Fiction:Second Borealis Galactic War/Part 3

"Watch as we become the true inheritors of the Cold Ones' legacy!"

- Rothneld Vhezari

"Let the galaxy burn! Let the heavens bleed!"

"For long He has fed and grown in strength. Now, as the foolish attempt against His design, He will rise and make His word law once more. There is only one absolute... His absolute."

This is the third part of the.

The Gyronidium Problem
A few days after the huge battle in the territory, each of UNOL decided to hold a meeting, in which they also invited the leaders of the, the Zoles and the  to discuss what their next steps would be. They would presumably keep their other allies, such as and, informed later, though for now the Divinarium aided by helping to fight off remaining PMC activity, which was drastically decreasing after its morale had been shattered by the failed battle.

The long war was far from over, but they were much more confident now that they had pushed back against Zaarkhun's greatest attack. But with the Zoles Imperium shattered by the attack, and the Unified Nation shattered by the Vague attacks, they were unsure if they were prepared for whatever Kolossus was about to throw at them. To make matters worse, Kolossus was yet to make a move against them, and he was extremely unpredictable. Time is meaningless to him, so presumably, he could attack whenever, and they would have no way to prepare. Representing the Zoles was Grand-Commandant, while the Niaka were represented both by Chief Minor and the leader herself, Chief Major. The Indoctrinate Collective, predictably, was represented by Royal Captain.


 *  - You know why I call this meeting. In light of recent events, we must discuss our next course of action. While we do have Vague helping us out, we are still left much weaker than we were when we started this war, and there still more to do.
 * Vekaron - The private military offensive on the Zoleia Sector has, for the most part, been dismantled. However, we are no longer in a position to launch an offensive of our own. The attack was vicious, to say the least.
 * Xerkea - At the very least, you managed to capture half of the Consortium Network's leadership in one swoop. A shame Volim escaped, however, I'd have loved to interrogate him.
 *  - Yes, and our intelligence tells us the Consortium Network is now mostly in disarray. Needless to say, hundreds of their business ties have been cut now that it's clear they do work with the Wranploer Legion, and there are sources which tell us that General Volim does not even intend to free Zaarkhun from his prison cell.
 * Vekaron - Volim is a ruthless warmonger who believes the Wranploer are the true "rulers" of the galaxy. As successful as Zaarkhun may appear to be, he's still an alien; I doubt Volim sees him as anything but a pawn.
 * Yogtam - This comes as little surprise to me. But Volim would be foolish, as Zaarkhun is a very valuable asset to him, being a much better strategist and all. We can be thankful at least that the Consortium Network remains much weaker than it was, and pose much less of a coordinated threat to us.
 * Vyutrin - The pirates are the least of our worries. What about the demons? What's the situation?
 * Tralkik Commander - If you are referring to the Vyro'Ralza, or the Traffphyds, we are yet to hear from them, which is worrying. If you refer to the, we have no reason to believe that they are stepping down their attacks. If anything, they will become a much bigger threat than before.
 * Tuolog - There is one immediate threat we must worry about, however. The Loron.
 *  - lmao like frekloars lot ar an actual thret hahahahaha
 * Tuolog - They are. Let me explain.

Through the holograms they were using to communicate one another, Tuolog displayed the image of the massive Chronoscopic boulder stolen from Sequencium when the Loron were brought there with the others.


 * Tuolog - This is an example of a completely pure chunk of Gyronidium. It the metal all Chronoscopic structures is based on; solidified Essence, you could say. The Loron took one of these and ran off with it. Can you imagine the sheer amount of energy this chunk could generate? Or worse, if the Loron learn to manipulate the Essence, they could empower themselves to a frightening extent.
 * Tralkik Commander - My calculations as to the power that this chunk possesses are immeasurable. The chunk comes straight from the Chronoscopic realm itself, so it has untold power that we are unable to harness. It is crucial therefore that we defeat the Rogue Boyz leadership and take the shard away from them as soon as possible, as a first priority. The Rogue Boyz are a much more unpredictable threat than any others we are facing.
 * Vyutrin - So you're saying that little band of idiots is carrying around a nuke thinking it's a jewel. Well, can't say I'm particularly surprised about their behavior.
 * Xeron - I'll be calling my fleets to take the fight to the Loron then. They've been a thorn in our side for years and they were in cohorts with Zaarkhun; they deserve to die like all the others who attempt against justice!
 * Yogtam - Interestingly enough, they may actually be more likely to try and free Zaarkhun than Volim is. That just adds another reason to take them out.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - i got beef wiv frekloar so dats anotha reeson
 *  - You know, I find it oddly convenient how Kolossus brought the Loron to the realm and then this happened. I get the feeling he planned this from the start.
 * Tuolog - It very likely that he did. We must prepare for that eventuality. As our fleets are heavily damaged, I believe it best for us to focus our efforts with a small task force of us to take out the leaders. The Niaka fleets will be helpful in fighting the Rogue Boyz too, but we best focus on cutting them off at the head.
 * Vekaron - There's only one issue. Unlike the rest of our foes, the Rogue Loron use a mobile capital. We don't know where they may be hiding.
 * Tralkik Commander - This is true, however Loron are still very predictable and easy to lure out with the right bait. If we attack one of their planets with a fleet led by Zr'Ahgloth, they are likely to come in with their biggest fleet, in which we can confront them head on.
 * Vekaron - A fair point. I almost forgot we are dealing with idiots and not an actual empire.
 * Tuolog - It is decided then. Niaka Special Forces fleets and a few ships led by Zr'Ahgloth fight Rogue Boyz, we wait for them to send their largest fleet, and then we attack the leaders with task force. In meantime, we remain on defensive elsewhere and try to recover and rebuild from recent attacks in preparation for whatever happens next?
 * Vekaron - So be it.
 * Xeron - I'm going to enjoy this!

Meanwhile, aboard the Propa Big Rogue Krooza, each of the Rogue Boyz Leedas and Warbosses had gathered around the Chronoscopic boulder in awe of it. Many even stared at it unblinking, their mouths drooling. However, none were able to touch it, because had confiscated it from them and set up an electric barrier which electrocuted any of the Loron who tried to grab it.


 * Fre'kloar - shiny...so shiny...man dis is da sikkest bling eva
 *  - man dis is so much bling i dont even kno wat ta do wit it
 *  - MA ROYAL GEM I DECIDED ALREDY PUT IT IN MA THRONE
 *  - SHUT UP YOO STOOPID KID DIS BLING BELONGS TA ALL DA LEEDAS (but mostly me)
 * Grak'tona - YA MEEN MA ROYAL BODYGUARDS? LMAO YOO FREEKIN PLEBS, ONLY DA KING GETS TA HAV DA SHARD TO HIMSELF, NONE OF YOO LOWLY PEEPZ
 * Fre'kloar - WANNA SLAP???
 * Grak'tona - GO FOR IT YOR JUS GONNA LOOSE DA FITE LIKE YOO LOST OUR FIRST FITE LMAO
 * Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN YOO CHEETED DAT TIME
 * Grak'tona - ITS NOT CHEETIN IF DA KING DOES IT
 * Rel'larutina - Ugh, how long do I have to confiscate this thing from you utter lunatics? Do you guys even know what it is?
 * Jol'kiar - COURS WE DO DUMBA ITS A GIANT GOLD NUGGET
 * Rel'larutina - You think it's made of gold?
 * Fre'kloar - well its yellow its shiny an i want it so it must b gold

Rel'larutina sighed and walked off, meanwhile the other confused Warbosses looked at one another trying to suss out what it actually is.


 *  - hmmmm by ma calculashons its not akshully gold. ya see its akshully made of platinum but den da reflekshons frum da ship mae it look a totally different color. derefore its a PLATINUM NUGGET
 *  - platinums betta dan gold innit? DIS MEENS ITS BETTA DAN WE THOUT
 *  - I KNO HOW TA SETTLE DIS. THROW BOMS AT IT. IF IT CRAKS OPEN DEN ITS GOLD. IF ITS STUK TOGETHA DEN ITS PLATINUM OR A RARER METAL
 *  - dont thro bomz inside da ship yoo idiot yor gonna kill everyun
 * Zalk'don - SHUT UP MAN NOT MY FAULT IF DEY CANT RUN AWAY IN TIME
 *  - EVERYUN SHUT UP. I CAN FEEL IT IN MA BONES... DA POWA OF DA GODZ!!!!!!!!!!!!! but in reverse kind of
 *  - yeh??? lets lissen

Brag'klogga slammed his staff down and then stood on a table, for the other Loron to listen to him.


 * Brag'klogga - ya see, dis fing heer is akshully in da HOLY BOOKS as one of ZR'AN'KAR'S MASSIV SHINY BLING GEMS. basically wat happened is dat Zr'An'Kar wore dis bling an decided dat whoeva can take dis becoms a MASSIV ULTIMATE GIANT LORON OF DEFF but in orda ta do dis dey hav ta gatha around a campfire. wen dey do dat dey gatha around an sing da ancient ritual campfire saying basically how great campfires an zr'an'kar is an den zr'an'kar determines who is worfy of dis gift. so we gotta do dat an den we get da ULTIMAT POWA OF ZRANKAR HIMSELF!!!! MAN I KNEW DERE WAS A REESUN HE BROUGHT US TO DAT RELM
 * Hagto'Zhl - SO DATS WAT DAD WAS GONNA PROPOSE US??? SIK!!! OK LADS WE GOTTA GET A PLACE TA MAKE A CAMPFIRE DEN
 * Brag'klogga - hmmm da holy books kinda contradict demselves on dis issue, som of da holy books suggest dat Zr'An'Kar had 7 different gems but deyz probably wrong now
 * Voa'reak - tbh we dunt need 7 gems when we got ONE BIG ONE
 * Brag'klogga - yeh exactly dis one is powaful enuff
 * Fre'kloar - ITS SETTLED DEN. WE GO SOMEWHER AN MAKE A CAMPFIRE AN DO DA FING AN BECOME DA BEST
 * Brag'klogga - one fing tho. zr'an'kar ONLY givs da powa ta loron whos PROPA WORTHY an who NEED IT. so basically we hav ta alredy be in a fite at da time before we perform da ritual. so i suggest we wait until Zr'Ahgloth attakz us, becuz hes a jelus prik, an den we land dere an use it
 * Hagto'Zhl - ye man i bet hes plottin ta steel da gem. man i hate dat guy wat a losa
 * Brag'klogga - he probz is reedin da Holy Book of Da Badass Godz: False Edishon in which it was Roz'Tah'Flok who made da gem too
 * Fre'kloar - DAT MAKES ME SIK TO MA STOMACH. OK SO EVERYUN CHILL OUT AN WAIT TIL DA FITE STARTS, DEN WE DO STOOF
 * Rel'larutina - Great, so I can keep this confiscated from you for a little while.
 * Grak'tona - STOOPID WOMAN LET DA KING TOUCH HIS BLING NAO
 * Brag'klogga - DONT DEFACE DA HOLY ITEMZ

Grak'tona crossed his arms and begun mumbling under his breath. The rest of the Loron then left, excited about the prospects of who could become empowered by Zr'An'Kar's gem, and began reciting all of their campfire ritual songs in order to ensure that their plan was successful.

Da Thugz Is Da Best
Arriving in the orbits of a planet famed for its pizza factories in this subsector of the Ottzello Sector, a large Niaka fleet accompanied by the starship began to fire upon the orbital defences of the world. The entire planet below was mostly a large jungle with a few Loron settlements, and once the defences were breached, they would presumably begin bombing the world from orbit to target the factories once they found them, trying to lure the Loron out.

However, the Loron were lured out of hiding much quicker than expected. The Omega Commander led by UNOL was confronted by several s, with Zr'Ahgloth delivering insulting messages to each of them as he portrayed himself as the front for this battle. The Niaka had arrived in their own ships, providing assistance against the Rogue Boyz's fleet, while the Leedas of the Loron responded to Zr'Ahgloth in equal measure through communications, though they could not quite pinpoint their location yet.


 * Zr'Ahgloth - YO FREKLOAR COM AT ME BRO OR IMMA BOM YOR PIZZA PLANET LMAO
 * Fre'kloar - OH MA DAYZ ZRAHGLOTH YOR SO THICK YOO WANNA STEEL OUR BLING
 * Zr'Ahgloth - YEH MAN AN IF YOO DONT GIV IT TA ME IMMA BOM ALL YOR PIZZA PLANETS DEN YOR GONNA HAV A PIZZA FAMINE IN YOR EMPIYA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
 * Brag'klogga - HERETIK!!! PIZZA DEFILER!!!!!!!!
 * Fre'kloar - YOOD HARM DA PIZZA MAN YOR ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTIN
 * Zr'Ahgloth - COM FITE ME DEN. AN BRING YOR GEM
 * Fre'kloar - GET LOST LOSA WES GONNA USE DA BLING TA BECOM EVEN BETTA DAN WE ALREDI IS DEN WES GONNA BLOW UNO UP FOREVA OR SOMFIN
 * Zr'Ahgloth - DONT MAKE ME LAFF DATS DA SILLIEST FING I EVA HERD. OI I DONT SEE DA ROGUE KROOZA IS YOO WIMPIN OUT??????
 * Yogtam - Did you hear that? They already realized they can empower themselves with the boulder.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - yeh dats kinda dum but tbh deyz probz too stoopid ta work out how ta do it yet so we mite have som time
 * Fre'kloar - YA MOMS STOOPID I SWER IF WE WASNT PREPARIN OUR RITUAL ID GO DERE AN SLAP YOO
 * Brag'klogga - DONT TELL DEM BOUT DA RITUAL IDIOT
 * Fre'kloar - oh oops. OI GOLTHABEX GO DEEL WIV DIS PRIK
 * Gol'thabex - sounds like fun. lets do dis frakboi
 * Zr'Ahgloth - goltha who nao???

The communications had terminated, and neither Zr'Ahgloth nor any of UNOL could see any sign of the Rogue Krooza. However, the transmissions, though scrambled, could be traced back to the orbit, so they Leedas must have been close. While fighting off Rogue Loron, they kept looking.

As they proceeded forward, suddenly the UNO Omega Commander was shook as if a blast had hit its engines. From nowhere, the Omega Commander's engines had been disabled by what seemed to be an advanced ion blast, that had disabled the ship. Its power was now down completely, as were many other ships in the vacinity. The Omega Commander floated in space now as a sitting duck.


 * Valzo - What was that?!
 * Tralkik Commander - We have been directly hit by an ion strike. Ship systems reduced to emergency power supplies.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Since when do these idiots have ion cannon technology? Do they even know what "ion" means?

Gol'thabex then sent a message to the Omega Commander to taunt them. It appeared that he was piloting his own starfighter.


 * Gol'thabex - hurhurhur, dont undaestimat da Thugz Fer Dosh. we got da best weponz on da blak markit an dat includes da ion blasts dat made yor ship worfless.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - DATS A STOOPID NAME, THUGZ FER DOSH. AN WHO DA HELL IS YOO WIV YOR STOOPID HAT???
 * Gol'thabex - ma name is Gol'thabex, da Propa Big Thug Cheef. im da leeda of da Thugz Fer Dosh, da private military company of Thugz, aka da best an most veteran Loron fightas eva. wes even stronga dan da Rogue Boyz an we fite fer one fing: CASH.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Get the power back on so we can blast the bastard to oblivion!
 * Gol'thabex - dats anotha fing: good luk catchin me. ma starfighta is equipped wiv da fastest engines in Borealis. i also bought an installed dem illegally. catch me if ya can suckas
 * Zr'Ahgloth - i like it hao he has ta tell us "oh its illegal btw". like WHAI WULD WE CARE MAN ITS IRRELEVANT

Gol'thabex then disappeared from communications, as UNOL felt their ship come under fire from more bombs launched by Gol'thabex' starfighter. While he was unable to do significant damage, he was able to destroy several of the ships' weapons, which would weaken it significantly if any of the Loron Sik Ships surrounded it. The only choice appeared to be to stop Gol'thabex' fighter and fix the ship.


 * Tuolog - Any of us can pilot a starfighter? I might help you find him.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - OOH ME ME ME I WANNA PILOT
 * Valzo - Somehow, given how many points you have on your Pilot's License, and how it was almost taken away from you were you not a Leader, I doubt you are qualified for this.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - DUM
 * Tralkik Commander - We have limited data on this "Gol'thabex", but files show he is a very capable fighter and one of the most feared in Borealis' criminal circles. It will take a pilot of considerable skill to catch him. Furthermore, his ship makes frequent use of cloaking devices and he is skilled at fooling his opponents. We may need Yogtam to chase him, as I do not see a more capable fighter.
 * Yogtam - Very well. I'll do my best to keep him from destroying anymore of the Omega Commander's weapons.
 * Tuolog - I help you find him by tracking his location. Tralkik Commander and Kralgon Emperor, you do your best to keep ship online. Should we get it to work again, we possibly able to avoid Gol'thabex in battle entirely after that when we find where the Rogue Boyz Leedas are.
 * Kralgon Emperor - I'd rather tear the idiot's ship to smithereens, but fine.

The arrangement was then settled. Yogtam quickly made for his starfighter and engaged in a dogfight against Gol'thabex, while the Emperor and Commander began working on rerouting power back to the ship's engines.

Gol'thabex' piloting skills were beyond what anyone would expect from any advanced pilot, let alone a Loron. Several times, Yogtam barely escaped with his life trying to dodge the mines that Gol'thabex placed to trap any who would follow him, and his ability to blur his opponents' view made it very hard to land a shot on his ship. Nonetheless, Yogtam was able to give him a good enough chase that he was broadly distracted from attacking the Omega Commander head on.

With several more Niaka and UNO starfighters engaging in the long-lasting dogfight against Gol'thabex, it was soon more than he could take. He was able to destroy many of their fighters, but not able to take them all on at once. While no one was able to destroy Gol'thabex' ship, they were able to buy enough time to get the Omega Commander online again.


 * Tralkik Commander - I have a theory about the Rogue Leedas. I believe they have landed on the planet already to perform the "ritual" that Fre'kloar alluded to. I believe also that Gol'thabex is just here to waste our time. They believe we will be too preoccupied with him while they try to get their "ritual" to work.
 * Valzo - That's deceptively cunning of Loron.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - IS YOO CALLIN LORONZ DUM
 * Feldosia - If that's the case then we better just go and take care of the Leedas.
 * Tuolog - I look for them on planet. Once I find them, I give you coordinates and we land.

Seeing that Yogtam was pulling away from the fight, Gol'thabex was visibly irritated from the way he was flying. It was as if he took personal offense to not being considered a threat. Gol'thabex then flew up to the command bridge and fired bombs at it, knowing that he would be unable to pierce its shields, but wishing to get their attention.


 * Gol'thabex - oi. OI. yoo best not run off wivout facin me. im da elitest of da elite. an i got a mishon: KILL YAS. so face me in combat befor ya face da othas
 * Zr'Ahgloth - hmmmmmmmmmmmm let me fink... NO. WES GONNA GO AN SKIP YOO CUS YOR NOT EVEN A ROGUE LEEDA LMAO

Gol'thabex growled, but he remained much more collected than a Loron typically would. He terminated communications, and then within minutes, he teleported aboard the ship straight into UNOL's chamber. However, just as he landed, he landed several feet in the air and fell flat on his face. They looked puzzled, as he pulled himself up and then looked at the other Leaders.


 * Gol'thabex - hm ok. dats illegal teleportashon tekk dat lets me get heer btw. anywayz PREPAR TA DIE
 * Kralgon Emperor - You've made the worst mistake of your miserable life!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - NO IDIOTS ALLOWED IN MA SHIP

Gol'thabex pulled up his tomahawk, and threw it towards the terminal in front of Zr'Ahgloth. Though made of extremely strong armour and a deflector shield, the tomahawk axe destroyed it completely, cutting it in half, as it was returned to Gol'thabex' arm. He chuckled a little, and approached Zr'Ahgloth, who then proceeded to knock him to the floor with a single punch.


 * Gol'thabex - ...welp
 * Zr'Ahgloth - IM GONNA BEET DA SNOT OUT OF YAS YOO CHEEKI PRIK
 * Kralgon Emperor - As amusing as that sounds, nah. Just throw him into solitary confinement. We can make him watch his Leedas get destroyed first.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - man yoo peepz can be reel buzzkillas somtimes i swer

Zr'Ahgloth proceeded to lean down and grab Gol'thabex by the throat, lifting him from the ground and carrying him away to be imprisoned.

The Commandos' Comeback
On the planet's surface, the Leedas, who had already landed on the world in a shuttle, had not paid much attention to the space battle above. Each of them had gathered around a campfire with tents set up by Rel'larutina, as Drizz'pyrokirk lit up a fire for them (since they had forgotten how to do it with sticks). They began to sing a song that Brag'klogga believed was key to the campfire ritual.


 * Leedas - C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G SONG. C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G SONG. AN YOO BETTA SING ALONG TO DIS IF YOO WANNA PLEEZ ZR'AN'KAR. AN IF YOO DONT DO DAT DEN YOR A TWIT...C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G SONG...
 * Rel'larutina - This is honestly the stupidest thing you people have done, and you've done a lot of stupid stuff.
 * Brag'klogga - HERESY!!! SING DA SONG IDIOT OR DA GODZ WILL BE DISPLEESED
 * Rel'larutina - Sigh. Alright. C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song. C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G song-
 * Brag'klogga - DATS MOR LIKE IT
 * Rel'larutina - And I can't believe these morons are making me sing along. When I do not believe in their stupid gods...
 * Voa'reak - OI DID SHE SAY SOMFIN STOOPID?
 * Zalk'don - SHES A CHIK. ALL DEY SAY IS STOOPID
 * Leedas - HURHURHURHURHUR

Rel'larutina groaned some more, and then just ignored them as they got back to their chanting. She then saw a shuttle land in the distance that did not appear to be of Rogue Boyz design. She tried to get the attention of the Leedas, but they were busy chanting.


 * Rel'larutina - Urm. Hello? UNO have landed!
 * Hagto'Zhl - WUT??? TELL WHOEVA IT IS TA COM BAK LATA
 * Rel'larutina - Yeah sure, alright, I'll just tell them that now. "Hey, UNO! They're kinda busy right now, so bomb our world later, yeah? Thanks!" Moron.
 * Fre'kloar - MAN WAT IS YOO COMPLAININ ABOUT DIS TIME I SWER- OH MA DAYZ UNO HAS LANDED!!!!!!
 * Grak'tona - WHAI DIDNT DA CHIK TELL US???? SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MA ROYAL LOOKOUT
 * Rel'larutina - I-you know what? I don't even care, you guys are literally singing a kids' campfire song.
 * Brag'klogga - UNO BESTED GOLTHABEX CUS YA DIDNT SING. DA GODZ IS UPSET AT US ALL!!!!!!!!

As each of them were squabbling, eventually a tent was blown up. The Loron turned, and through the trees, they saw of UNOC fire his chaingun at them. Immediately after, several of the trees were taken down as, with on his shoulder, charged through them, guns blazing.


 * Vaktyl - Boom, baby! Rematch time!
 * Thr'aloy - Commando unit ready for combat. OI ROGUE LOSAS WES HEER TA CRASH YA STOOPID PARTY!!!!
 * Dalverat - Deliver the Gyronidium and we may give you quick deaths.
 *  - Haha! The Fist take Gyronidium if you not give it!
 *  - Woohoo! I'm ready to swoop in and catch it from yas!
 *  - OH MA DAYZ ITS DA COPYCAT SQUADRON. OI LADS GET REDI TA FITE

The Leedas all took cover behind the Gyronidium chunk as UNOC and the Warbosses clashed; Thr'aloy and Ray'loth, predictably, charged at one another delivering a flurry of punches, kicks, slaps and gunshots which would've done quick work of any normal Loron. They decided to spar with their shankas, using them almost like swords - although very small ones - as they dueled. Despite his rage and best efforts, however, Ray'loth was struck to the side and immediately slapped across the face, being sent straight into the ground as Thr'aloy stomped on his chest, laughing and pointing at him. Vaktyl was ready to lay down suppressing fire on the rest of the Warbosses, but quickly he was thrown off his feet by an explosion that came from Zalk'don, the overzealous explosion-loving warboss that would make a perfect match for Vaktyl's weapons. Ready for the challenge, he spun his chainguns around as he fired at Zalk'don, who ran through the trees. Once his railguns overheated and he needed to wait, Zalk'don picked the perfect opportunity to strike, firing a missile beneath Vaktyl's feet. Vaktyl, luckily, was equipped with just enough shielding to absorb it. He spotted his opponent from tracking where the missile came from, and pulled out his rifle, laying down a blast that incapacitated his opponent. He was satisfied with this.

