Fiction:Second Borealis Galactic War/Original/Wrath of Gods/Changing History

"That's Galactic Emperor Volim Thrava the First to you."

This is the fourth and final stage of the Wrath of Gods.

=Introduction=

Time to Fight Zargoth?
On a Kormacvar space resort, on an outside platform, several of the allies group up together. They had brought all the shards, and were about to put them together to defeat Zargoth. It was finally happening. But one thing they hadn't thought of...

Valzaria - ''...you know, Kolossus was right. We have the shards...but what do we actually do with them?'' Tau - Combine them? Yogtam - Okay, but then what? Tau - ''Shove them up Zargoth's....yeah. Wherever that is.'' Fre'kloar - ''OH I KNO!!! WE COULD USE DEM TA TURN ZARGOTH INTO PIZZA'' Sarec - ''The simplest solution is usually the best. But you are right - we need to know where Zargoth is to use them against him.'' Arkarixus - ''The main problem is that a frontal attack on Zargoth is impossible. He'll simply remove us from time if we try.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''And then...*how* to use them. Just how do we use these things? I know I've never used a Gyronic shard before...we gathered them up for...what purpose?'' Tau - ''From what I've been told, Zargoth takes Chaos as a stronghold as much as any other. Finding him will be harder than killing him.'' Sarec - We can channel their energies through mental focus, that should work. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Don't worry. I've been planning this for years. I know what to do with them. Who here would happen to be the best at using Essence?'' Tau - ''Tuolog, Sarec? One of you two.'' Kaltogo - Hey, what about me?

Kaltogo walked forward, and took the shards. They then hovered in his hand and began to assemble, as he channelled energy through them.

Hagto'Zhl - oi i shuld do it i kno a lot c

Hagto'Zhl groaned loudly until he made a very tiny sphere of Dark Chronoscopic energy.

Hagto'Zhl - pro skills dere Iovera - I could lend a hand. Kaltogo - This looks like it could take...I don't know, ages... Tau - We don't have ages.

Iovera gazed deep into the shards as her energy was channeled through them too; unlike Kaltogo's Chronoscopic, it manifested as white, peaceful light. However, the old Kaltogo spent ages just staring at them, and while they seemed to move around a lot, it was like no progress was being made. There was an awkward silence.

Baptarion - I can help with my elemental energy too. Sarec - I say we keep Kaltogo under guard until he is finished. Tuolog - Oh dear...

Tuolog had a strange thought come to mind.

Tuolog - I have bad feeling... Fre'kloar - ''same. i hav a feelin of HUNGER'' Sarec - What is it Tuolog? Tuolog - I feel as though...a mysterious threat come from nowhere...as though we are all doomed... Lemmo - Uh-oh. Vekaron - ''But what *kind* of threat? Haven't we defeated or alligned with any evil force in this galaxy? Unless it's extradimensional, in which case, you should detcct it easily.'' Tuolog - ''They seem to be...shrouding themselves. They not even want Zargoth know about this...'' Xerkea - Well damn. Tau - ''Extradimensional? Could be anything. ...And nothing of those extradimensional things are friendly.''

Sarec sat down and meditated for a while, focusing his mind on solving the mystery of the shards. And as Kaltogo continued working at it, the awkward silence returned. People began to feel increasingly uneasy.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Anyone else feeling...nervous? Tau - ''Hmm. I don't like what's going on here, if that's what you're asking.'' Vekaron - I'm not feeling the best ever. Volim - ''I sure am. Guards, set up post around us to take a defensive stance.''

Volim's armed guards all appeared, including the Guild of Shadows and Skhanaroton, to stand guard around them.

Skhánaróton - First guard to crack gets eaten. Fre'kloar - i second dat Valzaria - Come on, Kaltogo, hurry up!

Kaltogo continued for a while longer, until eventually, the shards assembled into one orb. A Gyronic/Chronoscopic Orb.

Kaltogo - I'm finished! Grak'tona - oooh shiny can i hav it

The Orb hovered in his hands, floating. Its energy could be felt by all of them.

Iovera - ''It's... beautiful.'' Kaltogo - Ain't it just? Sarec - Such power within... Tau - ''So it's pretty. Now what?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Now what? I'll show you what.''

Sollow leaped out in a flash, and sliced Kaltogo's throat. He threw Kaltogo's body to the floor, grabbed the Orb, then chuckled. Skhanaroton and Volim both laughed deeply.

Volim - ''Guards! Sieze them!'' Skhánaróton - No one's gonna eat that, are they?

The reaction was instant. Sarec's eyes flared up he focused his energies around Sollow, while Lemmo pointed his guns at the guards, both angered and scared. There was a sense of shock around the entire group, as they felt the guards close in on them. How could they have been so naive?

Sarec - Another move, corspe, and I pull your arms out of their sockets!

All of the armoured guards, who had been in a defensive stance, now surrounded the group. Zaarkhun and Volim walked in front, with Zaarkhun pointing his guns at them. Kaltogo coughed and spoke; his throat may have been cut, but being an Essence being, he could just about live longer.

Tau - ''Eh. Bad time for Nu to walk out on us.'' Kaltogo - It's them!...the BCN are the mysterious threat!... Baptarion - Oh hell no. Tuolog - ''NOO!! KALTOGO!!'' Lemmo - ''I am not working for any of these guys anyway... can you please let me go?'' Iovera - ##...Wait. You never expected them to betray you?'' Xerkea - I did. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Why are you acting so surprised? I overheard your conversation, Polar Crystal Alliance. You planned to gun for the BCN as soon as this war was over. You brought it upon yourselves!'' Fre'kloar - oh ma dayz wats goin on im so confused fuk Skhánaróton - I'm going to enjoy this. Tau - I'm not.

Volim laughed then spoke.

Volim - ''To think, Zaarkhun could have spared you all. He was willing to forgive you, put our differences aside and to go on with his plans leaving all of you alone...maybe as something close to allies. But, no, you decided instead you still hate us! So we got in a little pre-emptive strike.'' Lemmo - ''I didn't! Hey, it's not like I am working for the Alliance or the Commonwealth. I'm a treasure hunter - a free spirit, like you! Let me go, pleeease.'' Tyraz - Lemmo, you dare not speak of the Commonwealth's affairs!

Fre'kloar had a thought.

Fre'kloar - ''yanno wat? IM WIV ZAARKHUN. YOO LOT CAN GO SCREW YASELVES I KNO NONE OF YOO LIKE ME EITHA'' Hagto'Zhl - ENNIT DA BCN HAS BIGGA GUNZ AN BIGGA PIZZA The Loron all aimed their weapons at the group.

Sarec - ''All criminals risk the pursuit of justice. Order must always prevail over chaos!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I see. Cool story. Is that what you were told when you were hunted by the Inquistion of Drakon?''

Sarec growled at Zaarkhun, who looked smug.

Skhánaróton - ''Let me at them. I haven't killed in days.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Not for now.

Zaarkhun held the Orb up in the air, and green light shone around. Nothing could hit any of the BCN.

Hachi - ''Hmph, criminals! Because of you, a lot of people have died!'' Sarec - ''Watch your tongue worm... I hold power beyond your full understanding.'' Tau - ''Hm. You know us, Consortium. We're not in for the greater good as such.'' Volim - Yes, you know, the Kicath wouldn't make bad allies... Hachi - ''Remember that Zaarkhun Sector? That was the BCN's own doing and it was unnecessary!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, thanks for reminding me, Hachi. Speaking of which...v

Zaaarkhun used the Orb's powers again. A flash of green light appeared.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I have just brought the Zaarkhun Sector back. All the innocents who died unnecessarily will be brought back...thank you.'' Hachi - You're welcome! Sarec - ''Falrik that orb holds power no mortal can fully understand. Do NOT abuse it!'' Volim - Ah, shut your trap, your words mean nothing to us.

Sarec's eyes glowed and Volim felt pressure on his throat

Sarec - Oh really? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Why should I not abuse it then, Sarec? I have this power before me. I have the ability to use it. I don't need to be told by your ex-Inquistion mouth to do something.'' Sarec - ''Don't listen to me as an inquisitor. Listen to me as the bearer of an awareness that makes your tiny self-aware mind look like a gnat deep inside a forest.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hahaha...you really are uneducated. And by the way...''

At that point, several robots appeared. Each had a syringe on their right arm, and a knife on their left. There was one drone for everyone there.

Tyraz - ''Were it not for the BCN, we wouldn't have gotten as far as we did. I was in support of the BCN up until this point. In fact, I was in support of a united galaxy!'' Volim - ''Do you like these robots? The PMCs brought them in lately to make sure all new recruits were a 100% loyal to them. They contain drugs and nanomachines that, when injected, can make an individual truly loyal to them.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Not to mention, they are very painful. We'll kidnap the lot of you, use you to defeat Zargoth, and those who survive, well...you'll die later.'' Xerkea - What...don't you dare! Volim - Oh we would dare...don't worry, they work perfectly on machines too.

Sollow grabbed Hachi and pulled him right next to one of the robots. Hachi grunted as he was grabbed. However, he didn't try resisting. He knew it would be useless. Then, nervously, Tuolog walked towards Zaarkhun.

Tuolog - ''Zaarkhun...I know that you a changed man. I know there good in you. You not have to do this. We can still change our minds about going to war with you.''

Zaarkhun's expression changed slightly, then the anger went back to his face. He picked up Tuolog, pucnhed him in the gut, then face, then threw him. Everyone was shocked, but Volim smiled.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Our friendship...is over. Vekaron - Tuolog!

Sollow pulled his blade out. The robot's syringe got closer.

Lemmo - ''Look, why are doing it to ME? I am just an adventurer trying to make a living...''

As the needle closed in, suddenly a patch of gold light flashed before them, and the robot was destroyed. It was Mac.

Mac - A cup of "screw you", coming in. Volim - Awww! Skhánaróton - I could do with a Taldar's head on my mantle.

Skhanaroton beared his teeth at Mac. All the guards approached Mac, and fired upon him.

Mac - ''Hah. I could rip your head off him only one hand.'' Skhánaróton - Wouldn't kill me.

Mac used his powers to kill most of the guards. Slicing them apart with his sword, knocking them back, destroying them with blasts of Chronoscopic, many creative uses of his power/

Skhánaróton - Well...I'm not going be hungry tonight I guess. Mac - Now give me that orb before I blow you a new cakehole.

While this happened, Tuolog walked over to Kaltogo. Kaltogo, however, was still breathing.

Kaltogo - Tuolog...I have one last request for you...find my son...

Kaltogo passed Tuolog an amulet. It was identical to the one Tuolog was wearing.

Kaltogo - He will be wearing one just like this... Tuolog - No...father...

Kaltogo passed out. Zaarkhun turned to Tuolog.

Xerkea - Ouch...

Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, ''Kaltogo was your father. Of course, when you never lived up to his standards, you ran away, joined the Vyro'Narza training program, where you were renamed and changed completely. Kaltogo always regretted banishing his son, but when he had gone to search, his son was no longer there. Oh, and he never knew. How fitting.'' Volim - Hey, Zaarkhun, don't just ignore the big angry Vyro'Narza walking at our direction.

Sarec growled, intensifying his energies.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good point. We ought to evacuate. Emergency temporal shift!''

Zaarkhun held out his orb and warped the BCN away. Mac punched the ground in anger.

Valzaria - Well...that was...

Tyraz looked to the group and growled.

Mac - Shit!...Kaltogo was a friend of mine, you asshat. Yogtam - I will fucking destroy Sollow... Tuolog - He was...my father...and neither of us know... Tyraz - You...all of you...disappoint me. Mac - ''Disappoint?! I came here to save your asses and all you did was stare blankly!'' Tau - ''Thanks for the moral boost, Zazane. I'm going home after this.'' Tyraz - ''We had a chance until these treacherous bastards started plotting against the BCN! You call yourselves an alliance, you're just an extension of the Zoles!''

Tyraz kicked Lemmo again, growling angrily.

Tyraz - And you have no right to speak in my presence!

Tau remained quiet whilst everyone had a go at each other. Most people did too. Sarec vanished angrily, Uriel sighed and watched on.

Vekaron - ''Hmpf. If you are really going to disrespect the Alliance after all we have done together, then leave.'' Mac - ''I expected more of you. Hell, we killed Kolossus together.'' Valzaria - Hey, we did just destroy Regnatus after all. Lemmo - ''Ahem! If not for me, your precious Radeon lady would have remained unconscious.'' Tyraz - ''I expected more of the Alliance itself. To start plotting against its allies...urgh. Disgraceful.'' Tau - ''Allies? I wouldn't ever call a criminal organization an ally.'' Tyraz - ''No wonder the BCN turned against you. I would never decieve or manipulate an ally.'' Vekaron - ''The Consortium was never our ally. They were always an enemy. They wish for disorder and our destruction!'' Tyraz - ''They helped, they were willing to forgive. And you all...urgh.''

Uriel walked up to Turaz with a sigh and placed his hand on his shoulder.

Uriel - Tyraz, there is nothing we can do. Iovera - ''...Tyraz. It is more complex than that. Ancestral hatred runs deep.'' Tuolog - ''Even if Zaarkhun was ready to forgive, Volim certainly was not. And besides, it happen now. There nothing we can do to change it'' Tyraz - With all due respect Tuolog, so much for being a great psychic if you couldn't even sense your own father.

Tyraz turned away angrily and disappeared into black vapour.

Tuolog looked back at the corpse of his father, whom he was talking about. He then began to cry.

Tau - ''Aside from the fact we saved the universe, nothing changed between us. I for one don't care that they want our heads. Their funeral.'' Mac - Asshole.

Uriel looked at the Alliance members.

Uriel - Next time you plan on conspiring aginast your enemies, do it in a way they cannot listen. Valzaria - ''We *did*. We just forget that Zaarkhun has a way of spying on them.'' Xerkea - I'm gonna prepare the Special Forces for the upcoming shitstorm. Tau - Vekaron, get me home. Vekaron - Don't tell me they don't let you pilot your own ship too. Tau - No. Mine was destroyed by Nu accidentally. Vekaron - ''Hm. Fair enough I guess.''

Hachi was just quiet. He sighed and looked at the group.

Uriel - ''Inexcuseable. Sometimes face-to-face conversations are the most secure methods.'' Hachi - ''I was right before...War does change people. But there are some things you cannot change...''

Everyone left. As the Crystal Alliance were now so shaken and angry with each other, distraught by this, it seemed that everything the Alliance had built up in so short a time against the Grox had all been shattered now. At least it seemed that way. Maybe the Alliance could be rebuilt? Or maybe, just maybe, there was no such thing as true peace and order in Borealis? Only time would tell. Back on the Iron Fist...

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''A shame. I wanted the easy method of winning this. But, I guess, the easy way out is full of the most flaws.'' Volim - So, when do we begin our plan, Zaarkhun? Falrik Zaarkhun - Hahaha...patience, Volim.

Zaarkhun looked at the Orb, and smiled.

Falrik Zaarkhun - We have all the time in the universe...

It's true. Time doesn't heal all wounds.

Losing Hope
Hachi had tapped into his Essence powers in order to contact Thea'Nhirara, his Teacher, through telepathy after the disastrous meeting of the PCA and the betrayel of the BCN. He sat alone in his quarters, eagerly awaiting a response while appearing physically saddened. After some moments, Thea'Nhirara appeared in her Rianth form.

Thea - Hello, Hachi...I can see you are not well. Hachi - ''Teacher, I don't know what to do anymore. It feels as if whatever I do either doesn't matter or comes with a consequence.'' Thea - ''Nonsense. You've done everything well so far.''

Hachi sighed and sat up on his bed.

Hachi - Teacher, I guess you haven't been informed of recent events... Thea - I have. Hachi - ''Teacher, I became the puppet of a Marinox cyborg and Regnatus managed to get the better of us multiple times! Not to mention...the BCN...'' Thea - ''Don't be harsh on yourself. Marigrax and Regnatus were ultraterrestrial beings with powers above our own. Even if you could have predicted it, it wouldn't be able of stopping them. About the BCN, it was bound to happen sooner or later. The Wranploer's heart is full of hate.'' Hachi - ''There is so much hate here, Teacher. This war, I thought it would bring us all together. But nothing has come out of it except more hate and death. And no matter what I do, I'm still the laughing stock of the entire thing...'' Thea - ''You should not expect happiness from conflict. The galaxy will only be brough together when it all ends, not before it. And laughing stock? I can see into the hearts of people like Sarec, Baptarion, Vekaron and Xerkea. You are the one who still gives them hope.'' Hachi - ''Nah, why would they believe in me? Hell, I'm not that strong. I mean, even the Zazane creature child is more powerful than I am and he's younger than me!''

Thea sat on Hachi's bed, next to him, and passed her hand through his face.

Thea - ''It doesn't matter how powerful you are. What matters is that you are their friend, and that's the best power one can have.'' Hachi - ''It doesn't help when I'm unable to protect them! Or myself! We are at a crucial moment in this conflict...and everybody's just pulled out...Tyraz, Nu, Tau...'' Thea - ''Blaming yourself will not solve these problems. If you want to help the galaxy, then aid in putting an end to the BCN and Zargoth. The rest will see your efforts and join forces once more. You may not see yourself like one, but you are an inspiration to the group.'' Hachi - ''And what happens after...? What is my reward? A temporary celebration of joy is appreciated, but it doesn't change the fact...that what awaits me is more pain, drama and bloodshed...If there is anything this galaxy has taught me, the Universe is a bitch.'' Thea - ''Your reward is that you learned how the universe works. And you shall do what you can to make it less of a "bitch".''

Hachi chuckled as Thea cursed. His mood was uplifted a little and he smiled at his Teacher.

Hachi - How much longer until we can go back home? Thea - ''I don't expect this war to go for much longer. After that, you'll be going to Andromeda with Sarec. It is there that your training will end, and your real quest will begin.'' Hachi - ''I heard Andromeda is a wonderful place, Teacher...Much more beautiful than here...It's been so long since I've seen any new friendly faces. It almost seems as if everybody here is...well, bloodthirsty.'' Thea - ''The Borealis Galaxy is full of stubborn fools, that's for sure. Andromeda is indeed a nicer place...or at least, most of it is.'' Hachi - ''I've learned a lot of things here, Teacher...one of those lessons is that love and affection is hard to come by. I always thought that war against a common enemy brought people closer together to reach an understanding...but it seems I was wrong again.'' Thea - ''Oh, it does. Except like I said, Borealis is full of stubborn fools who refuse to change themselves. Like the Wranploer general and his empire.'' Hachi - What happens to people like him, Teacher? Thea - ''They end alone, weak, with their dreams shattered. There is no reward for the likes of him.'' Hachi - ''That's kinda sad, all I ever wanted for people was for them to be happy. But it seems that just some people are happier fighting wars. A lifestyle like that...it confuses me. What sort of man desires only war?'' Thea - ''To be honest, I don't know myself. I too wish there could be peace for all, but it's obviously not possible.'' Hachi - Heh, well, I learned an important lesson from the BCN that I'm thankful for. Thea - And what's that? Hachi - I shouldn't just fight for other people, but I should fight for myself just as importantly, as one can only be truly happy if they make themselves proud. Thea - That is true. Hachi - ''Though really...I value my friends more than I do myself. Even you Teacher. You're the one who saved me from death for the first time.'' Thea - ''You've not only saved a few lives, you saved a whole galaxy. Now get out there and do it again.''

Hachi chuckled and stood up, smiling. He ran over to his Teacher and hugged her for a moment. Hachiman enjoyed this little moment of peace as he could, as it would not last for long.

He's Back
Aboard the Iron Fist, a group of Adrahira, representing the planet Edharal, were holding up protest signs. They were watching Zaarkhun as he explained with a presentation. He was telling them all about the science behind tree biology, and how deforestation was perfectly natural. He proceded to tell them that, despire the fact that their forests were "sacred", that he could provide them home on another 'sacred' forests world and 'the spirits would migrate'. He only needed this world as a mining world, and he wouldn't need another.

Falrik Zaarkhun - So you see, it would be most beneficial to migrate to another planet provided of similar conditions while we take this for ourself. Adrahira - ''No! This is preposterous! You have no authority to doo this to our world!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Who said anyone needed 'authority'? Because, you know, you can easily stop by at any planet and cut down the trees. It's not like some spirit will come down and go all YOU SHALL NOT PASS on you, is it?'' Adrahira - ''Your aura...radiates vileness. You should be ashamed of yourself for even considering this.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, unless you give me reason to be ashamed, I'm not. I simply want to use this world for mining a few materials used in one insignificant construction, then I'm done. But your forest seemed to be in the way, and I'm asking you kindly to move it. I'm also giving you several alternates to using this world.'' Adrahira - ''Trees are living beings, just like us. Would you murder your own kind just because they "are in your way"?''

Falrik Zaarkhun thought for a second, then shrugged.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Why not?

The Adrahira all looked at Zaarkhun with disgust.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You're people of nature, aren't you? Then you'll know about this law of "natural selection", or "survival of the fittest". I can apply it here; if someone does not adapt, then the fact is, that they die. I could also apply this to your world right now. It adapts to suit its needs and becomes a barren desert that can be mined, or it gets obliterated. You can also adapt, by migrating to another world. I could, of course, provide you all you need to move to it.'' Adrahira - ''I-I will not stand for this! That world is sacred ground! Those forests are home to spirits!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Unfortunately, you don't have much of a choice in this matter. I've given you many options, and I'll eliminate each one for each time you resist.''

As the Adrahira kept protesting, Zaarkhun kept counting on his fingers, then held up his hand to them.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You have now officially warn out your welcome...AND MY PATIENCE.

Genrai Nal and Sollow lifted them, about to take them to be executed.

Adrahira - ''No! Please! All we have done is state our opinion!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''And disrupt my operation? Yes. I wanted to do this the peaceful way, but it looks like we'll have to bomb your world instead.''

Zaarkhun sent out a call, and an antimatter missile dropped on the forest, blowing it up. Every living, breathing thing in that once peace for forest was gone in seconds. All that was left was ash and rubble, and it was the last the Adrahira protestors saw.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Any last words before you're dropped in the incinerator? Adrahira - ''You'll pay for this! For all the innocent you're condemning!''

Falrik Zaarkhun's expression changed he was now angry.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Now you just listen for a minute. I have had to watch my homeworld - now, an entire sector - of mine being obliterated by Grox. But it wasn't swift and painless like dropping an antimatter bomb. Every single individual on that world was mutilated and slaughtered painfully before my eyes. Every innocent being cut down, for what? For Regnatus' insanity. Don't tell me I have no right to do it to others. And I'm beyond feeling sympathy at this point.''

Zaarkhun gestured at Genrai and Sollow, who took them straight to the incinerator. Zaarkhun then spoke on comms chat.

Falrik Zaarkhun - How are the operations going? Henchman - ''The trees are being clearly mostly. The lumberjacks are doing an effective job.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Excellent. I want the mining operations set up by tomorrow. Is that possible?'' Henchman - It should be. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good. Oh, and one last thing.'' Henchman - Yes? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Just because we don't need to clear anymore trees doesn't mean that should have them. Destroy...everything!''

...The hell was he working on?

Millennia of Hatred
Volim, Torrent, and a legion of angry Wranploer soldiers landed upon the Zoles outpost world of the far corners of the Arm of Wilderness. This world was blatantly used by the Zoles to spy upon them. It was a vibrant, bustling colony full of innocent civillians and with few weapons, but to the Wranploer, that's just what they wanted it to look like. It was spying on them. Or it was trading with the Niaka Special Forces. Either way, no one wanted this Zoles filth to exist anywhere near Wranploer territory. It annoyed Volim so much that he led this assault himself.

As he stood there, with an angry legion behind him, awaiting his call, Volim turned to Torrent.

Volim - ''Kill them, Torrent. Kill them all.''

Torrent nodded, and let out a battlecry. The angry horde of legion, excited and bloodthirsty, were getting what they wanted: Zoles blood. Blood for blood; for everythnig the Zoles had ever done to the Wranploer people, they would pay it back now. Millennia of hatred and vengeance for brothers', for sisters', for sisters' mothers, for mothers' sisters, and for mothers' sisters' cousin, it had boiled up inside them and only gotten worse and worse. These were filthy, cuthroat pirates who had wanted their whole lives to obliterate an unexpecting Zoles colony. The excitement and the laughter among these almost insane Wranploer was felt. Volim became excited himself.

Volim - ''Let this world feel the wrath of General Volim Thrava! Let it feel the wrath of the Wranploer Legion, the Borealis Consortium Network, AND THE ARM OF WILDERNESS!''

Volim joined in. He was part of the legion that he led. But as these bloodthirsty Wranploer continued their charge, they were looking less like an organised legion, and more like an oversized angry mob that just happened to bring vehicles along with it. The city could activate all the guns and defences it felt like, but the Wranploer didn't care. They were too excited. And those who weren't at the frotn could barely see.

Volim - ''For too long we have had to put up with these rich, snobbish pests! For too long have they harassed our people, because we're just the thugs, and they have 'decency and order'! I wonder if they'd like to face a thug in hand-to-hand combat!''

The Wranploer poured through the Zoles streets. They didn't even need to shoot the police, the mob just trampled them. In between them was nothing more than blood, sweat and tears as they ransacked every building, making sure to crack everything they came across. The belongings. The doors. The necks. The skulls. Everything that had Zoles written on it was gone. There was laughter, there was happiness, there was joy, there was a feel of vengeance being achieved. Revenge is like the sweetest joy next to getting pussy, a wise man once said. Why not tell that to a race without different genders? Revenge is the sweetest joy to a Wranploer.

Volim - ''Isn't it brilliant? To pay these bastards back for all they've done to you? To your families? To your people? I don't think any of these Zoles have had to go through what we've had to go through in our urban lives on the streets. Their urban lives are full of such joy, squatting 'criminal scum' like us. I wonder how it feels the other way around!''

As each building was entered, trashed, and then bombed, the Zoles couldn't evacuate in time. They would be shot by the angry mob. Or its vehicles. But where had they come from? This was no military invasion. This was just an uprising. But why? What was Volim doing? it looked less and less like he was leading a charge of battle. No, Volim was among his own mob. The mob wasn't a strategic battle in which victory was required. It was a past time. These Wranploer weren't figthing soldiers. They were on vacation. And Volim was joining their vacation. The Wranploer were tearing apart each Zoles colony on this planet, and they were loving every bit of it. The Consortium Network has billions of illegal weapons that can wreak havoc on worlds. But their greatest was the anger and hatred that the Wranploer possessed.

Just an ordinary captain
Machine - 5000 units, please. Lemmo - Here you go, you little robot thing.

Lemmo, just back from his battle with the Grox, landed on the planet where he discovered his teacher: Lamarrina, for refueling and repairs. As he left his starship among with N'ras and B-82, he could not believe his own eyes; what was a pile of ancient ruins only a month or two ago now became a bustling city; it was evident that the NTA was expanding very fast. The eerie, ghostly silence that once ruled this world was gone, replaced by the melody of industry: the sounds of starship engines working, the voices of countless citizen from both Borealis and Andromeda... and the beating of the battle drums.

Wherever Lemmo went, he heard it - monotonous, thundering, both terrifying and inspiring... the Commonwealth was preparing for an all-out war yet again. He saw armies from all species across Andromeda converging there, marching across the streets of the ancient city planet. Lemmo walked without even looking at them, uncaring - he had his own business to do.

Iovera - ''Crusaders of the Divinarium. Warriors of the Brood. Soldiers of the Imperium and the New Tertamian Alliance. Even though Regnatus's Grox armies have fallen, the true battle remains ahead. The power beyond our comprehension is held in the hands of a madman and a criminal. For Borealis - and for our home, too, we have to act. For the sake of all that is orderly in the Gigaquadrant, this cannot, this will not stand.'' Soldiers - This cannot, this will not stand!

The Highlord's words were translated all across the planet, and the soldiers chanted them - sometimes, Lemmo thought, he could hear their deep, rough voices from the orbit.

B-82 - ''I heard that when the Mechanic was young, Kormacvar soldiers were like that! And I heard they were heroes!'' Lemmo - ''Yes, they are. Heroes. The nameless millions that die, each day, to protect us...'' B-82 - ''And what about you, master? Are you a hero?''

The small Caretaker's words made Lemmo giggle. So naive and so childish...

Lemmo - ''No, I am not a hero. Just an ordinary starship captain trying to make a living.'' N'ras - ''Oh, Lemmo, stop being like that. You aren't ordinary.''

Lemmo turned to N'ras; as soon as he brought his friend back to life, so returned his idealistic attitude. Perhaps it was inherent to the Imperix, perhaps it was just him, but N'ras never believed they were just there for profit. He always thought of their work as of something romantic, even though for his captain it was just a job.

Lemmo - ''I am getting money from scavenging ancient relics, N'ras. This is hardly extraordinary.'' N'ras - ''Hah! A person who could live in luxury, who could live rich... and instead chose traversing the galaxy and beyond, going where no Tertanai has gone before, fighting cyborgs... you are extraordinary. You know, Lemmo, from what I learned, there is a hero inside you.'' Lemmo - ''Ugh... don't be stupid! I am out of that already. When I was young, perhaps, but not now.'' N'ras - ''Then why don't you go back to Il'larion? With the money you got over these years, you could live like an Exitus royal.'' Lemmo - ''I... I don't know myself.'' N'ras - ''Hmph. Told you.''

Lemmo looked back to see Lucky being fully refueled, its engines once again being active and working, its hull once again shining. The sight of a huge Kormacvar vessel (how the Commonwealth robots found a way to refuel it was a mystery for him) made Lemmo smile. It was beautiful.

N'ras - Hm. - N'ras, B-82 and Lemmo returned into their ship - Now, where are we heading? Lemmo - ''There's a war with Borealis Consortium Network right now, isn't it? We could earn some credits working for the local authorities. Ah, like in the good ol' days with Lamni...'' N'ras - ''Huh. Why not?'' Lemmo - ''Fine then. Setting course to the Arm of Wilderness... and here we go.''

In a few seconds, Lemmo's ship vanished in the subspace. New adventures awaited...

Or did they?

More Coming...after the Break
Soltako Armed Military= "What happens when the Polar Crystal Alliance can no longer protect you?"

Images appeared of the push to the Galactic Core, of several PCA ships crumbling. Other images appeared, as more PCA ships began to die.

"What happens when other PMCs can no longer protect you?"

And more images appeared. Rival PMCs all fighting to defend worlds from each other. They fail. As a result, innocents on worlds die. Innocents...but more importantly, innocents with pockets full of money.

"What happens when you can pay just a little premium for the most respected and critically-acclaimed PMC in Borealis?"

And the SOltako Armed Military logo came up. Following it quickly were soldiers marching to battle. Quotes from reviewers flashed. 9/10. 5 star. 4.5 star. "A smashing service certain to get the job done." "Tests on defended worlds prove they are almost unbeatable." And now, the camera pans. The marching soldiers charged straight into battle, attacking rival PMCs. The soldiers were not even people, they were just bodies with weapons and armour attached to them. They were just bodies working for a larger group, for someone's profit, and someone else' demise.

"Soltako Armed Military. Give us a call, and we'll guarentee your job done." Aurfaust Private Military Company=

There comes a time when the conventional PMC cannot do a proper job in doing what needs to be done, whether this be kidnapping, or planet scale invasion.

Camera pans to some righteous do gooders firing at a generic PMC who is running away.

There comes a time, when you just really need to get something blown up, something killed, or something conquered by just one man.

Footage shifts to show planet blowing up, Dominatus killing somebody and taking over a planet after an intimidation of a governor, from Operation Subjugator, in which a single Dominatus managed to capture a low tier 5 world by himself.

That's where Aurfaust PMC comes in, giving you access to what is effectively supersoldiers among supersoldiers with dozens of years of combat experience on the front lines.

Footage pans to surprisingly well taken film that shows Aurfaust Guy lifting a tank with one hand and smashing another tank with the lifted tank while using missiles to blow up aircraft.

''Our main selling point, is giving Dominatus, armed with military grade equipment, to the highest bidder. These Dominatus are almost impervious to every attack due to the homogeneity of their biology.''

Camera shows a battle in which after taking a direct headshot, a Dominatus is still laughing.

'These 10 meter tall guys will screw up anybody’s day, whether you want them to be weapons themselves,

Camera shows Dominatus using tendrils to destroy enemy mechanized units.

Or whether you want them to blow guys up from afar,

In built helmet camera shows Dominatus using Subatomic Disruptor Weapon to blow up a building.

''These guys are the right guys, for the right price. More importantly, they do this because it’s fun for them, after all, the First One is always free.''

=A New Era Begins=

Young Volim
Aboard the Iron Fist, Volim seemed strangely surprised. Like something he'd wanted to do for a long time was about to actually happen.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, Volim. You ready?'' Volim - ''I've been attacking Zoles worlds for days preparing myself for this. I am ready as hell.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Excellent...I don't know if the man are so ready to face the past. Would you say they are?'' Volim - ''They are. If they are not, I'll force them to be ready.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Heh. Anyway, are there any of the Guild of Shadows you'd like to send, and can I come? Because, if you want it to just be you and Torrent, I don't mind. But I'd like to join in personally.'' Volim - ''I want everyone present. You, the Guild, everyone.''

Zaarkhun nodded.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''That's good. Anyway, I'll get the Orb in position, and we'll make our way. This will have a huge impact, Volim. I'm almost as excited as you are.'' Volim - A thousand and half years, thirsting for revenge...and I will satisfy this thirst, once and for all.

Volim chuckled, and a huge grin formed on his face. There was nothing more to be said.

As the Wranploer marched together and assembled in the giant hall of Volim's palace on the Wranploer homeworld, with legions and legions of Wranploer together, the greatest Wranploer leaders, the most feared BCN assassins, the most successful military leaders, each of them had were about to quench their thirst for revenge. Not only Volim, but the entire species, have been awaiting the moment when they could claim their vengeance on the Zoles Imperium. And thanks to the Orb, thanks to Zaarkhun, the day would finally come. All assembling together, with many more legions marching, until there was almost no space to breathe, each of themw ere becoming excited. Were it not for their generals keeping them together in military fashion in their formation, they would probably be charging to reach the front, and Wranploer would be killed by trampling on each other. It was Volim who was most excited, and as he stood up to make a speech to the entire group, his smirk and his villainous laughter reflected on every soldier in the room; everyone was as greedy for revenge as he was.

As Volim made his speech, giving them instructions, uplifting talk, and quoting many famous old Wranploer soldiers, each of the Wranploer couldn't contain their excitement. The work of their ancesors had been leading up to this. And they had been waiting an entire week to be told that they would participate on the mission that would literally change history. It would forever be remembered as the BCN's day of victory. It would forever be remembered as the day that the Zoles fell and the Wranploer rise. It would forever be remeembered as the day in which the Borealis Galaxy, plagued with crime, evil, disorder and hatred, would be fixed by the great General- no, Galactic Emperor - Volim Thrava, and his assistant, Falrik Zaarkhun. Zaarkhun had brought many great things to the Wranploer people - mainly just his brain and his strategies - but it would be Volim who would claim this date in history. Just thinking about it had the Wranploer excited. As Volim stepped down, his speech over, and Falrik Zaarkhun stepped up to make a few words of his own, many of the Wranploer were on the verge of just not listening. Falrik had something about him that made them care about what he had to say for some reason. But it was true that they couldn't contain themselves anymore. When his speech was over, Zaarkhun then placed the Orb into a machine. As it buzzed around, Zaarkhun smiled.

Zaarkhun left. And a few hours later, legions upon legions of overexcited Wranploer poured through the portal that had opened, remaining in their formation. They were about to change history.

Carnage. Chaos. Destruction. Everything in their path destroyed. Every pathetic scum would be murdered on sight, for the good of Borealis. This was the action not taken by the Wranploer, but by the Polar Crystal Alliance...millennia ago. In the carnage of battle of the, the Wranploer Legion's war with the Polar Crystal Alliance was about to come to an end. The bloodthirsty Wranploer only aimed to rid their world of the PCA pests, while the PCA aimed to put an end to the criminal scum that had plagued their galaxy. And a young Volim Thrava was growing increasingly irritated.

Gunfire from both sides. Artillery cannons firing, enough to make an ordinary person deaf. But not the Wranploer. As the PCA troops neared closer to Volim's palace, surrounded by a huge Wranploer metropolis, the Wranploer simply poured out right out of their city borders and fired at the Zoles and other PCA alien invaders. Both sides brutal, and really loving this battle. But out of a portal that appeared close, another group of brutish, bloodthirsty soldiers appeared: the Wranploer of the present day. Lead by the present Volim Thrava. Bth the past Wranpleor adn the past PCA were confused as hell. Of course, the confused PCA were about to all be slaughtered by these Wranploer who had appeared from nowhere. Cut down by Wranpleor soldiers who weren't overly defensive, but rather, overly enthusiastic.

From the top of his palace, the young Volim watched the newcoming Wranploer, confused. he looked at his assistant commanders.

Young Volim - Any of you responsable for this? Wranpleor Commander - ''As far as I'm aware, I never issued the order for the Wranploer to attack from that area. Although I admit it's a good tactic...'' Wranploer Commander 2 - ''Or to teleport, either. I didn't even know teleporters had been invented.'' Young Volim - ''Yeah...what the shit is that? It's a portal...thing.'' Wranploer Commander - ''Any chance one of the rich Wranploer might have somehow acquired a teleporter from the black market? I hear Cold One technology is capable of some pretty incredible stuff. Nonetheless, those Wranploer are acting...different. They aren't fighting with impatience or out of desperation to get these Crystal Alliance pests off our world...they're fighting with excitement.'' Young Volim - ''This is insulting. Vijaha is under attack and they're acting like it's a holiday! I demand answers!'' Wranploer Commander 2 - ''Gotta agree with you there. Well, the only way we'll find answers is if we meet their leader...who suspiciously, is dressed a lot like you...'' Young Volim - ''Oh great, first the Alliance finds the homeworld, and now someone wants to act like me? Let's get this solved.'' Wranpleor Commander - ''As you wish, General. Are you to meet them yourself in person?'' Young Volim - ''Yes. In the meantime, you can go check these new troops. Put them in line. This is an emergency and not a fucking party.''

