Somewhere Someplace

"Hrrm…" Crystal so sat atop the shoulder of that bronze golem lord, which stood towering in place within this grand chamber of rock and…dark blueish rock; directly in face was that equally grand and equally towering opening mouth beyond which was that wide abyss of a cavernway. Her pale pinkly ignited eyes were tired, though the rest of the Fallen had been…energetic.

Indeed, from the goblins to orcs and gnomes, they were all elated with their new head-chamber. It was remarkably spacious; so much so that assembled behind her—or the golem lord, rather—was much of the Bronze Legion, which the golem lord usually kept scattered about due to…space constraints. However, not only were they able to be comfortably fit within here, but also the rest of this element of the Fallen.

There was enough room, in fact, within this grand underground chamber that a small-to-moderate citiedom could probably fit here… And, indeed, the Fallen were already well at work constructing their improvised huts and buildings. It was not only the space that was suitable for settlement, likewise, but also the very environment.

While much of the underworld tended to be dry, this chamber felt slightly humid and moist; much of it was alight with luminescent fungi and moss, neither abundant nor sparse; fungi and moss which, as one goblin had discovered, were edible. Furthermore, there were aquifers within this chamber that pooled groundwater into a little lake at the far end and presumably other reservoirs elsewhere; surrounding around and glimmering within that lake were luminescent aquatic weeds, shrubs, and plantish fibers alongside small aquatic creatures and algae… All mutually reliant; all equally edible.

For all intentions, this area was amongst the most ideal spots for a settlement, let alone an operating base. It was a surprise that nothing else had claimed it already. They had a local food supply—albeit insufficient for everyone unless carefully managed and cultivated—, and they were essentially water-independent. This significantly lessened their reliance on deliveries via the Fallen's network or risky scavenging.

However, one thing that she—or the bronze golem lord, rather—did not like was that very mouth towards which she and her legion were facing…was the only entrance here. Even their previous 'main hub' had two towering entrances alongside several lesser cavern holes and tunnel mouths from which to flee or reposition. But here, there was only one way in; one way out.

Should anything block or strike from that single towering entrance, they would be stuck and trapped without escape.

Yet what was frustrating Crystal far more so than even that concern—which was perhaps not truly hers—was the simple fact that her—or the golem lord's—legion was standing, readied and prepared yet static and motionless… Doing nothing.

Indeed, she—they—had been doing nothing… As if a wasted spearhead left to rust away… The word of the successes had reached their pointy ears; that the Cult's plan had worked; that the Company's precious supplies had been decimated by those left behind… Yet such words had only made her more eager for action; even more yearning within to be involved…

It was not fair, she felt. She out of…anyone here—from her point-of-view—had just cause for wanting to relish in the blood of those perfidious aliens and duplicitous slavers. Although she could perhaps…logically understand that her and her legion being in reserve was arguably the most important element in the plan, she nevertheless wanted to participate already.

The waiting was suffocating.

However, she was also excited…

One of those floating oracles from the Cult's enigmatic god had arrived to ordain an assembly—of not only the Fallen, but also her—or the bronze golem's—legion. That messenger, 'Ariel' as she called herself, was to be arriving soon…

This ordered assembly could only mean one thing to the half-elf, and she was so impatient as she awaited…

"My head…" She caressed her hooded head, moving the bangs of her crystalish blue hair out of her eyes' way. "That feeling reemerges…" she muttered, before glancing at the triangular head of her golem lord companion; "You too? As always, we experience much the same…" She abruptly ughed, lancing her sight to the entryway. "She is late…" There was a slight fidget.

Crystal turned herself and began to glare aside and down, inspecting the assembled lesser bronze golems who stood bipedally, their strange spears in hand. Some of the dwarfs were captivated by them, she noticed… Too captivated.

"Hey! Don't become too molesting!" she shouted down with a waving fist, but the dwarfs—now joined by their lesser analogues, gnomes—were not listening…or understanding.

Yet interrupting her focus was a familiar goblinoid voice; "[Spearhead!]" His feet came slapping way, halting directly next to and beneath that Crystalish elf, staring up.

And Crystal naturally flipped her focus. "What?!" She was unable to suppress her angst. "What do you seek from me?!"

