Fiction:Tzhrhokia/Part2

"We as a whole came here not for anything else but to help this Galaxy, for it would be doomed without us. Though, I came also for something else..."

- Tahar Collective Commander

= Act 1: Pointless Fighting =

Prologue
"You're... from the far future?! We thought such an event could never happen!"

"It never did where we came from."

Daaxri was astonished. Everyone was confused. But above all, Tahars looked in awe, the whole Empire stood still to watch what their descendents had to say.

"Our timeline's ancestors barely survived the universal retribution upon the Kraw Galaxy after Kies's foolishness... However, we intend to fix that for you. We will enlighten you, starting with Kies himself. Nobody shall touch him until he is re-educated."

Kies saw the Collective Tahar near Daaxri in his home, which he had returned to after 2 years as Emperor. It was a nice home, with a large green area with the house in the center, in the top of the hill that Kies claimed for himself as his home. His home may have been vandalized by foreigners, with laser burnt writing and broken windows, but Kies paid for all the repairs. Kies wondered about Varutahira now that she's in a position of power. But before he could go further, he was caught in the shoulder by someone. He turned around to see who he was. It was another one of the Future Tahars.

TC Tahar - "You are required to see the Commander." Kies - "What Commander?!" TC Tahar - "The commander." Kies - "Name?" TC Tahar - "Irrelevant."

Kies was then teleported to one of the Collective's ships. Inside, Kies was confused. There seemed to be nothing. Just white walls and windows. There was nothing on the main section of the ship. Kies wondered how was it possible to pilot a ship with no controls whatsoever, until he figured it out by looking at a Tahar tap something into his holographic screen that his hands brought up, and then food coming out straight from the wall. Simplistic and only the Collective could use it.

A large, strong Collective Tahar then appeared, full of gold stripes and shapes all over his chest. He stood there naked, which Tahars are comfortable with, even in the present.

"My rank is presented in these shapes, however, their meaning shall not be revealed to you."

He then proceeded to retrieve clothes from the ship's wall. The commander then dressed himself, looking at Kies, wondering whether this was worth it. The Commander wore a suit that enhanced his natural abilities by stimulating his body. The suit was glowing. None of the other suits worn by other Collective Tahars glowed like that.

"I am a person of authority. I know what I'm doing. If I didn't, then why would I be authority?"

At this moment, Kies saw a blue, tall, muscled and naturally armored being, wearing a special suit that is known for reflecting laser beams. He wondered what the being was.

Kies - "Hey, blue guy, what are you?" Kraw - "I'm a Kraw."

Kraw would evolve to be stronger, as a result of having to face hardships throughout the thousands of years that passed. However, Kies asked something else:

Kies - "Is he a special scientist or soldier or something, Irrelevant?" Commander - "The word "Irrelevant" does not correspond to my name, Kies. I don't have a name. And that Kraw is a citizen of ours, a soldier."

Kies started to get worried.

Kies - "He emigrated, right?" Commander - "Yes, if you count the Billions of others who "emigrated" here. No. The Kraw Empire is no more in the future."

Kies was petrified at such a concept.

Kies - "But the 3rd law..." Commander - "Irrelevant." Kies - "What happened?!" Commander - "A common enemy nearly devastated the Kraw Empire, and several others. Since we required more troops to destroy that enemy and we didn't have enhough, the laws of the Kraw Galaxy as you know it were abolished in our favor. You joined us, the Asgord joined us, the Terridans joined us, the KGGC joined us, the Komorians joined us, the Tyrennes joined us, and so on and so forth. Only then could we defeat our foes. Nobody minded losing independence. We have something you'd never think of. We won't say it however." Kies - "If you'd tell us-" Commander - "That enemy does not exist yet. You can't prevent him from "stealing your independence" because you can't. But this is irrelevant, Kies. I am here to educate you in better understanding others, because this is what led to everyone's hate for the Kraw in the beggining. You're too self centered and that has to stop." Kies - "We are not!" Commander - "Oh yeah? What about the 5% that refuse to join the KrawFed? What about the Ahevox? They didn't like Kraw bossing them around. If it wasn't for the Fordanta you'd be destroyed. This is what's wrong with the Galaxy, and it will take milleniums to change it. But it will happen." Kies - "Hmph." Commander - "Maybe we should start education tommorow. I sense you're not in the mood."

The Commander then teleported Kies back to his house. When he returned, The Tahar was no longer near Daaxri, and Daaxri resumed his discussions about the Kraw Galaxy's fate after Operation: Freedom. Daaxri did mention again - The Tahar Collective will keep the Kraw Galaxy safe during re-education.

The Collective then resumed to cure Tahar worlds from Mahedore's virus. However, in the span of 3 months, the Kraw Galaxy may have another war to handle. The ULE wants to capture Kies and put him on a trial, which may result in Kies's death sentence. And everyone seems in support of the ULE. The Devourer's chosen may make an appearance to torture the Kraw Galaxy, which the Commander could forsee.

However, the Theians have a whole diffrent view on the Collective...

"Nobody shall interfer with us. Nobody."

- The Collective as a whole

It begins
Kies fell asleep in the night of 22/07/409 KRE. He had a strange dream. He dreamt that he was still the Emperor of the Kraw Empire, and that Varkeos's death never happened. He dreamt of declaring war with the Draconis, however, the dream would soon turn into a nightmare, as the Draconis then started capturing Kraw and turning them into slaves. The new slaves, working for mere food, worked in mines on the first day. Some were killed when attempting to escape the mines.

The dream was odd, shifting between Kies's vision and a Kraw's vision, mainly someone named Ishkor. The Kraw continued to have their colonies attacked one by one, but after the work in the mines, Ishkor was given a room and a place to relax. Ishkor was actually... happy to work for the Draconis. When Ishkor turned on the TV, a silhouette of a Collective Tahar appeared.

"Kortograa... Awake... now."

Kies opened his eyes as he awoke. He was in sort of a probing room. A Collective Asgord checked on his life signals. Future Asgord have evolved to have slightly bigger hands and to be less fat, and their signature spikes are gone. The Asgord looked at kies, then pet him a bit. It was their way of saying that they came in peace. Kies was calm at the presence of the Asgord. He proceeded to tell the Asgord:

Kies - "I had this dream... My Empire was doomed... But our citizens were alright, I don't know why my dreams projected this... Draconis are evil..." TC Asgord - "Silly individual, that is a timeline where you declared war with the Draconis, the events would have happened!" Kies - "But the Draconis whip their slaves! I've heard that from the TIAF!" TC Asgord - "You're so funny when you rely on stereotypes to portray things you don't understand."

The Asgord pet him again. Kies was dumbfounded and confused, at least until a Collective Tahar appeared.

TC Tahar - "I trust you have calmed subject 39?" TC Asgord - "Certainly!" TC Tahar - "Good. I see you are truthful. You may return to the Pikolo pods. We won't be needing you for now." TC Asgord - "Thank you, that pleases me."

The Collective Asgord returned to the Pikolo pods, which was a pod one could go in that transported one's mind into a virtual reality world. This is the future of the popular Asgordian social network, Pikolo, which in the Collective, is popular amongst Asgord.

The Collective Tahar then shifted his attention to Kies.

"I assume you've heard of Ishkor?"

Kies had no words to say.

"I know you've heard of him. Kies. You were a hero before, and I know you can still be one. But before that I need to teach you tolerance. Fortunately I know just how. First step is to admit your society isn't perfect."

"My society is perfect. No doubts."

The Collective Tahar was certain he would say something like that. So he proceeded to show him one of the consequences of Operation Freedom that he didn't even notice yet. He teleported Kies behind a door, and could listen to a discussion between Marahk and Mikew - Two of Kies's most notable crew nembers.

Marahk - "I sure hope he faces retribution. We are a joke." Mikew - "He thinks this is perfectland... Pfft. Spend one day in the former URC and you have real perfection. Besides, this society is stale. Most are lazy. When we reach post-scarcity nobody will work anymore, and everything collapses. I don't want a world like that for my children." Marahk - "I know. I once looked at a partner of mine back when I was working in a food center. He constantly looked at his watch, waiting for leaving time. Yet his position, a store guard, was of more importance than what he was giving it. With this logic, Kies is promoting laziness. I'd rather live in the Dracon-" Mikew - "Kies hears that, and you'll be back to that center." Marahk - "Who the frik cares? I'd prefer the center to that fool's ship. He murdered his predecessor!" Mikew - "Guess you're right, but we both have high standards of life to maintain. I wouldn't mind Draconis society either - Kies just makes it seem evil." Marahk - "Indeed. I've read actual books about them. Anyways, is it true Kies got demoted? Laugh of the day." Mikew - "Actually it's because he promoted Inhraahk to his former position. There can't be two of the same kind."