The Commanders saluted.

Wranploer Commander - Yes sir. I'll leave at once.

The Wranpleor Commanders left, taking to their vehicles to reach these new Wranploer troops. Before the young Volimc ould leave himself, hosever, a portal emerged right in front of him. Him and his guards aimed their guns, and from the portal, old Volim and Zaarkhun emerged. The young general gazed at old Volim in what appeared to be awe. Young Volim - ...You're fucking huge! Old Volim - ''Hah. I didn't think i was that handsome back then.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh dear, looks like we have a bit of explaining to do, eh?

Falrik Zaarkhun pointed at the two Volim's.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Volim, meet Future Volim. Future Volim, meet Past Volim.'' Young Volim - ''Future...? Wait a damn minute. You're telling me time travel is NOT just some crazy fiction thing?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, of course not! You shouldn't doubt what technology can do...or what Essence can do.'' Young Volim - And what the fuck are you supposed to be? *points at Zaarkhun* ''I've never seen your species before! How can I know this is not a trick?''

The old Volim grabbed the younger one and threw him against the floor, pressing his head against his foot.

Old Volim - That's enough convincing for ya? Young Volim - Ouch...okay, I can tell you're me by that. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''My apologies, I forget my manners. Falrik Zaarkhun, Chief Executive Officer of the Borealis Consortium Network...of which Future Volim is the General. Well, he's Chief Executive General. But we shorten the title to just General.'' Old Volim - We're here to win the day. Young Volim - Don't tell me... Old Volim - Yeah, we were going to lose the war. Young Volim - Fuck damnit. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You see how your older self has cybernetic implants? That's the result of you losing a certain fight on this day, I'm afraid to say.''

Old Volim, for the first time as far as Zaarkhun could tell, removed his mechanical eyepatch, revealing an empty eye socket.

Young Volim - Yuck. Old Volim - You were kinda going to fall out of a 10 story building. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''War does things to you, son. Both physically and mentally...''

Young Volim looked to the battlefield again, seeing the PCA getting decimated by the combined Legion and BCN forces. he turned at Zaarkhun again.

Young Volim - ''This is all great but one question. Consortium whatnow?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, let's just say in the future, the Wranploer Legion gets into a few scrapes with my Zaarkhun Consortium. At the end of the fight, we decide to put aside our differences and merge. The result: the Borealis Consortium Network. The title's a sort of placeholder, until we can change it...to Borealis Empire. And we'll be needing your help for that.'' Young Volim - ''Well, you did save Vijaha, so I'm in your debt. What do you need me for?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''The past may have been changed here, but that doesn't directly affect our future. All it does is create a new timeline. No, we'll need you and your men to come to our timeline - we'll obviously fit you with all the weapons we have in the future and whatnot - and bolster our forces, among other things. Furthermore, this changed timeline will be something I can use, to cause a confusion in the spacetime continuum - this will make no sense to you, so I'll have to explain later.'' Old Volim - All you need to know is, using what's been done here, Zaarkhun can use his little Orb thing to make the Zoles less willing to serve their King. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We'll really need to explain this later. Come aboard the Iron Fist - that is, the ship you'll get 1,500 years in the future.'' Young Volim - Alright then, lead the way.

Zaarkhun held up his orb, and a portal to the Iron Fist was created, in which they both walked through. Meanwhile, the combined forces of the Wranploer Legion and the Borealis Consortium Network completely obliterated the invading fleet of the Polar Crystal Alliance. And after that, they both launched their own invasion. The Zoles homeworld of Zoleia was left in ruins as the combined Wranploer forces marchde through it. The war had been won by the Legion and its new ally: themselves.

The next day, aboard the Iron Fist...

Old Volim - ''...and then the Kormacvar guy uploaded himself into Regnatus and his shields went down. Then we bombarded the living shit out of the bastard until he exploded into pieces.'' Young Volim - ''Wow. It's a mindfuck after the other.'' Old Volim - Yeah, we've been through hell, literally. Falrik Zaarkhun - Shall we tell him about how we managed to turn our backs on the new PCA? Young Volim - ''I still can't believe I let the PCA be recreated. Even more work with it to defeat the Grox. Suppose it was worth it but still.'' Old Volim - I didn't do it because I liked it. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We didn't have much of a choice. But, anyway...we end up tricking the PCA into being surrounded by us, robbing all the Gyronic Shards - and making it into an Orb, and now - a couple months later - we've changed Borealis, we've spread our anarchy propaganda everywhere, and we've gained a new combatant: you and your men.'' Young Volim - ''You done good. If future me trusts you, I can believe in what you're doing...Still cant' believe the Kvargo became spacefaring though, I remember having one as a pet once.'' Torrent - Oh, go screw yourself.

At that point, Sollow got upf rom his pilot's seat and walked over to Young Volim.

Sollow - So...you're the Volim of the past?... Young Volim - And you smell like Varkorus shit. Old Volim - Well, he does because he's an undead...thing. Young Volim - Eh? Sollow - ''You're much shorter than him. More cocky, too.''

Sollow walked around him, analysing himself, then forming an opinion.

Sollow - I don't like you... Young Volim - I don't like you either. Old Volim - Neither do I, we're all on the same boat here. Sollow - Well, I don't like anybody, and no one likes me...do not take it personally...

Sollow got back in his pilot's seat. It was Genrai Nal's turn to greet Young Volim.

Genrai Nal - ''Volim Thrava of the past. Allow me to intrdouce myself; I am Genrai Nal, a champion of the Borealis Consortium Network, the leader of the Guild of Shadows, and one of the most formidable warriors of the Borealis Galaxy. If you are anything like your present self, you were be an honour fighting with.'' Young Volim - ''Honour, hm? You're well mannered. That's good, to an extent.'' Genrai Nal - ''I do believe that to have a positive performance on battle, you need to have a positive attitude to your line of work, and respect to your superiors. It helps that my superiors are respectable, and that I enjoy fighting for them. Do not disappoint me.'' Young Volim - ''Eh? In all cases, you should be the one not disappointing me. There is no honour in my line of work, only the destruction of the weak.'' Genrai Nal - ''Yes, I have grown accustomed to the Wranploer Legion's way of war. And I have grown to like it.'' Young Volim - ''Yeah yeah, that's good...but what's our next step? We got a new PCA to exterminate.'' Old Volim - ''It tends to be Zaarkhun coming up with the plan. I'm sure he has something else in store.''

As usual, Falrik Zaarkhun stared out of the window.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Of course, I have... Young Volim - Back in my time, I was the one coming up with the plans... Old Volim - ''Hey, deal with it. You're with us now.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Might I remind you that also, back in your time, you lost the war. Young Volim - Hmpf. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I should do some explaining, Young Volim. There have been some changes in the way things work around here. For starters, our people have much more freedom now. Laws are less strict. That includes soldiers and pilots outfitting and customizing their equipment and their vehicles. That includes things such as curfews no longer existing. Things tie in much more to our businesses, our corporations...our current allies are the Private Military Companies, or PMCs, among many other businesses and trades.'' Young Volim - ''But this is still an empire, right? I don't want my Legion turned into some corporation.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''This is still an empire, and shall remain one. It's only going to be less corporation tied. And just ask Volim; our success rates and our rates at which battles are won have become greater since these changes took place.'' Old Volim - Not counting the Grox war for obvious reasons. Young Volim - ''I see...okay I get it now. But I need to know what's the next step in your plan.''

Falrik Zaarkhun, however, continued to talk.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Corporations are something we can rely on. They are much more reliable when it comes to keeping our own business in check, keeping an ally who is less likely to backstab us, and to keep a huge empire spanning more of the galaxy than any other empire in Borealis. Of course, that mightn't always be the case. And when it is no longer the case, we change our strategies. The important thing is for us to be as flexible as we can be.'' Young Volim - ''Are you even listening to me? I want to know the next step of the plan!''

Falrik Zaarkhun scowled at Young Volim.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Patience...you'll get your answer soon enough. Young Volim - ''Ugh. We're wasting time here. And I already said I don't care for corporations, I only care for my empire.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''No we aren't. As I said, patience. I want you to watch Zoles worlds closely. Watch how their people are becoming just that bit unruly...and how people seem to find the idea of having King Rebaris rule their grand imperium less appealing than before.'' Young Volim - Why watch when we can just blow their hides to oblivion? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Maybe because we can't 'jsut blow their hides to oblivion'? Don't get cocky, kid. The Consortium Network may be stronger than the Legion was, but full-on assault on the Zoles would be suicide. And have I told you about our new enemy, UNO, and of the Rogue Boyz?'' Young Volim - ''I am no kid, you insect. And I fail to see how it would not work. We have this timeline's military and my own against a weakened galaxy.'' Old Volim - ''Hey, hey! Charging ahead without thinking is not what I do! Did you get the attack on Vijaha get into your head?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'll get this out of the way first: one problem that I've had with you and your older self (although the latter less so) is that you like to go straight into battle without looking first at the numbers or the small details. Maybe it's because I am a perfectionist, but I personally dislike that kind of approach.''

Young Volim sat down, with his arms crossed.

Young Volim - ''Fine, geez. Let's do it your way.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - I'm sorry, but you won't like me at this point. Old Volim - ''Hey, don't feel bad, little-me. If it makes you any happier, I broke Zaarkhun's neck at one point.'' Young Volim - Heh...heh...okay, I'll cooperate. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yep, it's true. But anyway, we'll need to give you a bit of a tour.''

And as they toured in the Iron Fist, a new era had started on the Borealis Galaxy. The Wranploer's era.

Switching Sides
Zaarkhun was in his quarters on board the Iron Fist, thinking over his thoughts about what happened during the Regnatus incident and how easily fooled the Polar Crystal Alliance was. He perhaps knew, or at least had a thought, that the PCA could have collapsed upon his leaving, he knew trust issues would've been a problem now. The blue mammal creature, he knew, would be feeling unmotivated, but he didn't matter in Zaarkhun's grand scheme of planning and plotting.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his door. He looked up to the door and nodded to his two bodyguards, Genrai Nal and Sollow, to allow entrance to the person standing at the door. Who could this have been? He wasn't so sure himself.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Let them in.

The door opened and Zaarkhun looked to see a surprising face walk in. A man who stood at roughly two metres tall, with a pair of dragon-like wings and crimson red scales. The man who stood before him was none other than one of the very Highlords of Andromeda, a man who had proven himself a legendary warrior and fighter. Tyraz Breek, of the Brood of War.

Tyraz - Zaarkhun. Falrik Zaarkhun - Tyraz Breek...?

Genrai Nal and Sollow drew their weapons quickly, preparing to strike at the Descended Highlord. Tyraz glared at the two of them and placed a hand on his Firesword, his aura beginning to flare like a demonic fire. It burned the hinges of the doorway he was standing in.

Tyraz - I am not here to start a fight so I suggest you place your weapons away.

Genrai and Sollow looked at Zaarkhun, who nodded quickly to them. They put away their weapons slowly, though still had looks of discomfort upon their faces. Especially Sollow, because he wouldn't get to kill anything. Zaarkhun looked at Tyraz and pointed to a chair.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Sit down.

Tyraz walked over calmly as his aura died down, sitting on the chair. By the time he reached it, his once flaring aura was no longer visible and was more stable.

Tyraz - ''Zaarkhun, Brood forces shan't be so quick to leave Borealis. I was disgusted with how the Polar Crystal Alliance plotted against a valuable ally.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''...I see. Well, I guess I was too, but I got over it a little. And just opted for a pre-emptive strike.'' Tyraz - ''The Alliance is nothing but an extension of the Zoles. It was no real alliance, just another branch. I wanted no part of it, I am not somebody to betray an ally without reason. Which is why I wanted to make you an offer.''

Falrik Zaarkhun liked the sound of this and placed a hand to his chin, leaning forward a bit to listen in on Tyraz's offer. Tyraz also leaned in.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Do continue, please. Tyraz - ''While my forces shall leave Andromeda on the belief that I have gone with them, I shall remain here for a little while. I was wondering if you required my services for any particular plan you had in mind.''

Falrik Zaarkhun had a think to himself for a while. He would now have the assistance of a Descended Zazane, a very powerful one at that. One with a Xhodocto-grade weapon. He nodded to himself and looked at Tyraz.

Falrik Zaarkhun - You know...I actually do have a few small tasks which you may or may not be willing to be paid for. Tyraz - ''Payment is unnecessary, Falrik. I am not tempted by currency.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''No, I'm not suggesting that. I'm just suggesting you get a little something in return.''

Tyraz thought for a moment. What could Falrik want from somebody like him?

Tyraz - What did you have in mind? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I could do with a few spies. Have you got any Zazane who can remain in Borealis at all, and spy on the Crystal Alliance?'' Tyraz - ''The Shield may be willing to do me a favour. I believe you have fought them before. Peacekeepers in their part of Borealis.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good. That would be helpful. If you could possibly keep me informed, I'd appreciate it.'' Tyraz - ''Do not worry, I shall remain in Borealis at all times. I ask something of you however.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - I'm listening. Tyraz - Are you willing to sacrifice a few of your ships to lead the PCA into Shield territory? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hmm. I suppose I could, actually.'' Tyraz - ''Nothing would convince the PCA more than seeing a few of their enemies blown to bits. Yes, the Shield will be your spies and I shall keep you informed.''

Zaarkhun nodded with a grateful smile on his face.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, thank you. Tyraz - ''I have a disgust for traitors but you had every right. The PCA were plotting your demise from the start. A united galaxy they said...Zoles, they're scum.''

Tyraz stood and held out a hand for Zaarkhun to shake.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, trust me. Just ask Volim, he'll give you many reasons why they aren't the nice people they love to portray themselves as.''

Zaarkhun shook his hand for a moment and smiled at Tyraz, who smiled back.

Tyraz - ''I shall see it done you receive as much information as possible. After some time I may leave this galaxy however, to fulfill my Highlord duties. When that times comes, I will hand the Shield's Grand Commander over to your authority directly.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ahh, excellent. We have Zargoth to defeat, however. You may want to participate.'' Tyraz - ''I will give you a heads up. Beware of Kol Daren. He is one of Kolossus' most powerful servants. Since he is no longer serving alongside the PCA...he shall become merciless.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Don't worry. I'll have my eye out for him. Nothing in this galaxy escapes me.''

Tyraz nodded and proceeded to walk towards the door. However, as he did, e looked to Genrai, stopping for a moment. He chuckled and nodded to him.

Tyraz - It shall be an honour fighting alongside you once more. Genrai Nal - The feeling is mutual.

Tyraz smiled and dematerialized as he left the room, turning into black vapour. The three of them looked to each other, wondering if that had all really happened. Zaarkhun then nodded, and he smiled. Genrai began to laugh, as did Sollow. They now had a very powerful, trusted ally on their side.

Out of the Equation
Aboard the Iron Fist, it was now time for Zaarkhun to show Young Volim something...and time to get rid of a threat.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Well then, Young Volim...I do believe you're knew to Chronoscopic Energy. Young Volim - I do know what it is now that you people explained it to me. Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, but that's nothing...have you seen it in action? Young Volim - Other than those portals you guys used to reach me, nope.

Zaarkhun smiled a little, then turned to old Volim.

Falrik Zaarkhun - The Mechanic and his lot are becoming a bit of a problem, aren't they? Old Volim - Well, consider that they control the Grid and are aligned to the Polar Crystal Alliance, what do you think? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Also consider the fact that with the Orb, I can create more time anomalies than even the Vague can deal with. What if the Crystal Alliance were forced to get another powerful force to fight these anomalies?'' Old Volim - ''Well, what are you waiting for? Let's solve this issue before it becomes a threat.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Just what I was thinking.

And just out of nowhere, several things started popping up. Weird golem-like aliens. Massive giant robots from a different point of time. Armies of futuristic Wranploer with weapons that put all modern beings to shame. Godlike entities. Several time anomalies appeared out of nowhere and headed straight for the Grid.

There was a reason only the Vague could fight these anomalies; only the Vague could fix spacetime rifts in time, and only they could fight the random and incredibly powerful monstrosities. But what if they were too high in number for the Vague to handle? What if there were just too many that were too powerful? Maybe someone else would be needed? The Junction? Well, they wouldn't really care until it affected them. The Vyro'Narza? Like they didn't already have enough on their plates in this galaxy with the Vyro'Ralza. Or maybe...the Grox?

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I'd say that was successful. The Vague are strong but their numbers are very thin. And they've no means by which to reproduce, as of yet. This means we should have the Grox completely out of the fight. The more forces we have out of this fight, the better.'' Old Volim - ''Never liked that Mechanic thing. He always acted like he owned the place. "Oh ye can't have dat its Cold One tech ye can't mess with it."'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''He's an old man in charge of protecting stuff. I'd say it's rather predictable. Anyway, for now, we're good.''

Meanwhile, on Hyperborea...

The Mechanic - ''Awww, c'mon! All right, who turned the tChronoscopic defence system off? Because, y'know, time anomalies are IN THE GRID! C'mon, own up...was it you, The Mother? Was it the Alvino Brood Mother? I know it was you, Mirras IV!'' The Mother - ''...erm, if I may, no one actually turned it off, the time anomalies have managed to breach it. But you're right, they're in an awfully high quantity compared to normal...'' Mirras IV - Hey, I was just cloned today, I couldn't have done anything about it...and the Alvino brood Mother is still in her tree form, she can't even move yet. The Mechanic - ''Eh-hm I guess so-well YOU KNOW WHAT I DON'T CARE! SOMEONE SHUT THE DEFENCES DOWN AN-'' The Mother - ''NO ONE shut the defences down. The time anomalies just increased in quantity.'' The Mechanic - INCREASED IN WHAT!?!

As usual, the Mechanic was continuing to be cranky...

Mirras IV - This must have been Zr'An'Kar's doing...right? The Mechanic - ''DON'T BLAME SOMEONE ELSE I KNOW YOU DI...well...I suppose ol' Kolossus mighta gotten mad at us...and sent more time anomalies than even the Vague can deal with...and we're protectors of this galaxy, I suppose we oughta do something. Well everyone, prepare to fight time anomalies!''

He fell right into it...

Without Direction
As per routine a group conference between the PCA was being called.

Vekaron - Umm...greetings everyone, I... Kralgon Emperor - ''Oh, quit stuttering! Just tell us what you want!'' Xerkea - Defeat the BCN and save the galaxy, maybe? Lemmo -''...Yeah! Save the galaxy...'' Vekaron - Well, how?! Kralgon Emperor - ''You really have no idea?! Since you're only, you know, self-proclaimed leaders of this alliance!'' Hachi - ''I think we all need to have a little patience with each other at the moment. Times are a little stressful for all of us.'' Vekaron - ''What? Why are you berating me about this when you have as much leadership as Rebaris and Xerkea?'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Patience?! You try being patient when everyone seems to refuse co-operation and no one trusts anyone!'' Zr'Ahgloth - YEH MAN DESE PEEPZ FRICKEN CUT OFF TRADE ROOTS WIV US LIEK WAT DA HELL MAN Sarec - Patience is a virtue, something EVERYONE here needs! Nu - ''Hmph. Why are we even arguing in the first place?'' Baptarion - Well, while you were too busy with your heads too stuck up your butts, I tried to contact the Mechanic for help...and there was no response. Kralgon Emperor - ''Oh, great! Someone ELSE not contacting us!'' Hachi - Well you're forever alone anyway, KE, so... Nu - ''My question. Answer before I have reason to...'argue'.''

It was complete chaos.

Arkarixus - ''We have no direction to take right now, that's why. ideas are welcome.'' Yogtam - ''What the Emperor is trying to say is...the Unified Nation of Ottzello haven't been in contact with anyone, and people are now denying old trade routes with us. The economy everyone seems to be in shambles. We were allies, but in the space of just two months, suddenly no one trusts anyone.'' Vekaron - ''That, and the fact that riots have starting turning up in every part of Zoles territory. And others are reporting it, too. It's like, co-operation is no longer the thing people want. In fact, people everyone are talking about all sorts of different 'revolutions'.'' Hachi - Then the BCN have already won this war. Tau - ''Want my idea? Stop worrying about politics and think about getting rid of Zaarkhun.'' Xerkea - Probably Zaarkhun's fault with his Orb thing.

Sarec let out an ear-shattering roar.

Hachi - Damn man, I just woke up. Xerkea - Ouch, my sound cavities! Tuolog - If it not Zaarkhun and the Orb, I have no explanation. Sarec - ''Don't any of you get it? This is what Zaarkhun wants. he wants us to hate each other so no one can oppose him!'' Baptarion - Sarec has a point. Venoriel - ''Divide and conquer. An ancient military practice.'' Nu - ''Hmph. I hate all of you already.'' Tau - ''Nu's kidding. Tough guy exterior and all that.'' Xerkea - I'd say the feeling the mutual but you're too good of a soldier.

The Emperor was mad.

Kralgon Emperor - Well unless THIS IDIOT *points at Vekaron* does ANYTHING to change that, then Zaarkhun's doing a damned good job! Hachi - ''I have a little crazy idea. What if the BCN guys went back in time and got reinforcements with that Orb?''

A new transmission appeared on everyone's screens, waiting to be accepted.

Nu - I'm not accepting that.

The Emperor and most of UNOL stared at Vekaron.

Kralgon Emperor - Well, "leader", aren't you gonna accept that for us? Vekaron - ''I am not in charge alone! We are all united in this! If you have complains then talk to Rebaris...'' Venoriel - ''Bleh. Can you at last stop arguing and get to the job? Haela draenare...'' Kralgon Emperor - Well you seem to be acting almost as if you're filling in for him!

Vekaron accepted the transmission, and a Wranploer appeared. He looked like Volim, except he was much smaller and lacked a robotic eyepatch.

Hachi - Oh great, now the Wranploer wanna pick a fight with us. Tuolog - No...this not you...no...I know who that is... Nu - Why does he look like Volim but the Cult cut off his legs? Tuolog - It Volim when he younger... Young Volim - You modern Alliance people are a hell of a lot uglier than in the past. Zr'Ahgloth - ''AN YOO PAST VOLIM PEEPZ AR A HELL OF A LOT WEEKA. AN HAV SMALLA GUNZ. SHUT YA MOUTH'' Sarec - It appears Hachiman's hunch was right. Hachi - Hey it was just a theo-- Wait I was right? Venoriel - ''Time travel. Well, I expected that.'' Sarec - How else would a young Volim be talking to us? Young Volim - ''Hm, no. I got the same equipment as the BCN. They gave it to me when we...merged.'' Nu - ''Just get this over with. I'm getting tired of this.''

Xerkea was now red with anger.

Xerkea - Are you telling me there are TWO of them now?! Zr'Ahgloth - ''dum im sik of legions mergin wiv consortiums. nex fing ya kno da legion of da dethmarch will merge wiv da bcn an maek da angazhar consortium'' Young Volim - ''I came here to see if you were of any challenge. By the looks of your faces, none of you are.'' Hachi - How bout you take a look at my blue fluffy arse then? Sarec - Oh you have no idea. Nu - ''Yeah. You're on the other side of the screen.'' Young Volim - ''Hahaha! You trying to intimidate me is funny, really. I got an empire which spans through two timelines. You got a bunch of blockheads fighting each other because they are too butthurt.'' Hachi - Bro, do you even lift? Young Volim - I could lift you with a finger. Hachi - I lifted your mom with a finger! Sarec - ''Numbers, numbers, numbers. Is that the only way you can win a war?'' Young Volim - Number, tech...a Chronoscopic orb of power which can create enough time anomalies to leave the Grox too occupied to give you support. Baptarion - So the Grox no replying to us is your fault! Venoriel - ...''Pathetic. You have two galaxies fighting for you, you have an empire of ancients you took under control... and yet you fear a bunch of criminals and pirates.'' Hachi - ''Hmph, and you're dealing with the fluffiest mofo in the entire galaxy! So if I were you, I'd put your head between my legs and suck it!'' Young Volim - What are you, 10?

Next to Young Volim, two more figures appeared. The Old Volim and Falrik Zaarkhun.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, hello there! How are we all this fine day?'' Young Volim - And here are my partners, Zaarkhun and myself. Xerkea - ''Asshat, have you come to rub your power over our faces? Becuase you totally don't do that all the time.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Nope, we never do that at all. Nu - ''Oi, Volim. Your infirmary sucked.'' Old Volim - Screw you, I don't give a damn for your health. Old Volim - Like mini-me said, don't count on your little Kormacvar Legacy and Vague friends to help you, they're too busy defending themselves. Young Volim - Stop calling me that. Nu - ''I'm pretty certain we can take you out. Managed to take out Regnatus easily enough.'' Old Volim - Yeah, keep telling yourself that, may make you sleep better at night. Sarec - Typical Falrik, had no care for anything I said. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, what? 'Abusing' those Orb powers? So what would you propose I do instead, Sarec, seeing as you're so wise and I'm just a common criminal?'' Venoriel - The problem is you are all fighting against each other, instead of the enemy.

Young Volim laughed.

Young Volim - ''You should totally keep doing that. It makes the riots even funnier.'' Hachi - ''I sleep easy at night thanks to Mr. Snuggles. Regnatus just gives me nightmares.'' Nu - ''Hmph. Don't need to sleep. And you say you have cybernetic implants in you.'' Sarec - Maybe consider using it to stop Zargoth... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''What? Alone? No, no, no, even the BCN can't take him on with the Orb. No, we need a bit of help for that. Care to volunteer? You only need to, you know, let us inject you with those robots I showed you earlier.'' Nu - ''Why inject me? I could do it free of charge.''

Tau smacked Nu.

Tau - If you want to be a criminal mastermind, go ahead, you idiot. Sarec - Jump into a septic tank Zaarkhun, I am not taking those nanites. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Nanites? That's what they call them outside of Borealis, is it? And if you don't want to co-operate, fine. Just let Zargoth take over. And let my revolution begin.'' Venoriel - ''You fail to realise. Regnatus was a grave threat for all the galaxy. But Zaarkhun portrays himself as a liberator...''

Both young and old Volim laughed at "liberator".

Nu - ''Bleh. Just call in Angazhar or something.'' Sarec - Enough with your bullshit Falrik!

The lights on the BCN ship flickered. Falrik Zaarkhun, in response, smiled, and held up the Orb, and it stopped. It puished Sarec back, and Sarec felt pain.

Hachi - ''Wow, a ball is more powerful than Sarec. That must be pretty embarassing.'' Sarec flinched in pain - ''Urgh. When I get the chance....'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''The people want freedom, you know. They don't want anyone shoving laws down their throats. They want to be free. And I will give them freedom. I am an idealist. But unlike many, I don't shun others for having different ideas. In fact, I like all of you for a reason.'' Zr'Ahgloth - wat reeson Hachi - Is it because of how fluffy I am, Mr. Zaarkhun? Nu - You sound like that crazy bitch of an Emperor who's taken over the Kicath Empire. Sarec - Rich, coming from a guy who prposes the only way to get rid of Zargoth is to inject all his allies with mindcontrol machines! Venoriel - ''I've seen many "liberators" like that. All of them are the same.''

Zaarkhun ignored them mostly and continued.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'm glad you ask. Because, unlike the people I work with, you give me a different answer: "why". All the people I work for, I tell them something, they ask "how much will you pay me", or "for what cost", or "when shall I go"? You ask "why should I do it?" You actually have beliefs of your own. And I give room for different beliefs, but I don't give room for people who don't let me have room for mine. Which none of you do.'' Nu - ''Whatever. Your beliefs are psychotic.'' Old Volim - Says who. Tau - And if he's telling you that, it's definitely psychotic. Lemmo - ''Ah, ah, ah, boring. Skip to the point where I get paid.'' Sarec - ''I could not care less for what you all do. My priority is Zargoth.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Think what you like, Nu. But the revolution of Borealis is happening right now. And you are all about to take part in it. I'll be seeing you later, when we take out Zargoth...''

The three left.

Nu - ''Anyone up for my suggestion? It'll work. Mostly.'' Vekaron - ''Ugh...Why don't we just call this meeting off? We're obviously only going backwards here.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Oh, says you, who's responsible for all of this! Yeah, you're the big guy in charge, you have the authority to say that!'' Xerkea - Oh, shut your trap, Kralgon. Kralgon Emperor - Shut up, bitch. Venoriel - ''Hmph. When your galaxy will fall apart, call us. The Commonwealth shall clean the mess.''

Venoriel vanished.

Tau - Nu, your idea is more psychotic than Zaarkhun's. Nu - ''Still something. Right now, we have nothing.'' Xerkea - ''Emperor, I'll be talking to Rebaris about your "behavour". Maybe including you in the Alliance's council was a bad idea.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Yeah, well maybe joining this fucking corrupt piece of shit was a bad idea too! Go ahead and kick me out, bug-looking-ugly-bitch!''

The Emperor left, and one by one, so did eaach of the members of UNOL. They said nothing, wanting neither to disagree with the Emperor or to agree with Xerkea. Meanwhile, Nu started mumbling about Zaarkhun and some instances of Angazhar. Sarec groaned.

Arkarixus - ''This is...primitive. I expected more from UNO.'' Sarec - Sometimes I wonder if I am better off leaving this galaxy to its fate... Baptarion - ''You're all falling on Zaarkhun's plan. And I'm not gonna come in with you.''

Baptarion left. Hachi squeaked as he did.

Hachi - Guys...

Vekaron looked to Hachi with sympathy.

Vekaron - What is it? Hachi - Why is everybody falling out with each other...?

Vekaron sighed and shook his head. If they were in the same room, Vekaron would now be placing a hand on Hachi's shoulder.

Vekaron - These are dark times, Hachi...and you're one of the only things giving us hope. Nu - ''Hello?! My plan?'' Tau - Shut it. Arkarixus - ''Let Nu speak. We got nothing.'' Vekaron - Say, Hachi...do you have any ideas? Tau - You'll regret this idea, Kormacvar. Nu - ''Yeah. Call Angazhar. Boom, zap, dead. Order restored.'' Tau - ...see?

Arkarixus stared at Nu disapprovingly then turned to Hachi.

Sarec - Everyone who wants to do something, let me teleport you all to somewhere Falrik can't spy on us. Hachi - ''Me...? I dunno...We don't have money as an advantage anymore...'' Lemmo - I am on the side of whoever gives me the most money- I mean, I am at your side, of course. Arkarixus - ''Hmpf. The Tertamians of old were not greedy like this. If you are here for money, then leave. No one here hired you.''

Vekaron nodded and sighed.

Tau - My best idea is to bring in the majority of Agent leaders to assist our cause. Vekaron - I guess I'll see you guys later...now we just need to wait and see what Zaarkhun will throw at us.

Hachi looked down and sighed sadly. He exited out of the transmission, but not before letting out an upset squeak.

Tau - ''They'll listen to Nu. And Alpha, if he wants to come.'' Arkarixus - ''Your help is appreciated, Kicath. At least you see there is a problem that won't be solved by itself.''

Meanwhile, aboard the Iron Fist...

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hah. I was originally about to say that was a bad idea, Young Volim. But I had a right laugh.'' Young Volim - ''See, I know what I'm doing. And frankly, I'm disappointed. The new Zoles look like anorexic ghosts compared to the ones of the First War.'' Old Volim - Zaarkhun...is it time yet?

Zaarkhun looked out of the window. There was a pause, then he nodded.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yes. It is. Execute the revolutionary order...53.''

Sollow laughed. He was enjoying this.

Sollow - At once... Scallywag - ''BRAAAGH! ORDER 53!''

The Fall of the Special Forces
Aboard the Iron Fist...

Old Volim - Hey, mini-me, what do you remember of the Niaka? Young Volim - ''Stop calling me that! And the Niaka? Back in my time they were not yet spacefaring. And they had more primitive versions of those robotic suits.'' Old Volim - ''Well, what if I told you some of the pests decided to go against us, and some decided to join us? Wouldn't you want all of the pests to join us?'' Young Volim - I'm liking this conversation. Torrent - You're liking and I'm loving it. Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh, I assure you, I'm loving it even more...say, Torrent, would you like to watch it first hand? Torrent - Do you have to ask?

Zaarkhun chuckled, and the Iron Fist headed straight for Ikkiz, the Naika homeworld.

In the government palace of Ikkiz, Xerkea attempted to contact Rebaris when suddenly, a Niaka Chief entered the room. he appeared bruised and panted several times.

Niaka Chief - Chief Major? Xerkea - What is it? Niaka Chief - ''Chief Major, there's a massive protest outside. The people demand to see you.'' Xerkea - ''Ugh. if I did not have enough problems already.''

Xerkea went outside to see what it was about. The protests were huge. Masses of people on the streets right outside Xerkea's home. Some picked up stones and pieces of glass and anything they could find, ready to lob them. Others attacked with their suits. Others still thought it better to smash everything they could with their bodies. The only mutual thing among them was that everyone was angry. They held up signs. "FUCK THE SPECIAL FORCES!" "GO AHEAD AND SHOOT US WITH YOUR RIOT CONTROL GROUP!" "I BET YOU DIDN'T NOTICE THIS UP IN YOUR FANCY PALACE!" "TELL US, WE FIGHT CRIMINALS FOR YOU BUT WHAT HAVE YOU EVER DONE FOR US?!" And all sorts of angry protests. Many raised valid points, but others were simply angry writings. Then, the crowd began to chant. They sang the Niaka's national anthem, but changed the lyrics to say the exact opposite; in the way the original anthem described "the criminal", these described "the government." In the way they talked about putting a stop to the criminal, these talked about puttin g astop to the government. In the way they talked about bringing peace, they talked simply about slitting the throats of all those who tried to command them. Protestor - Oh look, that Xerkea bitch decided to show up! Xerkea - ''This...this is treason..downright treason! I gave you all a life out of the Old Order's claws, out of Xoraika's manipulation!'' Protestor - Oh sure, but maybe he give us something in return for work!

People continued to cheer on the protest, making Xerkea screech and frown.

Xerkea - ''You know what the Old Order Niaka get? Death! That's what! If you really think the Old Order is so good, then leave my planet before I exterminate you.'' Protest - She's right...LET'S ALL GO!

Xerkea screeched again and went back inside. The proetestors all tried to run to the starport, filling it completely with little to no room, as people charged into the starships and beat up the pilots, trying to pilot their own way to Old Niaka Order territory. The Special Forces police tried their best to keep the revolting people out. However, seeing as they were being overwhelmed, they started to fire and kill the protesters. it was either kill, or be killed. But given the sheer volume of people, the police could do little. The police found themselves powerless against these people who were so sure that the government was corrupt and greedy. And worse news came; on other worlds, many revotls had resulted in people killing their leader, and handing power over to the Old Niaka Order. It looked increasingly like the Niaka Special Forces was finished.

Xerkea escaped through the government palace with what remained of her loyal forces, going to a private starport located behind it. They watched as not only the Iron Fist but Captain Xoraika's flagship appeared in Ikkiz' skies with a fleet following them. Xerkea looked down, as one of her lieutenants patted her shoulder, and they entered the spaceship, which fled the planet.

Xerkea - You win this time, uncle...but I'll be back for you...and you too, Zaarkhun, you son of a bitch.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Well. I'd say that went successfully. I suspect she'll be off to the Zoles territory right now.

Xoraika appeared to the leader of the Consortium, with a smile on his face and a drink on his hand.

Xoraika - ''The homeworld is mine once more! Oh, you guys...whatever you need me for, you can count with my aid. Like, for anything.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You're welcome. And I'll make sure to call if I do. This is a great boon for us both. The Niaka Special Forces, the one remaining symbol of order in this galaxy, has fallen. And my revolution shall very soon become reality.'' Old Volim - And then, in turn, mine shall. Torrent - ''This was the most entertaining thing I've seen in months. It's a shame Xerkea escaped though, she should have died down there.'' Xoraika - ''Leave it, man. We'll go after her later. It on't be hard to find her.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Xerkea, along with many other individuals, are icons for order. And we shall destroy this icons one by one...only that way shall people lose hope as their hope dies one after the other.'' Young Volim - ''So, what's our next step? I'm really eager to see it.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Our next step? Simple. What happened to the Niaka today shall be repeated...in every empire across Borealis.''

Xoraika left the transmission, and was replaced with Gol'thabex.

Gol'thabex - ya called? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You're hired. For a very important mission...''

And a few minutes later, Gol'thabex left the transmission and returned to his men.

Gol'thabex - ''Attenshon all Thugz Fer Dosh employees. We got some serius work cut out fer us...an some even moar serius cash!''

An Unexpected Bargain
Falrik Zaarkhun was in his private room aboard the Iron Fist. As he relaxed for some downtime the the lights flickered near the door and emerging from the blackness was Sarec. Rather than being startled, Falrik piced up a communicator and spoke into it, not knowing that Sarec had used his powers to isolate them - forcing doors shut and blocking all incoming and outgoing transmissions. After he used the communicator, Falrik stood up and walked over to Sarec.

Sarec - ''Steady yourself Falrik. I'm not here on behalf of the Alliance.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ahh, I see. In that case, to what do I owe this honour to be able to talk to you now?'' Sarec - Right now the BCN is the only organisation who has even the slightest chance against Emperor Zargoth.

This was unexpected of Sarec - a known inquisitor and warrior or justice. Why would he be approaching Falrik like this? He had his suspicions that this was a trap. He walked up with his right hand on his pistol and his left hand on the orb.

Falrik Zaarkhun - That's correct. Sarec - ''All I want is balance restored. if it means working with you then... What can I say?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, if I have your co-operation, then I'm the same: what can I say? Sarec - I have a few conditions however... Falrik Zaarkhun - I'm listening. Sarec - ''First. Your war with the PCA: I am not interested, all I care about is an end to Zargoth's chaos. Therefore don't expect me to be a chesspiece in your little Seterego game.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''That's perfectly understandable. Continue.'' Sarec - ''Second: No serum. If one of those syringes comes within five metres of me then I will turn it into a paperweight without a second thought; that might include whatever unfortunate droid the syringe is attached to depending on my mood.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - As long as you don't expect that rule to apply to the others, I am okay.

