Fiction:Andromeda War

The was a place of few great spacefaring empires. The most notable of these modern day empires was the Shka'Tun, an immense empire controlling approximately 30% of the galaxy. They, however, were not the oldest or only empires living in the galaxy. There had been a great and powerful empire before them; an empire with technology so advanced that not even Tier 1 powers could mimic it, an empire so vast it had once controlled all of Andromeda. This empire had vanished, for unknown reasons, but that technology and legacy remained. Now that legacy was wanted by every empire in Andromeda, and they wouldn't let anyone else get their hands on it. The galaxy was once quiet, not much had happened there.... but now things would move, empires would clash, and a galaxy would be engulfed by war.

Members

 * MasterMachine - admin
 * Wentals
 * Masuri's Loyalists
 * Main Wentals Empire
 * Starmaster Alliance
 * Neutrals
 * Imperios - admin
 * Lucario of the Gods - admin
 * Brood of War
 * Monet47 - admin
 * Draconid Imperium
 * Twinkyberries
 * Ghelae
 * Lonestar4
 * Technobliterator
 * CaptainTybusen
 * Wormulon
 * (later, part of their revived conflict with the Grox)
 * Geomax
 * Technobliterator
 * CaptainTybusen
 * Wormulon
 * (later, part of their revived conflict with the Grox)
 * Geomax
 * Wormulon
 * (later, part of their revived conflict with the Grox)
 * Geomax

Subplots
Andromeda War is divided on subplots, made collectively and added with the agreement of the war administrators. Here they are, in a chronological order.
 * Prologue - The first discovery of the artifacts and the first conflicts.
 * Wrath of the Dragon
 * The Ibis and the Legion
 * Khaxvis Uprising
 * Zaretian Quest
 * The Ark Uncovered
 * The Firestorm
 * Masuri's Breakdown
 * Grand Conversion
 * Dance of Neutrality

An Inquisitor's Hunt
Sarec had only recently recovered from his ordeal from the attack but this did not deter him, Inquisitors are known for their relentless attutude. He travelled to Solvani III after reports of Legion activity on the world, after talking to what remained of the population he discovered that a relic had been unearthed several miles away.

At the site's perimeter he caught sight of what looked like large mechanical humannoids, focusing himself he kept silent, weaving past each one undetected on his way to the relic. The approach felt disturbing. He had a strange feeling as he travelled that not just the ground but the feel of the land around him had been disturbed, as though someone had recently opened a wound in the very fabric of the world.

Upon reaching the relic the feeling was strongest, overcome with the disturbence and struggling to keep himself together he examined the relic closely. Closing his eyes he could see a figure; a Loron larger than others he had seen. This Loron was working the panel when the effects of the disturbance tore through his mind, the flash - which hit him soon after the Loron in his vision activated the device, awakening the machines - overcame his senses as he grasped his head collapsing to the floor. When he woke up he froze; closing towards him was one of these machines and he decided the best thing to do was run as fast as he could, scrabbling to his feet before making a brief dash for shelter, hiding against a slab of broken rock. He concentrated, trying to work out where the Loron went next - the end result was a fragment image of a world barren and dry.

Upon returning to the spaceport he was approached by one of the crewmembers of the vessel he hitched a ride on.

Crewman - Sir, High Inquisitor Arsac is trying to contact you, she wants an update Sarec - I'll talk to her in my dormitory, how long before you're ready to lift off? Crewman - About two hours, sir. Sarec - Understood

The crewman gives Sarec a datapad in order tocotnact the high inquisitor. After accepting it he headed inside the ship to find out what she had to say. His doemitory was somewhat spartan. Curved, steel-grey walls encircled the room and there was one bed, one table and one dresser. As he entered he activated the datapad he was given, ensuring it was a secure connection. Arsac's face appeared on screen and she was not happy.

Arsac - ''Inquisitor, we have reason to believe the Divinarium are following some ascended being as a leadership. Unless you have something good I am contemplating deploying you to Crepusculum'' Sarec - Do not worry mistress, I have reason to believe the Mali'Nar are still in the sector Arsac - The Loron can be held back, I'm more worried about having our paragon fall under the influence of an ascended Sarec - But the codex... Arsac - Uriel hasn't studied the codex Sarec - These Mali'Nar will continue hunting for the relics regardless of our paranoia, be glad the Divinarium is on our side mistress Arsac - ''Fine, go on your little goose-chase. I will make sure there are at least some inquisitors keeping an eye on the Clericarch.'' Sarec - ''The Clericarch? Mistress, is that really the best idea?'' Arsac - ''The senate does not dictate our actions, if the Clericarch doesn't like it she can tell me herself! Understood?'' Sarec - Yes mistress

Sarec closed the comm, concerned that Arsac's paranoia could be the inquisition's, if not the empire's, undoing. After an hour his ship took off and activated it's warp drive, heading towards a distant world in ana attempt to find Br'Klakkon before his next move. For the entire trip his mind was fixated on what he had encountered - who built those machines, were they connected to the relics, was the Loron his target... He decided the best thing to do was meditate.

A Sudden Renewal
The Wentals had, for now, attempted to remain withdrawn from the Andromeda War over the artifacts. Beyond capturing Masuri, who seemed to be strangely okay with it, they had chosen collectively through a vote of the populous that it was more important to rebuild themselves before interfering with others. However, unknown to any but the Meta and Kuhera, an old friend was starting to revive, and only needed a little push to jump back up. This friend had a tendency to take thins to the extreme, and was effectively the Meta's more extreme emotions.

The Wentals all across their empire were about to experience something scary. Out of no where, every Meta across the entire Wentals Empire dropped like a rock, out cold. The first thought of others was that this was some new nanotech plague, and the Meta just happened to be the most vulnerable to it. Then those who lived in planets with large Meta populations saw the Worldforests that the Meta had planted, in memory of the supposedly dead Worldforest Mind, springing to life in a way not seen since the destruction of Teron.

At the same moment, deep within them, every Meta felt the Mind rekindle into a bright and angry fire. The Worldforest was back, and, as it had been before, it was extreme. This time, it sought out revenge and war. This time, the Forest Mind wanted nothing but the destruction of those which had hurt it and it's friends, the Meta. The Iteok must pay. The TIAF must pay. The Universe must pay.

Dylan was the first to wake from the coma his people had fallen into. His first thought was not for his people, nor his allies, but of revenge. He woke up angry, and knew instantly what he wanted. He wanted Masuri gone. Masuri had broken all the rules. Masuri had even gone so far as to attempt torture of one of Dylans people, a Meta! Dylan could not allow this to continue.

??? - *comm* We were told you have some information. Dylan - ''Yes. I can tell you where Masuri is, and all the codes needed to capture him.'' ??? - Why are you giving out this information? Dylan - ''Masuri thinks that he is safe. he thinks he can do anything. He will learn how foolish such actions are. I cannot punish him, but you can.'' ??? - ''We will send an escort. He will be in safe hands don't worry. Ending transmission.  Dylan - ''Wait. I would like to be sure that none of the guards are killed. No EMPs or lethal force. Such will not end well with my people.'' ??? - We will ensure that no harm comes to the guards. Dylan - ''Very well. Masuri deserves this fate.''

Before anyone fully understood what was going on, Dylan had, in secret, sent the location of Masuri to the Draconis, to let them deal with him as they wanted. He didn't even pause to think about what the result of that would be.

All across the Wentals, the symptoms of the Worldforest Mind were swift and complete. On their own, neither the forest nor the Meta were dangerous or emotional, but when put together they became a combustable and potent mix. They were mixing, and all hell was preparing to break lose once more...

Purgatory
Masuri sat in his cell. He grumbled to himself, conflicting whether what he had done was wrong or right. As he sat the door to his cell opened and two robed figures walked in. Their robes disgusing who they were, or what they were.

Masuri - ''What manner of creature are you? Dylan perhaps? This is a treat, i don't get visitors often.'' ??? - We have been instructed for you to come with us, do not worry about the guards. Masuri - ''Hmm? What about them? They were all traitors to the Wentals anyway.'' ??? - ''That is not your concern. We are to escort you from this cell.'' Masuri - ''Well now... you certainly have some right to be mysterious, but you should tell me who you are if you want me to go with you. Are with that Loron fella?'' ??? - ''No. We will reveal all once we leave. You can come willingly or we will carry you.'' Masuri - ''Ha! You make a good joke. But then, why am I arguing? Anywhere is better then this place, nothing ever changes here. I'll come willingly, if only to see who you are. ??? - I'm glad you are being cooperative.

As they walked out of the cells Masuri's guards seemed oblivious to the fact two strange figures were taking him straight from his cell. His escorts reamined silent for the entire trip to a shuttle.

Masuri - ''Now I'm sure you're with Dylan. Only he could pull strings and get the guards to be complacent for this... So, the silent treatment eh? Well, two can play at that game.''

After boarding the shuttle Masuri was taken to a room at the very back. He groand as he realised he had just been moved from one rison cell to another so after an hour he decided to to climb onto the walls to keep himself sane.

Masuri - Comeon, if this is a joke at least speed it up! ??? - .Interesting traits this one. ??? - Indeed.

The sound of muffled voices surprised him. Realeasing himself from the walls he snuck towards the door. The voices started sounding more familiar, the tones reminding him of his cordial journey to Alcanti.

Masuri - Who's there? Come on in, let me see your faces. ??? - He must be hiding from the camera ??? - *chuckles* No matter, he's not going anywhere. Masuri - A camera eh? Well, why don't you come and find me.

Eventually the hum of the engines stopped. The door to his cell opened and the figures had returned. This time they held a bag that was the right size and shape for Masuri's head. As they grasped him he struggled and could somehow feel they were much larger than their frames suggested. He scratched and screeched using whatever strength he could but it was not enough. Eventually the bag was forced on his head and he was pulled from his room. As he was taken down through several corridors he realied just who, and what, his captors were and a sensation of rage crept through his mind.

