Fiction:Second Borealis Galactic War/Part 1

"For the good of the universe... you all must be destroyed."

This is the first part of the.

The Vague Fate Comes
While the Unified Nation could rest easy knowing that the Xi'Arazulha were no longer a threat, they knew that this peace would not last long. The Leaders felt it as they stood their in their chamber, looking at one another in fear. They were still shaken by the damage that the Arazulha did, and knew that their team of peace would be up. Volzara, who had not repaired Grenzaar when she left, had left them more than enough warnings about the "Vague Fate" that they must prepare for.

What they didn't know was when that "Vague Fate" would come.


 * Tralkik Commander - Incoming transmission. Source unknown.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - IF ITS FREKLOAR AGEN I SWER
 * Thr'aloy - itd not b unknown if it was frekloar tho
 * Zr'Ahgloth - oyeah. HOLD UP WHAI IS YOO STILL HEER
 * Tralkik Commander - Negative. Fre'kloar is believed to be stuck in an undesignated location. He has been inactive ever since we last saw him.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Patch the fools in. We just survived the Xi'Arazulha, I'm ready to take on anything.

The Tralkik Commander complied, and displayed a hologram in the centre of the chamber. And they quickly realized it was not the Rogue Loron, or any creature they had ever seen for that matter.

Standing in the center of the room was the holographic image of a tall, slender being, with a long reptilian snout and a trio of shining red eyes. Its body was skeletal, seemingly devoid of flesh, muscle or skin, charred in black with stripes of green. From its back, a pair of large limbs curved backwards, giving the faint impression of wings. Its arms were long and the left one ended with sharpened claws, though the right one instead ended in what looked like a blaster weapon, constructed into the creature's bone. None of them had ever seen a species like this, though the leaders of UNO could not help but feel there was something strikingly familiar about the entity; it wore a distinct set of armor, of obvious design.


 * Kralgon Emperor - And what might you be then, creature?

The creature responded with a loud wail, which caused its own hologram to turn static for several moments. The voice was also extremely familiar to them, though it also possessed a grating, metallic "filter" of some description. They could not tell whether it was a cyborg or something else entirely. The UNOL members all took a step back after hearing the wailing noise, before slowly stepping back forward again. They knew that the appearance and the noise this creature made rung a bell somewhere, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it. Each of them felt slightly threatened by the creature, but also curious as to what it was, and what its motives were.


 * Feldosia - ...Do...you guys recognise that too? Because that is eerily familiar...
 * Kralgon Emperor - Bah! Shoot first, ask questions later! Are you trying to threaten us, creature? You can look forward to being DISINTEGRATED!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - DIS BOZOS CLOTHED LIKE AN OTTZEL. MAN DAT ARMORS TOO SMALL FOR YA. LOOKS RIDICULOUS
 * Yogtam - Ottzel...yes! It does look like an Ottzel, doesn't it?
 * ??? - That is because... I am Ottzel!

Zr'Ahgloth and the Kralgon Emperor looked at each other and laughed hysterically, while the other leaders looked at them in disgust. Tuolog approached closer with a sense of concern. He had no reason not to believe the creature, as it spoke with all sincerity, but he was curious what had happened to it. Had the Ottzel actually survived their supposed extinction? Is this what had become of them?


 * Kralgon Emperor - HAHAHAHAHAhahaha...urm, are you serious?
 * Tuolog - Tell us what happen. You not supposed to be alive.
 * ??? - Yet I am... and it hurts. So. Much. I am Ottzel... and not!
 * Valzo - What does? What happened to you? What did Zr'An'Kar do to you?!
 * ??? - Everything. He did everything! And now, I am here to make things right... I am, and I am Vague!

Each of the leaders gasped, other than Zr'Ahgloth and the Kralgon Emperor, who just laughed more. They each felt extremely guilty and concerned for Dakster. Each felt as if they had some responsibility for what had happened for him, and each wished there was a way they could help.


 * Kralgon Emperor - Hahahahaha, that's a good one! No, really, you crack me up! Oh, I wish aliens would try something like that more often. Okay, time's up, move over, bozo.
 * Dakster - Shut up, Kralgon fool, and listen to me. I am Vague. We are your fate. Your Vague Fate.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - LMAO YOR A FLIPPIN AWFUL LIA wait wat vague fate? wat da hell man yor uglia dan i expected
 * Yogtam - Ugh, quit it, you too. Dakster, we apologise, this is our fault. Is there anything, is there anything we can do to help you? Tuolog, you have any ideas?
 * Dakster - You can help yourself. I'm here to demand your surrender. For the good of the universe... you all must be destroyed.

The entire room gasped once more, each looked in horror. Even the Kralgon Emperor did, or at least, he did for a moment.


 * Kralgon Emperor - Okay, come on, are you really going to believe this fool? It's obviously just the Rogue Loron playing some kind of practical joke on us again! Or maybe it's the Wranploer trying something, or whatever, you really believe this clown?
 * Dakster - Loron, Wranploer, Zoles, all will be destroyed if we must! But you must die, otherwise this universe will be in danger! I am giving you the chance of surrendering peacefully, so your suffering may be short!
 * Tuolog - Dakster, explain why we must die. Explain why there no other way to help you?
 * Dakster - I... I wish I could! But I can't! You just... need to die! Now! Before their Perfect Fate comes!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - perfect fate? dat akshully sounds pretty sik man does it involve pizza? ...WAIT A MINUT YOR TRYNA TAKE A PIZZA FATE AWAY FRUM US? MAN YOR A MASSIV KILLJOY
 * Dakster - If you can't understand... I will destroy you. We will destroy you! We will come in waves you cannot hope to match!
 * Valzo - Stand down, all ships. There must be a peaceful resolution here.
 * Tuolog - Dakster, you try communicate with me. Explain your situation and I try and help.
 * Dakster - No! You've made your choice! Now you must die!

The rest of UNOL screamed at one another, looking in fear, as they were afraid of what Dakster could do. They were afraid to fire upon their old friend, and each felt a sense of responsibility for what had happened to him. They could not decide amongst themselves what to do at all. Normally, UNOL was much more unified than this. It could normally reach a conclusion immediately.


 * Feldosia - Okay, Dakster, we surrend-
 * Kralgon Emperor - Bah, you fools have no clue what you're doing. Well then, "Vague" creature, you can look forward to your DISINTEGRATION!
 * Dakster - Die! Die, die, shut up and die!

The Kralgon Emperor slammed down his fists one the console in front of him, and immediately called down a microphone. He acted unilaterally, only with the support of Zr'Ahgloth and the tepid support of Yogtam, as he waged war.


 * Kralgon Emperor - All ships, be warned of a creature with the following description: A stupid oversized skeleton wearing Ottzel clothes. Fire on it, obliterate it, ANNIHILATE IT!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - not even da spooky kind of skellington. propa disappointed
 * Tuolog - This madness...but if it come to it, Dakster, if you not give us choice, we must.

The hologram of the Vague Dakster vanished, and at the outskirts of the Ottzello Sector, brilliant wormholes manifested as mysterious ships, each the size of what many would consider dreadnoughts, begun making their way to UNO's colonies. Their design was as twisted as the creature that had contacted UNOL, as if erratically constructed with the use of unnatural materials, and each sported a massive aura of Chronoscopic essence.

As the Emperor had commanded, UNO ships which encountered them responded to their arrival with lethal weaponry without hesitation. Their belief was that ships so poorly made that were barely holding together could not possibly match the firepower of a thousand coilguns and antimatter missiles fired through hyperspace. Of course, they were wrong. Not a single weapon from their ships appeared to deal any substantial damage. Instead, every shot they fired was met with a wavelength sound that hit the sound systems on their ships: a wailing sound, like Dakster had sent UNOL as he first spoke, of cries of pain, before the Vague ships immediately disintegrated them with a single blast.

It was clear that their appearance was little more than an illusion. These creatures were not of this dimension. They were far more powerful than UNO had predicted. They weren't firing particle cannons or anything of the sort, they were blasting with an energy from the fourth dimension down to smite them here in the third dimension and crush them. While the Vague's sightings were extremely random and seemingly without any specific goal, they were set on one thing: destroy UNO.

The Vague Fate had come. It would show no mercy.

Stuck Shipless
As the Vague Fate threatened the rest of Ottzello, in one corner of the sector, the Rogue Boyz were still stranded in the same Cold Relay they had crashed into. Unable to get their ship fixed after weeks, and running low on rations stored in the ship, the Rogue Boyz Warbosses and Leedas decided to go out to the Relay and see what they could find, or more likely, bicker at one another for hours.


 * Fre'kloar - MAN I SWER I TOLD YOO LOSAS DAT CRASHIN INTO DIS FING WAS A BAD IDEA
 * Hagto'Zhl - YOR DA ONE DAT TOLD US TA DO IT LOSA
 * Fre'kloar - WRONG. IT WAS GRAKTONA
 * Grak'tona - I HAV NO MEMORY OF DIS YOO STOOPID BODYGUARD WHO TALKS TO DA KING IN A BAD WAY
 * Fre'kloar - YA MOMS A STOOPID BODYGUARD WHO TALKS TO DA PROPA BIG ROGUE BOSS IN A BAD WAY
 * Jol'kiar - FLIPPIN HELL BAK IN MA DAYS WE DIDNT HAV DIS TRASH HAPPENIN
 * Fre'kloar - YOR DAYS WAS DUM LIKE YA MOM
 * Jol'kiar - SHUT UP FRE'KLOR YOR A STOOPID KID
 * Hagto'Zhl - BOF OF YOOS IS LOSAS. MAN DA WHOLE ROGUE BOYZ WAS LOSAS FER ALL DA PROBLEMS I HAD WIV DA CORRUPTUS DEY AT LEEST DIDNT CRASH SHIPS EVRYWHER
 * Jol'kiar - WHAI DONT YA GO BAK TO DEM IF YA LIKE DEM SO MUCH
 * Hagto'Zhl - GEE I WULD GO FIND DEM IF I WASNT STUK IN A FLIPPIN RELAY YA MORON
 * Rel'larutina - Volzara's sake, shut up already. This arguing isn't leading us anywhere.
 * Hagto'Zhl - OH MA DAYZ YOR A HERETIK DAT DOESNT BELEEV IN DA GODZ. ALSO YOR AN IDIOT BECUZ IT WAS BASICALLY YOR FAULT ITS ALWAYS DA CHIKZ FAULT
 * Grak'tona - FINALLY SOMFIN I AGREE WIV
 * Rel'larutina - Excuse me? I opposed crashing the damn ship into the Relay from the start!
 * Fre'kloar - I VOTE RELLARUTINAS A LIA WHOS WIV ME

Each of the Loron stupidly raised their hands in the air, and turned back to her.


 * Fre'kloar - YEH DATS RITE. SO GO COOK US SOM MOAR PIZZA AN DONT GIV US ANY RUBBISH ABOUT HOW WE RUN OUT OF INGREDIENTS
 * Rel'larutina - Kiss my walker's shiny metal rear.
 * Grak'tona - OH SNAP SON SHES MAD NOW
 * Kal'kuir - man dis is insultin. HOW CAN YA WHIN AT EECH OTHA WEN MA BABIES STILL HURTIN BADLY????? OH MA DAYZ MAN IM GONNA CRY MA BABIES NOT WORKIN
 * Knar'gank - keep down man yor embarrassin yaself
 * Voa'reak - GEE I WULD LOV TA GO FLYIN RITE NOW. TOO BAD OUR FLYIN SHIP IS BROKEN
 * Brag'klogga - man yoo peeps jus wont stop eh? IM TRYIN TA REED DA GANGSTAPEDIA ATM. I CAN FEEL DA WEIRD GOD PEEPS WHO WAS KILLIN UNO IS GON
 * Zalk'don - OH MA DAYZ DAT JUS MAKES IT WORS. WE SHULDA BEEN OUT DERE BLOWIN DEM UP WHIL DA OTHA GEEZAS WAS BLOWIN DEM UP AN WE MISSED DA OPPATUNITY
 * Brag'klogga - its weird tho. dey kinda jus left. whers da part where dey go to da galactic core an do som nonsensical stoof dere? SOMEONES BEEN RETCONNIN DA GANGSTAPEDIA BEHIND MA BAK
 * Jol'kiar - eh im fairly sure in some certain set of events dat dat happened da only problem is dat da gangstapedia has been vandalised. WHOS DA VANDAL MAN
 * Brag'klogga - OH MA DAYZ I BET IT WAS REL'LARUTINA. CAUSE SHES DA CHIK AN CHIKZ IS ALWAYS WRONG
 * Rel'larutina - Really? I mean, really? You guys are pathetic.

As the Loron continued to yell at one another, their booming voices echoing throughout the enormous room, suddenly they heard a groaning sound in the distance, as warped into the room.