Kies reflected on this, not with anger, but with sadness.

TC Tahar - "Trust us. You wouldn't want post-scarcity yet."

Kies was returned to the Collective ship the Collective Tahar was on.

Kies - "I'm a bad emperor, right?" TC Tahar - "You knew that before we came. Now you are more certain."

Kies would receive more lessons in time. As the Collective cured more Tahar worlds, the Commander would get a transmission from Eko Angarg.

Eko - "Greetings. So you really are our future selves?"

The commander felt a minor emotion when he looked at Eko, however, he carried on anyways.

TCC - "Yes. We are." Eko - "Excellent, has the universe there seen sense about their magic?" TCC - "Magic? Explain." Eko - "Gods and essence. Everyone knows they're not real."

The Commander facepalmed a bit.

TCC - "How do you expect to have any credibility with such statement when you have seen gods before and you have essence in your body?" Eko - "Wha- oh right, but that's Gyronic, I meant the other essences, the ones that are magic! Those aren't real! Chaos, Demonic, Light, they are not controllable in the way "gods do"." TCC - "You are unintelligent."

Eko was fuming in rage. Being called unintelligent was a huge insult to a Present day Tahar - Something Future Tahars have got over with.

Eko - "I am not unintelligent! I am using a rational mind!" TCC - "You just do this because you don't want gods to control you, right?" Eko - "Yes, if we keep disbelieving, these so-called gods will fade away." TCC - "Let me break it to you. Gods have controlled you for ages. You are just unaware. I sincerely hope you'll see sense someday." Eko - "You don't see sense. You're just like my son who hallucinates!" TCC - "You don't understand him yet. But you will do someday."

With that, the Commander shut down the transmission, reflecting on it in an odd way. He knew his ancestors were more stubborn than the Tahars of 600409 KRE, though he knew his race was far from perfection. With that, he left, back to meditating, an action that could lead a Tahar into prison in the present day.

Already
"Orknaar. We discussed our doings with the empires of this miserable Galaxy. Norknaar. We deployed the cure across 30 Tahar worlds and made the Galaxy more aware of the culprit. Deknaar. We get threatened by outside powers and had one of our plans rejected. Is the universe blind?"

- Tahar Collective

It had just been days since the Inquisition's announcement on the Universal Discussion Board, which led to a controversy amongst most empires of the Kraw Galaxy, surprisingly excluding the Kraw Empire. The complaints were that the Inquisition would enforce their laws across their borders - However it was nothing more than mere stereotype and the empires would be actually left unaffected. However, stil, many empires opposed the inquisition.

This was classified as Draconidophobia - A phobia of the Draconid Imperium. Kies's rule had left a huge crater on the Draconis's reputation amongst the Kraw Federation, and the Tahar Collective found that they needed a solution. They approached Arsac of the Inquisition with their plan. It was fool-proof.

In the future, there will be a sapient species named the Xcor (Pronounced "Shkor") which could be used as false Xhodocto worshippers who would wreak repairable havoc across the Galaxy. The Xcor could be defeated, and the Inquisition could do just that - However Arsac rejected the collective's plan and refused to listen to even the method of defeat - Which was through a frequency that triggered fear amongst the Xcor.

Arsac claimed the rejection was because "They were claiming innocent lives and that the Inquisition doesn't care about what the KrawFed thought of them". This insulted the Collective as a whole. The Commander said no words.

Today. 11/10/409 KRE. The Commander was just disturbed by a different entity, as the Commander's receiver beeped. It was a ULE Government official.

ULE Government Official - "The ULE would like to thank you in advance for accepting this transmission. We will keep this as short as possible."

The Commander hoped it was a peaceful and non-intrusive transmission. Further disappointment would emerge.

ULE Government Official - "The ULE has came to the attention that you are harboring a known war criminal within your colonies by the name of Kies. Kies is wanted for, among other things, unprovoked assault, murder of United Lanat service men, destruction of state property, and littering. As stated in the UDB the ULE gave a two week grace period which as since ran out as of today."

The Commander didn't want Kies to be handed over. Kies was currently in the process of re-education, and any attempt to cut the process down would ruin months of work. The Commander resorted to lying.

TCC - "Really? I see. Well, we are keeping Kies hostage. We are brutally hurting his fowl ego. Don't disturb us." ULE Government Official - ''!We question your honesty. Anyways, the United Lanat High Council request that you surrender Kies over to United Lanat custody so that he may be tried and rightfully punished for his crimes." TCC - "Hmm, interesting proposal, what will be his punishment if he's found guilty?" ULE Government Official - "It is hard to say what the final judgement will be. Chances are he will recive the same punishment as all oath breakers." TCC - "Which is?" ULE Government Official - "Sawn in half or perhaps even hung, drawn and quartered."''

The Commander knows Kies will still have a vital role in Kraw Galaxy history, hence the re-education. He couldn't afford losing Kies and tampering with this timeline's future history. He started by telepathically sending a coded message to a nearby Collective Tahar using his essence powers, asking him to fake a transmission.

TCC - *The transmission opens and speaks* "WHAT?! Call me back!" *Shuts off* "Sadly, Kies just died." ULE Government Official - "Tahar do you take us as fools? Just because we are not from the far future does not mean that we are primitive knuckle draggers and we request that you show us the same amount of respect that we are showing you right now."

While he says this, the commander forged a picture of a dead Kies with his mind alone while looking at the ULE official, then showed the picture to him. However, the ULE caught on the forgery, even though it was photo-realistic. The commander was surprised by their wit, however he found the Tralor demanding. He wanted the TC to hand over Kies, but refused to see that the TC needed Kies. The commander broke it down to him by showing a big NO picture to the Tralor.

ULE Government Official - "Very funny. Now can we please stop with these childhood games?" TCC - "Thing is, we have a 0% chance of giving Kies to you. You fail to realize this, so technically, you are the child." ULE Government Official - "If that is the way you wish to be. The United Lanat High Council had hoped that your kind would had became wiser, but alas some things never change." TCC - "You fail to recognize that we can improve Kies on our own." ULE Government Official - "We will not discuss this matter with you anymore as it is clear you have not the slightest idea of law and order. And with that I say good day."

The Commander found this so funny he laughed with his partner next to him. The official failed to realize the Collective was acting beyond law and order to resolve the Kraw Galaxy's issues. He saw the ULE would be back. But he had the means to stop it.

Last Attempt
It had been several days since the ULE last meeting with the Collective. Many on the High Council where outraged with the Collective's childish antics and called for immediate military action against them but the emperor declined saying that it would be best to still try and handle the affair diplomatically as too much blood has been spilled over the Kraw races stupidity.

The United Lanat High Council had a government official send the Collective one last transmission to see if they would come to reason over Kies.

ULE Government Official - "This is a high priority transmission from the United Lanat Empire to the Tahar Collective. Please respond." TC - "Hello again." ULE Government Official - "Greetings. The ULE thanks you for accepting our transmission." TC - "Alright, what do you want to discuss?" ULE Government Official - "The High Council wishes to speak of the issue of Kies. Perhaps we where a tad overzealous in our last meeting on this subject." TC - "Very well. You may try to convince us."

The ULE official took in a deep breath before continuing.

ULE Government Official - "The ULE does not wish to go to war over one as foolish as Kies but we still require retribution for his crimes." TC - "Thing is, we are re-educating him, and nobody can disturb the process, otherwise months of work will be ruined and we'll have to start from scratch." ULE Government Official - "Your goal is admirable but you must understand that does not make his crimes disappear." TC - "You may return to pick him up in 3 years. But you must not kill him." ULE Government Official - "His fate would be up to the ULE legal system and his punishment would fit the crimes he has committed." TC - "Death is not an option to us. You try killing him, and we will rescue him. No buts, no excuses."

The official let out an annoyed sigh. He already knew how this was going to turn out at this rate.

