Literature
> If I had a heart
'If
I had a heart, it would break'
The
impact of the Magog attack on Brandenburg
Tor cannot be overstated. At peace for 12 centuries
and with defense forces more accustomed to providing disaster
relief and marching in parades than fighting for survival,
the Commonwealth's citizens were utterly unprepared for
the advent of such a murderous foe. It fell to Triumvere
Spring Rivers Flowing to announce the annihilation of Brandenburg
Tor at the hands of the mysterious and terrifying Magog.
A venerable and respected diamond Than not normally noted
for her verbosity, Spring Rivers Flowing rose to the occasion
with a speech of profound solemnity and resolve that proved
instrumental in preparing the Commonwealth's citizens for
the hardships to come.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If I had tears, I would weep. If
I had a heart, it would break.
I
have never visited Brandenburg Tor, never seen its glittering
spires, its elegant orbital habitats, its soaring cloud
forests, or even one of its five million lakes. I have never
met any of its proud inhabitants, human and Nietzschean,
Perseid and Than, Ksarti and Borineek, all working side
by side in harmony on their breathtaking gem of a world.
I have never met them.
And now I never will.
Brandenburg Tor is no more. Its three billion citizens are
all dead or dying. Its cities lie in ruins. Its lakes are
fouled with blood. Its forests burn with unrelenting fire.
On the tenth day of Seknet, a previously unknown enemy invaded
Brandenburg Tor. These creatures, whom our military have
code-named the Magog, struck without warning. Brandenburg
Tor's Home Guard fought bravely, but, outnumbered a hundred
to one, they soon fell. The victorious Magog slaughtered
indiscriminately, feasting on the dead. They destroyed everything
they touched, burning and looting unchecked. Now Brandenburg
Tor is theirs, the despoiled prize of a cowardly and brutal
attack.
But this aggression will not stand. This brutality will
not go unchecked. And the people of Brandenburg Tor will
not go unavenged.
Even as I speak to you, the brave sentients of the High
Guard venture forth to do battle with this new and dangerous
foe. With them go our hopes and our prayers. The High Guard
will not rest- WE will not rest until this threat to our
lives and our liberty has been expunged. Until the citizens
of the Systems Commonwealth can enjoy the blessings of Peace
once more.
May Infinity embrace the departed souls of Brandenburg Tor.
May Fate guide and protect the brave members of the High
Guard. And may Destiny shine on us all.
Long live the Systems Commonwealth!
|