 * The Mechanic - Ah, for crying out loud, keep it down already, willye? I'm tryna concentrate here!
 * Ray'loth - OH MA DAYZ ITS DAT STOOPID BOSSY GRANDPA AGEN
 * The Mechanic - Who are you calling bossy grandpa, you stupid bug! I swear, kids these days have no respect for their elders! Get off my lawn already! Don't you have places to go?
 * Fre'kloar - WE WULD CEPT YOO FLIPPIN TRAPPED US HEER
 * The Mechanic - Well, maybe it'll teach you some manners and some respect, before you go barging in an ancient alien hyperspace travel construct next time!
 * Hagto'Zhl - MAN YOR A LOSA GO AWAY LEEV US BE
 * The Mechanic - I will, when you leave my darn Relay!
 * Kal'kuir - DEN HELP FIX MA SHIP AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
 * The Mechanic - Bah, stupid little bugs, I don't owe you my time! I don't owe you anything! I'm stuck here with a lot of things on my schedule, you ungrateful kids! Today, I've got to clean the hyperspace valves, I got to go do the the gardening, I got to do my daily shouting at the Caretakers slacking on their jobs, I got to fix the Cold Turrets in Region 4719F, I got a whole bunch of other stuff on my to do list just for the next few hours! So excuse me if I don't have time to look after you and babysit you if you get yourselves stuck on one of MY DARN RELAYS!
 * Fre'kloar - PERHAPS WE SHULD JUS STAY HEER FOREVA AND BEET YOO UP YA STOOPID SHORTY I SWER
 * The Mechanic - Oh yeah? Come and try me, ya wuss!
 * Rel'larutina - Oh by the gods... You're all children.
 * The Mechanic - Me? Child? Hah! Missy, I seen approximately seven hundred and nine thousand eight hundred and forty million trillion more lifetimes than you! Wait, that wasn't a number, was it? Ah, heck, you get the idea, only children here are you bugs! Now scram off my Relay! What are you still doing here, anyway?
 * Rel'larutina - You want us to leave, yet you make no effort to help us leave. I don't care how old you claim you are, you're an idiot as much as these Loron.
 * The Mechanic - Oh for Volzara's sake you entitled little kids, I don't have time to fi-oh, wait, you're right, it doesn't make much sense, does it?

The Mechanic scratched his head with one of his metal arms. However, at this point, Kal'kuir stomped on the ground as he clenched his fists, his face suddenly turning into anger.


 * Kal'kuir - IVE HAD ENUFF. YOR ALL STOOPID AND YOR NOT GONNA TOUCH MA BABY. GET OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!!!!!

The force of Kal'kuir's scream was such that the Mechanic was flung out of the ground, flying out of the room until he was no longer visible. The other Loron's eyes widened in shock, as many of them even fell over. Rel'larutina was initially shocked as well, before she finally sighed.


 * Rel'larutina - Back to square one, folks!
 * Kal'kuir - IM NEVA GONNA LET DAT IDIOT TOUCH MA SHIP. EVA!!!!!!!!!
 * Voa'reak - oh man wes neva gonna escape dis relay. is dis how it ends? STUK IN A COLD, DESOLATE PLAIC WIV NO FOOD OR DRINK OR PIZZA?????
 * Brag'klogga - ... wait hold on. i got time powas dont i?
 * Grak'tona - ...oh yeh he does. MAN DA KING ORDAS YOR IMMEDIAT EXECUSHON FOR INCOMPETENCE
 * Brag'klogga - non

Raising his arms, Brag'klogga teleported Loron back to the front of the damaged ship, before he rose his staff and threw it into the hull. The Rogue Krooza was engulfed in Dark Chronoscopic energy as its damage reversed, until it was completely fixed, almost as if it had never been crashed to begin with.


 * Brag'klogga - in retrospect, shulda don dat soona
 * Grak'tona - YEH YOO FLIPPIN SHULDA. OFF WIV HIS HED!!!!!!!
 * Ray'loth - HE AINT GETTIN EXECUTED BUT HES STAYIN DA NEXT WEEK IN DA BRIG
 * Brag'klogga - MAN YOO PEEPS IS PROPA UNGRATEFUL
 * Hagto'Zhl - INTO DA BRIG YOO GO

Hagto'Zhl lifted Brag'klogga by the back of his neck as he carried him off to the brig on the bottom floor of the ship. Meanwhile, Kal'kuir held his hands together in joy before hugging the fixed Krooza, giggling to himself.


 * Kal'kuir - MA BABYS FIXED YEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSS. AND IT WUS ALL ME. I DID DIS
 * Rel'larutina - ...I'm. Surrounded. By. Children.
 * Jol'kiar - YEH YEH YEH WES ALL RELLY HAPPY FOR YOO AN WATEVA BUT WE DONT CARE ABOUT DAT GO BAK TA WORKIN ON DAT GEEK LIKE YOO PROMISED US
 * Kal'kuir - fine den. EVERYON ON BOARD LETS GET OFF OF DIS DUMP

Meanwhile, back on the Relay, the Krooza left a gaping hole in the wall from where it had now left. The Mechanic, very slowly, walked over to it, huffing and wheazing as he attempted to catch the Loron, not yet noticing the hole in the wall.


 * The Mechanic - Ye darn bugs! I swear, when I get to ya, I'll teach you a lesson not to do that to an old man who cleans yer hyperspace rel- oh wait, they're gone. They fixed it themselves? Huh. Okay.

At this moment, a hologram appeared before the Mechanic; his mysterious boss, who had his arms crossed behind his back.


 * ??? - Head Caretaker.
 * The Mechanic - Ah, boss! It's you! Oh, err...sorry, I'll, I'll get back to work right away, boss!
 * ??? - Complications have arisen in the Ottzello Sector. A race of unknown entities.
 * The Mechanic - More unknown entities? Eh? What do people want with our galaxy now?
 * ??? - I do not know, I have not seen these beings before. Though, their appearance has left our mutual friend extremely distressed. He finds himself disgusted by these beings.

As usual, the Mechanic shuddered at the mention again. He still recalled very little about "him" as they rarely spoke directly, but something instinctively made him fear "him", and know his place.


 * The Mechanic - I see, boss. I'll sort something out. These nice folk in Ottzello got rid of extragalactic aliens before, maybe they'll get rid of these beings too.
 * ??? - You may not be able to remove them on your own. Provide aid to those Ottzelloans. The aliens are attacking them in specific.
 * The Mechanic - Man, what did these Ottzelloans do to rub the entire universe the wrong way? Was it something they said?
 * ??? - We would prefer if you found out and informed us.
 * The Mechanic - Oh, yeah, sure. Sure. I can do that. I'll ask them what they did in the last galaxy they were in. I swear, they're nice folk and all, but they are bringing a hell of a lot of problems here, don't you think?
 * ??? - Yes. That is exactly what I think. They have, so far, displeased me and him.
 * The Mechanic - They're good people. I'm sure they don't mean it. Maybe it's the bugs that are doing it.
 * ??? - No. But speaking of which... any particular reason there is still a gaping hole in the Relay?
 * The Mechanic - The darn bugs crashed their ship into it! I'm going to get a few Caretakers to fix it now.
 * ??? - Do so. Do not leave us waiting.

The Mechanic nodded quickly, as the hologram disappeared.

Borealis News Network Report
The independent Borealis News Network would have to update the galaxy on details from the Vague invasion. Normally, war, invasion, and destruction, was not even newsworthy in Borealis anymore. Especially not after it had increased during the Xi'Arazulha attacks. But fourth dimensional and nearly-indestructible invaders, that was definitely news. And in a time when trust towards Ottzello was trending further and further downwards in galactic polls, anything that could be tied to Ottzello would make a massive story.

Raiyassa Mizys once again covered the report.


 * Raiyassa Mizys - Good evening, Borealis. Just hours ago, we delivered reports of the threat of alien invaders currently referred to as the "Vague". Vague attacks have increased around the galaxy, with no clear pattern. It seems that much like the Xi'Arazulha, the Vague do not rely on Cold Relays, and many Imperium generals worry they will not be able to predict their moves.

While she was an experienced reporter and had been trained to speak calmly, it was hard not to sense a touch of fear and worry in her tone. As neutral as she tried to keep it, it was clear that she had been worried. On screen, more images were shown of Vague invasions around the galaxy, of them disintegrating ships and planets, and absorbing insane amounts of firepower before going down.


 * Raiyassa Mizys - This news comes just two Zoleia months after the Xi'Arazulha threat was officially declared ended. None of the experts can point to the source of the Vague threat, but people have made up their own minds.

Now, a pie chart displayed on screen. It was a depiction of Borealis polling, which she described:


 * Raiyassa Mizys - Our recent scientific polling suggests that Borealans place most of the blame on three possible sources: the Wranploer Legion, the Devourer's Chosen cultists and Imperium allies, the Ottzelloans. These poll at 24%, 33% and 27% respectively. Others polled indicated they believed it to be either the Xi'Arazulha, the Grox, "Them", or cited another possible threat. Borealis is divided as no one quite knows who to blame.

It was very often framed from this perspective. From the perspective of "who's responsible?" This is because it got the news network much higher viewership and ratings than reports of the details of the Vague's devastating attacks and the lives lost to them, which for many was unsettling.


 * Raiyassa Mizys - We went around the galaxy to discuss with ordinary Borealans, and ask what their thoughts were on the matter. Our reporter is live now in Zoleia. This man, Belgaron, is a father of three living in the capital. Belgaron, how do you feel about the reports of the Vague attacks?

Now on screen, an interview with a Zoles male from the capital of Zoleia. He was dressed well, and appeared to have been distraught by the news. Raiyassa Mizys asked the questions live to the man through a reporting robot which recorded him.


 * Belgaron - I'm very unsettled, ma'am. They're going across the galaxy, killing people indiscriminately, disintegrating everything they see...and our military can't stop 'em! Apparently, they say they make these weird screaming noises, like some sort of a war cry, before they kill everyone there! What could they want?
 * Raiyassa Mizys - These are not questions we have the answer to. But we're interested to hear what you think. Who do you think caused these Vague attacks? Where do you think they came from?
 * Belgaron - Ma'am, I don't know. But wherever they came from, I bet they came from the same place as the Xi'Arazulha. And probably the same place as the damn Devourer's Cultists or whoever. I don't care, I just hope my children are safe. I want them to grow up in a safe Borealis, not this one.
 * Raiyassa Mizys - We all do, Belgaron. Thank you for your time.

The screen cut away, as Raiyassa was about to interview another person. Presumably, to cover a wider range of people, she would interview a Zoles in a more rural area next instead, who would have a far different perspective. She had to fill the time until anything really newsworthy about the Vague came in, possibly an official statement from a galactic leader or an expert.


 * Raiyassa Mizys - We turn now to Valsieren, a single mother living in the farms on planet Treankar II. Valsieren also has a family to look after, and an entire land. Valsieren, how have you reacted to these devastating attacks?

The screen cut to Valsieren. She was a short, but broad woman who wasn't dressed as well or as fashioned as most Zoles. She clearly came from a much different background.


 * Valsieren - I'm horrified. Just a month after we got rid of demons, we have more demons. When will this end? When will our leaders do something about this, when will they act to keep us safe? They're not helping us right now!
 * Raiyassa Mizys - We're all very distressed, Valsieren. What are you doing to prepare for a possible future attack?
 * Valsieren - Nothing. I've got nothing left in this world if I lose this land. It's all I've ever known. If the Vague take my land, they may as well take me as well.
 * Raiyassa Mizys - I see. Who do you think is responsible for the Vague attacks? Where do you think the Vague came from?
 * Valsieren - Who's responsible? I know damn well who's responsible. It's Ottzello, and the Wranploer. They're working together, they've always been working together. I remember when your show told us that Ottzelloan species were found working with Wranploer species when pirating our worlds. They've always been working together!
 * Raiyassa Mizys - But Valsieren, our leaders don't believe that the Unified Nation of Ottzello and the Wranploer Legion are co-operating. In fact, we've seen far more reports of UNO ships aiding Niaka ships to fend off Wranploer attacks since they arrived. They are also known traders with the Imperium.
 * Valsieren - They're just preparing for the day when they take over Borealis for themselves, when they can make it all like their Ottzello. They're plotting against us, I know it. Other than the occasional good guy, like that Falrik Zaarkhun businessman, I tell you, most of these Ottzelloans are just bad news. When will our leaders stop being spineless, politically correct cowards and just cut off all Relays to the Ottzello Sector?
 * Raiyassa Mizys - Okay, we're going to have to cut you off there. Thank you for your time, and best of luck with your family.

Raiyassa didn't cut her off because she was starting to sound threatening. No, there was finally news.


