One of the two Sefiroth tackling Asel turned at his brother’s outcry. Not above taking advantage of the situation and capitalizing on his opponents momentary distraction, Asel chopped the Sefiroth’s arm off, where it clattered, sword and all, to the rock floor. The other, seeing an opening in Asel’s defenses, moved to strike. As he did so, he was struck by another Afer bolt, upsetting his aim.
Instead of driving straight through Asel’s field and skewing him, the Sefiroth’s sword penetrated the field but only glanced off Asel’s side, drawing blood but not quite resulting in the killing strike desired. Asel retaliated with a smooth back handed blow, neatly beheading his slightly off balance attacker. The head landed near Logan’s feet who kicked it away disgustedly.
As they watched, Asel drove his sword through the remaining, one armed Sefiroth who was in the process of picking up his sword. To the others disgust, he then used his sword to cut off their wings, holding up his grisly trophies triumphantly.
“Scratch three of the Unholy Sefiroth of the Cabala," said Asel, an evil grin on his face. “Only seven to go. Including that weasel Sammael."
“Forget him," said Logan. “We need to get Felix and get the hell out of here. Where would they be keeping him?”
Asel plucked some of the feathers out of the severed wings he held. Dropping the wings he started wiping his sword with the feathers.
“Well?” demanded Logan impatiently.
Asel examined his sword critically. Satisfied, he looked up at Logan and the others. “The most likely place is Gabriella’s personal quarters although he could be in the palace’s high security detention centre.”
Logan nodded. “Ok. Ram Terry, Tarq and myself will check out Gabriella’s personal quarters. You, Walter and Bruce take the detention centre. I’ll need the layout schematic.”
Asel stiffened. “Who are you to give me orders?”
Logan patted his Afer. “Someone who can fry your arse."
Asel took a threatening step forward. “Why you little…”
“Come now gentlemen," said Ram Terry, trotting between the two. “We need to work together to stand any chance of regaining Felix. I think this incident demonstrates that we are capable of overcoming any adversary if we work as a team." He looked around at the dead bodies of the Sefiroth littering the floor.
Asel glared at Logan for a moment more before sheathing his sword and nodding.
“Very well.” Logan’s AI informed him that he’d just received a data package containing the palace’s layout. He examined it quickly.
“Good. We’ll grab Felix and meet back here.”
“Right," said Tarquin. “But whatever we do, we better do it fast. I think some more of the bastards are heading this way.”
From the corridor at the far end of the cavern they could hear the unmistakable sound of running feet.
“All right!” said Walter, hefting his weapons and looking happy.
“Later,” said Logan. “Everybody into the lift. Move it!”
It was a tight squeeze, but after two unsuccessful attempts, they finally managed to maneuver everyone including Asel’s bulky wings inside the small lift. As the doors slowly closed, the last view of the rocky cavern was of three heavily armed Angelic squads racing towards them.
Bruce, standing in the front of the lift with Asel, gave the approaching figures the finger before the doors sealed shut.
“Was that entirely necessary?," asked Ram Terry.
Bruce grinned. “Yes. Entirely.”
◊
The pain had subsided somewhat enabling Crystal to stand and look about her. Nothing had really changed; the grey of Nospace lay all about her, its soft texture broken only by the hard surface of the Shiva she rode upon.
During the journey (although she wasn’t sure if they had actually traveled anywhere – movement in Nospace being almost imperceptible) she had probed the mind of the creature further, discovering that it was almost completely mindless, driven by instinct and primitive desires. Hunger was its predominant motivating force.
Its appearance and that of its fellows was, she knew, an instinctive reaction to her distress. Crystal had managed to insert a belief into the creatures mind that when they found Gabriella, they would find nourishment. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could manipulate it though; already she could sense a vague sense of anger and impatience. If the creatures turned on her now she would stand no chance.
