Fiction:Tantummodo Mortem/Solitude

=Seeking Help=

Skeletal Souveniers
The team left the Realm of Dreams, back on Tau's ship. There was a mixed emotion among the team. Happiness, relief and disappointment. Nu was sat down at the table, beating his fingers against it in a state of boredom. Hachi was still asleep on the floor where he had been told to sleep earlier to allow entry into the Realm. Kalcedia was also asleep while Kezoreg was nowehere to be seen, probably keeping himself company.


 * Corteus - ...you're bored already?
 * Nu - Well we got a lot of stuff to do.

Shu'ytrogarva's skeleton was still on the ship. Koluap remained occupied removing the teeth out of his jaw and putting them on one of his pockets. Kithworto looked at Shu'ytrogarva's skeleton with apprehension.


 * Koluap - Gonna make myself a necklace.
 * Lemmo - Hm. How much would that thing cost anyway?
 * Arkarixus - It's a demon's skeleton. What do you think?
 * Upsilon - Heh. In the right makret, millions.

Sarec looked around, relieved to be back in realspace while Grukarb snapped off a bone of Shu'ytrogarva's skeleton for himself.


 * Corteus - Grukarb...
 * Grukarb - I just want one souvenier captain.
 * Tharaqím - Put him in a museum.
 * Kithworto - I wouldn't put a demon's skeleton anywhere. The void of space is a correct course of action.
 * Lemmo - Makes sense. The damn thing must be dangerous.
 * Arkarixus - Airlock?

Lemmo turned his head to Arkarixus.


 * Lemmo - Exactly. ...Or, we could sell it to a Wranploer warlord and then watch him getting evaporated by trace entropic energy.

The Tertanai chuckled.


 * Eta - One comedy at a time.
 * Lemmo - It's a win-win situation. Noone gets hurt... except the Wranploer, but noone cares about them anyway.
 * Arkarixus - You're talking about piracy to the warmaster of the Polar Crystal Alliance.
 * Corteus - Jettison it into space then blast it to pieces via one of this ship's cannons.
 * Koluap - You're dumb. I'd rather make a helmet out of his skull!
 * Sarec - Yes, a lovely skull-shaped helmet that leaks entropic energy.
 * Lemmo - You sure it won't kill you?

Kithworto walked up to Shu'ytrogarva's skeleton and telekinetically lifted it. Koluap stumbled into his back and put his hands up, trying to grab it. Lupercal entered the room, apparently having heard all the conversation.


 * Koluap - Hey, I wasn't done!
 * Kithworto - Corteus is correct. This thing should not even be touched by mortal hands.
 * Lupercal - The Isio'Nar is correct. We should destroy the bones.
 * Arkarixus - Airlock it is.
 * Grukarb - Shotgun on the turret!

Lupercal approached the demon skeleton and bowed before it.


 * Lupercal - May the winds of the Endless Cycle take away these accursed bones into Eternal One's purifying void. Dei'Nar'aechin shenthar'ae vai'shiim. (Great Spode, protect us all)

Kithworto walked to the back of the ship with the skeleton in front of him, before a distant shamble could be heard as Shu'ytrogarva's skeleton hit the floor in a mess. Koluap sat down and crossed his arms with a frown. Kalcedia awoke and looked around, disturbed by the noise from the skeleton. Her eyes fluttered open and she yawned.


 * Sarec - Also is it public knowledge where my alliegence lies?
 * Arkarixus - Essence users can sense your aura.
 * Sarec - ...It's a bit of a generalisation to think all friendly ascended beings are Isio'Nar.
 * Mu - So, about those seemingly trillions of giant mecha space octopi Santorakh mentioned. What do?
 * Upsilon - Simple. Go back to Hyperborea and tell the Polar Crystal Alliance about it.

Kithworto returned as behind him as a vacuum sounded behind him.


 * Corteus - Y'know, the PCA isn't the only authority we could turn to...
 * Kalcedia - The Draconis has a point.
 * Upsilon - You're right. The entire Gigaquadrant should be warned of this.
 * Arkarixus - They're coming from Andromeda. The Andromedan Commonwealth should be warned first.
 * Lupercal - You sure about this? Imagine the panic it could cause. We have to make things hidden, so that the universe could be spared from the tyranny of fear.
 * Zeta - The universe has been in the shadow of the Xhodocto for billions of years. Pretty sure we've gotten used to universal panic.
 * Psi - Bah. Tell em or not, everyone will know sooner or later. Being warned or being obliterated.
 * Grukarb - Two-and-a-half words: Government. Cover-up.

Lupercal nodded.


 * Kalcedia - UNO does that all the time, nothing to worry about.
 * Arkarixus - Warn the Commonwealth leaders, and no one else.
 * Quinniath - I shall contact Her Holiness.

Kithworto sat down in a chair.


 * Kithworto - I would much rather go to Andromeda and tell them in person.
 * Lemmo - What about Cyrannians? Plazithians?
 * Koluap - Eh. Those Imperial mongrels don't give a damn about anything.

Kezoreg walked into the room and sat down, glaring towards the group with a scowl.


 * Lemmo - Hey, it's the aromanos again.
 * Grukarb - Looks like the kid's--

Corteus pressed his hand in front of Grukarb's mouth, surprising him.


 * Kezoreg - We shouldn't tell the Commonwealth. It would be a waste; prior warning and preparation isn't going to stop the Ayrai'Shikua. We could be using this time for more important things, like preventing them all together.
 * 'Koluap - Like you know anything.''
 * Lemmo - He's a goddamn aromanos. Don't listen to him.
 * Corteus - So...you'd rather not enlist the aid of one of the galaxy's most powerful militaries. Remind me where were you during the War for Andromeda?
 * Kithworto - Ekól-nyu íráyamasi taránamaktánshaómatkámnatojorinazhá. [Time and tide wait for no man.] Do what we will, calamity will arise. We are going to Andromeda and we are summoning the Commonwealth's council whether they like it or not.
 * Arkarixus - Make haste, then.
 * Lemmo - Hm. Allow me.

Lemmo approached Kezoreg, grabbed him by the back and then tossed him towards the wall.


 * Lemmo - That's my father's education style.
 * Kezoreg - If we tell them, there will be panic sooner rather than later. I say let the Commonwealth live in ignorant bliss until their doom.
 * Mu - You've done nothing but summon Angazhar on us. Stop being an useless little shit and shut your trap.

Kithworto stood up, and went to the cockpit. Pressing down on the panel, coordinates arose.


 * Kithworto - I am afraid my knowledge of Andromeda as of late is limited. Where is the council's meeting place?
 * Lemmo - The Elysion station?
 * Corteus - Was Alcanti, but they have a new HQ in more common ground. I have the coordinates though.
 * Kithworto - Then lead us there. In the meantime those who have access to the Highlords shall summon them.
 * Quinniath - I'll contact my superiors.
 * Corteus - Aye-Aye.
 * Tau - So we're going to Elysium station just to scare the Highlords?
 * Nu - Just as well. I got a few things to say to the Paragon.

Kithworto looked at Nu with slight disdain.


 * Mu - Like anyone wants to know your opinion on anything.
 * Nu - Sinásátinmatzká, 'Tagárai'.

Corteus headed to the cockpit and entered coordinates into the navigation console with one hand. Entering the coordinates of Elysion as they appeared on the screen.


 * Kezoreg - Hmph, never liked the Highlords.
 * Grukarb - I thought one of them was your dad?
 * Kezoreg - You are mistaken. Kithworto is my father.
 * Lupercal - Shaan'thi, sa sh'ath. (You're crazy).
 * Grukarb - Whatever. If I can't have a bone iI'll have a victory flyburger on Elysion.
 * Mu - You're not a Kicath. Stop being stupid.

Kithworto beat his fist on the chair arm, sending out a concussive echo through the room.


 * Kithworto - Enough. Stop bickering. Any animosity shared here will be set aside. There is a lot at risk here.
 * Koluap - Anyone got a piece of thin rope I can use?
 * Corteus - Yknow....Kithworto's right. Like they say on Elysion "Leave your animosity at the airlock".

Arkarixus turned his attention to Corteus nearly immediately. Corteus looked at Arkarixus curiously, but the Kormacvar shook his head and turned away.


 * Tau - If that is the case it would be wise to change into something more formal. It is good that I packed clothing before we left Hyperborea.
 * Mu - Everyone'll like me in a tuxedo and a dead hand.
 * Tau - ...Tuxedo? Never heard of one of those things.
 * Mu - Human thing.
 * Lemmo - Formal clothing.
 * Zeta - It would be good to get out of this armour. You begin to forget you have skin under it.
 * Hachi - Zzz...Huh, what's this about humans?

Hachi sat up on the floor, sniffing the air and looking up at everyone curiously.


 * Lemmo - You're one of them, aren't you?
 * Mu - Humans have weird clothing taste. And I guess I'll have to remain armored.
 * Lemmo - They're fine. Not exactly fond of the species, though.
 * Zeta - We're going to Andromeda. You'd better be prepared for an audience with the Highlords.
 * Sarec - Visiting Elysion should be a good trip for Hachi.

Tau left the room, whilst the other Agents except Mu went a few moments after. Kithworto then left to his quarters. Mu let out a sad sigh.


 * Mu - Disadvantages of being a dark ascended being.

Hachi tilted his head and hugged Mu's leg affectionately. Mu looked at Hachi but did nothing to stop him.


 * Hachi - Don't worry Mu, I wish I had my old hand back as well.
 * Mu - ...You mean you don't have a hand under that?
 * Hachi - It's a weapon, well, meant to be. That's why it has claws on it - meant for tearing and ripping.
 * Tharaqím - Being in a Commonwealth planet should be interesting. If my people were not so paranoid, we could have requested their help against the Dominion.
 * Corteus - Elysion's...not exactly a planet...

Visiting Elysion
The ship landed upon Elysion's hangar. Elysion as a station was rather well presented in design, with numerous white and gold themed architecture marking the place. The ship stuck out in the architecture as it was pitch black and cyan in colour. The door opened, and the team stepped outside. The air in Elysion felt disturbingly fresh. Several Elysion inhabitants - tourists and diplomats - strolled about the beautifully structured station. The landscape rose up in the distance, over the heads of the team as the station was a ring, with a disk-like "sun" hovering high above them.

Koluap had the same clothing as before, as it acted both as formal clothing and armor. However, he now wore a necklace made out of a wire and several teeth. The Agents were all dressed in a military uniform, with a black and silver theme as it was common among Kicath. Kithworto on the other hand wore an obviously expensive uniform, in a rather ominous black. Mu stepped out, still armored.


 * Mu - I guess I'm the "tough bodyguard guy" in this.

Quinniath and Lupercal entered the station in their dress blues; Quinniath's was white and purple, symbolising his status as the Divinarium's assassin, while Lupercal was much more intricate and covered with very detailed, almost incomprehensible patterns of spiritual meaning. Arkarixus and Tharaqím stepped out of the ship, not having changed their outfits either. Kalcedia wore an expensive-looking attire that was as revealing as it was costly - it costed nothing in reality, however, for she had simply shaped it from her own form. She wore makeup and jewellery alongside, making herself appear more desirous as her perfume became stronger.


 * Mu - You could have at least taken a bath, you're stinking more than a dead animal. Or a knocked out drunk Kicath.
 * Psi - Hey.
 * Lupercal - Is that jewelery? Luxury! Are these shoes? Sloth! Is that a necklace? Vanity!
 * Lemmo - Goddamn cheater. You know how much did that suit cost?

Sarec had transformed his armour into a formal gown thanks ot his incorporeal status. Corteus and Grukarb wore Imperial dress uniforme; gold-trimmed grey outfits with knee-high boots and iro-grey overcoats. Lemmo wore a more formal form of his normal outfit: a simple brown and white Tertanai suit. Hachi wore nothing too formal or special - he had only put on a seperate pair of trousers with some of his head fur combed to look more polished and orderly. Kezoreg hadn't changed clothes at all.


 * Tau - Where is the council's chamber?
 * Fyrvrtha dignitary - Located there, it is.

A small group of Commonwealth aliens approached wearing white silken robes that hid most of their forms.


 * Usher - Greetings, I take it you are the aggregate military party from Plazith Rim?
 * Lemmo - Not exactly. But yes, sort of.
 * Mu - For the most part.
 * Usher 2 - Welcome to Elysion then. The Council chamber is at the center of the station.
 * Nu - Of course.

As the Usher led them to a smart, white building some way down the road, several diplomats gave wary looks to the Kicath party as they walked. Nu looked at them back, before giving them a territorial growl. The growl caused some to move warily away. Some of the Guardians, clad in gold-trimmed white armour, glared at Nu under their helmets. Tau hit Nu in the side, causing him to splutter.


 * Arkarixus - Stop.
 * Usher - Apologies...we do not see many Kicath on the station these days.
 * Zeta - Is the Empire not allowed here?
 * Usher 2 - Forgive their... unfriendly glances. Many in the Commonwealth are wary of the Kicath after their secession from the Commonwealth.
 * Tau - Take that as a no.
 * Arkarixus - These Kicath are under the Polar Crystal Alliance.
 * Usher - My companion is right. Some fear that the Empire seceeded to plan an eventual attack on us.
 * Kithworto - It would not surprise me. 'Emperor' Kitoramnan has always been xenophobic.
 * Mu - After this entire thing is over, we should pay him a visit or something.
 * Hachi - He sounds like a nice guy!
 * Upsilon - Just as well. The aranmasolótanaþukoiaí ordered me to conduct mass executions on our protectorate species for a rejection of territorial expansion.
 * Zeta - I remember that. All of us regretted doing that afterwards.
 * Usher - Yes his ways are being frowned upon in several circles.
 * Mu - I don't like killing Elinte. They're a cool load.
 * Kithworto - And I regret allowing him to do that.
 * Tharaqím - We should not leave the Highlords waiting.
 * Kezoreg - They can afford to wait.
 * Koluap - Shut up.

The team entered the chamber. It was to say the least large - a seemingly endless hall with a dauntingly high ceiling. Like the outside, it was clad in white and gold. In the middle was a podium for the team to stand in.


 * Lemmo - That is the place. Don't really feel right in here... too much of a criminal scum to face such magnificence, I guess.
 * Hachi - It's shiny! Like those underwear I saw on one of my videos!
 * Kalcedia - I have a pair of those in my quarters. They're a bitch to to both take off and put on.

Populating the hall were hundreds of alien species but within a booth that the podium faced were three figures - a stately Draconis, a lithe Radeon women with a powerful presence and a Zazane in obsidian-black armour.


 * Kezoreg - All I see are clowns.
 * Mu - Only clowns I see here are you and Koluap.
 * Koluap - Heh.
 * Usher - The....Andromedan Light can hear all of you.
 * Arkarixus - Xeron once suggested making a statue of him. The entire room let out a good chuckle.
 * Venoriel - Ah, you're here, Quinniath. Excellent.

Next to the podium was a hologram of a blue Radeon in military uniform.


 * Venoriel - I hope you shall not disappoint me.

On a wall, a sign was clearly put out in multiple languages - 'No weapons allowed.' Although the Kicathian translation was broken to the point where the Agents struggled to make sense of it.