ULE Government Official - "To you, no, but to us it is. You do not have any say in our legal system and as he has committed crimes against us his punishment will be as we see fit." TC - "Do you want a better Galaxy? Do not kill him." ULE Government Official - "We do not see how allowing Kies to escape his punishment would make the galaxy any better. " TC - "It will. You don't understand yet." ULE Government Official - "So you are saying that we should just give Kies a slap on the wrist for his crimes just because you say the future depends on him?" TC - "Trust us. We won't let you kill him." ULE Government Official - "You are aware that we are not the only empire that supports his final judgement, correct?" TC - "Yes. But he can be improved." ULE Government Official - "That is not good enough. He deserves punishment for the blood he has spilled. Plus, how do we not know you are lying to us about this whole future event? You have proved to us in our last conversation that you are not above that." TC - "We give up talking to you. It's clear that your kind does not understand that we need Kies alive." ULE Government Official - "Very well. It seems that your kind is below reason even though you are from the 'future'. We almost thought better of you. Have a nice day." TC - "Below reason. You are severely off what we really are. Goodbye."

And with that the transmission was ended. The ULE official sighed and send the Collective's response to the High Council. It was clear that things where not going to be easy.

First Blood
The Commander was on his ship, teaching Kies another one of his unique lessons in his sleep. Kies this time dreamt about being Arsac, being on her job, however, he had amnesia in the dream - Arsac has information the Commander either didn't know or he thought it was best Kies didn't know about. However, during this delicate process, several ULE warships appeared out of hyperspace near the Commander's ship. The Commander then called upon idle Collective ships for mobilization. The ULE threatened to board the Commander's ship and capture Kies, however, the Commander started to type in coordinates. Where to? Nobody knows. A ULE vessel rammed the commander's ship as the Collective ships prepared to fire at the ULE ships, seemingly doing nothing, as no visible weapons were shown, however the Commander's ship, being very sturdy, took minimal damage and vanished to its destination.

At this same time, the other Collective ships fire at the ULE with the intention of thwarfing the invasion, while more were coming from diffrent places. The ULE Admiral saw the Commander as a coward, however, the Collective regarded the Commander as having made a smart move.

Meanwhile this, an extremist anti-theist Tahar group arrives at Nezkom, at Radeon Ambassador Celaemon's home. The extremists then threw bombs at the Radeon Ambassador, which exploded, taking the Ambassador's life. During the battle, the crew of the mission saw the event unfold. They had a ship in Terkom following the extremists. Turns out it went to the fight, the pilot being a Xcor. The Collective put all the blame on the Xcor for leaving his post disabling any chance of the ship's crew arriving to the scene of that potential disaster.

The Collective ships just stood there, yet their weapons kept firing at the enemy ULE ships. Suddenly, the ULE vessels focused their fire on one single TC ship. The shields held on as much as they could, until a damaged ULE ship flew right next to that TC ship and exploded right next to it, causing somewhat major damage. It was then teleported away. Possibly to the same location as the Commander.

Despite this, the Collective seemed to be winning, though the ULE called for 10 Terminator ships. The Collective responded by firing 10 missiles which seemed to do nothing else but making holes on the ships, until they were detonated, releasing devastating anti-matter, damaging the ships but not critically. The ULE resumed its single ship tactic, slowly stressing the Collective ship. The collective fired a 2nd round of missiles. From years of fighting numerous threats, these missiles came prepared for anything - homing beacons, FTL drives, and 3 EMP drives on the tip of the missile. 2 of them disabled the main and sub-shields of the ULE ships, and destroyed 2 of the 10 Terminator ships while damaging several others.

However, as they prepared to fire a 3rd round, they were surprised as they all self-destructed, destroying 3 Collective ships and damaging several others. The Collective people were shocked, and proceeded to repair the damage to surviving ships. 1 hour later, 3 more ships would appear, as well as the teleported ship from earlier. All given clearance by the Commander.

Though, where was he?

It's been a while
Kies awoke after the battle against the ULE. He awoke in what seemed like his room, alone. Where was Varutahira? And his guards? Kies got up, and just the mere touch of feet in the floor activated the window brightness regulators. The sunlight could now be seen. Regulated by microtechnology, these windows could block all sunlight, leaving a black window. He dressed himself and walked down to outside his room. Kies was amazed when he saw the white stairs and blue stair-handles, almost like if it was perfect to him. Did they remodel the place? Though there was just one fact: His house didn't have any stairs like that, and this place seemed to be more of a tower than a house, but Kies was no longer Emperor. He took an elevator to the bottom floor, where he saw a group of future Tahars chatting about a strategy game. Kies rushed to the group, though the group immediatly asked:

Future Kraw - "Species?" Kies - "Kraw."

The group laughed, until another future Kraw walked towards the group. She was in a mech armor, typical of Kraw games. The future Kraw group stared at her, until she said:

Female Future Kraw - "Enhough, people. You must be the Ex-Kraw Emperor Kies, of the former Kraw Empire." Future Kraw - "Oh, the 19th worst Kraw Emperor. Laughable, but not that much. What's he doing in this time?" Kies - "Yes, I demand to know." Female Future Kraw - "Come with me."

The Female Kraw escorted Kies out of the tower and into a city reminiscent of many, many videogames made along the years. Kies was extremely happy at what he was seeing, as Kies, when not in duty, was an avid game player. As he walked an explored more of the planet, he saw everything suited Kies and this city with 19 Million people. The laws suited Kies perfectly, the food was Kies's favorite, and ship fights took place above the city, any damage being repaired by nanites. It was like his greatest dream. Then all of a sudden, the Commander appeared. The female Kraw greeted the commander. So did Kies.

TCC - "Welcome to Hvakor. Serial MW-03390. 3390th Milky Way colony. It used to be a lava planet nobody would colonize. The lessers thought wrong. We colonized it for you all." Female Future Kraw - "Thank you." TCC - "No need to thank me. Thank the other 19083900 people like you. Anyways, this is what we'd like to call a paradise world. A world perfectly suited for a man's mindset." Kies - "Explain more." TCC - "When the collective was founded, we knew we'd get lots of rebels because minds are way too diffrent. So we overhauled the entire empire structure. Pacifist meditators go on one planet. Liberal Action-loving Videogame fans go on this one. Draconis fans? Into another. Khaxvis fans? Into another. All current mindsets are currently encompassed. Children are born on their parents's paradise world and are teleported into another world should their mindset change." Kies - "But what if a person changes after that? And what if a person wants to go on vacation to another world?" TCC - "If an adult's mindset changes, he is teleported to that mindset's world. Friends are still contactable, of course, through a VR room. And Vacations are allowed. Permanent relocation to a non-paradise world is forbidden. You know why." Kies - "So which aren't paradise worlds? Which is the capital world?" TCC - "Any planet not meant for your mindset is simply a colony. There are no capitals. Consider my ship as a capital. And my crew? My ship is their paradise world." Kies - "I'm blown..." TCC - "The loss of independence does not mean a worse life for a species. In fact it can improve the life of a species. Look at that Nelradiate. Hard to believe they were nearly extinct before they joined us... Kies. If you think the Kraw are the epitome of democracy, think again. No capitals, every planet has its own laws, and the Collective has a leader. I'll let you know who the leader is later." Kies - "Any word on the Iteok?" TCC - "... Extinct." Kies - "I see."

The Commander was concerned about what he said to Kies for a strange reason, however, he quickly escorted Kies back to his ship.

"It's hard to leave this world, but trust me. You'll do amazing things in your near future. Now, I shall take you back to the present day. I have a feeling the Tahars are doing something hypocrital again."

And with that, Kies and the Commander left the far future, Kies learning more essential lessons.

The Meeting
"Apalos, can you do us a favor, knowing your neutrality towards us and most of this universe? If so, I want you to invite Arsac of the Draconis, Ma'fest of the Radeons, and Alpha from the Kicath for a meeting. Me and a good old Theian friend will be waiting."

This was a message from the Tahar Collective Commander to Apalos, which agreed on sharing the invitation provided by the TCC to the AGC empires. The Brood was ommited for unknown reasons, but it was most likely because they weren't an immediate threat. He knew full well of the Devourer's chosen's doing in the Tahar Empire, however, he knew Tahars would solve that problem.

2 and a half hours later, Arsac, Alpha and Ma'fest arrived on the Commander's ship by docking their own ships into his own. As they arrived, they noticed there was nothing on the ship. No controls, not even a piloting control. All there were, were white walls and one Commander with a Theian on his side, named Orelev. As they greeted the AGC trio, Alpha smashed the wall on his side. He first asked if they were in agreement that the Collective were from the far future. Nobody seemed to care. The Commander proposed to show them the far future, though this wasn't well within Orelev's mind. Alpha grew more and more tired. The Commander decided to simply show the plan after his species being called ignorant and arrogant.

The room darkened as the wall showed a video.

"This is the Kraw Galaxy as of now. Chaotic. Where should we begin?"

