Fiction:Second Borealis Galactic War/Original/Wrath of Gods/Prologue

This is the prologue of the Wrath of Gods.

The Shards
Zargoth and had been sucked everyone into a realm where zargoth made his proposition. UNOL were in; as well as the Rogue Leedas; drones; 's  and ;  and  of the  were present; Terella of the ;  of the ;  and ; ;  of the ; the  leaders,, , ,  and ; and other random Borealis inhabitants.

The realm shook. The fabrics of the blank realm began to shake, and everyone could move again.

Zargoth - ''Nothing affects me...NOTHING BUT TIME! And this has been a long time...'' Hachi - I dunno whats goin on, but I think that guy is pissed Baptarion - You think?! Terella - ''This is bad.. this is very bad!'' Zargoth - I feel...hatred...anger...a sense for vengeance...I have not felt this way before...or have I? I will make this galaxy SUFFER!!! Apalos - You know that when the emotionless lord of time becomes angry that there is really something up. Dakster - ''You've lost, Zargoth! BEGONE!'' Tyraz - ''Hmph, now you know what it is like to feel mortal. You are no god.'' Terella tapped her ear, but no signal.

Zargoth prepared a massive blast of Chronoscopic energy, using a huge crystal, and infusing it with his own energy.

Zargoth - DIE!!! Kolossus - Suffer, for your INSOLENCE!

Everyone's eyes widened. Zargoth aimed at everyone behind UNO. As the realm shook more, there was no escape. Zargoth began to fire...

Dakster - NOOOO!!!!!

Dakster rushed straight into the crystal, and the collision caused a massive explosion. The crystal split in 7 pieces. When the Apalos drones went to recover the shards, they were destroyed in the explosion, and by Kolossus.

Volim - Ugh, my eyes! Fre'kloar - WOOOOAH Zargoth - ''Damnit...7 shards. If they get those shards, then they'll be able to save themselves...a pity, I guess.'' Kolossus - Should we not get the shards, master?

Zargoth thought for a second.

Zargoth - ''No. I want them to suffer. And I'll give them time to squabble amongst themselves and kill each other that way.'' Kolossus - ''Very well. At least the little bug is dead for good.'' Zargoth looked at Dakster's corpse, and nodded. He then continued his rage. Terella - May the Lifefather's grace shame both of you! Zargoth - ''YOUR GALAXY WILL BE PLAGUED BY TIME ANOMALIES. I WILL DESTROY IT!!!''

Zargoth and Kolossus left the shattering realm. One of the shards then flew past Fre'kloar.

Fre'kloar - ''woah dat wus sik. oh look a shard fingy'' Grak'tona - nah man ITS MINE DA KING GETS DA SHINY STOOF Hagto'Zhl - NO DUMBOS I SAW IT FURST Grak'tona - ''OI. TELL YA WAT. IMMA RACE YA. DA WINNA GETS DA SHARD'' Hagto'Zhl - ''SUR IMMA RACE YAS. IM FASTA DAN YOO BOFF'' Terella - Anyone noticed how this fighting is what he wanted? Fre'kloar - ITS MINE FUK OFF Hagto'Zhl - SHUT UP FRE'KLOAR YA MOMS DUM

The Rogue Boyz all went straight through the fabrics, following the shards. Everyone thought they'd die in deep space, but they all got in fighter jets and began racing.

Yogtam - ''We NEED those shards! If not, our galaxy's done for! Do you know how powerful Zargoth is? He made the Xi'Arazulha look weak!'' Baptarion - Damnit, get the shards on the ground fast, we'll take the Loron's one later!

Another shard flew straight past Geltastra. Hachi ran towards Geltastra to grab the shard, but slipped and landed on his face. Geltastra got the artifact with her tentacles and laughed.

Geltastra - I'm afraid I must take care of this... Terella - Hand it over bitch or we are all dead! Geltastra - ''You? Yes. Me? No. Hahahaha!  Hachi - ''E-Excuse me, miss...w-we kinda n-need that... Terella - All of us are dead as the galaxy is torn apart, do you realyl want that?

Geltastra left, laughing maniacally. All shards had gone through the realm's fabrics, but one.