 * Raiyassa Mizys - Chief Major Xerkea of the Niaka Special Forces is now delivering a live press conference to the galaxy. We hope to hear what she has to say about the Special Forces and how they will keep the galaxy safe.

As the screens switched over to Xerkea, she seemed very visibly annoyed. Not just by the news, but because this was clearly a woman who disliked the press. She groaned as she faced many cameras and journalists itching to ask questions which she may not have the patience to answer. At all times, she was surrounded by Niaka guards in mech suits, as she had grown accustomed to being cautious at all times. She delivered a statement, with a disgruntled tone in her voice.


 * Xerkea - The Niaka Special Forces is disheartened by the news of the Vague attacks. We are disheartened also, but unsurprised, that the galactic military experts and our galactic leaders have, as of yet, no solution for dealing with this grave threat. My forces are preoccupied with an increasingly powerful, and increasingly more cunning, Wranploer Legion threat. Frankly, we do not have the resources to keep the entire galaxy safe on our own. We will do our best to combat this threat, as always, but we can't be everywhere at once. Our priorities, until our leaders find a real solution, are with combating the Wranploer Legion. I will now take your questions, but please be quick.

It was clear by how short her statement was that she disliked press conferences, but the questions she would get afterwards were, for her, even worse. She would take three questions, from many alien and robot reporters, before she would leave promptly.


 * Reporter 1 - Chief Major, thank you for the work you have done to keep the galaxy safe. However, pirate activity has just been increasing. Do your intelligences have any knowledge of why this is, and can you tell us what you are doing to stop it?
 * Xerkea - Of course I am aware that pirate activity has increased. We know only that they're capitalising on the chaos of the current situation. The Xi'Arazulha have destabilised the security of the entire galaxy, and any opportunity the Wranploer have for more war, they will take it.
 * Reporter 2 - Xerkea, while several planets were still recovering from the Xi'Arazulha attacks, they were raided by pirates. We have fifteen planets right now attacked, after their orbital defenses were destroyed by demons, which were attacked while the reconstruction effort took place. One hundred and seventy other star systems are currently unprotected by Niaka right now, these are vulnerable planets which need help. What are you doing about this problem?
 * Xerkea - As I said in my speech, I can't be everywhere at once. Believe me, I would love to protect all two hundred of those planets. In fact, I would love to wipe the Wranploer out of existence for good. But I just can't do it. I don't have the resources for that. I will tell them again, we're doing everything we can, and we're just as distraught as them every time we lose a planet to these savages. The only thing I will tell them is this: at least they're not under threat by the Vague. Against the Vague, we don't know what we can do.
 * Reporter 3 - Chief Major, there are sightings, known and validated sightings, of Ottzelloan species with Wranploer Legion ships. Have you by any chance investigated into this, and do you know if this is proof that the Unified Nation of Ottzello is colluding with the Wranploer Legion?
 * Xerkea - Ugh. That is a ridiculous conspiracy theory thought up by nut jobs such as the people who own your propagandist fearmongering media outlet. No, the Unified Nation of Ottzello, much as they irritate me and have done little to address the problems they seem to have created, are allies of ours, and no, they have no dealings with the Wranploer. Does it not seem to get into your head that a few Ottzelloans can be working for the Wranploer and not working for UNO?

With that, the news report about the Vague ended.

Commandos
The news of the Vague attacks had shocked UNOL. They thought initially that the Vague had only been attacking them, but after seeing news reports that the Vague's attacks were random and galactic, they felt an immediate need to respond as soon as possible. As UNOL met in their chamber for a meeting, there was a sense of urgency, that had not been seen since just a couple months ago when they were still fighting the Xi'Arazulha.


 * Tuolog - Reports of Vague attacks across galaxy. Their attacks seem very random. They hit everywhere, and they fight back and destroy anything that attack them. This not good.
 * Yogtam - They're disorganized, but powerful. The reports say it takes the concentrated power of whole fleets to bring just one of their dreadnoughts down. They're not made of any known material.
 * Tralkik Commander - Indeed. The only positive, however, is unlike the Xi'Arazulha, conventional weaponry does work. Eventually, at least. It is not a simple matter to bring them down. We are severely outmatched and we do not have the fleets available to fight the Vague. Even if we were to construct such a fleet, it would take all of our resources in this sector.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - i guess daksta wasnt kiddin eh. MAN HES A LOSA NAO I HATE HIM
 * Valzo - Our priority should be to defend our allies. Borealis media hasn't exactly been kind to us...
 * Yogtam - We'll need all the help we can get here. If the Zoles, the Niaka and the others step in, we'll get more time to come up with a solution.
 * Kralgon Emperor - I would agree with you in any other situation, Yogtam. But I don't think we have time for that. I believe we need to demonstrate to them that we are working to combat this threat immediately, that we are already willing to fight them head on. And I think we need to probe the Vague further. There has to be an easier way to combat them.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - MAN JUS LET DA LORONZ BATTA DEM IN MELEE
 * Kralgon Emperor - ...What? Are you crazy?
 * Zr'Ahgloth - I MEEN WES DA STRONGEST RACE EVA WE CAN JUS PUNCH DEM TO DEFF RITE?
 * Tralkik Commander - Reports suggest that Loron engaging them in hand-to-hand combat have had their arms severed and disintegrated before their demise shortly after.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - wat? DATS RUBBISH
 * Yogtam - That's one thing worrisome about these Vague. Their weaponry is also something we can't defend ourselves from. Apparently, it disintegrates you to the point your atoms are split altogether.
 * Tralkik Commander - This is correct. Technology is believed to be fourth dimensional.
 * Tuolog - Well, what you people suggest we do? We work with allies to find solution, or we fight them now?
 * Yogtam - There's nothing to gain from fighting them by ourselves. In a battle of attrition, we're as good as dead.

At that moment, Thr'aloy walked into the room, and groaned at the others.


 * Thr'aloy - yoo geezas kno ive been stuk in dis ship since foreva rite? man NEX TIME YA TELEPORT ME HEER TELEPORT ME BAK MAN OR AT LEEST GIMME SOMFIN TA DO
 * Zr'Ahgloth - yanno wat? WHERS DA VAGUE ATTAKIN NAO? SEND THR'ALOY AN DA TROOPAS TA BEET DEM UP
 * Thr'aloy - oh sik i get ta fite vague? YEH MAN LETS DO IT
 * Kralgon Emperor - What? Seriously? I mean, wow.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - abloo abloo bloo OPINION DISCARDED. COM ON WE CANT SIT HEER STIKIN OUR FINGAS UP OUR BUTTS DOIN NUFFIN. WE GOTTA DEFEND DA PLANETS
 * Thr'aloy - YEH MAN IM GOIN RITE NOW

Zr'Ahgloth immediately slammed his fist down on the terminal in front of him, searching for the buttons to give the order to commission an attack. It was approved before the other Leaders could deny it, and Thr'aloy sprinted to the Omega Commander's hangar to lead a fight.


 * Kralgon Emperor - Sigh. Wow. Just wow. He's gone to his death, our best soldier.
 * Yogtam - ... At least send an elite force to back him up. If we're lucky, it won't end in a complete wiping.
 * Tralkik Commander - Currently, is on stand-by to assist Thr'aloy if it is necessary.
 * Yogtam - I mean an entire army. But Dalverat would be a good choice. From what I read, these Vague weapons can't quite penetrate essence barriers.
 * Feldosia - Definitely send him and a few others as back-up. I just hope we can get Thr'aloy out of there when he inevitably loses this fight.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - MAN YOO LOSAS HAV NO FAITH I SWER

The colony of Fahdrak was the closest planet to the Omega Commander currently under attack by the Vague, a planet primarily inhabited by Kralgon. As the battle raged in space, the Vague themselves appeared to teleport to the surface where they made a slow march into the cities, blasting any sort of machine the colonists tried to throw at them and disintegrating them before their eyes. As they marched, the Vague let out constant wails which sent chills down the spines of all who heard them; these creatures were the stuff of nightmares, screaming in metallic voices as they destroyed everything in front of them.

Thr'aloy arrived down in a shuttle full of other elite Loron, followed by many more, to the location of the nearest Vague destroying Kralgon Pods. He arrived on top of one, where each of the Loron manned the cannons above it to fire coilguns at the Vague in the sky.


 * Thr'aloy - OK LADS LETS BLAST DESE VAGUE LOSAS AN KILL DEM

The Vague wailed louder as they were attacked, staggering backwards with their metallic forms cracked as they were hit by the coilguns - something which impressed the forces fighting them, as any other enemy would have been destroyed instead. As the Loron opened fire, a group of flew over their heads, opening their hands and raining down Dark Chronoscopic blasts at the Vague.

Leading them was Dalverat, the count of the Katel and their own leader within UNO. The arrogant bat-like creature showed disgusted as he looked upon the Vague. Thr'aloy spotted the Katel and grinned slightly.


 * Thr'aloy - OI BATS LETS GO KILL DESE VAGUE FINGIES PUT DARK CHRONO STOOF IN MA GUN AN DEN WE KILL DEM FASTA
 * Dalverat - Hm? A clever plan, especially coming from a Loron. Try and find a weakspot on their bodies.
 * Thr'aloy - weakspot? wats dat
 * Dalverat - ... Try to find a place in them where it hurts most when you shoot.
 * Thr'aloy - i meen like its hard ta tell cos evrytime ya hit dem dey jus whin like chikz an den its like SHUT UP MAN YOR ALMOST MAKIN ME DEFF EXCEPT DA GUNZ IS EVEN LOUDA DAN YOO
 * Dalverat - Ugh. Just, keep firing.

With a wave of their hands, the Katel begun casting their essence into the Kralgon Pods, enhancing them with Dark Chronoscopic energy. This not only made them do more damage, but also move and fire much faster. The Loron were not brilliant aims, but many of their shots did hit the Vague.

Some of the Vague fell to their weapons, their metallic forms shattering and disintegrating while the others opened fire upon the Pods, though the essence which now shielded them allowed them to endure the continued fire of the Vague's disintegrating beams. As they noticed it, the creatures immediately turned their heads up and opened fire upon the Katel, instantly killing many of them.


 * Thr'aloy - OH MA DAYZ DEYZ KILLIN DA BATS. LADS LETS GET REVENGE!!!!!!

The troopers all fired even more vigorously at the Vague, though they were very reckless shooters and most of their shots missed. This opened up an opportunity for the Vague to destroy their turrets. One of them stepped forward, roaring out to Thr'aloy as he slowly marched at his direction. Thr'aloy got out of his now damaged turret, as did many of the other Lorons, to stand over and crowd around this Vague. It was extremely tiny by comparison, and barely reached his waist.


 * Vague - Die! Just die!
 * Thr'aloy - OH YEH PUNK? WAT YOO SAYIN NOW? COME FITE ME
 * Dalverat - Idiot! Don't stand so close to it!

Before their eyes, the Vague suddenly increased in size until he stood a full head taller than Thr'aloy. Thr'aloy gulped a little, but then rolled his arm, and threw a punch towards the Vague's head, only for his fist to glance away harmlessly. The creature then threw his weaponized limb against the Loron's side, and he immediately felt his arm break as he was launched several meters away. Thr'aloy screamed both out of shock and in pain, as the other Loron immediately came with their Shankas to attack the Vague out of vengeance. It fought them off by bludgeoning them with his weapon like it had done to Thr'aloy, easily killing them through physical might alone.

Once he was finished, the Vague turned his head to Thr'aloy again and fired his weapon, hitting the Loron across the side as he immediately saw himself slowly being disintegrated, his atoms separating from his body one by one. Thr'aloy's body began to burn away, first his skin, and then the rest of his organs and bones. It was clear that he would not survive much longer, as the Vague were destroying him far faster than his nanomachines could hope to repair him. Out of desperate, Dalverat flew down behind Thr'aloy, and warped him out. The entire colony would likely be lost, but at least UNO's best soldier had been saved...assuming he would live after this.

UNOL looked visibly distressed, having seen the entire attack from their chamber. The Kralgon colony was one of their greatest military strongholds, and it had now been mostly annihilated, along with many other worlds, by Vague who ravaged it. But what was more worrisome was the lives that had been lost, and the lives of both Thr'aloy and Dalverat remained in jeapordy.


 * Zr'Ahgloth - MAN THRALOYS LIKE MA LITTL BROTHA AN HES DYIN. DIS IS PROPA DEPRESSIN I SWER I TOLD YOO IDIOTS DIS WAS A BAD IDEA
 * Kralgon Emperor - You're the one who sent Thr'aloy down there, idiot. Now half of his body is missing.
 * Tuolog - This horrific. I not sure what the best way to preserve him and keep him alive is. Our medical technologies not exactly equipped for this scenario.
 * Tralkik Commander - Thr'aloy could be rescued by synthetical reconstruction of his body. Provided he survives the procedure.
 * Yogtam - If that is our only option, then so be it. However, I feel like this is the perfect opportunity, for...

