On the moon's dark side, what used to be a cold, isolated wasteland, considered to be the edge of the world, now stood a network of cities that nearly covered every inch of available land. Where no telescope could observe, where no fleet was properly equipped to invade, lived the entirety of the World Forgers fleet, considered traitors by the Empire following Mike's betrayal.
As the light shone above the horizon, the unfiltered glow of the king of the solar system illuminated the thousands of megastructures that stood like the components of a world-spanning dark crown on the lunar surface. The tallest towers were found in the main city of Celestial V, considered the heart of the World Forgers' fleet, standing at an impressive 14 kilometres in height. With a dome of artificial atmosphere, the gigantic city was the size of three Tokyo while housing upwards of 4 million civilians, many just the families of workers, soldiers and officers.
Inside, life was no more different than Earth, except for the slightly decreased gravity. And thanks to the fleet's technical expertise in turning inhospitable places into human habitats, life was relatively comfortable despite the Moon's hostile environments. While children played in courtyards that looked directly into the starry sky, they could also observe the occasional flight of ships that could eclipse the whole city with their bellies alone.
The sun shone upon the massive triangular shapes in the sky that stood like colossal dark steel guardians against the darkness and unknown of the eternal night; They were 'Hephaestus' and 'Gan Jiang', the two mother carriers of the World Forgers fleet, each measuring 20 kilometres in length alone. They were each capable of bringing star systems to their knees with their payload and guns, and forcing the submission of nature itself to human will.
Below, in their shadow, billions of lights glowed across the terraformed surface of the moon. From farms to industrial plants to outposts, every inch of surface was used by the utilitarian minds of the fleet to sustain and feed a total population of millions of people. Outside of the five main cities named Celestia I-V, a set of a few thousand smaller settlements stretched across the fields of crop that stretched beyond human visual range.
As for the forges and industries that produced the fleet's needs, they looked more like islands of industrial hell, with metallic veins that savaged the crust of the Moon in their quest for the rare minerals buried in its core. From shipyards embedded with a capillary of bullet train systems due to their size, to fully automated production plants for civilian essentials that occupied the land mass of a city, these sectors glowed crimson like angry mouths that voiced the Moon's furtive screams of displeasure.
Finally, at the very edge of the settled zones, stood the walls and outposts armed with automated sentry guns and soldiers. Unlike the people benefiting from an atmosphere within the more populated areas, these men were all standing inside proper spacesuits equipped with gravitational anchors at their feet. They protected the colonies and settlements just in case anyone from Earth got crazy enough to attempt an invasion of the Moon.
However, these soldiers were more suited for the casual skirmish. The true deterrent came from the massive orbital plasma cannons aiming impatiently at the sky. Their diameter alone could fit an aircraft carrier from Earth's old days, while their core raged with the power of a few hundred nuclear bombs. Then, with yellow glowing eyes and shiny black metal armour plates, walked the occasional World Forger Marine, each a lethal masterpiece of heretical bioengineering and transgressive science, designed to assert the law of man over the wilderness of the universe.
Yet, all this and the countless settlements amidst the stars have but one true master. He was the man who had snuffed out the blaze of humanity's worst civil war, and the man who had overseen the hammering of the first nail across humanity's 260 extraterrestrial colonies. He is the master of the cyberknights, judge and executioner of the National Empire; he is the Grand Knight, Lord of the World Forgers and regent commander of all Imperial forces in existence, and he is here to reclaim his throne.
With a deafened boom, Mike landed on the moon's surface, kicking up a large dust storm where he landed. As the dust settled, Mike walked ahead of the group he brought with him toward a massive gate, shadowed by walls on both sides that stretched into the horizon. Seeing him on the monitor without a space suit in the vacuum, the guards scratched their heads in confusion before it slowly turned into dread.
[guard 1] - "How? How is that man standing there without a suit? How the actual fuck is he even alive? "
Yelled the first guard while pointing at the monitor.
The second guard moved in closer, squinted his eyes and quickly noticed the cyberknight symbols on Mike's clothes.
[guard 2] - "It's a cyberknight! Raise the alarm! "
Yelled the guard in a panic.
Without hesitation, in line with their training, the first guard smashed the alarm button. Immediately, the outpost went into lockdown as the monotone white light turned into a deep shade of red inside every hallway. Soldiers rushed around the base in formation, a panicked look on their faces. Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, with professional and calm steps, a Marine squad leader marched toward the scene of the incident with the eight Marines under his command.
