Fiction:Dark Times/Year Three

"My plan is far from complete."

As the 's growth began to slow down and stabilise, the three year old hyperpower has been established as one of the largest and most powerful civilisations in the Gigaquadrant. However, as the Empire grows so does its enemies with the and it's allies declaring war in the Outer Rim while problems only increase for the Rambo Imperial Province in the. However, the Empire's victory over the at the end of the last year spelt an end to one of Cyrannus' greatest hopes against the Empire. Despite this, 's story is far from over.

Meanwhile, the newly reformed begins to emerge as a relentless superpower in its own right with it's evil eyes set on the  and it's new leader while the  continue their snooping into the smaller nations of the. The new year is sure to bring many surprises to the inhabitants of the Cluster, which is once again plunged into conflict...

Participants

 * Cyrannian - Administrator
 * OluapPlayer - Administrator
 * Dinoman82 - Administrator
 * Technobliterator
 * TheImperios
 * Bio21
 * Catface
 * Wormulon
 * Monet47

Subplots

 * Hunt for the Zevian Skull
 * Carindes Campaign
 * Antiquity Pursual

Orbispira Bound
Overview= Once in orbit over Shaorá, Apollo was brought aboard the, Allecto. He was escorted by a group of Imperial troopers to the detention area, where he remained while the ship jumped into hyperspace. After a while, the Allecto arrived over and preceded to dock at a  in orbit. Apollo was escorted to an Imperial Shuttle and brought down to the surface of the planet. Despite the Empire's power grab, Orbispira remained much the same, though many of it's endless spires were now adorned with the Imperial Flag while statues of Antediluvian lined many famous avenues.

Apollo, with guards in toe, was brought to the office tower belonging to, the Potentate of the Empire. When Apollo arrived, he was surprised that Aeresius ordered the guards to leave them alone. Apollo initally believed that he was sent to the galactic capital in order to be publicly executed, though Aeresius assured him that both Apollo and his followers were now free, so long as they didn't do anything to provoke the Empire's wrath. Apollo was confused, though he accepted the Potentate's decree.

As he left the office, both Apollo and Aeresius smiled to themselves, each having ulterior motives. Apollo then travelled to his homeworld of, where he met with his family who were sent there by the Empire. However, the former President didn't intend on staying long...

Dialogue= Apollo is led out of an Imperial Shuttle by a group of guards, who guide him toward a large spire, the main office of the Potentate of the Empire. He steps onto an elevator and is brought to a huge chamber decorated with statues and paintings from all across the Gigaquadrant. A lone figure stands at the end of the Chamber, looking out over the endless city scape. He is Potenate Aeresius.


 * Aeresius - Guards. Leave us.

The guards enter the elevator, leaving Aeresius alone with Apollo.


 * Aeresius - Welcome back to Orbispira, Apollo.
 * Apollo - Hmph. Why have you summoned me here? Do you plan on publicly executing me?
 * Aeresius - Dear boy, of course not. I will get straight to the point. The Empire has bigger things on it's mind than your band of outcasts.
 * Apollo - You plan on letting us go? I don't know why you are negotiating with me. I'm no longer their leader.
 * Aeresius - Yes, well. The Emperor doesn't see it that way.
 * Apollo - So, what do you plan to do?
 * Aeresius - Nothing. You are free to do what you wish. With one condition.
 * Apollo - I think I can guess...
 * Aeresius - I would ask you not to conduct any anti-Imperial activities. If you do, we will not be so forgiving. Do you understand.

Apollo thought about for a moment.


 * Apollo - Hmph. Very well.
 * Aeresius - Good. Now, you will board a transport to Caprica City. Behave yourself.

Apollo turned to leave the room. He stopped for a moment.


 * Apollo - Don't I always?

He leaves the room.

Punishment
Overview= After being struck by the Licent's translocational laser at the end of the last year, was transported directly to 's Throne Room on. The Emperor knew of his follower's failure and reacted very negatively when he claimed that the AI that ousted him was in origin. Antediluvian punished his acolyte by subjecting him to torrents of lightning, but relented when Moranonúngur claimed that the AI was known as the Licent.