"[Come down here! I must—]"

"Huh?" Suddenly, yet again her attention so flipped, as she less heard so much as was transferred the knowing… "They are the arriving?" She…carefully…stood herself up. "They are arriving!"

Indeed, in the distance within the darkness of that tunnelway abyss ahead, magenta lights she could see were emerging and…fast approaching.

"Finally…" If this was not the day, she was going to be very pissed.

-|-

Ariel stood in place before the sights of those in front. The sentinels had taken their positions, glowing synthetic eyes overwatching down as if a perpetual reminder of whom was in control. Considering the mass assembly of persons, golems, and more particularly that bronze golem lord towering in her face, she was unable to evaluate how 'moved in' the Fallen had become; it was apparent that they had been making themselves comfortable, however.

Good. Soon would begin the next phase of plans; the next stage of this dance. Yet her breaths were slightly off, though unclear; none could see the tire and fatigue hidden behind her pointed mask, obscured. But she was still able; she was still capable. Though, she was certainly feeling the strain…

"Are you going to only stand there?!" So came shrieking that grotesque voice, the goblin general hopped and waved; "This assembly must be necessary! Out with it, then! What's the next stage?!"

It was hard to tell whether that goblin was…frustrated or actually excited.

{Audio amplifiers are in position.}

"No time to waste, then…" Ariel turned her focus to those in front, pressing a button on that communicator device in her same right ear. "Greetings, relatives and fellows. I shall keep this focused, but I ask for your silence." Thus began her address, her voice stretching out as if to grasp each and every pointy ear.

Whatever whispers had persisted quickly muted.

The overwatch sentinel, Floaty, positioned itself appropriately high above her, soundless beyond that hovering hum.

"First, I would like to bestow our congratulations to you all. The plan was a decisive success." Ariel so announced; "The pieces have now been dropped into motion, and at the most perfectest of times for the Company and the Great Dutchy to be at war."

"[Wait, what?]"

"Huh?"
Both the goblin general and the Crystalish half-elf were bemused; at no point had any of that been mentioned as being part of the plan.

"War… [The corporation is now fighting the manling dutchy?]" The goblin general, indeed, scratched his head, trying to understand… "I thought they were bickering allies?"

"I shall now reveal the true extent of the plot. The timing of our attacks corresponded precisely with greater political movements as foreseen by the Watcher." Ariel began to so explain; "The specifics are irrelevant, for it is all 'nonsensical surface politics' to you, but the crux is that the Company was attempting to 'demonstrate a lesson' to Grandberry by supporting separatism in the Bulge to force them to terms… They assumed the Alweny duke would cower, when in truth, this was exactly what he was hoping for."

Abruptly, Floaty's central eye-lens 'flickered', shifting color…

{Retrospective analysis of the Loyalist forces' activities and maneuvering throughout the Huckleberrien Civil War resulted in a reassessment by Hive of what were initially concluded to be impulses as now deliberate strategy.}

Indeed, the sentinel suddenly chimed in its own input.

{The duke's withdrawal of regional armies and effective abandonment of the localities bordering the insurrectionist Elderberry Alliance, initially concluded to have been an act of desperation, has since been reinterpreted as a deliberate strategy to siphon border-locality manpower reserves, create an unstable vacuum to preoccupy insurrectionist armies, and consolidate Loyalist forces within a stable core.}

"…uh?" Ariel stared up at Floaty, slightly confused… This expositing was unprompted.

Yet the sentinel continued on.

{Garrison redeployment and substitution reliance on the Adventurer Guilds' security forces was also interpreted as wartime desperation which has since been reassessed as deliberate strategy. Hive's reanalysis indicates a deliberate attempt by Grandberry to maintain a false perception of collapse, irrational panic, and desperation to obfuscate the consolidation, redevelopment, and professionalization of its standing forces. The disunity of the Loyalist faction was intentionally exaggerated.}

"…mother?" Ariel noticed that the renegade sentinel's eye-light was gold, not magenta.