Masuri - ''Seriously? LIZARDS? Good greif, if you had been Meta I would understand this whole mess...'' ??? - It seems he's worked it out. ??? - Doesn't matter, now way is he going anywhere now. Masuri - ''Draconis I suppose. So, who told you where I was? I doubt you figured it out on your own, and you could never have managed to capture me without inside help.''

His captors remained silent. He was dragged into a room and he could feel a chair underneath him forfore then sensation of rubber was forced down on his wrists and shins. As the bag was removed he was blinded by a bright light that shone in his eyes. As he screeched and shouted a Draconis wearing plain red robes walks in. As he did he dimmed the light, calming Masuri down.

Kalvoretus - I take it you are Masuri. Masuri - ''Nope, I'm just the other Yama to survive my peoples deaths... what are you stupid? At least do a good job of being my tormentor or whatever.'' Kalvoretus - They rarely let us out much of this place, I just needed to make sure. Masuri - So, tell me, was it Dylan who told you where to find me? Kalvoretus - That's not my department. kalvoretus - ''When you were picked up you mentioned a Loron. Do you remember his name?'' Masuri - ''*Notices a sword with orange, bat-like wings extending from the blade* What do those wings and sword represent? They wouldn't be there if not important. And the Loron will remain unknown to you, he wants to remain anonymous.'' Kalvoretus - ''*points to the emblam* That is the emblam of the Inquisition of Drakon, you are in one of our most secure facilities. Did the Loron ever tell you his name?'' Masuri - ''Maybe. maybe not. I don't know anything, and you won't learn it.'' Kalvoretus - Oh we will, it's our job to uncover what little creeps like you hide inside their minds. Masuri - ''I'm not a little creep, I am the last Yaman. It is my honor bound duty to live up to my species and ancestory, I will not be beaten down.'' Kalvoretus - Your Wental friends provided a beverage that you may enjoy *releases a restraint on one of his arms, placing a glass of liquid in front of him.* It's perfectly safe to drink, you're far too important to die. Masuri - ''I'm fine. Starving to death do defy an enemy is an honorable way to die.'' Kalvoretus - ''As I understood it the Wental are allies with the Empire. Besides, we do not answer to the imperial government.'' Masuri - ''YOU ARE ALL ENEMIES! ALL OF YOU FILTHY CREATURES ARE! YOUR KIND KILLED EVERYTHING I EVER WORKED FOR, EVERYTHING I EVER CARED FOR! I WILL DESTROY YOU ALL!''

Kalvoretus leaned back as he watched Masui flaying the only arm he had and screching like a madman.

Masuri - ''SCUM LIKE YOU ARE THE REASON I EXIST, THE REASON ALL WENTALS EXIST! YOU ATTACKED US, YOU DESTROYED US! WE WILL HAVE THE FINAL LAUGH THOUGH. We will have the final laugh.'' Kalvoretus - My my, such unbridled rage... Masuri - ''You know nothing about me, nothing about us. You... your kind are evil, a taint that must be removed from the universe so that those who deserve it can live.'' Kalvoretus - Whak do you mean by 'my kind'? Masuri - Biolife. ''Non-Wentals. They are one and the same now.'' Kalvoretus - ''I see. Does it not concern you that biolife makes up the vast majority of the universe?'' Masuri - ''The vast amajority of the universe is not biolife, but rather, empty void. If we allow the majority to crush the few, there will never be justice.'' Kalvoretus - ''I was referring to the majority of life. Mecholife could never have existed without biolife.'' Masuri - ''Of course it could! Natural mecholife, or at least, a variation of it, can be found in almost every galaxy in the universe! Mecholife is stronger, it slowly takes over planets and then exists without any biolife at all! That is the fate of biolife scum like yourself, to be slowly killed of by a superior form of life.'' Kalvoretus - ''My job is not to convince you. *picks up a glass* now, drink. You must be thirsty from your journey.'' Masuri - *turns his head* No. Anything that you want me to eat that badly cannot be safe. Kalvatorus - ''Fine. We'll try another approach.''

Kalvoretus reaches over and secures a VR headset to Masuri. Ensuring that he cannot see anything from outside he prepares a syringe with a strange yellow liquid inside it.

Masuri - ''I can still hear you, and smell you, and feel you with the wind on my whiskers. Sight is not our ownly ability... Whats that? Some kind of serum to make me talk? Well, I don't think any of my, or any Mecholife, kind have been put under this kind of circumstance. I wonder what will happen next.'' Kalvoretus - There's aways a virus if this doesn't work... Masuri - ''Hmph. I wonder if you understand that I'm... I'm...''

As masuri drifts into an nauseous felling Kalvoretus activates the headset, displaying an image of Br'Klakkon that had been recovered from the ice-world Masuri had helped to bombard. The image was hardly very clear and badly blurred. Kalvoertus looked at his subject with a smile before bending down to ear level.

Kalvoretus - What do you see? Masuri - ''I see a loron. Sounds almost... no. I don't see anything.'' Kalvatorus - Has he dissapeared? Masuri - ''Y-yes. He... is no where... to be found.'' Kalvotorus - ''Hmm... Sounds like...'' Masuri - ''Like... like... like a... like this stuff you gave me isn't working!'' Kalvoretus - Fine, let's try somthing else *Uses the headset to project a virus into masuri in an attempt to override any resistance* You're a machine, let's see how you respond to this... Masuri - ''God damnit.... *starts to glitch up* it it it... Br'Klakkon. That was the Loron's name.'' Kalvoretus - What did he offer you in exchange for your services? Masuri - To help me destroy the Iteok. Kalvoretus - He's a being of great power correct? Masuri - I do not know. Kalvoretus - And how did he approach you? Masuri - ''He came to me in secret while I was... alone.'' Kalvoretus - Can you recall the place? Masuri - It was in my quarters on my flagship. Kalvoretus - ''Your passion to destroy the Iteok drove you to side with him. Was there anything in particular he asked of you?'' Masuri - Only for help getting the artifacts. Kalvoretus - Are the Iteok beyond forgiveness? Masuri - ''They are the mosnters who attacked my galaxy, my friends, MY family! They are the demons who killed my sisters, they are the spawn that started the war that ended my race! They are beyond even hell itself.'' Kalvoretus - ''Think deep, do you remember if anything drove them? Do you know if they still seek your people's destruction.'' Masuri - ''The Iteok are evil, they attacked for slaves and to spread sufferring and violence. Nothing drives them to be monsters except that they revel in the killing and hunting of others. They almost certainly want the same revenge I do, they do not like to lose. We only beat them by capturing their leader.'' Kalvoretus - ''Are they still a threat? Do they know where your people are now?'' Masuri - ''I do not know. I would assume so, they are from Kraw, the satelite of Andromeda.'' Kalvotorus - ''Did you know it is a visible sign of weakness to ask for the aid of etherals? To have others crush foes easily that deserve honourable combat. How is that a warrior's path?'' Masuri - ''I only want to avange my sisters and species. How is irrelivent. Yama do not have the same cultural values, victory is all that matters. The winner writes history, I could change it to make myself honorable. Imagine you were the last of your kind in all the universe. How would you get your revenge on those who killed all you loved? Kalvoretus - And where is the honour in such an act? To lie and deceive, you are just as bad as the creature you have sided with! Evil is a matter of perspective. Until the iteok have consumed and eaten you friends and family, you have no right to tell me what my values should be.'' Kalvoretus - ''The Loron does not care for your plight, he never did. All he wanted was your weapons to use for his own agenda... You are a puppet Masuri, another pawn in his eternal selfish game. Is that how you want to be remembered?'' Masuri - ''When all you know is destroyed, you will find that your legacy ceases to matter. There will be none to remember me, none to care about what I do or do not do. In death I shall know peace, in life I shall know vengence. That is the only legacy I need.'' Kalvoretus - ''Do you really believe that? *alters the VR headset to show images of the Wental council members* These people care for your sanity Masuri. They are worried about you. They don't want you to drift down the same irredeemable path as the Iteok have done. You are not alone Masuri, nor will you be forgotten. Even if the Loron upholds his end of the bargain, what do you think Br'Klakkon will do once the Iteok are dust and the artifacts are his?'' Masuri - ''I do not doubt that they care about my plight, but they cannot help me. And do not make the mistake of thinking I trust Br'Klakkon. He is biolife, and will die as such.'' Kalvoretus - ''They can help you Masuri, your suffering has closed your mind to them! They know you need to redeem yourself but siding with an ethereal is never the best way to go about it! The Inquisition was established to prevent such short-sighted bargains being made. Accept the help your friends offer.'' Masuri - ''Do you even understand what ethereals are? They are merely normal creatures with use of essence! Every Meta in the Wentals, and then many others, is an ethereal! So don't tell me not to side with one. Kalvoretus - Perhaps... But I'm certain that this Loron is one of those not to be trusted. The ignorant would consider what I refer to as gods in the true sense. Do you know where Br'Klakkon resides?'' Masuri - No, he refrained from revealing such information. Kalvoretus ''*sighs* - So much for the easy way... are you certain?'' Masuri - ''Yes, completely. You will need to find him at an artifact.'' Kalvoretus - ''We are done for today. *presses a button on the desk* Escort Masuri to his accomodation. *wipes any trace of the virus from Masuri* Thaink about what i said, about opening up to your friends?''

Masuri pouted before two guards entered and pulled him from his chair and escorted down several large corridors, the Inquisition's emblam is everywhere and inquisitors patrolled the hallways. After a long lift journe y with two unsociable guards Masuri was taken to a brig deep inside the facility, the lighting was poor and the accomodation looked spartan at best,

Masuri - I better have something to do all day, or this will get very tiresome. Inquisitor - Enjoy your stay, feel free to sample the station's literature archives. Masuri - Oh boy, lizard books... Prisoner - *psst* What did they haul you in for? Masuri - ''being an angry rampaging monster that has attacked them on several occasions. You?'' Prisoner - ''They accused me of leading a blood cult.. I only killed five people but it was sooo worth it *the man seems somewhat deluded*'' Masuri - ''Good god... I like him.'' Prisoner - ''I've been here for a month now... inquisitors everywhere and they won't shut up! What i did in my own home was my buisness!''

