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

The Rise of the Xi'Arazulha is set directly after the Prologue. It is a dark time for the galaxy, in which the inhabitants will be put to the test.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mac growled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kolossus - Certainly...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chaotic Aid
The Xi'Arazulha changed their strategy to fight the Junction's immense size and technologic power by assaulting their Planet Fortresses, however, this plan did not work as actually intended. The Xi'Arazulha would soon note that the Junction had a seemingly infinite number of Fortresses, all with weaponry capable of defeating them with actual ease.

A twist would happen, however. A rift in reality was opened and dark beings appeared from it, combating the Junction. These beings were the, mortal avatars of the. Feeling taunted by facing mortal versions of "supreme beings", the hive mind of the Junction focused all their attention on the Ovyirraava'Auazm, who teleported away from the galaxy. The Junction as a whole followed, in their attempt to "suppress" them.

The galaxy was now unprotected by the Junction. Xi'Arazkha did not know why the Xhodocto had aided him, but now his only actual obstacle was gone...

Terrorizing the natives
While the Junction was away chasing the Xhodocto through different dimensions, the Xi'Arazulha moved to the edges of the Arm of Knowledge, in their way to Ottzello. They would soon enter the territory of a large civilization known as the, and feeling particularly devious, decided to pay them a visit.

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

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

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

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

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

,, and  entered the room.

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

King Rebaris appeared in a screen, scared.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone facepalmed.

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

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

Inalton trooper - Ah, Dalverat.

The Inalton saluted.

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

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

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

The trooper was dead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fre'kloar slapped Dark Fre'kloar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fre'kloar slapped Jol'kiar.

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

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

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

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

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

The three started to fight around.

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

Brag'klogga teleported away.

On the surface of the planet...

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

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

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

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

Brag'klogga - ITS WORKIN MA KEEP IT UP

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

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

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

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

Flashie - WATS GOIN ON???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Chimp squealed in ordinary chimp fashion.

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

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

On the Krooza...

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

Rel'larutina sighed at the other's stupidity.

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

The Flashie showed the chimp, which squealed.

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

The Flashie cried, and Fre'kloar slapped him.

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zaarkhun scratched his head.

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

Volim sighed and sat on his throne, thinking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volim, Torrent and a group of soldiers went investigate.

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

Volim and his group kept investigating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Torrent - What now?

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

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

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

Xi'Arazhula - Your time is up...

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

Genrai Nal - Torrent, run!

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

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

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

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

Silence.

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

Torrent stared at the ship, which was now debris.

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

Volim shook his head.

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

Torrent just stood quiet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNOL all went to sleep.

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

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

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

Feldosia rushed over to hug Dakster.

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

All of UNOL completely forgot they were just dreaming.

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

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

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

Dakster approached slowly, and each of UNOL stepped back.

Zr'Ahgloth - wat da hell man Kralgon Emperor - ...You are not the real Dakster. Dakster - Of course I am, Emperor... Valzo - ''No, you're not. You can't be...'' As Dakster approached, he started to change into a large, mettalic, reptilian beast carrying a large weapon of totally alien technology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The creature fires its weapon, killing Yogtam.

Kralgon Emperor - No!

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

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

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

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

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

Zr'Ahgloth - WOAH WAT 

Zr'Ahgloth fell out of his bed.

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

An AI Tralkik Tuolog hologram appeared.

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

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

They approached the Cold Relay, and get into contact.

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

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

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

Fre'kloar showed the Groodrub chimp.

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

Fre'kloar kicked Rel'larutina away.

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

While Zr'Ahgloth was laughing...

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

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

Caretaker - Preparing our defences.

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

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

The Krooza aided anyway.

Fre'kloar - hur ya so dum

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

Geltastra - Now you have nowhere to escape!

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

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

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

Geltastra - Damnit! Zr'Ahgloth - ''OI GUYZ. WE FIR OUR BEST WEPONZ ON IT NAO ENNIT?'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - PEEPZ LETS FIRE OUR BEST WEPONZ ON IT NAO...OH MA DAYZ BLU BOY STOP COPYIN ME Fre'kloar - ''OI. WAT YOO SAYIN BOUT BLU LORONZ?'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ITS NOT YOO MAN I MENT DA BLU COPYCAT ZR'AHGLOTH Fre'kloar - BES B

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

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

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

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

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

Rel'larutina - There's your 'sik boomz'. Zalk'don sighed, disppointed.

Geltastra - ''Damnation. Retreat!'' Geltastra and the Chosen fleet left.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''SIK NAO LETS GO HOME... wait we cant.'' Fre'kloar - ''COURS WE CAN. SEE YA LATA SUKAS'' Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - Erm...no we can't. Fre'kloar - ''reely? dam'' Zr'Ahgloth - NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU STUK HEER WIV DA BIGGEST BIGGEST BIGGEST LOSAS EVA Dark Zr'Ahgloth - yeh bein stuk wiv yoos propa dum

Rebaris - There MUST be a way out, somewhere. Yogtam - ''There... isn't. Using sublight travel would tkae us hundreds of years to get to the next Cold Relay. We are literally trapped.'' Vekaron - No surviving Caretakers to aid us? The Kralgon Emperor shook his head.

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

Rel'larutina sighed.

The leaders were lost in dead space, by the broken Cold Relay, and had no way of getting home. Their empires would be lost without them, especially with the Xi'Arazhula's attack.

BCN paradise
Volim - ''Are you sure no dangerous beasts live in this location? I don't want to lose men in the night due to this.''

Volim and Torrent were setting up camp on the world they had landed on. They had to make the best of everything.

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

The next day...

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

Torrent showed an Ioketa he was holding by the neck.

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

Volim shrugged.

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

The Ioketa spoke.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Torrent - Damnit!

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

Ioketa - Looks like you need help.

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

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

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

Torrent - Gah!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Torrent seemed surprised.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genrai Nal - Torrent, run!

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

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

The Xi'Arazulha grabbed Genral Nal by his neck.

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

The Xi'Arazulha let go of Genral Nal.

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

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

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

Gernai Nal held his neck in pain.

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

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

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

The Fight of the Lost
Zr'Ahloth - deep spaic suks man its so borin

The three starships were still out in deep space, and had been lost for a week now. Their empires couldn't function properly with the leaders missing.

Fre'kloar - yeh ennit...WHAI AM I AGREEING WIV YA OH MAN IM GETTIN CRAZY Zr'Ahgloth - ''yanno somfin els crazy dat we shood aree on? WE SHOOD AGREE TA FTE'' Dark ZrAhgloth - I STILL WANNA PAYBAK FROM DAT FITE BAK IN DA FOG WAR MAN YOO CHEATED YOO GOT TYRAZ BREEK TA HELP YA Zr'Ahgloth - YOO CHEETED YOO GOT DA SKULLDOOD TA HELP SHUT UP Jol'kiar - YOR ALL DUM

The four broke out into a huge argument, which soon shifted into an argument between the Rogue Boyz amongst themselves.

Grak'tona - ''OI. ONE FING. WHO DA HELLS DAT GUY? HE LOOKS PROPA DUM WIV DAT OUTFIT''

Grak'tona pointed at Zr'Ahgloth.

Fre'kloar - DIDNT WE TELL YOO "YOR MAJESTY"? Grak'tona - AN HE LOOKS A LOT LIKE ZR'AHGLOTH HEER CEPT HES BLU MAN WAT DA HELL Jol'kiar - ''BAK IN MAI DAYZ DA DOOD WIV DA MOST EXPERIENC FITES DA ENEMY. IN DIS CASE DATS ME. SO IMMA FITE HIM.'' Grak'tona - YEH WELL BAK IN MY'' DAY DA KING ALWAYZ LEEDS DA PROPA FITES. IN DIS CASE DATS ME.'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - OI YOO LOT SHUT UP IM DA ONE FITIN DA COPYCAT DUMBO I GOT PERSONAL STOOF TA SOLVE WIV HIM Fre'kloar - ''AN YOO FINK I HAVENT??? DUMBO'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN MA STOOFS A LOT MOR COMPLICATED DAN YORS

In a moment that is uncommon for Loron, Fre'kloar made a speech.

Fre'kloar - ''NO IT ENT. I MAED DIS EMPIYA COS OF ZR'AHGLOTH. WE CAEM A LONG WAY COS OF ONE GOAL: TA FITE DIS WANNABE LOSA AN MAEK DA SIKKEST LORON EMPIYA EVA. INO SOM PEEPZ LIEK DA MIRUS AN DA QUADRANT AN DA ANDROMEDA LORONZ ALL NOT FOLLOWIN US BUT WES DA BEST. I ALWAYS HATED ZR'AHGLOTH ALL DA TIEM WEN I WAS IN HIS CRAPPY EMPIYA AN HE MAED IT CRAPPIA. DATS WHAI I NEED TA FITE HIM AN REPRESENT ALL DA STOOF I STOOD UP FOR IN DA PAST FEW YEERS!!!!!!!!!!!''

Everyone went silent.

Jol'kiar - ''woah man dat wus deep makes me proud of bein yor menta...STILL IM DA OLDA ONE RESPEKT YA ELDAS AN SHUT UP WHILE I KILL HIM. HE BEET ME ONC BAK IN DAT DAY WHERE ZAARKHUNS LOT ASKED ME TA FITE HIM BUT ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN AGEN. DATS WHAI I NEED TA FITE ZR'AHGLOTH AN PAY HIM BAK!!!!!!!!!''

After a few moments, Dark Zr'Ahgloth spoke.

Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ''WELL KOLOSSUS MADE ME TA FITE DIS WANNABE. I LED AN ENTIRE EMPIYA AN WUS FORCED TA WORK WIV HIM WIV DA COPYCAT GOD OF BLING FOR MONFFS I SWER MAN HE WUS DA BIGGAST ANNOYANC EVA. BUT DEN HE TURNED HERETIK YA SEE JOININ ROZ'TAH'FLOK. I WULD HAV KILLED HIM BY NOW IF IT WUSNT FER DAT ZAZZIE LOSA AN IM GONNA HAV MA REVENGE. DATS WHAI I NEED TA FITE ZR'AHGLOTH!!!!!!!'' Grak'tona - ''I GOT A STORY AS WELL. YOO BETTA SUDDUP AN LISSEN K?'' Fre'kloar - wat man yoo didnt even knew who zr'ahgloth wus until now Grak'tona - ''WEN I WAS BORN MA DAD TOLD ME I WAS GONNA B A SIK KING. HE SED DAT I WAS GONNA GROW UP AN B JUS LIEK HIM. DEN HE DIED. DATS WHAI I NEED TA FITE ZR'AHGLOTH.''

Everyone went silent, as usual.

Jol'kiar - HOW DOES DAT HAV TA DO WIV ZR'AHGLOTH MAN Grak'tona - I DUNNO IT JUS DOES

While they had all been arguing, Zr'Ahgloth and UNOL were arguing about something else.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''MAN I DUNT CAR WAT YA FINK. IM GONNA GO TO DAT RELAY AN SMASH FRE'KLOAR WHETHA YOO LIEK IT OR NOT.'' Yogtam - And have your head explode due to being exposed to space vacuum. Zr'Ahgloth - IM GONNA B INSIDE DA PLAIC DA CARETAKAS GO DUR DERES PROBS NO DANGUR IN DA BIT WHER DA CARETAKAS WORK Kralgon Emperor - ''Watching them fight could be interesting. I would rather have all them dead so it's a win-win situation for me.'' Zr'Ahgloth - YOO WANT ME DED???????

The Emperor shrugged.

Kralgon Emperor - Sometimes, yes.

Zr'Ahgloth was about to punch the Kralgon Emperor, but was electricuted.

Kralgon Emperor - Well, really, there isn't much else to do now... Zr'Ahgloth - ''EXACTLY. SO ANY ONE ELSE GOT PROBLEMS WIV ME GOIN IN DERE AN SMASHIN DEM?'' Thr'aloy - I SAY YOO GO DERE AN I GO DERE BATTA DAT DUM GREY THR'ALOY COPYCAT Darwishi - ''Meh. Stupid idea, there's about 9 of them, and 2 of you.'' Zr'Ahgloth - IM DA STRONGAST LORON EVA MAN DUNT UNDASTIMATE ME Thr'aloy - ''YEH AN IM DA SECOND STRONGAST. AM IM EVEN YOUNGA DAN ZR'AHGLOTH'' Thylaxiz - You shouldn't underestimate them either... Zr'Ahgloth - ''YOOZ IMPLYIN DEYZ STRONGA DAN ME? MAN I GOT DA SYSTEM DEY CANT BEET ME'' Thylaxiz - No, but whether they are or not, they're more numerous than you. Zr'Ahgloth - ''DAT DOSNT MATTA IVE BATTARED LOADS OF PEEPZ BY MASELV IN DA PAST Thylaxiz - ''But loads of 'peepz' of similar strength to you? I doubt that.'' Zr'Ahgloth - DEY EINT AS STRONG AS ME IM STRONGA DAN DEM ALL Thylaxiz - So? Kralgon Emperor - ''Agh, forget it. Loron traditions, they'll only do one on one fight.'' Zr'Ahgloth - YEH DAT TOO

Fre'kloar returned to the transmission screen.

Fre'kloar - ''OI MAN WES REDY. YOO AN ME. ON DERE. NAO. K?'' Thr'aloy - OI DUMBO I WANNA FITE DARK THR'ALOY TELL HIM TA GET HIS GREY BUTT OVA HEER Fre'kloar - K Zr'Ahgloth - IMMA B DERE IN A SEC. YOO BETTA B REDY,br> Fre'kloar - COM ON DEN Yogtam - Now wait just a minute.

Yogtam sealed the ship's doors shut and closed transmissions with the Rogue Krooza.

Yogtam - No. Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL

On the Krooza... Fre'kloar - FLIPPIN COWARD MAN I SWER Jol'kiar - BAK IN MAI DAY DAT NEVA USED TA HAPPEN

Back in UNOL...

Yogtam - ''You're not going there. Ok?'' Zr'Ahgloth - WHAI NOT Yogtam - ''You want to go out ther and get killed? And provoke them to attack us? No way, not gonna happen.'' Zr'Ahgloth - NO I WANNA GO DERE AN KILL DEM Yogtam - ...You left me no choice.

Yogtam reached for the ship's terminal.

Zr'Ahgloth - WATS YOO DOIN MAN Yogtam - I'm going to put a stop to this.

Yogtam activated the conrtols, which forced Zr'Ahgloth and Thr'aloy to march to their room.

But on the way...

Zr'Ahgloth - ''RITE. DAT DOES IT!!!!!!!'' Zr'Ahgloth broke free, and smashed a computer. Thr'aloy - ENNIT MAN DAT WUS JUST DUM Zr'Ahgloth and Thr'aloy were no longer in The System. The two planned together, and thought of a way to et to the Cold Relay and fight, without UNO's notice.

Zr'Ahgloth - oi thr'aloy yoo ther? Thr'aloy - ''YEH MAN. OI I DUNT KNO WHAI BUT I FEEL DIFFERENT NAO. LIEK IF I WANTED TA SHANK OVA A DOZEN PEEPZ ALL DAY'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''DA SYSTEMS GON DATS WHAI. BUT ONLY FER NAO SO LETS GO TELL FRE'KLOAR TA GET REDY TA FITE'' Thr'aloy - MAN I FEEL GREAT LETS GO SHANK DEM DUMBOS Zr'Ahgloth - YEH COM ON LETS RAGE AT HIM Thr'aloy - CARNIJ TIME MAN

Zr'Ahgloth hijacked a computer.

Zr'Ahgloth - wait a sec Thr'aloy - wat man hurry up Zr'Ahgloth - ''i cant use computas anymoar wivout da system. in fact i cant do nuffin wivout da system...'' Thr'aloy - dats dum Zr'Ahgloth - ''well i can but i hav ta hak. lets see if i can rememba how ta hak... oh wait. i dunt need ta hak man i can jus use da emergency protocol unol taught me'' Thr'aloy - com on man i wanna kill dem

After a few minutes, Zr'Ahgloth entered the code into it, and got on communication.

Zr'Ahgloth - OI FRE'KLOAR Fre'kloar - WAT DO YA WANT YA COWARD Zr'Ahgloth - ''ME A COWARD? YA MOM. DA FITES GONNA HAPPEN AFTA ALL'' Fre'kloar - ''OH REELY? I FOUT YOO WUS ALREADY HIDIN UNDA YOR BED. RITE DEN LETS FITE'' Grak'tona - HURHURHUR I WANNA FREEZ HIM Zr'Ahgloth - CORS ITS GONNA HAPPEN WAT GAV YOO DA IMPRESHON I WAS CHIKENIN OUT? Fre'kloar - WELL WHEN I TOLD YA TA FITE YOO TURNED DA TRANSMISHION OFF IN MA FACE Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN UNO DID DAT YOO IDIOT Fre'kloar - HOW DA HELL AM I SUPPOSED TA KNO Zr'Ahgloth - MEH WATEVA IMMA HIJAK A SHIP AN FITE YOO Dark Zr'Ahgloth - I CANT WAIT NOW DERE WONT BE ANYON HELPIN YOO HURHURHUR

Zr'Ahgloth hijacked a ship, and after several tries, managed to get it to fly.

Thr'aloy - HURRY UP MAN Zr'Ahgloth - dis fighta is pretty sik

The ship tried to fly into the Cold Relay.

Thr'aloy - YOO SUK AT DRIVIN MAN Ship's AI- ''Warning! Warning! Blast approaching!'' Thr'aloy - SEE NOW DA SHIPS MAD AT US Zr'Ahgloth - ''SHUT UP I CANT DRIV WIVOUT DA SYSTEM... how do ya steer dis fing agen'' Thr'aloy - HUR GIMME DA CONTROLS Zr'Ahgloth - NO SHUT UP YOR NOT DA BOSS Thr'aloy - I WUS DA KAPTIN OF DA PROPA BIG EMPIYA I KNO HOW TA DRIV

The two fought, but then the ship got hit by a bolt of what appeared to be an EMP.

Thr'aloy - wat da hell Zr'Ahgloth -  CRAP ITS GOIN DOWN nah dunt matta wev got da emergency wings Ship AI - Emergency wings offline.

Thr'aloy smacked Zr'Ahgloth.

Thr'aloy - ya so dum Zr'Ahgloth - meh we got da autopilot an da extra boostas Ship AI - ''Autopilot offline. Additional deploy boosters offline.'' Thr'aloy - SHUT UP MAN STOP GIVIN DA SHIP IDEAS Zr'Ahgloth - WELL WEV GOT- Ship AI - Overide systems offline.

Zr'Ahgloth went quiet for a moment.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''ok. AAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'' Thr'aloy - NOW WE CANT GET TO DA FITE CUZ YOO SUK AT DRIVIN Zr'Ahgloth - ''FORGET DAT WES GONNA DAI!!!!!!!!!!!! wait evryfings ok'' Thr'aloy - wat Zr'Ahgloth - ''it dunt matta. im wearin cleen undawer so dis is an ok deth.'' Thr'aloy - wat da hell man whais yoo tellin me dat i swer

The vehicle crashed... but inside the Cold Relay.

Fre'kloar - TOOK YA LOSAS LONG ENUFF Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN I CANT DRIV WIVOUT DA SYSTEM

All the leedas and the warbosses of Da Rogue Boyz were there, waiting.

Zr'Ahgloth - woah man loron tradishon yor only ment ta do one on one Grak'tona - ''WE WILL FITE ONE ON ONE YEH. BUT DA OVAS WILL STAY AN WATCH YOO DAI HURHURHUR'' Fre'kloar - YA MEEN I WILL FITE ONE ON ONE Dark Zr'Ahgloth - NO I WILL Jol'kiar - NOT AGEN OH MA DAYZ

The Leedas fought, until Zr'Ahgloth cut in.

Zr'Ahgloth - DERES ONE WAY TA DECID WHO MA OPPONENT IS. Fre'kloar - AN WATS DAT Zr'Ahgloth - YOO AN DARK ZR'AHGLOTH GOTTA DO A LORON TRADISHONAL ROK PAPA SCISSORS Grak'tona - WAT ABOOT ME MAN SERIOSULY Zr'Ahgloth - I DUNT KNO WHO YOO IS SO ITS BETWEEN DESE TWO

Grak'tona, feeling rejected, went with the rest of the warbosses to watch.

Fre'klaor - FINE DEN ROK PAPPA SCISSORS

As normal, both did a rock on every turn.

Dark Zr'Ahgloth - DAM Zr'Ahgloth - whai yoo doin a rok man do sumfin els Fre'kloar - shut up man roks da sikkest Dark Zr'Ahgloth - yeh rok smashes stoof up Zr'Ahgloth - meh.

This time, Fre'kloar did paper. Dark Zr'Ahgloth still did rock, so Fre'kloar won.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''OK DEN. LETS FITE'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - dats dum

Dark Zr'Ahgloth walked off and joined the others, while Fre'kloar and Zr'Ahgloth stared.

Fre'kloar - OH MAN IVE BEEN WAITIN FER SO LONG FER DIS DAY Zr'Ahgloth - DEN STOP WAITIN NAO

The two engaged in a Loron traditional stare-off, circling each other.

Fre'kloar - I BEATED GRATZ'KAOZ YOOZ GONNA B A PIECE OF PIZZA Zr'Ahgloth - ''man dis is cliche. shall we jus skip dat an fite?'' Fre'kloar - hur fine



Zr'Ahgloth charged right up to Fre'kloar, who had also charged and both headbutted each other. They both fell back, but Zr'Ahgloth got up quicker, thanks to his nanomcahines.

Zr'Ahgloth - man da systems comin bak Fre'kloar - OH NO YA DONT

Fre'kloar jumped on Zr'Ahgloth and punched him several times, throwing his hardest. In pain, Zr'Ahgloth managed to throw Fre'klaoar off. He threw him against a wall, which broke. Fre'kloar fell through metal, then got up, and charged back at Zr'Ahgloth, kicking him in the stomach.

Fre'kloar - IM GONNA WIN DIS

The Relay shook, and both fell to the floor. Meanwhile...

Thr'aloy - ''oi Dark Thr'aloy wat about our fite? dunt tell me yoov forgotten'' Dark Thr'aloy - COURS I DIDNT DONT B DUM Thr'aloy - GUUD

Thr'aloy roudhouse kicked Dark Thr'aloy. Dark Thr'aloy did the same, and both their legs knocked into each other.

Dark Thr'aloy - YOO EVEN COPY MA ATTAKS HOW DUM YOO IS

Both punched each other... at the same time. They were fighting parallel to one another.

Dark Thr'aloy - STOP DAT MAN Thr'aloy - ''NO U YOR DA ONE COPYIN DEN CLAIMIN IM COPYIN YOO. ITS SO OBVIOUS YOR A LAEM CLON OF ME. OI GUYZ WHOS DA CLONE ME OR HIM?''

All the warbosses pointed at Thr'aloy.

Dark Thr'aloy - HURHURHUR

Thr'aloy - AW WAT?

Thr'aloy bit Dark Thr'aloy's arm in annoyance.

Dark Thr'aloy - OW OW OW

Dark Thr'aloy punched Thr'aloy head repeatedly, eventually getting him off.

Thr'aloy - OH NO U DIDNT

Thr'aloy kicked Dark Thr'aloy between his legs.

Thr'aloy - oh yeh i forgot loronz dunt hav ballz Dark Thr'aloy - ...HUR YA SO DUM

Dark Thr'aloy charged at Thr'aloy, slamming him against a wall. Thr'aloy quckly turned around, picked up a broken computer near him, and smashed it on Dark Thr'aloy's head. The ship shook.

Dark Thr'aloy - WIMP USIN COMPUTAS ON ME Thr'aloy - WIMP COPYIN MA ATTAKS Dark Thr'aloy - IMMA FRIKIN SMASH YAS

Meanwhile...

Zr'Ahgloth - FITIN YOO IS SO BORIN Fre'kloar - YA MOMS BORIN Zr'Ahgloth - DATS WHAI I ATE HER IDIOT Fre'kloar - WAT DA HELL

Fre'kloar grabbed Zr'Ahgloth's arm and slammed him against the ground.

Zr'Ahgloth - YOO IDIOT YOR WRECKIN DA RELAY ITS GONNA BRAKE Fre'kloar - SCREW DA RELAY IM GONNA KILL YOO NOW

Zr'Ahgloth, with both his feet, kicked Fre'kloar's neck, Fre'kloar was knocked back and breathed harder than usual.

Fre'kloar - DAT WUS DUM Zr'Ahgloth - liek yoo Fre'kloar - ''oh yeh? DEN LOOK AT DIS''

Fre'kloar poked Zr'Ahgloth's eyes.

Zr'Ahgloth - OW MAN Fre'kloar - HURHURHURHUR

Zr'Ahgloth kicked his arms and legs around, until he hurt Fre'kloar.

Fre'kloar - OUCH MAN

Of course, the Rogue Leedas were watching both fights, with most watching Fre'kloar and Zr'Ahgloth's.

The Warbosses - GO FRE'KLOAR Dark Fre'kloar - GO ZR'AHGLOTH The Warbosses - BLUD R U DUM???

However, while this was going on...

Kralgon Emperor - ''Report. Any sightings of Zr'Ahgloth?'' Yogtam - ''Negative. But we did find something else.'' Kralgon Emperor - What? Yogtam - ''A broken computer. Don't know how we didn't know from The System, mind you. Also there is a ship missing; again, we should have known that.'' Kralgon Emperor - ...damnit, he's gone to fight hasn't he?! Yogtam - Most likely. Valzo - ''So... why didn't The System detect this?'' Tralkik Commander - The smashed computer caused a glitch, deactivating the System in Zr'Ahgloth and Thr'aloy's bodies for a limited time. Valzo - ''Ah, understood. Am I right in tinking you were hacked somehow?'' Tralkik Commander - ''Aparrently, yes. He has managed to hack me without the System's aid... I'm gonna need a better firewall. Of course, he could have entered the emergency override protocol I taught him, but I figured he'd be too stupid to remember it. Yogtam - ''Oh well. I suppose we'll just go in and get him?''

A message was received from the Zoles ship.

Yogtam - What is it? Rebaris - ''UNOL, the Relay is being torn apart by two large battles inside it. I think your Zr'Ahgloth is responsable.'' Kralgon Emperor - You're joking. Vekaron - ''We have detected Loron-shaped beings in there. And the rogue Loron wouldn't cause that much destruction by themselves.'' Kralgon Emperor - Well, prepare the fighters!

Meanwhile... Zr'Ahgloth - YOOZ GOIN DOWN Fre'kloar - NO YA DAD

Zr'Ahgloth kicked Fre'kloar, who grabbed his shanka.

Fre'kloar - K NO MOR MISTA NICE DOOD

Zr'Ahgloth grabbed his own electrical shanka.

Zr'Ahgloth - KK

Fre'kloar shanked Zr'Ahgloth, and kicked him.

Zr'Ahgloth - YOR A LOSA

Zr'Ahgloth jumped on the ceiling, and hung from it. In response, Fre'kloar jumped and grabbed Zr'Ahgloth's legs.

Fre'kloar - YOO EINT ESCAPIN

Zr'Ahgloth, who was waiting for this, kicked Fre'kloar down. He then jumped, and shanked Fre'kloar's right arm.

Fre'kloar - OW MAN

Fre'kloar poked Zr'Ahgloth's eyes again and shanked his chest several times.

Zr'Ahgloth - OW OW OW DAT ACTUALLY HURT

Meanwhile...

Thr'aloy - man im tired Dark Thr'aloy - yor tuff i gotta admit Thr'aloy - yor not hurhurhur

Thr'aloy roundhouse kicked Dark Thr'aloy, and belly flopped him.

Dark Thr'aloy - FRIKIN DUMBO

Dark Thr'aloy jumped and kicked Thr'aloy's jaw. Thr'aloy - ow man.... Thr'aloy coughed, and punched Dark Thr'aloy's neck the hardest he could. In retaliation, Dark Thr'aloy kicked Thr'aloy's.

