An Angels Demons

Pavonis Prime: Union Space:

Since the fall of Mirach thanks to the APP invasion, Pavonis Prime had become what it once had been. Once the capital of the Union in Ancerious Pavonis Prime had over the last few weeks slowly become the new Mirach, the command orbital had been moved from Mirach along with all the Unions military and civilian command. The wreckage of the Quantum gate still floated, somewhat untouched since the outbreak of the war, a grim reminder that they were cut off and far from home.

A fact Saffire knew all too well.

The Daughter of the Emperor stood overlooking a huge holotable, across it Union and allied forces as well as known APP forces were arrayed in perfect clarity. She didn’t move, didn’t edit or make plots merely stood there surveying it. Her wings tucked behind her back, she didn’t wear any uniform only basic minimalist clothing. With Hargun soon returning from the AGA conference and Volkus seeing the defence of Mirach against the sudden Axiomatic strike the command area was surprisingly empty. Dewitt had taken command of the Transcendant Angel again and intended to retake Klendathu with Jorronas on the cusp of victory finally the Union could focus on helping its allies and taking the fight to the APP.

She sighed. She was in reality tired, not sleeping for days Angels were more than capable of operating without rest for weeks, but she had no slept in weeks either. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept. It had been before she had entered Ancerious, ever since then… The voices would never stop. She was doing her best to not let it show, but she had heard these voices before. She had lived with these voices, for years she had called them family. Those were the days she tried to forget, the actions she had performed and the billions killed. Those memories would never fade, but she would do everything in her power to stop both this war, and what was to come.

“My lady you are up still at this hour?”

The voice startled Saffire, who turned to see Fleet captain Sacule standing in the command areas entrance.

“Yes just reviewing some plans” Saffire returned a slight smile. Sacule moving over to stand by the Angels side.

“My lady, are you alright? You seem very on edge, disjointed even or in pain is there anything we can do?” Sacule asked, her midnight blue hair and Fleet captain’s uniform matching perfectly. Saffire made a weak smile.

“You are wondering that because of the confirmation of the Draken commander Toxin in this galaxy that I may turn on you is that correct?” Saffire asked with a serious yet tired tone. Sacule being suddenly taken aback.

“No-No ma’am that’s now what I mean at all, I am asking if you are ok”

“Don’t lie to me Sacule, you’re a promising commander, and I have great respect for you, like all of those who command here. People think that do they not?” Saffire asked again. Sacule sighed.
“Yes there are those who suspect that. I personally don’t, and I think such rumours about you turning on us again are completely pointless and only undermine moral”

“I see, I am glad you don’t think so. You are right, I will never turn on you all. It is true, I hear voices every second of every day. The voices I heard when I was one of them” Saffire replied. Sacules eyes widened, Saffire had not confided in anyone, she was both amazed and honoured for the daughter of the Emperor to look to her for support. But also immensely worried.

“You hear them?” Sacule said somewhat quietly. Saffire nodded.

“They are not quiet. However my father entrusted me with holding this territory and I will do so to the death. I promised my father on the blood soaked ruins of Earth that I would never forsake the Union. Many think I ignore those I killed, or I play it off as nothing. They don’t know what it was like, they don’t know how much pain I feel daily. I remember each and every single victim and I will continue to remember them until the day I die. I may be an Angel but I was once a demon. I will not let people suffer as I did” Saffire replied this time with a fiery passion, staring into her hand as fire skipped across her skin. Sacule nodded and smiled.

“I am glad to know you will do your best, I never expected anything less. Volkus trusts you, Dewitt is somewhat on edge-“

“But Hargun still distrusts me” Saffire grunted “I did kill his family, I understand his hate for me, but the Admiral is a great man he puts his job and his people first. And I will continue to respect him and do my best. He may never forgive me, but then I came to terms that I will never be forgiven by anyone a long time ago”

“I am sorry to hear your pain, I have no idea what it must be like but…” Sacule hesitated “Saffire, my lady if you ever need to talk to me or discuss anything with me please do not hesitate to do so” The Fleet captain held out her hand and Saffire smiled in return taking the women’s hand.

“I will, I am thankful that you are supportive of me. Either way the next few moves should secure our own space. Then we can finally begin operations. With Hargun back soon and Dewitt driving Eos out of our northern territories we will be in a strong position” Sacule smiled and nodded in return.

“I agree my lady. But you need rest, I can’t command you to sleep but as a friend and fellow soldier I advise it heavily”

Saffire yawned and waved a hand “Yes I suppose I can try. Good night Fleet Captain” Saffire strode from the room and Sacule sighed steadying herself on the holotable.

“I had no idea she was in such pain or what she was like… I hope she can keep it together. For all our sakes. I just hope the Draken do not get to her first....” She stared at the holotable markers of Dewitt and Hargun “Just don’t do anything stupid guys, she is more human than you realise…” She muttered aloud, and then left the room. The cold light of the holotable all that was left behind.