"Chaotic or not, the matters of Kraw Galaxy MUST NOT harm the Divinarium's interests." - Ma'fest

"Then we will begin with the Tahars. As you know, they are zealous anti-theists. However, they do not know... *Shows a light aura* that we can control essence."

Ma'fest laughed.

"There's an upcoming show in a few months which celebrates the 10 years of the Tahar victory over the Iteok in 400 KRE."

"The Tahar do not believe in such well-known forces. In fact the idea of it spawns thoughts of religion." - Arsac

Alpha kept threatening the Commander, and Ma'fest kept laughing. The Commander continued.

"Silence. And we have been invited to perform a show. We shall use essence there. They will pratically beg for info on how we, Tahars from the Future, can control essence without any faith whatsoever. And as the years go by, they will study it with info we give them."

Alpha gathered energy in his gauntlet, threatening the Commander, but he telekinetically restrained him. Alpha eventually calmed down, and the Collective Tahar could continue, after being asked questions by Arsac.

"... Anyways, the process may take years, but we have another plan. This time for their antitheism. We post on their social blogs a 60 page booklet showing various real stories during the 80th Millenium KRE with races that do not exist as of this time. The stories can cause sort of an unofficial religion to arise in the Empire. And then, all you have to do is compare."

Alpha - *Stands back up* "Tell me, what are you really doing, Tahar? Your race will always be cowards."

The Collective Tahar restrained Alpha again, however with some difficulty.

Alpha - "What's wrong with you? Your telepathy is hitting a brick wall here." Ma'fest - *supports TCC with his essence* "But not mine." Arsac - "The Tahar dismiss anything like that as propaganda, What makes this booklet so different?"

Alpha and Ma'fest kept arguing as the Collective Commander gave his booklet to Arsac. It showed histories of tolerance and compassion, with hints of essence workings in these stories, all from the future.

Ma'fest - "Anyways, what are you going to do? Do you REALLY believe you can make Tahars be tolerant to religion?" TCC - "Tahars listen more to their own species as of this time." Alpha - "That's hilarious. Kraw Galaxy races LISTENING to others?" Arsac - "A stubborness that has cost them dearly."

The Commander only asked them for 3 years, until 413 KRE. Alpha kept threatening the Galaxy. Ma'fest assured they would help Tahars with their own methods, however, he knew Ma'fest's plans were destructive, and reiterated the fact that his plan must go on exactly as planned. Orelev saw this as one of the Commander's flaws, his strictness.

Alpha kept carrying on threatening the Commander. He saw no incentive. The Commander then proposed a non-destructive wish. Alpha denied. The Commander then spoke:

"Thing is, cause a war, and then you have legions of AGC haters who will cause loads of further wars! Do you want that to happen?"

Ma'fest saw the commander had a point. The Commander then proposed to clone back Celaemon, the fallen ambassador. However, that was interrupted by Alpha, who wanted another war. The Commander proposed the Xhrassh, however, the Kicath wanted the Collective's technology. Such technology in the wrong hands could threaten the universe, and the Commander had to refuse.

"Three. Years. And our technology is not for sale. Our tech in the wrong hands can cause Chaos..."

Alpha - *Raises his hand* "You're beginning to annoy me Commander. There is a serious itch to kill you right now."

Alpha talked about his friend, who was supposedly a threat. The Commander then made a bet. If he won, the AGC would abstain from attacking the Galaxy. The Commander thought it would be easy, but he then saw his opponent. A Kicath with blackened, spiked Armor, with red glowing eyes. He was Agent Sigma, only known to the Kraw Galaxy as Kithwortho.

Orelev thought the Commander had made a mistake. The Commander couldn't forsee the outcome for some reason, but he believed he would win. His only advantages being the era he comes from and his essence abilities. The Commander proposed Dihax-05332 as the battlefield, though Orelev was still concerned. Sigma then teleported in a bolt of red lightning, which short circuited the ship. A Collective Asgord called a repair crew of Collective Kraw. The Commander dissapeared as well into the planet.

Sigma - "For a 600,000 year old alien your emotions are still flying all over the place." TCC - "Who cares. You damaged my ship, but it can be repaired, until then, let's fight." Sigma - "Hit me with your best shot, Tahar."

Sigma opened his body up for an attack. The Commander empowered himself with a bright energy and fired a concentrated bolt at Sigma. Sigma then grasped the energy between his hands, and compressed it into a ball in which turns a dark violent red, however, the Commander teleported behind Sigma and grasped his throat, however, Sigma grasped his wrist and started to sap his essence from him. The Commander then kicked Sigma, causing him to let go and stumble back a step, however, he then gathered a bolt of death energy in his hand, which absorbed all the life force from the area.

The Commander teleported away, and all of a sudden, Sigma starts having some difficulty with the Death energy, almost like if the TCC was tampering with it. Sigma then switched to Life Energy and zapped TCC back into the area. The Commander kicked Sigma to the floor, however, Sigma dissapeared. The Commander teleported to where he was, but he impaled the Commander in the chest with his fist, and started to drain the Commander's life force. He then zapped Sigma, making him flinch slightly, and then Sigma kicked him to the floor. He then pinned the Commander down and gathered a bolt of Death Energy, with the intention of killing him.

Orelev started to be concerned about the Commander, and attempted to convince Alpha to tell Sigma to let the commander go. The Commander teleported away and appeared behind Sigma, and kicked Sigma to the floor and attempted to stab Sigma, however he was countered by a hammering of blasts of Life and Death Energy. The Commander noticed his suit wearing down, and took it off and blinded Sigma with it, only temporarily however, as the battle went on.

Orelev proposed the Commander that they should improve the Tahars together, however, Sigma tore through the Commander's exoskeleton and grasped his heart, with the intent of corrupting him with Death Energy. The Commander grasped Sigma's face with his claws, however, Sigma turned into a ghost form, walking out of his grasp, then changed back to his normal form and grasped the Commander's hand and crushed it.

Orelev carried on with his plans to change the Tahars, the Commander somewhat agreeing on them, however he was getting badly beaten by Sigma. The Commander was in pain, however still confident in winning the fight, mainly due to his experience in his time. Though however, Sigma was about to deal a deadly blow to the commander, one that could destroy a whole planet, until Orelev convinced him that they would try to change the Tahars, thus Alpha agreed to tell Sigma to call off his attack. The Commander passed out after the battle was over, wondering how he had not won. He was badly injured, and Orelev assisted in healing him. A TC ship arrived at the sight of the battle as Alpha and Orelev discussed the fight. The Commander's crew assisted in carrying him to the ship.

6 hours later

"...Commander! Commander!"

The Commander awoke, feeling disoriented, lying in a bed.

TCC - "What... happened..." TC Kraw - "You... nearly died... Luckily you're back, but I have a feeling we should call off the entire mission." TCC - "What? No. I will not. But... if this happened... what has happened to me when I travelled back in time?"

Orelev entered the room to check up on the commander.

Orelev - "How is he?" TC Kraw - "He's back, adjusting himself, he now fears something happened to him when he went back in time." TCC - "I don't know what happened... I am better than this..." TC Kraw - "I don't know..."

Orelev then spoke.

Orelev - "Commander if I had not intervened you could have been dead or worse." TCC - "And just how did you know the fight would culminate like this?"

Alpha arrived in the room. Orelev knew about Agent Sigma before the Commander's fight, however, as the fight was not in the Commander's plans, he didn't research enhough. Orelev - "I knew a few things about the famous "Agent Sigma"." Alpha - "Because the existence of two gods in one being does do a lot of damage." TC Kraw - "Which ones? And don't name the dead Poziar." Alpha - "You might know them as the God of Life, Verezuon and the God of Death, Xi'Arazkha. What you experienced was but a small level of what Sigma is capable of. Let his emotion run wild and the consequences could prove unimaginable."

Orelev scoffed at the mention of the word god, knowing them as simply highly advanced beings. A Collective Kraw then tapped into the great encyclopedia of the universe, which had data from the far future.

TC Kraw - "The two Ssharsm... Verezuon and Xi'Arazhka... Oh, for those who don't know, Ssharsms are entities of unimainable control over the dimensions." Alpha - "I would not scoff if I were you. At this time, Xi'Arazkha was rampant across Borealis. And in the past, Verezuon had destroyed a being beyond both of Verezuon's and Xi'Arazkha's comprehension." Orelev - "I don't scoff at their power, I just doubt that they realyl are gods." Orelev - "Perhaps they are simply above the level of interdimensional beings." TCC - "Hence Ssharsms."

The Commander got up, healed from the deep injuries from his fight. One could clearly see the immense amount of markings on his body. He is known for being of a high rank.