Vekaron - I can see one over there...next to Valzo. Valzo - I'll get us one shard...we'll be safe! Valzo grabbed the shard. Xerkea - Good stuff. Valzo - Yes...with one out of seven, perhaps we can slow Zargoth still. Terella - I still see little means of escape from here. Baptarion - ''We'll find a way. If the Loron did, we also can.''

At that moment, Valzo was stabbed in the neck, and then his throat was cut. His body was mutilated, and Sollow then licked his knife. Sollow grabbed the artifact and took it back to Falrik.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Every man for himself! If we're not forceful enough taking things from others, we don't get them!''

Terella growled and pulled out her fusion pistol. Everyone else was startled, and Feldosia began to weep.

Baptarion - What in name of Spode...! Xerkea - What the! Feldosia - NOOOO!!! Hachi - DAFUQ?! Tyraz - Valzo, no! *draws his Firesword Volim - ''Thank you for the shard, goody-goods. We'll be on our way now.'' Terella - We all need those artifacts, Falrik! Zr'Ahgloth - AFTA DEM DUNT JUS STAND STILL

Terella fired a pulse from her pistol. The pulse was directed around Falrik. Falrik laughed, reminding her it doesn't work and nothing can hit him. Feldosia turned into her dark form, and everyone ran into Zaarkhun's direction.

Feldosia - YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!

Genrai Nal kicked Feldosia down, and the BCN disappeared through the realm's fabrics.

Baptarion - Damnit... Zelfron II - They got away... Terella - NOOOOOOO!!

Terella collapsed to her hands and knees. Feldosia cried as she returned to normal. Tyraz stood still, as if in a state of trauma. Zelfron II of the Divinarium was still completely silent.Terella's breathing was broken with deep growls.

Kralgon Emperor - ''It's okay, Feldosia. I'll make sure your child knew who his father was and what a great man he was.'' Tyraz - ''Falrik... I swear one day you and you and your cronies will all have your HEADS ON MY WALL!''

And then, a single Vague went to the group.

Vague - Zargoth's control over us...has dimished considerably. Tuolog - Vague are...free now? Vague - ''Almost. We still have a mission. Destroy Zargoth, no matter what.'' Tuolog - Well...you help us now? Vague - ''Yes. We lost our best man in this place, and we have been tortured for too long.''

The Vague fired its gun, creating a portal.

Vague - You can leave through this portal. Tuolog - ''But you still have the Prodigal Son. We can still win this. I glad you on our side.'' Hachi - ''Whoa, Vague are on our side now? I'm really confused!'' Vague - ''The portal will take you all to Grenzaar. We'll meet again, when we fight Zargoth's forces.''

The Vague disappeared. Tuolog nodded, and went through. UNOL went through the portals. Terella looked up and snarled.

Terella - ''What are we waiting for? I have a few pirates to behead!'' Vekaron - You and me both, Terella.

Vekaron, Xerkea, Zelfron and Baptarion all went through as well.

Hachi - Hey wait for me! Baptarion - Come on, slowpoke.

Hachi tripped through behind Baptarion, who pushed him into the portal. Terella brough up the courage to stand up and marched through the portal, but then, she looked back towards Tyraz.

Terella - Lord Breek?

Lord Breek stood still, motionless.

Terella - Lord Breek, we have to go.

Tyraz looked to Terella and budged past her, a blood red glint in his eye. Terella followed him through the portal, smiling slightly.

Plan of Action
Onboard Grenzaar...

Yogtam - It's huge, isn't it? Baptarion - Indeed. Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes. Grenzaar is one beautiful space station, larger than most planets.''

Everyone looked around.

Terella - ''It's like Araveene... only a station.'' Zelfron - Impressive. Kralgon Emperor - But we need a plan of action. Hachi - E-Excuse me...are there any g-girls here?

They all gathered round a table, ready to discuss. The Apalos drones had already left.

Vekaron - ''All we know is that the Loron, the Chosen and the BCN have shards. The other 4 are missing.'' Yogtam - ''We need to grab those shards quickly. I'm sure Zargoth will send something at us. But in the meantime, we have to go for the shards we know. I say, go for the Loron's shard first.'' Tyraz - I would be glad to... Zr'Ahgloth - yeh man i wanna smak dat prik Xerkea - Go for the easiest first, heh. Terella - Since we are dealing with the crafts of the gods, I sa we call the inuisition for support. Baptarion - That would be good, Terella.