Antediluvian appeared to be very surprised with this revelation and made a reference to an ancient enemy from the past. Moranonúngur recovered from his injuries and asked his master what it meant for the Apocalypta and their plans. Antediluvian simply stated that Moranonúngur was exonerated and with a wave of his hand, his acolyte vanished, leaving the Emperor to contemplate his next move.

Dialogue= suddenly appears before in a bright flash of light. He sinks into a forced bow, clutching his heart. He is still seriously injured after his encounter with the Licent. Antediluvian turns around, appearing surprised.


 * Antediluvian - Moranonúngur. You survived. I am most impressed.

Moranonúngur pants, but manages to stand up straight.


 * Moranonúngur - I had no choice but to flee, master. The Oikoumene AI was too strong.
 * Antediluvian - An "Oikoumene AI"? You are a fool who has compromised your mission!

Antediluvian lifts up his hand, and telekinetically pushes Moranonúngur to the far side of the Throne Room, where he slams against the opposite wall.


 * Moranonúngur - Please... please have mercy!
 * Antediluvian - There is no mercy.

Before Moranonúngur can recover, Antediluvian pulls his acolyte toward him and shoots blindingly hot lightning out of his fingers, torturing Moranonúngur with agonising pain. After five seconds of what seemed like an eternity for Moranonúngur, Antediluvian relinquishes.


 * Moranonúngur - Master... I searched it's... mind. It's called the... Licent.

Antediluvian's eyes widen.


 * Antediluvian - The Licent... That means that... he can retur-

Moranonúngur gathers himself and bows.


 * Moranonúngur - What does this mean, master?
 * Antediluvian - Be silent. You have been exonerated.

Antediluvian waves his hand and Moranonúngur vanishes, leaving the Emperor with much to think about.

Hail the Aedile
Overview= Geleriva had been called from Delsacria to visit the shipyards of Orsolmera some thirty light-years away. It was here, in orbit, that a new project was underway. Upon arrival she was guided around the docks by the foreman and was given a tour of one of the more complete versions of the cruiser.

She was impressed at how the newly-dubbed Aedile-class had combined both Cyrannian and Draconid design aspects. As she was guided to the bridge she had many questions, due ot her status the foreman was obliged to tell her what he could. Geleriva felt proud at the combination; chief of which was the Oligarchy's use of modular components and fittings, these new ships could last a thousand years and still compete gainst the most modern designs simply because every square inch was designed to be easily-replaceable.

After a few hours, Geleriva approached the foreeman and demanded for an increase in production in order to be ready for involvement with the Carindes campaign. Not wanting to dissapoint her, the foreman nodded. PLeased with the results however, she whispered to her aide about the possibility of other designs. Feeling confident that the design features she had brought over would revolutionise the Imperial war machine.

Dialogue= Gelariva arrived at the shipyards orbiting over Orsolmera, she is approached by the shipyard's foreman.

Foreman - ''Mandator! This is an unexpected surprise.'' Geleriva - ''I am here on official state business. I gave your shipwrights a few plans, I sincerely hope they deliver!'' Foreman - ''Yes magistrate. We have worked hard but, would you care to see the fruits of our labour?'' Geleriva - Get on with it.

The foreman nodded and he led her through one of the mroe complete designs.

Foreman - ''...Ceramic nanotube-tungsten alloy given regenerative qualities through in-house nanotechnology, fully modular component systems, redundant drive sytems, lateral thrusters, and my personal favourite: Gold trim on the bulkheads for that little touch of class. We call this project the "Aedile".'' Geleriva - ''Very impressive. Very impressiv indeed, what did these cyrannians provide?'' Foreman - Turbolasers, nano-alloyed framework, thruster designs and a wormhole drive. Geleriva - You mean, this ship doesn't need stationary wormholes? Foreman - ''A beautiful idea isn't it? Such designs would sell for a fortune on Dranvaman markets.'' Geleriva - Yes yes, are you sure it is not too much of a drain? Foreman - These Cyrannians are advanced, certainly, but we gave their technicians a little kick when it came to efficiency. Geleriva - I commend your shipwrights foreman, I can see imperial tradition has rubbed off on you well. Foreman - The best is yet to come, my lady.