The sound of engines was heard across the landscape as prepared to run over whoever stood in his way, though he was stopped when  jumped on top of his tank, narrowing his eyes as he looked down upon it. It infuriated the Loron - he was still angry over Lupercal having ruined his paintjob the last time they fought -, and immediately attempted to ram the Radeon hybrid with his tank's cannon. It would not work, however; Lupercal was not so foolish to fall for the same cheap trick twice as he jumped down and taunted Naktor'zak to follow him, and he would give chase into the distance, blinded by anger and adrenaline as he went faster and faster... until Lupercal stopped on his tracks and Naktor'zak kept going, not knowing he had just launched himself off a cliff. As Voa'reak took to the skies to try and defend his fellows, he was caught off guard by a much faster Darwishi, who flew in from the tree line and knocked Voa'reak down to crash into one of them. Voa'reak maintained his composure and soared off well above the battlefield chasing Darwishi, and fired his weapons. Darwishi simply performed several barrel rolls in the air dodging them, before swinging around in a loop and now trailing Voa'reak. Voa'reak quickly turned around to hit Darwishi up front, but then found Darwishi had already gone. Instead, he flew straight first into a tree, and crashed, eventually falling to the floor and breaking his spine and many of his bones. Darwishi claimed victory here.

As Vailisa loomed over Kal'kuir, the Loron scientist took out his largest gun, only for the giant to slap it out of his hands. With a huff, he proceeded to take out another, equally large gun from his arsenal, only for Vailisa to, again, slap it out of his grasp. This would continue until Kal'kuir realized he had no guns left, causing him to giggle shyly as he turned his eyes to Vailisa.


 * Kal'kuir - well dis is awkward. brb gettin mekk suit
 * Vailisa - Humour the Fist!

Running off, Vailisa would wait for a few moments later with a large Loron Battle Mekk, equally as large as the Fist; he stomped across the landscape menacingly, displaying all the awesome weapons he had installed on the suit... before Vailisa sent a punch into the mekk's torso, crumbling it and sending nuts and bolts flying across the landscape. Kal'kuir fell flat on his face and was promply kicked away by Vailisa, disappearing from sight altogether. concentrated on the battlefield. He knew he was mostly surrounded by trees and wildlife, and that the Loron were effective at blending in here. He would try to find the best target for his blades and chase them into the trees, and then knock them down. Luckily, he found a target who made himself obvious: Drizz'pyrokirk, the freezflama who pulled out flamethrowers and burned the forests down looking for his opponents instead. Making a calculated move, Zelfron III leapt of the trees to knock Drizz'pyrokirk down, who quickly switched his ammunition to liquid nitrogen and froze Zelfron III's feet in place. While he was impressed at his opponents' quick thinking and quick reactions, he still had the upper hand. He tossed his blade at Zelfron III's liquid nitrogen gun, destroying it, and then lifted his legs out, and hurled towards Drizz'pyrokirk with fury, knocking him to the floor. Another opponent bested.

, who had remained hidden in the vegetation, fired a shot which only narrowly evaded Knar'gank's head, who clenched his fist in annoyance as he activated his suit's invisibility. The Zazane was far more prepared compared to their last fight and knew what to expect, and reacted by letting go of her rifle and non-chalantly opening her arms, relaxing as she closed her eyes. Moments of silence would pass until she opened her eyes again, throwing her hands to her back as she grabbed the invisible Knar'gank's arm and threw him into the ground in front of her, causing a powerful impact with the ground as she kept the Loron trapped in place by stomping on his head while twisting his arm with her own.


 * Knar'gank - ow ow ow OW OW OW!! hao did yoo kno i was dere?!?!
 * Kalcedia - Because... you smell really bad, sugar, hm hm.

And that left the final matchup, between the two masters of Dark Chronoscopic power. Dalverat flew over towards Brag'klogga, who had been attempting to boost the power of the other Loron. Brag'klogga saw him, and quickly pointed his staff towards him.


 * Brag'kloga - YOO. HERETIK OF DA GODZ. YOO SHALL NOT PASS

Brag'klogga thrust his staff to the floor, and a puff of smoke appeared in front of him. The Dark Chronoscopic smoke began to choke Dalverat, until he instead absorbed it, and then flew over and dug his teeth into Brag'klogga's neck. Brag'klogga first yelled, but then grabbed the and tossed him to the floor. He fired a beam of Dark Chronoscopic at Dalverat, but he was able to dodge it with lightning fast reactions, freeze Brag'klogga in time, and kick him to the floor. Brag'klogga at first appeared incapacitated, but then quickly turned around.


 * Brag'klogga - DA GODZ IS WIV ME TODAY! I WILL DESTROY YOO BY MORPHIN INTO MA FORM OF DEFF!!!!

He stood up, and slammed his staff to the floor, attempting to conjure more weapons. Instead, however, he conjured up a hat and a bass guitar, and began plucking it to play the campfire song. He then looked back at Dalverat, embarassed, who scratched his head.


 * Brag'klogga - urm...yoo didnt see dat...ok bye

He this time vanished from sight with another puff of smoke. It appeared that all the Warbosses were defeated. The Leedas looked over the boulder trying to hide the fact they were intimidated, save for Grak'tona, who was nowhere to be seen.


 * Jol'kiar - OH MA DAYZ DATS NOT FAIR DEY BEET ALL DA WARBOSSES
 * Hagto'Zhl - LOAD DA LAST SAVE AN TRY AGEN OR SOMFIN

Tuolog, Zr'Ahgloth, and the rest of UNOL, all arrived on scene, with UNOC behind them.


 * Zr'Ahgloth - YEH WAT NOW LOSAS
 * Fre'kloar - YOR A THIKO MAN LEEV OUR BLING ALON WE STOLE IT FAIR AN SQUAR
 * Tuolog - You willing to give up your "bling" for anyone at all?
 * Jol'kiar - GET LOST LIL MAN ITS OUR BLING

Tuolog chuckled, and then quickly slammed his staff on the floor. A puff of smoke followed, and then from it, appeared, and roared loudly, spitting saliva in Fre'kloar's face. His roar shook the jungle from miles away and partially defeaned Zr'Ahgloth, causing all the Leedas to point and scream in terror.


 * Gratz'kaoz - RAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWR GIMME DA BLING!!!!!!!!!
 * Fre'kloar - AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH ITS FLIPPIN GRATZ'KAOZ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!
 * Jol'kiar - DID NONE OF DA WARBOSSES GET OUT TA COM HELP US?????

At that moment, Brag'klogga appeared in front of Jol'kiar, sitting down on a stool and playing bass guitar.


 * Brag'klogga - ya called? btw dis is a good song, can ya play drums ta it as well?
 * Hagto'Zhl - IDIOT PAY ATTENSHON UNO JUS SUMMONED FLIPPIN GRATZ'KAOZ TA EET US!!!!!

Brag'klogga turned around, and turned back at the Loron, surprisingly calm.


 * Brag'klogga - relax, bros. i got jus da fing. HOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Brag'klogga then, as Tuolog had just done, pulled out his own staff, and disappeared, leaving behind a similar puff of smoke. This time, Fre'gritol with Badgangmanz' head appeared, ancestors from Fre'kloar's family line. However, the form that Brag'klogga adopted was the form in which both Badgangmanz and Fre'gritol shared and fought for control over their body, meaning he could not control himself properly.


 * Fre'gritol - SO GRATZKAOZ. WE MEET AGEN
 * Badgangmanz - IDIOT DAT WAS MY LINE
 * Fre'gritol - GET LOST BADGANGMANZ DIS IS MY BODY YA MUPPET
 * Badgangmanz - MUPPET? MATE IM NOT DA ONE WHO LOST HIS HED. IF YOO BORROW MA HED DEN YOR GONNA HAV TA TAKE MA WHOL BODY YA TWIT

After a brief period of infighting, Fre'gritol coughed and turned towards Gratz'kaoz, and pointed.


 * Fre'gritol - YOO SHALL LEEV DIS PLAIC AT ONCE
 * Badgangmanz - dats da DUMMEST way ta be thretening eva. leev it ta me. YOO BES START RUNNIN OR IMMA KNOK YA TEEF OUT YA GIT
 * Fre'gritol - git???? wat kinda insult is dat???? WOW YOR A FLIPPIN WANNABE GET OFF MA BODY
 * Badgangmanz - IF I GET OFF YA BODY DEN YOO DIE YA IDIOT

At this point, Rel'larutina returned, carrying with her a glass of water. She looked at the defeated Warbosses and the two bickering illusions with a disinterested expression.


 * Rel'larutina - Yeah, that's about what I expected was gonna happen, I guess.
 * Fre'kloar - its sik ennit? MA ANCESTORS AR GONNA DEEL WIV DIS MESS DA GODZ SMILE ON US
 * Rel'larutina - That's not your ancestors, that's Brag'klogga in disguise. And this "Gratz'kaoz" is just Tuolog in disguise too.
 * Fre'kloar - LIES AN SLANDA. GET YOR FEMINAZI PROPAGANDA AWAY FRUM ME
 * Rel'larutina - Hmpf. Typical.

As they kept bickering, Fre'gritol and Badgangmanz eventually took turns to throw punches at their own head, until the illusion dropped, and Brag'klogga fell to the ground in front of Gratz'kaoz. Tuolog also decided to drop the illusion, as he stood over Brag'klogga and chuckled.


 * Tuolog - Hehe. That almost too convincing.
 * Hagto'Zhl - OH MA DAYZ YOO LIL TWIT YOO NEARLY GAVE US A HEART ATTAK SCROO YOO
 * Jol'kiar - OK NOW TIME FER US TA FITE YOO. FIRST UP GRAKTONA...wait wher is he
 * Rel'larutina - ... Where's the Gyronidium boulder?

Almighty Idiot
The rest of the Rogue Boyz looked around in horror, as did Zr'Ahgloth and Tuolog. A short distance away, they could see Grak'tona was pulling the Gyronidium chunk away, its energies flowing into his body through his arms as his eyes turned pitch golden, an aura of great power growing from his being.


 * Grak'tona - mai bling... MINE... MY ROCK
 * Fre'kloar - GRAKTONA WAT AR YOO DOIN
 * Grak'tona - rock... ROCK. CHRONOSCOPIC ROCK. MINE. TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME
 * Jol'kiar - GRAKTONA NO
 * Grak'tona - I. AM. TIME!!!!!!!

With a surge of energy, Grak'tona's body suddenly grew exponently in size, his muscles flaring and his skin turning a light shade of blue marked by massive scars of gold; pure Chronoscopic energy was emitted from his body as he transformed into a hulking creature in the vague shape of a, while retaining his Cold Loron characteristics. He would let out a roar which echoed through time itself, several layers of his past and future voices ringing through everyone's ears as he appeared to warp space around him.


 * Rel'larutina - By Volzara...he looks uglier than before...
 * Thr'aloy - I am unsure of what I am seeing. WAT DA HELL HAPPENED TA HIM?????
 * Jol'kiar - MAN DERE WAS NUFFIN LIKE DIS BAK IN MY DAYZ
 * Drizz'pyrokirk - oh ma dayz... ITS DA ABOMINABUL SNOW LORON!!!!!
 * Tuolog - He absorbed too much Chronoscopic energy and was ascended by it. But he dumb. He not able to control his actions with this much power.
 * Rel'larutina - Well, you seem like the smart one here. What do you suggest? We knock him down and try and stop him from causing too much damage to, y'know, space and time?
 * Tuolog - Yes, he need to be subdued immediately. We will need Dark Chronoscopic to reverse effects.
 * Rel'larutina - Right. I'm loathe to work with UNO, but I trust your Dalverat guy much more than I trust Brag "bass guitar" klogga here.
 * Dalvarat - Clever girl. Now, prepare yourselves! This almighty idiot has enough power in one finger to undo an entire world - be hit by his blows and you may be erased from time altogether.
 * Rel'larutina - Good thing I have a mech suit that I can get replacement parts for, eh?
 * Grak'tona - SHINY. ROCK.

The hulking Grak'tona swooped down at the Gyronidium boulder, and his fingers twirled as he begun to shape the stone as if it were clay, transforming it into a golden crown which he placed upon his gigantic head, causing him to giggle almost childishly.


 * Rel'larutina - ...wow...that's so typical. Alright, Dalverat, power up my suit's weapons with Dark Chronoscopic. I'll see if I can engage him while the rest of you people fire your weapons and keep a distance.
 * Dalverat - Very well. Come, buffoon, you'll help us as well.
 * Brag'klogga - YA MOMS A BUFFOON. BAH FINE

Dalverat and Brag'klogga combined their energies together. At first, they empowered, Rel'larutina's gigantic mech suit that was almost as tall as Grak'tona now was. The suit engaged in melee combat with Grak'tona, as it could at least afford to have a few of its arms wiped from existence, unlike the rest of them. Meanwhile, Dalverat and Brag'klogga empowered the chainguns of Vaktyl and some of the long range weaponry to fire at Grak'tona from a distance.


 * Thr'aloy - Keep firing. MAN DIS IS AS SCARY AS IT IS FLIPPIN AWESUM
 * Kalcedia - Hm hm, hate it to admit it, but way, way too big for me.
 * Grak'tona - I AM. KING. OF. TIME. YOU. PEASANTS. NOT. WORTHY!

With a swing of his massive hand, Grak'tona attempted to strike at Rel'larutina, though the transformation and his lack of control over it made his moves sluggish and predictable. However, with each swing of his limbs, part of the environment was transformed; without warning, meteors begun raining from the sky while a volcano was thrusted out of the earth over the distance, causing an earthquake across the battlefield which threw some of the Warbosses off their feet.


 * Tuolog - He is unconsciously creating time anomalies... We must hurry.
 * Vaktyl - Damn, there's only so much my guns can do against this thing!
 * Darwishi - I got an idea!

Darwishi picked up Zelfron III, who empowered himself with Dark Chronoscopic from Dalverat, and flew over above Grak'tona's head. He then dropped Zelfron III through Grak'tona's mouth, as he quickly sprinted through Grak'tona's insides, and then cut a hole in his stomach which Zelfron III used to escape from. The monster was now bleeding Chronoscopic, and he held on his wound in pain as he winced, presenting his head to Rel'larutina.


 * Tuolog - The Gyronidium! Destroy it!
 * Grak'tona - NO. TOUCH. MY. CROWN!

Seeing the opportunity, Rel'larutina swung her mech's arm to smash the Gyronidium crown, but she was unable to do enough damage. Eventually, Hagto'Zhl stood up and climbed up her mech suit. He then pounced from the top of her suit, empowering himself with great Dark Chronoscopic power he was unaware he was capable of, and swung his fist down on the crown, cracking it in two. An echoed scream escaped Grak'tona as he was knocked into the ground, the two halves of the crown falling into the ground as Chronoscopic energy begun to leak out of his body more rapidly, causing him to slowly decrease in size.


 * Grak'tona - NO... NO!! ...yoo broke... ma FLIPPIN CROWN... losa...
 * Jol'kiar - yanno bak in ma dayz we didnt obsess ova who was "king" or who had "shiny crownz" an wateva. man ya need ta grow up i swer

As the power escaped him, Grak'tona lost consciousness and fell completely into the ground, flattering a portion of the forest as the Chronoscopic energy in his body escaped completely back to the fifth dimension, and after several seconds, the monstrous giant had transformed back into the old Grak'tona, who was now stark naked due to his clothes being ripped apart in his transformation.


 * Fre'kloar - pfffffthahahaha dats almost funni
 * Rel'larutina - Phew. That's the apocalypse averted. And all because of a freaking rock.
 * Tuolog - It is quite scary what rocks can do sometimes. Thank you for help.
 * Rel'larutina - Yeah, don't get used to it.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - SEE MAN IF YOO HAD JUS GIVEN ME DA FINGY NONE OF DIS WOULDA HAPPENED
 * Hagto'Zhl - YE SUR. YOOD HAV TURNED INTO A GIANT WANNABE VERSION OF ME I BET
 * Zr'Ahgloth - DIS FLIPPIN GUY I SWER
 * Thr'aloy - Mission accomplished. OI BOYZ LETS ROLL OUT
 * ??? - Now look what you've unleashed.

Out of the horizon, a gigantic shadow, dwarfing Rel'larutina's mecha or Grak'tona's transformation stretched into the view, slowly taking the fierce form of Zr'An'Kar, who looked down at them with some amusement in his expression. Hagto'Zhl and the rest of the Rogue Boyz dropped down in worship, while Tuolog, Zr'Ahgloth and the rest of UNO looked on in shock.


 * Tuolog - You come back to torment our galaxy?
 * Kolossus - What do you think, worm? You thought I was going to let you walk away free after you defied the will of my master? Your kind deserves to be punished.

Right next to Kolossus, a new Vyro'Ralza who they had not seen before appeared. Tuolog could eventually make out who it was: his name was.


 * Antagonar - A-ha! So these are the mortals I've heard so much about! Curious that you were chosen to become Vyro'Ralza in another timeline, for I doubt you pose much of a threat in combat. Well, not to worry! I will have your heads soon enough!
 * Kolossus - For defying us, we will unleash such terrible anomalies across this galaxy, you'll wish you had remained stuck in that quarantine. The stars themselves will scream in agony!
 * Antagonar - And thanks to the aspiring king here tearing up the barriers of space and time, we are now able to thrust our full time anomalies across the entire galaxy unchecked! You will have to deal with so many more to come, and as we ruin the space time continuum here, you will struggle to keep hold of your lives! A part of me does want you to succeed, though, if only so you can survive to battle me, Antagonar! The mightiest swordsman of Sequencium!
 * Kolossus - Indeed, I will delight in your struggle. But I will delight much more in your despair when the power of the Nightmare devours your entire empire. One way or another, you will become servants of the darkness, be it in life or in death!
 * Antagonar - You will very soon regret your choice, mortals, if you aren't already!
 * Kolossus - Come, Antagonar. We shall watch their first struggle of many. Let us see how well these mortals fare against an enemy they know nothing of.
 * Antagonar - I do look forward to watching that, indeed. I shall have front row seats!

With this, the two gigantic Essentials disappeared from view, leaving UNO and Da Rogue Boyz equally confused.


 * Zr'Ahgloth - wow dese two RELLY LIKE TA TALK YA EERS OFF DONT DEY?
 * Hagto'Zhl - hmm it sounds like dad wants us ta go thru a buncha...trials or somfin??? like we hav ta go thru "struggles" ta get to da final boss at da end?????
 * Dalverat - Bravado as it may be, I don't like the sound of "an enemy we know nothing of". They clearly know things we don't.
 * Jol'kiar - its ok guys i got dis. we did dis bak in da old dayz. basically ya gotta collect 5 crystals frum da different warp rooms an fite a boss. den ya gotta collect 5 moar. eventually ya fite Dr. Neo Cortex at da end
 * Voa'reak - woah
 * Brag'klogga - tbh da holy books do menshon dat but akshully nope. GUYS ITS PART OF DA TESTS DA GEM WANTED US TA DO APART FRUM DA RITUAL. WE GOTTA BEET DA ENEMIES AN DEN GET TO DA BOSSES AT DA END
 * Dalverat - These creatures are a special type of idiotic.
 * Rel'larutina - Tell me about it. I have to endure this every day of my life.
 * Tuolog - Well, Rel'larutina, I believe we able to strike deal. I know your people and ours not get along, but it sounds like your people very prepared to help us combat whatever Kolossus and Antagonar trying to throw at us. Can we form a brief alliance?
 * Rel'larutina - I wouldn't want to oppose Zr'An'Kar in flesh, but I'm not a fan of the idea of him and his friend messing the galaxy up. I guess we have a deal.
 * Tuolog - Great. Now, Zr'Ahgloth, take your offer up with Fre'kloar.

Zr'Ahgloth groaned, and then spat on the floor, before walking over to Fre'kloar, clearing his throat and then making a deal.


 * Zr'Ahgloth - so urm...lets go fite dese trials an den we can fite da evil boss at da end? like if we work togetha itll make fings easia?
 * Fre'kloar - ehhhhhhhhhh...i guess so BUT IMMA BETRAY YOO LATA. not now tho i need som rest
 * Zr'Ahgloth - sik. OK LETS GO REPORT TO DA ZOLES AN DA NIAKA AN DEN WE CAN WORK OUT WATS NEX
 * Rel'larutina - Good. If I had to listen to anymore of that stupid campfire song, I don't know what I'd do.

The Loron and the Ottzelloans returned to their shuttles. They had found an unlikely ally in one another, but there was no telling what Kolossus and Antagonar had planned for the galaxy.

Rise of the Seagon Empire
Through the entirely of the Borealis Consortium Network's dealings with the War Economy, their allies of the Empire remained largely uninterested with their goals, being much more focused on internal affairs. During Falrik Zaarkhun's planning, he was unable to convince the Seagon to prove more than the most basic support through the March of Liberty, something which was considered off-putting; it was clear they had absolutely no interest in his goal of galactic anarchy, though General Volim, who had dealt with their race since the First Great War, assured his partner that it was nothing out of the ordinary for them. It nonetheless left a bad taste on the Heeyorian's mouth, and he would not be wrong to assume the Seagon were not dedicated to the goals of the Consortium.

In fact, the Seagon actively opposed the Wranploer. For the two thousand years of partnership they had, the Seagon thought the Wranploer to be nothing but primitive savages, serving only as meat shields against their enemies of the Zoles Imperium and especially the Niaka Special Forces, their most hated nemesis. For years, predating even the invasion of the, the Seagon had worked in secret, using the funding they amassed from dealing with the Wranploer savages and their Ottzelloan cohorts to build a fleet which they would use to fulfill their interests.

Simultaneously with the defeat of Da Rogue Boyz, the skies of the Consortium Network colony of Karuvron were covered in the shadow of a fleet made up of sleek, shining ships, unlike any they had seen before, though they would recognize their iconography as belonging to the Seagon. The Wranploer planetary defenses, somewhat confused over the aliens being there and requested an explanation, though they were met only with death as the ships opened fire upon the defenses and the ships over the world; the Consortium Network's precious illegal upgrades were absolutely torn apart by the mighty power of the Seagon fleet, who failed to take on even their smaller vessels. But the Seagon were not interested in this world, no; it was merely a test drive of their greatest creation yet.

Spear-heading the fleet was a massive dreadnought, its design compared to that of the galaxy's Cold Relays, with a massive cannon which made up a significant part of its front; this cannon proceeded to fire upon the world, and almost instantly, the entire atmosphere was frozen, the crust of the planet quickly transformed into little more than ice as the population of Karuvron died instantly. At the bridge of the flagship was Emperor Rothneld Vhezari, supreme leader of the Seagon Emperor, his arms crossed as he watched the destruction unfold with a fanged grin across his face; his project was a success.

Now that their guinea pigs had been experimented on, the Seagon had no more use for the Borealis Consortium Network. Soon, the outer worlds of the Niaka Special Forces and the begun reporting attacks from the so-called Will of the Emperor, a fleet of Seagon spear-headed by World Ender, a ship denominated "Armageddon-class Star Destroyer" helmed by the Seagon emperor himself. Rothneld's own march of domination was about to commence.

The Lost Warmaster
The Loron had heard about the increase in Seagon activity, though for the time being they were mostly apathetic to it. As long as their worlds were not being attacked by the Seagon, they thought, they had no incentive to react. And with Falrik Zaarkhun no longer being in charge of the Consortium Network, and Volim mostly uninterested in asking the Rogue Boyz for help, they had yet to be involved.