Sarec suddenly became more belligerent. He stood over Falrik with a glare.

Sarec - ''That leads me to my third condition. I swore to the human's mentor I would keep him safe. harm him in any way and I harm whoever tries twice as hard. Open conflict excluded but if he dies your generals will be responsible.''

Falrik Zaarkhun paused for a second. it was quite the condition since Sarec was asking for but the benefit outweighed the penalty, he nodded and agreed to Sarec's final condition. This made Sarec more welcoming as he stood up and turned to leave the room. As he was halfway back towards the door he turned around.

Sarec - ''Oh and one last thing... That orb. We both know it is your only possible power over me. Keep in mind that I can know what you are thinking before you even do it.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Are you certain of that?'' Sarec - Why wouldn't I be? Falrik Zaarkhun - Maybe I am blocking out my thoughts and replacing them with false ones, after all... Sarec - *chuckles* ''That might work on a... less capable mindreader. But as I am sure you know, I am something... Much. More.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Is that all we have to discuss? Sarec - That is all.

Falrik nodded but before he could say anything else, Sarec had already left the room in the blink of an eye.

Things to Fight For
A ship approached the planet Viniaris. The ship was non-hostile, it wasn't equipped with any weaponry or such. Onboard was Hachi and Thea'Nhirara, who had come here for some form of leisure trip, to take their minds off the recent events within the PCA. The ship was greeted by the Alvino and Caretakers, who allowed it to land after identifying it as friendly. The ship landed relatively close to a forested area, though not directly within it as they didn't want to ruin the environment. When the ship landed, Hachi stepped out.

Thea - ''I've never visited this place before. I heard it was beautiful with masses of forests everywhere, and it looks like it's true.'' Hachi - ''Ah, this place is perfect! I mean, if you ever wanna bring a date here and have something "planned", may as well come here!''

A Caretaker approached the duo with a smile.

Caretaker - ''Greetings, allies. What brings you here?'' Hachi - Well, me and this lovely girl here were looking for a place to "settle", if you know what I mean! Thea - Huh? Hachi - Er, I mean, we wish to see the Brood Mother. Caretaker - ''Ah, the Brood Mother! Of course! Follow me and I'll take you to her nest.''

Hachi smiled at Thea and walked behind the Caretaker. As they walked, they could see the formerly rabid and aggressive Alvino working happily on the vegetation. Their former bioweapons had become harmless creatures who only played with each other instead of mindlessly attacking other beings. Hachi - ''C'mon, Teacher, you can tell me that you like being in that Rianth form. And I know you wanna do more with it!'' Thea - ''Ahem. I am your teacher, not your girlfriend.'' Hachi - Geez, you can be such a downer. Thea - ''Look at these animals. They were once used as tools. As killing machines. For the first time in their whole lives, they are being themselves.'' Hachi - ''Yeah, this is pretty cool. I'm glad these Alvino are a lot more friendly than what they were befo-- ''

Hachi tripped over a root and fell down. The Caretaker looked back, and let out a chuckle. Hachi slowly got up and rubbed his head.

Caretaker - ''Hey, watch out back there. The Brood Mother's roots are everywhere.'' Hachi - She must have a pretty messy personality if she's not organizin em. Caretaker - ''She's only a few weeks old still. She's more of a "Brood Baby" right now...and here we are.''

Hachi, Thea and the Caretaker arrived at a large area with a lake, with a pit of some sorts in the center. Inside this pit, the infant Brood Mother was visible, looking at them with curiosity. Hachi looked down at the Brood Mother and he squealed quietly.

Hachi - She looks so cute!

The Brood Mother hid herself inside her pit, with only her eyes visible at the group. She was roughly as large as Hachi.

Caretaker - ''Go ahead, approach her if ya want. Just don't do anything to scare her.''

Hachi nodded to the Caretaker and approached, walking across some sort of bridge to get to the pit. He walked slowly, not wanting to scare her.

Hachi - She grows fast, doesn't she?

A root on the group lifted up and made Hachi trip again. Inside the pit, the Brood Mother let out a giggle. Hachi squeaked as he hit the ground. He quickly stood back to his feet and brushed it off like nothing happened, though he was obviously feeling a little embarassed.

Hachi - Ngh, she has a good sense of humour...I think.

As he came close to the pit, the Brood Mother slowly came out of it and stared at him in the eyes. Hachi looked at the Brood Mother curiously and tilted his head. He tried not to blink but he forgot that the Brood Mother probably didn't have eyelids.

Brood Mother - Wuh. Hachi - ''"Wuh"? What does that mean?''

Hachi got a little closer and reached out a hand. The Brood Mother grabbed Hachi's hand and became completely still, almost as if paralyzed. Hachi's eyes widened and he worried for a second.

Hachi - ''Uhh...h-hello? You there? Wuh, wuh wuh!'' Brood Mother - ...I asked your name.

The Brood Mother let go of Hachi's hand, looking at him as if she knew him.

Hachi - Oh, my name's Hachi-- Wait, you can talk? Brood Mother - ''I can read through your nervous system and learn your language like a Kormacvar...but that's boring talk! You are fluffy!''

Hachi blushed but then smiled and nodded.

Hachi - ''Hehe, yes, I am quite fluffy! People say it makes me look weak, though.'' Brood Mother - ''You look tasty. But I'm not gonna eat you. I like you.'' Caretaker - ''Heheh. She likes meeting new people.''

The Brood Mother suddenly hugged Hachi. He squeaked as he was hugged and didn't really know what to do. He looked back at Thea with a confused look, who was watching from afar with her arms crossed and smiled. Hachi blinked a few times before hugging back slightly. He felt warm and strange inside, but in a good way.

Brood Mother - ''Oh? What is this?'' Hachi - I swear, that's my hand!

The Brood Mother extended her hands behind Hachi and grabbed his sword. Hachi didn't notice at first but then realized he was missing something, as he felt he wasn't carrying as much weight as before.

Brood Mother - ''A sword? Rawr, I'm a knight!''

The Brood Mother played with Hachi's sword, slashing the air. Hachi had a blank stare before ducking his head.

Hachi - ''Eeep! Careful with that! That's a real sword!'' Brood Mother - ''You have a sword. Are you a knight?'' Hachi - Well...yeah, I guess you could say that. Brood Mother - ''Oh! Tell me about your adventures, knight!''

Hachi nodded and sat with his legs crossed. The Brood Mother approached the ground, holding her cheeks with her hands.

Hachi - ''Well, I come from a little planet called Earth, far away from here. I somehow ended up off Earth at some point, my memory plays me up. And on one planet I found, there was this evil guy called .'' Brood Mother - Evil? Hachi - ''Evil, like, he likes to hurt people for no reason. A bully.'' Brood Mother - Did he hurt you? Hachi - ''He, uhh...yeah, he did hurt me. But my Teacher saved me. This was back when I wasn't so strong.''

The Brood Mother looked at Thea, then looked back at Hachi.

Brood Mother - ''She is pretty. Is she your mommy?'' Hachi - ''Hehe, nah. She's more like my adoptive mom. But I think she looks pretty too.'' Brood Mother - So, what happened next? Hachi - Well, after my Teacher saved me from Mordati, I trained with her for a little bit, before eventually coming to this galaxy to fight demons and bad people.

The Brood Mother shuddered for a moment.

Brood Mother - D-d-demons? Hachi - ''Yeah, zombies, demons. It was horrible! But me and some other guys managed to fight them! When we got to their headquarters, I fought against an evil woman called Geltastra.'' Brood Mother - And you beat her, right? Hachi - ''She tried to make me fall in love with her, but I wasn't allowed to otherwise the whole galaxy would've been in trouble. So I saved my friends and beat her!'' Brood Mother - ''Sounds like you have fun. I can't leave my pit. I'm stuck here forever.'' Hachi - Aww don't say that! Brood Mother - ''And...sometimes I have nightmares. Nightmares of monsters. Big monsters with four red eyes yelling at me.'' Hachi -'' Trust me, we're all still having nightmares about that guy. Me and my friends beat him not too long ago.'' Thea - ''Regnatus' psychological torture was so intense that the new Brood Mother inherited some of it. We can only pray for time to heal that.''

The Brood Mother looked at Thea'Nhirara, as if she did not understand a word she said.

Brood Mother - She speaks in a funny way. Hachi - ''I know, it's because she's an adult. Most of the adults speak like that.'' Brood Mother - ''The Caretakers say I'll be an adult in some months. Are you coming back to visit when I'm an adult?'' Hachi -'' Of course! Hehe, you're a pretty cool person.'' Brood Mother - Cool...person.

The Brood Mother passed her hands through Hachi's face. Despite her insect-like look, her hands were very soft. Hachi blushed and felt rather strange as she did this. He nodded and smiled, albeit a little nervous. After some seconds, the Brood Mother lifted herself up and started to sing. Her melody attracted small butterfly-like insects, which landed on her arms and head. Hachi smiled as he heard her sing and he closed his eyes, his ears perking up to listen. His tail was also wagging, unknown to his knowledge. The Brood Mother kept singing, the song also attracting the Alvino around the area. They all tilted their heads from side to side, listening. After some seconds, the Brood Mother extended one of her hands to her back, and got a fruit out of it. She handed the fruit to Hachi.

Brood Mother - For you.

Hachi smiled and nodded to the Brood Mother. He took the fruit gently.

Hachi - Thanks, it's much appreciated! Brood Mother - You eat that, and we'll be friends forever.

Hachi nodded and took a bite out of the fruit. The fruit tasted sweet, almost like an Earth orange.

Hachi - Like that? Brood Mother - Yep!

Hachi's eyes widened as he tasted the flavours. They felt familiar, they reminded him of Earth, his old home. With those memories, a small tear rolled down his cheek. The Brood Mother went back to singing. She grabbed Hachi by the arms and swung him around happily before putting him back on the ground. She waved her arms around, with joy. Hachi did not known but he was the first friend she ever had in 5 billion years. Hachi smiled as she looked happy and hugged her, he enjoyed having a friend who really appreciated him aside from his teacher.

After many hours of playing, the Caretaker led Hachi and Thea back to their spaceship.

Thea - So, did you like the visit? Hachi - I wish I could stay here, this place is epic! Thea - ''Now you have no excuse to say there is no hope. Today you have seen there is still something to fight for in this galaxy.'' Hachi - ''Yeah...I guess I do have something to fight for here. Heh, I'm not gonna let my new friend get killed by Zargoth or any of his cronies!'' Thea - After the conflict is finally over, we'll give the Brood Mother another visit. Hachi - She'll be fully grown by then, right? Thea - ''Yes. By what the Caretakers say, she'll make us both look like ants when she's an adult.'' Hachi - ''Hehe, I do like girls taller than me. I wonder how big she'll get...?'' Thea - ''We'll see when we're back. For now, I'll take you back to Sarec.'' Hachi - ''Aww, okay. I miss the Brood Mother already, she aint like the other guys.'' Thea - ''She's still a kid. She knows little about the world around her. That's something she'll learn as she grows up.'' Hachi - Hehehe, she said I was fluffy....I feel bad that she has to stay in a pit for all her life... Thea - ''It's her nature. She's like a tree, needs to stay rooted in one place. But don't worry about her, she'll get used to it.'' Hachi - I know...It's just a little sad that I get to go around the universe and she has to live in a hole. Thea - ''She's not alone. Also I'm sure the Caretakers will supply her with equipment to get in touch with other planets.'' Hachi - ''Yeah, the Caretakers are good guys. I can't wait to come here again when she's older, she's a fun person. That's not somebody you see so often here.'' Hachi - I feel a little tired out now, will it be okay if I sleep on the ship? Thea - Feel free.

Hachi snored and fell onto the boarding platform of the ship, fast asleep.

The System is Mine
The galaxy were in rough times. Zaarkhun's revolution seemed to be taking the galaxy by storm, and converting so many people. But UNOL invited the PCA to a conference, having a plan that just might save everyone...

Valzaria - ''Okay guys. These have been a rough few weeks, but UNO has a plan.'' Vekaron - ''Oh, what is it? You're gonna insult me and trash talk the alliance again? You're lucky that Rebaris spared you from being kicked.'' Kralgon Emperor - Can you just listen, you twit? Xerkea - Coming from you!

Venoriel remained silent, only narrowing her eyes. Hachi appeared on a screen, appearing rather cheery. Sarec was alongside hachi with a smile. Vekaron and Xerkea shared the same screen, being visibly standing right next to each other.

Hachi - Hai guys! Venoriel - ...This is getting tedious. Baptarion - ''Shut up, you lot. Valzaria, what is the plan?'' Valzaria - ''Well, the Vyronicia Fleet has been totally completed. What's more, it can be used to fight against the time anomalies, and deal a huge blow to them. If we can stop the time anomalies, we can get the Grox back on our side.'' Baptarion - ''Good news after all. So, what are you waiting for?'' Tau - ''On the other hand, I tried talking the Agents into fighting the war. Turns out it was harder than I expected.'' Xerkea - Why's that? Tau - Most of them reply was that they didn't want to stand within 100 metres of Nu. Nu - Heh. Sarec - ''Huh. When I worked for the inquisition, any fellow inquisitor could be lightyears away. I could have been on my own, you agents have it lucky.'' Valzaria - Umm...Vekaron and Xerkea, why are you together? Vekaron - The Special Forces was...destroyed.

Valzaria and UNOL were shocked. Hachi's ears drooped as he heard the news. Nu's face started to distort into laughter but stopped before he did. Meanwhile, Venoriel spoke with no emotion whatsoever.

Venoriel - ...Tragic. Valzaria - ''You're kidding, right? They survived, surely...the Special Forces always know how to survive!'' Nu - That's...not good. Xerkea - ''Yep. All my dreams and hope crushed right in front of me by Zaarkhun and Xoraika.'' Hachi - ''The Special Forces are gone...? Damn...''

Sarec rested a hand on Hachi's shoulder to comfort him.

Xerkea - ''The Old Order has taken over my worlds. So I hope to my people that the Vyronicia Fleet works.'' Valzaria - ''We have to get him back. For the Special Forces. And I do fear that the Vyronicia Fleet are our only chance of winning this war. So, we all ready?'' Baptarion -'' Ready for what? Can't you just call the fleet and tell it to attack?'' Valzaria - ''No. We have to visit the Blyro'Tralzica world where they were being built. Since Kaltogo died, we haven't been in contact with it.'' Baptarion - ''That's really inefficient. But okay then, let's go.'' Nu - ''Hm. I could try and scare the Agents into fighting with us...hm. Sounds like a good idea.''

And when they arrived, all they saw was the Blyro'Trazlica under attack by time anomalies, induced by Kolossus. Nothing is ever easy.

Along with Nu and Tau were Agents Zeta, Upsilon and Eta.

Baptarion - This planet needs better security forces. Valzaria - ''We don't own this world, so we can't do it. And the people here try to secure it themselves.'' Lemmo - ''Woooo. What the hell is that thing?''

Kolossus' shadow was visible in the skies, it turned to the group, almost as if he was eager for their arrival.

Kolossus - ''Oh, hello there. Have you come for a visit?'' Zeta - You didn't sign me up for this, Nu. Tuolog - ''Kolossus, you not want Zaarkhun to win this war, surely? Call off your attack.'' Kolossus - I don't want you to win this war either. Tuolog - ''Who you prefer lose? Zaarkhun and Volim, or us?'' Kolossus - ''Both of you. Now, prepare to be tested.'' Sarec - Tested?

Time anomalies in the form of past enemies started to appear. Loron, Seagon droids, Alvino, Chosen cultists, HXTs and Grox slaves, all pitch black in colouration.

Hachi - ''Hmph! It aint anything I haven't beat before!'' Kolossus - Your daddy is not here to protect you this time.

Tuolog clenched his fist. For once, he was angry.

Tuolog - ''I not need Kaltogo to fight. I fight them myself.''

The anomalies charged at the group. Sarec's eyes shone and pistols materialised in his hand. UNOC dropped down, fighting them. Vaktyl's rapid fire and Vailisa's immense strenghth managed to work well against the Alvino and Chosen, but the others would be difficult.

Upsilon - 175 years of fighting and this is what I get? Lemmo - What in the name of Tertamia is this..? Kolossus - ''It is the dance of hate. Your enemies of old will not rest until you're dead.''

Lemmo stood completely clueless, understanding nothing, in a stark contrast to Venoriel's smug smirk. Sarec leaped into the sky and fired into the ranks of the armies with his pistols. Suddenly, a whole line of anomalies were shot down by Shidium energy fire. It was enhanced, similar to the Insurrection's weapons, but different. Behind the group, dropships and vehicles arrived at the scene. Zazane wearing advanced armour could be seen. Soldiers of the Divinarium teleported into the fray, descending like the rain of steel unto the anomalies.

Tuolog - Oh, it seem the Shield come! Venoriel - ...The Brood? Baptarion - Shield? Kolossus - ''Ugh. Zazane. I was so glad Tyraz was not present and you show up.''

The elite Zazane soldiers rushed past the group and fired their advanced weaponry into the crowds of anomalies with deadly efficiency. Upsilon, Zeta, Eta and Tau all started firing their weapons at the anomalies, whilst Nu went body first and starts ripping them pieces. The Tralzican knights too joined the Shield, their nobility matching their skill in combat. But the nubmers of the anomalies was too great.

Sarec - Tyraz might not be here, but I am! Venoriel - ''Who gave you orders- uh, nevermind. Dei'Ar, attack!''

Vekaron sliced through his enemies with his blade, Baptarion shot them down with his pistol and Xerkea crushed them with her suit. However, Xerkea was fighting slower than usual. She was demotivated. Shield soldiers continued to fire into the anomalies, although they were not honour-bound like usual Zazane. They knew went to step back and regroup rather than get into a frenzy.

Eta - No one told me there were going to be weird spacetime enemies... Tau - Nu missed out a lot. Zeta - ''Like everything? All I heard was something related to drinks. Sounded good to me.'' Kolossus - ''I brought your enemies back...but I forgot one. How rude of me.''

A larger anomaly started to form among the enemy troops. As the fog around it dissipated, it was fully visible: it was a dark version of Sollow.

Dark Sollow - You mortals want to dance? Yogtam - Oh, not you! Hachi - ...He looks even worse when evil. Venoriel - ''Ugh. The smell...'' Tau - Seemed pretty evil to begin with.

Dark Sollow licked his blade, which stabbed through his tongue. He stared at Hachi with blank eyes. Sarec landed in front of Hachi and aimed his pistols at Dark Sollow.

Dark Sollow - You want to be the first? Hachi - I'd rather be the last. Nu - Already called last. Hachi - I call second-to-last! Tau - Ahem. Hachi - ...Dammit. Zeta - Don't even think about third. Upsilon - Fourth...already taken. Eta - You get the idea. Sarec - He does not die before me. Dark Sollow - Everyone dies...it's the way of things...now, shall we begin? Nu - No thanks.

Dark Sollow charged at Sarec while throwing his blades at the Agents' direction. One of the blades hit Upsilon, scratching his armor.. Lemmo aimed at Sollow's head and made a single shot. which pierced through Sollow's head, making a hole, which started to heal.

Zr'Ahgloth - i hate dis fuka Upsilon - Kílnarín tried to kill me!

Sarec's pistols retract, he ran towards Sollow and tackles him to the floor. Zr'Ahgloth rolled forward when Sollow was floored and tried to rip his arm off. Sollow was launched backwards, but suddenly disappeared. Seconds later, he reappeared behind Hachi and grabbed him by the neck. Xerkea attempted to grab him, but he kicked her mecha suit with extreme strenght nto the ground, even more strenght than the regular Sollow.

Vekaron - He can teleport now? Kolossus - Heh.

Zeta materialised an energy lance and hurled it at Dark Sollow, who evaded, and threw his own knives of Dark Chronoscopic energy at Zeta.

Nu - ''Energy lances? Thought that technology was dead.'' Zeta - 2688, I think. Hachi - Urgh...n-not today!

Hachi gasped out as he was grabbed. However, he had a hand full of Dream Energy and slammed it into Sollow's torso. Sarec teleported up to Sollow and grabbed his arm, while Tuolog and Dalverat hovered together with Ray'loth, firing Gyronic at Dark Sollow. The essence burned through Dark Sollow's torso, making a significant hole. He took one of his knives and stabbed Sarec with it.

Dark Sollow - I would complain I'm hurt but I don't feel pain...

Sarec cringed as the knife went through. Instead of crying in pain he used his strength to tear off one of Sollow's arm, using his essence to combat his regeneration. Eta grabbed one of his larger energy-based pistols and started firing at Dark Sollow. Hachi stepped away from Sollow and rubbed his neck. He stumbled and fell into Venoriel by accident. Sollow staggered back, trying to heal. Knives started to be shot directly out of his body into everyone's idrection.

Venoriel - Step aside, mutant human. Hachi - ...H-Hai. Eta - ''Reminds me of that battle in 2696. Remember that one, Upsilon?'' Upsilon - Don't remind me. Shield Soldier - ''Aim and fire! Don't let up!''

Shield soldiers began to turn and fire at Dark Sollow, and Lemmo fired a concentrated beam of energy at Sollow, right into his chest, while Sarec used his powers to deflect the knives.

Dark Sollow - Aww, this was not fair...it's a dozen versus one...you are not fun at all.

Dark Sollow's body exploded in Dark Chronoscopic. Shield soldiers stumbled back as Dark Sollow exploded, but they remained unharmed for the most part.

Zr'Ahgloth - TAKE DAT BICH DERE IS A WAY TA KILL YA Tuolog - ''He not the real one. He an anomaly.'' Zr'Ahgloth - noooo Zeta - There's a real version of that thing? Kolossus - ''Hm. Well, time for plan B.''

Kolossus, his anomalies and Dark Sollow's remains vanished from sight. With the fight over, the men blew sighs of relief. A Tralzican knight ran up to Tuolog and saluted. meanwhile, Nu spoke Kicathian to the rest of the Agents, in which they proceeded to take point surrounding the group and looking out for more enemies.

Zeta - *muttering* ''140 years...2,276 kills on the field and yet that thing wasn't even real and took us 20 minutes to kill. Unbelievable...'' Tralzican Knight - ''Tuolog, sir, with Kaltgo's passing, you are now the leader of the Blyro'Tralzica. We are at your command.'' Tuolog - ''Command? Well, we need to use Vyronicia Fleet.''

Several Shield soldiers approached the group, with one Zazane wearing a captain insignia. Their weapons were still primed and hot.

Tralzican Knight - ''The Vyronicia Fleet is fully completed. I will take you to it; it is located in an underground starport.'' Tuolog - ''We go there then. Just one second, I think Zazane want to say something.''

The Shield Captain approached Tuolog, pointing his gun in his face. At the same time, the rest of the group aimed their weapons at the captain.

Shield Captain - Identify yourselves! Venoriel - ''Excellent. With my tactical genius and a Taldar fleet at my- What?'' Tuolog - We are the Polar Crystal Alliance... Sarec - Hold your weapon soldier.

Arkarixus shoved the captain off, wich psychic power shining in his hand.

Arkarixus -'' You come to our planet, and you want US to identify ourselves? YOU identify yourself before I blast your brain over the ground.'' Shield Captain - ''This is a Shield protected area! Are you aware you are breaching protection laws within the Shield organization?'' Nu - ''Listen, bud. Shut up before I tear your face off and wear it.'' Baptarion - ''This is an Unified Nation of Ottzello planet, Zazane. You have no authority outside of your colonies.  Sarec walked up to the captain and lowered the weapon in his hands.

Sarec - Soldier, there is no need for this conduct. Tralzica Knight - ''This is also Blyro'Tralzica territory. Are you aware you are breaching intergalactic territory laws in this galaxy? Yes, since the rise of the War Economy, certain regions no logner acknowledge these laws, but we do.'' Venoriel - You are the Brood's soldiers, and as such are under AGC's authority - and I am the highest AGC authority on this planet.

The Captain pointed his weapon to Venoriel.

Shield Captain - ''We are independent from ANY AGC authority aside from the Lord Councillor himself. We have established colonies nearby this system, thus this system is automatically under OUR protection.'' Tralzican Knight - ''Hmpf. We have no time for this.'' Eta - So what do we do, blast you to pieces? Nu - As much as I would like to... Sarec - As a confidate of the Lord Councillor I don't think he'd appreciate you pointing your guns at his allies! Venoriel - Are you the Guardians of Light now?

The Captain looked to Sarec and then lowered his weapon. He still looked angered but was a little calmer. The Agents still firmly aimed their weapons at the Shield Soldiers.

Shield Captain - Command tells me you...PCA guys are fighting against BCN forces? Xerkea - ''Ugh. First Tyraz insults us, now his men are threatening us? This only gets worst each day.'' Tuolog - ''You are correct, yes. What is it to you?'' Sarec turned to Nu - ''It might be best to all your men off. I don't want things turning ugly.'' Nu - I'd contest that. Shield Captain - ''If this piece of info is true, then we could use your assistance in our efforts. We are the MAIN police force here in Borealis.'' Tuolog - ''I see. Since Special Forces gone, you take over that role...well, sure. We ally.'' Venoriel - Hmph.

Xerkea growled at the Zazane and turned away. Eta muttered in Kicathian, insulting the Zazane..

Shield Captain - ''Good. Now, proceed. Command requests information on this...Vyronicia Fleet.'' Baptarion - Let's get the fleet running already. Tralzican Knight - ''Yes. Let's.'' Eta - ''Pfft. Police force.'' Lemmo - ''I don't care about all this galactic police. I am a free spirit.''

The Tralzican Knight dropped to the ground would looked like a grenade, but actually spawned a small portal. The Knight jumped through it. Everyone else followed shortly.

The golden, green fleet was truly enormous and beautiful. To behold the entire Vyronicia Fleet in the massive underground cavern, it was glorious. To just look at the immense size and power of this ship, it was more than most could handle. There were some beautiful things in this universe, but if there were Seven Wonders of the Universe, the Vyronicia Fleet had to be one. Unlike the surface, this area was controlled entirely by UNO. There were UNO men patrolling everywhere, several vehicles in a defensive stance, and entire armies on standby, trying to protect this fleet. It seemed as though no one could get in.

The group arrived by the side entrance to the enormous flagship. Once they got in, they would control the fleet and banish the time anomalies. Then the Grox and the Vague could be on their side.

Tuolog - Well, we control this flaghship. Nu - ''Dal'nyur above. Ships, again. Sit this one out, Kílakin.'' Upsilon - What, you still naseous on ships, Nu? Venoriel - ''Impressive... if these ships were formed in a standard formation of Quathari, then they would become a powerful force... with my strategic advice, of course.'' Baptarion - ''Hmpf. All you can advice is retreating.''

The group walked forward to the entrance of this ship, then noticed a figure leaning against the wall and smoking. A closer look, and it was Falrik Zaarkhun. Both Young and Old Volims were also present.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Beautiful ships, aren't they? Hachi - Oh bloody hell! Young Volim - What took you lot so long? Nu - I'm not even gonna try on this one.

The Agents walked some distance from the group and stopped.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yes, we had no troops fighting on the surface. What kept you busy?'' Hachi - Police. Zr'Ahgloth - KOLOSSUS WUS DERE BUT WE KICKED HIS BUTT AN NAO WES GONNA KICK YO BUTT TOO Young Volim - ''Wow. These Loron stink even more in person.'' Zr'Ahgloth - YA MOM STINKS Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Doesn't seem a very nice way to treat your guests. Although, maybe, you're our guest now, rather than the other way around.'' Vekaron - Huh?

Sarec appeared some distance from the two groups.

Sarec - Claiming ownership are we?

Zaarkhun laughed. At that moment, Genrai teleported in front of them and knocked several of them out, with Sollow following.

Nu - ''That's why we're standing over here. We're not getting involved in this one.'' Baptarion - I expected more fo you! Kralgon Emperor - You've made a mistake...you're outnumbered...and we have the System, you can't try and bribe us! Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, I'm the one who made the mistake? Is that so?'' Old Volim - Do you people never learn? Young Volim - WE're in charge here. Venoriel - How did he get in there? Young Volim - That's none of your business, rat.

Zaarkhun chuckled, then the group got inside the flagship. The flagship's entrance shut. Sarec looked at the group with a sigh and headed towards the fleet.

Lemmo - ''Yeah... right...'' Nu - ''Yes. That's why we're over here.'' Arkarixus - Why is Sarec joining them...? Venoriel - ''Bleh. Ascendants...''

A few moments later, Zaarkhun appeared on top of the flagship with the two Volims. He spoke through a microphone.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Well then, we'll just take these ships, shall we? Zr'Ahgloth - YA CANT DO DAT DATS NOT EVEN POSSIBRU

Zaarkhun laughed, and tossed a smoker (BCN cigarette) down to the group. The ship began to fly, leaving its attached position. Sarec dissapeared from sight, unknown to the PCA he had materialised on Board the flagship.

Kralgon Emperor - Zr'Ahgloth, shall we prepare the men to shoot him? Zr'Ahgloth - ''yeh. OI TROOPAS DUNT JUS STAND DERE SHOOT DEM''

A massive force of UNO troopers, vehicles and even the other Vyronicia starships all arrived. Each and everything aimed squarely at Zaarkhun's head, about to fire.

Kralgon Emperor - AIM!

The men took up their positions. The vehicles all preparing ammunition. Everyone was ready for a massive attack.

Zr'Ahgloth - BLOW HIS FLIPPIN HED OFF OH MA DAYZ JUS DO IT ALREDY

And then, however, everything stood in position. Nothnig moved. The vehicles, the men, and the starships, could have been mistaken for statues.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''...wat? OI. START SHOOTIN...HELLO???''

Falrik Zaarkhun chuckled, and they all feared what had happened. But then, he said it:

Falrik Zaarkhun - The System...IS MINE!! Arkarixus - ''What the hell is going on? Why are the troopers paralyzed?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Your men, your vehicles, your starships...along with all your citizens, everything you own...now belongs to me!

Sarec stood at the back of the bridge ,however he looked at Falrik as though he was not entirely happy. Venoriel, and the entire Divinarium armada, vanished without a trace.

Baptarion - Ugh...see?...all she can do is run away like a chicken... Zr'Ahgloth - DAFUQ Hachi - Wait, so that means...Aww, Kalcedia... Old Volim - ''There is no way to access UNOS from the outside. But you overlooked many things, and now, UNOS was accessed fropm the inside. We do have Roshisiz largely to thank, but...'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I wish there wasn't a failsafe that cut UNOL and UNOC out of the System, but there is. I'll have to make do with controlling the rest of UNO.'' Nu - ...What is this System thing you're on about anyway? Zr'Ahgloth - ''nanomasheenz. we poot dem in everyfin. but nao zaarkhun controls da nanomasheenz'' Hachi - ''So the hot Zazane woman is free...? Yay!''

Lemmo slapped Hachi.

Lemmo - Shut up ready, you make me glad Lamni is dead. Sarec - ''I know how much power you now wield Falrik... Just...''

Zaarkhun turned to Sarec.

Old Volim - Shut it, you're not needed here. Sarec - Such resources are no good against Zargoth if you have used msot of them to wipe out the Alliance .Think about that. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You remember back when we were fighting for the Andromedan artifact, don't you? When I controlled everyone's minds? This is nothing more than the same thing...''

Zaarkhun laughed, and then held out his hand like a gun. He pointed it at a ship.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Bang!

And the ship exploded.

Zr'Ahgloth - ok im sad nao Hachi - ''Hey! There were innocent people on that ship!''

Zaarkhun chuckled again, and 'fired' at another. And another. Then he held out his hand towards the group.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Die! Zr'Ahgloth - I BLAME NU Nu - Sinásátinmatzká.

All the men turned towards them. Several volleys of bullets from everything there fired. They had to take cover, but it wasn't enough. Zaarkhun then turned to the skies. Sarec sighed and kept his distance.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I've shown you my power once, gods...AND I SHALL SHOW IT AGAIN!! Young Volim - See ya next incarnation, Varkorus' butts. Sarec - They won't care if you use it against the Alliance. Falrik Zaarkhun - Hahahaha, HAhahahaha, HAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Zaarkhun merely laughed, and then the guns stopped. He turned to the PCA.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Aren't you going to run for your lives? Zr'Ahgloth - ''we shuld run cus he got gunz an shipz an gunz an stoof an gunz. we all we got is Nu whos propa unhelpful'' Nu - ''Yes. I'm going to throw myself at a guy who can turn a ship to dust by pointing at it. Good strategy, you idiot.'' Zr'Ahgloth - YOO CULD HAV STOPPED DIS BUT NOOOOO "IM NOT GOIN DERE CUS IM DUM" Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You know there's a way to use a portal, right? Tuolog can throw one.''

Tuolog threw down a portal, and the group ran through them. As they did, however, a sniper shot Xerkea and Yogtam, followed by volleys of bullets at them both. Yogtam fell with Xerkea, and breathed heavily. He turned to her.

Yogtam - ''Xerkea...get out. Get through the portal quickly...''

Yogtam coughed, barely able to take more.

Xerkea - But...what about you? Yogtam - ''They want us both...they hate you quite badly, clearly, but have nothing personal against me...so I'll make sure they can only take one. Run, I'll cover you.'' Xerkea - ...Thanks.

Xerkea flew through the portal. Yogtam used all his energy, and stood up, throwing himself in front of their bullets, so that non hit Xerkea. He then fell, dead. The portal shut. Sarec grunted. he left the bridge. He jut knew that the fleet would be used against the PCA, however he also knew that the Alliance would no longer trust him as he had 'betrayed' them. He jut hoped Falrik would not go mad with all this power.

Shattered Friendship
Hachi was in his room aboard Sarec's ship. he had not seen Sarec in the day since he had apparently defected to the BCN. He was trying not to think about Sarec, but that was all he could think about. He didn't want to believe Sarec had gone with the BCN, but he knew he had to be grown up about the situation and accept what has happened. The buzzer to indicate someone was at his door went off as he sat alone with his thoughts. He looked to his door and walked over slowly. He opened the door slightly and looked outside to see Sarec, who leaned towards the seam with a guilty expression on his face. In one glance at Sarec before slamming the door in his face in a fit of anger and upset feelings.

Hachi - I don't want to see you ever again! Sarec - ''Hachiman...I'm sorry. Can we talk about this?'' Hachi - What is there to talk about?! Sarec - ''I know you hate me for doing what I did. But believe me when I say that I did not do it because I approve of the Consortium's ideals.'' Hachi - If you think I'm gonna betray my REAL friends for the BCN you can take whatever money they bribed you with and shove it up your ass! Sarec - ''I did it because I wanted this war to end. They seemed to be in the strongest position. The fight between the BCN and the PCA is not what concerne me, but my intentions are purely towards Zargoth.'' Hachi - ''So that's it? You toss away my trust and everybody else's to be with the cool kids?''

Sarec was silent for a few minutes, unsure what to day.

Hachi - ''I trusted you! I saw you as a big brother Sarec, as family!'' Sarec - So do I. Which is why I made a deal with Falrik that if you are harmed, so are the poeople responsible. Sarec - ''My vow to Thea'Nhirara is still in place. I would never turn my back on that! I still want to be here for you...'' Hachi - Sarec...

Hachi opened the door for Sarec and looked up at him with sad, teary eyes. Sarec kneeled down to Hachi's level and looked into his eyes feeling almost as upset.

Hachi - ''Just...why, Sarec? The BCN are evil...'' Sarec - It's part of what I was as an inquisitor: Good and evil are perceptions of the mind, use whatever assets you can to achieve your goal and maintain socio-spiritual balance. Hachi - ''But I'm not an Inquisitor! And didn't you and Tyraz always complain about them?'' Sarec - The BCN were in a stronger position; they had the orb, they were cooperating, they had the armies. Hachi - ''Tyraz abandoned us, and now you...I can't stay here anymore, Sarec...I don't care about the video games, the magazines, the internet... If I stay here, my FRIENDS are going to think I abandoned them too.'' Sarec - I don't want to lose you. Hachi - What, you think being with the BCN is going to impress me...? Sarec - Please believe me when I say I am not now one of their soldiers. Hachi - You can't just switch sides and not expect consequences, my Teacher taught me that! Sarec - I made it clear to Zaarkhun: His war with the PCA is not something I want to be a part of. Hachi - ''You think Zaarkhun cares...? Sarec, he's a madman and you're a madman too! Everybody was relying on you and you abandoned us all!'' Sarec - ''...they were? How come?'' Hachi - ''Because you were one of the most good people we knew! You were good, and kind, and strong! But you just abandoned us! Everybody who relied on you and respected you!

Sarec looked away, suddenly feeling guilty and now regretting what he had done.

Hachi - ''I looked up to you, I respected you! I liked you, I thought you were family! You were one of the only guys who made me feel better! But you have just proved how much you really care, Sarec...You betrayed them, and you betrayed me!'' Sarec - If I never cared for you do you think I would go through so much trouble to keep you safe from Zaarkhun? Hachi - ''You think Zaarkhun is going to keep that promise Sarec?! How you can trust a man like him and not people like Arkarixus or Vekaron is...it's insane!'' Sarec - If he doesn't, I made him a promise to turn whatever generals or droids tried to harm you into paste.

Hachi refused to listen and he grabbed his sword as well as some of his stuff.

Sarec - ''Hachi, please... I wish I could make it up to you.'' Hachi - ''You can't buy me back, Sarec! I'm a real person with real feelings!''

Sarec lowered his head and with a sigh he threw an amulet on the floor. The noide caused hachi to turn around and he picked it up. The amulet consisted of a medium-sized purple scale edgeed with silver and hanging from a beaded necklace. To anyone else it looked like a normal scale, but Hachi could see that it contained part of Sarec's energies.

Sarec - ''If you don't want this then fine, leave it... I should have given it to you before I switched sides...'' Hachi - What is it...? Sarec - One of my scales...

Hachi blinked and examined the amulet. His face was still sad, he then looked to Sarec.

Hachi - Why...?'' Sarec - It's called an Illumii'Frertos amulet, which translates as "illuminated kin". It is a gesture originating from before my people were spacefaring. The giver plucks one of their scales from their own body and gives it to a person they consider in high regard. Be it a brother-in-arms or a lover.''