The foreman guided Geleriva onto the bridge. Unlike most ships, this one was deep inside the ship. Her eyes widened, impressed with what she saw.

Foreman - I despised the way these imperials figured it was a good idea to--

He was grabbed by Geleriva's escort and forced up to her snout, she was rather unimpressed with his comment.

Geleriva - Watch your tongue on our hosts, foreman, or I shall redact your commendation, perhaps even your career! Foreman - ''I'm sorry mandator! I was only pointing out how much of a flaw it was to build the command centre on a section seperate and exposed from the core of the ship.'' Geleriva - ''Differrent ideals, different philosophies foreman. I hope that is all the disrespect you will dish out!'' Foreman - ''Shipbuilding is an art... mandator. I was merely expressing my opinion!'' Geleriva - Let him go.

The foreman fell to his knees and thanked Geleriva. He stood up afterwards and looked at the guards.

Geleriva - ''I have a request for you, foreman. I want you to upscale your production. We have an influx of eager new recruits, we need ships to contain them on.'' Foreman - We are already focusing three-quarters of our capacity on this one project... Geleriva - ''Then you have room for a little more building work. If you are so afraid of your workload I can always request other shipyards to do some work.'' Foreman - That would be helpful but, please, leave this to me.

Geleriva nodded. Se paid her respect to the foreman and left the bridge, leaning to one of her aides as they went down the hall.

Geleriva - ''Keep a note, if this new ship class succeeds, then we may as well prepare to make other designs. Perhaps something even more intimidating than this.'' Aide - I will keep note, mandator.

Glory for the Basileus
Overview= Several months before the beginning of the Outer Rim War, Grand Mandator of the Core Worlds was appointed the Empire's first potentate by Emperor Antediluvian himself. This act infuriated the former second in command of the Empire, Grand Mandator Tyranus of the Outer Rim to no small extent. Secretly, Tyranus plotted to end Aeresius' life and regain his lost power, however, he soon realised that such an act was not good enough. He wanted to be Galactic Emperor. And was the only being standing in his way.

As the second week of the new year began, Tyranus began preparing for his coup d'état in a secret office deep in the reaches of, away from Antediluvian's spies. He summoned his ally, the demon in the hope of enlisting his powerful demonic powers against the Emperor. Mar-Júun immediately agreed that the should be the masters of the galaxy but was unsure about what his master  would think of the destruction of Antediluvian. Tyranus convinced him that his master would surely reward him for destroying a potential rival. Ultimately, Mar-Júun agreed to help Tyranus overthrow the Emperor, proclaiming that the Basileus would finally reign supreme.

Dialogue= Tyranus sits in his hidden office in the low regions of the city. Mar-Júun enters his office and approaches Tyranus.


 * Tyranus - Greetings, Mar-Júun.
 * Mar-Júun - Greetings, Imperator. Have you summoned me?
 * Tyranus - Yes. I notice that you refer to me as Imperator, rather than my Imperial title. I believe our people are at a crossroads.
 * Mar-Júun - I'm sorry. I'm used to calling you by your Basileus title.
 * Tyranus - Do not apologise. When I joined this Empire, I thought our people would finally be this galaxy's rulers. It appears I was wrong.

Tyranus stands up.


 * Mar-Júun - Well, if you want my opinion, it looks like the Libertus scum are taking over. What's up with that Aeresius guy? Why did he take your place?
 * Tyranus - Antediluvian... has betrayed my trust. I want him removed from power. He is the one thing who stands in our way to glory!
 * Mar-Júun - Are you saying...we should overthrow him?
 * Tyranus - Yes. And I know I can bring other Mandators to my side. I am quite sure your master would reward you for ending a potential rival.

Mar-Júun looks surprised.


