Fiction:Ice Age/Son of Gotla

"Our home is gone. A new threat marches over the galactic horizon. Alas, in this cold expanse, hatred burns like wax - bad blood, the fire. The opposition; titans and gods of death. Let it be heard, bloodletters, that while we may be but mortal men... we are anything other than mere."

- Unknown

Stolen Discovery
Upon a jungle-infested world within the expanse just beyond PCA space, armed forces and scientific research teams littered the forests. Temporary science facilities had been quickly erected, with resources and materials being supplied by delivery ships that made routinely rounds. These belonged to the Rovegar, who had risked discovery by the Polar Crystal Alliance in exchange for something beyond value; an obelisk stood at the deepest part of the jungle, hidden from view up until now. Several Rovegar scientists analyzed it from afar, observing it through the use of droids and automated sub-vehicles designed for close-up interaction with foreign materials.


 * Scientist 1 - Amazing, isn't it? It's been millennia since the last significant discovery, it's almost like a dream.
 * Scientist 2 - Indeed. This will surely make us famous across the entire Matriarchy.
 * Scientist 1 - Hmph, not if the Matriarch has her way. She's bound to take the credit for this.
 * Scientist 2 - Yeah...I guess you're right. Ugh.
 * Scientist 3 - Speaking ill of the Matriarch so soon? Are you two unable to enjoy anything for as long as it lasts?
 * Scientist 1 - I just feel like we should have the opportunity to be at least rewarded for our efforts.
 * Scientist 2 - I wouldn't mind the Gallarade rewarding me, if you know what I mean.
 * Scientist 1 - Teehee, have you seen him on the broadcasts recently? He has just got the biggest muscles, I hope he has the biggest--
 * Scientist 3 - Sisters, please! ...Save it for after duty, you're going to make me distracted.

As the Rovegar spoke, something bizarre happened. The drones that were analyzing the monolith stopped activity and fell to the ground, lifeless. Around them, lights began to flicker before ceasing, with military-grade defenses going offline, causing the militia to become somewhat alarmed as they tried to analyze the situation.


 * Scientist 2 - What's going on?
 * Scientist 1 - Not sure, probably just a storm.
 * Scientist 3 - A storm? Unless you happen to be mentally deficient, anybody can see that the skies are free of clouds and there is no rain. 

A militant approached the team of scientists, followed by her squad of heavily-armoured soldiers. Usually she would be accompanied by a small platoon of combat drones, although they had been rendered useless. She was holding her gun tightly, they all were, as she walked up to the scientists and spoke with a worried expression.


 * Soldier - Do any of you know what happened? One minute we were on patrol, the next our security drones had gone dark and fell into some mud. Did you provoke the artefact?
 * Scientist 2 - It was not our doing. We were wondering what happened ourselves.
 * Soldier - In that case, we'll have to assume that we are under attack, or prior to it. I want you to secure what you can and locate yourselves to the nearest safety bunke--

Before the soldier could finish, she turned herself around as they all heard the sounds of explosions and gunfire. Her squad ran forward, locating themselves around the local perimeter as they aimed and fired their weapons collectively while she drew her blade and gripped her gun tighter. Trees were either falling to the ground or being vaporized out of existence, reduced beyond dust and ash into nothing. They all heard as screams filled the air, followed by twisted, contorted roars. Roars that sounded stranglely close to some form of laughter, cackling laughter. The soldier grunted and turned to the scientists.


 * Soldier - Stay behind me!
 * Scientist 1 - What's going on?! Who's out there?!
 * Soldier - No idea! Whatever's out there, it certainly isn't rebels by the sounds of it! Pirates, maybe. But they came out of nowhere, they couldn't have caught the beacon's signal, could they?
 * Scientist 2 - If they did, then they are definetely not pirates.

The soldier nodded and ran forward, with the group of scientists following behind her as she moved behind her squad as they fired their weapons, although they were quickly being obliterated and atomized by alien weapon-fire. The soldier's face scowled as she watched her team become reduced into mere atoms.


 * Soldier - Get yourselves to safety! Hide somewhere, secure yourself in a bunker! I'm going to--

Before she could finish her sentence, the soldier and one of the scientists behind her were atomized into oblivion, reduced into nothing before the eyes of the surviving scientists as they ran to hide somewhere. Anywhere that was safe, anywhere that wasn't here.


 * Scientist 3 - Beliria, Nalern! They're gone!
 * Scientist 2 - I'm too young to die!

The scientists ran, they could hear as screams became quickly silenced. It was daunting, terrifying. Several boxes filled with raw materials and resources were lying up ahead at one of the far corners of the science base, something that would allow them some safety and shelter, a hiding place. One of the scientists managed to get behind and crouched down to hide, while the other was shot by the bizarre gunfire and obliterated into rogue atoms.

As Rovegar all over were murdered without even a trace of blood being shed, the base found itself plagued by aliens; large, heavily-armoured, equipped with weaponry unseen and unregistered throughout Borealis' modern civilizations. They were large, horrifying. In the sky, a ship of juggernaut proportions suspended itself over the base while debris found itself falling onto the ground, burning and razed by the atmosphere. It was ship debris, evidently from Rovegar vessels. The alien spacecraft looked down upon the establishment while the soldiers secured the perimeter, with several of them approaching the artefact at the far end. There was nothing stopping them, nothing to halt their advance. As they reached it, they looked upon its bizarre, archaic designs and laughed amongst themselves.


 * Alien 1 - At long last.
 * Alien 2 - Clever primitives, surprising they were capable of comprehending such advanced technology.
 * Alien 1 - Pitiful that they shall never see such discovery enlighten them.
 * Alien 3 - Pitiful? I think you mean amusing.

Ship to Penumbra-Commander
Within the empty vastness of space, overseen by a million stars, a vessel traversed the cold ocean. Its design and materials suggested it was an Alliance ship, alongside the technological implications of the weaponry it had been obviously equipped with; the pinnacle of Alliance research and study into military technology had been attached to the front and sides of the ship's chassis. Within its walls, many rooms designed for multiple purposes; residence, luxury, research, technical details, maintenance, storage. However, it appeared almost empty; the latest advances in artificial intelligence made crew redundant for the most part.

A Seagon resided within the weapons section, aiming down the scope of her custom Seagon-constructed rifle as bullets were unleashed from its barrel, colliding with empty cans of standard-issue tinned food which, as they were knocked to the ground, froze upon impact; heat vacuums stored within the bullet froze the shooter's targets. Beside her, a half-empty bottle of a substance known as Paa'go; a foreign export originating from Andromeda that had since become popular within Borealis. As she released another round to demonstrate and practice her accuracy, her "ears" tingled as she heard a familiar beep coming from the audio systems of this specific room - the vessel's primary AI. It spoke with a female voice, young-sounding and innocent yet its tone was nonetheless monotonous and robotic.


 * AI - Lieutenant Vesinash.
 * Vesinash - What is it, Ship?
 * Ship - I have detected a mass field of debris of unknown material and origin within the sector.
 * Vesinash - Is that all?
 * Ship - The debris could allow us insight into alien elements and potential future mining operations. It appears to be unlike any Alliance-registered element, I require onboard examination and analysis in order to pinpoint any similar chemistries.
 * Vesinash - And there we go, straight over my head. Hm, fine, send a probe to bring back some samples.
 * Ship - I will need Penumbran authorization in order to do so.
 * Vesinash - Excuse me?
 * Ship - While you are the official lieutenant of this vessel, I require the commander's permission. You may be an associate of a Penumbran, but you are not officially Penumbran yourself.
 * Vesinash - Urgh, go wake up the commander then. Don't just stand... sit... Don't just keep talking about it.

Within his private quarters, a Krektal slept beneath the covers of his bed. His armour was designed to ensure comfort and thus he would not have to remove it as he underwent rest, although one wouldn't have known he was wearing armour beneath the thick covers. Penumbran Tetra, the 38th official applicant and member of the Penumbra Unit. He breathed lightly as he slept, although he began to stir as his ears registered a beeping noise from the room's audio systems, twitching slightly.


 * Ship - Ship to Penumbra-Commander, Ship to Penumbra-Commander.
 * Tetra - Urgh... W-What? What is it, Ship?
 * Ship - I have encountered a point of interest. A large amount of unidentified debris has been detected by my local scanners, constructed of unknown elements. I request authorization to initiate a sample recovery by one of my probes.
 * Tetra - I... Urgh, sure, why not. I wish you wouldn't interrupt me while I'm sleeping...
 * Ship - You have been sleeping irregularly recently, Penumbra-Commander. I advise thorough examination within the medical sector in order to access professional recommendation and prescription.
 * Tetra - It's... It's nothing, Ship. I'll be fine, honest. Any messages in my inbox?
 * Ship - None as of current.
 * Tetra - Great... Prepare a brew for me in the cafeteria, I need a drink. Where is Vesinash?
 * Ship - Weapon storage.
 * Tetra - Tell her to meet me in the cafeteria.

With that, there was another beep as the AI ceased communications in order to attend to other matters at hand. Tetra stirred and shuffled himself out of bed, throwing his bed cover to the floor and allowing himself to yawn and stretch. After several moments of adjusting to his surrounding environment, Tetra stood and slowly walked out of the room, the automatic door shifting to its left as it registered his approach. At his bedside was a holo-picture depicting two Krektal in casual dress, standing beside one another; one was Tetra, the other appeared similar in appearance to him, albeit younger, and wore a more feminine style of dress.

Several minutes later, Tetra sat at one of the metallic tables, sipping from a mug filled with a steaming hot, thick substance which appeared similar to coffee. Tetra wore a concerned, worried expression on his face as he always did, staring gloomly into his drink before sighing. He lifted his head as he heard Vesinash, the Seagon woman, approach and take a seat at the opposite end of the table, facing him. She carried her sniple rifle with her, keeping it at her side while she sat casually, taking another gulp from her bottle of icy blue Paa'go. The two of them exchanged glances, before Vesinash leaned forward and folded her arms.


 * Vesinash - You're tired.
 * Tetra - I... I need a drink, that's all.
 * Vesinash - Uh-huh, you always say that. And you always look tired.
 * Tetra - I'll be fine, lieutena--
 * Vesinash - Vesinash.
 * Tetra - V-Vesinash.
 * Vesinash - You should visit the sick bay. If the Council finds out you're abusing your sleep pattern, they could suspend you for poor condition and service. And neither of us want that.
 * Tetra - ...M-Maybe. I'm just... homesick, that's all. I miss my family, my friends.
 * Vesinash - They'll be fine, Tetra. Hyperborea's safe, secure, nothing can hope to change that.

There was another beep from the cafeteria's audio systems which alerted the two of them to Ship's presence. Tetra looked down into his drink again and took another sad sip from its hot surface while Vesinash looked to her side, out of a window which allowed her to stare into the empty space outside. She tapped the material of the table while the ship's AI spoke over the monitors.


 * Ship - My probes have returned and I have concluded interesting results. The debris was formerly pieces of architecture, presumably that of several vessels, and from what I have found through my scans it appears to belong to the Rovegar Matriarchy based on what we know of their ships.
 * Tetra - How much debris is there?
 * Ship - The debris trails to a nearby world within the sector, uncharted and unmapped according to Alliance databanks. It appears there was an battle, presumably between scouting parties, although it is bizarre; there is only evidence of Rovegar architecture. No signs of alien opposition whatsoever.
 * Vesinash - A patrol fleet turning in on itself? No, that can't be right. Surely there is something else to add to the equation. We need to investigate that world, that may have something to do with it.
 * Tetra - I'm going to have to contact to Council in order to report our findings, as well as gain authorization to explore an uncharted world potentially under the ownership of Matriarchy territory.

Tetra and Vesinash stood simultaneously and removed themselves from the table, while the beep over the audio system within the room meant that Ship was directing its voice elsewhere, presumably the primary communications room where Tetra would be able to send messages to other Alliance vessels as well as Hyperborea's own Council. Tetra had a slight stumble in his walk, appearing tired, and he groaned as he stood, while Vesinash appeared far more unflinching and energetic, perhaps even eager. The two exited the room, curious as to what they would find upon this uncharted planet at the end of the trail of ship corpses.

Last Survivor
Tetra and Vesinash sat down within the primary communications room, looking over various holopanels and digitally-rendered screens which displayed many factors of information and data strewn across them in blue shades and colouration. Tetra tapped the holopanels as one would a keypad, eventually locating the Council's icon before pressing it in order to initiate a call.


 * Vesinash - You have bags under your eyes, Tetra.
 * Tetra - Well... y-you smell of alcohol.

Holograms of councillors Semirian, Xeron, Valzaria and Rylarien appeared in front of Tetra and Vesinash. They all maintained a rigid, stern pose, with the exception of Xeron, who scratched his head.


 * Semirian - Greetings, Penumbran Terya.
 * Tetra - Thank you for accepting my call, dear Council. I-I have matters to report, somewhat urgent.
 * Rylarien - Urgent? Please, do tell us.
 * Xeron - If it's about Wranploer then just go ahead and fire your guns at them.
 * Tetra - N-No, not Wranploer. The ship's AI has detected a large trail of debris which she-- it theorizes originates from architecture within the Rovegar Matriarchy, based on what we know of them. The AI took samples and analyzed them onboard and has concluded that there was a battle of some kind, with no evidence of alien opposition.
 * Valzaria - Penumbran, are you alright? You're stuttering and your appearance looks really bad.
 * Tetra - Huh? ...Oh, I-I'm... I'm fine, Councillor Valzaria. It's nothing, honestly.