Zr'Ahgloth shook his head at Xerkea.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''yoo dum? loronz ent eesy. we is propa tuff geezas an propa strong...i wuld be careful if i was yoo.  Tyraz - I would listen to Zr'Ahgloth, we have...come to blows before.'' Terella - I hear they are good at keeping immensely powerful items secret. Xerkea - ''Bah. Just have some good ranged guns and we win.'' Hachi - ''I heard Inquisition girls kick ass! They'd be a great help to us!'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''its not dat simple. most of da loronz is resistant ta ranged attaks an stoof nao. especially da rogue boyz i dunno how.'' Tuolog - Hehehe...I have an idea.

Tuolog chuckled to himself.

Tuolog - ''We give Fre'kloar a scare. Get Gratz'kaoz on him.'' Vekaron - You mean that gigantic thing we saw when we fought for that Andromedan artifact? Tuolog - ''Yes. I teleport him in there, he causes massive chaos and distraction, then I take artifact straight from them.'' Yogtam - ''From the reports we have from Gratz'kaoz, he cannot be controlled like this. Not even Zaarkhun managed to control him with the artifact.'' Tuolog - ''Not difficult. Teleport him in, when we done, teleport him out.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''WAIT. ISNT HE DED THO?'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''DATS ANUVA FING. I DUNT FINK KOLOSSUS WILL ALLOW YOO TO JUS TELEPORT GRATZ AROUND'' Tuolog - ''Kolossus busy. He not available to intervene''. Zr'Ahgloth - hur...i still fink dis is a dum idea Tuolog - ''Don't worry. Trust me.''

Royal Jewelry
As the Rogue Loron escaped Zargoth's dimension, they kept racing each other for the shard. Eventually, however, won the race - when  crashed into an asteroid and 's ship was sot down by Fre'kloar's - and took the artifact for himself. While the allied forces of Order did not know how exactly they escaped, it was actually who let them escape. As the Leedas returned to the Propa Big Rogue Krooza, they discussed their own future.

- ''so da whole pmc fingys basically ded cus Zaarkhun got pwned. guess we shuld go bak ta bein Rogue Boyz nao'' - ...Or we could still have da Thugz Fer Dosh as a subsidiary of Da Rogue Boyz, allowing us to be our own empire but with a foce of mercenaries getting us rich.

The Leedas thought, and accepted the idea. Thugz Fer Dosh would remain on activity, under the command of a new Warboss. Meanwhile, Fre'kloar stared at the Chronoscopic shard. He could feel an immense power from it. Merely touching it made him feel powerful...

But it was no time for that. Da Rogue Boyz knew the forces of Order wanted the shard, and would take the opportunity to smash them to bits.

Grak'tona - LETS LEEV SUM MESSAGES ON DA UNIVERSAL DISCUSSION BOARD SO WE CAN TAUNT DEM AN RUB OUR SHARD OVA DEIR FACES HURHURHURHUR

Little did they knew that calling so much attention to themselves would only bring them difficulties...

Project Armageddon
Emperor Vhezari of the watched the attack on the Zoles fail. He was already expecting this. Since the time of the First Great War, the Seagon pretended to be "friends" of the Wranploer, but this was because they couldn't afford pirates and looters disturbing their works. The Seagons had always been secretive about their motives, even to their "allies".

It was then that Seargent Manulin, master of the Seagon's military, entered the Emperor's shrine with an artifact found by his men. One of the Chronoscopic shards. Vhezari grabbed the shard and was amazed, and started pondering. This could be the power source he was needed.

Vhezari - ''Tell me, Seargent. Do you know about "Project Armageddon"?'' Manulin - ...I'm afraid not, your highness.

The Seagon's technology descended from Cold One artifacts which once made up great part of their homeworld. Because of this, the Seagon's technology surpassed everyone else's in the galaxy, even the Zoles at their might. However, the Seagon always lacked numbers, and couldn't enter a full war without suffering heavy losses. Project Armageddon would be the end of this problem.

