The Twelfth Entry

Energized projectiles ravaged the silent void of space, and the Host Frigates rammed themselves into the first layer of shielding. Hundreds of Frigates were disabled or destroyed in the initial volley, the energized munitions tearing through even the frontal armor of the Frigates, but hundreds more slammed into the shield. The shield, however, held as if nothing was there. I observed the onslaught, floating away from the battle.

The fleet behind the shield had yet to engage, most of the firepower had been coming from the orbital cannon arrays. I wondered why they would hold back their fleet if they had such a firepower advantage. If their fleet is even more powerful – they could potentially wipe out the Host fleet.

A light crackling sound echoed in my helmet as the communication device connected, and Aberus spoke: “My Lord, the Obelisk has pinpointed the source of the enemy’s resistance to a single point on the planet below. The Obelisk has asked that you retrieve whatever is on location intact and return it your vessel. There I will take it to the Obelisk, and you may resume your quest.”

“Very well.” I responded.

The device cut out as I disconnected it. An odd sense of distrust flowed over me. Why had the Obelisk not asked me directly? I am its voice, its messenger, the Dark Lord – yet it did not speak to me. Had it begun to suspect my own suspicions? Was I suspecting something? When had I begun to question the Obelisk? Something was wrong.

I shook my head. I had to focus on the task at hand. Looking upon the planet I saw its fragility, how easy it would be to destroy it with a telekinetic grasp – yet my task was for retrieval. No, instead I would get my hands dirty. The shield pylons must go first. I pushed on matter itself, propelling myself quickly towards the first layer of shielding.

What remained of the Frigates still charged forward, their engines burning and their front plates melting against the shielding. The debris made for excellent cover as I traversed toward the shield. Finding a suitable point in the shield, I placed a hand on it. It did not react; it was simply to block passage. I placed another hand on the shield and pulled it slowly apart, allowing myself entry into the layer.

The cannons immediately noticed my presence and began firing; however, their firing arcs could not angle properly as I dodged the rounds and were mainly for firing upon larger vessels. I was impressed by the accuracy of the munitions, had I not been a small target nor as fast as I was – it was plausible they could hit me. Reaching one of the shield pylons I looked upon the towering structure, a large tube-like structure comprised of coursing electronics, and began ripping it apart until I found the reactor inside. Pulling apart the energy pulsating reactor, I made my way out of the structure and it exploded around me.

The orbital cannons surrounding the shield pylon also deactivated upon its destruction, a weakness in their design. Knowing where the reactor was made it easier to destroy a few more shield pylons in my way, and enough to weaken a part of the shield. The frigates began barreling through the weakened section of the shield, energized rounds still pounding away at their hulls. With the weakness now exploited, and the vulnerability being used – the fleet behind the shield began to react. However, the vessels did not fire, nor did they charge forward – instead, they moved out from in front of the large Battlecruiser at the center.

The front plating of the Battlecruiser separated and revealed a large cannon. Green surging energy began to pool at the entrance to the weapon, charging for a discharge.

This was the reason for their idleness, the advantage had always been theirs.