Dark Thr'aloy - DIS....HURT...BUT IM STILL GONNA WIN

Suddenly, the two had a spontanious growth spurt.

Dark Thr'aloy - ''OI. TIME UP FER A SEC. IM FEELIN SUMFIN STRANGE'' Thr'aloy - SAME

The two suddenly grew in size, and their skin hardened.

Dark Thr'aloy - WOAH MAN I FEEL SIKKA DAN EVA Thr'aloy - ''SAME... YOO COPYCAT!!!!!'' Dark Thr'aloy - STOP COPYIN MA FEELINGS MAN

The two charged at each other, but a smal ship flew in between them.

Dark Thr'aloy - OI WAT NAO

Yogtam, Darwishi, the Kralgon Emperor, and the Tralkik Commander's avatar all got out, along with several Tralkik and Loron.

Tralkik Commander - Zr'Ahgloth, Thr'aloy, get back! Dark Thr'aloy - ''DIS EINT ENDIN LIKE DIS. WE WILL FINISH OUR FITE ANUVA DAY. man i need sum sleep''

Dark Thr'aloy made a hole through a wall and ran away.

Thr'aloy - ''WAT MAN WHAI YA TAKIN US BAK? AN JUS WEN IT GOT INTERESTIN'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Shut up and get in here! And where's Zr'Ahgloth?''

Zr'Ahgloth came in threw a hole in the wall.

Zr'Ahgloth - MAN IMMA SMASH YOO- oi wat yoo doin heer Fre'kloar - STOP RUNNIN AWAY FROM ME...oh wat da hell wat nao Yogtam - Get in here!

However, at that time, a creature walked in.

Kralgon Emperor - Huh?

The creature was carrying a broom, and stopped suddenly when it saw what was going on.

Old Caretaker - ''Ah, what the hell? You young whippersnappers ruining this place!'' Valzo - ''Oh, it's a Caretaker. Please escuse us.'' Old Caretaker - Yeah, well thanks SO MUCH for creating a HUGE MESS!

The Old Caretaker sighed.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''dum old dood. can I eet him?'' Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN I SAW HIM FURST Old Caretaker - ''Both of you get out! I'm gonna see if I can repair this thing and reactivate it with the Grid.'' Yogtam - Grid?

The Old Caretaker paused.

Old Caretaker - ''You youngsters... don't know about the Grid?'' Kralgon Emperor - Erm...no.

While everyone was distracted, Zr'Ahgloth and Fre'kloar came back into shanking each other. Old Caretaker - Oh will you cut it out? The Old Caretaker fired a gun that trapped both in floating bubbles. Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL Fre'kloar - LEMME OUT MAN WATS WRONG WIV YA

Old Caretaker - Well, ya see son, the Xyro Grid as Vyro'Narza know it, Cold Grid as we know it, and just the Borealis Grid to the Junction, is the thing that keeps the extra-dimensionals out, as well as supplies y'all with power, new planets, new stars, Gyronic, and a ton of other stuff.

UNOL couldn't believe what they were hearing. They'd never imagined anything of the sort in Borealis.

Yogtam - Woah. Kralgon Emperor - Interesting... Zr'Ahgloth - can ya repeet i wusnt payin attenshion Old Caretaker - ''The Grid is also used for weaponry. Like you whippersnappers, *He pointed to the Krlgon Emperor*,use in your Gridfire, or subspace compression. Basicaly, it can cause potentially galaxy-wide effects, like what the Cold Ones used. Remebmer that weapon they used that made the entire galaxy cold? A gridfire weapon.'' Kralgon Emperor - I see... Old Caretaker - ''If I can link this thing back to the Grid, then we'll be able to get this thing repaired in no time! Not to mention used for travel, too.''

The Old Caretaker typed away at the terminal he was on.

Old Caretaker - ''The Grid has only recently been finished, y'know. By the Junction, with the Vyro'Narza's help. It was the Vyro'Narza and the Cold Ones that started it all. I was there when the project was first suggested!'' Valzo - So the Vyro'Narza were much more involved in this galaxy than we though... Fre'kloar - ''BLAH BLAH BLAH. WULD YA SHUT UP AN GET ME OFF DIS BUBBLE ALREDY?''

The Old Caretaker ignored him, and kept mumbling to himself while turning on various terminals.

Old Caretaker - ''Blah blah blah... activating protocol 3... what I just activated the protocols? Damned Junction making it all more complicated... er couple spacetime, hyperspace calculations... Wow, this thing will be up and running way quicker than I thought!''

The Old Caretaker grinned, and turned to them.

Old Caretaker - It'll be ready in no time! Yogtam - Great, thank you. Old Caretaker - ''Yeah! Sould only be 120 years and this thing will be up and running like usual!''

Everyone went silent.

Kralgon Emperor - ''You... have... got... to be... joking.'' Old Caretaker - I know, normally it'd be like three millennia for me to get it up and running on my own! Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ WE WILL ROT IN DIS PLACE

As everyone was distracted, Knar'gank uncloaked next to Fre'kloar's bubble and took him away.

Zr'Ahgloth cried. Zr'Ahgloth - ''I WANT MA MOMMY!!!! MOMMY.... I DUNT WANNA DAI IN DIS LITTLE BUBBLE WIV SOM RANDOM LOSAS AN DA COPYCATS...!!!!!!! oi wher did he go'' Knar'gank - heers a gift from da sneekas

A smoke grenade was thrown on the group, blocking their view.

Zr'Ahgloth - WAT MAN I CANT SEE Kralgon Emperor - ''Oh what the...Fre'kloar disappeared! Ugh, right when we could have killed him!'' Yogtam - ''Meh. Not much he can do here, considering we've got 120 years til we can go anywhere.'' Old Caretaker - ''Hey, it's quick compared to how long it normally lasts! You young whippersnappers are so ungrateful...'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN WE CANT LIV DAT LONG Kralgon Emperor - Not to mention, without us, the Unified Nation will collapse, and can't fight these Xi'Arazhula!

The Old Caretaker shrugged.

Old Caretaker - Not much I can do about that, is there?

Just then, a Zoles ship carrying Rebaris and Vekaron landed nearby, while Thr'aloy entered UNO's ship and warapped himself in a nest.

Rebaris - ''We have detected the conversation as we approached. Really, 120 years?'' Kralgon Emperor - Fraid so. Vekaron - The Zoles won't survive both the Wranploer and the Xi'Arazulha attacks without us... Kralgon Emperor - ''Exactly. We need to get back!'' Old Caretaker - ''Now, now, be patient! If I could go faster, I would!''

Everyone sighed, and returned. They had no clue how to get back, and their one hope was now gone.

The Chase
While this was all going, Volim returned to his living quarters after a day. For the first time in ages, Volim smiled.

Falrik Zaarkhun - How is everything? Volim - Better than ever. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Excellent. As for me, I've upgraded the Wranploer Dreadnaught and the other ships. I'll show you it- what do we have here?''

On Zaarkhun's ship, a Niaka spaceship was detected on radar.

Niaka - ''Volim... and Zaarkhun... both own the Iron Fist? That explains a lot. I must return to the main base and inform everyone!'' Volim - ''Niaka scouts! They may ruin our secrecy if we let them live!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - We gotta hurry up and catch it, then!

The ship activated its boosters, which flew at 50km an hour.

Falrik Zaarkhun - This is faster than non-Cold Relay speed limits over in the Arm of Knowledge, y'know. Volim - ''Ugh, I hate how dependant we are to these things. Still, fire at the Niaka, quickly!''

The Iron Fist fired particle cannons at the ship, which it managed to dodge.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Fast little prick, aren't you? Volim - Damn them tiny pests! Falrik Zaarkhun - Well Volim, want to see some skill? Volim - Show me.

Falrik Zaarkhun activated one of the Iron Fist's weapons, firing 4 spacetime defects around the ship. Each defect had its own center of gravity pulling the Niaka ship in. As each 4 was position well, the ship was crashed.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It's up to you. Give him any choice of death, or let the defects pull the ship apart and have him suffer in deep space?'' Volim - ...Have him suffer. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I got a million ways of making him suffer. I'll just... leave him in deep space. Bye bye, little pest. Don't go spreading secrets like that. You won't like what happens.''

Volim laughed at it, while Torrent appeared amused as well, as Falrik increased the strength of each defect, causing the ship to break apart and be sucked into these mini black holes, which disappeared afterwards. The Niaka was left in space, with no air, at temperatures so cold and so warm his skin burnt to a crisp on one side and turned to literal ice on the other.

Torrent - ''Woah. Looks painful.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''That's the idea. Well, I doubt we've got anything else to worry about for today, if we just set all our security and appearance and...'' Sllow - Erm, guys? Volim - What? Sollow - We have got something to worry about. Volim - What are you talking about...

Sollow showed on the screen King Mirras' flagship.

Sollow - THAT. Volim - Oh no! No no no no!

Volim backed up.

Falrik Zaarkhun - What's the matter? Volim - It's...him! Torrent - ''King Mirras III...Volim had a meeting with him once. You should just know that it wasn't the most pleasant ever...'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Tell me. I want to know exactly who we're up against.'' Torretn - ''King Mirras III is the leader of the Grox. Everyone with an IQ higher than 5 should know not to mess with him... I've not met him personally like Volim did, but I've heard stories of him going into battle and massacring the Zoles years ago.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I see. But years ago isn't today, so I'll go see how much I can mess with him before I kill him.'' Genrai Nal - ''Falrik... for once, I don't think that's such a good idea. Volim - ''Look at the size of that thing! Not even the Iron Fist could fight that! Falrik Zaarkhun - We'll see about that.

Zaarkhun got on communication.

Falrik Zaarkhun - So you're King Mirras III, eh? ??? - And you are the little thief who dared to steal from my territory. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Me? No, no, no, you've got it all wrong!'' ??? - ''Do not attempt to fool me, waste of biologic mass. Stealing from me is the worst thing you could ahve ever done.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You know what the worst thing you could ever have done was? Making that whatever-the-fuck that thing is on your head. Is that a crown, or a clown?''

The Grox Mothership fired its weapons at the Iron Fist immediately after Zaarkhun finished talking. The ship was heavily damaged.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh don't you worry, I've got something in store for you.

The Iron Fist fired a weaponised warp bubble, mixed it with a plasma cannon and particle cannon, to create what could ultimately destroy the ship... but its shielding somehow seemed to protect itself from it.

Falrik Zaarkhn - ''...Ok. GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE!''

The Grox Mothership chased the Iron Fist, King Mirras III appeared determinated to destroy the Ion Fist no matter the cost.

Falrk Zaarkhun - ''Gah... activate all our boosters. And the magnetic drives. I want to be faster than him!''

The Iron Fist managed to be fast... but not fast enough, as they both matched speed.

Genrai Nal - ''I should have warned you that they have absorbed some Ottzelloan Grox into their ranks. These Grox have some defence against spacetime weaponry absorbed into their ships.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Can't this thing get any more powerful to destroy the shield? Genrai Nal - ''It would take research and a weapon more powerful than what is in store on the black market... or what is owned by UNO; they'd have banned and destroyed anything that powerful. Only the Cold Ones or the Junction, or of course the Vyro'Narza, could reach that level of power.'' Volim - Less talking more escaping!

The Iron Fist continued to fly away, dodging as many bullets as it could. However, a shot hit its side, causing some damage to it.

Falrik Zaarkhun - The armour on this ship can repair itself, but not this fast... Torrent - ''At this rate, we'll be dead soon. Unless we can disappear in thin air, we won't be capable of fleeing.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well.... I've got a plan.'' Volim - ''It better be good. Your previous plan was insulting the king of the Grox.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Fly through that asteroid belt, now. Only our ship can get through this belt, and use the spacetime gravity distortion to move the asteroids away from our path.'' Volim - I see...

The ship flew through the belt, creating a path only for themselves. Mirras III's ship used its weapons to destroy the asteroids in its way.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Ok, now we've got it distracted... Sollow - ''Falrik, we're close to impact with the star. Very close!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good... head straight into it.'' Volim - What? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Gain speed, quickly! Head straight for it!''

The Iron Fist gained more speed, and was heading straight into the star. No one knew what Falrik Zaarkhun was thinking of...

Volim - ''Ugh, silly plans again. I'll just wait until something unexpected happens.

The ship was only 100 meters from the star, when..

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Right now. Wormhole!'' Volim - ''See? Something unexpected happened.''

Zaarkhun created a wormhole that got from one side of the star to the other. This wormhole closed as soon as he got to the other side. King Mirras' ship, however, went straight for the star, but managed to turn away from it after it started to overheat, and continued chasing.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I can't believe the King of the Grox actually fell for this...

Zaarkhun fired a larger wormhole, one that sucked King Mirras into a layer area of subspace that normal Cold Relays didn't access.

Volim - What is all this? Falrik Zaarkhum - ''Mirras' ship was so out of power by that point, I could trap it in subspace. We won't be seeing him again... unless he knows about that layer of subspace and how to get out. Something tells me he doesn't.'' Genrai Nal - ''One thing, though. The Junction is after him as much as he was after us. Even if he doesn't know, the Junction will get him out of there themselves.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Of course. And they're currently busy fighting against the Xhodocto avatars, whatever their names are. And if they're not busy, then they'll just crush the layer and crush him. They control the Grid, after all, they'll know about the layer.''

Volim yawned.

Volim - I don't know about you, but I had enough emotion for today. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Of course. You should have a day off. Oh and, if you want me to tell you what the Grid is... it can wait for another time. Something I discovered when Zargoth was in control of me.'' Genrai Nal - Falrik, what happens if they do unleash him? Falrik Zaarkhun - I got millions of plans if they don't just crush the layer that'll get him off our backs easily. Torrent - Wait, what's a Zargoth? Falrik Zaarkhun - That can wait for another time too. Torrent - Uhh.

Meanwhile...

Zargoth - Kolossus, what is it? Kolossus - I left all the clues as instructed. Zargoth - ''Excellent. And the Devourer's Chosen have got the Leaders lost in deep space?'' Kolossus - Yes, indeed. Zargoth - Good.

Zargoth sat back on his throne for a little.

Zargoth - ''I think it's time you have a... promotion.'' Kolossus - Promotion? Zargoth - Yes.

Suddenly, Kolossus was surrounded by energy.

Kolossus - Is this what I think it is? Zargoth - ''A new form? Indeed it is.''

Kolossus grew twice in height, grew legs and wings.

Kolossus - I'm ascending into a High Vyro'Ralzoid! Zargoth - ''You'll be more powerful than the average High Vyroni-Ralzoid... by at least thrice.'' Kolossus - This feels incredible...

Kolossus bowed to Zargoth.

Kolossus - Thank you, master. Zargoth - I figured you deserve it.

Zargoth continued to sit silently on his throne.

Zargoth - Oh, and one thing Kolossus. Kolossus - Yes, master? Zargoth - I'm sure that you have many complaints or suggestions about the way I work, but have never brought your issues up to me. Kolossus - I would never question your actions. Zargoth - ''That's what you say. But I'm sure there's something you want for yourself, is there not?'' Kolossus - ''Well master, there's one thing... I feel a certain degree of loneliness since I broke from the Corruptus.'' Zargoth - You mean because I don't tend to surround myself with servants and cults like Shu'ulathoi does? Kolossus - Well master, there's one thing...I feel a certain degree of loneliness since I broke from the Corruptus. Zargoth - ''I see. You mean because I don't tend to surround myself with servants and cults like my, let's say, 'colleague' Shu'ulathoi does?'' Kolossus - ''Well...yes. Back in the Corruptus I had my Loron'Kikra and the rest of the Dark Five to make me company, and had a little more...erm...freedom.'' Zargoth - ''Well part of your corruption means that I'll give you all the freedom you want. You can have your own alternate universe, in which you can mess around as much as you like. Almost like a mortal video game. And, so you want me to get more servants here, too?'' Kolossus - It could be useful for our plans to have extra aid. Zargoth - ''It could. I'll need to think about it. I work very differently to Shu'ulathoi, really, but we both do the job well. Anyway, so now you've got spare time, I won't make you go to the future to the point when I will need you. I'll just let you mess around in your new universe.'' Kolossus - ''Understood. Perhaps I could test some new breeds of creatures I had in mind now...'' Zargoth - ''Feel free. And watch them evolve and fight each other, perhaps? It's a perfect sandbox when time is irrelevant to you and you're a 5D being.'' Kolossus - ''Yes, I'll do that. Another thing I could do is simulate how the vague fate will act against UNO...'' Zargoth - ''No need to. I already know exactly what will happen.'' Kolossus - ''You do? How come I cannot see it as well?'' Zargoth - I'll explain later.

Zargoth sat back on his throne, and Kolossus knew now that it was time to go to his new universe.

The Lost now Found
Over by the ruined Cold Relay, everyone was still lost, worrying about what was happening at home.

Zr'Ahgloth - i hope no dum dood ate ma pizza whiel im heer man i swer ma pizza betta be still dere 120 yeers in da futur Kralgon Emperor - ''If you ever, I repeat, if you EVER, even think of smashing a computer again... I'll... I'll....!'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN FRE'KLOAR DESERVED A GUD BEETIN Kralgon Emperor - ''If you weren't lucky, I would have used this thing to electricute you... And if everyone agreed... I will cause it to cut every one of your veins one by one!'' Zr'Ahgloth - WHATS YOO SO MAD AT ME MAN WATS YOR PROBLEM Kralgon Emperor - ''We're trapped out here. In the middle of nowhere. And I feel surrounded by FUCKING LORON!'' Thr'aloy - dat wus meen Valzo - ''Emperor, calm down. Please.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Calm down?! CALM DOWN?!'' Yogtam - Yelling and ranting about the Loron won't get us out of here any faster, so calm down. Kralgon Emperor - ''...I suppose not. Why don't we pass the time by going in the VR, and smashing whoever we hate most?'' Yogtam - Oh I wonder who you would smash, if it wasn't obvious. Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes... Zr'Ahgloth.'' Zr'Ahgloth - WATS YOR PROBLEM WIV ME MAN SERIOUSLY Kralgon Emperor - ''I'm not in the mood. Why don't you go in there and smash Fre'kloar?'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''...dats not a bad idea. IMMA SMASH HIM...or mehbeh i culd smash da copycat dumbo...or mehbeh tyraz...I HATE TOO MANY PEEPZ MAN I CANT DECIDE'' Thr'aloy - WAT BOUT TITANOZOR MAN Zr'Ahgloth - YEH HIM TOO

Over in the Zoles...

Vekaron - Sire, we're running low on food. King Rebaris - What about the emergency supplies? Vekaron - ''They won't last us long. I suggest we borrow UNO's idea and grow a garden in the ship.'' King Rebaris - We could do that, if they lend us some animals. Vekaron - ''I could ask them too, yes. But either way, our men are also... well, bored.'' King Rebaris - The entertaining room is in the second door of the right and everyone knows that. Vekarton - ''Yes... but they're growing bored of it, and the entertainers can't keep it up for 120 years. So I had an idea, why don't we spy on the Rogue Boyz?'' King Rebaris - Hmmm...we could do that, yeah. Verakon - ''Great. Just watch...''

On the Zoles' screen...

Fre'kloar - ''DARK THR'ALOY. COM HEER NAO.'' Dark Fre'kloar - WAT DO YA WANT MAN STOP SHOUTIN CAN YA SEE IM BUSI EETIN Fre'kloar - NOT YOO IDIOT I ASKED FER THR'ALOY Dark Thr'aloy - DARK FRE'KLOAR STOP BEIN DUM Dark Fre'kloar - YA MOM Dark Thr'aloy - ''HUR. SO YEH FRE'KLOAR BOSS WAT IS IT?''

Fre'kloar slapped Dark Thr'aloy.

Fre'kloar - DAT WAS ALL YOR FAULT Dark Thr'aloy - WAT DA HELL Fre'kloar - I BET YOO CALLED DA UNO DOODS AN DA OLD CARETAKA TA COM IN AN STOP DA FITE YOO IDIOT Dark Thr'aloy - SHUT UP MAN I DIDNT WHAI WULD I DO DAT IF I WUS ALSO FITIN DA BLU THR'ALOY COPYCAT? Fre'kloar - ''I DUNNO. I JUS WANNA BLAM SOMONE MAN'' Dark Thr'aloy - BLAM VOA'REAK MAN HE HAS DON NUFFIN SINC WE ARRIVED Voa'reak - WAT DA HELL LEEV ME OUT OF DIS Fre'kloar - ''WELL BASICALLY WE IS SCREWED. WE IZ LOST OUT IN BORIN DED SPAIC, WE HAV A CHIK BOSSIN US AROUND, DA FREEZFLAMA BOSS ENT ARRIVED YET, AN BRAG'KLOGGAS A CHIMP.''

Zalk'don was about to eat the Chimp, before Kal'kuir smacked him and saved it.

Kal'kuir - DUNT EET BRAG'KLOGGA MAN Zalk'don - HUR SOZ I FORGOT

The Chimp screeched like a normal chimp would, and Zalk'don turned into a frog.

Fre'kloar - ''NOT DIS AGEN. WHOS GONNA VOLUNTEER TA KISS HIM AN TURN HIM BAK TA LORON'' Knar'gank - ''yoo kno dem fairytales. da loyalty dood kisses da frog. so grak'tona does it. hurhurhur'' Grak'tona - ''shut up ok? im too royal ta do all yor pesant jobs. jus get da chik'' Naktor'zak - we culd also get da propa big rogue geek cus it kinda sounds an acts like a chik ennit Rel'larutina - ''Ok. Fuck you lot, but...''

Rel'larutina kissed Zalk'don, and he returned to normal.

Rel'larutina - Fuck you for making me do that!

Zalk'don, noticing what happened, blushed.

Zalk'don - DAT WUS DUM DUNT DO DAT Fre'kloar - ''IT WAS YOR FAULT FOR TRYNA EET BRAG'KLOGGA. HE MAY BE A CHIMP BUT HE CAN STILL TURN YA INTO A FROG.''

While this was occuring, the Zoles burst into laughter.

Zoles crew member - ''Oh man, did you see how that one blushed? It was hilarious!'' Vekaron - ''Told you! We should make sitcoms with these guys, huh?''

Rebaris wasn't focusing.

Vekaron - ''Sire... what is it?''

Over in the Unified Nation of Ottzello territory...

Kralgon Emperor - ''You know, I won't go in the VR and smash Zr'Ahgloth. I'll smash Roshisiz...'' Tralkik Commander - Funny how you should mention that, I'm picking up his signals right now. Zr'Ahgloth - wat man how did he got heer

They looked out of the window, and saw a huge wormhole opening in deep space, to which several Kralgon ships flew out. One of which was Roshisiz'.

Tralkik Commander - Shall we get on local communcation? Kralgon Emperor - ''Can't we just blow him up? That could make my day.''

Everyone, the Zoles, Rogue Boyz and UNO got in local communication with Roshisiz.

Vekaron - ''You? But...how?'' Roshisiz - ''What do you mean "but how"? I've died before, don't think the time you killed me was the first.'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - SUP ROSHISIZ MAN HOW YOO BIN Fre'kloar - wait man who was dis geeza agen i forgot? Dark Zr'Ahgloth - did yoo forget man hes roshisiz gave us da sik tralkik geek stoof Fre'kloar - shut up man yor a geek fer rememberin dat Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ya mom

Roshisiz looked at the screens with a blank expression.

Roshisiz - ''I'm not doing this out of the kindness of my heart. I want that to be very clear.''

Roshisiz and his son glared at each other.

Kralgon Emperor - That's implying you have a heart. Roshisiz - ''Hearts are a weakness. Did I not teach you that, son?'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes, and where did that lead to? Zargoth extincting our species.'' Roshisiz - ''I never wanted to have you. I would have aborted you, but your mother was too scared I'd kill her if she discovered she had a child. Why didn't I execute you both, instead of just her?''

Kralgon Emperor growled in anger, while Zr'Ahgloth went to back him up.

Zr'Ahgloth - STOP BEIN DUM MAN I SWER I SHULD HAV EET YOO BAK IN CYRANNUS Roshisiz - ''Oh, now you're getting angry! And you're getting your stupid little friends... how pathetic! See back when you were a weak little child, you were always taught that I was doing the right thing for you. But I wasn't, it was all for myself. I was going to become the ultimate Kralgon in history, but you just took everything away from me by even being born. And now you've become the nicest Kralgon in history. I should fucking destroy you for every single second of your life. But I spent no time with you, as I watned you out of my sight. The sight of you made me sick!'' Kralgon Emperor - ''I had enough of this. DESTROY HIM!''

The Omega Commander fired a relativistic missile and multiple particle cannons at Roshisiz' ship, but the wormhole closed first.

Fre'kloar - NAO LOOK WAT YOO DID MAN NAO WE'RE NEVA GONNA GET BAK Dark Zr'Ahgloth - STOP FIRIN AT MA HOMIES YA DUM PEPPA Zr'Ahgloth - ''SHUT UP MAN DO YOO WANT ME TA KNOK YOO OUT DEN EET YOO ALL? ROSHISIZ WAS AN IDIOT MAN. I MEEN LORONZ IS MENT TO B MEEN AN ALL BUT DEYZ NOT MENT TA B MEEN FOR DERE KIDZ. REEL LORONZ ONLY HAV 2 IMPORTANT FINGZ IN MIND: DERESELVZ AN DERE PEEPZ. ROSHISIZ ONLY CARED BOUT HIMSELF. EVEN YOO GOTTA ADMIT DAT WAS PROPA DUM I MEEN I DUNT MEEN TA B HIPPIE AN ALL COS IM NOT BUT YOO GOTTA ADMIT DAT WAS PROPA SHITTY OF ROSHISIZ.'' Jol'kiar - ...he does got a point dere Valzo - ''Wow. I didn't know you Loron were capable of talking so... deep.'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ...MAN I DUNT CARE HUR Zr'Ahgloth - ''YOO ROGUE BOYZ IS IDIOTZ. DA LORONZ IS MENT TA B DA BEST SPECIES EVA AN TA DO DAT WE ALL GOTTA JOIN AS ONE AN SMASH DA OONIVERS. DIS ENT ME BEIN HIPPIE ITS JUS BEIN TROO. AN TA DO DAT WE GOTTA MAEK OUR KIDZ SIK NOT TREET DEM LIEK CRAP. YOO LOT IS BAD TOO YANNO WHAI? WEZ MENT TA JOIN AS ONE AN B DA SIKKEST BUT YOO LOT GO OFF AN GO HATIN ON US. ITS PEEPZ LIEK YOO WHO IS HOLDIN DA LORONZ BAK. ROSHISIZ HELD HIS PEEPZ BAK AGES AGO WEN HE DUN STOOPID STOOF LIEK DAT BUT WE IZ LORONZ WES BETTA DAN DAT. DATS WHAI YOO SHOOD ALL OF JOINED UNO!!!!'' Fre'kloar - ''DUNT TALK ABOOT HOLDIN DA LORONZ BAK TA ME. I MADE DA BIGGAST LORON EMPIYA EVA. I UNITED ALL DA ROGUE LORONZ UNDER MA RULE. YOO ON DA OTHA HAND GOT ENSLAVED BY DA KRALGON LIKE DA IDIOT YOO IS. JOININ UNO PROOVS YOR A WIMP WHODESERVES TA BE STOMPED BY DA REEL BIG MEEN LORONZ WHOS US!!!!!'' Yogtam - These Loron speeches are starting to scare me. Grak'tona - ''YANNO WAT WILL SCAR YOO? WEN I SMASH YOO IN A SEC AN MAEK YOO ONE OF MA SLAVES UNDA MAI KINGLY RULE.'' Kal'kuir - ''YA KNO WAT HE SHULD DO FURST? BE FORCED TA KISS BRAG'KLOGGA CHIMP HURHURHUR'' Grak'tona - ME????? Kal'kuir - NO MAN DA SLAVE DOOD Grak'tona - BES B STOOPID PESANT

Rebaris glared at Grak'tona.

