The ground in Washington darkened as the massive, triangular body of an Imperial battleship moved atop the city. Under the sunlight, the kilometres-long angelic artwork of purple-white iconography of the 3rd Fleet shone as its hull flew out of the cloud. Dispersed all over the ship's body were cannons so large their bore size alone could rival the size of massive mountains. Yet, even at this size, another predator, even more insane in size, cast its shadow over this ship. As the maintenance crew, appearing as fractions of a grain of sand on the battleship's surface, looked up, they saw only darkness as the mother carrier of the 3rd fleet loomed over them.
Each fleet centred around their respective mother carrier-class ship, behemoths of the skies stretching at over 12 kilometres long. At 20 kilometres long, the Ark of Apogee is the heart of the 3rd Fleet, especially made bigger and stronger to show the favour of the Emperor toward his most beloved son. Serving as the home of the fleet, its size also allowed it to be its industrial center, its bone marrow for new soldiers and Marines, as well as one of the most powerful ships in terms of armament in the entire Imperial Navy.
Within its thick and impenetrable defences, moving between locations required the crew to take a bullet train system, which flowed like veins within the goliath's body. Many who stayed on the ship for long enough even forgot that they were in the sky and not in a contained city on the ground. As the bullet trains sped through the different districts, shaped nearly to resemble small cities, they also came across armament trains the size of several hundred metallic houses on rail, all carrying the ammunition of an army just to feed one sector of the ship's weapons.
Walking through the busy streets filled with the scent of food and the chatter of thousands, two hooded figures stepped toward the nearest train station. One crewmate chatted with his fellow men while lifting a single skewered octopus from his plate. However, as he went to bite down on it, his teeth only found air. While the crewmate was mocked as he angrily threw accusations around, the second hooded figure lifted the steaming skewer to her mouth and bit down with a hum of satisfaction.
All around them, even off-duty Imperial Marines enjoyed the local delicacy as they chatted with their comrades. The whole sector was shaped like an Asian food market, but was in actuality a hyper-efficient canteen like many on the ship that fed thousands of servicemen daily. It was certainly decadent, as many enjoyed high-quality meat even while only holding the rank of basic maintenance officer. However, if this type of moral booster can keep the Imperial machinery well-oiled and running, then the cost is never too high.
The first hooded figure glimpsed into one of the restaurants and saw for a brief moment the complex machinery running behind the scenes to pump out fresh steaming noodles at an industrial pace. Yet, as he turned around, he saw to his shock that his partner had already snatched up the food of several other unaware servicemen. Washing it down with a can of fresh orange juice, the second figure let out a satisfied burp.
On the dock, the two figures waited for their train, which screeched to a halt in front of them. They politely stepped aside as the passengers disembarked. Coming respectfully after the group of nuclear engineers, a group of four Marines also walked out of the train cart, each bearing on their right chestplate the Roman numerals denoting 1st Division, 2nd Company and the trait that denoted command staff.
[Hubris] - "I tell you people, the stalls on row 331 make the best damn rice noodles in the whole Empire, approved personally by me! "
Said Hubris as he led the way ahead.
[Cassiel] - "Oh! I mean– I wouldn't doubt you, sir. "
Said Cassiel in a jolt, clearly bothered by other thoughts.
As the Marine cleared out of their way, the two figures moved into the cart to a corner. While no one was watching, the second figure punched a special code into the keypad reserved for maintenance before sitting down as if nothing had happened. As the train departed, she instinctively moved closer to her partner, pretending to make space for a fellow passenger.
Passing through the central hub, the train made a turn around a central dark sphere where the ship's gigantic fusion reactor was located. Briefly, the passengers felt a slight heat in their veins as the sheer energy produced by the generator radiated toward them. Looking out of the window, all they could see was a dark sphere without a visible end on either its top or bottom. Then, as the train passed through the middle of the ship, it zipped past the four parked Storm-class titans of the fleet; giant machines of sheer apocalypse standing at 300 meters tall and armed with cannons big enough to fit a skyscraper in its bore.
Yet, even at their size, they were but four imposing giants that, from afar, looked unremarkable within the sea of the ship's internal structures. The train then ascended the layers to reach the upper decks, where the city-like structures shifted into an industrial hellscape where massive reactors and power cells fed the vessel's countless plasma cannons and shield generators. As the last of the maintenance crew disembarked from the train cart, only the pair of mysterious passengers remained.
