Hours later and they were heading to the base of the city. Going to the very bottom of the giant metropolis, they had to take a very circuitous route. It was the first time that Timothy got to see how life grew more difficult with each level they went down. Fine clothes and people with excellent health gave way to rags and people with sores covering their bodies. They reached the level from where he came. He had hoped to never again have to come this way and his skin immediately began to itch.

Why did The Emperor allow people to live like this?

Why were some so much better off than others?

He tried to scrub such thoughts from his mind for he knew it could lead to the power of chaos.

They cheered by all that saw them. Himself and Audrey, especially were now heroes to the impoverished masses.

After going through narrow tunnels for what seemed an epoch, they reached the elevator that would bring they them even further down into the abyss. Audrey informed the troops to prepare their weapons. Timothy was unsure about what to expect. They readied their weapons. The door of the lift slowly opened.

They were met by a horrendous smell. In the distance, ratis scurried away. His wheelchair slipped and slided in the filth on the ground.

It was time to take charge.

“Establish a perimeter!”

The troops quickly fanned out.

“So what now?” Audrey enquired.

“First, we’ll secure this area. The reports of Chaos come from a settlement some distance away but it’s imperative to secure our rear before an assault.”

To question The Emperor is to embrace Chaos and certain death – The Emperor

Timothy had never expected to meet the Governor, even if he managed to live an eternity. And yet, here he was standing just a few feet away from him. The Governor was The Emperor’s direct representative in the megacity. It was like being that much closer to God himself.

The room was large and cavernous, with murals of The Emperor on the walls and ceilings. The Governer, himself looked old and frail, with long white hair and he was adorned with jewelry. It was rumored that he had been one of the first inhabitants of this world. He was flanked by two Imperial Guardsmen.

“Thank you for your attendance. I watched your battle with great interest. You both fought bravely. The Emperor would indeed be proud.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I’m afraid that you have been summoned under difficult circumstances. Our world now faces its darkest hour. There are whispers that the forces of chaos have entered the bottom of the city and are already beginning to infect The Emperor’s subjects. The disease will spread up the layers of the city and The Emperor will be forced to exterminate all life on the planet. But you two have strong minds. That was the purpose of the games, to extricate the best from the general population. Strong and fearless minds are required to stop the corruption of chaos.

You will now carry out an exterminatus, kill all those you suspect of disloyalty to The Emperor. You, Tomothy are being given control of one hundred troopers. Audrey, if he dies or you suspect chaos, you are to assume command. You leave in two hours.

“Thank you, Guardian.”

Every day is a good day for you to die – The Emperor

Timothy thought that he was ready for anything. But when Timothy woke the morning of the battle the room was already shaking as sounds reverberated through. All he could do was wait the few minutes and listen till his Da arrived to get him up.

“What’s happening?”

“Everything is okay. The crowd is already building in the stadium. It’s already almost completely full, they say. The noise is so loud that it transmits through the structures of the city and that is what you are feeling now. The level of excitement is incredible. No matter what happens today son, I am so proud of you son.”

The next few hours went by in something of a haze for Timothy. Fortunately, his plans were already in place and all the preparation had already been done. He made sure to take the time to speak to each of his fighters.

“Trust in the plan. We will get through this.”

Some, such as Audrey looked back at him with steely determination. With others, such as Caoimhne you could sense the fear. Still, he trusted all to do their duty.

Finally, it came time to leave.

There were met by huge crowds each corner they turned, that roared their love. Some of the women even through their bras at them. But Timothy kept his concentration on what he would ultimately be facing. The exultation could wait.

Gargantuans love tearing humans to pieces. It’s like a pasttime to them. They enjoy playing with their food – General Mudd

Timothy was relaxing on his bed. It was so much more comfortable at this level just like everything else. There was now just one time cycle away from going to battle. His preparation and research were now complete. Within the next two hours he would divulge his plans to his battle group. They would either agree to follow his battle plans to the letter or they would die.

There was then a small knock on the door, and he heard a quiet but recognizable voice. It was Caoimhne asking if she could come in. She always spoke so softly.

“Enter.”

She was in her manual wheelchair and only just about managed to push the door open.