 * Psi - No...no...uh. Ugh. Who employed you to carve THAT in?
 * Tau - At least the other languages are translated well enough.
 * Kithworto - We should press on. They are waiting for us.
 * Hachi - Who are those three? Wait... is that the big salamander guy from Macronormus?
 * Arkarixus - You met all of them in the Borealis War, hachi.
 * Hachi - Oh! Oh! I remember the short red guy now! He's mean. The woman, though... mmmm...
 * Usher 2 - The building's architecture is based on the Panopticon style common in the Divinarium, meaning that the Highlords can hear you easily, young human.
 * Usher - And Draconis don't take kindly to being called "salamanders".

The team entered the podium. The three figures overlooked the team. Kithworto stood in the middle of the team with his claws behind his back and his tail wrapped around his legs. The Agents were stood similarly, except from Nu. Koluap waved at the Highlords eagerly.


 * Usher - Esteemed representetives of Andromeda. These dignitaries come before you with news of great importance.
 * Koluap - Hey Tyraz! Hey not-red Uriel! Hey...whoever's the last one.
 * Iovera - Ah, the heroes of the Xhodocto conflict. The word of your endeavours has reached our ears, noble warriors. You are welcome here.

Iovera bowed to the team respectfully in a manner common to her species.


 * Tyraz - Hmph. Mostly.

Tyraz eyed towards Kezoreg, who snarled with a scowl on his face. Kithworto's eyes shone a crimson red at Tyraz.


 * Venoriel - I have to agree with the Grandmaster at that point.
 * Koluap - Eh? C'mon, I didn't break anything...this time.
 * Uriel - Tyraz perhaps any animosity can wait until *after* the hearing?
 * Tyraz - Hmph, as you wish, Uriel.
 * Iovera - This is a place where peace is forged, Tyraz. We have to maintain civility.
 * Kithworto - Highlords. We have news following recent events concerning Gigaquadrantic matters. Andromeda is of most vulnerability in this matter.

Iovera's ears twitched in surprise. Tyraz looked towards Iovera and smiled as her ears twitched, before his brief smile disappeared into a frown once more and glared towards the group.


 * Iovera - Tell us more.
 * Kithworto - I am not sure whether you are aware, but there is activity within Andromeda, outside of the Commonwealth grasp. I speak of the Dominion.
 * Tharaqím - The Shka'Tun have been destroyed, and the Dominion plots to cause more bloodshed with a fleet of superweapons known as "Rectifiers".

Iovera's eyes widened in disbelief.


 * Uriel - Impossible!
 * Tharaqím - Standing before you is the last Shka'Tun.
 * Iovera - Possible, Uriel. I have seen the extent of the demons' power firsthand; there is nothing they cannot accomplish.
 * Venoriel - The same can be said of us, Your Holiness. The Commonwealth's military forces are always at your side.
 * Tyraz - How long have you known of this? How long have you known before you decided to alert us?
 * Kithworto - Approximately half a year. That half a year being within their own territory itself. We have faced multiple previously thought dead forces. Including...

Kithworto's voice dwindled slightly.


 * Kithworto - We have come face-to-face with the Xhodocto themselves.
 * Tyraz - Half a cycle?!
 * Koluap - Angazhar and that other creepy asshat, Santorakh.

Iovera literally froze as her eyes closed; it seemed as if she was communing with something else. Uriel slumped in his chair and lowered his head, glaring down towards the group, sending a chill down Grukarb's spine.


 * Tyraz - You fight Ayrai'Shikua and you do not think to alert us sooner so we can prepare? Are you all inflicted with madness?
 * Koluap - I thought you lot already knew.
 * Iovera - Dei'nar'aechin'saim... Dei'nar'aechin'saim..
 * Kithworto - Have you faced the Xhodocto themselves, 'Highlord'? There is little in your mind aside from surviving your ordeal.

Iovera'e eyes opened again, although her face still remained somewhat unnerved.


 * Iovera - I-I did. I have my... sources.
 * Tharaqím - We have literally just stopped a Dominion attack on a supernatural dimension known as "Realm of Dreams".
 * Uriel - It was though High Inquisitor Arsac that the Grand Senate learned of this threat, demanding the support of Wraith Legion.
 * Mu - Yeah...about that.
 * Kithworto - There is an issue there. High Inquisitor Arsac has been lost. Not killed. Converted.

Tyraz growled and took a step forward, glaring towards the group as his eyes burned brightly with crimson.


 * Tyraz - ...What did you do?!
 * Uriel - Tyraz...
 * Iovera - ...No, Tyraz. Don't!

Kithworto's head turned toward Tyraz' own. Iovera became singificantly more unnerved as tendrils of elemental energy started to flow around her.


 * Kithworto - I would ask the same question.
 * Arkarixus - Arsac abandoned us and joined the Corruptus. Her heart was filled with demonic fire.
 * Ureil - I find it unlikely the High Inquisitor would abandon the order because I have seen her tenacity for myself.
 * Tharaqím - We have seen her abandon us with our own eyes.
 * Tau - She would be here if it were a false accusation.
 * Koluap - Yeah, she walked off with some green Radeon gal.
 * Kithworto - A Chosen Acolyte named Geltastra.
 * Iovera - Her... her? Her?..

A bolt of Essence materialised in Iovera's palm. Uriel jolted to look at Iovera in surprise.


 * Tyraz - And you did not think to assist her?!
 * Arkarixus - We obviously did. Look who you're talking to.
 * Tyraz - If I knew who I was talking to, she would still be here! You either speak lies or one of you has planned her corruption from the start!
 * Iovera - Tyraz! You are fully aware of the sway the Corruptus has over souls: you have to understand them. You... you just have.
 * Corteus - Well Highlord...she was very sure of herself, but unfortunately we're lucky she hadn't stabbed half our throats.
 * Koluap - Why are you yelling at me? I thought we were buddies!

Sarec looked away from the group and sighed, looking troubled


 * Iovera - Don't do that, Tyraz. Please...
 * Tyraz - If anything, I'd say the Kicath abomination organized her betrayal and corruption to rid of her! If not, why did he not save her?!
 * Arkarixus - We are not to blame if you blind yourself from the truth because you are too scared to accept it.
 * Tyraz - The Kicath aberration is godly in his power - if he was leading you, why is Arsac now gone?
 * Sarec - Tyraz...she had traces of your energies latent within her which...emerged when we were in the Realm of Dreams.
 * Kithworto - It seems that I am not the one to blame, 'Highlord'. I suggest you remain quiet whilst we divulge the situation at hand before this gets...out of hand.
 * Iovera - I sensed that. The.. .disturbance. The disharmony.
 * Tyraz - This would have been kept in order if you had informed us, or me at least! Arsac would not have been lost, unless that is what YOU planned, mutant! I am not to blame for her corruption, she was your responsibility!
 * Uriel - Kithworto as much as you are respected within these halls, giving a highlord the suggestion to "remain quiet" would not be the wisest course of action.
 * Kithworto - I am afraid it is not his place to tell me what to do, Paragon. It is wiser for him to know that.
 * Iovera - It is noone's responsibility, Tyraz. We have to accept the things as they are.
 * Tau - I knew it was a bad idea coming here.
 * Uriel - ...The Wraith Legionnaires. They would have recorded the incident.

Iovera nodded.


 * Iovera - As would have our Assassinorium agents.
 * Quinniath - I think I have some footage... or maybe not. Don't remember.
 * Venoriel - Simple-minded to an unprecedented scale.
 * Kithworto - This was within a different plane of existence. It would have been unknown to all.
 * Uriel - Do recording implants not work within this "realm of dreams"?
 * Tyraz - You have no right to talk in these halls, Kicath! You could have saved her but you did not. And do not give me an excuse of being unable - you are the most capable of your group. All the more reason why this is evidence towards treachery.

Kithworto's aura surged; all of the essence users in the room felt a very brief but very sharp burn in their bodies. Arkarixus growled loudly and barred his teeth.


 * Kithworto - I do not have to resort to peaceful solutions. I am doing this because there is a common enemy to all of us.
 * Tyraz - The enemy is very clear in my eyes, 'Kicath'.
 * Tharaqím - There is nothing stopping recording implants from not working within the Realm of Dreams. If anything they would have been more effective, considering we had that Thoi'olerthae shielding us.
 * Kithworto - In that case, one of the Agents will have it archived.

Kithworto looked to Mu.


 * Mu - Eh? Oh. Yeah. Me and the Corteus guy should have it.
 * Iovera - This does not have to end in blood. Fighting as a united Gigaquadrant is the only thing we can do right now.

Iovera turned to Kithworto.


 * Iovera - Speaking of you, Kithworto... as godlike as you are, in your species' terms, you will not win this war alone. So please, remain civil.
 * Uriel - We shall see for ourselves what happened. This room is fitted with projection systems.
 * Kithworto - Very well. Keep your ánchekaró [dog] amused then.
 * Iovera - I can understand you, you know.
 * Kithworto - Then understand that I am serious.
 * Tyraz - Hmph. It is no wonder why the Empire did not want you.

Nu let out a slight chuckle. Kithworto's teeth bared as the lights began to dim. Tau put her hand on Kithworto's shoulder; the lights returned to normal as Tau's hand corroded black.


 * Mu - Let the Dravillian do it since this is his home empire and all.

Corteus nodded and was attended to by a pair of ushers. After a few seconds the scene of Arsac's turning andn corruption played out in a projection suspended in the centre of the chamber. Uriel watched intently.

Between the team and the Highlords, a black fog manifested and took a form of a Radeon, but remaining simply as a fog. Two intensily green lights shined out of where its eyes should be. Guardians mobilised and a cadre of Fordan Praetorians moved in to stand protectively in font of the Highlords. Out of the fog, a familiar voice was heard.


 * Geltastra - Your slaying of Master Shu'ytrogarva will not be ignored! Whenever you try to attack us, I will know. You can no longer hide from us. You are always within our sights.
 * Iovera - You.

The crowd could hear glass smash as Tyraz leaped over the Guardian-Praetorian forces, the Firesword materializing in his hands as he roared. His sight was directed towards the fog, landing in front of it. Iovera materialised an Isio'Nar staff using her Essence prowess and pointed at Geltastra with it.


 * Iovera - You do not belong here.
 * Nu - Kaþáratzílarínumanilat.
 * Guardian - Higlord Breek stand back!

The fog turned to Tyraz, and pointed at him.


 * Geltastra - Ah, yes...I also wanted to talk to you.
 * Tyraz - Speak your lies, for I will hear many today!
 * Geltastra - I want to give you a special thank you, Tyraz Breek.
 * Tyraz - ...For what?

Iovera raised her staff and energy began to coaelce around it like dew. The fog leaned forward and patted Tyraz's shoulders. As it had no physical form, however, no contact was made. Uriel stood up and rushed protectively only to be held back by the Praetorians, he growled and struggled, crying for the Praetorians to get out of his way


 * Geltastra - Thanks to you, Arsac's heart fell to the darkness. Your corruption made her realize how disgusting you mortals are. Always bickering among yourselves like children. You don't deserve her protection.

Kithworto did nothing to intervene. As far as he was concerned, he had no place in this.


 * Iovera - And who are you, Geltastra? Who are you without your masters to fill your husk of a body with thoughts and powers?
 * Geltastra - I am a god's servant. I can break you again if you like.
 * Iovera - And who are you without your god? I ask you again. WHO?
 * Geltastra - I am everything you fear and despise. I am what this universe will become soon! Thanks to you, the High Inquisitor is mine!

Tyraz glared downwards, snarling as he heard Geltastra's words. His muscles and body twitched aggressively as he struggled to hold back his anger, his crimson eyes burning like a demonic fire. He would have been panting if he had functioning lungs.


 * Tyraz - ...Get out of my sight. Do not come back, for I shall kill you again, and again, and again.
 * Geltastra - You cannot kill me, for I am eternal! You gave me the Inquisitor. You made her what she is now. Be thankful I chose not to get her involved in this meeting.

Uriel tilted his head up, seeing Arsac's transformation, his nicitating membranes flickering frantically as he saw her become a monster, Clenching his eyes he gathered the strength to push a Praetorian aside and leaned over the balcony.


 * Uriel - You have caused enough pain witch!
 * Iovera - You may corrupt anyone, you hear, ANYONE! As far as we stand, we will live on!
 * Tyraz - ...Push me further and what you desire will not be worth gaining.

Geltastra's green eyes turned blood red and her voice turned into a demoic roar.


 * Geltastra - You created this monster. And now this monster wants to destroy you.

Tyraz roared intensely as he swung his arm, sending a ribbon of demonic fire from the Firesword as he swung it recklessly and carelessly, too engaged in his anger to pay attention to his surroundings.


 * Uriel - Tyraz stop!
 * Hachi - Watch out!

Sarec held out his arms, attempting to save the delegates from the fiery slashes that resonated thoughout the hall, cutting into the audience benches. Tyraz's attack caused the fog to dissipate. it slowly disappeared from sight, Geltastra's laugher being heard until it also stopped. Kithworto stood there, arms folded. As he looked at Tyraz, a tortured and sadistic smile went through his face.


 * Iovera - You disgust me, Kicath. For all your power...

Kithworto spoke out loud, his voice coinciding with that of a Xi'Arazulha. His voice spoke coherently on the top and the darkness under his voice spoke in the tongues of the demons.


 * Kithworto - You attempt to comprehend the incomprehensible. The universe works in strange ways. It is a folly to intervene and therefore always will be. Arsac's conversion was the will of nature itself.
 * Kezoreg - Once again, you cannot bare the truth that you are at fault!
 * Tyraz - Quiet, hellspawn! You bring nothing but death in your wake!

Tyraz sent a blast of demonic fire towards Kezoreg from the Firesword, with the ribbon incinerating the ground as it flowed through the air at tremendous speeds. Iovera, strangely, did not interfere. Kithworto stood between the blast of flame and Kezoreg, absorbing the flames.


 * Arkarixus - This meeting is a failure. Let us leave. We have to stop the Rectifiers by yourselves.
 * Uriel - Kezoreg I am dissapointed in you, lashing out at your own biological father like this!
 * Kezoreg - That isn't MY father! He never told me that I was born of Xhodocto, did he?! You were in on it, as was that bitch!
 * Uriel - For the benefit of your own well-being!
 * Iovera - Tragic. Most tragic...

Tyraz dematerialized the Firesword and stepped away, glaring towards Kithworto and his group and uttering a sentence before making his departure into the shadows where he would conceal himself and disappear.


 * Tyraz - Speak with the others, you may use my armies but you shall not gain my support.

Arkarixus turned back and left. Tharaqím, seeing no point being there, also left.


 * Kithworto - ''I should have known better to trust a treacherous demon abomination and his incompetent wife. You will face this threat alone and when you do, I hope you will regret this day. As for you, Paragon. I expected you to see past the fact that he holds great hatred towards me. I sincerely hope you realise the truth and not your friend's reason.
 * Iovera - Hmph. Your supposed godhood blinds you and makes you arrogant...
 * Uriel - I understand what is at stake and at the very least, you will have the support of the Imperial Talon Navy.
 * Iovera - ...and the Dei'Ar Order. I shall dispatch whatever forces we have.
 * Koluap - I am very disappointed with you, Tyraz...

Koluap also turned back and left. Kithworto's eyes shone at Iovera's, before nodding at Uriel and then turning around, leaving. The Agents also followed before giving a spiteful look at Iovera. Uriel gave a heaving sigh as he sat back down in his chair, holding his head.


 * Mu - So...pleased to meet you, I guess.

Mu turned back and left last.


