmed voices of the pirates rang out, - What demon is all extinguished ?!
The corsairs tried unsuccessfully to find the reason for such a sabotage. Someone seemed to simply cut off the electricity on Rustem's ship, and this threatened a global catastrophe. Such an event could have been followed by others, more nightmarish. For example, the gravity generator could fail, and with it an oxygen leak would occur, and then all the valiant pirates would at least suffocate. The central headquarters was also located on the bridge, without which the ship was simply doomed. The main control system for all functions of the vessel was located here.
The pirates raged and darted in different directions. Panic gripped their souls and hearts. And most of all now the captain himself looked frightened. Not long ago, he shot the Kosatti alarmist in the head, and now he doubted his actions. Perhaps that shark-headed corsair was telling the truth, but Rustem did not see this point-blank, due to his faith in powerful allies. But everyone knows a proverb from ancient times "Never trust an alliance with the strongest", and right now the leader of the corsairs pronounced it clearly in his head.
It was not difficult for Rustem to look through a huge window through which a wonderful panorama of stars and planets was usually seen. But not at this moment. At the moment, the warrior saw a huge ship, created in the form of a monstrous pyramid. He knew that such ships were used by Marfur-Nirari. They were called "Black Corruptors", and their firepower surpassed even the heavy Galleons of Elfurr. And the captain also knew that if such a battleship appears too close, then an attack is already inevitable. And to his misfortune, Rustem was right. From the realization of the terrible truth, the captain's mouth opened with horror, and his body shook violently.
- Darned bitch..... - desperately croaked the corsair leader, realizing his doom.
  From the side of the pyramid, a truly titanic column of fire flew out, which headed towards the pirate ship. In less than a minute, the hellfire destroyed the ship, along with the entire crew.

--