“This is the best the T’au Empire can muster? Pathetic!” High Commander Needlesight would have fired back a retort if doing so didn’t mean the end of his part in this challenge turned deathmatch. The Coldstar Battlesuit he’s piloting leaped off the fallen balcony of an ethereal housing complex right before a beam of pure death obliterated the piece of debris. The on-board AI has gone completely silent as the flood of information streaming through the battlesuit’s systems strained its capabilities to the limit. Countless simulations and stratagems played out with every passing micro-decs, and the grating ping of failure of each and every single one forced Needlesight to use every single bit of insight and experience he has to win this battle.
That first engagement between him and the Ascentron Commander, Digi Quipu, has laid out the blueprint of how things would play out between the two of them in the simulation dome. After a short charging period, the Ascentron fired its Gamma Laser Cannon which cored the Water Caste skyscraper the Coldstar had been hiding behind. As that weapon entered its cooldown phase, the Ascentron fired up its Stormfire Autocannon and unleashed a devastating barrage of Tau-sized solid projectile fire. It put the final death knoll to the building Needlesight had used as a shield, but by then the High Commander had launched his Coldstar into the depths of the underground transmotive tunnels and retreated to evaluate his options.
It was the very epitome of Mont’ka by the Ascentron, and Needlesight was forced to admit that in this the war machine was superior in every way than him. It was only due to the Coldstar’ superior agility, maneuverability, and urban environment that he has kept victory from his foe’s grasp, but running away does not win battles or wars. It would only by Kauyon would the High Commander persevere through the odds, and for the last dec or so he has made himself a most excellent bait. The question now would be what manner of grand trap could a ruined T’au city provide for the embattled Fire Caste?
One look at the skyline would give one the answer immediately. The remaining skyscrapers stood tall, with five in particular eclipsing the others in grandeur. They were supposed to be representations of the five Castes writ large; a testament of the ability of the Greater Good to bring together these disparate parts and unite them under a common goal of enlightenment and prosperity. They were arranged in a circular pattern, surrounding a grand underground transmotive station disguised as a park. It was this underground space that would entrap the Ascentron for a time while the Coldstar brought down the Five Castes upon it.
Needlesight took great care in making sure Digi Quipu wouldn’t figure out his true plan until it was too late. The High Commander has arranged for the Coldstar AI to stage ‘mistakes’ in its flight trajectory that could draw in just enough firepower to weaken the appropriate skyscrapers in the correct way before moving on closer to take pot shots with his Fusion Blasters. His foe’s formidable shields made such attacks close to useless, but Needlesight needed the Ascentron to think the Fire Caste was getting more and more desperate for the Kauyon to work fully.
“Feel the true might of a real war machine!” The Ascentron Commander boomed as it aimed its beam weapon right where Needlesight was. A salvo of smart missiles detonated around Digi Quipu’ head, obscuring his sensors long enough for the Coldstar Battlesuit to slip into another underground transmotive tunnel and reassess the situation. The Ascentron’s beam discharge soon after obliterated the underground passage, cutting off yet another avenue of escape for Needlesight in the ruined urban environment. There were only so many of these that could be used before none would be left, but the High Commander was aiming to win before that happened.
“Give me a status update.” Needlesight asked as he felt himself relax for a moment under the warming light of the underground tunnel.
“Missile Pods near empty. Four salvos remaining each. Right Fusion Blaster integrity at fifty percent. Left Fusion Blaster integrity at fifty percent. Shield Generator at fifteen percent capacity.” The Coldstar informed Needlesight. The High Commander grimaced at those updates; he’s faced enemies with less favorable statuses, and yet his odds now were much, much worse. In the past, he would have simply died a noble warrior’s death, but here, in full view of both his peers and his ethereal lord and the T’au’ possible ally, he would expose to all his weakness, and thus by association, the weakness of the Fire Caste, undermining the T’au Empire as a whole.
“We leave at the next exit. It’s time to end this.” The Coldstar’ thrusters roared in affirmation as it reached another transmotive station. A quick scan confirmed no sign of the Ascentron nearby, and the battlesuit stepped out once more into the light, ready for combat. Its sleek white color contrasted greatly with the smoke and fire coming off the burning ruins, and quickly drew the attention of the Ascentron Commander. Another beam attack was dodged, and another skyscraper behind the Coldstar fell victim to the wayward strike.