The guards left Masuri's cell block wyhi him alone opposite a raving madman. The next few months would become some of the longest of his life with melancholy quickly setting in. Eventually he would become desperate and bored enough to read the books his captors had provided them, sharing little enjoyment from doing so.

Old Freinds
A few ships approched shellis. The rings of the planet were quiet and serene. Several security stations dotted the orbit of the planet along with thousnads of sattelites that made it look more machine than planet, which it was. A voice then broke the silence.

Security Drone - "Warning, you are entering restricted space. Identify yourself or we will shoot down your ship." Clank - "Identification code 123409657." Security Drone - "Acsess comfirmed. Welcome Clank."

The small Wental fleet entered shellis's atmosphere. Rain poured down as tousands of ships flew in and out of the planetary ocean. Bottomless skyscrapers dotted the surface as they reached for the clouds. Waterfalls spread across the glowing buildings as small rays of sunlight and large advertising signs lit up the dark cityscape. Clank's ship then landed at the Spire top of the senate. He then put on a breathing suit and walk down into the watery rooms of the building.

Valleel Sentor - The material synthasizers are not fast enough. All those who want a say cast your vote on techology upgrades.

The senate was filled with aquatic plants and fish like creatures scattered around the room as they disscused the imperium laws. Clank headed to the royal palace.

Clank - Edoshai? I need to speak to you. Dylan could not be here, he had other matters. Edoshai? Edoshai - Look I don't want to buy anything, oh it's Clank. Hello, is there something you wish to discusss Clank? I have not seen anyone from the old alliance since wental was destroyed. Pity it had to die out. Clank - Im here to tell you about something Dylan think you should know about Andromeda. He says it is very important. Edoshai - Is he talking about the galactic merge? I already know of that. Clank - No. In Andromeda the draconis discovered a large amouts of gaurdian droids. Something called the inheritance. They protect a wide variety of odd artifacts that everyone seems to be obsessed with. Masuri has been acting strange and Dylan has not said what is happening. The point is the wentals need the shellious imperium to come back to the front. Edoshai - Wait a minute! Artifacts of power? Guardian droids? What the hell is going on?!?! Clank - Ill explain later. you need to come to andromeda.

The Meta Meditation
Dylan - Masuri has been captured by an unknown foe, we believe them to be friends of his. Jasmine - Wha-? Dylan - They managed to break into our high security base and flee without any warning. As such, I propose that we officially get into the Artifact War, as it's called, before he or this enemy can take advantage of our not being involved. Arukas - Wait, wait, slow down, explain yourself! Dylan - It's simple. And unidentified entity infiltrated our most secure prison and left with Masuri on a green platter. There is no sign of a struggle, he went willingly, which means that he knew who they were and wanted to go with them. We can only assume that they are his friends. Kuhera - But... wait, how did they breach your defenses? Dylan - I do not know, they shouldn't have been able to do so. They must have been using essence or extremely advanced tech. Nampt - So... what do you think we should do? Dylan - We need to enter the war. The Draconis have been attacked by enemies, the Loron and others. We cannot allow our alliance with them to fall apart because we didn't want to get involved in war. Hinata - Dylan.... are you sure you're completely yourself? You sound... rushed. Dylan - The Forest is back. I can feel it. All the Meta can feel it. We need to move before others learn of it's revival, before others can silence it again. Arukas - I thought your essence seemed disrupted. I think you need to calm yourself. We cannot vote until Clank return anyway, and Remlap and Titrit are still on their mission to the Milky Way for trade and alliances to help us in the future. We cannot hold a vote until after they return. Dylan - But they will not do so for some time, the message must find them then they must return. We're talking weeks, weeks in which we could lose it all before even starting the race! We must act, not debate! Kuhera - I am not a part of the Wental Council, however, I can sense the confusion in your mind. The Worldforest, that great entity that has been in the back of your mind, dormant, has reawakened, and now it is driving you to act without thinking. Allow me to try and calm you.

Kuhera closes her eight eyes, faces Dylan, and then just falls still.

Kuhera - Your mind is truly wrapped in chaos right now, Dylan. The Forest Mind is disrupting your rational thought, you have already done several things some would consider stupid or spontaneous. You are like a drug addict that has been withdrawn for to long, and now you have the drug back you are allowing it to rule you in a way never before. If this is the same with all the Meta, then your entire species should be put under mandatory house arrest until you calm down and return to your normal patterns of thought. Dylan - You can't do that! Hinata - But we can. Let us take a quick vote on it.

The Wental Council votes. Nampt, Arukas, Hinata, Jasmine, Uma, and First Spark all vote to do it. Dylan votes against. Because of the way the council works, the majority rules, and Dylan, along with all the other Meta, are sent to their homes to recover and re-adapt to the Worldforest Mind's influence.

However, Dylan does not slow down because of that. From his house, using the Meta Mind Network, he ensures that when the meditation ends, his people will set everything up to gain the Wentals permission to enter the war. They will send the messages, they will get the votes, and in the end, they will ensure that the Wentals are not taken by surprise again.

Dylans Plans
Dylan and his Meta has calmed down, but their plans were still in place, they still intended to fulfill them. What they intended was unprecedented, unexpected, and completely un-Meta. The Meta of old had been a peaceful people who meant what they said and did what they said they would do. The only thing that stayed the same was that they still do as they say they will.

On a secrete space station where only Meta worked, the Wentals had been working on figuring out how the Converter Bots worked, and on improving them, for some time. The Meta were thought of as the most trustworthy of the Wentals, as they couldn't do something without Dylan knowing of it. But when Dylan sent the message, they ceased to be trustworthy to the Wentals.

Over the time working with and on the Converter Bots, the Meta had been able to reduce the death ratio to a mere .02% of the life converted. Still a significant amount on a planetary scale, but small enough that the biospheres of planets converted would remain intact. They had also figured out how to turn them on and off at will. When Dylan sent his message to secretly send a sample to an even more top secret lab, one built by the Wentals solely, they did so.

Dylans intent was obvious to the Meta, and they agreed. Only when the Wentals could spread to planets without destroying the biosphere could they truly survive in the universe. So Dylan tested the Converter Bots on an uninhabited planet, with stunning success. Dylan then tried it out on a planet with tribal life, with even greater success. Finally, a planet with a civilization, also with great success. Now that he knew the Converter Bots worked and were capable of converting sapient creatures and even civilizations without destroying them, he needed only one final test before he could risk revealing his idea to the Wental Council: he needed a space-empire to be tested on.

Weights and Measures
A single ship of Draconis manufacture approaches Shellis. The cities are filled with rain and lights that illuminate the dark planet as the ship approches the royal palace.

Captain - Shellis spire, this is TNSS Elloris requesting permission to dock. Shellious Android -Request granted. Open hangers.

Alessa wore a breathing mask. As the shuttle door opens she felt uneasy in her new surroundings.

Edoshai - Greetings. you must be the diplomat of the draconis. Alessa - *studders* Yes *bows* I am Alessa Ultanos, daughter of Uriel the sixteenth. Edoshai- Pleasure. *walks towards the palace gates* Please come this way and we can disscuss the trade between the imperiums Alessa - Of course. Who are you may I ask? Edoshai - I am emperor edoshai of the shellious imperium. My power extents to all of the empire along with the senate and grand council. I am one of the only 2 royal members left. Untill my son has children of his own, the empire will stay in my command. Alessa - That is quite a contrast to my house, the Ultanos number in the thousands. Edoshai - Well even so, our civilizations are not really that different. Im sure you have many question now let us continue to the task at hand. The shellious trade routes can easily become major importance if your emperor allows the linking to the draconis routes. Alessa - Would it affect trade to mention that goods values within our imperium are state-controlled? Edoshai - Not really. Or at least I don't think so. The shellious imperium offers droids works, tourism, and technology. Alessa - I am relieved to hear. The bureaucratic council did provide me with a list of articles not allowed in imperial space. The Draconid Imperium can offer a wide variety of cultural materials, foodstuffs, medicines and technology. Edoshai - Food and medicine are hard to make with material sythasis. And culture is impssible to do. I am glad to hear that we both can improve eachother's imperiums. Most people focus on troops and war without thinking about the population. Alessa - My father is very passionate about developing what we have. This recent war was not something he commited likely. What are the Shellious' tastes in music like? Edoshai - Oh you would find it strange. You would need liquid filled lungs and high pitched voices to sing it and a extra brainal lobe to understand it without studying each one like a language. Most of them sound like smooth and soft with a lot of very loud screeches. You are fortuante I am speaking in your language or you would cover your ears. Alessa - So your people are not keen on orchestras then? Edoshai - Your ears cannot hear it well so to you no. However we have various works from some Jovar and TIAF people. we would be happy to transport those. I notice you feel uneasy. is there anything you need help with to make your stay more inviting. Alessa - I'm just not used to being surrounded by water, that's all. The way you have combined living and artificial is quite interesting. Edoshai - Yes. The carbon dioxide realeased by the many buildings may sometimes cause alot. Rain and thunder, or in this case the opportunity to grow healthy plants. I personally added many corals and kelp form many pkanets such as Earth,, and Alessa - Minos'Drakon, the imperial capital, doesn't have much plant life outside of roof gardens and public parks and plazas. Perhaps the largest tract of open space are the palace grounds. Nothing like this though... Edoshai - Khêt, life. Life is a wonderful thing. A tree can be soft as it flows through the wind and it can also be tough as rock, braking the soil as it feed on nutrients. Life is diverse adn this place would be a necropolis without life. Alessa - Is everything you create synthesised? Edoshai - Not everything. The building and droids are, but the life, the musical instraments, the decorations. We can not simply get all from changing atoms. Some things are more than just moclocules in a tank to be used in factories. Like the palace. Everything in the palace is really the skeleton parts of giant corals mixed with natural rock from the deepest vally of shellis. Ive noticed you are curious. You are a kind person who enjoys peace and harmony. You like to learn. I can learn alot about a good person by what they say and how they handle the memories of bad times flowing in your head. Alessa - My childhood was rather quiet. Well *smiles* almost; have you ever known what it is like to have more than one brother your majesty? Edoshai - I had a sister. No brothers. I think Messan could tell you what it was like. We both wanted to be ruler and messan left out of self pity that she was not great enough to lead. Gora has no mother. He has no aunt untill messan returnes. I wonder were she is now. All I can sense is anger. Alessa - When I was young my brothers used to scare me with stories about father's bodyguards. Then one night one of the captains came to my chambers, told me to ignore what they were saying, saying it was just their teasing. With father's help they developed me into the person I am today. Do you miss her? Edoshai - Messan and Gora are the only family I have left. When Messan exiled herself, I felt awful. I wish that i could have failed. She would make a much better ruler than me. She hates us now. She still has love in her heart. I know it. Gora - I couldn't help but overhear. You really loved aunt messna. I wish I could have met her. I know she will come back. Alessa - Greetings *bows in Gora's direction* Gora - Hello you must be the draconis diplomat my father was supposed to meet. Im studying as a diplomat myself before being crowned. Edoshai - You always knew when something had to do with the family matters gora. Alessa - Indeed I am gora: Alessa of House Ultanos. Gora - Gora of House Thamono. Edoshai - The trade route please. Gora if you don't mind, Shuti needs feeding. Alessa - *Pulls out a waterproof datapad* Of course, here is a list of articles the Imperium considers illegal, along with a few reccomendations of what we can offer. Edoshai - Not too many things on this list. This list says something about military. There are some things that i must say are not for sale. *pulls out a hologram of a large starship* This type of weaopn is known as a star buster. They can destroy enire systems. Another is the orbital defense units. They are shellious imperium only. We cannot risk giving that techology to anyone. Not even the wentals. Alessa - Understood. I am well-aware of how dangerous Masuri can be.. have you been informed of recent events? Edoshai - Yes i have. Masuri is a great person. I hope he can get through this. With the war, the wentals, the lost arti...neverimind you already knwo this stuff. Right? Anyway the trade information wil be sent to.