Xeron crossed his arms, hissing and frowning at Tetra's words.


 * Xeron - Rovegar. Hmpf. I'm telling you all, these things are not to be trusted! There they are again, causing us trouble.
 * Tetra - B-But Councillor Xeron, they haven't... done anything, this time. If anything, something happened to them. There are no intact ships; just broken skeletons of their ships, with lots and lots of stray armour and debris.
 * Semirian - The Rovegar were attacked with no evidence of opposition? This is worrysome. We do not want another incident like with the first contact.
 * Vesinash - The evidence suggests in-fighting between the fleet, but we think otherwise. The trail leads to an unmapped world within the sector, which may or may not be considered within Rovegar territory.
 * Xeron - Hmpf. You go there and investigate, then report to us once you're done. Last thing we want is the Alliance getting blamed for this attack too. Stupid toothpick-bodied aliens...
 * Tetra - ...That's not very tolerant, Councillor.
 * Xeron - Why would I be tolerant for them? They're spreading through our space like weed! They tried to kill Vekaron, I'm telling you! But no, gotta "maintain peace". Bah. You'll see, I know what I saying.
 * Valzaria - Please ignore Councillor Xeron, Tetra. He refuses to give the Rovegar a chance.
 * Xeron - They don't deserve one!

Tetra sat back and wiped sweat from his forehead, letting out a tired sigh as he did while Vesinash turned a glance towards him. Tetra had began to appear somewhat worse than just a couple minutes before, with sweat dripping down his skin and his expression appearing discomforted.


 * Semirian - ...What's the matter, Penumbran Terya? We can clearly see you are not well.
 * Vesinash - Tetra...
 * Tetra - I-I'm fine, Councillor. Must be the v-visual quality of the holoscreen.
 * Rylarien - Hm. Please visit your medi-bay before you go to your mission. We'll be waiting for your report. Council out.

The Councillors' holograms disappeared one by one until communications were closed.


 * Vesinash - Come on, you heard orders. You gotta go to the med-bay.
 * Tetra - Vesinash, I-I'm fine. Must be something I ate last ni--
 * Vesinash - Please, stop lying, Tetra. Please.

Tetra looked down with a gloomy expression and he sighed, a tear strolling down his cheek as he looked away from Vesinash, who proceeded to stand up and help Tetra to his feet. Together, her shoulder underneath his arm, they walked out of the communications center, with Tetra attempting to restrict and hide his quiet sobbing while Vesinash appeared supposedly indifferent.

The delivery ship descended through the planet's orbit, resisting the burning effects of the atmosphere as it approached the edge of the industrial-science base that the Rovegar had managed to establish prior to its arrival. After several minutes, the transport vessel perched itself just above the ground, hovering, while its hatched opened, allowing Tetra and Vesinash to step out. Tetra wore an sophisticated, advanced eyepiece while he injected a complex-looking syringe into the side of his neck, injecting himself with a yellow fluid which was stored inside. He coughed and spluttered as it entered his system, although on the brighter side it appeared he was no longer tired and the bags under his eyes had disappeared. Vesinash looked to him, a concerned expression on her face.


 * Vesinash - Sure you're gonna be alright?
 * Tetra - It'll keep me going until I get back to the ship. There's considerable ground to cover and we don't know how much time we have left.

Tetra and Vesinash nodded to one another and walked forward into the depths of the base, splitting up in order to investigate the site more efficiently and faster. Vesinash was equipped with her sniper rifle while Tetra kept himself armed with his vibroblades, using his thruster-jetpack combination to explore the site at multiple angles both on and off-land while Vesinash kept herself on the ground. As Vesinash explored behind several buildings, she heard a peculiar sound - objects were being moved, stirred. Taking cover behind a large crate, she prepared her rifle and adjusted her scope before taking the opportunity to peek from the side of the box...

At the other side of the complex, Tetra was now traversing the ground again, looking out for any signs of disturbance that may have indicated a battle. He saw no corpses, no blood, nothing that would have indicated any particular symptoms of murder or massacre. He was alone once more, with his thoughts. He sighed as he walked, taking the chance to use another syringe to inject another dose of fluid into himself, revitalizing revitalizing his systems.

At this moment, Tetra heard pained, feminine moans coming out of a wrecked facility, which had been destroyed during the attack. Tetra looked towards the facility and his eyes widened - the structure appeared to have been raided or assaulted, while a majority of the other buildings remained somewhat unscathed and untouched. He approached cautiously, keeping a firm hand on his vibroblade while his armour prepared itself to activate its thrusters. As Tetra ventured into the ruins, he eventually found the source of the sound. A lone, surviving Rovegar, wearing a scientist attire. She was heavily bruised and appeared to have her left arm being crushed under some debris. Tetra approached the Rovegar warily, examining the Rovegar with some caution. Councillor Xeron's words flooded into his mind, causing him to act more precautiously than he would've liked to. He kept his distance, his weapon still prepared for any unprecedented attacks.


 * Tetra - You there, who are you?

The Rovegar turned herself to Tetra, and upon taking notice of him and his blades, her expression changed to dread. She put her free hand over her face and turned away.


 * ??? - Please, don't kill me! Enough murder!
 * Tetra - I'm not here to kill you! ...I-I was sent by the PCA to investigate here. A trail of destroyed Rovegar ships led me and my lieutenant to this world, we're looking for evidence as well as survivors.
 * ??? - You're...you're not with...them?
 * Tetra - "Them"? ...No, no I'm not with "them", whoever you're talking about. ...I'm T-Tetra. Tetra Terya.
 * ??? - I'm Traslia...please, help me...I think my arm is broken...

Tetra placed his weapon away and ran to the Rovegar woman, examining the debris that had fallen atop her arm. He began to work away at it, pushing and throwing away the rubble and weight that had fallen on top of her arm, which now laid crushed and broken. Taking the chance one more, he grabbed his syringe and placed another dose of yellow fluid into his neck, causing him to act faster and stronger, removing the debris with a little less effort although it still proved to be something of a challenge considering its weight and density. Traslia watched as Tetra lifted the debris, and as he did, she crawled out of them until her arm was free again. However, it was completely limp.


 * Tetra - So, Traslia... Tell me, what happened here?
 * Traslia - These...reptilian monsters appeared. Killed everyone. I don't know who they were, I've never seen anything like them before.

As Tetra spoke, he couldn't resist the opportunity to take a closer inspection of Traslia; he examined the features of her body, mainly her chest, and her face for a brief instance before looking elsewhere in an attempt to distract himself from her. It was true what he was told; the Rovegar were indeed beautiful creatures.


 * Traslia - ...Hey. I'm dying here.
 * Tetra - Huh? Oh. Oh! R-Right! Umm... I don't see any bodies laying around here, what happened to them? What weapons did they use?
 * Traslia - When they shot at my sisters, they were vaporized. From that, I can guess they use quark weaponry.
 * Tetra - They... They shot... shot your s-sisters?
 * Traslia - Yes. My fellow researchers...am I really the only one alive?

Tetra's gaze found itself looking over what he could see of the complex; again, there were no bodies to be found, no bloodstains, only damaged buildings and some signs of debris. There was no living soul aside from he and her, alone within this part of the base. Tetra gulped and turned back to her, nodding his head slightly while trying not to look directly at her.


 * Tetra - ...I-It appears so, unfortunately. I... I'm sorry for your loss.

Tetra could hear Traslia wheeping as she held on her broken arm. Her eyes teared up as she looked away, toward the floor.


 * Traslia - What...what did we do to deserve this?

Tetra appeared a little discomforted by the sight of her tearing up and crying, as he didn't know what to do to comfort her. In most circumstances, he was the one who needed some form of comfort, but today was the day where the roles were switched. A thousand scenarios ran through his head - none of them good - and he looked at the ground.


 * Tetra - Me and my lieutenant will find who did this, and we will bring them to justice. But right now, I need to get you somewhere safe.
 * Traslia - I...I need help walking...

Tetra nodded and placed her arm over his shoulder, allowing her to lean on him and assist her to her feet so she could make some attempt of walking alongside him. As he did, his optical scanner automatically began to scan her body; her face, her torso, her legs. Her breasts. Tetra continued to try looking away. Traslia got to her feet and let a pained grunt. She still held on her broken arm.


 * Tetra - What were your people doing here, T-Traslia? Did you find a chest-- I mean, something here?
 * Traslia - We were studying a Kormacvar artifact. A beacon of some sort.
 * Tetra - A Kormacvar artefact? ...I'm going to have to tell the Council about this. Oh, and about what happened here as well, of course.
 * Traslia - Perhaps the reptilians came here looking for it...I wouldn't be surprised if they have taken it away by now.
 * Tetra - There's still a chance it could be here, I doubt they would've risked moving it. ...My transport ship is up ahead, I'll place you in there and have it take you to my main ship in order to get you to safety.
 * Traslia - T-thank you...I don't know how to repay you, but I'll find a way eventually.
 * Tetra - R-Repay? Ah, you... you don't need to repay m-me, I'm just doing my, uhh... service.
 * Traslia - You Alliance men are nowhere as bad as we are told. Urk...my arm...

Tetra pulled out a syringe, again filled with yellow fluid, and gently grasped Traslia's limp arm before injecting into her wrist. Slowly, Traslia could feel as feeling was restored into her arm, shortly before Tetra injected himself in the neck with the syringe, groaning as he did. Traslia cringed and moaned in pain as she was injected by the syringe. As she felt it healing her, her expression changed into a small smile.


 * Traslia - You could have warned me first...but thanks again.
 * Tetra - Sorry... Stim-injection, a temporary solution. We have a proper medical facility onboard my ship... these are just to revitalize muscles temporarily.
 * Traslia - Doesn't hurt so much now...then again, breaking bones isn't that hard for a Rovegar. We're lacking in the toughness department.

Tetra continued carrying her with the transport ship in sight, still hovering slightly above the ground as it waited patiently for passengers. It was piloted by an onboard virtual intelligence, designed purely for menial tasks such as maintaining transport vessels. Traslia looked up to the transport, and then looked down to Tetra. She found their size different somewhat humorous.


 * Tetra - Right, we're almost... What are you giggling at?
 * Traslia - I'm nearly twice your size...it's cute.

Tetra blushed and he swiftly looked the other way in an attempt to hide it. He faultered slightly when she spoke, almost stumbling but managing to maintain balance. He began to sweat slightly.


 * Tetra - Well, we Krektral are a... s-smaller people than most.

Traslia let out a quiet giggle as she looked up to the transport again. She realized she had disconforted Tetra and decided to stop the conversation there. Tetra carried her to the transport and managed to set her down inside it, laying her on the floor with careful precision so as to not hurt her further than she already was. He let out a sigh and injected himself again, before passing the syringe to Traslia. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and he looked back towards the base, eager to explore once more as the thought of a Kormacvar beacon rested on his mind.


 * Traslia - Hey. Be careful, okay? They might still be there.
 * Tetra - Yeah... Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll make sure they'll be brought to justice. Use that stim in case your arm starts going numb again, I'll inform my lieutenant and my ship's AI that you'll be on the ship. The AI should be able to direct you to the med-bay.
 * Traslia - Okay. I'll see you on the ship then.
 * Tetra - If I don't return in a couple of hours, request the AI to send an urgent message to the PCA Council about me being... missing in action.
 * Traslia - ...Please be careful.

Tetra nodded and turned. Activating his armour's thrusters, he departed from the transport, which closed its hatch and began to ascend into the sky, towards the main vessel which awaited patiently in orbit. Tetra drew his blades once more and he focussed on a bird's eye view of the complex; he saw activity at the far outskirts. That must have been where the beacon was located, and where the woman's attackers have gathered.

Battle for the Beacon
Vesinash's blood boiled as she ran, clasping her rifle close to her body as she made the attempt to outrun her opposition. Behind her, some form of machine - a pseudo-creature constructed to appear as some form of amalgamation, blending the common tropes found within the species of spider and mantis into one while retaining a cold, purely mechanical exterior. It unleashed merciless, precise beams of energy from multiple ports, with these streams of energy erasing the materials they come across into non-existence; quark weaponry, technology capable of rending one divided at the subatomic scale, tearing the gravitic forces that keeps atoms bonded. She placed another batch of ammunition into her weapon and fired once more upon the unfeeling beast, although she was met with her bullets rebounding off the invisible energy shield of the machine and almost striking her across the face. She continued to run, oblivious to any available means of destroying the drone.

Vesinash - ''Penumbra-Commander! Come in, are you receiving?'' Tetra - ''*over communications* Lieutenant, I am receiving. What's happening, give me a sitrep.'' Vesinash - ''I've encountered enemy contact; a machine of sorts, like an attack robot. From what I can tell, it's equipped with hyper-destructive energy beams and fitted with an automatic anti-kinetic barrier, it's rebounding all of my shots before they even touch it.'' Tetra - ''Hold out for as long as possible, I'll be arriving at your position soon. After we've finished with this, we're going to the outskirts of the settlement, I'm detecting heavy activity. Something isn't right.'' Vesinash - ''Affirmative, Penumbra-Commander. Lieutenant out.''

Vesinash growled as she threw herself behind a wall as cover, watching as the anti-material energy beams flew either straight past her or over her head. She panted heavily as she pulled an energy grenade from her belt and clenched it tightly before using the opportunity to momentarily peek from behind cover and throw the object towards her oppressor. However, rather than landing next to the drone as she had intended, the grenade bounced from it as it came into contact with its energy shields and was thrown towards Vesinash, causing her to have to roll to avoid collateral damage from her own grenade, which incinerated everything within a small distance of itself.