Project Armageddon was originally a galactic-wide weapon that the Cold Ones used to destroy a large portion of the Grox during their way. Said weapon also caused the galaxy to become colder, which gave it its current name of Borealis. What if the Seagon could use such powerful weaponry? The entire galaxy would kneel before their power, and they would no longer pretend they were friends of those disgusting pirates.

The shard was the missing part: the power source. The weapon would be completed, and Seagon domination would ensue, no matter what.

Growing Biomass
The 's motives were a mystery to all. Since their first attacks on Da Rogue Boyz, the Alvino swarmed across the Arm of Knowledge, rivalling the Chosen in terms of damage caused. Many minor civilizations fell for them and were turned into biomass to create more drones.

One of the Shards fell on the Alvino homeworld of Viniaris. A tentacle quickly wrapped aroud it, and took it closer. It was a tentacle of the vile Brood Mother, master of the Brood. After inspecting the shard, the Brood Mother started to go underground, to a cave located kilometers from the surface. This cave was a completely synthetic laboratry, where a few Alvino drones worked. The Brood Mother contacted someone from there...

Brood Mother- Master Regnatus...

A hologram appeared. It looked at the Brood Mother like if it was a mere tool.

Regnatus - What do you desire, experiment?

The Brood Mother showed him the shard. Regnatus was interested.

Regnatus - ''It is...of no use to you. I, on the other hand, could use it quite well...''

But Regnatus thought again. He knew what these artifacts could do. He knew of the time anomalies in the galaxy, but these Alvino did not. Regnatus explained some details to them, and then decided to tell them more. He told them about the in the.

Brood Mother - Xenoform...could make good soldiers. Regnatus - ''Yes. Create a time anomaly of your own, and assimilate them. Then, deliver it to me.''

The Alvino had a master, and he was called "Regnatus"...but who was him?

A Father's Hatred
Speaking of Hostile Xenoform Threat...

The, led by - father of the  - had also managed to recover a shard. The leader quickly became excited, and he consulted an AI.

Roshisiz - Am I correct in thinking we have acquired one of the shards? Assistant AI - Yes, master. Roshisiz - And am I also correct in thinking it can bring back my son's Kralgon invasion Force, the Empire of the Kralgons, and more? Assistant AI - You are.

Roshisiz laughed.

Roshisiz - Then bring them back, and kill my son!

As the Assistant AI began preparing the shard and setting a course for Ottzello, Roshisiz thought again.

Roshisiz - No, I have a better idea...

And the course was set for the Zoles homeworld.

To Unleash Hell
Geltastra returrned to her capital with the Shard, in company of and. They travelled to a volcanic area, where two cliffs met with a river of lava in-between them. Above these cliffs, two blood-red eyes watched, engulfed in a black fog. .

Geltastra showed the zombie the Shard, who stared at it, silently. Marigrax suddenly became agitated, and descended into the lava, slowly disappearing in it. Marigrax's body then emerged, and he grabbed the Shard for himself.

Marigrax - For long I've been sucking the energy off these cultists to create the rift...but this artifact, it makes the cultists' prayers look like nothing.

The demon channeled his energies on the Shard, making it float above him. His power grew at each second, and the earth shook.

Marigrax - ''At last, the final part of my plan can begin. I will open a rift to Inferno Realm in this galaxy, and free all demons of the Legion into it. It will be the start of a new March of the Apocalypse...a new Scourge, starting from HERE!''

The Chosen were not kidding around...

The New Purging
In the 's homeworld of Mirras, several Dronox Commanders entered 's chamber, giving him something they found: a Chronoscopic shard. The King looked at it and smiled menacingly, apparently being familiar with such artifacts.

Mirras III entered Mac's prison, the Taldar being startled at the sight of the Shard. Mac struggled, trying to free himself from the machine he was in, but it was all in vain. It was then that the spaceship-like hologram appeared once again, and looked at the Shard.

??? - ...Another one...sufficient.

The hologram looked at Mirras III, and only gave one order.

??? - All Grox, prepare for the purging.

The hologram disappeared, Mirras III letting out a maniacal laugher, while leaving the room. The last time a "purging" happened, the Grox dominated the Inner Core region...and now, they wanted to extend their domain...

