Fiction:Second Borealis Galactic War/Original/Rise of the Xi'Arazulha

Summoning
Meanwhile, in the, the maniac cult of the  prepared to colonize a new planet. As their laws say, the first building that must be erected in a new planet must be Corruptus Shrine, as they believed that doing this would give them their god's blessing and good luck. The colonists channeled their entropy into the Shrine and worshipped Shu'ulathoi, but while doing this, they were also attracting two other beings.

The cultists felt a presence watching them. They believed it to be Shu'ulathoi, but were very mistaken. Two towering beings took form next to the Shrine. They were something never seen before by the cultists. Believing to have channeled demons of the Corruptus, they cheered, and then gasped as the two beings started to absorb their energies. In mere seconds, all cultists were reduced to bones. These beings were.

The two Xi'Arazulha looked around, their mere presence changing the environment around them. One of them kicked the Corruptus Shrine down like it was made of sand.

"We have reached Borealis thanks to the energies of these foolish mortals. The Overseer will be pleased."

"Now it's time to come back and report. Death draws near to this galaxy, and nothing shall stop us from unleashing our wrath."

The two Xi'Arazulha were gone, and the planet was reduced to a lifeless rock. The dark souls of the Vi'Navitum had invaded Borealis...

Death of a mercenary
In an unknown place of Borealis, three beings conversated...

??? - The souls of this galaxy will make a fine feast. ??? - Do not forget, though, the Junction and the Vyro'Narza both have presence in this place. ??? - ''Bah! We wil eliminate the Junction and devour the Vyro'Narza!'' ??? - Just like we did with the Vi'Navitum! ??? - ''I believe the Xol'Etra may also be involved in this. I wonder how they taste like...'' ??? - And the inhabitants of the Ottzello Sector will make a very fine start! ??? - ''Silence! We still have things to destroy.'' ??? - ''Oh, yes. Forgive me, o great ...''

One of the beings was identified as Xi'Arazkha. Xi'Arazkha was the fragmented being of Vi'Naherza, most known as Verezuon. A being of incredible power, Xi'Arazkha was a dark god who hungered for power, and planned to waste the entire galaxy for it.

Xi'Arazkha - ''When time comes, we will strike. Volzara herself will bow before my wrath!'' Mac - Not if I have anything to say about it!

Mac appeared, preparing his weapons. The two other Xi'Arazulha backed up, and Xi'Arazkha laughed at him.

Xi'Arazkha - ''You? Sorry excuse of a living being, I cannot absorb you. Your soul was already taken by Zr'An'Kar.'' Mac - Bullshit! Xi'Arazkha - ''Do not forget your place, whelp! I am a god, and you are nothing!''

Mac growled.

Mac - I'm gonna show you that I've proven gods ain't shit.''

Xi'Arazkha laughed, his laugh causing reality itself to tremble around him. Mac pulled out his sword, and slashed Xi'Arazkha with it, who felt no pain.

Xi'Arazkha - You have sealed your fate, fool.

Xi'Arazkha stabbed his hand through Mac's chest. Then, Xi'Arazkha picked up Mac, howled at him, and kicked him away. He then fired blasts at Mac with little effort, who lay on the floor. Mac simply lay lifeless. He was dead.

Xi'Arazkha - ''Now, Zr'An'Kar, feel free to do anything you want with his body. I have more important things to do.''

Kolossus materalized next to Mac's body and took it away.

Kolossus - Certainly...

Enraging the cyborgs
The Xi'Arazulha were almost done with their preparations, but noticed there was something that could actually give them trouble. A transdimensional hive mind known as inhabited Borealis, and their incredibly advanced technology could be used to fight against the Xi'Arazulha. They knew that, years ago, the Junction already succeeded in keeping the Xhodocto themselves off Borealis in the War of Ages.

A single Xi'Arazulha entered the region of space known as the "Grim Reaper Sector". The moment the being entered the sector, it was already attacked by a gigantic swarm of Junction drones. The amount of damage was so intense, the Xi'Arazulha was actually starting to feel pain from them. More Xi'Arazulha appeared and destroyed the drones, which just caused more to appear. This enemy was more powerful than they initially though.

Using their powers, the Xi'Arazulha all advanced through the Sector, destroying the seemingly infinite swarm of drones until they came across a. Thinking of it as a good wya of inducing fear, the beings invaded the Planet Fortress and damaged its core, causing it to explode in a dark energy blast which also incinerated all drones nearby.

Upon to returning to Shard, the Xi'Arazulha found that Xi'Arazkha was quite unhappy with the results.

Xi'Arazkha - ''Poinless. You have tried to induce fear on an enemy that knows no fear. This have merely caused their wrath. But still, if we destroy these so called "Planet Fortresses", they will not be able of stopping us when we finally make our move. Now, get out of my front.''

Xi'Arazkha knew the Junction was a real threat, but he now knew how to fight it.

Spreading the plague
The Xi'Arazulha observed on how they could disable the Junction's massive military in a way which was not pointless suicide. It was then that they turned their eyes to the, where the Infernovirus was spreading quickly after it had infected the local Grox. This gave the Xi'Arazulha an idea which could doom the entire galaxy. Exactly what they wanted.

A Xi'Arazulha teleported to Andromeda and captured an infected Grox Spaceship, transporting it to Borealis. The Ship was then released in the middle of Junction territory, quickly infecting all nearby synths.

With the Junction too busy fighting itself, the Xi'Arazulha took the opportunity to strike, attacking their Planet Fortresses. Due to how fast the Virus advanced, it was actually capable of overwhelming the hive mind.

With their Planet Fortresses all destroyed by the Xi'Arazulha and the Virus spreading faster than they could contain, the Junction retreated and teleporting to another dimension. They were now out of the Xi'Arazulha's way, who first turned their eyes to the Ottzello Sector. They had plans for both the inhabitants and their creators...

Terrorizing the natives
While the Infernovirus expanded in the Arm of Wildness of Borealis, the Xi'Arazulha moved to the edges of the Arm of Knowledge, in their way to Ottzello. They would soon enter the territory of a large civilization known as the, and feeling particularly devious, decided to pay them a visit.

In the peaceful colony of Masfevis, and  children played while the planet's defenses did their usual job. One of these children noticed something watching in a dark alley of the city, and went to investigate. Little did he know, the being was a Xi'Arazulha, who used its energies to suck all the life off the child. More Xi'Arazulha appeared and did the same to all nearby, reducing all life in the city to empty shells.

The planet's defenses mobilized themselves to the invaders and fired their weapons. The Xi'Arazulha, however, felt no pain from their mortal weapons, and laughed as they kept sucking the life out of everything.

The Xi'Arazulha left the planet, which was reduced to a lifeless rock. It was a good meal, but they were still hungry for more.

Arriving at Ottzello
In UNOL, a new topic was arousin. It seemed that the loss of Tuolog and Feldosia, which was already causing problems for the empire, was about to become the least of their worries. UNOL met together...

- It is dark times... - i miss tuolog man he wus a funny dood - Don't we all? - But remember, we're about to recieve the biggest test to our strength since the Third Ottzello War. Zr'Ahgloth - ''I WANNA KILL KOLOSSUS. DEN I WANNA KILL FRE'KLOAR AN ALL DAT LOT. DEY KEEP KILLIN OUR HOMIES HOW DUMS DIS'' - ''We all do, Zr'Ahgloth. Even I do, and I barely have a personality.'' Valzo - ''Hey guys, for the while, I want to temporarily give UNOC some of UNOL's rights. As in, I want them in these meetings.'' Kralgon Emperor - I don't see why not.

,, and  entered the room.