Alpha - "As impressive as those markings are, sight of Verezuon or Xi'Arazkha brings more than just impressions. And if you have seen gods above them, then there are no words to speak of. Interdimensional Beings at that scale does not describe their likeness." TC Kraw - "We know. Ssharsms are incredible, but when 2 posess our commander's opponent... This event has shaken even our commander's morale, however, he'll be back to normal with some meditating." Orelev - "You call them gods, I call them incomprehensably advanced lifeforms. In the same sense that you and I are 'gods' compared to tribal societies." Alpha - "Hmph. Let's hope you don't gather the Xhodocto's attention. Sigma's activity is sure to stir their interest."

A Collective Mantovillian human has finished setting up the Commander's circle. His former empire, the Empire of Halloway, had been destroyed by the same force who destroyed the Theian Collective in the future, however, about 10000 were saved, including this human's ancestors.

Orelev - "Power like that is sure to garner some attention. Did you hear of what I suggested?" TCC - "I need to calm down. And yes. I have. Gather your ideas, I shall gather mine. See you in 12 hours."

Alpha was about to leave the ship until Arsac started to speak with Alpha. The Commander asked Arsac if he wanted to join him in meditation, but was blocked by Alpha. After both have spoken, Arsac refused the request, as she liked to meditate alone. Ma'fest then spoke after a long time of silence.

Ma'fest - "Blasted demon." Arsac - "My sentiments exactly Exarch."

Alpha left properly this time after saying some words of caution to Ma'fest. The Commander then put both Ma'fest and Arsac in Alcanti, Draconid Imperium, and left, preparing for the 10th anniversary show of the Iteok's defeat in 400 KRE, which was due in 1 month's time. The Commander had other people to visit though...

Caught?
It's been 2 years since Kies met Varutahira Alsherkek, current Council Leader of the Kraw. Her intelligence is one of the reasons of her promotion, but now even Daaxri was a bit concerned about Varutahira's strange support for the Draconis. As one of the council nembers stated, 60% of her proposals have the word "Draconis" in it, and these proposals were mostly rejected by the council, which stated that the Kraw Federation should diminish contact to empires originating from outside of the Galaxy.

Daaxri was stupefact that the council was basically a 2nd Kies, and proposed to halt proposal introducement until 411 KRE - date of the next Council Leader elections. Barahk was the most known candidate, however, Daaxri agrees that Kralnaae would be a better choice, as she had worked as a URC ambassador before it was reformed into the Cyrannian Empire. These are so far the only two competitors besides Varutahira herself - The least popular candidate.

The proposal to halt proposals passed with 81 approvals out of 100. Varutahira voted against but was overshadowed as the score read 81/110. Her vote counted for 11 but it still passed. The council would stay quiet for 6 months. The record was 13 months in the 2nd century KRE.

Varutahira then returned to Kies's home, commencing her 6 month long vacation. Kies was home, taking a 1 day break from learning from the Collective Commander. He was still showing a very big deal of affection for her, and hugged her on sight. Kies felt sorry for her failure as a council leader, and he even started agreeing on her Draconis proposals, such as a trade agreement - Which failed on the council. Kies was changing, and that was a good sign to both Varutahira and the Collective.

3 days later, she arrived at the Byargan medical center to get a medical exam. She lied down on a flat surface and was anesthesized. Then she was scanned for any illnesses or oddities, even the blood vessels, using a 3D X ray-infrared-Ultrasonar mix of scanning. One Tahar working there saw a peculiar oddity.

"It's... Sheets of Ynghnax... Graphene in your tongue. What has she been eating?"

The medical crew, including a Tyrekian scientist who was exiled for fleeing a ship in a battle against the Brood, tried to focus on the Graphene sheets. They took a sample from her, and they began researching it. The Tyrekian however, after a few hours of research, discovered that it was in fact, nanites. Scanning the nanites further, he found Kraw Federation data.

It was a clear discussion point in the room where the exam was taking place, as technology this advanced was new in the whole federation. However as the Tyrekian scientist searched about the nanite in the Universal database, they discovered it was a Draconid design.

"Draconis design, Kraw Federation data. No Empire here makes things this advanced."

A Tahar then had a theory, since Varutahira was largely unknown by her school's teachers and her employers.

"What if they tampered with her, or even created her? Scan her brain, then her bones."

They began probing her mind. Nothing uncommon in the brain. Her memories could be seen, her growing up in a school that seemed to have forgotten about her nowdays, her dancing with Kies, and the present day. After finding nothing uncommon about her mind, they proceeded to carbon date her bones. They took some DNA and isotopes from her horns, and the data shocked everyone.

"According to this she was born in 408 KRE... 2 years ago... The data is months off, so it could even be 407 KRE, but she claims to be in her 30s."

The medical crew decided to conplete the scan, finding no other anomalies. Ther results were shown to Daaxri and then Kies. Daaxri was dissapointed that she was very likely to have been a Draconis creation, and Kies accepted the fact, another proof of Collective intervention in Kies's behavior. Kies then received the still sleeping Varutahira in his house, along with a note for her.

Varutahira awoke in her room with the note in hand. She wondered why was she in Kies's house, until she looked at the note.

"Varutahira, the medical crew currently assumes you are most likely a Draconis creation. While this may be disproven soon, the nanites found in your body and your carbon dating unfortunately make this fact 70% likely. While you can still run for Kraw Council Leader elections, the news of this make your chances of winning extremely unlikely. Don't worry about a thing though - You have Kies and me on your side. Just stay afloat with our agenda and not the Draconis's."


 * - Daaxri

Varutahira started to cry.

"Kies... I don't recall being a creation... How can they say these things?!"

Kies then came up to her and said:

"I shall see to this with the Commander tommorow. He said he would take a day off today. Don't worry."

And then both slept together. The Kraw were now confused, disdained and mindblown by the recent news.

??? - "Hehehe... So insecure... future slaves perhaps?"

Eko gets a visit
20/06/410 KRE. Eko Angarg, who refuged in Horehronie as well as other important Tahars, saw that the Tahar Imperium was slowly being healed from Mahedore's virus, and saw hope once more for his species. He quickly called for all the refugees to return back to the Tahar Empire, and when he did, the refugees cheered and partied. Eko could finnaly go home. Eko put on a helm in his head, which enabled holographic communication. He proceeded to contact his home in Terkom, though the procedure took 12 minutes at FTL speeds.

He saw his home again, as he always has since he refuged. Atiemus barely spoke when he saw his father, in fear of his strange powers being mocked again by his father, just saying "Hello dad". Seliviaris was happier to see him though.

Sel - "Eko, how is business?" Eko - "I'm coming home." Sel - "Awesome! I'm so happy!" Atiemus - "Hooray, now you can see that my flying powers aren't a glitch!" Eko - "They have to be a glitch, you're too heavy to fly. Tahars always are." Sel - "Well-" Eko - "No. My son was engineered by these so-called tribesman... They are in fact scientists probing aliens! Ugh!" Atiemus - "But Klamb are awe-" Eko - "No. They. Are. Not."

Atiemus walked away, sad and angry at his father's complete lack of respect for him. Atiemus had a lot of essence potential, but his father never respected this potential, unlike his mother.

"Why can't he study me rather than telling me everything cool I do is fake?"

Even his classmates are divided. Some respect Atiemus for being a "Supertahar", others mock him because he believes in souls. Atiemus stopped caring about those who mocked him, but most of all, he wanted his father's respect.

After Sel and Eko's conversation ended, Eko ended the transmission, and turned around to see his refugees, until he saw the Commander right next to him.

"A little stubborn, aren't you?"

Eko was offended.

Eko - "You're one of us, you should know." TCC - "You know, I'm embarrased at you. Look at the universe." Eko - "... Done I guess." TCC - "Now look at you, it's clear you're in-" Eko - "The universe indoctrinated my son."

The Commander was surprised at these words.

TCC - "I don't think you know your son's potential at all." Eko - "My son was engineered with wings. Not only does it make everyone laugh at him, but he believes in "people floating in the sky", which he calls "souls". Face it, he'll never get anywhere in society and it's all their fault." TCC - "Who's?" Eko - "The Klamb's." TCC - "I'll be honest, I've been watching your discussions with your son here. And let me tell you, your son has essence in him." Eko - "Essence is a myth and will always be. The Universe has no say in Kraw Galaxy affairs." TCC - "So, you've forgotten. I've also looked at your past. Type something out on that cogitator of yours." Eko - "Huh?" TCC - "That's Neo Taharian for old computer. Now do it."

