Ex Nihilo - Abyssal Prophecy

Chapter 28

Descending the stairs, Gabriel saw his officers gathering near the Death’s Reaper. The sound of marching thuds echoed from the troops filling the docking bay. Gabriel smiled at the soldiers as he marched past them. He knew they needed all the confidence he could give them. He checked his troops armour and inspected their weapons. With a pat on the back, he’d send them off to rejoin their company. He could hear his troops muttering excitedly about their interaction with him.  The commotion filled him with a sense of awe and power.

Approaching the Player clan he could see their armor and weapons were in poor condition, but of all the troops they were the most amped up. Cheers and cries echoed from them, and the ground shook with their stamping feet. The troops parted seeing the approach of their captain. Lady Marimba continued giving her speech.

            “To be or not to be, tis a question each of you must now ask thyself. I believe it is far nobler to arm ourselves and march against fate than to suffer her slings and arrows in silence. We march knowing that death holds no sway over our hearts. We gladly give our blood and our life for nothing is more precious than our home to us.” Great cheers rose in response to her words. “Death holds no power over time’s brief hours or weeks. We shall show all who doubt our courage the sacrifices we are willing to make. We shall hold strong and fast even unto the edge of doom. For our Captain, For the Alcatraz, and for our brothers and sisters we now march once more unto the breach.”

            Standing in the center of the troops the great fury rising around Gabriel caused him to halt. A slow steady rumble raced across the deck under his feet. With the fury of a tempest the voices rose in steady tempo. The chants caused all others to stop and look on. Voices melded into one harmonious cry. In unison the clan Players chanted with their leader the motto flying on their banners. Victorem Mortis Nostrae the words echoed in repetition, and he knew the translation was our souls conquer death. Gabriel approached Lady Marimba and extended his hand, and together the two hugged in front of throng of soldiers.

            “I have always believed you were the best speaker on the Alcatraz.” he flattered.

“You honor me Captain. I will not soon forget it.” Taking a step back Lady Marimba bowed.

“May I address your troops.” Gabriel asked.

“Of course my captain.” Lady Mariba said motioning for him to take her spot.

“Clan Player has always existed in the shadows of the Alcrataz. Other clans mock you and your traditions believing you to be actors and not warriors.” Gabriel stated. He could hear the mumbling of the troops before him. “It is true I have not always made your clan a priority, and the condition of your weapons and armor reflect my negligence. Do not fear, because after today that will never happen again. I see in you all of you great courage and willingness to make hard sacrifices, and after this I will ensure history never forgets. Even if you fall today I promise that for as long as humanity endures they will never forget your nobility. Your motto shall echo through eternity. Victorem Mortis Nostrae.” Gabriel cried sending the throng of troops into another chant.

“Get your troops loaded Lady Marimba. I’ll see you on the outpost.” Gabriel smiled.

“May fortune smile upon us both.” Lady Marimba exclaimed.

Striding back through the crowd Gabriel could see Kain, Matthew, and Magnus marching in the distance towards the Death’s Reaper. Striding through the crowd of clan Player he took the hands of troops that thrust out towards him. Shaking and smiling he knew simple acts like these would give an immeasurable strength of conviction. In his mind memories of his father advising him to always treat his troops like his own children echoed. Once he exited the throng of troops he marched towards clan Crat and Lord Oswald assembling nearby.

It was clear by the looks of the armor and weapons that Lord Oswald couldn’t care less about his troops. Some of the armor was rusted and most looked in need of repair. The troops were marching into the ship in silence with their lord watching them. Banners with the clan symbol were waving with the clan motto Natus est Regula, and he knew it meant born to rule. Gabriel came to a halt in front of Lord Oswald, and the two shook hands before the troops.

“Your troops appear to be ready.” Gabriel stated.

“We will do our duty Captain.” Lord Oswald replied, “but I hope you understand my people are not the best fighters. I hope you’ll keep them in reserve rather than committing them to the front line. There are much better warriors under your command.” He looked to the lower wards assembling together. “We will obey whatever orders you give Captain.”

“Your loyalty will not be forgotten old friend. My father admired your clan.” Gabriel said placing his hand on Lord Oswald’s shoulder. “After this I promise you we’ll have the resources to restore all the clans to glory.” He turned to the crowd that had paused to watch the interaction. “Know that I will not forget any of you or this great sacrifice you’re making today. There is greatness in clan Crat, and it is time for that to burn bright. Show your brothers and sisters the power each of you possesses!”