“Your cowardice does you no credit, T’au! Stand your ground and fight!” The Ascentron’ voice boomed after Needlesight. With the help of powerful thrusters on its back and legs, the giant war machine picked up speed and started galloping after its much smaller target, demolishing railways and lesser buildings in its wake. Its Stormfire Autocannon delivered short bursts of kinetic fire, strafing the air around the Coldstar with projectiles that could put a serious dent in Riptide battlesuits and punt lesser ones around. It would take a miracle for most battlesuit pilots to fly through such a gauntlet intact, but for High Commander Needlesight, it was all skill.
In no time at all the Coldstar has guided the Ascentron to where the Kauyon would be sprung. As the war machine’s Gamma Laser Cannon charged up again, Needlesight unleashed the Coldstar’ remaining missile salvos, their primitive intelligences directing them towards the weakened superstructure of the underground transmotive station. What was at once the floor and ceiling crumbled under the assault and the Ascentron soon found itself boxed in, its legs scraping against the walls of the station entrance and its arms jammed. An angry horn blared as powerful thrusters roared to life, but High Commander Needlesight had heard none of it. His Coldstar was already on the move, straining itself to the limit to reach the weakened soft spots of the surrounding skyscrapers and blast them to completion.
First one up was the building designated for use by the ethereals, and the High Commander silently gave a small apology to his masters as his Fusion Blasters vaporized the skyscraper’s supporting pillars. With a mighty shudder, cracks spread out from the spots he’s destroyed and the Needlesight moved on, barely missing his exit as hundreds of thousands of tons of material collapsed into itself.
The Ascentron’ shields flared fiery reds as chunks of skyscraper its size and smaller began landing on his position. With a whipcrack, a layer of the shield gave way, destroying some of the incoming debris, but not all. If given time, Digi Quipu would free himself with little trouble, but Needlesight would not give the Ascentron Commander that freedom.
Already the Coldstar under his command has brought the killing blow to the Earth Caste and Water Caste skyscrapers, its twin Fusion Blasters hanging on by a thread. At the Air Caste building, the Coldstar’ right Fusion Blaster sputtered and died after one shot, causing Needlesight to finish the job with his remaining one. Finally, as he reached the Fire Caste’ urban fortress, his last weapon overheated a final time and went silent. Aside from its impressive mobility, the XV86 Coldstar Battlesuit was now functionally unarmed.
“This isn’t over yet.” Needlesight grimaced as he tried and failed to bring life back to the Coldstar’ weapon systems. “Give me a status update.”
“Understood. Fusion Blasters integrity at zero percent. Shoulder Missile Pods empty. Shield Generator deactivated.” The Coldstar told the High Commander what he already knew. “Recommend engaging evacuation protocol.”
“Denied. What other options are available?” The on-board AI uncharacteristically waited a second longer before it gave a reply.
“Self-destruct sequence available. Projected yield sufficient to accomplish objectives. Warning! Blast radius exceeds T’au rate of movement in close quarters. Engaging evacuation protocol.” Needlesight scarcely had a micro-dec to process the information before he was suddenly locked out of his controls and the battlesuit rose up and away from the still active battlefield.
“By Aun’Wei’ beard! What is the meaning of this?! You have gone rogue! Return at once, you blasted scrap metal!” The Fire Caste T’au roared and banged against the insides of his control cocoon, wreaking havoc on the battlesuits inner displays and controls in an attempt to regain his freedom. And yet just as soon as this episode happened, it ended just as quickly, with the Coldstar opening up its chest hatch and leaning forward, dropping Needlesight unceremoniously out of his seat. The battlesuit sealed itself back and flew away to its partner’ astonishment, given what the Coldstar said in parting.
“High Commander Needlesight secure. Initiating self-destruct sequence. For the Greater Good.” The Fire Caste could only look on as a white comet streaked across the sky, arriving at its destination just as an angry horn blared to deafen all who heard it. The ensuing explosion was muted by the bulk of the Fire Caste building, but its devastation was clear enough as large pieces the size of Devilfish APCs tumbled down onto the Ascentron Commander waiting below. So many decs spent for this moment, and now it was over.
“Time limit reached. Ascentron Commander, Digi Quipu, has failed his objective. Au’Taal Sept High Commander, Shas'O Sho T'repa, has achieved victory. Simulation ended. Congratulations, High Commander.” The voice of High Ambassador Understone came over the simulation dome’ broadcast system. “All Earth Caste personnel, please attend to the High Commander immediately and assist in extraction of the Ascentron Commander.”
The next dec or so sped by like a blur to Needlesight, whose exhaustion had at last caught up to the Fire Caste. As Earth Caste healers landed from a Manta transport and brought him onto a waiting healsphere, the last thing he ever saw before unconsciousness took him was the humbled silhouette of a war machine, its body untouched but its pride wounded all the same.