As the train continued into the maintenance depot, it didn't stop as a special passage opened for it to continue on. Driving up the special tunnel, it soon reached a different sector of the ship, now lit with artificial sunlight and looking as divine as a royal palace with carefully maintained lawns and vegetation as well as marble walls and golden decor. Stopping in front of a purple carpet, the two mysterious figures exited the train to meet the Marine honour guards who blocked their way with their massive shields.
Stepping toward the first Marine, the hooded man lowered his disguise and exposed the shiny golden symbol of the Cyberknight order on his shoulder pads. As the guards turned their gaze toward the second figure, she lowered her hood and showed the Marine a pendant of the order, crescented with a hollowed diamond; the symbol of the Grand Knight. With his lens, the Marine analyzed the pendant before confirming its authenticity.
With perfect coordination, he and his comrade raised their massive shields and allowed the two to pass. As they boarded the elevator pod at the edge of the garden, they were abruptly shot into the sky. As the scenery outside became increasingly more impressive with height, the girl couldn't help but break her stoic composure as she stared in awe at the garden below. At the center of the place stood a massive statue of Michele with his wings expanded and spear pointing upward in a majestic display of power and might.
[Moore] - "I know it's pretty. We can admire it later, but for now, we must present ourselves with composure in front of the Angel of War. "
Said Moore as he straightened his coat.
[Baltazara] - "I am composed! You're just seeing things. "
Snapped Baltazara as she gave Moore a sharp glance.
[Moore] - "If you say so. Anyways, where do you think the main fleet should be by now? "
Said Moore as he looked up at the artificial ceiling that simulated the sky outside.
[Baltazara] - "I'd say around the satellites of Jupiter. I'd also say there's a high chance we get stranded on Earth instead of rejoining the fleet. "
[Moore] - "What? Don't like a bit of adventure? "
[Baltazara] - "Not with you. You are too powerful with your ability to ever let me feel the thrill of facing danger. I feel like a pet with you around. "
Said Baltazara playfully, with a small grin as she leaned against the railing to face Moore.
[Moore] - "Then request to leave me. You have your free will, you know? A lot of other Knight Exemplars do require a companion like you. "
Said Moore with a taunting smirk.
Before Moore could react, Baltazara appeared before him and gut-punched him to the floor.
[Baltazara] - "Like hell I will! With you, at least I get to do this without consequences. "
Said Baltazara with a smirk.
[Moore] - "Oooww... I swear, your sisters were less of an asshole than you. "
Taunted Moore, smile still shining on his cheeks.
[Baltazara] - "Oh, is that so? Would you mind repeating that? "
Said Baltazara as she grabbed Moore by the collar and raised her fists with a wicked grin.
[Moore] - "Okay, okay, I didn't say anything! "
Said Moore while waving his hands in surrender.
As the elevator stopped and opened its doors, Baltazara stood composed and elegant while Moore looked like he had fallen down a flight of stairs. Moore looked up at the Marine honour guard waiting by the door and felt a pair of eyes judging him beneath the purple lenses.
[Marine] - "Follow me, the Angel has been expecting your arrival. "
Said the Marine as he began to lead the way.
[Baltazara] - "Ahem, composure, remember? You are looking quite indecent right now. "
Teased Baltazara as Moore adjusted his coat and straightened his posture.
Moore rolled his eyes as he finished rearranging his coat and crumpled shirt. Upon arriving at the massive purple door leading to the Angel's throne room, Moore swallowed as the sheer size of the golden warrior angel statues standing guard unnerved him. They stared down at him, judging and cold. He had heard stories of the Angel of War, seen him on Imperial propaganda and been shown the extent of his power, yet to witness him in person was a task that made his blood run cold. It was not because he was afraid, but rather because he felt unworthy to converse directly with the definition of human excellence.
Moore turned to see that the Marine was already gone during his distraction. Then, the door opened slightly, its massive size seemingly irrelevant in its movement as if it weighed a single feather. Then, Moore walked, only to fall face-to-face with Michele himself rather than a servant or another layer of security. In an instant, Moore and Baltazara's knees met the floor before their mind could register the situation. It was like an atavistic shock to both their systems despite their training. Their bodies acted as if they knew kneeling was the right thing to do when confronted with a presence like this.
Moore is one of the most powerful Cyberknight of the order, possessing abilities capable of boiling oceans and devastating continents at will. Meanwhile, Baltazara is a freed member of the KD-series assassin line, engineered superhumans unable to feel fear, described as the Mona Lisa of death given form. Yet, before Michele, their humbled mind and soul only knew a single word– submission.