[squad leader] - "It seems the fuckers on Earth finally lost their damn marbles. "
[squad commissar] - "It was a nice two years while it lasted. It was bound to happen sooner or later. "
Said the commissar Marine as he tried to keep pace with the leader.
[squad leader] - "I don't mind a good brawl with the other armoured bastards. But a cyberknight? It's like a minor deity being sent to fight ants. "
Said the leader, while regular soldiers avoided them so as not to get in their way.
[squad commissar] - "He is one man against a gate armed to take on a full siege. Besides, reinforcement is on the way. "
[squad leader] - "You are too young to understand what I've seen. If they want to fight us, they'd send an army. But one lone cyberknight? That's an execution! "
Said the squad leader with an audible fear in his voice.
Pushing into the control room, the rest of the squad stood guard at the door while their leader entered. Just as the squad leader was about to ask an operator for information, the Marine stopped at the sight of the large central screen. Though Mike never showed his face during his years in charge of the fleet, the squad leader instantly recognized him for who he truly is.
[squad leader] - "That's impossible! That's the Lord Grand Knight himself! "
Said the squad leader as he dropped his carbine.
[weapon chief officer] - "Exactly! This walking impossibility must be a ruse of the enemy! "
Said the officer as he stepped out of his post.
[squad leader] - "Do not fire yet! Call in Captain Vashtor! "
Yelled the squad leader as he pointed at the weapon chief officer.
As the squad leader was just about to rush out of the door, he was forced to back into the room again by Marine Captain Vashtor, who was just entering. Gazing up at the screen, Vashtor silently analyzed the live footage until Mike directly stared up at the camera. Suddenly, like being hit with a jolt of electricity, Vashtor visibly shook in his armour before rushing out of the room without a word.
Before anyone could stop him, Vashtor got into a decompression chamber and exited into the vacuum. Protected by his power armour, Vashtor brushed past the many armed soldiers in his way in a hurry before leaping off the wall without a moment of consideration. As he descended slowly toward the ground, he contemplated what he had seen. Vashtor was nearly certain in his mind that the man standing before the gate was the same Lord he served under during the Luciferian Sundering.
Though a side of him still harboured doubt, the gaze Mike showed was undeniable proof of his identity. After all, this same scene was no different from the time he saw Mike from the bridge of the titan he served. The same angle, the same dull expression that showed so little but told so much and the same silence that spoke louder than any command, it was too perfectly aligned to be a ruse by the enemy.
As Vashtor reached Mike, he immediately stored his carbine away and drew his sword. With one powerful slam, Vashtor planted his sword into the ground before dropping to one knee. It was the way the Marines of the 7th and 8th Divisions, masters of defensive warfare, saluted their Lord.
[Vashtor] - "Lord Grand Knight! "
The operators alongside the Marine squad leader all held their breath as they watched Vashtor kneel before the supposed Lord of the World Forgers. As for the weapon officer, his hand was hovering right above the emergency protocol button, ready to reduce Mike's position to dust if things went south. There was a tense moment, but then Mike opened his mouth and spoke with clarity.
[Mike] - "Rise, Vashtor, captain of the 3rd company, 8th division! "
Said Mike as he motioned for Vashtor to stand up.
Mike's mannerisms and voice were simply undeniable. Unlike other commanders, Mike took his time to remember the name of every single one of his Marine captains. And only he, without exception, could command such loyalty within the core of his men. The Marines of the World Forgers do not kneel or bow to anyone, not to their admirals or their generals, not to the Emperor or the Marshals, but only Mike and Mike alone. Instinctively, the squad leader watching from the control room also instinctively kneeled before the projection of his lord.
As the main gates opened for Mike, he could see the Marines on standby lining up just to welcome him back. Stepping forward, from the moment Mike crossed the gate's threshold, every Marine dropped to one knee, their long swords positioned before them.
"Welcome back, Lord Grand Knight, Master of the World Forgers, Regent of the National Empire, Warden of the Hundred Stars! "
Said the Marine in unison.
With a raised chin, Krystal was not late to grab onto Mike's arm as she walked beside him like the old days. Meanwhile, Demetri was in a burst of excitement as he had never expected to see so many steel angels lined up in such a manner. Following behind, Ulric, Ella, and Dane were all in awe as they witnessed the sheer authority Mike held. Being the last to enter, Nilsson crossed eyes with one of the Marines on standby, who recognized his status as a fellow Marine and acknowledged him with a slight nod.