Hachi still looked rather angry, but he then looked again at the amulet. He calmed down a little. Hachi began to tear up a little. He looked again at the amulet before he looked angrily back at Sarec.

Hachi - Why don't you give this to one of your little BCN friends if you think they're worth respecting and trusting...?! Sarec - Because none of them deserve it. Hachi - Why, they're probably more successful and powerful than I'll ever be.

Hachi left the amulet on his bed and approached the door. He didn't want to leave it, but he was upset and angry. Sarec stood in front in an attempt to block him.

Hachi - That's why you joined them, isn't it? Sarec - ''All they have is the orb. That's the only reason I ever considered working for them.'' Hachi - And that outweighs all the reasons you should've stayed with us. Sarec - ''You've seen what the Alliance has been reduced to. They see mmore interested in bickering than getting omething done. Not even my words ahd an effect.'' Hachi - ''So you leave ME to deal with it?! The Alliance is supposed to stick together! But all you did was split away and left me to deal with all their shit!'' Sarec - ''Being an inquisitor... does things to your outlook on politics.'' Hachi - ''It's not politics that are important to me Sarec...It's friendship. And you betrayed mine. We all liked you, Sarec, and we all respected you... The BCN doesn't like anybody but their own corrupt selves!'' Sarec - They are corrupt, I get it.

Sarec put his hand on Hachi's shoulder and looked at him with sincere eyes.

Hachi - I liked you Sarec, I really did... Sarec - ''I want to remain with you. Tell them that my ship is now yours. That I have gone...'' Hachi - No Sarec, I'm not going to lie to my friends...

The amulet reappeared in his other hand and he lifted it up to Hachi.

Sarec - I promised your teacher I would keep you safe, I gave my word as an inquisitor and I still uphold that promise. Hachi - ''I don't care about you being an Inquisitor! I don't care about what you said to Teacher! You played with my trust and friendship!'' Sarec - ''What if I showed you I still care? I never meant to hurt you, even when joining the BCN I still did what I could to respect the bond we had!'' Hachi - ''If you cared you would have stayed with the PCA! I hate the BCN for everything they have done to me! I hate them! And I hate you!''

[Hachi shoved past Sarec, grabbing his stuff and running off while crying. He felt emotionally destroyed, he was confused about who his friends were and why people were seemingly abandoning him. Sarec falt distraught in the blink of an eye he appeared in front of Hachi and pressed his hand on the side of his head. The corridor changed comepltely and it felt as though Hachi was in a void. Approaching and floating past the two of them were Sarec's thoughts on Hachi, displayed as images and various phrases heard in Sarec's voice, images that indicated Sarec thought very highly of Hachi and numerous phrases on the devotion he had for protecting Hachi's life. Hachi looked down and away from Sarec, he was too distraught to pay attention to Sarec's thoughts. After a moment, he looked up at Sarec with tearful eyes.

Hachi - If you really cared about me, you wouldn't have joined the BCN. Sarec - My cares for you do not manifest in my alligences, that is not how I was brought up. Hachi - Sarec, I am not going to lie to my friends for you...You gave up on us! Sarec - ''I'm sorry... I really am. I realise asking you to forgive me is too tall an order, would you at least accept to be around me?''

Realising he was getting nowhere, the images faded and they returned to the corridor.

Sarec - ...I only wish I could turn back the clock.

Hachi stood quietly and walked pass Sarec, not sparing another glance for him.

Hachi - I'm going to contact Teacher...

Sarec dissapeared. There was a high-pitched clang where he dropped the amulet mid-teleportation. Hearing the noise, Hachi looked back at the amulet. There were tears in his eyes. He slowly walked over to the amuelt and looked at it. Beginning to sob again, he placed it in his pocket for the moment and closed his eyes. He was alone, again.

Plan of Action
The members of the Polar Crystal Alliance had enough. A week after the defeat on the Blyro'Tralzica world, the group met face-to-face on Zoleia to discuss their next action. However, Lemmo was strangely absent, not replying to the group's requests of joining. Regardless, the group met inside the Imperial palace.

Vekaron - ''Well, this really sucks. So far, all we've suffered is loss after loss...it's almost becoming a pattern. And we can tell Zaarkhun's going for the Zoles next. So...why don't we assassinate him?'' Nu - ''Well done, Zoles. Even I could have thought of that one.'' Baptarion - That's easier said than done. Hachi - Can I do it? Vekaron - ''Of course it is pretty cheap...but look here. This war has been going on for too long. We're consistently suffering losses, consistently being lead to do something incredibly stupid...this is really boring and counterproductive. And will cost us the war. I'm fed up of it by now. We need to work together, and we need to shut down Falrik Zaarkhun.'' Nu - ''Seriously though. We could have assassinated his ass YEARS ago.'' Baptarion - He would be dead already if it wasn't for Apalos suddenly stopping us from doing it. Nu - Bloody computers. Tau - Says the walking computer. Xerkea - That's true and dandy but how are we gonna find him? Vekaron - ''We never had the chance before. Right now, he's cocky. He'll make it much easier for us to kill him right now. Normally he's the most cautious guy ever, a complete perfectionist. Now, he's enjoying his moment of being happy. Arkarixus will fill you in.''

Arkarixus presented them all some information.

Arkarixus - ''One thing Zaarkhun has forgotten is that, as a Kormacvar, I can access the Grid. And I've spotted several trade routes and passages in which Zaarkhun travels in a more common trading shuttle. It's meant to hide himself, make average lookers think nothing of it, but right now it's making it easier for us to kill him. So we'll launch an EMP and make it look like an accident.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''...and maybe we pretend we're the locals trying to fix it for a small fee? And we get on there, silently kill everyone - well, maybe not totally silent - and get right to him. We kill him there.'' Baptarion - ''Clever. So, when do we strike?'' Arkarixus - ''I'll keep monitoring. Zaarkhun often has goods that tend to show up dodgy, but he either bribes the officials or has them killed. I'll know to look for anything suspicious.'' Tau - ''Locals? If you haven't noticed we're notorious across the entire galaxy right now.'' Tuolog - ''Hehe. That where I come in.'' Nu - ''Nuh-uh. You're not turning me into...something else.''

Tuolog disguised all of UNOL in front of them. They all looked like Caretakers.

Tuolog - Any better ideas? Nu - Heck, that's even worse. Xerkea - You'll have to do that to me too since 90% of the galaxy wants my head right now. Tuolog - ''Oh, of course. Maybe Caretakers more believable and more trustable than locals. We disguise you as them.'' Arkarixus - ''I'll bring along a normal trade shuttle, pretending to carry goods, but in fact carrying EMP. I'll plan a collision course.''

Tuolog disguised them all, then led them off to the nearby Relay.

Aboard Zaarkhun's cargo ship, all the pilots could see was another one coming. It was same, slow-ish pace, and could be carrying any kind of goods. One would wonder how legal these goods were, though Zaarkhun had learnt that sometimes it's best not to ask questions you don't need to know the answer to. It was just passing by. Except it wasn't. One of the engines had jammed. A few sparks from the ship, and it rapidly fell. It came crashing towards Zaarkhun's ship in an explosion of EMP, and both floated off in space like hulks. What the hell was on that thing?

The Caretakers sent a transmission to Falrik Zaarkhun's ship.

Caretakers - ''We have noticed a collision has occurred in your Relay. As this can damage both our Relay and your ship, we will now send a team to repair it. Thank you, and have a good day. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ugh, this again? I hope I don't delay anything. This delivery is important; Soltako Armed Forces want the drugs as soon as possible. Caretakers - ''We shall try to make it quick. As usual, your privacy will be respected; cargo shall be left untouched. Falrik Zaarkhun - Thank holy Volzara...''

Getting through via a hatch on the side, the 'Caretakers' boarded Zaarkhun's cargo ship. To anyone, it'd look completely innocent. Just carrying some imported goods to another world, minding their business. But the guards were too brutish to look ordinary.

Guard - ''This is private property. You are with the repair crew?'' Vekaron - Affirmitive. Guard - ''Good. You will be escorted to the control room. You had better fix this mess soon; we want everything up and running pronto.'' Hachi - I gotcha sir! Nu - ''Yeah. Mess.''

The Guards escorted the group. The Guards were totally unsuspecting, but hated having to escort anyone to fix some ship. But who cared? At the end of the day, they were getting paid. And it was either that, or starve at home with no job. Neither of them had the brains to do anything special. Neither of them really had any aspirations. They were just people who liked to look tough, who liked to have a drink in one hand, and a bitch in the other. They liked to fuck every bitch they come across and had no idea they were in fact ruining their lives by making them pregnant. One of them was even carrying an STI, and could die soon. But he couldn't be bothered to check up on his health.

They entered the control room. And it was true, they were totally brain dead. From here, the Caretakers could access Zaarkhun's every file. They could send out messages to the entire BCN from here. Heck, anyone who was here could have all the power in the world. But nothing was turned on. Stupid fucking EMP ruining their day yet again. They wanted to go to another world's nightclub. And then they shoved the Caretakers in, and spat at them. They would have to watch them fix everything. Fucking boring.

Guard - Hurry up, will ya? Vekaron - With pleasure.

And suddenly they all changed to their real forms. Vekaron grabbed a Guard by the neck, while Nu smashed the other's head in. Any other guards there were crushed by Zr'Ahgloth. Vekaron held the guard at gunpoint.

Vekaron - ''Tell me where Zaarkhun is. Now.'' Guard - ''All right all right...chill out! Swear man...fucking don't kill me...e's on the 5th floor! In the front of the ship! But you can't get there by elevata!'' Xerkea - Tell us how then, before I decide to fire my blaster right through your crotch. Guard - Please don't...that's what I use to fuck with!...ahh god I'd be killed if anyone knew I'd told you how to get there...

The Kralgon Emperor got out his gun and shot the Guard right in the head.

Kralgon Emperor - You're probably right. Xerkea - Aw, what a killjoy! Tuolog - ''Not to worry. I read his mind. We get there by stairs. But of course, stairs guarded. Maybe we take these guard clothes and disguise as guards ourselves?'' Baptarion - ''Guess so. Hachi, get dressed.'' Hachi - Aww, I can't be naked? Zr'Ahgloth - can i eet deir bodies so no one finds dem Vekaron - Feel free. Hachi - I CAN be naked? Baptarion - NO. Hachi - Butbut whyyy? Zr'Ahgloth - cus yor flippin ugly dats whai nao shup

Tuolog sighed, and disguised them all. A few minutes later, they all went off as a group, to the sairs. They were greeted by other guards.

Guard - ''Halt. This is restricted access. What are you doing here?'' Tuolog - ''Falrik Zaarkhun's been waiting an awfully long time for the soap opera's new episode to be released. He said he simply couldn't bear watching the release before that over and over again without not knowing what happened at the end. We've got his copy.''

The Guard looked strangely at them.

Guard - And you need so many people? Tuolog - ''Of course. Zaarkhun wouldn't want this pristine edition copy robbed now, would he?'' Guard - '...Fair point. He is damn obsessed with that love show.''

The Guards let them in, and were then strangled and eaten by Zr'Ahgloth. They headed up the stairs, and along the corridor, still as guards. The group opened the door, and there was a -shaped distortion in the room as they entered. Those with heightened essense sense felt it was someone familiar.

Tuolog - ''Stop a second. Is that...'' Hachi - Huh...I recognize that...

The distortion faded, however the essence signature still lingered.

Tuolog - ''Sarec? Oh, well I know he definitely notice us. He must be gone now...we carry on?'' Xerkea - ''Yes. Let's finish this.''

As they walked forward, on a balcony above Zaarkhun, they saw him watching a massive screen. There were two people on this screen - both Heeyorian.

Heeyorian 1 - Oh Janet...you have always been the love of my life! Heeyorian 2 - I know too, Gant...but we cannot be together!

The Heeyorian got to his knees to her.

Heeyorian 1 - But why, my love?! Heeyorian 2 - ...Because...I was cursed by a tribe of gypsy ninjas as a kid! Heeyorian 1 - I know too...I WAS IN THAT TRIBE OF GYPSY NINJAS! Heeyorian 2 - NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Nu - What kind of mindfuck is this? Hachi - Awww that's so sweet! Baptarion - ''This looks like Asgord television. And that's not a good thing!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''No, idiot! Leave that woman! She only cares for guys because of their money!''

The guys saw this as a moment to act.

Kralgon Emperor - Enjoying your little love show, are we? Nu - You should have died earlier, so you wouldn't be in such an embarassing situation! Tau - Nu, your logic sucks, just shut up.

The Emperor shot the screen. The group all pounced on him and beat him to the floor. All the times Zaarkhun had ruined everything. All their hatred they had for him. They wanted to destroy him so much. He had to be burnt right now...burnt to the ground. They would beat him until he bled nothing more.

Xerkea - I call dibs on his eyeballs! Vekaron - ''Zaarkhun, what have you to say for yourself? You have ruined this galaxy! And you claim you can care for the poor people, for everyone...you were born in fortune!''

And out of nowhere, Genrai Nal appeared.

Genrai Nal - ''But Zaarkhun was never born in fortune. He was born in poverty.'' Zr'Ahgloth - OH NO. PISS OFF NAO

His Origins
A cold, lonely alleyway. Rats everywhere, dustbins, a feeling of heavy claustrophobia. And creepers around this corner could come at her at any second. But she was safe. Safe from the gangs outside who would beat her, rob her, and rape her if she didn't go alone. She'd never left alone without her father, until her father died. Then she went with friends, until she discovered all her friends just wanted her for sex. And now, pregnant, she was about to give birth, and it hurt. The last thing she wanted was a knife hurting her too.

She had no idea how she had gotten pregnant. No idea that the thug who paid her good money was the reason she was now pregnant with child Falrik Zaarkhun. And her mother could barely afford to keep her fed and alive, let alone a new child. What would she do? In the middle of nowhere, she dropped the child, suffering immense pain, but unlike most mothers, no joy. If she gave birth, her mother could just kick her out of the appartment, and she'd die of no food. After all, her mother needs to feed herself, and the other kids.

Having had a life of prostitution, of drug dealing, robbery and scams to just stay alive and provide for her family, the oldest of the children, Sella Zaarkhun was about to give birth to a son. But what exaclty could she do? She couldn't provide for him at all. She was middle class...in a ghetto of the poorest people alive. Taxes on food were rising rapidly, and markets were going out of business as people turned to robbing food as opposed to buying it. This was a world her child would be brought into? No. She threw him straight into the nearest trash pile.

But the child's cries were just too much to bare. She couldn't do it. No way could she kill a child with her eyes so much. "You have beautiful eyes", she'd been told, "and your figure is just perfect." The child even had her hair colour. "Your hair is so pretty! I am so jealous! You are prettier than any of those rich folk in the main city!" She had to take him in. She picked him up and hid him.

But later, her baby brother, the poor little Falrik had died early, of a disease. Not another family member lost. She couldn't break the news to her mom of both incidents...so she let her child take Falrik's place. After all, they looked fairly similar. But only she would know that he was her son. None of them could afford education and it wasn't offered in their area, so none knew really how to tell the difference.

And Falrik Zaarkhun - her son - was so bright. He was the fastest learner of everyone in the family, and so, her mother could afford to keep him. No need to pay for social workers, or lie to her mother. But as soon as anyone mentioned their heavy financial problems, the kid would always try and think of a way to communicate to them. And then he'd talk to them. And every night they'd just think he was a genious, working out just about everything. And how observant he was too. He'd start mentioning all these brilliant political ideas the government could have thought of too, but acknowledged they were "stubborn and fine with being rich bastards".

But nonetheless, he was a burden. The smallest child always is. He has to be fed, looked after, nutured. No one has time. They had to move house at least every few nights to stay in another one illegally, and all he could do was cry and give away their position. A genious, but still a kid. "You are nothing but a burden!" his mother would consistently tell him. It got harder every day to think positive. And even though the kid thought of everything, even though he planned how to pull off the most impossible of bank robberies, how he planned to get a rival gang off his back by striking a deal, he was just too much work. Falrik never felt appreciated. And his mother's hatred for him only grew. The feeling quickly became mutual.

Then one day, in the middle of a gamble that could risk his life, suddenly they recieved a warning: the government was sending its men to storm into the ghetto...and exterminate everyone. Even dwespite their enormous tax raises, somehow the ghetto was not turning in any profit for them, and it was easier to just remove it of course, rather than observe the issue. As the soldiers marched in, and shot everything, all the shantytowns and buildings which had been falling apart for some time were now crumbling. Falrik wasn't stupid, he hid. Hid from the monsters who were tearing apart his home. Hid from the assholes who were killing his grandmother, mother, and "brothers and sisters" (although they were technically uncles and aunts) in just little bullet fire. Falrik picked up the revolver nearby and shot it at both soldiers. His dying mother, who had predicted this, gave Falrik a note...but Falrik couldn't read.

Falrik took the note and hid, then found someone else who was hiding from persecutionists; the infamous Genrai Nal, running through time. Genrai Nal recognised his gene pattern, he was a Zaarkhun. But the Zaarkhuns were rich, how could this kid be one? Taking Falrik over to the Zaarkhuns on the other side of the world would confirm that, and it did. Falrik had never known what wealth was, until he saw the other side of his family tree.

And wealth was a good thing indeed. Businesses, corporations, earning money, a steady economy, these kinds of things fascinated Falrik, who had always loved managing cash but never had much to manage. And Falrik was always talking with his family, always giving them new ideas on ways to make them richer. And richer. The Zaarkhuns bought land off the government; they were their own nation. Falrik Zaarkhun had been taught to read, to kill, and several of the things that governments had done to the Zaarkhuns. He was also taught the other thing that fascinated him: the animal kingdom, and the theories of evolution.

Nautral selection. Survival of the fittest. These things...were undeniable facts. And applied so much to the ghetto at home. The reason why the thugs and crimebosses had been so strong was their adaptability. All the weak ones had been killed off, with no one bothering to give them a funeral. And the more Falrik talked to Genrai, the more fascinated he became with these concepts. Nature never had any "ruling class" of just rich men who had suddenly claimed to be the boss of everything; why should we, just because we are sentient? Falrik sincerely doubted any government officials had any concept of real adaptability, just "we're the boss, we decide you die, and now my men will kill you". Someone has to be applauded for getting to the position, but seriously, they govern everything and got involved with everyone's lives. What sense did this make?

What sense did any government make? Their means of keeping order, what did they do other than limit freedoms? And most of all...what had the governments done for people? Governments acted on their own desires- to earn more money, more power, get bigger. An expansion and anything that seemed to be in favour of the people was really in favour of the government. But why do people need police ruling over them and governing them, when they should learn how to adapt and survive themselves? Why have anything governing them other than the law of natural selection? After all, it was far easier to implement, and would solve many problems of population. No, innocents didn't deserve so much to die, but sacrifices must be made, and besides, there are no innocents in nature. You evolve, you adapt, or you die- those are the options. In this world, a government does the evolving and adapting for you.

And Falrik became ever more clever. He was quickly learning all sorts of things. And when Falrik's suggestions better than the ideas of the strategist got on the Zarrkhuns' nerves, tension built up. Envy. Fear. Falrik Zaarkhun was a scary boy - no, man - and should be dealt with. Fast. They couldn't keep him, so they planned his murder...which Falrik saw coming. Falrik wasn't naive, he monitored all messages going on and eavesdropped on every conversation. If they spoke a foreign language, he learnt this foreign language, almost too fast. No matter how complex, he could at least learn it just enough to understand what others said.

And he murdered them in their sleep. But saved the last one to just go out and find his family dead, and the kid staring in his face aiming a revolver at him. Almost crying for mercy, Falrik stated that he was now the leader of the Zaarkhun Consortium and owned all of its territory, money, and workers. Falrik Zaarkhun was about to lead the Consortium into the Golden Era.

But then, that night, he found a note on the floor. It was his mother's letter. But he could read it now, he could understand it. He was sure he was about to criticize her for everything. He couldn't bare to read it. She was about to tell him what a burden he was on everyone, that his intelligence was wasted. That he'd amount to nothing.

"Oh Volzara", he said to me - of course, I was the one he left alive - "I can't read it." And he threw it to the floor, away. I picked it up and read it myself.

"Do you want me to read it to you?" I asked. He didn't reply, and let me go ahead. I read it:

"Falrik, my son...I knew we were all gonna die there, so I'm writing this for you. I'm just so proud you are my son! I mean, I made that conscious decision to keep you alive, and it paid off. I kept you alive because I took pity on you, and because I saw so much of a mini me in you...

"And you know what? I've been such a bitch. I treat you like you won't amount to anything, like you're worthless. To be honest, you're the last in this family we want to lose! Why do you think my mother didn't throw you out when she learned you were my son? Because she needs you. We need you, to survive. And when they come, I'm sure you'll think of something. Which is why I'm writing for you.

"As long as I am around, you can't be hit by anything. I, Sella Zaarkhun, will protect you from every form of danger. I maybe just a dumb slag with no education and no respectability, but I love you. That's not much. But as long as I am with you - and I am always with you, even after death - you cannot by harmed by a single bullet, a single laser Technobliterator: "As long as I am around, you can't be hit by anything. I, Sella Zaarkhun, will protect you from every form of danger. I maybe just a dumb slag with no education and no respectability, but I love you. That's not much. But as long as I am with you - and I am always with you, even after death - you cannot by harmed by a single bullet, a single laser, nothing. It shall not even touch you, just steer around you. I love you son...I am so proud of you, so proud you're my son, and I wish you so much luck in the future. I'm always with you, and I'm always protecting you. Like I've always been protected by someone myself, I'll give you that care back.

"Take care, Falrik. Lots of love, Mum xxxx"

Several spelling errors in Heeyorian, I noted. I looked up at Falrik, and he was crying. And I knew what was about to come; Falrik would fight for his personal beliefs, with his motehr, too. He would expand the Consortium's business, and along the way, he would get into the state of power where he could lead the ultimate revolution. Maybe not total anarchy, but hierarchy would all work with natural selection. The richest, the strongest, and the msot adaptable survived. No one else.

Falrik Zaarkhun is a genious, a child prodigy, and has never been accepted by anyone. Only his mother did, and she showed none of it. What would happen if Falrik Zaarkhun had died? Would you really be able to survive in that ghetto? Would you like it? I sincerely doubt it. Falrik Zaarkhun is a brilliant man, and only his past experiences have made him, in your eyes, jsut another pathetic criminal scum.

But that was just his story. There are thousands in that ghetto. None of which made it out. How many have even worse stories to tell, even less luck on their side? But none of these stories will ever be heard. You will only hear what the survivors say, what those who make it will say. Those who don't...you won't hear, and thus, you have nothing to care for.

You have no idea what you are doing.

Xerkea - ...is that supposed to make me feel sorry for him? Genrai Nal - ''You all despise Zaarkhun as a criminal. But the only criminals here are the people who robbed from him by taxing him. The people who never gave him opportunity to live a good life. And clearly, he was a bright child. Had he grown up in better conditions, he could be a scientist. A war strategist. An artist. But no...''

Sarec's presence hovered faintly over the balcony. The group was too busy glaring at Genrai but Arkarixus had noticed it, and looked at the balcony's direction with narrowed eyes.

Vekaron - Perhaps, but what's done is done. Hachi - It doesn't change the fact he killed millions of innocent people! Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'm not the only one like that. Everyone where I lived. They could have been so much more...but who denied them of that? Who discarded them as just some poor scum? And no one will ever hear their stories, because they never got out.'' Genrai Nal - ''But this was brought upon him. Not upon himself. And be honest, of how many people the Zoles killed, what percentage of them are guilty, and not innocent?'' Vekaron - ''We do what must be done to achieve order. We are willing to make sacrifices.'' Hachi - ''And you happened to drag us all along with the Zoles! What have I ever done to you?!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I wonder if I could change history a little bit more. If I could make you all grow up in the same ghetto that I did. Would you see slaughtering an entire village as "making sacrifices"? I wonder, how many of you would actually survive? Yeah...that's right. None of you!'' Nu - ''Dal'nuyr's sake...stop talking and just finish ripping him apart? Looking at him bleed is fun and all but I want the job done.''

Falrik Zaarkhun stood up and stepped back. He then held out a small little device.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You see this? Spacetime technology. It's what means nothing can hit me. I call it...Sella.'' Hachi - I don't care what you call it! Zr'Ahgloth - dats a propa dum name

Hachi ran towards Zaarkhun but tripped.

Genrai Nal - ''His mother's name. She is with him right there. She is still protecting him, as she said he would.'' Baptarion - ...That's kinda bizarre. Tau - So you and Nu got something in common. Nu - Yes!...wait what. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We could chat for ages. Well, I'd like to allow you to think you're all the good guys in the right, that all criminal scum is guilty and needs to die! Because we look on you with the same light you look on us. Think about that. And now, I'll be going. Nice assassination attempt.'' Zr'Ahgloth - NO YOUR NOT ESCAPIN

The group, tired of talking, charged again. Genrai pushed them back, and Falrik Zaarkhun, almost in panic, held out the Orb and teleported away. Genrai, however, stayed. Hachi stood up and sighed angrily. His fists clenched and he growled.

Zr'Ahgloth - FUKS SAKE Nu - ''YES. GOOD JOB, YOU IDIOTS.'' Genrai Nal - ''You have cost us a lot. The Zoles invasion has just been crippled.'' Hachi - I don't care who dies, so long as you pay for taking Sarec away!

From behind his camoflage, Sarec sighed.

Xerkea - ''Well! If we can't have Zaarkhun, we'll take his buddy then!'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''YEH. GENRAI MAN WES GONNA STOMP YA'' Genrai Nal - ''This attack cannot go on until we have the Soltako Armed Forces allied to our side. While things are reworked, if I were you, I would sorely think about readying defences for combat. It wouldn't take a genious to realise he is going straight for the capital.'' Hachi - You took Sarec....Away! Kralgon Emperor - ''Don't worry about us. You should worry more abou yourself.'' Genrai Nal - ''But you must also know how much of a perfectionist Zaarkhun is. I wouldn't expect him to only attack one place.''

As Genrai contineud to ignore them, they prepared their weapons.

Genrai Nal - You're welcome for the advice. Hachi - ''None of that matters to me anymore! You took away my friend! You took Sarec!'' Genrai Nal - ''I am saying nothing more. But I am saying, if you truly are the military strategists you say, then you would be clever enough to realise these things. And now, I have no business being here. I hope we meet in battle one day, as you have impressed me thus far.'' Vekaron - I can warn the entire empire to ready itself with a few clicks on a screen, thank you very much. Zr'Ahgloth - ''DUN JUS IGNORE ME NNNNGH

Genrai Nal simply walked away from them casually. Meanwhile, inside Arkarixus' mind, he could hear Sarec talking to him. The two talked via telekinesis, the rest of the group not noticing it.

Sarec - '''' Arkarixus - I sincerely hope you know what you're doing. Sarec - '''' Arkarixus -So be it.

Hachi approached Genrai and began to go into a run.

Hachi - ''Get back here! I'll make you sorry for taking Sarec away!'' Genrai Nal - ''Oh, I'm sorry. You want a fight now?''

Genrai turned around, and was indifferent. He tackled Hachi, swung his blade around his legs and knocked him, then punched him in the stomach and kicked him away. At least a few bones were broken. Hachi grunted and spat out some blood as he came against a wall.

Tuolog - ''Geez. I heal you, not worry.''

Hachi began to stand again, however, and ran at Genrai again, but Tuolog stopped Hachi on his tracks and started to heal him. Genrai Nal didn't want to fight this. He had to leave, rather than waste time. Genrai stabbed his blade straight into the ship's console, and electrocuted the group, stunning all of them. He then cloaked and walked away, with this hulk no longer his problem. Hachi bashed the ground with his robotic arm and growled, tearing up some of the floor.

Nu - This was not satisfying at all. Hachi - ''Grahh! I'll make him pay! I'll make them ALL pay! They took Sarec! Sarec!'' Kralgon Emperor - ''They have a knack for doing that, don't they? Teleporting out just like that? It is really boring me...'' Baptarion - ''Yep. At least someone shares my point of view.'' Vekaron - ''While this was going I was already informing Rebaris via my HUD. Shall we leave and prepare ourselves?'' Kralgon Emperor - ''What I'm surprised is, has no one thought to find some way of stopping them from teleporting? I mean, I don't understand spacetime technology...'' Zr'Ahgloth - LESS TALK MOAR SMASHIN NEXT TIME DATS HAO Nu - The Loron, while incredibly stinky, has a point. Tuolog - ''We went over this. You do understand it fine, you just think you don't. I try and find a way against it.'' Xerkea - Yeah, we really should leave.

Leaving an explosive behind, the group left and destroyed the spaceship entirely. Going back to Zoleia, they would prepare themselves for the inevitable invasion...

Crimelord, Dictator and Loving Father
Aboard the Vyronicia Fleet's flagship, Sollow flew it back to BCN territory. Zaarkhun smiled, evilly.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I have this massive Taldar fleet under my control, and one of the most powerful nations in the galaxy ruled by me, too. What shall I do next?'' Old Volim - ''The Niaka and UNO are out of the way. There is only one obstacle left.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You mean, go straight for the Zoles Imperium? Attempt another genocide?'' Old Volim - Not only attempt, but succeed. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Then all the PMCs and this new fleet are coming too. We tried once, and failed. Now it's time to try and succeed.'' Genrai Nal - ''Maybe we could fool them. We could have Young Volim lead a force straight into Zoleia, and pretend it is the main attack fleet, while Old Volim leads the true force to attack elsewhere.'' Young Volim - ''Eh? The main attack should be at Zoleia. Cut the snake by it's head.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''And that's exactly what they will expect. Their main defensive force will be right there. If we spread their defences out, we have more chance of destroying them, tan if we let them take positions.'' Young Volim - ''Hm. Fine. Still, we shouldn't go easy on them. They deserve to burn in hell.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Please, I wasn't planning to go easy on them at all... Genrai Nal - ''You and I will go and prepare the men, Young Volim. Let your older self and Zaarkhun discuss further battle plans.'' Young Volim - Very well.

Genrai and Young Volim left the room. Zaarkhun had something to say when he's gone.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Your younger self doesn't realise it, but he's essentially leading a suicide mission. Old Volim - What? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It's like I said. We need to split their forces. Two large fleets should be enough, in addition to a few smaller fleets. Your younger self will lead one of the large fleets, but I don't think there's much chance he'll come out again. We shouldn't underestimate the Zoles and their extragalactic friends.''

Old Volim frowned and growled at Zaarkhun.

Old Volim - ''Am I that expendable to you? Just letting me die in a invasion because you felt like sending me to my death?!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You? No, you're not expendable at all. But unless you have an attachment to your younger self, well, it's not as if I intend to keep him on this ship.'' Old Volim - ''I wanted him alive! Or should I say, I want myself alive! It's me right there, damnit!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It's what you once were. It's a weaker, selfish, and more arrogant version, existing only to remind yourself how much greater you have become since that battle. Although, I admittedly had no idea you cared for him...''

Volim sat down, holding his head.

Old Volim - ''It's like having another son... I might be alive for over a thousna dyears but I've since lost the ability of reproducing...I had children once. All died in the first war. And the past me makes me feel like...a parent...again.''

Zaarkhun was surprised by Volim's words. He suddenly felt sorry for Volim, sort of sad.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, if I had my past self here, I'd admittedly be ashamed. Probably spiteful, as I don't even want to think of my own past. So...I'm sorry for not being considerate. But if we don't send your younger self, what's the alternative? I could send another general, but only Volim Thrava would attract enough attention. That's either you, or young you. Of course...I could also join your younger self and try and protect him.'' Old Volim - ''He can take care of himself. Just...equip him well. Give him at least of chance of surviving.''

Zaarkhun nodded.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'll make sure he does come out. I'll...do my best to keep him alive.'' Old Volim - ''Thank you...and I guess I should apologise for snapping at you. I loved my family and just reminding me of their deaths makes me want to break everything around me...which makes the downfall of the Zoles much more satisfying.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It's perfectly understandable, I do it myself. Well, I'll go and discuss battle plans with the generals. You can come, or you can rest back on the Iron Fist. It's up to you.'' Old Volim - ''I'd prefer to be left alone for now. I'll catch up with you later.''

Zaarkhun nodded, then left. Before he went, he turned back.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Say...at that age, were your children still alive? Old Volim - They died during the final hundred years of the first war. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It's just a thought...but maybe I can bring your children back. With the Orb.''

Volim turned at Zaarkhun with a look of surprise.

Old Volim - Are you serious? Falrik Zaarkhun -'' Of course. We got your younger self here, didn't we? Who says we can't bring your kids back, kill the ones who killed them in the first place, and then make you a father again?''

Old Volim stared blankly for a moment, almost as if he was daydreaming.

Old Volim - That...would be the best thing to happen to me in over 1,500 years. Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, in that case, maybe after this attack's over, join me on this ship and we'll be off to the past again, shall we? Old Volim - Yes...yes, definetely!

Zaarkhun suddenly felt good about himself. A smile formed on his face, though not an evil one...it was the smile of a good man. Of the kind of person he portrayed hismelf as to other people: a liberator.

Reunion of Hatred
Aboard the Iron Fist, all men were preparing themselves for the great strike on Zoleia.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim, are the men prepared? Old Volim - ''Yes. They're just waiting our order.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good. We'll need everyone in this, so let's bring along some PMCs. They all owe me a favour.''

Fre'kloar and the Rogue Leedas popped up on a screen. Right after 100 Dominatus, fully equipped in their gear showed up on the screen.

Aurtyrant - Yes Zaarkhun, the Dominatus are prepared for this undertaking. Fre'kloar - yo yo fre'kloar on da hood did sumone ask for som zoles killin? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I did, actually. Free pizzas to the squad who bags Rebaris!'' Old Volim - And remember, that includes drink, and desert! Grak'tona - WE ALL KNO ILL KILL HIM CUS I HATE WANNABE KINGS Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Is Gol'thabex there? If he is, I'll pay the Thugz Fer Dosh top dollar. Right, who else do we have?''

Two figures appeared too, their look somewwhat different from the others; a Radeon in a lab coat accompanied by a young Artharon female. A large Korkonid wearing rouch combat armour adormned with alien skulls appeared.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, good. How do you feel about being our official sponsor and supplier of the Zoles attack?'' Aernaal - ''...Falrik? What again? I have my experiments to do.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, of course. But I'm sure you need some more funding for them. You be our official supplier. You'll get buckets of cash from both the publicity and the trade. It's a win-win.'' Kron da skullholder - ''You 'ad betta be kompensating us real nice. Else my boys might find 'deir own form a' payment.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Compensating? Well, you already owe me a favour. But okay, I'll slip in a payment.'' Fre'kloar - WHO DA HELL IS YOO Aernaal - ''Bleh. Barbarians.'' Aurtyrant - ''The Dominatus come here to heed your call. 100 Dominatus, each of which enough enough to take on any enemy. We are extensions of your will Zaarkhun.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Aurfast! That's good! Yes, you'll come in real handy.'' Kron - ''I be Kron da Skulltaker! der biggest and meanest of der Soz of Urzgov da Mighty!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, Skulltaker. You'll be taking a lot of Zoles skulls today. Both innocent civilians and soldiers.'' Skhánaróton - ''Heheheh. Never tried Zoles before. This will be an experience for everyone...'' Fre'kloar - ''eh yoo look dum. SO WHEN IS WE ATTAKIN'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We can attack now! Why are we wasting time?'' Kron - ''I like yer' style, skinny. Deze Zoles may not be Draconis, but day sure 'as 'ell be close enough ta be dem!'' Aurtyrant - Should be fun.

When a few more PMCs arrived, Zaarkhun then sent everyone to their positions.

Strike on Zoleia
Making their way outside, the group quickly saw the BCN arriving at the planet. Their ships were swarming across the sky, their sheer numbers making it impossible for the defenses to hold all of them off. Soon, their forces started to drop on the planet and attack on land. Wranploer from the past and present fight together to bring an end to the Zoles once and for all. And with them, hundreds of thousands of PMCs and mercenaries. They were not really there for the fight, but for the profit. The group was followed by a squad of soldiers. The streets were swarming with BCN and PMC forces, who ranged from small Imalmah to large Murgurs.

Eta - Siná'inatman. Hachi - Like I said...mercenaries. Arkarixus - ''And so the cleansing of the criminals commence. Attack!''

Tau beat Eta on the back. Nu grabbed a Kicathian style minigun, whilst Tau and Eta grabbed rifles. Upsilon picked up a shotgun-style and Zeta used his energy lances. Hachi charged in with a pistol and his sword. His aim was still pretty bad but he managed to slice through several enemy soldiers.

Nu - People from the past: Welcome to the 28th Century.

Nu started to plough through enemies whilst the rest of the Agents did their stuff. At the same time, Vekaron and Xerkea flanked UNOL as they foguth the advancing enemies, and Arkarixus blasted entire squadrons with his psychic power. It was then, however, that they heard a familiar voice.

??? - FUK YEH I LUV DIS BATTUL TAKE DIS TAKE DAT Tau - Eh? Eta - ''Great, unintelligible random voices. Universe is going to hell quicker than usual.''

In a distance, Fre'kloar was visible, mauling several Zoles soldiers to pieces. He soon noticed the Alliance and frowned.

Fre'kloar - OI Zr'Ahgloth - WAT DA HELLS DIS FAG DOIN HEER Fre'kloar - ''IM HEER TA KILL ALL DA ZOLES DUMBOS. AN IMMA KILL YOO TOO HURHURHURHUR'' Hachi - ''Nu, go for the Loron! I gotta get to the palace. Somebody cover me.'' Zeta - ''Fine. Move forward.''

Zeta followed along with Hachi firing lances. Baptarion also went, leaving the rest to deal with Fre'kloar themselves. Hachi made a dash for the palace with Zeta, shooting unsuccessfully at several PMCs.

Nu - Hmm...never killed a Loron before.

Nu started chuckling whilst firing at Fre'kloar. However, the enormous Loron endured Nu's shots and tackled him into a wall, forcing his skull against it.