High Planner Shadeguard looked at the T’au in the mirror with some trepidation. It has been one rotaa since the new guidelines came out and the Earth Caste had been waiting patiently for one of the Ascentrons to search him out. He had heard about the diplomatic between the Ascentron Commander and High Commander Needlesight, and couldn’t wait to have his own memorable encounter with the T’au’s newest ally (tentative). Though perhaps not so dramatic as the battle that was later had between the two warriors. That would be terrible for him. On a secondary note, Shadeguard reminded himself to review the simulation dome’ recordings to dissemble the Ascentron’s ground combat capabilities.
Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long as the Ascentron scientist called Simul Zetta had told him she’d like to tour the battlesuit manufacturing facilities under his supervision. After consultation with the Water Caste liaison assigned to him, which in turn discussed the matter with High Ambassador Understone through his aide. After a while, approval was given and now he was waiting for his guest to arrive.
So why was he inspecting his own reflection, one might ask? Well, Shadeguard truthfully had no idea why. He had at first put on his usual outfit; a functional and practical body suit with additional protections in the form of a research cloak, shielding bracelets, and magnetic boots fitted with anti-grav thrusters. A storage drone or two and a holo-display headpiece usually completed the look, but somehow the thought of an Ascentron perceiving him in such a way again unsettled Shadeguard. A Water Caste would be able to put into words these feelings he was having, and yet the Shadeguard also felt paradoxically inclined to keep what he was feeling all to himself, as though it was a possession that only belonged to him. He didn’t like the feeling, and yet he also did. Curious.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
And now that feeling had the High Planner changing his look for the first time since he was but a mere Fio’La, all those tau’cyrs ago. He was not a Water Caste looking to visually impress; that would be silly. Logically speaking then, his current course of action must be based on a criteria of expediency and efficiency. The current outing’s objective was of a cross examination of Ascentron’ technological base with the T’au Empire’ own current state. Understone had informed Shadeguard that it was unlikely the Ascentrons would freely offer information about their own capabilities, so his only concern for now was to present the advancements and developments the Earth Caste had made to Simul Zetta as though Shadeguard were presenting it to Aun’va himself. A challenging prospect for most Earth Caste, but fortuitously, such an event has already been experienced by Shadeguard and so he relives said encounter in preparation for the presentation of his life.
“High Planner Shadeguard, your meeting with the Ascentron scientist is due in half a dec.” The Water Caste aide assigned to the High Planner called out through the intercom. “We’ve arranged transport as planned, but it will still take quite a while before we reach the spaceport. Have you finished your preparations?”
“Just a moment. I am almost done.” Shadeguard replied, not really sure if his answer was a truthful one as he gazed once more at his solid build. It is past time I made my decision. I am an Earth Caste! I will persevere through this dilemma and unravel the mystery of my feelings while also accomplishing the goals laid out to me. I will not fail the Greater Good. With those thoughts, the High Planner donned his usual look, with some additional coverings at his torso in the form of a vest full of pockets. One can never have too many pockets to store things.
“I am ready.” Shadeguard spoke as he emerged from his room, a grav-disc at the ready to bear him around. His Water Caste liaison, whose name still eluded the High Planner for now, looked him up and down and squinted her eyes as though she had seen something unpleasant before sighing and plastering a smile on her face. She jotted down something on personal datapad and walked out of the room, Shadeguard following close behind on his grav-disc.
“Here is today’s itinerary.” The Water Caste liaison waved sent over a list of things to Shadeguard, who began studying it in earnest. “High Ambassador Understone has taken the liberty of adding several sites to visit first. Nothing too major, just tours of some housing and educational complexes, as well as recreational facilities.” Shadeguard winced as the amount of time he would spend away from his research and experiments increased.
“I fail to see the importance of why I need to accompany the Ascentron scientist to these extraneous locations. I am not a Water Caste; I am uncomfortable with the thought of social interactions outside of my function.” Shadeguard said as he set the itinerary for deletion. Nothing in it was worth remembering.
“High Ambassador Understone understands you perfectly, High Planner, which is why you are requested to focus fully on observing the Ascentron as she interacts with her surroundings. You won’t have to talk to anyone until it’s time for the inspection tour of the battlesuit manufacturing facilities.” The Water Caste liaison spoke as the two came around to a waiting transport. She graciously allowed Shadeguard to board first before entering herself. The transport lifted off the ground using anti-grav before speeding off, its onboard intelligence seamlessly navigating through the automated traffic of Au’Taal Sept.