 * Mar-Júun - ...You know of my master?
 * Tyranus - I know you are allied with demons. I can guess your true affiliation.
 * Mar-Júun - Well...this has become extremely awkward. But I assure you, I am still fully loyal to our race...And maybe you are right. Getting rid of Antediluvian would surely please master Shu'owkerama.
 * Tyranus - So, you are with me?
 * Mar-Júun - I am.
 * Tyranus - Good, my friend. In the coming weeks, I'll convince more to join my cause. Antediluvian's reign will end soon enough...
 * Mar-Júun - The Basileus will finally reign supreme, as they have been destined to!

Bounty
Overview= Deep within the, the massive Dreadnought Executor hung in orbit over the Rambo Capital. Its commander, the fearsome began pacing the command platform before finally stopping. He scratched his chin for a moment and walked over to a holo-table. Typing some information into the holoscreen, an image of appeared.

Zillum greeted the infamous bounty hunter and told him that he needed somebody dead. Gausia accepted the bounty upon hearing that the credits rewarded for the successful elimination of the target were nothing of extreme, with Zillum having a great deal of money locked away in hidden vaults across Imperial space. As soon as Zillum pressed a tab on the holoscreen, details of the bounty appeared before Éaltar. The deadly assassin was momentarily shocked at who Zillum wanted dead, but agreed to carry it out.

Dialogue= Zillum is on the bridge of the Executor, overlooking the Rambo capital. He walks over to a holotable and contacts Éaltar Gauisa.


 * Zillum - I am in need of your services, bounty hunter.
 * Éaltar Gauisa - Well. Not often I have a Supreme Commander contacting me. What do you wish from me?
 * Zillum - I need someone dead.
 * Éaltar Gauisa - And who would that be?
 * Zillum - Oh, I am sure you know of my target.

He presses a tab and the details are sent to Gauisa. Gauisa looked at his screen, scrathing his chin.


 * Éaltar Gauisa - I see...It should be done quickly and easily, but a target like this requires a substantial bounty...
 * Zillum - Credits are of no concern. You'll get your money when the job is done.
 * Éaltar Gauisa - In that case, consider it done.
 * Zillum - Good. I'll contact you when I hear that the target is neutralised.



Long Live the Republic
Overview= A few days later, the Imperial Senate met to discuss the ongoing conflict with the and the possibility of an open war against the. After three hours of endless discussion, Senator took to her platform, which floated in the centre of the chamber. Many of the senators watched intently while others, such as rolled their eyes when the known Republic sympathiser took to the stage. Despite that the other senators agreed to limit speaking out against the Emperor, Mirea gave a rousing speech, criticising the Empire's policies and reiterating her support of the Republic.

looked on with shock, Mirea had basically just outed herself as a rebel in front of the Imperial government. Mirea however, was clever and told the Senate that she was not a rebel and would use senatorial privilege to continue speaking out against the Emperor. Many of the senators were shocked, but none more so then Magalen, who confronted Mirea outside the Chamber when the session was completed. The senators discussed at great length about the future, with Magalen urging Mirea to go into hiding, knowing that the Empire would not accept such blatant criticism be heard.

To his surprise, Mirea agreed, though simply stated that the time for peace and discussion was over and that the Republic would rise again. Before leaving, she placed her hand on her heart and declared, "Long live the Republic". Smiling warmly, Magalen returned the gesture and wished her well.

Dialogue= Senator Mirea and Senator Magalen meet each other near a private senatorial landing pad. Magalen stops several metres behind his colleague.


 * Magalen - Have you gone insane?! We agreed we wouldn't speak out against the Emperor until the time is right!

Mirea turned around, her eyes flaring.


 * Mirea - That, Baloa, has led us nowhere. The time for discussion has past, and I shall not be apart of this despicable Empire any longer!
 * Magalen - But think of your world! Do you think Cruandai will fare well against the Imperial Navy?
 * Mirea - My people are of the same mind as myself. We have weapons and if the Empire refuses to acknowledge our sovereignty, we will not hesitate to use them.