Eko started typing a sentence in Taharian, typing at an incredibly fast speed. The commander scanned his bodily activity as he was doing it. As soon as he was done, he told him what he saw.

TCC - "You have nanites." Eko - "Been diagnosed, though I forgot what they were for." TCC - "You wrote 1000 characters in 29.8 seconds. During that time nanite activity rose by 10 times. The nanites increase your speed. As I recall, you asked for them to the Narzids..." Eko - "... Yes." TCC - "Scan the nanites, then scan their structure. Whatever the nanites are powered with, is similar to what powers your son's abilities. May be diffrent, but I suggest a scan." Eko - "I see. I'll work on it when I get home. Maybe after the anniversary, I'm a prime visiter." TCC - "Very well."

And thus the Commander left Eko to research his forgotten Gyronic powers by himself, and try to link them with his son.

??? - "So stubborn, needs death."

The Chosen's Coming


The has not being any quieter than the Kraw Galaxy in recent times. The was raging on, costing the lifes of billions due to threats such as the, the Vague, and particularly the. The Chosen were a band of corrupted creatures turned insane by 's "infection", which was slowly growing in number. They fought restlessly in the Borealis War, but that never meant they were incapable of multitasking...

, third-in-command of the Devourer's Chosen was leading a very large fleet in search of conquest. Not conquest on Borealis, but elsewhere. He had watched the Kraw Galaxy weakening itself due to Operation: Freedom and the mysterious virus, and saw it as a perfect opportunity to spread the Devourer's word in these new, alien worlds. Capastrus the Emotionless, the single Champion who was also on the fleet, approached the acolyte.

Nai-Ar'natl - ''Capastrus, this galaxy is considerably more fragile than Borealis. We will spread our god's word with relatively ease here.'' Capastrus - I understood, sir. Though I have heard it serves as home of a powerful species known as "Tyreks". Nai-Ar'natl - ''No heretic is immune to our blessing, Capastrus. If they refuse to cooperate then the beasts will be unleashed upon them.''

A scientist approached the duo, holding a piece of paper.

Duletha - Masters? Nai-Ar'natl - ''What is it, whelp? Why do you interrupt?'' Duletha - ''We have detected Entropy in this galaxy. Entropy similar to ours.'' Nai-Ar'natl - ''Hmm...perhaps there is another servant of the god in here already. We shall meet with him and add him to our forces.''

Nai-Ar'natl sat on the captain's chair and observed the galaxy from afar. The inhabitants had better prepare themselves, for the demons of the Corruptus were ready to strike them...

Antitheist Aid
While the Tahar concentrated in rebuilding their empire, the Chosen's fleet arrived at the galaxy and quickly made their way to Terkom. Nai-Ar'natl had studied the Tahar race before coming to the galaxy, and saw them as the greatest heretics he had ever seen, but also as the perfect entrance door for Corruptus domination in the Kraw Galaxy. The Chosen fleet approached and greeted the Tahar people with a message of peace. A transmission was then sent to Emperor Horkarew.

Horkarew - Who are you, strangers? Nai-Ar'natl - ''Greetings, Tahar. My name is Nai-Ar'natl, and I come from the Borealis Galaxy.'' Horkarew - ''Oh, so you're an extragalactic. Are you after Kies? Because he's not here.'' Nai-Ar'natl - No, no, no. I have come for you, not for any "Kies". Horkarew - What do you mean? Nai-Ar'natl - I've seen your struggle against an alien virus, and decided I should help you in rebuilding your nation. Horkarew - ''Really?...Wait. You want something in return, right?'' Nai-Ar'natl - No. I am proposing this for free.

Horkarew though for a moment. While accepting aid from unknown extragalactic aliens could mean trouble, the Tahar Empire was in grave danger. He decided it would be better for the Tahar race to allow these strangers' help, and deal with any consequence later.

Horkarew - ''Very well. I accept your help.'' Nai-Ar'natl - ''Most excellent. My fleet and I will be on your planets and start helping as far as possible.''

Transmissions were closed, and Nai-Ar'natl sat on his chair. The vile Auatorom laughed loudly, seeing the tahar race as foolish and naive, and though of what a glorious temple world Terkom could become after he was done with his plans.

The Virus Beacons
Neo Lekortiig are a subspecies of Tahar known for being extremely open-minded. Nai-Ar'natl was well aware of this fact and soon started the next operation of his scheme. Capastrus was sent to the Tahar world of Kernakom to meet with the Neo Lekortiig senator called Olemnus, where he wanted to propose an idea that could be really useful for the Tahar Empire's virus crysis.

Olemnus - Oh yes, you're one of the friendly aliens who are helping us with the virus. Capastrus - Exactly. Olemnus - What do you want me for? Capastrus - I want to propose you to show the Tahar senate this piece of technology.

Capastrus showed a small radar-like machine, which appeared to be a miniature beacon.

Capastrus - ''This is a "beacon" capable of detecting if the virus has hit the planet's population or not. If yes, it will start to beep loudly.'' Olemnus - And it's not beeping right now. Capastrus - ''Yes. This planet is safe. But as you can see...''

Capstrus showed a screen of a Chosen spaceship which was next to Terkom, with a similar beacon, which was beeping.

Olemnus - ''Oooooh. Interesting!'' Capastrus - You can use this beacon to be sure if a planet has been saved or not. Olemnus - This could really come in handy, I'll show it to the senate as far as possible...but, what are those strange markings in it? Capastrus - That's...uhh...our language for "life preserving apparatus". Olmenus - ''Oh. Alright then, thanks for showing me this. I bet the senate will love it.''

Capastrus came back to Nai-Ar'natl, reporting his sucess. The acolyte laughed as what they gave the Tahar were not truly beacons, but Corruptus Shrines. Shrines capable of summoning demons into Tahar worlds...

Zeimos and the Night Stalker
After about 2 weeks, the Chosen fleet had placed "beacons" across several Tahar worlds. These beacons, Corrupts Shrines in disguise, were capable of slowly summoning creatures such as during the night to attack unsuspected citizens who were unlucky enough to meet them. Indeed, since the Shrines were placed, the Tahar noticed a growing number of missing people, and some planets reported finding dead Tahars, Neo Lekortiig and Taharian Radeons in moderate distance to the "beacons".

Shrines were also present in the Tahar Empire's own homeworld of Terkom. was on his way home during the night, when everyone was already asleep. He passed through a Shrine, and stopped to look more closely at it.

Zeimos - These beacons are strange...I think I've seen these symbols somewhere before.

It was then that a noise was heard. Knowing there was no one else at the street, Zeimos got nervous, and tried to walk away. He started to hear a growling, and tried to hide nearby some trash cans. The growling stopped, and Zeimos sighed in relief. However, when he looked behind him, two bright eyes were looking at him. A large bat-like monster emerged from the shadow, with a twisted mouth that made Zeimos scream in terror. It was a Balanar.

Zeimos ran the fastest he could, and the Balanar chased him at full speed. The monster jumped and cornered him, but Zeimos grabbed a nearby rock and threw it at the demon, stunning it. The Balanar roared and chased him once more, quickly coming close enought to devour him. A nearby Tahar guard appeared, investigating the noise.

Guard - Hey, what's all this racket? Zeimos - Help! Guard - ''What happened...woah! What is that!''

The guard grabbed his gun and fired at the Balanar's eyes, blinding it and making it retreat. He chased the creature to the shadows, but it was gone. Zeimos rested, and the guard approached him.

Guard - Hey Masked Creature, you alright? Zeimos - Yeah...I think so... Guard - ''Good. Now go home. I'll call support and go after that thing, whatever it was.''

After resting from this attack, Zeimos got back home and started researching. He had remembered where he saw those symbols before...

Snowstorm at Terkom
Horkarew - WHAT?! Zeimos - ''I'm telling you, Emperor. These are Corruptus Shrines, used to summon and worship demons!'' Horkarew - ''This cannot be true. Has the senate gone blind?!''

As Zeimos reported his discoveries to Emperor Horkarew, he was quickly surprised and enraged when he was given proof. The Chosen had fooled the entire Tahar government into installing "religious" buildings in their planets. Horkarew already wanted to fire the entire senatre, but it would be of no use, as they were just as fooled as he was. He quickly send word to all Tahar planets about the Shrines and their true origins.

The enraged Tahars, when hearing about the Shrines' religious purposes, quickly started to burn them down. Nai-Ar'natl was confused that his scans detected his Shrines were being damaged, and upon investigating, he was actually left speechless for some moments.