Vesinash - ''Goddammit! What even is that thing, anyway? Is it Rovegar tech?''

As the drone aimed its weapons for Vesinash's location, it found its body of dark pseudo-metals becoming severed as Tetra's energy blades tore through it from behind, his thrusters blazing angrily with his eyes centered and narrowed. The mechanical beast, which outsized Tetra by almost three times, was divided and its upper and lower segments splayed themselves across the ground. Vesinash ran from cover and approached Tetra, clasping her rifle and looking at the remains of the machine.

Vesinash - How'd you kill it? Tetra - Struck it from behind. Vesinash - Did you know that would work? Tetra - ''...No. It's just my usual ...strategy, I guess. You know. It's hard to explain.'' Vesinash - Nonetheless, we should take the parts and-- Watch out!

Tetra squeaked as Vesinash grabbed ahold of him and pulled him close before leaping backwards. The remains of the destroyed machine began to bubble and stretch, almost as if they were being pressurized under molten temperatures, and began to disfigure before eventually exploding into a burning, acidic substance which coated nearby objects and buildings, eating through their materials mercilessly. Tetra panted as Vesinash released him, with the two of them laying against the ground, and looked at the damage caused by the explosive remains of the machine.

Tetra - ''W-What...? Anti-retrieval mechanism?'' Vesinash - ''Would make sense. It seems our opponent took some measures in making sure that nothing got their hands on a potentially expensive piece of equipment like that. I'll admit, it'd be useful if we had stuff like that.'' Tetra - ''Yeah well, I don't think we should be admiring our enemy too much. Speaking of which, instead of admiring them we should be finding them.'' Vesinash - ''Agreed. You said they were potentially gathered in the outskirts of the settlement?'' Tetra - ''Yeah, although we should keep our distance if there are more of those things there. Or if they have stronger units, we know nothing of them after all.''

Vesinash nodded and began moving in the assigned direction, while the thrusters of Tetra's armour ignited once more and allowed him entrance into the sky, once again giving him a useful insight over the terrain and location. It was clear that whatever had attacked here had come for this beacon, and as a Penumbran, it was Tetra's duty and responsibility to maintain the situation, resolve it, and report to his superiors the consequences leading to the discovery of this precious, priceless artefact that the girl, Traslia, spoke of.

It was also evident that whoever had desired it was not going to surrender it so easily.

Vesinash positioned her rifle, her eye narrowing as it glanced down the scope. It was then that she saw it all; the obelisk of gold and red that was the, or rather a, beacon of the Kormacvar, and the three tall, heavily-armoured individuals that were admiring it, alongside at least two other drones identical to that which Tetra and Vesinash had encountered prior. The aliens spoke amongst themselves in an undecipherable tongue, with neither the Penumbran nor his lieutenant capable of recognizing the tongue they used. Tetra was positioned in the sky, his thrusters causing him to hover without problem, and he maintained communications with Vesinash as he prepared for a shock attack, making use of the element of surprise.

Tetra - How many? Vesinash - I'm counting three heavy infantry and two drones, like the one we saw back there. Tetra - Are the soldiers armed? Vesinash - ''Two of them are carrying what appear to be rifles, the other is carrying a longsword. Or at least, what looks like a longsword. It all looks different to any armour and weapons I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot.'' Tetra - ''On the count of five, we'll dispatch the drones and surround the infantry. Remember, aim for behind, and use armour-piercing rounds. If you can, try to dispatch your target away from the beacon.''

They both waited for the dreaded fifth second. Vesinash lined her shot and adjusted her scope and placed several rounds of armour-piercing bullets equipped with heat nullification technology into her sniper rifle, undoubtedly prepared to unleash several powerful barrages against the form of her mechanical foe. Tetra used his optical enhancement in order to scan and analyze the undergrowth of the jungle that resided upon the settlement's outskirts, and could not afford to lose any necessary time as long as it meant Vesinash's own safety. He aligned himself and readied his nerve, before taking an aerial dive as he descended towards the foe, while Vesinash unloaded round after round.

The mechanized guards were thrown from their positions, away from the obelisk. Vesinash's target was thrown from its metallic feet and launched into the depths of the jungle's undergrowth, its rear penetrated by powerful bullets that caused almost instantaneous freezing within its interior, while Tetra's victim found itself severed at the most precise, vertical angle, with the force of his descent causing its remains to be thrown forward and away from the beacon. The monstrous creatures, however, did not flinch; they didn't appear to even respond to the destruction of their drones, they simply carried on examining the beacon with an undeniably keen, eager interest. They paid no attention to Tetra, and they cared not for the rounds unleashed by Vesinash.

Tetra - ''Halt! This is Captain-Commander Tetra Terya of the Polar Crystal Alliance's Penumbra Unit! I demand identification and I demand to know why you are here!''

There was little to no response, and Tetra was clearly dismissed by the much larger creatures as they studied and observed the architecture and structure of the beacon. With an agitated sigh, Vesinash aimed her rifle once more and released another armour-piercing shot. The course of the single bullet was painfully close to the direction of the beacon, and as a result, it chipped the slightest of pieces from the beacon's upper side. This provoked a reaction, at least; the sword-bearing monster roared to its comrades, causing the two of them to sniff the air and charge, with their weapons primed, for the source of the shot.

Vesinash - Oh crap. Tetra - Why did you do that?! Vesinash - ''They weren't listening! I thought that if we gave them reason to hear us ou--'' Tetra - ''Ngh, activate the emergency protocol, the shuttle will take you back to the ship! I'm staying here, I'll try and get answers now that two of them are distracted.'' Vesinash - Try and make it back in one piece!

With that, communications were cut, and Tetra couldn't hear Vesinash's voice any longer. With a troubled expression, he approached the remaining armoured creature, his swords drawn and his stance indicating he was preparing himself for an assault. The creature looked away from the beacon at that instant and glared towards Tetra, it's horrific eyes piercing through Tetra's morale like a knife as it towered over him like a colossus. After a minute of silence, aside from the wildlife that made their homes in the jungle, it was the alien that took the opportunity to speak, and this time it was in a tongue Tetra could identify. It was Krektal.

Alien - I suggest you leave. Tetra - Not before you tell me who you are and what you think you're doing here. Alien - ''You will either leave or die with those questions unanswered. It is better this way.'' Tetra - ''I beg to differ. You're clearly not a Rovegar, or a Kondrakar. Not Zazane, not Zoles, and I don't think you're Kicath either.'' Alien - You would understand naught of my intention. Tetra - ''I understand that you murdered an entire settlement in order to get here, to this... beacon. A woman, a survivor, told me it was a Kormacvar artefact. I think I have a pretty good guess as to why you're here.'' Alien - ''Survivors. A shame. She is, however, correct; this is a communications and information storage facility of the Kormacvar, in your most basic understanding. While it is much, much more than that in principle, you are incapable of ever fully contemplating its purpose, its function, and its meaning.'' Tetra - ''While I may not be able to understand the details of its, I'm sure the Warmaster of the Polar Crystal Alliance can. And that is why I need you to leave, or I will have to incapacitate you.'' Alien - ''Heh. It is as the cycles have always foretold. The pond-scum of the universe will seek to challenge the gods for forbidden knowledge. And they shall die knowing nothing.''

Tetra's thrusters engaged once more, blasting with blue light in an impressively fast, agile fire while he prepared his blades for a cross-shaped slash against his much larger opposition. However, as he went in for the strike, the creature tipped its head to the side, causing Tetra to fly straight past his target and end up behind the colossus. Maneuvering himself around, he attempted to take advantage of the situation of being behind his enemy and raised his blades above his head in order to deliver a powerful slash. Once again, due to the tipping of the creature's head, Tetra missed his opportunity and flew in front of his enemy instead. Turning around once more, he glared at the warrior with agitation, while the latter wore a slight smile across its jaws. Tetra engaged in yet another forward movement, aiming for the creature's neck but was swiftly stopped when the enemy raised their arm - the force of the impact caused the energy stabilization to shatter and sparks of plasma erupted from the sword's handle.

Wearing a horrific grin, the alien took advantage of Tetra's momentary lapse of concentration as a result of what had just happened and raised his knee, slamming it into Tetra's chin and causing him to be launched upwards, where he was met with a downwards slam from the alien's clenched hand. Being thrown downwards, Tetra slammed against the beast's armoured knee and could feel his bones and armour giving way to the impact and momentum he was being pressurized under. Tetra was then swatted away from the creature in a single, swift gesture of its arm - and slammed into the beacon, causing a dent and spilling blood onto its material. The alien widened its eyes and hissed angrily, stepping forward.

Alien - Get away from that! Tetra - Urgh!

However, it was too late; Tetra's vision suddenly disappeared, and he slipped into unconscious. Despite losing his sense of movement, sight, and even his being, he could at least hear something; voices, both masculine and feminine, speaking chaotically as if in attempted unison, some in an understable language, others within cryptic speak that he had not heard of before. Slowly, he could start to see something from within the darkness of his unconscious - a light, a light that grew larger and brighter with each passing second until eventually Tetra could identify it as an overview of the Borealis galaxy.

In reality, Tetra rested at the base of the slowly-dematerializing Kormacvar beacon, which was decaying into golden light that quickly faded. The beacon deconstructed itself without hesitation, no longer requiring usage for a physical structure. The alien looked down at Tetra's broken, unconscious body and growled, hissing with anger as it resisted the urge to stamp the life out of the Krektal then and there. Instead, it spoke aloud into its communicator a tinge of frustration and irritation to be found within its vocal tone.

Alien - ''Damnation. The information has been extracted by one of the animals, it appears. No matter. This one shall live for as long as deemed necessary, which shan't be long.''

The alien itself soon vanished in a swift red light that vanished almost as soon as it had appeared, disappearing from the scene and leaving no other trace of its presence to be found, similar to how the beacon was now almost completely dematerialized. Tetra remained unconscious and bleeding while his Penumbran shuttle approached, hovering above the ground with Vesinash being transported within, holding her sniper rifle tightly while she wiped debris from her face and armour. She looked at the mess that was the Penumbran captain and placed a hand to her mouth in shock, before climbing out of the shuttle in order to retrieve the body of her commander.

Vesinash - ''I said one piece, goddammit... What part of that didn't you understand...?!''

Status Report, Penumbran
Tetra's eyes slowly opened as he regained consciousness. He was in a bed, wearing a skintight outfit that wouldn't get in the way of any of his movement and was also used to assist in regulating his vital and minor organic systems. He winced as he sat up, although he was eager to move himself. He was sat within the medical ward of his ship, a sight he despised. Traslia appeared at the door and smiled as she took sight of Tetra. Her arm appeared to have been healed, though she still appeared aprehensive to move it around too much.


 * Traslia - You're awake! That's a relief.
 * Tetra - Awake? I'm surprised I'm still alive. That was a... a nasty fight back there.
 * Traslia - What matters is that you're safe now. We're all safe.
 * Tetra - No, we're not. Those aliens got away, I couldn't even stop one of them.
 * Traslia - Urk! Stop being so pessimistic! I'm trying to make you feel better here.

Tetra sat up in surprise and blinked awkwardly towards Traslia, before nodding his head with a slight smile. He raised his arm to scratch behind one of his ears, albeit slowly since he was still aching somewhat from the injuries he had sustained.


 * Tetra - Eheh, I-I suppose that e-everybody being safe i-is good news.
 * Traslia - Still...what happened to the beacon?

As Traslia asked the question, Vesinash appeared behind her, giving her an indifferent look on her face, although it didn't seem as if she was being hostile however she kept her rifle close to her, like she always did. She stepped forward so Tetra could see her as well and sighed with relief as she saw him awake.


 * Vesinash - The beacon is... Well, last time I saw it, it was disappearing. Fading, almost. 
 * Traslia - Oh no. Our work is gone. Destroyed. I can't go back to the Matriarchy after this.
 * Vesinash - Hey relax, it'll be fine. It's not your fault, surely your people can understand that.
 * Traslia - Losing a Kormacvar artifact like that? No, the Sisterhood will not understand. I will be executed the moment I set foot inside Rovegar borders.
 * Tetra - ...Oh crap! What am I going to tell the Council?

As Tetra shivered at the thought of the loss of such a valuable and immeasurably precious artefact, there was a beep over the audio systems located within the room that indicated the artificial intelligence of the ship was initiating communication. Tetra's nerves calmed somewhat as he heard her voice, and then they began to shudder again as he heard what she had to say regarding the matter.


 * Ship - Penumbra-Commander, the Council awaits a situation report regarding the operation. The Council also desires a status update regarding the Kormacvar artefact that was discovered on the world's surface.
 * Traslia - Oooooh! Oh! This voice!
 * Tetra - Huh? W-What about it?
 * Traslia - It's so cute!
 * Tetra - Oh? I-It is? It's a voice that was built from audio samples of my little sister. It's never going to be as good as the real thing though.
 * Ship - "Cute". This unit is programmed for maintenance, observation, analyzation, and information storage. This unit is not programmed for "cute".
 * Traslia - But you sound cute! It just make me want to cuddle you!
 * Ship - This unit is not programmed for "cuddling".
 * Traslia - Awww. Well, you're missing out! Anyway, we shouldn't leave your Council waiting. If they're anything like the Matriarch, they'll get really mad if we don't talk to them asap.
 * Tetra - That's Councillor Xeron in a nutshell. Somebody help me stand up so we can go to the communications room.