What preoccupied them, as they sat together for their usual meeting aboard the Rogue Krooza, was how infuriated they were that they had made the decision to work with UNO. They still couldn't get over it, and giving out the orders to their Bosses beneath them to stop attacking UNO worlds or launching pirate raids was not only painful, but it left their boyz frustrated and bored. They chose this meeting as an opportunity to complain about it.


 * Hagto'Zhl - well i dunno bout yoo but not fitin UNO is propa BOOOORIIIIN. can we start a war wiv somone alredy?
 * Drizz'pyrokirk - lets go kill dem... idunno. dose imalmah dombus? dey look ugly
 * Grak'tona - too week. i demand we kill a TUFF enemy alredy. DA KING IS BORED
 * Zalk'don - i dunno whai non of yas lissened ta me wen i sed we shuld jus kill da seegon. deyz propa dum an even tho dey got propa advanced alien tekk we got moar numbas dan dem an we neva lost a war so far
 * Kal'kuir - whil yoo guys figure dat out im gonna go download noo software for da kroozas ai cus lately its been actin weirda dan usual
 * Rel'larutina - You mean that useless thing that you never even finished properly? Actually, you...kinda would have helped a lot better if you mentioned that you still have that thing earlier.
 * Kal'kuir - eh? hao dis
 * Rel'larutina - We all totally forgot about it (hell, including me), and it's made of, urm, the same technology that the Seagon Empire use to power their weapons? Would've been pretty crucial to mention to, y'know, our new allies?
 * Fre'kloar - UGH. DONT RUB IT ON OUR FACES. STILL DISGUSTS ME
 * Kal'kuir - OH MA DAYZ DA SEEGON DUMBOS IS COPYIN MA TEKK
 * Rel'larutina - Believe me, I'm loathe to call them that as much as you...but nonetheless, if you're not gonna mention this to them, I will.

Rel'larutina, without consulting the other Leedas, opened up holographic communications with UNOL.


 * Rel'larutina - Hey, folks. I just thought I'd let you know, because dimwit here failed to mention this, that we actually possess some working Cold Ones technology. It could maybe help us fight back the Seagon, even if I still can't convince any of these idiots to help out with that fight.
 * Kralgon Emperor - You've been sitting on top of Cold One technology all along? ... But I've never seen any reports of Loron weapons with Cold One technology.
 * Kal'kuir - AKSHULLY ITS JUST MA KROOZA DAT HAS IT
 * Rel'larutina - Right, and the fact that he's too much of an idiot to actually get it to work, yeah.
 * Kal'kuir - STOP INSULTIN ME WOMAN I SWER
 * Rel'larutina - Anyhow, you have any experts who can analyse this?
 * Valzo - The Tralkik Commander should be able to do that. Perhaps he can find some design inscriptions or weaknesses of these "Armageddon-class" ships.
 * Tralkik Commander - Indeed, although I believe that we should instead request support from the Caretakers. Perhaps The Mechanic will want to analyse it himself.
 * Tuolog - Ah yes. I call Mechanic to give a hand. This will surely interest him.

Tuolog brought the Mechanic into the conversation. The Mechanic was at present working with Cold Relays, and was stunned to receive a message, falling off his chair entirely before straightening himself, coughing and then responding.


 * The Mechanic - Ahh, sorry about that...been busy working on..."his" plan. Ahem. So, what do you younguns have for me today, eh?
 * Tuolog - Hello, old friend. We could use your help with one thing. Have you heard of Seagon attacks recently?
 * The Mechanic - Tuolog! Anything for you, pal! Yes, I have..."he" is not too happy about it, but there's not much I can do being a non-combatant and all...love to stick it to those darn bugs that are trying to deface the Cold Ones' technology...
 * Zr'Ahgloth - "he". whos yoo talkin bout eh?
 * The Mechanic - Erm, nevermind that. Strictly classified. Like a lot of the crap on these machines. What do ya need, pal?
 * Tuolog - Rogue Loron have found piece of Cold One tech. We think you could decipher it and find some means to combat the Seagon fleet.
 * Kal'kuir - ITS MA SUPA COOL AND-IT-TOTALLY-WORKS-SHUT-UP COLD ONE AI FINGY DAT I STOLE ONCE

The Mechanic looked stunned once again and alarmed as he turned towards Kal'kuir.


 * The Mechanic - Whaaaat? I don't believe you! Those things are too rare for a stupid bug like yerself to get hold of one! You'd have about a one in ten billion chance of doing so! Only way you could grab hold of one of them is if a Vyro'Ralza showed you where the darn thing was!
 * Kal'kuir - eh i dont reely rememba hao i found it but it did involve som time travellin mumbo jumbo wher ref'kolar got punched off da oonivers or somfin like dat. found in som stoopid cave
 * The Mechanic - Cave? Time travelling?! Oh, holy Volzara, I think I know the one you mean...how the hell have you kept hold of it for so long?????? Why didn't you inform me?????
 * Rel'larutina - The ape never actually managed to turn it on.
 * Kal'kuir - STOP TELLIN DEM MAN I SWER YOR SUCH A JERK
 * The Mechanic - Good thing too...alright kids. I got a super secret Caretaker hideout that I'd like you to bring the AI too. I'll send you the coordinates to it, but I can't guarantee it's super safe. I mean, even I haven't visited it in a few million years, to be honest...
 * Tuolog - We will all be there. I will also invite Zoles to come with us, they should be informed of all this.
 * The Mechanic - Sounds good, but you better not bring the space bugs! I swear, they give me a headache every time I'm around them...
 * Kal'kuir - DA FUTUR IS NAO OLD MAN
 * Rel'larutina - Hate to break it to you, old geezer, but "the space bugs" have exactly the AI you need...
 * The Mechanic - Oh, they do, don't they? Awww fine, bring them then, but they better keep it down!

Tuolog sent a message to the Zoles Imperium informing them of what happened, and the Leaders, along with the Rogue Leedas and Warbosses, each sent their ships off to the destination that the Mechanic had sent to them.

The coordinates the Mechanic had given them led to an area of space which, as far as they knew, was the intergalactic void; it led straight to the area where the Northern Arm was once located, and as far as they knew, there was nothing but galactic dust there. The Mechanic himself appeared unaware of what exactly the coordinates led to, but he was confident it led to a place where he would be able to understand the Cold One AI, and Tuolog in turn had confidence in his friend's decision. As they passed through the Tristezas Sector to reach their destination, Da Rogue Boyz realized they were close to the place where they had found the Cold Loron years before.

Eventually, the group arrived to a Cold Relay which was not present in any of their galactic maps; compared to all the others they used through the ages, this one was, in comparison, in a state of disrepair. As they ventured through it, they were launched into hyperspace, unsure of what exactly they would find at the other side, but as they arrived, they were met with a spectacular sight;

Orbiting a white dwarf star, enveloped in a thick nebula, was a space station of truly gargantuan size; the scans of the Tralkik Commander put it at over 650,000 kilometers long, split into five "arms" which were closed like a budding flower. The Mechanic's mind was struck by vague memories - he knew this place, and it was extremely important, but he could not put his finger on what exactly it was. Commandant Vekaron, who had followed them there, had his eyes widened in awe at the sight of a formidable construct, the only technological marvel he had ever seen comparable to it being the planet-computer he had visited months prior.


 * Yogtam - Well, I have to say, this probably puts Grenzaar to shame.
 * Vekaron - What... is this place?
 * Grak'tona - LADS I FINK I JUS FOUND MA NOO VACASHON SPOT
 * Rel'larutina - Oh good. He hasn't claimed it's his new castle yet.
 * Tuolog - This sight is far more impressive than many that I have seen...and I have seen some amazing places.
 * The Mechanic - Well, folks, I knew this was going to be an impressive place, but I didn't know that it'd be this impressive. Damn...did we really build that billions of years ago? I have no recollection at all. I can't even remember what it was called. I, I remember being here before, but...hey! Kal'kuir! Turn the damn AI on already!

The Mechanic had already warped inside the Krooza as he had awaited them, much to the Loron's dismay. The Loron groaned as he turned the AI on, though he had no confidence that the Mechanic would be able to make it work if he, the smartest being alive, was not able to. Eventually, the AI began whirring around, and though it was unattached to anything, it was able to speak and recognise those around it.


 * AI - Oh. These people again. You can almost hear my eye rolling right now.
 * Fre'kloar - oh ma dayz nao i rememba it was cheeky an a total losa when we met it too
 * AI - I wasn't referring to you, though I am not happy to see you either. I was referring to the Caretaker here. I grew tired of waiting for one of them for so long.
 * The Mechanic - Ah, keep it down, willye? Just tell us what you're supposed to do and how we're supposed to get into this place!

At this moment, the normally feminine tone of the AI changed as it turned into an imposing, booming, masculine voice. The mere sound of it caused more foggy memories to returning to the Mechanic.


 * AI - For too long have I waited, surrounded by these primitives and forced to share consciousness with this defect intelligence. Return me to my body this instant, the second coming of the Empire is long overdue.
 * The Mechanic - You're...I don't remember who you are, but you're a Cold One! I know you are! Don't worry, master, I'll get you back to your body! Just need to find it first.
 * AI - Have you also gone defective over time, Head Caretaker? You would forget the voice of your Warmaster and the home from which you were born?
 * The Mechanic - A lot of my memory has been erased! I don't remember any of this stuff anymore, I'm so sorry...
 * AI - Hmpf. Very well, then. Behold, primitives; gaze your eyes upon, home of the true rulers of Borealis. In there, you will find my body and that of those cryogenically preserved. Return me to my body!

Each of the Loron Leedas and UNOL gazed upon Hyperborea once more in awe. Then, the Mechanic spoke.


 * The Mechanic - You heard the master! Everyone, head to Hyperborea! And Kal'kuir, bring this AI with us in the shuttle. We'll meet Vekaron and UNOL there!
 * Grak'tona - I ENT TAKIN ORDAS FRUM A STOOPID TINY ROBOT FING
 * AI - Silence yourself, animal. You are nothing more than a laboratory experiment to my kind.

Even in spite of Grak'tona's own arrogance and his typical reaction to being talked down to, the voice that came from the AI gave him the feeling that he should quieten down and show some respect. Grak'tona did not raise his voice at the AI, much to the surprise of the other Leedas.

The rest of the Leedas each headed to the shuttle, though Grak'tona was slower to do so out of embarassment. Were it not for the AI's directions, they would surely get lost in the truly massive extent of the space station, which, for the most part, appeared run down and abandoned, much of it covered in vegetation, though its energy resources were clearly all still working. As they walked through the immense halls of the station's center, they would hear noises coming from the walls as small creatures, vaguely resembling Caretakers but not quite, emerged into view; like the Mechanic, these creatures had traits of cyborgs and toothed jawless maws, though they appeared to be some sort of animal-plant hybrid.

Vekaron and his Zoles marines would take out their weapons and aim at the creatures in case they were hostile, though they would not react in any way; instead, one of them simply approached the Mechanic and opened a palm, pressing it against his chest as it let out electronic barks at him - a language none of them save for the Caretaker himself could understand. He knew these were actually, creatures he had not seen in five billion years.


 * Tuolog - It appears Mechanic make friends here. Or rather, he meet old friends for first time in billions of years.
 * The Mechanic - These... these are Proto-Caretakers! They were here even before me! And look, they managed to keep the place in check all by themselves for so long... well, for the most part, anyway. It seems like they're expecting us, but I don't remember for what reason.
 * AI - Is it not obvious? They await for the reawakening of their lords and the second coming of the Empire. The Lackeys will have their part to play yet.
 * Vekaron - ... Lackeys?
 * Valzo - This AI doesn't seem like the friendliest type to me...
 * Feldosia - I'll admit, "second coming of the Empire"? Doesn't strike me as the noblest thing in the universe...
 * Vekaron - We'll see. The Cold Ones were paragons of justice. They can't be that bad.
 * Brag'klogga - NONSENSE. I RED DA HOLY BOOKS. DA COLD ONES IS SOMFIN YA CRAK OPEN WIV DA BOYZ AN DEYZ STOOPID

As the Mechanic communicated with the Naombur and they realized the presence of the AI, they immediately became agitated, crawling through the walls of station in seemingly millions as they all went for the same direction as the AI was ordering them to go. Having no other choice, they proceeded, going deeper into the forgotten walls of Hyperborea until they eventually reaching a massive chamber; stasis pods littered the walls, with various, more decorated pods in the center and a machine where the AI would fit; an awakening device. At the sight of it, the AI grew more and more restless.


 * AI - My body... So close. You primitives should be in awe; you stand before the pods holding the corporeal forms of my people's leadership. When we awaken, we shall lead you all to glory, as it should have always been.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Just a question, mister Cold One. It sounds to me more like you shall lead us to your glory, and we will all become slaves to the second coming of your empire. Can you reassure us, before we do you this huge favour, that that is not the case?
 * AI - All of you will have a part to play in the second coming of the Empire. And if you hold back now, the pretenders you call Seagon will make quick work of your precious "Niaka" allies. So I suggest you hurry.
 * Fre'kloar - fine by me lmao lets throw da geek in da ditch
 * Rel'larutina - Dude, c'mon. Grow up already. They're our allies now.
 * AI - Awaken your lords, Head Caretaker. Now.
 * The Mechanic - Yes, sir!

The Mechanic grabbed the AI from Kal'kuir, and ran over to the awakening device faster than any of the others could question if this truly was the right move. He placed the AI in the machine and begun operating it, causing the lights of the chamber to turn on... revealing the pods, save for one, to be all empty. However, both the Mechanic and the AI were too distracted to notice the fact as the awakening of the Cold One begun; the Naombur crawled into the room, chipping and barking in their mechanic tone and moving across the chamber like a swarm of termites, as if eager for the awakening of their creator, while the stasis pod slowly opened, unleashing a blast of frost mist as the body of the Cold One was revealed to them.

He was tall, comparable in height to a Loron, his body covered in light blue scales as well as scars while a pair of great flexible limbs grew out of his back. He gasped for air as his shining blue eyes opened, falling one knee into the ground as he coughed out loudly, breathing pure oxygen for the first time in five billion years. He struggled to get on his feet, groaning and growling as his eyes darted across the room, noticing none of the other pods were opening. He would turn to the group and speak in a tongue their universal translators could not comprehend, limping his way to them in apparent annoyance.


 * Vekaron - Cold One? What's the matt-

The Cold One suddenly lunged at Vekaron, causing the Zoles marines to all prime their weapons and point at him, though he would not harm him; instead, Vekaron's head was caught in between the creature's webbed fingers as he stared into his eyes, remaining in silence for several moments before he let go and spoke again; he was now speaking fluent Zoleish tongue.


 * ??? - My kind... is named... . Not "Cold Ones".
 * The Mechanic - Ah, of course! "Kormacvar"! I had that name floating around in my head, but I never knew what it meant! Now I remember!
 * ??? - Why have the rest of the pods... not opened?!
 * Feldosia - Urm... Hate to break it to you, but I think they're... empty.
 * ??? - What?!

The Kormacvar, having now regained his strength, walked up to one of the pods and, with a swing of a hand, opened it without as much as touching it; the Essence-sensitive members of the group noticed a great aura of power growing within him. He would look into the pod to find only dust, and his eyes widened in horror as the Naombur continued to crawl around them, each opening one of the pods; all containing nothing but dust inside.


 * ??? - They're... all dead.
 * Tuolog - ...It true. I just look through timelines. They been dead for thousands of years it seem. If not much longer than that.
 * ??? - ... You miserable Lackeys! You allowed the systems to fail! It was your task to protect your masters!

With another swing of his hand, the furious Kormacvar blasted many of the Naombur with a blast of psychic energy, causing them to be flung across the room and die on impact with the walls. The rest of the aliens, even the Loron, all cowered in fear, while Tuolog tried to step up, slammed his staff against the floor, and then stared at the Kormacvar, while humming under his breath to calm him.


 * Tuolog - You not know that this their fault, Kormacvar. We find who did this, but you not blame them.
 * ??? - ... Tell me at least he survived. My brother.

The Kormacvar, almost as if he had ignored Tuolog's words, rushed to the closed pod which was close to the one he had been awakened from. He would quickly realize the open was completely broken from within, as if it had never even been used. The sight caused him to place his hands on his face in despair as he paced around the room.


 * ??? - No... No... Regnatus, not you too...
 * Tuolog - I promise you. We find who did this.
 * ??? - ... The Grox. The damned Grox found us. They killed us all in the end.
 * The Mechanic - The Grox? But how could they get here? They don't know this place exists either!...I don't think so, anyway?
 * ??? - The promised second coming of the Kormacvar Empire was a failure. My people is gone... But I will not falter. I will avenge every single one of them. The Grox will be reminded of the name of Warmaster Vhiktus, and they shall know fear.
 * Tuolog - We help you do this, Arkarixus. But please tell us, what happened to your people? I not able to see far back in the timelines enough, because Zargoth tamper with them.

The Kormacvar rose one hand, as if presenting the chamber.


 * Arkarixus - You stand at the heart of Hyperborea, homeworld of the Kormacvar Empire. Five billion years ago, my kind ruled this galaxy; all races who accepted our dominion became part of it, and all those who refused were eradicated. We were firm, but fair. But then, the Grox arrived, and after 500,000 years, crippled us. Me, my brother, the leadership and a number of our greatest scientists were to be cryogenically frozen until the threat of the Grox passed as to rebuild the Empire... but they-

Arkarixus pointed at the Rogue Loron;


 * Arkarixus - -evidentially caused the artificial intelligence which held my consciousness to lose its original functions. I was meant to have awakened millions of years ago.
 * Fre'kloar - I DIDNT DO SUCH A FING I SWER
 * Rel'larutina - You did, moron. Remember when you were taken back in time and then you smashed the AI to bits for no Zr'An'kAr-damned reason?
 * Fre'kloar - i meen kinda but STILL NOT MA FAULT I BLAME GRAKTONA
 * Arkarixus - It, however, still does not explain how the Grox found Hyperborea and ruined the cryogenic sleep of my people. It was a miracle that my body did not turn to dust as well.
 * Tuolog - I know that Zargoth do something to your people. He claimed that he take your species for part of his experiment which he call the Vague. Perhaps he take the Kormacvar here?
 * Arkarixus - I know not who that is.
 * Tuolog - I explain it in full detail later, but I do know that he harmed you people. It possible that he responsible for killing the other Kormacvar here, even if it not explain why you able to survive.
 * Arkarixus - Then he must suffer. He must pay for the deaths of my people and feel the combined pain of all of them. Let him and the Grox know their worst nightmare has returned to the living world.
 * Tuolog - Zargoth is fifth dimensional time god. He also not able to "feel" anything. We help you avenge your people and fight Zargoth, but it no easy task.
 * Arkarixus - Then I will teach him pain. But for now, there is the threat of the pretenders to deal with. Filthy primitives believing themselves worthy of my people's technological marvels.
 * Vekaron - So you're going to help us against the Seagon?
 * Arkarixus - I will lead you to victory, and you will follow. The pretenders will pay for their transgression.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - aw nice we got a Cold Geeza on our side. lmao wes gonna totally rek dem
 * Arkarixus - Now, take me away from this place. I wish not to be haunted by the sight of my dead brothers any longer.
 * The Mechanic - Arkarixus, sir...I will do everything I can to help you seek revenge. I...I wish I could remember everything, but I...
 * Arkarixus - Find the means to regain your databanks, Head Caretaker. I have no use for defective units.

The Mechanic swallowed his pride, as he looked back at Arkarixus in shame, then sighed as the Kormacvar walked off towards Vekaron's ship. Before they departed, Arkarixus looked at the stasis pods one more time before clenching his fists and making his way to their shuttle. The forces of Order had just gained a formidable asset, but it would not be one who would cooperate easily.

Death to Lud'nev, In the Glory of the Thirteenth
Soon after its formation during the second year of the of the, the  began to expand it's territories outside of Cyrannus, away from the terror of the. One of the first galaxies on their list to colonize was Borealis, quickly setting up the colony of Glorious Pinnacle, one of the countless ice worlds within the galaxy. Within a month of their arrival, their presence was detected by the, who quickly sent out a Eaglartin to attempt to convert the new arrivals.

When they landed, they were approached by the cautious shipmaster, Thel'Helmanee, who listened to their introductions. However, when the Eaglartin mentioned Lud'nev, Thel's anger exploded. The Cogsangui ignited his energy sword, much to the Eaglartin's fear and confusion. Not wanting to become a victim, the Eaglartin began to run toward his ship, closely followed by his helpers. However, Thel' was faster, jumping in front of him and decapitating the Zealot, finishing off his followers with well placed plasma bolts to the head. Taking offence to the Azure Theocracy's nerve, Thel' pledged a holy war against them.

In the weeks that followed the abysmal first contact between the Empire and the Eaglartin, the Cognatus invasion fleet scoured through Eaglartin space at a frightening pace, glassing planets as they went. Particularly brutal were the actions of Warlord, who destroyed the heretics with a fury rivalled by few through the Cognatus' holy crusade. Eventually, the CAC-class assault carrier, Resplendent Penance, commanded by Thel'Helmanee happened upon a major civilian colony on the planet Dofugha, home to approximately six billion Eaglartin colonists and pilgrams, who settled on the world in order to bask in Lud'nev's light.

As soon as the assault carrier entered the system, it was immediately spotted by the Ealgartin's planetary defense fleet but not before cloaking. Under the command of Captain Hal'Di, the Ealgartin engaged the Cognatus' mighty fleet. At first, the battle was going well for Hal'Di, who managed to destroy at least three Cognatus corvettes. However, the battle quickly turned when the Resplendent Penance decloaked directly over Hal'Di's flagship, destroying it with a single energy blast. With the Eaglartin fleet in disarray, the Resplendent Penance entered the atmosphere, taking position over the planet's single metropolis, before proceeding to glass it, killing all of it's inhabitants. Within the next twenty minutes, most of Dofugha's surface was glassed, rendering it uninhabitable for thousands of years.

Like wildfire, the Cognatus extermination fleet approached Fanaticus, with no end in sight.

Weeks passed, and with the use of advanced hyperspace technology, the Cognatus managed to slip behind the Eaglartin's defenses over their homeworld of Fanaticus. Beneath the very noses of the Eaglartin military, their civilisation was already finished. For an entire hour, the Cognatus fleet managed to evade damage as it began to systematically glass Fanaticus, killing billions. After two hours of this carnage, the Zealot Commando officially surrendered, sending the Cognatus a plea of peace and mercy.


 * Jaharala - Please, no more! All we did was try to share our culture... we meant no harm for you! We will accept your gods. Just, no more killing. I beg you.

Jaharala waited around his throne room nervously for fifteen minutes, looking out onto the capital city, was was being burned by impossibly strong heat. Soon however, he would get his response. For the first time since the initial crusade began, the Cognatus responded directly to the Zealots, specifically, Jaharala personally. The new leader of the Cognatus' fleets,, made his presence clear.


 * Vos Adamae - Remain in your palace. Summon your people. I am coming for you.

Not one to risk the future of his entire species, Jaharala felt he had no choice but to agree. Soon, a huge crowd of frightened Eaglartin began to congregate outside the Palace. To their awe, massive Cognatus warships began to appear overhead, one of which launched a small shuttle which landed on the Palace's landing pad. A hulking Cogsangui stepped out and made his way to the Throne Room, where he met with Jaharala for only a few moments, before the two enemies walked onto a balcony overlooking the Eaglartin people. Jaharala began to speak. He looked exhausted, horrified and spoke with a quavering voice.


 * Jaharala - In order to preserve our very species, I have decided to surrender our beliefs to our new... masters. I do this with a heavy heart, but I feel it is the right choice to protect our... future. I hope to remain as your leader to help guide our people into this new... era.

The crowd murmured among themselves, with looks of confusion on their faces. None of them were prepared for what happened next.


 * Vos Adamae - Pretty words, heretic.