To Defy Gods
Aboard the, , , , , and got together to discuss the plan.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I was expecting after the attack failed, I was expecting to have bad news. But I have nothing but good news.'' Volim - ''Good news? The galaxy knows of our connection, these time anomalies are destroying our territory, and we failed to defeat the Zoles.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''The War Economy in the Arm of Wilderness is reigning and continuing to grow at the same pace. We can't break the Arm of Knowledge market, but this market...it's like nothing happened. Plus, the time anomalies cause damage that demands for PMC protection, the threats they bring demand for PMC hits, as well as all the other technology companies - including our own - are required. We will get rich.''

Zaarkhun showed them that he'd weighed the damages against the profits, and the profits more than made up for any damage. Zaarkhun also pinpointed the empires who had a shard, which his spies had learnt.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Seven shards. We have one. If we collect them all, I have a plan...''

Zaarkhun spoke of his plan. Volim and Torrent at one point; when they heard of Zaarkhun's plan they were excited. And then, Zaarkhun spoke of another part of the plan, a part that he was just as excited about as they were with theirs.

What were the Consortium up to?

Extradimensional Reaction


Since the defeat of the Xi'Arazulha 3 years prior, was not heard from again. They were actually ignoring the galaxy, finding its conflicts insignificant and unworthy of their interest. However, one the eyes of the Junction Hive Mind were turned to their sector, their avatar remained watching the war. Since the Junction arrived at Borealis, they had made a deal with the Vyro'Narza of protecting the stars of the Ottzello Sector from outside damage. Ottzello's temporary quarantine was actually seen as a benefict, as no one could enter to damage the stars the Junction had promised to defend.

However, something was chaning. Time anomalies were appearing on the Grim Reaper Sector, causing damage to the hive mind. Zargoth's power was so vast it disturbed the Junction Mind, something that had not happened since the Annihilation. With a rampaging Ultraterrestrial on the run, the Junction saw it was time to intervene. The gargantuan avatar of the junction Mind, the beast known as, took control over an armada of Assimilator-class ships and prepared to teleport through his Planet Fortress. The Junction fleet set their path to Grenzaar, where the leaders of the empires were still located. The avatar wanted to pay them a personal visit...

Back into Grenzaar, the group was discussing their upcoming assault on the Loron. The plan was to attack fast, before the Loron could learn how to use the shard to their advantage. Zelfron II contacted his superiors, and a hologram of Andorrus joined the discussion.

Yogtam - ''Apparently they have revealed their shard in the Universal Discussion Board some moments ago. Sometimes I cannot grasp their stupidity.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Then...that gives me an idea. Can someone message Apalos?'' Terella - I can do that.

Terella walked away from the group and sent a message to Apalos to come to the station. An Apalos ship teleported into the meeting some seconds after.

Tralkik Commander - I'm detecting some sort of interference in my signals...probably nothing. Tuolog - ''It funny. Same time as you I detected something weird.'' Apalos - What is this meeting about? Vekaron - ''Greetings, Apalos. We're discussing the attack on Da Rogue Boyz for the Chronoscopic shard.'' Tuolog - ''Apalos, greetings. Thanks for help earlier, and sorry drones were destroyed. Assumikng you in contact with your drones you know what happened.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes, Apalos, I have an idea. You know about the Rogue Boyz advertising their shard on the UDB?'' Apalos - ''Yes, we are aware of what happened. It is not a tragedy that the drones were destroyed; our consciousness is seperate from them, so it is no greater loss than you would find losing some skin cells, and yes; we follow the discussions on the board.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Excellent. The Rogue Boyz aren't the brightest lot; can you trace their message back to the source?'' Apalos - ''Easily. It'll take about a minute or so to get the information from the relay station AIs; I'll send them a request now.''

The Tralkik Commander and Tuolog held their heads, apparently suffering some sort of headache.

Tralkik Commander - ''...The interference is back. I can hear a thousand voices in my head.'' Tuolog - So do I...and I sure it not just because we share consciousness, Tralkik Commander... Andorrus - ''Hm. This is strange. Some supernatural force must be in action in this galaxy.'' Terella - *peers over* Is there--

Suddenly, the sky was darkened with a fleet of Junction Assimilators. The group was startled, Vekaron and Xerkea screaming in fear.