Vesinash nodded and placed her rifle to the side of the doorframe before approaching Tetra as he had wanted, however she was evidently not as eager as some others as Traslia had already made her way to assist Tetra by the time Vesinash laid down her rifle. Traslia had not even noticed Vesinash's move and had already helped Tetra get up, taking him to the communications room.


 * Tetra - Ngh the Council is going to be so angry.
 * Traslia - Nah, don't worry. I'm sure they'll understand.

Tetra sat down in his seat when they had reached the communications room, with Traslia sitting where Vesinash would otherwise sit. Not willing to cause even the smallest of uproars as of the current moment, Vesinash grunted and put up with having to stand behind Tetra's seat, leaning against it as they awaited the Council. The councillors' holograms appeared and looked down to the trio. Xeron drank the Niaka race's equivalent of coffee from a mug while Semirian spoke.


 * Semirian - Penumbran Terya. You appear wounded.
 * Tetra - That's affirmative, Councillor Semirian. I have spent the last... day? Was it a day?
 * Vesinash - Yeah, about a day.
 * Tetra - I have spent the last day recovering after severe injury affliction.
 * Valzaria - And how was your mission? Did you discover who the invader was?
 * Tetra - Errm...
 * Xeron - Don't come to me with "Errrm". Send us images of the invaders!
 * Tetra - Ah yes, images! Vesinash, do you have my optical?

Vesinash displayed Tetra's optical analyzer and placed it in a slot next to the holographic generator. Images began to appear on-screen, along with various recordings of the drones and the aliens that they had encountered during the operation. Tetra began to turn his head away as they were sent to the Council.


 * Rylarien - Oh no...it's them again.
 * Semirian - Indeed. It's the same "Zarkhator" who hijacked Hyperborea's computers months ago.
 * Tetra - Zarkhator?
 * Rylarien - Hostile aliens who claim to know of the Kormacvar and who all have awful, awful god-like complexes.
 * Tetra - Know of the Kormacvar? Guess that explains why that one knew what the Kormacvar artefact was-- oops.
 * Valzaria - Artifact? What artifact?
 * Tetra - W-We came across a Kormacvar artefact while doing our assignment on the world. O-Our good friend Traslia h-here was one of the scientists... working on it when the Zarkhator a-attacked.

Traslia waved to the Council. They looked at her in mixed surprise, with Xeron glaring at her intensely.


 * Semirian - A survivor?
 * Traslia - Yes, sir. The only survivor.
 * Semirian - ...I am female, youngling.
 * Traslia - Eep! S-sorry!

Tetra giggled to himself for the moment, trying to hide it unsuccessfully as he was a little too loud and a little too obvious.


 * Xeron - Now, where is this artifact? You're supposed to send us these things immediately when you find them.
 * Tetra - Well, uhh... That's the thing.
 * Rylarien - What's the matter?

Tetra took a deep breath in order to compose himself and keep a calm head. Taking a moment to compose and structure his words and sentences in his head, wanting to place the news within the best possible manner, he then proceeded to give his answer.


 * Tetra - Me and the Zarkhator sorta... fought. And I got pounded. Into the artefact. Aaand according to Vesinash... it's not there anymore.

Xeron's eyes widened and he spit his coffee, hitting Valzaria in the process. The Galotian growled in annoyance and hit Xeron over the head, knocking him off his chair into the ground below.


 * Semirian - You lost the artifact to the Zarkhator?
 * Vesinash - No, we didn't lose it to Zarkhator. ...It destroyed itself.
 * Semirian - Gah...if only Arkarixus was here, he could explain this better.
 * Rylarien - Yes, what matters now is that we know the Zarkhator are acting and looking for Kormacvar artifacts.
 * Tetra - The one Zarkhator that I fought, he said it was something like a memory storage bank or something. When I got knocked into it, I passed out and I saw... things.
 * Valzaria - Things? What kind of things?
 * Tetra - Well... things. It's not at all clear, but I remember seeing... the galaxy, some worlds, some ships and fleets, Kormacvar... Zarkhator.
 * Semirian - Interesting...
 * Traslia - Erm...excuse me?

The councillors all turned to Traslia, who had raised her hand to make herself noticed.


 * Traslia - My kind can read minds...I could, like, read through the things Tetra saw and try to make sense out of them.
 * Tetra - Is... Is that safe? H-Have you done that before?
 * Traslia - Read minds? Sure, we Rovegar are all expected to have that ability when we're adults. But read an alien's mind? I'll admit I never tried...actually, you're the first aliens I've ever met.
 * Vesinash - Well that's just perfect.

Vesinash pinched her brow with her hand and sighed out of agitation while Tetra looked at Traslia curiously.


 * Semirian - It's decided then. Have your new Rovegar ally work on reading your discoveries, then warn us of what you can find. Kormacvar artifacts are things we do not yet fully understand after all.
 * Tetra - Affirmative, Councillor Semirian. I'll try and ready myself... for the experience, I guess. ...You know, it sure is useful and convenient that we have a Rovegar onboard so we can decipher the mysteries of the Kormacvar artefacts, isn't it, Councillor Xeron?

Xeron got back on his chair and pointed at Tetra and his team with narrowed eyes.


 * Xeron - You're receiving an extra mission for your failure to secure the artifact.
 * Tetra - W-What?!
 * Semirian - But that mission was supposed to be sent to Penumbran Muharin of the Ransio.
 * Xeron - It was! But now Mister Krektal over here will do it! End of discussion!
 * Tetra - Ngh, what mission is this? What was Muharin supposed to do?
 * Xeron - We were informed by one of our new Wranploer rebels that a group of scientists working for a PMC are doing genetic augmentation experiments in a certain region of the Arm of Wildness. Your job is to go there and destroy them and their experiments.
 * Tetra - Do we know which PMC?
 * Xeron - We don't, but considering it involves genetic experiments, it's probably Soltako Armed Military.

Tetra remained quiet for the moment. He remembered what this particular PMC, the Soltako Armed Military, had done to his homeworld, the planet of Gotla. Taking a gulp and a deep breath to hide his feelings, he nodded and let out a sigh.


 * Tetra - I assume it's a no-backup mission again, isn't it. Going in alone and... stuff.
 * Xeron - The entire point of being a Penumbran is going to missions with no backup. You have your lieutenant and your...Rovegar. Use them.
 * Tetra - Right, right. In that case I'll get on that as soon as possible. Penumbran Terya, out.

The councillors' holograms all disappeared, and the room was in silence for some seconds. However, one hologram reappeared. It was Councillor Rylarien.


 * Rylarien - Oh, I forgot to warn you all. For now on, you don't have to call for the entire council to report your missions. You can talk to just me.
 * Tetra - That means not having to talk to Xeron, so I'm absolutely fine with that... Uhh I mean, this is a much more efficient change, Councillor Rylarien.
 * Vesinash - Pfft.''

Rylarien giggled and looked at Tetra with a smile.


 * Rylarien - Each Councillor was tasked to take care of a group of Penumbran. For example, Penumbran Vekaron has to report to Xeron everytime he has a new mission.
 * Tetra - Now that's gotta be a pain in the neck.
 * Rylarien - Heh. And you're part of my group. So do your best out there, okay?

Tetra smiled and nodded to Rylarien, his ears twitching slightly. His expression then changed to a more concerned manner and he leaned forward, looking somewhat unsteady and worried.


 * Tetra - Councillor Rylarien, could you do something for me, in that case?
 * Rylarien - What's that?
 * Tetra - Could you somehow tell Titri, my younger sister, that I love her, and that I want her to keep safe?
 * Rylarien - I can get that done. Just give me her address.
 * Tetra - Residence 401 of Residence Facility 614, Northern Hyperborea. You know, that place. For refugees.
 * Rylarien - I see. I will personally deliver your message, Penumbran Terya.
 * Tetra - Thank you, Councillor Rylarien. It means many worlds to me. Penumbran Terya out.

Inexperienced Rookie
Tetra's ship approached the coordinates of the world assigned by Councillor Xeron; it was an urban, industrial world with a grotesque, scarred atmosphere caused by pollution and environmental degradation. Tetra was still suffering from his injuries, although he had healed significantly since a couple of days before when he was dealt the attacks. Equipped with a new pair of blades and a repaired armour set, he looked at the world from the ship's monitors in the navigation room alongside his team, which consisted of Vesinash and Traslia. Traslia looked down at the planet in curiosity. Having replaced her laboratory robes for a suit better suited for combat, she would accompany Tetra and Vesinash on their mission.


 * Traslia - I...never really fought anyone before. Should I really go?
 * Vesinash - If you want to stay aboard the ship, you're gonna have to contribute.
 * Tetra - Don't think of yourself as fighting. You're... surveying our surroundings and finds in a combat environment. You're still a scientist. But with a gun.
 * Traslia - I'll be surveying the surroundings, but behind you two, just in case.
 * Vesinash - You're still going to have to kill people, princess.
 * Traslia - Doesn't mean I have to like it!
 * Tetra - I don't know about you, but I think I'm going to enjoy this mission.
 * Vesinash - And why's that? 
 * Tetra - Soltako.

Minutes later, a shuttle was launched from the main ship towards the world. It didn't have any official identification, although those that knew of it had taken to calling the planet Khephernam. The shuttle penetrated the world's already weak atmosphere without difficulty and approached a landing zone that had been designated as safe by onboard virtual intelligences. The shuttle landed and its hatch opened up, allowing the team to take a breath of the foul air that smelled of pollution and corruption, with an additional whiff that smelled of corpses. The team moved out of the shuttle, armed and prepared, and observed the landing area - they had been placed outside of a large, industrial facility.


 * Traslia - What a dump. Do these people even bother with their own hygiene?
 * Vesinash - Local sources say that this place isn't owned by any government and is commonly used by rebels and criminals of all sorts. This is a place without law.
 * Traslia - Hmpf. Filthy pirates.
 * Tetra - I'm guessing that place up ahead is where these scientists are. It looks like a laboratory, at least.
 * Traslia - Ngh, let's get this over with and go back to the ship, please.

The soldiers dropped their guns in order to cover their ears while the scientists did the same, cowering and quivering. In midair, Tetra's ears were overwhelmed by Traslia's shriek and he was caught off-guard by the enemy sergeant, who slammed himself into Tetra and threw both them against a wall, causing both of their jetpacks to stall and deactivate, dropping them to the ground. The team moved up ahead upon a pathway that led towards the facility. As they approached the colossal building, they saw large, messy piles of bones and skulls perched atop one another in a chaotic, disorderly fashion. A majority of these bones and skulls appeared to be somewhat familiar to the team, as they were in the shape of Levarcor. Some piles even contained rotted, mangled corpses which sat atop of these bone piles, as if they were thrown into this wasteland not long ago. Alongside this graveyard, up ahead they could see as soldiers, of various species, were gathering outside of the main gates of the facility, all armed with guns and equipped with basic armour. Traslia put her tongue out in disgust as she saw the corpses, before running over to cover as she noticed the soldiers, holding on the submachine gun she was given to be her weapon.

Vesinash and Tetra also ran to cover. This time, Tetra had been equipped with a shotgun alongside his blades, while Vesinash still carried her customized Seagon sniper rifle. Aiming from behind cover, which happened to be another bone pile, Vesinash unleashed several rounds, taking out two enemy soldiers while the others retreated out of sight. The team proceeded to move on as the enemy soldiers retreated, although as they got closer it was clear that the soldiers hadn't retreated far; they were just outside the gates of the facility, talking with a particularly well-equipped soldier who glared outwards into the distance, as if he was waiting for the team to emerge. He was equipped with two submachine guns and a jetpack, and he stepped forward as he saw the team approach.


 * Tetra - Who's that guy over there?
 * Vesinash - I believe he may be the sergeant. The gates are closed so I imagine the only way we're getting through is through him.
 * Traslia - So we gotta kill him?
 * Tetra - It certainly looks like it. Him and his grunts, it appears.
 * Vesinash - This is going to be a piece of cake.
 * Tetra - On my mark, I'll jump up and go to attack the sergeant directly, Vesinash you take out one grunt, Traslia you take ou--

Traslia took out a grenade and aimed at the sergeant. However, she held it on her hand, unsure of when to throw it.


 * Vesinash - Traslia what are you doing?!
 * Traslia - I-I'm gonna explode him!
 * Tetra - You should've waited for my command! G-Get rid of that thing, quickly!

Traslia threw the grenade, but as she had held it for too long, it exploded only a few meters ahead of the trio. The team was thrown back and the sergeant and his soldiers confirmed their enemy's positions. They aimed their weapons and unleashed a hail of bullets at the team, blasting apart their cover with their own grenades. Vesinash attempted to fire back at the mercenaries, although she and the others were forced to run in order to find new cover.


 * Traslia - S-sorry!
 * Vesinash - Idiot! Where did you think that would get you? You could've blown us ALL up!
 * Traslia - I was just trying to help...
 * Tetra - That's enough, Vesinash. What's important is that the enemies now know we're here and we have to find another way to deal with them.

The sergeant of the mercenary group approached and placed his hand on a communicator device attached to the side of his head. He spoke into it loudly with a confident tone, pointing towards the group while his soldiers fired on them.


 * Sergeant - Give it up, we know you're there! How about you come out and fight us face-to-face, huh?! Die with dignity rather than in a ditch! 

Traslia turned around and fired her gun at the soldiers, her aim being subpar at best due to her inexperience.


 * Sergeant - Hahah! What do you call that, huh?! Do you have a civilian with you? How pathetic! If you're not gonna come out, I'm just gonna go get you myself!