The massive warrior ignited his plasma sword and ran it through the Eaglartin Leader's chest, before lifting up Jaharala's corpse by its head and flinging down unto the streets below. The crowd were shocked and terrified, many shouted out words of deviance, with others declaring their lasting devotion to Lud'nev, only to be shot by Scavenger snipers. Adamae's voice boomed throughout the city.


 * Vos Adamae - Let his death be an example to those who would defy the will of the gods! Your primitive civilisation has found salvation in our conquest, and you shall take honour in it.

Over the next few weeks, nearly all resistance within the former Azure Theocracy was crushed. The Eaglartin were now the newest members in the growing Cognatus Empire.

A Shattered Legacy
Having allowed Arkarixus time to rest up and become reacquainted with the modern world, the Unified Nation of Ottzello Leaders hosted a meeting with him and Vekaron to explain more to them about the Kormacvar. They choose not to invite the Rogue Boyz, as the Rogue Boyz were unlikely to listen anyway, though Grand-Commandant Vekaron and Chief Minor Xeron were present.

Feldosia did not attend the meeting, as for reasons they could not understand, she was more tired than usual. The chamber was far cleaner than usual, with the Tralkik Commander cleaning out Zr'Ahgloth's usual mess of half-eaten pizza slices and trying to polish the place to appease their Kormacvar guest. However, the room's walls were even more reinforced than usual, as they knew from their few interactions with him that the Kormacvar had a rather short temper.

The Kormacvar Warmaster was already present alongside the Mechanic, with him looking over a holographic map of the galaxy with narrowed eyes and a serious expression. He passed his fingers through the hologram to analyze it, having already done so in silence for several minutes. However, he would finally speak, breaking the feeling of awkwardness in the room;


 * Arkarixus - So, you aliens say you hail from the, the stars of Volzara. In my time, we believed it to be devoid of intelligent life.
 * Tuolog - Five billion years ago? It mostly was. Intelligent life not really exist, or it not really spacefaring at time. It was not until that that happen.
 * Arkarixus - My kind respected Volzara and her Vyro'Narza. It was said they helped guide the greatest inventors of the Empire in the creation of the Grid.
 * Valzo - Ah, yes, we did know that the Vyro'Narza had some relationship with your people, but we were not sure to what extent. They did not typically get too involved with the third dimension, due to restrictions placed upon them. Which is why they are not able to fight with us right now: if they got involved fully, then that would allow the Vyro'Ralza to be fully involved, and that kind of conflict could destroy the entire universe.
 * Arkarixus - But by your reports, the Vyro'Ralza are already here, plaguing my galaxy with their time anomalies.
 * Tuolog - They able to do this through a loophole. The Loron, when misled by Zr'An'Kar, created mass time anomalies which Zr'An'Kar and his accomplice, Antagonar, exploit and spread further. Those two involved directly, but no more Vyro'Ralza are.
 * Arkarixus - Unacceptable. The Grid was created exactly to keep threats of this magnitude out. Why is it no longer working?
 * The Mechanic - Sir, the Grid has not been weaponised for at least a few billion years...not to my knowledge at least, it's another thing that has been erased from my databanks.

Arkarixus let out an annoyed grunt as his fingers passed over the Western Arm, pointing at the Mirianis Sector in particular.


 * Arkarixus - What of the Gardeners? If you Caretakers have lasted this long, surely the Gardeners have survived as well. They would make fine assets in this war.
 * The Mechanic - Uh, the "Gardeners"? My memory banks don't have anything on them either.
 * Arkarixus - What has happened to you these last billions of years? Have the Grox wiped out the databanks of every Caretaker?
 * The Mechanic - Yup. All of them. We don't even remember your kind at all. I imagine that if you approached several of the Caretakers, they'd not be able to recognise you at all, and unlike me, they have no ability to think for themselves and work that sorta thing out.
 * Vekaron - The region of space you're pointing at is Alvino territory, Warmaster. They're a race of rabid locusts, bent on nothing more than devouring everything that provokes them.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - howeva dey hav been a massiv annoyanc fer da rogue boyz so we sorta didnt do anyfin about it
 * Tralkik Commander - The Alvino Brood poses a significant threat that very few civilizations have dealt with effectively. With that said, there have been more active combatants in this war that we have had to deal with as a first priority.
 * Arkarixus - "Alvino"? I require images of these.

The Tralkik Commander, above the hologram of the map, portrayed holographic images of Alvino Brood attacks upon BCN and Zoles territory. As he looked upon them, an expression of mild horror grew on the Kormacvar's face as he brought a hand to his face, his voice indicating disbelief.


 * Arkarixus - Our Gardeners... corrupted.
 * Xeron - "Your" Gardeners? ... Did you Cold-macvar create the Alvino?!
 * Arkarixus - They were not like this in my time. They were protectors of biospheres, ensuring the safety of colonies and the prosperity of our worlds. While the Caretakers maintained the Cold Relays, the Gardeners maintained our planets.
 * The Mechanic - Certainly don't seem like protectors right now...I wonder who could've done this?
 * Tuolog - It not like Zargoth to worry about these details. It must have been Durzhan?
 * Arkarixus - They were harmless. The most gentle of beings. And now I awake to find them forcefully transformed into abominations... Has none of my people's legacy survived the stains of time?
 * The Mechanic - Sir, we tried to keep your legacy intact. But there's only so much we can do when our memory was wiped. And when someone has deliberately tried to sabotage your legacy.
 * Arkarixus - I expected the awakening to be problematic, but the galaxy is in complete disarray. Primitives, savages, supernaturals... Grox scum. Everything must be returned to how it was.
 * Tuolog - I suggest we ask the database that knows all of this, Vida'Rranlora, however I believe even they been tampered with.
 * Vekaron - I've visited the Vida'Rranlora, and they're under control of a hostile race of machines called Lanatharch. We have reasons to believe they're linked with the Grox too.
 * Arkarixus - The Grox are the universe's greatest mistake. We Warmasters were created to combat and destroy them, and I will see that done no matter the cost.
 * Yogtam - With all due respect, the Grox in other galaxies are far weaker than the ones in this galaxy. I don't think the Grox are the only thing we're dealing with here.
 * Arkarixus - Hmpf... For now, we must focus on the pretenders. My kind has prepared a space station stashed with technological devices which we would use to begin the rebuilding of the Empire. I must access it in order to find the means to disable the Armageddon-class Star Destroyer.
 * The Mechanic - If it hasn't been tampered with too...alright, we'll help you find it, sir.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Why did your kind focus so much on an eventual "second coming of the Empire"? It's like you always prepared for the unlikely event of your kind being obliterated.
 * Arkarixus - When I was born, the war with the Grox had already been going for 500,000 years. I was one of the last of my kind even then. My time was one of preparing for the second coming, for the first empire was already doomed.
 * Kralgon Emperor - I see. I can relate. I too am from a kind that was doomed for destruction, and I was frozen for an eventual reawakening of my people. Of course, I awoke as the only Kralgon alive as intended, whereas you seem to have planned to be awakened with hundreds of other Kormacvar.
 * Arkarixus - Correct. We were to repopulate.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - yeh yor boff reely similar cus YOR BOFF BIG JERKS
 * Kralgon Emperor - The difference is, the "reawakening" of my people was a last minute preparation. We hid our technology in the final days of our kind. You seemed to have planned this for thousands of years, as if you were always preparing for this eventuality. Plus, with the Grid and the Cold Relays set up around your galaxy, it appears to me your kind was rather insular.
 * Arkarixus - Our preparations begun shortly after mine and Regnatus' birth. We were nearly seven hundred when the cryogenic sleep was turned on.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Interesting. As well as masters of technology, your kind were biologically supreme.
 * Xeron - You've mentioned the name "Regnatus" more than once. Who is that?

Arkarixus' expression turned somewhat grim as he turned away from the hologram.


 * Arkarixus - My younger blood brother and fellow Warmaster. We were to lead the second coming of the Empire against the Grox menace.
 * Tuolog - Blood brother? It sound like he mean a lot to you. I recall that he, like yourself, had his own separate stasis pod in Hyperborea.
 * Arkarixus - We Warmasters were created from the genetic material of the Warmasters who predated us. Me and Regnatus were born from the genetics of the legendary Kholduitanus, the most powerful Kormacvar in history. We were not true siblings, more like clones, perhaps... but we were family all the same.
 * Yogtam - Were your kind the only kind to dominate the galaxy at the time? Or was there other intelligent life? And if so, does any of it still exist, aside from the Carteakers and the "Gardeners"?
 * Arkarixus - During our Golden Age, we were the sole rulers of Borealis. Those who accepted our rule were added to the fold, and those who refused were eradicated. There were those who would defy us, like the Zarkhator devils of the Eastern Arm, but they all fell to the might of the Kormacvar Empire. We were unstoppable... at least, until the Grox arrived.
 * Kralgon Emperor - It appears you had prepared for every kind of outsider threatening to attack your galaxy...but were less prepared for an attack from within. Still, you held them at bay for 500,000 years.
 * Vekaron - I can't imagine a war lasting that long. That's longer than my kind has been sapient.
 * Arkarixus - It was the longest and bloodiest war in our time, and I doubt any other has come close since then. Perhaps outside of Borealis, but what happens beyond these stars is none of my concern.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - i dunno i had a rap beef wiv Hagto'Zhl da wannabe dat lasted quite long
 * Valzo - That lasted about 2 years at most.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - still quite long far as im concerned i dont hav da attenshon span fer wars lastin longa dan a month i get bored of dem

The Warmaster proceeded to walk up to Vekaron, who showed some unease as he approached. He still found Arkarixus somewhat intimidating to behold.


 * Arkarixus - Seeing as your species has taken the mantle of protectors of the galaxy, I will be joining you in your space vessel for now on.
 * Vekaron - Urm... Alright.
 * Arkarixus - We depart to the technological stash in three days. I shall provide you with the coordinates.
 * The Mechanic - Mind if I hang around your ship too? Beats these Caretaker shuttles anyhow...
 * Vekaron - I suppose so. Just... watch out not to break anything.
 * Arkarixus - Then give me no reason to do so.
 * Tuolog - Wait, Arkarixus. I have one last question, if you may. At some point, we need to speak to Blyro'Tralzica again, perhaps after we defeat Seagon. If we do, I get you in contact with Volzara?
 * Arkarixus - I do not see how that could benefit me.
 * Tuolog - I believe she wish to speak to you. She have message.
 * Arkarixus - Hm. So be it.
 * Tuolog - This good. Perhaps she tell us Zargoth's role in all this. You truly not hear of any role Zargoth have in your peoples' downfall? He claim to have taken them for his Vague experiment, so I expected you may have heard of him before. Unless he attack your people after you frozen. I should get you in contact with Vague too.
 * Arkarixus - We shall see.
 * Tuolog - Alright. I get you in contact with them after Seagon defeated. For now, we proceed to your coordinates.

A Killer's Soft Spot
While the military leadership of the forces of Order dealt with the Seagon problem, there were other matters that needed to be attended. Namely, the fact that had been arrested during the battle against the Zoles due to the intervention of Zargoth. It had been weeks since then, and so far, he received no indication that Volim intended to free him. It was too soon, perhaps; he did not know his location and needed more time to find him. Or he was content to leave him to rot in jail. That possibility always existed, but in his eyes, it was unlikely. He was too valuable to be left to his fate.

Truthfully, Zaarkhun himself did not know where he was, as his captors were not exactly cooperative. He was in fact at the fringes of the, having been handed over to them so that they could question his involvement with the Wranploer. He was not restrained, as the Niaka did not consider him dangerous, though they did unarm him of all equipment. Likewise, had also been disarmed, though his case was more extreme; Chronoscopic shackles around his arms disallowed his use of his own Essence to just teleport them out. Meanwhile, was kept in a cage of reinforced glass like a fish in an aquarium, as the Niaka were afraid he could use his nanomachines to somehow worm his way out of a normal jail. Sollow was particularly distressed by being stuck in glass and repeatedly scratched it with his claw-like nails while whining, much to the chagrim of everybody else.

A trio of Niaka guards entered the corridor, two of them adorning their mech-suits while the third remained on foot, though he nonetheless held a rifle in his small hands. As they walked over to Zaarkhun's cell and gazed inside, the Niaka on foot tapped the bars with his weapon to get his attention.


 * Niaka - Hope you're enjoying your stay. Only the best accomodations for our guests of honour.

Zaarkhun said nothing in response. He merely raised his head a little to look at them, acknowledging their presence, and otherwise remaining entirely silent. A smill grin formed on his face.


 * Niaka - All you need to do is tell us what we want to know and maybe we'll think of improving your situation. We want details on your links to the Wranploer Legion and the whole 'war economy' fiasco. And let me assure you, you ain't getting out of there until we get what we want.

In response, Zaarkhun merely chuckled slightly under his breath.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - You can't con a professional conman. I know a lie when I hear one. You'll do nothing for me even if I give you all the information you need. All you Niaka are the same, you only want to try and break me further after I give it all away. Try different tactics.
 * Mech-suit - Hm. He's smug. Shall I break his teeth?
 * Niaka - Not yet. Let him be smug for now. Maybe his friends would be more open to "dialog"?

The Niaka turned his attention to Genrai Nal's cell and tapped his bars.


 * Niaka - Come on, he can't be paying you enough to just stay there like that.

Genrai was actually inclined not to respond at all. However, the Niaka's notion alone insulted him enough to raise his head and glare.


 * Genrai Nal - That you believe our comradery to be based on any monetary value shows how little you know of us. I will speak nothing to you. You will sooner hear from Zaarkhun himself.
 * Niaka - Comradery among thieves? That's rich. Not literally, of course.
 * Mech-suit - Suppose that leaves us with the weird one in the glass prison.

Sollow's gaze turned to the Niaka as he pressed his entire body against the glass of his prison, causing him to slobber against it.


 * Sollow - When I get out of here, I am going to tear you apart limb from limb and then make you eat them!
 * Mech-suit - Hm. Perhaps not.
 * Niaka - I heard from High Command this thing would be a problem. No wonder they put it in a jar.

As the Niaka were attempting to get a word from Genrai and Sollow, Zaarkhun's mind only raced through the possibilities of all of his possible responses to the Niaka in this situation. Should he toy with them further? Should he try to intimidate them? Should he possibly say something misleading, but sell it as genuine, to lead them into a trap? Eventually, he settled on his desired response.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - You are all so hypocritical. You look down on anyone who does not follow you laws as beneath you, as scum of the galaxy who need only be removed. But your pretentious ways are catching up to you. You think when your kind changed their criminal ways to become this new police force, you became a force for good, but you did not change at all. Don't you see? By locking me up here, I've already won. The entire galaxy will turn against your ways, as they already have been. Government will be abandoned as a concept of the past, and to replace it, only true liberty will remain, under a total anarchy. Now, let's try this again. You tell me why I should spill the beans, and if I am satisfied with your reasoning, I will tell you what you need to know, and also why knowing it will not help you.
 * Niaka - Oh, lecturing us, aren't you? Alright then, pal. You tell us what we want to know or we're going to break every bone in your body. How's that sound?
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Pain can't intimidate me, because I know when my life is in danger and when it is not. I know that you will not kill me, only try to harm me until I respond. But instead, I will give you the pleasure of hearing more. Yes, Volim and I have been linked for years prior to the beginning of this war. The Borealis Consortium Network also includes the Wranploer Legion within it. He is my enforcer, while I am the businessman. Does that satisfy you yet?
 * Mech-suit - We got a confession, Chief. Recorded loud and clear in my suit.
 * Niaka - Good, that'll suffice for now. We'll be taking this with us for now, but don't fret, you'll see us again very soon.
 * Mech-suit - The other one talked about "comradery", perhaps in our next session, we should beat him up in front of his friend. See if his attitude improves.

The trio of Niaka proceeded to turn back from where they came, and the lights in the prison were shut off, leaving the three prisoners in the darkness. Sollow started jumping around the walls of his glass cell in annoyance, hissing constantly.


 * Sollow - Get me out of this jar!
 * Genrai Nal - Why tell them anything? It will merely encourage them to return until they have more information from you.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Precisely, Genrai. Which is why I will keep feeding them information until they begin to trust I am telling the truth. And once that happens, I throw in a few falsehoods. We can keep this up until Volim eventually finds and breaks us free of the prison.
 * Genrai Nal - Hm. Perhaps that is wise.
 * Sollow - Why don't either of you use your so-fancy smart plans and cunning to get us out of here?! I don't belong in a jar! This is humiliating!
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - I've escaped over thirty prisons in my lifetime, Sollow. This one will eventually be no different, but the Niaka are not foolish. They know how to tighten their security up against a foe that can tear said security apart bit by bit. You only need to wait until they reveal their hand, at which point, an escape route becomes increasingly obvious. For now, none of our lives are in danger. The Niaka know that even in here, I have the ability to end their precious forces within days.

Sollow huffed in annoyance as he sat down with his arms crossed. Minutes would pass, and it seemed the guards would not return anytime soon; no doubt they were reporting to their superior and they would not see light again until it was feeding time.

That is, until they heard the blasting sounds of sirens in the distance. Explosions and screams filled the air, though they knew not of what was happening.


 * Sollow - Wasn't me, even though I really wish it was.
 * Genrai Nal - It does not appear to be the work of the Wranploer either. Nor is it one of our PMCs.
 * Sollow - And how can you tell exactly?
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - PMCs don't leave these kind of screams of terror in their wake. They inspire calls to arms, not fleeing in fear. And the Wranploer are the kind to sieze control of a facility through brute strength, and not to merely leave explosions where they go. This came from someone else. Brace yourselves: it may be an attempt on our lives.

Sollow's eyebrows raised as he pressed his ear against the glass, continuing to listen. Paying closer attention, they really could tell the screams were coming from Niaka guards, seemingly desperate as something tore through their lines with little effort. Sollow had thought this was just another cell doing a prison break, for no doubt that was not an uncommon occurrence in such a vile place, but something about this sounded far worse than the works of some escaped criminals. Eventually, a sharp stench filled the trio's chambers, and even Sollow within his glass prison could feel it; it was like charred flesh and brimstone, of burned rotten flesh and decay.

Eventually, the walls themselves were torn from their foundations as a duo of Niaka mech-suits were launched across the chamber, allowing them the sight of them flying in the air and crashing against the other wall, killing the pilots instantly. The lights coming from outside were blot out as a malevolent fog started entering the area, with a single, dark sillhouette slowly walking across the destruction it caused.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Fascinating. What is this? Hmm... I recall vaguely seeing something like this before, when...
 * ??? - Ah. I have found you at last.
 * Sollow - That voice!

Emerging from the fog was an Inalton who wielded a pair of blades on each arm. He greatly resembled Genrai Nal, though the monstrous visage and the pulsating bulbous heart he sported made it very clear he was one of the Corruptus' ilk. Zaarkhun smiled, recognizing precisely who it was.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - .
 * Sollow - I thought his name was Genrai like ours?
 * Murangon Nal - I am Murangon. In the tongue of primordials, it means "Killer".
 * Genrai Nal - Fitting. I approve of it.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - And I approve of seeing you once again, old friend. What business have you here?

Murangon Nal watched Zaarkhun for many moments, though he would instead turn to face Genrai Nal - his clone.


 * Murangon Nal - I trust you are taking good care of Falrik.
 * Genrai Nal - But of course. To do any less would besmirch your name.
 * Sollow - Pffft. His name. Look at him... He looks like a demon now...
 * Genrai Nal - Your battles with the Corruptus fare well?
 * Murangon Nal - ... My battles for the Corruptus have led to many of your worlds being burned to cinders.
 * Sollow - Oooh, look how mean he is now... Have you missed good old Sollow, hmm?
 * Murangon Nal - I have most certainly not. In fact, let it be known that you revolt me greatly.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Though I may not approve of the side you fight for, or your goals, I nonetheless approve of your success. What is your goal here? To eliminate me? To eliminate your clone, perhaps? If so, I trust you will give us a fair fight as you would have always done, rather than kill us in our sleep.

Rather than respond with words, Murangon Nal swung his blade across the bars of Genrai Nal's cell, shattering them, before doing the same to Sollow's glass prison, with the Heeyorian hissing gleefully as he crawled out of it. Finally, he sent a foot at the bars of Falrik Zaarkhun's cell, easily smashing them open.


 * Murangon Nal - Leave these cells. I must speak to you.

Genrai Nal nodded in appreciation, but before he left the room, turned to Murangon one last time.


 * Genrai Nal - It is appreciated. Perhaps one day we will meet on the battlefield as foes. I look forward to facing such a worthy opponent.
 * Murangon Nal - You will not leave until I have spoken. With that said...

The demonic Inalton rose one arm and struck at the Essence shackles restraining Genrai Nal, freeing him from them. Once the trio had left their cells, they realized the outside of their corridor had been charred by nightmarish essence, many Niaka bodies littering the halls as they were literally burned to death.


 * Murangon Nal - I hope you realize, Falrik, what you shall face for now on. Look at the faces of terror of these corpses. Do you see their expressions? These are the expressions which will befall your own men when the Devourer's Chosen's march begins.

Zaarkhun looked upon them, and saw that Murangon's words were very sincere. Though he had seen many battlefields in his life, and as such seen many of the victims of war, he had truly not seen the sense of terror that Murangon had imposed upon them. The way their faces looked out in fear for final moments of their life, a look that would forever remain on after their life had ended. He then looked back at Murangon, and his next words pained him greatly.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Murangon... Old friend. You know that I must oppose you in this endeavor. When we meet again, it will be as foes.
 * Murangon Nal - The might of That Which Devours will scourge across this galaxy. All, from the noblest Zoles knights to the scummist Wranploer pirates, will bend the knee or be damned to eternal torment. We will unmake all you have created. And we will do so in the name of the gods.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - It is my duty to oppose the gods who seek to rule over us as beneath them. Your new god, as you are aware, is my enemy, and shall always be so. I am grateful for you releasing me, but know that I am unwavering in my quest. I trust that you expected this of me.

Murangon Nal brought a hand to his mouth and lowered his head. He almost seemed to whimper.


 * Murangon Nal - It is why, faced with this reality, I have decided to seek you and free you. So that you would flee this galaxy, before the great march. So that you would be spared. I would hate for my old friend to rot away in a cell.

Zaarkhun's smile in response was one that most did not see from him. It was not a smug smile bemeaning those who viewed as beneath him, nor one of his usual fake smiles to business partners before shortly backstabbing them. It was a genuine smile of gratitude and of thanks to his old friend, as he nodded in response. He had no words left, but he knew what he must do.


 * Murangon Nal - ... It surprises me not that you will not heed my warning. It would not be like you to flee. Let it be known; he will meet as foes. But when we do, I know you shall grant me a good fight.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - And you the same.
 * Murangon Nal - Now use your Dark Chronoscopic powers and return to Volim... Do so before I change my mind and slaughter you. The voices in my head make the temptation strong.

Without a moment's hesitation, Genrai grabbed Sollow and pulled him towards Zaarkhun, as he used his teleportation to travel to the Iron Fist. While Zaarkhun perhaps wished he had more time, he knew that any more moments wasted would risk his own life. Moments later, they noticed their equipment being teleported to their feet, no doubt a final gift from the Killer. Upon landing in the Iron Fist, Sollow stretched his arms and looked at the other two with a look of disappointment.


 * Sollow - You're a pair of fools. Should've just killed him then and there, not have to deal with him later...
 * Genrai Nal - It is not so simple to face such an opponent. Murangon knows every technique I do, but has demonic strength to empower him further. And maybe you do not know this, as you have never had to face a life-threatening situation, but fighting on a space ship that is about to be destroyed is unwise.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - At times, we are talking to a child... Where is Volim?
 * Sollow - Probably on his throne, ranting about killing Zoles... Really, that throne should be mine...