Magalen sighed.


 * Magalen - Please, do not use violence yet. Go into hiding. Our movement is not ready to emerge yet.

Mirea contemplated her friend's words for a moment.


 * Mirea - Alright, fine. I will try to find like-minded allies in the Outer Rim. Who knows? Perhaps the Republic we dream of will be realised sooner then we think.

Magalen approached Mirea and placed his hand on her soldier.


 * Magalen - I wish you well my friend. Keep your eyes open.

Mirea smiled and walked away. For a moment she stopped, turned to face her friend and placed her hand on her heart.


 * Mirea - Long live the Republic.

Magalen smiled and returned the gesture. As he watched Mirea's shuttle take off, bound for locations unknown, he muttered to himself.


 * Magalen - Until we meet again.

The Licent's Decree
Overview= Deep in space, the greatest Tabornok (General) of the Dominion sat on his command chair on his flagship. Naticodoga was a military leader of the highest possible caliber and was primarily responsible for destroying species that failed to be fooled by the insidious infiltrations of the Bisistar. It was a quiet day for the Tabornok until a flashing display indicated that they were receiving a hologram from their new allies, the. Naticodoga pressed a key on his holoscreen and a hologram of sprung up. 'Adama was brief, insisting that the Tabornok join him on the Cognatus capital world of Cognalorilos. Naticodoga remembered his Queen's demand that any and all attempts to win favour from the Cognatus were paramount, and so he agreed to travel to Cognalorilos.

When Naticodoga arrived at the Cognatus Capital, he was escorted by a dozen guards to the Palace of the Gods, where 'Adama was waiting outside. 'Adama dismissed the guards and led Naticodoga into the Palace's throne room, where the new leader of the Cognatus awaited him. The Licent activated as soon as 'Adama and Naticodoga entered the room, his single eye gleaming. The Tabornok was shocked that an AI now led the Cognatus, but listened nonetheless to the construct's decree. The Licent spoke of a being of great power that was exiled long ago. It ensured the duo that should this being awaken, it would mark a new age for Cognatus and Bisistar alike and ultimately spell the defeat of their great rivals deeper in the Cyrannian Core.

The Licent spoke for a further two hours and when 'Adama and Naticodoga left the Palace, they had a feverous conviction to find the being lost long ago.



A New Acolyte
Overview= After convincing to leave Arvaad company behind,  had translocated the two of them to the grounds of the Imperial Palace on Orbispira. Tytho was awestruck by the scale of the planet she was on and Mezzadriel directed her attention to the palace, telling her Antediluvian was waiting at the very top. Tytho became nervous as they travelled towards an elevator to the top. She was nervous at the possibility that Antediluvian might decide to turn her down, send her back to the life she rejected. Mezzadriel reassured her that he was waiting for her arrival and would not have sent her if he had not been impressed by her abilities.

When the elevator stopped, Tytho was guided to Antediluvian's presence. He had his back to them when they entred, looking down into the city below. Both Tytho and Mezzadriel bowed in his prescence, he asked Tytho if she would renounce her old life in exchange for becoming one of the Apocolypta and, lothing her old life, she agreed. Upon agreeing, Antediluvian instructed for Mezzadriel ot act as Tytho's mentor. This pleased the young Ryketian hybrid as Mezzadriel had been one of her closest companions. The Miluiel approached Tytho and, placing a finger on the girl's forhead, sent a rush of energy that signified her rebirth into one of Antediluvian's acolytes.

With satisfaction, he told Tytho she no longer needed to feal fear and should no longer show mercy. He dismissed the two of them and they headed for the elevator.

In Depth= Mezzadriel and Tytho arrived in the grounds of the Imperial Palace on Orbispira.

Mezzadriel - Welcome to Orbispira, my sister. Tytho - It's....Its enormous.... Mezzadriel - It is but a symbol of Antediluvian's majesty.

Tytho looked about the skyline with her jaw wide open.

Tytho - Well...it looks like there are more than plenty of hiding places

Mezzadriel smiled and pointed to the looming Imperial Palace.