{Grandberry's incursion into Humbleberry has additionally been reassessed by Hive as in part a deliberate maneuver to provoke the U.C.T.C. into open confrontation. Ever since U.C.T.C. relocated its primary headquarters to Strawberry, the Duke in Grandberry suspected a conspiracy. U.C.T.C.-backed secession of the now 'Five United Counties' confirmed his suspicions and removed the last remaining opposition to the national army within the Loyalists' council. Hive believes U.C.T.C's liquidation from the region was always the duke's intended objective as part of broader nationalization initiatives.}

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Alright, that is enough exposition.

The sentinel's central eye-lens flipped from gold back to Ariel's magenta, wobbling itself afloat as if stoically confused.

"…" Ariel had not translated a single word, leaving the Fallen utterly bemused. Aheming, she returned her focus to the awaiting ears. "Essentially, the Alweny duke was long planning to fight the Company, and for the time being, both are terribly preoccupied with themselves."

"…that thing said many more words than that." the goblin general grumbled… "But, huhm… So, your attacks against their supplies was tied to the beginning of this…war…" He quickly realized. "Wait, the army they had fighting us—their camp… If they are now fighting the whole dutchy, and we destroyed their…logistics… That means…"

"The Company's provocations were contingent on a stable and defensible supply to their regiments; they would not have provoked otherwise." Ariel so spoke; "The Alweny duke allowed them to form their assembly camp with the precise intention of eventually besieging it, but neither side was anticipating our carefully timed strikes. The Company gave the Alweny cause, and we gave the room. Deprived of their supplies and beset with siege, the Company is desperate for a swift resolution… A resolution which the Watcher has foreseen."

Her mask-obscured eyes nudged to Floaty, beckoning.

{Initiating presentation.}

The sentinel projected a large display of interactive diagrams and images, in addition to a greater map of the Huckleberry Dutchy.

{Hive has been carefully monitoring the on-going situation on the surface. The U.C.T.C. is in the strongest military position, with force concentration in Humbleberry and the Eastern Bulge. However, it is in the weakest political position. Excessive causalities and perceived humiliation will have compounding ramifications. Hive has determined the Company's likely strategy to end hostilities.}

The holo-display map shifted, new 'windows' appearing which began to display generated depictions, diagrams, and the like…of something…most bewildering to the primitive Fallen and even the wiser goblin general.

Indeed, their eyes widened.

"…[what are those things? Balloon…boats?]"

{For the last estimated decade, U.C.T.C. has been developing an experimental aircraft fleet, classified by Hive as 'sky-ships'. The 'flagship' of this 'sky-fleet' is analogous in mass to a frigate-type naval vessel and is nearing completion; four support sky-ships analogous to corvette-type naval vessels have already been completed.}

Ariel, having been translating along, then chimed in her own words. "These sky-ships are what the Company has been hiding from their masters and is why their capital has been…isolative. It is where much of their coin has been flowing."

Frankly, the digitized display of generated depictions did not truly capture the scale of what the sentinel was referring to. Yet, even so, it was enough to make the Fallen very quiet.

Even Crystal was perturbed by what she was seeing… "With each…passing year, they become stronger… This is…madness! Strapping a balloon onto a warship?!"

{Observations of the U.C.T.C. capital locale, dubbed 'New Wellington', indicate a likelihood factor greater than or equal to 95% that this sky-flotilla will be prepared for deployment within the next five days. Hive is confident that U.C.T.C. will utilize this aircraft fleet to circumnavigate Grandberry's defenses in order to take control of the city and enforce a settlement under its terms.}

"…No doubt, regardless of what they do," Ariel took control, "may it be dethrone the duke or not, they will remain there, their soldiers displaying their flags and flying boats laying anchored as an announcement of new power and intimidation—a warning to all… They will grow comfortable…" Her force sharpened; "And then we will strike, from the other means of getting around those walls: underground."

There was a lot for the goblin general to unpack. "You…want us to attack the city while those things are there?!" Indeed, he was perplexed… "How many guns do they have on that thing? Explain me the logic?!"

"Our goal in attacking Grandberry was never in conquering it, but rather to raid it." Ariel began to explain; "Deaths are truly secondary to humiliation in the eyes of these aliens. It would be a grave humiliation for a city under their occupation to be raided, attacked, and butchered regardless of if they win or not. And an even greater humiliation…would be if their precious balloons were damaged…or destroyed." There was a hidden grin. "And we can give you the means…to destroy them."