At that moment, Zaarkhun looked around to his surroundings, and found that Genrai had teleported him into the throne room. Much as Sollow had expected, Volim was sitting on his throne, unaware of their arrival. Zaarkhun approached and coughed loudly, causing the General's head to turn to them. Upon the sight of the trio, the massive Wranploer yelled.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - General, I have returned.
 * Volim - What the hell?! Where did you come from?!
 * Genrai Nal - We were able to flee the Niaka prison, and I teleported back to this ship.
 * Volim - Ugh, you scared the hell out of me... So, you were in a Niaka world then. Makes sense.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Their primitive torture methods are entirely flawed. They cannot gain information out of us. But no matter: the entire prison was destroyed on the way out. And likely, they will be dealing with a prison break too.

Zaarkhun knew it was best not to mention that it was a member of the Corruptus that had helped him leave, as it would easily arouse suspicions in Volim. Until now, however, he had dodged the question of why Volim had not attempted to rescue him, but he instead decided to ask it in a straightforward way, without too many accusations.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - I suppose we are yet to map the location of all Niaka prisons yet? I should have my spies do this at once, in case we ever have another issue of a high profile member being locked up.
 * Volim - Hm, yes, probably. Niaka have tons of worlds, each with tons of prisons. I'd have never guessed you were in one of them.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - They only locked me up in an attempt to gain more information from me. Little did they know, I gained more information from them. They do not yet know the extent of the crimes I have committed thus far. They also, until now, did not know how long we had been allied, or how deep the alliance was.
 * Volim - Well, since you're here again, time to make yourself useful and help me deal with the fallout of the failed attack on the Zoles. The "Network" part of this Consortium Network is in absolute shambles, and the Seagon are launching a full-scale assault on my planets.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Very well. I will do so at once. Until things are in order, it would be wise to remain on the defensive. Let the Zoles and their Ottzello allies take care of the Seagon threat. Perhaps I could even get my good friend Fre'kloar to help clean it up for me.
 * Volim - We'll see. I hear they have some sort of new ally. Supposedly someone vary important, but my agents have failed to identify him.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - A new ally? Intriguing. Of this galaxy or no? My spies will have to learn more.
 * Volim - I don't know. All I have heard is his title. "Warmaster".
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - I know of no civilizations in or outside of this galaxy that use such a title. The term is also rather ancient. This could prove very interesting... I will start the logistical cleanup of our forces around the galaxy at once. In the meantime, my spies will look into this... "Warmaster".

Power of the Kormacvar
Following coordinates provided by Arkarixus, a small fleet was sent through a Cold Relay to find the technological stash he had mentioned, though it was not exactly what they expected it to be. In truth, it turned out to be a derelict space station, and not just that, one guarded by Seagon vessels. It was no surprise that the creatures had found this palce; they had evolved around Kormacvar ruins, used technology based on theirs and rumours said they even spoke their language. The sight of the intruders caused the Warmaster to frown in disdain - these aliens were usurpers, and they were standing in ground which should only be walked by his kind. The fleet, which was made up of Zoles, Niaka, UNO and Collective ships engaged the Seagon defenses and, thanks to their greater numbers, were able to carve a path for Arkarixus and his ground team to venture into the space station itself.

Because the Seagon were clearly using the facility, it was not in complete ruins, though the group nonetheless had to use space suits to avoid being exposed to the vacuum of space. Arkarixus led them, though unlike any of them, he carried no weapon on his person. Vekaron knew the Warmaster had a rifle of some description among his posessions, but he had not brought it with him. The Zoles commandant and Xeron were quite alert, with their own weapons raised in order to ward off any potential ambushes, while Vyutrin and Hachiman watched their rear. Zr'Ahgloth and the Kralgon Emperor were keen for battle, with Tuolog perched on Zr'Ahgloth's shoulder, while Yogtam remained on guard. The Tralkik Commander sent its own remote form, while the remaining Leaders stayed on the ship. The Mechanic trailed behind slightly, still slightly uneasy around Arkarixus even if he felt obliged to be subservient to him.


 * Vyutrin - No sign of hostiles so far, all clear.
 * Hachiman - Oh boy, we're on a fancy place! Look at all the fancy lights!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - its quiet. too quiet. i kno how ta resolve dis problem

Zr'Ahgloth pulled out a large boom box and began to play music before the Kralgon Emperor slapped his arm and demanded he put it away.


 * Vekaron - Hm. May I ask you a question, Warmaster?
 * Arkarixus - You have done just that.
 * Vekaron - Hmpf. What exactly are we looking for? What is this "stash", exactly?
 * Arkarixus - A piece of machinery; a data disk, to be exact, possessing schematics of my race's technological marvels, including its fleet. We were to use it as blueprints for the second coming's navy, but alas... I now require it to study the usurpers' weapon.
 * The Mechanic - Blasted Seagon... They insult the weapons that they use! They don't have a shred of respect for the ones that came before them, I say!
 * Xeron - You tell me. These fiends have been my people's worst enemies for hundreds of years. Wish we could just wipe them out.
 * Kralgon Emperor - I like how this guy thinks...
 * Hachiman - Umm, excuse me, big guy, but... where's your gun?
 * Arkarixus - ... I require no weapon against these vermin.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - ta be fair i respect dat

At this point, sirens begun blasting across the facility as Seagon troopers arrived at their position, their weapons readied to fire. Seagon weapons were feared across Borealis for their deadly power, and because their makers were careful not to allow others access to them, they were particularly valuable across the black market. However, before even his own allies could react, Arkarixus' body radiated an aura of green energies as he thrust his arm upwards, causing the Seagon troopers to immediately be launched violently against the ceiling; the impact was such that their bones were broken instantly, killing them before they had the chance to even feel it.


 * Vyutrin - ... What was that?!
 * Yogtam - That... that was beyond anything I've even seen Tuolog do...
 * Arkarixus - Behold, the mana which a Kormacvar Warmaster commands, given to me to destroy the most powerful supersoldiers of the Grox. These usurpers are unworthy of my weapon; they shall die by the power of my mind alone.
 * Tuolog - Ah, yes. I see powerful energy in you. I not know that this was the strength all Warmasters could reach in your people.
 * Hachiman - To be fair I've no idea what he just said but, wow!
 * Tuolog - It hard to see the Kormacvar history much. But I have to know how versed your kind were in Essence at height of your power? If you all this strong, the Grox' strength must be very extreme to overcome it.
 * Arkarixus - Have you ever heard of a Dronox Commander?
 * Tralkik Commander - UNO have no relevant files on Borealis Dronox Commander.
 * Arkarixus - Then know this: Warmasters were created to fight them.
 * Tralkik Commander - Beginning their file now. Note to file--
 * Zr'Ahgloth - STOOPID FREEKIN OP AN SHULD BE NERFED. START DA FILE SAYIN DAT

More Seagon forces were dispatched to attack the group, though they did not even need to use their own weapons as Arkarixus killed them within an instant. With mere thrusts of his hand, the troopers were launched into walls, strangled, or downright eviscerated before they even have the chance to scream; the Warmaster was quick but extremely brutal in his executions.


 * Kralgon Emperor - I wonder if Tuolog would be capable of reaching this power were he not so reserved in his brutality.
 * Tuolog - It entirely possible, but I not willing to test theory.
 * Arkarixus - There is no room for mercy. These vermin must be purged.
 * Xeron - Damn straight!
 * Kralgon Emperor - You should be more like them, Tuolog.
 * Tuolog - I think not.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - lmao could ya imagine tuolog like dat? ya gotta be purged grrrr!!! it dont fit him

Tuolog chuckled slightly in response. As more Seagon troopers arrived, he began to hum a chant slightly, and then held out his staff. The arriving Seagon troopers were frozen in time for a brief period.


 * Tuolog - I can do that, though. Do with them as you please...
 * Xeron - I'll not go through an entire Seagon base and not fire a single shot! That'd be an insult to the Chief Major!
 * Arkarixus - Not a "Seagon" base. This is a Kormacvar installation, and never forget that.
 * Xeron - Um, s-sorry Warmaster.

Eventually the group arrived to the heart of the station, where its master computer laid. It was quite vast in size, though its screens were comparatively smaller; normal for a creature the size of a Kormacvar, but large to everyone in the room except Zr'Ahgloth. As Arkarixus studied the machine for a moment, he turned to the Mechanic and spoke.


 * Arkarixus - Head Caretaker. Extract the files of this databank and put them in a data-disk.
 * The Mechanic - At once, sir!

The Mechanic skuttered over and obliged. While they waited for him to be done, however, a larger Seagon squadron arrived from behind. Leading them was a particularly imposing figure, and the sight of him send Xeron into a rage. This was the figure known as Sergeant Manulin, a much maligned individual across the Friura Sector as one of the greatest military leaders among the Seagon, and one who had attacked the Niaka Special Forces countless times over the past decades. Arkarixus, however, glanced at him with indifference.


 * Xeron - You! Seagon scum!
 * Manulin - So what is this, huh? You aliens come into my base and carve your way through my troops? And you expect to get away with it?
 * Zr'Ahgloth - lmao dats a supa bad mood. watch man yor gonna trigga arkarixus
 * Arkarixus - ... Who are you, alien? Are you the commander?
 * Manulin - Commander? Oh please... Have you never heard of Manulin, the greatest of Emperor Vhezari's sergeants? You should be in awe for standing before me!
 * Hachiman - Wow, this guy's a bit of an ass.
 * Kralgon Emperor - There's something admirable about his arrogance, I admit.
 * Arkarixus - I see. Then you are the one in charge.

Arkarixus fully turned his body to face the Seagon; Manulin was easily half his size, and as the sergeant and the troopers analyzed the Warmaster, a feeling of dread begun growing on them. Arkarixus would lean down and speak out a sentence which the rest of the group's translators could not quite identify except for the Mechanic; he was speaking the Kormacvar tongue itself, a language too old for translators to pick up, but the Caretaker could easily tell what it meant. It was a threat. Manulin and his men took a step back as their faces displayed fear.


 * Manulin - No... No, it can't be! You can't be a Cold One!
 * Arkarixus - I am Kormacvar, you filthy vermin!

With a wave of his arm, Arkarixus launched the troopers away while Manulin stood in place, and then thrust his arm up, sending him into the ceiling before sending him down into the ground. The Warmaster had a large frown as he started bashing the sergeant against the walls many times, except this time around, the room was filled with his screams; he slammed him hard enough to break his body and armor, but used his energies to keep him alive and conscious. Eventually growing tired of simply doing that, he started dragging the Seagon's broken body across the floor, smearing it in his blood as Manulin agonized under him. Vekaron and Vyutrin both recoiled back at the sight, and even Xeron, who hated the Seagon, had his eyes wide open in astonishment. Tuolog himself twitched at the sight of the violence, while the rest of UNO watched in sheer awe and bewilderment.


 * Vekaron - Is... Is that really necessary?
 * Hachiman - Ngh, I can't look... I can feel my breakfast coming up my throat.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - urm i dunno about yoo lot but i get da feelin we shuld be glad dis geeza is on our side an not da enemy

Eventually, Arkarixus held the bloody and battered Manulin in the air before clenching his fist. The group watched as the Seagon's body was crushed into itself, becoming smaller and smaller until it was reduced to a very bloody pulp, no bigger than Hachiman's own head. Letting out a loud huffing sound, the Kormacvar turned over back to the group.


 * Arkarixus - This is the fate of all those who stand before me. This is the fate of the Grox.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - ... so im guessin dat im not challengin yoo to an arm wrestle any time soon
 * Arkarixus - Are you done, Head Caretaker?
 * The Mechanic - Uh, uhh, yes sir! All complete!

The Mechanic, having finished his download, pulled the disk out. Initially, he stumbled a little, and eventually tripped up and dropped the data-disk as he fell flat on his face, before quickly picking himself back up and presenting the data-disk to Arkarixus, with an extremely worried look on his face. He was already in fear of the Kormacvar, but this had only heightened his anxiety.


 * The Mechanic - ... Ta-da?

Arkarixus had his eyes narrowed as he bluntly snatched the disk from the Mechanic's hands and put it on his own armor, before turning away to face the exit.


 * Arkarixus - I will require time to study the contents of this disk. We have nothing else to do here.
 * Tralkik Commander - Dispatching drones to perform a scan of the area and search for remaining threats or items of interest. We will relay the reports of this investigation promptly.
 * Xeron - Huh, well, at least the Chief Major will be happy to know Manulin is dead. Though I don't think I'll be bringing the 'body' with me... I don't want to touch that.
 * Yogtam - Believe me, we have a recording of everything that took place here. They'll know exactly how Manulin's death unfolded.
 * Tuolog - And I also check five hundred timelines to see if there any death less brutal than this. Spoiler: no. There not.
 * Hachiman - Sheesh, now I'm starting to feel bad for that guy. He gets no chill.

--

Having sent out his spies to conduct investigations and gather more information for his arrival, Zaarkhun was growing impatient on the lack of any reports of this new "Warmaster". However, the spies had learned that Da Rogue Boyz had recently entered into an informal pact with the Zoles, UNO, and the Niaka. Though he initially balked at the idea, Zaarkhun soon began to ponder on ways to profit from it. He then sent out a transmission to Fre'kloar, to see if Fre'kloar had any information about this mysterious threat. His screen open to him watching the Loron all stuffing their faces with food.


 * Fre'kloar - WHO DA HELL IS IT CANT YA SEE IM EETIN
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Ah, good day, Fre'kloar, old friend!
 * Fre'kloar - woah YO ITS ZAARKHUN. WHATS UP HOMIE
 * Jol'kiar - urm isnt zaarkhun unda arrest or somfin? herd da niaka was all celebratin ova dat
 * Brag'klogga - YEH TA BE HONEST IVE KINDA LOST TRAK OF DA CHRONOLOGY. ITS ALL MESSED UP. ALMOST LIKE DA WRITAS HAVE BEEN ASLEEP FER TWO YEERS
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, I have recently escaped captivity, as one would expect. There are no more surviving prisoners. I thought it best to catch up and see how you have been doing lately. I gather you recently lost a battle to UNO and have decided to put aside your differences for the common good?
 * Rel'larutina - Yeah, we kinda had to do that, after Grak'tona almost tore a hole into spacetime over a stupid rock.
 * Grak'tona - IT WAS A REELY GUD CROWN SHUT UP
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - I see. In any case, Fre'kloar, I am curious to know if you have heard of a certain individual known as... the "Warmaster". He intrigues me. Perhaps you know more?

Fre'kloar scratched the side of his head, slobbering himself in junk food in the process.


 * Fre'kloar - no no no man its WARBOSS. when da lads start leedin dey become WARBOSSES not stoopid WARMASTAS
 * Hagto'Zhl - FREKLOAR MAN YOR DUM HE WASNT TALKIN BOUT LORONZ OBVS
 * Fre'kloar - YA MOMS DUM SHUT UP HAGTO CANT YA SEE IM EETIN
 * Jol'kiar - BAK IN MY DAYZ DERE WAS ONLY WARBOSSES. DEEZ DAYZ I HERD SOMFIN ABOUT A... "WARCHEEF"??? WAT DA HELL KINDA CRAZY STUFF IS DAT NONSENSE HONESTLY I SWER YOO YUNGSTAS DONT REALIZE HOW DUM YOO AR
 * Voa'reak - lmao yall are bein dum hes obvs talkin bout da supa scary... WAR... uh... war... idunno where im goin wiv dis
 * Zalk'don - i know wat he ment. he ment da BOSS ON WORLD OF GANGSTACRAFT DATS LEVEL 99. MAN I SWER I CANT BEET DAT BOSS ITS SUPA FREEKIN DIFFICULT. WISH DERE WAS LIKE A CHEET CODE FOR IT
 * Drizz'pyrokirk - GIT GUD YA IDIOT I SWEAR
 * Brag'klogga - well idunno what any of ya is on bout but IM DA BEST SHAMAN AAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Falrik Zaarkhun sighed a little, before talking to Rel'larutina directly, who was also rolling her eyes.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - I gather you know who I am referring to, right?
 * Rel'larutina - Yeah, yeah. You're talking about the Kormacvar we awakened. Warmaster "Arkarixus" is his name.
 * Fre'kloar - HE SEZ HES ONE OF DA COLD ONES. BUT DATS DUM. COLD ONES IS SOMFIN YA OPEN WIV DA BOYZ
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - A Cold One? Fascinating... So the Cold Ones' true name is "Kormacvar".
 * Rel'larutina - Yeah, as it turns out, this guy has been asleep for five billion years. He's the only one left though.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - I see. So he survived whatever befell their kind five billion years ago when they were extinct. Now that would mean that any black market shipments of Cold On- sorry, "Kormacvar" weaponry is now under threat from him. But what I'm more curious about are his motives.
 * Fre'kloar - hes all like "hurr im gonna remake da empiya and ya all gonna help me and ya all best be sik at it". tbh hes kinda a prik im not a fan
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim won't like any threats to his power, so he'll want to know right away. Do you happen to know the power levels of this individual? I imagine they are beyond what we have faced in the past.
 * Rel'larutina - We haven't really seen him fight, but we saw him blast away some Caretaker-like creatures with Essence. Killed a couple dozen of them instantly.
 * Brag'klogga - HES GOT DA GOD JUICE IN HIM I CAN TELL. WHICHS DUM, ONLY LORONZ SHULD HAV DA GOD JUICE
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - That is intriguing indeed. But like anyone, a weakness in him will reveal itself in time. For now, though, with such an individual on their side, I believe it is best for us also to call off any feuds with this Warmaster and his allies. Until we know more, such a confrontation would not be wise.
 * Hagto'Zhl - I BET I CULD TOSS HIM OVA HIS HED
 * Fre'kloar - NO WAY I CAN YA CANT EVEN BEET ZRAHGLOTH IN A FITE LMAO
 * Hagto'Zhl - YA MOM
 * Grak'tona - WELL IM DA KING. SO DAT MEENS I GET FIRST DIBS ON WHO FITES HIM. AN ITS ME OBVS
 * Rel'larutina - Hey, be my guest. At least we won't have to hear you talk anymore, since you'll obviously die.
 * Grak'tona - OFF WIV HER HED. oh wait shes a chik so shes basically a hed wiv legs. OFF WIV HER EVRYFIN DEN

While the Loron continued to bicker amongst themselves, Zaarkhun had sat quietly, paying them no attention, as he went through thousands of different possibilities in his head, eliminating each as he went through. When he arrived on his preferred option, a grin formed on his face, before he simply spoke the words:


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - You all just stay out of trouble for now. I have a plan.

And with that, he terminated the transmission.


 * Fre'kloar - man i swer peeps alwayz call me when im eetin. OI WHICH OF YOO IDIOTS STOLE MA LAST PIZZA SLICE
 * Knar'gank - l o l

The Siege of Ikkiz
Over the course of the next weeks, Arkarixus and the Mechanic worked together to figure out the intricacies and weaknesses in the designs of the Armageddon-class Star Destroyers. While inspired by Kormacvar design, they were not literal Kormacvar ships, and as such the duo had to improvise and figure out how exactly a race like the Seagon operates. It was a difficult process, mostly to the Mechanic, who had to endure the Warmaster's persistent foul mood and to Vekaron, who was forced to share his ship with the two of them. In the meantime, however, the Seagon offensive continued through the Eastern Arm; since they begun their attacks, hundreds of planets across the Niaka Special Forces, the Old Niaka Order and the Borealis Consortium Network had fallen, alongside whoever was unfortunate enough to get caught in Emperor Vhezari's path.

However, they had no more time to spare. An urgent transmission was sent to the allies of the Special Forces when the Seagon Emperor's flaship had been detected approaching the homeworld of Ikkiz.

Immediately, the forces of Order sent whatever fleets they had available to counterattack. Losing the Niaka homeworld would be a devastating blow and could not be allowed to happen. Led by the Zoles, the allies travelled through the Cold Relays to reach the lush world of Ikkiz to find a great battle above its atmosphere; the planetary defenses, led by Chief Minor Xeron, held the line against the Seagon offensive while the dreaded Armageddon-class Star Destroyer which served as the Seagon Emperor's flaship loomed omniously in the distance. Analyzing the vessel from this closer distance allowed them to see it was far larger than any of the ships in their own fleets, its main weapon located at its front in the shape of a gigantic laser, and if reports were to be believed, a single shot was all they needed to turn Ikkiz into a frozen wasteland.


 * Vekaron - It seems we arrived in time. They haven't fired their biggest gun yet.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - lol dats funni. we all kno who got da biggest guns heer

Zr'Ahgloth stood in front of the rest of UNOL's members on the hologram and flexed his muscles, expecting to receive some adoration, then sat back down disappointed as they all shook their heads.


 * Hachiman - Not gonna lie, it looks like they're overcompensating for something.
 * Vyutrin - A big mistake to make, kid. The bigger the ship, the bigger the firepower it can hold. That thing can destroy entire worlds.
 * Tuolog - We not let that happen. Make sure that ship not able to fire.
 * Baptarion - Hm, I gotta wonder though. Why haven't they fired yet? I mean, it's not like they can't.
 * Vekaron - A weapon that big probably has a long charging time. That, or Vhezari wants to savour the deaths of the Niaka... Probably a bit of both.

At this point, they received a transmission from Chief Minor Xeron as Arkarixus and the Mechanic joined Vekaron in his captain's bay.


 * Xeron - Finally, some reinforcements! We're being torn apart here!
 * Arkarixus - Fear not, insect. The counter-weapons are prepared.
 * Xeron - Great! ... Wait, what did you-
 * Kralgon Emperor - Then why do we wait? Fire!
 * Arkarixus - Fool, you do not yet even know what they are. I do not intend to destroy that vessel.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Ah, I see. We storm their ship, take its weapons apart, and then sell the rest for scrap metal?

The Kormacvar Warmaster growled, causing Vekaron to glance over his shoulder in some apprehension.


 * Arkarixus - My counter-weapon comes in two parts. First, the Zoles will require an opening - which you will provide by clearing the lesser ships -, and then we shall fire a special EMP strike which shall disable the usurper's ship. Once we are in, we will destroy their leader, and I will use a special hacking device to claim the ship as my own.
 * Vuytrin - Ah, yes! A weapon like that would be quite good on our side for once.
 * Yogtam - A good strategy. Our forces will fire on the lesser ships and create a diversion.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - ya meen we fite da CANNON FODDA??? LAAAAAME
 * Hachiman - ... Actually yeah, that's pretty lame! I wanna fight the real bad guys!
 * Vyutrin - Shut up and wait at the shuttle.
 * Baptarion - Heh.

The Zoles and Collective vessels moved onwards in order to flank the Seagon fleet, followed by UNO. Their fleet comprised of Tralkikianoe, Kralgon AI weapons, and Ottzelloan Grox fleets, all sending forward large starships capable of taking the brunt of the Seagon fire as they scattered their weapons and missiles around to take apart the smaller ships. The fleet, led by the UNO Omega Commander and a few s, charged on ahead in a straight, armada line, initially aiming towards the largest Seagon ship, before then diverting and moving just to the left of it. Coming from the rear was also the fleet of the Paladians, who offered their support by taking out many of the enemy's smaller fighters.

With the largest chunk of the enemy fleet distracted away from the Dreadnought, Arkarixus ordered Vekaron's ship to fire. A luminous blue blast was launched from his cannons, quickly travelling through the vacuum and striking the Dreadnought's shields, and before the eyes and radars of the allies, they were effectively shut down instantly - as were any ship caught in the path between it and Vekaron's ship.


 * Arkarixus - This EMP will not last long. Board the Dreadnought at once.
 * Tuolog - If you find safe ground, I able to teleport in with Zr'Ahgloth.

Taking their shuttles, the allies sought an entrance on the gigantic ship, eventually finding one at what they believed to be the cargo bay. With a safe place to teleport pinpointed down, Tuolog then warped Zr'Ahgloth in while perched on his shoulder. As the group gathered their forces to advance, a shuttle belonging to the Niaka themselves also arrived, and when its doors opened, the large mech-suits of both Xeron and Chief Major Xerkea marched to join them.