“I was feeling.. I don’t know.”

“It’s alright, the big battle is not too far off, I understand.”

“Can I lay down next to you?”

“Yeah, sure.”

It was a large double bed so there was enough space. He had only shared his bed for sex though and he found his heart had started beating that bit faster.

She elegantly parked parallel to the other side of the bed before maneuvering herself on to it

“These really are so comfortable. I just wanted to be with someone. Tomorrow, one or both of us may be dead.”

“You shouldn’t think like that.”

“You know, I’ve never kissed someone. I know women are sent into you and the rest lads of the battles. They are usually so beautiful. I’d really like to experience it. Can I kiss you?

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

With that, she leaned towards and kissed. Then she wrapped her arms around him till it was time for the battle plan.

There is no such thing as good or evil, only servitude to your God – The Emperor

They were permitted just one visit to the legendary Groak stadium prior to their battle. It was not surprising. The stadium was much more famous for its glorious battles and raucous atmosphere than the planet itself and was well-known throughout the quadrant. Huge masses of people visited it every day even when it was not in use.

Timothy was mesmerized by what he saw. The stands were sheer like a cliff face and stretched upwards as far as he could see. The battle area was extensive. He noted that the surface was sandy, probably to suit the Gargantuan but it made it difficult for their wheels. They would need to change to tracks.

Some of the group started to pace around the battleground, making sure they understood its proper scale. Like a well-oiled machine they then all gathered in the center for a battle talk.

Audrey was the first to chime in.

“So, what’s the plan Timothy?”

“Space, we must use this huge battlefield to our advantage. That and work together. On our own we are nothing but as Omega we can destroy anybody. Yes, this Gargantuan is terrifying but so are we. This is our opportunity for glory and a life that we could never have imagined.”

Then the chanting began.

“Omega, omega!”

Timothy let the chanting reverberate through him. He looked at those around him and wondered if any would survive.

The Gargantuan world is bereft of Civilization due to their ferocity. But they escape extermination only due to my admiration – The Emperor.

It was like a different planet. They had come from darkness and sickness. But here, the tunnels were lit brightly, and they were spacious with marble floors. Even, the simple act of breathing was different on this level. There was no filth or dust in the air. Timothy noticed that his father had even stopped coughing. People were more beautiful on this level too; they all had their teeth and were dressed in immaculate white or navy robes. Nobody looked old.

Timothy noticed that they were lauded wherever they went. Crowds would reach out to touch them as they yelled and screamed their adoration. It made him feel awkward and unworthy. Their previous battles had been watched, even here at this high level.

They were provided with a new camp close to the Groak Stadium. It was the only place where they could talk together as a group.

“So how are you all finding Level 1?” Timothy asked.

“Incredible.”

“Like a dream.”

“Heaven.”

He nodded in agreement as he looked around at their new base. It even had windows where you could see the purple sky surrounding distant mountains.

The fight was due to take place in five time-cycles. There was much preparation that needed to be done. First, they would need to see the fighting arena though.

The Emperor is your God. You must suffer for his glory – The Emperor

Timothy was still sleeping when the boom of the speakers called all fighters to the ready hall. He had been practicing new combat maneuvers long into the allotted sleeping time and was now late getting up. Unusually, he could sense excitement in what was usually a drone like voice. Just a minute later his Da entered his quarters.

“There’s a lot of excitement out there. We need to get up fast.”

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know son, but it’s big, really big.”

By the time he managed to get dressed and into the wheelchair, there were already roars of “Omega, Omega”.

He raced into the main hall. There was a euphoric atmosphere.

He reached his group, who looked more forlorn and serious than the rest.

“What is it?”

“We’re to battle Gargantuans on Level 1,” Caoimhne sobbed.

He felt his pulse race. Gargantuan were legendary creatures from a neighboring star system. They were huge and loved tearing humans to pieces. But was it fear or excitement that he was feeling, he was unsure. He also sensed an opportunity. The fight would be on Level 1 and the battle would be in the great Croak Stadium that could hold over a hundred thousand spectators. This could change all their lives forever. He just wondered if the others would be up to the task.

Then he roared out “Glory to the Omega”.

If nothing else, it would be a glorious death.