Vekaron - Oh no...not "them"! Andorrus - ''I was right. More or less.'' Tuolog - It them... Terella - I take it this is not good!

Next to the group, a gigantic portal was formed, and a large silver-armored creature appeared from it. Andorrus looked at the creature and shivered for a second before returning to his normal state. Terella gripped the handle of her sword, while

Hachiman - ''BIG! BIG! BIG!'' Terella - What do you want... Andorrus - ...It is my duty to inform you that the most prudent course of action in this situation of high danger is complete retreat accompanied by screaming likened to that of young pre-adolescent females. Tuolog - So you the one they call "Silver Death"...

The being looked around, its eyes shining green.

??? - ''Names are irrelevant. I am the Mind, and the Mind is me.''

All suffered a strong headache from the being, its extreme psychic powers being unlike anyone on there had ever seen. Baptarion and the Tralkik Commander glitched at its mere presence, having to back away. The soldiers arond the group aimed their weapons at it, not that it cared. Silver Death approached the group, looking closely at Tuolog. Andorrus remained silent.

Silver Death - ''Heat mass classified as "Efferenus substantia". The Mind wants answers.'' Tuolog - ''We apologize for lack of formal greeting or introduction. But most likely you know who we are.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes, as he said, you most likely know us. But if you want to know about the "efferenus susbantia", then we have answers to your questions.''

Silver Death stared at the Emperor, frowning.

Silver Death - ''Heat mass classified as "Kralgona militaris". Do not interrup me.''

The Emperor nodded. None of UNOL showed much fear, even if some of them were nervous. Silver Death stared at Tuolog again. Finally overcoming his fear, Andorrus dared to speak to the Junction synth.

Andorrus - Is my assumption is correct that you are "them", a highly advanced Borealis civilisation with technology level equal to Andromedan ancients, and your current goals involve cooperation with the Andromeda, Apalos and Borealis, against the Ultraterrestrial threat? Silver Death - ''The name "them" is used by the natives to refer to us. But to us, names are irrelevant, so no longer bother me, heat mass classified as "Imperio bardus".'' Zr'Ahgloth - STOP NAMING DERE TAXONS MAN CALL DEM BY DA NORMAL NAMES YOO DUM GEEK

Silver Death roared, launching Zr'Ahgloth meters away, slamming him against a wall. Zr'Ahghloth fell down, badly damaged. Silver Death then looked at Tuolog again.

Silver Death - ''You know why the fabrics of this galaxy are shaking. The Mind is disturbed, and demands answers.'' Tuolog - ''I see. Well, I provide answers. But I not sure exactly what answers you looking for. The fabrics of galaxy shake due to the "time anomalies". There imbalance in spacetime continuum around Borealis, which was done purposeful by Zargoth. He not only prevent time anomalies being fixed, but he cause some himself. Other time anomalies appear randomly due to his actions.'' Silver Death - Zargoth...identified as Vyro'Ralza, Ultraterrestrial, threat level high...Must be eliminated. Terella - There are no arguments there.

Silver Death turned his head to Terella.

Silver Death - Heat mass classified as "Fterosaurus sapiens"...your kind interest the Mind. Terella - ...Excuse me? Silver Death - ''The one you call "Drakon". He is relevant to the Mind's interests.''

Terella looked at Silver Death with some confusion as to why he would be so interested in the Draconis' deity. The synth's eye shined green yet, and after two seconds, it came back to normal.

Silver Death - By my analysis you don't seem to know what I search for...disconsider my statement. Terella - I know you talk about drakon, I jsut don't understand why he would interest you. Silver Death - ''It is better this way. *looks at Tuolog again* Where can we find this Zargoth?'' Tuolog - ''Zargoth cloud his location from spacetime. I not know where or how to find him. But I do know that, if we obtain 7 shads, we able to access his realm and destroy it.'' Silver Death - My analysis on this plan has a 80% chance of failure. Terella - I have always believed that probability is not entirely reliable. Zr'Ahgloth - SHOV YOR ANALYSIS UP YA ASS MAN WEZ GONNA BATTA DEM

Silver Death became annoyed, and grabbed Zr'Ahgloth on his enormous hand, slowly crushing him. He then slammed the Loron against the ground, leaving him unconscious and near dead.