King Thylaxiz - You called? Zr'Ahgloth - SAFE MAN NOW THR'ALOY CAN B IN DA IMPORTANT STOOF TOO Thr'aloy - ''WAT MAN YOO WAS HAVIN ALL DIS IMPORTANT STOOF BEHIND MA BAK? MAN YOR DUM'' Count Delverat - ''I've heard of Tuolog's death. It is a shame, as I won't be able of tasting his blood...'' Tralkik Commander - ''We don't have time to discuss this. I'm picking up a transmission from .''

King Rebaris appeared in a screen, scared.

King Rebaris - ''Attention, a new threat has been detected in our galactic arm. It is something totally alien to us, capable of leeching the life out of entire worlds!'' Count Dalverat - ''New threat? I wonder how their blood taste...'' Kralgon Emperor -'' Oh forgive us, when Tuolog and Feldosia died, we've had UNOC have temporary access rights to UNOL, so you'll see some new faces here. Anyway, can you show us some footage of this threat?''

King Rebaris showed images of the Xi'Arazulha attacking an Imperium planet.

Yogtam - Wait, are these... Tralkik Commander - From replicating Tuolog's thought patterns with my AI, I can confirm that they are the Xi'Arazulha. Valzo - Oh my god... King Rebaris - You know these beings? Kralgon Emperor - We know a lot about the Omnipotents, and these are the turned bad by the .

King Rebaris scratched his head, not knowing anything about the omnipotent races.

King Rebaris - By the way, I've got another thing to show you. Kralgon Emperor - ''I'll send you a database about them. But first, what do you have to show us?''

King Rebaris showed the footage he captured of Xi'Arazkha killing Mac.

King Rebaris - That was a friend of yours, right?

All of UNOL gasped, except Zr'Ahgloth. Zr'Ahgloth yawned, then realised what was on the image.

Zr'Ahgloth - DATS DA COPYCAT GOD OF BLING Kralgon Emperor - Hell yeah we know who that is... Thr'aloy - dats dum man dat one fing killed our god hows dat even possibul Yogtam - ''Thr'aloy, this is NOT about you. The entire universe is at sake here. Tuolog, Mac AND Feldosia were the only ones capable of Gyronic powers, and they're ALL dead!'' Thr'aloy - woah blud calm down Yogtam - ''CALM DOWN?! This is SERIOUS!'' Thr'aloy - I KNO BUT DERES NUFFIN WE CAN DO

Count Dalverat coughed loudly, trying to make his presence known.

Count Dalverat - ''Meh, just fight them and defend ourselves. What's the issue?'' Kralgon Emperor - The fact they are a godrace is an issue, Dalverat. Count Dalverat - ''I'm well aware of that. I never said it was going to be an easy matter. All I said was that it's nothing new.'' King Rebaris - Truly you can't be serious. Count Dalverat - Can't be serious about what? King Rebaris - ''Calling this issue nothing new. Nothing of such magnitude has ever happened to the galaxy since the war between the Cold Ones and the Grox!'' Count Dalverat - ''Oh, you'd be surprised. We've seen much worse, us Ottzelloans.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''And Dalverat's seen more. People of his planet seem to have some unique ability to see throughout time.'' King Rebaris - Hmm... Zr'Ahgloth - MAN LOOK AT DIS Kralgon Emperor - We're busy! Zr'Ahgloth - IM SERIOUS MAN

UNOL looked outside the window. 5 Xi'Arazulha flew to the planet.

Valzo - Uh-oh... Thr'aloy - ''OH MA DAYZ DEYZ HEER. BOYZ PROTECT DA PIZZA STORES AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''DEYZ COMIN AFTA OUR PIZZA? LETS GO BATTA DEM IN DIS CASE''

Everyone facepalmed.

Dalverat - ''You all seem to have no idea how to fight. I think I'll lead the force.'' Thr'aloy - SHUT UP MAN IM A BETTA FIGTA DAN YOO Dalverat - ''Irrelevant. You have no idea how to defend a planet.'' Thylaxiz - ''This UNOC's position. Me and Darwishi vote for Dalverat, so he'll be the attacker. And the Tralkik Commander has given full permision, as has the UNO Omega Commander. So, Dalverat will go.'' Thr'aloy - YOR ALL LOSAS

Dalverat's personal craft landed on the world. The Defence Pods on the planet deployed troopers quickly, and many landed from orbital systems, meaning a sizable force was now defending the planet.

Inalton trooper - Ah, Dalverat.

The Inalton saluted.

Dalverat - ''Greetings. The Xi'Arazulha are here and we'll push them out. Are all the forces prepared?'' Inalton trooper - ''Affirmative. The Behquiniar and Loron make up most of the force currently, as standard procedures go. There re also plenty of Grimbolsaurian, Tralkikianoe, Marinox, and various other species making up the other 60% of the force, and of course, all citizens have their weapons on standby. Any adjustments you'd like to make to this defence?'' Dalverat - It seems enough, perhaps we could get some Katel squads to suck the life out of the enemies, and some Radeon troopers as their experience with essence can be very useful. Inalton trooper - ''Of course. We already have a few, which were part of those various others I mentioned, but several more would be useful.'' Kralgon commander - ''Ok, the fleet is currently in combat with 3 of the Xi'Arazulha. We assume the other 2 are going to be sent down to your position...'' Dalverat - ''Prepare yourselves, men! We'll show them the might of the Nation!'' Inalton trooper - ''Affirmative! All troopers, you heard the commander, prepare to- SHIT GET DOWN!''

A Xi'Arazulha blast came from seemingly nowhere. When the trooper with Dalverat looked at where it came rom...

Inalton - ''Xi'Arazulha! FIRE- ARGH!''

The trooper was dead.

Dalverat - ''Aah! How did they do this so fast?'' Radeon - ''We and some Katel will accompany you. I suggest slowing down time, for us; slowing it down for them will be irrelevant as they aren't affected, but for us means we can go faster and can see what happens quicker. We'll also speed our own movement up as well, making us much faster, and more capable of figthing them.'' Dalverat - Good idea.''

This was done. On the hill, many forces were rushing to the two Xi'Arazhula, trying to stop them reaching the city at all costs.

Katel - All right, let's get him from behind.

The Xi'Arazulha turned and destroyed the troopers with ease, however. It moved through the battlefield and attacked Dalverat's group, killing all but him. The Xi'Arazulha held Dalverat by his neck, who couldn't free himself.

Dalverat - I have not...endured the centuries...only to be brough low now!

Dalverat tried to bite the Xi'Arazulha's hand to suck its energies, but his teeth were broken. The Xi'Arazulha laughed as it ripped Dalverat's head off and sucked the enmies from his body. Nothing but his skeleton remained, which fell on the ground like rocks.

UNOL and UNOC all escaped the planet, which was destroyed moments later. Their essence masters were all dead, and the Xi'Arazulha were only beginning...

Da Rogue Boyz hit
Meanwhile, on a ship known as Da Propa Big Rogue Krooza...

Fre'kloar - ''BOYZ. I GOT TWO FINGS TA ANNOUNCE.'' Dark Fre'kloar - ''DAT YOR DUM? WE ALREADY KNO DAT''

Fre'kloar slapped Dark Fre'kloar

Fre'kloar - oi dark zr'ahgloth remind me whai we edven keep dis dood Dark Zr'Ahgloth - hes propa tuff also he gave me a lot of pizza Fre'kloar - ''meh. ANYWAYZ. FIRST DERES A NOO WARBOSS DAT COOD B COMIN'' Voa'reak - ''anuva one? whos dis nao'' Fre'kloar - SHE GOES BY DA NAEM OF REL'LARUTINA Jol'kiar - ''OI WAIT A SEC. SHE? YA MEEN ITS A CHIK?'' Fre'kloar - YEH DA ONE IN DA PROPA BIG ROGUE SMASHA Kal'kuir - ''i rememba dat smasha. its da biggats an da tuffest of dem all'' Jol'kiar - DATS SO DUM BAK IN MA DAYZ CHIKZ WERE JUS CHIKZ NOT BOSSES Grak'tona - ''DEN YOR DAYZ WAS STOOPID. I ALWAYZ HAD A QUEEN ON MA THRONE I SHOOD INTRODUC HER SOMDAY. SHED SORT DIS PLACE OUT.'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - im fine wiv chikz in heer hur Fre'kloar - ''man i dunt undastand wats so speshul about dem chikz fer yoo grey boyz... ANYWAY YEH SHALL I INTRODUC HER?'' Knar'gank - ''go ahed. dis mite b funny''

The door opened, and a hologram walked in of one of the largest chikz seen.

