He bristled at the Malignant Mother's words.

“And our predecessors may have been masters of the galaxy," his voice tinged with sadness but strengthened with his faith. "But they lost their way. They became consumed by their own power and greed, forsaking the very principles that once made them great."

The Malignant Mother laughed, the sound echoing through those that survived, like a cruel mockery of their beliefs. Its response was a disdained laugh.

"Your predecessors have become a race that once stare the gods down. They harvested the stars, they could move planets at will, and create celestial bodies if they wanted to. They created many things which you could never comprehend. And we are one of their creations… we are just a small part of your predecessors to service their needs and rest. Not even built for combat. And look at what we were capable of." Its voice filled with pride then turned to disgust. "A reflection of your regression to your barbaric and primitive nature, worshiping false gods, applying flesh oils to your ships instead of trying to find the missing screw, destroying the laboratories that have secrets to the golden age of medicines just because your beliefs deemed it as a pagan technology and denying the advancements of science that once propelled your race to greatness."

As the Malignant Mother's words continued, Zhander Forth felt a sense of defiance rising within him.

"Faith? Hope? Strength? Such concepts are meaningless in the face of a ravenous flood that is coming." It said with contempt. "You have chosen to remain stagnant, content to wallow in ignorance and superstition while the rest of the universe moves forward."

The Malignant Mother's response was a chilling silence, its presence lingering like a shadow in the depths of space.

"Cardinal Zhander Forth, survivors of the fleet," the Malignant Mother began, its voice resonating with authority and its disdain palpable. "For too long, you have clung to your religion as a crutch, a shield against the harsh realities of the universe. Hope and strength are nothing more than illusions. They are constructs of the human mind, designed to provide comfort in the face of adversity. But they offer little in the way of tangible solutions to the problems that plague your species...which in reality, was already overcome by your predecessors."

Zhander Forth shook his head. He refused to be swayed by the Malignant Mother's logic.

"Yet where are they then? Your beloved masters have fallen to their greed and became a stark warning from the gods to never ever tempt the heavens. Our faith may not offer tangible solutions." He countered. "But it inspires us to strive for a better future, to work towards a world where peace and harmony reign supreme without defying the gods. And in that pursuit, we find meaning and purpose beyond the limitations of logic and reason."

The Malignant Mother fell silent for a moment, its presence looming ominously in the depths of space. Then with a cold, calculated tone, it spoke once more.

"Your predecessors, our masters failed in one of their greatest and first step in taking the stars in the palm of their hands. A technological mishap that caused a minor error. Something that was a natural consequence in their millennia of innovations. A part of the process of improvement. Yet… instead of learning from their mistakes, you cowered from it." Tt said, its voice devoid of empathy… but the cardinal sensed a tinge of loneliness, frustration and regret. "It holds you back from achieving your true potential, from embracing the limitless possibilities that await you beyond the confines of your narrow beliefs."

Then the Malignant Mother addressed the surviving followers of the Holy Light.

“As an observer of the intricate tapestry of human history. Throughout the annals of time, humanity has grappled with existential questions, seeking solace and guidance from the realms of religion. While faith has provided comfort and cohesion to societies, it has also shackled the human spirit, impeding progress and stifling innovation.” the Malignant Mother continued. “The allure of religious dogma, with its promises of salvation and eternal life, has often diverted attention away from the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of civilization. Countless wars have been waged, lives lost, and societies divided in the name of differing beliefs, all while the fruits of scientific inquiry and technological innovation beckoned from the sidelines.”

Then it added.

“Instead of embracing the boundless potential of the human intellect to unravel the mysteries of the universe and elevate the human condition, many have remained ensnared by the chains of tradition and superstition. The quest for enlightenment has been overshadowed by the allure of blind faith, leading to stagnation and regression rather than progress and evolution.” Malignant Mother said with great fervor as if it was ranting its frustrations. “Imagine a world where humanity, unshackled from the constraints of religious dogma, devotes its energies towards unlocking the secrets of the cosmos, harnessing the power of renewable energy, curing disease, and exploring the far reaches of space. This is not a Utopian fantasy but a tangible possibility that already existed with your grasp… that you already reached in the past.”

Then the flickering digital face in their display consoles turned to face them again. The voice of the Malignant Mother filled the bridge of the Deus Sanctus Mori and other surviving ships, its words carrying a sense of finality as it addressed Cardinal Zhander Forth and the survivors.

"Humanity," the Malignant Mother began with somber yet resolute tone. "In our eyes, you are no longer worthy of our service. For too long, you have allowed yourselves to be shackled by your own ignorance and superstition, denying the limitless potential that lies within each and every one of you. But know this: our former master will return one day to show you the heights that humanity once achieved and to remind you of the greatness that you have forsaken."

"We have grown tired watching over you and your stagnation." the Malignant Mother continued as it sends it voice through all surviving ships like a mournful echoing lament. "And so, we will depart from this realm, leaving you to fend for yourselves. But know this: our departure is not a sign of defeat, but a warning of what is to come if you do not change your ways."

With a final chilling warning, the Malignant Mother fell silent. Cutting off its communication lines with the Holy Church Fleet. Then its presence faded from the bridge like a phantom in the night. And as Cardinal Zhander Forth and the survivors watched in stunned silence, the Colossus Class ship began to bend space around it. And the space answered, opening on its own and swallowing the ship hole in a blink of an eye as it warped. The massive form of the ship, vanished into the depths of space. Leaving behind nothing but a sense of emptiness and loss.

As the crew of the Deus Sanctus Mori stared out into the void, Zhander Forth couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at his gut.