Tuolog - Forgive him... Andorrus - I must admit that "Silver Death"'s analysis is correct: obtainment of shards will require high amount of natural and supernatural aid. Silver Death - My questions are answered, so I have no more purpose to be here.

The portal formed once again. Silver Death's eyes shined red.

Silver Death - Dare not stand on our path, or suppression will be ensued. Tuolog - Wait a second!

Silver Death looked at Tuolog.

Tuolog - I make you an offer. Silver Death - ...State your intentions.

A few Ioketa appeared next to Tuolog.

Tuolog - ''If you want combat these time anomalies, understanding of spacetime continuum and Essence powers very helpful.  Xerkea - You're offering your own people for him?'' Tuolog - ''These just clones. They also not have thoughts of their own.''

Silver Death and the Ioketa entered the portal, which close right after. The Junction fleet left the planet. Terella continued to stay speechless, she eventually gained the courage to speak weakly.

Vekaron - Well...that was very scary. Andorrus - ''If supernatural help is required, then the Divinarium can give you support. Not in numbers. But in one person.'' Tuolog - Divinarium support appreciated. Xerkea - One person won't make much difference. Terella - It said that they had an interest in Drakon... Tuolog - I think I know why Junction interested in Drakon. Terella - You do?

Tuolog nodded.

Apalos - ''The AI Netspace also has some Essence technology. We would have mentioned it before, but since the Netspace is unlikely to dedicate many resources to a galaxy not under their watch, we would rather not give the Mind any reason to try to assimilate us while we are their only representatives here. And before you ask, yes, we have identified the source of the transmissions that you invited here us here because of.'' Tuolog - ''Excellent, Apalos. You have results? Apalos - I can send the coordinates to your ships now if you wish. Tuolog - ''Please. Also, you project them here to us?''

Apalos displayed a hologram of the galaxy with the transmission's source highlighted.

Vekaron - Hm...that's in the remains of the Arm of Memories. Tuolog - ''That ship. They call it, "Propa Big Rogue Krooza". Very deadly considering.'' Xerkea - ''We'll have to pass through a couple of Loron worlds before we get there. Good, more of them to bomb.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''i warn yoo tho. considerin all fings da rogue boyz hav numbas. but deir numbas ent da scary fing. da scary fing is deir strengf. wen yoo giv rogue boyz da gunz frum da war economy yoo got yaself a formidabel foe.''

It seemed as though there wasn't much else to discuss.

Apalos - Are there any future plans that need to be considered, or will all focus be on this shard for now? Tuolog - For now, we defend our territory, come up with ways to combat time anomalies, but mostly focus on shard. Terella - ''I informed the Inquisition of our situation. They told me that they would be sending someone with 'experience' on godlike beings.'' Apalos - ''Of course, but it should not hurt to consider what else needs to be done in future... unless you are in such a rush that no time should be wasted. In that case, you should leave as soon as possible.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Just to be sure, Apalos, could you perhaps trace the surce of any Thugz Fer Dosh adverts you see? That could point us to some important Loron worlds, at least regarding their networkings and all. If we disable these, it could give us an edge.'' Apalos - I will inform the relay station AIs and other sources that could help and tell them all to transmit any findings to your databases. Yogtam - ''That's good. If we need you, can you possibly aid our forces at times?'' Apalos - ''Perhaps. We will have to see. We may visit some of these "time anomalies" and see what information we can get from them.''

Terella - Tuolog, can I speak wih you privately? Tuolog - You may.

The two walked away grom the group, who were still discussing the invasion.

Terella - You said you might know why the Junction are interested in Drakon. Tuolog - I have predictions. Terella - Are you suggesting that he may be, well, real?

Tuolog nodded.

Tuolog - I know this. Terella - How can you be so sure? Tuolog - ''I can see all of spacetime continuum and dimensions, remember? I know if there an extradimensional being who matches a mythological one in ways.'' Terella - And you think the Junction are also aware? Tuolog - That my theory. Terella - ''Thank you for your insight. I'm not entirely sure what to say about this...'' Tuolog - ''I may be able to tell you more later if you interested. But now not the time.'' Terella - Yes, of course...

Continued in A Desperate Search.