Rel'larutina - So, these are Da Leedas? Brag'klogga - YEH WES DA LEEDAS WES DA BEST Rel'larutina - ''Oh yeah? Well I can tell you this, I've never seen Loron anything like you.'' Jol'kiar - wats so speshul aboot yoo all yoo dos drive a smasha wes got tons of uva smashes around Rel'larutina - Well, mr Jol'kiar, I'll tell you for a start I'm cleverer than most of you boyz put together. Fre'kloar - OHHHH JOL'KIAR YOO JUST GOT OWNED BY A CHIK Rel'larutina - I was talking about you as well, y'know... Fre'kloar - YA MOM Kal'kuir - WAT DA HELL NO CHIKS SMARTA DAN ME Rel'larutina - ''So, who do you have, the Propa Big Rogue Geek, Kal'kuir, me... I say you need another chik around. But we'll discuss that later. Fre'kloar... please tell us the second thing you were gonna say.'' Fre'kloar - oh yeh MAN WES ALL DOOMED Dark Thr'aloy - AGEN? Fre'kloar - YEH MAN LOOK AT WA DA GEEK HAS TA SHOW US

The Propa Big Rogue Geek showed video footage of Fre'kloar in his personal starfighter.

Grak'tona - i kno Fre'kloar suks at drivin but dats not doom man Fre'kloar on video - ''hey homie Xi'Arazula i fink its called? yeh we saw yoo battered uno. we respect dat man wanna be allies?''

Fre'kloar's personal craft was then destroyed, in a split second.

Fre'kloar - HELL WAS DUM IM GLAD I GO CLONED QUIKLY Jol'kiar - WES DOOMED CUS FRE'KLOARS GETTIN NICE

Fre'kloar slapped Jol'kiar.

Fre'kloar - DESE PEEPZ PROPA TUFF MAN I ENT EVEN JOKIN Naktor'zak - well see how tuff is dem wen i RUN DEM OVA Fre'kloar - DEYZ WAY BIGGA DAN YA TANK MAN Naktor'zak - dum

While the other Loron were thinking about that, Dark Zr'Ahgloth had picked up something in the conversation...

Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ''WAIT DEY BATTARED UNO? WHEN DID DAT HAPPEN?'' Fre'kloar - ''hur. AN YEH IT WAS LIEK YESTADAY OR SOMFIN DEY KILLED UNOS DADK TUOLOG OR DARTH VERAT OR WATEVA DAT VAMPIYA DOOD IS CALLED'' Brag'klogga - how dum man i wanted ta kill tuolog den dat losa dark gratz came in an killed him furst Voa'reak - IMMA COM DOWN ON DESE PEEPZ AN SMASH DEM BEFOR DEY GO UP

Seeing that no Loron was thinking straight, Rel'larutina spoke up.

Rel'larutina - To be honest, I think Brag'klogga should fight the Xi'Arazhula. Brag'klogga - YEH I FEEL LIKE ZAPPIN SOM PEEPZ Rel'larutina - Considering these guys we're up against have power, I reckon we should send our guy with power to find out if that's our only way of killing them. Dark Zr'Ahgloth - IM MOR POWAFUL...i dunno how ta use da powas yet BUT STILL Rel'larutina - ''We gotta find out though. Don't you all agree?'' Kal'kuir - ''I HAV A BETTA IDEA. BRAG'KLOGGA SHULD FIGT DEM...wait'' Rel'larutina - ...idiot. Zalk'don - so yeh lets get all da flashies around an batta dese peepz Rel'larutina - ''Yeah. Oh, and one thing?'' Fre'kloar - wat Rel'larutina - ''If you're thinking of using me as your "smart one" all the time... think again. That ain't my job!'' Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN IM DA BOSS YOO DO WAT I SEY Grat'kona - ''AHEM. WHO HAS DA CROWN HEER?'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - OI WAT ABOOT ME

The three started to fight around.

Rel'larutina - ''Sheesh. Brag'klogga, I'd just go now if I were you.'' Brag'klogga - ''I DO WAT I WANT. AN...yeh i wanna go dere nao''

Brag'klogga teleported away.

On the surface of the planet...

Flashie - OI BRAG'KLOGGA YOR DERE? Bra'klogga - YEH MAN Flashie - ''SIK MAN DEYZ ARRIVIN ALREDY. I HERD DA LEEDAS WANT LOADS OF FLASIES HEER YEH SO I CAEM ALONG WIV MA BOYZ. MAN DERES NORMALLY HARDLY ANY FLASHIES I NEVA SEEN SO MANY IN ONE DAY.'' Brag'klogga - ''YEH MAN FLASHIES DA BEST WHEN DEYZ UNITED. DEM INVADAS IS GONNA GET PWNED'' Loron skater boy - IMMA CHEK OUT WAT HAPPENS YEH? Brag'klogga - YEH YOO DO DAT

The Crazy Boyz on skateboards and rollar skates all headed off to the battle. Suddenly, a skateboarder was blasted, and flew off his skateboard into the Xi'Arazhula's mouth. All th Loron with skateboards died, while those on rollar skaters simply ran the opposite direction.

Crazy Boyz - RUUUUUUUUUUUUUN Brag'klogga - WAT DA HELL STOP BEIN COWARDS Crazy Boyz - SHUT UP MAN HAV YOO SEEN DEM? Brag'klogga - ''I DUNT RUN FER NO THICO. OI FLASHIES LETS SHOW DEM OUR SIK POWAS''

The Flashies prepared their Dark Gyronic, while a Carria went ahead of them, and crashed into the Xi'Arazhula, while the Boyz jumped out and fired at it. The Xi'Arazulha launched a wave of energy at the Boyz, killing them with ease, and was then hit by the Dark Gyronic, which actually managed to knock it away slighty.

Brag'klogga - ITS WORKIN MA KEEP IT UP

The Xi'Arazulha looked angered at the Flash Boyz and used its energy, destroying great part of them. Brag'klogga - OI MAN I GOT AN IDEA. Flashie - WATS DAT MAN Brag'klogga - ''YOO LOT ALL PROVIDE YA POWA TO ME. IM GONNA CHARG UP DA BIGGEST BLAST EVA K?'' Flashie - SIK MAN

The Flash Boyz all empowered Brag'klogga, while the Xi'Arazulha approached slowly.

Brag'klogga - IMMM GOOOOONNNA BLOOOOOOWWW DIIIIIISSS MUTHAAAAFUUUUUUUKKKKKAAAAAA!!!!! Flashie - FIRE MAN HES GETTIN TOO CLOSE

Brag'klogga's eyes shined bright red completely... An explosion. No one could see a thing, from the battlefield.

Flashie - WATS GOIN ON???

Everyone was too deaf, even for Loron, to hear a thing.

Flashie - ''I CANT C A FING. I CANT HEER A FING. AM I DED? IF I AM DEN HEAVEN SUKS''

Suddenly, their sight cleared. The Xi'Arazhula was gone, but in its place was a watermelon.

Flashie - OI MAN ITS ONE OF DEM JUNKSHION BOSSES...no wait its just a watamelon hur

The Flashie squashed it, and then ate it for himself.