 * Kezoreg - Who knows, maybe Tyraz is the next to be corrupted like that Arsac bitch. He appears to be getting close to it.
 * Corteus - Do you want to piss off the Paragon too?
 * Kithworto - Tyraz was the one who did it.
 * Koluap - I'd save Tyraz if he was in danger. But now? He can die for all I care.
 * Kithworto - The Paragon was divided in opinion. Whether to trust Tyraz or myself. The proof is clear. If he chooses Tyraz' opinion, I am afraid he is no more intelligent than him.

Kezoreg laughed as he walked with the group, while Hachi looked unnerved and saddened by the outcome. He took one last look towards the halls of the Highlords.


 * Lemmo - Hm. Isn't that what the Xhodocto want? Chaos? Division?
 * Corteus - You have to understand that as far as he's concerned, Arsac had a completely incorruptable persona.
 * Kithworto - I thought the same. Even someone as 'godlike' as me can be wrong.
 * Tharaqím - Learn that nothing is immune to Corruptus corruption. You should have known when Kithworto himself was possessed.
 * Tau - And what about the Zazane?
 * Tharaqím - Stubborness. If he keeps this attitude, he will die.
 * Lupercal - Arrogance blinds him. Arrogance and... something else.
 * Kithworto - I would choose Angazhar over him to be my helmsman.
 * Grukarb - 'ow about the fact his own kid would happily insult him?
 * Hachi - ...He was only trying to protect his friend.

Kithworto turned to Hachi.


 * Kithworto - I...understand why you say that. But you must be clear - Arsac is no longer herself. She is a threat to everyone now.
 * Hachi - I think Tyraz is the larger threat, Kithworto... When you take something like that from a man as insane as Tyraz...
 * Sarec - We're just lucky it was Geltastra this time.
 * Eta - Yeah. My bet was on Angazhar showing up again.
 * Kezoreg - Tyraz gets pissed over anybody simply touching Uriel. Then again, Tyraz is powerless in comparison to Kithworto.
 * Mu - I'm getting tired of Angazhar and Santorakh showing up. I'm perfectly okay with a punchable Corruptus gal.

Nu chuckled.


 * Nu - Finally, something we can agree upon.
 * Mu - Doomsday really IS coming.
 * Kithworto - Never assume one is powerless. Arsac once said that the mortals in this universe have the true power. Existing among them has only strengthened my belief in that.''
 * Lemmo - Oh yes hell we are.
 * Kezoreg - And look what happened to Arsac. Boom, demon.
 * Kithworto - And then look at us.
 * Corteus - Well she did say it before she went crazy.
 * Grukarb - Uhh hey look on the bright side, at least we have the Unified Andromedan Navy on our side!

Kithworto looked on at the chamber they just left.


 * Arkarixus - Forget about this. If we come across her, we will slay her. If Tyraz attempts to stop us, we will slay him. And when we fight the Rectifiers, we will slay them too.
 * Corteus - I think Tyraz hinted we had the aid of the Guardians too.
 * Hachi - He said we were free to use them.
 * Kithworto - I hope the Paragon takes Tyraz by the horns and hurls them into a wall. His wife as well. He is the only one who sees reason in this madness. Why the Commonwealth would elect an Isio'Nar and a subservient demonspawn as Highlords will remain unknown even to Kamik'Shi.
 * Kezoreg - Because it wasn't elected - they founded it and saw themselves as rightful.
 * Sarec - Unlike with this team, most of the Commonwealth are unaware Iovera is one of the Isio'Nar.
 * Corteus - And Tyraz *did* save the galaxy.
 * Kithworto - But he cannot save himself. What does that say to you?
 * Hachi - That he's willing to die for people no matter how much strain's put on him.
 * Corteus - He suffered the loss of a close friend. When that happens to you, ask me that question again.

Mu groaned.


 * Mu - Man...diplomacy is hard.
 * Lupercal - Her Holiness is a wise ruler. But only in times of peace.
 * Hachi - Tyraz doesn't care about himself as much as he does for other people. He doesn't fight for himself, he fights for others. Sure he's violent and angry, but only because he cares so much about his friends. When you're faced with an eternity, you wanna keep the people who make it seem like living around for as long as possible.
 * Grukarb - At least all three hihlords have track records of actually acting rather than making dozens of promises.
 * Lupercal - An admirable virtue. Selflessness. Lack of it was the death of... a friend of mine.
 * Kithworto - I know what loss is. And I know that in that mind frame, you do not lead a galaxy with a clear conscience. Come. We are returning to the Dominion territory.

The council chambers of the Elysion Station were dark, empty after the ill-fated meeting. The alliance that could vanquish stars ceased to be, turned into void, nothingness. Conflict, division among mortals. Was that the ultimate goal of the Dominion? Chaos. Disorder. Hatred. These were the things that the Xhodocto left in their wake - in hearts and bodies alike.

There was also another force, one that was not a universal destroyer but more akin to a cowardly jackal that feasted on the flesh of the fallen - and the disorder and chaos the Dominion was the harbinger of was their food. Misery was their ultimate desire. Agony was their ultimate joy.

Noone could hear the voices of the mad ones when the dark chambers of Elysion were flooded with a cacophony of malevolent laughter that was as ancient as the universe itself. The laughter that was the nightmare of those who seeked solace in the dark unverse. The laughter that belonged to those who were corrupted eons ago, whose corruption was initated not by demonic or omnipotent forces, but by their own dark desires. In war, for them, there was peace.

The voice laughed at the bickering forces of the universe, of the defenders of all things sane and concise broken and shattered over petty struggles. These things reminded the voice of the things that it had shed countless millenia ago. No, it was not a demon, not even an Essential.

It was merely a mortal - a very, very, very twisted and very, very, very powerful mortal, a mortal that had been once been... a human? A precursor? A Loron? Nobody knew. Whatever it was before, now it was the harbinger of war, chaos, and madness. With a demonic screech, the once-mortal ceased its laughter and said the words that all mad prophets that gibber in the darkness to their followers say to this day.

SO STRENGTHENS THE MELODY OF MADNESS.

With a terrified scream, Iovera awakened from her sleep. Radeons did not usually sleep much - especially not Clericarchs. She sighed as she realised that her vision was only a dream, but she knew full well as a being of her magnitude that there was more in dreams than meets the eye. With an expression of relief on her face, she saw Tyraz lying next to her on their bed and smiled - but at the same time, remained strained


 * Iovera - ...They have returned.

An Emperor's Decision
Uriel was sitting in a small personal theatre onboard the Worldfather's grace. Since the meeting with the Andromedan Light and the party from the Dominion vessel, Uriel had felt apprehensive about going near the bulding. He sat slumped, hands clasped together as his eyes studied the incidents in the Realm of Dreams, his brow lowered into a stern expression as he watched. Seeing the transformation he took a deep breath, struggling to comprehend it all. Corteus' vision turned to Kithworto who was looking sternly at the entire scene. Uriel felt his grip tighten as he lowered his head. As he did so, Larnus knocked on the door.

Uriel - Enter...

Larnus walked in with Vesperon, leading first and his gaze turned briefly to the recording, sucking in his gut as he then turned to his longtime friend.

Vesperon Maltris - Your majesty. Uriel - ''How. From his demeanor Kithworto made himself responsible for the group's well-being. I've seen this a hundred times now, when the High Inquisitor is faced against...this...he does nothing. Even at the hearing he did little.'' Vesperon - ''I have heard of the High Inquisitor's recent... transgression, your majesty. Most tragic.'' Larnus - It was rather cold of him by the sound of it.

Vesperon bowed his head to show his distress, although he neverthless retained his stoic facade.

Uriel - ''All my battles, all the lives I saw at risk in my years. At least I was willing to put my life on the line. He had no excuse with this damned power of his'' Vesperon - ''I must say, my Paragavatus, I never had any trust whatsoever in these... ascended beings. For all their divine power, few of them possess the wisdom that must come with it...'' Uriel - ''It's a little more complicated than that, chancellor. For entities such as Tyrraz at least.'' Larnus - With all due respect, Kithworto is not like Tyraz. Vesperon - ...true, in a sense. Larnus - ''I took the time to study what happened in the Seat of Light. In fact once met Kithworto during the great war. I had the chance to see the man for myself in his...natural surroundings.''

Uriel pressed a panel beside his recliner, disabling the hologram. He turned to look at Larnus and Vesperon, his frown had slowly faded away by now but frustration was still very clear upon his features.

Uriel - Ahh yes, without his assistance we might have had difficulty on Nocturnia...what about it? Larnus - Nothing much, except he does not appear to have changed much since his

Larnus pinched his thumb and middle finger together to indicate the Draconid equivilent of quotation marks for the next word he said.

Larnus "Travels."" Vesperon - What do you mean, Lord Admiral? Larnus - Back before the Nocturnin Imperator sent him crusining through intergalactic space at lightspeed he was aggressive, enjoyed displaying his presence though force, was selfish to a degree - I remember him asking what was in it for the Empire if he aided us - and looked at me as though I were, for lack of a better word, insignificant. Uriel - Give or take a few degrees it sounds familiar to the man that stood in the auditorium.

Vesperon nodded in agreement. Although he did not have as much experience of Kithworto as the other two, he could see it; those dark attitudes had lingered on even as Kithworto himself was supposedly older and wiser.

Vesperon - Most definitely. Uriel - ''Regardless I agreed the Talon Navy would provide support to his efforts. However.''

Uriel stood up and claped his hands in front of his stomach. He paced over to the apir and alternated his gaze between them.

Uriel - ''You two represent the Imperium in this Endeavour; Lord Admiral you will lead our forces to destroy this threat while Vesperon you must keep the Grand Senate Content. However, do not aknowledge Kithworto's divinity for a second'' Vesperon - ''I shall do everything in my power. After all, we are all well aware of danger the Xhodocto pose to the universe.'' Uriel - ''I do not care what the Kicath say or whatever his presence may suggest, but I see no god in him. I see no reason for him to worthy of the title, if defiance yields a better outcome you do it.'' Larnus - Is that wise Uriel? Vesperon - As powerful as he is, he lacks restraint. Uriel - Oh he posesses restraint, he just doesn't use it when it is appropriate. Larnus - Such as how he suggested you either side with him and discard your trust in Tyraz or side with Tyraz and doom us all. Vesperon - Galactic politics is no place for such petty disputes. Uriel - ''The hypocrit. He calls me blind when he would rather let our Grandmaster kill himself than tolerate him.'' Larnus - The circles of galactic politics are no place for a bloodletter. Uriel - ''Tyraz earned his ability to lead his people. They might not agree but I certainly see it'' Larnus - ''The TNSS Dominax shall remain in Segmentum Draco. I do not enjoy the idea of Kithworto even near the flagship.'' Vesperon - ''I am not sure we can afford that. The Xhodocto are a devious foe, and we shall need every resource for war.'' Larnus - ''The TNSS Dominax can work on other fronts. If the Dominion is as intelligent as the RIA makes out, they will attempt several fronts; we will be ready with the Dominax should they threaten the inner-rim.''

Uriel rested his hands on the pair's shoulders, holding tightly as he looked at both of them.

Uriel - ''I do not care if he threatens to cast you into the void personally. See him as a general and not a god.'' Larnus - If you were able to stare four beings of such magnitude, if not more, I will do so gladly in your name. Uriel - Chancellor? Vesperon - ''...Of course. I'll do my best to keep the senators civil.'' Uriel - I apprciate it, Both of you.

Uriel let go and the two of them nodded and left, leaving the paragon on his own in that room of his to contemplate the decision. Kithworto held considerable power, more than any mere mortal. Uriel however worked his best to not be afraid; he had felled creatures like him before, he had no real reason to fear a retaliation from the Kicathian warlord. But deep down he still worried, in which defiance what if Kithworto really did sentence his closest political allies to death or damnation? He wondered if he could live with making such a choice even if it resulted in martyrdom.

Visiting Hyperborea
It was some minutes after the conference. Kithworto sat at the table in the main room, somewhat angered at the meeting. The Agents all stood in the same room, uncertain of what just happened. Kithworto's hands were propped against each other as he was in deep contemplation. Hachi and Kalcedia were sleeping, unknowingly hugging one another, while Kezoreg was practicing with the Kicathian blade Kithworto had given him some time ago.

Corteus and Gukarb stood at the side, Corteus was filtering though news feets, the reports themselves hovered in the middle of his vision, invisible to all as the reports were being projected onto his visual sensors by his implants. Arkarixus checked a small piece of equipment on his wrist, reading an update he had received from Borealis.


 * Nu - Well that certainly couldn't have got worse.
 * Corteus - Well...we did come close to insulting the Paragon.
 * Mu - At least we got the AGC's ships. That's what we came here to get.
 * Grukarb - Pissing off the Paragon, not sure if I wanna be the guy on the recieving end.
 * Kezoreg - That bastard will get what's coming to him for thinking he could turn me to ash like the rest of the insects he kills.
 * Upsilon - Perhaps he's just unfamiliar with Kicathian courtesy.

Eta scoffed at Upsilon's remark.


 * Eta - Courtesy. Right. Are you a Kicath or a Draconis?
 * Mu - Kicathian courtesy is meeting someone and only punching them once.
 * Sarec - Might makes right I suppose. No offense, but it's not always common etiquette to tell the heads of state to shut up if you're a diplomat or a foreigner.
 * Tuolog - Given the current circumstances at home, I believe finding help may be difficult. However, it not spread too far as of yet, so we may be in luck.
 * Kithworto - If it weren't for Tyraz' own 'courtesy', we wouldn't be in a political mess right now.
 * Corteus - Well the Imperium didn't get where it is today by pushing everyone around.
 * Lemmo - You all have made a mess, mates. I'll take a nap...
 * Kezoreg - Fuck Tyraz, he's useless. We don't need him.
 * Lemmo - ...You're an aromanos. Little goddessdamn aromanos.
 * Corteus - Boy I was with him during the expedition to Nocturnia, he was far from useless.
 * Kithworto - Nocturnia. Don't remind me of that place.
 * Corteus - You're not the only one with scars from there
 * Arkarixus - Hm...Borealis has been active recently. We should return to Hyperborea and secure the Council's support.
 * Kezoreg - His head is so far up his own ass to recognize true and false, he likes living in his own fantasy world where he's not to blame. And when he's called out on it, he goes all emotional and pitiful. Makes me sick.
 * Lemmo - You have some SERIOUS father issues.
 * Kezoreg - Tyraz isn't my father, four-legged freak.
 * Lemmo - Now that's just speciecist...
 * Vaktyl - None of you are listening to Arkarixus, are ya? He raised a damn good point...
 * Sarec - And you called him out for living in a fantasy world.
 * Dalverat - Idiots. Too busy arguing amongst yourselves to think about what is actually important.

Kalcedia jolted awake and kicked Hachi across the other side of the room, turning to her comrades and then to Arkarixus.


 * Grukarb - Last time we tried to go to the Borealis council the High inquisitor got fucked in the head.
 * Kithworto - I listened to Arkarixus. Hm. Hyperborea will listen to me with more patience, I am certain.
 * Kalcedia - Well, the Borealis politicians are far more negotiable. Teehee.
 * Arkarixus - Unlike with Andromeda, we are all in good terms with the councillors.
 * Corteus - Probably because one is standing right here.
 * Arkarixus - Hm. So you are up to date too.

Arkarixus turned to Kithworto.


 * Arkarixus - Welcome to the Council.