Yogtam winked at the Kralgon Emperor, who nodded. The rest of UNOL looked at them confused.


 * Kralgon Emperor - You're right. Our little project. Thr'aloy and Dalverat would fit well in it.
 * Valzo - Wait, what project?
 * Kralgon Emperor - Me and Yogtam discussed the idea of an elite squad of perfect soldiers, each complementing the strengths of the other. We called the idea the Unified Nation of Ottzello Commandos.
 * Feldosia - UNOC, eh? I support this motion. In times like this, we need all the help we can get.
 * Yogtam - We were going to tell you guys about it when we were done planning. But it seems there's not much more time to do that now.
 * Valzo - Explain what this project involves. How do you make this elite squad so perfect?
 * Kralgon Emperor - We hand-pick the best soldiers of all UNO, upgrade them with top of the line weaponry and grant them technological enhancements of the highest quality.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - oh ma dayz YOR SAYIN WES GONNA HAV WARBOSSES LIKE DA ROGUE BOYZ DO? MAN I SWER DATS STOOPID
 * Kralgon Emperor - No. Our Commandos would be vastly better than those manchildren.
 * Tralkik Commander - Assuming you provide them with the correct synthetic enhancements, nanotech adamant armor would allow them not only to be vastly tougher than most tanks, it would also allow their armor to be self-repairing. Synthetic nanotech muscles could also allow them to be hundreds of times stronger than their biological equivalents.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - hmmmmmm. when ya put it dat way, yeh sounds sik
 * Tralkik Commander - I have taken the liberty of running tests through our population and have found eight possible candidates.
 * Tuolog - And who these candidates? I not happy with idea of taking people away against their will and turning them into robots like this.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Bah, such a softie.

Before them, eight holographic images appeared. The first two were Thr'aloy and Dalverat, while the remaining six displayed a, an , an , a , a and a.


 * Tralkik Commander - Other than Thr'aloy and Dalverat, I have found six individuals of interest. A Duletha named Thordrin, who could create us a soldier befiting the Commandos, the former Marinox Commandant Darwishi of the old Ottzelloan Grox Empire, a Zazane courtesan named who possesses exceptional marksmanship skills, a Norosaurian gunner named, our work-in-progress clone of Zelfron and the Radeon captain named .
 * Feldosia - I am familiar with each of them. That sounds like an impressive list. They each have quite the resume.
 * Tralkik Commander - In Lupercal's case, he is currently missing his lower body after a fight with the Devourer's Chosen. The cybernetic enhancements should fix that.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - man wouldnt it be funni if we gave him spida legs
 * Kralgon Emperor - What? Idiot, this is why we don't let you design our weaponry, you childish buffoon, you pathetic...actually, that's not a bad idea. Tralkik Commander, why don't you calculate the results of fusing him with the lower half of a Verdimihn?
 * Tralkik Commander - Calculating... calculation complete. The lower half of a Verdimihn combined with specialized enhancements could grant him super speed.
 * Valzo - This sounds like a fantastic project. Why don't we contact our extragalactic allies, in Andromeda and the Milky Way, and see if they can provide support with the project? I wonder if they would also be willing to help with the war effort.
 * Tralkik Commander - I have reasons to believe the would show interest in the completion of the Zelfron clone.
 * Valzo - Indeed, furthermore, the, our old friends, may be willing to help with the Norosaurian gunner.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - and we can call da zazzie boys and flaunt ova da fact wes hirin a zazzie whore into our commandos... HOLD ON DATS FLIPPIN STOOPID DONT DO DAT
 * Feldosia - Don't slut shame, you sexist. In fact, to spite you, I will do that now.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ DATS SO INDECENT I SWER
 * Kralgon Emperor - What about ? I wonder if they may want to help us with the Radeon.
 * Tralkik Commander - Likely. Lupercal is a former soldier of the Divinarium.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - i rememba him bak from da foggy war of blak geezas. propa weird kid dat one
 * Yogtam - Alright, so let's get together a minimum standard of weaponry and synthetic parts for each of these soldiers, we're not worried about how much this'll cost us. Have Thr'aloy be a prototype, bring him here in about five minutes.
 * Tralkik Commander - It may take longer than that. As a reminder, Thr'aloy is currently missing half of his body.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Bah, it shouldn't when you're just piecing nanomachines together. Or at least, Tuolog, hurry time up or whatever.
 * Tralkik Commander - That would make it possible.

After waiting for a while, the chamber doors opened again. Entering was a shining orange robotic Loron, who appeared just like Thr'aloy. Immediately, they recognised that it was indeed Thr'aloy. However, when approaching, he was far more robotic in his movements. He would take a certain calculated set of paces forward, and would stand completely still when finished. He also didn't appear to take a breath, and was armed to the teeth with weapons. His robotic skin allowed for many enhancements, and it was clear that Thr'aloy was an extremely powerful machine. Each of UNOL was impressed, other than Zr'Ahgloth who seemed almost horrified.


 * Thr'aloy - Awaiting further instructions.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - oh ma dayz WAT DID YA PEEPS DO TA THR'ALOY???? YOO WUS MENT TA MAKE HIM SUPA STRONG NOT TURN HIM INTO A DUM ROBOT

Thr'aloy turned to Zr'Ahgloth and slapped him, knocking him to the floor, far stronger than before.


 * Thr'aloy - YA MOMS A DUM ROBOT SHUT UP MAN
 * Zr'Ahgloth - OH FANK ROZ'TAH'FLOK YOR STILL YOO. BUT OW MAN DAT HURT. YOR WAY STRONGA
 * Thr'aloy - YEH NOW IM STRONGA DAN YOO LOSA
 * Zr'Ahgloth - OK NAO YOR TAKIN DA PISS. DONT MAKE ME SLAP YAS
 * Thr'aloy - TRY SLAP ME LOSA
 * Kralgon Emperor - Agh. Couldn't you get him to speak robotic all the time? I much prefer that.

Floating him from behind him was an also metallic Dalverat, who hovered just above him.


 * Dalverat - Good news, and some bad news. The bad news is I'm stuck to this twit forever because I became fused with him after saving him and during synthetic reconstruction, good news is, yes, I can get him to speak robotic whenever I like.
 * Thr'aloy - Indeed. Dalverat is a very capable master. I will do what he says. He is the greatest. Et cetera.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Hah.
 * Yogtam - The two of you shall lead UNOC. You will be known as The Skull.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - AN DIS TWIT BETTA NOT KEEP MAKIN THRALOY A BORIN ROBOT
 * Kralgon Emperor - I think he's doing just fine.
 * Tuolog - Well, I reluctantly approve. We need this to combat Vague threat.
 * Tralkik Commander - Making course to get in contact with the other proposed members of the squad. We will soon have a force to, hopefully, take the fight to the Vague.

The UNOL members agreed and left to return to hibernation, as Dalverat and Thr'aloy, known as "The Skull" collectively, returned to hibernation separately.

The War Council
While Valzo had left to contact extragalactic allies in preparation for the UNOC project, the rest of UNOL met in the chamber to discuss their other plan to deal with the Vague: meet with the rest of Borealis, and form a pact to combat the Vague threat. If it was truly harming the rest of the galaxy as well, and UNO were at least partially responsible, then they needed to take initiative here.

As discussions had already begun, in the centre of their chamber were holograms of Commandant and Chief Major, who had brought their top aides with them. It was now time for them to make a plan of action. The Zoles commander's stance was stern, while the Niaka ruler showed displeasure in her expression, especially after the reports she had received from Chief Minor.


 * Kralgon Emperor - The Tralkik Commander here has submitted you with the details we have on this Vague threat. I hope that this war council will signal a new era of collaboration between our nations.
 * Xerkea - What did you do to bring these creatures here?
 * Asraels - At ease, Chief Major. I would allow the Ottzelloans to explain themselves.
 * Tuolog - We do nothing. Vague not tell us why they attack us. But we know their leader personally, he seem at least a little reluctant about it. Prior to this, we receive warnings about a "Vague Fate", and we believe it them.
 * Xerkea - Reluctancy has no place in warfare. If these outsiders are causing a massacre, then they need to be stopped.
 * Asraels - We know the attacks started in your sector, but we have detected these creatures slowly spreading themselves to other parts of the galaxy. Other civilizations may be under threat, including our own.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Well, the good news is, I hear the Wranploer Legion are under attack as well. I'm not exactly upset about that.
 * Xerkea - Well, how do we fight them? Is this another "Xi'Arazulha" scenario where we have to rely on "gods" to save us?
 * Tuolog - No, we cannot, in fact. The Essentials only allowed to aide us when combating other Essentials. If they help us in any other scenario, then this universe marked as battleground, and that would likely destroy entire universe with it if more Essentials fight over here.
 * Xerkea - My question stands.
 * Yogtam - One of our own is currently spreading out a distress signal to our allies asking for instance. We have met quite a few of them during the who may be willing to help us again. In the meantime, the only known way to combat the Vague is...well, lots and lots of firepower.
 * Asraels - That alone will not do. We need to know where these aliens are coming from and strike at their heart. Eliminate whatever chain of command they have.
 * Feldosia - I don't believe they have a heart. That is to say, I don't think they have any specific headquarters, any specific point of entry to this universe, anything. With that said, their leader, Dakster, seems to be at the helm of them.
 * Xerkea - So you're saying we're fighting an enemy who has no weaknesses to exploit and is literally coming out of nowhere. Fantastic.
 * Feldosia - None that we know of, anyway. If they do, we'll let you know. Currently, we're leading a project to create supersoldiers which may at the very least be able to probe the Vague to learn if they have any specific weak points.

At this moment, a new holographic image appeared, displaying a cybernetically-enhanced. He appeared bothered, as if uncomfortable with the situation, before speaking.


 * Radeon - Um, seems I'm late to the war council thing. Damn.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - whos dis bozo
 * Radeon - I'm Baptarion. . They sent me to represent them.
 * Feldosia - Ah, did Valzo request for you? It would be good to have you around.
 * Baptarion - Whatever it is that's happening, there are aliens lurking around our borders. Seems they're planning to attack soon, as if the Devourer's Chosen weren't enough trouble.
 * Kralgon Emperor - I see. Well, if you are offering to help us combat the Vague, we would be more than happy to provide assistance in combating the Devourer's Chosen. At least we can actually fight them.
 * Asraels - That being said, is there any connection between these Vague and the Devourer's Chosen? These so-called demon zealots may have brought them here.
 * Tuolog - Not that I know of. I not believe Devourer's Chosen responsible. But I believe it possible both may be connected to the same demon...
 * Asraels - We will be contacting the Civitas and request their fleets to aid us in this war. They will be quick to step in if a threat to galactic stability has risen.
 * Xerkea - And I'm going to keep my eye on space pirate activity. I just know they're gonna try and take advantage of the chaos somehow.
 * Yogtam - This is agreeable. In the event that we mount an attack on Dakster, we may call another meeting and request you help us. By that point, extragalactics should be around to help us.
 * Xerkea - As long as they don't bring anymore trouble along the way. Everything was going fine until so many outsiders decided to settle here.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - YA MOMS DUM
 * Baptarion - No, you.

Humour in Terror
Durzhan had been aware of this inevitable part of the war, as he had planned for it for millions of years. The Vague Fate would serve as an unfortunate and irritating obstacle, but he still felt confident enough in his plan that they would ultimately present no problem to him. Nonetheless, he had to prepare for every possible outcome. To help him, he would turn once again to the Devourer's Chosen. These allies, he felt, he needed to keep close. He was aware that they did not have the same awareness of space and time as he did, and so it would also be important to keep them informed.

Durzhan went once again to the Chosen's home world in Borealis, hoping to speak with Geltastra once again. He had brought them information, and he would soon arm them with a powerful weapon. Arriving in their territory, he presented himself before Geltastra once more, and as she and the others took notice of him, he addressed her. This time, the cultists chanting across the chamber showed no reaction to his arrival, while the demonic Radeon opened her bright green eyes to watch him from her throne.


 * Durzhan - I trust you are aware of the Vague Fate.
 * Geltastra - Durzhan... I assume you speak of the monstrosities who are carving their way through Ottzello like a swarm of rabid beasts.
 * Durzhan - Indeed. They are fourth dimensional...oddities. They are an anomalous result of an experiment. While they are extremely irritating, they are an unavoidable annoyance. They are not, however, invincible. Just far tougher than we'd both like them to be.
 * Geltastra - I will take that as they are not part of your plan.
 * Durzhan - Yes. They are an inevitable byproduct of it. They aim to slow things down. They must not be allowed to remove 30% of the population of the Unified Nation of Ottzello. At that point, they make our plan in this timeline impossible.
 * Geltastra - A very specific amount. How does this concern the Chosen?
 * Durzhan - You need not concern yourselves with it. But should the Vague enter your territory, I would ask that you dispose of them to make our job easier.
 * Geltastra - So be it.
 * Durzhan - Very good. What's more, I shall grant you an offering.
 * Geltastra - Curious.