Soon, the group was invited onto a VIP bullet train headed for the nearest city of Celestia II.
[Vashtor] - "I've notified Captain Hyperion of your arrival, Lord. I must, unfortunately, continue to assume my duty at this station. "
Said Vashtor as he saluted Mike at the departure dock.
[Mike] - "As you should, Vashtor. My presence must not disturb the harmony of a running system. Blood reforged in gold, Empire cast in carbon! "
Immediately, Vashtor reacted by closing his hands together in the shape of a diamond.
[Vashtor] - "Blood reforged in gold, Empire cast in carbon! "
Shouted Vashtor before the doors closed between them.
As the train began to run, it didn't take long before it began to accelerate through the supercooled magnetic rails at near mach 1 speed. Soon, the reinforced gate disappeared behind the train as it began to rush through the plantation fields. Ella, Demetri, and Ulric couldn't help but stick their faces against the window as they witnessed fields of crops so large that it took a solid 10 minutes to see the end of each one. Afar, the factories glowed with a hellish red as they towered on the horizon like evil cartoon castles.
It was unreal to witness as even cattle roamed the terraformed and pressurized surface of the Moon, grazing the grass as if they were still on Earth. As they continued to move, the day suddenly turned to night as a massive shadow forced the fields' lights to come on. Looking up, all they could see was the carbon-black belly of a Conqueror-class battlecruiser, glowing with hundreds of thousands of small lights like a night sky on overdrive.
With great difficulty, Ulric took out his phone and aimed its camera toward the window. In one click, the world before his eyes began to appear on his cracked screen. Meanwhile, Ella looked toward Mike in the front in complete admiration of the man responsible for it all. Opening Ivanovich's book of worship, she began to write her first entry amidst the sea of blank pages to come. At the same time, Demetri innocently waved his hands at the farmers and civilians who appeared occasionally amidst the endless fields.
At the front, while Ari and Dane both looked outside in awe, Mike and Krystal sat together in silence, their hands held tightly together.
[Krystal] - "It seems like they have expanded while we were gone. "
[Mike] - "I expect nothing less from my trusted fleet. From what Vashtor told me, we're not merely sustaining the people from the fleet, but also their families and other persecuted people from Earth. The population went from 11 million to 23 million by the time the evacuation finished. "
[Krystal] - "Huh... I still remember when it was just a small city. "
Said Krystal as she gazed upon the distant spires of Celestia III.
As the sun shone across the edge of a massive shadow above the sky, Krystal excitedly pointed at the sky as she recognized the ship from the mismatched gap filling on its side.
[Krystal] - "That's the 'Ark of Century', I can't believe it is still alive and kicking. "
[Mike] - "Hhm, I had it salvaged and fixed at the end of the Siege of Beijing. She's quite a tough girl, not willing to go down even in death twice. "
"Arriving, Celestia II. "
Announced the radio.
As soon as the train arrived at the station, it was immediately clear that Mike's men were already prepared to welcome his return. On every single available space on the dock stood a Marine, all lined up like perfect statues of black and gold. The moment the doors opened, a row of World Forgers honour guards stood ready to greet Mike. However, before anyone could react, Captain Hyperion rushed onboard against all protocol and squeezed his way toward Mike.
[Hyperion] - "Lord! I can't believe this! It's really you! "
Said Hyperion, his emotions seeping through his voice as he kneeled before Mike.
[Mike] - "Well, well, isn't it Mister Traitor again? You're supposed to wait for me to disembark first, don't you? "
Said Mike as he stood up and stared down at Hyperion.
[Hyperion] - "My apologies, Lord! I was reckless, but also too damn excited! "
Said Hyperion as he lowered his head.
[Mike] - "It's fine, don't beat yourself over it. I was happy to see you, too, comrade. "
Said Mike as he smiled and tapped on Hyperion's shoulder.
As Mike stepped past Hyperion, he was just about to get up before he saw Krystal and kneeled down once again.
[Hyperion] - "Your excellence, Arch-mother! "
[Krystal] - "How do you even recognize me without my helmet? "
Said Krystal in a surprised expression.
[Hyperion] - "Who else gets to be so close to the Grand Knight? "
[Krystal] - "Well, you guys got your confirmation now. Yes, indeed, the Grand Knight's assistant was truly, after all, his wife. "
Said Krystal proudly while pointing at herself.