"Hm…" The general stroked his goblinoid chin. "…if that ridiculous corporation has been throwing most of their coins into those stupid boats, then…" He realized, grinning… "Heh… It is risky, but destroying them—that justifies any attack on Grandberry of all forsaken places."

"It would be a disaster of disasters." Ariel stated; "The desperation—the embarrassment—would be a catastrophic force upon their…souls, and it is from that whence the next stage of the plan…"

"One issue…" The goblin general, however, looked at Ariel. "You said we'd be attacking from underground… But Grandberry's an isolate."

"Ah…" Ariel smirked from beneath her mask… "Yet the fact that you know it is an isolate suggests there must be a way. And there is a way—two of them." She looked up at the sentinel. "Floaty…"

Swiftly, the sentinel's projected display shifted to a coordinate map view of that city's layout and structure, in addition to ancillary items that followed along Ariel's words.

This time, she was going to do most of the explaining.

"Grandberry is a city divided in two: outer and inner. Underneath Outer Grandberry is an ancient elvish catacomb; underneath Inner Grandberry is a pocket of forbidden ruins. We know how to enter both from the underworld."

The display shifted to highlight the subterranean network and necessary paths.

"I see…" The goblin general looked at the dynamic display of digital magenta which was highlighting key points and the like… Truly, this Cult was terrifying in their…intelligence—almost as if they were, in fact, following a great watcher. "We can use the, whatchya call it? Catacombs…to attack the outer city first, surprise the manlings and cause their garrison to sally out, and then…we emerge from… Hm…" He tensed… "Hidden ruins, you said? I don't like the sound of that… Grandberry's an isolate, as I said—and isolates mean trouble…"

"Yes, but those forbidden ruins will be the most important." Ariel replied; "Much like this chamber, it is well-sized for establishing a den. Most ways into it have been sealed, but we know of…a secret way."

{Hive has identified an inactive vector tunnel with a direct connection, however utility assessment is on-going. Secondary point of entry is a narrow pass which was sealed by the recruited collaborator. Reopening would be required, in addition to expansion. Navigation guidance will be provided for both sites.}

"…I should forewarn, however," Ariel, having reconveyed in her own filtered words, began to add, "these hidden ruins, as you rightfully deduced, are a…corrupted area; therefore, my people will be the first to lay the claim."

"…heh." the goblin general so puffed; "Because you can survive your own rot."

"Cleansing will be done," Ariel continued forth, "but it is not a guarantee, in which case the Watcher has…a blessing…that may bestow resistance. Either way, an outpost will be established there in advance. However, the Watcher speaks that the manlings are investigating that area; thus, we will make our move once they have ruled out those ruins as a possibility."

"Ruling out as…a possibility?" The goblin general was remarkably quick at piecing together…the implications. "Wait, you mean to say, the manlings are already suspecting? If they are…investigating those ruins…"

"They know not the depths." Ariel neither confirmed nor denied. "Their investigation is part of the plan, and you should know by now to trust our plans."

"Hmh." the goblin general grumbled… "Fine… But I want the attack plan—the full plan!"

Ariel, eheming, cleared her throat. "For now, you need not yet worry about the attack on the city. No attack can be done nor comprehensive plans be made until the Company's sky-fleet has taken control and their presence has become far too complacent. Until then, we wait. Those left in the previous holding will continue harassing the Company's beleaguered patrols so that they assume our concentration is where we are no longer, and you will continue settling yourselves here."

{Current estimated maximum for operation start is the first day of the twelfth month of the domestic calendar. Operation start may be accelerated or postponed as necessary dependent on monitored events. Your forces will be trained and respecialized; provided armaments will be arriving within ~7 hours.}

"Soon, by the Watcher's eye, you will be provided new…instruments and…weapons; the Watcher's own shall teach you how to wield them." Ariel so proclaimed; "You will be reforged and remade into a proper chain. Officers will be assigned, and you will be divided into sophisticated units of a whole. If you wish to survive, you will follow, and you will be prepared for the attack on Grandberry by month's end."