On the the provided datapad the word 'Self-Replicating Nanorobots' Is seen under 'banned Imports'. along with altered Draconis DNA

Alessa - Trade conections can be established through the Wental sector, is there anything else you wish to discuss your majesty? Edoshai - I have been in politics for 9,645 years and never have I seen such a strange occerance. The shellious also have bans on nanorobots and altered DNA as well as beng a imperium ruled by the emperor above a large senate with rank 3 technology and planetwide cities. I am begining to wonder.

Alessa looks at Edoshai with interest

Alessa - Wonder what? Edoshai - In recent years, I have discovered a fact about the universe. Sometimes, only sometimes, thoughts can become reallity from far away. Or in our case wental and andromeda. It is possible that both our races were manipulated by a higher power at early evolution along with several other races. Possibly the artifact creators, or maybe a thing completely different. Alessa - My people still hold on to our creation myth. From what we understand of your Imperium's age for such a thing to occur in parallel is unlikely but not impossible.*shrugs* It could simply be that we have both accepted concepts that work. Edoshai - Well religion focuses on what people beleive. Sometimes it is false facts that cannot happen. And sometimes is is a misuderstood science that recalls real events. I would tell you what I know about the begining but im not supposed to tell anyone. They noramlly start religion wars. Alessa - Are you sure about this? Edoshai - Belief is what it is. Proving something they believe in is difficult but not impossible. The divinarium has, you have your religion, and we have minds that won't accept anything that they don't have proof for. Pity really. People need trust and not many shellious have it. I think that gods are advanced races so advanced that primative races worshiped them as gods. so they are real, yet so powerful we just don't unserstand what they are really up to. Alessa - That would make sense. The Imperium itself has been genetically adapting species for terraforming for years now. Perhaps there is a way to tap int othe very fabric of the universe... Edoshai - Exactly. The builders of these artifacts could have been at one point just like you and me. Alessa - What do you know about the artifacts? Edoshai - That they were made by a extinct race that left droids to protect their work. Alessa - So far we have not found a counter to their armour; What gets hit just grows back and repairs itself. Perhaps, yout majesty, we can share what our empires know. Edoshai - Very well. Currently, we know little. We are aware that many trillions of robots protect them. That means that there may be many. I cureently wonder what hey are for. From what I know, some of them are just simple maps to other artifacts. Alessa - Unfortunately only father has access to the information along with the imperial senate. We believe they are a a danger and have been working to protect them and understand them. Edoshai - From what we know. Most information is, suprisingly in the brain on my own son. He knows more in half of his head than twice the memory of the imperial archives. Alessa - Would he mind sharing? If your imperium's intentions are noble we can provide what information we have - it's a fair trade. Edoshai - Of course. He is stubborn though. *Edoshai moves his hand around a small brown communicator* Gora, I would like to speak to you. Gora - If this is about the ship parking thing, I didn't do it. Edoshai - No its.. wait what ship parking thing? Anyway we would like to hear about the artfiacts from andromeda. Alessa - I can offer what information the Draconis have to make it a fair trade. Gora - From what I know by the droids, the creators were arthropod mechanics that once ruled all of andromeda. They went extinct and the droids endlessly did their last orders over and over. They protected riuned cities and artifacts. They don't appear to know their masters are gone. Alessa - That would explain their nature. What about the artifacts themselves? Gora - They are eather terraforming, weapons, or something else I can't explain. Most are maps or small parts of larger artifatcs. The one you found was just a tiny part of a larger machine. Terraforing I think. That technology is difficult even for me. Alessa - So if the artifacts come together, they would be amplified if not fulfill their purpose. Father tells me there are scientists trying to decipher how they work. Gora - I can't figure out what they are for without going to the robots themselves, which I dout are freindly. It will reamin a mystery. But one thing is certain. We must find them before masuri and the zazane. They would not use them for a good purpose. Alessa - Then perhaps we should work together, Unlike the Divinarium I feel I can trust your judgement your majesty. Edoshai and Gora - Thank you. Alessa - I will inform father of what has been said here today and will convince him to share what we know, It has been an honour meeting you both *bows*

Conversion
Dylan watched from a camera attached to the bottom of a Wental-Draconis trading ship as it entered the atmosphere of the small city of Arnasia, on a designated trading planet with the Wentals. In this ship were the new Converter Bots, and the ship was rigged to crash land just outside the city, thus releasing the Converter Bots (and random mecholife) into the wilds of the planet. It was the perfect set up, as the only thing that could be blamed was pilot error, all the crew members were Meta. There was no sabotage, nothing but a "mistake" on the part of the pilot, who would press a button that would shut off all the ships engines in a full reboot. That would last just long enough for the ship to crash, and would leave the crew injured but alive. The only damage to the ship before the crash was that a case blocking the full shut down button was ripped off as if by accident, which would explain how the pilot could screw up like that. Everything had been taken care of, no one would suspect that it was an intentional crash.

Dylan watched as the ships engines suddenly cut, listened to the distress call, and chuckled. The camera vaporized, and he changed channels to the Draconis cameras now watching the crash with a terrified silence. News channels on both Wental and Draconis sides of the incident changed to cover it in live time, and then it hit the ground. The crash was worse then had been anticipated, the ship ripped itself in half and then started spewing out it's contents. Dylan winced as he felt the crew die from the force of impact, but knew that they had accepted the risk when they took the mission. None of them had had families for that reason. Then all else was swept aside as the Converter Bots started their job.

The silvery metallic change was at first not evident, but as the rescue crews ran out to help the downed ship, it became obvious that something was happening. The Draconis that were too close stood frozen in place as a pale sheen moved over their bodies, and plants as well as animals started to be affected in the same manner. In a rough circle from the point of impact, everything was gaining that strange sheen over it, becoming mecholife. As the Converter Bots passed over something, it froze in place, plants, animals, birds, insects. Several flying creatures dropped out of the sky, but flipped and spun, their bodies far stronger then they should be.

The Draconis that had gone out to help the downed ship and weren't yet Mecholife started to flee. Several got onto hovercraft and fled, but the Converter Bots would have none of it. They chased down the fleeing Draconis, capturing them and sending the hovercraft flying end over end as Draconis drivers froze in place. Back near the epicenter, life was starting to move again. A Draconis regained movement, and looked around, confused by the slight subconscious pulses of the mecholife Network. As realization of what happened dawned over it, the Draconis howled with fury, fear, and grief.

The wave of mecholife spread and soon the entire city was engulfed, then the continent, then the planet. As it spread, the Converter Bots speed increased until they were so fast only a space ship could out run it. Three such ships had lifted off and fled into space, where they watched as the event unfolded below. This was an unprecedented disaster, no one knew how to proceed.

Social Shockwaves
The Draconis' response to the outbreak was swift, in just a few hours they had quarantined the planet along with positioning a fleet in defence. A cluster of Wental ships flew towards the world with the intent of studying the disaster but once they reached the fleet they were immediatel contacted.