 * Xerkea - The Seagon think they can take my homeworld from me? Today they shall face justice once and for all!
 * Vekaron - Ah, Chief Major. An honour to fight alongside you once again.
 * Hachiman - Oooh, she's cool!
 * Arkarixus - If you lead the planet below, then your presence will be a boost to morale. But make an effort to not perish, as that would bring the opposite effect.
 * Xerkea - Hmpf. Charming. I take this is the "Kormacvar" I was told about.
 * Arkarixus - Indeed. I shall lead you to victory today.
 * Xerkea - Ahem. I will lead you to victory. This is my people's fight above all else. I don't care how ancient you are, but you're my turf, and you follow my rules, got it?
 * Tuolog - This not time to squabble. We protect Niaka people as first priority regardless.

The Kormacvar raised an eyebrow at Xerkea's tone; normally this would be the part where he would berate them again. However, he instead relaxed as he pointed for the Niaka to lead on.


 * Arkarixus - Be my guest then.
 * Xerkea - Alright, you lot! Today we kill the Emperor of the Seagon! None of you will leave this ship until I have his head! March!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - afta yoo hav his hed can I eat it
 * Xeron - No! He's ours!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - hm fair enuff ya deserve it tbh

The group moved onwards, and it would not take long for Seagon reinforcements to close in into their position. A hail of gunfire blazed from both sides as they fought their way into the command room. While Vyutrin, Xeron and Baptarion provided ranged support, Vekaron, Hachiman and Xerkea charged into the fray in melee, slashing and crushing any trooper would was caught in their way. Zr'Ahgloth did the same, though Tuolog managed to warp him in behind enemy lines where he could lift two Seagon troopers and smash them together, before biting the heads off of those nearby. Tuolog himself returned any enemy fire back towards them using his Chronoscopic powers, and sped Zr'Ahgloth up in time. Arkarixus did not aid them like he did previously; he was content with merely watching them fight. They could hear the voice of the Emperor across the ship, though despite the situation, it was clear by his tone that he was not worried.


 * Rothneld Vhezari - That is quite enough. Surrender and I may grant you a bit of mercy.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - LMAO LIKE WE NEED MERCY FRUM YOO
 * Xerkea - I think he's forgotten who he's speaking to. The Special Forces neither needs nor provides mercy to those who threaten our galaxy!

As they moved closer to the command room, corridors of automated turrets blocked their path. Switching into his heavy ordnance equipment, Vyutrin smirked confidently as he fired missiles to destroy them, while both Xerkea and Xeron activated their suits' rocket launchers, creating a barrage of explosions which not even the Seagon's advanced shielding could protect from. Tuolog once again warped Zr'Ahgloth above the turrets, for him to land down and smash them from behind enemy fire. At this point, he then dropped off Zr'Ahgloth's shoulder and spoke directly to Xerkea.


 * Tuolog - There two options for how I can help in next battle. Either I can use my power to extend length of EMP to stop Emperor from firing weapon and buy us more time, or I use it to empower your own suit and cause you to attack faster and toz reflect damage against it. Choice is yours, but I not able to be everywhere.
 * Xerkea - Hm. Extend the EMP. The bastard thinks he can savour killing us slowly, how about we do the same to him?
 * Tuolog - Understood. Zr'Ahgloth, you on your own while I do this.

Tuolog then floated in his meditative stance, as he hummed a tune slightly, causing time outside the ship to slow to a crawl. This meant that the ship would have less time to recover from the EMP, buying much more crucial time for them to defeat the Emperor before he could recharge the ship and then fire the cannon. Once that was done and the defenses were destroyed, the group finally reached the command elevator which would take them to the command center; upon arrival, they were greeted to the sight of several dozen heavily armored Seagon and turrets aiming directly at them, while Rothneld Vhezari sat upon his throne. The Emperor had a glass of alcohol between his fingers as he looked down at them with a look of annoyance.


 * Rothneld Vhezari - You try my patience. This is your last chance to stand down before I send Ikkiz back to the Stone Age.
 * Xerkea - Bah! You think that scares me?! I'd go through Hell and back just for the chance to strangle your little fish neck between my fingers, Vhezari!
 * Rothneld Vhezari - Ah, Xerkea, Xerkea... Always so stubborn. That is one reason I hate your little species; so stubborn, so unwilling to bend the knee to their betters.
 * Arkarixus - Usurper. You stand before a Kormacvar. It is foolishness to make demands.

The Seagon Emperor drank from his glass as he glanced at Arkarixus; he remained unimpressed.


 * Rothneld Vhezari - Truly? You are Manulin's killer? ... It may have impressed him, but to me, you are a corpse. I don't take orders from extinct cultures.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - well in dat case yoo stand befor a LORON an moar specifically da PROPA BIG BOSS so DUNT MAKE DEMANDS OR IMMA SLAP YOR DUMASS
 * Rothneld Vhezari - Hah. The Loron. Of course... Volim's new pet hounds. They are amusing distractions, but I intend to rid Borealis of you too. I don't want vermin in my doorstep.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - wat did yoo say??? WE DONT WORK FOR VOLIM YA LOSA
 * Vekaron - ... He's too confident. He has something planned, I can tell. Keep your eyes open.
 * Rothneld Vhezari - Oh well. Dispose of them.

At this command, the Seagon forces opened fire. Vekaron and his men took cover as quickly as they could, as did the Collective forces and the Niaka who returned fire, though they were outgunned at this point. Zr'Ahgloth took the brunt of a lot of the fire also as he foolishly stepped out to block it, though he was unprepared for tanking the damage without the help of Tuolog to reverse the majority of it. Though his nanotechnology armor helped him heal and recover from a lot of the blasts, he nonetheless had to retreat quickly. Vyutrin launched explosives over cover in order to open a path to his men, allowing Baptarion to keep firing his pistol and Hachiman to get enough to engage the Seagon in melee; with his kanata, he pierced the armor of a soldier and struck him down before he could reach for his combat knife. Vekaron directed his men to focus on the turrets in order to buy his allies time, while Xerkea charged straight at the Emperor.

Rothneld watched the battle while drinking more from his glass, keeping an eye on Xerkea. He then hovered a hand over a button in his HUD, a smirk growing on his face.


 * Xerkea - Vhezari! Your head is mine!
 * Rothneld Vhezari - So, so stubborn...

And then he pressed it.

From the ceiling, emerged a weapon; a much smaller version of the Dreadnought's main cannon. After a brief charging moment, it blasted out a ray of silvery white energy directly at the Chief Major, who had no time to react as she was struck from above. Before their eyes, Xerkea's mech-suit was completely and literally frozen, being reduced to an ice statue before the Emperor.


 * Xeron - Chief Major!!
 * Hachiman - Cool lady!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - BUG CHIK
 * Rothneld Vhezari - Did you really think I only had powerful guns on the outside of the ship? Do tell, Kormacvar, did you calculate this possibility?
 * Arkarixus - I did. However, I would not have placed such a weapon so close to the commander; too risky... You have guts, usurper.
 * Rothneld Vhezari - Hah. You keep using that word, "usurper". I think it's time you understood I am merely claiming what is mine. Your time is long past, ancient; now is the day of the Seagon.

It was at this moment, however, that the Chief Major's mech-suit's front opened, revealing a visible frostbitten Xerkea who beat her insect-like wings furiously as she leaped at the Emperor. Rothneld gasped; how could she have survived a direct hit from the freezing ray? Was she really so stubborn not even death could slow her down? He had little time to react as she grabbed onto his head, causing him to panic as he tried to get her out of him. Unlike the rest of the people in the room, he was not a combatant, and his emergency gambit had just failed. Taking out a combat knife out of her personal outfit - which was about the size of a kitchen knife to everybody else -; Xerkea stabbed Rothneld's throat and pressed the blade as he screamed and fell, until life left his body at last.

As the Seagon troopers still standing watched their Emperor fall, they found themselves surrounded by the Zoles, Niaka and Collective's own forces, forcing them to raise their hands in surrender. Xeron immediately rushed to Xerkea, his mech-suit opening to reveal the Niaka himself as he jumped out to approach his leader.


 * Xeron - Chief Major! Are you okay?
 * Xerkea - S-s-s-so c-c-c-c-cold...

Having ended his meditation at the point he knew that the Emperor would be killed, Tuolog walked over to Xerkea and hummed under his breath, causing his staff to light again as he provided warmth to Xerkea. He accelerated her body's blood warmth and allowed her to recover in time just as she was inches away from freezing to death. The Niaka leader breathed heavily as colour returned to her, while Arkarixus approached, his arm crossed as he looked down on them.


 * Arkarixus - A bold move. You could have perished... You should have perished.
 * Xerkea - The Special Forces are my life. If I have to die for it to survive, then I will without a second thought.
 * Tuolog - There too many bright futures in your potential timelines for me to let that happen. What you did to save your people today was brave. They shall remember it for millennia.
 * Arkarixus - Hm. You have earned my respect, alien. You understand much more than I expected of you.
 * Xerkea - Still hurt like absolute Hell, though. To think billions upon billions suffered this fate these last few weeks... The galaxy will be a much better place without Rothneld.
 * Tuolog - Indeed it will.
 * ??? - How touching.

A familiar voice was heard across the room. The troopers belonging to both the allies and the Seagon panicked as they looked upon the windows, as the eyes of a pair of massive creatures looked at them from the outside. It was Kolossus and Antagonar.


 * Xerkea - What in Ikkiz's name are those?!
 * Antagonar - Fighting to the death. The only fitting way to end one's timeline! You have earned my respect too, Xerkea. One day I wish to face your people in combat, perhaps!
 * Arkarixus - What... What is this power? This... incredible power which radiates from these creatures?
 * Kolossus - Ah, see, Antagonar. They have awakened the last Kormacvar as I said they would. An interesting creature, is it not? Much more pleasant to the eyes than when we turned them into the Vague.
 * Antagonar - Fascinating indeed! I look forward to see how our team fares against their next adversaries. It will be a joy to watch the events unfold, and see where exactly this timeline leads!
 * Arkarixus - What? Turned my people into what?! What do you speak of, creature?!
 * Antagonar - Oh, you've yet to hear? Your kind were particularly crucial in the creation of the Vague. Have you yet to encounter them? Unfortunate, I say! Touching reunions are always a delight.
 * Tuolog - Enough, you two. What you want here?
 * Kolossus - Oh, we're just watching your progress while the time anomalies worsen. It makes for an entertaning passtime before the great crusade happens.
 * Antagonar - That it does! Until now, we've seen only possibilities, but we had to make sure where precisely this timeline led, so we can stop it from thwarting Zargoth's plans!
 * Baptarion - ... Crusade?
 * Kolossus - You'll figure it out soon enough. But for now, I believe certain family reunions are in order... Though sometimes, family members are not particularly pleasant to speak to, hah.
 * Antagonar - Oh, this next reunion won't be a touching one at all. It'll be very awkward... What with all the gunfire and all that.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - sounds like ya usual loron reunion tbh

With that, the two giant Vyro'Ralza disappeared as quickly as they had arrived. While the rest of the group was busy figuring out what to do with the surrendered Seagon, Arkarixus walked over to the command panel and begun his hacking procedure. Now that Vhezari was out of the equation, he could commandeer this powerful vessel for himself; it was the closest thing he could get to a Kormacvar ship at this time, so it would have to make do. Eventually, he spoke out to Tuolog, beckoning him to approach.


 * Arkarixus - You told me once the usurpers were defeated, you would call your goddess Volzara to speak to me.
 * Tuolog - That is correct. I able to do this whenever you like now.
 * Arkarixus - Once all others have left this chamber, do it.
 * Xerkea - Well, I'll be taking a certain dead emperor's body and parade it across my capital. I'll speak to you lot about getting more Niaka support in the near future.
 * Xeron - Victory for Ikkiz! Victory for the Niaka Special Forces!
 * Tuolog - A victory well won. Though, you may want to watch out in future. I have to freeze Zr'Ahgloth in time before he able to beat the Emperor's head off, hehe.

Consulting with a Goddess
As the rest of the forces of Order left the ship, and Zr'Ahgloth had been warped back to the Omega Commander, Tuolog began to float in the center of the room and begin humming a little under his breath. Arkarixus was not yet used to Tuolog's behaviour, and was initially confused why he was doing this. Tuolog's process to reach out to Volzara was a long one, but the room remained almost entirely silent, save for Tuolog's own humming and Arkarixus' breathing. It was as if everything outside the room had stopped. In reality, it had: as Tuolog was making his call, time around the chamber had frozen completely.

Later, the Mechanic made his way into the room, having been invited by Tuolog. Though time had been frozen outside, the process was still long, as Tuolog went through several different chants. The Mechanic then coughed slightly as he spoke to Arkarixus, breaking the silence.


 * The Mechanic - So, ready to meet the god-lady? Got any questions for her?
 * Arkarixus - I may have some.
 * The Mechanic - Cool. I don't think I've ever spoken to a Taldar before in my life... Let alone the goddess of the Taldar...
 * Arkarixus - It is very bothersome. We created the Grid to keep such beings away. Now we seek them out willingly...
 * The Mechanic - Ah, the Taldar aren't so bad. There are some gods that are pretty malevolent. But I know that Volzara's not. At least, that's what Tuolog told me.
 * Tuolog - She is arriving now.

Just as he spoke, the room went alight completely. In the place of the window overlooking space, a large, bright light shone, as a round portal opened. On the other side of the portal, only blinding light shined through, but in reality what they were seeing was not a blinding light; rather, it was fifth dimensional matter that such three dimensional beings could not hope to comprehend with their minds. Through it, the imposing figure of Volzara walked through. To grace the other three dimensional beings, she once again chose a form that would act like one, as a large being who walked along the ground as if she was of this dimension and had to follow the laws of its physics. Though Arkarixus had had his obvious reservations if not discontent, Volzara's very presence put the rest of the three dimensional mortals at ease. It was as if her demeanour alone had an effect on the rest of the beings that made them feel at content. This was not Volzara at the height of her power, though. In order to speak to mortals, she had always felt it polite to act as if she were mortal herself.

While skeptical before, Arkarixus was taken back to the sight of Volzara; the Kormacvar gasped with eyes widened, and found himself unable to do anything but to fall on one knee before the goddess. Volzara smiled a little at the gesture, though she did not feel it necessary.


 * Arkarixus - Amazing! This power... it is too great!
 * Volzara - Arkarixus, the last of the Kormacvar. I am so thrilled you survived in this timeline, for there are many in which you do not make it this far. I am only sorry that your people had to perish in it. But there are almost no timelines left in which they survive, for most of those have since been removed by Zargoth.
 * Arkarixus - Goddess, I must ask you for information. Who is this Zargoth? What has he done to my people? The primi-

He was unable to continue. The Kormacvar found himself unable to maintain his condencending tone around Volzara.


 * Arkarixus - ... The younger races have not given me clear answers.

Volzara's warm smiled remained for a few moments, before it turned to a look of sadness as she had to speak about Zargoth.


 * Volzara - Zargoth is the leader of the Vyro'Ralza. As the Ottzelloans have learned, the Vyro'Ralza are a race he created using their consciousnesses combined into one godrace that would watch over space and time for time anomalies and eliminate them. In trying to create a trial run for the Vyro'Ralza, Zargoth first used the Kormacvar, and took away half of your kind in every single timeline that exists. This tragedy helped your people collapse as they no longer had the numbers against the Grox.
 * Arkarixus - During my training, I was taught of a catastrophe my people called the Great Vanishing. It happened many thousands of years before I was born. ... I had no idea it involved gods meddling with my people.
 * Volzara - Zargoth is not like me. He has repressed all of his emotions, to the point he no longer understands what it means to be Taldar. He has no regard for mortal life, for he is indifferent to their deaths. This is how he was able to pull off such a massacre of an entire race without shedding a single tear. How he was able to rip families apart without feeling the slightest remorse.
 * Arkarixus - By Vyro'Ralza, do you mean the creatures who taunted us moments ago? They did not come off as watchers to me.
 * Volzara - That is correct. The people you spoke to were Kolossus and Antagonar, new allies of Zargoth. In the past, Zargoth worked alone, unlike other gods, having few underlings beneath him, for he believed that it was more efficient to have his own single autonomy controlling his people, though this changed as he saw the success of his peers, such as Shu'rimrodir. Antagonar and Kolossus are to help Zargoth achieve his next vision, which he believes is perfection. Few know what this vision means, but those who do refer to it as the "Perfect Fate".
 * The Mechanic - That's the thing Tuolog and his pals avoided when they told Zarogth to shove it, isn't it?
 * Volzara - No, I'm afraid not. That fate they avoided was becoming the Vyro'Ralza. It had already been achieved in another timeline, meaning avoiding it was inconsequential. Some of Zargoth's followers referred to that believing it to be the "Perfect Fate", but it was a misinterpretation. The "Perfect Fate" he intends to achieve is not a malevolent goal, but a noble one. However, his lack of any emotional feelings means he cannot see the harm he causes in trying to enact it.
 * Tuolog - I had my suspicion Perfect Fate was not over... It seem even Durzhan was duped.
 * Volzara - Indeed. Durzhan had been lied to for thousands of years and used merely as a puppet. Zargoth's behaviour towards others is reckless in this regard. He is not the man I once knew when we were both mortal.

Tuolog blinked as he listened.


 * Tuolog - Mortal? I thought that was just a legend...
 * Volzara - It was the truth from a timeline that has long since been erased. The Taldar were a race that once fared the stars of an entirely different universe, and who had been obsessed with the idea of time travel, wanting above all to erase the atrocities in their history. For thousands of years, the only methods of time travel they knew were ones that could create new timelines. This indeed follows the laws of physics: travelling to the past does not change the past, it merely enters an entirely different point of reality, and as such, can only create a branching timeline, rather than altering a different one. The Taldar were not content with this: they wanted to change their own timeline. As their time was limited to thirteen million years before their universe would be destroyed, they would travel back in time and create new branching timelines, just to buy them more time to find a solution to their problem.
 * Tuolog - This when they discover the fifth dimension? Holospace, where all information about third dimension is stored?
 * Volzara - Yes. No longer did they have to create new timelines, they could use it to alter the course of history by changing the information it contains. In doing so, they were overzealous in its use. Zargoth was the emperor of the Taldar at the time, while I was merely a scientist. Zargoth knew that the use of time travel would eventually bring the species to ruin, and fought a civil war with his people to prevent any further damage. But this civil war almost led the species to extinction, as it caused a rift in space and time that could tear apart reality. It was then when the intervened.
 * The Mechanic - I gotta say, it's hard to believe a being like yourself could've been a lowly mortal like us. But I'm hearing it from the mouth of the goddess herself, so I gotta believe!
 * Arkarixus - Once there was an emperor among my kind. Kaius Pertannar, known in history as "the Mad". He once claimed among his inner circle he could use the Grid to achieve godhood...
 * The Mechanic - Oh I vaguely remember that guy! A total jerk, without a shadow of doubt. Pfft, using the Grid to become gods... He was nuts.

Arkarixus raised back up, looking at Volzara's eyes, even though he felt himself unworthy of doing so.


 * Arkarixus - I must ask, goddess, that you aid us. Borealis is in danger because of Zargoth and his minions. They plague my-... our galaxy with anomalies and consort with fiends.
 * The Mechanic - Yeah, literally, Kolossus is buddies with the Corruptus! Tuolog's told me that much.

Volzara smiled warmly at them again, as she knelt down towards them to stand at the same height as Arkarixus.


 * Volzara - You need not feel fear in my presence. Truly, it is I who also needs your help. I wish, too, to save your galaxy, which my children now call home. But at the moment, I am afraid my intervention will only cause its certain doom.
 * Arkarixus - How can this be? I can feel the light you radiate. I feel no fear of you, only awe.
 * Volzara - There is an individual alive in this galaxy whose mind contains something that could destroy the universe. His presence threatens to destroy the fabric of space and time here, and he has made it abundantly clear that should I return, even to save his universe from Zargoth, he will pull his metaphorical trigger and everything will collapse. I do not ask this lightly, for I value mortal life... But his life must be ended for me to intervene.
 * The Mechanic - Damn, disrespectful whippersnappers! Tell us who it is and we'll get rid of him! We'll throw him off an airlock for old times' sake!
 * Arkarixus - Hah.

Volzara's smile turned to a sad, concerned look, as she looked down to the floor. It was now clear the form she was presenting them wasn't too close to a mortal form, as if it was, she would perhaps shed a tear.


 * Volzara - ... I am afraid that in every timeline in which I tell you the answer to this, you do not survive. But there is a timeline in which you do. One in fourteen million possible timelines.
 * Arkarixus - Hmpf. If that is the case, then we have no choice. Can you at least provide us some advice on how to deal with Kolossus and Antagonar? Or any other information which could prove valuable?
 * Volzara - But of course. Kolossus and Antagonar's time anomalies at present are bringing back an old foe of my children's: . He is the next threat you will have to defeat if you wish to stem to creation of more time anomalies, for his existence is an anomaly itself.
 * Tuolog - Roshisiz is back? That means his Grand Troopers are coming... a family reunion with the Kralgon Emperor is what they meant.
 * Volzara - Indeed. Should you be able to defeat him, you will fare much better against the demonic threats that Kolossus and Antagonar will continue to throw at you after that. The two are trying to extend this war as long as possible, to prevent you all from reaching the point at which you could prevent the Perfect Fate. This is why they may not attack you directly, but they can send enough of the threat your way that the Vague will not be able to help you further, and that you will not be able to defeat the greatest foe the galaxy has ever seen. One that Arkarixus is very familiar with.
 * Arkarixus - You speak of the Grox.
 * Volzara - I do. Though I can say no more, as even the leader of the Grox is hidden from time. They are hidden from the fifth dimension itself. I only know that they must be destroyed or else there will be no hope for any of us. And there are very, very few timelines in which they are defeated.
 * Tuolog - Curious... If they hide from fifth dimension, they must be extremely powerful. Though that means not even Zargoth knows of them.
 * Volzara - He does not. I suspect had he known of them, he would not have conducted his plan in this universe, or in this timeline. In truth, I know little myself. I only know of certain events relating to them that occur outside the center of the galaxy.

Arkarixus clenched his fist as he gazed at Volzara.


 * Arkarixus - We will bring them all down. The demons, the Grox, Zargoth, all will fall. Borealis will stand so long as I can still fight.
 * Volzara - I pray you are right. I have seen a very bright future of Borealis. Following the time you will come to know as the "Ice Age", your galaxy will become the most peaceful in the universe. You will have overcome every obstacle. It is truly heartwarming to see considering what your galaxy used to be.
 * The Mechanic - Man, I heard the outsiders stereotyped our galaxy as the "ice" one but this is nuts, even the gods do it!

Volzara let out a slightly pleasant chuckle as she smiled at the Mechanic.


 * Volzara - Oh, I only use the terms that you mortals coined. I don't know any of my own!
 * Arkarixus - Hm. This has been enlightening. I do not know if my people still watch over me, but I intend to make them proud nonetheless. I will lead this galaxy to victory as I was meant to.
 * The Mechanic - Bit self-centered there, sir.
 * Volzara - Please protect my children, Arkarixus. I am counting on you. Oh, and Caretaker, the one known as "The Mechanic". Soon, you will have a very hard choice to make. I pray you choose wisely, because that choice alone determines the fate of the universe.
 * The Mechanic - Oh! Uh... Little old me, determining the fate of the universe? Oh geez... I'll have to keep that in mind!
 * Volzara - Remember these words when the time comes. And Tuolog... Thank you once again for everything. You are the best shepherd that my children could hope for.
 * Tuolog - The pleasure is all mine.
 * Volzara - Should you need to talk to me again, you know how to do so. Until then, I bid you farewell and good luck.

Volzara then walked back through her portal, which disappeared behind her. As she did, time around the chamber began to flow once again, as they were able to hear the whirr of the spaceships' machinery and watch starships outside the window move around them. The air, lacking Volzara's presence, was less calming than it was before and had returned to neutrality. Tuolog took his staff and stood upright.


 * Tuolog - It was good talk. I return to Omega Commander now.
 * Arkarixus - Yes, do so. It appears you must speak to your peers about this new threat to come.

Tuolog then teleported back on his own, content that they now had a new sense of purpose. The Mechanic departed to return to his role in the Cold Relays while Arkarixus remained at the bridge of the Armageddon-class Star Destroyer; sitting down on the commander's chair, now stained in Rothneld Vhezari's blood, he had much to consider.