Unused to being treated with such positive regard the troops looked to one another. Like a virus voices began spreading through Clan Crat. One after another they joined in a rising battle cry. Within moments the entire clan Crat were chanting their Motto. Many of the troops saluted their Captain and Lord. Gabriel turned to Lord Oswald with a smile.

“I’ll see you down there, and together we’ll create a glorious future for all our people.”

“OF course my Captain.” Lord Oswald replied.

Marching back through the troops Gabriel took time to shake hands of the Crat troops. With a smile and a kind word here and there he hoped to build their morale up. His father had warned him that Lord Oswald was a loyal man, but a poor leader. It was obvious to that his father’s words rang true.

Walking towards clan Keeper he could see they too were silent. They weren’t loading into the ship yet which caused him concern, but as he grew closer he saw why. Gathered around Lady Freya the clan were silent in prayer. Her soft soothing voice muffled by the commotion filling the docking bay. Walking up to Lady Freya allowed him to hear her prayer.

“Glorious God you’re the bringer and taker of life, and we your humble servants ask you to protect us in our hour of need. We thank you for the food you provide for us, our families, and our brothers and sisters on the Alcatraz. In humility we ask if you deem us worthy to watch over us. With your hook guide your flock through the dangers, and tend to us as we tend to our animals. Banish fear from our hearts that cause us to hesitate. Watch over our brothers, sisters, and our families. If it pleases you God fill us with fervor and strength, and if we must meet our end show us mercy and do not make us suffer without purpose.” Freya prayed.

Upon finishing the prayer Lady Freya and her troops stood up in unison. They began to take notice of the Captain walking towards their Lady. Banners rose up from the crowd waving the symbol of clan Keeper, and the motto of Pastoribus per Tenebras waved back and forth. He thought the meaning behind the motto was fitting knowing the motto meant shepherds through darkness. Lady Freya took to one knee and bowed seeing her Captain approach. With a hand outstretched Gabriel pulled the Lady to her feet and embraced her in a hug.

“Your diligence to duty Lady Freya is without equal.” Gabriel declared.

“My people and I serve you and the Alcatraz my Captain. Each of is willing to follow you wherever you might lead without fear. You and God are our shepherds, and in turn we shepherd over those stuck in this darkness.” Lady Freya replied with a smile. She motioned to her captain to address her troops with a wave of her hand. Standing behind Gabriel she placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Clan Keeper every person on this ship already owes you more than we can ever repay. It is your sweat and sacrifices that keeps us fed. For that I wish to thank you, and for this sacrifice you’re making there is not strong enough words to pay homage. Many of you are not warriors in your heart, and you may fear what is to come. Throughout human history when the greatest threats arose it was the farmers who would march. All the great nations and planets in history share one thing in common. It is always the farmers who are underestimated. Your love of life beats with a fierce resolve in your chest, and soon your enemies will know your strength and feel your fury.” Gabriel proclaimed.

With a silent resolve the troops stared at their captain. One after another the troops fell to one knee, looking up to their captain, extending their fists into the air. Looking before the troops the silence moved Gabriel. He marched through the troops pulling one after another of the troops back to their feet. With a pat on the shoulder and a nod he moved from soldier to soldier.

Marching towards the Death’s Reaper he saw his son Hephaestus inspecting his troops. Of all the clans Forger stood out. Their armor glinted in pristine condition, and their weapons looked almost new. The devotion shown in the troop’s equipment was one of the things Gabriel admired most in his son. He approached his son through the silent troops looking on.

“So are these ships going to hold up.” he asked.

“I assure you Captain that despite their outer appearance they are in better shape than the Alcatraz.” Hephaestus replied in a monotone voice. “My people did the repairs themselves under my guidance, and I performed all the systems checks myself.”

“You never did understand a joke, but you’re a hell of a craftsmen my son. I am truly proud of you and your people and all they have done for all of us. Without your expertise we would not have survived this long.” Gabriel commended.

Together father and son looked out at the assembled troops of clan Forger. A sparkling throng of troops stared back. Banners waved in the air with the motto Viribus Ensem per Sacrificium. The motto was fitting he thought. Strength forged through sacrifice was fitting for Clan forger. Gabriel stepped forward to address the troops.