Kithworto looked at Arkarixus with a raised brow.


 * Corteus - Ark's right. You got promoted while you were away.
 * Kithworto - Namnátau? [Excuse me?]
 * Zelfron III - Are the councillors in good terms with us, though? You've heard of the tensions between UNO and the council. Surely they aren't petty enough to refuse...but I'd be careful with how they deal with this.
 * Arkarixus - This same tension elevated the Seagon and the Kicath to councillor status. Even if Valzaria refuses to help, I seriously doubt the rest will turn their back on us.
 * Kezoreg - They'd better not considering how much we've saved their political asses.
 * Arkarixus - The council does not own us anything. We will go there and get the fleet who fought and defeated Regnatus to aid us against the Dominion.

Kithworto let out an extended sigh.


 * Kithworto - Very well. We shall return to Hyperborea then.
 * Grukarb - I think our problem with what happened back there in the Seat of Light may be because Sarec was the only group member with full political experience...as far as I know.
 * Kezoreg - No, Tyraz is just shyrak-eating scum.

Kithworto stood up; walking over to the panel, he directed coordinates to Hyperborea. Corteus walked up to Kezoreg and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck.


 * Corteus - Leave off the Tyraz-bashing alright, the guy's a Drakon-blessed Hero in the Commonwealth.
 * Kezoreg - Well he's certainly not as much of a father as much as he is a hero then!
 * Tharaqím - That's enough discussion already, all of you.
 * Corteus - You're not the only kid who's had parents lie to them so shut up and sit down.
 * Lemmo - Knowing Kezoreg, he's probably pissed at him for not telling him that the tooth fairy isn't real.
 * Grukarb - What's a tooth fairy?
 * Tharaqím - I said, enough.

Kithworto sat back down at the table, as the ship took its course to Hyperborea.

The ship landed at Hyperborea. They took quick haste to the council chamber, where the councillors were already there at their arrival. The Councillors appeared confused of the team's return. The team could see there were now 5 seats as opposed to 3, and a female Seagon was now alongside Semirian, Xeron and Valzaria. Hachi stared at the female Seagon, not being able to take his eyes off her. However, he was swiftly met with a harsh knock to the head on Kalcedia's part, knocking him out of his trance.


 * Semirian - Back so soon? Only a week has passed since you were here.
 * Valzaria - What my fellow Councillor here means to say is: "greetings! What can we do for you?"
 * Semirian - ...Excuse me.

Valzaria glared at Semirian, then turned back to the team.


 * Kithworto - We have uncovered much since our last meeting here, Councillor. As well as much has happened within it.
 * Xeron - Ah, welcome, new member! I take it you've been informed of your promotion?
 * Kithworto - ...Vaguely.
 * Xeron - We have decided the Council was too small, so we decided to give your people a seat. And also meet our other new member, Councillor Vhezari.

Rylarien Vhezari bowed to the team in respect.


 * Rylarien - It's a pleasure to meet you.
 * Hachi - The pleasure is mine, Miss Vhezari!

Nu looked at the councillor; very confused. Dalverat grumbled, saying "no, you just decided you can't trust the people who saved your ass countless times a seat on your pathetic council...". Arkarixus glared at Dalverat and Valzaria with a visible frown, but said nothing.


 * Kithworto - I am grateful for the opportunity, but I must present this information before I can act upon it.
 * Xeron - Do tell what you found out. You and your team are fast.
 * Kithworto - The data matrix that we had was in fact an ancient artifact known as an Eye.
 * Semirian - Hmm. What happened to it?
 * Kithworto - Upon receiving information from it, it was destroyed by myself.
 * Nu - All good that did me.
 * Rylarien - And what did you learn from this Eye exactly?
 * Kithworto - From what I gather, the information was rather fragmented. Pieces of the information was only supported by what we later encountered. When we retrieved the information, we were ambushed by a large vessel of Dominion origin. In a further expedition in the Realm of Dreams, we received further information from the Xhodocto known as Santorakh.
 * Semirian - Hmm.
 * Xeron - Go straight to the point.
 * Kithworto - Santorakh spoke of these vessels, giving the name as 'Rectifiers'. As far as I can tell, the Dominion are planning a mass invasion using these ships. Trillions of them.
 * Xeron - Trillions of ships. Oh great. It's the Ascended-class Dreadnoughts all over again.
 * Grukarb muttered - Exactly why we need the Imperium.

Xeron let out a loud groan. Valzaria gave him a look of disgust.


 * Valzaria - ...Really? That's your response? What about the millions of people who have to fight these 'Ascended-class Dreadnoughts all over again'? And what happens when they come for us?
 * Lemmo - ...You do understand who are we fighting, don't you? These are goddamn XHODOCTO we are talking about!
 * Xeron - We do exactly what we did in the Second Great War, missy. We join forces and destroy them.
 * Valzaria - That we do. But that attitude is unprofessional and disrespectful to all the men who had to fight in the Second Great War.
 * Kithworto - Following from those events, we took passage to Andromeda to give you the same message as we are now, yet received negatively.
 * Corteus - With respect, part of the negativity came form the loss of the high inquisitor.

Without any observation, a Kicath sat in Kithworto's seat, rather relaxed. Semirian, Xeron, Valzaria and Rylarien turned to the Kicath in shock.


 * Semirian - Excuse me? How did you get here?
 * Kicath - Simple. I walked in here, and sat down!
 * Xeron - Guards!

Kithworto looked at the Kicath, and his relaxed pose was broken instantly. Several well-armed soldiers around the room aimed their weapons at the Kicath.


 * Lemmo - ...What?
 * Corteus - This does not look good.
 * Kicath - Are you sure you want to do that, my little mortal? I'm only here to watch this hearing. Bring some popcorn, eat some cake. Perhaps you should eat some too. You look rather malnourished.
 * Grukarb - Oh crap it's him!
 * Hachi - Oh yay! It's him again!
 * Xeron - Fire!
 * Corteus - No wait, stop!
 * Valzaria - Are you serious...?

The guards all fired their weapons at the Kicath. As the guns fired, the bolts did nothing to damage the Kicath.


 * Corteus - That's...Santorakh.
 * Lemmo - ...Goddammit. Goddammit. Goddammit!

Santorakh stood up, with his walking stick in hand.


 * Santorakh - Now that just wasn't an intelligent move at all.
 * Semirian - Rushed decision as always, Xeron.
 * Xeron - Why is not dead yet?
 * Rylarien - ...I believe we should leave the room now.
 * Sarec - Every civillian out the room. Now.

Lemmo appeared hesitant to shoot, fearful to deign the dark god's wrath. Santorakh raised his staff, hurling all of the guards through the ceiling. He then lowered his staff. The guards came down through the holes they entered, landing in a bloody thud on the ground. Semirian and Rylarien ran off, Semirian grabbing Xeron by his neck to take him with her. Valzaria fled with them, trying to catch up.


 * Arkarixus - Why do you insist in this?
 * Hachi - I don't see what the problem is, I think he's funny!
 * Tharaqím - He's the most vile of all Xhodocto, human.
 * Sarec - Hachi he just killed a dozen guards by waving a stick.

Santorakh sat back down, materialising some food on a plate in his hand and eating it. However, it decomposed and rotted in his hand.


 * Santorakh - The reason as to why I'm insisting is because I'm not that up to date on things. And vile? Wait until you see Angazhar! No sense of humour at all.
 * Tharaqím - We have seen him enough.

Before the councillors could get to the doors, they jammed shut. Santorakh stood up, taking himself to balance and pace himself on the barrier.


 * Semirian - Grrr.
 * Xeron - Ack-! I c-can't breathe!
 * Valzaria - I can get us out of here...I think...
 * Hachi - Well, if you really wanna know what's been going on, we--
 * Kezoreg - Shut your mouth! Or I'll shut it for you!
 * Santorakh - ''If you want to get out of here, I can show you the way out. That is if you want to end up like those guards over there.
 * Mu - Man, screw you demons, always showing up in meetings to make everything go bad.
 * Grukarb - At least Geltastra was only showing off...
 * Sarec - What are you after this time, another session of playing with us like toys?
 * Santorakh - Demons? Now that's just an insult.

Mu grunted.


 * Mu - Yeah. That's the idea.
 * Santorakh - Well, what did you expect? You're all in a big room. At least I'm here to talk and not to send you crazy like Angazhar did with Arsac. He might be serious at times but he knows how to have a good laugh.
 * Hachi - But you just said he didn't have a sense of humour!
 * Mu - Shut up before I kick you at him.
 * Santorakh - It's called dry humour, my little furry and expendable mortal.
 * Hachi - Teehee, aww stop it you!
 * Mu - I prefered when he was big and roaring.
 * Corteus - Aren't people normally driven insane during your conversations.
 * Dalverat - Don't give him ideas...
 * Sarec - It's not li he can't think of them.
 * Mu - Heck, Koluap is lucky he decided to not take part of the meeting.
 * Santorakh - Well I'm not me. I'm a Kicath at the moment. If you want me to be me...well why would you? I once appeared to Emperor Kitzangáven a couple of thousand years ago. He wanted to see my true form. Next thing? Massacred millions!
 * Kalcedia - Hmm...I'll admit, his Kicath form looks far more appealing.
 * Grukarb - That's probably because he doesn't look like a Coarlatus that got turned inside-out.
 * Thr'aloy - Wow, interesting. stfu no one cares ya fukin losa go away man yor a twat an yor borin me
 * Dalverat - Shut your trap.
 * Thr'aloy - Why? hes borin da shit outta me
 * Santorakh - How about I chew you up and spit you out into the pit of the Unfathomable? How would you like that?
 * Thr'aloy - Okay. com den losa

Dalverat forced Thr'aloy's mouth shut with telekinesis.


 * Santorakh - Hm. Perhaps that isn't humiliating enough.

Santorakh pointed his walking stick at Thr'aloy. Nothing seemed to happen until it appeared that Thr'aloy was turned into an Asgord. Grukarb looked at Th'aloy and burst out with a loud croaking laughter.


 * Santorakh - Now we have a party here!
 * Thr'aloy - WAT DA HELL...dis new body...is so cute! Heeheehee!
 * Lupercal - Your new form is delightfully amusing.
 * Dalverat - ...I'm not gonna share the title of The Skull with this...thing!

Thr'aloy noticed and then ran over to Grukarb, and petted him.


 * Thr'aloy - Awww...you're so cuuuuute!
 * Grukarb - Okay get away from me.
 * Thr'aloy - Daww...
 * Kalcedia - ...Aww, can I keep it?

Santorakh began to laugh. Despite his normal voice, his laugh was mind-breaking.


 * Santorakh - Why don't I do this more often?
 * Mu - Shit, Kithworto, blast him or something!

Thr'aloy turned to Dalverat.


 * Thr'aloy - I think he likes me! Best fwends!
 * Arkarixus - This is cringeworthy.
 * Santorakh - Now, as I was saying. You talking to your mortal councillors. That's going to put a spanner in the figurative works that is our mortals trying to destroy you all. I'm quite partial to theatrics but I don't want the big man upstairs to get bored.
 * Sarec - I thought you had all of reality to play with.
 * Santorakh - For the sake of this plot still going on, I won't destroy you all now. As far as I am concerned, there's still a few...chapters to be written.
 * Mu - Yeah. Go terrorize Arsac or something.
 * Hachi - Hey, isn't doing that, like, illegal?
 * Thr'aloy - Woooah...that sounds soooo cool!
 * Corteus - I don't think she needs this guy to be tormented.
 * Mu - Well she deserves it way more than us.
 * Santorakh - But I do. Technically, I am the big man upstairs. But I won't dabble your mortal minds with too much metaphysical cosmology that will disprove all that those 'Essentials' came up with.
 * Grukarb - Who cares.
 * Hachi - My head hurts...
 * Santorakh - Well you do, of course. Imagine that. I say a few things and everything you thought you knew about us is a big old lie. Either way, I can't have you going on and destroying my mortals so quickly.
 * Lemmo - ...That's why I chose a life of a treasure hunter. Money is SO more simple than all your metaphysical nonsense.
 * Grukarb - I probably wouldn't understad half of what you say anyway.
 * Mu - Really sick of this shit.
 * Santorakh - ''Sick?'

Santorakh waved his walking stick at Mu. Mu have Santorakh an apprehensive look.


 * Santorakh - Well, let's just say I'm a little sick of you. Back to what I was saying. Expect a few...complications in your journeys. Especially you, my tall, black-armoured mortal. You're going to enjoy these next few months!
 * Thr'aloy - Byebye sweetie! Aww...
 * Hachi - ...Haha, Nu has an imaginary friend!
 * Grukarb - I don't think he's imaginary...

Santorakh looked at Mu again. Looking angrily at his stick, he waved it again.


 * Santorakh - Odd. This isn't meant to be malfunctioning.
 * Mu - What are you-urk.
 * Corteus - Hit the deck!

Corteus and Grukarb dived away from Mu while Sarec took a few steps backwards. Santorakh let out a short squeal. Suddenly, Mu began throwing up a black liquid nonstop. He flaied his arms and stomped in place. Santorakh started laughing again. Hachi squeaked and leaped away, with Kalcedia and Kezoreg following close behind.


 * Santorakh - There we go! I was wondering if this thing was actually working or not.
 * Grukarb - Fuck me that's nasty!
 * Lemmo - Crap. Shit. Dung. Kranndung. Threl'n. Auni. Shyrak. Siná'in.

The Agents all jumped out of the way. Mu turned to the Agents. While attempting to ask for help, he kept throwing up at their direction. The Agents all ran away from Mu as he followed them.


 * Mu - Hhhhhhep!
 * Santorakh - It's like Kavaramalaeneg all again!

Sarec summoned a barrier in front of Mu hoping to stop him from running. Mu hit the barrier and fell backwards. The stream out of his mouth was launched upwards and fell back into his own face.


 * Mu - Hhhuck hhhou Hhharec!
 * Santorakh - You mortals are too much fun. So yes. Expect complications. I'm not going to say what exactly, but my purple mortal won't be enjoying it much either. The vomiting will stop in a couple of hours. Make sure you eat plenty of sandwiches once you're done. Have some milkshakes as well.

Santorakh then waved his stick at Thr'aloy, turning him back into his original self.


 * Thr'aloy - Woah...dafuk I feel weird as shit wat happened
 * Sarec - I hate you already Santorakh.
 * Tharaqím - We all hate him. And he enjoys that.
 * Hachi - Yay! Sandwiches and milkshakes!
 * Santorakh - Well that's just impolite. Don't make me turn you into a milkshake.
 * Sarec - I can take on any form I wish
 * Grukarb - Sarec you might not want to provoke him.
 * Santorakh - Well take on the form of a milkshake then! So much nicer and sweeter! Or you could take on the form of a Zazane prostitute. Make our dear mortal over there angry. Or perhaps a hat! Apaltar would love to wear you!
 * Lemmo - Hm. Turn the Zazane kid into a prostitute!
 * Kalcedia - Pfft, I'd still look far more stunning than Sarec if he was a prostitute.

Sarec smirked at Kalcedia and transformed himself to look exactly like her.


 * Kalcedia - ...You look like an absolute whore.

Nu laughed. Sarec also laughed, mimicking Kalcedia's voice.


 * Santorakh - Anyway, I have to go back to Insomnia now. I'm organizing a little get-together with Volim and Skhánaróton. As well as a few other dearly departed. I'll invite you there as well.
 * Sarec - You really do not need to.
 * Santorakh - But I do. Don't be late.