The Time Anomaly Forces
Having reported back their conversation with Volzara to the rest of the forces of Order, Arkarixus, The Mechanic, and Tuolog arranged a meeting to occur within the hour in order to address the next crisis. If what Volzara said was true, then defeating the forces led by Roshisiz would stem the creation of a large number of time anomalies. This was necessary in order to focus on their true enemies: the Grox threat that she had hinted at, the mysterious figure preventing Volzara from intervening in the war, and the Devourer's Chosen that threatened to destroy all life in Borealis.

It was also clear that Antagonar and Kolossus revelled in the chaos of the war. Therefore, the best solution was to take out each threat one-by-one. The Grand Troopers of Foreign Origins under Roshisiz themselves should not be too great of a threat considering that their technology was outdated Ottzelloan technology that the Unified Nation already knew how to deal with. The real threat would instead come from the unpredictability of the rifts caused by time anomalies that occurred in their presence.

With the leaders gathered in a holographic meeting, the group decided to assess the threat level and discuss the best path forward. Vekaron was there to speak to them, as was Admiral Vyutrin, though the Niaka were not present; they were too busy watching over their homeworld, cataloguing casualties and repairing the damage caused by the Seagon invasion. However, Da Rogue Boyz responded to their call this time, despite their long absence beforehand.


 * Rel'larutina - Hey, sorry we couldn't help you guys out with the whole Seagon debacle. The Loron were busy on a miniature golf course which lasted 6 weeks...
 * Hagto'Zhl - im tellin ya dat hole was WAY TOO SMALL for da ball. dat was a total cheet
 * Zr'Ahgloth - AR YOO FREEKIN KIDDIN ME
 * Tuolog - Regardless. It crucial that we defeat Roshisiz in order to stem the increase of time anomalies across galaxy. From what I can tell, many time anomalies exist because he should not be present in this time. He is supposed to have been killed.
 * Kralgon Emperor - And the very knowledge that he is still alive makes my blood boil...
 * Vyutrin - Hold your horses, pal. Who or what is Roshisiz again?

The Kralgon Emperor growled under his breath, unwilling to bring up the traumatic memories. Tuolog hummed slightly, calming him down, before he then spoke.


 * Kralgon Emperor - Roshisiz is my father. He was the last emperor of the Kralgon, who mistreated me and cast me out. He even refused to give me a name.
 * Fre'kloar - oof. ruff pal
 * Hachiman - Yeah that sucks! ... I don't know who my dad is, but I bet he's a jerk too.
 * Vekaron - You mentioned this individual is meant to be dead, yet he is here now? Please elaborate.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Roshisiz was killed at the end of the, after his alliance with fell through. The war ended with Durzhan and the Tralkikianoe destroying much of the galaxy, thousands of years ago. I was the only surviving Kralgon. That he is still alive is a time anomaly. By all accounts, he should not be here, causing what you experience as "glitches" in the spacetime continuum.
 * Hachiman - Uh, if it makes you feel any better, you don't have the face of a thousand year old to me!
 * Kralgon Emperor - It does not, but I appreciate the gesture nonetheless. Regardless, Roshisiz was responsible for starting the Great Blyro War that defeated the old civilization, the, and the great warriors of the Taldar known as the led by Kaltogo, an Ioketa chief whose power rivals Tuolog. That he is alive suggests that he is working for Durzhan. Though, we do not know Durzhan's motivations now that he failed to transform us into Vyro'Ralza in this timeline.
 * Vekaron - So, he's part of the time anomalies the greater demons have brought to our galaxy. How exactly are we meant to fight that?
 * Kralgon Emperor - That is entirely unclear at the moment. He is from another time, so his existence itself is an anomaly.
 * Fre'kloar - MATE JUS PUNCH HIM SO HARD HE EXPLODES
 * Zr'Ahgloth - YEH WAT HE SED... oh wait frekloar sed dat? STOOPID IDEA AR YOO DUM
 * Fre'kloar - YA MOM
 * Brag'klogga - well i for one fink dat dis is da responsibility of me an tuolog an da otha experts in dark chronoscopic stoof. derefore i wuld like ta propos da solushon to dis time anomaly menace dat thretens our galaxy.
 * Tuolog - ...You would?
 * Brag'klogga - indeed. my many yeers of flashie history tell me deres one fing to do in dis scenario: PUNCH HIM SO HARD HE EXPLODES
 * Tuolog - ...Fascinating. Thank you.

Joining UNO's side of the transmission was Count Dalverat, who had his arms crossed in annoyance.


 * Dalverat - Despite his idiocy, he has a point, Tuolog. We will require much Chronoscopic energy to fight a time anomaly. Especially one so persistent as the Grand Troopers.
 * Tuolog - Indeed. We will need many Chronoscopic users available to create safe space for our ships to attack the Grand Troopers' ships from. Only real concern is how to defeat him. I believe it possible to temporarily tie him down into our time and pin him down to then defeat him. It is my belief that with Roshisiz dead, the rest of Grand Troopers also disappear.
 * Vyutrin - Ah, like how we dealt with the back in the Plazithian Massacre then. Makes sense.
 * Hagto'Zhl - oh ma dayz DONT GO TALKIN BOUT DAT MAN ESPECIALLY NOT WHEN ZRAHGLOTHS LISSENIN
 * Zr'Ahgloth - HAHAHAHAHAHA GET REKT PLEBS WE DESTROYED YAS
 * Hagto'Zhl - SHUT UP COPYCAT DUMBO YOO BROUGHT HOMIES TA FITE ME DAT TIME
 * Dalverat - Hm... Now that you mention it, I'm reminded of something.

Dalverat turned to Tuolog.


 * Dalverat - Whatever happened to ? He could be an useful asset in this war.
 * Tuolog - I not able to detect his location. There must be something stopping him from using his ability.
 * Dalverat - You too, then? Strange.
 * Tuolog - I certain we able to find him before we finish this war. But he seems to be cut off from fifth dimension entirely. A technology I not think even possible.
 * Brag'klogga - OI YA MEEN DA GOD OF BLING? OBS HES BAK IN DA ABODE OF DA LORON GODZ THROWIN BLING AT PEEPS FROM HIS MANSHON IDIOT
 * Tuolog - Truly the best insight you have to offer.
 * Brag'klogga - YEH CUS IM DA BEST SHAMAN
 * Kal'kuir - by ma calculashons dere shuld be no tekk available dat can compleetly hide peepz from spacetime. dat doesnt seem ta make sense. an we kno dat da junkshon SUPPRESS peepz ent behind it so da only fing i can fink of is if da grox hav it or somfin idk

Arkarixus, who had remained silent so far, huffed under his breath.


 * Arkarixus - One problem at a time. Where are these "Grand Troopes" now? Have they arrived yet?
 * Yogtam - A few starships of Tralkik and Kralgon origin entered our space recently with hostile intentions. Their signatures did not match any of our own. They were able to destroy thirty planets within the space of a day, which does not seem possible within the capabilities of our outdated technology. However, it does seem plausible if they instead used a time anomaly to cause chaos.
 * Vekaron - Then they are already here. We must make haste.
 * The Mechanic - Sir! I have a suggestion. I don't think the Grand Troopers should be able to get around without the use of Cold Relays, right? Why don't we disable one as soon as they land in Ottzello space, and while they're there, spring the trap and surround them, using Tuolog's spell to keep them in our time and prevent their anomalies?
 * Vyutrin - Huh. You aliens and your need for "Cold Relays" for transportation.
 * Kal'kuir - OI I BETTA NOT GET TRAPPED INSIDE A RELAY AGEN OK DAT WAS SUPA BORIN
 * Tuolog - Hmm. The Grand Troopers from a time in Ottzello long before Cold Relays. But then again, if their technology is based on ours, then their methods of faster-than-light travel from their time not work with the Grid.
 * Tralkik Commander - Indeed. Grand Trooper activity is only detected in areas immediately adjacent to Cold Relays. Their vehicles, while their signatures do not match any of ours, do seem to be using a variant of our current technology to travel around the galaxy and cause harm. Trapping them by disabling a Relay would work.
 * Vekaron - Very well then. Let's follow your plan and make this short, we have too many problems to deal with at once already.

With not a moment to spare, as the plan was indeed to make this short, the forces of Order gathered at a Cold Relay in close proximity to several Ottzello worlds, once the Tralkik Commander ran an algorithm to calculate where exactly they would attack next. Their fleet only waited a mere few minutes before the Grand Trooper fleet arrived. UNO's fleet comprised of several UNO Warships, with one being made up of an entirely Ioketa crew, focusing their energy along with Tuolog's in holding the Grand Troopers down. The Zoles were led by Vekaron in his ship alongside Arkarixus, followed by a sizeable fleet of Imperial, Niaka, Paladian and Collective vessels with Admiral Vyutrin watching over the rear. Da Rogue Boyz's sole contribution was Da Propa Big Rogue Krooza, because according to them, "we dont need more dan dat ta win lmao".

The Grand Troopers of Foreign Origins' fleet was, as UNO had warned, made up entirely of old Ottzello technology. It comprised of Tralkikianoe warships alongside old versions of Kralgon AI Weapons. The fleet seemed to be completely automated, and as far as anyone could detect, the only life form on board was Roshisiz himself. Their starships did not seem to move as one would expect, however. The ships phased through asteroids and space debris, and occasionally disappeared before warping to another location. Nebulae and remnants of destroyed stars would appear around them, confusing the allies, until they realised what was taking place: the presence of these ships was warping time around them, causing catastrophes in space that had either occurred millions of years ago or would occur millions of years in the future to happen now.

Roshisiz seemed thrilled at the sight of the large space force awaiting him. He sent out a transmission to the fleet, which they accepted.


 * Roshisiz - So, you've finally come to hunt me down? I was wondering how many more of your worlds I would have to destroy to grab your attention.
 * Vekaron - Alien, you invade the worlds of the Zoles Imperium's allies. Stand down and surrender at once.
 * Fre'kloar - like hes gonna reely do it man. DEY NEVA DO.
 * Roshisiz - Haha! All my life I sought out immortality. But only now has it been granted to me. My existence itself is a fault in the spacetime continuum, because I have learnt to beat its rules. You can try and strike me down, I dare you. You won't succeed. In this chaos, nothing makes sense!
 * Grak'tona - OH MA DAYZ DIS GEEZA ACTIN LIKE HES DA KING WHEN IM DA KING. FIRE FIRE FIRE FIRE FIIIIIIIIIIRE DA GUNZZZZ!!!

As Grak'tona did indeed fire the cannons of the Rogue Krooza, along with the rest of the fleet, several of the Grand Troopers' ships were destroyed. But others simply faded out of existence. And after the cannonfire stopped, all of the ships returned, along with several more. In some cases, the Troopers' starships seemed fully functional in spite of appearing half-destroyed.


 * Roshisiz - See? The only thing that makes sense is that nothing makes sense. Ah, brilliant. Throughout my life as the Kralgon's greatest scientist, even I could not achieve this level of power.
 * Vyutrin - We'll see to it that you and your demonic cohorts are purged from these stars!
 * Roshisiz - Demonic? No... No, we are not demons. Don't you see, my idiot son? I am what you always wanted: the master of an automated army of puppets, ready to destroy all of Ottzello! I achieved the dream you could not!
 * Kralgon Emperor - Hmpf. You say that, yet you are nothing more than a puppet yourself. We got you figured out, you work for Durzhan now, don't you?

Roshisiz laughed hysterically at the notion for a good few moments, before snapping in rage, insulted by the notion.


 * Roshisiz - For Durzhan?! No! I hated him even in life! Durzhan is not my superior, he never was! And he has no control over me now! No, I work for my own free will, son. I will finish what you started in the and lead this army to destroy your kind of my own free will!
 * Tuolog - Own free will? Or what he assumes to be...
 * Fre'kloar - oi dat war was sik cus i made da rogue boyz durin it hurhur
 * Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP FREKLOAR I SWER STOP RUININ DA MOMENT
 * Roshisiz - You were a fool, son, for allying with these Loron. I would never stoop to such a low as to have these inferior beings insult my presence. They, too, will be annihilated!
 * Kralgon Emperor - Allied? Hah! I enslaved them, as beasts of war! Don't think yourself so superior.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - I EINT NO SLAVE i fink
 * Roshisiz - Everything you did insults my name! Well no matter, I will merely erase you from this and every timeline for good!
 * Tuolog - Hehehe. Don't be so sure of yourself.

At that moment, the entire Ioketa group all began meditating at once. As it happened, the Grand Troopers' fleet stopped phasing, the time anomalies froze in place, and those starships that appeared as if they should not be able to function did indeed stop functioning. Time caught up to them all, and the ships were ready to be destroyed as normal. Roshisiz looked around and grew furious.


 * Roshisiz - You... What have you done?!
 * Tuolog - Time anomalies may work on those unprepared for them, but we not unprepared.
 * Roshisiz - Graaaargh! This timeline has existed without me for too long... Why should it? That's not fair! To exist without the greatest scientist to ever live! After I've destroyed your pathetic Ottzelloan friends, I'll destroy your galaxy and each of your worlds! None will stop me!
 * Fre'kloar - dose dis geeza EVA stop talkin????
 * Arkarixus - Silence him, for eternity.

It would be pointless, they thought, to try and enter his ship and kill him as they were forced to with the Seagon emperor. Instead, the ships all fired on Roshisiz' final vessel, unleashing a bombardment of cannons. Their technology was far more advanced than the old starship that Roshisiz was using, and it took very little to blast through its shields and eventually destroy its armor. The ship was quickly destroyed, and the debris floated around in space. Roshisiz' transmission initially cut out, with them only hearing his screams.

But before they could celebrate their victory, just as the Ioketa stopped their chant, the space debris left by the destroyed Grand Troopers' ships all vanished, as if it had never been there. And moments later, Roshisiz appeared on transmission once again.


 * Roshisiz - You will never defeat me! This timeline will NEVER be rid of me!
 * Fre'kloar - HES STILL TALKIN EVEN THO WE BLOW HIM UP WAT DA HELL
 * Roshisiz - You didn't blow me up, because I'm wherever I want to be! I don't have to follow your laws of space or time anymore! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to destroy a few more of your planets! Maybe I'll even destroy Durzhan and the Blyro'Tralzorca, just for old time's sake. Who was their new leader again?, wasn't it? Oh well. I hope to destroy you shortly!

And with that, Roshisiz' transmission terminated. It was clear that whatever they had tried to destroy him this time was not enough. Something else had to be done to correct the time anomaly and stop him from appearing in this time again. While the group attempted to assert what to do next, Dalverat approached Tuolog once again, his arms crossed behind him.


 * Dalverat - It would seem Zelfron lives as well. Another known ally of Zargoth.
 * Tuolog - Indeed. I think I know what happening with Roshisiz though. He stuck in the timeline from before he was destroyed in the Great Blyro War. That means he still enemies of both Blyro'Tralzorca and us, not knowing that he being used by gods the whole time. However, if that the case, maybe Zelfron know how to defeat him.
 * Dalverat - Hm, possibly. Though I would imagine Zelfron is the kind to remain loyal to his masters.
 * Tuolog - Actually, that remain up in the air. We not know if Zelfron is loyal to Durzhan or to Zargoth directly. If he loyal to Zargoth directly, then he likely not give us any information, and we have to destroy him. But if he loyal to Durzhan, that remain uncertain. Durzhan was just betrayed by Zargoth recently. It may be I able to get through to him somehow.
 * Dalverat - We'll have to see. I suppose we should return to the Blyro'Tralzica, they are likely our best lead to find Zelfron if he truly leads the Blyro'Tralzorca.
 * Tuolog - That a good plan. We consult them at once.

The Vyronician Warriors
Travelling with the rest of the forces of Order, Tuolog led the way to the planet where they had recently found the Blyro'Tralzica. However, as he arrived on the world, he knew that not all was as it seemed. In fact, he could not get off any signal to Kaltogo or the leaders of the Blyro'Tralzica at all, neither through a transmission nor through a Chronoscopic message.

As they arrived in the golden city that they had once passed through, they found it to be entirely destroyed. There was nothing left of it but ruins, and nothing to suggest that any of the Blyro'Tralzica had even survived. The allies turned to one another with a concerned look. Whoever had conducted this attack had clearly hidden it from time, as Tuolog was not able to look through the history of the planet and find any attack that took place.


 * Tuolog - I... I not able to tell what happen here...
 * Vekaron - This wasn't a simple assault, it was a massacre. Not a single lifeform in sight anywhere.

Vekaron was correct, though just as he spoke, from behind them was a blast of Chronoscopic energy. Tuolog jumped out of the way quickly and turned to the source, seeing an old Ioketa blasting energy from his staff. He then froze time to converse with them.


 * Tuolog - Wait, Kaltogo! It us!
 * Kaltogo - ... Tuolog?

Kaltogo fell at ease, before he then collapsed on the floor, barely able to stand. As the group approached him, Hachiman ran ahead of them, bringing his hands out as they started shining in a blue light.


 * Hachiman - Hold on, teacher taught me how to do this!
 * Vyutrin - Get back here, you damn twerp!

The young warrior knelt before the old Ioketa and hovered his hands over him. Soothing dream energy weaved from his arms into Kaltogo's body, granting him back some stamina, though given Hachiman's inexperience, it would not be enough to fully heal him. Kaltogo was then able to lift himself up by his staff. He smiled at Hachiman, appreciating the gesture, before he then turned to Tuolog with a concerned look.


 * Kaltogo - I wish I was able to warn you sooner. But the attacks came quickly, and they were able to hide themselves from space and time, so that they could attack without warning.
 * Tuolog - Who did this? Was it Zelfron?
 * Kaltogo - No, we know how to reveal Zelfron's presence by now. It was Roshisiz. He attacked us quickly, just before he went to your worlds.
 * Tuolog - We attempted to destroy Roshisiz but he escaped us. He say he wants to destroy Zelfron too, so we think he may know a way to defeat him. Would you be able to help us find him?

Kaltogo nodded his head, and then turned behind him and held out his staff. He muttered something, before the body of Zelfron, frozen in time and locked behind bright green shackles, appeared. Kaltogo then turned back to them.


 * Kaltogo - Our warriors were able to track down and defeat Zelfron quite recently. When Roshisiz attacked looking for him, we made sure to hide him.
 * Brag'klogga - hol up ya defeeted him alredi?????? DATS NOT NAO DA GANGSTAPEDIA GOES MAN YOR SEQUENCE BREAKIN
 * Kaltogo - Yes, Zelfron was captured as a prisoner of war. The Blyro'Tralzorca are already defeated, and he was the last of them. Roshisiz does not know this, however. He is still stuck in a different time, where they are still his enemies.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Hmpf, that's one less annoyance to deal with, at least. He should be kept in chains to ensure he doesn't escape, and we can always destroy him when we're done.
 * Kaltogo - Yes, though I fear I won't be able to watch over him for much longer. I don't know how many, if any, of my allies survived Roshisiz' attack. But I know that once he figures out Zelfron is no longer around, he is more likely to simply destroy this planet outright.
 * Tuolog - We have no time to waste then.
 * Kaltogo - Tuolog... My son...

Tuolog blinked for a moment, then turned to Kaltogo, visibly stunned.


 * Tuolog - ... P-Pardon?
 * Kaltogo - I was your father, Tuolog. In your future, I saw so many possibilities, and I had to make sure they came to fruition. Your future is far greater than any I could ever live up to.
 * Tuolog - I... I had no idea...
 * Brag'klogga - awww look da STINKY OLD MAN found his dad whos also a STINKY OLD MAN. I HATE IT.
 * Kaltogo - I did not recognise you at first, but I know now for certain that the Ioketa who leads the Unified Nation must be you. Now, you may speak to Zelfron.

At that moment, Kaltogo coughed again. As Tuolog knelt down to try and help him, he held his hand out to stop him, knowing he would have enough energy left. He then turned to Zelfron's inanimate body and cast his staff against it, causing Zelfron to move again, though he was still shackled. Zelfron looked around him, and growled once he had realised what time he was in as the group all aimed their weapons at him.


 * Zelfron - So, you are working with my captors, I see.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - YA GOT A LOT OF NERVE BEIN ALIV YA STOOPID BIRD
 * Tuolog - Zelfron, we want only to speak. If you cooperate, we may be able to show mercy. So please answer questions.
 * Zelfron - Bah. Why would I? Durzhan's Perfect Fate failed, thanks to you. I don't have any reason to continue. You had better give me a good reason to answer any of your questions.
 * Tuolog - So you with Durzhan then. Are you aware Roshisiz is rampaging across sector now, and he wants to destroy you and Durzhan both?
 * Zelfron - Of course I am. Durzhan was the one who unleashed him. He wanted Roshisiz to ravage this planet to prevent you all from learning about the Vyronicia Fleet. And he wanted to stop the Blyro'Tralzica from ever mounting an attack on the threat that lies hidden from the fifth dimension.
 * Tuolog - Was this before or after the Perfect Fate reveal? Is Durzhan behind all this now?
 * Zelfron - It occurred just after I was captured, which was just after you last left this planet. I knew once I was captured that if the Perfect Fate succeeded, that I would no longer be here. I would be a Vyro'Ralza by now. The fact that it hasn't succeeded suggests that you all denied your fate.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - YEH UNLIKE YOO CRAZY CULT LOSAS WE DONT WANNA BE DEEMUNS OK
 * Zelfron - Thousands of years... Millions of preparations... Only for you to deny our true purpose. Truly sickening that you would turn it down after all we have done for you. We only wanted the best. But if I am to remain alive, then I suppose that I have no purpose anymore. I guess there's no harm in taking pleasure in destroying that arrogant twit one more time. In order to defeat Roshisiz, you need to defeat him under similar circumstances under which he died in his original time. Only then can space and time correct itself and remove him entirely.
 * Arkarixus - And how did this creature die the first time?
 * Zelfron - At the end of the Great Blyro War, he was killed by the Tralkik. So that is what you must do. Your Tralkik Commander, he must land the killing blow on him in person.
 * Fre'kloar - MAN DAT SUKS WE GONNA LET DA GEEK LAND DA KILLIN BLOW??? HOW BORIN
 * Tuolog - If that is what we must do then we will do so. Otherwise he will just keep returning.
 * Zelfron - Yes, yes he will. Anyway, I don't have any reason to exist anymore. Do me the pleasure of killing me.

A grin grew on the Kralgon Emperor's face.


 * Kralgon Emperor - Ah, I think I know just the way to deal with people like you. Tell me, Zelfron. Were you ever aware we had your genetic material with us?
 * Zelfron - I wasn't. You cloned me? Perhaps it is good that a clone of me exists with a true purpose.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Yes, you did betray your beloved allies once, did you not? They thought you were dead and cloned you back to life because they missed you so. And now, I'm going to let you meet the second of the two clones, given it's the one we still have. Bring here at once.

Teleporting down from the UNO Omega Commander, Zelfron III appeared before them. Zelfron III landed on his knee first, before standing up properly and facing his clone. The original Zelfron smiled a little at seeing a superior clone, before closing his eyes.


 * Zelfron III - I will honour your wishes. A defeated warrior who wishes to accept his end rather than remain in the captivity of his enemy. And now, I grant you your wish.

The clone raised his sword, before cutting the original into several pieces. The shackles holding him together deactivated, as the original Zelfron's pieces fell to the floor. As they watched the scene unfold, Hagto'Zhl shoved the other Loron out of his way as he raised a hand.


 * Hagto'Zhl - man yoo uno is losas. not only did ya make a copycat dumbo vershon of me, ya also made a copycat dumbo vershon of da deemun boyz??? I SWEAR YA AR OBSESSED WIV COPYIN PEEPS
 * Grak'tona - ENUFF. DA KING DESERVES HIS ROYAL FEEST. I WILL EET DA CORPSE
 * Hachiman - Ok but why though?

Before listening to any naysayers, Grak'tona grabbed Zelfron's severed parts and shoved them in his mouth, loudly gobbling them all, before burping slightly All of the group showed several states of disgust, save for the other Loron who did not really care.