“I know you all prefer precision, and so I shall be precise with my words. The Alcatraz would not still exist without your sacrifices. I should not ask you for further sacrifices, but I must. More than any other clan you know how depleted our resources are. So I must ask for this sacrifice so that the Alcatraz can be made whole and strong again. You are the source of our strength and our power. Everyone on this ship owes you all for your sacrifices, and once more you will show everyone that true strength is forged through your sacrifices.” Gabriel proclaimed.

A steady thunder of stomping feet rose from the Forgers. Their banners streamed back and forth in the air. One by one the crowd started chanting their motto Viribus Ensem per Sacrificium. Even Lord Hephaestus normal emotionless face was filled with fervor as he chanted. Gabriel turned and embraced his son again leaning into to whisper into his ear.

“I’ll see you down there my boy.” he pulled his son down to kiss his forehead.

Walking through the Forger troops Gabriel could see Lord Galen dividing his forces. Clan Fleshweaver troops were being put in smaller companies, and then sent to join the other troops. Their white armor emblazoned with a crimson winged scepter entwined by two serpents. Each company stood around a banner with the motto Miserere aut Mortem. He knew the motto meant mercy or death, and every soldier knew seeing a Fleshweaver meant salvation or doom. Troops saluted Gabriel as they gathered and distributed medical supplies.

“My Captain I am dispatching equal medics to each of your legions. I assure you this will reduce casualties, and my troops can fight as fierce as any.” Lord Galen reassured.

“I have no doubt of that Lord Galen, but I wish to address your troops. It is my duty to ensure troop morale is high for it is always the first casualty of battle. The only medicine to treat morale is inspiration.” he replied.

“My people need no kind words. We have always stood on the frontlines in the war against death. This is nothing new to us.” Lord Galen educated.

Without another word Gabriel marched through the troops. He approached the troops of Lord Whelsey who were gathering for prayers. Commander Verdas stood next to his lord his armor glinting in the light holding the banner. On the cloth the symbol of clan Pious was emblazed in gold, and the words fides vincit mortes shined. The waving words of faith conquers death caused Gabriel to sign the cross in respect on his head and chest. Lord Whelsey raised his hand causing his troops to fall silent. He bowed in respect when he saw the captain approach.

“Captain my troops are ready to serve you as they serve God.” Lord Whelsey declared.

“I would expect nothing less.” Gabriel replied shaking his Lord’s hand. “Commander Verdas you look to be in fine form as always. Your skill, courage, and devotion are God’s greatest gift to the people.”

“Thank you my Captain. I live to serve.” Commander Verdas smiled.

“Clan Pious you have always served God and the Alcatraz with true faith and dedication. There is none here with your devotion, and both God and I know this to be true. Your hearts know the truth that it is through your faith and God we are united in this endeavour. Fear not for even in death Heaven awaits you, but I do not believe you shall fall. I know God watches over each of you. The Lord has sent all of his angels to protect every one of you.”

One after another the troops of clan Pious signed the cross on their heads and chest. Growing chants rose from the crowd. “For God, Captain, and ship.” chants erupted in the crowd. Banners waved above the growing fervent cries of the Pious troops. Gabriel, Lord Whelsey and Commander Verdas stood watching the troops for a moment. With a turn Gabriel embraced Lord Whesley, and then Commander Verdas to thunderous chanting.

“God will watch over the both of you.” Gabriel claimed. “It will be my honor to fight at both of your sides. I look forward to seeing why everyone praises you as the thee greatest warrior on the ship.” he said to Commander Verdas.

“With the grace of God we’ll return victorious.” Commander Verdas proclaimed.

“Indeed God wills it.” Lord Whelsey remarked.

Marching back through the Pious clan Gabriel smiled at his troops. He could already hear the commotion coming from clan Executive. The troops assembled in a great circle around Lord Drumph. Waving banners flew the Executive symbol and their motto Audaces Fortuna Iuvat in silver letters.  Fortune had favoured the bold moves of Lord Drumph, and it was something Gabriel admired. Breaking through the troops Lord Drumph approached his Captain.

“It has been a long time since we’ve marched to battle together old friend.” he said, and extended a hand.

“Too long my brother.” Gabriel said, and he shook the extend hand before embracing Lord Drumph. Cries rose up from the watching crowd. Gabriel turned to the crowd.