Rebaris - ''Is... this Loron acting like a king?'' Kal'kuir - WAT DID YA CALL ME??? Grak'tona - ''A PESANT. YOO DUNT HAV DA CROWN AN YOO DUN NUFFIN TA EARN ONE SO YOO DUNT HAV RESPECT. SO SHUT UP OK?''

Kal'kuir aimed his Flamethrowa at Grak'tona.

Kal'kuir - REPEET DAT Rel'larutina - ''You. Are. All. Idiots. We can't get back, and all you're worrying about is who is peasant, who is the best Loron and all that shit.'' Thylaxiz - Exactly what I was thinking! Kralgon Emperor - ''And me. And I think quite a few of us.'' Grak'tona - STOP FINKIN LIKE DA ENEMIES YA DUM CHIK Kal'kuir - YEH HOW DUM YOO IS Rel'larutina - ''Oh, please. Thinking like the enemies? No, I'm just thinking like someone with sense, unlike YOU lot.'' Dark Thr'aloy - OOOOOOOHH YOO JUS GOT DISSED DOWN BY A CHIK

Kal'kuir and Grak'tona both smacked Dark Thr'aloy. But then, suddenly, on the local communicator, the Old Caretaker appeared.

Old Caretaker - Great news, guys! Valzo - What is it? Old Caretaker - ''When that Roshisiz bloke came through that wormhole, he brought a million Caretaker pods wth him. With their help, I can rebuild this Cold Relay in the space of only a few minutes!'' Kralgon Emperor - He did what...?

The Loron warbosses all cheered for a second, then came back to shouting at each other.

Rebaris - ''Oh excellent. We really wouldn't be able of waiting that long.'' Kralgon Emperor - Hell yeah we wouldn't. So then, Old Caretaker, care to tell us your name? Old Caretaker - ''My name? Uh... I dunno.'' Fre'kloar - IMMA CALL YOO DA DUM BUBBLE GUN DOOD HUR Old Caretaker - ''...Actually, call me Mr. Bubbles. That name sounds kinda nice, y'know!'' Fre'kloar - ''ITS MENT TA B AN INSULT. hur i cant take dis place anymor as long as its fixed imma get out of heer da fastest possibul''

Fre'kloar and all the Loron simply screamed at each other, and only Rel'larutina and the Rogue Geek were left on the Loron's communicator.

Rel'larutina - ''Seriously? Mr. Bubbles?'' Rogue Geek - ''I'm fine with it. I don't actually care in all honest.'' Old Caretaker - ''...I really never thought about having a name, y'know. The Cold Ones never gave me one. The last Cold One got stolen by these Loron as their 'geek'.'' Rogue Geek - Erm...I think you mean me. Old Caretaker - ''You? Naw, from the looks of things you had it stolen from your systems ages ago by that lad who's been making a mess round here. Zargoth, I think his name was?''

Everyone in UNO's eyes widened.

Kralgon Emperor - ''Did you say... Zargoth?'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''I KNO. HOW BOUT DA MEKKA?'' Valzo - ...Have you literally spent all that time thinking of a name for this guy? Fre'kloar - DATS A DUM NAME CUS YOO MADE IT Old Caretaker - ''Hmmm... the mechanic. Yeah, call me that! From now on, I am known as "The Mechanic"! And yes, Roshisiz juniour, I did say Zargoth.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Please....don't call me by that name. And do tell us what you know about Zargoth.'' - ''Oh my apologies, I just call everyone by the name that is identified in this thing here. Yours came as Roshisiz Kralgianio jr., so I just assumed you wanted to be called that. Stupid history tabber, I keep forgetting you had that name removed a long time ago! Anyway, what was the question? Erm, Zargoth? Don't know much about that old guy. Just know he's some random person sitting in his almighty 5D throne looking at us.'' Yogtam - ''Zargoth has been the bane of our existence for years now. He was behind most of the disasters that happened around Ottzello.'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - OI YOO PEEPZ STOP TALKIN BAD STOOF ABOUT ZARGOTH HES HOMIES WIV MA DAD The Mechanic - ''That was Zargoth? I keep gettng him and Shu'ulathoi mixed up for some reason, ugh. When you've lived as long as I have, you forget all these things. My old best mate didn't forget a thing, though.'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - AN DUNT TALK ABOOT SHU'ULATHOI EITHA HES SIK The Mechanic - Hey Dark Zr'Ahgloth, Jol'kiar called you an immature git who has nothing on the Loron from his day! Jol'kiar - yeh i did dat sum hours ago hurhurhur Dark Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN YOO KNO NUFFIN ABOOT ME

The Loron fought with each other for some time.

Tralkik Commander - ''I know what you mean. I was forever surrounded by computers who could remember things that I couldn't!'' The Mechanic - ''Heh, my old man wouldn't forget a thing! There was nothing in our entire millenia of childhood and 4,000 years of adulthood that he ever got confused! Ah, good ol' Tuolog... We had good times, we did.''

UNO's eyes lit up once again.

Yogtam - You know Tuolog? The Mechanic - ''Why hell yeah I know Tuolog! We go way back, man. Grew up together and all that, y'know?'' Valzo - I should then inform you that he has died some weeks ago... The Mechanic - ''I know. Poor guy, that Dark Gratz'kaoz ended his 5,000 year long life. Or was it 6,000?'' Fre'kloar - ''OI. WATS DAT ABOOT DARK GRATZ'KAOZ? YA MEEN HES BAK TA LIFE?'' The Mechanic - ''Yes I do. And y'know Grak'tona just dissed your grandma, right?'' Fre'kloar - HE DID WAT

The Loron came back to shouting.

The Mechanic - ''So yeah, I was real sad. I'd prepared a reunion and everything!'' Kralgon Emperor - ''One thing. How do you know so much about Tuolog? Ottzello and Borealis, at the time you're talking about, were incredibly distant.'' The Mechanic - ''I guess it's a long story. The Vyro'Narza have always been working in both galaxies linking them for some reason that I don't get, assumingly something that was part of the legacy of both galaxies. So well my mom and dad were pretty huge in the business, and so they worked with the Vyro'Narza, and sent me to go train with the Vyro'Nara. Tuolog went to the same training, when he'd proved he had far more potential than the other Ioketa from how he'd learnt better on his own than with others. Oh man, 1,000 years of training does a lot to anyone. I mean Gratz'kaoz only had a few years of training and performed better than most Loron as stupid as him would!'' Kralgon Emperor - Interesting... The Mechanic - ''Of course we spent the next 4,000 years apart but we kept in contact like best mates should do. We even reunited occasionally, like when we kicked some demon ass back in the March of the Apocalypse! Funny cos I was the only Cold One affiliate involved in that war.'' Yogtam - This reminds me of something; I've never heard of any activity from Borealis during the March of the Apocalypse. The Mechanic - ''Yep. Good ol' Junction! They may have fucked this place up a little, but in ways they done a better job than the Cold Ones could have at their full power. Still a shame ol' Zargoth got the Cold Ones Empire all on a path to complete destruction.''

Zr'Ahgloth scratched his head.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''JUNKSHION? ZARGOTH? COLD ONES? MAN IM GETTING CONFUSED'' The Mechanic - Erm, could one of you youngsters tell me what the Really Grand Lord Zr'Ahgloth just said? Zr'Ahgloth - ''oi i like dat tittel. IMMA CALL MASELF DAT BY NAO ON'' The Mechanic - ...So no one wants to explain to me what he's asking? Yogtam - I think he's getting confused, as we never had anything like the March and the Cold Ones related to the Junction and Zargoth. The Mechanic - ''What's with all this? I was told I'd be sent heroes, not a bunch of youngsters who don't really know anything! But yeah, King Rebaris, you know "Them"? The Junction, they're called. They picked up Cold Ones technology and carried on the dreams of the Cold Ones, even if it was unintentional. Man they even finished the Grid... So, I'll explain to y'all. The Cold Ones basically developed the Grid a while back, with the Taldar. Half way through its creation, Zargoth goes and sucks half their souls up, while the Grox finished off the rest, and as thir last act, the Cold Ones used the unstable Grid to launch a Gridfire weapon to liberate the galaxy. But as the Grid weren't finished, it couldn't destroy ALL of the Grox, and it meant the Grid shut down after it was fired... and that the last Cold Ones were killed. All but one, who existed out in the area the Taldar sealed off from time, and he's just a computer. Tme passes, Junction goes on, Junction protects the galaxy from the March, Annihilation, Junction and Vyro'Narza finish the Grid, etc etc... and here we are. You guys get it?'' Rebaris - This would be madness, but I know that Caretakers never tell lies. Kralgon Emperor - Why would Zargoth suck the souls out of the Cold ones, though? The Mechanic - ''Ahaha, I... ain't allowed to tell you that.'' Yogtam - Why not?

The Mechanic just shrugged.

The Mechanic - I just can't. There's a lot of stuff I can't tell you. Valzo - Wait...Mechanic, do you know something about a "vague fate"? The Mechanic - ''I do. Don't mean I'm allowed to tell you anything about it, but still.'' Zr'Ahgloth - DATS DUM MAN TELL US ALREADY ITS NOT LIEK ANYFIN WILL HAPPEN IF YA DO The Mechanic - ''Oh it will. Like, I'll show you: Dakster is about to kill you all!''

Suddenly, the Mechanic burnt completely.

Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL

A few minutes later, the Mechanic returned.

The Mechanic - ''You young whippersnappers, you...! I just had 240 years of detention!'' Kralgon Emperor - So...that nightmare with Dakster as a monster...it's gonna really happen? The Mechanic - ''Well... No, no, I am NOT, repeat, I am NOT, going back in that detention!'' Kralgon Emperor - ...I'll take that as a yes. Yogtam - ''So the vague fate is Dakster turning into a monster and killing us... Life just going downhill these last times, huh.'' The Mechanic - ''That's not the Vague fate, no. I won't tell you what's happening. But there's one thing I can tell you.'' Kralgon Emperor - What is it? The Mechanic - ''I gotta tell you... the secret...'' Valzo - Yes? The Mechanic - ''Yeah, it's like real deep and... I gotta check that I'm teling you the right thing.''

Everyone awaited, eager.

The Mechanic - ''Ok ok. So Loron, you can listen to what I have to say now! The rogue Loron looked at the Mechanic.'' Grak'tona - IT BETTA B IMPORTANT YA PESANT The Mechanic - ''Ok then. So, here goes... man I wish I'd rehearsed this some more...'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP AN GET TO DA POINT The Mechanic - There is one thing you know it's the key, The answer to your problem is a chimpanzee. That's not the answer to all your problems though, Trust me, I've seen all these heroes come and go You must be aware of something going on it, Is that someone is lurking around the Grid It's all broken, messed up as hell But with the right knowledge, all ends well.

Fre'kloar realised his comment about the chimpanzee, and grabbed the Brag'klogga chimp.

Fre'kloar - I WIN Zr'Ahgloth - i gotta admit yor quite a sik rappa Jol'kiar - meh i prefer flo'sikka...BUT YEH I BET HE MENT BRAG'KLOGGA WIV DIS Fre'kloar - WE HAV DA KEY AN WES NOT GIVIN IT TA YOO The Mechanic - You all gotta work together with this...! Fre'kloar - SHUT UP IM NOT HELPIN UNO The Mechanic - ''Where's my poem for this... Oh yeah!'' Hate each other as much as you will, For this occasion, there's someone else to kill. If tyou mess this up, you mess Borealis up too ''So say "let's work it out!" instead of "fuck you".'' If you kill each other too much then it'll be broken beyond mending, But work this out together, and you can embrace a happy ending.

Fre'kloar - ''uhh...im not sur The Mechanic - Not sure about what? Fre'kloar - i want a hapi endin BUT HATINS WAT MAKES LORONZ LORONZ The Mechanic - Well, it's your choice.

The Mechanic went off, disappearing through a trap door in the room he was sitting in.

Kralgon Emperor - ''Well I have a better idea. Capture them all already, we'll have the chimpanzee and the leaders of Da Rogue Boyz as prisioners.'' Propa Big Rogue Geek - The Cold Relay is active again, you know. Fre'kloar - ''YA KNO WAT? FUK YOO LOT LETS RUN''

The Propa Big Rogue Krooza headed back to Rogue Boyz territory, leaving the Zoles and UNO behind.

Valzo - ...Wow... Rebaris - If the creature with him is really this important, we need to go after them! Zr'Ahgloth - man im kinda tired afta dat Vekaron - Well yes, we do need some resting after all this lost thing. Tralkik Cmmander - ''From looking at your psyche, you do all need it. I'm an omnicomputer and even I'm having issues processing this.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Fine, we'll go after Fre'kloar tomorrow. Let's just hope the Xi'Arazulha won't find them first...''

Kralgon Emperor - ''Wow... we've lost so many planets since we were gone.''

UNOL were looking at the stats of their empire, and discovered all the losses.

Yogtam - Those fiends really were occupied... Valzo - ''Indeed. There has been some good out of it; we have much greater idea on how to defeat them.'' Tralkik Commander - ''I have been anylising everything we've been through and I've been slowly deducing something. I believe the Xi'Arazulha are using all this destruction as a bait.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''As... bait?'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''ALL DESE STOOPID CONSPIRACIES AN SHIT MAN. WHAI DOES DESE PLOTZ HAV TA B SO DAM COMPLICATED MAN DEY SHOOD HIRE A NOO WRITA TECHNOBLITERATA IS MINDFUKIN ME'' Tralkik Commander - ''By my anylisis, they are destroying us to attract the Vyro'Narza here, so they can do to them what they did with the Vi'Navitum. Kralgon Emperor - ''I see. Well, in that case, we need to ensure the Vyro'Narza don't come here.'' Yogtam - But how? Zr'Ahgloth - AR YOO DUM IF WE DUNT BRING DEM HEER WEZ GONNA DAI Kralgon Emperor - ''No, are YOU dumb? We're the Unified Nation, and we have one goal in mind; to create perfection. If the Vyro'Narza are absorbed, what will happen to the universe? To be honest, we're saving the universe right now by keeping them here, if they fought anywhere else, the multiverse could be destroyed. If the Vyro'Narza are absorbed, they not only control death, but time. What will happen then? So if we need to die so that this won't happen, then so be it. At least we contributed to our decision.'' Zr'Ahgloth - WELL DEN WATS YOR PLAN Kralgon Emperor - We'll send a message to them, telling them not to attack for us. Valzo - But can we communicate with them this easily? Kralgon Emperor - ''I don't know. But we will find out how.''

Zargoth - NO! Kolossus - ''Master? What happened?'' Zargoth - ''The Unified Nation learnt all they were meant to learn, and they are stepping away from the plan completely. They are going to get themselves all killed now.'' Kolossus - ''We could send our own forces to stop this from happen. Why don't we do it?'' Zargoth - ''That's what I was going to do. Well, time to call Roshisiz, I suppose?'' Kolossus - ''Call him, and maybe call Zelfron as well. Give that lazy bum some work.'' Zargoth - ''Yes, I should. And I'll need you to do something for me...''

Over in the Zoles Imperium, the empire was full of depression.

Vekaron - Sire, I'm worried. Rebaris - I am as well, Vekaron... Vekaron - ''Yes. For our future. Our history, too. I don't want to go down in history as a captain who served at the fall of the Zoles Imperium. And what are all these dark plots in place?'' Rebaris - ''I have understimated all that's happening. I though the Wranploer Legion was the pinnacle of chaos, but compared to what we've learned, they seem like small dots in a sea of evil and hate.'' Vekaron - ''Indeed. And us? Are we literally just a single piece of a chess game?'' Rebaris - As awkward as it sounds, it seems like it. Vekaron - ''My. And do you remember what The Mechanic had to say?'' Rebaris - Yes, how could I forget all of them? Vekaron - ''It's like... I'm sorry to say this, but I just want out.'' Rebaris - Don't be like that, that's not the Vekaron refered as a hero by many generations of his people. Vekaron - I'm sure it isn't, but you must admit this is all too much.

Fre'kloar - OI MAN Dark Zr'Ahgloth - WAT Fre'kloar - GET ME A PIZZA. Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ''SHUT UP MAN IM NOT YOR MAID. ASK A CHIK. OR DARK FRE'KLOAR.'' Fre'kloar - MEH.

The Loron had just returned to their territory. The Propa Big Rogue Geek had never been more cross with the Loron.

Rogue Geek - ''...That's it? Nothing about your losses, what's happened while you were gone or anything? All you're worried about is "get me a pizza"?'' Fre'kloar - we can get dem planets bak in a day or too dunt worry Rel'larutina - ''Ugh, you really are an idiot. Anyway luckily, the Xi'Arazhula seemed to have left us alone. Thanks to Zr'An'Kar I assume.'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ma dads awsum ya gotta admit

All warbosses nodded their heads in agreement.

Grak'tona - ''OI. ONE FING. STOP BOOSTIN YASELF JUST COS YOR HIS SON. DATS IMPLYIN YOR MOR SPESHUL DAN ME''

Someone knocked on the door.

Dark Zr'Ahgloth - HUR I AM an wat whos dere Voa'reak - i guess its da pizza dood

The door opened, and a new Loron steped in.

??? - OI WAT TOOK YA SO LONG Dark Thr'aloy - WHOS DIS MAN ??? - ''IM DA FREEZFLAMA BOSS YOO CALLED AGES AGO REMEMBA? DA MEETIN WAS MENT TA B LIEK LAST WEEK AN YOO WERE LOST OUT IN SOM DEEP SPAIC OR WATEVA'' Fre'kloar - OH YEH....uhhh...wat wus yor name agen? Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - This is . Dark Thr'aloy - ''ANUVA WARBOSS? DUM I HAV TA TAKE CARE OF ANUVA GEEZA'' Drizz'pyrokirk - ''OI MAN DARK THR'ALOY... MAN I ALWAYZ WANTED TA WORK WIV YOO YOR LIEK MA HERO'' Dark Thr'aloy - ''RELLY? I DUNT REMEMBA DA LAST TIME ANYON SAID DAT TA ME...I FINK NO ONE EVA DID HURHURHUR'' Drizz'pyrokirk - ''MEH. ANYWAYZ MAN DIS IS A SIK PLACE YOO GOT HEER. BUT IT NEEDS A BIT OF FROST HEER AN HEER AN HEER AN MEHBEH SOM FIRE HEER AN STOOF'' Grak'tona - WAT MAN NO FIRE IN HEER I PREFER FROST ALL OVA DA PLACE Drizz'pyrokirk - DEN YOR DUM FIRE IS SIK

And the usual happened...

A Brief Reunion
Kolossus - Should we do it now, master?

Zargoth sat on his throne, thinking. He wanted to move his plans forward. However...

Zargoth - ...Not yet. Kolossus - Should I leave another clue? Zargoth - ''Yes. One last clue should be enough...''

Meanwhile, in the Unified Nation territory.

Kralgon Emperor - Come on, wake up, all of you! Yogtam - ''You know what, fuck you Kralgon Emperor! You know this hapens every fucking day.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Whining at me won't get that chimp any faster. So get up!'' Tralkik Commander - Instead of getting the chim, there's something else we need to get: knowledge. Zr'Ahgloth - knoledges fer geeks Thr'aloy - ennit Tralkik Commander - ''Remember the Vida'rralora database? There is something else there...'' Valzo - And what's that? Tralkik Commander - A soul that could only be Tuolog's. Yogtam - ''Woah. Really?'' Tralkik Commander - It must be. Kralgon Emperor - Where is this planet?

The Tralkik Commander made calculations, and a Vida'Rranalora appeared on screen.

Vida'Rranalora - It is a planet over in the Arm of Wildnerness, near Wranploer territory. Zr'Ahgloth - an how did YOO got heer Tralkik Commander - I'm linking with the Vida'Rranaora database world now, synchronising informations in order to make an accurate calculation on the co-ordiantes of the world. Zr'Ahgloth - ...YEH SUR I WUS JUS TESTIN YOO Yogtam - So, are we going there then? Tralkik Commander - Affirmitive.

The UNO Omega Commander set off, and the first thing they saw when they exited the Cold Relay closest to the location..

Kralgon Emperor - ''Is that... starship debris?'' Valzo - Seems like it, yes. Tralkik Commander - ''I've analyzed it. It appears to be made of the same material as most Wranploer Legion starships... yet this intricate design and material composition is too advanced for Wranploer.'' Yogtam - That's strange. Tralkik Commander - ''And it dates back to... not that long ago. Most Wranploer ships are normally recycled stuff, unless this was of course one of the higher Wranploer individuals' ships. But if it was then that individual would now be dead. And we'd know about it.'' Kralgon Emperor - Let's just go to the planet, perhaps we can find about this ship in there as well.

The Omega Commander landed on the world, to find out most of it had been devastated.

Tralkik Commander - ''The damage these weapons have dealt must have come from paticle cannons, and possibly some bioweapons. But since when did the Wranploer have that kind of firepower?'' Yogtam - Maybe they don't. Maybe something else caused this. Tralkik Commander - ''Yes, a lot of the damage done could have been done only by some essence, of the Chaotic variety. And some of the elemental variety.'' Valzo - ''Chaotic and elemental? That leads to the Xi'Arazulha.'' Tralkik Commander - Or the Devourer's Chosen did something. Kralgon Emperor - ''The Devourer's Chosen rely in entropic demons to do their work. Entropy does not relate to elemental.'' Tralkik Commander - I've narrowed it down to the Devourer's Cosen; this essence could only be entropic, and the spirituality of the planet could explain elemental energy anyway. Valzo - ''This doesn't matter. We should search for Tuolog now.'' Tralkik Commander - ''Yes. I'm going to keep scanning until I pinpoint the location with highest spiritual concentration, and... I've found it.''

The Commander showed co-ordinates to a location of the planet that appeared to be an ancient structure.

Zr'Ahgloth - LETS GO MAN FAST

Everyone exited the ship, and went inside the tall structure.

Valzo - ''What... is this place?'' Zr'Ahgloth - how dum dere eint any pizza stand in dis plaec

UNOL walked slowly inside, but the area was pitch black. When the Tralkik Commander' shone a light, they couldn't really make out the stone the building was made of, besides that it had carvings. The light shone on a creature, who could barely be made out, and it ran away.

Yogtam - Did you see that? Tralkik Commander - I couldn't analyze it from how quick that was.

The Tralkik Commander clung onto the cieling, and crawled across it. The others waited, but then the Commander returned with a stunned creature.

Tralkik Commander - ''It's an Ioketa... but it is not part of The System.'' Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ MAN ROGUE IOKETA HOW DUMS DIS Ioketa - ''Who are you? I not know of you.'' Valzo - ''We are the leaders of the Unified Nation of Ottzello. Your species is one of our major members.'' Ioketa - Huh? Tralkik Commander - This one seems to be suffering amnaesia. Kralgon Emperor - ''Hmm... Anything we can do about it?'' Tralkik Commander - If only we had Tuolog... Ioketa - ''Tuolog? I know him. He waiting here.'' Zr'Ahgloth - hur dat wus eesy Ioketa - I show you the way? Valzo - Please do.

The Ioketa showed them through the building. The building was of immense size, and was almost maze-like inside. Some parts of its structure hinted it as very old, yet others showed advanced technology.

Yogtam - Impressive place. Ioketa - We not build it, but we reside here. Kralgon Emperor - How did you got here in the first place? Ioketa - Us, as in the Ioketa? Kralgon Emperor - Yes. Ioketa - ''This world existed in Ottzello long while back. It moved here.'' Yogtam - But this is very far away from the Ottzello Sector. Ioketa - ''Exactly. It like this world put here by someone else on purpose.'' Valzo - Bizarre... Ioketa - This whole war bizarre. Zr'Ahgloth - IS WE DERE YET MAN IM BORED Ioketa - Yes.

The Ioketa opened a door, into a large circular room. At first it appeared dull and empty, but then several lights flashed.

??? - What took you so long? Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL ??? - Yes it's me.

What appeared to be a hologram of Count Dalverat stepped in front of them.

Kralgon Emperor - Dalverat? Count Dalverat - Yeah, we're all here.

Tuolog and Feldosia appeared.

Feldosia - Guys! Yotam - Feldosia and Tuolog too! Zr'Ahgloth - OI DOES DIS MEEN...DAT CRAZY GREI GEEZA BRAG'KLOGGA EINT HEER TOO RITE?

A chimpanzee appeared and screeched.

Zr'Ahgloth - HUR AT LEEST HES A CHIMP IN HEER TOO

The chimpanzee transformed intoBrag'klogga instantly afterwards.

Brag'klogga - WAT Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ STOOPID ROGUE BOY Tuolog - ''Concentrate, Zr'Ahgloth. Remember what you here for?'' Zr'Ahgloth - ...i dunt acshually hur Tuolog - You here for knowledge. Brag'klogga - BASICALLY YEH DA XI'ARAZHULA NEEDED TA KILL PEEPZ TO GET DA VYRO'NARZAS ATTENSHON. Tuolog - But the Xi'Arazhula been outsmarted. Kralgon Emperor - How's that? Tuolog - ''They kill 4 high up individuals. Those 4 high up individuals were the very ones who could stll appear here and talk from after death. Our spirits strong and can go anywhere. Other spirits go to Heaven of Hell with no control.''

Brag'klogga laughed.

Brag'klogga - IM SIK MAN I ESCAPED HELL Zr'Ahgloth - YOO SHULD HAV STAYED DERE Brag'klogga - SHUT UP OR IMMA SHANK YOO WEN IM BAK TA NORMAL Count Dalverat - ''I hate to admit it but... Tuolog basically thought the whole thing out.'' Yogtam - Well I don't see how this helps as you are all still dead. Tuolog - ''All thanks to some of my best Gyronic editing... the people who die are very people who can still live on after death. So Xi'Arazhula been outsmarted.'' Feldosia - ''And you guys better bring me back quick! Sheesh, this Brag'klogga REEKS!'' Brag'klogga - ''OI YOO SHUT UP OK. ITS NOT LIEK IM LOVIN DIS EITHA. I DUNT LIEK BEIN HEER WIV DIS DUM TUOLOG AN NOT BEIN CAPABLE OF SHANKIN HIM'' Tuolog - ''You have bigger fish to fry, UNOL. I not trust the Rogue Boyz with the responsibility of getting the Chimp to the Grid in time, especially now the Grid under attack.'' Yogtam - The Grid is under attack? Tuolog - ''Yes. By 2 people.'' Zr'Ahgloth - WHOS DIS Tuolog - By one faction who wants to destroy it, and another who was put there. Zr'Ahgloth - SEY WHOS DEM ALREDY MAN Tuolog - The Xi'Arazhula, and King Mirras III. Yogtam - ''Mirras III, the Grox leader? How did he got there?'' Tuolog - ''He chase Zaarkhun, Zaarkhun trap him in Grid. Zaarkhun not know about Grid, he thinks he just trap him in subspace.'' Valzo - Seems like Zaarkhun got into some serious trouble then. Tuolog - ''Yes. But somehow Zaarkhun hiding things from me.'' Brag'klogga - ZAARKHUNS DUM I NEVA TRUSTED HIM SINC HE UNITED WIV DAT VOLIM DOOD

Everyone turned to Brag'klogga.

Zr'Ahgloth - ZAARKHUN UNITED WIV VOLIM? Brag'klogga - YEH Zr'Ahgloth - TELL MEH MOAR

Brag'klogga shrugged.

Brag'klogga - WHAI SHULD I Zr'Ahgloth - ''BCOS. OK'' Brag'klogga - YOR EVEN DUMMA DAN FRE'KLOAR DESCRIBED MAN I SWER Zr'Ahgloth - JUS TELL ME OK Brag'klogga - NO

Brag'klogga crossed his arms.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''DUM I CANT FITE YOO HEER COS YOR ALREDY DED. GO BAK TA BEIN A CHIMP YOO IDIOT'' Brag'klogga - IMMA TURN YOO INTO A CHIMP SO YOO CAN SEE WATS LIEK Kralgon Emperor - So anyway... Tuolog - I not sure if there more to say.

Outside, they heard a clanking of metal.

Valzo - What was that?

Valzo turned around, and saw the Mechanic walk in with a spanner, clanking it against some pipes.