Gerassa - ''Attention Wental fllet, this is captain Gerassa of the 478th Talon fleet. You are entering a quarantine zone, state your purpose here!'' Ginga - We are here to ensure that no mecholife be harmed out of fear or rash action. Gerassa - ''I have my orders. No one enters or leaves the planet's atmosphere to prevent the spread.'' Ginga - ''That is acceptable, so long as you do not destroy the planet out of hand. In fact, don't destroy it at all. We need to understand why this happened, if we don't it could happen again.'' Gerassa- ''We have some idea of what had happened. It seems despite all safety protocols conversion nanobots emerged from the crashed vessel. The recovery teams were wearing hazmat suits designed to protect them from your form of life which has led to subsector command wondering ig this was intentional.'' Ginga - ''It was not intentional. We lost 23 Meta when that ship crashed. Why would we kill off Meta to get this ship to crash?'' Gerassa - ''Perhaps their deaths were unintended, it happens. You know more about the conversion than we do. If you can convince the commodore of your intentions i'll let you pass.'' Ginga - ''I personally don't know much about the Converter Bots, but I was briefed that the Wental Council would be coming to try and solve this problem, I'm just here to make sure nothing stupid happens before they can arrive. I do know one thing though... the Converter Bots haven't been active since the Mechanization itself, this is the first time they have actively mechanized anything since then.'' Gerassa - So far all we have done is sent down food supplies, I was never ordered to hatchling-sit the population. Ginga - ''Ah. We were worried that you would simply wipe out the planet out of fear this incident would spread. While I cannot promise it won't, I can state that it shouldn't, the Converter Bots cannot spread beyond an atmosphere. Gerassa - Planetary security forces are still somewhat active and the probe swarms have been ensuring that no-one uses this as a chance to riot.'' Ginga - ''That's a relief. If you need ground forces, we can help, we've already been mechanized.'' Gerassa - ''Speak with the subsector commodre first. I have been authorised to use lethal action to maintain the quarantine. I'll give you his contact details.'' Ginga - ''If you do attempt to use lethal force in a way that would destroy mecholife on the entire planet... then we would have an issue. If you mean shooting ships out of the sky, that's not as bad. Where can I find the subsector commodre?'' Gerassa - ''The latter is what i meant. Sector command is looking for a way to reverse the effects. If not then the executive admiral could authorise an orbital bombardment. Subsector command is in the Valad system, second planet.'' Ginga - ''Valad System, second planet. I don't think that mechanization is reversible, and I can assure you that bombarding the planet would piss off the Wental Council. Besides that, mecholife is very sturdy, you'd need to make an EM pulse the size of a planet to kill it off.'' Gerassa - That is the most likely method so I suggest you move quickly. Ginga - ''Got it. But remember, we Wentals are just as vulnerable to EM Pulses as mecholife, creating that would probably cause a massive anti-Draconis feeling among the Wentals. Just a heads up. *turns to the wheel of his ship* Now, I have a commodre to meet.''

In the space of a few hours Ginga arrived on Valad Prime, capital of the Mathist-1-Valad subsector. Thensions ran high in the city streets and many gave her strange looks as though she wasn't welcome. On plasmascreen billboards across the main city footage was shown of the disaster. It was quite clear that the Draconis believed what had happened was indeed a terrible tragedy. She may her way to subsector command in the heart of Vankobis - the planetary capital - and made her way to Commodore Tanus' office. As she knocked she could hear the commorodre inside. as she entered he looked up at her with a blank expression before esting a datapad on his desk.

Ginga - Hello Commdore Tanus - I don't believe we've met, your name? Ginga - Commander Ginga, I'm just the guy who was closest. Tanus - Captain Gelassa mentioned you were coming, I take it this is about the incident on Arnasia Prime? Ginga - ''That is correct. The Wental Council themselves are coming to work out what happened, so I would really prefer it if nothing happened before of during their time here.'' Tanus - ''The planet is still in Imperial space depite how close to the edge it may be. If the council can help the crisis i would help but sector command has other ideas...'' Ginga - ''If you were to sterilize that planet's mecholife, it would result it a very bad relations disaster with the Wentals. Such a weapon, and it would be nothing less then a weapon, could eventually be used against us. That alone would be reason enough for us to cut relations with you out of fear alone. To say the least, it would not end well.'' Tanus - ''As far as sector command knows the entire incident was an accident. Until we can find a solution that benefits both the Imperium and the colonists the use of EM bombs is to be a last resort.'' Ginga - Well, your Quarantine Fleet Commander was a little less hopeful. Tanus - ''She is only doing what she was assigned to do. There are three million people on Arnasia prime and if intelligence is correct the entire planet was converted in 21 minutes.'' Ginga - ''Welcome to the wonderful world of nanobots. They move faster the more the spread.'' Tanus - ''It gets worse for us: Sakanis house wants compensation. Governer Tassadus died from the conversion along with two sisters, four others of the house were converted and the house has temporarily disowned them.'' Ginga - ''Well... I can understand that. You just lost a planet.'' Tanus - *grunts* Don't remind me. Ginga - ''Well, it could have been far worse. When the Mechanization occurred to the Wentals, we lost 72% of our population. Biospheres collapsed, and our entire military force was simply gone. This could have ended that way.'' Tanus - Sector command is planning for recolonisation unless the process can be reversed. Ginga - ''Those that survived are likely under immense psychological trauma from the ordeal and we have little experience with such matters. I wouldn't attempt to recolonize the planet. Mecholife is a very dangerous thing, there is a good chance that any Draconis who tried to live there would be killed by mecholife. Besides that, you would never be able to feed a biolife population using the planet itself to grow food. Any resources to be consumed would need to be shipped in. As for the phychological trauma, well, we Wentals went through this time about 20, so we can help you there. It helps if you first openly accept that they are still living, thinking creatures, and are your equals. Of course... we never had to worry about not being equal, we were all mecholife. However, being accepted would be a step in the right direction.'' Tanus - ''We studied how mecholife works. The plan would have been to saturate the atmosphere and upper crust in an EMP first before reintroducing new biolife. Such a decision would not be made lightly.'' Ginga - ''...And would end with disaster. You're talking about wiping out 3 million lives and sterilizing an entire planet. I can't stop you, but I can warn you that the Wentals would be horrified to see such a thing done by an empire to its own people. Plus, they are mecholife. We stand by our own, such an action would create massive anti-draconis feelings across the empire.'' Tanus - ''Hmm. We could soften the blow if the population is accepted into the Wental, mechanised aliens is one thing but mechanised Draconis would be treated with suspicion and potentially fear. Many, particularly in the Ohlon-1 sector are still unsettled from the Mecha-Wasp conversions. If they realised their kin became mecholife i cannot predict the outcomes.'' Ginga - ''I cannot speak for the Wental Council, but I do not think they would be against taking on the Draconis population. It would still scare many Wentals that an entire mecholife planet could be sterilized, but with the sapient population intact they wouldn't be as scared.'' Tanus - ''During the Mecha-Wasp war sector command was not above using such measures to prevent planetary conversion. Unlike in this case the population wouldn't have been affected.'' Ginga - ''So you have always had such weapons, you've just not used them in a while. Just try not to use them again until this has been settled. It's worrying for the Wentals that the Converter Bots have become active, we want to study the planet and see if we can find out why they became active randomly today.'' Tanus - ''You are immune to the converters. I will grant you premission to go planetside as long as you follow quarantine procedures and as long as you share the data. I will have sector command postpone action but the planet is strategically important, the best we can do is evacuate the mecholife before we prepare the planet for recolonisation.'' Ginga - ''Again, I cannot speak for the Council, but your demands are neither excessive nor unexpected. They will probably agree to them, and I'm sure they will be willing to evacuate the Draconis on the planet so you can attempt a recolonization. I should return to the planet, the Council will be arriving soon enough.'' Tanus - Safe journey commander. Ginga - ''Thank you. Let us hope this ends well.''

The Machines Act
Deep within the Tholfame-18 sector scientists were working hard on the moon of Vendis VI, a gas giant of the vendis system which ad been removed from imperial records since the discovery of the first artifact. Deep beneath the moon's frozen surface scientists worked diligantly to scan, examine and analyse each artifact to deciper their workings. However something unknown was apporaching.

Scientist - ...Sectos 2 ,3 and 4 are green. Sample is in place, activating nanoscan.'' Scientist 2 - The Director would be pleased with these results. Scientist - ''Don't get your hopes up. These things are still an enigma...'' Scientist 3 - ''The budget for this project must be immense, how much are they injecting into this thing? | Scientist - more than enough to retire on.''

The artifact is bathed in a beam of light the scientists watch as a picture emerges on theri consoles of the artifacts interior. Broad smiles spread across their faces as they realise the magnitude of what they had uncovered. Out of a flash of cyan light an Inheritance drone appears right inside the room, taking the scientists by surprise.

Scientst - ''What the.. *comm* Security breach on level Khar. Guards respond!'' Inheritant - ''RETURN... THE ARTIFACT... TO WHERE... IT BELONGS...'' Scientist 2 - *peers at the drone* That's no probe i've ever seen before Scientist 3 - Stay back. Scientist - ''W-we have no intent on using them as weapons.. We just want to understand them...'' Inheritant - ''ARTIFACTS... MUST BE PROTECTED...'' Scientst - ''We are doing that, we swear.. no other races know of this pla-''

The scientist was interrupted when the probe opens fire. Reducing one of his colleagues to a skeleton. As it fires the entire base is filled with Inheritants Guards enter and fire confined EMPs at the drones.

Scientist 2 - Drakon help us! Guard - ''Secure level Khar, repeat: secure level Khar! All units, we have an intrusion in level Khar sector three.''

More Inheritants teleport and attack the guardsmen. One of them launches a gravity gun, attracting a Guardian and impaling him on a bayonet.

Guard - ''Critical containment failure! *comm* DIrector Senvinus. Shut the whole place down and activate the EM-surge. We have mechanical intrusions on all levels!'' Tarsus - ''Understood sergent. All units: Lethal force is to be granted, activating surge.''

In seconds the entire base powers down, the lights dim and shutto f and the hum of the base ceased. Deep in the bowels a strange noise was made before all Inheritants collapse to the ground. As the pulse ended the lights flickeered back to life and the ambient hum resumed. Panicked scientists regained theri composure before looking at the fallen shells.