“Warriors of clan Executive what can I say about you that everyone doesn’t already know. Your hard work has built and maintained the economy of our great ship. All things flow through you, and it doesn’t surprise me to see your vast numbers now before me. You have always done your duty with integrity and never complained. The warriors before me are amongst the best on the ship, and none dare to say otherwise. There is no praise I can give you that you don’t already know you possess. Stand with me and your Lord. Fortune shall shine bright on us all my brothers and sisters, because as you already know fortune favours the bold.” he exclaimed.

The troops saluted their Captain and Lord standing at attention. A great rapture overtook the troops of clan Executive filling the docking bay with their cries. Banners fluttered back in forth being swung with fervor. Chants of the clan motto grew clearer with each voice that joined in. Gabriel patted Lord Drumph on the back and started marching away.

In the distance, he could see all of clans unified. The multitude of banners fluttered in front of him. At the back he marched past the waving motto of clan Dredge streaming the words Sudore et Sanguine Nostro. Our blood and sweat weren’t just a motto in Gabriel’s mind. Crossing into clan Weaver he saw their motto waving the words Unum Sumus Firmiore, and the meaning wasn’t lost in the moment on him. All the people in the docking bay revealed the truth that the Alcatraz was stronger together. The crowd was growing thicker slowing his progress. These people cared not that he was Captain, and didn’t part to make the journey easier.

He forced his way through clan Praetorian, and their banners waved the words Vita est Bellum. Gabriel admired the truth in the motto for life is war. With a few more shoves he forced his way into the thick of clan Plebs. Their banners flew above them with the words Unus Pro Omnibus, and the word exemplified the strength of the clan Pleb. One for all was how they lived, fought, and survived. Breaking through the last of the ranks he strode towards the lower wards Lords and Ladies. They group glared at the captain.

“Lord Cornelius you look fit for battle.” Gabriel complimented.

“Not my first, and I doubt it’ll be my last.” Lord Cornelius hid his contempt.        

“Perhaps after this you’ll remember who provides the most troops from this ship.” Lord Hector informed. A great commotion of cheers erupted from the surrounding crowd who heard the statement. Gabriel smiled at Lord Hector.

“I have never forgotten. Your armor looks sturdy Lord Hector.” Gabriel observed.

“None of us care about your vanity Captain. We’re here for our families, friends, and the Alcatraz. If you need to believe we’ve assembled because you commanded it then feel free to lie to yourself.” Nemesis interjected.

“Always so full of rebellious fire my dear daughter. Am I not your family?”

“You stopped being my father the day you killed my sister.” Nemesis replied. “If killing you wouldn’t bring more chaos and doom us all I’d happily end your miserable life now. I don’t owe you anything, and neither do any of these people.”

With a turn Gabriel marched over to his daughter and to her surpise, embraced her.

“I know you hate me for what I did to Concordia, and I understand it. I don’t blame you for being unable to forgive me, but be safe down there. Whether you believe this or not I want you to know I’m proud of you for all that you are. Be safe my beloved daughter.” Gabriel whispered. Pulling back he let his daughter go without any anger that she didn’t embrace him back.” Lady Clotho you don’t appear to be ready to lead your troops into this glorious moment in our history?”

“If you need an old blind woman in this battle than you have no chance of succeeding.” she remarked. “I have given my troops to your daughter’s command Captain. Nemesis will lead my troops into this battle, and I have the utmost faith in that decision.”

“May I address your troops Lords and Ladies.” Gabriel asked.

“You’re gonna do whatever the f**k you want anyhow.” Nemesis declared. “So just get this over with. We have to get prepared for what’s to come.”

Gabriel turned to the crowd to look at the throng of angry faces and sounds of hisses and boos.

“I will not pretend that you are loyal to me. We all know how much you despise me. I wish it could be otherwise, and I hope after this to change that over time. Together we march into this for our families, friends, and our ship. After this we will have the resources to ensure each has what they need. I promise that after this no Lower Warder will ever go without again. Have faith, but not in me. I ask you have faith in what we can achieve when we’re united. Let us save the Alcatraz together, and after to build a society where none go without and struggle just to survive.”