Durzhan held his arms above his head, and opened a small portal. Out of it, a nearly-lifeless, Dark Loron body appeared, surrounded by Dark Chronoscopic energy, as it was thrown in front of her, coughing and desperately gasping for breath. The Radeon got up from her throne and stepped down to inspect the Loron, putting her hands together as she kept a stern expression.


 * Durzhan - This Loron was found floating in our realm. He is a vengeful outcast of Da Rogue Boyz. And now, he is yours to use as you please.
 * Geltastra - You offer me the beaten corpse of one of the failed lackeys of Kolossus? What good does this do for me?
 * Durzhan - I offer you a broken Loron who longs only for vengeance, for purpose, and for life. If you grant him these things, he shall be your humble servant for eternity.

Geltrastra placed a hand on her chin in contemplation before leaning down to inspect the Loron more closely. As a few moments passed, a smirk grew on her face as ideas sprouted on her mind.


 * Geltastra - Speak, Loron, if you are able.
 * Dark Loron - ...i...wanna...SMAK...dat losa...
 * Geltastra - Who are you? And what do you want?
 * Dark Loron - ma name...is Ref'kloar...im da REEL frekloar...an...i want...wata man im thirsty
 * Geltastra - I see... The Dark Loron counterpart of the Rogue Boyz leader. You want his place. His glory. His life.
 * Ref'kloar - yeh...yeh...YEH...i want...all of it...

Ref'kloar coughed harder, nearing his final breath.


 * Geltastra - There is a way to obtain what you seek. I can offer you power... conquest... a family who will accept you... but for that, you must agree to follow us. Follow the teachings of the Nightmare God.

Ref'kolar's eyes lit up a little. There was a sense of hopelessness in them still, but the sense of despair had gone. He looked at her as a saviour, as his last hope for what he had craved all along, and as he looked upon the Raden, his mind was assaulted by quiet, yet constant whispers. "Your place is here." "We have what you seek." "That Which Devours is the answer." The broken Loron had no cause to deny her very appealing offer.


 * Ref'kloar - do it...ill do...all ya want...fer da-
 * Geltastra - Hm hm... The pact is sealed.

Ref'kolar coughed once more, barely able to breathe, his lungs filled with Dark Chronoscopic energy which he had yet to learn to master. And before he could die, Geltastra placed a hand upon his head, and the Loron immediately felt the burning fire of entropic energy being pumped into his body, twisting his soul and transforming him - descended and warped to fulfill the needs of the demons of the Corruptus. His skin was charred as if he had been thrown in a fire, yet he felt invigorated, with renewed strength like he had ever felt in his life.

Where Ref'kolar laid was no longer a Loron, but a living nightmare.


 * Geltastra - Rise... my new Champion.

Ref'kolar's pain from the burning entropic energy seemed to vanish. Now, he was in control of it. Not only that, but of the Dark Chronoscopic that once plagued his lungs. He felt far, far more powerful than he had ever felt as a Dark Loron, and knew he had made the right choice. His first thought was his anger, his rage he felt for the rest of Da Rogue Boyz. But soon, that was gone too. What did it matter to him? He could crush Fre'kloar and take his place, but why did he need to do that? Why bother with the pitiful Loron when he was above any of them?

It was, to him, extremely amusing. Yes, amusement: that was all he could feel now. His head was filled only with laughter, laughter and mockery of those who had dared to look down on him before. Now, he could laugh at every single one of them. And his saviour, the Nightmare God who had granted him this power, was the one being he was indebted to. In fact, that too, was somehow hilarious. He was now subject to the greatest god he had ever known. Who needed those other false Loron gods? All he could do was laugh.


 * Ref'kolar - hahaha....hahahahahaha...HAHAHAHAHA!!! OH MAN, ITS RELLY FUNNY!!!!!
 * Geltastra - We have given you reason to laugh again... Now, you are going to repay us.
 * Ref'kolar - tell me wat i can do fer yoo...i will LAFF all da way as i make yor enemies burn

Durzhan, watching from a distance, smirked.


 * Durzhan - Very impressive. I shall leave now, my work here is done.

Spared No Expense
On the fringe regions of the 's Borealis territories, a shuttle carrying Valzo and his entourage of Tralkik guards and Galot diplomats approached a remote station under escort. From the outside this station didn't look too impressive. Dull metal, little ornamentation, very unlike the stories of Draconid elegance that had leaked into Borealis since their arrival and establishment. He had been brought with purpose, Sersemis Biotechnologies, a respected technology firm inside the Draconid Imperium, had responded to a plan they had developed with UNO. At their request, Valzo had been sent to this remote, very out of the way station above a barren moon on the alien company's request.

Valzo was very cautious and curious as he was presented with the station. It wasn't the Draconid type of grandeur he was used to, but they had clearly done an excellent job of hiding this station away. That, coupled with the reputation they and this firm had, gave him plenty faith in their new developments. While he did not know what to expect, he still felt confident.

The shuttle was escorted inside a hanger bay on the planetward side of the station. As it landed, the doors out of the hanger opened and out walked an alien, with a lithe figure, blackened eyes and two large ears sprouting sideways from the sides of his head. Dressed in an expensive suit, he was flanked by armed members of a corporate security firm. As the door to Valzo's shuttle opened, the alien took a respectful bow.


 * Drenizek - Welcome to the wonderworks of Pontis III, Mr. Valzo. The name's Drenizek, station director for this remote slice of paradise.
 * Valzo - Thank you. I look forward to seeing what you have developed with my eyes. Yours is a biotechnological firm of repute.
 * Drenizek - Only the best for our new partners. We've set up a demonstration for you in the testing rooms. Not the final product mind, but I'm sure you'll approve.
 * Valzo - I would very much like to bare witness.
 * Drenizek - Right this way.

With a hand gesture, Drenizek indicated towards the hanger door. As they passed though into the station the deception the outer facade offered was immediately clear. While the station was clad in dull metal, the corridors were brightly lit polished, and lined with a variety of clean metals. An impressively clean construct. Their tour passed a few rooms where Valzo could see technicians, their white hazmat outfits masking them in the hospital-white laboratories, were hard at work on prototype bionics and chemicals.


 * Valzo - I see you have done very well to hide this place. I would not have expected such from looking at it from the outside.
 * Drenizek - Hah! Eyeah it's not just foreign powers who want to steal our latest toys. There's at least a dozen biotech firms back in Dranvamus who are close ot our level or bigger, who'd love to acquire our secrets.
 * Valzo - I can certainly imagine. Your technicians seem very efficient. And your place seems well funded.
 * Drenizek - Your government was pretty generous. We've had a few accidents but don't worry, none of it made it on the rolling news.
 * Valzo - This is good to hear.
 * Drenizek - Oh. Sersemis sent their regional executor here to watch the demonstration. He arrived a couple of days before you. Big man crown world type, can't really miss him.
 * Valzo - Oh? Intriguing.
 * Drenizek - Don't worry. My science techs assure me what they offer is nothing short of excellence.

Another set of blast doors opened, leading into the demonstration booth. Valzo, his entourage and Drenizek filed into a booth overlooking a large test chamber. The booth was comfortably furnished, with plush sofas, ample surfaces of polished wood. Standing at the window was indeed a large man. Reaching three metres, the hulking humanoid reptillian figure stared intently into the chamber as he swirled a bowl-shaped metal glass. As Drenizek entered, his security detail moved to guard the door.


 * Drenizek - Director Santerimus, Mr. Valzo is here to watch the demonstration.

Santerimus looked over his shoulder to observe Valzo. His emerging snout, and his long thick tail, which poked from the base of his long shimmering robe, identified him as a. He turned further, approaching Valzo and holding out a hand. Valzo, who still had no idea what to expect, shook the Draconis' hand, though he felt very puny in comparison. He felt more and more at least that these people were efficient enough in their line of work that his funding would not have gone to waste.


 * Santerminus - Taresus Santerminus. I am Sersemis's regional executor for the Borealis operations. It is a pleasure.
 * Valzo - Greetings, I am Unified Nation of Ottzello Leader Valzo. The Station Director here tells me you have a very impressive demonstration here.
 * Santerminus - So the director has told me. The reports are sound but it will be up to him to prove it. Back in Dranvamus Drenizek has a reputation for enthusiasm.
 * Drenizek - Start the test!

A klaxon sounded, blue light illuminating the test chamber as obstacles emerged for mthe walls, floro and ceiling.


 * Santerminus - As I recall, your government wanted an agent who was agile, fast, and could outperform in acrobatic combat and infiltration runs. Yes?
 * Valzo - This, plus swordsmaship, is correct.
 * Drenizek - Agility first.

Out of a door on the left-hand side, an alien emerged. Their arms and legs were glossy like plastic, not entirely skin-like but she moved with convincing fluidity. She readied herself for a second klaxon. When it did erupt, she was off, moving like water over and under the obstacles at an impressive speed. There was no break, no moment of hesitation as she leapt and slid seamlessly from one obstacle to the next, leaping over obstacles by jumping up to three times her height. The test ended quickly, as she slammed a button on the wall - 25 seconds. Valzo's eyes widened, as he blinked, not quite sure what he had seen. He was extremely impressed. Santerminus joined him. He let out a small busrt that could have been a laugh and clapped his hands.


 * Valzo - Very good. Very good indeed.
 * Drenizek - Spared no expense on the materials and research. Had to import quite a few experimentals though.
 * Santerminus - As your budget reports kept me awake several nights, yes...
 * Drenizek - An overall good result though, right?
 * Valzo - With results like these, I am more than happy to reimburse the costs further. Please show me what you have next.
 * Drenizek - Right, swordsmanship. Also I have another little surprise but, I won't spoil. Regarding the talent we have a cutting edge infochip. But you know what they say, sometimes there's no substitute for the real thing so--

The klaxon blared and several doors opened. Out of these doors emerged some two-dozen combat droids armed with batons and pulse rifles. Moving to see them, the woman drew and gripped a pair of blades that were stored inside her arms. As the droids picked up pace, so did she. When they began firing she was once more like liquid, ducking and leaping to avoid the shots, making herself almost impossible to hit. For the droids that came close she danced around them, cutting critical points - legs, arms, sides - neutralising each one in the blink of an eye. In the heat of the acrobatics, she vanished - optic camouflage caused her ot dissolve in the blink of an eye before she reappeared a moment later with her blades buried in two droids. She bounded off a wall to gain a height advantage as she fell to cut into the ranks of rifle-armed droids. Bisecting them, slicing their rifles in half and severing limbs. One or two she kicked away, hitting them with a force that sent the machines a good way backward.

The last droid she sliced the right arm and impaled in the back. Drawing the blade out and twirling it, the test was over. She stood still and looked to the observation booth, taking a bow while Drenizek - much more hysterical - thrust his arm into the air. Valzo, once again, was visibly impressed.


 * Drenizek - Wooh! What did I tell you!
 * Valzo - Oh, I'm sure the Kralgon Emperor will love that. I imagine he'd be very interested to see how that translates to a Zelfron clone, too. What else do you have?
 * Drenizek - Well, the techs tell me that if we have a particular recipient's brain map, we can tailor the infochip to improve responsiveness and reduce the chance of info-rejection. Process is usually quite expensive though.
 * Valzo - I see. I will front the bills there. I can leave you one of my Tralkik robots here which contains the details.
 * Drenizek - Can be done. - Drenizek clapped his hands with glee - I can leave you to sort the paperwork with the executor but by the sound of it, you're happy. Which means the techs will be happy too.
 * Valzo - Very much so, thus far.
 * Santerminus - We can discuss the finer details in the director's office.

Greater Scope Than Before
Following with a routine investigation, Arsac - grand master of a sacred inquisition into the paranormal - was leading a small group of Inquisitors to the rumoured site of a congregation in Borealis. Investigating cults was standard fare for her line of work, she'd known such all her life. The incidents of the however encouraged her to be more proactive in her investigations. When stories of cultists practicing the same dark talents as the great demon generals that threatened the gigaquadrant several years ago, there was no question that she would take matters of investigation into her own hands.

At a former colony of the Indoctrinate Collective, located at the outskirts of the region of space formerly known as Aasatser Sector, a great congregation had formed. Devourer's Chosen cultists stood with one knee on the floor as they watched a figure atop a staircase breach to them in the black tongue of the Corruptus - a Spinker whose scales had been charred to a dark brown - and behind him stood a monolithic structure, towering over the buildings around it; a demonic shrine, which the devoted of the Chosen used to summon the creatures of the Nightmare Region into the Onuris Universe.