She certainly had a few questions to ask Ram Terry if and when she got back into real space. How did she manage to transfer herself into Nospace without a slipdrive? It was meant to be impossible. Controlling a Shiva was no big deal – any 1st or 2nd hierarchy angel could do it, but transferring directly into Nospace? No, this was something new. She wasn’t even sure how she’d managed to survive in the hostile vacuum during the initial transference – she’d been unconscious and her fields had not been activated. Ram Terry, she was sure, had not told her everything about her heritage and although she had a strong desire to find out, a part of her was terrified that she might not like what she heard.
Below her, the giant creature shuddered. Although she was unsure of how much time had actually elapsed, she could sense a subtle change around her. The Shiva had reached the co-ordinate where this part of Nospace touched the real space about Makon. She felt the palpable need radiating from the creature. It had fulfilled its part of the bargain, now it wanted feeding. Below her, she could sense rather than see the two accompanying Shiva moving their giant tentacles restlessly.
She tried to soothe them, caressing their minds with hers, placating and reassuring. They would be fed but there was something she needed to do first. Her need became their need. Unbidden, visions and knowledge arose in her mind. The Shiva had responded again to her desires and given her exactly the help she needed.
I didn’t know I could do that, she thought. With a deep breath, she tried. Transition complete, she looked about her and was filled with amazement.
Well, I’ll be.
◊
“Is she awake?” asked Felix anxiously.
Gabriella repressed a shudder. The stasis tank containing the mindless body of Crystal had been drained and most of the umbilical's removed. The body still had the waxen look of the dead though, its extremities slightly wrinkled from the fluids that minutes ago had been used to preserve it.
Gabriella tried to hide the revulsion she felt. Even though this body had meant to be for her, she couldn’t help feeling disgust knowing the process needed to transfer her mind into this. Though she knew many considered Crystal to be an attractive woman, compared to her own body and features, she paled by way of comparison. Not that Felix seemed to mind. He stroked the soaked and slimy hair in a lovers caress.
“Not quite. The revival process normally takes a few hours. She’ll awaken just as you remembered her.”
Which gives me enough time for my technicians to check the validity of the Overdrive data you’ve just given me, she thought to herself. After which of course, she could do away with Felix altogether.
Felix nodded absently, continuing to stroke the slimy hair.
Behind her, Sammael cleared his throat.
“What is it?” she snapped, deliberately not turning to face him. She could hear him nervously shifting his feet. Obviously bad news.
“Guards in the lower catacombs report a disturbance. It looks like someone managed to get in through an old entrance we thought was completely sealed. One of the intruders is Angelic in stature and there’s a sheep with them.”
Next to Sammael, Tynan slowly edged away, surreptitiously putting as much space between them as possible. If Sammael was to face Gabriella’s wrath then Tynan didn’t want any part of it.
Gabriella watched Felix carefully, checking to see if any of this information registered with him. He seemed to be completely oblivious of anything but Crystal. She turned around slowly and eyed Sammael thoughtfully. “Ah, I wondered what had happened to Ram Terry. Come to save the galaxy h
ave they? Well too late. What can they possibly hope to achieve now?”
“Ahh, to get Felix and the Overdrive back?” ventured Tynan hopefully.
Gabriella scowled at him. “It was a rhetorical question you idiot."
Tynan nodded. “Of course," he said, silently cursing himself for drawing her attention.
“There’s more,” said Sammael. “Word from orbit is that Metatron and Michael have just arrived. Seems that the old man is a bit concerned about some of your activities. We expect him to be down on the planet within the hour.”
Gabriella smiled to herself. “Timely as always.” She shrugged. “Not that it’ll matter. As soon as the data checks out, I’ll challenge the old boy and slice him up. He won’t stand a chance. Quite convenient really; it saves me the trip to Arabot. Anything else?”
“I’ve lost contact with three of my Sefiorth.”
“Are you actually going to give me any good news today?” Gabriella frowned.