“She will undoubtedly notice my observations. My findings will not be of optimum quality given the biased nature of the setting. But I will abide that it is a useful use of my time while I wait.” Shadeguard sighed as the Water Caste liaison gave him that fake smile he’s used to getting from that lot. For the rest of the journey to the spaceport, the High Planner studiously ignored he had company, focusing instead on devising the means by which he might gain useful insight about the Ascentrons from a cursory visual observation, even one aided with the drones he has on hand. No doubt a mechanical being would be sensitive to intrusions of an electromagnetic nature, so some other sensory data would have to be considered. It was a relaxing challenge, and Shadeguard lost himself in it until he felt a soft tap on his shoulder, and he realized that the transport had arrived at its destination.
The High Planner stepped off and looked up at the magnificent edifice before him. Even after so many times he’s been here, the spaceport has never failed to take Shadeguard’s breath away with its sublime beauty. The vast landing platforms upon which shuttles and military craft like Mantas could land with little trouble and take off just as easily. The space elevator upon which the bulk of material transport to orbit was done piercing the sky. And of course the mighty batteries of ground-to-space rail guns installed at the spaceport’ peripheries, meant to stall an invading force long enough for the Kor’vattra to arrive and deal with said enemy properly. It all made for an impressive showcase of Earth Caste ingenuity, and one that Shadeguard now realized would make for an excellent discussion piece with his Ascentron guest.
All in due time, as the ethereals wills it. Shadeguard reminded himself as he stepped on his grav-disc once more and moved on with the Water Caste liaison close behind. She might not be keen with the changes in the schedule, as I am, but I do hope she will see the true value lying within the confusing political labyrinth the Water Caste so adeptly navigates around. Any further thought left Shadeguard’s mind as a shuttle broke through cloud cover at alarming speed. Several alarms rang automatically before being shut down manually as the falling comet smoothly decelerated and touched down a few hundred meters from where the High Planner was. There wasn’t even much of a backwash as it stopped to halt, just a gentle breeze which took Shadeguard’s breath all the same. And then he fully forgot how to think for a moment at the sight of the Ascentron scientist Simul Zetta leaving her craft.
She was much smaller now, perhaps the size of an XV25 Stealth Battlesuit, but no less impressive in stature. A cloak shadows her steps as she steps off the Ascentron shuttle, which wasted no time flying back into space. She had foregoed her Arachne-like configuration when he first saw her and had adopted a more T’au-like appearance instead, standing on two legs and bearing two arms. Her skin had adopted a more matte texture, which was far from organic, but from a distance Shadeguard could not tell she was mechanical at all, which both excited and frightened him.
As Simul Zetta got closer, the High Planner saw that the Ascentron scientist’ appeared to wear clothing, which was a surprise as he didn’t think machines had any use for such things when their own bodies are far superior at withstanding the elements.
“I see you’ve been waiting for me. Hopefully not too long? I figured I’d spend a little more time on my look since this is my first outing at a T’au world. How do I look?” Simul Zetta twirled, her cloak trailing close behind while leaving a trail of glittering lights. Shadeguard looked at his Water Caste liaison, who seemed taken aback by the Ascentron scientist’s appearance for a completely different reason. The Earth Caste cleared his throat and at last the Water Caste remembered where she was and resumed her duties.
“You represent your people well, milady. I am Clearspring, and I will be the T’au Empire liaison for the duration of your visit here on Au’Taal Prime. Feel free to ask me any questions you have regarding our glorious planet and its inhabitants. Additionally, High Ambassador Understone has made some alterations to your itinerary that he hopes you are not opposed to.” Simul Zetta’ eyes lit up as she accessed what little of the T’au’ information network has been opened up to her.
“Quite the subtle man. I have no objections to it if High Planner Shadeguard is okay with the itinerary.” The Earth Caste started as he was suddenly put on the spot, giving Simul Zetta an inquisitive look before turning towards Clearspring. The Water Caste liaison gave a subtle nod at the High Planner to give his assent, which he eventually gave perhaps a micro-dec slower than expected. Would it be too late to cancel the whole thing and pretend I am debilitated by intense stomach pains? Shadeguard idly wondered as his Ascentron guest cocked her head to the side before nodding in agreement.
“If there’s nothing more to discuss, shall we head on over to the transport?” Clearspring gestured to the one that carried her and Shadeguard to the spaceport. To the two Tau’s relief, the Ascentron nodded and went inside first, followed soon after by Shadeguard and Clearspring. The Earth Caste found himself sitting besides Simul Zetta, with Clearspring sitting in her own little corner, busy with one thing or another. The transport was fast, but as with the trip to the spaceport had been, the one they’re taking to the battlesuit manufacturing facilities would take a little bit longer. Time was on his side, and despite his earlier insistence in not socializing with people more than what was necessary, Shadeguard found himself facing his Ascentron guest and clearing his throat.