The operatives entered the site quietly. Some, carrying long briefcases, ducked into the surrounding buildings while a few had arrived earlier and had attempted to induct themselves into the crowd, assuming that the collective here would be so large that they could easily hide in plain sight. Arsac watched with a set of optic lenses on the rooftops, observing the operation as her colleagues set themselves in position. On any other day this would have been a routine mission; wait for the perfect moment then at the right moment, a sniper's bullet masked by some well-timed local sound would decapitate the leadership.


 * Savarion - Crown this is Mongoose Three. In position, lance is set up...awaiting orders.
 * Arsac - Standard procedure Mongoose Three, don't pull that trigger until the Spinker hits his climax. Give him a little time to lose himself first.
 * Savarion - Roger Crown. Settling down.
 * Arsac - Charmer Two do you have full visual?

Erelena - who used the codename "Charmer Two" - kept low in the crowd. While the marksmen were preparing ot strike, it was her job to gather information before the target was neutralised. She found herself listening to the black speech, a device over hear ear and hidden under her hood gathered the orator's words and attempted ot translate.


 * Erelena - Full visual Crown. Standard fare ceremony, save for the speech.
 * Arsac - Keep your guard up. Void knows what that tongue could do...

The group waited patiently, Erelena listening while Savarion waited for the perfect moment. Others in their team were doing similar, as three snipers occupied the buildings with the intent to confuse the direction of the bullet. As the dark Spinker continued to speak, the operatives had not noticed the creatures which manifested in the shadows around them; slim, near-skeletal monsters with protruding bones in the shape of daggers coming out of their wrists, who did nothing but watch. After some listening, Mongoose Three got the hint from listening and tapped his earpiece to transmit an alert signal. Adjusting himself and readying his pulse lance, he waited for the exact moment to fire. Regulating his breathing, he counted down.


 * Savarion - Three.....two...One...--

At that point, the creatures were gone. Instead, one of them manifested to the side of the Spinker, and rose its arms in order to create a dome-shaped essence barrier around him. The preacher immediately turned his eyes to the direction of the snipers, a red glow coming from his pupils as he spoke in Spinker tongue.


 * ??? - Who dares intrude our realm?!

Mongoose Three saw the dome just in time, his finger partially pressed on the trigger, but the synchronisation played to his disadvantage as his team in the other buildings fired, two bullets, a quarter of a second apart, bounced off the dome. Erelena looked up in surprise.


 * Savarion - This is Mongoose Three I confirm neutralisation failed, repeat neutralisation failed!
 * ??? - You thought you could hide from the nightmares in their own home? Insolent intruders! You dare attempt to assassinate Kalorun, Great Acolyte of War!
 * Arsac - Mission is a bust. Pull out repeat pull out NOW.
 * Kalorun - Tear them to shreds!

Savarion moved from his position at the window. He saw no merit in leaving tiem to pack up and ran for the door, hopeing ot escape to a rooftop. Upon opening the door, however, he was met to the sight of one of the slim demons - Garvathae, as they were known - who immediately thrust its blade through his chest. The Charmer team remained hidden in the mass of the congregation. Erelena was unable to move out of pure concern for her own safety. She lowered her head and attempted to breathe. Discreetly feeling her robe for her arsenal. She took cursory glances to her partner some ways down, who tried to do the same as her. As they tried to leave, they could note the cultists all turning their eyes to them in anger, almost as if they could tell them apart; and they could, for they lacked the seed of corruption which they all had. What followed was the appearance of another demon, towering in size and with a skull for a head who carried a pair of gigantic machetes. Its four shining eyes glared at the disguised operatives as it let out loud growling sounds.

Arsac broke from her cover and, with the enhancements in her armour, she bounded over rooftops towards the great square.


 * Arsac - Mission is a bust. Your cover is blown just get out, repeat pull out NOW.

As Arsac got to the rim of one of the surrounding buildings, Elerena tried to move though the crowds out of the square, attempting to control ehr breathing all the while. There was no subtlety anymore and under her sleeves she hid a pair of shortswords. The skull-headed demon ran after her, though, and swung his two machetes at her direction when he found himself close enough, the great blades cleaving into her limbs and side. Meanwhile the Acolyte looked up to Arsac jumping over the buildings, raising a fist to shake at her as he growled in anger.


 * Kalorun - Draconis! Your Imperium will burn just like the Indoctrinate Collective and all others who oppose us!
 * Arsac - Your threats mean nothing, cultist.These lives lost will be avanged by your decapitation

Kalorun huffed and turned around, walking into the interior of the shrine while followed by the Garvathae who protected him, while the great skull-headed demon bisected Elerena with his machetes while she was downed. Clenching her fists, Arsac uncoupled a grenade from her harness. Priming it, she bounded off the rooftop and leapt to land on the floor, tossing the grenade to explode on impact on the demon, who let out a loud pained growl as a half of its skeletal face was shattered by the impact, causing it to stumble to the side and nearly fall, while many cultists were killed by the blast. With it staggered, Arsac charged forward, leaping up to rend the demon's sides with her deployed power claws.

The demon groaned and fell, its body dissolving into a black liquid upon death. The shrine's sole entrance was closed by standard reinforced doors used in Dracogonarious colonies, separating him from Arsac altogether. Glaring at the reinforced door she huffed and panted. She clenched her fists tightly, creacking the material of her glove.


 * Arsac - Mission failed. Squad down...Target survived.

There was an opening that she took advantage of and she darted from the scene just as the plaza was overwhelmed by Garvathae, who hunted for anymore surviving intruders. She made it to a concealed shuttlecraft and took one last look at the demon-infested plaza as her craft took off. In frustration she punched the fuselage, the power of her fist denting the bulwark and leaving a small imprint.

The War Spreads
The months were passing, and the threat posed by the Vague only grew as more of Borealis became affected by their apparently single-minded charge against all Ottzelloan life. The Unified Nation of Ottzello was obviously the most affected, but further into the Western Arm, the Indoctrinate Collective was fighting to defend themselves as the Vague were targetting their colonies more populated by Duletha. In the meantime, the Zoles Imperium attempted to provide whichever help they could to both sides, though constant harrassing from the Wranploer Legion, whose ships lurked through their borders in a constant basis, left them worried.

However, life was not any easier for the Wranploer. The Vague had, too, come for them, and the Borealis Consortium Network found itself quickly losing territory as the mysterious entities carved through their planets, hunting down all the Ottzelloans who migrated to it after the Legion was merged with the Zaarkhun Consortium. At the bridge of the Iron Fist, General Volim read reports of the damage in confusion and anger, slamming his own fist against his throne as he demanded an explanation, yet received none.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Hmph. The "Vague". I've heard about them, and I knew plenty about them before they arrived. And yet, I still do not know the most effective way to deal with them.
 * Volim - What are these things, and why are they destroying my people?!
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - The Vague are fourth dimensional beings out for blood. They fight for what we can only assume to be vengeance. Originally, they came from this very galaxy, but after the excruciatingly painful process of being morphed into what they are now, they decided to take it out on us.
 * Volim - How do you know all this?
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - We've received reports about it from our various spies, and those who have successfully hacked into the military computers of the Niaka have learned of this. Also, it only confirms what I had already learned...back when I had Zargoth's mind in me.
 * Sollow - They are killing Ottzelloans, and we are Ottzelloans... Oops, it seems we are going to get you killed, Volim...
 * Volim - Shut up, twitch. I want a solution. Immediately.
 * Genrai Nal - The Vague are a mere pest, but they are not invulnerable. They can be defeated with the right firepower. Presumably, this ship can take them on.
 * Volim - The Iron Fist is one ship. Our entire armada needs to be upgraded. I did not come this far on my plan to finally topple the Zoles only to be cut down by complete strangers.
 * Genrai Nal - The Zoles are being cut down by the Vague as well. It does not disproportionately affect us.
 * Volim - When my people are being vaporized by the milions, yes, yes it does.

Zaarkhun sat back in his chair, and thought for a few moments. Any short term solution to the Vague would be ideal, though he did not consider it wise to try and destroy too many of the Vague himself, as they applied plenty of pressure to his enemies. No, instead, he would try to use this to his advantage.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Maybe none of us should be worried. Maybe we should be happy.
 * Volim - I should smash your skull for implying the death of the Wranploer is something worthy of being happy!
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - No Wranploer needs to die further, Volim. We can very easily avoid this threat through the use of a scapegoat. But the rest of the galaxy, they will be slaughtered by a menace that they are incapable of handling. The Vague as a threat are beyond the capacity of our enemies. That could prove very useful.
 * Sollow - I'm going to make everyone die! ... Eheheheh!
 * Volim - Shut up, twitch. Before I throw you into the garbade disposal again.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - You see, the Vague are extremely random in their movements. They are dispersed, they are not capable of launching a large scale assault on any one specific target. They may be difficult to predict, but that also makes them easy to distract. Through the use of the right scapegoat, we can minimise, if not completely evade, any threat from the Vague, and manipulate them. Our enemies, meanwhile, will be unable to do so. And we take advantage of that. While we are safe from this threat, and they are not, we have the right breathing room with which to fulfil our plans.
 * Volim - If these creatures are hunting your kind, then we can't evade them. We can slow them down at best.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Not true. The Vague are not interested in any specific target. They act randomly. They are barely able to control themselves. All we need to do is distract them. And we have the perfect scapegoat. Genrai, put Fre'kloar online.

Genrai nodded, and before the two of them, Fre'kloar and the rest of Da Rogue Boyz appeared in front of Zaarkhun and Volim's thrones.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Ah, Propa Big Rogue Boss Fre'kloar. How are things?
 * Fre'kloar - OI PEEPS ITS ZAARKHUN. AN MAN ITS ALL DUM. DESE VAGUE FINGIES IS ACTIN ALL TUFF BEIN ALL "JUST DAI" AND WES ALL "WAT DA HELL"
 * Brag'klogga - IM TELLIN YA MAN BUT NO ONES LISSENIN. ITS IN DA HOLY BOOKS WEN ZRANKAR SENDS HIS EVIL BEES TA STING DA WHOL OONIVERSES BAKSIDE AN DEN LAFF AT DEM
 * Voa'reak - BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, they are rather a pest, aren't they? However, I have the perfect proposition for you. You see, in my line of work, with the mercenaries I co-ordinate with, they reward handsomely for killing the Vague. Very handsomely, in pizza supply.
 * Hagto'Zhl - did someun say PIZZA
 * Fre'kloar' - GO ON IM INTERESTED
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Indeed. I have trade routes connected to every corner of this galaxy. They make pizzas even better on several planets outside of Ottzello. And they deliver very, very efficiently. They would supply such as a reward to anyone who will fend off the Vague from their territory. It is a well-known business of late, but it is also very competitive. I imagined you would be interested.
 * Rel'larutina - That's very nice and all, but I think you're forgetting the "we get vaporized instantly if we fight them" part.
 * Fre'kloar - DONT LISSEN TA HER SHES INSANE. OI LADS WE GET FREE PIZZA IF WE KILL VAGUE DUMBOS
 * Rel'larutina - Oh, come on.. actually, just charge head-on at them and get disintegrated. Be my freaking guest.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - It's part of a series of different bounties to collect. I will inform you of each of them as they appear. Should you have difficulty combating the Vague, I will be very happy to provide what black market technology I have access to. I look forward to our partnership.
 * Fre'kloar - SWEET. OK LADS FER NAO ON WE WORK FER ZAARKHUN AN GET FREE PIZZA
 * Voa'reak - BEES THO

In delight, each of the Loron cheered as the transmission closed. Zaarkhun kept a happy grin on his face, until the hologram vanished, and he cackled to himself, then turned back to Volim. The General appeared largely disinterested over the entire scene.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - It's one thing conning people into doing your bidding. It's another thing conning people without the mental capacity to see through stories that are so plainly made up.
 * Volim - You got us a meat shield. We'll see how long it lasts. At least if they die, I don't have to listen to their infernal language anymore.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Furthermore, the Loron do not value their lives the way most species do. On the contrary, a death in battle is actually revered, many almost dream of it. They will be very happy to serve as a meat shield for a very long time.
 * Volim - ... What even is a pizza?
 * Sollow - Loooong story, dear Volim. For now, we should just speculate on all the possible ways to stick blades into a Zoles' abdomen.
 * Genrai Nal - I, meanwhile, will attempt to combat the Vague and attempt to broker deals to have access to more powerful weaponry to confront them, even if it only ends up in the hands of the Loron. I still wish to be prepared.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Good. I believe we are well prepared here. Unless you have anything to add, Volim?
 * Volim - I don't. You are dismissed.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Very well.