Mezzadriel - ''That is our destination, my sister. The seat of Antediluvian's power.''

A cold flush ran down Tytho's spine, the tall tower reminded her a little of the large corporate offices in the cities she visited as a mercenary.

Tytho - At the top? Mezzadriel - ''The very top. That is where Antediluvian dwells.''

Tytho gulped at the height of the tower, shuffling towards Mezzadriel.

Mezzadriel - ''Have no fear, sister. He is expecting us.'' Tytho - ''Right. I-i'll stay close...''

Mezzadriel and Tytho travel to the massive, opulent entrance to the Imperial Palace, its walls gleaming in the midday sun. Tytho was both impressed and frightened with the opulence of the palace. As they walked, she found herself huddling closer and closer to Mezzadriel. Mezzadriel placed her hand on Tytho's soldier and directed her to an elevator to the Imperial Throne Room.

Tytho - So...is this where I will be living now? Mezzadriel - ''If you so wish. You shall be surrounded by those who love and respect you for who you are.'' Tytho - ''I...feel like i'm dreaming. I'm going to wake up strapped to a lab table aren't i?'' Mezzadriel - ''That life is over, sister. Things are only going to get better from now onwards.'' Tytho - Well...You seem okay so far

While in the lift, the pressure got to Tytho and she hugged Mezzadriel's side tightly.

Mezzadriel - Do not fear my sister. Tytho - ''What if he doesn't approve of me? S-sure i've met with powerful men before but back then I knew there was always another about. A-and I had my brothers from Arvaad with me...'' Mezzadriel - ''I am with you now. And my master wouldn't have sent me to find you if he was not impressed.'' Tytho - Then...I guess he's different from the others I have met.

Tytho lowered her head, resting it against Mezzadriel's thigh and she smiled a little. The elevator suddenly stopped and its doors opened onto the Imperial Throne Room. Tytho kept behind Mezzadriel. She kept close, a little intimidated by the sheer scale of the room. Mezzadriel walked purposefully toward a tall, dark figure standing at the far side of the room. The figure had his back turned as he looked out onto the cityscape below. When Mezzadriel came close enough, she bowed and indicated to Tytho to do the same. She bowed, still standing close to mezzadriel for comfort's sake.

Mezzadriel - I have brought her, my master.

Antediluvian turned toward the new arrivals. Tytho stood straight, a chill rushed down her spine; she had never encountered someone so tall or so powerful before.

Antediluvian - ''Ah yes. Excellent. Your new life is about to begin, young one.'' Tytho - ''I am-- Honoured. Sir.'' Antediluvian - ''Do you accept that your old life is now forfeit? You will embark on a new journey.'' Tytho - ''My old life was terrible. Abuse, experimentation, a life I never wanted. Anything is surely better than that sir.'' Antediluvian - ''Excellent. Excellent. Now, you are a Warrior of the Revelation. An Apocalypta. I congratulate you.'' Tytho - Thank you sir. I am not entirely sure what this means for me but I will not dissapoint you. Antediluvian - Mezzadriel shall be your mentor.

Mezzadriel held up her hand and placed a single finger on Tytho's forehead. A rush of energy filled Tytho's body. She felt uneasy at the feeling.

Mezzadriel - You are reborn, Tytho. Tytho - ''it feels-- It feels good. Like I don't have to be afraid anymore.'' Antediluvian - ''You will know no fear. You will know no mercy. You are now Apocalypta.'' Tytho - ''I sahll nto hold back, my lord. For I have no reason to. I feel extremely grateful for this.'' Antediluvian - ''Good. Take your leave.''

Mezzadriel bowed again and walked with Tytho toward the elevator. Tytho's new life had begun.

Fall of Dhyrma
Overview= During a patrol of the Dhyrma Collective fortress world Omnyx, their Defense Fleet encountered three unusual energy signatures approaching the planet, which were identified as ships. Upon their arrival a transmission was received from one of the ships, claiming that they were from the, and that the Dhyrma would be assimilated and that resistance is futile.