The Mechanic - ''Man I'm tryna fix this damn thing and you youngsters... Tuolog?!'' Tuolog - ''Ah, my old friend. Long time no see!'' Zr'Ahgloth - HOW DID YOO GET HEER MAN Tuolog - ''He find himself wound up in just the most convenient of places. He like that.'' Brag'klogga - WATS DIS DUM CARETAKA DOIN HEER MAN I SWER IM SURROUNDED BY LOSAS The Mechanic - That's THE MECHANIC to you, damnit! Tuolog - If you not leave him alone I send you down to hell. Brag'klogga - SHUT UP MAN IMMA SEND YOO TA HELL FURST Tuolog - You not strong enough to do that.

Brag'klogga grumbled and turned his head away.

Kralgon Emperor - Anyway, is there anything else to be said? Dalverat - There is. Zr'Ahlgoth - WAT Dalverat - ''Well, when I say there's more to be said, there's a lot more to be said. A lot more you need to know if you're going to come out strong.'' Yogtam - Tell us everything. Dalverat - ''There's one thing I can tell you now. You know that all your lost friends would be here?'' Valzo - ''This reminds me. Is Mac's soul also in here?'' Dalverat - ''Everyone except him. Everyone.''

A strange creature appeared, and roared at UNOL.

Zr'Ahgloth - WATS DAT MAN

Suddenly, everything went dark.

The Mechanic - Well, I'll be damned. Yogtam - What is all this? The Mechanic - If I knew that, damn I'd know a lot more about this universe. Valzo - Tuolog, do you know?

Valzo looked around, but Tuolog and the others had vanished.

Zr'Ahgloth - WHERS DEM MAN The Mechanic - ''Tuolog will be off now. Something scared his spirit off.'' Yogtam - Scaring Tuolog off...whatever it is, it's very bad. The Mechanic - Well, you'll need to get that chimp them, then we can get going. Kralgon Emperor - And use the opportunity to blow the Rogue Loron up... Zr'Ahgloth - I LIKE DIS PLAN The Mechanic - ''Nah. You'll buy it off Zaarkhun, who's going to buy it off the Rogue Boyz, whippersnapper!'' Yogtam - How can you know that? The Mechanic - ''I'm a Caretaker, man. I can see time. I can use Gyronic. Us Caretakers take the role that the Taldar take everywhere else; we look after time and keep it all flowing in check.'' Zr'Ahgloth - PIGFACE WANNABES MAN The Mechanic - ''Hey, Zr'Ahgloth, Brag'klogga's back here! He's just invisible! Go shank him!'' Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL

Zr'Ahgloth ran around shanking the air.

The Mechanic - ''I got skills with dealing with you youngsters, y'see. Yogtam - Or maybe Zr'Ahgloth is just very stupid. The Mechanic - ''Eh, bit of both I'd say. Shall we head off?'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes. I still want to know where that roar came from... The Mechanic - ''I'm sure you'll find out soon. Very soon.'' Tralkik Commander - Let us proceed then.

All of UNOL, accompanied by The Mechanic, got into a starship. However, while all this had been going on...

Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim, I want to speak to the Rogue Boyz, although it's not about emplying their services. Volim - Why waste time on those guys then? Falrik Zaarkhun - It's pretty important, if we want to get out of this war alive. Volim - If you say so...

The two were in the Iron Fist, after an ordinary day of mostly chilling. Zaarkhun got on transmission with the Rogue Boyz.

Fre'kloar - SUP ZAARKHUN MAN Falrik Zaarkhun - ''SUP FRE'KLOAR YOO ALLRITE? HOWS YOR BOYZ DOIN? I WANNA ASK YOO SOMFIN MAN'' Fre'kloar - WATS DIS Falrik Zaarkhun - DID SOM CARETAKA GIV YOO SOM POEM BOUT DA WAR? Fre'kloar - HOW DO YOO KNO DAT Falrik Zaarkhun - COS I WAS ZARGOTHS HOMIE ONCE AN I FOUND OUT STOOF BOUT DA FUTUR Fre'kloar - ''MEH. SO YEH WAT DO YA WANT WIV DA POEM'' Falrik Zaarkhun - JUS TELL ME WAT IT SED OR GIMME A VID WIV IT K? Fre'kloar - FINE

Fre'kloar kicked the computer he was on and send a video to Zaarkhun. Falrik Zaarkhun, after watching got his credit chips ready.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''SIK. BTW VOLIM WANTS TA EET CHIMPANZEE FER DINNA. CAN WE BUY DAT ONE OFF YOO?'' Fre'kloar - uhh...idunno man i rememba da chimp bein important fer sumfin...cant rememba whai rite nao Falrik Zaarkhun - imma pay yoo tons of stoof an giv yoo a free pizza party if yoo giv it Fre'kloar - ''DID YOO SEY PIZZA PARTY? HEK YEH MAN TAKE DA CHIMP'' Falrik Zaarkhun - SIK

Zaarkhun, via teleporting, picked up the chimpanzee, sent them arrangements for a pizza party, and then turned off the transmission.

Farlik Zaarkhun - ''Hehehe.... those idiots.'' Volim - So...a chimp? Falrik Zaarkhun - We're gonna use this chimpanzee to not only earn a ridiculous sum of cash, but to get the war off our back for some time. Volim - How can a chimp be so valuable? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It's simple Volim. If you remember the poem in the video, a chimpanzee was what was talked about. If we give someone like, I dunno, UNO, the chimpanzee for a huge sum of cash, they'll be so desperate they'll probably pay anything. Also, the Xi'Arazhula will chase whoever's got the chimp, but as the Rogue Boyz will forget the Xi'Arazhula will tink they still have the chimp... untl UNO make a huge announcement that they own it. So us? Out of the spotlight completely.'' Volim - I see... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Of course, there's other ways off forcing everyone to give us a peace treaty. If we tell them we'll kill the chimp if we are ever attacked, then everyone will leave us alone. Of course we can make them pay for us to leave their precious Groodrub wildlife alone, and who's to say we can't go rob them without them attacking us?'' Volim - Sounds good... Falrik Zaarkhun - So then, we should get the slaves to prepare a pizza party for the Rogue Boyz tomorrow. Volim - Alright.

With the Rogue Boyz...

Fre'kloar - HUR MAN I CANT WAIT FER DA PIZZA PARTY Jol'kiar - HOW DID YOO GOT A PIZZA PARTY AGEN? Fre'kloar - IT WAS EESY I JUS SOLD DAT DUM ANNOYIN CHIMP TA ZAARKHUN

All warbosses remained silent, and then all shouted.

Warbosses - YOO SOLD BRAG'KLOGGA?!?! Fre'kloar - ''CORS I DIDNT. I SOLD A CHIMP'' Kal'kuir - BRAG WUS DA CHIMP MAN R U DUM Fre'kloar - ...wat Rel'larutina - Great work, moron. Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN I FORGOT OK Naktor'zak - WE GOTTA GET HIM BAK MAN Fre'kloar - BUT HOW MAN WE SOLD HIM AN IF WE BUY HIM AGEN WE LOSE DA PIZZA PARTY Voa'reak - ''WE BUY IT BAK AFTA DA PIZZA PARTY OF COURS Fre'kloar - ''KK DEN. DA PARTIES TOMOZ. BRING YA CASH''

Baptarion's Nightmare
The was mostly unaffected by the Xi'Arazulha threat so far. They were more preoccupied with the corruption of the, which was starting to grow frequent in their colonies. Collective members were allowed to kill any Corruptus cultist they found, before the cultists themselves started to attack back.

, a high-ranking captain of the Borealis Collective territory, rested on his spaceship while his crew did their usual work. Falling asleep, the Radeon then started to dream...

Baptarion saw himself in a lush green paradise. He could see Radeon children playing while the adults worked. They all seemed content. It had been a while since Baptarion saw another Radoen, so this dream was being quite pleasant for him.

??? - Ooohohohoh...What is this?

Suddenly, the Radeon all looked at Baptarion and startedto chant demonic words. They changed into cultists of the Devourer's Chosen, while a heavy laugher could be heard.

Baptarion - ''So much for a moment of peace. Die, maniacs!''

As Baptarion shot down the cultists, the laugher got heavier and louder. He then heard heavy steps behind him, and turned around. To his surprise, was behind him.

Marigrax - A cybernetic rodent among the heretical crocodilians. Baptarion - ''Aaargh! Who are you?!'' Marigrax - I am the herald of the Devourer, Marigrax'verao, leader of the Devourer's Chosen and warrior of the Corruptus.

Marigrax stomped the ground next to Baptarion, launching him away. The Radeon attempted to fire at Marigrax, but his shots did no damage. Marigrax extended his arm and grabbed Baptarion on his grasp.

Marigrax - You shall be my most...precious Malcaeum...

Marigrax crushed Baptarion's body in his hand, leaving nothing but scrap metal burnt in entropy. It was then that Baptarion woke up, startled. He returned to his position and though on that dream. Was it just a one time thing, or was it a sign...?

The Collective
Zr'Ahgloth - man im bored whai dunt we all hurry up an develop a wepon agenst dese xi'arazhula dumbos

Over in UNOL, there were darker times than ever before. The Xi'Arahzhula strikes persisted, and no one acted as no one knew how to fight them.

Kralgon Emperor - ''You talk like it was easy to develop such a thing. We barely know what these things are made of yet.'' Zr'Ahgloth - shut up man yoo geekz always find an answa

Before the argument kicked off as usual..

Vekaron - Greetings, UNOL, we have a message for you. Valzo - ''Greetings, Zoles. What is the matter?'' Vekaron - ''This could either be a good thingor a bad thing, but we're currently speaking to the Indoctrinate Collective. I don't know if you've heard of them?'' Yogtam - ''The Indoctrinate Collective? They have been our allies for years now.'' Vekaron - ''Oh, really? Excellent.''

The Niaka and the Indoctrinate Collective got online.

Niaka Chief - ''Give us some more ID, Dracogonarious. We need to make sure you follow the laws around here or... Oh, hey guys.'' Drac Supreme Advisor - I can assure you, Niaka, we follow the laws of common sense like you...greetings, UNO! Valzo - ''Ah, Dracogonarious, long time no see! How've you all been? Drac Supreme Advisor - ''We've been busy. New species have joined our society, we have been kicked out of Cyrannus, and our colonies in Borealis are under threat...'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Everyone's colonies are under threat, I'm afraid. Any way we can help, or is it the Xi'Arazhula?'' Drac Supreme Advisor - ''Xi'Arazulha? No, no. Our problem is Shu'ulathoi's foul plague which is turning our citizens insane! They go rogue and become crazed people who align themselves to the "Devourer's Chosen".'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''oh dem chosen dumbos? deyz propa annoyin man'' Yogtam - ''Our troops have some experience with them, thought admittedly, not as much as we'd like. They're beginning to cause quite a disturbance.''

While this was going on, the Niaka Chief shook his head to himself.

Niaka Chief - ''Damn, Borealis sure ain't like it usd to be... Ever since that Annihilation, all you people have just invaded the galaxy and made it into your own.'' King Rebaris - ''Do not make such assumptions, Niaka. Our galaxy had extragalactic visitors and problems since the era of the Cold Ones already. It's not their fault that these threats have emerged.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''This stuff is all destined to happen to Borealis, Niaka. It's the Vyro'Narza's doing that we're here anyway, and the Collective won't do any harm. It isn't like we're just invading and making this galaxy our own. But, anyhow, I suppose you at the Collective want to take the fight to them?'' Drac Supreme Advisor - ''Yes. We already got our great captain Baptarion fighting them, but more effort will be needed. The Devourer's Chosen are much more extensive than we first observed.'' Zr'ahgloth - IMMA SMASH DEM Yogtam - ''UNO's military policies ensure that there is no slacking around; we like to get the job done quickly and instantly, and thanks to The System, it's no psychological bother for our soldiers and no one's worn out. So, we will attack them immediately with your best soldiers, if that's ok?'' Drac Supreme Advisor - Sounds good, yes. Yogtam - ''Excellent. Prepare all the troopers to fight! Oh, and you guys have studied the Cold Relay system, right?'' Drac Supreme Advisor - Of course. Yogtam - ''Then there is nothing more to discuss. To combat! Oh, and Zoles, would you care to join us?'' King Rebaris - Yes, we will help.

They all set off, and the three ships arrived on a Devourer's Chosen world, unaccompanied by a fleet.

Kralgon Emperor - ''We'll strike them by surprise, then arrive with the larger fleets. Sound good?''

A Collective Destroyer approached and contacted the fleet. It was Captain Baptarion.

Baptarion - Seems like I got some help, huh. Kralgn Emperor - ''Yes. Well, we're going to hit them by surprise.'' Baptarion - ''We should hurry up then. They have started to worship those shrines. And when that happens, Shu'ulathoi's demons start to appear.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Excellent. No more hesitation. Fire a soft shipeater weapon at one of their ships which will eat them away slowly, and I'll fire a relativistic midsile at the largest ship to take it out instantly. You ready? Right. On the count of three... one... two... THREE!''

A Devourer's Chosen ship was destroyed, while another was being eaten awayat. The UNO Omega Commander, particle cannons, railguns and lasers blazing, fried at the Devourer's fleet, while several more UNO ships emerged from the Relay. Baptarion and the Collective fleet also fired at the Chosen fleet, along with the Niaka and Zoles.

Kralgon Emperor - ''Hah! Didn't see that coming, did you? Well, planetary assault anyone?'' Baptarion - Sounds like a plan, yes.

While the Devourer's Chosen fleet was being decimated, having been caught unprepared, UNO's forces, along with the Zoles and a battalion led by Baptarion, landed on the Chosen world.

Zr'Ahgloth - ME AN THR'ALOY IS LEEDIN DA ATTAK

Zr'Ahgloth, a horde of Loron, Thr'aloy, and several humanoid and vehicular Tralkikianoe arrived on the scene, accompanied by forces of different races.

Zr'Ahgloth - LETS BATTA DESE LOSAS ENNIT? Thr'aloy - YEH

Zr'Ahgltoh and Thr'aloy, with several large Loron Warbosses and Big Warbosses charged straight for a Devourer's Chosen shrine, destroying it with the sheer hordes of Loron, while the other was taken down by Tralkikianoe firepower.

Vekaron - My turn!

Vekaron and several elite squads of Zoles destroyed a third shrine.

Vekaron - ''This is too easy... Have we even encountered any Devourer's Chosen infantry forces?'' Zr'Ahgloth - no Vekaron - Hmm...

Meanwhile, Baptarion and his huge battalion destroyed 2 more Devourer's Chosen shrines.

Baptarion - ''That's one area of shrines cleared. Orbital bombardment can take out a few, but in the meantime, I want to take out ones on the archepalego close by.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''kk. da tralkik doods can get dere wata fingies ta transport us across unless yoo or da zoles hav anyfin'' Thr'aloy - ar yoo dum we can swim across Zr'Ahgloht - shut up its too far idiot

While heading for an island, they encountered a horde of Blothnos, as well as Dark Dracgonarious.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''ok. FITIN TIME''

The horde of Blothnos and Dark Dracogonarious began to fire and charge at UNO, the Zoles and Baptarion's forces. The horde hugely outnumbered them 10 to 1, and many of the troopers besides UNO's were all beginning to feel different.

Baptarion - ''Ugh... Did you hear that?'' Zoles Trooper - It's like I'm hearing someone laughing... Zr'Ahgloth - ''ar yoo dum? im not gettin dat'' Niaka - ''Didn't they say something about a corruption? I think I heard something too.''

Everyone but UNO's soldiers began to feel slightly uneast. A group of brave Zoles knights charged forward and plowed away murdering dozens of Blothnos, but then shook a bit, and their weapons were directed on each other instead.

Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL ROGUE ZOLES

"Yes, little ones...The Devourer enjoys your sacrifices..."

Baptarion - ''Woah! Did you hear that?'' Zr'Ahgloth - no wat da hell Kralgon Emperor on radio - ''Ah, I get it. They're trying to corrupt us. Thanks to The System, we're not getting it, but the others are being affected badly.''

From a shrine, several Malcaeum appeared and jumped on Zr'Ahgloth.

Zr'Ahgloth - WAT YOO DOIN MAN GTFO

Zr'Ahgloth kicked and punched away at them. The Malcaeum were persistent, and their entropic blades were strong enough to damage Zr'Ahgloth.

Zr'Ahgloth - wat da hell

Zr'Ahgloth strangled one until he crushed its neck, and kicked another until its skull was broken. He bit a third's head off, roaring with anger. Thr'aloy joined in.

Kralgon Emperor - ''I have a plan. If you can kill the sourcerer leading the charge, their link mightn't work well as it should, breaking the corruption; with the help of the Zoles and Baptarion's forces, you can fight them.'' Baptarion - ''That may work, but make your Loron friends calm down already. Anger makes the demons stronger.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Let's have a go... I think if I slightly change the patterns and release endorphins in their brains I can make them enjoy this battle instead. Loron enjoy battles anyway, so I don't normally have to bother.''

Suddenly, the Loron went from raging to laughing, and went on killing sprees laughing away as they slaughtered the enemy.

Niaka - Hey, it's actually working pretty well. Thr'aloy - HURHURHURHUR MAN DESE DOODS SO FUNNY MAN WE SHULD FITE DEM MOAR OFTEN

However, suddenly, they heard a new voice. It was different to the first.

"Cry! CRY FOR ME! Till your eyes turn red.... CRY!"

Tears began to fall on Baptarion's face.

Baptarion - But what the...

"Weep... express yur inner feelings of pain and WEEP! Scream with sorrow! Wail in despair! There are so many things to be sad about... LET THEM ALL OUT!"

Kralgon Emperor - ''Uh... the nanomachines are having difficulty controlling the brain functionality and emotional disorder... damnit, where's Tuolog when you need him?''' Baptarion - Where is this coming from? Thylaxiz - ''I can't really pinpoint the exact location. The scanners are being interfered with by the Enrtopy... but I can confirm that one individual of the Devourer's Chosen will be the strongest in terms of sorcery. Eliminating him should solve all your problems. I'd look for the largest, with most energy surrounding him, and the one the other demons are closest to.'' Niaka Chief - Well you better find it fast before there's a big demon coming this way!

A Mari'verao spawned from a Shrine and layed waste on the troops of all the empires.

Zr'Ahgloth - HELP US HEER MAN AR YOO DUM Thylaxiz - ''Well... Ok. Everyone, I want you to report to me. What do you smell, what do you hear, what do you feel, what do you see?'' Zoles Trooper - ''I see a demon running to me with his big blade spike thing! The trooper was killed by a Malcaeum.'' Thylaxiz - ''What do you see in the army? Wat is the military composed of? Dracogonarious, Radeon...?'' Niaka - There are these creatures identified as Blothnos as well, and these other known as Emprahreen... Thylaxiz - ''Ok. What do yu hear? Any voices? And what do the voices say?'' Spinker Trooper - Yeah, I'm hearing some strange voices telling me to cry or something. Thylaxiz - ''One last thing... do you feel and heartbreaks? Do any sad memories suddenly come to mind for no apparent reason? Or do any tears just fall from your eyes randomly?'' Baptarion - All of these. Thylaxiz - ''Then it can only be one of the Devourer's Chosen Champions, Stolithik the Screamer. You'll need to get closer to the source of any sounds that you don't hear in your head, sounds that will sound like a creature wailing in pain. But on the other hand, getting closer would increase your chances of corruption... Baptarion, what do you suggest?'' Baptarion - ''Can't we fire from our ships? If only we could get rid of this big Marinox zombie, it would already help a lot.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''I wouldn't advise that. All our weapons are so strong tey'd hit you as well.'' Baptarion - ''Damnit. I don't know, then...'' Zr'Ahgloth - AR YOO DUM JUS FOLLOW DA SOURC OF DA SCREEMS YOO IDIOTS Baptarion - ''Hey! You! Tone your voice down. You ain't no boss of me.'' Yogtam - ''...For once... Would you guys call me crazy if I listend to Zr'Ahgloth? He seems perfect for the job. As for as Loron go, he has obcvously the strongest mentalist power and with The System too, he can resist the corruption better than anyone, and not to mention that, with the help of his Boyz, he can get threw the hordes.'' Baptarion - ''Ugh. Fine.''

The Mari'verao grabbed Zr'Ahgloth and threw him against the ground.

Baptarion - But he'll have to take care of that thing first. Zr'Ahgloth - YOO DO IT MAN I GOT A JOB MOAR IMPORTANT DIKHED Kralgon Emperor - What could be more important? Zr'Ahgloth - KILLIN DAT GUY DUR Kralgon Emperor - Uh, I still need to focus your nanomachines more so you're prepared. Baptarion - ''As if you're letting him get away with mocking me and then laughing his head off about it. Good grief!'' Niaka - ''This invasion is really starting to bother me. It's like no one is caring about the mission anymore!'' Vekaron - ''Zr'Ahgloth, you go and fight him, taking your best Boyz with you. Me, Baptarion and Thr'aloy will keep this demon busy!'' Thr'aloy - we will?

The Mari'verao launched a blast of entropy at Thr'aloy and roared.

Thr'aloy - OI DIKHED YOR GONNA GET SMASHED HURHURHUR

Thr'aloy jumped on the Mari'verao, kicking and biting at it. It fell down, but got up and attacked Thr'aloy back.

Zr'Ahgloth, meanwhile, charged through the Blothnos, and after cutting them all open, saw a larger Blothnos surrounded by energy.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''hur man dis is fun... i kinda want ma mommy a bit but its still fun'' Kralgon Emperor - Don't progress too much further, the nanomachines need to adapt to the current emotional attack that you're suffering. Zr'Ahglot - k wateva tell me wen i can smash moar peepz man ma boyz keep cryin on me

With Thr'aloy and the others...

Thr'aloy - OI BAPT HELP ME MAN Baptarion - ''I'm doing what I can! I'm not strong as you to wrestle the thing myself!'' Thr'aloy - ''fair enuff BUT CAN YOO AT LEEST SHOOT IT OR WATEVA OR GET IT WEN ITS DISTRACTED? PLEEZ BRO I NEED HELP'' Baptarion - I'm shooting both the demon and the cultists at the same time, what more do you want? Thr'aloy - BRO I NEED PROPA HELP MAN IM GONNA CRY

Thr'aloy fell off the beast and cried.

Thylaxiz - ''Stay focused... Stay focused! You'll just make them stronger, think of good thoughts!'' Tralkik Commander - ''At this point, I am incapable of directing the nanomachines of each inividual soldiers to help them through the corruption. If they stay fighting for too long, they might just become rogue...'' Niaka - ''Where's that big one with the mafia hat anyway? He better not take long or we'll ahve to retreat without him.''

Speaking of Zr'Ahgloth...

Zr'Ahgloth - ''OK BOYZ. WE GOTTA MAEK DIS QUIK. OI DIKHED''

Zr'Ahgloth pointed at the strongest Blothnos, which turned to him. It was the Champino Stolithik.

Stolithik - ''Not enough tears... form from your eyes.... But I know you suffer pain, Zr'Ahgloth.'' Zr'Ahgloth - I SUPPOS YOR DA BOSS DOOD SO IMMA BEET YOO UP NAO Stolithik - ''Yes, I am the boss dude... do you remember another boss dude? Fre'kloar, wasn't it? The one you couldn't kill?'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN HE RAN AWAY FRUM ME AN I HAD STOOF TA DO IMMA KILL HIM LATA Stolithik - ''He ran away, but while he's ran away, all his Loron laugh at you... they use your ass on a dart board, ad talk bout your love for the music of Justin Bieber.'' Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL MAN I DUNT LIEK BEEBA ONLY DA COPYCAT DUMBO LIEKS BEEBA Stolithik - ''No, I have seen your pain wen you could not visit his concert... the posters of him in your wall... And let's not forget the time of your young age when you were bullied for being his fan...'' Zr'Ahgloth - ...HOW DO YOO KNO DAT Stolithik - ''I know all of your pains... Admit it, you want to break down and CRY!'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN IM DA LORON PROPA BIG BOSS AN I NEVA CRY...cept when i cut dem onion fings BUT STILL Stolithik - ''Lies! Inside you is great trauma and sadness... you lost all your friends when you were in that labour camp. You fell to tears many times, you know you did!'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''wat man...how can yoo even kno dat oh ma dayz yor a stalka Stolithik - ''Stop questioning and let out your pain. The pain when you lost your first rap battle. The pain when you failed to defeat Fre'kloar. The pain when your empire was crushed by the Kralgon. What if Fre'kloar is right? What if you are a failure? What if every dream you ever had failed to come true... yet his are being lived out as we speak?'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN GO TA HELL

Zr'Ahgloth charged at Stolithik in anger. Stolithik pointed an arm at Zr'Ahgloth, and he suddenly stopped his charge and felll to the floor, breaking into tears.

Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL WUS DAT...AN I WANT MA MOMMY Stolithik - ''I've been to Hell. But do you remember your visit? All the bad memories that came flooding back to you? All the times of pain, torture, suffering... everything that you despised came to you at once. And it will come now!''

Stolithik caused all of Zr'Ahgloth's bad memories to flash before his eyes.

Zr'Ahgloth - AAAAAARGH MAKE DAT STOP MAKE DAT STOP Stolithik - ''I remember the last time you called out to 'make dat stop'. It was in the labour camp, when all your friends died and you survived the torture, when you tried to escape. You had to suffer many more years in there before you did escape... and gian many more friends who you would watch cut apart before your eyes. Doesn't it make you want to CRY?!'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN...MOMMY...I WANT MA MOMMY Stolithik - ''The blades... the guillotine... the flamethrowers... the things that failed to kill you. "AGH MAKE DAT STOP" you cried, "I WANT MY MOMMY" you screamed out. Doesn't it make you SCREAM IN SORROW?! And let's be honest... you ate your mom not because you hated her, like you tell yourself. You ate her because you were starving in that camp! And you cried afterwards when you realised one of the chikz you ate was your mother! Now CRY, till you eyes run red!''

Zr'Ahgloth tried to crawl away, but could barely move. Stolithik - ''That's right! CRY!'' Zr'Ahgloth - WHERES UNO WHEN YOO NEED DEM...

Suddenly, several blades appeared around Zr'Ahglot, the same ones used to torture him. A flamethrower appeared behind him, again, one used to torture him. The labour masters appeared... led by Tyraz Breek, Fre'kloar and Warlord Titanozor.

Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ Stolithik - ''Where's UNO? All of UNO secretly want you to just be the helpless slave you were in that camp. They want to take away al your self consciousness... you would be like an animal. They hate you, Zr'Ahgloth! They want you to be a pet, not a leader! Every signle one of them does!''

Zr'Ahgloth cried harder and stood on a fatal position.

Kralgon Emperor - ''Cut it out, Zr'Ahgloth... Cut it out!'' Zr'Ahgloth - huh?

The Emperor was speaking to him on radio, while these visions flashed before him.

Kralgon Emperor - As soon as you break down into tears, he can devourer your soul!

Zr'Ahgloth - ''WAT DA HELL? I CANT ATTAK MAN IM TOO SAD'' Kralgon Emperor - Ugh, I do't know wha to do.... Thylaxiz - Zr'Ahgloth, I have an idea! Zr'Ahgloth - WAT MAN I NEED HELP NAO Thylaxiz - ''Don't you remember how to rap battle? When you battle, the other battler will just use your weaknesses and flaws to take shots at you until you can't thionk of a comeback. So come back at him! Just like a rap battle, you pick out his flaws and you'll be able to pick yourself up and beat him!'' Zr'Ahgloth - but i kno nuffin of dis geeza...an i fink hes rite ma lifes bein crap sinc da beginnin an yoo all hate me...i want ma mommy

Thylaxiz patched all the information of Stolithk's history into Zr'Ahgloth's brain via The System.

Thylaxiz - The guy doesn't exactly have the best life ever, does he? Zr'Ahgloth - ...HUR WAT A LOSA MAN I CULD USE DAT Stolithk - ''What is it? CRY!''

Zr'Ahgloth quickly jumped in front of Stolithik, and begin to rap battle him.

Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ YOO GOT A STOOPID BRAIN//HOW CAN SERVIN DA CORRUPTUS EVA EASE YOR PAIN//YOO TRIED TA FITE DESE GUYS NOW YOR DERE SLAVE//DA FUK MAN YOO NEED SOM GOD TA SAVE//YOO FROM DIS CRAP LIEF OH MA DAYZ ITS SO DUM//GO BAK TA BEIN A REBEL NOT A FUKIN CHAMPION Stolithik - What..? Zr'Ahgloth - YOR GAY, MAN, YOR GAY AN GOT DELLUSIONS//SO YA TRY AN TAKE MA SOUL BY MAKIN ME CRY WIV ILLUSIONS//DA FUK MAN YOO NEED SOM MENTAL CHEK//AN SHU ENT INTERESTIN IN GIVIN YA DAT YA FUKIN PEST Stolithik - ''Yes it's true... it makes me want to CRY AND WAIL IN SORROW! But will you?'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''ME? IMMA BEET YOO UP SO MUCH YOR GONNA HAV A NOO REESUN TA CRY AROUND''

Zr'Ahgloth ran up to Stolithik and punched him into a wall.

Stolithik - ''ARGH! All this pain... CRY! CRY FOR ME BROTHERS!''

Several Blothnos arrived, all wailing with tears falling fom their eyes joined Stolithik. Zr'Ahgloth, in response, grabbed his shanka and attacked them all.

Zr'Ahgloth - IMMA TEECH YOO NOT TA MESS WIV MA HED

Each of the Blothnos went down, and with each that went down, Stolithik was reduced to more tears.

Zr'Ahgloth - AN NOW IMMA SHANK YOO

Zr'Ahgloth jumped on Stolithik and shanked him several times.

Stolithik - ''Don't you feel sorry for them? All the pain you've caused? Do you really want to ruin someone else with pain?'' Zr'Ahgloth - IM A LORON AN I DUNT CARE CUS I IS DA BEST HURHURHUR

Zr'Ahgloth stomped and Stolithik's head and broke it apart, and a soul flew out of it, with the sound of many crying beasts, but this sound faded as the soul went away.

Zr'Ahgloth - BY DA WAY YA MOMS DUM Kralgon Emperor - ...Wow... Baptarion - ''Hey look, the demons all disappeared. Looks like the big bug won...'' Thylaxiz - ''Well, I have to applaud him. After all he went through, he bravely came out and smashed the demon. So I guess congratulations are in order... free pizza party, I presum?'' Thr'aloy - I LIEK DAT IDEA HUR Zr'Ahgloth - ALL YOO GUYS BETTA B SCARED I SMASHED DA DEMON Niaka - ''...Nah. You smashed a guy's skull open. We've seen far worse than that.'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP YOO TRY IT HE MESSES WIV YOR HED Niaka - ''And you think we weren't being affected too? Not as much as you but several of my soldiers were going "Praise the Devourer" before I shot them down.'' Zr'Ahgloth - NOT AGENST DAT GUY IDIOT DA CLOSER YOO GET DA MOAR HE MINDFUKS YOO IDIOT Niaka - Stop insulting me before I shoot YOU next. Zr'Ahgloth - NOT A GOOD IDEA TA DO DAT MAN IM STRONGA DAN YOO YOOS TOO WIMPY TA TAKE OUT A DEMON YA DIKHED Valzo - Don't worry, you get used to him eventually. Baptarion - ''Can everyone shut up now? What matters is that we won.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Agreed. I need to adapt The System to resist this corruption better, it'll be hard but I can probably manage. Anyway, everyone get back to the ship. We've taken over this world, that should slow the momentum of the Devourer's Chosen invasion of you, Collective.'' Baptarion - Yeah, I appreciate that. Kralgon Emperor - ''We've also collected information that could come in handy when fighting them again, for developing any tactics. So, to conclude, I think we'll all go back to defending our territory and have a rest from today.'' Baptarion - Agreed.

Stolithik - ''I am sad... I have failed!''

Stolithik had returned to the largest shrine with the other Champions and leaders.

Aberkul - ''What do you have to say for yourself, screamer? You failed the Devourer!'' Stolithik - ''They were strong... They could resist the sorrow, put it aside, and fight me! And that Loron leader... he is stonger and more resistant than anyone I have faced before!'' Geltastra - ''The heretics using nanomachine technology to prevent our corruption! How dare they!''

There was a short silence.

Geltastra - ''It matters not. We can regain the world soon.''

Stolithik burst into tears, but then Genrai Nal arrived.

Geltastra - A servant of the Warrior!

Everyone bowed their heads.

Genrai Nal - ''UNO's nanomachines do not fight of the corruption, they just correct the brain and its emotions. That is why UNO took longer to corrupt than the others did. The Loron have a mentalist power, which they use to control other minds, which is why Loron are slightly harder to corrupt.'' Geltastra - Those heretics shall burn... Genrai Nal - ''UNO are planning to use Gyronic in their nanomachines, so as to resist this. This can be a problem if the Collective and UNO share too many ideas...'' Geltastra - The Collective are allied with THEM?!

Gelastra was circled by fire.

Geltastra - 'If they are allied with the ones who silenced our god then they shall suffer much more.'' Genrai Nal - I see.

Genrai Nal opened up a portal.

Genrai Nal - I have one more thing to show you. Geltastra - What is it?

Falrik Zaarkhun appeared.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, greetings, Devourer's Chosen. You've made quite a name for yourselves around here.''

The champions aimed their weapons at Zaarkhun.

Geltastra - Who is this heretic?! Genrai Nal - ''Do not harm him. He is a... colleague of mine.'' Geltastra - What do you want from us? Falrik Zaarkhun - I'd just like to discuss a few ideas I had, one of which would involve co-operation. Geltastra - I do not cooperate with heretics. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Then perhaps I could tempt you with this offer: A galaxy full of people you are completely free to corrupt, with no resistance, no need for attack,nothing. Just a bunch of heretics to convert to worshippers of the great Devourer, and it will be easy.'' Geltastra - ''I can read your mind, and I see what you really want. All you shall achieve is your body impaled through my blades.''

Falrik Zaarkhun - You're pretty good.

Falrik Zaarkhun hid behind the portal's safety.

Falrik Zaarkhun - But you will be sorely disappointed.

The portal closed.

Geltastra - ''What was the point of that, Genrai Nal? If this was to weaken my empire, I'll have to warn the master about it...'' Genrai Nal - ''In truth, I don't know what he's planning sometimes. But he's got something big in store, and you've just missed your chance to be part of it.'' Geltastra - I could read his mind, he wanted to backstab us. Genrai Nal - ''Probably only in fear of you backstabbing him first. He's like that.''

Genrai Nal looked around the room.

Genrai Nal - I don't suppose there's anything more to discuss? Geltastra - No. Do not bring more heretics here agian, this is a holy place and you know that. Genrai Nal - Very well.

Genrai Nal disappeared.

Stolithik - ''I feel... Many sorrows, tears... But not like usual. Someone else is approaching!'' Geltastra - Maybe it's the master...

Zargoth and Kolossus appeared.

Zargoth - Greetings. Geltastra - ''Ah. It's you.'' Zargoth - ''I would have you all know that soon this galaxy will have to deal with a 4 dimensional vague threat. And yes, this is stemming from my plans.'' Geltastra - Hmmm...well no matter what they are, we shall bless them with the Devourer's entropy like we did to everyone else. Zargoth - ''No, you shall leave them be. They have no interest in anyone except the servants of the time gods.'' Geltastra - ''So...they will attack UNO for us? That can be good.'' Zargoth - ''Of course they shall... they shall pose a threat to UNO, and anyone who attacks them.'' Geltastra - In this case we'll not intervent with them. Kolossus - ''Another thing, you will possibly come into contact with us... but if you do, these people you meet will not know anything of you or this galaxy.'' Geltastra - How so? Kolossus - We shall explain everything once it's over... Zargoth - But no one is to know until it is. Geltastra - Very well.'' Zargoth - ''I bid you farewell, servants of the Devourer... he is very proud of you all, you please him more every day.''

Geltastra bowed to Zargoth, who left with Kolossus.

New Allies in Old Places
Far from the conflicts of Borealis, the was preparing yet another intergalactic location. Within the sector dubbed Mathist-25 a ring stood surroounding itself around a black hole. Around it the imperium had prepared four battlefleets for the pioneering journey. Both the - who had secluded their colonies in Borealis and could lose them soon - and the UNO had provided information they considered useful. Fresh from her duties in the, was placed at the head of the expedition.

Engineer - ''Coordinates set for an exit point provided by the Brood of War. Estimated distance form their borders... 15 parses, with 4% possible deviation.'' Captain - ''15 with point-six parsecs either way sounds right for expansion. Are the 912th departures secure?'' 912th Commander - Marines are all ready sir. Systems fully optimised, stabilisiation drive is running at peak efficciency. Scientist - Gateway control we are ready for wormhole activation. Commander - The Zazane informed us to be ready for anything near their space. Arnas - ''Don't get your stomach in a knot commander. The imperium has had it's fair share of wars and battle so whatever is in this sector we should be fine as long as we remain close to the Brood of War.''

As the ship entered the singularity they were catapulted unfathomable distances and ended up in a region of the Otzello Sector. After a moment of silence and relief the captain spoke.

Arnas - ''Jump complete, coordinates match with what the Brood provided. Everything seems fine so tell the crewmen to deploy a probe to report back, meanwhile we'll scout local systems for strategic value.'' Lieutenant - Aye sir.

The crewman heads below deack and a probe is launched through the temporary wormhole.

Commander - ''Captain, it will take days to set up the reactor. Perhaps we sohould contact the Brood and inform them of the situation while the rest of the scouting fleet examines the area.'' Captain - ''Understood, we will do that in time. For now this new sector needs a gateway command. We're in a new galaxy Lieutenant, this is indeed an age of change and as usual House Ultanos is there to guide the way.''

The fleet set up a forward command with reinforcements arriving a few days later. Under orders from high command they were supposed to clear the region of pirate activity.

On the outskirts of the Vraedes system a division of the 495th fleet arrives in the system's outer asteroid belt. After several hours of searching they detected signals of a pirate base in the area. After amassing the fleet they engaged a full broadside th the target, firing antimatter missiles and dispatching any of the pirate vessels that tried to engage. After a final missile was launched the base exploded in a burst of energy. The command crew were proud of themselves - slowly but surely the Imperium was securing systems for their expansion.

After the battle the fleet was contacted by three factions at the same time: UNO, the Niaka and the Zoles Imperium.

Niaka Chief - ''Ah, greetings Draconid Imperium. We've noticed that you've killed a few pirates. Captain Vromus - Really? Are they common in this region of space?'' Valzo - We've noticed that they are common often in the Ottzello Sector, but across the galaxy in general, it's hard to go anywhere without find pirates. Niaka Chief - ''Recent studies have shown that, with the Xi'Arazhula attacks, many pirates are now growing more desperate and are often on the run. So you'll bump into them more often, but only the Wranploer will cause much damage.'' Vromus - ''Not too surprising, but the Imperial Talon Navy has had it's fair share of headhunting. What are these... Xi'Araz-hula?'' Commandant Vekaron - ''The Xi'Arazhula, also known as the Dark Verezaph, are creatures invading the galaxy. We don't know much, but they can scourge entire worlds of life, and are apparently extra-dimensional creatures.'' Commander Drevolumus - ''Scourge entire planets of life? Sounds like the Mecha-Wasps to me.'' Vekaron - ''No, they are far more powerful. A single Xi'Arazhula can destroy a typical Zoles fleet.'' Vromus - ''Just one? my, my...'' Vekaron - ''There is hope. We've discovered a way to clear them of an entire subsector, using ancient technologies left over by the Cold Ones''. Vromus - The UNO has provided us with some information on them, ancient precursors woh left behind powerful technologies. Kralgon Emperor - That is correct, they have also worked with the Vyro'Narza. Niaka Chief - Do you wish to set up colonies in this galaxy? Verkaron - They don't sound too dissimilar to percursors from our own galaxy. Vromus - ''That is why the Imperium is here. We are here to build ties with the Brood of War nearby.'' Niaka Chief - ''Excellent. Send us co-ordinates of the planets you wish to inhabit, and follow through the standard procedures of colonization, and you will be free to settle.'' Vromus - ''I will relay that to gateway command, you should hear from them within the hour. In the meantime we will continue securing the intended systems and clearing them of pirate activity.''

King Rebaris spoke up, but sounded more desperate for help.

King Rebaris - ''I may request one thing? UNO, who have met you before, have told us of your current struggle, and military. We are impressed. Our people are currently in what is the greatest galactic struggle of all time, and we need all the help we can get. The Brood of War have been oblivious, turning their attention to your galaxy, but if you set up colonies with our help, you can be able to support us as well as your own.'' Vromus - ''We have our own priorities in Andromeda but we will do what we can. We have by-now connected this region to the Imperium and, t a lesser extent, Andromeda. The connection makes travel between galaxies effortless so colonisation should be prompt.'' King Rebaris - ''Please do help us. If you won't fight the Xi'Arazhula yourself, then there are many people in Borealis who you can fight.'' Vromus - We will see what we can do, at the moment our main priority here is to secure the connection and the perimeter colonies. Yogtam - ''I see. We can all help you with that. As for the pirates here, we can't tell which ones are linked to the Wranploer and which aren't. Although with how complex the criminal network is, we can say that all criminals are linked in some way, even those petty gangs who fight for themselves.'' Vromus - No surprises there, criminals often like sticking together. Niaka - ''If you are interested in fighting criminals, perhaps you could aid our struggle against the Wranploer Legion and Da Rogue Boyz? They're more powerful than ever, and unless we can hold them back, they will cause too much damage to us for us to fight th Xi'Arazhla.'' Vromus - ''If you seek our help against Loron then very well. The brutes are causing chaos back home!'' Niaka - You have Loron at home? Oh yes, the "Legion of Badmanz". Perhaps fighting them here too can help you with tactics at home?'' Vromus - ''The brutes are here as well? The inquisition is going to love this...''

Zr'Ahgloth assumed, naturally, that Vromus was talking about the Loron as a species.

Zr'Ahgloth - OI WATS YOO IMPLYIN Vromus - That the Inquisition will enjoy hunting down the Legion here. Niaka - ''The Legion of Badmanz aren't as common as Da Rogue Boyz, we've only seen them on one occasion, when they attacked UNO. So, you'll be hunting Loron and Wranploer?'' Vekaron - ''Another extragalactic visitor, Baptarion of the Indoctrinate Collective, is also at war with the "Devourer's Chosen". If you wish, you could fight them too?'' Commander - I believe Princess Alessa mentioned the Devourer's chosen after her return from New Draka.A cult i believe. Vromus - Drakon's arse, it sounds like you have cults running amok here. Niaka - ''We have cults running amok everywhere, sadly. Do you wish to help us?'' Vromus - ''Gladly, we will have gateway command contact the Inquisition. they are... better equipped for that sort of thing.'' Niaka - ''Excellent. Us, the Zoles, nd UNO will support you too, with troops and resources, until you have a strong, stable economy in your colonies. And with that, I believe there is nothing more to discuss?'' Vromus - ''If there is anything else I will have gateway command contact you. Good day.''

Today, the enemy is at our door
Deep within the inner citadel of Devourer's Chosen, enraged screams of a Radeon woman could be heard by cultists, strange for such a cold species. It was Dark Apostle Geltastra. Her followers, the Devourer's Chosen, were losing every battle since the war, and her empire was crumbling slowly. She didn't like this. A group of Dracogonarious cultists has entered Geltastra's chamber cautiously, bringing a small vox device with them. Geltastra has turned her eyes on her followers.

Cultist - ''Mistress... We...'' Geltastra - ''WHAT? YOU... INCOMPETENT FREAKS!

Geltastra has swung her scepter and smashed the cultist, turning him into nothing but a mess of blood and bones. Another cultist has continued his dead comrade's speech, cowering in fear.

Cultist 2 - ''My lady... We... have discovered a transmission from some... empire. Unbelievers they are, but their look is similar to yours, mistress. Unfortunately, no translator could decipher their language. Perhaps you could do it? We'll show you this transmission now.''

A cultist has pressed buttons on the vox device, and it has started to play the transmission. Geltastra has calmed down and walked close to the device, studying the voice.

Geltastra - ''Arrrgh... I recognise this language - it is Radessic. A language of my kind - extremely broken, but recognisable. That means that my kind is in Borealis now...''

Dark Apostle has listened to the broken speech from the transmission a bit more with interest. The voice sounded familiar to her. After some seconds of listening to the voice, she has realised who was that.

Geltastra - ''Indricarron. You will be mine.'' Cultist - Indricarron? Geltastra - ''An old friend of mine - I have recognised his broken speech. We served together, and perhaps, he could be turned to the path of the Devourer. Listen to me now, Chosen - we are heading to wherever this transmission was from, NOW. I will lead the fleet myself.''

With these words, Geltastra has teleported to the shipyards of the Chosen. Cultists bowed to her in submission as she has entered the ship. It was heading to the Borealis Radeons...

Archon Indricarron has been sitting on his chair inside his residence on Borealum, watching his subjects working and training. Since he became the leader of Borealis Radeons, everything was going well and his people prospered. He enjoyed the glory of his empire, and the Clericarch was going to appreciate his actions in icreasing the might of the Divinarium.

While Indricarron's present was perfect, he enjoyed remembering his own past as well. Now he remembered his servitude under Tadjamad during the Tigris. He missed his comrades - one in particular, the squad's chaplain. He enjoyed listening to her rousing speeches, to her beautiful and yet strong voice. His journey to the realm of memories were interrupted, however, by an incoming transmission from a PDF commander.

PDF commander - Archon Indricarron, enemy forces in our perimeter. Indricarron - Where? PDF commander - ''Southern quadrant, but they are on the move. Current location unknown.''

Indricarron has donned his armor and descended from his chamber, walking towards the balcony of his residence. His people were in danger, and he would protect them, Indricarron thought. Ascending above his subjects, he has started his speech as the Devourer's fleet was descending on the planet.

Indricarron - ''Tehre is noh time to beh lohst! Borealeehs Radeohns, my bruvvas and sistas, today the enemeh is at oua doar! We know oua duteh and we will do eet. We fight for our ho-'' Geltastra - ''Indricarron. Old friend...'' Indricarron - ''...Gehltastrah? Whaht has... happenehd to youh?''

As the cultists have attacked Borealum, Geltastra has teleported to Indricarron to engage personally. She was now twisted and corrupted, wings sprouting from her back and body shining with green, malevolent energies, but Indricarron has recognised her face and her voice.

Geltastra - ''I have changed, Indricarron, for I have found the true light. The light of the Devourer of Dreams, one who could save us all. The world is crumbling and only we shall survive. Many of our kinda are unable to see the light, and their fate would be death. It is too late for Borealum, but it isn't too late for you, Indricarron. Join me in the Devourer's service, and we would be together once more. You would be the greatest warrior of the Chosen, and you would find salvation.''

Indricarron froze in fear, but he knew what to do. He was too loyal to the cause to succumb to his former friend, and his response was short and simple.

Indricarron - NO! Geltastra - ''You have chosen your fate yourself. Prepare to die.''

Geltastra's eyes flashed with demonic, flickering fire, and in a moment Indricarron was surrounded with cold, green flames those have enveloped him in a torrent of pain and horror. Indricarron has attempted to fight his former comrade, but was not able to overcome the entropic powers those the Dark Apostle commanded. As Borealum was leveled to the ground and his citizen massacred, Geltastra has grabbed Indricarron's lifeless body and has opened a portal back to the Chosen's citadel.

Indricarron has awakened in a dark underground chamber, lit with the flickering lights. There was only him. Him and Geltastra.

Indricarron - WHERE AM I?! Geltastra - ''You have denied your glory, darling, but you will join us, Indricarron. One way or another.''

Geltastra has whipped Indricarron with her bladed tentacles, causing excruiating pain to him. Indricarron has groaned, but he was not going to surrender.

Indricarron - ''NO! IT IS DEVOURER'S CHOSEN WHO WILL TASTE DEATH AND DEFEAT! AND IF I DIE THIS DAY, I DIE IN GLORY! I WILL DIE A HERO'S DEATH.'' Geltastra - ''Who says that you will die, darling? You are my plaything now, and I shall ensure that you will scream in pain for eternity - or at least until you will realise the Devourer's power.''

Geltastra has continued the torture of her former comrade over and over, whipping him, tearing his flesh and poisoning him with the entropic toxins given to her by Shu'wokerama himself. Indricarron knew that he would not last for long, but he still had hope. As he suffered from pain unbearable, he chanted one word only.

Indricarron - NO. NO. NO. NO...

The Chosen were now singing victory chants around the citadel and praised demons of Corruptus for their victory. Bodies of Borealis Radeons were burned to ashes, the smoke of their charred corpses glorifying victory for the cultists. As they have been chanting the hymns to her masters, Geltastra and Marigrax, a wall in the citadel was crushed as the monstrous, mutated, cybernetically enchanced and tormented Radeon emerged from it.

??? - ''METAHL BOX! MEHTAL BOX! THE COWARDS! THE FOOLS! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!''

Radeon monstrosity has smashed the cultists, sending them flying in the air and turning them into the masses of flesh and bone. Now more of a machine than a living being, it knew no mercy. He served Geltastra and Geltastra alone.

Geltastra - ''Stop, Indricarron. They are fine.'' Indricarron - NO...? Geltastra - ''Yes, Indricarron. Concentrate your wrath on the Divinarium. They will fall soon...'' Indricarron - ''THE COWARDS! THE FOOLS!''

Taking The Fight to Them
In the Zoles Imperium, it was time for the Zoles to strike back against the Xi'Arazulha.

Vekaron - ''Sire, I think it's about time we stopped all this... well, nonsense. We can't fight back at the Xi'Arazulha, they're too strong., and trying to defend our worlds just ends in a waste of resources and them being slowed by us. I think it's time we attacked them... but not head-on.'' King Rebaris - ''I've been thinking about it but it's a little complicated. According to our sources, they do not control worlds.'' Vekaron - No. Our alies, the Niaka and the Unified Nation, have got together the information we need, and rather than attacking a planet, we'll intercept a group of them who are trying to attack the Adrahira tribe. King Rebaris - ''But our current weapons do nothing against them. That's another drawback.'' Vekaron - ''Ah, but you see, as I said, we're not attacking them head on. We're going to attack one thing that they want. See, the Niaka have been studying them to collect intel that UNO are sending to the Delpha Coalition of Planets (who have said they may help the galaxy out some time), and they've discovered what these things are trying to destroy. Do you remember the Grid?'' King Rebaris - I don't recall much about it. Vekaron - ''Not only will we learn more of the Grid, but if we go straight for a component of the Grid, which they aim to attack, then we can quite possibly learn of a way to defend ourselves. If I'm right, we mightn't be able to attack them, but we can at least slow them down.'' King Rebaris - I see... Vekaron - Only worry are the components of this Grid on worlds owned by the Minga, you know how they're religiously protective of anything associated with the Cold Ones, we'd have to assure them that we aren't defiling the work of the gods or whatever. King Rebaris - True, true. Vekaron - ''Anyway, are you all set to attack? The sooner we mke this move, the better.'' King Rebaris - Yes.

Vekaron and Rebaris warped to their spaceship, and once again, set off. When they arrived out of the Cold Relay...

Vekarton - ''We ought to hide. We want to avoid the Xi'Arazulha.'' Rebaris - ''Indeed. If they found us now, we would have no chance.'' Vekaron - ''From observing their activity, the Xi'Arazulha will search around the star system looking for worlds, and devour them. Luckily, the Adrahira are resourceful and have terraformed and inhabited every single world in this system, so we shouldn't have some time.'' Rebaris - These Adrahira will be massacred... Vekaron - ''They will, but there's nothing we can do about it. So then, shall we get on communication with them?'' Rebaris - Yes, let's do it.

The transmission screen opened to show the Adrahira.

Adrahira Chief - ''Ah, Zoles, you are here. Everything has been prepared, our people shall see this day as the perfect day to die. We'll send you the route that can rech this world while avoiding the Xi'Arazulha... and we have figured how to confuse them to attack the wrong places at times. You did not bring a fleet?'' Vekaron - ''No need, they'd just lose their lives here. And if you remember, this attack is not head-on.'' Rebaris - How do you plan to confuse them? Adrahira - We can get device to just display false signals everywhere. Rebaris - Hmm... Adrahira - ''Hurry! You have no time to waste!''

A fourth Xi'Arazulha joined the group of three, and they began to attack. The Zoles luckily sneaked around them, and in time, reached the destination.

Rebaris - That was close... Adrahira Chief - ''You are here. The device is right there:''

The chief pointed to a large device which appeared to be a metallic mountain, or was at least as large as one.

Rebaris - Let's go then? Vekaron - ''Woah... And yes, let's.''

The Adrahira escorted them along a path made for thm, with several Zoles soldiers follwing them. They reach the bottom...

Vekaron - Uh, where's the entrance? Adrahira - In here.

The Adrahira showd them what appeared to be a cave, but when they went in, they could see lights flashing, and energy working. The interior was alive.

Rebaris - Impressive... Adrahira - ''All the Cold One technology is. Our people, and most of the galaxy, is built on it. Why else do you think our languages are similar? They're all derived rom ancient Cold One scripts.''

When they reached the core, they saw a massive ball of energy shooting upwards, in a tube that went from the bottom to the top. Underground there were several caretakers at work, and overground, there were several tubes connecting to areas of the place all around. Everyone was hard at work.

Rebaris - Wow... Caretaker - ''Ah, visitors. I assume you're after the Grid Generator?'' Rebaris - Yes, yes we are. Careatker - Right this way.

The Caretaker directed them to an elevator, which they took. It began its incredibly fast descension at 180 mph, but seemed to go on for ages.

Caretaker - You know where we're going, right? Rebaris - Well...not really. Adrahira - ''This takes us to the core of planet. The very centre of the world.'' Rebaris - I see... Adrahira - ''The descent will continue for another few minutes. We could speed it up, but there's no guarantee it will be stable.'' Vekaron - Speed it up, we have little time.

The elevator traveled even faster, and halted suddenly at its destination.

Caretaker - ''You guys better put on these goggles, and this equipment. Only stay the areas that have been designated for your kind.'' Rebaris - Understood.

They stepped out of the elevator, and...

Vekaron - ''This... is a planet's core?''

All they could see was an enormous energy reactor, with burst of energy coming out, and a huge globe of energy inside. Around it, was all sorts of wiring and lights everywhere, with screens displaying planets in the sb-sector.

Caretaker - ''What did you expect? A huge ball of fire?'' Rebaris - Well...yeah. Caretaker - This planet is artifical, and is home to the Caretaker's center of operations for this sector.

Suddenly, the clanking of metal could be heard, and The Mechanic popped out.

The Mechanic - What, you think we'd just leave the Grid generators on random worlds anyone could attack? Rebaris - Fair enough. The Mechanic - ''Yeah, and you should get used to me working around in these places. I'm the Head Caretaker, dunno if I've told you before.'' Vekaron - No, you didn't.

The Mechanic shrugged.