 * Grak'tona - DA KING HAS FEESTED
 * Hachiman - Ok but why though?!
 * Kralgon Emperor - An undignified end, not that he didn't deserve it. Good riddance, really.
 * Kaltogo - My people are not safe with Roshisiz around. I do not know how many survivors there are. If you would allow it, I wish to search the planet for any remnants. I wish you good luck in defeating him.
 * Tuolog - Worry not, father. We will end this threat as soon as we able. Then, we finally have the chance to catch up.
 * Kaltogo - Yes... But I fear he has already achieved his goal. I do not know if the Vyronicia Fleet is still within reach.
 * Kralgon Emperor - We'll have to worry about that later. That was just a side goal of his; he won't rest until I'm dead, that's his true goal.
 * Kaltogo - That is wise. Go now, and make me proud, son.
 * Brag'klogga - DISGUSTIN I SWER
 * Kaltogo - And you, Brag'klogga, should know there are a great many possibilities in your future, too.
 * Brag'klogga - I KNO DAT IM DA BEST SHAMAN UNLIKE YOO LOSA SHAMANS
 * Kaltogo - Indeed. In one timeline, you explode into flying pigs. In another one, you explode into unicorns and fairydust. All rather peaceful, really.
 * Fre'kloar - hur dat sounds funni tho
 * Brag'klogga - WANNA SLAP????
 * Kaltogo - Not especially. Goodbye.

Decisions Among Criminals
While the forces of Order prepared to defeat Roshisiz, the Borealis Consortium Network were already focusing on who their next threat would be. The Consortium Network had been having an easier time since the defeat of the Seagon, as fewer of their worlds were under threat by their weapons. Rather, it presented new business opportunities for the Consortium Networks' scavengers to take the abundance of Kormacvar technology that was now up for grabs.

With that said, it was not all easy going for them. In their arm of the galaxy, the biggest threat at this stage was now the demonic threat of the Devourer's Chosen. Each of them had a personal beef with the demons: an attempt had been made on Volim's life by them, and they stole Zaarkhun's best friend from him. It was clear there was little time for them to recover, and they must now focus their efforts on boosting the private military corporations they were affiliated with and their own mercenaries in order to combat this demonic threat. The question, though, was how much damage they were willing to do, and how much they were relying on allowing the Zoles and their allies to take care of instead.


 * Genrai Nal - Though the Devourer's Chosen represent the greatest imminent threat, it appears beneficial if we instead allow the Ottzelloans and their allies to take the brunt of the damage. The time will come when we need to defeat the forces of the Western Arm ourselves, so to allow the Devourer's Chosen to deal a great amount of the damage first would be helpful.
 * Volim - You speak true. Though I'm doubtful the Zoles and their pet aliens can deal with it themselves. These damned cultists absorb those they corrupted. I have lost many worlds to their ilk in the last two years.
 * Genrai Nal - For this reason, it may be best for our own Wranploer forces to focus on the defensive, rather than offensive. I am sure that placing suitable bounties on Chosen targets will cause some of the PMCs to swoop in.
 * Sollow - What targets? I don't even know who's in charge there... Who do I stab?
 * Genrai Nal - Targets are not limited to individuals. They must have strategic planets worth recapturing, or fleets worth destroying.

Volim grunted as he flicked an interface built into his throne which displayed a map of Borealis. Since the coming of the Chosen, the sector known as Aasatser had mostly been lost to the forces of the Corruptus, save for portions of space belonging to the.


 * Volim - Can't even send any ships in that hellhole to scout it. There's some nebula that makes them lose all contact and they never return.
 * Genrai Nal - I suggest that we instead place a bounty on this. Allow a PMC to take care of it.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - No reasonable bounty is worth the risk to any of our PMCs. The price they would charge would be too high for such a task. Rather, it is better that we mount the forces against the Corruptus ourselves, rallying said PMCs to the cause. A domino effect, if you will.
 * Volim - Well, put them on the front line regardless. They are expendable.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Indeed. But we need to make fighting the Corruptus into a profitable business. Encourage more weapons manufacturers to develop the kind of weaponry that can combat them effectively. Eventually, it will become a gold rush.
 * Genrai Nal - I will gladly lead a few battles against the Corruptus myself to victory, and spread the word of our conquests against them.
 * Sollow - You just want to take all the glory to yourself... You want to goad Murangon Nal into coming after you, huh? I can tell you're itching to fight him.
 * Genrai Nal - You are more than welcome to lead a battallion in my stead.
 * Volim - You will both go. No warrior under my wing sits around doing nothing when there are scum to destroy.
 * Genrai Nal - It is important we send scouts to conduct a thorough investigation of their fight patterns first. Plus, when demons are involved, and Ottzelloans are also involved, the Taldar will surely follow, as they have done in the pa-
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - They won't. The Taldar will be inconsequential in this war. I know of it.

Genrai was confused at first, but knew better than to question Zaarkhun on this specific issue. He now allowed Zaarkhun, who had been pondering pensively while the conversation took place, to take the floor.


 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Sollow will lead a battle against the Devourer's Chosen which shall encourage more PMCs to follow. We shall hire mercenary forces to accompany him in doing so: the greater the victory, the better. Our priority in this case is to encourage more of our closest PMCs to take arms against the Chosen. Genrai, meanwhile, will conduct another task for me. The Seagon worlds that have recently been abandoned or subdued. You will search them for specific Kormacvar technology that is of value to us. We will need it.
 * Volim - Hmpf, good luck with that. The Seagon don't let anyone but themselves even land on their planets. If your friend is spotted, they'll gun him down on sight.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Which is precisely why I don't trust any other scavenger to find what I'm looking for. Genrai is capable of sneaking around without being seen, and is also capable of fighting his way out of such situations. He will be necessary.
 * Sollow - Hehehehe... I'm gonna steal all the kills from you, Genrai...
 * Genrai Nal - I was not aware it was a competition.
 * Volim - Why send him scavenging now? We don't have time for that when the cultists are spreading like parasites. We need men on the front.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - And we'll have them. But Genrai needs to find something for me, something that I need, and we will both need, coming soon. After the Devourer's Chosen are defeated, we'll have a lot more on our hands. Remember that there is a greater threat than them which continues to occupy the galaxy's core.

Volim growled and clenched his fists on his throne's arms.


 * Volim - We'll deal with the Grox when it's time to deal with them. They are not a problem now, nor do we have any reason to believe they will be. We deal with everything else first.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim, there's no need to act with such an urgency against a threat that the Zoles and the Unified Nation will take the brunt of the damage from. I know that the Grox will become a threat, it is an absolute certainty. And I know that what Genrai is trying to obtain is something that will be absolutely necessary.
 * Volim - And what exactly is this?
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - The technology in question is classified--
 * Volim - You do not classify anything from me.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - --but I will explain it nonetheless. The Kormacvar, when they were at the height of their power, had much the same goal as me once: to be hidden from the gods and to follow their own rules. To this end, they were developing a technology to hide oneself from the fifth dimension entirely, to exist as a separate entity from holospace. I didn't believe this technology existed, but I have strong reason to now suspect it does. The quarantine that they placed on the Unified Nation was a mere primitive version of this which I believed had gotten no further. But now I have seen evidence that such a thing does exist. I need Genrai to find it for me.

Volim scratched his head, an eyebrow raised.


 * Volim - Hold on. How do you even know all of this? You couldn't possibly discern it simply from watching the quarantine.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Years ago, when Zargoth took over my mind, I saw many glimpses of space and time in this galaxy. Zargoth would often return to this point in time, for it was relevant to his "Perfect Fate". But there was one piece missing entirely, which he glossed over. I, too, glossed over it, but now that I am physically present in this timeline, I simply cannot believe that the missing piece was coincidental. The activity that my spies have seen from watching certain spaces in the galaxy and from the sightings near several Grox territories suggest to me that something does not add up. I believe the only possibility is that the Kormacvar technology that they were trying to develop years ago does, in fact, exist, and is operating as we speak.
 * Sollow - Well... I lost track halfway through that. I just know I'm going to bathe in demon blood, hehe!
 * Genrai Nal - If this technology does exist, it is crucial we obtain it for ourselves. Not only will it help us defeat the Grox, it will also help us achieve our true vision of a universe free from gods.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - Precisely. Obtaining that, and making sure that no one else learns of it, is what Genrai will do. He will assassinate anyone that publishes an article even musing about its existence. He will chase any leads, and leave no tracks behind as he does. This is of urgency. Meanwhile, Sollow will help us deal with our demonic infestation.
 * Volim - Hm. Fine. If it means no more of these "gods" invading my galaxy then so be it.
 * Falrik Zaarkhun - That it does, Volim. With the gods defeated, nothing will be able to stop us.
 * Sollow - Except me! When we're done, I'll take over and eat you both, hehehehe.
 * Volim - Don't make me throw you into the garbage disposal again.

Son's Retribution
With renewed purpose, the forces of Order now sought to engage Roshisiz once more. In contrast to the unpredictability of the time anomalies that Roshisiz created, his behaviour was extremely predictable. Roshisiz was a very simple minded individual, and easy to track to a location where he could be encountered once more. But this time, the Unified Nation of Ottzello and their allies knew exactly how to put him out of commission for good. Once again, the UNO Omega Commander appeared with several UNO Warships, alongside the Zoles, Collective, Niaka and Paladins, waiting at the Cold Relay for Roshisiz to arrive. Despite it all, Da Rogue Boyz once again brought no reinforcements, because "reely we dont need more shut up".

Roshisiz' fleet was larger this time, as he had awaited an ambush. Having ravaged fourteen more worlds since the last encounter, Roshisiz became ever more gleeful at his destruction of everything in his path. Once again, he sent a transmission to the group.


 * Roshisiz - Back for more! I was just waiting for this moment. You know, it's a nice time loop. We can kill each other, over and over and over, and I won't grow tired of it, for this timeline will never be without me again.
 * Arkarixus - I am already tired of you.
 * Fre'kloar - OI BEAN MAN WES TOTALLY GONNA BEET YA UP AN BLOW YA FLEET UP NAO
 * Roshisiz - Maybe. But I'll appear once again, with an even larger fleet! Hahahahahahahaha!!!
 * Arkarixus - We will speak no longer. Act according to plan, do not allow him to escape.

Once again, a warship filled with Ioketa began using its powers again, disabling the time anomalies created by Roshisiz' ships. Every ship was destroyed except for the flagship that Roshisiz himself commanded. With his fleet turned to rubble, his ship was the only one that remained. To his surprise, however, they did not destroy it. Instead, they destroyed its engines and each of its weapons systems, disabling it, and then did no further damage. It was time instead for a boarding party.


 * Roshisiz - Oh, you want a confrontation in person this time? Hmm, fair enough. I look forward to it also!
 * Fre'kloar - man dis guy REELY wont quit ennit?
 * Zr'Ahgloth - jus so ya kno YOR EXACTLY LIKE DIS EVERY TIME YA ATTAK ME
 * Fre'kloar - SHUT UP MAN IM NOT ANNOYIN LIKE HIM
 * Kralgon Emperor - Oh, you are. Completely. Tuolog, prepare to teleport me in.
 * Tuolog - But- what?!
 * Kralgon Emperor - I will face my father as well.
 * Arkarixus - You may lend your hand, but the Tralkik machine must go with you.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Indeed. It will be him, but I wish to face my past rather than run from it.
 * Arkarixus - Unfortunate that I cannot accompany this mission. I do wonder how much pain a time anomaly can sustain before it breaks.
 * Kralgon Emperor - From you, probably not a lot. Tuolog, warp us in. Will anyone else accompany the three of us?
 * Hachiman - M-
 * Vyutrin - Don't even think about it.
 * Hachiman - Aw.
 * Zr'Ahgloth - none of us reely got much beef wiv roshisiz (beyond him blowin our planets up like a dumbo) so ya shuld jus go an kill him befor he does somfin weird
 * Kralgon Emperor - Very well.

The Tralkik Commander sent out its remote body along with the Kralgon Emperor, sent in a small starship with a large group of s and Hunters, as Tuolog stayed alongside them. Tuolog would be restricted to preventing any time anomalies inside that they had not accounted for, while the Deathbots would eliminate any of the forces inside Roshisiz' warship. The Kralgon Emperor carried his own weapon, but was surrounded by Deathbots to provide security for him.

As they entered the starship, the Emperor began to feel uneasy already. Roshisiz' flagship was a large Kralgon warship, with a regal interior design. The Emperor had not previously remembered it, though stepping foot in it, many memories came flooding back to him. Memories of his mother protecting him as his father tried to beat him. Memories of him watching thousands of Kralgon troops gather for battle, hoping one day they would be his, being told instead that he would never have command over them because Roshisiz aimed to be immortal and rule over them forever. He even saw vague flashbacks of said events occurring, until he realised that these were not flashbacks. These were anomalies, the events repeating himselves over and over in loops. Tuolog was keeping some of them at bay, but on every other corridor, a new memory popped in.

Eventually, the Tralkik forces' massacre of the Kralgon clones that Roshisiz had sent to defend him were looking familiar too. He had watched these exact events unfold before in the Great Blyro War as the Tralkik took over the ship and sent him into hibernation for thousands of years. It was a memory he had long since repressed, but now it came back to him.

Finally, they reached a large, imposing throne room, with Roshisiz sitting atop it. The Emperor had always hated that throne. He resented it, knowing that it would never be his. The tall chair sat above several wires and pipes of machinery, all connected to the System, a Kralgon network that commanded all their machinery, and could even control the thoughts and minds of their people by controlling the release of endorphins in the brain that would alter their emotional state. It was the kind of power that the Emperor now saw was too much for one man to control. And yet he knew that he, when he had started the Second Ottzello Galactic War, was responsible for the same thing himself.

Roshisiz saw in the Emperor's eyes the fear and disgust, and knew exactly what the Emperor was thinking. He grinned as he spoke, while the Tralkik forces aimed their weapons at him.


 * Roshisiz - The true power that I had aimed to obtain was one beyond your grasp. I would control an entire species, an entire empire, through my own commands, and they would be unbending. My power would be unrivalled, my empire would expand across the universe. For they would know I had brought peace and justice to the universe under my iron fisted rule for all eternity. And to think, even when Durzhan allowed you to live and follow my legacy, you squandered it by sharing it with inferior species!
 * Kralgon Emperor - You are wrong. This power must not rest in the hands of one person. It must be shared by all, for the common interest! Your inventions may have been great, father, but your intentions were evil, simple minded, and simplistic!
 * Roshisiz - WEAKNESS! That is what I always hated about you! I knew that you were WEAK! I never desired immortality because I wanted to live forever, no, it was because I could not trust any of my children with this absolute power!
 * Tralkik Commander - Acquired power, and yet failed. The Tralkik have returned to fulfill their task once more.
 * Roshisiz - Go ahead! Strike me down, I will only return once more! This timeline will never be without me! I am eternal!
 * Tralkik Commander - An eternal failure. Fail again and again.
 * Roshisiz - WRONG! I will exist until all is destroyed! How dare this timeline exist without me?!
 * Tralkik Commander - Realize you are unwanted. A mistake. We already have a Kralgon leader to follow. You are not him.

Roshisiz lashed out in fury, arming cannons nearby his throne to fire on the Tralkik in front of him, who dodged as they could while firing back. The Commander's taunting was working, however. In order for Roshisiz' death to be similar to that within his original time, it had to be filled with a defiant rage first. The next step now was to make Roshisiz doubt whether or not he was truly acting of his own will, or an unwitting puppet of the gods.


 * Kralgon Emperor - It's funny, you always taught me that you were the strongest being to ever exist, and you would take over the Ottzel and rule the stars. You said that no one would be above you. And yet here you are, doing the bidding of the gods!
 * Roshisiz - Quiet! I care not if my goals align with them! I will destroy this timeline! Destroy it! It cannot be allowed to exist without me!
 * Tralkik Commander - Zelfron has revealed it to us. You were sent here by Durzhan, to serve as his tool. You exist to fulfill his whims.
 * Roshisiz - SHUT UP!! I fulfill NO ONE'S whims! Only my own! I will shred this pathetic timeline down to its last atom!! This timeline will NEVER exist without me, do you hear me?! NEVER!!!
 * Tralkik Commander - We did fine without you. After we killed you.
 * Roshisiz - This timeline NEEDS me!! I will always exist!! Go ahead... defeat me! Try it!! TRY IT!!!

Roshisiz then deactivated the shields around his throne, opening himself up to defeat. This move would render him entirely vulnerable. While the ship ran on old technology, the shields were much newer, and more difficult for the Tralkik to simply whittle down.


 * Roshisiz - Strike me down!! I will return once more!!

Leaping onwards, the Tralkik Commander landed in front of Roshisiz, towering over him. With a flick of its arm, it revealed a long vibroblade which he then stabbed straight through the mad Kralgon's torso, while using its other hand to grasp onto his head, holding him in place. As it did so, though, it turned its body over so that the sight could be shared, specifically to the Kralgon Emperor.


 * Tralkik Commander - This will be your final vision. Him, surviving.
 * Roshisiz - Final... Hahahah! There is no finalty to this!! Go ahead... Do your worst!
 * Tralkik Commander - Then allow me to show you a familiar sight. How you died, and how you will die again.

The Commander forced its arm harder into Roshisiz, until it fully skewed his body with its blade. As it did, Roshisiz' body fell entirely lifeless, slumped against the throne, bloodied. As the Commander had calculated, it was the exact death that he had succumbed to in his original time.

The corpse of Roshisiz then vanished quickly, before a phased out, larger Roshisiz body then appeared before them. The Emperor was initially concerned, until Tuolog appeared and gave him an assured look, telling him that this was to be expected. Roshisiz appeared defiant at first, but then looked on in fear. By this point, Roshisiz would normally have rematerialised in another part of the galaxy with a new body, but he had not.


 * Roshisiz - What... Why am I not reappearing???
 * Tralkik Commander - As dictated by history, the Tralkik have destroyed you, as it should be. You are now destroyed.
 * Roshisiz - No... No! I refuse! This timeline cannot exist without me!!

With that, Tuolog then stepped before the Commander, ready to send Roshisiz off completely, with his final words.


 * Tuolog - It exist without you, but this better for you. You prefer to stay stuck in time loop, at the will of the gods? To be a pawn used by Zargoth over and over?
 * Roshisiz - No! I exist... of my own free will!
 * Tuolog - You not. You exist because they demand it. But now you in charge of your own fate. You can leave this timeline.

Roshisiz' fearful face then turned to one of determination, as he sighed, his form dissipating. He then said a few final words.


 * Roshisiz - ...Very well. I accept my end, for I will not be a puppet of the gods. Son... I despised you in life, but now it is your goal to carry on the Kralgon's vision. Do with it as you please. Perhaps another timeline exists in which I got to carry out mine. For now, I will be gone from this timeline, and I will not return.

Roshisiz' form then vanished entirely. He had no desire to stay attached to the timeline, and there was nothing pulling him towards it any further. Spacetime could now correct itself. Tuolog then warped the three back onto the Omega Commander.


 * Tuolog - Good work team. We now defeat them.
 * Arkarixus - Status report.
 * Tralkik Commander - Target neutralized.
 * Kralgon Emperor - Hm, perhaps it is fitting of my father that he dared to try and give words of wisdom at the end of it. His ego would not allow him to carry on with no final words of "wisdom". As if he had anything left to say to redeem himself after all he has done. Bah! I am rid of him now, for good.
 * ??? - And good riddance too!

Watching them from outside the UNO Omega Commander were the familiar faces of Kolossus and Antagonar, who had seemingly appeared out of thin air. The rest of the allied fleet turned their weapons at the giant Vyro'Ralza, though they ignored them entirely.


 * Kolossus - I was growing quite tired of that little man's voice.
 * Antagonar - Indeed! Though it was a good trick for a short while, such tricks go old, quite fast. Though, he accomplished his mission!
 * Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ DO YOO TWO WEIRDOS HAV NUFFIN BETTA TA DO DAN STALK US AS WE KILL BAD GUYS????
 * Antagonar - Funnily enough, no we don't! That's our entire purpose in this timeline at present.
 * Kolossus - Yes, we are just a pair of gods watching our favorite show: the struggle of the mortals. Quite the fun one.
 * Antagonar - I'm on the edge of my seat!
 * Hagto'Zhl - oi hol up. OI LADS ITS DAD
 * Brag'klogga - ZRANKARS HERE YA MUPPETS START DOIN DA GOD OF WAR RAP NAO
 * Antagonar - Aww, how sweet! They made a chant in your na-- wait. Why don't I get one of those?
 * Kolossus - Believe me, you don't want one.
 * Antagonar - Hm, there has to be some timeline where they think I am part of the god's panthe--oh. Oh no. Yes, on second thought, better not.

Kolossus then turned his eyes to the Omega Commander. His face turned deathly serious.


 * Kolossus - This is our last encounter. Soon enough, you will all burn in the infernal maws of lord Shu'rimrodir.
 * Antagonar - Technically speaking, you already have! In about ten million, three thousand, five hundred and eighty-two timelines. Isn't time so confusing? Or fascinating! I so enjoy playing with the minds of mortals!
 * Kolossus - I will watch as the crusade of the Devourer's Chosen scourges this galaxy of your filth. You may have bested them once, but the Corruptus will prevail. And when your souls are damned for eternity, I will be there. Waiting for you.

With this, Kolossus and Antagonar disappeared just as quickly as they had arrived. The Rogue Boyz interrupted their rap, while UNO's leaders all looked to one another in fear.


 * Yogtam - Then this means that the Devourer's Chosen aim to mount another attack.
 * Vyutrin - Ah, about time. This is the part where those damned cultists finally kick the bucket.
 * The Mechanic - Hey, uh, Tuolog buddy? Those two mentioned something about timelines... Just how many possible timelines are there, exactly?
 * Tuolog - Of this war... There at least forty million.
 * The Mechanic - I, uh, don't suppose there are any in which we win the war?
 * Tuolog - ... No. There are none.
 * Fre'kloar - yor havin a laff mate. LORONZ NEVA LOOS. WES GONNA BEET DA DEEMUNS UP even tho we probably shuldnt cus zrankar likes dem BUT WE WILL CUS WES DA BEST
 * Yogtam - None? There are no timelines at all in which we survive?
 * Tuolog - There are no preordained events in which we all survive and defeat every threat in this galaxy. No timeline exists yet, for there been too much tampering with. In order for us to win... We need to create a new timeline entirely. I cannot say what events are needed for us to win, for I not know them.
 * Vekaron - Well, us Zoles don't exactly believe in fate. We will keep fighting to the very end.
 * Arkarixus - You would regardless, I would make you if you tried to stop.
 * Tuolog - The Devourer's Chosen are one of the big things standing in way of our victory. There are very few possibilities we survive. But I know of at least one individual who able to help us beat them.
 * Vyutrin - Oh? Do tell, I'm all ears when it comes to killing Chosen filth.

Tuolog sighed, knowing what the others would say in response.


 * Tuolog - You not like it. You probably not even agree to it. But we need the help of Falrik Zaarkhun and his team to beat them. We need cooperate.

Vekaron and Vuytrin both frowned as the name was spoken, though Arkarixus retained his air of arrogant indifference.


 * Vekaron - Only if it involves using him as cannon fodder. We do not collaborate with Wranploer.
 * Tuolog - We not have another choice. Zaarkhun's strategic intuition is rivalled by none in this galaxy. And we are all between us hopelessly outmatched and outgunned by Devourer's Chosen. For us to come out of this intact, we need his wisdom to win battles.
 * Vekaron - I... I must speak to my superiors. I cannot give an answer to this.
 * Fre'kloar - ooh sik we get ta fite wiv zaarkhun. safe hes our homie he givs us pizza
 * Kralgon Emperor - I object entirely to this, as does the rest of UNOL. We will not be making this call. Set up another meeting in future if you want, and see if any minds have been changed.
 * Vyutrin - Yes, we should all return home and think this over for a while. I for one am loathe to work with terrorists in any capacity, but we did it once when times were desperate... to fight the Corruptus as well.