[Ari] - "Arch-mother? You didn't tell me you had children. "
Said Ari, her gaze bulging on Krystal with suspicion.
[Krystal] - "No, it's just what they call me. You don't get to choose your nickname in the military, okay? "
Said Krystal while rolling her eyes.
[Hyperion] - "And greeting to you, honoured guest. Captain Hyperion of the 11th company, Rogue Hunters, 1st division. "
Said Hyperion as he turned his gaze toward Ari.
As Krystal stepped past Hyperion, she tapped on his helmet playfully.
[Krystal] - "This is my sister, don't get any idea about her, you hear me? "
[Hyperion] - "This one cannot make promises, your excellence. "
Said Hyperion jokingly as he stood up.
Outside, in unison, the hundreds of Marines in formation all tapped their fists against their chest before screaming their motto upon seeing Mike's exit.
"Blood reforged in gold, Empire cast in carbon! Glory to the World Forgers, to the Lord of the fleet, Master of Stars, Champion of Humanity, his excellency, the Grand Knight. "
Chanted the Marines at the top of their lungs.
Afar, in a sea of cheers, Mike could hear the populace of the city also cheer in his name. Though he could not see how many were outside of his visual range, the sheer intensity of the people's voice revealed their numbers.
"The Grand Knight lives! Glory to the Lord of the World Forgers, Harbinger of Hope! "
Chanted an unified voice outside the train station.
Before Mike, all seventeen Marine Captains present in the city dropped to one knee and bowed their heads toward him. At the same time, two honour guards were trying to restrain and drag Hyperion away in the background for his earlier transgression.
[Mike] - "Leave him! "
Ordered Mike with authority.
The two guards immediately let go of Hyperion before assuming a salute.
[Hyperion] - "See this, you bastards? I'm above the wack-ass rules; they don't apply to me! I'll have you two court-martialled for this! "
Screamed Hyperion while pushing one of the guards on the chestplate.
With a hand sign, Mike called Hyperion to his side before leaning toward him to whisper some things.
[Mike] - "I want you to arrange the best medical care for my guests. Take good care of their injuries and treat them well. "
[Hyperion] - "Of course, Lord. Would you like me to arrange for your stay as well? "
[Mike] - "Things are urgent as of now. I need to continue to Celestial V to meet the fleet's command. "
[Hyperion] - "As you wish, Lord. However, the city will be quite disappointed if you leave so soon. Maybe you could just show yourself a little? "
Said Hyperion as he prepared to order the arrangements through his com.
[Mike] - "Tell those people we'll celebrate my return in three days in Celestia V. This will leave your men with time to prepare and for me to deal with some private businesses. "
[Hyperion] - "Understood, Lord. "
Said Hyperion as he walked away to speak with his fellow captains.
Soon, a sidelane opened for a few medical Marines to pass through. The first medic quickly reached Nilsson and immediately injected him with a dose of an antibiotic upon seeing his wounds. The other medical Marines quickly surrounded the others and helped Ulric and Ella dismount from the train. Another Marine helped Dane down the stairs while the last Marine kneeled in front of Demetri and reached toward him with his hand. However, the boy recoiled in fear as the stranger tried to grab him.
[Krystal] - "Do not fear, little one. He's going to just check up on you to make sure you're fine. "
Said Krystal as she kneeled down to face Demetri.
[Demetri] - "I don't want to go with him, he's scary... "
Said the boy while grabbing onto Krystal's coat.
[Krystal] - "Don't worry, the others will be with you as well. Big sister Ella and big brother Ulric are going to be with you, as well as Uncle Nilsson. "
[Demetri] - "Where are the angels that look like Mister Michalis? Where is Miss Athena? "
Said Demetri with a worried look while hugging Michalis's ash box.
Looking at Demetri, Krystal noticed how the boy was shivering since the lunar settlements' temperature is lower than on Earth. As Krystal looked around for something to give him, her hand fell on the coat on her back. She hesitated, knowing how much she had been through with this coat, how every mark on it was an undeniable scar left by her history. Yet, looking to her side, seeing how Mike was alive and standing, Krystal sighed with a smile.
[Krystal] - "Here, this will keep you warm. This coat means a lot to me. In case we do not meet again, I hope you can remember to follow your dreams all the way. The angels like Michalis are from a different kingdom in the sky than this one, and I promise you my men will take you there. "
Said Krystal as she wrapped her treasured coat around Demetri.
[Demetri] - "You promise? "
[Krystal] - "I promise. Here, I'll make him promise too. "
Said Krystal as she got up and looked at the medical Marine.