The Mechanic - ''Well, I am, and here we are. So then, let's slow time down outside... ok, we're good. So, what do you wanna do here?'' Rebaris - We wanted to see if the Grid could be used to stop the Xi'Arazulha. The Mechanic - ''Oh hell, ya. The Xi'arazulha tryna shut this thang down, and damn our schedules full with tryna keep it in operation. So they had to resort to blowing these generators up. Once they blow em up, tehy can cause as much damage as they want, until the Vyro'Narza take the bait.'' Rebaris - Bait? The Mechanic - Basically, the Xi'Arazulha want the Vyro'Narza to arrive, and they'll absorb their souls like they absorbed the Vi'Navitum's. Like they weren't content with having the Vyro'Ralza on their damn side anyway! Rebaris - This is much bigger than I though... The Mechanic - ''Worrying thang is, the Xi'Arzulha will find absorbing their souls much easier out here... which is why they picked Borealis as their battleground. Y'know why? The same technology in the Grid can be used, if converted to be on their side, to capture and absorb the Vyro'Narza's soul without even having to fight over it.'' Vekaron - That's horrible... The Mechanic - ''Yeah, it will be, but hey, we're in a galaxy that has turned to a bad place to live ever since the Cold Ones got killed. But I'm sure you're here to use the defence mechanism of the thing. It... does require some skill to use it, but Vekaron and Rebaris? You got all th qualification. Shame these Adrahira don't. Rebaris - Let's do this then, before it's too late. The Mechanic - ''Nah, don't worry about time, it's slowed down outside. You could take years cracking this thang, and nothing outside would be affected. Good ol' Vyro'Narza did more for this galaxy than them Junction have done, sadly.'' Vekaron - Very well... Rebaris - Uh, what do we do?

The Mechanic led them into a room.

The Mechanic - Take a seat.

The two sat down.

Suddenly, they both got the feeling of being electricuted, and they fell asleep.

The Mechanic - Well, how do you feel? Rebaris - Like a thunder just hit me. The Mechanic - ''Yup, you are now inside the Grid! Woohoo!''

The two could now fly around freely, with all the restrictions of being 3D creatures gone. They were in a green space, which seemed to have no end.

Vekaron - This feels so strange... The Mechanic - Meh, transdimensional movement syndromes, a bit of sickness when you return, but hey it's all worth it. Rebaris - You never mentioned any syndromes! The Mechanic - ''Did I not? Oh, I didn't! That's because they're too minor to mention. Now come on!''

The Mechanic flew off, and signalled the other two to join, which they did.

Vekaron - So what happens now? The Mechanic - ''From here, we can only access the area of the Grid covering the subsector. If I can find the core, you two are gonna take over it, and blast them Xi'Arazulha to hell! Literally!'' Rebaris - ''If you can find? You mean you don't know where it is?'' The Mechanic - Patience, I've only accessed this part of the Grid 250 times in my lifetime, I can't remember where everything is! Vekaron - ''Ugh. Let's hope you remember it then.'' The Mechanic - ''Can't remember for the life of me, uh.. let's see, 2.876 co-ordinate alpha, no...''

The Mechanic mumbled to himself, but then found it, and took the two with him.

The Mechanic - Here it is!

The Mechanic showed them what appeared to be just a white portal.

Vekaron - Is this it? The Mechanic - ''Get inside. Although I warn you, you won't e able to control your consciousness once you're in.'' Rebaris - Uhh...alright...

They went inside, and their view was pitch blank.

The Mechanic - ''Ok, so, uh, you guys all right? Can you here me?''

They could see the Mechanic's image moving around but slowly and blurrily, and his voice was echoing.

Vekaron - Yes, we can. The Mechanic - ''Good. Now then... gah, I've spotted the problem!'' Vekaron - What's that? The Mechanic - ''The Junction's Dmension 0 is gone, the old Cold One dimension is gone too. So there's been no place to link the Grid to. That's why this has been working wrong on this time!'' Rebaris - So...what should we do? The Mechanic - ''It's obvious, isn't it? The three people involved in the Grid's creation, the Cold Ones, the Junction and he Vyro'Narza. The former two have been written off, so whose dimension is left to link to?'' Rebaris - Vyro'Narza one. The Mechanic - ''That's right! Straight to Sequencium, baby! Wooo!''

Suddenly everything appeared to shake, and they appeared to be moving.

The Mechanic - Um, I should warn you about something. Vekaron - What? The Mechanic - ''This trip... hehe... isn't exactly the safest...'' Vekaron - How so?

They picked up speed, and the Mechanic shook around.

The Mechanic - ''Oh you know, the Xi'Arazulha could intercpt us, we could crash into a rock from realspace, we could miss our destination and end up in some other realm, or... yeah basically you mightn't survive....'' Rebaris - Uh-oh... The Mechanic - ''Sorry guys, but I needed you. And if you don't come out, I'd like to say it was an honour... AGH!''

A part of the blankness broke open, and a Xi'Arazulha stepped inside.

Vekaron - Oh no! The Mechanic - ''OH! Uh, uh, uh, use your powers on it!'' Rebaris - ''Powers? What powers?'' The Mechanic - ''In here you can maniuplate the subspace and fire it at him until it kicks him out and leaves him outside any dimension completely frying him... QUICKLY!''

Rebaris and Vekaron both tried to kick the Xi'Arazulha out. The Xi'Arazulha was slowed down, but still managed to fire. They luckily dodged.

The Mechanic - Try merging your beams together!

Rebaris and Vekaron united their beams.

Xi'Arazulha - ''Argh... I will eat your souls!'' The Mechanic - Ok, I got a plan, but it's dangerous...

The Mechanic merged his beam with the other two, and aimed it at the Gridspace taking them to the Vyro'Narza realm. It opened a whole into nothing, which the Xi'Arazula fell threw, and then shut again.

The Mechanic - Oh, my old boss told me if I did that I would die. Rebaris - Exactly what just happened? The Mechanic - ''Oh, the thing managed to intercept this transdimensional Gridspace path, we just kicked it out into nothingspace where it will die of.. literally being in nothing. And hey, we're there!''

The two felt sick and uneasy, but were now in a new realm.

Vekaron - Where are we now?

The Mechanic stoppd, looked out, and truned back to them

The Mechanic - ''My friend, welcome... to Sequencium!'' Their interpreation was an enormous city, unlike anything they'd ever seen, bustling with activity, with energy flying around, and full of Vyro'Narza. Rebaris and Vekaron were too impressed even to talk.

The Mechanic - ''So then, along this way. We're gonna have to speak to the Vyro'Narza in charge of transdimensional activity. C'mon, follow me.''

The two followed.

Vyro'Narza - ''Ah, Vekaron and Rebaris. Welcome!''

They saw what appeared to be an enormous shop, but was in fact a work place.

Rebaris - Uhh...greetings... Vyro'Narza - ''Please, don't be shy. What do you wish?'' Vekaron - It's not all shyness, we are feeling a little dizzy...anyway, we wish to link the Borealis Grid to your realm. Vyro'Narza - ''Oh yes, we ought to link them together now in order for the Grid to work properly. I knew there was something that the Junction couldn't finish about that thing. So well, we'll have to link it into the generator of each sub-sector... shouldn't take long.'' Rebaris - Thank you. The Mechanic - ''So then, the three of us gonna insert into that machine, and then it'll all be good. These two are pretty distant from their consciousness, so make sure ti's safe.'' Vyro'Narza - Absolutely, just sit down there.

They sat down., and a flash of light appeared before thir eyes and what appeared to be a thunderbolt again. After a few minutes, they were back in the core of the generator world.

The Mechanic - ''Ok, let's just duble check before we blast these Xi'Arazulha out... you feeling ok?'' Rebaris - Still a little dizzy. The Mechanic - ''Yeah, you should experience a bit of sickness and all, but it's normal. Anyway, you're gonna have to insert yourself to one last ting, but this sub sector is safe.'' Vekaron - Insert where?

The Mechanic pointed to the core.

The Mechanic - ''Just in there. This one is't gonna invlve sickness, just you commanding this thing to smash the Xi'Arazulha out and turning on the automated defence system. The Grid will be perfectly complete in this sub sector, but I can't say the same for the others.'' Rebaris - Very well.

The two entered the machine, targeted the Xi'Arazulha in the sub sector, and eliminated them completely.

Rebaris - Wow! The Mechanic - ''Like it? From there, we keep time in check, defend the place from any transdimensionals, organize all Cold One technology and view timelines. Takes a lot of Caretakers to run this place, mind you. But yeah, this subsector looks pretty safe. If you can find and activate the other Grid Generators, there's more for you guys to learn, and also you'll be able to save more subsectors.'' Vekaron - Understood. The Mechanic - ''Well, I guess that's everything here? Eh, yup. Cheerio!''

Neglected One
Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - Guys, I'm picking up a transmission.

On the Propa Big Rogue Krooza, after a day of pillaging worlds, something less ordinary was going to happen.

Kal'kuir - WATS DIS MAN IM BUSI MAKIN DIS SIK CANNON DAT FIRES PIZZAS Zalk'don - AN IM BUSI MAKIN A CANNON DAT JUS BLOWS STOOF UP man Kal'kuir whai do yoo always do da interestin stoof Kal'kuir - cus i is da best Fre'kloar - PATCH DEM IN

On the screen...

??? - ''Well... Da Rogue Boyz... of all the ones in this pitiful galaxy... you seem most... unnaffected by the Xi'Arazulha... how is this so?'' Voa'reak - WHOS DIS NAO

Voa'reak pointed at one of the individuals on the screen, with large wings.

Kernax - You point at me?! Voa'reak - YEH COS YOOS A WANNABE OF MAN DUMBO Kernax - ...what? Voa'reak - ''OH MA DAYZ MAN YOO AN ME NEED TA FITE SOMTIEM AN WELL SEE WHOS A BETTA FLIER. IF I WIN I GET TA ATTACH YOR WINGS. IF YOO WIN... UH I DUNNO YOO GET PIZZA'' Kernax - I don't even know this heretic and he shouts nonsense at me. Arbekul - We should just crush these heretics. Kernax - And that's what we will do! Zalk'don - ''YOO CANT SMASH US. WHERS YOR GUNZ?'' Arbekul - ''Fool... We are weapons. We are the tools of the Devourer. I am a tool of the Devourer. I AM a gun!'' Naktor'zak - DATS DUM MAN HES KINDA COPYIN ME Arbekul - ''No, we are not like heretics. Our only association with heretics is when we destroy them, or convert them! And you shall all be converted...'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - MAN HOW BORIN YOO IS Capastrus - ''Boredom is a rather pathetic feeling. Just like all feelings.'' Grak'tona - WELL YOR DUM AN NOT WORFF DATS WORS DAN ANYFIN ELSE Jol'kiar - BAK IN MAI DAYZ WE HAD BETTA FOES Capastrus - ''The entire galaxy has better foes... the X'Arazhula. It's so commonnow that a planet's destruction at their hands is not news anymore. You should be lucky we give you the chance for your souls to be redeemed... they will just eat them.'' Fre'kloar - WELL WES GONNA EET DEM AN EET YOO NEX HOW BOUT DAT Kernax - ''We'll see. I shall come down on you and annihilate you... although Arbekul wants to annhilate you first. Just wait as your first planet is lost to the Devourer's Chosen.'' Kal'kuir - ''BLAH BLAH BLAH. DESE GEEKAS DUM MAN CLOSE DIS TRANSMISSHION ALREEDY The transmission was shut down, and each of the Loron went back to doing whatever before.'' Rel'larutina - ''Uh... guys? You do realise you're going to need to send someone to fight them, right?''

Fre'kloar sat down and chilled.

Fre'kloar - cant be bothared Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ''yeh same. lets jus send drizzy as hes learnin- oh wait hes still in trainin. hmm lets send dark fre'kloar ennit?'' Jol'kiar - YEH MAN SEND DAT GUD FER NUFFIN DARK FRE'KLOAR Dark Fre'kloar - ''YOR ALL GAY MAN. FINE IMMA GO AN PROOV DAT IM BETTA DAN FRE'KLOAR Fre'kloar - GIV UP MAN YOOLL NEVA B BETTA DAN ME Dark Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN IMMA SHANK YOO

Dark Fre'kloar got out his shanka, but was grabbed by a robot hand.

Rel'larutina - Go and fight the Devourer's, idiot! Kal'kuir - GO BEFOR I ROAST YOR HIDE WIV DIS NOO SIK CANNON DAT SHOOTS FLAME PIZZAS I JUST MADE

Dark Fre'kloar stormed off, and went in a Fighta to the world, then accompanied by other Troopas, and soon a whole army.

Dark Fre'kloar - wher is dem man

On the planet, Dark Fre'kloar's army where begnning to get bored, until...

??? - For the Devourer! Troopa - OVA DERE MAN

A group of Dark Dracogonarious fired their weapons at the Loron Troopas, who fought back.

Troopa - I DIDNT KNO DERE WERE DRAC PEEPZ IN HEER MAN Dark Dracogonarious - ''We are the true 'Drac Peepz'... we'll slaughter you not for science, but for the one true Devourer, who defies scienec!''

The Dar Dracogonarious pulled out blades, ad encountered the Troopas in combat. The Loron Dakka Troopas pulled out their guns, but were killed by Dar Dracogonarious snipers.

Dark Fre'kloar - SMASH DESE PRIKS MAN

Dark Fre'kloar charged forward, but was quickly encountered by several Bonio, and was quickly pre-occupied in combat with them. A tank then arrived, that appeared the same as a Dracogonarious tank.

Boomas - SMASH DEM

The Boomas fired rockets, which the tank seemed to destroy in mid-air.

Boomas - WAT DA HELL

The Boomas truied to charge towards the tank, but when they reached it, they suddenly slowed down, and no longer felt like fighting. Several more tanks arrived, and killed thm.

Dark Fre'kloar - WAT DA HELLS DIS MAN

Suddenly, several Troopas no longer felt like fighting. A Sneeka, in the middle of attempting to assinate an approaching Autarom warrior, suddenly went out of cover and stopped fighting.

Dark Fre'kloar - OI YOO LOT WAT DO YA FINK YOR DOIN GET BAK TA KILLIN Several Loron Speedas charged forward, but unlike normal behaviour in which they would crash into the Devourer's Chosen army, they simply crashed into rocks and the tanks, and were destroyed without doing much damage.

Troopa - ''yoo heer dis voic? i liek it. imma fite lata'' Dark Fre'kloar - NOOO

A Carria arrived, with more Troopas, and while they managed to slaughter dozens of Dracogonarious, suddenly heard a voice in their head nd no longer felt like fighting. Furthermore, a few tanks arrived, and before they could cause as much damage as they potentially could to the Chosen forces, they spilt fuel and antimatter and blew up, killing other vehicles around them.

Dark Fre'kloar - YOR ALL LOSAS WHAIS YOO DOIN DIS Dark Dracogonarious - The Devourer must be with us...

A group of Jetpakka Boyz tried to fly and crash on the Chosen's forces, but they slowed down in mid air, only to be killed by Emprahreen fighters. Now, only Loron'Kikra driven vehicles and soldiers remained on the battle, but none felt like fighting.

??? - Well, Loron, it seemed you underestimated us.

Arbekul the Cruel stepped out of the army, which had stopped fighting, as there was nothing left to kill.

Arbekul - A tip, Dark Fre'kloar, kill us quickly, or we'll corrupt you. Dark Fre'kloar - IMMA KILL YOO SO FAST YOO EINT EVEN GONNA FEEL IT...wait dats borin

Dark Fre'kloar charged at Arbekul.

Arbekul - Hahahahha.... Arbekul didn't need to fight, Dark Fre'kloar suddenly saw a vision of a demon appear in his face, and he fell to the floor, unable to fight.

Dark Fre'kloar - WAT WUS DAT

Dark Fre'kloar saw a vision of Stolithik.

Stolithik - ''You fool... still working with Da Rogue Boyz? The ones who all hate you and want to get rid of you more than you want to get rid of thm? Sad, isn't it? Doesn't it make you CRY?!'' Dark Fre'kloar - GET OUT OF MAI HED Arbekul - ''You'll never get us out of your head... but go with Da Rogue Boyz, and you'll never get the voice of that copycat Fre'kloar out of your head, will you? Dark Fre'kloar started to cry.'' Stolithik - ''Yes... CRY! Till your eyes run red... don't be afraid to let your tears run out...''

Dark Fre'kloar saw a new vision of Fre'kloar and Dark Zr'Ahgloth back in the Propa Big Rogue Krooza: Rel'larutina - ''You might want to know, Fre'kloar, that Dark Fre'kloar's force has failed. Quite miserably.'' Fre'kloar - DO I LOOK LIEK I CARE? Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ''YEH MAN I NEVA LIKED HIM HE JUS GETS ON MA NERVS MOAR. LET DEM EET HIM FER ALL I CARE''

Arbekul - See?

Dark Fre'kloar felt a mix of sadness and extreme anger.

Dark Fre'kloar - ''I HATE DEM ALL!!!!!!!! IMMA KILL DEM ALL!!!!!!'' Arbekul - ''You've always wanted to get your own back on them... So why not now? Is this not the perfect opportunity? Join us, and you will be far more powerful than ever... or join them, and you will never get rid of us, or them.''

Marigrax's voice could be heard in Dark Fre'kloar's head.

Marigrax - The Devourer shall have great use of you, if you accept him... Dark Fre'kloar - FUK DA ROGUE BOYZ IM IN Arbekul - ''Excellent! Now, you and all your boy shall join us... serve us well, Dark Fre'kloar, and you may one day become a Champion.''

Dark Fre'kloar and the Loron'Kikra all cheered.

Up in Da Propa Big Rogue Krooza...

Propa Big Rogue Geek - ''I've... lost contact with Dark Fre'kloar's force. And the planet... the last signal I saw was a bunch of Loron'Kikra eating their Loron and Cold Loron allies.'' Fre'kloar - WAT? Propa Big Rogue Geek - I can only come to one conclusion: Dark Fre'kloar decided it was finally time to rebel against you. Fre'kloar - TRAITA DUMBO MAN Dark Zr'Ahgloth - I KNEW IT WUS A BAD IDEA TA HIRE DAT DOOD Rel'larutina - ''In all honesty, it was bound to happen. You know, you treating him like you did, him wanting to be better than you, I'm really surprised it didn't happen sooner.'' Voa'reak - ''SO DEN. WHOS GONNA REPLAIC HIM?'' Jol'kiar - ''NO NO NO NO NO. YOO AR NOT, I REPEET, YOO AR NOT BRINGIN DARK JOL'KIAR IN HEER. JUS GET DARK THR'ALOY TA DO DARK FRE'KLOARS OLD JOB'' Kal'kuir - just cus i wus finkin bout it hur Knar'gank - ''dark thraloys trainin wiv drizzy rite nao. we tell him bout it lata'' Grak'tona - ''yeh man. dey betta hurry up wiv da trainin i wanna see how worthy drizzy is'' Naktor'zak - ''SEEMS LIEK HES PROPA TUFF MAN. IM HAPPY DARK FRE'KLOARS GON HE KEPT BOTHARIN ME'' Fre'kloar - ''WES ALL HAPPY. SPESHULLY ME.'' Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - ''Heartless brutes... well I'm not surprised to be honest.'' Rel'larutina - ''On one hand I'm with Da Rogue Geek... on the other, Dark Fre'kloar was a douche. He was just asking to be treated like shit.''

Kolossus - Master...something is bothering me. Zargoth - ''Is it about being lonely? I have an idea for a new servant in mind, but tell me, what is it?'' Kolossus - ''Well not really. What bothers me is something else.'' Zargoth was overseeing the development of something new, while speaking to Kolossus.'' Zargoth - ''I see. Do tell, and I'll see if there's anything that can be done about it.'' Kolossus - ''When I try to see the outcome of our plan...I cannot see anything. Zargoth stopped what he was doing.'' Zargoth - Can you not? Kolossus - No. I believe it's clouded in time. Zargoth - ''Hmm... Oh yes. I clouded it myself, I'm not sure why you can't see anything yourself, though.'' Kolossus - ''I believe someone must have clouded it further...perhaps Vyro'Nazdea. Zargoth slammed his fist against his chair.'' Zargoth - ''She must not intervene with our plan. Agh... delay the development of the fate, and let the Xi'Arazhula feast some more. We have to ensure Vyro'Nazdea knows NOTHING of our new army!'' Kolossus - ''Understood. But master...why did you cloud the outcome in the first place?'' Zargoth - ''I didn't want anyone viewing my plan. Between you and me... even Kamik'Shi himself is not to know.'' Kolossus - I see...and what was that about a new servant? Zargoth - ''You see, Angazhar wants to control my powers for himself. He doesn't like me simply as I have skills that he doesn't... sorry, new servant? Zargoth's showed a vision of a screen, which was blank.'' Kolossus - There is nothing there... Zargoth - ''He's not finished, yet. Creating him was really ironic, you know. Kolossus - How so? Zargoth - ''When I made you, I made you the 'smart one', the Brain of Corruption... yet you have Loron origins. This one is, shall I call him, 'the tough guy', yet he has origins from the Kralgon.'' Kolossus - Oh I see. Zargoth - ''An experimental creature that the Kralgon were working on to win their war... a bit of editing time and that creature has been developed far more... but will be abandonned, and he will be my servant. You see, you and I are the 'behind the sceens' people... in fact, the Vyro'Ralza themselves are. We're always working in the shadows, striking whenever the time desires. So I thought, let's have someone to fill the role of the fighter who doesn't hide, as a contrast. Here he is:''

The blank screen now began to show the emerging features of what appeared to be a hugely muscular creature.

Kolossus - I like this concept. Zargoth - I hoped you would.

More features emerged.

Kolossus - Hmmm...

The features completely emerged.

Kolossus - Holy crap...

The Niaka's Attack
Over on a Niaka controlled-world in the Niaka Special Forces...

Niaka Policeman - So, you knew here?

A few Niaka, on leave, were chatting together in a bar.

Niaka Guard - ''Yeah. Before we colonized this planet tehre was this criminal base. The fleet blew it up completely.'' Niaka Policeman - ''Damn, one of them Wranploer? Or just a random petty pirate gang?'' Niaka Guard - ''Wranploer. A lot of them Minchar ones were here too. They tried to trick us saying they were friendly, but you can't fool us that eaisly.'' Niaka Policemen - Hell yeah, fucking right.

However, their little leave was ended, when a Niaka officer entered...

Niaka Officer - ''Listen up, people! Constable Kolerina is gonna lead us all on a mission. And this time, it's not about criminials.'' Niaka Guard - What is it about then? Niaka Officer - ''You'll find out shortly. For now, he wants us all to regroup in the main Niaka Command space station of this sub sector. He seems to have found something of importance, and can't go about it alone.'' Niaka Guard - Alright then.

Everyone got in their spaceships, landed in the Command Center, and spoke to the Constable.

Constable Kolerina - Alright men, here's the low down.

The Constable was giving a presentation to the Niaka soldiers, briefing them.

Constable Kolerina - ''If any of y'all know about the Grid, the Xi'Arazulha, all that... raise your hands and tell your fellow soldiers what it is.''

One scout raised his hand.

Niaka Scout - I've seen the Xi'Arazulha once. Kolerina - And what can you tell us about them? Niaka Scout - ''It touched the ground...and the entire continent was dead! As if the life of everything in it had been sucked out...me and a few other scouts were the only survivors.'' Kolerina - ''That's right. We're up against a foe we can't fight in combat. So we're gonna turn on an ancient weapon that can kick their asses out of this dimension. I'll tell yu what I can about the Grid: It's a layer subspace that can provide power, create planets and provide resources to us. Of course, soon as other criminals discuss it, we're gonna have to deal with those who want to abuse the Grid for itself... but so far they don't know about that. And we will keep it that way. Anyway, our mission is to claim a Grid generator, turn it on, and we'll protect this subsector. So, any question?'' Niaka Soldier - ...How do we do that, sir? Kolerina - Some of our scouts have found the generator on the planet in these co-ordinates.

On the screen, a planet was shown. It was a mostly desert world.

Kolerina - ''The planet in that star system. Only catch is that it's home to some of the biggest scum in the sub sector; yes, the Wranploer have been sighted here.''

The Niaka all grumbled and ranted.

Kolerina - ''Hey, hey, hey! Order!'' Kolerina shot his pistol at the ceiling, and the Niaka were startled and calmed down.

Kolerina - ''Are we all quiet? Good. So, any questions?''

There were no more questions. The soldiers were concentrated on eliminating the Wranploer threat.

Kolerina - ''Let's go then. Get in your ships, or get in a larger cruiser. The fleet's attacking. And don't none of y'all worry about the Grid, the Zoles, and UNO, are currently activating other generators theyselves, and they're really precise with how they do things. So we're safe.''

The fleet headed to the world, and landed.

Constable Kolerina - Ok, y'all ready?

Kolerina, and his elite squad, were in a small air dropship.

Soldier - We are ready, sir! Kolerina - ''Good. Then, let's go!''

Cables dropped from the dropship, and the elite soldiers all glided down on them, as many from othe dropships did. The elite soldiers, all in mechanic suits, grouped, and pulled out their heavy machine guns.

Kolerina - Huh, normal Wranploer tactics would just be to attack already? Soldier - I think so, sir. They don't seem to ahve fortified this world too much.

To prove them wrong, the abandonned city they were in, at night, all turned on its lights. There was a large screen that turned on, on wich Volim appeared.

Volim - ''Hahaha, foolish Niaka! What did you hope to achieve, by walking straight into the lion's den?'' Guard - Didn't hope to see his ugly face here... Volim - ''Don't worry, it'll be the last thing you see. Get him!''

Several Wranploer soldiers, as well as Seagon, all opened out the windows of th buildings, and fired at the Niaka.

Kolerina - Use explosives on these buildings!

The Niaka's mechanic suits, thankfully, all came equipped with grenades, which they chucked into the buildings, blowing the soldiers up from the insides. Other soldiers with heavier weapons destroyed a few buildings, causin the city to be torn down slowly.

Volim - ''Hahahaha... destroying one of my many cities? Well, I think you're ready to see my old friend Torrent...''

Kolerina - Ugh, him..

From behind cover, Torrent and several Wranploer and Zi-Jittorám appears and attacked.

Torrent - Now you're gonna learn not to mess with us, bugs Kolerina - ''What are you doing? We're gonna protect you by doing this!'' Torrent - Do not try to make a fool out of me.

Torrent fired a missile at the Niaka, killing several of them.

Kolerina - ''What are you trying to do? You're gonna stop us from turning on our only hope of defeating the Xi'Arazulha!'' Torrent - ''Bahahaha. We have ways of dealing with those. We do not need your help, and even if we did, we would not accept it.'' Kolerina - ''Agh, fuck it. You're a wanted criminal anyway, so you will be brought to justice.''

Kolerina aimed his heavy machine gun at Torrent.

Kolerina - I've chased after you for too long... Torrent - ''Ooh! What should I do! I am finished!''

Several Levarcor appeared behind Kolerina and attacked him.

Kolerina - ''Gah... CRIMINALS!''

Kolerina turned around, and blazed his rapid fire machine gun, which thanks to modifications and aiming enhancers, killed them. When he turned to shoot Torrent, he found nothing.

Kolerina - ''Damnit. Men, I want you to set your weapons on stun if you see Captain Torrent.'' Soldiers - Understood.

The battlefield turned to complete chaos, and the Niaka soldiers, despite their mechanic suit's strong radars and sensors, couldn't even tell who was winning the battle. After a huge struggle against many more soldiers, Kolerina and his men were grabbed from behind by Torrent's.

Soldier - We can't take much longer, sir!

Kolerina tried to speak, but his mouth was held tightly. Like all his other men, he passed out, unconscious.

Kolerina - ''Uh... where are we?''

Constable Kolerina and his men woke up, out in the wasteland.

Guard - No idea...but there's not much life in here. Kolerina - Damn right there isn't. What happened? Soldier - We passed out, I think. Kolerina - ''Must have been Torrent's doing. Fool for not removing us from out suits! We may have a chance, guys.'' Soldier - What now, sir? Kolerina - ''Well... we're gonna have to think this one carefully. But if we all do it right, we can have Torrent arrested and get our asses down to the Grid and activate it. Sure, we're doing the Wranpoera fvour, but we're doing ourselves a bigger one. And don't we believe in bringing justice and order? Then that's what we're gonna do. We are Niaka, we're trained for this. Hell it won't be hard, and all odds our againstus, but now we're out here, what can we do? We'll stand up, we'll fihgt, and we'll win. If we all do it properly, then that Grid is as good as activated, and them Xi'Arazulha can get they' asses outta here. So, who's with me?''

All the soldiers cheered.

Kolerina - Then let's move!

