The docking bay buzzed with subdued activity as the Imperators' ship touched down. Sahaad, Zara, Ji, and Nate descended the ramp in heavy silence, Kato's body wrapped in the Federation's ceremonial black shroud and carried by them as a team. Awaiting their arrival stood chief Conflagrator Halvex, flanked by rows of technicians, engineers, and lower-ranking officers.
Halvex stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a long shadow under the bright bay lights. His expression was grave, his fiery eyes betraying a flicker of genuine sorrow. "Welcome back, Imperators," he said, his deep voice carrying across the hangar. "It grieves me that one of my most valued creations had to be lost."
The Imperators said nothing, only nodding as they carried Kato's body past him. Halvex followed, keeping pace with his heavy, deliberate steps. "You performed admirably, as always, and your success against the Entil is already echoing across the Federation. Yet, even in victory, we mourn. Proceed to the Chamber of Honor. The arrangements for Kato's funeral will be overseen with the respect he deserves."
The mention of Kato's funeral tightened the tension in the air. Nate's jaw clenched, and Ji lowered his gaze. Zara, still silent, carried her half of the shroud with a grip that turned her knuckles white.
Sahaad finally broke the silence. "Thank you, chief Conflagrator. Kato will be remembered, as he should be."
Halvex stopped at the edge of the hangar, watching the Imperators march forward. "See to it that you grieve as soldiers," he said, his tone softening just enough to be heard. "And then prepare yourselves. The Federation does not sleep, and neither will the war."
The Chamber of Honor, carved into the heart of the base, was both a resting place and a tribute. As the Imperators placed Kato's body on the ceremonial slab, they stood around him in a circle, each reflecting on their fallen comrade.
Sahaad placed a hand on the shroud. "He fought for us. For the Federation. He'll be remembered not just as an Imperator, but as one of us—a brother."
Zara took a step forward, her voice unusually tender. "We've all seen death a thousand times over. But Kato's sacrifice… it wasn't just for the mission. It was for us. For this team."
Nate and Ji nodded, both too moved to speak. The room was silent except for the hum of the ceremonial lighting, which bathed Kato in a soft, golden glow.
As the ritual began, Sahaad turned back to his team. "This isn't the end. Kato's gone, but we carry him with us. In every fight, in every mission, his strength is ours now."
The Imperators stood in solemn silence as the slab moved along the path that led to the base's fuel center—a controlled neutron star harnessed for its near-infinite energy. It wasn't just a place of power but a symbol of endurance and sacrifice, a fitting resting place for those like Kato who gave everything for the Federation.
Sahaad took a step forward, the faint hum of the neutron star vibrating through the air. "Kato will live with us forever. His strength, his loyalty—they are now part of what powers our future."
Zara, Ji, and Nate stood at attention, their faces hard but their eyes betraying flickers of pain. The neutron star's core glowed brilliantly, its energy contained within the intricate systems of the fuel center. The shrouded body began its descent into the reactor, the protective seals hissing as the atmosphere adjusted to handle the star's immense power.
As the body neared the edge of the neutron star's gravitational field, it ignited into a burst of pure energy. The star absorbed the particles instantly, sending a surge of brilliance through the chamber. To the Imperators, it was as if Kato's essence had joined the power source that kept their base, their missions, and their survival alive.
"This is the place of the forgotten," Sahaad said quietly, his voice carrying over the hum of the reactor. "The children who fell before us, the ones who didn't make it through the trials, and the comrades we've lost—all of them fuel our fight. And now Kato joins them."
The others nodded, their expressions hardening into resolve. Zara whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Together forever."
They lingered for a moment longer, the light from the reactor casting long shadows. This was more than a farewell—it was a reminder of the cost of their existence, of what the Federation demanded from its most loyal soldiers.
As they turned to leave, Sahaad led them out, his shoulders squared. Kato was gone, but he would be with them always, not just as a memory but as part of the very foundation of their power.
Halvex approached Sahaad as he began his leave, "I trust all went well?"
Sahaad nodded, a look of melancholy reflected on his face.
"The high council has been informed of this loss, and the princess would like to speak with you".
Sahaad followed Halvex in silence to the communication chamber, thinking of what the princess had to tell him.
The communication chamber was bathed in cold blue light as Sahaad stood before the hologram of the princess. Her regal figure shimmered with an aura of authority. Sahaad bowed deeply, his face stoic but his heart heavy.
Princess Regalia spoke, her voice calm but edged with a measured disappointment. "Commander Sahaad, your squad's actions against the Entil have provided the Federation with a critical advantage. The destruction of their main supply ship has set their war effort back significantly. For that, you have my gratitude."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Sahaad replied, his head still bowed.
Her expression darkened slightly. "However, this victory came at a cost. The death of an Imperator is no small matter. Kato's loss is regrettable, not only for the pain it has caused your squad but also for what it represents. The resources, the trials, the decades invested—it cannot be understated. Each Imperator lost is akin to losing an entire arm of the Federation."
Sahaad straightened, his gaze steady. "I understand, Your Grace."
"Do you?" she countered, leaning forward slightly in the hologram, her eyes sharp. "The Imperator program, for all its promise, has proven to be an unsustainable endeavor. Your success today, while commendable, is overshadowed by the inefficiency of your survival rate. This loss, commander, has brought clarity. I will move forward with the original decision to terminate the program."
Sahaad's heart sank, but his expression remained neutral. The princess continued, "Your squad will remain operational, but only until natural attrition claims the rest of you. No replacements will be made. Instead, you and your comrades will undergo another century of rigorous training to ensure your longevity."
Sahaad took a step forward, his voice firm but respectful. "Your Grace, if I may—this failure lies with me. Kato's death is my burden to bear. As their commander, it was my duty to ensure the safety and survival of every soldier under my command. I failed. If anyone is to be punished, it should be me."
The princess studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. "You assume much responsibility, Commander Sahaad. Admirable, but ultimately irrelevant. The Imperator program's flaws are systemic, not personal. Even the finest commanders cannot overcome the inherent inefficiencies of this project."
Sahaad's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Her tone softened slightly. "Your loyalty and sense of duty do not go unnoticed, Commander. You will continue to lead your squad until the end. That is all I ask of you now. And please do keep in mind I am no longer the princess of an empire, there is no more need for the honorifics"
The hologram flickered and then disappeared, leaving Sahaad alone in the dimly lit chamber. He stood there for a moment, his shoulders heavy with the weight of the conversation.
As he left the chamber, the faces of his comrades flashed in his mind—Zara's fiery determination, Nate's quiet strength, Ji's sharp wit, and Sia's stoicism. They were more than just soldiers; they were his family.
He had failed to understand this, but Kato's death made it all too clear in his head. The rest were taken as children, barely having hit puberty, and made to fight against the worst enemies of mankind. It was his duty as both a leader and an adult to protect what remained of them, no matter the cost.