Sergeant - Incursion resolved. Tanus - ''Understood sergeant. Have your labourers move some of those mechs to the labs for study. I am intrigued by their shells...''

As scientists examined the mechs some of them began to self reper. After announcing his concern that the machines had survived an EMP he along with several others were attacked and torn apart by the revived machines. Panic filled the halls again and Tarsus ordered non-phasic shields to activate, isolating the Inheritants. Tarsus remained in his office as the situation unfolded.

Inheritant - Give us the artifact and you shall be spared...Inheritant - *leaps at the scientists and rips them into shreds* Give us the artifact and you shall be spared... Guard - If you are responsive, stand down! Scientist - We want to protect them, the same as you. Inheritant - ''Artifacts are not to be taken by the... younglings..'' Scientist - ''We understand that is what you were programmed to do. But there are erm.. youunglings.. who desire it's power. Younglings we know how to fight. | Tarus - Professor what's going on? | Scientist 2 - The mechs, they are talking.'' Inheritant - ''Artifacts are not to be taken by younglings... Simply give us the artifacts and we shall protect them themselves. We will protect it better than you... Tarsus - ''Listen, times have changed. Other younglings know where the artifacts are. So far only you have found this system and we will make sure it stays that way.''

After Tarnus explained the Inheritants froze in place. As the scientists watched the machines eventually started to move again.

Inheritant - ''Younglings are not to be trusted. We shall be the better protectors.'' Tarsus - ''In case you didn't notice these artifacts were recovered and transported here without your intervention. And so far we have not had a single incursion until now. This implies that we have so far done a better job.'' Inheritant - ''The power corrupts. And you, the Rades-spawn, the iron creatures and the Barbarians cannot handle this power.'' Tarsus - ''We have no intention of using these artifacts. Whatever power they wield has been deemed too dangerous by the imperial senate.'' Inheritant - If so, why do you try to keep the artifacts under your control? Tarsus - Keeping them within our territory is the safest place because we do not trust the other races, in fact they don't even know this system exists. Inheritant - Same with our worlds. Guard - *mutters* Then how were we able to transport them here so easily? Inheritant - ''...Give us the artifact, quickly. These Barbarians are led by Cenaric being. He will find them in time.'' Tarsus - ''We cannot surrender these artifacts. Not only will I be severely punshed by the senate but the others might easily get their hands on them as well.'' Scientist - Cenaric? Inheritant - ''You may know this... energy by another name.'' Inquisitor - ''describe the energy. I know of two beings who are... ethereal. What kind of energy do you speak of?'' Inheritant - ''Energy of life itself. Energy which could control the very minds, the very lifestreams of living beings. Rades were the masters of Cenaric, and so are their... spawn. But not our creators, though.'' Inheritant - ''Cenaric could control the very strings of reality... but our creators held one power that could not be matched. Arden'tar...'' Inquisitor - ''This machine refers to the Loron Horde. I know who you refer to and I assure you he will never reach this system. You have my word that everyone here will sacrifice their last breath to keep this facility out of the creature's hands.'' Inheritant - ''This Cenaric being has more power than Gitlerkuveng Medvedus... You cannot prevail'' Inquisitor - ''My duty involves preserving the Imperium from entities like him. We are aware of his power, the artifacts stay!'' Inheritant - ''We have our ways of defeating these... entities. Cenaric can be negated and we know how.'' Inquisitor - We know of your weapons capabilities and I will not change my mind. Inheritant - Imperious One may consider alliance with you, but now, you shall DIE. Tarnus - ''All personnel evacuate! Get that data offworld now!''

The moon is burned as the inheritants incinerate everytihng. Sirens blared in che chaos of evacuation as scientists and personel did what they could to escape the inheritants. Many of them bewccame traumatised watching as their colleagues were reduced to bones. Those that managed to survive escaped via the orbiting fleets however several of those were lost to the firestorm. Out of the thousands working at the site only a few dozen had survived the traumatic incident. Tarsus, who had survived the incident, held a storage device in his bag and was mournful of what had been lost. However all was not lost because inside the storage device was terabytes of data they had discovered. The Imperium's pursuit to understanding the artifacts was not over and would continue further.

Princes of machines
A month had passed since Ginga had met with the commodore. Under the advice of the senate Uriel agreed to speak to the Wental Council via holonet to discover what had been found.

Uriel - ''Good day councillors. I understand this is about the incident on Arnasia Prime.'' Dylan - ''Yes. This has been all around stressful. The Converter Bots shouldn't be capable of activation, self or otherwise, but we all know that to be false now. I'm not a scientist, but Jasmine is, she can tell you more. | Jasmine - Well, it seems that these are a more advanced form of the original bots. They have approximately a .02% kill rate, so 1 in every 10,000 or so creatures would be killed, if that. Perhaps that is why they aren't as destructive.'' Uriel - ''I see... The Mathist-1 council has suggested recolonisation by saturating the atmoshpere with an EMP after all sapient maecholife has been evacuated.'' Jasmine - ''That would do the trick for killing all the mecholife on the planet, but you would still need to remove the dead remains. Would be a very unpleasant job I'm sure. Besides that, there is no guarantee that these new converter bots are susceptible to EM pulses. Now, about the population... well, that's back to Dylan, he's the guy for it.'' Dylan - ''The population is probably scared, confused, and on the verge of panic. Do you think you could give us a few days to work out the kinks and calm them down before removing them? THey have been through a lot, simply taking them away won't help them, especially not so soon after this... incident.'' Aide - Pre-mechanisation population registered at 3,141,235, accurate to one month ago. Dylan - ''Yes... quite a few people to move. The Wentals alone don't have a large enough fleet to move that in one go, it would take a few days. For the safety of their mental state, we would probably keep them together and maybe even find a planet for just them to live on. There are several such planets that have yet to be repopulated.'' Uriel - ''That would be the best course of action. The Imperium has the resources to move such a population.'' Dylan - ''That's good. Once they have arrived at the planet we have for them, we can ensure they are safe - the planet would not have anything dangerous to Draconis on it. Now... would you maintain authority over them, or are they going to be Wentals Citizens now?'' Uriel - ''The fallout has been severe. Some are concerned their relatives, who were on the planet at the time, do not realise their kin have survived. The cult of Drakon, as benevolent as it is, might turn their backs on them.'' Dylan - ''As we remove the population we can get a full name count. The list would be open to the public of course.'' Uriel - The concern from the cult is that they cannot help these people. Dylan - ''The cult cannot undo what happened, however, they could ease the transaction by allowing contact between mecho-draconis and bio-draconis the mecho-draconis would be in a much better situation then if they lost contact with the Draconis. By helping to reconnect now separated families, the cult can help both the mecho and bio draconis.'' Uriel - ''We will see what we can do. The safety of my people has always been a priority and if it helps ease the trauma then very well. What was discovered about the crash?'' Dylan - ''It could have been avoided. The ship was owned by a rather small and poor company, so when a piece of it that controls the emergency shut off broke, they didn't replace it. Basically, a cover for the button wasn't there, the captain seems to have accidentally pressed it, and the engines cut out. Due to the functions of the ship, the engines weren't able to restart until AFTER it had hit the ground... That's what the black box says at least, and it's all we've got to trust in this case. The button was pressed, the cover was missing, and the engines reacted as built. It was pilot error.'' Uriel - Is there any clue as to how the converter bots were activated? Dylan - ''Not that we have been able to figure out. It is always possible that, over time, they became self-functioning, and these ones just got lucky and ended up free on a planet. There is also a chance that the Sacis, who created the original bots, reactivated them. Naturally, we've shut down trade until we can figure this out.'' Uriel - Are you suggeting that the Sacis are still alive? Dylan - ''Oh they certainly are. We were unable to destroy them, as they exist within mecholife itself. Being a solely computerized sapience, they are probably hiding somewhere in the Network. They vanished shortly after the mechanization.'' Uriel - ''I see... The population are worried about a repeat incident, even after this matter is resolved there will still be after-effects, Do you propose anything?'' Dylan - ''We have always been studying the Converter Bots, and we have long known of their vulnerability to EM Pulses. These new ones, if they are based on the original, should have the same flaw. However, we cannot be sure of it. As of right now, keeping trade to a minimum while we do some testing on the newer Converter Bots is the only thing we can do.'' Uriel - ''If you accept we can help with the research. We have robotic labs in several locations for studying biohazards like this.'' Dylan - So long as you are willing to take the risk, and we won't be held responsible if something goes wrong, we will be happy to accept your aid. Uriel - Much appreciated, and i'm sure our scientists will understand the risks. Jasmine - ''We will be working as fast as we can on our side too. If we're lucky one of us will figure out a way to prevent this from ever happening again.'' Uriel - If there is nothing else i would like to consider this meeting adjourned. Dylan - ''There is one last detail. I believe you had family here. Will they expect to be given better supplies or be treated differently for it?''

Uriel's mouth quaked at the news, his lip quaked and he felt a chill piece his heart. Horrified to learn that part of his brood had been either bee converted or killed.

Uriel - ''What? I was never... *sigh* I suppose they would.'' Dylan - ''And would they understand if they didn't get this right away? We will, of course, have one of them become part of the sub-council, which does most of the governing in the Wentals and ensures no species be forgotten, but will they want to be part of the upper council?'' Uriel - My family have always been just rulers, it would be sensible. Dylan - ''Very well. We will work out the details with them personally.''

As the conversation finished and the link was terminated Uriel was silent in his office, his breathing became slow and stuttered as though he had felt something torn from his chest. He didn't know who was planetside, if they were dead or even mecholife. His mind returned to the wars he so valiently fought in. As he closed his eyes the images changed, he saw the marines he knew morph to have metallic skin and glowing red eyes, he quickly opened his eyes in horror before uttering shock one simple sentence. as he slumped on his desk

"Korr... Brother... I failed you"

The Federation's Warning
Iovera was returning from Alcanti, resting on the bridge of one of the Black Fleet's flagships. The ship's communication systems received a live transmission from an unidentified source. Iovera opened the communications link. It was Captain Lorrelas of the TIAF.