Nai-Ar'natl - Impossible...the blind fools actually found out! Capastrus - ''But how? We had them in our grasp!'' Nai-Ar'natl - Grrrm....it seems like a human was there and actually identified our Shrines... Capastrus - ''But the sacrifice is not yet ready! We cannot let them destroy the Shrines!''

The Chosen fleet trevelled to Terkom, and was received with the Tahars's own flet, which was ready to attack them. A transmission was received from Horkarew, and Nai-Ar'natl replied.

Horkarew - ''You zealot bastards! You're the responsables for all the deaths and disappeared citizens! Putting cultist buildings in our worlds...how dare you!'' Nai-Ar'natl - ''For weeks we have been preparing your planets to be sacrificed for the Devourer, and for that we needed Shrines in them. But now that you dared harm them, we willhave no choice but to sacrifice you MANUALLY.'' In the center of Taharkom, capital of Terkom, one last Shrine remained. As the citizens were about to burn it down, it emmited a dark fog and a blast of energy which sent all to their feet. The air grew cold and a harsh snowstorm began, as a monstrous Val'dahr materialized at the city. The monster roared, launching a heayv blizzard which froze all Tahars who were close to it. The Tahar fleet had to divide to take care of both the demon and the Chosen fleet, which also attacked.

Seliviaris and Atiemus were on their way to meet with Eko the moment he arrived at the planet, but they were quickly startled at the panicking citizens. The Val'dahr opened its way through the city, smashing buildings and taking down spaceships which tried to attack it. Sel and Atiemus were on the demon's path, and quickly hid before it could see it. However, the energy of the demon conflicted with Atiemus's own essence.

Atiemus - ''Mommy! Let me handle that!'' Sel - What? Atiemus - Let me beat that monster! Sel - ''Huh? No! You're just a kid!'' Atiemus - ''Mom! Let me go!''

Atiemus flew off Sel's arms and went into the Val'dahr's direction. The demon noticed the Tahar child flying at it and roared, launching a blast of snow at it. Atiemus fell into the ground, and the demon was ready to step on him, when Atiemus started to shine extremely brighty. The Val'dahr was blinded by the energy, which turned into a large blast of unstable Dream Energy. The Val'dahr was slowly damaged by it, until a large explosion occured. The blast launched the Val'dahr flying at such high velocity that the demon disappeared in the sky, being blown off orbit. Atiemus cheered for a moment, before fainting, having ran out of energy.

Nai-Ar'natl - Damnation...the beast has fallen, and the Shrine is in ruins. Capastrus - Chosen, retreat immediately. Nai-Ar'natl - ''It is not over yet, Tahar Empire. We will return, soon...''

The Chosen fleet disappeared, leaving the Tahar fleet victorious. However, the war between the Kraw Galaxy and the cultists of Shu'ulathoi was far from over...

Stubbourn Negotiations
Arsac, the High Inquisitor of the order was horrified by the reaction of the Kraw Galaxy to her comment on universal communication networks. Realising that the entire Kraw Galaxy had made the error that the Inquisition enforced imperial law she was now seething with rage at the idiocy. She rested over the communicator on our desk and inhaled deeply.

Arsac - ''It appears the Kraw Federation has suddently forgotten that the Inquisition does not answer to the Imperial Senate of Alcanti. Their laws are not our mandate. '''We do not enforce the Imperium's law and the cult does nto care about aliens worshipping Drakon! DO I MAKE MYSELF PERFECTLY CLEAR!?!'

Her response was interrupted when she recieved a communication request from the Tahar Collective. Breathing deeply she shifted her focus to the message.

Arsac - This had better be important... TC - ''I have a plan to make the Inquisition respected. It will work. No doubts.'' Arsac - I hope you understand I am not in the best of moods, but go on... TC - Very well. We have a race that does not exist yet in this time. They're called the Xcor. Pronounce it "Shkor".'' Arsac - I don't enjoy outrageous schemes commander... TC - Listen. What you will do is let the Kraw Galaxy have its way temporarily, then we disguise our Xcor as Xhodocto worshippers. Then, we let the Xcor loose on the Kraw Galaxy. They will wreak havoc there, in all empires which shout out against the Inquisition. When they start begging for help to other races, and we will assure they will fail, then you come and defeat them using a method we will teach you. Then enjoy unlimited respect. Arsac - ''You want to release a new alien culture falsly posing as murderers and heretics? Remember that I vowed to protect the innocent.'' TC - ''I know. But this seems to be the only option, and trust us. We have simulated every possible outcome, and they're nothing but positive. You want to protect the innocent, however, the Old Federation will not let you unless this plan gets into action.'' Arsac - ''Killing suspected heretics is one thing, but decieving a galaxy to earn their trust? You realise we do not need their approval.'' TC - Trust me - They're willing to go to war over this. Arsac - ''War? With the Inquisition?''

Arsac scoffed, even if the federation carried out their declaration, a war to eradicate an order such as the inquisition would have been extremely difficult.

TC - ''With them and the Draconis. Trust me, this plan has to come into action.'' Arsac - If they do declare war on the Imperium, it will not be a worthy cause because the senate had done nothing to aggrevate them.'' TC - They believe the Inquisition and the Draconid Imperium are one and the same.

Arsac's aggressive smile dropped. It was one thing to accuse the Inquisition of enforcing imperial law but another thing entirely to blame the Imperium for something the Inquisition had done.

Arsac - ''Then they need to brush up on their law. Because I do not answer to the authority of the senate.'' TC - ''When they praise you, they research about you, then they'll understand better... So, please. For the good of the Galaxy, accept my proposal. We will repair all the damage afterwards, as we are doing with the Tahar Imperium.'' Arsac - And an unjust invvasion of the Imperium wil prompt a backing of not just the Commonwealth but every ally the Imperium has. TC - Are you listening to me? Arsac - You're asking me to murder or convert people pretending to be cultists.

Arsac was losing patience iwth the alien, convinced he wanted to have the order commit a ruse just to fain the apporval of aliens who should ahve known better. The Collective memeber was silent, not sure what to do next. He decided to ask again.

TC - Want me to tell the method now? Arsac - ''If they want to risk war then so be it. Doing so will only cause the cluster to turn against them. Again.'' TC - ''No, I mean the method to defeat the Xcor. So? Do you want me to tell you how to defeat them?'' Arsac - ''Are you not listening? I will not condone the abuse of sapient beings just to get a point across to a few idiots.'' TC - We will do it anyways and you shall follow if you care for your reputation. Arsac - That is blackmail! TC - ''Really? We're from the future.'' Arsac - I hope you know it is not wise to threaten the Inquisition. TC - ''*Facepalm* I am not threatening you, I am just blown away by your stubbornness. My plan will work, and you are refusing to follow it!'' Arsac - You're forgetting the part where I do not care for the order's reputation among ignorant fools, such things are vanity. TC - I give up, be foolish.

The Collective member ended the transmission and Arsac slumped in her chair in frustration. it appeared that despite their advancement the Tahar were still as stubbourn as their present-day counterparts. A war between the Kraw Galaxy species and the Imperium had almost happened in the past few months, would they risk it again?. Unknowwn to her the chance to genuinely prove her order's worth to the galaxy was on the horizon...

The Diplomat's Murder
Coming soon

Crisis of Faith
For the past two months the had been building stanford-torus stations in neutral territory to bring the various empires together. Aboard the station Draco-35 Arsac was sitting in a conference room within the station. In a chair at the end of a metal table with a polished wood surface. She rested one hand hand on the table and looked at a tablet pc when a trasnciever informed her that the Kicath Empire's delegate had arrived. A twisted purple portal appeared in the room with a loud noise, announcing the arrival of the Divinarium's representatives. A tall, aristocratic-looking Radeon clad in white robes emerged from the gate, accompanied by a golden-skinned Fyrvrtha.

Ma'fest - Greetings, honoured allies. Vyrtran - Ah... hahahaha... hello. Arsac - Greetings.

The Kicath had arrived in a massive Dreadnought, with the Kicathian Agents and Agent Alpha II disembarking and making their way to the conference room. Arsac looked at a video feed that showed them disembarking. Each of the agents were armed with large cannon-type rifles, Alpha sighed deeply and walked into the conference room with the agents circling him.

Vyrtran - ''Who are these yellow lizards? Vartekians?'' Ma'fest - Kicath. Agent Upsilon - Impressive you can see under our silver armor. Arsac - ''Respect them. I have studied their history and I am quite... intrigued.''

A spec of dust drifted inside the meeting room but nobody noticed. This spec was a milimetre-wide microcamera being used by the TC to spy on the meeting. The spec turned invisible. Alpha II sat in a chair while the agents that accompanied him stood nearby.