[Michele] - "You two must be the honoured guests sent by my little brother. Please, there is no need for such formalities; I am but a man like you after all. "
Said Michele as he gracefully reached down and pulled them to their feet.
Both Moore and Baltazara were speechless as they stared at Michele with utter disbelief. The Angel had just reached down to lift them from the position they themselves could not escape from. Unlike the stories, before them stood a man without the majestic wings that had always been a part of his identity. Michele was still majestic and mighty despite his more relaxed attire and attitude, but his more down-to-earth appearance seemed to put Moore and Baltzara at ease.
[Moore] - "Ah... Ah, ah... "
Moore struggled, unable to utter a word, still too shocked and humble to formulate any coherent sound.
[Michele] - "You may speak, my friend. There is no need to keep a knot inside your heart. "
Said Michele in a gentle tone, which felt soothing like the touch of silk.
Moore swallowed, finally forcing himself to speak despite the resistance within his throat. It was like a tug-of-war, a constant battle between the Angel's reassurance and the force that urged his submission.
[Moore] - "Lord, it's an honour to be in your presence! I– "
Moore trembled, feeling his legs weak as he knelt back down before Michele caught him and helped him back up. Michele's touch was soft and caring as the clouds, but with that single extended touch, Moore felt the immense power flowing through Michele's crystals on his forearms. In a jolt, Moore clenched his muscles and stood up straight, breathing heavily as he did so. Michele might try to appear more relatable and human, but that single peek into his true strength only confirmed the myths Moore had ever heard about him.
At the same time, Baltazara's heart beat against her ribcage like crazy, making even the likes of her breath like a distressed little prey. Michele watched the two's tense attitude as well as their panic, and his smile began to fade as disappointment filled his heart.
[Michele] - "Sigh... What makes me so different from my brothers and sisters? They are all sons and daughters of the Emperor, yet they were never feared or revered with such excess by their men. "
Said Michele in a saddened voice.
As Michele's eyes found Moore and Baltazara's gaze, looking for answers, their eyes quickly darted away, fearful of accidentally giving the Angel a wrong answer.
[Michele] - "You serve the Cyberknight order, Knight Exemplar Moore. You serve the same order as I do; you serve under the Grand Knight, who himself is comparable in power to me. So tell me, why do you not fear your Lord? Why show such excess only to me? I wish to know, so I could better connect to my humanity. "
Said Michele as he turned around, hoping that without the pressure of his gaze, Moore could find the courage to answer his questions.
[Moore] - "I– I wouldn't know, Lord. I lack knowledge; I am but a pawn who lacks the answers sought after by great men such as yourself. "
Said Moore shakily, his gaze falling to the ground in humility.
Even though it wasn't the answer Michele wanted, the fact that Moore answered courageously and truthfully already reignited the smile on his face.
[Michele] - "A few overcame the mysterious curse that surrounds me... "
Said Michele as he reached down and picked up a scattered toy on the ground.
The light shone briefly on the wedding ring on Michele's finger as he observed the toy with fondness and love. It was a miniature version of an Angelic Marine Captain, made to be a small posable action figurine. Then, Michele briefly looked up at the artificial night sky cast onto the glass dome over his throne room.
[Michele] - "...But most find themselves still unable to break it, to see that beneath the platinum feathers and halo of light, there is vulnerable flesh and crimson blood. "
Said Michele as he stared briefly at the two guests with an understanding look.
Both Moore and Baltzara's mouths opened slightly in surprise as a small boy with eyes as shiny as the Angel's walked up to him and asked for the toy. With a smile, Michele slowly lowered himself to the boy's level and handed him the tiny Marine. Then appeared a woman who looked strangely familiar to Baltazara, with another toddler by her side and a third smaller one in her arms.
[Michele] - "I would like you two to meet my family. This is my beloved Raphaela, the mother of my three children and Vice-Angel of War. Here, my eldest son, Uriel. Followed by my second child, Selaphiel and my newborn daughter, Seraphina. "
Said Michele as he gestured to each of his family members.
Moore stayed silent, only managing a greeting nod as he fought his legs just not to sink down to his knees. However, when Raphaela turned her gaze and saw Baltazara, the smile on her face abruptly vanished. There was recognition in both women's eyes as Baltazara tensed up and looked away the moment she saw Raphaela.
[Michele] - "Please, Moore, walk with me. I would like to know the man my brother puts his trust in. "
Said Michele as he placed his hand on Moore's shoulder and guided him away.