Santorakh disappeared in a black puff of smoke. The doors to the room opened again. At the other side, Koluap appeared, with a bag of snacks on a hand and a drink on the other. He looked at the damage on the room, the dead guards and Mu vomiting all over himself.


 * Koluap - ...Hey. Looks like I'm late for the meeting.
 * Kithworto - You 'missed' Santorakh.
 * Koluap - Oh. Good.

Semirian turned to Kithworto.


 * Semirian - ...Take our fleets. Destroy that thing.
 * Kithworto - With pleasure.

Kithworto walked over to the dead guards. As he waved a blue light over them with his hands, they reanimated. Valzaria coughed.


 * Valzaria - I have recieved word from UNO. They will fight alongside, too. As part of the PCA.
 * Dalverat - Damn right you will. I want to make Santorakh pay...for this humiliation. Not sure how, but I do.
 * Kithworto - That is appreciated. Apologies for the mess. Again.
 * Grukarb - I still say the meeting with the Andromedan Light went better.
 * Koluap - That's nice. Why is Mu puking?
 * Mu - Hhhmumup!
 * Tau - Santorakh got a little 'sick' of Mu.
 * Grukarb - So far this council has seen both Angryzhar and Santo, The Light only saw that Radeon bitch.
 * Upsilon - Makes me worry. Where's the first and the third one?
 * Kezoreg - Which one?
 * Koluap - I for one am okay with not having the first and third ones showing up.
 * Grukarb - ...there's more than two?
 * Kithworto - ...Four.
 * Tharaqím - The four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Draguros, Angazhar, Krathazhrukhal and Santorakh.
 * Grukarb - Fuck me pondside.

Nu grabbed Kalcedia's jaw.


 * Nu - Don't even think about it.
 * Sarec - Kalcedia's the other one.
 * Nu - Human mumbo-jumbo that.
 * Koluap - Why are there two prostitutes? Oh, don't tell me she's multiplying now.

Sarec transformed back into himself, still held by Nu. Kalcedia winked at Nu, sticking her tongue out. Nu let go of Sarec's jaw, and looked confused.


 * Nu - You damn gods and your shape-shifting powers.
 * Sarec - Kalcedia gave me a challenge.
 * Kalcedia - Aww, what's the matter Nu? Need a cuddle?
 * Arkarixus - Let us leave this room. Mu's vomit is causing it to stink.
 * Koluap - The guy's literally in a puddle of vomit!
 * Mu - Hmmghp!
 * Corteus - Where...is it all...coming from?
 * Tharaqím - I'd rather not find out.
 * Kalcedia - You'd be surprised how much substance is within a man.
 * Corteus - I have sensors in my eyes he's lying in a volume of vomit greater than his own body mass.
 * Dalverat - It's Santorakh's doing. What do you expect?
 * Nu - Santorakh did that to me, remember? Wasn't nice.
 * Lemmo - Brrr.
 * Koluap - So does that mean Mu's getting possessed? C'mon, we've been through this already.
 * Kithworto - I sure hope not.
 * Grukarb - Summer winds it just won't stop.
 * Lupercal - Laws of physics are violated all the time. Our scientists hate that.
 * Kithworto - Come. Let's return to the Dominion Territory. And get some sandwiches and milkshakes while we're at it.
 * Hachi - Next thing you know, the universe will be made of cookies!

Mu flaied his arms let out angered rambling before finally being knocked out, still throwing up.

Family Matters
It was some hours after the ordeal with Santorakh. The team set themselves back to the ship, and set course for the Dominion Territory again. They were uncertain as to where they were going to, but hopefully a lead would arise soon. Sarec was sitting cross-legged in meditation, breathing deeply as he focused his energies. Hachi happened to be sleeping on Sarec's lap while Kalcedia polished her rifle vigorously. Kezoreg was practicing with his Kicathian blade, making cuts in the material of the ship. Lemmo stayed in his small chamber, browsing Exonet markets and relaxing.


 * Tau - So where are we going to exactly?
 * Grukarb - Well "destroy the Rectifiers" is one option but where do we even look?
 * Nu - Well...Ightosia isn't a good idea.
 * Mu - We blew Ightosia up already.
 * Koluap - Would be better if Santoasshat at least had told us where they are.
 * Kalcedia - Why would the Xhodocto tell us? Santorakh has assumed direct control of the situation, he wouldn't let it fall from his favour.
 * Koluap - Well he's a crazy mofo.

Kithworto was sitting in his seat, telekinetically juggling multiple fourteen-sided dice with his hand. The sight of Kalcedia caught the attention of the Tertanai captain and he promptly left his chamber, taking a look at Kalcedia's rifle.


 * Lemmo - No, you just don't polish it like that. It takes *skill* to work with guns, ma'am. Polishing them is an *art*. Allow me.

Kalcedia glared at Lemmo with a deathly leer, she wouldn't allow anyone to have touched her weapon of pride. In addition to her fatal stare, Lemmo found the rifle placed in his arms, a look on Kalcedia's face telling him to be cautious.


 * Kalcedia - Don't screw it up.
 * Lemmo - I am a specialist when it comes to polishing things like that monster...

Lemmo took a small screwdriver-like device from his pocket and started cleaning Kalcedia's rifle with utmost care.


 * Kithworto - There is only two possible solutions as to where to go. Further into the Dominion, or we are sucked into another plane of existence. Both are equally likely.
 * Corteus - This is ridiculous. We have to hunt though an entire Segmentum to find these warships. We could have blanketed the region in AGC ships but that would cause more problems than it solves.
 * Tharaqím - That risks the Dominion taking down the entire AGC military at once.
 * Corteus - I didn't mean sending the ENTIRE AGC's navies.
 * Tau - The Xhodocto are unpredictable. Well, they are somewhat predictable. Just not at the right times.
 * Grukarb - Yeah, the Dominax would look like a minnow in here.
 * Mu - I for one don't want to go to another eldritch place. So I suggest we go deeper into the territory.

Whilst travelling through hyperspace, the ship came up with an alert. The dice from Kithworto's hand travelled to the table, before standing up and going over to the cockpit. Reading the sign, it said "Foreign contact imminent." Sarec opened his eyes and looked up to detect the ship under an alert.


 * Mu - Oh, come on, what now.

Sarec sent a rush of energy into Hachi's body, the surge intending to wake him up. Hachi was sent into the ceiling, reacting negatively to the sudden jolt of energy sent through his body. Sarec looked up and chuckled, while Koluap pointed and laughed at Hachi.


 * Sarec - Maybe that was a little too much.
 * Kithworto - Enough. We are in trouble.
 * Arkarixus - Hm. Problematic?
 * Tharaqím - Problematic indeed.
 * Arkarixus - As usual.
 * Kezoreg - Who's picking a fight this time?
 * Corteus - "Foreign contact." We've either got company or we're about to hit something...or both.

As the ship left hyperspace, they were met with a colossal Dominion ship. More than a hundred but less than two hundred kilometres in length. It was black in appearance with small golden details, and followed a streamline pattern. Protecting the ship was hundreds, if not thousands of smaller vessels.


 * Mu - Son of a fuck.
 * Kezoreg - Yes?
 * Grukarb - Wow...that's a while lot of phallic envy right there.
 * Kalcedia - Don't have to tell me twice, I've seen plenty of incoming foreign contacts.
 * Koluap - Hmmmmm. Bad.
 * Kithworto - Bad indeed.
 * Tharaqím - Retreat?
 * Lupercal - How interesting.

Lupercal materialised out of nowhere, speaking coldly in a matter-of-fact tone.


 * Quinniath - Mine is bigger.
 * Lupercal - Do you even know what are you talking about, child? You're an amphibian.
 * Grukarb - My squadmate is a Val'Kar. I think I know what a penis is.
 * Corteus - Size isn't everything. Maybe the design is highly ineficcient?

A sudden jolt. The ship began to tug in to the direction of the larger ship as a transmission screen popped up on the display.


 * Nu - Two hours. Two hours away from Borealis and we're already screwed.
 * Kalcedia - I was screwed even before I left Borealis this time.
 * Mu - This has better not be a Tandava.

Sarec stood up and silently mouthed an expletive, catching Hachi as he fell back down. The screen opened up, and on the holograph, was a Kicathian female in powerful golden and black armour. Her helmet obscured her face, but red eyes could be seen through it. Flanking her left and right, were two Mahanayan guards wearing similarly coloured armour.


 * Mu - Oh, hello.
 * Corteus - Not a Tandava, but still extremely bad.
 * Kalcedia - ...Whore!
 * Hachi - Eeep...why is Tau on-screen?
 * Koluap - Hey, what the hell is that?
 * Lupercal - Intriguing.
 * Kicath - Ováransharin. [Outsiders.] Do you surrender your ship or will you be destroyed?
 * Hachi - Surrender!
 * Koluap - She really doesn't know who she's talking to, does she?
 * Corteus - If the 1st fleet warped in front of my while I piloted my lone ship, I'd consider surrender myself.
 * Lupercal - Arrogance is the refuge of the weak; the faithful need not boast.
 * Kicath - Silence, trevarís [mortal]. You are not in a position to talk.
 * Grukarb - I'm not good with alien words, did she just call Koluap pond-scum?
 * Koluap - The hell's that even supposed to mean?

The ship in the distance began to have golden lights appear on the side. They were massive hyperlasers directed at the ship.


 * Kicath - You have fifteen seconds. Surrender or obliteration.
 * Corteus - Those remind me of Extermias-pattern cannons...and there are a lot of them...
 * Lupercal - Threl'a'senar'nimaim.
 * Mu - I'm gonna say what everyone wants to hear. Kithworto, do something!
 * Sarec - He's not the only ascendant here you know.

Kithworto went up to the panel.


 * Kithworto - We surrender.
 * Mu - Yeah but I'm more used to him...wait what?
 * Kezoreg - Aww come on!
 * Koluap - We do?
 * Hachi - Whee!
 * Lupercal - Retreat would have been more sensible, Warlord.
 * Corteus - Like I said, imagine if the entire 1st fleet warped in right in front of us.
 * Kalcedia - Well, yeah. What, you think we can take on a whole fleet? We're strong but not that strong.
 * Grukarb - If that happened to me the floor would be a lovely reddy-brown.
 * Koluap - Ew.
 * Corteus - That's just disgusting.
 * Grukarb - Look me in the eye and say "I can take on 100,000 ships plus a modified Warlord class". I DARE you!
 * Kicath - Intelligent decision. Your ship is being claimed as we speak.

The guards on the other screen walked out of the room.


 * Kicath - Prepare to be examined. We will decide what will happen after that.
 * Hachi - I saw a porno like that once, it was disgusting.
 * Tharaqím - Too much information, human.
 * *Kalcedia - I love switching roles between dominant and submissive.

The ship was taken into one of many thousand hangars that dotted the lower stern of the Dominion cruiser. The golden lights began to dim as the ship landed in the hangar. Like before, the ship was rather well designed, in a gold and black architectural layout.


 * Lupercal - Elegant.
 * Lemmo - ''Are you always sedated like that, rat bug? Cheer up a bit.'
 * Tharaqím - Urk. I don't want to be imprisoned again.
 * Corteus - Urgh, such a clash. Everyone knows you combine Imperial red with gold planelling.
 * Kithworto - I would much rather play this out than be subject to having a one-hundred-and-twenty-kilometre long ship following us back to Borealis.
 * Koluap - Hey, if we kill that gal, maybe we can get this ship for us!
 * Corteus - Koluap... how exactly are 25 people supposed to pilot THAT.
 * Tau - She was descended. Likely she could take us on.
 * Lupercal - Submissive and dominant. Hah. You remind me of... someone.
 * Tharaqím - Too much information, both of you.
 * Hachi - Needs more pink! Uhh, I-I mean blue!
 * Kalcedia - Teehee, I thought you would have preferred pink.
 * Hachi - ...Why?
 * Kalcedia - Oh, no reason.
 * Lupercal - I wonder where she is now. I would like to see her-

Lupercal shut his mouth and once again prayed to himself in Radessic. The ship landed. The Kicath female was outside, with the two guards behind her. The guards were armed with pikes near their height. The ship's door flung open, and the trio that were about to assess them were watching with close intent. Sarec stood up and remained silent, attempting to mask his aura from the Kicath woman.


 * Corteus - This...is not good.
 * Koluap - She's uglier in person.
 * Arkarixus - Silence.
 * Lemmo - Why hello there, luv! Want to have a drink?
 * Lupercal - Attempting to flirt in this situation is purposeless at best and detrimental at worst.

As the team walked out, they noticed that the Kicath female was abnormally tall. Taller than Tau, but not as tall as Nu.


 * Kalcedia - ...She has powerful legs, it appears.
 * Arkarixus - Silence, all of you.
 * Kicath - I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Commander Kilrasinnyá Rāsemnanáz, commander of this ship.

The Kicath heard the name before. Nu, however, went slightly rigid.


 * Mu - That's a cute name.
 * Tharaqím - Don't make me jab you.
 * Kezoreg - That's awfully short for a Kicath name.

Kilrasinnyá looked at Kezoreg, and spoke in a demonic tongue.


 * Kilrasinnyá - Tvateranchazarís eventashserakarma. [Disgusting little thing.]
 * Kezoreg - Siná'in.

Kilrasinnyá then looked at the team, surveying slowly. Corteus saluted respectfully to Kilrasinnyá. Grukarb did the same as Corteus, it was an Imperial salute; standing straight, legs apart and slamming his fist against his right pec.


 * Lupercal - We salute you.
 * Koluap - I don't!
 * Mu - I can do more than that.
 * Tharaqím - Are you serious?

Hachi hid behind Nu's leg while Kalcedia simply stood casually, glancing towards the Kicath with an unimpressed glare.


 * Kilrasinnyá - So, we have...seven Kicath. All of them Tagárai [Agents]. And you...Kithworto Aknatazán, am I correct?
 * Kithworto - Iró. [Yes.]
 * Kezoreg - And I am Kit...Kit...Kitkat... Gah, Kezoreg.

Kilrasinnyá gave a small aggressive nod at Kithworto, before looking at the Agents. Nu remained in a somewhat unnerved position as Kilrasinnyá approached them. Mu attempted to make himself look elegant, while hiding his deformed hand on his back.


 * Kilrasinnyá - Remove your helmets, Tagárai. I wish to see your faces.
 * Mu - Well there goes my chances.

The Agents all removed their helmets as it deconstructed around their head. Nu, however, did not. For the first time, the team could see Mu's left eye, which was also deformed from his essence. Hachi looked towards Mu but he didn't feel disturbed by what he saw. Kalcedia's face contorted into a disgusted look while Kezoreg was indifferent. Sarec looked unnerved by the deformity of Mu's face, silently contemplating if such a choice was truly worth it for power.


 * Kilrasinnyá - What's wrong? Scared?
 * Grukarb - Nu...you might want to do what the angry demon kicath lady says...

Nu paused for a few seconds, before his helmet deconstructed also. There was utter silence between the two Kicath - their eyes, however were fighting viciously with each other whilst nothing else happened. Lemmo felt somewhat concerned as the Kicath stared at each other, feelin somewhat afraid.


 * Mu - Well, this is getting a little bit awkward.

Nu spoke in Kicathian to her, but before he could complete the first word, Kilrasinnyá grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up effortlessly.