Iovera - ...Tybusen? Lorrelas - Greetings, Clericarch, we have something to discuss. Iovera - What? Lorrelas - ''Regarding the conflict in Andromeda. The Andromeda War, I believe is what it is called.''

Iovera nodded.

Lorrelas - ''We feel we must warn you that our fleets in Andromeda are poised to strike the Draconis. We do not wish for any further bloodshed or war beyond them, so we ask that you don't give us trouble.'' Iovera - What is your purpose? Lorrelas - The Draconis, being allies of our enemies the Wentals, pose a threat to us by possessing the Andromedan Artifacts. Iovera - We want to protect them, not to use them. Lorrelas - ''We are well-assured that you have no malicious intentions. The Draconis, on the other hand, may acknowledge their alliance with Wental...'' Iovera - ''So you plan to attack Wentals and Draconis. Bold. And foolish.'' Lorrelas - ''We have crushed Wental before and we will crush them again. Our intelligence shows we hold certain advantages over the Draconis. All we ask for is your cooperation. In both of our best interests.'' Iovera - Sorry, but we do not plan to tolerate the war against our allies. Lorrelas - We do not wish to be directly responsible for any more deaths of your fine race. Iovera - We Radeons honor our alliance. Lorrelas - ''Very well. You are quite steadfast, which I respect. But be prepared for the might and power of the TIAF armada, for we are relentless.'' Iovera - The Black Fleet will succeed. Lorrelas - ''Well then, there is no more to say. May the best nation win.''

With that, Lorrelas cut the communication link. It was silent on the bridge.

Iovera - Arrrrgh...

The Ark
At the same time, in the Kraw Galaxy, the People's Empire of Nelrad had received a strange message from a distant world located between two galaxies - Kraw and Andromeda. The message was a call, a call to retrieve the artifact...

...from a fragment of the artifact itself.

will write there tomorrow

Draconis Mechanis
''You are now Mechanized. That means that the Draconid Imperium cannot care for you anymore. This is going to be an immensely stressful situation, but you are a strong and hardy people. You will prevail, of that I am certain.'' This was being repeated many times over by thousands of Wentalian Guides and Helpers and Medics and Soldiers as they removed the population of the machanized planet. Many of the Draconis were in a state of shock, all the Wentals could do was attempt to make the transition from Draconid Imperium to Wentals Democracy as swift, simple, and easy as possible. It was the best they could do, all they could do. Trade with the Draconis was done, for now, because both sides feared another such event.

Dylan sighed as he watched the families and groups of people walking towards the stands, where they were giving their identification and being told that they would never be able to be part of the Draconid Imperium again. His sigh wasn't so much for them, they would survive, he truly believed that. What he was sighing about was how foolish he had been to do this. He didn't regret it, just wished he'd thought it out a little more.

Dylan settled down to plan the construction of the new city on the planet they were moving the Draconis to. He felt a little guilty, so he decided to make the houses larger and roomier then the Draconis here would have been able to afford before the event. He wanted them to be able to get past what they were now, and eventually even come to enjoy it. They were stronger, faster, and basically better then normal Draconis now, all of them. Why shouldn't they get better housing? He also planned ahead and left space for a 100% increase in population before new houses would be needed. If that didn't satisfy them, nothing would.

As for Aeriu and the rest of the Ultanos Family that had lived on the planet, he designed a large palace for them. Gardens, ponds, fountains, more rooms then even he could have used in his life. And a grand entrance hall. Anything to get them to shut up. Dylan was more then willing to go overboard on the design, as he knew it would provide both the Draconis moving to the planet, and the Wentals who would be working on it with a large number of good jobs. He built the city to be able to hold 7 million people. The city would be located on a planet called "Klaxos 3", which already had 4 Wentalian Cities and a strong, thriving economy. It was world with few dangerous predators, and the outer walls of the city would be more then enough to make the Draconis feel secure within it.

The planet had been chosen because it was similar in shape and design to the planet from which the Draconis refugees would be coming from. Everything possible to ensure that there was as little discomfort as possible was being attended to. However... Dylan knew it would be hard for them, especially for those who had lost loved ones, or for families now divided between the Draconid Imperium and the Wentals.

Dylan also had another duty to attend to. While the death rate had been low, there were still about 628 people who died. Of those, at least half had been parents, and it usually killed both, though why was unknown. Dylan now needed to explain to the orphans what had happened and what was going to happen to them. He had found new families for most of them, but some had been old enough to willingly choose not to go to a new family. A few had been more curious then saddened, and actually wanted to live with non-Draconis. For the most part however, they all wanted to live with their own, so Dylan had made special reservations for such individuals, and set aside houses and money and resources for when they became adults per the Draconis way.

Dylan sighed again. If the Draconis had been willing to give up the planet, he could have had this whole problem settled already. However, they were instead going to sterilize it, and that provided yet anther reason to sigh.

Jasmine had successfully gotten a sample of all life on the planet, but she was very upset that she wouldn't be able to study the planet itself for much longer. However, her anger over that was nothing compared to the fear that had spread across the Wentals when they heard the Draconis had weapons that could sterilize an entire mechosphere. It was something none of them wanted to believe in, and many said just wasn't possible. However, Dylan knew that when the planet was sterilized it would give the Wentals a solid and probably permanent fear of the Draconis, fear that would cause all sorts of trouble for him in the future.

One thing Dylan didn't have to worry about was reconnecting families, at least through communications and networks. The Draconis had made a great effort to track down families and family members of those who had been on the planet when the Conversion occurred, most if not all the families had at least been given the chance to communicate if they wanted, and the new city would have a full attachment to the Sline installed from the start.

There was a new member species in the Wentals, and Dylan wanted to make sure they were invited properly. What was the name Jasmine had given them? Ah yes, Draconis Mechanis.

He Who Watches
Br'Klakkon stood pleased, before him the bodies of Radeon lay dead at his feat and another artifact was within his reach but he and his minions weer not alone. As he approached he sensed something hiding nearby. As he cried out Sarec, who exhaled deeply from being discovered stepped out from his hiding place.

Sarec - Br'Klakkon by order of the Inquisition of Drakon I am here to cast jusgement on your actions. Br'Klakkon - OHH, YOUZ COME TA JUDGE ME DUMBO? WE'Z GONNA SETTLE DIS PROPER-LIKE.

Br'Klakkon draws a big Shanka and plunges it into the ground, creating a shockwave that resonates towards SArec who simply leaps in the air to avoid it. While in mid-air he draws his sword before landing on his feet with the shockwave behind him. He smiles before charging at the Loron, leaping into the air and plunging his balde into Br'Klakkon's chest. As he roared Br'Klakkon pulled the inquisitor from his chest before throwing him against a wall, firing a shot from his Blasta. The shot misses and Sarec hits the ground, he rolls his seyes and draws his twin fusion pistols, rushing at Br'Klakkon and firing.

As he appraches he makes a fatal mistake - sliding under the creature's legs he is picked up and slammed into the ground. Br'Klakkon laughs before shedding his mortal form. As he did Sarec mumbled into has comm and five other inquisitors deactivated their holofields, aiming weapons at the Loron present - it was stalemate.

Sarec - Do you even know what those artifacts do? Br'Klakkon - I have seen the power they hold Sarec - And still you are a subordinate, you could use that power to become a true god. Br'Klakkon - I descend the need for flesh...

After his final words Sarec is enveloped in mysterious clouds, he could feel his strength being sapped from him but at that moment a Centauri-shaped creature appeared from the sky, blasting energy at Br'Klakkon and stunning him. As he fell Sarec freed himself landing feet-first as Br'Klakkon, outraged, teleported away. he looked up a the Centauri.

Inquisitor - Your orders brother Sarec Sarec - Hold your fire brothers! I owe you... Who are you?

The Centauri said nothing and vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Sarec pondered the significance before calling out to the Loron and giving them three options: renounce the Legion, run or die. As the loron stood a smile crept across Sarec's face before he uttered "Fine, secure the site brothers, this Artifact beongs to the Imperium" The Inquisitors killed each Loron without hesitation, leaving Sarec to contemplate what happened while looking at his prize.

The IGA arrives
In an uninhabited planet in Segmentum Umbra, a sudden rumbling filled the sky as a T]T{Skimmer] starcruiser flew down, followed by a massive 1km IGA colony ship and several other guardships. The colony ship itself was a whale of a ship, with dozens of protruding engines and a massive domed Colony Incredi-Pak fixed to the front. The colony ship landing, its fusion thrusters creating an ersatz landing zone as it settled down on the ground. The ship deployed landing pods which anchored it to the ground, and then opened the exit hatch, and its occupants rushed out side for the first time in weeks.

The finding of an artifact
One week later, a Varathana scramjet flew over the jungle floor looking for a new place to place a settlement.Suddenly he stumbled upon something entirely new.

Pilot: Sir, I found some kind of shrine out here.

Class 1 "Rayker": Soldier, we're sending in a ground team. Scout around the area but do not approach it UNDERSTOOD?

Pilot: Sir, yes sir.

A few minutes later fifteen Troopers stood at the entrance to the shrine. Their leader approached it and to his surprise the door slid jerkily open. Inside lay the shredded corpses of some alien race, as well as several destroyed robots. If there were any defenders they had already been destroyed. Inside lay a five foot long silver oval that softly glowed. Twelve soldiers made a perimeter around the shape while the other three slowly lifted it up and moved it to a waiting drop ship. Soon the procedure was over and the artifact was being studied by the colonies top scientists. Relaxing in his chair, Rayker thought 'That was easier than I expected.' Suddenly a transmission crackled to life on his transmitter.