Another Flashie - dat wus sik but WAT DA HELL JUS HAPPENED

They all turned around, and in Brag'klogga's place was a chimpanzee. Flashie - WATS DAT FING MAN

The Chimp squealed in ordinary chimp fashion.

Mekka - hur man its a chimp from da planet Groodrub Flashie - but wheres Brag'klogga an da invada dood? Mekka - ded Flashie - WAT DA HELL Mekka - oi man yoo betta run anova ones comin an we dunt hav enuff boyz ta carry on fitin Flashie - hur fre'kloars gonna get mad when he finds out

Carrying the Chimp, they returned to the Propa Big Rogue Krooza.

On the Krooza...

Fre'kloar - MAN GRAK'TONA IMMA SMASH YOR CROWN Grak'tona - YOOZ NOT WORTHY OF EVEN TOUCHIN IT Jol'kiar - WULD YOO LOT SHUT DA HELL UP ALREDY Rel'larutina - Yeah, an entire battle just happened while you three argued...

Rel'larutina sighed at the other's stupidity.

Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ''ya meen its ova? hur i bet Brag'klogga battared dem all'' Flashie - well sort of... Dark Zr'Ahgloth - wat do ya meen wiv sort of?

The Flashie showed the chimp, which squealed.

Jol'kiar - ''i rememba dese doods. da Groodrub Chimps man'' Zalk'don - wat does a chimp hav ta do wiv everyfin? Flashie - ''dats brag'klogga. he got turned into a chimp an da enemy got turned into a watermelon which i ate hur. den we all ran cos da xi'arazhulas too powaful'' Fre'kloar - WAT DA HELL YA MEEN BRAGS DED DEN? Flashie - HES NOT MAN HES A CHIMP Fre'kloar - STILL MAN HES NOT A LORON ANYMOR Flashie - NUFFIN WE CAN DO ABOUT DAT Kal'kuir - DAT SUKS MAN WE LOST OUR FLASH BOSS Flashie - WE HAVNT LOST HIM MAN Kal'kuir - COURS WE DID MAN HES A DUM CHIMP NAO Flashie - WE CAN MAEK HIM A LORON AGEN Naktor'zak - YOO JUST SED YOO CULDNT YA DUMBO Flashie - ''I SED I COODENT. BUT I KNO SOMONE WHO CAN'' Zalk'don - WHO Flashie - ''TUOLOG MAN oh yeh hes ded. OK WE LOST OUR FLASH BOSS''

The Flashie cried, and Fre'kloar slapped him.

Fre'kloar - EVEN IF HE WUS ALIV WE WOULD NEVA ASK HELP FRUM UNO IDIOT

The Flashie continued to cry, but then had an idea.

Flashie - ''MEH. ANYWAYZ WAT ABOUT DEM CARETAKAS?'' Knar'gank - ''all dey care aboots for dem dum relay fings. i fink deres no way ta bring da crazy flashie bak man'' Flashie - we can still try rite?? Grak'tona - ''YOR NO LEEDA. YOR NOT WORTHY OF TELLIN US WAT TA DO. ENNIT BOYZ?'' Fre'kloar - WATS WIV YOO AN WROTHY MAN? Grak'tona - ''SHUT UP. OK? YOO PESANT'' Fre'kloar - ''HUR MAN DIS SUKS. OI GEEK WAT DO YA FINK?''

For once, Fre'kloar had been focusing, and the Geek hadn't.

Propa Big Rogue Geek - ''What? Sorry, I was busy playing pacman.'' Fre'kloar - PAY ATTENSHION MAN WE GOT A PROBLEM HEER Propa Big Rogue Geek - ''If you're wondering what to do with the chimp, then go ask the Caretakers. That's what I'd do, as they seem to be only ones who'd know about this stuff.'' Flashie - TOLD YOO Knar'gank - yor dum

Meanwhile...

Zargoth - Kolossus, please tell me, what is the problem? Kolossus - I wanted the Dark Verezaph here, but...I didn't want to go after my Loron! Zargoth - ''We only have very vague control of them. VERY vague control, remember?'' Kolossus - I know but still, they are causing more harm than benefict so far. Zargoth - ''When the time comes, we shall unleash the Vague, or the Warriors of Genoicde. But now, we'll just play with our confused little Xi'Arazhula and let them do all the work for us. Understood?'' Kolossus - Uhh...yes, master. Zargoth - Good.

Zargoth pondered for a while, sitting back on his throne.

Zargoth - You may leave now. Kolossus - Leave? Zargoth - Oh, did I not tell you? Kolossus - I don't think you did. Zargoth - ''Well, when your mind is as busy as mine you forget these things... Anyway. I want you to leave them clues.'' Kolossus - Oh I see. Zargoth - ''And while you're at it, make the Caretakers... co-operable.'' Kolossus - Will do. Zargoth - ''Excellent. That is all.''

Kolossus disappeared. Zargoth grinned to himself a little, then simply sat back at his throne and thought for some more.

The Consortium Network's attempt
Over in the Wranploer Palace...

Falrik Zaarkhun - First of all, I want to make sure you all know why I've called this meeting. Torrent - ''What's this about? I was having fun blowing that colony up and everything.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Let me assure you, that if you don't heed my warnings, then someone ekse wil have fun blowing up our colonieds Volim - Just say it already. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Now, now, now, I was just making sure. Anyway-''

Falrik Zaarkhun displayed images of the Xi'Arazhula's attacks on UNO.

Volim - What are those things? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I've heard rumours from an old friend, who escaped prison with me some time ago, that UNO's scientists have eliminated all possibilities but the fact that they are Vi'Navitum, turned evil. Vi'Navitum are...''

Zaarkhun showed Volim a fact file on the Vi'Navitum, instead of explaining himself. Volim scratched his head.

Torrent - Well that's something. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Exactly. The problem is, how do we get rid of them? Volim - ''Can't we use our most powerful weaponry of these? UNO were idiots and tried to fight them with ground forces.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We could... but it's not as simple as just use their weapons. You know how I think, Volim. We need some tactic that will result in the lowest possible losses and the quickest way to eliminate them... at the lowest cost.'' Volim - And what do you suggest?

Zaarkhun scratched his head.

Genrai Nal - ''You can think of something, Falrik... you always do!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''...I got nothing. I don't mean something that can meet those criterias... I have literally no plan of defeating them.'' Volim - ''Ugh. What do we do then? I've got enough problem with UNO's magic tricks. These Xi'Whatever are gonna stomp us like insects.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh we don't have to worry about UNO at all, they're too busy fighting Arazhula. I say... for now we jus need to fight them. Evalutate their skills in battle, and weaknesses. See if there;s any methods I can develop from there.''

Volim sighed and sat on his throne, thinking.

Sollow - ...so what are we waiting for? Volim - A strategy, that's what. Sollow - ''We can't develop a strategy when we have no clue what we're up against. We need to fight them.'' Volim - Fine.

Volim warped them inside the Iron Fist, and took a fleet to fight against 3 Xi'Arazhula heading for Wranploer territory.

Sollow - ''Woah... look at the size of them!'' Torrent - ''They aren't that big. They seem like, 6 meter tall. I've killed things much bigger than that.'' Sollow - Not that one, THAT ONE!

Sollow pointed at the one behind the two in front, which was growing in size.

Volim - Uh-oh... Falrik Zaarkhun - Fire everything we've got!

The Iron Fist fired particle weapons at the Xi'Arazhula, in desperation. The Xi'Arazulha felt no pain from the weapons.

Volim - It's not working...! Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Of course, particle weapons wouldn't work on them... Gah, I need to think...'' Torrent - Think fast, it's getting close. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''What does it look like I'm doing? ...Ok, I got it... but I haven't got it.''