“That would imply that they’re armed with Afers or that the Angel with them is greater in stature than we presumed.”
Sammael nodded. “That would be my conjecture."
“Conjecture away," said Gabriella, “but bring me the intruder’s heads on a plate. Seal off the lower levels and post heavy guards around this section and near my personal quarters. Bring the Sefiroth in to take personal control of the situation. You better put some extra guards around the detention centre as well. Hopefully they’ll go for that first. And Sammael?”
“Yes your Highness?”
“I don’t want any survivors. We can’t have anyone reporting back to Metatron about what’s being going on here now can we?”
“No your Highness. That would not be desirable."
“Good. Break open the Afers as well. I think you’re going to need them.”
◊
“Where are we?” whispered Walter.
“Maintenance level 2G," replied Asel. “And stop whispering. Remember your role. You’re meant to be a loyal Knights Templar of an upper hierarchy Angel. You don’t go sneaking around, whispering in dark corners.”
Walter nodded. “Right," he whispered back, unconvinced. He glanced at Bruce. The gorilla wasn’t exactly fulfilling his part either, his handcuffs dangling from one wrist.
They came to an AG lift obviously used by maintenance personal. Asel gestured them inside.
“Ok. This takes us directly outside the detention centre. Do what I tell you and follow my lead. Remember to play your part," he said, glaring at Bruce. The gorilla rolled his eyes but did as he was told, clipping the cuffs together so that they appeared closed.
The doors opened revealing a large chamber with grey metal walls. Two large armored doors almost filled the far wall they faced. In front of the doors stood at least 10 heavily armed angels accompanied by what looked to be a small army of Templars.
“Oh dear,” said Walter under his breath.
“Quiet you fool,” hissed Asel. He marched purposefully out of the lift, indicating to Walter that he should follow with the prisoner. He stopped before an Angel with an insignia of rank.
“Prisoner for the detention centre,” he said.
“My lord? queried the Angel in charge. “I have not been notified of any prisoners being admitted today.”
Asel sighed with mock frustration. “I have just come from Princess Gabriella herself and she has ordered that this prisoner," he said indicating Bruce, “is to be detained today. Now.”
The angel nodded. “I understand that my lord but I have also received my orders from the Princess herself. She has informed me that no-one is to get in here today. Anyone who does is to be detained for questioning.” He put his hand on his sword hilt. “Please give me your weapons.”
“No,” said Asel.
The angel raised his eyebrows in surprise. “In that case, we’ll have to take them from you.”
Asel drew his sword. Around him, the other angels and Knights Templars readied themselves for hostilities.
“Come and get it then,” he said, holding the sword out. The angel reached out to hesitantly take it. Just as he put his hand on the blade, Asel struck, severing the hand in a gout of blood.
“Run,” cried Walter.
“I hear you,” said Bruce, shaking off his cuffs and leaping towards the lift. Behind them, the sounds of combat echoed loudly about the chamber. Walter didn’t fancy Asel’s chances.
◊
Logan, Tarquin and Ram Terry made their way cautiously along the corridor. Reaching the end, Logan peered around. So far they hadn’t run into any guards although they’d had to hide a couple of times at the sound of running feet. Logan and Tarquin could probably pass themselves off as Templars but Ram Terry certainly couldn’t; genetically altered sheep not being on the pay roll of the Areopagites. They’d got lucky so far. According to the schematic in Logan’s AI, Gabriella’s personal chambers were just around the next bend.
“You want the good news or the bad news guys?” he said to the others.
“Is there any good news?” asked Tarquin.
Logan smiled. “Well kind of. I can see the doors to Gabriella’s chambers. The bad news is that its heavily guarded. I count a couple of Sefiroth, a squad of what looks like Gabriella’s Valkyrie shock troops and any number of Templars. We don’t have a choice though. According to the schematics, there’s no other way in.”
Tarquin shrugged. “Nothing for it then.”