Understanding that there was little to no chance of surviving a fight with the Neraida, Minister Anavar, the present leader of the Collective ordered an evacuation of every Dhyrma colony through a nearby spacetime anomaly in the form of a wormhole. Not know ing where it led, the entire surviving population of the Collective plunged into the unknown, clinging to the hope that it might be safer on the other side...

In Depth= The Dhyrma Collective Defense Fleet patrolled above the Dhyrma fortress world Omnyx when they picked up some unidentified readings coming from orbit. An image of a Neraida drone appeared on the screen. The transmission ended, the entire fleet was in shock. The trio of Neraida ships manage to destroy a majority of trhe hundreds of ships in the defense fleet. The entire Dhyrma Collective simultaneously evacuated through a predetermined spacetime anomaly. But they did not yet know where it went...
 * Captain Tanax - Minister! We're receiving readings from an unidentified energy signature in orbit!
 * Minister Anavar - I want those readings identified as soon as possible. We can't take the chance that they might be some of the  unidentified infiltrators.
 * Captain Tanax - Yes sir. Wait, we're receiving a transmission from a ship approaching our position.
 * Minister Anavar - Put it on the screen.
 * Drone 8821 - We are the Neraida Gigamatrix. Prepare to be assimilated.  Resistance is irrelevant.  You will be subjugated.
 * Captain Tanax - All ships! Take evasive action!  They're preparing to fire weapons!
 * Minister Anavar - ''Begin the evacuation! Signal every colony to initiate contingency plan Zeta-14!  We're leaving through the wormhole!



Concurrent Events

 * Lacrima a Vinyar: Near the end of the month Ramashe escapes Carnthedain Fortress with aid of an Elven Princess named Lourdes, together with aid of Riordan Rambertan they plan their escape from Carnthedain.
 * Hunt for the Zevian Skull: With aid of vice-admiral Ramtainus, Claire Rambo onboard the Suiliagothrond II defeat the Quadrantia Federation blockade of the Q82-Q21 wormhole.

The Treasonous Imperator
Overview= While the rest of the Empire was going as usual, and  were getting allies for their strike on the Emperor. They both knew attacking Antediluvian by themselves would be suicidal, so they spent their time gathering more Basileus to join their cause. The duo eventually found potential allies on two Basileus mandators, Santanan and Rachalia, and proposed the plan for them.

The two mandators, proud followers of the Basileus' speciesist culture, agreed on helping Tyranus and Mar-Júun, providing them with a significant number of Basileus Justiciars to aid them. The plan was to infiltrate on the Imperial Palace, ambush Antediluvian and strike him down. Tyranus smirked, he could not wait for a chance to show that Emperor who was really in charge of this galaxy...



No Longer in Exile
Overview= After her departure from the Empire, travelled across the galaxy in search for possible allies that could aid her allies in the seemingly inevitable rebellion against the Empire. After several weeks of constant searching, she landed on the planet Condooine. While there she overheard rumours of a large remnant of the original Republic deep in the. Suddenly, she remembered that the URC settled in the Quadrants many years ago, she just always assumed that the colonies became loyal to the Empire when it was formed. Excited about this development, she immediately hired a ship to take her to these hidden colonies. She approached a lone Cyrannian Serindia sitting in a bar known as and asked him if he could transport her to these rebel colonies. After she agreed to pay a hefty price, Mirea was on her way to the Quadrants aboard Rambertan's personal starship, the Eagle. Luckily for Mirea, Rambertan knew about ways to get into the Quadrants without attracting the Empire's attention by using secretive hyperspace lanes in the "Space in Between". When they arrived near the, Mirea sent a transmission asking for an audience with the current "Praesator", , but was instead directed to the small planet of Apatalore, where Count expected her.