[Krystal] - "Present yourself, Marine! "
[Medical Marine] - "Your excellency, Chief Medical Officer Polmeris of the 11th company under Captain Hyperion. "
Said the Marine with a salute.
[Krystal] - "Once things are possible, I want you to deliver him to the 9th fleet. Tell them he's a recruit under the recommendations of the two late heroes, Michalis and Christos, of their fleet. And here, bring this to them as well. "
Said Krystal as she handed Polmeris the ash box of Christos.
Taking the ash box, Polmeris looked at the other ash box carried by the boy in his hands.
[Polmeris] - "I will do as you had instructed, Arch-mother. "
[Krystal] - "Promise it to the boy! "
Polmeris immediately dropped to one knee, but still towered over Demetri.
[Polmeris] - "I promise, on my honour, that I will bring you to the Falling Spartans and return the heroes to their home. You have my word, little one. "
Said Polmeris as he tapped his fist against his chest.
Demetri looked at Krystal for confirmation, to which she responded with a smile. Then, reluctantly, Demetri climbed onto the giant's palm before he brought him onto his shoulder.
[Polmeris] - "Hold on tight now, boy. "
In an instant, Demetri was brought so high that he had to look down at Krystal instead. Then, as Polmeris walked, his fellow medical Marines followed behind him. As Nilsson passed beside Krystal and gave her a salute, he moved away with his assigned doctor. Then came Dane, who tipped his hard hat at Krystal.
[Dane] - "We'll meet again, partner. Well, I hope that is. "
[Krystal] - "We will, my friend. We can always use one more genius. Thank you for your help, for everything you have done for me. "
Said Krystal as she hugged Dane before letting him go.
Finally, as Ulric and Ella arrived beside Krystal, they stopped briefly to talk with her.
[Ulric] - "Dark Angel, is this where we have to say goodbye? "
[Krystal] - "Preferably not. However, we all have our paths to walk. I saw how you like recording stuff on your phone earlier. If you are into stuff in that field, I'll tell my husband to arrange something for you. "
[Ulric] - "Erm... Maybe something in line with explorations and... well... records... "
Said Ulric hesitantly.
[Krystal] - "Haha... you're in luck. The World Forger fleet has a huge need for people working in the field of archives and exploration. "
Chuckled Krystal, while clapping her palms together.
[Ella] - "And what about me? I would like to learn more about the cyberknights. "
[Krystal] - "Sure, I'll tell my husband to assign you somewhere in that field. "
Said Krystal with a smile.
Suddenly, the twins leaped in and hugged Krystal tightly as if she were their mother. There were some tears in their eyes, but they quickly braced through their emotions.
[Ulric] - "Ouch! "
Grunted Ulric as he held his chest in pain.
[Ella] - "Maybe a strong hug after all that rib injury is not a very bright idea, dummy. "
Said Ella, her fists pushed against her waist.
[Ulric] - "All because I was defending your depressed ass. "
Jabbed Ulric with a grin.
[Ella] - "Ah, bla, bla, bla, I don't want to hear it. "
Said Ella playfully.
As the twins waved their final goodbye with Krystal, they left with the medical Marine who was helping Ulric walk. Now, only Ari stood by the door to the train.
[Ari] - "What? You're not offering me a five-star hotel stay or some deluxe spa? "
Said Ari with crossed arms.
[Krystal] - "No, you're coming with me. I've got a lot to show you. "
Said Krystal as she marched back onto the train.
[Ari] - "Oh yeah, you're gonna assume that miss princess persona and start showing off just how lucky you are to get a husband like Mike, huh? Oh, these are the five skyscrapers I own, and this is my army of servants... "
Said Ari while parodying Krystal.
[Krystal] - "I'm a little more... moderate. You're lucky I'm not Kadyn, or she'd definitely taunt you like that. "
Said Krystal, with a guilty smile.
[Ari] - "Fries or chips, same shit but different name. "
Said Ari as she rolled her eyes.
Behind, Krystal watched as Mike ascended the train while waving goodbye to his men. However, instead of staying behind, Hyperion, true to his character, leaped onto the train to accompany Mike to the capital. Outside, another captain hurled insults in frustration at his disobedience, but the train soon left the station. Seeing the situation, Krystal couldn't help but giggle as the old faces still haven't changed despite the years. Indeed, she was home after all.
"Next station, Celestia V. "
To be continued...