 * Mu - Aw, come on, I'm much better looking than him.
 * Arkarixus - Problematic.

Hachi screamed as he Nu lifted from his feet, rushing towards Kalcedia who proceeded to kick the Rianth away as she looked on in awe. Corteus and Grukarb backed up in shock. The Agent's helmets reformed and grabbed their weapons. The guards then entered a battle stance. Lemmo jumped away almost instinctively, pulling his guns at the very same instant. Sarec beckoned Hachi over and opened one of his wings out. Koluap put out his shotgun, while Arkarixus and Tharaqím charged their fists with Essence.


 * Corteus - Hold fire people!
 * Kilrasinnyá - Kitamnatáranál tarét átmanétazhétman ǎznúnlatáuaí?

The Kicath all looked at each other in shock.


 * Koluap - Stupid riddle language.
 * Tau - You have got to be kidding me.
 * Grukarb - My cousin's ex-mate acts exactly like that to him.
 * Mu - ...Eeeeew! Ew!
 * Eta - Kiltaránkodalnyúrin. [Mother of god.]
 * Kalcedia - ...Somebody please translate?
 * Lemmo - Something about hell, demons, and fire. Then again, all demon tongues are about hell, demons, and fire.
 * Tau - ...That's Nu's --

Before she could complete her sentence, Nu was sent crashing into her.


 * Grukarb - Nu's what?
 * Kezoreg - Is it his mother? Please tell me it's his mother!
 * Kilrasinnyá - ...Sister.
 * Mu - I flirted with Nu's sister, holy shit, ew.
 * Grukarb - Oh...OH! ...eah ne never mentioned you, funny thing that.
 * Hachi - ...She's from my drea--
 * Kezoreg - Don't even try to kid yourself.
 * Kilrasinnyá - Tagárai are not meant to. They are told to forget their family. Even their younger sister.

Nu got up, holding his throat as his neck was slightly crushed.


 * Nu - And that is how you greet me? Kilamnachuát? [Little sister?]
 * Sarec - A life I can relate to.
 * Lupercal - Relationships are to be forgotten by true warriors. I have learned that the hard way.
 * Koluap - Are we allowed to kill the team's family? Because I wanna chop her head off.
 * Grukarb - Harsh. I would die if I had to forget my twenty cousins and thirty-five siblings.

Kilrasinnyá looked at her guards.


 * Kilrasinnyá - Take them to the prisons. I'll deal with them later.
 * Corteus - Damnation...
 * Tharaqím - Ngh...

One of the guards grabbed Kithworto by the wrist. He screamed as the flesh on his hand disintegrated.


 * Sarec - Is there any need for this?
 * Lemmo - Hah.

Hachi stared towards Kilrasinnyá, his eyes wide as he examined her from afar. Kezoreg felt himself trying to restrain a flow of vomit as he saw Hachi glancing in her direction.


 * Kithworto - We are not going to a prison, Rāsemnanáz. 
 * Kilrasinnyá - If that is how you want to deal with it.
 * Hachi - Can't you just interrogate us over dinner?
 * Kezoreg - ...Are you actually serious?
 * Lemmo - I'm going to agree with the kid for once.

Kilrasinnyá doubled over. A small pause before her armour began to deform. It turned black, as it melded into her flesh as a sort of exoskeleton. From her back, wings sprouted as her eyes began to pulse an even greater red. Kithworto stepped back in surprise.


 * Koluap - The hell?
 * Lemmo - See? Hell, check. Demons, check. Fire, check. I was right.
 * Grukarb - Oh shit that's nasty...
 * Sarec - Kithworto perhaps that was not the best choice of words.
 * Kilrasinnyá - You are not the only one capable of the Omega State, Maktanshatinaknatazán. A gift from your brother.
 * Mu - Eh? Agent Omicron?
 * Hachi - ...I guess we're not having d-dinner then, huh.
 * Lemmo - Okay. Sarec, Kith, can you translocate us from here into somewhere REALLY, REALLY far with more hot girls and less firey demons?
 * Corteus - First the, then , then Borealis, then here, fuck my life.
 * Lupercal - You are nothing compared to the One.

Kilrasinnyá lauched forward, and threw Kithworto into the ceiling, before sending out pulses of essence at the team to knock them to the ground. Sarec summoned barriers to block the pulses, the impacts forcing him backwards. growling, he threw pressure waves back at her. Arkarixus and Tharaqím were thrown back, but got back up and fired their essences at her. Koluap fired his shotgun, while Mu fired his anti-essence rifle at Kilrasinnyá.


 * Mu - Seriously, fuck demons, I'm sick of you all ruining everything good-looking.
 * Grukarb - Boss do you think Yrsalimarus will work on that?
 * Corteus - Maybe, just shoot her!
 * Grukarb - Gotchya!

Kalcedia fired her freshly-polished rifle at the Kicath with hypermatter rounds while Hachi stayed back, not wishing to interfere with her. Kezoreg ran forward, channeling dark energy into his Kicathian blade. Grukarb loaded his shotgun and fired it at Kilrasinnyá's body, the impacts sending a cloud of very fine smoke over her. Lupercal remained still, holding his staff, and then manifested a tide of temporal energy that was unleashed upon the demonic Kicath; she felt her body being twisted, slowed, hastened and sent into various points in the future and the present at different points. using this confusion, Lemmo attacked, making well-aimed shots at the Kicath's weak points at her chest.

Kilrasinnyá shuddered from the damage, but sent out an earthquake of energy at the team. Sarec levitated int othe air and attempted to shield himself ,retaliating with arcs of lighting. Koluap flew in the air, putting out his Xhodocto Axe, and slashed at Kilrasinnyá with it.


 * Koluap - Here's my opinion on your gifts, bitch!

Kilrasinnyá took the damage from the axe, before roaring. She attempted to grab Koluap by the throat. Koluap flew back before he could be grabbed, his small size allowing him to escape barely. Grukarb was put off-balance and fired his shotgun again as he fell down Corteus converted his hands into plasma cannons abd fired them repeatedly at Kilrasinnyá.

Kithworto descended to the ground. Kilrasinnyá attempted to throw a punch at Kithworto, but her fist was stopped by his. Koluap used the opportunity to slash at her again.


 * Kithworto - You still have a lot to learn.

Kithworto sent out a wave, knocking her back before sending a kick into her chest. She was launched across the hangar before hitting the ground.


 * Arkarixus - Effective.

Lupercal remained hesitant to flee, continuing to stand while being subject to hellish energies, and kept attacking with pressure waves. Kilrasinnyá struggled to rise from the ground. With an evil smile, she pressed her hand into the ground as a black mass covered the floor like a plague, quickly advancing on the team. Hachi snarled and threw balls of Dream Energy at the black presence, creating bright explosions of pure light. Lemmo and Quinniath fired from afar, too hesitant to move any further.

Corteus flew up, lifting Grukarb while Sarec waved his hand to have Hachi float in the air. Koluap flew into the air, while Arkarixus used his essence to levitate, taking Tharaqím with him into the air. The Agents launched themselves of the ground from the jetpacks. Except for Nu, who stood there.


 * Mu - Oi! Get up here, you fuckwit!
 * Eta - Nu...what are you doing?! Oh. Right. That.

As the energy travelled beneath Nu, it entered his body as it turned black. Kilrasinnyá's smile kept going, until she realised that it was not affecting Nu at all.


 * Mu - Hey gal. Call me when you're less psychotic.
 * Nu - Heh.

From Nu's hand, gathered a bolt of black essence which he threw at Kilrasinnyá. Narrowly missing her, it dug a hole into the ground.


 * Mu - You had one job, Nu.
 * Nu - And so did you. Now you're all freaking asymmetrical.
 * Hachi - Hey!

Sarec emitted pulses of pressure from his hands, combining them and throwing them at Kilrasinnyá Kilrasinnyá was knocked into the hole, grabbing on to the shreds of floor with her claws. Hachi threw balls of Dream Energy in her direction, growling angrily as he did. Kezoreg gave him an odd glance. Corteus returned to the ground and snatched Grukarb's gun from him. As he walked, the gun transformed as it was swarmed with utility fog. he tossed it slightly into the air and grabbed the handle, a sharp drop of his arm pumping it.


 * Kezoreg - So now you're into hurting bitches?
 * Hachi - It's Nu's sister, I think it's justified.

Lemmo took Kezoreg into his hand and slammed him against the ground.


 * Lemmo - Shut up and do something useful.

Corteus marched over and fired a charged airburst at Kilrasinnyá, gritting his teeth and almsot grinding them.


 * Kilrasinnyá - Varnaserash! [Scum!]
 * Koluap - I'll cut her fingers off!

Lemmo grabbed various Kormacvar archaeotech machinery from his backpack and hastily attempted to make them work, resulting in an array of explosions around Kilrasinnyá. Corteus fired again, this time at her face. The shot caused her to lose her grip, and she fell into the hole. A crash here and there, before silence.

Corteus paced upwards into a sprint before leaping down into the hole himself.


 * Grukarb - Okay..I have no idea what he's doing.
 * Koluap - Being dumb, for one.

There was a heavy crash sounds followed by further blasts. Corteus landed on the bottom of the hole, his feet making dents into the metalwork due to his velocity. he tilted his head with a scowl towards Kilrasinnyá's body before pumping his shotgun again. Kilrasinnyá's body seemingly ceased movement, and there was little other than that.


 * Corteus - You, and your kind, you...Immortals, have caused me a lot of grief. Did it ever matter to you? Hm. I didnt' think so. So I just want to do something in return, A little mote of how I really feel about you all.
 * Koluap - ...So as I was saying before, we got rid of her, so we got a new ship!

Corteus pressed his foot down on her arm and raised his shotgun to Kilrasinnyá's face. With an audiable growl he fired his shotgun, again and again, each gap he said a few words that burned with rage.


 * Corteus - Fuck demons! Fuck the dominion! Fuck Adniliho! Fuck these gods! Fuck Descension! Fuck essence! Fuck these cycles! Fuck. All of it!

Kilrasinnyá's body was torn by the consistent damages done.


 * Corteus - And the last... The last one is for you supernatural ficks giving me this tin-can body!

Corteus aimed the shotgun downwards, turning the settings up, he fired a supercharged airburst at Kilrasinnyá's torso. The ringing of shotgun blasts ricoched up to the room the team were in. Grukarb stepped back, wide-mouthed hearing waht was going on. A large, cauterized hole was made in her chest as her body was as limp as a ragdoll.


 * Mu - Hell, the Dravillian guy's having fun down there.
 * Lemmo - Sheesh. Now that was fun.
 * Lupercal - You mean insane.
 * Corteus - Burn in whatever infernal pit spawned you!

Corteus turned his back and spread his wings, thrusting himself upwards though the hole and back to the group


 * Grukarb - I think I need a change of underwear...
 * Corteus - Fuck..you...ALL!
 * Lemmo - Insane? Well, you know, after the whole Santorakh thing, I can't really say if I find anything crazy-

Suddenly, as Lemmo was speaking, black ice started forming all around the ship, freezing the ship to the core; at the same time, strange laughter was heard from the distance, belonging to no mortal or immortal but rather having a twisted tone that belonged to one that blurred the line between the two.


 * ??? - YOU WILL KNOW TRUE MADNESS.
 * Lemmo - What the hell was that?

After the discordant voice spoke, a black shadow shot up behind them and then disappeared.


 * Koluap - The heck?
 * Mu - Oh, come on, demons everywhere!
 * Tharaqím - What is all this?

The black ice rapidly expanded and soon encompassed the entire room, forming into icy spikes and abstract statues, while the voice grew ever louder. Corteus threw a fist at the ground, a loud clang as he warped the metal


 * Kezoreg - ''This place needs an excorcism, I tell you.
 * ??? - I saw it. You will see it. There is no freedom. There is no reality. It is all a lie. ALL A LIE ALL A LIE ALL A LIE.
 * Mu - What's going on here?!
 * Corteus - YOU WANT ME YOU PSYCHOTIC FUCK!? HERE I AM, CORTEUS THE COSMIC TOOTH TOY!

Flocks of black, feathered ravens emerged from the ice and surrounded both the Dominion soldiers and their enemies, all speaking in a feminine chorus.


 * Grukarb - I think the captain's losing it...
 * Koluap - Calm down, robot-man! You're being irrational! And I'm the one saying it.
 * ??? - Reality. It is but an illusion. We are nowhere. This is nowhere. You are puppets. The puppeters play with this universe as children play with their toys. The world is a stage. We are all playthings. You will see. I will show you. YOU WILL SEE YOU WILL SEE YOU WILL SEE.
 * Mu - Whoever this is, shut the hell up already.''
 * Corteus - Hehehehhe oh I'm irrational? Ever since the day I had my body broken in every place imagineable I feel like i'm nothing but a toy for these Drakon-damned immortals. All of them, I just want to rip the heads off every one of them!''
 * Koluap - Yep, he's gone crazy.''

The flock coaelced into a large, vaguely humanoid female figure which however retained avian features and radiated an aura of dread.


 * Divin-Ra - GAZE UPON THE ENDLESS REALITIES. PEER UNTO THEM. PEER UNTO THE ENDLESS NIGHTMARES THE PUPEETERS HAVE BESTOWED UPON YOU.
 * Corteus - You cosmic fuck I'll tear you five new cloacas for my suffering!
 * Grukarb - I've...I've never seen him like this...
 * Mu - Holy shit that's ugly as hell.

Kithworto's essences surged around his arms as the Agents aimed their guns. Hachi grabbed his crotch and turned himself around, squeaking vulnerably while Kalcedia aimed her rifle, although she hesitated. Suddenly, the ship was gone, vanished into nothingness, or rather, a different reality of its own...


 * Divin-Ra - YOU WILL SEE. YOU WILL SEE. YOU WILL SEE.

Gods' Playthings
Only a select few of the team knew, and they definitely did not want to explain, fearful of the darkness that was engulfing them every single moment. The universe around them was... changing. Shadows were looming. Darkness was growing. Black ice was spreading over every single object in the room. Whatever had infested the ship at this moment was doing so at a terrifyingly fast pace.


 * Lemmo - What?! Not good... NOT GOOD!
 * Nu - Well shit.
 * Grukarb - I have absolutely no idea what's going on. Someone help!
 * Koluap - I need an adult.
 * Kalcedia - I am an adult.

Koluap looked at Kalcedia with a raised eyebow. Kalcedia looked back to Koluap and winked. Hachi was shivering and his teeth chattered harshly, while Kezoreg stood by Kithworto's leg. Kithworto felt a chilling tingle run through his arms as he saw the essences freeze the ship.


 * Corteus - We're toys, we're toys, we're all toys in their sick game.
 * Mu - Stop with the crazy before I punch you.
 * Hachi - T-This isn't c-cool at a-all.
 * Kithworto - I have to admit. This is a new experience.

Lemmo tried to leap away from the chaotically growing mass of icy protrusions, but only found it becoming ever more expanding beneath his feet. In desperation, he shot; the ice broke and shattered into little pieces... and then, each shard continued growing by itself, expanding even faster.


 * Arkarixus - Most problematic.
 * Kezoreg - ...I thought you liked ice?

Corteus looked visibly nervous as memories of his death rushed through his mind he grunted and slammed his fist into the deck plating.


 * Lupercal - And that's how death is going to take me. So be it. Whether I am prepared yet for reuniting with Dei'Nar or not does not matter.
 * Nu - You accept death now and yet you've almost died...lemme think...twenty three times in the past year?!