Volim fired the ship's anti-matter weaponry at the Xi'Arazulha, which felt the weapon hitting it but felt no pain.

Volim - Oh come on! Falrik Zaarkhun - ''No no no, it's extra dimensional, these things won't work. So like I said, I know what we need... but the weapon isn't installed in this ship.v Volim - Then we are basically screwed. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''All the weapons... ALL the weapons I can think of are banned... except under one military protocol that UNO has, which permits their usage in certain situations. Ok, I know what we need.'' Ship computer - ''Warning! Warning! Hostile detcted aboard the ship!'' Sollow - ''What?! But there's no life form aboard, it says!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Do you REALLY think these things wll give off life forms? Volim - ''Aaaargh! I'll check this.''

Volim, Torrent and a group of soldiers went investigate.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''...He could have at least offered to get my help. Anyway, I'll just stay behind and look after the ships' systems. This thing could well be going down...''

Volim and his group kept investigating.

Suddenly, the ship shook hugely, and they slipped and fell against the walls of the ship. When they got up, a xi'Arazhula was waiting for them.

Volim - ''Damn it. Open fire!''

The group all fired their weapons at the Xi'Arazulha, in desperation. However, it carried on walking slowly, its eyes going red. It was taunting their inability to fire.

Torrent - It's no use, our weapons can't even scratch this thing.v Volim - We need to retreat!''

Volim and his group ran away, and the Xi'Arazhula didn't attack them, due to the ships' interior weapons firing at it, buying Volim's groups time to escape. They ran until they met a dead end.

Torrent - Okay, going this way was a bad idea. Volim - It's like I'm talking to a wall! Falrik (on speakers) - Volim, I'm going to open up a path to get to the escape pods, but you'll have to be quick if you want to escape. Volim - Do it already!

The doors opened, and Volim ran through. Torrent hurried all the soldiers through, but when going through himsef, the ship shook hugely, and he fell to his knees.

Torrent - What now?

Torrent tried to get through all the wires, and a Xi'Arazhula was right behind him. He tried his best, but the ship was shaking,a s was his grip. In a distance, part of the ship tore from another part.

Torrent - Oooh noo!! Soldier - ''Torrent, get through... you can make it!'' Torrent - I'm trying damnit!

The Xi'Arazhula was right behind Torrent. The path to get to the escape partswas beginning to split, and already everyone felt their air slowly running out...

Xi'Arazhula - Your time is up...

The Xi'Arazhula was about to tear the gap completely, when suddenly...

Genrai Nal - Torrent, run!

Genrai Nal engaged in combat with the Xi'Arazhula, and sliced at it. While he didn't do much damage, he wasn't intending to. Torrent took the time to escape.

Soldier - ''Great. Now everyone, get into the escape pod. No time to enter co-odinates, just escape!''

Everyone got into the escape pod the fastest they could. As the pod blasted off, Volim's men looked out of the indow as it flew to another planet... and saw the Iron Fist break into several pieces, and each part blow up one by one.

Soldier - We can only assume they're all dead. Volim - ...It makes no difference.

Silence.

Soldier - ''How can you say that?! After all Zaarkhun and his men have brought us you don't care about his death??'' Volim - ''It was only a matter of time until Zaarkhun turned against us. Through that smile I could see the face of a backstabbing snake.'' Soldier - ''If he was going to backstab you, then why did he control the ship to help us? Why did he open th door to the escape pods, or use the defences to still that... that thing?'' Volim - Because he plans things far ahead than we can know. Soldier - ''Well... Torrent, what do you think?''

Torrent stared at the ship, which was now debris.

Torrent - ''I don't care for Zaarkhun. But Genrai Nal...he was a respecful soldier...'' Soldier - He must have been brave if he was gonig to save you like that.

Volim shook his head.

Volim - I think he's way too mysterious for my liking. Soldier - ''True... I'm not sure what I think of Zaarkhun's men. But well, we have to survive on our own, until we can get back.''

Torrent just stood quiet.

Volim - We need a way to communicate with our fleet or we'll be trapped in this planet. Soldier - ''I'll find some way. Eventually.''

Trapped
While this battle was going on, the only ones who were so far unnaffected were the ones who had caused it: the Devourer's Chosen. They were, however, about to get washed up in it all.

Geltastra was at her throne, doing her usual praying for her dark god, when Shu'wokerama materialized in the room.

Capastrus - ''Ah, Shu'wokerama is here. What have you to say?'' Shu'wokerama - Apostle, it is time for your next assignment. Capastrus - ''Good. I grow impatient for a new opponent to slaughter in the name of the Devourer.'' Geltastra - What is it, my lord? Shu'wokerama spoke to them in Corrupt Tongue, which they all understood.'' Geltastra - ''This should not take long. We'll do it immediatly.'' Shu'wokerama - The Devourer will be very proud of you...

Shu'wokerama then returned to Shu'ulathoi. Meanwhile...

Kralgon Emperor - ''We've had a hell of a day. I think it's time to get some rest.'' Zr'Ahgloth - fer sum reesun i felt sumfin sum time ago like if a buncha loronz had united ta do a mega propa attak Yogtam - Zr'Ahgloth, trust you to come out with some STUPID statement! Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN I SWER I FELT SUMFIN Thylaxiz - ''We must all rest know. Even with The System, rest is beneficial to your well being and psychology.'' Yogtam - I wish we had you, Thylaxiz, instead of THIS GUY, on UNOL... Zr'Ahgloth - WATS WIV DA RUDENESS MAN WATS WRONG WIV YA Thylaxiz - ''I told you, he's tired, and he's panicing. A rest well do us all some good.''

UNOL all went to sleep.

Yogtam - ''...Dakster? Is that you?''

Yogtam was on Grenzaar with the rest of UNOL and UNOC, preparing for a Xi'Arazhula attack, and was approached by a figure that could be no one but Dakster.

Valzo - ''Dakster! You're alive!'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''OI YOO LOT WATS YOO DOIN IN MA DREEM. oi man is dat daksta?'' Feldosia - ''It... IT IS!''

Feldosia rushed over to hug Dakster.

Dakster - ''Hello, my friends. How have you been?'' Feldosia - ''Oh we've been awful! UNOL without you is... well, different. The entire Unified Nation has had to adapt to you and the Ottzel being gone. So how come you're alive? Did you survive Kolossus' attack and hide?''

All of UNOL completely forgot they were just dreaming.

Dakster - I am here to tell you what really happened. Feldosia - Please do tell us... Dakster - I've been feeling rather...vague...lately...

Dakster's eyes turned blood red. Feldosia stepped back at this.

Feldosia - ...Dakster...? Dakster - As did my people, they have also felt this...vagueness...

Dakster approached slowly, and each of UNOL stepped back.

Zr'Ahgloth - wat da hell man Kralgon Emperor - ...You are not the real Dakster. Dakster - Of course I am, Emperor... Valzo - ''No, you're not. You can't be...''

As Dakster approached, he started to change into a large, mettalic, reptilian beast carrying a large weapon of totally alien technology.

Dakster - This vagueness has teached me something... Zr'Ahgloth - wat? Dakster - For your own good, you must die. Kralgon Emperor - ''Us? Must die?''

All of UNOL drew their weapons. Dakster fired his own weapon, which hit and vaporized UNOL's ones like they were nothing. A large horde of creatures similar to Dakster started to appear in the horizon.

Dakster - ''We are your fate. You must die.'' Zr'Ahgloth - WHAI Valzo - Run! Dakster - I am sorry, but you...must...die.

UNOL and UNOC all ran as fast as they could. Dakster and the creatures slowly followed them, completely silent. Thr'aloy and Zr'Ahgloth punched and hit several of the creatures following him.

Dakster - ''No... what are you doing?! Stop!''