The sergeant's jetpack blazed with red fire as he ascended into the air and fired his submachine guns towards the groups, blasting apart their cover. Drawing his blades, Tetra ascended upwards as well to fight the general while Vesinash aimed at his grunts.


 * Vesinash - Traslia, throw another grenade at them! And don't hold it for too long this time!

Traslia nodded and took another grenade, this time not holding it for too long and throwing it at the enemy's direction. The enemy soldiers were blasted apart by Traslia's grenade, throwing their weapons across the battlefield while Tetra fought with their sergeant in the air. The battle lasted for several minutes, with Tetra managing to dodge a majority of the enemy's shots and eventually scoring damage against the sergeant and his jetpack, causing him to fall to the ground in front of the team. He landed with a thud and panted heavily, barely alive in the aftermath of the fight. Traslia signed in relief as she succeeded in helping for once and looked over to the sergeant.


 * Traslia - So much for a civilian, huh!

Tetra landed on the ground beside his team and all three of them approached the grounded sergeant, whose panting gave way to bouts of laughter beneath his helmet. He was certainly injured yet he kept a confident stance as he stood and looked towards Tetra and the group, pointing again as he shouted.


 * Sergeant - You fight well for a Krektal! Hehehe, the code to get inside is A93B-L33T-C46T-R00H-M18A, if you really wanted to know. There's a panel near the gates that will allow you to input that code and open the entrance.
 * Tetra - Why are you telling me this? Wouldn't you rather die than tell me how to get inside?    Sergeant - It's what you fought me for, wasn't it? To get inside? So, you're going to go inside! If you had killed me you'd be unable to without having to face the automated defenses that line the outside of this place.
 * Traslia - ...You're a weird guy. But thanks!
 * Sergeant - And you're a pretty good-looking lady, if I might add.
 * Vesinash - Quit that! Why are you being so helpful? You're the enemy!
 * Sergeant - We're mercenaries. Besides, I doubt you'll be able to go that far inside that you'll prove a hindrance. It's dangerous in there. Now, I suggest you all stand back.
 * Traslia - Huh?

The sergeant dislodged his backpack from his armour and threw it into the air, where it proceeded to explode in a mass of fire and smoke which threw the team back. When the smoke had cleared, there was little more that small blazes and burning debris, with no sign of the sergeant. He appeared to have vanished.


 * Traslia - Yickes. This mission is getting weird already.
 * Vesinash - Who was that guy?
 * Tetra - ...It doesn't matter. We have the means to get inside, so we'd better as soon as possible. We can't afford to waste time.
 * Traslia - Let's go before something worse happens.

Dead Eyes
The team approached a small key panel that was set beside the large gates that led into the facility, and Tetra entered the numbers that the sergeant had given them. Shortly afterward, they heard a creeking sound as the gates shifted themselves, opening slowly. Inside, the team was greeted with fresh corpses; soldiers and scientists of multiple species were splayed across the floor in a bloody mess.


 * Traslia - Something bad happened here.
 * Tetra - It's a massacre. I wonder what happened here.
 * Vesinash - Heh, you reckon these pirates turned on one another?
 * Traslia - I don't mind that.

From the far side of the room, a group of soldiers could be heard before they entered the room, rushing and firing their weapons frantically back at where they had just came from. They were yelling and screaming, and their formation was disorganized. Suddenly, several of them were shot down as their enemy appeared in the doorway - an armoured Levarcor equipped with a machine gun.


 * Traslia - Yep, they turned against each other.

There was something particularly odd about this Levarcor, however; its eyes appeared almost lifeless, like a dead fish, and instead of roaring or screaming as Levarcor usually do, it remained almost completely silent. It had sustained injuries and was bleeding heavily, although that did not stop it from killing the rest of the enemy soldiers. It then turned towards the team, staring at them with dead eyes. Traslia shouted in fear at the sight of the Levarcor's eyes and hid behind Vesinash.


 * Vesinash - Whoa, what are you doing? Make an analysis! What's up with that thing?
 * Traslia - It's like it's dead and still walking! There's something really wrong with it!

The Levarcor raised its gun and fired at the group, before Vesinash raised hers and unleashed several rounds that penetrated through the Levarcor's armour. Blood spat from its wounds and there was a horrific sound of bones cracking and creaking as it took several steps forward, before it collapsed onto the ground. It made no dying breaths or struggle, it simply laid across the floor.


 * Traslia - What...what are these pirates doing in this place?
 * Vesinash - Well, what are you waiting for? Go and examine that thing! See what's wrong with the bugger.

Traslia slowly approached the Levarcor's corpse and began inspecting it, looking for answers. The Levarcor appeared somewhat discoloured in comparison to usual Levarcor, with its scales being more decayed and sickly, as if disfigured. Underneath its armour, which took Traslia some effort to remove, it could be seen that the Levarcor possessed various unnatural growths and disfigurements across its body - a potential sign of mutation.


 * Traslia - This Levarcor went through bioengineering for certain. His body is full of deformities. It's likely a clone.
 * Vesinash - Huh, bioengineered Levarcor clones? Looks like it took a lot of damage before going down, that can be a problem if we encounter more of them.
 * Traslia - I actually heard of previous bioengineering being done to Levarcor in the past. Rovegar spies who watched the progress of the Wranploer Legion reported Levarcor supersoldiers who grew to tremendous sizes...are these pirates trying to recreate this project?
 * Tetra - If they are, we can't let them carry on with it. We need to kill every soldier we find and destroy all evidence of their research in case somebody thinks it'll be a clever idea to try and start it up again afterwards. This means this is a no survivors mission; nobody must live.
 * Traslia - Ngh. More killing then. I guess I'm gonna have to grow used to blood.
 * Vesinash - I thought scientists got enough blood as it is.
 * Traslia - Not archaeologists.

The team carried on throughout the facility. Despite it being as large as it is, the facility's design was rather linear, with pointless rooms taking up excessive space. It was clear that this facility wasn't built by the pirates or mercenaries that resided here; it had been converted from previous architecture with a modified and updated design. The group encountered little more than corpses of both soldiers and mutant Levarcor until they came across a fierce firefight taking place outside of a single elevator, enough to fit multiple people. From either side of the room, mercenaries and Levarcor fired upon one another, with some meeting in the middle to engage in melee fights with bloody results.


 * Traslia - What do we do? There's too many of them!
 * Vesinash - Do you have any grenades left?
 * Traslia - I got...one. Just one.
 * Tetra - Then... throw it at whichever side you think is harder to kill.

Traslia took the grenade before throwing it at the direction of the Levarcor soldiers. The grenade exploded and the Levarcor soldiers were thrown in multiple directions, while Vesinash had already prepared herself to dispose of the mercenaries on the other side of the room as their attention was turned towards them. Raising his shotgun and flying towards them, Tetra shot several of the Soltako mercenaries to pieces. Traslia used her psychic powers to throw waves of energy at the soldiers, while clumsily firing her gun at them. Eventually, Tetra resorted to using his blades and proceeding to fly at the mercenaries who dared to retreat; they were swiftly cut into pieces, severed limb from limb as Tetra unleashed an almost-unnatural anger against them, skimming through the air like an insect yet striking with the force of a tornado. Blood gushed and splattered everywhere and the mercenaries began pleading for their lives.


 * Traslia - Tetra...?
 * Tetra - None of you will escape today! My mission forbids it! Lay down and DIE!

Traslia looked at Tetra in surprise. She did not expect him be to so violent.


 * Vesinash - Hm. It's best if you look away, lady. Staring isn't a wise option.

Tetra reduced what mercenaries were left into chunks of lifeless, bloody meat with his blades, his armour withstanding their guns. The sounds in the air and in their ears soon transitioned from gunfire to screaming and crying, alongside the gross, wet sounds of soft meat being pounded and severed. Soon, after all of the carnage had subsided, there was little left other that a bloodbath; innards and body parts were flung across the room chaotically, while Tetra stood amongst a pool of blood and the remains of corpses. He had carved up the entirety of the mercenary force by himself, yet his expression didn't convey anger any longer; instead, he appeared calm once more, almost relieved, and he looked towards his team once again, almost oblivious to the spree of death he had just undertaken.


 * Tetra - Can't stand mercenaries.
 * Traslia - Was...was that really necessary?

Tetra looked towards Traslia and approached her. He let out a sigh and looked past her, before looking to the ground at his feet. Quietly, he spoke to her while Vesinash moved away.


 * Tetra - Yes, it was. This is a no-survivors mission. Not only is it important to ensure that no information regarding the Levarcor genetic program gets outside of this facility, it's important that these mercenaries are never able to hurt anybody else ever again.
 * Traslia - But...do you really have to succumb to anger like that?
 * Tetra - T-That wasn't... That wasn't succumbing to anger. That is how I am trained to fight. Yes, I got a l-little angry...
 * Traslia - A little? I told you I can read minds. You were downright furious.
 * Tetra - W-Well then... I guess you know why, i-in that case, huh.
 * Traslia - Well, no. Not really. I was too distracted by your sheer anger to read your memories.
 * Tetra - W-Well... I'll tell you later. Right now, we have more important things to do.
 * Traslia - Okay...

Tetra nodded and approached the elevator at the far side of the room. Vesinash approached Traslia and gave her a look, before whispering in her ear.


 * Vesinash - There are reasons Tetra chose to become a Penumbran. He wasn't offered the choice by the Council like all the others; he sought it out. He trained and fought hard for it.
 * Traslia - I can see something pains him immensely.
 * Vesinash - Those mercenaries, they--
 * Tetra - V-Vesinash, Traslia. We can't lose more time than we have already.
 * Vesinash - Affirmative, let's move out.
 * Traslia - Alrighty.

For Gotla
The team got into the elevator and Tetra pressed a button on the console inside of it, which indicated that the elevator could take them directly to the science and engineering center. Shortly after, the elevator ascended through the facility, with the journey taking several minutes in utter silence before they reached the floor they had selected. When they stepped outside of the open elevator doors, they saw more mercenaries, a group of scientists, and a familiar character; the same sergeant from earlier who had disappeared after the jetpack explosion. They stood within a room that was decorated with vats filled with liquid, containing unconscious Levarcor.


 * Traslia - That guy!
 * Sergeant - So it seems that I didn't count on my own teams killing a significant amount of Levarcor before you got inside. How stupid, haha! But I guess you've already figured out what we're doing here.
 * Traslia - And you're a fool for doing it when it already failed in the past!
 * Sergeant - Hehehe, maybe so. But thing is... we haven't failed. 
 * Traslia - The lack of a mind in these clones tells me otherwise.
 * Sergeant - That was intentional. We indoctrinated the Levarcor clones in order to make them more obedient. However, those were failed specimens, a product of trial and error. Today, that trial and error has paid off. Today, we have successfully created a perfect Levarcor; in mind and spirit!
 * Vesinash - We've yet to see even one of those.

Behind the sergeant himself was a vat, different to the others; inside stoof an unconscious Levarcor, with a body free of growths and disfigurements unlike its other clone brethren which filled the room. It stood somewhat larger than the others, yet appeared more young and fresh, not displaying any of the mature growths that most Levarcor of that size would display.


 * Sergeant - Admittedly, this is the only fruit of our labour.
 * Traslia - We'll stop you! R-right, guys?
 * Vesinash - Yeah, right. We'll stop you and destroy your abominations.
 * Tetra - Vesinash, Traslia, kill the scientists and other soldiers then secure that vat. I'm taking this guy by myself.
 * Sergeant - Face to face! Like a real, true man! Hahaha, I like it already! 

Tetra and the sergeant activated their jetpacks, the latter of which was a replacement for the one that had been damaged and lost earlier during the mission, and ascended into the air, with the sergeant firing his submachine guns once more at Tetra, who drew his blades and charged. The other mercenaries fired upon Vesinash and Traslia, while the scientists drew sidearms and joined in. Traslia threw psychic bursts and fired her gun at all directions, intimidated by the amount of enemies attacking.


 * Vesinash - Ngh, don't just fire that thing anywhere! Aim, damnit!
 * Traslia - Firing a gun is hard!
 * Vesinash - You can throw psychic blasts but can't fire a gun?!
 * Traslia - I never used a gun before, okay?!
 * Vesinash - Then what can you do?

Traslia grunted and let out an ear-piercing shriek, hurting the ears of both the soldiers and her own allies. The soldiers dropped their guns in order to cover their ears while the scientists did the same, cowering and quivering. In midair, Tetra ears were overwhelmed by Traslia's shriek and he was caught off-guard by the enemy sergeant, who slammed himself into Tetra and threw both them against a wall, causing both of their jetpacks to stall and deactivate, dropping them to the ground. When they crashed to the floor, Tetra used what strength he had to punch the enemy sergeant, knocking him over before Tetra climbed atop him. Clenching his fists, he delivered systematic punches towards the sergeant, causing their helmet to become undone and fly off from their head. Tetra looked upon the eyes and face of his opponent; it was a Krektal, like him.


 * Tetra - W-What... I don't... I don't u-understand...
 * Sergeant - What's a Krektal doing with Soltako? Some of us had a survival instinct, some of us wanted to live that day. So, instead of fighting it, we joined it. We joined it so we could live another day, and continue to fight.
 * Traslia - This won't end well...
 * Tetra - You betrayed Gotla!
 * Sergeant - But we lived for the Krektal! There are more of us, more Krektal that have taken refuge under Soltako. Many Krektal.
 * Tetra - They destroyed our home! They killed us!
 * Sergeant - And they gave us new ones! They armed us, gave us better weapons, technologies!
 * Traslia - Didn't the Alliance allow the Krektal race to use Hyperborea as a new homeworld?
 * Sergeant - That's right, they did. But there were Krektal who didn't fancy waiting for help, so they joined Soltako. We are refugees just as much as your friend and his people are.
 * Traslia - So you turned into a criminal. Your logic is awful.
 * Sergeant - Heh, maybe. I was impatient, we all were. Frankly, joining the PCA isn't a bad idea. But it's too late for that now. 