All the Niaka soldiers were in position around the city. The Wranploer had no idea but they were being watched, targeted, and they were all in a ripe position for being elimated. The Niaka kept in radio contct.

Kolerina on radio - Is everyone in position? Soldier - Affirmitive. Kolerina - ''Ok. Snipers, you ready?'' Sniper - Yeah let's do this. Kolerina - ''Then on the count of three, one... two... three!''

The 3 snipers on the rooftops fired tranquilizer darts at the 3 Zi'Jittoram on guard.

Kolerina - ''Ok. Alpha suad, go!''

Alpha squad sneaked into the building the Zi-Jittoram were guarding and secured it.

Kolerina - ''Right. Snipers, you acquired your second target?'' Sniper - Yes sir. Kolerina - Then, get building 2.

The snipers fired once again at the Zi-Jittoram guards, until there were noguards active.

Kolerina - ''Right, beta squad, take the position. Now it's our go.''

Kolerina and his men took cover behind several destroyed cars.

Kolerina - ''You ready for this? You'll be marked down in history after you've gone in there, stunned Torrent, and arrested him, y'know.'' Soldier - Let's do it...

The soldiers all aimed their weapons, and on th count of three, guns blazed.

Soldier - Law shall be enforced!

The Legion soldiers, led by Torrent, all headed outside the building.

Torrent - But what the... Kolerina - You didn't kill us, Torrnt, you know damned well that us soldiers never give up the fight.

Kolerina stood up out of cover, challenging Torrent to come and fight him.

Torrent - I expected the giant sand worms to eat you lot, but it seems I got you there the wrong time...

Torrent slashed at Kolerina, but was surprised as his weapon went straight through him.

Torrent - Huh?

Torrent was tapped on the shoulder He turned around, and recieved a blow to the face, incapacitating him. He was dragged into a building Alpha Squad secured, and a few moments later, he woeke up, but was placed in cuffs and tied to a chair.

Kolerina - ''Don't bother trying to get out, Torrent. The material we've tied you with is too strong for even a Loron to break free.'' Torrent - Feh...Sooner or later you'll regret this, bug. Kolerina - ''You should regret all your crimes. You're the most wanted man in the sector, and probably in the entire arm.'' Torrent - ''You call crimes but I call it survival! My race was destroyed by your friends and I am doing this as revenge for their lifes. Also this life is far more enjoyable...'' Kolerina - ''Survival? By followng the law you'll survive, my friend. And if you want to survive now you're gonna have to answer a few questions...''

A couple Niaka went out of the room, searching the building for torture equipment.

Torrent - ''I answer to no one. Kill me if you must, i'll just be cloned back to murder your race again.'' Kolerina - ''Kill ya? Naw... and you will answer some pretty simple questions. First, give us the locations of the prisoners from colony 5134.'' Torrent - ''How am I supposed to know that? And if there are prisioners in there, they should be dead by now.'' Kolerina - ''...Fair enough. Now, many of us have asked this question... how does Volim fight the Xi'Arazulha?'' Torrent - With something that's not of your damn business.

Kolerina punched Torrent almost as hard as he'd done earlier, blacking his eye as well as causing massive pain.

Kolerina - Tell us! Torrent - Go to hell, bug.

Kolerina punched him again.

Kolerina - Tell us now, it'll be a hell of a lot easier... Torrent - ''I would tell you but you'll have to be dead first. Hah.'' Kolerina - Grr...

Kolerina attahed a metal pole to the electric supply of the building.

Kolerina - You made me.

Kolerina turned on the electricity, and hit the electric pole at Torrent.

Kolerina - ''Just tell us. Now.''

Torrent spitted at Kolerina. Kolerina shrugged, and shoved the electric pole straight in Torrent's mouth.

Kolerina - Talk! Torrent - ''I said. GO TO HELL BUG.'' Kolerina - Damnit...

Kolerina turned the volts up higher.

Kolerina - You're a strong man.

Kolerina hit Torrent again with the pole, electricuting him harder than before.

Torrent - This bores me...kill me already so I can do something interesting. Kolerina - Talk already and that might happen. Torrent - ''In this case I'll just wait. perhaps teh Xi'Arazulha can arrive while you're here interrogating me and make a feast out of you.'' Kolerina - ''Just ... fucking... TALK!''

Kolerina hit the electric pole into him for 15 seconds, then wacked it over his head. Torrent just laughed maniacally.

Kolerina - ''Ok... punk. I'm gonna have to try something else.''

Kolerina plugged a device into his head, so he could read his thoughts.

Kolerina - ''Ok... so you use some Taldar technology?'' Torrent - ''What...no! Cheater!'' Kolerina - ''What... yes! You use illegal Taldar technology in Volim's personal craft and many othe larger ships. You're all monsters. And I need to know one thing... Volim. Zaarkhun. What's the connection between them?'' Torrent - ''They are enemies! Everyone knows that!'' Kolerina - ''Don't bother lying. I can use this thing to find out the truth, so you may as well talk.'' Torrent - ''Grrr...fine. They are partners.'' Kolerina - ''Good, that's all I needed to know. But one thing... How do we get to the center of this world?'' Torrent - ''I don't know about that. The group I sent to investigate found nothing.''

The device corfirmed it as true.

Kolerina - ''I see. Let's look where you searched... Ah. There's one place our team can look; the sewers. Well, thanks Torrent, I may just consider letting you out of jail.'' Torrent - Hhgn...Get out of my face already.

Kolerina and his men left for the sewers.

Soldier - Sir, we've found something!

Kolerina and his men were searching in the sewers of the city, and had been for hours.

Kolerina - Oh? Guard - What is it, sir? Soldier - ''It seems there's a hidden entrance in here... and look there! There's an elevator!''

The soldier pointed to a huge, high-tech elevator.

Guard - Let's go in there then.

The squad entered the elevator, which descended rapidly towards the core of the world.

Kolerina - Uh, guys, what's going on? Soldier - I think we are going the right way.

They landed, and were greeted by a Caretaker.

Caretaker - ''Oh hey! Niaka Special Forces, right?'' Kolerina - ''Yes. We've come to activate the Grid.'' Caretaker - ''Great. The Mechanic sent me to help you. Well, I dn't have a name, but everyone calls me The Mother.'' Kolerina - ''Pleased to meet you. Can we proceed then?'' The Mother - ''Just this way. Welcome to the core of the world.''

The Mother showed them an enormous generator, with dozens of Caretakers working, pumping energy throughout the planet and into some hyperspatial zone.

The Mother - Well, one of you is gonna have to link it with Sequencium, nd only the mentally strongest of you can handle that.

The Niaka discussed it and agreed that Kolerina should go.

The Mother - Ok, you ready? Kolerina - Affirmitive.

The Mother took him to a chamber, and he was inserted.

Soldier - ''Did you see the look on Torrent's face? He didn't even seem to be hurt that badly. You know, I sorta gained respect from how determined he was.'' Guard - ''Don't show respect for the criminal, fool! You could see he was biting himself in pain in his eyes.'' Soldier - ''Nah, you gotta admit, he's strong willed. We all see just a petty scumbag there, but what if... what if they're just like us? What if they have their own honourable cause they fight for, we just don't see it?'' Guard - You talk like that in the front of a Constable, you'll get shot in the face. Soldier - ''Speaking of which, where is he? He's taking his time for sure... The Niaka had been waiting in the core for 5 minutes now, with the Constable still gone.'' The Mother - We should not rush him. Soldier - ''I mean yeah we should... but it's just, does this normally take ages?'' The Mother - It depends. Soldier - Uh, on what? The Mother - His skill, his speed, if a Xi'Arazuha doesn't pop up in there like one did with the Zoles...

At the moment, Cnstable Kolerina walked out, feeling dizzy.

Kolerina - So, what do I do now? The Mother - Did everything go well? Kolerina - ''Well yeah... Fucking hell, Sequencium sure is a pretty place.'' The Mother - You can go back to the surface then. Kolerina - ''That's... it?'' The Mother - Yep. Kolerina - ''Aiight. All soldiers, head for the surface. And thanks!''

Kolerina and the Niaka all headed for the elevator, reached the surface of the planet, but when they get out, they were met by Torrent.

Kolerina - ''What the... how the fuck did you get out?'' Torrent - ''I have my ways. Now, it's time for my comeback.'' Torrent grabbed what appeared to be a minigun and fired at the Niaka, killing most of them.'' Kolerna - Damnit...

Kolerina fired his rapid fire gun nonstop at Torrent, who managed to dodge Kolerina, and tear him out of his suit, then stab him.

Torrent - ''See? I told you I was gonna do something interesting...'' Zi-Jittoram - Dayumn...

Torrent threw Kolerina at the ground and stomped his skull, crushing it easily.

Zi-Jittoram - You reckon info will have got out to the Special Forces about the interrogation? Torrent - ''Most likely not. All Niaka were killed before they could have a chance to inform their superiors.'' Zi-Jittoram - ''There's still a chance. But I'm sure Zaarkhun, knowing him, hasalready prepared for this to happen anyway...'' Torrent - ''Yes indeed. Now let us leave this miserable rock and report back to the Iron Fist.'' Torrent and his squad teleported to the Iron Fist, while the BCN people on the plnet all rebuilt the city.''

General Volim - Torrent, report. Torrent - The Niaka attempted to attack us but were all killed. Volim - I trust you killed that annoying Cnstable Kolerina? Torrent - Yes, personally. Volim - ''Excellent. He's bothered me for too long.'' Torrent - What should we do now? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well I'm pretty much finished on our ships. The Wranploer Dreadnaught isbetter than ever, the Raider too, the Cruiser... say, Torrent, you went innactive at some point. How come? Incapacitated?'' Torrent - Yeah, the bug hit me in the head really hard. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I see. What happened after that?'' Torrent - ''Some dumb interrogation which I lied about most stuff. They got some information via a mind-reading thing but it was destroyed by my troops and everyone was killed.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good... but just to make sure, what information did they get?'' Torrent - About our weaponry. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''That's definately all? Torrent - ''They asked about you and Volim, I said you were partners. Then they went off, my troops came and everyone went down.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hah! Even if word did get out, I could just say we're business partners! It's a little annoying that they found out we use Taldar weaponry, but oh well, we'll live. But I don't want to spoil the little secret. I'm planning to reveal that me and Volim work together, but it'll all be for our benefit and we can still get mayn people to believe that I make honest deals.'' Volim - People don't usually like when someone is involved with me. Falrik Zaarkhun - I know, I got it all covered, trust me.

Meanwhile...

Fre'kloar - OI MAN I JUS REMEMBERED Dark Zr'Ahgloth - WAT Fre'kloar - YANNO WEN WE WENT TO DA PIZZA PARTY AT ZAARKHUNS PLAIC? Voa'reak - DAT PARTY WUS PROPA SIK MAN Fre'kloar - ''YEH... BUT WE FORGOT TA ASK ABOUT DA CHIMP''

Everyone went quiet, then Jol'kiar smacked Fre'kloar.

Jol'kiar - DAT WUS DA REESUN WE WENT DERE MAN Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN ITS NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY

fre'kloar looked around, and was met with silence.

Fre'kloar - OK MAYBE IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Jol'kiar - YOO GO DERE AN TALK TA ZAARKHUN BOUT IT NAO Fre'kloar - CBA

Jol'kiar smacked Fre'kloar again.

Jol'kiar - I SEID NAO Fre'kloar - CANT WE JUS TRASNMISSION DEM Dark Zr'Ahgloth -  CORS ITS BY TRANSMISHIUN Fre'kloar - K Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - I assumed you'd want to talk to Zaarkhun, so here he is.

Da Propa Big Rogue Geek showed a screen with the communication to Falrik Zaarkhun and Volim.

Fre'kloar - ''eh man zaarkhun homie i wanted ta ask man can we buy da chimp bak? we reely need it man i only sold him by accident. pleez homie i luv yoo bro no homo or nuffin i need it'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Erm...you're too late, Fre'kloar. Fre'kloar - wat Volim - We sold it to the Seagon. Fre'kloar - ''dum man but fanks fer tellin me. OI GEEK POOT DA SEAGON ON DA LINE''

The Propa Big Rogue Geek put the Seagon Empire on transmission.

Fre'kloar - ''sup seagon wes da rogue boyz yoo may hav herd of us but we herd yoo hav a chimp. can we hav him? we'll do anyfin bro I swer'' Seagon - ''Chimp? Eh, we were gonna eat it but those guys came in desperate to buy it.'' Fre'kloar - ''yeh??? so who came in an bought it????'' Seagon 2 - I think they were called Unified Nation of Ottzello. Seagon - Yeah something like that. Fre'klora - AR YOO JOKIN????? Seagon - No, we're not. Fre'kloar - ''OH MA DAYZ MAN YOO SOLD IT TO DEM? eh im not mad at yoo im jus liek WAT DA HELL we hav ta buy it from uno nao. ok peece out bro safe'' Seagon - See ya I guess.

The transmission was closed.

Fre'kloar - OK DEN NAO WAT Grak'tona - ''WE GO DERE SMASH DEM AN GET DA CHIMP? ITS NOT DAT HARD RITE?'' Fre'kloar - ... Rel'larutina - No, Grak'tona, "your highness", I don't think it is nearly that easy. Grak'tona - man how dum its liek yoo guises scared of dese peepz Rel'larutina - ''Scared? It's like, we don't have a clue where they're keeping the chimp, we don't know how strong their security is, and we can't be sure how to even enter their territory.'' Grak'tona - dat neva stopped me Jol'kiar - me neitha but meh i liek livin Fre'kloar - ''it mite not stop yoo. but times hav changed. yoo two liv in da fukin past'' Jol'kiar - also kno as DA BEST TIEMS Grak'tona - ENNIT Fre'kloar - BUT DAT DOESNT CHANG DA FACT WE ENT IN DOES TIMES ANYMOAR Jol'kiar - CUS DA NOO PEEPZ GOT DUM Knar'gank - man shut up alredy dis dusnt matta Fre'kloar - ''ennit knar'gank. so den. is we gonna organiz tactics?'' Kal'kuir - ''I HAV A PLAN YEH...no wait i dunt. SHULDNT TAKE LONG TIL I HAV ONE THO'' Fre'kloar - HURRY UP AN MAEK ONE Kal'kuir - I CANT WIV YOO SHOUTIN IN MA EER Rel'larutina - ''Oh, shut up. I've got a plan.''

In UNOL... Kralgon Emperor - ''Wel, look here. I've got a transmission.'' Valzo - Who is it? Kralgon Emperor - I'm not sure.

The Emperor saw Rel'larutina on the transmission, disguised.

Rel'larutina - ''Hi, it's the pizza lady. We understand that yourboy, Zr'Ahgloth, ordered 500 pizzas here yesterday.'' Zr'Ahgloth - I DIDNT ORDA ANY PIZZA...or did I? i cant rememba...MEH GIMME IT ANYWAY HURHURHUR Rel'larutina - ''Certainly. We'll deliver your pizza... if you're not too busy eating that chimp.'' Yogtam - The chimp has nothing to do with you. Rel'larutina - Sorry, I'm just curious You know, us Loron mafias always talk about it, apparently da Rogue Boyz want it bad. Tralkik Commander - I cannot identify the System in that Norol. Zr'Ahgloth - YOR FRUM DA ROGUE BOYZ Rel'larutina - ''Nope, I'm just from a Loron mafia out in the Arm of Wilderness. Da Rogue Boyz hired meonce, I never got along with 'em.'' Yogtam - Do not try to make a fool out of us. Kralgon Emperor - Did they become cowards now, sending Norol to talk to us instead of their idiotic leaders? Rel'larutina - ''Make a fool outta ya? Trust me, do I look like someone from Da Rogue Boyz? Dressed like this? Talking like this? Please, I hate them bunch of loonies.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''...Ok, I believe you. And I agree, those Rogue Boyz are really stupid. I mean, they're after the chimp, who's all the way out on Planet Holkira, how are they ever going to get it?'' Rel'larutina - ''Yeah, Planet Holkira...the idiots. Gotta laugh on how dumb they are. Heheh...alright now I need to go.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Ok, so then your order is in place. Thank you! Now good bye... motherfucker!''

The Emperor closed the transmission.

Zr'Ahgloth - wait man i fort wev got da chimp heer? Yogtam - Isn't Planet Holkira a world set to be attacked by the Xi'Arazulha...Ooooh, Emperor, you're so mean. Kralgon Emperor - ''I call it battle tactics, not meanness. And if we're lucky, they might be doing us a favour at the same time.'' Zr'Ahgloth - YEH DOIN DA FAVOR OF DYIN Kralgon Emperor - ''Why are you happy, Zr'Ahgloth? Didn't you want to fight them yourselves?'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''...WAIT YOR RITE. SAVE DEM MAN I CANT FITE DEM IF DEYZ DED The Emperor shrugged.''

Rogue Boy's Quest
Fre'kloar - ''oi rogue geek find holkira man. get da co-ordinats wez goin dere'' Da Propa Big Rogue Geek - Done that already. Rel'larutina - Idiot, you do realise they were probably lying about its location? Fre'kloar - ''SHUT UP MAN DATS OUR ONLY LEED. LETS GO''

The Propa Big Rogue Krooza closed on Holkira.

Fre'kloar - dis is a cold planet man Grak'tona - sik weatha Drizzy - ennit Fre'kloar - shut up man its not sik fer us Grak'tona - cus yor dum an not worfy. Fre'klaor - ''jus shut up an go to da planet.. OH SHIT'' Jol'kiar - WAT Fre'kloar - LOOK MAN

Fre'kloar pointed to the radar on the computer, and only a few thousand kilometers away was a Xi'Arazulha.

Jol'kiar - OH MA DAYZ ITS DESE GEEZAS AGEN Fre'jkloar - OK DEN HURRY AN LAND ENNIT? Warbosses - YEH

Fre'kloar - oh ma dayz man Drizzy and Grak tell me how ya surviv

All the Warbosses had landed on the world, accompanied by a large Rogue Boyz battallion, searching for UNO's colony.

Grak'tona - BEIN WORFFS A GUD START Fre'kloar - SHUT UP OR IMMA SLAP YOO Zalk'don - ''SHUT UP MAN LETS HURRY UP

They continued to trod on, jumping at anything they saw that looked slightly metallic. Each of the Loron thirsted for combat and anger, as all Loron do. As they walked, they noticed Devourer's Chosen cultists chanting around several shrines.

Cultist - The planet is ready to be taken by the allies of our God... Fre'kloar - ''eh boyz yoo see dat? I dunt fink dat dis is an UNO planet...'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - guess not...OI LOOK AT DAT

There were also some Loron'Kikra chanting around these shrines.

Fre'kloar - ''AR YOO DUM? WEV MET DARK FRE'KLOARS LOT. IF HES HEER AS WELL...''

One of Fre'kloar's Flashiez ran into the group.

Flashie - DA XI'ARAPEEPZ APPROACHIN MAN Fre'kloar - ''LETS HURRY DIS UP. OI REL'LARUTINA YOO AN ZALK'DON SMASH DAT CITY. ON DA DOUBLE.'' Zalk'don - SIK Naktor'zak - dum y u no send me Fre'kloar - ''WEZ GONNA NEED YOO. OI ARMY YOO LOT GO KEEP DA CULT BOYZ BUSY K?'' Troopas - YEH Fre'kloar - SIK

Fre'kloar and the Warbosses moved forward, but heard a menacing laugh in their heads.

Fre'kloar - did yoo heer dat boyz Voa'reak - sounds liek fre'kloar but dumma Fre'kloar - ''yeh. wait is it...''

They continued forward into the snow, to look for another UNO colony. When they reached it, they found it abandoned.

Knar'gank - da cult boyz killed uno in heer too ???? - ''Yes... da cult boyz killed dem.. Isn't it just hilarious?!'' Kal'kuir - WAT WUS DAT?

Atop the rooftop of the closest skyscraper, Dark Fre'kloar descended, while grabbing on to the side.

Dark Fre'kloar - ''My old brothers! Remember the time we laughed together? I've got a new sense of humour now...'' Fre'kloar - STOOPID TRAITA DUMBO Dark Thr'aloy - WATS WIV DIS DUM WAY OF TALKIN? Dark Fre'kloar - ''Traitor? No, YOU are the traitors for not worshipping the great Devourer! He did much more for me than you ever did, bitch!'' Fre'kloar - ALRITE IM BEETIN DIS THICO UP NAO

Fre'kloar charged after Dark Fre'kloar, who teleported away.

Dark Fre'kloar - Hahahahaha...

Dark Fre'kloar showed them an image of the Rogue Boyz fighting the Devourer's Chosen.

Fre'kloar - WAT DA HELL Dark Fre'kloar - ''The battle... the screams... the cries... the pain... it's all so fucking hilarious!'' Fre'kloar - YOR FRIKIN WEIRD MAN Dark Fre'kloar - ''INO IM WEIRD. BUT DOESNT WEIRDNESS MAEK YOO LAFF???'' Fre'kloar - NO IT MAKES YOO LOOK DUM Dark Fre'kloar - ''WATS DUM IS DAT YOR NOT LAFFING. LAFF!!!!! Old brothers, laugh until your breath is gone! Laugh!!'' Fre'kloar - NO GO TA HELL Dark Fre'kloar - ''I've seen hell... And it's all just hiarlious as fuck, just like this battle and our quarrels... And like them!''

Dark Fre'kloar pointed to the Xi'Arazulha.

Jol'kiar - ITS HEER ALREDY Dark Fre'kloar - Yes, I know, and it's fucking HILARIOUS!! Drizz'pyrokirk - SHUT UP MAN

Drizz'pyrokirk fired his freezflama at Dark Fre'kloar.

Dark Fre'kloar- OH MA DAYZ MAN DATS SO COLD ITS ALMOST FUNNY!!!!

Dark Fre'kloar fired a blast at Drizz'pyrokirk.

Naktor'zak - OI MAN I GOT AN IDEA

Naktor'zak used his tank to blow up a building, leaving a massive hole.

Naktor'Zak - ''HIDE IN DERE. IMMA KEEP DIS MAD BOYZ BUSY''

The Loron rushed into the hole that Naktor'zak had made, while Naktor'zak activated his tank's boosters, getting Dark Fre'kloar to chase him.

Fre'kloar - LETS GO MAN FAST

They rushed in, expecting to land on some surface, but instead kept falling through. The pit had no bottom, and when they all realised this, all screamed in terror.

Kal'kuir - REMIND ME TA SMAK NAKTOR'ZAK Warbosses - AAAAAAAAAAHHHH Fre'kloar - ''OH MA DAYZ MAN WER FALIN TO SOM BOTTEMLESS PIT... GOOD FING IM WERIN CLEEN UNDAWER'' Jol'kiar - I CULD FLAI BAK UP BUT ITS TOO COLD Voa'reak - AN IM DIZZY I CANT FLAI WELL

They all shut their eyes, but suddenly stopped in mid-air.

Dark Thr'aloy - da hell? Caretaker - Welcome! Grak'tona - dese geezas agen? Caretaker - ''Yeah, I'm so glad you came. We thouht the Xi'Arazulha would destroy this planet before you arrived!'' Voa'reak - ''WHOS DIS LOSA? CAN I EET HIM?''

Jol'kiar slapped Voa'reak.

Jol'kiar - ar yoo dm Voa'reak - ''ya mom sur isv

Jol'kiar slapped him again.

Jol'kiar - shut up or imma remoov yor jetpak Voa'reak - hur fine soz Dark Zr'Ahgloth - wat do ya want caretaka? Caretaker - We just want you to turn this thang here on and then the Xi'Arazulha will be kicked out. Drizz'pyrokirk - sounds eesy-?

Caretaker - ''Not really. We're gonna need the strongest out of you to do it.'' Grak'tona - IM HEER Fre'kloar - WAT? Dark Zr'Ahgloth - NO WAY Jol'kiar - DATS DUM

The leedas fought a little, and Fre'kloar won.

Fre'kloar - WAT DO I HAV TA DO? Caretaker - Just insert yourself into this machine.

Fre'kloar entered the machine.

Fre'kloar - WAT NAO Caretaker - Sit tight!

Fre'kloar got the feeling of hitting an electric blt, and fell asleep.

Caretaker - ''Woah, woah, woah! Everything ok?'' Fre'kloar - I CANT FEEL MA FEET Caretaker - That's normal. Fre'kloar - WAT DO I DO? Caretaker - Follow me!

Fre'kloar felt the ability to float, and hover around in this empty space.

Fre'kloar - SO DATS WAT VOA'REAK MENT WIV SIK FEELIN WHILE FLYIN Caretaker - ''Erm... sure?''

The Caretaker continued to fly around.

Fre'kloar - WEGOIN SOMWHERE OR WES JUS GONNA STAY HEER DOIN NUFFIN? Caretaker - Found it! Fre'kloar - FOUND WAT

The Caretaker gestured Fre'kloar to follow him i, and suddenly, Fre'kloar could no longwer move, and was in new space.

Fre'kloar - WAT DA HELLS DIS Caretaker - You're going to Sequencium. Fre'kloar - wat Caretaker - ''You.. don't know what that is?'' Fre'kloar - nop Caretaker - ''The Vyro'Narza's realm, of course! The center of the 5th Dmension!'' Fre'kloar - man yor a geek Caretaker - Well, without geeks you wouldn't survive so meh.

Fre'kloar suddenly got the feeling that he was ascending, as if in an elevator.

Fre'kloar - dis is borin Caretaker - yor borin ok so shut up Fre'kloar - yoo suk at da loronic spik so shut up Caretaker - yoo suk at life so shut up Fre'kloar - IM NOT HELPIN ANYMOR Caretaker - Ah, here we are! Fre'kloar - dis is sequencium? Caretaker - Yep!

Fre'kloar was giving a huge view over Sequencium, and had the same view of a bustling, gold utopian metropolis that Rebaris and Vekaron had on their visit.

Fre'kloar - ''...meh. ma kroozas betta'' Caretaker - ''That... isn't the normal response of mortals, but hey.'' Fre'kloar - OH MA DAYZ WATS DAT

Fre'kloar pointed at a Vyro'Narza.

Vyro'Narza - Greetings, Fre'kloar of the Rogue Boyz! Fre'kloar - LOOK AT DA SIZE OF DAT PIGFACED FING MAN I BET I CAN WRESTLE IT Vyro'Narza - ...Shall we proceed, Frekloar? Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN I WANNA FITE

The Vyro'Narza shrugged.

Vyro'Narza - ''You want to fight? Ok. Your move.'' Fre'kloar - SIK

Fre'kloar punched the Vyro'Narza, but it did nothing but hurt his hand.

Fre'kloar - OW

The Vyro'Narza shrugged again, and punched him, breaking his skull and killing him. This was then reversed in time.

Vyro'Narza - Ok, now shall we proceed? Fre'kloar - ''WOAH. YOO LOTS TUFF. YEH LETS GO''

Fre'kloar followed the Vyro'Narza, while touching and breaking things and causing mirchief in the way.

Vyro'Narza - ''Ok, so then Caretaker, and Fre'kloar... both enter these capsules.'' Fre'kloar - ''MAN I GOTTA GET MA BOYZ TA LOOT DESE PEEPZ ONE DAY...ENTER DIS? SUR GUESS SO''

Both entered the capsules, and Fre'kloar got the same feeling...

Jol'kiar - so whos yor fav rappa? Kal'kuir - flo'sikkas da best Jol'kiar - i c. wat bout yoo dark zr'ahgloth? Dark Zr'Ahgloth - i liek flo'sikka too but i always prefered dark flo'sikka hur

While waiting, the Loron all chatted, knowing no othe way to kill time.