Moore remained tense, but he held his breath and fought against the oppressive aura that kept triggering his primal survival instincts. At the same time, Baltazara watched as Raphaela moved her children behind her and stood between them and her. It irritated Baltazara as she glanced at the same green eyes as her own, which stared at her with caution and doubt. But there was something more behind the irritation as Baltazara also felt a sting in her heart, a wound that existed within the genetics of every single member of her kind.
[Baltazara] - "Relax, I'm rehabilitated... Progetinor. "
Said Baltazara as she glanced one more time at the face that looked so much like her own.
Later, the ride out of the Angel's palace was silent as ever. Due to the sheer shock of the meeting, Baltazara didn't even make a stop to properly visit the garden that piqued so much of her interest going in. The two simply stared forward as their private car drove through the air. Stopping at a special VIP guest area of the ship, Moore quietly thanked the chauffeur before they were escorted to their room by a valet.
Only when the door closed behind Moore did both of them let out a huge breath of air as if they had been holding it in since meeting Michele. Moore leaned against the wall while savouring the fresh air, his breathing ragged as his face filled with cold sweat. Meanwhile, Baltazara also took in huge breaths of air, but seemed less in a state of distress than her partner.
[Moore] - "Why... His ability wasn't even active, yet I feel like as if... "
Muttered Moore while watching his hands tremble.
[Baltazara] - "As if something was reaching inside our soul and tickling our survival instinct. "
Said Baltazara before abruptly sobbing into her hands.
With ragged breaths, Moore struggled to Baltazara and held her in his arms.
[Baltazara] - "I should not feel such fear... I should not! It's– It's against my biology– God, I feel so violated– I never felt so fucking scared, God! What– What the hell is that? "
Cried Baltazara, while tears kept streaming down her cheeks.
[Moore] - "I don't know... I felt safe and confident when the Angel spoke to me in person. He felt like a beacon in the darkness that surrounded us. But– Why is there an aura that contradicts his light? I should not fear him– Yet... "
Whispered Moore shakily, his muscles tense as he tried to hold Baltzara tighter.
Moore recalled his walk with Michele, where he seemed to be able to maintain a coherent conversation for a while. However, the moment Michele left his vicinity, the oppressive feeling returned. Moore tried to recall the warm and human side of Michele and the pleasant talk he had with the Angel. Yet, as he tried to tap into those memories, he found himself unable to recall those moments cleanly. Instead, the heartfelt conversations and the man who presented to them his family warped inside his mind into an uncomprehensible creature of Heaven, unnatural in its dimension and haunting in its design.
Moore tried again, desperately trying to picture the kind man who showed him compassion and kindness. Unfortunately, Moore's mind only saw the golden angelic statues, which stood down at him, judging and cold. Moore fought against the doors, desperately trying to see the man who called him a friend. However, the doors remained heavy, heavier than the weight of the seas and more stubborn to his attempt than the body of mountains.
Then, the angelic statues moved, crushing him under their feet and drowning him in that same oppressive aura that tormented him a moment ago. Moore finally let go, accepting that Michele was no less than the incomprehensible God he once believed he was. Then, relief immediately followed, granting him the mercy of breath as he took in a huge gulp of air.
[Baltazara] - "I don't understand... "
Whispered Baltazara, unaware of the struggle Moore just experienced.
[Moore] - "There is nothing to understand! We serve the Angel and nothing more. "
Said Moore with an unhinged look in his eyes.
Baltazara steadied her breathing and closed her mouth. Moore was right; whatever is going on is beyond both of them. Like many of the Empire's dark secrets, sometimes, ignorance is bliss. Baltazara nodded before wiping the leftover tears off her eyes. Then, the two looked at each other, closed their eyes and then opened them again.
[Baltazara] - "Let's complete our mission and go home. "
Said Baltazara tensely as she held Moore's hand tightly inside hers.
Moore detected a rare glimpse of vulnerability inside Baltazara's fierce green eyes that looked like dread. With a deep breath, Moore gently closed her eyes with his hands while his own remained open.
[Moore] - "We'll get this thing done and return to the fleet, I promise you, Baltazara. "
Said Moore as he caressed Baltazara's hair, knowing it soothed her.
On their nightstand, a tablet with a confidential biometric lock waited for their fingerprint. Waiting inside was all the information required to locate and capture the US leaders responsible for the nuclear strikes.
To be continued...