Nu - Eh. Fre'kloar - AN IMMA KILL MA FIRST KICKASS TODAY Nu - Wrong Kicath, Kítsiná'inkíl. Nu started hammering his fists into Fre'kloar's spine, who fought back by thrashing his armor. A tthis time, Zr'Ahgloth also charged at Fre'kloar in an attempt to knock him to the floor. He was too focused on Fre'kloar to care. Tuolog, meanwhile, was healing any injured allies.

Fre'kloar - TWO VERSUS ONE? DATS NOT FAIR YOR FUKIN CHEETAS

Fre'kloar grabbed Nu and slammed Zr'Ahgloth with him. Meanwhile, PMC forces fired at Hachi and the rest of the advancing group. Upsilon was picking off enemies in the distance, aiding Zeta and Hachi. Nu then grabbed Zr'Ahgloth's head and slammed it against Fre'kloar, leaving both stunned for a second. Zr'Ahgloth was suddenly raised up by a mysterious force, hovering in the air. Fre'kloar looked, and it was Thr'aloy and Dalverat.

Tau - Stop using your allies as weapons! Fre'kloar - STOP CHEETIN OH MA DAYZ WATS WRONG WIV YOO Ray'loth - ''HAHAHAHA. FRE'KLOAR, YOU MADE A MISTAKE COMING HERE. YOU AND YOUR EMPIRE WILL NOW FALL. THE LORON SHALL UNITE IN UNO!'' Fre'kloar - NGH NU UNO IS ALL HIPPIE GAYFISHES

Dalverat began to fire Dark Chronoscopic at Fre'kloar, who dodged the shots as he could while firing his Blasta at Dalverat and Nu. Meanwhile, Hachi got shot in the knee while running and almost collapsed, although he continued to stand and run.

Eta - Getting any closer to the palace yet? Zoles soldier - We're halfway there. Thr'aloy - ''YOU ARE PATHETIC. YOU SHALL DIE HERE.'' Fre'kloar - ''YA MOM. YOR NOT WINNIN CUS VOLIMS GONNA COME YEH AN HES GONNA KIL REBARIS...wait i wusnt suppose ta say dat''

Seeing the situation was udner control, Nu and Tau left the scene and moved forward towards the palace - Nu smashing through all of the enemies with Tau behind him. As Dalverat dodged, Thr'aloy was sent smashing straight into Fre'kloar, still hovering. The rest of UNOC, meanwhile, took point and got into a defensive stance to fight the BCN hordes invading the Zoles. At this time, Vekaron, Xerkea and Arkarixus also moved forward and joined with the Agents' team.

Hachi leaped forward and used his robotic arm to smash a few PCMs in half, and Upsilon hurled numerous Repulsion-grenades at the enemies, blowing them apart. Flying overhead, the ITN had sent swarms of fighter drones to clear the skies above the planet. Hachi and Eta were met by ITN soldiers who arrived in dropships to secure the palace. Thr'aloy, still hovering, had a weird change of eyes. His eyes were now the exact same menacing colour as Dalverat; both their eyes glowed a horrid blood red/purple mix. Thr'aloy grabbed Fre'kloar nad lifted him, with Dalverat stunning him.

Fre'kloar - okay now dats creepy as fuk Thr'aloy - ''YOU SHOULD NOT BE HERE, FRE'KLOAR. YOU AND YOUR FUCKING ROGUE BOYZ ARE A DISGRACE. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO MOVE THE LORON FORWARD. AND THAT IS WHY YOU MUST DIE.'' Fre'kloar - WOAH MAN YOR A GEEK SRSLY

Thr'aloy's hands began to squeeze on Fre'kloar's neck, and then he was thrown back. Then, Dalverat controlled Fre'kloar's body again, and raised him up in the air, controlling him like a puppet, and bending his spine back, beginning to tear it. Fre'kloar shouted and grunted into he was teleported off to a nearby rock. Next to him, appeared.

Brag'klogga - brag'klogga sez NO Thr'aloy - ''FOUL LORON MAGICIAN. YOU TOO MUST DIE.'' Brag'klogga - ''I DAI WHEN I WANT TA DAI. AN DATS NOT TODAY SO FUK OFF''

Brag'klogga created a shield, and teleported both himself and Fre'kloar away.

Thr'aloy - DAMNIT. Dalverat - ''Hmpf. Leave it. We'll take care of them later.''

With Fre'kloar gone, Thr'aloy and Dalverat both joined the teams advanced into the palace.

Eta - About time! ITN Comander - Admiral Vasarra sends her regards! Baptarion - Again, good timing, Look at the sky.

Descending into the capital, what appeared to be the flagship of the invasion appeared. A small shuttled left it, and made its way to the palace. Hachi continued to run forward and slammed his body through several PCMs, getting close to the palace. Hachi and the rest of the group finally got to the palace's entrance, the enemies on their way all decimated.

Nu - ''That's two hundred and six. Anyone else got anything better?'' Epsilon - Two hundred and SEVEN. Thr'aloy - ''Everyone get inside. The Spitter, the Skull and the Fang will defend the base.'' Hachi - ''There's bound to be more ahead. We can begin round 2 soon.'' Nu - Sinásátinmatzká.

As they all rushed inside the palace, suddenly Dalverat and Thr'alyo turned. Their eyes were the same colour, and they spoke through Thr'aloy's screaming.

Thr'aloy - ''YOU MASS MURDER THE ZOLES FOR WHAT YOU THINK IS A GOOD CAUSE. FOR REVENGE. WHY NOT TRY TO REPENT? THE PMCS, THEY DISGUST ME MORE. YOU FIGHT MERELY FOR MONEY. MANY OF YOU DON'T EVEN NEED IT AND COULD GET ANOTHER JOB. AND FOR THAT, EVERY ZOLES YOU KILLED SHALL NOW REURN TO HAUNT YOU.''

Thr'aloy and Dalverat raised up the bodies of the dead Zoles, and used them to shoot at the attackers. Vaktyl and Darwishi both covered with ranged fire, with Darwishi helping the skies.

Baptarion - Well, that'll keep them outside. Nu - I've had worse. Vekaron - ...Wow. Arkarixus - Impressive. Xerkea - Creepy as shit.

One Man Army
As the group entered the palace, they saw it was in ruins. Most of the ways to Rebaris' chamber were blocked by debris, which would take too much time to pass through. meanwhile, there was a single stairway leading up. Tau checks the integrity of the staircase to see if it was safe enough to proceed.

Tau - Looks safe enough. Hachi - ''Don't bother trying to clear the other passages. This'll be quicker.''

Tau then started to hear screeching coming from the next floor. And it was getting louder.

Tau - Well, when I say safe I don't necessarily mean it's gonna be free of enemies. Tuolog - I have no idea what that is...

Suddenly, a squad of with bombs strapped all over their bodies rushed downstairs, running at the group's direction.

Tau - Take cover! Baptarion - Spode damnit!

The group all leaped out of the way. Hahci shot at the Zí-Jittorám, trying to make them explode prematurely, but missed most of his shots. One of the Zí-Jittorám tackled and exploded right on Arkarixus, sending him flying against a wall, knocking him out cold. Hachi's shots finally managed to explode one, but there were still two more running at them. Upsilon got up and grabbed one of the Zí-Jittorám, charging his armor and keeping it immobilized, while Tuolog lifted the remaining Zí-Jittorám in the air and trapped it in a bubble. The Jittorám exploded inside it, not causing any harm to the group.

Vekaron - You gotta stay away from them or they'll explode on you! Upsilon - Relax. Xerkea - Hey Kicath, you sure you know what you're doing? Upsilon -'' Of course. I would have survived that.'' Tau - True, but you would have been useless afterwards.

The Jittorám wrapped its tongue around Upsilon and exploded on him. Upsilon was floored, but most of the damage was taken on his armor. His armor starts glitching up and he ripped it off

Upsilon - ''Agh. See?  Hachi - Urgh...there's blood everywhere.'' Upsilon - You see, the trouble with Zí-Jittorám is that their blood is acidic. Arkarixus - Hmm...there's only one living being on the next floor. Tau - Whatever it is, it's big and pissed off. Hachi - Come on, lets get up there.

As the group made their way up, they came across various mauled corpses of Zoles soldiers.

Nu - Nasty. Xerkea - Some of these look like they were half eaten or something. Hachi - I now regret eating that crab earlier. Zeta - Eaten...digested...Whatever's in here we're in for a fight. Eta - Judging by those lesions on their chest, the thing that's in here is...

As the group arrived at the next floor, there were debris and corpses everywhere, blocking the the staircase to Rebaris' chamber. In the middle of the room, was seen, eating on a Zoles' corpse.

Eta - ...Zí-Jittorám. Hachi - Nu, kill it. Nu - Don't tell me what to do. Tau - Wait, I've seen that guy before. Baptarion - Isn't that the one plant guy who usually hangs with Volim? Nu jumped to hit Skhánaróton -01 from the wall, where he smashes him across the room. Skhánaróton jumped to the floor, shaking the hall, and observed the group. A few moments later, he licked his jaws.

Skhánaróton - ''Ah. More food.'' Hachi - Tau, kill it. Tau - ''Fight with caution. This guy managed to set back Alpha five months with two punches.'' Arkarixus - Disgusting creature. Skhánaróton - ''I wonder what Kormacvar tastes like...probably like Sska Akvii. You two fall under the same category.'' Arkarixus - I don't know what that is but it won't matter once you're dead. Hachi - Teacher...where are you when I need you most... Skhánaróton - Well then.

Faster than they could register, Skhánaróton ran into the group of the Agents, knocking them across the room. Xerkea fired her arm cannon at Skhánaróton, while Arkarixus fired blasts of psychic power. Hachi grabbed a pistol from a dead Zoles, leaped back and pointed the pistol at Skhánaróton.

Xerkea - I've waited a long time for a chance to blast you into pieces!

Tau went to punch Skhánaróton with her left hand - Skhánaróton grabbed it and twisted her arm, shattering it. Hachi looked at Tau getting hurt and growled, running at Skhánaróton while firing his pistol. Tau roared out in pain, shooting Skhánaróton and then throwing her across the room

Hachi - Let her go! Baptarion - Oh Spode, that thing is strong. Tau - ''...What did I say? Fight with caution!'' Upsilon - Well that rules Nu out. Zeta - ''What do you suggest then? That thing's gonna kill all of us!''

Arkarixus used his powers to lift Skhánaróton off the ground, blasting him against a pillar. Meanwhile, Zr'Ahgloth went and punched it several times, but Skhánaróton blasted him back with ease. Hachi approached Skhánaróton and launched his mechanical fist towards his chest. He flinched slightly as he threw Hachi aside*

Arkarixus - Any known weakspots we can exploit? Tau - ''Central eye. But he's got it covered with private-sector grade armor. No sense in getting through it.'' Baptarion - ''One thing I don't like about this war is how all our enemies are always one-man armies. Can't we fight normal aliens for once? Or rather, not fight at all?'' Xerkea - Less whining more killing that thing.

Hachi had managed to grab hold of Skhánaróton's arm, however, and proceeded to launch himself at the armour covering his eye. Not punching, literally throwing himself against it. Skhánaróton looked at Hachi, licking his jaws again.

Skhánaróton - You look...delicious.

Skhánaróton lunged his tongue at him, engulfing Hachi. Xerkea got close and started to punch Skhánaróton, pushing him back, trying to free Hachi.

Xerkea - Let the human go, you abomination. Skhánaróton - Very well.

Skhánaróton hurled Hachi around on his tongue and throws him in to the group, proceeding to rush after Xerkea. Xerkea charged at him herself, her eyes filled with hate. The supersoldiers and the giant suit skirmished for several seconds, destroying parts of the hall.

Xerkea - A little help would be appreciated! Zeta - Wait...I have an idea. Nu - Care to elaborate? Zeta - ''Slipspace grenades. Get them on him and detonate them. Should rip him apart.'' Arkarixus - Good plan. Eta - ''Problem with that plan. Getting close to him.''

Upsilon wwnt to rush into Skhánaróton - he ragdolled on Skhánaróton.

Eta - Yeah, good help that was!

Hachi rushed over towards Skhánaróton again after getting up, who kicked Upslion across the room into the group. Xerkea took the opportunity to take her distance.

Upsilon - That guy is built like a tank... Xerkea - His entire race are monsters. Hachi - ''Hey, Ska-whatever your name is! Over here!''

Skhánaróton picked up a Zoles energy blaster. Hachi stood up to Skhánaróton, trying to distract him from Xerkea.

Skhánaróton - Not falling for that again.

Skhánaróton fired the blaster at Hachi, who got hit by one of the blasts and the lower half of his right arm is disintegrated. Hachi proceeds to run at him.

Hachi - Try and freaking eat me, I dare you! Zeta - ''Be careful. They have peripheral vision better than most in the universe.'' Skhánaróton - ''I'd rather not. You tasted awful.''

Skhánaróton postured himself forward whilst Hachi was running towards him.

Tau - Hachi, stop!

In a fit of anger, Hachi unleashed a beam of Dream Energy, shooting across the right side of Skhánaróton's head. Half of Skhánaróton's head was blown off. He creaked in pain, and smacked Hachi aside.

Skhánaróton - That hurt!

Hachi was smacked into a wall, knocking him nearly unconscious.

Hachi - Agh...w-well, this i-isn't so bad...

Arkarixus charged himself in energy and charged at Skhánaróton, knocking him away from Hachi. Meanwhile, Vekaron took his oppportunity to stab at the beast's chest with his sword, before quickly getting back. Skhánaróton was floored, but got up again and jumped to the ceiling.

Eta - ''Shit. Where did he go?'' Xerkea - Above us!

Skhánaróton dropped from the ceiling, aiming for Nu, grabbing him by the neck with two hands, attempting to decapitate him. Using the opportunity, Nu took the Kicathian slipspace grenade and shoved it down Skhánaróton's throat.

Baptarion - I never though plants could get worse after seeing the Alvino! Nu - Hit the damn charge!

Zeta hit the charge, ripping Skhánaróton to pieces and launching the entire group back. The mosnter's acid blood shgoweverd the entire hall. Incidentally, Nu's hands had been disintegrated. Hachi stood up after a few minutes and walked over to the group. He was missing a majority of his right arm and was heavily scarred and cut.

Hachi - H-Hey, you guys d-did it. Nu - Ow. Hachi - Now that he's gone, w-we can...agh, like I said, now he's gone, we can get to Rebaris.

The End of the Imperium
As the group ran through the final set of stairs, Nu swore in multiple Kicathian profanities.

Baptarion - ''Hey, calm down. I'm sure I can get you a new pair of hands.'' Hachi -'' Come on...Come on! We're almost there, don't get distracted.'' Nu - ''Yeah right. The only place that has this kind of technology to match is the Milky Way. I'd have to invade to get my hands back.''

Getting to the top, the group invaded Rebaris' chamber. Young Volim strangled Rebaris with several of his soldiers around him.

Young Volim - ''You are Telarian's descendant...he tried to kill me! Twice! Now I'll return the favour!'' Rebaris - Get your hands off me, you maniac! Hachi - Volim! Zr'Ahgloth - WANKA

Hachi began to ran towards Volim but was shot at and tripped, falling onto the ground, bleeding. Young Volim turned at them, then held Rebaris on his front.

Young Volim - ''What are you...How are you alive? The Zí-Jittorám should have finished you off!'' Zeta - ''Kicathian grenades. Weren't expecting that were you?'' Young Volim - ''Well no, I've never seen your kind before. And hell, are you an ugly one.'' Hachi - Volim!!

Coming up behind were several ITN soldiers who pointed their weapons at Volim's soldiers, who aimed their guns back, one of them aiming directly at Hachi, who struggled on the floor and attempted to stand back up. One of the Drallivian marines rushed to help Hachi stand up.

Young Volim - ''What are you gonna do? Shoot me? I dare you!''

Zr'Ahgloth pulled out his gun and shot Volim. The projectile deflected and hit Rebaris' chest. Meanwhile, Nu started to double over in pain as his arms started to convulse.

Rebaris - Agh-! Zr'Ahgloth - OH SHIT SOZ Vekaron - ''What the hell? How did...'' Young Volim - ''Zaarkhun gave me sone toys to play with! One of them was a replica of his "Sella" thing!'' Tuolog - It not as powerful as Zaarkhun's version...but it makes him very deadly. Hachi - ''Sella...Zaarkhun! Volim!'' Young Volim - ''Oh, shut your trap, kid!...Actually, screw this whole "shoot me" scene. I'm done with the Zoles! I win this war!''

Young Volim cracked and broke Rebaris' neck. He let out a final gasp before dying, Young Volim throwing his body right in front of Hachi. Hachi's eyes widened and he gasped as he saw Rebaris' body land in front of him. He was mortified.

Vailisa - This make the Fist angry... Xerkea - NO! Vekaron - Your majesty! Arkarixus - No...

The ITN marines fired on the Wranploer soldiers, who took cover and fired back. The agents did the same, minus Nu, for obvious reasons. Baptarion and Xerkea also fired, the room quickly turning into a bullet hell. Young Volim himself grabbed what appeared to be a miniugun and revved it up, and fired at the ITN soldiers and agents, laughing maniacly.

Tuolog - Young Volim...by doing this, you bring dawn of a new era... Young Volim - The beginning of MY era!

A hologram of Falrik Zaarkhun and Old Volim appeared.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, you have just witnessed a new era dawning today. Hachi - We lost...We couldn't have lost...No! Old Volim - My younger self...did what I wished I could have done today... Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh, and I promised to protect young Volim here, so, Sella is with him, as she is with me.

Hachi stood up with a struggle and growled angrily.

Xerkea - Son of a bitch. Hachi - You took Sarec away...and you continue to hurt people... Young Volim - And I will shred you to pieces now, you living teddy bear. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You might want to surrender, now. With Rebaris dead, any Zoles who aren't being killed by BCN and PMC forces elsewhere will be in anarchy.'' Hachi - ''Come on...I've lost enough, may as well finish me you dirty piece of scum! You took Sarec away!'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHOVE YA SURRENDA RIGHT UP YA ASS OK Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh shut your mouth. Anyways, we have us three here...I feel like someone's missing.'' ??? - ''Words, words, words. You'd better start running now.''

The group turned their attention to behind Young Volim. Out of darkness, the familliar sight appeared: the same Tertanai captain the forces of the PCA fought with before. Hachi looked towards Lemmo and his eyes widened angrily. He gritted his teeth, bleeding from the mouth.

Lemmo - Captain Lemmo Meronis of the Borealis Consortium Network now. Baptarion - Lemmo...? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, there you are! Don't be shy, join us in celebrating our victory!'' Hachi - You... Baptarion - ...bastard! Volim - ''Lemmo was very helpful to us. He sabotaged many of your starships and gave us clear paths to get through...as well as our other spies...'' Lemmo - ''That and I rigged this very building with explosives... which means you'd better get out of here.'' Baptarion - After all we've been through, you do this?...I should have let you die to the Chosen, pirate scum.

Lemmo turned to Baptarian and smiled. He recharged his Kormacvar weaponry in a mocking manner.

Lemmo - ''Nothing personal, mate. Just money.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh yes, all pirate scum, aren't we? Fucking idiots learned nothing from what I told you earlier.'' Young Volim - ''You expected them to care? They don't! Another reason for me to rip them apart!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Nope, I didn't expect them to. But they ought to.'' Hachi - ''You're hypocritical scum! You took Sarec away for nothing!'' Nu - ...Retreat. Tau - ''...wait, what? Retreat?'' Vekaron - I will not retreat until that THING *he pointed at Young Volim* IS DEAD! Lemmo - As I said, you'd better run-

Everyone heard loud beeps coming out of the building.

Lemmo - Before you all die horribly. Young Volim - You are not to explode the building until i'm finished here!

Zaarkhun and Volim's holograms disappeared, while Lemmo hid himself behind Young Volim's Sella. Hachi began to approach Young Volim, who revved his minigun at his direction.

Hachi - ''Volim...Volim! Zaarkhun's dog!'' Young Volim - You wanna die first, you little pest? Hachi - You took Sarec away...!

Hachi began to run at Young Volim, holding his mechanical arm out in front of him. Vekaron and Xerkea both ran too, joining Hachi. Meanwhile, Arkarixus, the Agents and the ITN took down Volim's men one by one. The Wranploer's smirk was starting to turn into surprise. Soon, UNOL also joined in the charge.

Vekaron - You murdered my king! Zr'Ahgloth - YOO TOOK OVA OUR NASHON!!! Xerkea - And you destroyed my life work! Young Volim - Eh?...Uh? Hachi - ''You took Sarec away...! I will never forgive you...! You have ruined the lives of many people...I'll kill you! I'll kill you for everybody!''

Young Volim started to fire his gun at them, however, Xerkea and Zr'Ahgloth used themselves as a shield. The group of them, fueled by rage, tackled Young Volim with all their force. The impact was such that Young Volim was launched through the tower's wall, pummeling down to his death. The group stared down the large hole at the wall, panting.

Vekaron - *pants* He's gone...or at least...one of them... Xerkea - ''YES. RIGHT ON YOUR FACE, YOU SMUG LITTLE SHIT!'' Hachi - ''Sarec...Sarec! He took Sarec...'' Nu - ''Get over Sarec. He's gone.'' Hachi - ''Shut up Nu! You're the one who wanted to retreat! I will get him back!'' Nu - Well if you haven't noticed, I don't have hands. Hachi - Get over your hands, they're gone! Nu - But I can get my hands back. Lemmo - ...Shit.

Lemmo grabbed his PDA and pressed a few buttons, his fingers moving frantically; as he did, the beeping sound started to become louder...

Arkarixus - Stop fighting between yourselves, look at the palace, it's gonna explode. Lemmo - ''As I said, you'd better get out of here. Boom!'' Baptarion - You treachous rat!

Lemmo turned away from the group and disappeared in the corridors of the palace.

Xerkea - Well, we don't have the time to get out...I hope any of you have a plan. Hachi - ''Teacher! TEACHER! Get us out of here!''

The group left the hall and ran through the corridors, followed by a malevolent crimson shining of the red alert and the rhytmic beep of the explosives. However, no matter what they did, they couldn't leave the building in time, but some last flicker of hope drove them, drove them further. The robotic voice had almost finished to count down the demise of the old ways... but then, something unexpected happened. A purple, shimmering portal appeared in front of the group.

Hachi - What...is that? Xerkea - Looks like...a Divinarium portal!

Without thinking twice, everyone leaped and popped in there, the artificial wormhole safely transported them in a place... in a place... somewhere. As the group recovered, they found themselves inside a Divinarium starship, with a familliar (but hated) face greeting them.

Upsilon - ''Uh..whuh. All I remember is freefall then...whuh?'' Venoriel - ''Huh. It seems that you have failed to understand that Seranai's Twenth Strategeme was used against you... Pathetic.'' Baptarion - I never though i'd be happy to see your face. Tau - ...Where are we? Kralgon Emperor - This is a Divinarium spaceship, Tau.

Hachi looked at Venoriel and approached her, hugging her. She, however, shoved him away and slowly walked to the group.

Venoriel - ''It was fortunate that there was Navarch Venoriel to save your skins. Next time, don't trust every single smuggler that happens to follow you.'' Xerkea - ''Yes. We learned that the hard way. We lost Rebaris, but at least we got that smug little Volim jr. or whatever the hell that was.'' Venoriel - Hah!

Venoriel laughed - it was a creepy sight to see her, usually condescending and emotionless, hardly even smirking, to express her emotions in such an unhinged way.

Baptarion - ''Don't laugh at our defeat, woman. Imagine having your Cleriarch murdered right in front of your eyes.'' Hachi - Tyraz saw that, Baptarion... Venoriel - ''...Ahem. My apologies. Back in the academy, my teacher was laughing at me the same way when I failed a tactics course.'' Baptarion - ''Hmpf. Tyraz. I bet he's laughing too right now.'' Eta - ''Huh. Now what? Borealis is lost.'' Nu - ''Pfft. Just get me back to Anatezc'ji-0 so I can get myself a pair of hands.''

Venoriel muttered something - a whisper that Baptarion interpreted as a prayer of forgiveness - before resuming talking.

Venoriel - ''The matters are indeed truly dire, commandant. However, this must not cloud your judgement - and it does. I do not care whether is that king is dead or not - what we need is a plan of operations to successfuly finish the Borealis Campaign.'' Vekaron - Well there's nothing else to do other than...well, I'm not really sure what to do next. Tau - ''Hmm. My only advice is to part for a few days. We are broken and fighting with faulty weaponry won't do us any good.'' Xerkea - ''Good plan. Well, our own plan.'' Upsilon - ''It would also help for all of us to check on territory. Eyes on everything.'' Tau - If anyone wishes to to go to Anatezc'ji-0, then i'll make sure the Kicath shall not impede on you. Kralgon Emperor - ''You're right. So we'll be parting ways for now and...whenever we have a chance, we'll get in contact again. We really need to review our current situation.'' Venoriel - ''Right now we face the Twenty-First Paradox of Vryonar... which means the most reasonable course of actions is Kaas' Third Strategeme.'' Xerkea - And that means? Venoriel - ...We all leave the galaxy and give it to the BCN.

Baptarion narrowed his eyes at Venoriel. Nu was about to hit her, but was stopped by Zeta.

Nu - Sinásátinmatzkásinkílat! Baptarion - ''That's all you do. Retreat and run away.'' Venoriel - ''The Commonwealth is willing to provide refuge for those loyal to the PCA... but if you are willing to risk, then we could perform Thenai's Second Strategeme.'' Xerkea - And that is? Venoriel - ''We change our course of actions. We are weak now, yes - but that is what makes us strong.'' Eta - ''I wish they wouldn't speak in riddles all the time. We're here to fight, not to sit down and play puzzle games.''

Venoriel's face changed to an expression of joy - she was finally back in her rightful place, telling others what to do.

Venoriel - ''Operating as a small fleet gives us certain... advantages. We can evade our enemies, and no matter how powerful Vijaha might be... it does not move. A series of quick attacks on the enemy positions may change the tides of war... but most likely, all of you shall die horribly.'' Xerkea - Well, thanks a lot. Kralgon Emperor - ''For now, let's just keep low for now until we have a plan. Take us to our planets so we may leave. Hachi - What is the point...even when we do things right, we still fail. Nu - ''Hmph. Just get us home.'' Venoriel - ''Hmph. You are in no position to give me orders. But, so be it.''

Opening another portal, Venoriel transported the group to safety...but it didn't matter much. Zoleia had been damaged beyond the capability of repair. The attacks all over the Zoles Imperium, the death of their beloved king Rebaris...the Zoles were broken. The mighty guardians of the galaxy had fallen. The Imperium entered a state of anarchy. While the Alliance had won the battle, they had not won the war. meanwhile, in the Iron Fist, Volim appeared indifferent. He had lost his younger self, but it didnt really matter. With him, Zaarkhun and Torrent watched. Their empire was only growing. Victory was theirs in the end.

'''The Polar Crystal Alliance was no more. General Volim has won.'''

=A New Era Thrives=

No UNO-Killing Allowed
After the battle for Zoleia, Da Rogue Boyz contacted the Iron Fist. In Zaarkhun's screen, Fre'kloar appeared. He was bruised and wounded from his fight with Nu and Thr'aloy but he appeared to be comemmorating.

Fre'kloar - OI ZAARKHUN MAN Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, hello there! We were jsut celebrating our victory! What is it?'' Fre'kloar - JUST WANNA SEY DAT WUS A PROPA SIK FIGT MAN YOR PROPA SIK FER INVITIN US Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, it's fine. No problem. Thanks for being there!'' Fre'kloar - ''me an da warbosses is celebratin da zoles bein ded and afta dat wes gonna smash sum UNO planets jus cuz Falrik Zaarkhun - Yeah, about that... Fre'kloar - ''wat? ya wanna join us? sur com in'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Well...UNO is under my control now.

Fre'kloar raised an eyebowl.

Fre'kloar - eh? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''UNOS is mine. And so, everything in UNO is under BCN control.'' Fre'kloar - ''wait wat. but...ROGUE LORONZ MUST KILL UNO LORONZ MAN DATS HAO FINGS WORK''

Falrik Zaarkhun shrugged.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''And BCN troops must kill anyone who kills UNO. That's how things work.'' Fre'kloar - PROPA STOOPID MAN WAT DA HELL DATS A WHOL NOO LEVEL OF DUM Falrik Zaarkhun - Well there's nothing I can do for you, my friend.

Fre'kloar looked at Zaarkhun with narrowed eyes.

Fre'kloar - ''...sey wat. we talk lata k?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ...Fine.

Fre'kloar shut the transmission off and called the rest of the Leedas and Warbosses.

Fre'kloar - OI PEEPZ WE GOT A PROBLEM Hagto'Zhl - WAT MAN DUNT TELL ME RELLARUTINA BURNT DA PIZZA IN DA OVEN AGEN Rel'larutina - That was you, you idiot... Fre'kloar - ZAARKHUN WANTS US TA STOP KILLIN UNO Hagto'Zhl - ...say dat is a problem...umm...wat we doin? Fre'kloar - ''DIS IS A TRAITA DUMBO AKSHON SO WES GONNA DO A COUNTA TRAITA DUMBO AKSHON. WES GONNA BOYCOTT DA BCN FER NAO ON'' Hagto'Zhl - eh i dunno man most of our gunz is frum dem an if it werent fer dem we wuld hav kill less unos Fre'kloar - BUT NAO DEY WANT US TA NOT KILL UNOS AT ALL MAN DATS UNACCEPTABRU Jol'kiar - ''well fre'kloar. wat i say is stand fer wateva yoo beleev in. dunt lissen to som losa jus cos he finks he can tell yoo wat ta do. BATTA ZAARKHUN YEH?'' Fre'kloar - ''YEH. DA ROGUE BOYZS DA BEST AN NEEDS NO ONE ELSE'' Grak'tona - I KNO RITE MAN MA KINGDOM AWAITS ME

Meanwhile, Gol'thabex suspciously leaned back against the wall. Everyone thought he was just being quiet as always, but he was up to something. Gol'thabex sent a message to Zaarkhun.

Gol'thabex - boss...i got an update fer ya Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, Gol'thabex? Gol'thabex - ''yoo were rite. deyr planning to betray ya rite nao.'' Falrik Zarkhun - Exactly as I had expected. Gol'thabex - whai dunt ya bring genrai along, so we can smak deir skulls? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'll send both Genral Nal and Sollow to help you with this. Make it quick.'' Gol'thabex - yeh, i got it.

Gol'thabex changed his communicator to talk to the Thugz Fer Dosh.

Gol'thabex - ''Attenshon all Thugz Fer Dosh employees. How wuld yoo liek ta be leedas of da Rogue Boyz?''

Zaarkhun's Speech
Around the entire galaxy, everyone could hear and see messages of propaganda. Waves sent out to almost every receiver and screens depicting the message were around everywhere. So when Falrik Zaarkhun took the microphone, it had great impact.

"Brothers and sisters! Fellow inhabitants of the Borealis Galaxy!"

Many people cheered, happy to see their liberator on screen. Others were disgusted, but they couldn't look away. They couldn't ignore him, somehow.

"The hour of our liberation is at hand! Too long have we suffered under the malevolent, lying, twisted and corrupt nations of the Polar Crystal Alliance! And I'm sure many of you have fallen for their propaganda...'we are the good guys! We want to bring order!' In truth, they want to crush your freedoms and bring themselves power. They don't care for you, the people, they care for their own strengths. Their own hatred of old enemies, things they don't let go of."

Not a single ally of the PCA was paying much attention. They tried to come to the PCA's defence, and not listen to him. But Zaarkhun went on.

"I'm sure none of you are listening, are you? After all, I'm just criminal scum from the Borealis Consortium Network of thugs, aren't I? We're all individuals, and no one is less of a person because of their background. The people of the BCN merely want their own prosperity, and some even, their own life. Many in the Consortium Network live in poverty...though less than the Unified Nation of Ottzello."

And images were displayed of UNO territory. Hungry people. Prostitues out on the streets. Gangs lighting a fire by the wall, eating whatever scraps they could get. The numbers were shown; UNO's poverty rates were ridiculous.

"You'd have thought, a nation governed by AIs and all connected to the System would be a bit more orderl, would you? Functioning more like a single body? Well, it is."

And then UNOC's discussion was heard. A playback between their members. 'Those people seem to weak. Stop providing to that area, and cause poverty conditions. That out to make them better soldiers.' People were shocked. More examples were made. Make conditions harder for people so that they will need to adapt. Cause poverty in an area to kill it off and prevent population explosion. Introduce more population and genetic controls.

"Disgusting, is it not? Are these the people you like to see as beacons of order?"

And no one could ignore him. UNO's morals were awful. But that wasn't enough to convince anyone. Zaarkhun carried on.

"And who else is there? Oh yes, the Niaka Special Forces! I'd like to ask you...have any of you committed a crime? And why? Because you think it was wrong, or because someone told you it was wrong? And what are the consequences? DEATH. It doesn't matter if people were robbing because they had to provide for their family, THEY DIE AND THEIR FAMILY SUFFERS MORE. A poor beggar out on the streets who pick pockets? HE DIES. Someone facing a threat of death, and so kills his pursuers first? He should live, shouldn't he? NOPE. They are heartless, unsympathetic, and evil brutes. Should they be leading the PCA?"

And more footage was displayed. A man is seen cornered by Niaka. "Please sirs", he begs, crying on both knees, "I have no money, my children are starving and my wife is suffering from a terminal illness! And I can barely feed myself, let alone my family! Please sirs...allow me just this little money..."

And the Niaka didn't care. "You'll just continue to rob to save your 'poor family'. Your people aren't my problem. You're a criminal, so YOU are my problem." And he was shot. The watchers were horrified. This innocent man robs another purely based on the fact that he is a criminal? And it was no mercy at all? What kind of people were they?

"But overall, I'm sure the biggest oppressor likes to be seen as the biggest symbol of order, prosperity and peace. The Zoles Imperium. But oh, they are so brilliant! And they have protected us for many years! They have been the saviours of this galaxy! Do you know what the truth is? They have protected you by ravaging worlds of smeone who they hate. They are more priviledged than anyone else, and anyone less privledged who wants to survive, IS DEAD MEAT. And despite what they told you, the Zoles never kept the Grox at bay from attacking the rest of the galaxy all those centuries ago before Regnatus was killed. They ran away like cowards, while their colonies were destroyed in 'the Great Purging'. And you all admire them? What is so admirable about this?"

War ravaged worlds were displayed. Wranploer starving. Wranploer searching their homes to look for thier fathers and brothers, to get what little remnants they could. Worlds that have still not been recovered. Memorials dedicated to great men who had fought in the First Borealis War.

''"You are honestly so close minded to think that the Zoles are good here. They like to tell you that it is all black and white. It isn't; there is no such thing as good or evil! Everyone is animal, and animals have needs. But people fighting to be top of the pack is how we all evolved and got to where we are. All the greatest and most highly acchieving men and women did so. That doesn't mean be completely selfish, it just means that competition is essential. Look at the market place, as different corporations compete to sell their products to as many people and earn money. Natural selection is what governs us. But of course, you let some government and their own ideals govern you instead. You insist to live by your 'good and evil' analogy that someone else has taught you. Why not think for yourselves a little, Borealis? Why not do that? And to all those Zoles who don't surrender right now, your world will be destroyed. If you do surrender, I might consider cancelling the planend Zoles Holocaust."''

Happiest Wranploer in the Universe
Aboard the Iron Fist, shortly after the attack on the Zoles, Volim had very mixed feelings. His younger self had died, but he had destroyed his greatest enemy. He didn't know what to say. Or do. It was like, when you've planned for something for so many millennia, when it actually happens, you're just...it was hard for Volim to take in. He was overwhlemed, almost. Zaarkhun knocked on his door and entered.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I've broadcasted the speech around Borealis. That should hopefully destroy anything that remained of the PCA.'' Volim - Good, good. Falrik Zaarkhun - It must be pretty strange...to have wanted to destroy an enemy for so long...and then actually doing it... Volim - ''Yes. When I think about it, I don't think I ever expected this day to come.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'm sure we all had our doubts. Anyway, I'm sorry about your loss of your younger self. I did as you said, equipped him well. Sella apparently was not with him...''

At that moment, six young Wranploer, looking very much like Volim, walked in. Volim's jaw dropped and his eyes widened.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'd like you to meet your sons. You haven't seen them in a few thousand years. They haven't seen you in five minutes.'' Volim - Kartis...Volghar...Triartur...Wrogar...Kogawrei...and Vrokarmer...

Volim got up from his throne and moved toward them.

Volim - My children!

Zaarkhun found it heartwarming. The sight of 6 little young Thravas meeting their father. It made him feel almost like the people's person he portrayed himself as, even if he knew he wasn't. Volim and his sons joined in a group hug. Wranploer did not have an equivalent of crying, but Zaarkhun knew that was if they did, they all would be doing so right now.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I got them just before they were about to die. I also kidnapped their killers, who are currently in torture chambers, waiting for you to destroy them.'' Volim - ''Oh I will destroy them. I will destroy every trace of their existences. One does not simply mess with Volim Thrava's kids!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''That's what I thought! Maybe let the children hurt them too? Oh and...you should thank Torrent for this. He's the one who rescued them and kidnapped their killers. I merely sent him back using the Orb, and occasionally drew gunfire from him.''

Torrent entered the room. At the sight of him, Volim ran to him and the two shaked hands.

Volim - ''Thank you, Torrent... Seriously. Thank you so much.'' Torrent - Hey, you know I never fail to disappoint.

Zaarkhun smiled. He was about to ask things such as how the children would be educated, and how they'd be raised in this new empire, all sorts of serious questions about their survival and how they'd take to a Volim who had changed so much. But instead, he smiled. It was probably not the time. Having no reason to still be there, and wanting to give the group time alone, he left. But not before turning back.

Falrik Zaarkhun - You know, Torrent, the Orb can also be used...to bring back your own people. Torrent - ''I was gonna ask you about that, but leave it for after the plan is complete. I can wait.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Understood. It feels so...refreshing. They take everything we care for, we get it back, and destroy everything they care for. It's brilliant...anyway, I shall leave you for now.'' Volim - Wait one moment.