Vyrtran - ''Ha, you laugh? I can see through your armour.'' Upsilon - And i'll be able to see through your face when a I punch a hole through it.

The aggrevated agent lifted his fist to punch Vyrtran but Alpha II grabbed the forearm before contact was made.

Arsac - Enough! Alpha - ''Agents. Wait outside. We Kicath do not like...statements.''

The other agents headed outside the room and Arsac, in order to focus herself, rested the tablet whe was reading on the table and turned it off. As he sat back down Alpha II slumped and lifted his feet to have them rest on the table.

Ma'fest - *grumbles to himself* Uncivilised infidel brutes... Alpha - Fortunately for you, rodent, I am unarmed.

As he settled, Alpha removed his helmet and rested it on the table, causing it to creak under the immense weight. As he relexed himself he began t odrum his fingers on the table. The force was enough to make a few small dents. Arsac exhaled deeply, ready to speak.

Arsac - We are all here because of the actions of the Kraw Galaxy's inhabitants. Alpha - ''Indeed. The Kraw Galaxy has a sphere of danger around it and needs to be culled before we destroy them all ourselves.'' Arsac - ''Thir stupidity is indeed overwhleming. Personally I would have thought they would have learned from the recent Asgord Genocide.''

Arsac cupped her hands and leaned forward while Alpha slicked his hands through his crest before returning ot a relaxed position.

Alpha - ''Hmph. Not even the Xhodocto can leave a message in their head.'' Ma'fest - ''Good. We have suffered from an... incident with the Tahar Empire recently. Particularily, the brutal murder of our diplomat from the Tahar Empire's citizens.'' Arsac - I did hear something of a delegation that went badly. Alpha - ''Tahar are more brutish then we expected. Personally I would like to wring their skin from their spine. Alpha - If they can lynch a Radeon...then we really do have an issue... Arsac - ''The Tahar and the Kraw appear to be the most serious problems. Luckily for us, the Imperium is dedicating certain efforts to keeping the Kraw calm.'' Alpha - ''Calm? The Kraw do not tolerate outside action.''

Alpha leans forward and spreads his claws across the table.

Alpha - Of course, Daaxri is an improvement...but not by much,

Ma'fest - Furthermore, the Tahar government refused to even deem the death of our ambassador as a crime. Arsac - ''What.... They do not consider the muder a crime!?''

Both Arsac and Alpha clenched their claws into fists at this news.

Alpha - If we do not drill a message into the Kraw's head...then the idiocy of the Kraw Galaxy will not stop. Ma'fest - Apparently they see our faith as an excuse for their crimes. Alpha - Faith as an issue?

Out of the corner of the room a field deactivated to reveal a Terradixian dressed in a tight-fitting bodysuit.

7341 - I would not be so harsh on the Kraw if i were you. Alpha - The Galactic Empire of Cyrannus does not hold any issues to me. Arsac - ''The Tahar are very harsh when it comes to faith. But to kill someone withoout remorse like that is no excuse.''

Alpha II's face controts in anger, his lips were pulled back and his brow lowered. He slammed his fist into the table which shattered the side. Everyone reeled back in surprise and when he spoke, Alpha was clarly furious.

Alpha - Once the Tahars understand our intentions they will soon pray to the divine beyond so that we won't skin them where they stand... 7431 - ...That was varnished Garada wood, sir... Alpha - Be thankful it wasn't the Radeon's head. Arsac - ''Tahars? Pray? *snorts* that is the problem.''

After exerting himself, Alpha sat back down in a slightly cracked chair. His weight was clearly taking its toll on the room's furniture.

Alpha - So...what should we do to send a message? 7431 - Apparently the ambassador was killed not just for being a follower of the Maasari faith, but because he had a form of faith to begin with. Ma'fest - ''That's why I hate Tahars. Cursed zealots. Even the Maelnai sect is less extreme.'' 7431 - ''They believe that believers in anything but nilhism deserve converted no matter the cost. Anyone who enters theri empire and is not a nilhist has can be killed for it.'' Alpha - The Kraw Galaxy as a whole do not compare to us three.

Alpha donned his helmet, noticing a slight blip on his HUD.

Alpha - ''Hmph. So, what shall we do about this?''

As he spoke, Arsac swiftly grabbed the microcamera as it passed near her and crushed it between her fingers.

Alpha - ''Hmph. How does one see that?'' Arsac - My training peaks my reflexes and sense of awareness, also *points to the red sphere that is her left eye* this helps.. Alpha - ''*smirks slightly, points to his sliver eyes* These eyes detect such movement as well. Pass me what is left of that...''

Alpha opened out his hand. Arsac stood up from her chair and gave Alpha the crushed remains. She tapped her ear as she returned to her seat. he examines the remanins with his enhanced vision.

Arsac - Security can we have scans running in this room? Security officer - Scanning fields active mistress. Arsac - We won't have ny more interruptions from now on. Alpha - This appears to be from the Kraw Galaxy from what my readings are showing...if another one should come... Arsac - Something tells me this is more advanced than what the Tahars themselves would develop.'' Alpha - *Unleashes his energy gauntlets and charges them* I have a feeling that we are being watched as we speak... Like another camera...I cannot detect though...but I know its here...'' Arsac - There is something else here. I can feel it...'' Arsac - Give me a moment

Arsac positioned herself with her hands on her knees. She closed her eye and began deep and regular breathing. As she did so Alpha unsheathed a large pulse blade that rivalled Ma'fest in length.

Alpha - ''Hmph. I say we go over to the Kraw Galaxy now and send the Galaxy a message.'' Arsac - ''Yes... Another one... They tried to mask it from out techhonlogy but I think...''

Arsac increased her focus, a tiny snappping was heard a little later heard and she opened her eye. Other agents wielding their weapons entered the room.

Arsac - There. Alpha - If they send another one...I will go over to the Kraw Galaxy and take Daaxri out of his office by hand! Arsac - Since the Tahars have tried to rationalise murder with religion, policy 71 of my mandate provides grounds for Inquisitorial action. 7431 - *raises his hand* Agent I would rather you not go cuting Kraw heads off!

Alpha lifted his blade and pointed it at agent 7431 from across the table.

Alpha - ''They have insulted the Kicath Empire with their ignorance. They shall pay for this.'' 7431 - ''This is Tahar work. And since this room is secure what I am about to reveal is highly classified:''

Alpha sheathed his blade out of respect. A second camera discreetly appeared in the room.

Ma'fest - ''Good. We have little need in attacking other empires of Kraw Galaxy other than Tahar Empire, but we may aid you if we can.'' Alpha - ''The Empire wants the Galaxy destroyed. All of them.'' Vyrtran - ''Hm... I sense something here. We, Fyrvrtha, can sense heat and electricity.'' 7431 - Varutahira, Daaxri's prime-minister was installed wit- Arsac - Wait agent! Vyrtran - ''And I sensed an electric.... discharge or something here.'' Arsac - I sensed something as well. Alpha - That's it!!

Out of fury, Alpha smashed the table completely and stormed out the room with agents behind him, cursing in Kicathian.

Arsac - ''Alpha II. We can work together!''

This prompted Alpha and his escort to halt. Alpha twisted his feet in a full 180-degree turn and walked up to tower above Arsac.

7431 - ''Sir if I may point out the Tahar tried to monitor something on a commonwealth station. That is a security compromise....Something the Imperium can use as leverage for war.'' Alpha - ''Interesting. You are lucky we think alike, Draconis. If you and *looks past her to see Ma'fest and Vyrtran* the Divinarium wish to cooperate, then we shall go to the galaxy now and make them pay with their lives.'' Arsac - I will inform Executive Admiral Leondias, he can provide yo with imperial support in the Kraw Galaxy. Alpha - That will be...good.

He pointed his finger towards Arsac as he walked away. 7341 turned to look at Ma'fest.

Alpha - ''Listen to me, Draconis. I will not rest until I have the Tahar Emperor's head on my plate.'' Arsac - ''They will pay. I have little interest in what this "collective" has planned.'' 7431 - Your exellency, can we count on the Divinarium's support against the Tahar Imperium? Ma'fest - We agree.''

Satisfied, Alpha resturned to walking towards the docking bay where his dreadnought was waiting.

7431 - ''Their mistake was angering a Kicath commander, an inquisitor and a Divinarium exarch. Now, I must make haste, the Collective will probably know about Varutahira by now.''

Everyone headed their separate ways, each with their own tasks and leaving a group of repair drones to repair the conference room.