The crowd sneered in silence for a moment. Cries of liar, traitor, and deceiver echoed from the crowd. Gabriel refused to allow the hatred poured at him to break him, and he marched through the crowd forcing his way through. People spat when he walked past, and he was certain that if they had something to throw they would. Joining in unison they chanted shame at him, but he wouldn’t be deterred or defeated by mere words. He smiled with each push and shove forcing his way out.

Outside of the Death’s Reaper Magnus, Matthew, and Kain stood waiting by the docking ramp. The last of the officers in black armor marched up the ramp to fill into the hold of the ship. Approaching the group Gabriel turned to look back for a moment. All the clans were loading into their ships, and the docking bay was clearing fast. Magnus walked out to greet his ally.

“Captain your troops are in the hold of my ship. My crew is already getting the ship ready for departure. Is everything ready.” he asked.

“Of course Captain Void, as I promised.” He marched over to his two sons to inspect them. Tugging at Kain’s armor he smiled in pride to see his son armor had been maintained.

“The officers are prepared to follow you wherever you lead Captain.” Kain reported.

“The best decision I ever made was making you my first officer. You have made me proud so many times over the year’s son, but today that emotion is stronger than it has ever been. Go ensure our troops are prepared for launch.” He watched Kain march up the ramp to go take care of the Clan Officer troops waiting inside. Turning to Matthew he inspected his armor and was surprised to see the high quality Hephaestus had put into it.

“Your brother really over did himself this time. This is the finest suit of power armor I’ve ever seen, and it far surpasses my own.” he informed. “I know you’ve resented me for many years, and that I am the reason for it Matthew. Life is so harsh and cruel I just wanted to prepare you for a day like today. At every turn you resisted and defied me, and it drove me mad. You are not to blame for my faults as a father, but know today that I have always been proud of you.” Gabriel said feeling a surge of emotions.

“One pleasant moment doesn’t erase the past father.” Matthew educated. “Perhaps this is the first step on a new path for us. One that will see us united in the end as father and son. Only time will tell if God has put that in our fate. Just know I forgive you no matter what comes next.”

With a smile Gabriel turned to look at Magnus standing at the base of the ramp.

“It is my honour to welcome you Captain Soloman to the Death’s Reaper.” Magnus said.

He led the two men up the ramp into the cargo bay where the officers. Standing up the troops of clan Officer took a stance at attention and saluted their captain. Ignoring the commotion Magnus headed towards the lift to the bridge. From the rising lift he watched Gabriel inspect his troops with his sons by his side. In that moment he felt overwhelming emotions tugging at his mind. Fighting back the emotions Magnus marched into the bridge to see his crew already strapped in with one seat left open.

“My soldiers, you do me proud today,” Gabriel proclaimed to all. “There are no words to explain our bond. We are not joined by blood, but we are a family nonetheless. We have suffered and fought together for many years, but what we set out to do now is beyond imagination. History will look back at us, and above all your bravery and courage. Remember our words Virtute et Gloria, and drive those words into the hearts of our enemies.”

The hum of the Death’s Reaper’s engines roaring to life drowned out the various responses of the soldiers. Thundering stomps shook the ship. Marching towards the lift, Gabriel smiled at his people and listened to their chants. On the lift, he watched his people waving their banners and chanting. A’zyren and Genji met him at the top.

“Well, you do know how to rally your people, I’ll give you that.” A’zyren turned to head towards the bridge, motioning for Gabriel to follow. The three headed towards the lowering lift.

“Captain Soloman, you have quite the way with words. I’d be honoured to introduce you to Lord DeVayne one day. Know that I shall fight beside you with great respect, and may the blood we shed this day unite our two species,” Genji stated.

Gabriel nodded in agreement.

Entering the bridge, A’zyren pointed to Gabriel to sit in a vacant seat. Through the viewscreen, Gabriel saw the ships on the deck moving to prepare for launch. The Death’s Reaper was already in position. He admired the pristine condition of the bridge and its advanced technology. Then the silence of the bridge was broken by the sound of Chief Joshua’s voice over the communication system.

“Death’s Reaper, this is Alcatraz command. You are clear for departure. Godspeed.” Joshua cut the communication.

The Death’s Reaper hovered. The docking bay doors closed and the lower docking bay doors whooshed opened. The Death’s Reaper raced from the Alcatraz into the debris field. On the sensors, Gabriel saw the mining ships leaving the Alcatraz and taking formation.