Zaarkhun was about to leave, then stopped. He turned back. Volim went up to Zaarkhun and shook his hand as well.

Volim - ''Let everyone in this room know, you are like a brother to me, Falrik Zaarkhun. You are dear to me like a member of my own family for doing all this.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Wow, I...do not know what to say. I would do it four times over if I had to...'' Volim - ''To think I once considered you an enemy...Foolish times, those were. You have made me the happiest Wranploer on the universe today. Now, I'll let you go. Kids, follow your father. I'll show you all how much our empire has grown.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''And I'll let you spend some time with your kids. You really deserve it...''

Zaarkhun left a changed Volim. He left a Volim whose heart had been destroyed, but had been given back to him by his two brothers. Volim and Zaarkhun, the passionate and the reasonable. And now Volim was starting to see reason and logic. Everything that the Zoles had destroyed Volim had not only won back, but won back better than ever. It was heartwarming, and Zaarkhun left in happy tears. Zaarkhun felt almost like the good, thoughtful, caring man he portrayed himself as, which Tuolog had seen, but he knew it was too late for that now. The Borealis Consortium Network may have been despised everywhere, but even their greatest enemies had to see that these were people just like anyone else, with feelings, thoughts, and things they hold dear. Is there really such a thing as pure evil?

The Betrayer
As the New Era of anarchy and crime was spreading through Borealis, captain Lemmo Meronis, now an employee of the Borealis Consortium Network, traversed the stars from the safety of his Kormacvar starship, Lucky. And he enjoyed the view. He was doing what he did best: getting rich. And working for the Consortium was much more lucrative and less complicate than working for the Commonwealth or the PCA. He had everything he ever wanted in his life, which was about one thing: money.

Or maybe not.

N'ras - ''Are you... sure this was the right choice, Lemmo? I mean, we never were at good terms with any government, but... betraying everyone? Never thought you would ever do that.'' Lemmo - ''I am not proud of the choices I made either, N'ras... but I only did what I had to do. The entire galaxy is crumbling around us. We had to adapt. I have adapted.'' N'ras - ...You did it for the money, didn't you. Lemmo - ''Uh, well... erm... you say "for the money" like it's a bad thing. It's what we have always bee doing! Smuggling, treasure hunting, underworld trading... Same thing.'' N'ras - ''But... you betrayed them. We might not have been angels, Lemmo, but we never betrayed people like that. It's not about money.'' Lemmo - ''Uh... fine! But what do you think should have I done? Watching everything crumble around me and then becoming a slave for some Wranploer bandit boss? I did what was necessary. I am no hero, N'ras. Heroes tend to die.'' N'ras - ''You say that all the time, Lemmo... but it isn't you. I know you full well, and I know you might be greedy, shallow, annoying, vici-'' Lemmo - Yes, yes, I get the idea. N'ras - ''-but you would never betray anyone like that. Or at least, the Lemmo I knew wouldn't...''

Slowly, N'ras turned away returned to his chambers, leaving Lemmo alone... save for B-82, who somehow managed to find his way into the captain's bridge. The small Caretaker quickly ran towards Lemmo and hugged his leg.

B-82 - ''What happened, captain? Why are you so sad?'' Lemmo - ''It's none of your concern! Go away!'' B-82 - ''I just... wanted to help...''

Lemmo watched as B-82 vanished with a flash, the afterimage disappearing slowly like smoke; there was something hypnotic in this fading, dying light - fading and dying like his old life. Well, at least he was rich now...

Falrik Zaarkhun - Lemmo!

The hologram of Lemmo's new boss popped up on the intercom. Surprised, the Tertanai captain turned to see Zaarkhun scowling at him, tapping his feet in an annoyed manner.

Falrik Zaarkhun - There's a job for you. Lemmo - ''Uh? What kind of job?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''In the Mirianis Sector, Arm of Knowledge. There's an empire I want to be, should I say... dealt with.'' Lemmo - Will I get paid? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Lucratively. You may count on that.'' Lemmo - ''Then... give me the coordinates.''

A new voyage, a new story awaited Lemmo... but unlike his other adventures in Borealis, he wasn't a hero in this story.

A New Leeda in Charge
As Da Propa Big Rogue Krooza was arriving at an BCN colony with the intention of attacking it, Genrai Nal and Sollow met with Gol'thabex.

Gol'thabex - ''i see yoov arrived. maek yerselvs quiet, we dunt want dem discoverin dis mutiny.'' Genrai Nal - Acknowledged Sollow - Loron squeak so sweet when they die... Gol'thabex - ''heers da plan. genrai, yoo jam da ship an cause a littel powa cut. sollow, yoo chase most of da warbosses away. den genrai, sabotage da propa big rogue tank and smasha whil i cleen up da leedas. oh an...leev knar'gank alaiv, plz.'' Genrai Nal - That will be easy. Sollow - I'd rather have them all die, but I'm ordered to follow your plan... Gol'thabex - ''good. lets go''

In the command bridge of the Rogue Krooza, Genrai's part had been done.

Propa Big Rogue Geek - ''Oh no...power cut. What a shame.'' Kal'kuir - QUIT TALKIN SARCASTIC YA MUPPET I SWER TA GOD btw hao do we fix powa cuts Voa'reak - ''dunno. throw pizza at it'' Kal'kuir - will do

Kal'kuir grabbed a slice of pizza and threw it at the Rogue Geek. Some of the pizza caused a spark of energy when it came in contact with the machinery, causing the warbosses to throw their hands up yelling "WOOOOOH!". However, their fun ended when Sollow approached them.

Voa'reak - YOR NOT MAI PIZZA Zalk'don - DAFUQ

Sollow threw a plasma knife at Voa'reak's jetpack...and it leaked. The spillage caused nanograms of antimatter to land on Voa'reak, and blew him up. Brag'klogga contained it in Dark Gyronic to prevent it from exploding the entire bridge, but still, Voa'reak had died so quickly. They had to avenge Voa'reak. They had to act.

Ray'loth - YOO FUKIN WANKA IMMA RIP YA APART Sollow - Catch me if you can!

In fury, the Warbosses all charged at Sollow, who ran off, smiling evilly. They all charged off, and the Leedas were alone. Gol'thabex walked in.

Gol'thabex - sorry, am i a bit late? Grak'tona - YEH YOR FUKIN LATE MAN DAT ZOMBIE DOOD JUS POPPED UP AN KILLED VOA'REAK Gol'thabex - ''yeh. sounds liek i am late.''

Gol'thabex pulled out his energized tomahawks and threw three at Grak'tona; his head, his left arm, and his chest were all split open.

Hagto'Zhl - TRAITA DUMBO GRRRR Gol'thabex - ''TRAITA? NOT RELLY. I WORK FER MA EMPLOYA. AN DAT WASNT YOO''

Hagto'Zhl charged at Gol'thabex, who grabbed the raged Hagto'Zhl and threw him right to the Rogue Geek's 'face', destroying it, and hurting him.

Hagto'Zhl - YEH YOR A FLIPPIN TRAITA IMMA SHOV DOSE AXES RIGHT UP YO ASS Gol'thabex - GOOD LUK WIV DAT

As Hagto fell to the floor, Gol'thabex stomped on his face then smashed an axe into him, tearing his ribs.

Hagto'Zhl - JUST FYI I NEVA LIKED YOR HAT I WUS JUS BEIN NICE BAK WHEN I SED DAT Gol'thabex - ''NP. I NEVA LIEKED YOO.''

Gol'thabex picked it up again, and smashed it once more, hitting his heart this time. AN explosion of blood spilt everywhere. With Hagto'Zhl dead, Jol'kiar tackled Gol'thabex against a wall and strangled him.

Jol'kiar - ''YOO DESERV A SPANKIN YOUNG UN. IMMA SPANK YA EYES OFF YA HED''

Gol'thabex kneed Jol'kiar then threw him back, and jumped on him, then smashing an axe on his left arm, cutting it off.

Gol'thabex - FUKIN WANKAS ALL UNDERESTIMATIN ME Jol'kiar - AND YOR A PRIK FER UNDASTIMATIN ME

Jol'kiar kicked and punched Gol'htabex with his remaining arm. Gol'thabex was thrown back; Jol'kiar's punches really hit hard. And they really hurt. Jol'kiar got up and grabbed Gol'thabex by the neck, then squeezed it, stranglnig him harder this time.

Gol'thabex - omd...yoo losa... Jol'kiar - NAO YOOZ GONNA LEARN TA RESPECT YA ELDAS Gol'thabex - YEH MAN I MEEN DEYZ CLOSE TA DETH AN BEIN OLD SUKS SO PUT DEM OUT DEIR MISERY

Gol'thabex swang around and kicked his neck, then axed off his right leg. Jol'kiar's bleeding was intense.

Gol'thabex - old losa. Jol'kiar - NGHH...I FUKIN HATE...DIS GENERASHON Gol'thabex - NGHH...I FUKIN HATE...YA MOMS FANNY

Gol'thabex smashed the axe down again, cutting off Jol'kiar's neck. Only one remained now.

Gol'thabex - feelin nervus? Fre'kloar - ''NUUUUU. YOO KILLED MA TEECHA. YOO KILLED MA BEST MATE...oh an yoo killed Grak'tona too but meh to him. MAN IM GONNA...HELL I CANT EVEN DESCRIBE DA PAIN IM GONNA INFLICT IN YOO'' Gol'thabex - ''i can. ZERO.'' Fre'kloar - YOR DETH WILL BE SO AMAZIN ZR'AH'KARS GONNA COM IN AN SAY "CONGRATS FRE'KLOAR DAT WUS SIK"

Fre'kloar charged at Gol'thabex in a frenzy, who threw a tomahawk at Fre'kloar's leg, forcing him to fall. Gol'thabex laughed, and jumped on Fre'kloar, hurting his breath. He then kicked Fre'kloar over onto his back, and began smashing his axe down in Fre'kloar's chest multiple times, before stapping.

Gol'thabex - any last words to da noo boss of da rogue boyz? Fre'kloar - ''DA ROGUE BOYZ...DAIS WIV ME. YOO CAN RENAME IT "GAYFISH WHORS" SINCE DATS WAT YOO AR...'' Gol'thabex - ''well i got somfin for yas. NEVA PROVOKE BATTULS YA CANT WIN''

Gol'thabex brutally hacked at Fre'kloar, killing him. He then stood up, and was stabbed from behind and tackled. It was.

Gol'thabex - oi cuzzy bro?? Knar'gank - shame on ya Gol'thabex...i cant beleev yor doin dis Gol'thabex - ''well i can. im just a loron troo to his words an troo to his boss. i was hired ta do dis, so i do it.'' Knar'gank - ''yoo bakstab da ones who gave yoo a home. fuk we made yoo a leeda. yor not ma family anymor.''

Knar'gank playe with a daggers around his fingers, circling Gol'thabex with serious frown on his face. The quiet, collected Loron was for once very angry.

Gol'thabex - ''its loron tradishon mate. ya kill da one in charge ta b in charge yaself. frekloar did it ta gratzkaoz. an nao i do it ta frekloar. i dunt see da problem'' Knar'gank - ''da problem is dat we fout yoo wer our mate. we wuld stand fer eech otha. obvosly yor jus anuva one of zaarkhuns lot who kisses his feeth and cares fer no one but fer himself'' Gol'thabex - ''of course. yanno whai? cuz dats how loron evolved. not by bein "mates" or "standin fer eech other". we evolved on groodrub by bein selfish an bein da best an fightin fer our own survival. an dats wat maeks loron strong. if yoo fink dats da wrong fing ta do dis entire rogue boyz is hypocrtical. ya say dat yor troo to our roots an bein a troo loron but yor betrayin dem yorself.'' Knar'gank - ''i had enuff of yoo. im neva forgivin yoo fer dis an nao im gonna send yoo to fukin hell'' Gol'thabex - ''yor a weirdo man. yor someone who cases retard dreems. im just a guy who lieks ta hav a beer in one hand an a titty in the otha. i work fer cash an i work fer wat i liek doin. yoo work fer somefin dats neva gonna happen. nao dai'' Knar'gank - yor fukin stoopid loronz dun got titties Gol'thabex - ...dey hav nao ok?!

Gol'thabex grabbed Knar'gank and smacked him with a tomahawk on the left arm. At the same time, Knar'gank stabbed a dagger through Gol'thabex's right arm.

Gol'thabex - oh fuk...wes in a bit of a stalemate! Knar'gank - not fer long ya muppet

Knar'gank showed more daggers on his fingers and stabbed Gol'thabex with them. Gol'thabex was hurt, but then grabbed a tomahawk and hit Knar'gank's right leg with it, then kicked him to the floor.

Gol'thabex - ''LORONZ IS DA TOP OF DA PAK LIEK DA ROGUE BOYZ SAYS. BUIT TA BE DAT WE GOTTA BE SELFISH PRIKS AN LOOK OUT FER OURSELVES. BCN GIV US CASH AN TRADE AN DATS EXACTLY WAT WE WANT TA SURVIV IN DIS NOO WORLD. WE EVOLVED ON GROODRUB BY BEIN SELFISH AN DATS HOW WE SHULD BE.'' Knar'gank - ''I GOT A QUESTON. IS DAT EVEN SOMFIN YOO CAME UP WIV YASELF? OR SOMFIN ZAARKHUN TOLD YOO?''

Gol'thabex was slightly taken aback by Knar'gank's words.

Gol'thabex - ...NO MAN ZAARKHUN TOLD ME DAT I SHULD STAND FER WATEVA I BELEEV IN AN NOT BE INDOCTRINATED Knar'gank - ''MUPPET. HES INDOCTRINATED YOO''

Gol'thabex just pulled out his axe. Knar'gank tried to get back on his feet.

Knar'gank - ''yeh...yor a slave of da system. yor jus a peece of his chess gaem'' Gol'thabex - ''NO WAY. IM DA ONE IN CHARGE HEER DESE ROGUE BOYZ IS NAO MINE'' Knar'gank - zaarkhun controls yoo...yor a fukin pawn Gol'thabex - SHUP MAN...JUS COS I WORK FER MASELF AN JUS COS I LIEK BEIN RICH...DUNT MEEN NO ONE CONTROLS ME Knar'gank - ADMIT IT YOR HIS SLAEV Gol'thabex - SLAEVS DUNT GET PAID Knar'gank - he pays yoo so yoo stay quiet...so he can control yoo mor Gol'thabex - neva...no way man...WHAI AM I TALKIN TO YOO

Gol'thabex threw a couple axes at Knar'gank. Knar'gank gasped and fell on the ground.

Gol'thabex - im no ones...pawn...everyones jus mai pawn! Knar'gank - da gol'thabex i knew is ded... Gol'thabex had nothing to do, so he smashed an axe into Knar'gank's skull, and killed him. He then gulped and contacted Falrik Zaarkhun.

Gol'thabex - i smashed dem all... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Excellent, new ruler of Da Rogue Boyz! I'll be sending your payment shortly.'' Gol'thabx - ''cheers mate...hey man jus a quik question...yoo beleev in freedom, rite? yoo dunt beleev in liek controllin peepz an yoo beleev dat peepz shuld fink fer demselvs, rite? i meen liek...none of us is yor pawns, we work fer ourselves, rite? we work fer yoo cuz we choose to work fer yoo, rite?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Of course, Gol'thabex. You know I strive for freedom.'' Gol'thabex - dats good...ok cya ill keep ya informed on how da rogue boyz is doin Falrik Zaarkhun - I'll be awaiting your report.

The conversation closed, and Gol'thabex was still hurt by Knar'gank's words. Regardless, he took over the Rogue Boyz, with the Thugz Fer Dosh hunting down any possible opposition. A new era had danwed not just for everyone else, but for the Loron too. This was one strange galaxy, with some dangerous people. Everyone would have to fit into the new regime, even the Loron. And all of the old Rogue Boyz dreams were quashed and replaced with a new one: fuck bitches, get money. Gol'thabex would lead the Loron into a brave new future...and put the past one behind all of them. And not many Loron were sure they wanted to follow him to it.

The Fall of the Minga
he New Era was slowly spreading through the war-torn Borealis Galaxy, chaos spreading along with Zaarkhun's vision of a perfect world. One of the many empires who, with the fall of the Zoles Imperium, were thrown into a state of disorder and became easy prey for the Consortium was the Minga Theocracy, who were now being attacked from all sides by the merciless BCN armies and their mercenary allies. While the Minga fought bravely, there was no way they could stop the force that had just defeated one of the most powerful empires in Borealis, and slowly, more and more Minga worlds succumbed to the Consortium, whose advance was, as always, supported by anarchy, heresy and crime in the Theocracy itself. Eventually, the BCN forced reached the very sanctum sanctorum of the Minga species: their homeworld. And their goal was as simple and as merciless as always!

Loot!

At the spearhead of the assault were two commanders: Zekuc, a Wranploer pirate well-known across Borealis for his brutal metods of warfare, and. They walked through the ruined streets of the Minga capital city side by side, watching the Minga soldiers desperately trying to protect their homeworld. Lemmo - ''...Wow. Just wow. Never seen so much blood in my life... and trust me, I have come through a lot of things.'' Zekuc - ''Huh. For me, this is just another day at work. You'll get used to it.'' Lemmo - ...I guess.

Lemmo and Zekuc continued leading the Wranploer and PMC forces deeper into the Minga's sanctum sanctorum: the Temple of [Insert Name Here]. Whenever they came, anarchy followed them; this was, after all, the key component of the BCN's strategy. The holy relics laid broken and shattered on the paved roads of the Minga capital as angry crowds fought one another. Order 53, the Consortium's primary doctrine of spreading freedom (to be a bandit or a prostitute, usually) was successful as always.

Zekuc - ''These stinky religious bastards deserve all the pain. We ain't gonna need to worry about being called "heretics" anymore.'' Lemmo - ''Huh. Never liked zealots anyway. But- Lemmo turned his attention to the Minga's holy artifacts - their relics...'' Zekuc - ''What? Ya wanna loot them? Feel free. That's what we do.''

Lemmo dashed towards the burning shrine, destroyed by the fire of Zekuc's Wranploer, and returned with a stash of strange Kormacvar mechanisms, which were apparently the Minga's objects of worship.

Lemmo - ''Was an archaeologist once... old habits die hard.'' Zekuc - ''These guys can't tell real tech from scrap metal. It might be Kormacvar stuff but it's useless. Still, keep it if ya want, no one's gonna stop ya.'' Lemmo - ''Yes. Noone.''

As Lemmo said these words, strange figures clad in bright, radiant armour appeared in the burning city, walking sternly and proudly amongst the panicking crowds and triggerhappy pirates. While Lemmo didn't recognise the figures first, Zekuc definitely did... these were the Minga's elite soldiers.

Zekuc - ''Hah. More corpses arriving.'' Minga - ''Noone but us, heretic! None of you pirate scum are going to take the Cold Gods' relics!'' Zekuc - ''Shut ya trap, fella. Your planet and your jewelry belongs to the Consortium now.'' Minga - You will pay for your heresy!

The Minga soldiers drew their blaster rifles and fired at the pirates, the luminescence of the plasma bolts shining across the dying city, representing the last hope the Minga had. One of the bolts hit Lemmo, throwing him to the nearby building; in pain, he shrieked, but once he stood back to his feet, he realised that he was barely hurt at all; the new power armour he has purchased was definitely effective.

Lemmo - ''Ah! Now, this... is... personal!''

Lemmo pointed his Kormacvar pistol at the Minga that hit him and pushed the trigger; it only took a half of a second for him to see the bright blue flash of Kormacvar energy flying at him before it disintegrated his body, turning a living Minga into nothing but ash. This gave Zekuc time to recuperate, jump to behind cover and quickly counter-attack with his own guns, ordering his men to attack as well.

Zekuc - Nice guns, kid.

Despite seeing their comrade dead, however, the Minga did not intend to stop, instead fighting with only greater ferocity and fervor. Even though the Consortium forces crushed the Minga with sheer numbers, they did not panic in a slightest or lost their faith; they fought frantically, they fought mercilessly, they fought to protect the holy city with their last bit of strength. Even if the Minga were going to die, they were going to die in battle. Lemmo, at the other side, was slowly growing weary of combat. How many Minga did he kill? Ten? Twenty? A hundred? It did not matter to him: all he saw was a blur of bloodshed and gore.

Or maybe not.

Lemmo - ''Wait... look at that guy...''

Fighting among the Minga was a crusader much larger than the rest; clad in ornate, golden power armour; its look was apparently meant to evoke the image of a Cold God, being vaguely similar to the Kormacvar combat skin. Lemmo realised: this was the zealots' leader.

Zekuc - ''Hey, tt's the commandant! I bet we could get a good bounty on his head.'' Commandant Fravahros - Good luck with that, pirates.

The Minga commandant leaped at Zekuc and slammed him with the energy hammer, smashing him into the ground; Lemmo flew to save his comrade, once again preparing his weapons.

Zekuc - Now you're making me angry, pal! Fravahros - Cry some more, heretic.

Fravahros swang his hammer again, now blowing Lemmo away too, and then shot him with his heavy blaster; Lemmo realised his armour's systems were failing, and without its servomotors to support him, he was barely able to move.

Zekuc prepared his energy gauntlet and let out a punch on Fravahros to keep him away from Lemmo. Lemmo - Thanks, mate! Fravahros - ''You will not win! The Vizeron has already been evacuated!'' Zekuc - ''Ya can't run! This galaxy belongs to the Wranploer now! Anywhere you hide, we will find you!'' Lemmo - ''...Why would you say that? No, seriously, telling a person that your leader is escaping just so we could find him?'' Zekuc - ''Kid has a point. You Minga are all idiots.''

Lemmo managed to get back on his feet despite his failing power armour systems and made a final shot at the Minga commandant. Defeated and powerless, with half of his body disintegreated, Fravahros fell on the ground, the very sight of a mighty Minga champion dead making the other crusaders run away in horror.

Zekuc - Now that ya mates abandoned you...

Zekuc leaned down, growling and showing off his jawless teeth.

Zekuc - Ya better tell us where the Vizeron is before I decide to eat your head.

Fravahros coughed blood, struggling to speak.

Fravahros - ''His ship is leaving the planet right now... heading to the Collective territory. Just... one thing. One thing.'' Lemmo - What is it? Fravahros - ''Do not defile... the sanctum sanctorum. We will surrender, we will do anything... just leave the great temple...'' Lemmo - Well, I think we can do- Zekuc, what do you think? Zekuc - ''You're telling a pirate not to go there. Obviously we're gonna kill off the Vizeron, and then we're gonna loot the sanctum!''

Zekuc stomped on Fravahros' head until he broke his beak and skull, letting out a heathly laugher. Lemmo shuddered from that gory scene.

Lemmo - We're going after the Minga leader, then? Zekuc - ''Ya bet we are. We're supposed to get rid of the Vizeron. But first...''

Zekuc grabbed Fravahros, ripping his armor off and throwing his body away.

Zekuc - Dibs on this.

Lemmo and Zekuc left the planet, leaving it to die slowly. There was no hope at all for the Minga. No hope at all.

Lemmo - ''Ah. Still feel kinda sorry for all these Minga who died in there. They remind me of myself when I was a kid: small, poor... but still trying to survive, even when the things are grim.'' Zekuc - ''Huh. Don't. They're weak, and the weak either serve us or die. They chose the latter.'' Lemmo - ''I guess, pal. I guess...''

The Beginning and the End
In Zargoth's palace...

Zargoth - ''How are we all feeling? I'm sorry, I don't know what it's like to have emotions. How are we feeling about the fact that we're about to come under attack very soon?'' Kolossus - We remove the invaders from time, and maybe I can have a laugh. Zargoth - Well it looks to me like Zaarkhun will be the one leading his attack on me.. Kolossus - Which just makes it even funnier. Zargoth - ''You're underestimating him. I took over his body once. We know each other's minds and we can read each other like a book.'' Kolossus - Master, it's just a mortal. Zargoth - ''And that's exactly why I'm in charge, and not you. Zaarkhun's always trying to prove how strong a mortal he is. He has something in store. And I know that just removing them from time won't work. He has Sella on his side.'' Kolossus - That can be solved by simply crushing him under our feeth...master, are you scared of Zaarkhun? Zargoth - ''I'm not talking about Sella his mother, Zr'An'Kar. I'm talking about Sella the Taldar Goddess.'' Kolossus - ...Goddess?

Kolossus approached Zargoth with an air of surprise. Despite being a Ralza, he knew very little about Narza religion, mainly because the Narza blocked him off their knowledge.

Zargoth - ''There are four Vyroni gods, you know that, aside from Volzara. Of which I am the End. And being the End, of course, my only rival is the Beginning. The Beginning's name is Sella...which Zaarkhun's mother was named after.'' Kolossus - ''I was not aware you were a Vyroni god, master. All I knew is that you were once a Narza emperor.'' Zargoth - ''Oh of course I am. I plan to get a replacement for myself when I ascend beyond my position, but at the moment, I am the End. Have you ever heard the myth of the Beginning? I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't, it's a Taldar myth.'' Kolossus - I have not. Zargoth - ''Then I shall tell you. The Beginning, in the myth, was said to have started all timelines, which had been created by Volzara. The original Taldar - not the Vyro'Narza - were created. But through the journey of the Taldar, things became a bit more twisted, as the Taldar emperors invented time travel, and used it to send assassins back in time and prevent their opposition from ever being born. As things became more and more twisted, the Beginning took pity on the people, and created a son, who would become the Course. The son avenged the people and killed the emperor, but then became twisted further, and destroyed the timeline to become one of the gods. However, of course, I had to destroy the Taldar, so that Volzara could take them and make them Vyro'Narza. Yes, the Taldar believed in themselves.'' Kolossus - ''I see. But I don't the see the point of naming a Goddess with a mortal's name.'' Zargoth - ''No. The mortal was named with the Godesses' name. But anyway...as I brought the End to the Taldar, I was held acountable, of course. And Sella, she was responsible. Ever since then, I had a huge rivalry with Sella, and Sella aimed to destroy me, but using the Course, to make herself innocent. As we fought for a long time...Volzara stripped me of my emotions, so that it would never happen again. And that is how the myth goes.''

Kolossus narrowed his eyes.

Kolossus - ''Hmpf. Volzara is a weak god. After our grand plan is finished, she'll be nothing but a memory.'' Zargoth - ''I have no feelings for her. Well, I have no feelings. But if you look at it, Sella wishes to get me back once more.'' Zargoth - ''What Zaarkhun doesn't know is that I have Antagonar. Antagonar shall destroy whatever he throws against me.'' Kolossus - And if Antagionar lets anything get past, I can bring good old Gratz'kaoz here for some fun. Zargoth - ''That is the plan, of course. I can read Zaarkhun better than he can read me. And Sella shall not save him...''

Briefing
Volim and Zaarkhun were waiting for Tyraz onboard one of the more luxurious parts of the Iron Fist. Tyraz was several minutes late, it was beginning to try their patience. There was no sign of him anywhere.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, we've been waiting for some time... Volim - ''I didn't like that Kryptkor geezer and I don't like this Tyraz geezer. All Zazane leaders are useless.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I wouldn't go that far. They are some impressive people and leaders, but at times, they fail to show it.''

As they talked, Tyraz arrived in his usual fashion; he materialized from black vapour in the air. He had a tired expression on his face.

Volim - About time. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You look tired? Tyraz - ''I apologize, I was busy trying to keep the Shield leader off my case. He has yet to be informed that my alliegance is with you.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hmm, understandable. I often find a way to sweet talk these people, to make them mind their own business. Or it can be best to simply eliminate them.'' Tyraz - ''I cannot simply eliminate Shield's leader. That would definitely give them a big hint I am with you. I would have yet another rebellion on my hands.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Make it look like an accident. Also, elimination doesn't always mean killing them. But anyway, we are off topic. You want a briefing on your next mission?''

Tyraz nodded and placed a hand against his chest. He saw an unamused, perhaps even angry, look on Volim's face as he looked at the two of them.

Tyraz - What would you have me do? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hmm...I'm not sure. Well, there is more resistance to my revolution currently. We need to stop anyone in my way. Perhaps working as a free PMC for the time being would be helpful.'' Volim - ''You want something to do? Take your Shield to Viniaris and get rid of the Alvino Brood Mother currently being grown in there.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Actually...yeah, Volim, that's a better idea. Volim - Last thing we need is another generation of Alvino. Tyraz - ''The Alvino Brood Mother...? Aren't the Alvino part of the Legacy?'' Volim - They are allied with it. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Exactly. The Kormacvar Legacy still represent a threat, though I've largely dealt with them.''

Zaarkhun sent out a call, and then Genrai Nal walked behind him.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I wouldn't underestimate the Brood Mother if I were you. I'll fetch you some support. Genrai Nal will help you.  Tyraz - Do we know how strong the Brood Mother has grown as of current? Volim - ''She's not an adult yet. But the planet has Grox defenses.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - We don't have exact understandable figures, but we do know that this isn't something a single platoon can deal with.

Tyraz looked to Genrai and smiled. He raised his arm punched his cheek in a more brotherly way more than aggressive.

Genrai Nal - It is good to fight with you too, Lord Breek.

In response, Genrai performed a warrior's ritual of tribute to Tyraz, of which none of them knew the exact meaning, but could tell it was out of respect. Volim rolled his eyes, seeing the whole ritual as pointless.

Tyraz - ''Our mission takes us to Viniaris. Since Shield presence shall be there, Genrai, I recommend you keep to the shadows and take out any Alvino you find that is not attacking Shield soldiers. We do not need further confusion brought upon them.'' Genrai Nal - ''A word of advice, Tyraz. There is a saying among the Dark Templars: do not cut through the shell when you can pierce through the underbelly. Try to take a cautious and more surprising approach, attack them where they are vulnerable. I can stay in the shadows and hunt, but it will be useless if too many are already dying.'' Tyraz - ''You have a point. As we get closer to the Brood Mother herself, I shall have Shield retreat. Shield themselves do not know how powerful she truly is. She shall hardly be a challenge for the two of us, however.'' Genrai Nal - ''I shall be the judge of that when we get there. I know how to read an opponent and see how strong they are in only a few seconds of fighting them. Fighting an opponent isn't about being tough, strong and dealing the hardest blows. It's also about calculating, thinking on your feet, and outwitting your opponent's every move.'' Tyraz - ''If that is the case, Genrai, then I shall let you deal the first blow if you are able. Heh, but don't take all the fun for yourself if you have the advantage.'' Genrai Nal - ''Very well. We shall leave shortly.'' Tyraz - Good, I shall alert Shield and tell them they are needed at Viniaris.

Tyraz drew his Fireblade and looked to Zaarkhun and Volim.

Tyraz - 24 hours, it shall be done in less than 24 hours. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Acknowledged. And if you find any of the PCA on the way...please do us a favour and eliminate them.'' Tyraz - *nods* With pleasure, sir. Treacherous bastards shall think twice before fighting me. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Just silence them somehow. Don't let them make a noise.''

Tyraz nodded and looked again to Volim. He glared for a moment before beginning to walk away, transforming his body back into black vapour like how he arrived.

Volim - Feh. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I know what you're thinking, Volim. But it shan't be too much longer.''

Invasion on Viniaris
It was the time of the attack, Shield ships have crowded Viniaris' sky and were fighting against the Grox defense ships. Tyraz had managed to secure a vessel for Genrai with autopilot, so the Shield wouldn't get suspicious. Shield soldiers were already ground-side, firing at the Alvino and Grox protectors. Tyraz's ship landed near the Shield forces and he got off. He looked into the sky and saw Genrai's ship land nearby, out of Shield's sight.

Tyraz teleported, making sure the Shield soldiers wouldn't notice, and materialized near Genrai's position. While Shield would be securing a perimetre around the forest that held the Brood Mother, Genrai and Tyraz would go in personally themselves, if they kept to the plan.

Tyraz - Genrai Nal, it is time. Genrai Nal - ''Yes. Is everything ready?'' Tyraz - ''Shield soldiers are securing a perimetre outside of the forest. I have instructed them clearly not to enter under any condition. However, if we are to enter without you being discovered, we must enter now.'' Genrai Nal - Very well.

Tyraz and Genrai then ran towards the forest, Shield would not suspect a thing of BCN presence here. To them, they were serving justice according to Tyraz. Among the forest, Alvino drones emerged and attacked the group. Tyraz fought them with his bare fists, to savour the fight. He didn't want this to end so quickly or abruptly. As the Alvino fell and they approached their target, gigantic vines emerged from the group and slashed the duo. Genrai Nal teleported out quickly and cut them, and Tyraz used his Firesword and with a circular swing he managed to burn the vines. He noticed he was bleeding across the torso but shrugged it off.

Tyraz - ''Genrai, we're getting close. Are you prepared?'' Genrai Nal - When am I ever not prepared? Tyraz - ''Fair enough. Come on, let's finish this battle.''

Tyraz and Genrai, slashing at more vines as they attacked them, got closer and closer to the Brood Mother's location, until eventually reaching it. Tyraz looked at her with a wild look. The Brood Mother was not present, and instead there was a large cocoon-like structure.

Tyraz - What is that thing

The cocoon suddenly opened and the Brood Mother, who was much larger than Volim had informed, appeared and let out an ear-bleeding screech, which blew both Tyraz and Genrai back and caused their equipment to glitch. At the same time, the entire room was filled with gigantic vines.

Genrai Nal - This is problematic. Brood Mother - ''Evil men! You bring violence to my world, and with violence you shall be punished!'' Tyraz - ''Keep an eye out, Genrai. We were misinformed, damn Volim! This task is not completely lost, however.'' Genrai Nal - ''Not misinformed. He was not aware.''

The Brood Mother's vines launched themselves at the duo, slashing, cutting, stabbing and crushing them. Tyraz was taken by some vines, but Genrai Nal sliced the vines off, and then freed Tyraz. However, the more vines cut, the more appeared and attacked back.

Tyraz - Genrai, you try and take the Brood Mother, I'll take the vines. Genrai Nal - ''Hmm. Cutting the vines will not work.'' Tyraz - Then how about we incinerate them.

Tyraz drew his Firesword once more and used it to distract the vines from Genrai, burning vines as more appeared. Genrai teleported to the Brood Mother's eye and stabbed it, making her let out another shriek, her vines spasting out from the pain.

Tyraz - ''Beat her slowly, Genrai! I want to see it shriek out in pain!''

Genrai Nal then made two illusions of himself to attack the Brood Mother and distract her. Meanwhile, Hachi was lying on his bed at Baptarion's place. He appeared upset and unmotivated after all the recent events. He didn't want to be part of this war anymore, even when he did things right things would still go wrong. In his head, he prayed for his Teacher to just come and take him home. Suddenly, Hachi felt his Teacher's voice in his head, and his body started to shine in white.

Thea'Nhirara - Hachi, prepare yourself.

Hachi's eyes widened and he sat up.

Hachi - ''Huh, T-Teacher? What's going on?!'' Thea'Nhirara - ''I am sending you to Viniaris. The Alvino Brood Mother is under attack.'' Hachi - ''Huh?! The Brood Mother?! Quick, send me there! Before it's too late, goddamn!''

Hachi was engulfed by the light, and was teleported straight to the Brood Mother's chamber. When Hachi arrived, he saw Tyraz and Genrai. Neither of them noticed him and Tyraz had a smile on his face as he slashed at the giant vines. Genrai, however, spotted Hachi. He turned to Tyraz.

Genrai Nal - We have company.

Hachi growled and grabbed his sword, rushing towards Genrai at a blinding speed. When he turned, Genrai was not attacked by Hachi's sword but was rather rammed away by the blue mammal. Tyraz's eyes widened when he saw Hachi and bared his teeth. He looked towards him and stepped forward, his eyes flaring. The kockback launched Genrai through the chambers' walls, propelling him outside and out of view.

Hachi - *panting* ''Agh, that's gonna hurt tomorrow...W-Wait! Tyraz?! I can believe Genrai being here but...Tyraz?!'' Tyraz - ''Yes, I am here. I expected you to figure it out sooner.'' Hachi - What are you talking about? Tyraz - ''I sided with the BCN in order to stand up for my beliefs. They are treacherous bastards and you are a fool for coming here.'' Brood Mother - Hachiman...my friend...the evil men have come for me!

Tyraz watched Genrai being launched, then turned his view back at Hachi and the Brood Mother.

Hachi - ''W-Whaa...? Why would you attack here, why would you attack my friend?!'' Tyraz - ''I am in the BCN's debt. I serve them with unwavering loyalty. That means that if you get in my way, I will have to destroy you as well.''

Hachi looked to the Brood Mother with a concerned and worried expression. Tyraz simply watched. Light blue blood came out of her eye, as if she was crying.

Hachi - ''A-Are you okay? You don't look...too good.'' Brood Mother - I don't feel well...

Hachi saw her damaged state and began to tear up a little. Again, somebody had gotten hurt in his presence. It was beginning to effect him, he felt unfocussed. He looked to Tyraz once more, but was slammed into the wall by him in an instant.

Tyraz - ''Weaklings such as you shouldn't fight for the PCA! They are using you, mammal!'' Hachi - ''N-No! They're my friends! I'm n-not going to betray them!'' Tyraz - ''Then you truly are a child! You cannot see the grand scope of things!''

Tyraz proceeded to slam Hachi's head into the wall a few times, holding him with his hand on Hachi's head. Hachi began to cry a little but Tyraz wouldn't take notice.

Hachi - ''Blegh! W-Why did you b-b-betray them?'' Tyraz - Would you ask the same to your 'friends' in the PCA once they betrayed the BCN? Brood Mother - Leave my friend alone, you monster!

The Brood Mother launched blasts of psychic energy similar to Arkarixus' at Tyraz. However, Tyraz looked to the Brood Mother and used Hachi as a meat shield, holding him out in front of him so that Hachi would take the damage of the psychic blasts. The Brood Mother let out a whail as her attacks hit Hachi, covering her face in what apepared to be shame.