Jol'kiar - ''dunt lie man i fort yoo liekd beeba? hur hur hur'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - ''SHUT UP MAN I DUNT. DA COPYCAT DUMBO LIEK THO'' Jol'kiar - DONT LIE MAN Knar'gank - ''man yoo lot dunt lissen to reel rap. 4pacs da best.'' Voa'reak - wat Knar'gank - Forpak Shankar aka 4pac man ar yoo dum Dark Zr'Ahgloth - neva herd of him Knar'gank - ''he maeks reel rap. rap dat talks bout reel shit. still flo'sikkas betta dan dem rappas who talk bout gunz an knivez an cash cos dats all dey kno dere lyrics is shit. 4pac, da biggie boss, zay-j an flo'sikka is da only ones wiv meeningful lyrics an good beetz. da ovas is shit moneywhores. but 4pacs da best of dose i menshoned. undagrounds betta dan mainstreem.'' Jol'kiar - ''BAK IN MY DAYZ WE ONLY LISSENED TO DA GOOD RAP LIEK 4PAC. NAO YOO KIDZ LISSEN TO SHIT DAT TALKS BOUT NUFFIN MEENINGFUL OR WATEVA AN JUS HAS A FAIRLY GOOD BEET AN YOO FINK ITS SIK. I MEEN SUR DA NOO STOOF IS SIK TA DANC TOO BUT IT DUNT MAEK DEM SIKKA DAN REEL RAPPAS DOES IT?'' Dark Zr'Ahgloth - yor a fukin geek

Soon, the Loron became bored.

Voa'reak - ''meh... wats takin dem so long'' Knar'gank - mehbeh deyz ded? Voa'reak - shut up man fre'kloar neva dies

That moment, Fre'kloar walked out.

Fre'kloar - ''MAN DAT WAS DUM. SO WAT DO I DO I TURN DIS FING ON AND...''

Fre'kloar slamemd all the buttons, until finally he managed to get rid of the Xi'Arazulha... and cause the planet to become so cold the Devourer's Chosen died, along with all the Rogue Boyz forces, who were losing anyway

Grak'tona - dunno wat ya did but i liekk it hur Fre'kloar - ar yoo dum all our boyz ded Caretaker - ''Uh... get out.'' Grak'tona - wat da hell

The Caretaker teleported them to the surface.

Fre'kloar - oh ma dayz man dis is too cold Drizz'pyrokirk - kk imma maek it warma

Drizz'pyrokirk and Kal'kuir usd flamethrowers to warm the area up. Naktor'zak, Rel'larutina and Zalk'don returned.

Rel'larutina - ''Well, safe to say no one's living here again. I think we're done for today.'' Zalk'don - lets go bak to da krooza befor we freez man

The Boyz all returned and slept.

The Consortium plot
Zaarkhun, Volim and the rest of the leaders had met with Skhánaróton -01 on a distant world he had just claimed for the Borealis Consortium Network. But someting else had been located...

Falrik Zaarkhun - I assume it's gonna take a lot of effort for me to win Skhán's respect. Volim - ''Most Zí-Jittorám are like this. I had to beat him up to get his respect, and it wasn't easy at all.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I imagine. Oh, look, Sollow's back.''

Sollow returned from his venture in to the caves, which he had been sent to scout.

Sollow - There's a couple Dark Gyronic monsters there, nothing you guys can't handle. Genrai Nal - ''Dark Gyronic? I should be capable of dealing with these easily.'' Sollow - Of course.

Genrai Nal cloaked, and walked off. The Dark Gyronic monsters arrived, and after a large struggle, Shkán and Volim managed to defeat 8 of them... only to find 4 more attacking. Before they reached, Genrai Nal took them out quickly, uncloaked.

Genrai Nal - ''My blades are always ready for battle. I know not where they came from, sadly, but no matter. We will head to the generator now?'' Skhánaróton -01 - Bah, what an unsatisfying fight. Genrai Nal - Think what you wish.

They headed into an elevator, from which they descended to the core of the planets, and were met by Caretakers.

Volim - Hmmm...interesting place. Sollow - ''Caretaker technology. It's ancient, it's powerful, and it's annoyingly impossible to loot.''

They descended into the core of the world, and were met by a Caretaker.

Caretaker - ''Hello! My name is The Mother, I will be escorting you to activating the generator today.'' Torrent - How do we do this? The Mother - ''Come in here! You'll all need these suits, stay to the sides and only traverse on the assorted paths. Next, you'll need the strongest of you, mentally.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Someone who could probably die in this, or not come out? Sollow. He's already dead, he doesn't care about himself and he can recreate himself easily. Sure he has no soul, but well, he's indestructible.'' Sollow - ''These nanomachines within me keep me 'alive', or at least mobile. They are 50 times more potent than those UNO are using.'' Genrai Nal - ''Sollow isn't exactly mentally strong. I think I should go. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Mentally strong, no. Mentally unnaffected, yes. Genrai Nal - ''Remember, this is the Sequencium we are talking about, the lair of a godrace. Our nanomachines are nothing in there.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - True... The Mother - ''Sollow has no soul, or consciousness, or whatever you call it. That's what we're sending up there. We need the strongest consciousness to go. So, who do you think fills that?'' Volim - I would say Zaarkhun and Genrai both should go. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''That's unlike you. You don't want to go, Volim?'' Volim - ''Not really. I don't feel confortable about this whole "lair of a godrace" thing.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Fair enough.

The Mother took them into a device, and sent them into The Grid.

Sollow - How do you think they'll do? Torrent - They'll do fine, I'm certain of it. Sllow - You seem to have good faith in them. Torrent - ''Mostly on Genrai Nal. Zaarkhun seem a little too...fragile, however.'' Sollow - ''I understand your point of view. My opinion on Zaarkhun has been destroyed. I have none.'' Torrent - Uh...okay. Sollow - ''Zaarkhun killed me to take my place, but then brought me back and expected me not to get revenge. I got revenge, and he punished me. He then prevented me from having an opinion on him.'' Skhánaróton -01 - Hah. Sollow - ''Quit being sadistic. Of these few emotions I have,it still saddens me.''

Falrik Zaarkhun - What the fuck is going on here? Genrai Nal - Erm...is this really the right place? The Mother - Yup!

The Mother took them straight into the area of Gridspace. They floated around, and then went into some small gap, and when getting through, no longer had control of themselves.

Genrai Nal - This doesn't seem right. The Mother - ''It's all good. Wait a few seconds and... Damnit, Sequencium's redirecting us...'' Genrai Nal - Redirecting? The Mother - Well, it seems we're gonig to the Vyro'Ralza district. Falrik Zaarkhun - What? The Mother - ''We were meant to link with the realm, vbut th Vyro'Narza are blocking Genrai out. Oh wel, the Vyro'Ralza can do the same thing.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Why would they block Genrai out? The Mother - ''I'm not sure. Something to do with his allegiance.''

Falrik Zaarkhun looked at Genrai Nal, confused.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Something you're not telling me, Genrai? Genrai Nal - ''There is nothing. I have told you already I have a colleague outside the Consortium.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You haven't told me who he is, though. You know you can trsut me, so why can't you tell me?'' Genrai Nal - ''It has nothing to do with trust. It is just that, until now, I thought there was no need, and my collegaue wouldn't want anyone knowing.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Fair enough. We there yet?'' The Mother - Yes. Genrai Nal - Let's get this over with fast.

They arrived in the part of Sequencium... and couldn't see a thing.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I can't see anything! What the hell?'' Genrai Nal - ''You won't be able to. It's the 5th Dimension, your mind cannot interpret it, althouh Vyro'Narza make interpretations to mortals. The closest thing the Sequencium realm is that we can understand is a bustling metropolis.''

A Vyro'Ralza arrived.

Vyro'Ralza - Business? Genral Nal - We want to activate a Grid generator. Vyro'Ralza - ''Oh yes. Just link it here, and get out.''

After a flash of light, the two ended up backing in the core of the planet.

The Mother - Ok, we're done, Just flick a switch here and...

The enter place lit up.

The Mother - ''Ok, it's now turned on completely. Thanks for your time, and please come again.'' Torrent - I expected these Caretakers to be a little less...rude. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Rude? All things considered they were pretty polite. They have a really tight schedule.'' Torrent - Well they look like they want us to get out. Falrik Zaarkun - ''They probably wanted us to get this done quick as possible. Now let's head off.''

Falrik and his team left to the Iron Fist, and left behind slaves and robots to build colonies on the world.

Revelations
"I have spent my life not only leading my people, not only strugglnig against our many enemies, but answering the questions my ancestors failed to ask. Who are we? What is our purpose? What is our origin? Every man secretly asks, but few dare to elaborate on the question. Maybe one day I will learn the answers, or maybe I was not meant to. Maybe there are many more questions that I will be presented with. But one thing I do know is that these are questions, and if one asks a question, one must find out the answer themselves."

Vekaron - Sire, what is it?

In the Zoles Imperium, King Rebaris seemed to be preparing for something big...

Rebaris - ''Vekaron, our scouts have detected the Xi'Arazulha are currently attacking the Grox. This gives us the perfect opportunity...'' Vekaron - ''We are heading into the Center of Death? Why? To avenge for our past struggles with them, or do you plan to do something else?'' Rebaris - ''The central Grid generator is there. While the Grox are busy, we'll activate it.'' Vekaron - ''Ah, excellent. This could give us an edge, although we can't be sure what edge it will give us.''

Rebaris recieved a transmission from UNO.

Kralgon Emperor - Woah, woah, you weren't planning on going there without us, were you? Rebaris - ''Of course not! I was about to invite you and Xerkea to help us in this.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Excellent. The fleet has already been prepared, and we'll be heading to the rendez-vous immediately.'' Rebaris - Great, see you guys there.

UNO turned off the transmission, and the Niaka were put on instead.

Vekaron - ''Greetings, Niaka. King Rebaris and I are heading straight into the Center of Death, butfor a valient cause, and the Grox are busy fighting off several Xi'Arazulha attacks, so we should be fine. We'll need you help, however.'' Xerkea - ''Of course I'll help. I wouldn't miss this for anything.'' Vekaron - ''Excellent, see us at the rendez-vous point in the Cold Relay. We're gonig to the very Core of the Galaxy... no Zoles has been there before, let alone Niaka.'' Xerkea - ''We ain't afraid of no Grox. Count us in.'' Vekarton - Excellent.

Moderately large fleets of UNO, the Zoles and Niaka had al gathered by the Cold Relay, with the Galactic Core only 300 km away.

Rebaris - ''We are gathered here today, the saviours of the galaxy, not to do what our ancestors have never done before, but to save the galaxy. Before, this would never have been possible, but we have been blessed with the ability to not only see things we've never seen before, but to quite possibly save the galaxy from this threat. We have no idea what the outcome will be, but if this does little in our cause, at least we fought for a good cause and fought til the end.'' Xerkea - Couldn't have said better myself. Zr'Ahgloth - DIS GONNA B SIK MAN Thr'aloy - ENNIT Rebaris - ''Yeah sure, Loron! Just don't touch anything..''

Now there was a problem - entering the Core... but how?

Zr'Ahgloth - TELL US MAN Tralkik Commander -  According to them, you need to make the Core let you in. Thr'aloy - DAT DUSNT MAEK ANY SENSE Xerkea - This is not a good time for riddles. Tralkik Commander - ''According to them, weneed to somehow communicate with it. Vekaron - ''What are we supposed to do? Say hello and ask nicely?'' Tralkik Commader - ''It needs some sort of secret tongue to it. If I'm correct, Rebaris should know.'' Rebaris - Huh? Tralkik Commander - Don't some of your ancestors know how to speak Cold Tongue? Rebaris - ''Hmm...an ancestor of mine could. One of the oldest kings of the Imperium.'' Tralkik Commander - You're going to need to look in one of his books and find the code. Rebaris - Alright...

Rebaris searched on his computer, and eventually found a transmission which he sent on the right frequency, and suddenly a portal opened in the core.

Vekaron - This was situational as hell. Rebaris - I didn't know I had some talent for that... Zr'Ahgloth - ''wateva. LETS GO MAN''

"Are you up for it?"

Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELL

"What do you mean 'wat da hell'? It's the tests of manhood, of course!"

Zr'Ahgloth - WHOS TALKIN?

Suddenly, the fleets were left behind, and the leaders were placed on their own.

Xerkea - Huh?

"The tests must begin..."

Vekaron - Who's there? "But they may not, until The Endowed One steps forward and takes the challenge.

Rebaris - Is this supposed to be me?

"Step forward."

King Rebaris did so. All around them, they were suddenly in an enormous arena.

Yogtam - This doesn't look good.

"Prepare to face the challenge! The test of manhood!"

Zr'Ahgloth - SIK WE GET TA FITE PEEPZ

"Only one may face the test."

Zr'Ahgloth - DATS DUM

"Step forward. You know who you are."

Rebaris - Geez.

Rebaris did so.

"Excellent."

The arena, suddenly, vanished before their eyes.

Rebaris - This is getting on my nerves now.

"Patience is a virtue."

Rebaris - Who are you?

"Look around you."

Rebaris looked around the empty, square nothingness, and read some print.

"That's right. I am the Cold One AI 6790-ST3V3-088."'' Rebaris - ''So... what do I?''

A door appeared before him, Rebaris walked through it, and was gone.

Yogtam - Shit! Xerkea - ''Oh come on... This is going nowhere!''

To prove Xerkea wrong, Rebaris just walked out of another door.

Rebaris - ''I am not going back there again. Ever!'' Kralgon Emperor - What was the point of all this? Rebaris - ''Really, I don't know. But whatever's hidden here, someone wanted to keep it very secret. So that I will have to endure that torture, and your patience will be tried.'' Zr'Ahgloth - HOW BORIN MAN Xerkea - And while we waste time in this, the Grox could attack us at any minute!

Before them, a floating figure appeared. It was hard to make out what it was, as it appeared differently to everyone.

ST3V3 - ''Do not worry, the Grox can't attack you in here. We're locked in time.'' Xerkea - But they can attack our fleet. ST3V3 - ''Your fleet? Oh don't worry. Anything that happens here won't be in sync with time outside.'' Thr'aloy - YOR BORIN ST3V3 - This way.

ST3V3 showed a portal which led them to another place.

ST3V3 - This time something's going to happen. Rebaris - I suppose I should enter that. ST3V3 - Nope, all of you get inside.

Everyone entered, hoping that this time there would be something. When they got through, they couldn't see a thing.

"In all my time... In all my time, I couldn't imagine."

ST3V3 - Just so you know, that's not me.

"As I look upon the galaxy that is Borealis, I wonder to myself, what in the galaxy is true perfection? But to see perfection, you have to delve deeper than the ordinary eye picks up."

Zr'Ahglot - YEH JUS LOOK AT ME AN YOO SEE I Thr'aloy - SHUT DA HELL UP Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN WANT ME TA PUNCH YOO IN DA FAIC? Thr'aloy - IF YOO KEEP BOOSTIN IMMA SMAK YA Yogtam - Would you both shut the hell up?

"I have learned, in my years, not to look into the obvious. The Devourer's Chosen. They are all united under one law, they all work for the same goal, they will always strive to achieve success, and they are more controled than most. But if they are so right in this way, surely they are the perfect nation? Or the Borealis Grox. They are far more powerful than any other, have strong hold over their territory and defeated the Cold Ones. Does that not make them perfect? Or the Rogue Boyz..."

Zr'Ahgloth - BLUD R U DUM?

"Are the Rogue Boyz not perfect? They are all willing, they are all single minded, and they do not bother to ask the questions that we die trying to find the answer to. We see their society as crude because they are all warmongers with hatred for everything. But they love their society and would hate to live in ours. They have achieved the greatest things that their kind has ever dreamed of. Is there not perfection there?"

Zr'Ahgloth - ENNIT DIS GUYS BORIN MAN WE DUNT CAR BOUT WAT HE SAYS Thr'aloy - CAN WE EET HIM? Zr'Ahgloth - DUNNO WHER HE IS "I have led the Zoles Imperium for many years now, and always seen my empire as flawless. But even we have flaws. There are still criminals in the Zoles, there are traitors, there are rebels, and we are not the rulers of the galaxy. Therefore, are we imperfect?

And the Legion. We see them as vile, crude pirates who do nothing but destroy. Maybe they are like us. Maye, just maybe, they have their own goals that they go about, their own creed, their own way of life. They have achieved ultimate order in their empire. I see no imperfection in that. But no, there is one that is perfect..."

Zr'Ahgloth - WHO MAN

Suddenly, a creature that UNO were familiar with but the others were not, appeared.

"...What?! It has failed?! There are flaws?!"

Valzo - The creature....from our nightmare! Rebaris - What?!

"No, but you told me that they would succeed... you told me..." Another voice could be heard: "I did tell you that. But clearly, they have failed. And clearly, you are responsible."

They heard a scream, destruction, and death.

ST3V3 - ''That's your great great grandfather, Rebaris... That's how he went down.'' Rebaris - Wow... ST3V3 - ''Not in the correct time period, not in the correct state of mind... The knowledge he gained he thought would find the answers to all his questions. But it just corrupted him.'' Zr'Ahgloth - BLA BLAH BLAH I FORT WE WAS HEER JUS TO TURN ON SOM FING Thr'aloy - eitha dat or wes jus wastin tiem Zr'Ahgloth - YEH MAN WES WASTIN TIEM ST3V3 - ''But... but you have to hear it!'' Zr'Ahglot - BOOOOOOOOO ST3V3 - ...Fine.

They appeared before a huge generator.

ST3V3 - ''Enter the capsules, turn it on... you've all done it before.'' Rebaris - Understood.

Each one fo them entered, but unlike before, they simply saw a flash of light, and were outside of the Core.

Kralgon Emperor - I get a bad feeling... Yogtam - That creature... Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes. It's like there was some message un there that we didn't even begin to learn... because they tried our patience. I've got it! The final test of manhood was to see how patient we were... Whoever was last in the Core of the Galaxy used the place as a vault, or a library, or something. And they were testing whether we had what it takes to secure that knowledge... but clearly we don't.'' Xerkea - ''It's that oversized bug's fault! Otherwise we would have listened to everything!'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''WAT ME? COM ON MAN ADMIT IT YOO WAS BORED TOO. EVEN OLUAP WAS BORED'' Xerkea - ...A little, but that's not the point. Rebaris - ''Uh... guys...? I think we have more than Grox to worry about...'' Zr'Ahgloth - WAT

Several Xi'Arazulha appeared surrounding the Core. But they were not interested in the mortals...

Xi'Arazkzha - ''Hahahahahaa... they fell for it!'' Kralgon Emperor - Uh-oh...

They saw only 5 Xi'Arazulha, and what appeared to be their leader, surounding the Core.

Xi'Arakzha - ''You foolish mortals! Turning on the Grid was exactly what we wanted you to do... congratulations!'' Xerkea - What? Xi'Arazkzha - ''We can use it as our weapon now... we will absorb the Vyro'Narza souls! You idiots, connecting it straight to Sequencium... I thought you were meant to be clever?'' Yogtam - B-b-but... Xi'Arakzha - ''But what? But your souls are going to be absorbed too, because your masters' are? Well, I'm afraid that's war.''

A Xi'Arazulha turned, and fired blasts at the ships, which only barely managed to dodge.

Zr'Ahgloth - GET US OUTTA HEER

Everyone rushed straight into the Cold Relay, and returned to the Arm of Knowledge.

Vekaron - We were set up! Kralgon Emperor - ''So all our work was folly? This is ridiculous!''

Outside the windows of their ships, they could see what appeared to be space burning. Vyro'Narza and Xi'Arazulha were gonig to a full scale war.

??? - ''The Vyro'Narza only thing stopping Xi'Arazulha from destroying galaxy without Grid. And they going to be absorbed soon.'' Kralgon Emperor - That way of speaking... Tuolog - It is me, yes. Zr'Ahgloth - BLUD WE MISS YA Tuolog - ''Well, you still not revived me. And if you want to save Vyro'Narza, I hate to sound arrogant, but I your only chance.'' Yogtam - ''How do we revive you? And Feldosia?...and Mac?'' Tuolog - ''That chimp there. You did well to hide it from the Rogue Loron. You must take it to the same planet you met us on.'' Kralgon Emperor - We'll do it right now. Zr'Ahgloth - WAIT A SEC. WILL DIS REVIVE DAT CRAZY GEEZA BRAG'KLOGGA TOO? Tuolog - Afraid it will. Zr'Ahgloth - NUUUUU DATS SO DUM MAN

Thr'aloy slapped Zr'Ahgloth.

Thr'aloy - ''ITS EEVA BRAG'KLOGGA LIVS OR WE ALL DAI. I KNO WHICH I FINK IS BETTA.'' Zr'Ahgloth - hur fair enuff Tuolog - ''There's someone I want you to meet. Zr'Ahgloth and Thr'aloy may know him well.'' Valzo - Who's that? Tuolog - ''I'll give a few clews. He's Harder, Better, Faster and Stronger, he's not a Gold Digger, he hates Heartless people and his name sounds like "Can-you Test"?'' Zr'Ahgloth - KANYE WEST Tuolog - ''DATS RITE MAN. GOOD ON YOO MAN YOO KNO YOR RAPPAS'' Zr'Ahgloth - YEH Valzo - ''...What? It's not that human, your clues didn't point to him at all...'' Tuolog - ''It appear differently to different people. Depending on the closest thing you relate to of his personality. For a human as he is a human, and for a Loron as they know rap, it appears as him. For you it may not. But you will find him on his pilgrimage in the very same place. He know what to do.'' Kralgon Emperor - You want us to find that Taldar Baby then? Tuolog - That is correct. Rebaris - ''Baby Taldar... Tuolog... uh?'' Valzo - We'll explain it to you later, King Rebaris. Yogtam - Where can we find him? Tuolog - On pilgrimage in the same world you found us. Yogtam - Ah, yes. Kralgon Emperor - ''So what are we waiting for? Let's go fast!'' Tuolog - ''There is, however... a complication.'' Kralgon Emperor - Huh? Tuolog - ''You cannot get there via the Cold Relays. Wth the Xi'Arazulha taking over the Grid, it not safe anymore.'' Yogtam - ''Can't we go without them then? We didn't need Relays to travel around Ottzello and the Milky Way.'' Tralkik Commander - ''Negative. The Zoles, the Niaka and ourselves ahve all abolished old methods of wormhole travel. Only the Draconid Imperium or the Divinarium use non-Cold Relay travel. We'll ask them.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''R U STOOPID? WAT IF WE HAD TA GO TO ANUVA GALACSI?'' Tralkik Commander - ''Then we use the Cold Relay's wormhole creator to create a wormhole to another galaxy... but obviously we can't use Relays.'' Zr'Ahgloth - DA RELAYS MADE YOO LAZI WAT DA HELL King Rebaris - We could, of course, as the Indoctrinate Collective if they can do this for us. Kralgon Emperor - Oh yeah, them too.

Baptarion sent a transmission to the group.

Baptarion - What the heck is going on the galaxy? Vekaron - ''The galaxy is now the Xi'Arazulha and Vyro'Narza's battlefield. The Xi'Arazulha are using the Grid to take over the Vyro'Narza's souls... and we have little time before they do.'' Baptarion - ''Geez, i've noticed they got agitated hard. What do we do now?'' Vekaron - You'll need to help us reach the world of these co-ordinates:

Vekaron sent the co-ordinates of the world that Tuolog's ghost had told about.

Baptarion - Ah, sure, I can do that. Zr'Ahgloth - COM HEER DEN HURRY UP

A little time later, Baptarion and his Collective fleet arrived.

Baptarion - Come on, people!

Everyone got inside.

Zargoth - It's happened. Kolossus - This should be interesting... Zargoth - ''Yes. I almost want to hurry up my new servant so that he can watch the fireworks.'' Kolossus - But...for our plans to suceed, they need to fail, right? Zargoth - ''Part of me wants to let them succeed. But if my calculations are correct, the Xol'Etra would come and save them anyway, whether I intervened or not. A pity. I'll be on to somethnig much larger, anyway.'' Kolossus - ''I've noticed the Xhodocto are involved with them. If they ever knew we want the Xi'Arazulha to fail, we would be in deep trouble...'' Zargoth - ''They won't know a thing, Kolossus. They'll be too busy blaming their old enemies to think about us. And we're doing them a bigger favour than ever, anyway.'' Kolossus - Let's just watch then. Zargoth - That's right.

"If there was ever a time of trial so great for the galaxy... it was now..."

United Lanat Empire Involvement
The Emperor of the United Lanat Empire, Aoblix sat down on his throne looking at a starmap of the Borealis galaxy. The Borealis held many riches to be exploited. Of course he would ask permission by some of the major Borealis races. Not that he needed to but it always help to get on there good side. He also has some other questions to ask them, anyways.

Aoblix started a transmission session with several Borealis races.

King Rebaris - ''Greetings, United Lanat Empire. It has been some time since we last saw you in our galaxy, fighting against the Wranploer Legion, we believe?'' Emperor Aoblix - ''Yes, indeed it was. Anyways, I am not one for small talk so I'll get down right to it. First I would like permission for my empire to expand deeper into your galaxy.'' Chief Major Xerekea - ''Ah, I see. I'm Xerekea, in charge of the Niaka Special Forces, and I'm usually in charge of this... From inspecting you and from your files, it all seems fine for you to expand further.'' King Rebaris - Yes, there's several areas of the Arm of Knowledge or the Arm of Wilderness that are perfect for you to expand in, with our permission. Emperor Aoblix - ''Very good. Now for the next question I wish to ask. Report have picked up mass movement in several parts of your galaxy lately. Normally we would ignore this but it just seemed fairly peculiar.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Yes, the Xi'Arazulha and Vyro'Narza are waging war in this galaxy like we would wage war on a battlefield. It's their battleground currently. We'd advise you not use any technology associated with the Grid, as it's potentially damaging in its current state.'' Emperor Aoblix - ''Wait there is a war going on? None of my informants told me of this. If my empire is to expand into this galaxy deeper I want to be sure my investment is safe.'' Kralgon Eperor - ''No worries, all three of you can support your expansion until you have a strong and stable economy in your colonies, and until they are fully self sufficient. In return, however, we would like your support in the war.'' Emperor Aoblix - ''Hmpf...very well. You can rely on the United Lanat's sword in battle until the war is won. We need more field training for our forces, anyways.'' Vekaron - ''Excellent. It is great to have you on our side. There are many people we need help with, the side of the Borealis Consortium Network, Da Rogue Boyz and the Seagon; the side of the Devourer's Chosen, who are putting up a great fight; or simply the random pirates, whose attacks are increasing due to the Xi'Arazulha/Vyro'Narza war, as they need all the resources they can get.'' Emperor Aoblix - We can station forces to mount offensives or be kept as defense forces on all fronts though if the war gets intense I can not guarantee a consent stream of reinforcements. King Rebaris - ''Understood. With that, I believe there is nothing more to discuss?'' Emperor Aoblix - ''I believe so. I'll be sending the first wave of forces soon under the command of Fleet Admiral Kal'at.'' King Rebaris - ''Understood. Maybe, with your help, this galaxy will still be standing next year...'' And with that said the transmission was ended.

Emperor Aoblix laid back in his throne for a few moments before setting up and contacting the military command office. "I want two whole invasion forces put under the direct command of Fleet Admiral Kal'at. Have the newly formed force sent to the Borealis galaxy and await future orders. We are at war." Aoblix said in an almost emotionless tone. Of course the secretary on the other end didn't question and did was she was told.

The invasion force had been in the Borealis galaxy for sometime. Kal'at was a young fleet admiral, one of the youngest in history in fact being only 31 years of age. Some where skeptical of his abilities and labeled him as another soft skinned prodigy that graduated from a posh military academy. Those kind hardly ever survived there first assignment. Kal'at didn't care about the stereotypes and he was eager to prove himself an able commander. A few hours pasted before the ULE force got an odd transmission.

"Blah we thought we taught you lot not to mess around in our space awhile ago. No matter...the loot from your ships will make me a pretty penny." It was the Wranploer.

And with that several cruisers and raiders exited hyperspace and attacked the ULE force. "How cute. All forces engage at will. I want no survivors." Kal'at ordered. The Wranploer attacked furiously and the ULE force opened fire. It was suicide on the Wranploer's part. They was hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned. It was a short engagement and at the end all of the the Wranploer ships where destroyed and only minor damage to the ULE ships. After the battle the invasion force went on its way to an undisclosed location given to them by the Emperor himself.