Traslia looked at Tetra, waiting to see how he would react. She already expected the worst.


 * Tetra - Would you murder Krektal that are with the PCA?
 * Sergeant - Yes, just as much as I would give my life to save Krektal with Soltako. No matter how you look at it, they sheltered us when we pledged our lives to them.
 * Tetra - They destroyed our homes, killed our families!
 * Sergeant - Yes, they did. And we were cowards, and impatient. We cannot forgive them, and I understand that we cannot be forgiven. We are the traitors, but we are also survivors. As much as I would kill the Krektal of the PCA, you would kill the Krektal of Soltako.
 * Tetra - The d-difference is... the PCA didn't kill anybody.
 * Sergeant - They didn't? Heh. They sheltered you, but that doesn't mean they don't take lives. Every government takes lives. Nonetheless, knowing that the Krektal will live on is all that matters, whether it'd be Soltako or the PCA or both. There is no Gotla anymore.
 * Tetra - You are not Krektal.

Drawing his shotgun, Tetra aimed at the sergeant's head and fired, destroying his enemy's skull and causing blood and bone to splatter across the area, drenching Tetra's face in it. He looked towards his team and then to the recovering soldiers and scientists who struggled to reach for their weapons in a panic, knowing that their sergeant had just been killed.


 * Vesinash - Tetra...
 * Tetra - Why are they still alive?
 * Vesinash - We... We were working on tha--
 * Tetra - There can be no survivors. You know what we have to do.

Traslia backed away slightly as Tetra spoke. Vesinash nodded and aimed her sniper rifle at the soldiers and scientists. She proceeded to systematically place a round through each of their skulls, ending their lives as she had been ordered by Tetra. They both knew the stakes that were at play, and they could not afford to allow surviving enemies if they wished to prevent as much death as they could in the future. After the enemies had been slain, the team moved ahead towards the vat containing the 'perfected' Levarcor subject, suspended within golden liquids. Traslia remained in a considerable distance away from Tetra, looking over at the vat.


 * Vesinash - What do we do with this one? If it's as perfected as that guy said it is, it could mean a considerable loss for the PCA.
 * Tetra - He also said that they attempted to indoctrinate the Levarcor to adhere to their commands.
 * Vesinash - I doubt they'd risk attempting to indoctrinate such a precious subject before it had even woke up. They'd risk failure that way, like all those other subjects, I imagine.
 * Tetra - Traslia, what do you think? ...Traslia?
 * Traslia - Does it really matter what my opinion is? I know you're gonna keep your bloodlust anyway.
 * Tetra - B-Bloodlust? ...Traslia, you said it yourself. This project happened before, and if we don't do something about it, it'll happen again. We're s-soldiers... This is w-what is expected of us.
 * Traslia - I didn't expect you to be...like this.
 * Tetra - These are the men... that murdered my people. B-Burned my homeworld... t-to ash. K-Killed almost e-everyone I knew. ...I d-don't kill them b-because I enjoy it, I h-hate killing, but I f-fight to save others from a similar fate.
 * Traslia - ...You want my opinion? Let it live. Let it be our ally.
 * Vesinash - It could be useful to us. It could give us a tactical advantage, allow us to be more effective.
 * Tetra - R-Right. Okay, we'll let it live... But how do we g-get this thing b-back to the ship?
 * Traslia - I can levitate it all the way there...if you stay away from me.
 * Tetra - Huh? W-What?

Traslia ignored Tetra and used her psychic powers to lift the vat from the floor slowly. She turned away and walked away, with the vat following her. Tetra approached Vesinash while looking towards Traslia's direction as she carried the vat containing the Levarcor. He looked down with a saddened expression.


 * Tetra - Did... D-Did I say something?
 * Vesinash - She's not a soldier, Tetra. She's still fresh to war and fighting. Remember, she was an archeologist before all of this, and it was all taken away from her in a day.
 * Tetra - ...I... I-I guess you're right. I shouldn't have b-been so selfish.

Lirtelta
The vat had been set down and established within the ship's hull after the team had returned from their assignment. Tetra had once again gone to visit the medical facility of the vessel in order to clear himself of any wounds he had sustained before calling for his lieutenant, Vesinash, to meet him within the hull in order to examine the vat and the Levarcor inside it. He had also called for Traslia to join them, although it seemed clear that she would not be joining them, even if she was important scientific personnel. Tetra and Vesinash stood in front of the vat and looked into it while the Levarcor within was still contained. They both felt nervous and apprehensive, with Vesinash keeping her gun steady and aimed at the vat while Tetra quivvered slightly.


 * Vesinash - You sure you want to do this now?
 * Tetra - A-Absolutely. I'm ready... You're ready, r-right?
 * Vesinash - Oh, yeah, yeah. Of course I am. I'm always... ready.
 * Tetra - S-Ship, open the... o-open the vat. 
 * Ship - Affirmative, Penumbra-Commander. Opening container.

The vat's seals deactivated and the container began to open, allowing the golden, bubbling substance of oxygenated liquid inside to escape and pour itself across the floor of the hull, getting Tetra's feet wet. Tetra gazed upon the Levarcor and readied himself, keeping the thought of his shotgun on his mind while Vesinash remained ready to fire a round at any time. The massive Levarcor fell out of the vat on its knees, coughing loudly as it woke up. Its eyes slowly opened to see Tetra in front of it, and in a charge, it grabbed him by his neck and lifted him up in the air with impressive strength.


 * Levarcor - Where am I? Who are you?!

Tetra gasped for breath as he was lifted into the air, and attempted to grab for his shotgun. Vesinash aimed down her sights and fired a warning shot at the Levarcor's feet, attempting to gain its attention while Tetra struggled to talk while he was suspended. Eventually, he managed to get a few words out into the air;


 * Tetra - L-Let... go.

The Levarcor turned to Vesinash and growled at her, showing off its immense fanged teeth. It turned its sight back to Tetra right after.


 * Levarcor - Not until you give me answers, ant.
 * Vesinash - We're on a ship! That guy's ship!

Vesinash pointed to Tetra, he grasped ahold of the Levarcor's fingers in an attempt to break himself free.


 * Vesinash - As for who you are, we have no idea.
 * Levarcor - The tank told me I was to obey the CEO of Soltako Armed Military. You are obviously not him.
 * Tetra - Whoever that is... t-they aren't here! W-We rescued you... from S-Soltako. We d-destroyed the labs and saved you. I-I'm... P-Penumbran Tetra T-Terya... of the PCA.
 * Levarcor - Rescued...saved...for what purpose? The tank spoke of the PCA. It claimed they were the enemy.
 * Vesinash - Soltako indoctrination, I doubt you'd understand. You were bred to wage war and fight, to kill others, like innocents, under the command of powerful, evil men. We saved you from that so you could help us, and we can shelter you.
 * Levarcor - Kill, under the command of others...that is what Levarcor are made for.

The Levarcor released its grip of Tetra, letting him fall into the floor. Tetra gasped for breath as he was let go, and held onto his neck in order to try and soothe the pain. He looked up towards the Levarcor and stood up, while Vesinash kept her gun trained on it. Tetra made a gesture towards Vesinash, signalling her to put the gun away, which she did so reluctantly before Tetra turned to the Levarcor.


 * Tetra - Do... D-Do you really believe that?
 * Levarcor - Is it not true? Levarcor have no purpose but to obey orders.
 * Tetra - Well... On my s-ship, everybody g-gets a fair say in what goes o-on around here. We're all p-people, even Levarcor.
 * Levarcor - This confuses me. The tank said I was to be a weapon. But you are offering me the chance of being a person. I was not made to be a person.
 * Tetra - I'm a soldier, but that d-doesn't mean I'm not a person. We're all people. You can talk, think, act... You're a person in my books.

The Levarcor looked at its own hands in silence before turning back to Tetra.


 * Levarcor - If I am a person...then who am I? What is my name?
 * Tetra - Well... you're a Levarcor for starts. And your name... Well...
 * Vesinash - Your name is whatever you want it to be.
 * Levarcor - You are not the most helpful person, person.
 * Vesinash - It's Vesinash. My name is Vesinash. Ve-see-nash.

The Levarcor walked up to the vat it was once slumbering at and looked around it.


 * Tetra - What are you looking for?
 * Levarcor - The tank said I was to lead a force called Lirtelto Squad. Lirtelto. That is a good name, but I will change it to Lirtelta. Lirtelto is a man's name, and I am no man.
 * Tetra - W-Wait, w-what?
 * Vesinash - You're... You're a woman?
 * Lirtelta - You obviously know nothing of Levarcor biology. As a weapon, I already know more than you both.

Lirtelta then delivered a blow to the vat, tearing a large hole through it. She began bashing it repeteadly until it was reduced to rubble.


 * Tetra - Whoa whoa whoa!
 * Lirtelta - The tank also spoke too much. It annoyed me.
 * Vesinash - We... We see. Though you can't just destroy, you know, EVERYTHING you find annoying.
 * Lirtelta - Do not annoy me then. Give me a purpose. Give me things to kill.
 * Tetra - W-Well... A-Alright then. We'll find... s-something. Umm, what exactly do Levarcor... eat?
 * Lirtelta - What do we eat? Meat. We are carnivorous...and I am actually very hungry. Why did you have to mention it?

Suddenly, there was a beep over the communications systems, and the group could hear the voice of the vessel's AI speaking to them in its young, innocent tone. It had been recording the goings-on within the room since the container was breached and Lirtelta was released.


 * Ship - All crew are required to consume vitamins and nutrients in order to sustain themselves and maintain an effective dietary regime for absolute efficiency in combat. The fully-automated kitchen systems are designed to accomodate for a variety of species, including Levarcor.
 * Lirtelta - Gah. This voice hurts my ears.
 * Ship - Then you are unlikely to enjoy the remainder of the voyage.
 * Lirtelta - Hmpf. I want to crush you under my grasp, but since people don't destroy what they find annoying...just take me to where the food is.
 * Ship - Affirmative. The designated mess hall is located on level three. After or before you have consumed the desired meal, I would advise visiting level two for dressing and armour facilities, as you are currently absent of such.
 * Lirtelta - You better have sufficient armor for me, "Penumbran Tetra". You repurposed me. That means you must now lead me.
 * Tetra - R-Right. We should h-have some information on Levarcor armour s-stored somewhere so we can m-make it. R-Right now, though I think it's m-more important that y-you eat.

Lirtelta nodded and walked out of the room, dragging her long tail across the floor as she did.

The current members of the team, consisting of Tetra, Vesinash, Traslia and Lirtelta, were gathered in the communications room. They awaited contact from the Council, with Tetra and Vesinash exchanging awkward glares as they had come to terms with the fact that they now had two species with strenuous relations with the PCA government on-board their vessel, as members of their team. Lirtelta approached Traslia and sniffed her repeatedly, much to the Rovegar's confusion and intimidation.


 * Traslia - Can you back away, please?
 * Lirtelta - Something about you smells awfully...good.
 * Tetra - P-Personal space, Lirtelta. You g-gotta respect that sorta thing. You can't just approach people u-up close like that.

Lirtelta began poking Traslia, causing her to shiver and moan in fear.


 * Tetra - L-Lirtelta! Don't p-poke! Especially not t-there!
 * Lirtelta - Why is your skin so soft? Why is your skin so warm?...What are-
 * Traslia - Get your hand off my chest!
 * Lirtelta - Explain to me!

Traslia slapped Lirtelta's hand, causing the Levarcor's eyes to widen.


 * Traslia - P-pervert!
 * Lirtelta - You...attacked me? Like that? Hah, you got guts, warm woman! I like you!

Vesinash grunted and placed her head against the main console in discomfort, seemingly twitching as she whispered to Tetra under her breath. The expression on her face told the Penumbran that she was quite clearly distraught with the situation.


 * Vesinash - Whatever did we do to deserve this?
 * Xeron - Heads off the console, Seagon. This is no way of greeting your Councillor.

The holograms of Councillors Xeron and Rylarien appeared to the team.


 * Vesinash - Ahh! C-Councillor Xeron! R-Rylarien! M-My apologies, sir! M-Madam!
 * Xeron - Where's my status report?...Why is there a Levarcor in your room?
 * Lirtelta - What kind of disgusting alien is that?
 * Xeron - What did it just call me?!
 * Tetra - C-Councilors! W-We can explain. This is... L-Lirtelta. She was rescued from the assignment you g-gave us, Xeron. Soltako was working on bioengineered Levarcor mutant clones - we saved their only perfect subject.
 * Rylarien - So they were trying to revive Project Titan, it seems.
 * Xeron - We cannot afford anymore monsters like Brakarion Gragon alive. Are you sure this Levarcor is the only one alive?
 * Tetra - We... Well...
 * Vesinash - We killed all mercenaries and scientists we came across under Tetra's order. To make sure nobody who knew of the techniques used got out. We then proceeded to bombard the facility from orbit and raze it all to the ground, killing and destroying everything inside.
 * Xeron - Ah. Good. That means the project could not have survived. You have done well, Penumbran.
 * Tetra - We... Also found out that many of my kind are serving under Soltako.
 * Xeron - Hmpf. Traitors. After we have them all a new home for free. Make sure to bring them to justice.
 * Tetra - Affirmative, Councillor Xeron. Are there any other assignments that I must be aware of before we perform the... psycho-analysis for the messages that the Kormacvar artefact gave me?
 * Xeron - From me? No. You are to follow Councillor Vhezari's assignments for now on, and I will leave you to speak to her now. Xeron out.