Dakster fired his weapon at Zr'Ahgloth, which made a large hole though his heart.

Zr'Ahgloth - ow... Thr'aloy - YOOS GONNA PAY FOR DAT

Thr'aloy pulled one of the creatures apart, and threw their parts at the enemies.

Dakster - ''No, no, no!! STOP!!''

Dakster and the others all seemed to feel pain, even those who weren't hit.

Valzo - They seem...connected? Dakster - Accept fate, it will be better for you!

The creatures all fired their guns at Thr'aloy, totally destroying his body. Kolossus, from above, called to them: "No, Ottzelloans... fight them! Don't let them win!"

The creatures fired their weapons at Kolossus instead, who evaded their attacks. Yogtam, in fear, attacked the nearest of the creatures.

Creature - Inalton...vague fate awaits...

The creature fires its weapon, killing Yogtam.

Kralgon Emperor - No!

The Kralgon Emperor fired his weapons at the creature, while telling the others to run away. However, his fire bounced off the creatures' mettalic skin, who fired their weapons back, killing the Emperor as well. Kolossus, meanwhile, was horrified at UNO running away.

Kolossus - Snap out of it!! Feldosia - Is Kolossus...rooting for us? Kolossus - Snap out of it now!

Kolossus' face turned into the Kralgon Emperor's face.

Kralgon Emperor - ''Snap out of it! SNAP OUT OF IT! WAKE UP!''

The Kralgon Emperor slapped them, and each member of UNOL and UNOC woke up one by one.

Zr'Ahgloth - WOAH WAT 

Zr'Ahgloth fell out of his bed.

Thr'aloy - OI ZR'AHGLOTH MAN YOR ALIV!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zr'Ahgloth - THR'ALOY MAN YOR NOT DED EITHA Kralgon Emperor - ''Of course not, it was a nightmare! And as usual, you were ALL still sleeping for like... ages! How lazy can you get?!'' Yogtam - ''Ugh, must I remind you of your species' smaller sleeping need again? Anyway...seems like we all had the same nightmare.'' Kralgon Emperor - As soon as those things were shooting me I woke up, got breakfast ready and found out no one else was there to eat it, so I just came in and yelled at you lot! Tralkik Commander - ''I think it would be best if I recreated Tuolog's thought patterns, in this situation he'd keep us all to the point. And the point was the nightmare.'' Valzo - ''I remember Feldosia being there, but no sight of Tuolog. And that monster...was that really Dakster?'' Tralkik Commander - Ah, I've recreated the thought patterns of Tuolog best I could.

An AI Tralkik Tuolog hologram appeared.

AI Tralkik Tuolog hybrid - ''The dream you all in was a deliberate one. It was someone playing with the consciousness of UNOL. It seems to somehow have left us a message, and that was one of the messages. A warning, maybe? I think it must be Kolossus. He seems to have got at all the files of all entities within the consciousness. That explains why Feldosia appeared in this nightmare, but not Tuolog, as his soul was gone, thus his entire entity out of the consciousness. Feldosia's is still n it, but not much. And Dakster... that was, again, a recreation of the last file we have on him. The file, sadly, was deleted before I could recreate the Ottzel like I'd planned to do a long time ago.'' Zr'Ahgloth - can ya repeet? i wusnt payin attenshion hur'' AI Tuolog Tralkik hybrid - ''Basically, it managed to create Feldosia and Dakster in that dream, but not Tuolog, as his soul is gone. From examining the security breach - it did this by hacking into UNO's consciousness - only Kolossus could have done this.'' Yogtam - I am sick and tired of that maniac cyclops messing with our minds like this. AI Tuolog Tralkik hybrid - ''But there was a message. This message, however, only Tuolog could decode. I cannot recreate his thought patterns enough to do so. Only the Caretakers will know if there's some Cold One technology that can.'' Kralgon Emperor - We must seek the Caretakers in this case. Valzo - ''Yeah. Set a course, Tralkik.'' Meanwhile...

Rebaris sat on his throne, watching the galaxy in despair.'' Vekaron - My lord, another planet has fallen to these Xi'Arazulha invaders... King Rebaris - ''I... don't think there's anything we can do. Have we asked our allies for help?'' Vekaron - The only one who had experience with this, UNO, seems to be seeking help from the Caretakers right now. King Rebaris - ''The Caretakers? I think they're the only ones who can help us too. Shall we join then?'' Vekaron - Affirmitive. Rebaris and Vekaron warped into a ship, where they joined UNO.'' Valzo - Ah, you're here too? Rebaris - ''Yes. We are here to seek help against these Xi'Arazulha.'' Valzo - Well, of course.

They approached the Cold Relay, and get into contact.

Caretaker - ''Ah, good, two already identified ships. You wish to get into communication?'' Rebaris - Yes. Caretaker - ''Now is a very bad time, you must understand. Our schedule is quite full preparing for an attack by the entities identified as the Devourer's Chosen.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Those cultists again? Why would they attack you?'' Caretaker - ''Yes, and also, you two aren't the only ones on the queue for our help. Our schedule is really full, thanks to the Xi'Arazhula.'' Rebaris - Those fiends...we need help against them before even the Caretakers can't take it anymore.

Da Propa Big Rogue Krooza emerged next to UNO and the Zoles.

Fre'kloar - OI CARETAKAS WE NEED SUMFIN...OH MA DAYZ YOO LOT Caretakers - Rogue Boyz, we're still not free. Zr'Ahgloth - ''FRE'KLOAR. YOO GOT A NERV SHOWIN YOR UGLY FAIC HEER.'' Fre'kloar - GO TA HELL MAN I DUNT GOT TIME FOR YA.CARETAKAS YA BETTA HELP ME LOOK AT WAT DEM DUM PEEPZ DID WIV MA HOMIE

Fre'kloar showed the Groodrub chimp.

Caretakers - You showed us this hours ago... Fre'kloar - ''i did? BUT IF I CANT REMEMBA ITS CUS YOO DIDNT HELP AN IF YOO DONT IMMA SHANK YA'' Rel'larutina - No Fre'kloar, it's because you're an idiot. Caretaker - ''Anyway, we have prepared our defence for this point, when the Devourer's Chosen attacked. And... ah, bang on schedule. They're here.'' Zr'Ahgloth - HURHURHUR FRE'KLOAR GOT A GIRLFRIEND

Fre'kloar kicked Rel'larutina away.

Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN ITS NOT WAT YOO FINK

While Zr'Ahgloth was laughing...

Yogtam - ''You idiots! The Caretakers just said the Devourer's Chosen are here!''

Geltastra - Heretic scum, it is time to face the Devourer's wrath! The Chosen fleet stormed the Cold Relay.

Caretaker - Preparing our defences.

The Cold relay activated its weapons, but the Champions simply warped within the Relay.

Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - We need to aid them against this enemy fleet. Fre'kloar - SHUT UP IM NOT HELPIN UNO

The Krooza aided anyway.

Fre'kloar - hur ya so dum

UNO and the others fired at the Devurer's Chosen fleet, but as the Cold Relay was disrupted, they couldn't get reinforcements. But the Chosen could. As a result, a single UNO, Zoles and Rogue Boyz ship - despite each being the best of their fleets - was outnumbered quickly.

Geltastra - Now you have nowhere to escape!

The Kralgon Emperor slammed all buttons, firing some of the Omega Commander's best weapons at the Devourer's Chosen. The other two ships did the same. The Chosen fleet kept being reinforced and attacked back.

Rebaris - It's too much even for us...

The Caretakers sacrificed themseves; they let out a huge burst from the Cold Relay, disabling it and killing them, but also killing several of the Chosen.