Strangely enough, the plating quickly broke, as if it was not made of metal but of glass or, rather, water; instead of shattering, it dissolved, turning into quicksilver-like liquid in an unnatural, disturbing fashion. Neverthless, the path was clear. With hope, Lemmo looked inside the pathway, a smile upon his beak.


 * Lemmo - L-l-l-look! Over there! You did it, big guy!
 * Corteus - ...H-how did I do that?
 * Koluap - Hey, neato.
 * Kalcedia - Choo choo! Team train has no brakes!
 * Corteus - I guess I'm going first?
 * Mu - As long as you stop with the crazy. I don't wanna have to endure a second Nu.
 * Koluap - Heh.
 * Mu - ...Third Nu.
 * Corteus - No promises.
 * Lemmo - I don't care! Go!
 * Kalcedia - Let's penetrate this path already!
 * Hachi - ...P-Penetrate?

Corteus looked at the doorway he had made and took a deep inhalaation. Closing his eyes he took a cautious step through. Following Corteus, Lemmo galopped through the pathway, shooting erratically the black ice that continued freezing the ship's insides; behind him, he saw the rest of the team running.


 * Lemmo - Crap! Shit! Kranndung! Threl'n! Sina'in! Shyrak! Gaaah!

Sarec moved through, following the team and making shure Hachi stayed close Hachi and Kezoreg ran while Kalcedia cautiously stayed behind them. The frozen walls shifted and transformed, ice giving way to more obscene and twisted shapes, growing into spikes and wicked talons. Impaled on these spikes were the corpses of Dominion soldiers, covered in the same eldritfch frozen substance; not even the servants of the dark gods were spared by the remorseless black ice.


 * Mu - What the shit is all this?
 * Nu - I dunno but it's a good comedic sketch.
 * ??? - THOUSANDS OF VOICES SPEAK, SINGING THE MELODY OF MADNESS. ICE IN YOUR HEARTS. ICE IN YOUR SOULS. NO ESCAPE. NO ESCAPE. THE GODS GAZE UPON US. THE GODS GAZE UPON YOU. THEY PLAY. THEY SMILE. THEY ARE AMUSED.
 * Mu - Oh hell it's the screaming thing again.
 * Kalcedia - If they want amusement they can pay for me like everybody else does!
 * Tharaqím - Not the time or place.
 * Eta - Well it's not Santorakh. Suppose that's a relief.
 * Corteus - Your time is coming you crow-faced whore.
 * ??? - YOU WILL AMUSE THEM. WE ALL LIVE TO AMUSE THEM.
 * Hachi - This place is f-freezing m-my bunny balls o-off!
 * Koluap - Oi, come out of wherever you are so I can cut you!
 * Sarec - Keep moving, this tunnel has to end somewhere.

The Dominion soldiers' corpses suddenly sprang from their icy spikes, as if they were awakened by a sudden jolt of energy; they saw prey. Slowly, they shambled about, all semblancy of sanity, morality and coherent thought erased in their minds, speaking with a single voice - the voice of the Raven of War, the voice of the Shadow Goddess.


 * ??? - THEY WANT TO PLAY. THEY WANT TO PLAY RIGHT NOW.
 * Koluap - Things to kill!
 * Hachi - Eeep! I-I need a-an adult! T-This game's s-surely 18+! I-I'm too young!

Corteus lifted his arm and converted his forearm into a plasma cannon, firing a hail of plasma beams at the shambling Dominion soldiers. Koluap fired at the soldiers with his shotgun, while Arkarixus and Tharaqím attacked with their essences. Sarec stood in front of Hachi and cupped his hands away from his body, gathering arcs of electricity before casting them at the dominion soldiers. Kezoreg drew his Kicathian blade and slashed at any incoming assailants, growling with an angered snarl. Kalcedia drew her rifle and fired close-ranged impact shots, throwing soldiers back and obliterating them.

The icy warriors slowly marched at the team, their bodies growing weapons from the very same ice that had corrupted their bodies. The Agents fired their weapons at them in systematic accuracy. Grukarb pumped a shotgun and fired airbusrts at the icy warriors, grating his teeeth in cncentration as he did so


 * Grukarb - ''Bet you wish your buddy Soverius was with us don't you captain?'

Some shattered, some fell, but others kept going, having no feelings to stop them. With claws and teeth, they charged. They attacked.


 * Quinniath - Get away! Get away from me, goddamn creeps!

Hachi opened his palms and summoned balls of Dream Energy to his sides, launching them at the frozen, unfeeling cadavers as they made their dreaded approach.


 * Mu - C'mon, die already.
 * Grukarb - Hey captain, how about something heavier?

Quinniath drew his holographic blade and slashed through the attacking walking dead, managing to split them in half; and yet, their number did not decrease. Kithworto fuelled two pulses of Life Energy within his hands, and hurled them at the thralls. Corteus turned to Grukarb and nodded with uncertainty. Relaxing himself he planted his fet into the ground and clasped his hands together, his arms melting into a weightless liquid stretching it out and curving it before it rearranged itself into a reppeater like weapon made from Corteus own arm. His left arm had reduced considerably in bulk but his right arm was now said weapon. Corteus parted his lips in an eager smile, showing his reinforced diamond-tipped teeth before firing a gatling-style particle barrage at the thralls. The cadavers stopped for a split second, and then fell to the ground, lifeless.


 * Koluap - And stay dead!
 * Corteus - Oh yeah! Now THIS is sweet!

Kithworto's arms lowered slowly, with a look of apprehension on his face.


 * ??? - SEE. THEY SMILE NOW. IN THEIR SHADOW REALM, THEY SMILE. THE PLAYWRIGHTS OF OUR FATE. THE MASTERMINDS OF THE UNIVERSE.
 * Mu - Shut the hell up already, like holy shit.

Corteus lowered the direction of the repeater rifle that made up his right arm and nodded with satisfaction, admiring it greatly.


 * Corteus - Next-bloody-gen!
 * Lemmo - ...Fooh.

Lemmo emerged from the ice formation and sighed.


 * Grukarb - Southern winds...maybe I should appeal for that upgrade.
 * Corteus - I'm sure the Imperium will provide it. I am a walking prototype after all.
 * Koluap - You think they'd give me some if I ask nicely enough? I wanna turn my arms into guns too.
 * Grukarb - Maybe if you asked really nicely Admiral.
 * Lemmo - A walking soon-would-be-frozen protoype. Don't you see it? The goddamn bird's playing with us. We either run or we die.
 * Mu - Who's that bird anyway?
 * Kalcedia - Urgh, probably just some bitch who's jealous of my swa--
 * Kezoreg - DON'T.
 * Kithworto - Divin-Ra. The 'leader' of the Mali'Nar.

Mu pondered.


 * Mu - Oooooh...Never heard of.
 * Lemmo - The name sounds creepy.
 * Koluap - It sounds dumb, I wanna cut her.
 * Hachi - I think she sounds okay.
 * Sarec - Out of all the Eola'Nar only one matches her power.
 * 'Koluap - Nar? So she's one of your cousins or something?''
 * Lupercal - A very twisted one, I must add.
 * Mu - First Nu's sister, now this Divin-Ra. We're being swarmed by bitchy women lately.
 * Hachi - W-What's this about being s-swarmed?
 * Kezoreg - Women, men, my sword is unisex. It can, and will, cut both.
 * Eta - Sounds like you were coming up with that sentence for too long.

Koluap chuckled at Eta's comment.


 * Lemmo - Not me. I'm a gentleman, and I would never touch a woman... UNTIL THAT WOMAN IS A GODDAMN BIRD GODDESS OF CHAOS-NESS AND WHAT-NOT!
 * Lupercal - Is chaosness even a word?
 * Sarec - How to describe it...
 * Kithworto - A parallel?
 * Sarec - Her order embodies chaos, mine embodies order.
 * Quinniath - An order that embodies order. Heh.''
 * Tharaqím - Let's just hope this icy path doesn't go for too long.
 * Sarec - My hope is that the Others are aware of the present situation. If not, they will need to be.
 * Hachi - Sounds like a character from a p-porno I watched.
 * Tharaqím - Enough, human.
 * Hachi - Except I don't think she was a bird. I mean, s-she had massive ti--
 * Kezoreg - Enough!
 * Kithworto - What do you want of us, 'Sanktanaar'?

A Very Unwelcomed Aid
Suddenly, one of the icy walls shattered in a burst of energy and shadowy figures emerged from it, armed with strange, advanced weaponry. As the dust settled; some of the team managed to recognise them; they were covered in white and gold laminated armour which concealed the entirety of their bodies; looking around, they were calm even despite the ever-expanding black ice. Sarek perked an eyebrow was the group appeared out of nowhere. His face remaining largely expressionless otherwise although he appeared to at least know of them judging by his expression.


 * Koluap - Oh please no not them!
 * Corteus - Guardians of Light? Here?
 * Nu - ...Who are these kanzójorinaí [Fucks]?
 * Grukarb - Wooh reinforcements!
 * Hachi - Boobies!

At the head of the group was the only figure without a helmet, her face covered instead by a shimmering power field; a bluish Radeon female with short, violet hair and bluish fur; looking at the group arrogantly, she smiled while Lemmo and other veterans of the Borealis War stared at her, unsure if her appearance was a blessing or a curse. Arkarixus barred his teeth and narrowed his eyes.


 * Kalcedia - Pfft. Whore.
 * Venoriel - Hmph. Very shortsighed of you to run straight ahead into enemy territory, without a plan. Had it not been for Her Holiness's order, I would have left you alone here to die. Instead, I will give you a second chance.
 * Nu - Oh, it's you.

Nu growled as he looked at the team. Mu charged Death Energy at Venoriel and pointed his hand at her.


 * Mu - What did you say?!
 * Nu - Ákarnatárnaniarazhétaranaí [Fuck off], we do not need more 'supersoldiers' here.
 * Corteus - Right, you'd prefer cannon fodder frontline grunts to fight such powerful beings.
 * Venoriel - Ahem. As I said, Her Holiness ordered me and my men to head into this particular sector, for reasons she did not explain. Alas, so be it. A true general does not doubt. It now seems that our beloved sovereign's clarity of mind reaches near-divine proportions. Coincidence? Or providence?

Mu turned to Kithworto.


 * Mu - Permission to rip her apart.
 * Hachi - Denied! We c-can't l-lose her...umm..."assets"!
 * Kithworto - Kasatiróatmansamnatakinashát. [Deal with it.] She is here and therefore we are now a team.

Mu growled and put his hand down.


 * Mu - Now I can see why Nu hates the Radeon.
 * Sarec - Unfortunately...it seems this is the support the Commonwealth...offered us.
 * Kezoreg - Sína'in.
 * Grukarb - So...No fleet of Warlords or half of Wraith legion?
 * Lemmo - Seems that Kithworto offended the Highlords REALLY hard for them to send HER.
 * Koluap - I blame Tyraz!
 * Eta - Since when did we allow Andrókilómatkasatøtín [Andromedan little girls] on our team?
 * Koluap - I miss the raven lady already.

Venoriel smiled and looked at Quinniath.


 * Corteus - Miss Veroniel. Remember that you are here as an auxillary commander. Highlord Ultanos instructed me to remind you.
 * Venoriel - Ah, one of my students. You did well at bolstering this team's firepower, although your tactical skill is as null as it was before my tutelage. Speaking of which...

Venoriel waved her hand and one of the Guardians stepped in, removing her helmet. Standing beside Venoriel was a lithe figure with long, flowing hair and specialized armour. What was bizarre was that despite her clearly-Radeon build, she possessed blades, constructed of nanomaterials, held within her hands and an even larger sword attached to her back through supposed magnetic connection.


 *  - Guardian Lieutenant Stigmathea Zimenaim, reporting for duty, Commander.
 * Venoriel - Meet Strigmathea. One of my most talented subordinates and a protege of mine.

Stigmathea exchanged a slight bow towards the group, to which Hachi could only stare with widened eyes. Kezoreg spat to the ground while Kalcedia folded her arms, giving a slight smile as she observed the Radeon's physique and build. The Agents folded their arms.


 * Tau - Why are you here anyway?
 * Stigmathea - You asked for Guardian support. You got it.
 * Tau - Kithworto asked no such thing. He gave a warning to your leaders. I don't want little girls on my team.
 * Kithworto - Your team?
 * Sarec - I would say she is useful, looking at her.
 * Venoriel - You will learn in time, Kicath, that on the field of battle the brute strength your species is so famous for is insgnificant in comparison to tactics as strategy, especially if such an enemy as the Dominion is involved.

Nu growled as he went for his gun.


 * Venoriel - Now. Status report.
 * Kezoreg - Want a status report? We were royally fucked by some ugly crow whore.
 * Venoriel - Hmph. The mutant child is surprisingly good at reporting. He could do well under my tutelage, especially if we could concentrate and focus that attitude of his for our cause.
 * Kezoreg - How about I shove my finger up your ass once you take your head out of it?

Psi chuckled at Kezoreg's remark.


 * Venoriel - Your vocabulary is limited at best when it comes to curses and insults; there are 234 more ways to express the same feelings through more eloquent and offensive forms of speech.
 * Kezoreg - Kasatanaí. [Alien scumbag.]
 * Grukarb - ...I miss being in synchronised teams. I feel like I have two chances of survival: Get killed by the dominion or kill myself as a mercy...If anyone wants my shotgun after I'm done with it feel free.

Nu turned sharply at Grukarb's request before looking at Tau.


 * Tau - No.
 * Koluap - Radeons all suck! Except Baptarion, he's a nice guy.
 * Upsilon - Multilingual bitchslapping. Fun.

Arkarixus walked up to Venoriel, towering over her and giving her a very stern glare.


 * Arkarixus - Listen well. I've dealt with your arrogant insubordination before. I will not accept it again. If you act like you did in the past, I will personally send you back to Andromeda in a box.
 * Grukarb - Want me to break her prematurely Arkarixus?
 * Corteus - Grukarb I advise you stay quiet.
 * Venoriel - Lord Arkarixus, I assure you that my squad will not negatively affect this team's productivity. I expect the same from you.
 * Stigmathea - The Grandmaster himself appointed us, including the Commander as well as myself, to grant you assistance. Whether you like it or not.

Arkarixus gave Stigmathea the same glare. Stigmathea exchanged Arkarixus' glare with her own, appearing not so much scared of him but more disappointed. She kept her stance calm and steady, her glare piercing and unchallenged.


 * Arkarixus - Silence.
 * Stigmathea - I expected something more of the Cold Ones.
 * Arkarixus - I expect you to not be a liability like you were during the Borealis wars.

Kithworto stood forward, also towering over Venoriel.


 * Kithworto - I will reiterate what Arkarixus said. Whilst I appreciate your assistance, I do not appreciate the way you address my team. You may know how to express 235 feelings of distaste, but you will be able to describe 236 feelings synonymous to the reaction once my patience runs out with you. And taking in Kezoreg as a protege? 'Nai'sh'anhad. [Not a chance.]
 * Arkarixus - Hmpf. Be thankful Kithworto has accepted you. For this is a decision I very much disagree with.

Arkarixus turned back and walked away.


 * Stigmathea - Hmph, like how the Grox disagreed with the Cold Ones?

Arkarixus suddenly reappeared, grabbing Stigmathea by her throat and squeezing her.