“If I might propose an option?” ventured Ram Terry.
“Shoot,” said Logan.
“If I can get close enough to the Sefiroth and the other Angels, I may be able to disable their fields long enough for you to get a clear shot.”
Logan looked at Tarquin. The other man shrugged again. “Its worth a shot Logan. No better options are currently presenting themselves.”
Logan nodded. “Very well. Just make sure you get down when the fun starts.”
◊
Serap wasn’t unduly concerned. Along with Lilith, one of the other Sefiroth, he stood guard outside Gabriella’s personal chambers. He’d heard that there were intruders running about the palace and that they had somehow managed to kill off three of his brethren. That would imply that they had Afers. Afers didn’t scare him though. They’d disable his fields, sure, but he still had a number of other skills and abilities to fall back on.
Gabriella had personally asked him to stand guard outside her chambers. A rare honor and one that he was not about to fail. Not that the intruders stood any chance of getting in here. Not only did they have to contend with himself and Lilith but also the heavily armed Valkyries and 2 platoons of Templars. No chance. You’d have to be crazy to try but then again sanity obviously wasn’t one of their strong points otherwise they wouldn’t be in here in the first place.
He was about to have a chat with Lilith when he heard a strange trotting noise coming down the corridor. He turned and watched in disbelief as a small wooly animal calmly trotted towards him. It stopped a few meters from him and sat back on its haunches.
Something registered in the back of his mind. Sammael had warned him about this animal. Apparently, the sheep was, laughably, the head of the Church of the Holy Lamb. He knew that this sheep was more than it seemed but what threat was it to him and a large group of heavily armed angels? He gestured for two of his Valkyries to step forward and seize it.
Just then, he felt a quiver throughout his entire body. Something had happened. What though? He mentally checked his physical status and was alarmed at what he found. His field generative ability had apparently disappeared. What the fuck? He was about to order his men to fire and obliterate this animal when something struck him on the chest. He looked down in time to see his chest disintegrate and then everything went black.
◊
Logan stepped over the still smoking body of what, until moments ago, was an Angel and pushed open the large doors leading into Gabriella’s personal chambers. Behind him, Tarquin lifted his weapons, prepared
for anything. Ram Terry still sat in the same spot he’d been during the attack, looking bemusedly about him at the carnage littering the floor.
The two Sefiroth, the Valkyries and the assorted Templars lay about him in various stages of dismemberment. Not one had survived. His personal fields had enabled him to withstand the explosions of the microprojectiles launched by Logan and Tarquin. It was quite impressive watching the former military intelligence operative and his gladiator friend at work.
Ahead of him, Logan and Tarquin had just passed the doors and had stopped dead. He got up and trotted towards them, curious to see what was going on. He drew level with the two men and froze when he saw what lay within.
The room was obviously intended for use as a small personal audience chamber. Lavish use of gold, gems and tapestries were in evidence, bedecking every wall. At the far end of the room was a small raised dais upon which rested an ornate throne.
Sitting on the throne was Gabriella. On the floor below her stood Sammael, Tynan, and her three remaining Sefiroth guarding the shackled body of Felix. Two other Angels supported the limp figure of a woman Ram Terry immediately recognized. Crystal!
Gabriella smiled broadly at the three of them. “And here’s the Holy Ram himself. Now that we’re all here, we can begin.”
She stood up and lifted her hand. Held by its hair, she brought a severed head into view. Asel’s face still betrayed the shock he had felt at death. Blood still dripped from his neck.
Gabriella watched, savoring the horrified expressions on the faces of those below her.
“Friend of yours was he?” she asked pleasantly, before throwing the head casually down onto the floor. “He shouldn’t have betrayed me. You do know he was working for me don’t you? It was Asel who was responsible for killing all of Felix’s colleagues. I suppose it doesn’t matter now. Certainly not to Asel.” She laughed happily.
Logan took a step forward. “Now look Gabriella…”
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