Geltastra - Damnit! Zr'Ahgloth - ''OI GUYZ. WE FIR OUR BEST WEPONZ ON IT NAO ENNIT?'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - PEEPZ LETS FIRE OUR BEST WEPONZ ON IT NAO...OH MA DAYZ BLU BOY STOP COPYIN ME Fre'kloar - ''OI. WAT YOO SAYIN BOUT BLU LORONZ?'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ITS NOW YOO MAN I MENT DA BLU COPYCAT ZR'AHGLOTH Fre'kloar - BES B

As agreed, each of them fired their best weapon. The UNO Omega Cmmander fired a (small) subspace compression wave destroying 75 ships. The Zoles Imperium fired a relativistic missile, destroying one of the largest Devourer's Chosen ships. The Rogue Krooza, however....

Yogtam - ''...seriously? A banana?'' Kal'kuir - ''BANANA GUNZ DA BEST MAN DUNT MESS. YOO ALWAYS RUN AWAY WHEN ITS GONNA MAKE DA PROPA SIK BOOMZ SO NOW YOOZ GONNA WATCH IT''

The banana, howver, just ended up being sucked into a black hole that the Zoles ship had fired.

Yogtam - ...Where's the boom? Zalk'don - OH MA DAYZ DA ZOLES RUINED OUR SIK BOOMZ MAN LETS KILL DEM Yogtam - ''From a banana? Seriously?'' Dark Thr'aloy - OI YOO SHUT UP CUZ YOO KNO NUFFIN

Rel'larutina, having sense, simply fired a relativistic missile at one of the two last remaining large Devourer's Chosen ships.

Rel'larutina - There's your 'sik boomz'.

Zalk'don sighed, disppointed.

Geltastra - ''Damnation. Retreat!''

Geltastra and the Chosen fleet left.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''SIK NAO LETS GO HOME... wait we cant.'' Fre'kloar - ''COURS WE CAN. SEE YA LATA SUKAS'' Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - Erm...no we can't. Fre'kloar - ''reely? dam'' Zr'Ahgloth - NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU STUK HEER WIV DA BIGGEST BIGGEST BIGGEST LOSAS EVA Dark Zr'Ahgloth - yeh bein stuk wiv yoos propa dum Rebaris - There MUST be a way out, somewhere. Yogtam - ''There... isn't. Using sublight travel would tkae us hundreds of years to get to the next Cold Relay. We are literally trapped.'' Vekaron - No surviving Caretakers to aid us?

The Kralgon Emperor shook his head.

Grat'kona - ''IM NOT GONNA TAKE BEIN TRAPPED WIV DESE UNWORFY PEEPZ MAN I SUGGEST WE GO DERE AN SHANK DEM ALL. AT LEEST WE CAN HAV SOM FUN'' Rel'larutina - You idiot, we'll get slaughtered! Grak'tona - HOW UNFUN YOO IS MAN I SWER Rel'larutina - ''Let's put it this way: What's more fun? Dying a quick death in battle, or sitting ariund playing video games like you should be doing?'' Grak'tona - ''SHUT UP MA YOO TALK LIKE MA MOM. cept i ate her hur''

Rel'larutina sighed.

BCN paradise
Volim - ''Are you sure no dangerous beasts live in this location? I don't want to lose man in the night due to this.'' Torrent - ''To be honest we're lucky we landed on a world that supports life. I wonder if there's any civilization here to plunder?'' Volim - ''I don't think so. There were no records of it while we were on our ship.'' Torrent - ''Still, it doesn't deny the possibility. Anyway, I'll get some men to stay up at night and manage shifts, to ensure we don't get hunted by anyone.'' Volim - Very well.

The next day...

Torrent - Volim, you know yesterday when I said I thought there could be civilization here? Volim - Yes.

Torrent showed an Ioketa he was holding by the neck.

Torrent - Like Zaarkhun would say, I love it when I'm right. Volim - ''So we have falled on an UNO planet. This is just perfect.'' Torrent - ''Actually, the Ioekta has managed to talk, and this world isn't owned by UNO. It's just an Ioketa world.'' Volim - ''Really? Oh well. We should beware with these things since they can do those magic gimmicks, Gyronics and whatnot.'' Torrent - ''They live in tribes, but they are sure as hell clever as a sapient race, if not cleverer. But yeah, this Ioketa world is alligned with UNO, but contact was cut off by someone who goes by the name of Zr'An'Kar. I think I remember Zaarkhun mentioning him one?''

Volim shrugged.

Volim - ''Zr'An'Kar? I think Zaarkhun said it was something related to the Loron so I don't really care.'' Torrent - ''You can say you don't care, but I don't think that's wise. These Ioketa have told me Zr'An'Kar, or Kolossus, is quite some powerful individual, of fifth dimensional origin. And the way he cut off contact... it's like he wanted the Ioketa to be discovered by someone else.'' Volim - ''Ugh. Bad time to crash here, then.'' Torrent - ''Well the Ioketa seem to have been waiting for us for some reason, and what they've told me just doesn't add up. Either way, do you have any plans to get back?'' Volim - ''Unless we can communicate with our space fleet, I have no idea... For the rest of the day, most soldiers simply trained and hunted for food.'' Soldier - Sirs, I've seen something near this place... Torrent - What is it?

The Ioketa spoke.

Ioketa - ''Demons coming. Devourer Demons. You must beware.'' Soldier - ''Yeah, those. The red screaching ones those mad cultists summon from the shrines. Malcaeum or something.'' Ioketa - Want our help? Volim - For the sake of your life, you WILL help us.

The Ioketa got out their tribal weapons, and when the Borealis Consortium Network thought they were going throw spears at the enemy, they used Gyronic on the spears to make the faster and energized.

Malcaeum - ''WE! NEED! TO! KILL!''

The Malcaeum evaded the attacks and attacked the Ioketa. Volim's soldiers fired their weapons at them, but they didn't do much damage.

Ioketa - Use elemental essence, or psionic, or something that make our weapons stronger!

The elder Ioketa entered what appeared to be a meditation state, but in fact added the essences to the soldiers' weapons. However, the Malcaeum were still winning the battle...

Malcaeum - ''I CAN FEEL! YOUR HATE!''

One of the Malcaeum teleported to Volim and knocked him into the ground.

Torrent - ''Volim, give it all you've got! We're so far out we can't send a signal out to clone you!'' Volim - You talk like it's easy!

Volim wrestled with the Malcaeum, while his soldiers kept firing at the others.

Torrent - Damnit!

Torrent had to go and help. Desperately, filled with rage, he striked hard at the Malcaeum, and tore off their limbs. After killing 2 of them single-handedly, he was incapitated and worn out.

Ioketa - Looks like you need help.

More Ioketa arrived, which replenished Torrent's health, and made him and Volim even stronger. Despite all theri efforts, the Borealis Consortium Network's soldiers were losing. Many ran and garrisoned inside the bunker they'd set up. A Malcaeum riding a Sarungerak materialized near the ground and ran over the Ioketa, killing a big part of them.

Volim - ''More are coming? Damn damn damn!''

The land shaked, as if something really big was approaching.

Torrent - Gah!

Torrent, taking the opportunity to use his blades, sliced the Sarungarek, and stabbed the Malcaeum. Were it not for the Ioketa's help, he would have been shaken, and his attack not strong enough. However, somehting else was a approaching...

Soldier - What...is...that?!

The trees fell down, and a gigantic Corruptus Flesheater appeared and roared. The soldiers yelled in fear, and fired all their ast bullets in desperation, then ran. The Fleasheater turned to Volim.

Ioketa - ''It seems some Devourer's Chosen summoning them. We must weaken them and stop summoning... but that mean we not help you.'' Volim - And leave me here with this...meat thing? Ioketa - If we not stop them, you have more meet things! Volim - Argh, alright!