The Empire of the Seagon
While the war against the Vague raged through the galaxy, other minds were at work, with their goals completely separate to what the empires of the Zoles, Wranploer or Ottzelloans had in mind. And among the nations of the known Eastern Arm, perhaps none were as mysterious as the ; an elusive species of fish-like beings natives to the forbidden world of Clexis, which served as the seat of their empire. Compared to the Zoles and Wranploer, the Seagon were clear younglings - their people only joined the galactic community 5,000 years before the current day, but they were special among the races of Borealis as, despite their relatively recent emergence, their technology was beyond that of the Zoles and Wranplor combined.

The Cold Ones, the mysterious precursors who built the Cold Relay system, once inhabited many worlds. While their ruins were considered a rarity, some still exist, with a number being better preserved than others. The non-sentient ancestors of the Seagon had the opportunity to evolve around the most well preserved ruins of the Cold Ones in the galaxy, a process which granted them intelligence beyond that of the galaxy's veterans and the knowledge to create true marvels of technology which even the Indoctrinate Collective did not fully understand.

However, the Seagon Empire was not willing to share its secrets. Its rulers, instead, saw the rest of the galaxy as far less than equals.

General Volim of the Wranploer had allied with the Seagon since the days of the. He understood the power of having such a race at his side, and begrudgingly accepted the fate an attempt to conquer them to take their technology for himself would be catastrophic. The Seagon's territory extended a mere 10,000 worlds, far less than the Borealis Consortium Network's near one million, yet these were creatures who could carve their way to Vijaha and erase it from existence should they want to. As Volim understood, one should keep their friends close, and their enemies closer. The leader of the Consortium looked upon a screen which presented him a great throne plated in silver, where a Seagon dressed in regal garb was sitting, paying close attention to what he had to say. Emperor Rothneld Vhezari, the leader of the Seagon Empire.


 * Volim - And that is how, combining your forces to what I have amassed, we will tear our way through the worlds of the Imperium and claim Zoleia as our own.
 * Rothneld - You suggest I wage war against the leaders of the west in your name, Volim, yet I do not see what I would gain from this. The destruction of the Zoles would bring a great social calamity across the galaxy, one I am unwilling to deal with.
 * Volim - Leave that to me and my cohorts. Your race has no love for the Zoles and you know that. Their defeat will allow us both to spread our influence and consolidate our positions as rulers of this galaxy.

As he heard the words of the Wranploer, Rothneld's teeth clenched, revealing a great row of fangs as his expression turned into a frown.


 * Rothneld - I am no child, Volim. You would not share the galaxy with anyone. You becoming ruler of the known galaxy would merely lead you to try and take it all for yourself. My people included.
 * Volim - Don't you trust me, Vhezari?
 * Rothneld - You are worth no more trust than a Varkorus.

Normally, such words would be deeply insulted at any context, though Volim merely chuckled as he held his fingers together. He expected such treatment and was well aware of his reputation.


 * Volim - I'm not completely heartless, Vhezari. I reward those who I believe deserve it. Aid me in my plan, and both of our interests will be met.
 * Rothneld - Serve the interests of a space pirate and his newly found Ottzelloan slaves? I will have to think about it. Have your personnel get in contact with mine to discuss the details.
 * Volim - Good, good. It'll be just like the Great War, when your great-something grandfather helped me fight the . Just like old times.
 * Rothneld - You lost that war, Volim. Do not waste our time by losing this one too.
 * Volim - Heh. We'll see who eats their words once this is all over.

With this, the transmission was over. As Volim disappeared from his view, Rothneld snarled in disgust as his armored fingers clicked on buttons located on his throne, bringing up a new screen for him to look upon. It showed the schematics of what appeared to be a great dreadnought.


 * Rothneld - Filthy barbarian. You have no idea who you're speaking to.

The Weak Spot of the Vague
A year since the Vague had begun to threaten the galaxy, and as the war only amped up further every day, the war council between the Unified Nation, the Zoles and the Niaka was called once again. It was time for them to develop a plan of action for not only which threat to combat first, but for how best to do so. Did anyone have any ideas for the Vague yet? Did anyone know when the Wranploer Legion would choose to strike first? Was anyone concerned about the growing distrust for the major factions in Borealis across the public of the galaxy? Right now they needed answers more than ever.

As the leaders spoke, each of them seemed demoralized, frustrated, and to an extent, even afraid. The Kralgon Emperor decided to take initiative and break the silence after the meeting was called.


 * Kralgon Emperor - So, let's look at what's on the agenda for today's meeting. Firstly, it's been about a year, we've lost two hundred planets and five thousand starfleets to the Vague in UNO alone, and who knows how many others have lost much. Secondly, we're hearing reports and rumblings of more Wranploer Legion attacks as if they're planning something big soon, apparently, this is merely the beginning. Thirdly, we don't seem to have an effective opposition against the rising anti-government sentiment, that everyone on this table seems to really be ignoring, and in my opinion, that is a very dangerous route to take.
 * Baptarion - ... "Anti-government". This sounds like something straight out of the outernet.
 * Asraels - I do not believe anti-government sentiment is a thing that exists. It is counter-productive and would lead to galactic misery. Surely no one would truly accept such ideologies as fact.
 * Xeron - Bloody stupid is what it is.
 * Yogtam - I find it very concerning how out of touch you seem to be with the folks of this galaxy. You do not seem to be addressing their needs, or their fears. If no one does this, then there will be a revolution against it.
 * Xeron - Excuse me, outsider. For a second, I thought you claimed you knew more about my people than I do.
 * Valzo - Do we really have to start our meeting out like this? I apologize, the people in my own government seem to have a sense of arrogance at times. I am sure the governments of Borealis know what they are doing in regards to this growing uprising. What is more important, in my opinion, is the Vague attacks.
 * Asraels - Yes, we shoud focus on the existential threat currently ravaging this galactic arm. The Wranploer are a nuisance my people have put in its place many times before, so they are not our primary concern right now.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - I HERD DA WRANPLOA IS EVEN WORKIN WIV DA ROGUE BOYZ. DAT MAKES DEM EVEN DUMMA AN EVEN LESS WORFY OF ATTENSHON
 * Baptarion - Listen, I'm a scientist and not a soldier. But if I were a soldier, I'd probably try and find a weakspot on the enemy so I could retaliate.
 * Xeron - A whole year and no weakness have been detected. The Chief Major's poor old heart isn't going to endure the rage.

Tuolog decided to hop on Zr'Ahgloth's back in order to be noticed, and then spoke to the council.


 * Tuolog - I have good news on that front at least. I speak to the Mechanic, the Head Caretaker. He seem to have insight there, if you wish to patch him in.
 * Baptarion - Care-what now?
 * Xeron - Caretakers can speak?
 * Tuolog - This one can, at least.
 * Asraels - Curious. We assumed them all to be mindless androids. Patch him in.

Another hologram appeared, and the Mechanic entered the conversation. To the others unfamiliar with him, he looked just like a slightly larger, normal Caretaker, but much more rundown. They weren't sure what to expect as he began to speak to them, but in the beginning, rambled nonsense.


 * The Mechanic - Uhh, and the final digit of pi is...what was that again? I forgot...
 * Xeron - Shut up.
 * Asraels - Back to the subject of this meeting, if you would.
 * The Mechanic - Meeting? Oh, yes! Yes, I have a meeting to get to with my boss tonight, don't I? Something about fluster coils on the darn Relays in sector...oh. Oh, this thing.
 * Asraels - ... No. The war council about the Vague threat.
 * The Mechanic - Vague?! Where?! Where are the darn Vague?! Don't tell me they're attacking my Relays again!
 * Tuolog - Hehe. He just as cranky as I remember.
 * The Mechanic - Oh! Sorry, I never noticed you kids just there. Hey folks! Yes, I have some information on the Vague that might be helpful to you.
 * Baptarion - This has got to be a joke.
 * Xeron - Spill it out already! We need to put an end to this charade before it goes out of control!

The Mechanic seemed to finally be focused, and then displayed a hologram for the entire room of a Vague ship.


 * The Mechanic - This here be the Vague's four dimensional starship thingies. I could've told them that their ships are ugly for something that comes from outta this dimension. Well, turns out there's a reason for that: they're actually a fusion between two to four different types of ships from two different alien species, one of which being the Cold Ones.
 * Baptarion - Ooh, we're fighting Cold One-inspired tech? I've been studying them for the last few years. You guys should've told me sooner.
 * The Mechanic - Sorta. It's a projection of Cold One-inspired tech from the fourth dimension. That means that this thing ain't exactly stable. So, take a look at this part of the underbelly of the ship.

The hologram zoomed in around a central point beneath the ship, located on the hull. This part did not appear to show any obvious structural weakness, but its paint jobs completely switched, and its metals did not seem to fit exactly. As if it were made of two different materials at a cross section.


 * The Mechanic - You might think this is just silly design, but what it actually is is where the two parts of the ship meet in the middle in a way that doesn't mesh like it does on the rest of the ship. This here is a weakpoint, and if you target it, you can deal far more damage to it.
 * Xeron - An out of the way spot. No wonder we couldn't tell the difference until now.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - MAN DA VAGUE DO SUCH A SLOPPI JOB AT PAINTIN SHIPZ. DATS LIKE HALF DA FUN OF BUILDIN ONE
 * The Mechanic - I know, right? I would slap whoever designed their ships, but I'm not even sure that they actually deliberately designed them. Again, I think their ships are just some kind of fourth dimensional illusion to us lowly third dimensional beings, but then I'm talking like a Taldar again.
 * Asraels - I'll be updating my armada with this information. Have any of you succeeded in recruiting allies to our cause?
 * Feldosia - We have indeed. There are two allies of ours in Andromeda so far who have expressed interest in joining the cause: the Divinarium and the Draconid Imperium. Beyond that, we have created our own unit of supersoldiers to combat threats like the Vague on land.
 * Baptarion - You can't fight these things on land. I'll keep to spaceship fire.
 * Kralgon Emperor - You'd think that. But you should take a look at these folks.

Replacing the Mechanic's hologram, the Emperor displayed a hologram of each of the Unified Nation of Ottzello Commandos. He introduced them by name.


 * Kralgon Emperor - From the left to the right: The Skull, also known as Thr'aloy and Dalverat, two supersoldiers functioning as one with extreme strength and Dark Chronoscopic energy powers respectively. The Fist, also known as, a giant with off-the-scale toughness and strength. The Backbone, also known as , a flying robotic soldier that can bomb entire cities and shoot down starfighters from the air. The Eye, also known as , a sniper with incredible accuracy who can blend into her environments. The Spitter, also known as , whose high-tech weaponry can turn enemies into paste in seconds. The Muscle, also known as , a rapid-fast soldier with blades who can cut apart foes faster than they can see him coming. Finally, The Talon, also known as , who can move almost as fast as the speed of light and run circles around any foe. Individually, these soldiers could conquer an entire planet. I think they can handle the Vague.
 * Baptarion - That's just eight people against a fleet of things who can disintegrate you, though.
 * Yogtam - Eight people with the strength of eighty armies. Underestimate them at your own peril.
 * Xeron - Overestimate them and they will die. We will need starships to defeat the Vague. But I suppose your funny-named squad would do well against the Wranploer, in case they try to intervene.
 * Yogtam - Intelligence suggests that the Wranploer Legion are preparing for a full scale war not seen since the Great War. Apparently, all these attacks ramping up right now are just warlords overexcited by the prospect of that and just jumping ahead of themselves.
 * Asraels - The Wranploer have truly not learned from their mistakes. The Great War had them pit near the entirely of the galactic arm against each other, and yet, we made them run back to their sector with their tails between their legs. Whatever it is they're planning, it will not go far.
 * Yogtam - Once again, I would underestimate them at your own peril. The Wranploer Legion we're seeing now aren't the ones we read about in your history books. Their attacks are more co-ordinated than your books described.
 * Xeron - The Wranploer Legion you're seeing is nothing compared to the Legion we have been fighting for centuries. Don't talk like you know them better than we do.
 * Baptarion - They're just pirates. Just shoot them.
 * Tuolog - I have seen every timeline, and I have seen the past, the future, and the present. I assure you, your tone on the Wranploer Legion is worryingly dismissive, and you should be fully prepared for what they bring with them. I believe Volim much smarter than you realise.
 * Xeron - Don't lecture us, outsider. We know the Wranploer better than you. We have been prepared for longer than the Vague have arrived. When the time comes, my people will destroy them and their entire culture. It'll be glorious!
 * Asraels - That may yet take a while.
 * Tuolog - That is the same overconfidence that I have seen from many great leaders of history before their empires fell. Heed my warnings.
 * Baptarion - Just shoot them.
 * Valzo - Alright, I believe we have come to a consensus. We will attack the Vague's weak point and then assess how our performance improves against them. We will prepare for any incoming Wranploer attack, and presumably if we get the Vague out of the equation, we will focus on them next.
 * Asraels - We shall see how it will all unfold. For now, this meeting is concluded.