“Y-Your current form is different than the one you had when we first met at the orbital. How much of your body can you transform and to what extent?” Shadeguard started the only way he knew how to start a conversation.
“Oh this? This is actually a different body. We Ascentrons had a breakthrough in mechanical design and engineering a while back, which resulted in the creation of what we call Liquid Metal. It helps us seamlessly adapt to a wide variety of different configurations in modules and systems. I’m sure with time your empire will come up with something similar, if you were to pursue that kind of ascension path.” Simul Zetta spoke, flashing what she hoped would be a charming smile at her conversation partner. Shadeguard, ever the Earth Caste to his core, did not smile back and instead pressed on with his questions.
“What do you mean by ascension paths? The T’au Empire’ technological base has grown by leaps and bounds in countless fields, not just a select few. How was your empire able to ascertain such a thing was even possible in the first place? What are the criteria to be fulfilled beforehand? How many ascension paths were available to you? What was the reasoning to choose your current one? Is it possible to change ascension paths later down the line? What-“ Shadeguard’ barrage of question was gently stopped with a delicate hand hovering over his face.
“Please, one at a time, High Planner. You flatter me with your assumption that I know so much, but I am also a tad overwhelmed. Perhaps we could trade questions instead? One question gets one question in turn. If I answer one of yours, you’ll answer one of mine. And don’t worry, Clearspring, I’ll be sure to restrict the questions to ones that the High Planner is most qualified to answer.” At the mention of his Water Caste liaison, Shadeguard looked aside to see the tau in question with a studiously neutral face, staring at him with a silent plea to deny the Ascentron scientist’ requests. Yet his curiosity burned far brighter at the moment than his obeisance, and so Shadeguard turned away and gave a nod at Simul Zetta.
“Excellent. I’ll answer a question of yours first. In our universe, technological progress brings about paradigms that would significantly alter an empire’ way of life. There are different ones for biological life that I am vaguely aware of, but the ones that the Ascentron Circurrency eventually considered were three paths: Nanotech, Modularity, and Virtuality. That’s one, and now I get to ask you a question.” Shadeguard’ previous drive died as he was suddenly put front and center, with Clearspring now visibly shaking her head in clear disapproval of the High Planner’s dangerously vash’ya activities.
“You may ask, but I may not answer if it is beyond my capabilities to do so.” Shadeguard gave his reply, which was the best compromise his mind could make between his loyalty to the Greater Good and his own innate curiosity.
“Perfect. How do you keep your respective Caste’ genetic diversity from becoming too homogeneous? Given the clear role distinction enforced by societal conventions and cultural values, I’d imagine inter-breeding between Castes to be forbidden.” Shadeguard felt his anxiety ebb slightly as though it wasn’t his specialty, genetics is a field all Earth Caste has a passing familiarity with at the most base level.
“We keep extensive genetic records of every individual in a Sept and keep track of which ones are most closely related to one another. With that data in hand, the Water Caste would then organize the population into communities that I’d presume to have the least amount of genetic commonality between each member as to maximize genetic diversity. Does this answer satisfy you?” Simul Zetta gave off an air of pondering for a moment before she gave a wide smile at Shadeguard and nodded.
More and more questions were traded between the two, with Clearspring attempting to insert herself several times into the conversation with little success. The glare that she attempted to hide behind her facade was a bit too obvious even for Shadeguard not to notice, and yet he did not regret ignoring her one bit. It was simply too exciting to engage in discussion with Simul Zetta, all the back and forth exchange of valuable, near-priceless information filling the High Planner’s mind with new ideas and experiments to try out. He’s never felt so connected to someone else before, not to another Earth Caste, male or female, or even a Water Caste tau or really any tau in his entire life. Shadeguard found himself wondering if he could ask Simul Zetta to form a bonding ritual or Ta’lisserra with him. Any thought at tall that he’s only met the Ascentron twice did not seem to alert the Earth Caste that he was being hasty with his feelings.
All the while, Clearspring had stopped trying to steer Shadeguard from his vash’ya tendencies and was now quietly recording things on her bracelet, silently pitying the fate of such a promising Earth Caste being waylaid by the beguiling ways of an alien construct. Its situations like these that reminded her of the importance of the Caste performing according to their roles in the Greater Good and nothing more. By its all-encompassing values have the T’au Empire been elevated to the stars, and ethereals willing, they will soon own the very heavens themselves.
It is their destiny.