The Flesheater stepped on one of the soldiers, crushing him to death. Volim and Torrent tried to hide their fear as they slashed the beast, but ran away quickly after. To their dismay, the Flesheater felt nothing from their attacks, and kocked both away. The Malcaeum killed the rest of the soldiers while the Flesheater concentrated on Volim and Torrent.

Torrent - ''Volim, this has to be my greatest way to die... and it looks like it'll be my last!''

Torrent toke a huge stab at it, and continued to slice at the beast's skin. He was, however, incapicatitated quickly.

Volim - I would rather die surrounded by gold coins...

The Flesheater lifted one of its legs to crush Volim. Volim, for the first time shut his eyes and hid in fear. He heard nothing but a blast, and a beast's roar... then heard a huge thump as it landed. He opened one eye.

??? - Well Volim, looks like you've gotten yourself into quite some situation here. Volim - What the...

Volim opened his second eye. It was the Iron Fist... but far more improved. Falrik Zaarkhun (on speakers) - ''Nothing this baby can't handle. Not to mention it can actually fight them Xi'Arazhula boys, too. I told you that Borealis Grox robbery would come in handy!

Volim - Zaarkhun...? Torrent - Well just in time too.

The Iron Fist simply blasted all the demons in the area with huge particle cannons, that made short work of the Corruptus demons.

Ioketa - Now take out group of Devourer's Chosen men that summoning beasts.

The demons were being defeated and being sent back to Hell, while the cultists were defeated by the Ioketa.

Ater the fight, all of Volim's men moved to the Iron Fist Mk II, and got in when it landed. Volim and Torrent rejoined Zaarkhun.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Like it? I thought I'd make it more... well, luxurious. So, as yu see, everything here that isn't solid gold in your living quarters and this ship's command bridge is jewelery.'' Volim - I'm...well...impressed.

Torrent seemed surprised.

Falrik Zaarkhun - What is it? Torrent - Seeing Volim complimenting something is rare. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, seeing a ship this strong is rare. I'veoutfitted with the best weapons on the black market, and still we're filthy rich, even after I bought the weapons they'll ban anywhere else. Look at this spacetime cannon! It's so dangerous even UNO don't us it. Oh, and other spacetime weapons stolen from UNO are also used, just in case we need to recharge one. And then of course there's other big guns, and while browsing the market I noticed a few new soldier weapons that are dangerous, rare, adn only bought on the market. Of course, I bought their schematics too, so we can produce it all ourself.''

Volim - ''...Giving such an splendid ship to my control and saving my life...I had my doubts on you, Zaarkhun. I though you were going to backstab me at any moment. But this has managed to prove me wrong.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Backstab you? Volim, why would I backstab the most feared - and respected - criminal in the galaxy, when I get to work with him? Of course I wasn't intending to backstab anyone, because I know that working together is far more productive.'' Volim - Well, being the co-leader of the Network, you could attempt to take over with your typical overcomplciated schemes. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Typical overcomplicated schemes to removeVolim for... what reason? All it'd do is weaken our control - with you dead, we'd lose the Wranploer's fear factor - lose perhaps our most experience warrior and fighter, give the Zoles Imperium reason to attack us, and mean I don't get the chance to work with someone who, I admittedly admire. The Zaarkhun family has seen many criminals in our day, many feared soldiers and warriors, but few are comparable to the Wranploer, or to General Volim.'' Volim - That's rather...touching, actually.

Falrik Zaarkhun and Volim shook hands, but of course it wasn't like either of them to be distracted by friendship when there was biger fish to fry.

Falrik Zaarkhun - You ready to make the Xi'Arazhula look like a piece of piss? Volim - Do you need to ask? Falrik Zaarkhun - Of course I don't!

The Iron Fist set a course for the nearest Consortium world being attacked by a Xi'Arazhula.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I got a million ways to destroy this thing... chose one'' Volim - I want to see every single one of them... Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, I'll go with the most powerful first.

Zaarkhun fired a weaponised spacetime warp bubble, and combined it with a plasma cannon. When it hit the Xi'Arazhula, the Arazhula was obliterated in seconds.

Falrik Zaarkhun - If any more come in, I'll show what else this thing's got. Volim - ''Hahaha! Incredible!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh and bye the way, when we're out and about...

Zaarkhun pressed a button, and the ship's colour changed. When pressed again, it changed again.

Falrik Zaarkhun - It can change colour in 4 settings: Stealth camouflage, Borealis Consortium - for when we want act like I'm the one in charge - and Wranploer Legion - when we want to instill fear upon the enemy.'' Volim - Magnificent. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Don't worry about enemy radars or whatever, this thing can sort them out and stuf. It's got nanomachines produced in a factory, which can make infantry weapons, repair the ship... or even act as chefs. Oh, and finally, it's voice controlled - you'll have to program it to work for you and Torrent, as we couldn't while you were gone.'' Torrent - ''This is very cool, but I want to know, Zaarkhun. How did you escape the Xi'Arazulha?'' Volim - Yeah, that's a good question. Falrik Zaarkhun - Well...

Genrai Nal - Torrent, run!

When Volim's men escaped Genrai Nal quickly ran back, but the Xi'Arazhula confronted him. Genrai Nal spoke in Corruptus tongue.

Xi'Arazulha - Do not speak with me in such a lowly tougue, slave of the Dark God.

The Xi'Arazulha grabbed Genral Nal by his neck.

Genrai Nal - You should leave us! Xi'Arazulha - You are no one to tell me what to do, slave.

The Xi'Arazulha let go of Genral Nal.

Xi'Arazulha - But we are on truce...unfortunatly.

The Xi'Arazulha disappeared, and Falrik Zaarkhun got there with Genrai.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Phew, that wasa close one. Is my starfighter still in the hangar?''

Gernai Nal held his neck in pain.

Gernai Nal - Yes it is...Ugh, I could feel it sucking my life out slowly... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You shouldn't worry, you've faced greater threats before. Genrai, don't tell me you've grown soft since the Xi'Arazhula came?'' Gernai Nal - ''I said nothing about growing soft. It hurt me, but it didn't scare me. I've seen scarier things back when I met Shu'wokerama...'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You mean, stuff that'd scare us but didn't scare you? Anyway, let's get to the hangar. We'll have to hurry, this old ship's dying. It's pretty outdated, anyway.'' Gernai Nal - Yes, let us go. Zaarkhun, Genrai and Sollow rusehd into the last starfighter available, taking the rest of the men, and blasted out of the Iron Fist Mk. I while they still could. Falrik Zaarkhun - Ok, does anyone know what's happened to Volim? Sorrow - ''I think he may have reached an escape pod. Either that or...'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, if he's reached an escape pod, it could only have gone to the nearest planets. Sollow, make a record of the planet's co-odinates. For now, we need a new, better Iron Fist I've already been working on it... but the ship could be outfitted with a few new weapons, some refurbishments and all that. After we robbed the Grox, we'll have plenty to spend on it...''

Falrik Zaarkhun - So yeah, that's what happened to us. Volim - I see. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, we'll see if the Xi'Arazhula have the balls to attack us again. In the meantime, I want to go make more weapons like these and more ships. Unless there's anything you want to do Volim, you can just relax and enjoy the first few weeks of having no combat for a long time.'' Volim - Hmm...I do need some me time. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I got some entertainment on tis ship for a start. Mostly coming from the slaves. It's got a TV screen that rivals Zoles cinema, a bar where you can just chill out, and a ... gentlemen's club.'' Volim - I see... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Of course there's also the nightclub, the casino... ah to hell with it go enjoy yourself!'' Volim - You can be sure I will.

Volim and Torrent set off to enjoy relaxation, while Zaarkhun set off to design new ships. The Wranploer Legion had quite possibly reached its peak, and while the rest of the galaxy were struggling to deal with the Xi'Arazhula, theyhad their own weaponry. Even if UNO did too, they couldn't use it properly.>