The Unified Nation of Ottzello, disgruntled, left first. The Mechanic left later when he realised that he had still left the conversation open.

-

Meanwhile, as this meeting unfolded, Durzhan and Kolossus watched it from a distance. A slight smirk formed on Durzhan's face, as he bragged about his accomplishment, while the much larger Vyro'Ralza kept his four arms crossed and his eyes closed as he levitated a short distance from the floor.


 * Durzhan - But of course, that fool old Mechanic could not have thought of that alone. It was I who let this information slip. This Vague annoyance shall be dealt with soon, the second its use to us ends.
 * Kolossus - The defeat of the Vague will allow the Perfect Fate to unravel without obstacles. However, I find myself increasingly annoyed at that... infernal Ioketa.
 * Durzhan - He could be a huge problem. I believe that Vyro'Nazdea is placing her bets on his performance here. Perhaps we should eliminate him?
 * Kolossus - His power is greater than he deserves. He may yet instruct his flock away from the Perfect Fate.
 * Durzhan - Indeed, this is also my fear. I fear too that eliminating him too quickly would make him a martyr. They will stop and consider what he would have done when they are presented with the Fate, and it will influence their decision.
 * Kolossus - Grrrh. I wish I had devoured his soul when I had the chance. Removed him from all timelines once and for all. Out of all the mortals in this universe, he is the one I hate the most.
 * Durzhan - We do not need to eliminate him, though, to eliminate his influence. There is a growing divide in Borealis, and a growing distrust. Notice that the arrogant leaders continue to ignore it, and pin their blame on the Ottzelloans. We can use that. If the Ottzelloans continue to feel rejected, if there is greater divide, we are more likely to achieve what we want.
 * Kolossus - The arrogance of Borealis' inhabitants is not unfolded. The Wranploer mortals are mere scum and rabble. Perhaps you should intervene.
 * Durzhan - Yes. Yes...I should indeed. I will see to it that the Wranploer are a much greater threat than these fools realise.
 * Kolossus - See to it. Our victory approaches.
 * Durzhan - That fool Zaarkhun, though. He wishes Zargoth to be eliminated. I do not view him as a legitimate threat, but it may make it more difficult for him to trust me.
 * Kolossus - Many wish I was gone. Billions upon billions wished That Which Devours was gone when I served under his wing. They do not have the power to do so. Neither does Zaarkhun. He is mere flesh and bone awaiting to rot away.
 * Durzhan - But of course. He will be useful to me if I am to achieve the Perfect Fate, though. What better catalyst for a change in the Wranploer Legion that makes them much, much more deadly?
 * Kolossus - Use what tools are available to you. You have proven yourself efficient, so I believe you can handle this as well.
 * Durzhan - Very well. I will see that it is done, and I shall arrange a meeting with this Zaarkhun.

Meeting on Pax-Paladi
It was a day of much discussion at the temperate world of Pax-Paladi, at the far end of the Western Arm. This was the homeworld of the s, a cultured race of humanoid reptiles who strove to the concepts of law and order, much like the Zoles at the galactic south. As the threat of the Vague and the potential intervention of the Wranploer dominated the minds of the Zoles Imperium, they would look for allies in the galaxy's hour of need, with the Paladians being an obvious choice. It was a day of much discussion, for King Rebaris himself had just landed, seeking an audience with the emperor of the Paladian State, most known as the Civitas.

There was much that Rebaris could admire in the Paladians. They were a race of warriors, their culture deeply martial, and they had the galaxy's best interests in mind. Likewise, the Paladians saw the Zoles as a proof of how their mentality could lead to greatness. King Rebaris and Emperor Nedes XVI had never met in person before, making this an interesting experience for them both as the Zoles monarch arrived to the chamber where the Paladian leader awaited for him. Rebaris would smile as he leaned down in order to shake Nedes XVI's hand, due to his larger size compared to the Paladian emperor.


 * Rebaris - Emperor Nedes. A pleasure to finally meet you in person.
 * Nedes XVI - Indeed! I awaited for the day the king of the Zoles would finally descend upon our homeworld. I have prepared a banquet as well as a tour through the capital for you following this meeting.
 * Rebaris - I appreciate your gesture, emperor. I wish I could have come under better circumstances.
 * Nedes XVI - Speak your mind, Your Highness. I'm listening.

With a clap, the Paladian ruler signalled a number of servants to guide the two of them to seats so they may get comfortable. They would sit in front of a large window which granted Rebaris an impressive view of the capital city, illuminated by the setting sun.


 * Rebaris - I'm sure you're aware of the current events transpiring across the galaxy.
 * Nedes XVI - Indeed I am... and they are most disconcerting. Extrauniversal murderers, rise in Wranploer activity in our arm, doomsday cults... My people has faced the ilk of the Wranploer many times before, and to this day we still face their collaborators in our own home sector, but I am sincerely unsure of what to think of the other two.
 * Rebaris - Fantastical things are happening to our galaxy, and unfortunately, none are good in nature. Our allies of the Ottzello Sector are being hunted by all sorts of monstrosities.
 * Nedes XVI - We have never made contact with Ottzello, but if you ask me, they are an unruly, uncouth lot. Their arrival marked the beginning of these problems, and space pirate activity has gone through the roof in the last few years.
 * Rebaris - I don't believe it fair to put all of the blame on Ottzello. With or without them, the Wranploer and the Devourer's Chosen would still be here and would still do whatever it is they're doing.
 * Nedes XVI - Perhaps.

A small levitating drone, carrying cups of hot aromatic beverage, proceeded to place it in the table before the two monarchs, who both took a cup for themselves to have a drink. Rebaris enjoyed the taste, though found himself reeling just slightly due to its bitter taste.


 * Nedes XVI - Don't like it?
 * Rebaris - Oh, I do. Just a little bitter, is all.
 * Nedes XVI - Typical Paladian tea. You'll get used to it. Regardless, you have come seeking an alliance.
 * Rebaris - Indeed. The Zoles, the Niaka, the Ottzelloans and the Indoctrinate Collective are currently collaborating to put an end to the threats looming over our dear galaxy. I would be delighted to have the Civitas on our sides.

Emperor Nedes paused for a moment. He had waited many, many years for an opportunity to propel his people to a position of power in galactic politics; to prove the galaxy the Paladians were a people worth noting. And fighting side by side with the Zoles and Niaka would be the perfect match, as not only were they the arguable 'leaders' of the known galaxy, their goals and philosophies were all similar. A smile grew on the Paladian ruler's face as he replied.


 * Nedes XVI - My people will be honoured to fight by the Zoles' side, Your Highness. By removing these "Vague", trampling these cultists, and putting the Wranploer back to their places, we will show the galaxy what we're capable of.
 * Rebaris - Excellent. My military control will be getting in contact with yours and keep you updated on what has happened so far.
 * Nedes XVI - I will be ordering a number of my Legates to fight alongside you. Our combined might will rid Borealis of its woes.
 * Rebaris - Mhm. I can drink to that.
 * Nedes XVI - Heh. Now, would you like to have that tour? I would like to show you my military commendations. I used to be a starship helmsman in my early days.
 * Rebaris - Of course. Let us enjoy the day, while we still can.

The Brood Provoked
Da Rogue Boyz were one of the main targets of the Vague, having lost far more worlds than they were willing to count - that is, over a dozen -, though unlike the rest of the galaxy who saw them as a genuine threat, the Loron treated them with incredible indifference. As far as they were concerned, the Vague were just some random race of crazies who thought they were in charge, and they were now being paid by the Borealis Consortium Network to fight them at every possible opportunity. The fact they lost virtually every single one of these fights did not cross the minds of the Rogue Leedas, who were far too busy counting their new money and eating pizza to care. The only one who understood the gravity of the situation, Rel'larutina, had long given up.

What the Loron wanted was more money to buy trash they would never use, more worlds to fill with Lorons and food (these two being interchangeable depending of the context) and more fun enemies to fight. The fact UNO was focusing their efforts on combating the Vague made them too boring to the exploring lesser warbosses of Da Rogue Boyz - it was't as fun to beat them up when they were already weakened.

A particular boss named Grakka'lokka had seen an opportunity in the Mirianis Sector, ordering his boyz to settle numerous colonies at its northern fringes. This region was not populated by any known race to the Loron, as the Zoles and Niaka appeared to avoid the region like the plague - making it a perfect spot for a base. When they arrived, they had found dozens of planets booming with life, their landscapes lush and expansive, and yet there was not a single city or spaceship in sight. All they could see were huge, huge trees. Particularly, he planned to launch a looting party at the Indoctrinate Collective, because they "was stoopid geeks wiv stoopid gizmos who probs make fun of us in deir coffee break".

As his ship slowly landed upon the world he had declared to be his headquarters, Chikz and Geekz were already at work to create a settlement while the Loron kept watch. He spent his time playing on a videogame until the door to his chamber was opened by one of his guards.


 * Guard - EY BOSS
 * Grakka'lokka - OH MA DAYZ CANT YA SEE IM PVPIN ATM IN DIS GAME IM PLAYIN. IM ABOUT TA WREK DIS KHARGRIM LOSA WIV MA BLAK ORC BARBARIAN
 * Guard - oh i kno dat game. aint it fer geeks tho
 * Grakka'lokka - NOT WHEN IM PLAYIN LOSA. WAT DO YA WANT
 * Guard - da peeps outside sez dey been seein some weird stoof. som kinda weird aliens is starin at dem from a distance or somfin
 * Grakka'lokka - YOO PEEPS TOLD ME DIS PLAIC HAD NO PEEPS IN IT. ZR'AN'KARS SAKE YOR ALL SO INCOMPETENT I SWER
 * Guard - hey at leest we got peeps ta kill eh?
 * Grakka'lokka - I SUPPOS. ALRITE GIMME 5 MINS AND ILL CHEK DIS OUT

Once Grakka'lokka was done with whatever it was he was doing, he left the ship and walked to the courtyard of the settlement. Over the distance, he could see these gigantic, strange trees which every inhabitable planet in several light years seemed to have, and he scratched his head as his boyz pointed at what they were talking about; over the distance flew various small insectoids, who strangely looked like Niaka, though their bodies were filled with deformities such as extra eyes or larger carapaces.


 * Grakka'lokka - man yoo peeps is scared of a bunch of naked niaka? cmon srsly
 * Guard - dat eint no niaka boss. deys different
 * Grakka'lokka - well dey sur look a lot mor STOOPID. ONE OF YAS OPEN FIYA ALREDI

One of the Loron nodded and fired his pistol at one of the Niaka-like creatures. As the bullet went through its chest, it immediately fell to the ground lifelessly, without making a sound as the others then dispersed. Grakka'lokka began yelling at his boyz for wasting his time when some of them appeared to panic, pointing their fingers to the distance until the warboss turned his head to see what the commotion was about, and as he did, his eyes widened as what looked like a swarm of insects emerged in the distance, their numbers blocking a portion from the sky.

They were not trees. They were constructs. Hives.


 * Grakka'lokka - WAT DA HELL!!!!!!!
 * Guard - BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES

Outnumbering the Loron five hundred to one, the descended from the skies like a swarm of wasps. The Loron had settled right in their colonies, where their gigantic organic hives served as their homes, and until now they had only observed the intruders in silence. But when one of their scout drones was killed, the entire hive went into a berserking frenzy, and Grakka'lokka and his Loron were ripped apart by a tide of claws and teeth, impossibly sharp to the point their armor was sundered like butter. As the insectoid creatures overran the settlement in seconds, massive bio-spaceships rose from the distance, making their way to the skies - and in a matter of hours, every Loron colony established by Grakka'lokka was completely devoured by the Alvino.

The Zoles and Niaka avoided this region of space for it was the home of the ; a vicious race of locusts whose technology was made of incredibly advanced organic materials, some claiming it to be at the level of the Cold Ones themselves, who made the Wranploer look absolutely harmless in comparison. All who ventured into their territory never returned, for they suffered the same fate as the Loron - devoured by their seemingly infinite hordes. But for some reason, they had not simply disposed of the intruders and returned to their worlds as had been the case ever since the Zoles and Wranploer rose to the stars. Their ships begun travelling away, disappearing through the Cold Relays of their star systems.

All Alvino shared a single, insidious intelligence. Its voice roared through the minds of every single one of their race, burning its words through their minds. It seemed the Loron had stirred it.

'AWAKEN, MY GARDENERS. IT IS TIME TO FEED ONCE MORE.'