"…new weapons, huh?" The goblin general did know whether to be…concerned or excited. "Don't forget who's in charge, vampire…"

"We haven't." Ariel simply replied, her mask-obscured eyes then turning up at that cloaked half-elf… "This now brings me to you, Crystallan. You have been listening with impatience…"

Crystal was immediately struck with a piercing feeling of…anticipation. She tensed in her posture, trying not to fall off the towering shoulder from her jittering legs.

"Rejoice." Ariel so spoke; "You and your legion are to begin preparing for departure." Her sight momentarily swapped to the goblin general. "Alongside to accompany will be a contingent of your own." She returned focus to the half-elf. "You will be guided through the forbidden paths to the Eastern Bulge, where you will establish yourselves at a place…you may find most suitable."

The digital display shifted, the projected coordinate map zooming out and towards the Eastern Bulge. Quickly, a specific subterranean region was highlighted, a 'magnification circle' protruding out to display a holographic depiction.

Crystal's eyes immediately widened, able to recognize what she was seeing even from this digitized construction.

"The Watcher's eyes discovered deep beneath the depths of an empty sunny-cave…an ancient Crystallan fortress." Ariel told, the hologram visualizing; "Chambered, multilayered, with several pockets and arenas, it is a full construction of hardened Crystallan rock and brick. It is further than the alternatives from House Berrybottom's manor, however—"

"There is no more a befitting place to serve as the Company's…final grave …" Crystal so blurted, tense affect bleeding from her breaths. The golem could feel her emotions. "Defended… Crystal ruins are always defended."

"Yes…" Ariel focused on her. "There are crystal golems whom you may tame to supplement your legion. This fortress will service as our main lair in the Bulge." She returned her attention to the rest. "Our attack on Grandberry will drag every eye thither and away from the Bulge, after which we will raid House Berrybottom and kidnap the Coastfield bastard. All of these embarrassments will have compounded such that, when our spies reveal to the Company that we have the one for whom they have been searching, they will be so desperate as to see that girl as their only salvation… And they will send everything they can to recover her."

"Whereafter they will be slaughtered and buried in the most…befitting of places." Crystal liked this plan; she liked it a lot.

"They will have no further excuses or acceptable justifications." Ariel so spoke; "By the end of this, like crows scavenging the dead, the Company will be ripped apart piece by piece, partitioned by its masters."

"When do we begin?" Crystal was so very eager to know. "I am ready to depart immediately." The bronze golem and its legion were ready in kind. "The general can prepare whatever accompany, but we can move ahead and—"

"Patience…" Yet Ariel had to remind. "I must ready my people, and you must ready yours. We move as one. We need at least a week to finalize the path details."

"Wait… You mean to say that you have discovered a fortress of Crysta, but not even the means to get there?" Crystal so pointed out.

{Due to unusual activity in the System's automated management and security apparatus, Hive will only authorize travel after expected routes are fully reconnoitered and countermeasure viability is confirmed. System intendents are in mandatory hibernation; major security flags could trigger reactivation. It is critical that the System is not alerted that the Hive has broken its quarantine.}

"…as I said previously, these forbidden paths are frequented by things best not disturbed." Ariel ultimately replied, before refocusing on the assembly as a whole. "Regardless, more will be revealed as you are prepared; for now, this all you must know. Continue settling here as your new home. My people"—she gestured at the cloaked figures behind her—"shall assist. Please, use this time to…intermingle and become acquainted. That is all." Effectively dismissing, she turned off her communicator, yet only to then eye the goblin general. "General, you and I meanwhile will continue these planning talks. This is…your…army, after all."

As the assembly disassembled into noise, Crystal grumbled in frustration… "Even if I understand it, I am suffocated by this waiting… At least give us something to do…" Brooding within, her crystal-pink ignited eyes looked down at the assembled legion… "Hm…" She then spotted a few goblins, before…shifting back to the legion. "It just occurred to me that," she began to say, "I am—you are… In command of a legion of tireless laborers and never-sleeping diggers…"

The bronze golem lord knew what she was thinking.

"Shed me your tears, but you are a knight. So, let us be chivalrous and…assist the little ones." She looked at the golem's big triangular head. "It gives us something to do, at the least."

"…" The bronze golem then gave its idea… "You want to build a big fort?" She ughed a sigh. "No? No. Or… Hm… Maybe…?"