Tyraz - ''Zaarkhun's cause is just, he has the power to destroy Zargoth. And what do you have, mammal? Nothing. You may be the one who slew Marigrax and freed the Vida'Rranlora, but in the end you are truly pathetic. You cannot even control your powers.'' Hachi - ''T-Tyraz...blegh! T-This isn't right...''

Tyraz growled again and threw Hachi at the Brood Mother with amazing force. Tyraz's scales were blackening, with yellow scars beginning to appear on his body. He was initiating his Demon Form again. The impact knocked the Brood Mother out cold, and she fell on the ground, bleeding. Hachi coughed out blood as he tried to stand. He noticed the Brood Mother on the ground, bleeding from the impact. Tears welled up in Hachi's eyes and streamed down his cheeks, he began to sob. Tyraz approached Hachi and lifted him by his throat.

Hachi - ...W-Why...W-Why are you d-doing this, T-Tyraz...Why...?! Tyraz - ''The ends justify the means. You could've complied and got out of my way, I didn't want to cause any unnecessary deaths. But it seems this was unavoidable. It is a shame how Sarec will have to hear from Zaarkhun how you died in a tragic accident.''

Hachi's eyes widened in anger. He looked at Tyraz with an enraged expression at the mere mention of Sarec's name. Tyraz smirked and lifted his Firesword, although a look of surprise came over him when he realized that Hachi's robotic claws were digging into his wrist.

Hachi - You...dare... Tyraz - ''Dare what? Complete my mission for the greater cause, save this galaxy from the Zoles' clutches?!'' Hachi - You dare...talk about...Sarec?! Tyraz - ''Yes, I do dare! Sarec is my friend!'' Hachi - Y-You...You took Sarec...You took Sarec...AWAY!

Dream Energy pumped through Hachi's arm, burning through Tyraz's chest. His eyes shined in a shining blue as he started to grow in size, gaining two enormous, feathered wings. Tyraz was thrown back by Hachi's sudden transformation and grasped his chest. He looked up to Hachi and saw him changing. He growled as his Demon Form was almost complete.

Demon Tyraz - ''...It's no use, mammal! You are only prolonging the situation, but in the end, you shall be nothing but mere DUST! Get out of my way!'' Hachi - Shut up!

Hachi's angelic form radiated the room, healing the Brood Mother's wounds. She slowly woke up to see the two fighting, and covered her head with her vines. Hachi's sword shined with Dream Energy and Hachi flew forward, faster than Tyraz's eye could make out. Within a mere second, Tyraz felt pain rush from him sword-wielding arm, or what was left of it as its lower half dropped to the ground.

Demon Tyraz - WHAT?! Angel Hachi - I'll make you pay...for everything the BCN has done...You have betrayed and hurt my friends...and you took Sarec away!

Tyraz gasped out in horror as Hachi's mere aura was causing him great pain. In reaction, Tyraz formed a ball of Descension energy in his hand and slammed it against Hachi's chest, trying to at least hurt him. Hachi winced in pain, but he wouldn't allow Tyraz to beat him. Not after what he did to the PCA, not after what he said to Tuolog about his father, not after hurting the Brood Mother to near death and especially not after contributing to Sarec betraying the PCA. Hachi grabbed Tyraz's arm and crushed his wrist, throwing Tyraz back.

Demon Tyraz - AAAAAGH! Angel Hachi - ''I don't care about this stupid war! You all make that mistake! All I care about are my friends, Tyraz! And when you hurt my friends, I will never....EVER forgive you for it!''

Hachi held out both his arms, summoning a large amount of Dream Energy into his hands. Channeling a very dangerous amount throughout his whole body into his hands, he unleashed a powerful blast of light that completely engulfed Tyraz, burning him out of his Demon Form. When the blast finished, Tyraz was scarred all over, black vapour leaking from his body and his arm missing. He went from standing to falling onto his knees weakly, unable to really stand after taking so much damage. Hachi approached him, panting in exhaustion.

Hachi - I don't care...what excuse you had...I am protecting my friends, you can never stop me from doing that... Tyraz - M-Mammal... Hachi - ''You are worthless as a friend, Tyraz. You betrayed everybody's trust.'' Tyraz - I w-was doing...w-what was right f-for me... Hachi - ''You were selfish, Tyraz. Selfish and stupid.''

Hachi grabbed Tyraz by his neck and pulled him forward, faces close.

Hachi - You go and tell Sarec what you did here today...I dare you...He will never consider you his friend after this. Tyraz - Mamma-

Hachi slapped Tyraz, knocking to the floor.

Hachi - ''It's Hachi. My name...is Hachi.''

Entering the room again, Genrai Nal grabbed Tyraz's arm, and both teleported away. Hachi turned to the Brood Mother and walked over, absolutely exhausted and suffering a major nosebleed.

Hachi - H-Hey...are you alright? Brood Mother - I am now....You are my hero.

The Brood Mother hugged Hachi tighly. Hachi squeaked and blushed, wiping his nose and finding blood all over his hands.

Hachi - I-It was nothing, honestly...

Teleporting next to Hachi was Thea'Nhirara. She appeared in her Rianth form. Hachi looked to Thea'Nhirara and smiled upon seeing her.

Thea'Nhirara - ''Well done. You have not saved just an individual. Today, you saved an entire species.'' Hachi - I-I was s-saving my friends...and punishing the g-guy who thought he could get a-away with it.

Hachi walked over to Thea to hug her but in the end fell flat on the floor, unconscious at her feet. Thea'Nhirara and the Brood Mother waved at each other, and she teleported Hachi away from sight.

Sarec's Misery
Tyraz sat on his throne on board the Ghost of the Warrior. His whole body was scarred and bleeding from where Hachi had damaged him severely. He coughed and spluttered, black blood splattering all over the floor. He was wounded and he couldn't regenerate. As he sat on his theone, a Brood officer walked into the room and bowed. Tyraz looked to the officer as he held his body with his remaining arm.

Officer - How are you feeling Lord Councillor? Tyraz - ''H-How do you think?! Grah...!'' Officer - ''My apologies. I presume whatever hurt you must have been powerful.'' Tyraz - It was...I h-had never seen anything like it...It was terrifying! Officer - How does it feel to have hurt, or been hurt by a friend of a friend.

The officer smiled at Tyraz looked at him with confusion.

Tyraz looked to the officer with confusion - W-What...? What are you talking about?

Officer - ''He knows. Or should I say...''

The Officer smiled as the air simmered and metal creaked. In the blink of an eye the officer wars gone, in his palce was Sarec who was now looming over Tyraz looking furious. Tyraz's eyes widened and he gasped out in horror. Blood poured from his mouth and nostrils as he saw Sarec appear before him, furious. Tyraz was in no condition to even attempt resistance.

Sarec - I KNOW! Tyraz - ''S-Sarec?! What are you d-doing here?!'' Sarec - ''I thought you were better than this Tyraz... I thought I could respect you! Hurting the Alvino Broodmother, but worst of all you not only tried to hurt Hachiman, you goaded him!'' Tyraz - ''I did what I was ordered to, Sarec! I-I was ordered to destroy the Alvino to crush the Legacy! It was not my fault the b-brat got in my way!'' Sarec - ''You could have knocked him out but no! That isn't what you did. Was it! You should know how much I cared for him. If not, you should have known!''

Tyraz stood up and approached Sarec, growling angrily.

Tyraz - ''You dare blame me for this! I did what I was ordered too! He was a liability to my mission! I gave him the offer to step down and get out of my way...and he chose to fight! And if you're aware of anything about my culture...it's that I'm not going to back down from a fight!'' Sarec - ''Fuck your culture Tyraz! You put him in danger, my friend, all so you could keep your cultural values intact!?'' Tyraz - ''That is the WHOLE reason why I aligned with the BCN, Sarec! I joined the BCN because the PCA consists of treacherous scum!'' Sarec - And you thought Hachiman was one of them!? Tyraz - He sure as hell isn't with us and he sure as hell isn't with you!

Sarec snarled as Tyraz mentioned Hachi not being with Sarec. he clenched his fists tightly.

Sarec - And you think that means I shouldn't care about him? Tyraz - ''No matter how much he talks about you...he hates you for what YOU did! Why did YOU join the BCN, Sarec? So that you wouldn't be embarassed by standing next to the little runt when things go bad?!''

Sarec lost his composure, he found himself smacking Tyraz in the face with his arm with a force boosted by his energies. Tyraz was sent flying across the room and let out a pained gasp when he hit the wall. He slowly stood back up and roared at Sarec.

Tyraz - ''Isn't that the truth?! You abandoned him for power!'' Sarec - You know that isn't true! Tyraz - Then why else did you join the BCN?! Sarec - ''Because I wanted this damanble conflict to end! And just what were the Alliance going to do about it!? You saw them Tyraz. When the galaxy needed them they argued amongst themselves! The BCN's superiority is from their incompetence!'' Tyraz - If you're going to ally with the BCN...Don't you DARE put the blame on me when the PCA send in the brat!

Tyraz rushed towards Sarec and slammed his head against Sarec's. he endured the blow and punched Tyraz in the chin. Tyraz growled out in pain. He was hurting all over just from the headbutt, the punch made him feel even more agonizing.

Sarec - I don't want to fight you. Tyraz - ''This isn't about me and you anymore...is it? This is about me and the little brat! Hell after all I've done for you, I even took your side against Arsac and this is how you repay me?!''

Sarec looked away from Tyraz out of shame.

Tyraz - ''What has the runt ever done for you...Nothing! He just sits and cries when things go wrong for him! He wasn't there in your time of need! I WAS!'' Sarec - ''Please... don't.'' Tyraz - ''Who is REALLY your friend, Sarec?! He is a mere child...and he hates you for what YOU did! He is your enemy from here, Sarec!'' Sarec - ''This isntt about deeds. I promised his mentor I could care for and protect him.'' Tyraz - And you betrayed that trust!

Sarec panted with frustration and shook his head.

Tyraz - ''Sarec...Get out of your denial! When I joined with the BCN, I was prepared to fight EVERYBODY that the PCA sent at me! You are clearly not ready, you dived into deep waters while just learning how to swim!''

Sarec turned around, as he did, his body began slowly fading away.

Tyraz - What else have you to say, Sarec...I told you everything. Sarec - I don't want this pain... Tyraz - ''Well live with it, Sarec! I have been witness to betrayal, death and conflict for all of my cursed life! Before you EVER think of blaming me for fighting that little runt you still care for, remember that I am only following my orders and it was HIS fault he was there! I saved you from the pain of the Realm of Absolution...and you have the nerve to challenge me about my actions?!''

Sarec continued fading, clearly upset. Tears began to fall from Tyraz's eyes and he stood up, pointing his one hand towards Sarec.

Sarec - Goodbye Tyraz... Tyraz - ''Damn you to the Realm of Absolution, Sarec! Damn you!''

Sarec finally dissapeared. He left TYraz alone in the room. Tyraz continued to sob and fell back in his throne, repeating the words "damn you" while he cried.

Night had fallen over At Baptarion's residence. As he slept, the amulet Sarec had given Hachiman flickered with energy. Due to the energy's nature, only Hachi could notice this. It glistened, something unknown was causing its energy levels to rise. The shimmering illuminaated the room slightly and drove him to slowly woke up and looked at the amulet hanging around his nack. He was a little too tired to walk, but he managed to sit up and placed his hand on the amulet.

Hachi - Huh...W-What's happening...?

In Hachi's eyes, the scale shimmered with energy. In the windows there was a faint reflection of a Draconis. Hachi then heard a very faint voice in the room, it was hard ot pick up but it was there. "I'm sorry" Hachi's ears perked as he heard the voice and tears began to flow down his cheeks. It reminded him of Sarec.

Hachi - T-They took him a-away...w-why...I-I never did anything to them...

Hachi held his head in his hands as he began to sob quietly, reminded of the times when he was with Sarec, especially where he told him he hated after all the good things they did with one another. After the energies did down to a base state, Hachi sighed and closed his eyes once again. He would've cried, but somehow, he couldn't. He wanted to cry, but he couldn't. It seemed like all the tears he would have shed had just dried up.

We Surrender
In the First Borealis Galactic War, Young Volim had underestimated the Zoles, their powerful technology, their cunning tactics and their strong warriors. But now it had reversed. It was finished. Everything the Polar Crystal Alliance had ever stood for, was finished. Everything that the allies had fought for since the beginning of the war, was finished. Everything they'd loved, cared for, cherished deep down and sworn that they would protect...was finished.

Except for one thing.

The fight against Zargoth.

But there was no way they could do it. Sarec was right; the only possible way they could defeat Zargoth was to surrender to the BCN and work with them. And besides, even if Volim was ruthless, at least Zaarkhun might have some mercy on them if they surrendered as opposed to fighting a lost cause. At least Genrai Nal had a sense of honour and decency that the old Wranploer Legion never had. So Vekaron made the difficult decision to send the following message to Zaarkhun:

"The Polar Crystal Alliance is shattered. We are defeated, hopeless. All that remains are small empires, who are being reduced to nothing by PMCs, and many are betraying our cause. Whatever mind trickery you used, it was good. You, Zaarkhun, are a cunning strategist, and a fucking asshole. You have destroyed everything we have ever cared for and cherished, and continue to kill our people. Even now we see Zoles in what was once our territory exterminated, sent to concentration camps and murdered, in what you call a 'holocaust'. But what more do you want? Do you wish to torture us further? Do you wish to push your 'revolution' to even more people of the galaxy?

"The Polar Crystal Alliance has nothing left to do, but send our only remaining soldiers to you, to fight Zargoth. Inject us with whatever nanomachines you wish, just make it quick. We shall die at least fighting for a cause that could be won. And with what a brilliant strategist and remarkably clever individual you are, I am sure you have thought of something.

"To Volim, I have nothing but a greater disgust for you which has grown so much over the years that it has reached its peak. You are a crook, a greedy criminal, and unlike Zaarkhun, you have no excuse at all for getting into your crimes. The Wranploer may have needed to be brutal to survive early on, but so where the Zoles, and we became good! Because we know that a united group of many people is greater than a small group of strong people! Having so many people to fight with passion, with unity, for one great cause! Did our struggle against Rebaris never teach you this?

"I have so many quarrels with Torrent. Even now he leads the PMC forces to slaughter more innocents, and none of us have even noticed him. And why? Because there are so many of you, causing so much death and so much destruction, that Torrent is not even news anymore. Should I survive the fight against Zargoth, I wish to fight Torrent to the death. But that is my wish, and I am speaking on behalf of the PCA.

"We are finished. We surrender, and we wish to fight with you against Zargoth. I congratulate you on your victory, but I despise you for it. I have to admire one who can pull all this off without us suspecting a thing, but I have to hate you with all my soul because you did. And for that reason, we fight for one last time for a cause that can go somewhere."

The BCN read the message. Volim and Torrent laughed so much their saliva was all over the screen, and they coughed with laughter. But only Zaarkhun felt sorry for them. Zaarkhun knew exactly what it was like to be in that hopeless situation and give up. A tear almost formed in Zaarkhun's eye as he replied:

"Members of the Polar Crystal Alliance,

"I respect you. Not for surrendering, but for having not surrendered until now. Many others would have given up this struggle, but your passion to win, your will to survive, and your courage kept you fighting. I admire that greatly, as it is exactly what has kept me from dying in that hellhole I grew up in. I empathise with you, even though our causes are total opposites. We have a mutual hatred for each other, our factions, and that won't change. I was naive enough once to think it would.

"Personally, I wouldn't have surrendered if I were you. Even if my cause was lost, at that moment, I would become a martyr when I died, and entice other people. But I suppose if your idea of a perfect death is to fight Zargoth, then I shall not take from you anymore. I shall grant you your wish. If you come to the Iron Fist, of which the co-ordinates are attached, then we shall prepare you for combat. And no nanomachines shall be used. We fight together, and then we fight as enemies.

"I have always secretly admired you, even if I have never admired your cause, and in fact detested it. But I have admired you all as people, even though I have just as equally hated you. I'm not as black and white as Volim and Torrent and the old Wranploer Legion are. I suppose that's one of the reasons me and Volim are so different, and why the combination of our two personas makes us such formidable leaders.

"I am a bad person, which I admit. I do some awful things, I murder many innocents, and several people who have died shouldn't have. Many people should be alive, who aren't, and never will be, because of me. But that does not mean I shall change. The universe is full of people like that we can't do anything about, and what must be done, must be done. You've admittedly got the same intentions to damage me as much as I damaged you, no need to hide it. But that's in the past now. I shall grant you the chance to fight Zargoth, and I shall grant your people refuge, rather than death.

"I suppose we're all awful people, really. But that's what has to be done."

Facing Despair
Hachiman could not stop thinking about Sarec. He just knew he was in his room the other night. As a PCA ship travelled though space his amulet glistened again. He knew it meant something, the first chance he had he took to pilot his fighter without any warning and flew in the direction of the Arcadium, Sarec's personal corvette.

After an hour or so of flying the fighter eventually found the chance to docked with the adrift vessel. As Hachi stepped out into the main corridor the place felt strange and miserable. he looked around. He felt guilty inside for earlier, he wanted to make things right. He walked across the main corrdor, noticing a strange air of depression and sadness, he could feel it in his fur. There was a chill down his spine, he started hearing whispers in the air as he traversed gloomy corridors.

"He doesn't want you", "You are a speck on the grand scale of eternity", "You are nothing to him", the voices whispered. Hachi could feel the negative energies through his body, touching his spirit with a cold and sad presence. The voices rung in his head, he didn't want to hear them. But he began to wonder what they were talking about. "You will never experience the end of time, you will never see perfect order. He will" another one said. Hachi passed the door to his old room. Energies appeared to gather here and there was a strange sensation. Hachi approached the door to his room and looked inside. There was his old bed, his video game console, a computer. He smiled, but at the same time he felt sad. That was when he noticed there was something using hsi games console.; a humannoid figure with its back turned to Hachi. It looked oddly familiar, but appeared oblivious to Hachi's presence as it playfully used the console. On closer inspection, the figure had long, drooping ears protruding from the top of its head, covered in soft greyish-blue fur and was surrounded by a faint white aura. Hachi looked at the figure and his eyes widened. He wondered who this was, it reminded him of himself. He walked into the room and looked down at the figure.

Hachi - H-Hello there...w-who are you?

After a few minutes the humannoid pressed the pause button and turned to look at Hachi. It revealed itself to be a duplicate of him, only posessing two luminous white eyes and an echoing voice.

Apparition - ''I'm.. I'm Hachiman, but most people call me Hachi. Who are you?'' Hachi - ''Aww, no way! I'm also called Hachi!''

Hachi smiled and walked up to the figure, but then noticed the glowing eyes. He scratched his head and pointed at the figure.

Hachi - Wait...you don't look happy. Apparition - Yeah, I got to this one level where this boss is a pain in the ass. Hachi - ''Oooh, yeah I know what boss you mean. I needed Sarec to help me out with that guy.'' Apparition - ''I haven't seen him lately... Do you know where he went?''

Hachi shook his head and sighed.

Hachi - I'm wondering that myself...

The apparition sighed.

Apparition - ''I miss him. This place is getting scary.'' Hachi - Yeah, it d-does look pretty scary...I was here to find Sarec, did you wanna come? Apparition - ''Well. Okay. Can't get past this boss anyway.''

The apprarition put the controller down and stood up. He appeared to be an almsot exact copy of hachi, save for the eyes and fur colour.

Hachi - You look a lot like me, ya know that? Apparition - I could say the same about you.

Hachi chuckled and began to walk with the apparition, not really realizing who it was or what he represented.

Hachi - How long have you been around here for? Apparition - ''Well, since Sarec agreed to let me stay with him. That was after the Chosen were all killed.'' Hachi - Huh, I bet you and Sarec got on well, huh.

The Apparition nodded exitedly. Another voice whispered "You cling to a delusion, he cares for none of you." Upon hearing this, the apprarition quickly hid behind Hachi.

Apparition - Wh..what was that? Hachi - I d-dunno...I've been hearing them ever since I got here.

As they progressed further, the hull panels appeared twisted and deformed. behind him, Hachi could hear the apparition squeaking with fear.

Hachi - This place looks pretty messed up ever since I left... Apparition - I don't like this place anymore... Hachi - ''Hmm? How much time have you spent in that room?'' Apparition - I dunno... Hachi - ''Heh, Baptarion always told me that video games were bad for me. He said they'd stop me from sleeping.'' Apparition - Well, there were a few really late nights.

Spirits and Memories
The energies within the ship continued to become more twisted as they progressed deeper. Hachi's amulet glistened with energy. It appeared to attract the apparition's attention.

Hachi - Huh, this thing is going mental...It keeps doing that, I wonder if it's something to do with electrics or something. Apparition - Ooh, what is that? Hachi - ''Hmm? Oh, this is...a gift, from Sarec. It's an amulet with one of his scales in it.'' Apparition - Cool, can I see it.

Hachi handed the amulet to the apparition and smiled as he did. The apparition looked at it and the scale seemed to shine in his hand. it was mesmerised by the light.

Apparition - This is pretty... Hachi - ''Yeah, it's quite a nice gift. I feel bad for almost leaving it here when I left the ship...''

There was a sudden thump in the distance, the apparition squeaked and dropped the amulet. Hachi picked up the amulet and placed it around his neck again. His ears perked when he heard the thump and walked forward.

Hachi - W-What's that? Apparition - ''It sounds loud... and heavy...I'm scared.''

The thumps became louder, closing in where they were. Hachi stood in front of the apparition and held out his arms.

Hachi - Get behind me!

A door in front of him was battered open, tearing it away was a creature that looked like Arsac. Like the apparition, she too had glowing white eyes and pallid skin. The apparition cowered behind Hachi and squeaked with fear. Hachi himself squeaked in fear but stepped forward.

Arsac - What are YOU doing here? Hachi - ''W-Wait, Arsac?! What are you doing here?'' Arsac - ''I came looking for Sarec. The Inquisition wants his head for his deeds!'' Hachi - W-Wait...wasn't that settled ages ago? Arsac - No. It wasn't. Apparition - She wants to kill Sarec!

Hachi growled and took another step forward towards Arsac.

Hachi - Go back home, Arsac! Arsac - Excuse me? Hachi - You don't need to kill Sarec! Arsac - ''He made a bargain with supernatural beings. It is either death or incarceration.'' Hachi - So you think I should be put to death?! Arsac - ''Why you? Collaboration with him, maybe.'' Hachi - My Teacher, Thea'Nhirara!

Arsac marched up to Hachi and extended her power claws. The Apparition squeaked louder.

Arsac - Are you trying to provoke me? Hachi - ''Why are you even here...I don't understand! I thought Sarec was off the hook ages ago!'' Arsac - Oh no, i've been looking for him for a while now.

Arsac had that look in her blank white eye and she swung a claw at Hachi. he countered with his mechanical arm, he didn't want to hurt her but he didn't want her to kill Sarec either. The apparition panicked and scrabbled for somewhere to hide. Arsac was surrounded by the same aura as he was. She grunted as hachi blocked her atttack, she swung her other claw past his torso. he grunted as he felt his torso in pain and slammed his mechanical arm against her head, trying to knock her out. Arsac was hit and staggered, abck she shook her head and growled, she then charged forward to tackle hachi. He clenched his fist and ran at Arsac, he wasn't prepared for a full fight but he felt like he needed to do something.

Hachi - Leave us alone!

Arsac lowered her head and collided with Hachi at full speed. Hachi squeaked out in pain and was thrown back against a wall. She marched up to Hachi and readied her power claws.

Arsac - Weak and path--

She was interrupted when she felt soemthing grasp her tail. The Apparition had gathered the courage to hold ehr back in a distraction.

Apparition - ''Leave my friend. Alone!''

Hachi looked over and, taking his chance, he leaped up and slammed his metal fist against Arsac's head. She was knocked to the floor. Rather than spilling blood as one would expect, her skull was deformed but released a burst of vapour as she collapsed. Hachi squeaked but then analyzed what happened, and realized this wasn't the real Arsac. He knelt down to get a better look, before looking back up at the apparition.

Hachi - Are you...Are you made of the same stuff?

The apparition titlted his head in confusion.

Apparition - How should I know?

Hachi shrugged and smiled, standing up. He then walked with the apparition again, forgetting completely about Arsac on the ground.

Hachi - Come on, let's go find Sarec and have a talk with him. Apparition - Okay, do you think he's though that hole Arsac made? Hachi - ''Hmm...he could be, that's a good idea. C'mon, the ship can't be that big!''

The appraition followed Hachi closely behind. The voices continued, growing ever more aggresive to Hachi. He began to squeak and covered his ears, holding the apparition's arm in fear.

Ahead of Hachi lay the door to Sarec's room. This was the epicentre of the disrupting energies. The apprarition stopped in his tracks and pulled Hachi with him. The corridor around them felt twisted. hachi felt as though reality and illusion were blendingi into one as the walls twisted and shifted before hsi very eyes.

Apparition - D-do we h-h-have ot go though that door... Hachi - W-Well...you don't have to if you don't want to...But if we r-really want to see Sarec, we'll need to...It's the only way. Apparition - ''What if you get lost in there. I might never see Sarec ever again.'' Hachi - W-Well...We just gotta hope, haven't we?

The apprarition nodded, it looked very frightened in its blank white eyes. Hachi smiled and hugged the apparition, attempting to calm him.

Hachi - Hey, everything's gonna be okay.

The apparition nodded, tears began flowing fom its eyes. Suddenly, its arms began to phase in an out. However it didn't notice, he continued to hug the apparition and smiled, patting his back.

Hachi - ''Hey, everything's gonna be fine. Have faith in me...no need to cry...'' Apparition - ''Oh... okay.''

A phasing pulse then flowed up from the apparition's stomach. For a brief second, its ears vanished. The phasing ebcame more noticeable and more frequent. Hachi noticed the phasing and he became a little worried. He looked visibly upset and tried to hold the apparition's hand.

Hachi - ''H-Hey! W-What's happening? H-Hachi?!'' Apparition - ''What do you mean? What's happening to you!'' Hachi - ''W-Whaa? You're fading! P-Please, dunt leave me!''

The apparition began to cry even more. While Hachi saw him fading away, the apparition ,though its own ryes, was seeing Hachi fade away.

Apparition - ''I don't want you leaving me! I'm sacred!''

The appraition ran to hugged Hachi tightly, crying its eyes out it gradually faded to nothing, Hachi could still hear it sobbing. He began to tear up as he was left hugging nothing. He was now alone, he didn't want to leave the apparition. He liked it, he liked being around it. They had just met, but he knew he befriended it.

Hachi - I...I-I'll miss you.

Hachi looked to the door and opened it slowly, still a little upset. As the door was opened ajar there was a white bust of light.

Doorway to an Incomprehensable Mind
Looking through, Hachi noticed that all notions it was a normal room were gone. It lookedl ike he was standing on a collection of floating rocks in a multicoloured version of deep space. Ribbons of energy flowed all around the area and despite being in space, it was as though the ship's artificial gravity generators were still working, he could still walk across these rocks like he could the surface of a Earth-sized planet.

Hachi - This is strange...W-What's going on...

In the distance, on a nearby rock, he could hear Sarec crying. Around him, the environment was constantly shifting and warping. As though reality crumbled around him. he looked over to the rock and then attempted to jump across the rocks towards him. He felt rather trippy as he looked at the environment around him. He found he could bound further than before in this strange area. he landed firmly on the next few rocks. "He does not want you!" "You destroyed him!" the voices continued as he jumped across the rocks and heard the whispers in more detail. He looked down and sighed sadly, sitting down on the rock he landed on.

??? - ''Do you hear him crying human? You destroyed him, he is a shell.'' Hachi - I'm...sorry...I wish I could've turned back time, r-really...he's not a bad guy... ??? - ''But that is your fault. it is your fault he became this.'' Hachi - ''It was his choice to join the BCN! He can't live without consequences...my Teacher told me that...'' ??? - ''And this is his punishment. To live a lonely being until the end of time.'' Hachi - ''No...I d-didn't want this... He doesn't deserve all this...'' ??? - ''It does not matter. In the time he blinks, you will die. But what can you do? You are a lowly mortal, a speck of dirt on the grand scale of time.''

Sarec was not far away from Hachi, the latter could hear him sobbing. Hachi squeaked and bashed his hand against the ground, in frustration and guilt. He didn't want all this to happen, but he needed to fix this. He looked up and perked his ears, turning his head to try and find him. Nearby to Hachi, some of the ribbons of energy coalesced into a man-sized cloud.

??? - He is happy here, he is where he belongs! Hachi - ''He isn't happy! He's depressed, he's guilty! He doesn't want to go through this, I shouldn't have left him!''

The cloud approached Hachi. Two white eyes appeared in it and before he knew it a foot was thrusted straight at his head. Hachi's eyes widened and he leaped back. He placed a hand on his blade and looked towards the figure, growling. He didn't know what this really was, but it was trying to stop him.

Hachi - ...I need to help Sarec!

The cloud formed into the apparition hachi thought had disappeared earlier. IT now looked angry. Hachi's eyes widened and he squeaked in confusion. He blinked a few times before placing his sword away.

Apparition - No! You only want to take him from me! Hachi - I don't want to fight you...I'm trying to help Sarec. Apparition - ''You only want to keep him for yourself! I don't want to be alone.'' Hachi - ''T-That's not true! You have me wrong! I'm here...to help Sarec out of his state.'' Appartion - He is perfectly fine as he is! Hachi - ''No he's not! You're wrong! Please, don't make me do this!''

The apparition clenched his fists. he growled and charged at Hachi, sweeping his leg under Hachi to knock him over and Hachi grunted as he spun in the air, however he managed to balance himself on his hands and then swing his feet round, delivering two circular kicks to the side of the apparition's head. The apparition blocked one and was smacked in the head with the other, staggering back he performed a kick that went around and down on hachi's crotch. he tet out a high-pitched squeak, held his crotch and sat on the floor for a moment, before looking up at the apparition.

Hachi - It looks like you're not gonna help me out...then you might as well go away!--

The apparition swung his foot. Hachi sat completely still, except for moving his head an inch away from the kick. Taking the opportunity, Hachi leaped forward and swung his fist apparition's head in mid-air. The attack was blocked and the apparition swung his arm to punch Hachi in the side. The fist was grabbed and, while in a lock with his enemy, Hachi lifted his right leg and kicked the apparition in his own side. He was knocked to the side and staggered. Regaining composure through sliding his hand down the floor he charged again, he leaping forward and performed a blackflip once laning in order and hsi feet passed Hachi's head after the latter quickly side-stepped to his right. He and watched as the apparition landed. As soon as he could, he swung his fists in diagonal motions towards the apparation's face.

Hachi was tiring, he hadn't fought like this for a long time. The apparition blocked both attacks and kicked Hachi in the stomach. Unlike Hachi, he was not tiring from exercise, but he was still weakened by the attacks. Hachi grunted and spat out some blood. Coughing and spluttering, he narrowed his eyes and charged at the apparition, swinging his body around in another circular motion with his leg outstretched, to attempt a side kick to the head which knocked his opponent back. Hachi coughed and spat once more, to clear his mouth.

Apparition - Why won't you leave us alone! Hachi - ''Why do you want to fight me...? I said I'm trying to help Sarec!'' Apparition - ''No you're not! You want ot take him away from me!'' Hachi - ''No, that's not true! I...I don't want to take him away...'' Apparition - ''You do! You want to have him for yourself!''

Hachi realsied what the apparition was saying and felt something familiar. He grasped his head and grunted. He realised this was what he had been saying all those times before, he finally understood why the apparition was fighting him.

Hachi - If you want to make him happy...you need to let me see him. Apparition - ''Why!? I can't live without him! I don't want to be alone! I should have let Arsac kill you!'' Hachi - ''You know that would've solved nothing! I'm sorry, but I need to do this!''

With a scream, the apparition ran towards Hachi and kicked him over a ledge. Hachi let out a cry and was knocked back. He gripped onto the ledge with his mechanical arm and squeaked out in horror. He didn't want to fall, he knew if he did it would be the end of him. He looked at the apparition and he squeaked sadly. The apparition walked up and looked down over the ledge.

Apparition - With you gone, Sarec and I can be friends until the end of time! Hachi - I'm sorry but...you're not real...I realise it now...you're just a substitute...You're not really a person, you're Sarec's attempt to replace me...Or rather, you're his attempt to be me... Apparition - I'm as real as you are! Hachi - No, that's what Sarec wants to believe...I'm sorry, but I need to do this!

The apparition lited his foot to stamp on Hachi's fingers. Hachi grabbed the apparition's leg and pulled him over the edge for a moment, before throwing him across the rock surface they had just been fighting on. Hachi took the chance to jump back onto the rock and drew his sword, looking at the apparition.

Hachi - I don't want to do this...but this is the only way to help Sarec and that is all that matters!

The apparition coughed as he lay on the ground, eventually he slowly stood up. Hachi let out a sad sigh and ran towards the apparition. He leaped forwards and wrapped his legs around the apparition's neck, he slammed the butt of his sword down on the apparition's head. The apparition threw his legs forward and attempted to grapple Hachi from behind, he was not as fully affective after the blow to the head. Hachi grunted as he struggled and turned, throwing his robotic fist towards the apparition's head. His sword had been thrown to the edge of the rock they were fighting on.

Hachi - Let me through! Apparition - Urgh, Never!

Hachi's fist slammed into the apparition's head. With a gasp the apparition was severely disoriented. Taking his chance, Hachi wrapped his arm around the apparition's head, grappling him. With his mechanical fist, he began to repeatedly and quickly slam his mechanical fist into the apparition's stomach and chest. The speed of the punches increaed with every strike. With enough punishment, the apparition let go with his legs and collapsed. Panting heavily with energy streaming out from his wounds. Hachi stood up and looked down at the apparition with a sad expression and knelt down, to look at the apparition in the eyes. No pupils, they only glowed white, but Hachi could see the sadness within them.

Hachi - I'm sorry...But you have to understand...I'm not here to take Sarec away...

The apparition's jaw quaked as it was weak from pain, glistening tears streamed from its eyes. Hachi began to tear up as well and couldn't bear to see the apparition in pain. But he couldn't bring himself to go get it, he stayed with the apparition.

Hachi - I'm sorry...I'm s-so, so sorry...I wish there was a w-way I could keep you and S-Sarec around...

The apparition gave a slight nod and closed its eyes. Its body faded into a cloud of energy that scatterd around Hachi. He began to sob and tears streamed down his cheeks. However, he knew he didn't have long. Holding back his tears with effort, he grabbed his sword and placed it away, jumping towards Sarec's location.

Sarec lay on his bed at the epicentre of the area. The vicinity appeared to be a tiny pocket of reality within the raw chaos. Hachi looked to Sarec lying on his bed and slowly approached. He knew Sarec was upset, but Hachi knew he needed to make this right. He couldn't go on with somebody living like this. Sarec noticed Hachi in his peripheral vision. He stuggled to lift and turn his head to have one eye gaze at him.

Sarec - ''Hachiman...? Are you...'' Hachi - Sarec...Y-Yeah...I'm here... Sarec - ''Is it... really you?''

Hachi nodded and approached Sarec, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Hachi - Sarec...I'm sorry...I must be a total disgrace to you, for what I said... Sarec - ''I... should never.. have turned... my back. All I w-wanted was for... you to be... safe and the war to...end.'' Hachi - Sarec...I understand it now, I was wrong to overreact...I was angry, that's all...But I don't care about the war, Sarec.

Sarec turned his head slightly

Sarec - You...you're not mad? Hachi - ''Sarec...I was mad before but...I didn't understand at the time. Now...Now I realize what you did was all for me and I shouldn't have turned away like that...I don't hate you, Sarec, I never did.''

A smile crept on Sarec's face.

Sarec - ''I know I was wrong to chosse the BCN, i'm sorry Tyraz hurt you... i'm sorry I could not be there when he did...'' Hachi - ''Sarec...Tyraz was doing what he was told to do...It was my choice. The PCA didn't send me in officially...It was my fault I got hurt, but it was either I get hurt or the Brood Mother died...'' Sarec - ''You... are a good friend.''

Sarec slowly gained the courage to heave himself up. He then realised where he was.

Sarec - ''Oh no... you didn't see anything unpleasant did you?'' Hachi - I...I made friends with...a spirit sorta thing, called Hachi...And then I fought Arsac, who wasn't really Arsac...And then I had to fight the spirit guy... Sarec - ''Oh... I see you met him. That Hachi was a thoughtform... I created him after you left out of feeling lonely. He was fine at first, like how I wanted thigs to be... then he became rather obsessive.'' Hachi - Yeah, I guessed...Is that why you left him in his r-room...? Sarec - ''Sort-of... That was where I...created him. Where he felt msot comfortable.'' Hachi - I guess that m-makes sense...I feel a little sorry for him... Sarec - ''He... was only an imitation. I suppose it was oe of the reasons I felt he wasn't the same.''

Sarec stood up out of bed. The room gradually returned to normal, with normality proggressively extending out from the bed. Hachi smiled as the room returned to normal and he went up to Sarec, hugging him while sobbing a little. Sarec lowered himself to oen knee and allowed Hachi to hug his body. He hugged back gently.

Hachi - Sarec...I'm sorry... Sarec - 'I forgive you.'' Hachi - S-Sarec...what are w-we gonna do...Everything's f-falling to shit and I-I don't know who to t-trust anymore...The o-only person I r-really can trust is y-you and Teacher... Sarec - ''A difficult question. But something tells me that we should at least see things through. Hachi, if you trust me, prehaps we can still bring an end to Zargoth's madness.''

Hachi nodded with a smile. Sarec eventually let go and stood up let go.

Hachi - Y-Yes...Of course...If it m-means an end to a-all the people dying, then yes... Sarec - ''I kept everything as it was before you left. I apologise if my...powers scared you on your way here.'' Hachi - I-It's fine, S-Sarec...Heh, I j-just hope that l-little imitation d-didn't erase all my saved games...or rearranged my magazines...Goddammit he did, didn't he. Sarec - I can help you sort everything out if you like.

Before sarec left the room he turned around and looked towards Hachi. By now much of the ship had returned to a normal state, the gloomy mood was erased as lighting was restored.