Xeron's hologram vanished.


 * Vesinash - Damned Xeron, that guy makes me want to take up smoking. Again.
 * Rylarien - Why would you poison yourself?
 * Vesinash - Better than talking to that slime ball.
 * Tetra - Councillor Rylarien, are there any f-further assignments that we must undertake?
 * Rylarien - Hm? Not for now, no. You all deserve a rest after all, you went through two missions one right after the other.
 * Vesinash - We have it easier than Vekaron it seems, then. I hear about that guy all the time. Something about a whale on Kaos, last time I heard.
 * Rylarien - I know nothing about that, but Xeron does give the highest priority assignments to Vekaron. As the very first Penumbran and the man who led the galaxy in the Second Great War, he is expected to be able to do anything.
 * Vesinash - Aye, Vekaron's a good man.
 * Tetra - All Penumbrans are, Lieutenant. To be a Penumbran is to not just be able to overcome the impossible, but be willing to do it. It is to know what's at stake and know exactly who and what you fight for.
 * Vesinash - Right. And you fight for your people, don't you?   
 * Tetra - Y-Yes. I fight for the p-people of Gotla, and for Gotla i-itself. 

Rylarien thought for a moment before turning back to Tetra.


 * Rylarien - Before I go, let me tell you I delivered your message to your little sister.

Tetra's ears perked and he looked towards Rylarien's hologram with a surprised expression, his eyes widened. He leaned forward and blinked several times, a smile emerging on his face as he spoke.


 * Tetra - Y-You did?
 * Rylarien - Yes. And may I say, it has been a while since I've last seen such an adorable child.
 * Tetra - Hehe, t-thank you, Councilor. I'm glad s-she is in safe hands and k-knows I'm alright, it means a l-lot to me to know that she's fine.
 * Rylarien - I'll be contacting you later to know the results of the mind-reading. Rylarien out, and have a good day, all of you.

Rylarien's hologram vanished. Tetra smiled as Rylarien's hologram dissipated and sat back in his seat, while Vesinash tended to her sniper rifle before getting up and leaving the room with a satisfied expression across her face. Tetra turned to Traslia, who was sat behind him.


 * Tetra - W-When would you f-feel comfortable?
 * Traslia - ...Not now.
 * Tetra - Traslia...
 * Lirtelta - Adorable...tell me...am I adorable?
 * Tetra - Huh, what? Umm... I-I suppose you c-could be? ...Why do you ask?
 * Lirtelta - It seems like a nice word to say...Warm woman, am I adorable?
 * Traslia - H-huh?
 * Lirtelta - Answer me!
 * Traslia - Ngh! G-get off me!

Traslia ran off the room, with Lirtelta quickly giving chase.


 * Tetra - W-Wait!

Tetra attempted to chase after them both, although he simply fell out of his chair and onto the floor, where he watched the two of them race through the corridors of the ship until they were out of his sight. He let out a groan and placed a hand to his head in annoyance, although after a few moments he let out a sigh and stood up, proceeding to walk in their general direction.

Afraid of You
Tetra sat in the mess hall of the ship, eating from a white bowl that was filled with what looked like a mound of rounded slices of meat. Vesinash sat at the far end of the same table, slurping from a bottle of Borealis-edition Paa'go while she read some form of holographic magazine article revolving around tanks and heavy weapons. All was quiet and has been for the last few hours. Lirtelta messily ate at the other side of the table, grabbing large pieces of meat and devouring them almost whole, chewing with her mouth open and sending pieces of her food all over the table. It was obvious that she was really hungry. Vesinash glanced over towards Lirtelta with a raised eyebrow, before leaning towards her and resting her head in her hands, staring at the Levarcor with a hint of curiosity.


 * Vesinash - Enjoying that?
 * Lirtelta - I did not expect "food" to taste so good!
 * Vesinash - You mind trying to keep it in your mouth? You eat more that way. You know, with your mouth closed.

Lirtelta looked at Vesinash in genuine disbelief for a few moments. The Levarcor proceeded to chew on her food with her mouth closed, and after some moments, her expression changed to boredom.


 * Lirtelta - It's nowhere as fun this way.
 * Vesinash - Hmm, clearly. Here, take one of these. Try not to eat the glass.

Vesinash passed to Lirtelta one of her Paa'go bottles, filled with a lemon-tasting alcoholic substance. Using a top opener, she unscrewed the lid and placed it in front of the Levarcor, a smirk across her face as she sat back and watched the alien. Tetra took a glance towards them, himself curious as to how Lirtelta would react. Lirtelta looked at the bottle and took it, and then quickly drank all the content in it at once. The Levarcor put the bottle back onthe table and put her tongue out.


 * Lirtelta - Disgusting.
 * Vesinash - It's an acquired taste.
 * Tetra - A taste you don't want to acquire. Alcohol's bad for your innards. And for missions.
 * Vesinash - Oh don't be so boring. I'm sure Lirtelta's strong enough to resist it.
 * Lirtelta - Levarcor have high alcohol tolerance compared to other Borealis races. And if i were to be intoxicated by a drink, I'd rather be intoxicated by one which doesn't taste like tank water.

Vesinash sat back and started reading the holo-article once again, before an eyebrow perked and she looked to both Lirtelta and Tetra, setting her holopad down. She shifted her head left before looking right in confusion, and looked to the two of them once again, a confused expression on her face.


 * Vesinash - Wait a moment. Where'd that Rovegar girl go? You know... whats-her-face?
 * Tetra - You mean Traslia?
 * Vesinash - Yeah, her.
 * Lirtelta - She is afraid. She locked herself in her room.
 * Tetra - Afraid? Afraid of what?
 * Lirtelta - Afraid of you.

Tetra tilted his head towards Lirtelta with an expression that conveyed confusion and worry, leaning towards the Levarcor.


 * Tetra - Me? Why me?
 * Lirtelta - I don't know why, but I can read her body language like a book. She displays fear when she has her eyes set on you.
 * Vesinash - She must still be feeling sore over the mission. Obviously not used to it, I'm guessing.
 * Tetra - Ngh... This is a serious problem. I can't have crew feeling... uncomfortable, especially n-not around me. ...I need to talk to her.
 * Vesinash - You think that'll work?
 * Lirtelta - Hiding from your problems doesn't make them go away. She will keep her fear unless confronted about it.
 * Vesinash - For a newborn... newly-awoken... For somebody as young as you, you're quite versed in this sort of thing. And you've been awake for less than two days.
 * Lirtelta - I was supposed to leave my pod and go straight to a battlefield.

Tetra sighed and stood up, leaving his chair and approaching the corridors in order to get to Traslia's quarters. Vesinash groaned, grabbing a bottle of Paa'go, and stood up in order to join him. She looked back to Lirtelta, who still had a full plate of food in front of her despite her excessive eating, and made a gesture with her hand.


 * Vesinash - Come on, then. You're coming with us, you know.

Lirtelta grunted and quickly shoved all the food in her plate on her mouth, before getting up and following Tetra. The three of them walked through several hallways and corridors in order to reach Traslia's quarters, which was one of several designated guest rooms onboard Tetra's vessel. The door leading to her room was constructed reinforced metal materials in order to prevent break-ins, and Tetra knocked on it softly before Vesinash knocked on it with the butt of her gun, rougher and louder. The door opened to reveal Traslia, sitting on the bed designed for her. She looked at the trio with a depressed expression.


 * Traslia - You don't have to knock so loudly.
 * Tetra - Traslia, may we come inside? We... I need to talk to you about something.
 * Traslia - ''...I don't have a choice, do I?
 * Lirtelta - Grrrh. Stop being a wuss.

Tetra walked inside and looked around the room, before looking back at Traslia. Vesinash did the same, loosening her grip on her sniper rifle and nodded with satisfaction.


 * Vesinash - Nice room. Wish I had one like this. ...Well, no, I don't, but it's nice.
 * Tetra - Traslia, d-don't be a-afraid to speak to m-me. Tell me w-what's bothering y-you, it's my r-responsibility to m-make sure my c-crew's okay.

Traslia looked at the floor and sighed.


 * Traslia - Alien emotions are too different from what I'm used to...your desire to kill that man back on the mission terrified me.
 * Tetra - ...Y-Yes. I wanted to k-kill that man. But whether I w-wanted to or not, he w-was involved in the e-experiments and was a m-mercenary. He needed to die to p-protect others.
 * Vesinash - He was a pirate and a criminal.
 * Traslia - I can't do this. Leave me in some planet, and I'll find my way back to the Matriarchy.
 * Tetra - Did you not say that... you'd be e-executed for what h-happened?
 * Traslia - I did.
 * Vesinash - We can't do that. Not only would we, and thus the PCA, be responsible for your execution, you're also an important asset to us right now.
 * Tetra - V-Vesinash!
 * Vesinash - Erm... Excuse me, that came out wrong. You're... important to us. Traslia.
 * Tetra - I didn't r-rescue you just so you could die anyway. You're part of m-my crew.

Traslia looked at Vesinash and teared up from her words. She shut her eyes and began screeching t the team, with enough force to blow them all away.


 * Traslia - Get out! Get out now!

Vesinash was blown back into Lirtelta, knocking her out of the room and slamming them both into a wall while Tetra was cushioned by the two of them, smacking into them as he was knocked off his feet and thrown against Lirtelta's face. Vesinash grunted and stood up, lifting her arms in submission and walking away from the room.


 * Vesinash - That's it, I'm done. I'm out.
 * Traslia - All of you! Get out of here!

Tetra stood up and looked at Traslia with saddened eyes before walking away, looking down at his feet, defeated. Vesinash was already long gone, presumably back to the mess hall where they were prior, and Tetra patted Lirtelta's arm.


 * Tetra - Come on, we'd better go. I-If she w-wants to be l-left alone... l-leave her alone.
 * Lirtelta - I will punch that Seagon. This is all her fault.
 * Tetra - N-Now, now. We d-don't need anymore u-upset.
 * Lirtelta - I was born to be a killer, but I was not born to be disrespectful for my allies. The Seagon will have to pay for this somehow.

Lirtelta walked away, leaving Tetra behind. Tetra placed a hand on his face and let out a long, exhausted sigh, groaning as he then walked on, following Lirtelta with slow, heavy steps. It was clear from his expression he was already tired, with bags beginning to appear under his eyes, and he yawned quietly to himself as he shuffled away from his upset, maddened crew mate.

Not Completely Useless
The team, excluding the Rovegar scientist, were gathered in the communications room, with Tetra preparing himself to deliver the unfortunate news of being unable to gather answers to the Kormacvar artefact's implanted information. Vesinash had a bandage wrapped around her arm and a black eye, evident that she had been in some kind of fight or brawl. Tetra was reluctant to contact the Council and took a breath before leaning back, refusing to make the call while Vesinash laid a hand upon his shoulder.


 * Vesinash - We have to do it.
 * Tetra - Give me a few moments.

Lirtelta leaned on a wall with her eyes closed and her arms crossed, as if she was resting. She paid no attention to either Tetra or Vesinash as they spoke.


 * Vesinash - Give it a rest, Tetra. She doesn't want to be here and she doesn't feel comfortable. She's not fit enough to be here, she can't handle it.
 * Tetra - I know! ...There has to be o-other options, we can't just abandon h-her out in the m-middle of nowhere.
 * Vesinash - If this carries on, she's going to become a liability. We won't be able to operate. This needs to be sorted out.
 * Tetra - We tried sorting it out... a-and you cocked it up.
 * Vesinash - She overreacted!
 * Tetra - Ngh, it d-doesn't matter anymore. We w-won't be able to get any i-information now, this m-mission was a failure.
 * Vesinash - Surely there's another way?''
 * Tetra - Maybe. But it'll t-take too long.

Before Tetra could contact the Council, the doors opened. Traslia entered the room, still with a depressed expression her face. Lirtelta looked at the Rovegar in surprise as she entered the room.


 * Traslia - Since I'm going to die anyway, I may as well prove I'm not completely useless...

Vesinash glanced over to Traslia with a raised eyebrow and she moved away from Tetra, who turned fully to face her, his head tilted. He was saddened by the words that came out of Traslia's mouth and her downright heartwrenching expression.


 * Tetra - T-Traslia?
 * Traslia - I'm gonna get your information. After that, you won't have to worry about me anymore.
 * Vesinash - You don't have to be so cold abou--
 * Tetra - Vesinash! ...R-Right. I r-really appreciate i-it, Traslia. W-We all do. ...H-How should we do this?
 * Traslia - Sit down.

Tetra nodded and sat down in his seat, facing her. Vesinash had an apprehensive expression written across her face and she kept a close eye on the Rovegar, holding her rifle tightly although not aiming it in any particular direction. Lirtelta growled at Vesinash's direction while Traslia took a seat in front of Tetra. Focusing on her powers, her red pupils shined and an elemental aura manifested around her.


 * Tetra - W-What's this?
 * Vesinash - You'd better not do anything funny.
 * Traslia - Silence.