 * Arkarixus - I said, no insubordination.
 * Stigmathea - ...A-Affirmative, m-my lord.
 * Kithworto - Enough, Arkarixus.

Arkarixus let go of Stigmathea and turned back again. She rubbed her neck and coughed before regaining her orderly stance. Hachi was still staring at her while dribbling unintelligently, causing the Radeon to back up behind Venoriel. Sarec walked up to Hachi and rested his hand on Hachi's shoulders. Kithworto turned to Stigmathea.


 * Kithworto - I sincerely hope that your conduct is better than this.
 * Corteus - This is going to be a long trip through a psychadelic hell...
 * Koluap - Hey, how about we move on now? I'm getting cold on my feathers.

Psi looked startled.


 * Psi - ...Feathers?

Koluap pointed at his ears.


 * Koluap - What do you think these are?

Psi let out a terrified moan before holding his head.


 * Psi - Well that was more of a mindscrew than I needed.
 * Koluap - Eh. My ears have feathers. What's the big deal?
 * Venoriel - Very well. I assume you do have a plan, because otherwise, I'll have to take the reins of leadership, and I am well aware of the fact that many of you find the notion uncomfortable.
 * Stigmathea - I find it preferable, Commander.
 * Koluap - You're no boss of me! Kithworto's the boss of me!
 * Grukarb - We're all going to die.
 * Mu - Hell, I think I prefer Santorakh over all this.
 * Eta - Seconded.

Stigmathea turned her attention to Hachi, who was still staring at her.


 * Stigmathea - ...What is that thing?
 * Kezoreg - A human.
 * Stigmathea - That is... unlike any human I have witnessed prior.
 * Kezoreg - He's "different".
 * Stigmathea - How "different"?
 * Kezoreg - Different enough to watch you undress.
 * Corteus - Kid, you have a shocking lack of understanding for the military heirachy.
 * Tharaqím - We had a plan. But the appearence of the Mali'Nar was not expected.
 * Venoriel - Very well. It seems that I shall be the leader of the team from now on, at least for the time being.
 * Tharaqím - You will not.

Grukarb tapped the muzzle of his shotgun against his head. The Agents all primed their weapons.


 * Stigmathea - Commander Venoriel, they're pointing guns at us. Are these not our allies?
 * Zeta - I don't like fights, but I don't like you either. Times like these are confusing.
 * Tharaqím - You have not come all the way here to tell us what to do. You will advise our path, at the very most.
 * Grukarb - I've been though four 24-hour descents into hell, five suicide missions and three botched oeprations. I have never felt more like I am better off ending my contract on the spot than I do here.

Venoriel turned to Stigmathea, whispered something to her ear in frequencies too high for non-Radeons to hear, then moved her eyes back to the rest of the team, the Agents in particular.


 * Venoriel - Ahem. Lay these weapons down. Tagárai nanuntunítarǎz ítara man atmanasha. Kisiatiróatmansamnatakinashét. [We are allies here, Agents. Show some respect.]
 * Eta - Did...did she just talk Kicathian at us?
 * Sarec - Impressive.
 * Nu - Ekolnyúramadálnaryanaí ál malí'mnajakta samnatakinasha! [To Shard if she can speak!]
 * Mu - Hell, I don't care what language she speaks. I want HER to show respect.
 * Venoriel - Earn it.

Venoriel turned to her squad.


 * Mu - Fuck it, I'm gonna kill her!

Mu tried to leap at Venoriel, but Tharaqím stood at his front and stopped him on his tracks. Stigmathea stood in front of Venoriel and gave a glare towards Mu, shaking her head with a snarl.


 * Stigmathea - We are all in the same vessel. We cannot afford to be picky about the catch.
 * Mu - Go to Hell you little shit.
 * Corteus - Andromedan Inter-group command policy states all military personnel will respect the ranks of all members of an outsider unit. Commander Venoriel, Kithworto is your superior in every aspect. Respect or not, commander, you follow his orders.
 * Tharaqím - Exactly. You are not the leader of this operation. You are a subordinate. You can try and fool yourself about being the leader, but the team will follow Kithworto over you. Now enough arrogance, I am trying to make both of these squads reason.
 * Venoriel - Very well. But I believe the Warlord does not have any ideas regarding how to escape this place, meaning that I shall take the situation in my hands. According to the information gathered by the Hereticon, - Venoriel activated her hologauntlet - The closest escape pod is located in the westernmost area of the ship, which means we have to head... - Venoriel pondered for a few seconds. - ''There.
 * Tharaqím - So be it.
 * Psi - Well think about. Crazy Radeon psycho bitch, or Kicathian warlord demigod of doom? C'mon, people.
 * Grukarb - Could be worse.
 * Koluap - Ah-choo!

Koluap oozed venom out of his forehead organ.


 * Koluap - ...I think I'm getting a cold...
 * Stigmathea - ...Filthy alien.
 * Koluap - Filthy zealot. See, two can play this game!

Stigmathea reached into her armour and pulled out a cloth that was covered in luminescent lines and patterns. She threw it to Koluap for him to catch.


 * Stigmathea - Clean yourself of that... mess.
 * Koluap - Bah. Bite me.

Kithworto slammed his fist in the side of the wall. The ice disintegrated as a a sharp breath escaped his mouth.


 * Kithworto - Fight as a team or fight among yourselves. We leave together or we do not leave at all.
 * Corteus - Tharaqim if we survive all this, perhaps we could provide you with residence in the Commonwealth. Preferably an abode far away from the commander.
 * Tharaqím - That would be most kind of you.
 * Grukarb - Wait isn't she supposed to be the commissioner for the armies in Borealis?
 * Venoriel - That is correct.
 * Mu - So we share the galaxy with her? Heugh.
 * Grukarb - Did you get lost on a hyperspace voyage?
 * Nu - Permission to vomit in your helmet, Mu.
 * Mu - What the hell?
 * Nu - Heh.
 * Stigmathea - Additional support, Grandmaster's orders. Believe me, I am just as uncomfortable as you are. There is little more I desire than spending shore leave upon Borealum.
 * Tharaqím - We waste time here. Let us move on.

Silence
Venoriel moved out with her quad, followed by black ice and maniacal whispers. The Agents moved out, with a slight walk of anger and boredom.


 * 'Divin-Ra - FIGHT. FIGHT. YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE. NOONE WILL ESCAPE. THEY PLAY WITH YOU. THEY TOY WITH YOU.
 * Psi - Siná'in. Next time we get a break in Borealis I'm going to drink myself silly. Freaking need it after all of this.

Hachi walked closely to the Guardian squad, particularly Venoriel and Stigmathea, the latter of which exchanged an odd, awkward glare in his direction before looking away. Arkarixus was already far ahead of the rest of the team.


 * Venoriel - Not a word, Rianth. That did not even happen in this timeline.
 * Hachi - But... but... but...

Arkarixus spoke from a distance.


 * Arkarixus - Yes it did!

Nu laughed.


 * Nu - Oh I remember now. That was funny even on Kicath level.

Black ice continued twisting the insides of the ship, warping pathways and mutating walls. Koluap sneezed again, launching more venom into the floor. He had actually taken Stigmathea's piece of cloth and cleaned his spitting organ.


 * Grukarb - Hey captain if you can convert your arm into a gun, can you provide me with some whisky?
 * Corteus - You would not lik where I would get the material for it.
 * Grukarb - Ew. Ew-we-weww.
 * Koluap - Oh man, I did not need to hear that.

The cold began to frost over Kithworto's metallic skin.

Stigmathea' - Metacryphus is my brother, he's an accomplished taskforce commander. The Archon is... was the one known as Indricarron. The one that this "Baptarion" murdered.''
 * Stigmathea - I met a Cold One, Kicathian Agents and veterans of the Borealis War all at the same place at the same time. This is going to make Metacryphus more sore than when I had informed him I had been offered placement as one of the Archon's defense operatives.
 * Eta - Who now?
 * Koluap - It's a Kormacvar, you dumb. Not a "cold one".
 * Koluap - Indricarron? I heard of that one. Baptarion says it's his brother. And a Corruptus servant.
 * Stigmathea - He spoke high of Baptarion. I fail to observe the reasoning behind it.
 * Koluap - I just said they were brothers.

Grukarb groaned.


 * Grukarb - How else am I supposed to get though this mission sober?
 * Corteus - Well....
 * Grukarb - No! Stop suggesting it!
 * Koluap - You like men now?
 * Corteus - I can purify my urine into drinking water, and if neccessary, add other compounds.
 * Grukarb - I'm not drinking Drallivian piss, end-of-discussion!
 * Divin-Ra - SILENCE... SILENCE... SILENCE! SILENCE. SILENCE SILENCE SILENCE SILENCE
 * Mu - You silence!

The black ice started expanding rapidly, turning into a flock of black, mutated crows. Hachi screeched in a high-pitched tone as he leaped on Sarec's back, scared by the presence of these demonic, shady avians.


 * Nu - What is a 'crow' exactly?
 * Mu - Something that needs to die.
 * Zeta - What an odd question to bring up.
 * Stigmathea - Vermin. The birds I mean. Maybe the Rianth as well.

The avian creatures then attacked, their small beaks full of jagged, demonic-looking teeth; instead of striking the eyes and other vital joints, through, they clogged th heroes' noses and mouth, dissolving into swarms of twisted insects when they were near. Koluap attacked the crows with his Xhodocto Axe, while Tharaqím and Arkarixus attacked with their essences. Lemmo screamed, trying to shoot the birds, but there were simply far too many of them.

Corteus and Grukarb waved their hands in front of their daces and snorted to try and reject the insects while Sarec attempted to surround himself and Hachi with a protective barrier. Stigmathea screamed and began throwing her arms in devastating cycles and patterns, slicing them in half and carving them at various angles with her chainswords. The Agents continued running through, albeit slowed down and stumbling in places as they roared. Kezoreg began to run while Kalcedia screeched, her chest bouncing as she did, and began to overtake the mutant in front of her.


 * Kalcedia - I. HATE. INSECTS.
 * Koluap - That's kinda racist.

Venoriel drove the insects away with her Essence; but they kept reforming, attempting to silence the team. Their numbers grew. And grew. And grew.

Divin-Ra - SILENCE SILENCE SILENCE SILENCE
 * Mu - Getting real sick of this bullshit.

Venoriel coughed as black tar oozed from her mouth, trying to speak.


 * Venoriel - We must move! Faster!
 * Koluap - Ew.

Venoriel tore through the wall with a wave of pressure and moved quickly, seeing more and more halls filled with corpses and black eyes.


 * Venoriel - Over there! The escape pod!
 * Mu - Agents first!
 * Hachi - I call dibs on Venoriel's lap!

Venoriel pointed at a large, spiky iron cocoon, studded with spikes on the outside to the point it resembled an instrument of torture; yet, in fact, it was now the team's salvation. Venoriel came first, her fists glowing.


 * Sarec - That is rather morbid for an escape pod.
 * Tharaqím - We can blame the Dominion, now move.
 * Hachi - It looks like a BDSM tool!
 * Koluap - A what now?
 * Corteus - I'm not even going to ask.
 * Venoriel - A pod is a pod. Now, if you excuse me, we have to open this thing somehow. Stigmathea, help me.

Stigmathea stood close to the pod and raised an arm, focussing as she closed her eyes and tensed her muscles.


 * Psi - Hah. Radeon women doing heavy lifting. I need to drink more often.
 * Venoriel - Not that way.

Venoriel neared the pod and waved her hand; white light started to shine from inside the pod as its doors opened from telekinetic energy.


 * Venoriel - The Radeon way.'
 * Stigmathea - Hmph, apologies, Commander.
 * Lemmo - Goddamn space magic.
 * Mu - Hell, are there even male Radeon? I can't tell.
 * Hachi - I hope not.
 * Corteus - You should avoid the Primarch then.
 * Nu - Either way, you can snap them like a twig.
 * Stigmathea - Not all of them.
 * Nu - I'm tempted to break that theory.
 * Tharaqím - We can discuss alien fragility once we escape.

The team jumped into the pod and started pressing the buttons frantically, trying to understand how Dominion tech works. Aureute holograms started appearing over the interior of the pod, chanting in a language unknown to the Gigaquadrant.


 * Grukarb - For an empire with species such as the Draconis and Kicath, i'm surprised these holograms use an unknown language.
 * Venoriel - It's a sensible move for an organisation whose main priority is war against all. Secrecy is key.
 * Stigmathea - Wouldn't mind cracking a few of them open. As well as the secrets.

Having been educated in the demonic languages, Nu and Tau could understand the speech.


 * Nu - You know, they really ought to shut up about unauthorised shuttle launches. Siná'in.
 * Lemmo - Wait! I think I can understand... half of that. Something about uttering the key word to be transported there... or to release the toxic gas in the pod.

Lemmo turned to the agents.


 * Lemmo - Any ideas about what this key word could be?
 * Tau - Toxic gas? Bah. More like...nanite swarms. Ech.
 * Koluap - You call this toxic gas? I could create more tox-
 * Mu - Shut up.
 * Hachi - Nanite swarms? ...That doesn't sound kinky at all.
 * Stigmathea - No. It's not kinky. Whatever that means. ...Shut up.
 * Corteus - I'm practically made of nanites.
 * Koluap - We're being swarmed by mini Corteuses!
 * Nu - Uh....okravandraseiavnirabh. Shuttle launch.
 * Lemmo - You sure you pronounced that right? There's that-
 * Nu - I'm a fucking robot, of course I pronounced it right!

Suddenly, the escape pod activated. Roaring furiously like a wild animal, it was engulfed by light and then thrown from the ship into the darkness of space... Or was that space?


 * Hologram - [ERROR. UNKNOWN DIMENSION. ACTIVATING ADDITIONAL S-]

And then, black ice and icy blue light engulfed the pod as well. Wherever it was now, it wasn't the real universe...


 * Lemmo - What- what the hell is going on?
 * Divin-Ra - YOU WANT TO ESCAPE. DO YOU?
 * Nu - Shit. This happens too much.
 * Grukarb - Next time mr. "I think I can speak an unknown language" shouldn't fly.
 * Hachi - I w-want other t-things than e-escape but that w-would be n-nice.
 * Nu - That's what Vekaron said. Look where I am now!
 * Mu - Yeah. He was right.
 * Divin-Ra - ANSWER ME. DO YOU WANT TO ESCAPE?
 * Stigmathea - That a trick question?
 * Sarec - I can see why the Others stand against you.
 * Koluap - Shut your beak you whatever the hell you are!
 * Venoriel - We do. And?
 * Divin-Ra - TELL ME THEN. DO YOU WANT A UNIVERSE WITHOUT US? WITHOUT DEMONS? WHERE XHODOCTO DO NOT EXIST?
 * Mu - Well yeah but you're a demon too and hell if I'm gonna trust what you say.
 * Kithworto - I really do not have time for this.
 * Divin-Ra - THEN HAVE IT. HAVE A UNIVERSE WHERE THERE ARE NO DEMONS, NO SQUABBLING BETWEEN SPECIES. HAVE THE UNIVERSE OF ONE ORDER. HAVE THE UNIVERSE OF THE HEGEMONY.
 * Mu - She's sending us to the now?
 * Eta - Oh god. Please don't. We'll never hear the end of it from Chi.

And then, the pod breached, and blue light devoured its denizens, transporting them into a different, dark reality. The reality of the Hegemony...

=Journey Through Reality=

See here.