???: IM'A SHANK YA MUDDA AND YA MUDDAS MUDDAS AND DENN DA LEGION OF BADMANZ IS GONNA KILL YOO ALL PROPA GOOD!

Da IGA dumbos vs da Legion of Badmanz
Song: see |here

Suddenly a group of Loron Killas dropped into orbit around the planet.

Da Propa Warboss: I'MA GIV YA 1 CHANS TOO GIV US DA ARTYFAKT AND WE'LL JUST SHANK YA CHIKZ.

Rayker: Is this some kind of joke?

Da Propa Warboss: OOO, DATZ IT, MY BOYZ AM GONNA SHANK YA SO HARD YA GONNA WISH YA WERE ALWAYZ DED!

Suddenly, hordes of Loron dropped down on to the planet and began blasting huge bolts of energy at the colony. But the IGA's troops were more prepared then the Loron expected, and what they had expected to be a massacre soon changed to a fairly even battle. While the Loron held an advantage in sheer numbers, the IGA's troops had better training, sniping Lorons with deadly accuracy. Pig Men blasted shearing metal through the Lorons, while Loron shots scattered Tyrannar hide, burning and twisting when they actually hit. Another factor the Lorons were unprepared for was the Drone Cruiser, a new IGA innovation that launched swarms of exploding bots into the Loron ships. Suddenly, the Lorons pushed foward wildly as a mysterious dark figure moved towards the defenders. The Loron'Kikra had joined the fight. Slowly but surely the IGA troopers fell. Inside a small unnoticed dropship Rayker and three others pulled on armor an stocked up on weapons. "Let's go men," barked Rayker."Let's show these blood thirsty bastards what some shadows can do." They swiftly dropped around the Loron'Kikra and engaged. While the first shadow fell quickly in a burst of blood, the others swiftly dodged and sniped, they're quick reflexes perfect against the Lorons bad aim. The other two Shadows eventually fell, one tripping over a body, the other burst by another Lorons shot. Now just Rayker and the 'Kikra stood, both bleeding from huge holes in their body. Rayker bellowed and charged, but just as the Loron raised his arm for a fatal stroke, Rayker flashed an energy blade straight through the Lorons heart, killing him. Suddenly, he saw another force of Lorons bolstered by mechanized support coming towards him, but as they were about to open fire, an IGA Landblaster flew down and fired a missile which vaporized all Lorons within several hundred meters of the blast point. The IGA had won the space battle, and without their air support, the Lorons had no defense from the space fleet which swept down, firing beams of energy which vaporized thosands of Lorons at once. All the land troops had to do then was mop up the remaining Lorons, and the battle was won. "Now" Rayker said "Its time to see what secrets this artifact holds."

The Stranger and the Dragon
Rayker - Who are you? What are you doing here?

Inquisitor - We are of the Inquisition of Drakon. Our duty is to find and hunt down the Legion, it seems you have done our job for us. Rayker - An enemy of our enemy could be are friend... Do you know anything about artifacts. Inquisitor - We know a few things, but our government has branded top-level calassification. You will need to talk to the Senate to know more

Rayker - We have recovered an odd artifact. Perhaps our scientists studying it together could understand it's mysteries more deeply. Inquisitor - That is not my duty. However you might want to talk to the commander who provided us with marine support. The marines will take you to him.
 * Later, Rayker has been taken to the commander.* Rayker - Commander, we understand you know something about artifacts?

Edinavus - *talking to a hologram* ..Understood. *turns to Rayker* And you are...?

Rayker - Rayker. The commander of the colony you happen to be near right now. Edinaxus - My apologies. Commander Edinaxus Vasse of the 874th Marine legion. We detected signals of Loron Activity and we knew what they wanted.

Rayker - Loron, you say. Who are they? Barbarians? Their language is odd.

Edinaxus - They call themselves the Legion of Badmanz and you could consider them barbarians.Their leader is an entity the Inquisition is currently searching for.

Edinaxus -  and I hope that word was not related to us...

Rayker - Perhaps a war-time alliance could be benificial.

Edinaxus - Perhaps...

Rayker - But.. I've heard a few tales about Andromeda..... You don't keep slaves do you? Edinaxus - ...Only of races that proved themselves bold enough to test our might.

Edinaxus - *marines lift their rifles* We do not go looking for slaves.
 * Raykers eyes widen in shock and disgust* Rayker - You...you..

Rayker - I apologize. Slavery is the worst sin in our culture. But still, perhaps allowances can be made in a new galaxy.We need things we can rely on.We will not judge you yet.

Edinaxus - I advise you do not declare war on us over that one matter. Other empires have and failed.

Rayker - I did not say I would. In lack of other judgement I would accept any alliance that is offered, especially against those.....Loron. Commander - Very well. What have you discovered about this particular artifact?

Rayker - It seems to emit some form of ....energy. No, not exactly energy, but something. In shape it is a five foot long oval.

Tarsus Senvinus - That's slightly different from the other artifacts discovered.

Commander - Commander i would like you to meet professor Tarsus Senvinus. Rayker - Tarsus, eh? Is he one of your top scientists?

Tarsus - Indeed. My family comes from a long line of esteemed scientists. Rayker - Then i'll let you meet some of the Rillian Cortexa. You have a family of scientists? They've got a whole race of 'em. Tarsus - Interesting. Rayker - If you want to talk science i'd advise you to head to them. Commander, this galaxy seems interesting indeed. If you have no objections we'll continue to colonize here. I must leave soon, I am a mayor now, but any help you have against the Badmanz would be greatly appreciated. Commander - One last thing commander. Rayker - Yes? Commander - Due to our experience with the artifacts we'd like to keep research teams here. With your permission we would like to secure this site for study which means no unauthorised personnel within a restricted zone.

Rayker - A base on our colony is allowable, IF you would allow us a hand in this galaxy, simply advice and sorts perhaps a bit of trade. I am not so stupid to ignore an oppurtunity for help.

Commander - Very well, I accept this alliance.

Rayker - Thank you. Now I must go. May freedom fly with you, friend.

Commander - Fight well, commander.

Remodel Construction
MasterMachine is editing this to help the navigation of the war page. Do not touch anything below this area!

Arc 1, Prologue
Across the Andromeda Galaxy, artifacts were activating. Who made these devices and what they were used for is unknown, but what is known was that this empire was superadvanced and ruled the entire galaxy in it's age. This meant that everyone wanted an artifact of their own, and that sparked war and fighting over them. Great forces were starting to march in the Andromeda Galaxy, and it would soon become apparent that these forces were more then met the eye...

Prelude
The Draconis, being one of the larger empires that actually cared about the artifacts, were naturally the first to find one. They followed a signal trail back to the planet Cathar II, and started digging down towards it when they found it was buried. After weeks of digging, them came upon an ruin, from the center of which the signal was coming. So they entered the compound. The Draconis found the artifact in it's center, and remove it. They send it to a small hidden world where it can do no harm to study it.

Discovery
A routine patrol goes awry when an Apolos Fleet takes vital information on the locations of other artifacts from the Draconis fleet transporting it. The commander of the fleet is disgraced by the incident, and the artifacts become slightly more important.

Information
Apolos, not wanting the Draconis to have all the artifacts, give some of the information gathered to the Divinarium. The Divinarium promptly attacks a Draconis fleet and destroys it utterly. The Draconis are angered greatly, naturally, and decide they will fight back. Thus, the war begins.

Retribution
The Draconis, in a need for revenge, attack the Diviniarium. This is the first official battle of the Andromeda War, and ends with the complete destruction of a Divinarium Fleet. The Draconis fleets that attacked are damaged, but survive.

It's A Trap
The Draconis continue to search for artifacts in the region they destroyed the Divinarium Fleet in, and find one near the New Wental Sector, home to the rather illogical and dangerous Wentals. However, the Divinarium isn't stupid, they are watching the Draconis the entire time. Lead by their best commander, the Divinarium wasn't about to lose a second time. Jahric, of the Divinarium, started the attack without warning, and at first both sides were equally powerful. The sky of the planet the battle was on turned red from laser fire and weapons blasts.

Suddenly, a powerful electrical storm interrupted the sky born battle. Both sides abandoned ship as quickly as possible, and in the ruins of their two fleets continued the battle as though nothing had changed. meanwhile, two figures watched from above...

A Draconis pod was found by a troop of Divinarium Soldiers led by Jahric himself, and he told them to take the survivor prisoner. The survivor was surprisingly controlled in his behavior, but did obey what they told him to do. The survivor then gave the Divinarium troops a revelation: not only was he an Inquisitor, but he also thought that the electrical storm may have been more then coincidence. He convinced the Divinarium to pull out. The Draconis now had the planet to themselves, or so they thought.

The Draconis found the artifact and fortified themselves around it, out of natural need for security. Then the Loron arrived,. Lead by Br'klakkon, the Loron stormed onto the planet and attacked the Draconis. The battle was in a blizzard, and the Loron were far greater in number then the Draconis, so it was only natural that they would become victorious. However, they only did so thanks to Wental Help from space. Masuri had betrayed the Draconis, and were helping the Loron to win.

However, as the Draconis fled, the Wental ships ceased to fire out of no where. It seemed even they were not in complete agreement over the actions being taken. The Divinarium and Draconis left the planet to the Loron and Wentals, and agreed that fighting would be foolish between them, agreeing to work together for the time being.

Aboard a ship, after the battle, Masuri interrogated the traitor who had disabled his ships, a Meta. Dylan came to her rescue, and Masuri was imprisoned.

Enter, The Warriors of Honor
However, Br'klakkon wasn't gonna stand for that. He brought Masuri back to help him, as Masuri had information he could use and influence as well. With Masuri's Followers and the Loron together, the Draconis and Divinarium simply couldn't hold them back. They continued to fight, but the future was uncertain. Naturally, the Zazane showed up right when things were closest to complete chaos...