Traslia extended her hands and put them on Tetra's cheeks, before closing her eyes and concentrating. Using her powers, she looked into the Krektal's mind. Tetra's cheeks flared with blush as she laid her hands on his cheeks, and his eyes slowly widened. As Traslia took a dive into the mind of the Penumbran, all was dark before a myriad of imagery began to materialize; an industrial environment.

Skyscrapers and smoke-filled skies, she could see, before focussing on something particular - an alleyway, dark and narrow. At the far end, a brick wall. She could hear rushing footsteps, somebody was running. After some moments, she could see a Krektal, smaller and more smooth-looking than Tetra, rushing through the alleyway, towards the brick wall. The Krektal stopped in their tracks and turned round, watching as they were approached by three larger, more mature-looking Krektal wearing basic rags and armour, carrying knives.


 * Gangster - Nowhere to run! Give up the chase, squirt!
 * Child - G-Go away! I d-don't have anything!
 * Gangster - Oh, you don't? That's a lie, for starters; we've seen that little purse you carry. And besides, I'm sure that those doctors would appreciate a donation of fresh organs!

One of the mature Krektal approached the young girl, preparing his knife for a slash. Before he could afflict injury upon her innocent form, however, they yelped and growled as arms wrapped around his neck from behind, and was thrown off-balance, crashing into the nearest wall before grunting as punches swept across his face. Standing in front of him and taking his knife was a Krektal - a much younger-looking Tetra, bleeding from the cheek.


 * Tetra - Get away from her! 

The adult Krektal launched himself forward, tackling Tetra, who proceeded to slam the knife multiple times into the criminal's shoulder and back, causing them to spit blood. With no sign of the gangster letting up and letting go of him, Tetra sent the knife towards their face... Traslia heard a piercing scream from the gangster, and watched as their eye socket vomited out blood before Tetra kicked them away.


 * Gangster - Y-You... You little shit! Agh! You fuck!
 * Tetra - Get away! Before I take out your other one!

The gangster struggled to walk and glared towards Tetra, growling and snarling angrily before turning to his thugs. He nodded to them and rushed away from Tetra and the young Krektal girl, stumbling and falling over several times before he was out of sight from the two of them. Tetra turned to the young girl and dropped the knife, approaching her before embracing her in a hug.


 * Tetra - Titri, are you hurt?
 * Titri - ...N-Nuh-uh.
 * Tetra - Good. ...I-I'm so sorry, I shouldn't h-have left you alone.
 * Titri - B-Bro... bleed.
 * Tetra - Huh?

Titri, the younger Krektal, touched Tetra's face with her finger, wiping away some blood from his cheek before showing it to Tetra himself. The older Krektal looked at the blood on her finger and grabbed one of the rags he wore, using it to wipe away the blood from his face, although he had unintentionally smeared it.


 * Tetra - I-It's fine, sis. It doesn't hurt, much.
 * Titri - Bro messy. Water, water!
 * Tetra - Hehe, don't worry, sis. I-I'll find us some water to drink. There should be some somewhere...

Visions of Death
Suddenly, the environment changed, and the Krektal disappeared. Traslia watched as the buildings of the city quickly degraded and exploded, collapsing, as if she was watching time in fast-forward. Soon, the area settled and Traslia was met with the sight of something far more horrific; ruins that were once cities, large puddles and rivers of blood filled with debris and the corpses of armoured Krektal militia, their pigment having left them to become dead pale. Not everything was lifeless, however; over the horizon, Traslia could see as a small group of Krektal soldiers, armed with guns, fired frantically in the opposite direction, running and screaming for their lives as they had looks of terror upon their faces, before they took to the air - they wore armour similar to that Tetra himself used in combat.


 * Soldier 1 - Keep firing! Don't let up!
 * Soldier 2 - Kill the bastards! Show them what it means to be a son of Gotla!
 * Soldier 3 - I can see my house from here! ...It's just rubble now.
 * Soldier 1 - Rejoin with what's left of the 22nd GTL, I hear they finally have a Captain-Commander agai-- Agh!

The soldiers were shot down from the sky by advanced weapons fire, eviscerating their armour and bodies and mutilating them in midair. Some distance away, several small taskforces of Krektal soldiers, each equipped with their own aerial maneuver suits, were travelling over the rubble of their destroyed cities, the corpses of their unfortunate comrades. The Krektal at the front of their formation wore a helmet that obscured his face, and he happened to be giving out the commands and orders to his scared comrades, providing what morale he could do them.


 * Captain-Commander - Look at what you see before you, this is what those barbarians have done to us! Take it all in and use it, use it to fight them! Don't show them fear!

The Krektal soldiers followed their Captain-Commander closely, firing at whatever alien mercenaries they could find desperately. Marching over the rubble, treading over the corpses of their colleagues, the soldiers eventually managed to catch a glimpse of the far-away horizon; the sky was red as the sun began to depart from the sky. At the horizon, they could also see a figure watching the battle. An extremely large, imposing-looking Heeyorian, in dark armor and with cybernetic limbs. With his arms crossed, he looked over the carnage, with an unimpressed look on his face.


 * Heeyorian - Well, this was easier than I expected. Shouldn't have expected anything else from primitives like these.

Looking out over the blood red horizon, the Captain-Commander of the Krektal glared towards the large figure in the distance; a black silhouette from where he was standing, positioned in front of the setting sun. Letting out a heavy breath, he grabbed two blades from his sides and raised them, his armour beginning to blaze with fire as he raised himself into the air.


 * Captain-Commander - Squads 2 and 4, engage the enemy! Squads 1, 3, 5 and 6, spread out and look for survivors, be on your guard! If you find any, bring them back to base. If I don't come back after four hours, report me MIA.
 * Soldier - Captain-Commander Terya, who will be the Captain-Commander if you die here?
 * Captain-Commander - Purto Porya will take my place, he's the second-best soldier I know. Now go!

The soldiers of the second and fourth squads roared out as they fired at their enemy's infantry, ascending into the air and either shooting or cutting at their enemy, providing some challenge while their comrades did as they were commanded and spread out to search for possible survivors of the bloody onslaught. The Captain-Commander, meanwhile, turned his attention towards the Heeyorian in the distance, and launched himself in his direction, grasping his blades tightly while his helmet scanned constantly, attempting to analyze for strategic weaknesses.

The Captain-Commander, however, could not detect any weaknesses on the massive Heeyorian. His imposing armor, thousands of years more advanced than anything the Krektal even hoped to yet create, protected him from any potential attacks from the Krektal. Shots fired at the massive individual hit his shields, which barely even managed to scratch them.


 * Captain-Commander - No weaknesses... D-Damnit. ...I'll just have to wear you down! For GOTLA!

The Captain-Commander soon arrived in range of the Heeyorian and looked down at him from where he hovered, grasping his blades tightly. He stopped in his charge as he felt a horrifyingly cold shiver travel down his spine as he looked at the terrifying alien warlord, and became ignorant to the screams of his comrades being mutilated by the Heeyorian's soldiers. He gulped, and over a communicator, called out to the mercenary leader.


 * Captain-Commander - This is Captain-Commander Tetra Terya of the 22nd Goer'tna Protection Legion! Lay down your arms and cease your assault!
 * Heeyorian - Say what now?
 * Tetra - ''Lay. Down. Your. ARMS! We will resist you, and we will refuse surrender! Leave this place and you will be unharmed!

The Heeyorian looked at Tetra before letting out a hearty laugher. He put his hands on his chest as his laugher echoed through the ruins of the city.


 * Tetra - ...W-What are y-you laughing at?
 * Heeyorian - At you! Trying to order me around when I'm about to send this planet back to the stone age!
 * Tetra - Why are you doing this? Do you have any idea what you're doing or are you THAT insane?!
 * Heeyorian - Why am I doing this?

The Heeyorian put his hands up, gazing at the sunset.


 * Heeyorian - For money, of course!
 * Tetra - D-Damn you! I'll say it once m-more! Leave this place, and you will be unharmed!
 * Heeyorian - Nah, I don't think so. If you really want me gone, then come get me out.

Tetra grasped his blades tightly and glared towards the Heeyorian through the visor of his helmet, breathing heavily as he fought his reluctance in an attempt to overcome fear and fight the figure ahead. As he was about to make a charge, he heard another voice; a soldier over his communicator.


 * Soldier - Captain-Commander Terya! We've found survivors!
 * Tetra - How many?
 * Soldier - 14, including women and children.
 * Tetra - Escort them back to the base!
 * Soldier - C-Captain-Commander... O-One of these children...
 * Tetra - Out with it!
 * Soldier - T-Titri, sir. Your sister, she's alive and well.
 * Heeyorian - So? I'm waiting!

Tetra's eyes widened and he lost focus, still in midair. He hovered there for several moments, gasping for breath as he contemplated the revelation of his actions in facing this dangerous, unknown individual that boasted so confidently of bloodshed and destruction. Gulping, as if to force a decision on himself, he pointed a blade towards the Heeyorian, his hands shakey.


 * Tetra - ...W-We'll meet again! You hear me? We will continue to resist! And you will n-not live the next time w-we meet!
 * Heeyorian - Bah. What a waste of my time.
 * Tetra - Squads 2 and 4! Retreat! We have no business here, a mistake on my part! Focus on search and rescue!

However, Tetra received no reply from those particular squads. Looking down, he saw as what was left of them was left splayed across the battlefield, mutilated, severed, burned and torn apart. Gasping for breath, Tetra's thrusters blazed violently as he retreated from the location with no survivors of his own in tow for they were all little more than shreds of flesh and armour. The sun continued to set behind the Heeyorian, marking the coming of the night, and the arrival of darkness. The world faded to black and for several minutes that was all Traslia could see, yet she knew her work was not yet done. There was something more, hiding within Tetra's cranial impulses, buried into the deepest sectors of his brain matter. And then she saw it; a brown, disfigured world, within the outskirts of the Borealis Galaxy, outside of any politicial influence.

Traslia concentrated on the vision the hardest she could. The team back at Tetra's ship could see her and Tetra himself were now touching their foreheads with each other, in complete silence. Soon, she managed to capture the surface of the world; flashing images of barren wastelands and continental clouds of death. Warriors concealed in bizarre, alien armours, diverse in their design and biologies, fighting between one another, being ripped asunder and blown to oblivion by apocalyptic explosions. Colossal machines of war, launching their energized loads at one another with a devastating fury. All the while, screaming, yelling, pleading, crying. The sound of an entire world roaring in tragic agony.

Soon, as Traslia ventured deeper into Tetra's mind, she was met with an image shocking and horrifyingly sudden; a face. The scarred, bloodied face of the monsters that attacked her world, its body contained in majestic, exotic armour, not dissimilar to that of those worn by her attackers. Traslia breathed heavily as gazing upon the monsters took a heavy toll on her mind. She struggled to keep concentrated.


 * Alien - Al'ahragadha sheoiem monhothrador teresceratah! Murder, murder them all! Rape their women... their CHILDREN! Ghazhraghakor llanaphera! Dismember their limbs, suspend their heads on your pikes! Crush them beneath our boots, the claws of our robots!
 * Alien - Hanharaphera koromacavar tandhaghra! Let the Kormacvar BURN!

Traslia gasped and threw her head back, breaking her mental link with Tetra. She sweated a lot, and held tighly on the Krektal's head. She was clearly scared of the monsters she had seen. Tetra's eyes, which had remained still throughout the entire process, began to move. They were dry, as they had been open the entire time, and he was met with Traslia's scared, terrified expression. He had no idea what to do, unknowing of how to quell the poor girl, and thus he only did what he possibly could do; he held onto Traslia in an embrace and patted her back.


 * Tetra - Ssh, ssh... I-It'll be alright. Ssh...
 * Traslia - I saw...I saw Zarkhator...it was horrible...
 * Tetra - Don't worry about that r-right now... Vesinash, Lirtelta, get some towels! And a drink!
 * Traslia - I also saw your sister...she's so adorable.
 * Tetra - Huh? W-What?
 * Traslia - I can understand it all now. You don't fight out of bloodthirst. You fight to protect her.
 * Tetra - ...Y-Yes, that's why I fight. But I also fight... to stop the same thing happening to others. Nobody deserves to go through what Gotla did.
 * Traslia - Please forgive me. I was an idiot who couldn't understand your emotions.

Traslia hugged Tetra tightly. Lirtelta, who carried a cup of water, looked at them in amusement. Vesinash was carrying a pair of towels, watching the two of them while standing beside Lirtelta, groaning quietly as she watched them both. She wore an annoyed expression on her face, and she stood almost impatiently with the towels in her hands. Tetra did not refuse Traslia's hug, allowing her to embrace him while he kept patting her back.


 * Tetra - I-It's fine... This m-must all be v-very strange for you, m-miss Traslia.
 * Traslia - Strange...yes, you are all very strange to me...and I hope to know more. I don't want to leave anymore.
 * Tetra - Hehe... G-Glad to hear it, miss Traslia. You're part of my crew, y-you can stay for as long as you w-wish.
 * Traslia - You don't have to call me miss. You're my captain after all.

Tetra smiled and he slowly let go of Traslia, and she could see that he was blushing all across his face. Vesinash grunted and dropped the towels behind Traslia before walking off, taking a bottle of blue Paa'go as she did while holding her rifle close to her, although Tetra seemed to have been oblivious to the outburst. Lirtelta chuckled and walked over to the duo, giving them the water she had brought.


 * Tetra - Alright then, T-Traslia, let's get you c-cleaned up and fed, t-then we can talk about w-what you saw.
 * Traslia - Okay...your Councill will be surprised, to say the least.
 * Tetra - Heh, let's hope, huh?