When she landed on Apatalore, she paid Rambertan and thanked him for the transport. She then set out of Apaltar's beautiful, but imposing palace. When she arrived, she was escorted by a trio of guards to Apaltar's audience chamber on a large and richly decorated balcony. She approached the Count and shook his hand. The two discussed a possible resistance against the Empire, but the Count made it clear that he didn't support an armed rebellion, but rather, a peaceful struggle to restore the Republic with the aim of co-existing with the Empire. Mirea eventually saw Apaltar eye-to-eye and agreed with his staunch opinions on the matter. When she left the Count's Palace, she did so with a powerful ally.

Dialogue= landed on Apatalore and headed toward the beautiful, but imposing palace of the planet's Count,. When she arrived at the Palace, she was escorted by a trio of guards to Apaltar's audience chamber on a large and richly decorated balcony. She approached the Count and shook his hand.


 * Mirea - Count Apaltar. It's a pleasure.
 * Apaltar - The pleasure is all mine, Senator. I'm surprised you could locate us in these uncharted regions of the .
 * Mirea - ''I'm afraid I'm no longer a Senator, Count. I resigned because of the Empire's tactics of late.
 * Apaltar - I am sorry to hear that, Ms. Mirea. How can I help you?

Mirea rested her hands behind her back.


 * Mirea - I'll skip right to the chase, Count. I am a member of a movement that includes some of my former colleagues in the Imperial Senate that wish to see the restoration of the Republic. As one of the leaders of the largest remnant of the Republic, I was hoping I could count you as an ally in this crusade to restore democracy to Cyrannus.

Apaltar took all of this in and sighed.


 * Apaltar - If you are looking for the leader of our Exiled Republic, I'm afraid you have the wrong person.
 * Mirea - I was told about Praesator Adelheidis. She was unavailable.
 * Apaltar - Gallivanting with Andromedans, no doubt.
 * Mirea - Regardless of your position within this Remnant, your aid would be appreciated and would go a long way to restore the Republic.

Apaltar's reply was brisk and to the point.


 * Apaltar - I have no interest in starting a war. Yes, I want to restore democracy, but not if it means the deaths of millions. I will help you achieve your goals with peace not armed rebellion.
 * Mirea - Armed rebellion might be the only way.
 * Apaltar - No madam, there is always an alternative. It is my goal to coexist peacefully with the Empire and forgive me, but that should be your goal too.

Mirea thought about Apaltar's statements for a few moments.


 * Mirea - Heh. You remind me of Apollo. Fine, Count. We will play it your way. I will need to report back to my allies in Cyrannus, but can I tell them we have your support.
 * Apaltar - Yes you can. I shall remain in contact.



Caprican Turmoil
Overview= The weather was dreadful in Caprica City. It had rained for several days without any end in sight. In Apollo's apartment, watched over her children while reading the latest news stories from across the Gigaquadrant via the HoloDomain. With her husband off on some adventures in the, she remained on Caprica with her very unusual family. In the living room, (complete with a new appearance) threw sticks out of the window at passersbys on the streets below, while in the kitchen, the  was trying his hand at "cooking" by materialising meals out of thin air. Gianne walked to the kitchen and asked the Adjunct to watch over the teenagers while she went for a short walk. The ancient AI happily agreed.

As Gianne left the house, she was unaware that she was being watched. Perched atop a nearby building was who watched as the young  walked through the rain. Suddenly, he pulled a trigger and a shot rang out.

The streets below were left in chaos. The Imperial Guards of Caprica City were quick to cordon off the street and tried to look for the assassin, but Gauisa was long gone. High above, Kara and Laoi waited in the apartment for several hours waiting for their mother to return, ignorant to the reality that their mother was gone. Within four hours, an Imperial Stormtrooper clad in red armour (with his helmet removed as a sign of respect) arrived at the apartment. When Kara answered the door her eyes widened, she automatically knew that her mother was dead, but refused to believe it. Her brother meanwhile didn't say a word, paralysed with grief. Both the Adjunct and Gorf remained solemn.

The next day, Laoi, Kara, Gorf, the Adjunct and Tigarlu were brought to 's condo a couple of miles away. He promised the unorthodox family that he would stop at nothing to find the perpetrators behind the murder of Gianne Inviá. However, now he had the uncomfortable task of informing ...