Sarec - When this is over I absolutely promise to take you to Andromeda.

Hachi smiled and nodded to Sarec, wiping his eyes

Hachi - ''T-That would b-be great, S-Sarec! I b-been wanting a h-holiday for a while...''

Sarec returned to the Arcanum's bridge. Meanwhile Hachi decided to make himself at home in his old room. He opened the door and let out a relieved sigh as he jumped and spread himself out on the bed. Every thing was how he had left it, just like Sarec said. Tilting his head to look over at the games console he couldn't help but remember the Apparition when they first met, and he sighed.

The Final Battle
See here!

Borealis Empire
Zargoth's destruction was only one part of the Consortium's big plan of domination. With the leaders of the Polar Crystal Alliance dead, the Arm of Knowledge fell into disarray. Extragalactics started to leave the galaxy, seeing it as a lost cause. They needed a hero, someone who would save them Zaarkhun's claws. And that hero was Volim. In the following weeks of Zargoth's death, Volim broadcasted across the entire galaxy a scene everyone was very surprised to see: him cornering Falrik Zaarkhun and crushing his neck, murdering him instantly. The galaxy, pretty much leaderless, saw as the one they consdered an enemy kill the one who supposely destroyed all order. They saw a hero in Volim for this, and welcomed the Consortium's expansion. However, by then, it was no longer the Consortium. It was the Borealis Empire. Led by Volim and Falrik Zaarkhun, who fooled the entire galaxy with a decoy, the Wranploer were now definetely in charge. The average citizen would never suspect such a thing. He just wanted the chaos to end, and Volim supposely did so. Except that from there on, it only got worse.

Volim's tyranny expanded through the galaxy, indoctrinating, dominating, enslaving everything in his path. The Niaka all became his personal forces. The mysterious Seagon were razed off the map. The Imalmah were forced into slavery. And the Borealis Grox could do little to stop the growing juggernaut. Neither did they really have any reason to. The new Borealis Empire had one supreme standard: you are either a Wranploer, or you are scum. Scum to be exploited by whatever your "masters" desired. However, this was only Volim's half of the schemes.

Zaarkhun had always strived for freedom and for natural selection to be what governed society. And in a way, that did fit in with Volim's ideals, too...as the best of the best were selected naturally, as they were freely allowed to fight amongst each other, freely allowed to kill, to murder, and to breed with whoever. It was like living in the animal kingdom...but if anyone opposed the "masters", they would be doomed. But in Zaarkhun's eyes, they had been naturally selected as the masters, and this was totally fair. Competition between businesses, between scientists, between PMCs and between different social groups would lead to the strongest surviving, and the strongest of them making up the strongest part of the Empire. However, Zaarkhun never truly believed in his 'total anarchy' ideas he preached; while it was true he strived for freedom and natural seelcetion,. he knew both were impractical with no governing body at all. And so Zaarkhun's ideas fit perfectly well with Volim's. Was that a good thing? Debatable. On paper, the people have become far stronger and far more prepared to adapt and to fight against anything. But in practice, people were dying. People were becoming enslaved. People became desparate. Zaarkhun had created the very same poverty he was born in. As more people lived in slums and died, many people began to resent the Borealis Empire.

The Borealis Empire. A very strange mix between a dictatorship tyranny and an anarchy. Two villainous minds, twisted by their upbringings that influenced their personmal beliefs, twisted by their experiences, twisted by their hatred, and with almost opposite views. Yet these twisted minds didn't fight, they worked together. And two twisted minds created twisted offspring. Offspring which couldn't figure itself out. Which couldn't figure out whether it was north or south. Except this offspring brought an entire galaxy into it. And the strange mix between the two ideals pleased Volim and Zaarkhun. As Volim got the very dicatorship he wanted, Zaarkhun's ideals had meant his soldiers were far stronger, and he could now back up all his "Wranploer as masters" ideal. As Zaarkun got the kind of freedom and natural selection he'd strived for, as well as a government he didn't see as corrupt, Volim's keeping the entire system from collapsing would make his anarchy unstoppable. But a twisted mind always produces a twisted offspring. And any sane mind that falls for the ways of a twisted mind arguably too becomes twisted. Two twisted minds had created a very twisted galaxy. But no one was sure whether or not this was actually an improvement on Borealis.

It had ended.

...

...

...

From outside of the galaxy, a golden sillhouette watched. It had unfinished business to do.

=A New Era Ends=

The Archeologist
Back in the Milky Way, Baptarion was working on his new laboratory. For him, it was extremely disgrunting to not be back at Borealis, but there was nothing else to do there. The Collective considered the galaxy a lost cause, and abandoned their territory. A Duletha turned up, speaking to Baptarion.

Duletha - Sir... Baptarion - Yes? Duletha - Your new laboratory, sir? Your new scientific development projects, sir? Baptarion - What about them? Duletha - Many of the materials and resources that you had obtained to speed them up are still left behind in Borealis, sir. Baptarion - *sigh* I though we had taken everything with us when we moved to this galaxy. Duletha - ''I'm afraid not. Mant of the colonists were evacuating in so much of a hurry we left everything behind.'' Baptarion - ''Hmpf. I suppose I'll have to take a force there to get all the stuff back then.'' Duletha - ''If you think it's safe. I hear the Borealis Empire are quick to eliminate everything that isn't one of their own. You know piracy is legal?'' Baptarion - ''To hell with the Borealis Empire's opinion. We'll just go there and take what's ours.'' Duletha - ''I don't think that attitude will help us. There's one thing that isn't legal, and that's opposing their government.'' Baptarion - ''I fear no space pirates. And we'll not accomplish anything here. Let's just get this done.''

The Duletha nodded, then gave out the message to prepare Baptarion's ships.

After travelling to Borealis, making sure the Empire had not followed them, Baptarion had his men recover the resources. Suddenly, Baptarion heard a strange sensation, as if something was watching him. A voice was heard in his mind. It sounded sooting, calm, and familiar.

Voice - Do not give up... Baptarion - Uh? Voice - ''There is a way to fix all this. A way to save this galaxy.'' Baptarion - Funny joke.

A luminous sillhouette appeared to Baptarion, which appeared to resemble Tuolog. Baptarion was taken back completely.

Baptarion - But you're dead... Voice - ''Follow the coordinates I give you. I give more information later. Can't speak for long or else Zaarkhun might notice me.''

Baptarion was confused as all hell, and chose not to respond. The sillhoette pointed at a nearby computer and several coordinates appeared.

Voice - Help us save Borealis.

Baptarion just looked at it, surprised. He wasn't even thinking straight at that moment. And as fast as it appeared, the sillhoette was gone.

Baptarion - ...Well I guess I'm off...

The Head Caretaker
Poor Mechanic. Far too old for this crap. The Mechanic had blamed himself completely for everything that had happened, and would now live in eternal guilt. Volim and Zaarkhun were now so much more powerful than him that he was their slave. But how long would they allow him to stay alive? Probably not too long. Oh well. Time for an old timer to make the most of what was happening left. Still guilty, still mourning the loss of his best friends - Arkarixus and Tuolog - the Mechanic tried to keep everything in order.

The Mechanic - Mirrass IV, Brood Mother...how's everything? Mirras IV - Terrible, sir...our days might be counted. The Mechanic - You're damn right... Brood Mother - ''Yes. My Scouts claim Volim is planning to destroy us sooner or later.'' The Mechanic - ''Not surprised. Well, we're not going down without a fight, are we?'' Mirras IV - ''Definetely not! We got over the "thing", we can deal with that fat orange bastard.'' The Mechanic - ''That's what I like to here. How's The Mother? I suppose she's probably evacuating the Caretakers. I hope she is. They won't touch the Relays again. I ordered a boycott.'' Brood Mother - ''We've not heard from her in a while. I hope she's okay.'' The Mechanic - Eh...doubtful, to say the least.

Suddenly, the same voice that had spoken to Baptarion was heard by the Mechanic, and no one else.

Voice - Close transmission, we need to talk. The Mechanic - What the heck do you want?! Voice - ''To save galaxy. Close transmission.''

The Mechanic angrily shut it down.

The Mechanci - ''Listen you stupid young whippersnapper, if you're thinking you can do this often then think again! I'm not having anyone interrupt me like that! I'm an old man, I could get a heart attack!''

The voice chuckled as the sillhouette appeared to the Mechanic. Tuolog's sillhouette.

The Mechanic - ''Tuolog, buddy? Eh...?'' Voice - ''There is hope left. Follow coordinates I give you. We can save Borealis together.'' The Mechanic - ...Okay buddy...HEYWAITAMINUTE

The sillhouette had disappeared mid-sentence.

The Mechanic - ''Awww! Guess I better check it out...''

The Prodigal Son
Wandering the universe, about to leave Borealis, Mac took up his plain old mercenary business as before. He saw quickly there was no business for him in Borealis.

Mac - I wonder if the Milky Way want somethin' done. ??? - Borealis has unfinished business. Mac - Not likely.

A sillhouette appeared next to Mac, placing one of its hands on his shoulder.

Voice - ''There is hope for Borealis. There is way of making things right once more.'' Mac - ''...Are you trying to make me laugh? That kind of sick sense of humour is just bad.'' Voice - Help fix things up. Mac - Not interested.

The silhouette became clearer looking, and was revealed to look like Tuolog. Mac's eyes widened. He knew it was an illusion, but seeing Tuolog again gave him so many memories of all the people he'd once been friends with. He started feeling slightly sorry for Tuolog's death. But he still shrugged it off.

Mac - ''Try harder.There's nothing for me here. Or for anyone.'' Voice - ''This not the Mac I know. You would not turn your back on your friends like this. Me, UNO, the Tralzica, all the Polar Crystal Alliance men who risked life to save you from Regnatus. If you really so selfish, then maybe you do deserve being cursed.''

Mac looked down. His heart was filled with sorrow. He was regretting not helping now. He started to feel more like being true to this cause. Maybe he could do it to avenge them...yet still, why should he? What's the chances he could accomplish anything? Mac was done helping others. He growled, clenched his fist then retorted:

Mac - Get out!

The silhouette waved its hand, replacing Mac's screens with various coordinates.

Voice - Prove me I wrong. Mac - ''Save it, illusion. I'm through with saving the universe.'' Voice - ''Then run. Like a coward. You truly not the Mac I was so proud of.''

The silhouette disapepared. And Mac knew he was lying to himself when he was telling the illusion he didn't care. He also knew that he was making it apparent to this illusion that, in truth, he did care. Mac looked at the co-ordinates and turned his ship around. He would get nothing out of this. ANd would probably be wasting his time. But he'd do it...for them.

Meeting of Three
The three had their way to a distant, inhabited place, filled with ruins. Possibly one of the Empire's many victims. Following the coordinates, they all met inside a building.

Baptarion - ''Oh, hello Mechanic. And...Taldar who I forgot the name.'' Mac - It's Mac. Baptarion - ''Yes. That.'' The Mechanic - Hey, you guys get some weirdo voice talking to ya? Baptarion - ''Yeah. It sounded and looked like Tuolog.'' The Mechanic - ''Maybe it was.

A bright light appeared in the middle of the room, and the Tuolog silhouette appeared to all of them.

Voice - ''Excellent. You are all here.'' Mac - That illusion again. The Mechanic - Oh yeah, I forgot to check...and yeah it's an illusion but...what the hell does it want? Voice - ''Allow me to explain. But first, let me get rid of this...disgusting form.''

The silhouette turned into dark purple and twitched violently, slowly taking a new form. Kolossus. Mac - YOU!!!! The Mechanic - ''Aww, come on! What could you want? You've lost anyway! Stop tryna kill us!'' Kolossus - ''I am not here to kill you, imbeciles. I'm here to get rid of Zaarkhun.'' Mac - That's what they all say. Kolossus - ''Look, I don't like this any more than you do, but this was all part of my master's plan. He knew Zaarkhun was going to destroy him, so he ordered me to "fake death" so I could get a bunch of warriors to fix the issue later. Since everyone else is either dead or just not suitable for the job, I'll have to work with you.''

The group was confused. Was Kolossus really proposing a partnership?

The Mechanic - ''...did you get anything that he said? HEY. WISE GUY. SPEAK-A-DA-NORMAL-LANGUAGE, OKAY?'' Mac - ''Huh. So you're going to use us to help your boss. What's in it for us?'' Kolossus - ''If everything goes well, Zaarkhun will be gone. Permanently. And this timeline will never have happened.'' Baptarion - Can you actually do that? Kolossus - ''Bahaha, look who you're talking to. Of course I can. Today we'll break a few dozen rules. No alternate timeline, we're going back through this one.'' Mac - That's not legal, stable...or possible.

Kolossus snarled at Mac.

Kolossus - ''You forget I am second only to Zargoth. Him and Volzara are both gone anyway. Rules don't apply here. Besides, I'm not really famous for playing by the rules, now, am I?'' Mac - ''...Fair point. If you literally change this timeline and prevent it from just being forked...huh...I can't imagine it working. So many hundreds of alternate timelines...heck billions, as Zargoth was gone around everywhere...just so much that needs fixing...are you honestly sure you're up to it?'' Kolossus - ''My master is dead. Of course I do. But first, I am currenctly weakened from that whole fake death thing, so we still need that baby Taldar here. Where's that twerp? I'm pretty sure I called him here too.'' Mac - I'm sure you can call him.

Kolossus growled and channeled his power into the nearby floor, until the Baby Taldar appeared. The Baby Taldar was now literally a glowing ball of Chronoscopic energy. It made weird, almost computerised noises at Kolossus.

Kolossus - About time. Baptarion - Do baby Taldars all look like energy spheres? Mac - Think so. Kolossus - ''Hey, at least it's not as ugly-looking. Now, prepare yourselves. We're going back to the past.''

Kolossus and the Baby Taldar formed a link of energy, empowering each other, and Kolossus opened his wings, causing a shockwave. The group was blinded by energy and felt strange. Would that really work? Only time would tell.

Setting Things Right
Early 2791, a few days after the destruction of Regnatus. The united Polar Crystal Alliance group saw Volim and Falrik Zaarkhun escape with the united Chronoscopic Orb, murdering Kaltogo in the process. It seemed as a defeat for the group, but as they were about to leave, a portal-like rift appeared in front of them.

Hachi -'' Huh...? Am I tripping again?'' Tyraz - What is the meaning of this...? Lemmo - ...Uh? Sarec - What is going on? Zr'Ahgloth - aw fuks sake man dis days weirdo

Outside of the rift emerged Kolossus, the Baby Taldar, Baptarion, the Mechanic and Mac. The Baptairon and Mac already present in the group were startled. Uriel clutched the handle of his sword.

Hachi - ''Huh? B-Baptarion!'' Tyraz - Is that...Kolossus! The Mechanic - ''Hey, don't worry. We're friendlies!'' Kolossus - ''Eat your heart out, Mac. I told you it would work.'' Mac - Bah. Sarec - Okay...not even I expected this to happen.

Hachi ran over to hug Baptarion, seemingly either unaware of the others or not caring for them.

Falrik Zaarkhun - But...how...? Kolossus - ''Hmm. I should give you all an explanation. Allow me.''

Kolossus spread his wings and launched a wave of energy at all directions. However, it was not destructive. Instead, contact with the energy made the group remember everything that had happened in the future. The fights between Tyraz and Sarec, the destruction of the Niaka, the end of the Zoles...Zargoth's destruction.

Lemmo - ''Ah? Uh? What happened? Why am I in the past?''

Lemmo pointed his pistols at the team.

Tyraz - ''Urgh! ...What is the meaning of this Kolossus!'' Falrik Zaarkhun -What the hell am I doing here...? Lemmo - ''Hey, hey... we'll be friends...'' Kolossus - I am here to set things right.

Kolossus glared at Zaarkhun.

Hachi - Yep, I'm definitely tripping again. Sarec - You're not alone... Past Baptarion - This can't be healthy. Future Baptarion - Indeed. Kolossus - ''Oh. Yes, I have to fix that too.''

Kolossus launched a blast which united both Baptarions and both Macs into one being.

Mac - What the- Hachi - ''Aww! I preferred it when there were two Baptarions!''

Falrik Zaarkhun pulled out his gun and pointed it at Kolossus.

Falirk Zaarkhun - You will not spoil my plan... Kolossus - Try me, mortal.

Zaarkhun roared, then fired the Orb's energies at Kolossus, who evaded the energies and launched his own.

Kolossus - ''What are you doing staring? Attack him!''

Sarec spread his wings in a rapid fashion, sending a blade-like shockwave towards Falrik. Tyraz looked to Zaarkhun and roared out, launching himself at him. Hachi also ran at Zaarkhun, drawing his sword. However, both were shilended by the Rogue Loron and Fostrak. Lemmo simply stayed and watched the show, thinking. The past made him think a lot. He remembered N'ras' words, about him being a hero. He remembered the Minga massacre. He was thinking.

Falrik Zaarkhun - You don't want to attack me...I have Sella on my side! Volim - Zaarkhun, we have to get out of here!

Falrik Zaarkhun pulled out his guns and fired. Meanwhile, Uriel drew his own sword and held Volim at blade-point.

Sollow - Just run you idiot...

Sollow grabbed the Orb and teleported them out.

Kolossus -'' Hmpf! He runs like the coward he is!'' Mac - You expected him to do anything different?

Uriel snarled.

Kolossus - ''I did not. Which is why I studied where he would run off to, and now we'll go after him.'' Hachi - Please be a strip club! Uriel -'' You knew he would do this? Then why didn't you stop him!'' Kolossus - Because destroying both him and the Wranploer homeworld is more productive, Draconis.

Uriel sheathed his sword, and Kolossus created a portal in front of the group.

Uriel - ''Two raptors with one stone. Not a bad idea.'' Tyraz - Why should I trust any portal created by you, Kolossus?

Mac glared at Tyraz.

Mac -'' That's our portal, too. Kolossus needs us more than we need him.'' Vekaron - ''Woah woah woah. We're going to Vijaha? Without an army?'' Kolossus - Leave the armies to me. The Mechanic - Yeah, Kolossus is in a bit of a state, you know, with Zargoth being dead and all. Kolossus - You all get on the portal already. Tyraz - ...Hmph.

The group simply rushed into the portal.

The portal launched the group into the outskirts of the capital city of Vijaha, homeworld of the Wranploer. The air was dense, arid and yellow in colouration, and the lands apppeared poor in plant-life. At a distance, a huge fortress towered over all buildings in the area. Volim's fortress.

Mac - Well, I guess we're going in there. Uriel - ''Nice place. Has nothing on the Palace though.'' Vekaron - History books describe this place well. Kolossus - ''You take care of Zaarkhun and his lot. I'm going to go and have some fun.''

Kolossus enlarged himself into a gigantic size and started to attack the city.

Uriel - ''I wouldn't mind Volim's head mounted in my trophy room... Let's go.'' Xerkea - I called dibs first! Hachi - I want his spine! Uriel - Fair enough, I suppose I can grow a head form a tissue sample. Tyraz - You could, if there shall be anything left of him afterwards. Uriel - A few cells are all that is needed. Zr'Ahgloth - can we jus charg in der an smash dem Arkarixus - Seeing how the infantry will be busy with Kolossus, we could just charge in, yes. Thr'aloy -'' Engaging invasion protocols. SMASH DESE MOTHAFUKAS''

Vailisa led the attack as he charged towards the fortress, ready to smash open the walls. Xerkea gleerfully shot and destroyed everything in her way.

Vailisa - Hahaha, THE FIST PUNCH PUNY CRIMINALS!!! Kalcedia - ''Alright boys! Lets get this show started, and I don't mean me!'' Xerkea - ''I've always wanted to do this! It's like a dream coming true"!''

Uriel cleaved any criminals who came close enough to his sword, and Lupercal passed through walls and tore through the BCN armies.

Lupercal - That is for Kalcedia- oh wait, she is still alive. Sarec - ''Tyraz I hope you don't harbour bad feelings about what erm... was going to happen.''

Tyraz looked to Sarec and grunted in his direction, approaching him as he drew his sword.

Tyraz - ''Sarec....! ...I'm just joking.''

Sarec had widened his eyes. he then chuckled when Tyraz called bluff. From a distance, BCN ships fired their weapons at Kolossus, who shrugged off the damage an destroyed them with huge blasts of power. he was clearly enjoying himself.

Zr'Ahgloth - woah man dis is sik Kralgon Emperor - Mwahahaha...killing...destruction...death...this is BRILLIANT!

Hachi smiled at Tyraz, who simply nodded back with his own smile. Tyraz would join the two of them in their assault.

Blood Dragon - All enemies of His Majesty will fear his divine wrath! Arkarixus - Order will be achieved at last! Yogtam - Yeah...Order...

Kalcedia shot her rifle into hordes of Wranploer, watching as their heads and bodies exploded into blood and guts.

Kalcedia - ''Mmm, I feel so wet right now! All this blood and stuff really gets on you!''

Lupercal punched Kalcedia.

Lemmo - Less fantasies, more BCN killing. Kalcedia - Why not both? Uriel - How's this for some divine fire!

uriel fired pulsed beams of white-blue plasma at the Wranploer forces. After claring space, he drew an elegantly-crafted fusion rifle. Falrik Zaarkhun got on speakerphone and called out.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Damnit! Rogue Leedas, take them on!''

As they approached the palace, the group came across five pillars. Each of them obviously had a Rogue Loron leeda hiding. Sarec smiled and, as he stretched out his hands, the pillars exploded in a shower of rubble and toppled, causing them to shout in fear.

Fre'kloar - ''d-d-do we reely hav to? i meen we daied in yor futur...and dey got Kolossus an hes smashin everyfin'' Hagto'Zhl - ''we died cos of stoopid Gol'thabex...zaarkhun yoo mussed him up. fuk yoo'' Gol'thabex - yeh man i cant beleev in yor stoopid futur dat i stop finkin fer maself cos of yoo man Grak'tona - DA KING DISLIKES TRAITA DUMBOS Jol'kiar - whos up for leggin it? Fre'kloar - ME Hagto'Zhl - HIM Falrik Zaarkhun - What the fuck are you doing?!

Sarec flinched and the ground under Fre'Kloar exploded. The Loron all shouted in fear from Sarec's attacks, ran around and then ran away screaming.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ... Sarec - You forgot your parting gifts!

Sarec stretched out his arms and lightning hit the Lorons' behinds. In a distance, Fre'kloar complained how "mai butt has boo-boos nao", making Sarec laugh hearthly.

Zaarkhun sighed.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Guild of Shadows, take care of them.

Zaarkhun then put down his speakerphone and walked off. From the fortress' main door, the Guild of Shadows appeared.

Kralgon Emperor - ''We can't stop to fight the Guild. UNOC, you fight them.'' Kalcedia - ''Oh hey babies. Did you miss me?'' Fostrak - Well, Vailisa, it appears we finally meet in battle...as foes. Vailisa - ''The Fist not like destroying friends. But the Fist ready to make exceptions!''

Vailisa tore apart the doors, so that they could not shut again, and then took on the Guild.

insert Guild vs UNOC here

The group hurried into the fortress. Uriel rushed forward, with a press of a button a full-faced helmet folded out and over his head, resembling a fierce dragon with six large horns.

Tyraz - When did you get that installed? Tuolog - Nice...hehehe. Lupercal - ...Why make yourself look like a dragon if you're a dragon already? Hachi - Damn, Sarec...You know, you should try bringing Kalcedia back to the ship. Uriel - This helmet triples the number of horns I have. Lupercal - It's like tripling the number of ears I have. Tuolog - ''I know what happen. We go to Volim's tower. There we shut him down, stop him from going to past and bringing old self back, and from spreading influence through temporal corruption. Then we win.'' The Mechanic - Sounds good for me!

Elite Wranploer guards defended the path upstairs, firing at the group. Uriel's Blood Dragons charged forward as a vanguard to fight the elite Wranploer. Nu rushed in, ripping many Wranploer apart. Zr'Ahgloth roared and punched them, beating them and throwing them against the walls. Hachi fired at the Wranploer with his pistol, not hitting any of them.

Nu - As long as my hands are not blown off again, I'm okay. Hachi - Stupid gun! The bullets always move out of the way!

As they went upstairs, killing all opposition on their way, they eventually got to the top of the tower. However, before entering Volim's room, Torrent appeared in front of them.

Torrent - You are ruining everything! I remember the future...and it hurts!

Sarec sent a blast of energy at him, causing him to be knocked back. Tyraz stood beside Vekaron and nodded at him. The group moved on, while Vekaron stood behind. Torrent got up and roared at Vekaron, and the two clashed. Powerful sword slashes hit each other.

Torrent - ''I will destroy you, Vekaron! Like I destroyed your home! Like I killed your wife and kid! You'll join them in Hell!'' Vekaron - You DARE speak of my family?

Vekaron slammed the butt of his sword on Torrent's face, making him shout in pain and let go of his weapon. Vekaron threw his own blade down and charged at Torrent, hitting him with his horns and clawing his face. Vekaron punched Torrent across the room, heavily bruised, making him hit a wall. At this moment, Vekaron took Torrent's own blade and slashed at him...chopping his remaining non-mechanical arm off. Torrent let out a pained roar as he fell into the ground. Lifeless. Vekaron, with a victorious smile on his face, went after the rest of the group.

Power-Drunk God
The group carried on upstairs, reaching the top of the tower. Surprisingly, however, there was little resistance. Had they and Kolossus killed everything off?

Xerkea - ''I can't wait! I'm so thrilled!'' Hachi - This is the happiest I've ever seen you, Grandma!

Outside, the group could see Polar Crystal Alliance and Andromedan Galactic Commonwealth spaceships arriving, apparently being called over by Kolossus. The bombing of the planet started, causing massive damage to the capital.

Tyraz - The extinction of the Wranploer begins today! Uriel - Judgement shall be delivered.

The group arrived to the top of the tower, to see the throne...empty.

Xerkea - Fucking hell! Falrik Zaarkhun - You're already too late.

Zaarkhun was seen right by the window, and he turned to them.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It's too late for you to do anything. Volim right now is travelling back in time, ready to do exactly what we did in my timeline. And once that's done, I can manipulate the temporal distortion he causes to get rid of Kolossus.'' Uriel - ''This timeline is still set, Heyyorian. And in this timeline, you die.'' Nu - Well thanks for telling us your plan, now stand still so I can maim you. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hah. You already knew my plan. You just thought I'd be so naive as to put the warp gate at the most obvious point.'' Tyraz - I don't understand all this time stuff, but I think we talked long enough.

Uriel walked towards Falrik, his sword stained with blood. He opened his wings out. However, Zaarkhun laughed evilly, then a green beam of light hit him from the ceiling. Uriel staggered back. His guards surrounded him to protect him. Falrik Zaarkhun was empowered with godlike Chronoscopic energy. He levitated, and the power seeped through him.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Hahaha, the Orb is mine!

Zaarkhun laughed, and demonstrated his power. He removed one of Uriel's guards from time, while zapping another. A third, he threw out of the window.

Mac - ''Huh. Look at all that ego.'' Uriel - ''Dragons, shoot him. Now!'' Nu - Screw it I'm not going over there. Vekaron - How can we hit him...

Destroying one pair, the Dragon paired with the Dragon thrown from the window let out a beserk roar and spread its wings and leaped at Falrik, power claws charged. Falrik Zaarkhun chuckled. As they all shot him, everything missed. And if they tried to reach him, he could move much faster, or simply push them away.

Dragon - You die here Heeyorian!!! Falrik Zaarkhun - Sella is on MY side!

Lemmo, present among the BCN commanders, simply looked at Zaarkhun. He looked as he crushed the Blood Dragons, utterly merciless, and he thought. Was N'ras right when he told him he was a hero, or not? Tyraz stepped in front of the Dragons.

Tyraz - ''Blood Dragons! Stand down! You cannot win this fight!'' Dragon - ''Lord Breek that one is lost. Either he or Falrik is destined to die.'' Tyraz - ''I said stand down! That is an order from a Highlord! If you do not back down now, you will die for certain!'' Uriel - Falrik have you ever witnessed the Dragonfury?

Falrik Zaarkhun closed his eyes for a second, as he looked through the timelines.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I have witnessed Dragonfury...I have now, anyway.

The Dragon continued leaping for Falrik, each miss intensified its rage. Zaarkhun laughed, and laughed Tyraz up and choked him. For his amusement, he changed Tyraz to a small child.

Kid Tyraz - ''Agh! L-Let go of me!'' Uriel - Corus stand down, I order you as paragon! Corus - I WILL SPILL HIS BLOOD!!

Kid Tyraz kicked and punched, although they were useless against Zaarkhun.Zaarkhun reverted Corus back to a minute ago.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Calm down already... Hachi - ''Geez, Tyraz looked better as a kid. But...he still has scars.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I wonder, let's look through timelines. Which of these I kill makes you most sad?'' Zr'Ahgloth - zaarkhun man yor a wasteman go screw yaselv

Zaarkhun pondered for a few seconds, then lifted Tuolog and Hachi. The two found themselves being strangled and crushed,

Uriel - Let them go! Hachi - ''Agh! G-Get off!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hmm. I wonder which is the most painful way I can kill you?''

Sarec levitated o Falrik's level and threw an energy shockwave at him. However, the shockwave just moved around Falrik.

Hachi - ''Urgh...! Hmm...h-how about death by b-boobies?'' Tyraz - ''Even in death, the child thinks of nothing more than women. Typical.'' Tuolog - Hmf...Zaarkhun...how does it feel? Falrik Zaarkhun - It feels pretty damn empowering! Tuolog - How does it feel...to be like Zargoth?

Zaarkhun laughed. The child who had been born from nothing was now godlike...but wait. What did Tuolog say?

Falrik Zaarkhun - I am not like Zargoth. Sarec - ''I know how it feels Falrik. But such power is not good for everyone.'' Tuolog - You become like him...you become a god. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Bah! Zargoth wasn't born in poverty and raised a criminal.'' Sarec - ''Does it matter? Loko at yourself, using your powers for acts of sadism and self-amusement.''

Zaarkhun continued to laugh evilly. Lemmo simply continued watching the battle, no emotion on his face. Was it WHAT he wanted to be? A servant to a dark god? Hachi looked to Lemmo with no emotion. He grunted more and pointed at him.

Hachi - ''W-What's wrong with you? Isn't this w-what you wanted? I-Isn't that why you b-betrayed and l-lied to everybody?''

Lemmo remained silent, N'ras's and Hachi's words ringing in his head. He had to make a choice now. Allow Zaarkhun to enslave the galaxy or to allow it to be free at last. And he made it.

Lemmo - ''...N'ras. You were right.''

Lemmo turned to Zaarkhun and shot the Chronoscopic engine; suddenly, the room was engulfed in light. Zaarkhun stood speechless, lost; the forces of Order, confused. Lemmo was simply smiling. As Zaarkhun was stunned by what had happened, he fell to the floor, with a thud, coughing. Baptarion looked at Lemmo with a smile.

Lemmo - ''I might be a scoundrel. I might be a criminal. I might be a traitor. But I wasn't paid to let the entire galaxy be enslaved!'' Sarec - ''Falrik I was born into poverty. I had no parents, no friends, I would have died on the street but look at me now! ''

Zaarkhun then pulled his gun out to them.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Enslaved?! I do not fight to enslave this universe! I FIGHT TO FREE IT!'' Tuolog - ''Enough, Zaarkhun. Look at yourself. Look at future you created. You make future with no freedom. A future ruled by tyrants.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''And what do you make?! Your so called "Order" is the reason many innocents of this galaxy die, and many of this galaxy have turned to crime!'' Sarec - ''Falrik. You and I are moee alike than you realise.''

Zaarkhun spat at Sarec.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''LIES! We have NOTHING in common!'' Sarec - ''You don't believe me? I had NO mother, NO father.'' Tuolog - ''You manipulate others to do your bidding. You indoctrinate them, like what you did to Gol'thabex. You become exactly what you want to fight.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - I do not indoctrinate...I did not indoctrinate Gol'thabex, I educated him! Sarec - ''I was alone when the Inquisition found me. They gave me a home!'' Hachi - Geez, how could we let the galaxy almost fall to such a little spoilt bitch? Tuolog - ''Educated to be your slave. Slave of you and Volim. The future galaxy is a prison! A prison ruled by a god you!'' Sarec - I don't even know who gave birth to me...

Falrik Zaarkhun dismissed Tuolog's words, and the nturned to Sarec. Meanwhile, one of Kolossus' eyes appeared through a window, but he said nothing.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''And what of it? There are many orphans out there. You're no exception. You didn't turn to crime.''

Sarec approached Falrik and kneeled down beside him.

Sarec - ''I was lucky. That was all there is to it.'' Hachi - ''I mean, you grew up as a criminal but I would've thought that you would become more appreciative of the friends you had, not seek to outdo them by becoming a god. I know you wanna free the galaxy, but this isn't the way to do it. You could've turned out so much different.'' Lemmo - ''You, Zaarkhun, are nothing but a hypocrite. Perhaps I would have been rich if I had chose your side... but I think N'ras was right. In my heart, I'm a hero.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I...see your point, Sarec. I was rather lucky myself...'' Sarec - When the Eola'Nar appoached me I was a tool, a weapon in the Inquisition's arsenal.

Zaarkhun coughed, then drew back. He was starting to listen to them more, which he shouldn't be doing. Zaarkhun chuckled, very evilly. His chuckles became louder, until an evil laugh formed on his face.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Do you really think what I preach is all that I think? I do not support total anarchy at all. The things I say in public are lies. I supprot a world where we have true leadership, ad aren't ruled by power-mad gods. Where natural selection is key to everything!'' Tuolog - And yet you become power-mad god yourself. Tyraz - You think this is evolution?

Tyraz approached Zaarkhun and growled angrily.

Arkarixus - Regnatus comes to mind...

Zaarkhun was becoming infuriated by the comments Arkarixus, Tuolog and Tyraz were making, but carried on.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Not some anarchist' views of chaos and destruction, but views of REAL order! And how do I show the people that, eh? I give them a juxtaposition. Eventually, they decide to settle with what's in between. No tyrants, no anarchists. They say that the bigger the lie, the more believable it is. I've know that I twist my words all the time to make people believe me!'' Tyraz - ''My species strive to push our limits and become stronger for the next generation. We do not plunge our entire society into chaos for it, but instead we unite and unify to assist it!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''And my revolution does not involve a total anarchy prospering. Total anarchy wins, but then it loses. And when it does, Volim will 'kill' me publicly. Put an end to total anarchy, anda beginning to TRUE leadership values!''

Zaarkhun spat, as he carried on, really getting into it.

Uriel - If only you had been born under the Imperium Falrik... Lemmo - ''Ah, yes. Saw it on the Minga homeworld, your true leadership.'' Hachi - You know, you really are a big loser. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''What you've created is a mess. Class systems of poor and rich. What kind of bullcrap is that? Evil tyrants leading you, and you jsut follow. Hah. You need REAL leadership!'' Lemmo - I follow no leader, Falrik. Arkarixus - ''What you did was create a class system yourself. The Wranploer above and all the rest below!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - And that is how natural selection works! Tyraz - No, that is how propaganda works. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Propaganda? This is education!''

Arkarixus stepped on the ground causing it to shake slighty.

Arkarixus - ''This is indoctrination! Manipulation!'' Tyraz - What would you know of education if you had never been through it? Uriel - ''The Imperium rules by wisdom Falrik. Those who excell are spotted by nobles and elevated. We educate the young so that they too may become wise.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''All of you squabble about and stick to the ideals that have been forced upon you by someone who thinks they know best...think for yourselves, for once! Have an open mind!''

Tyraz leaned in and punched Falrik in the gut, growling.

Tyraz - ''This is MY open mind! This is what I tell myself to do!'' Vekaron - ''You do that in the future yourself! You force YOUR ideology on the galaxy's throat!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - BECAUSE IT IS WHAT IS BEST FOR THE GALAXY! Arkarixus - Being ruled by a tyrant and power-drunk god is NOT the best!

Uriel stood back, as though he had heard the same sppech before.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I am no power-drunk god... Lemmo - ''...Because I blew your Chronoscopic generator. That's it.'' Tuolog - ''Yes. You are. You become god yourself. You become like Zargoth.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - No! Tuolog - ''Don't deny it! Look at yourself!'' Tyraz - ''Even now, your own power blinds you from the truth. You have become intoxicated by divinity. You really are stupid.'' Uriel - Denial of the truth is the most transparant form of confession. Mac - Man, you're more godlike than I'll ever be! Kolossus - Heh. Falrik Zaarkhun - I am not...no... Tuolog - ''Yes. You. Become. God.''

Falrik Zaarkhun looked to the floor. He couldn't find anything in himself anymore.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I...I really have become...abusive of my power... Arkarixus - ''Abusive?! You've become a reckless child!'' Sarec - Doubt is the first step on the road to redemption. Tyraz - ''In Borealis, there are no heroes. Just villains from different eyes and perspectives, you are no exception Falrik.''

Falrik Zaarkhun nodded, he completely agreed with Tyraz. Using his powers, Tuolog reverted Tyraz back into an adult, and revived Uriel's Blood Dragons.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I fought...for a lost cause. A world without tyrants, without villany, without any gods...and all I did was create new ones.'' Tuolog - Now you see reason. Tyraz - ''To think you could save this galaxy is a brave thing, even respectable. But your methods have failed you in more ways than one and now you lie here, a broken man.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - I...have caused so much pain to this galaxy...all for a cause that was misguided from the very beginning.

Zaarkhun stood up, and walked away from them. They had a look at his face, and tears were forming.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Argh, I was wrong from the start! I speak about our species' nature, yet it is our nature to become mad with power! Why did I never consider that?!'' Arkarixus - Because you fell for that yourself.

Tyraz approached Zaarkhun and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Tyraz - I too know how it feels to become misguided and lost on a path I feel was right. Lemmo - ''That's why I never considered making a criminal empire or something. I'm a lone wolf.''

Zaarkhun clenched his fist, and pulled out hist pistol. He aimed it...at his own head.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I set out to destroy gods. And if I am to do that, then I am to kill a god right now.''

Tyraz watched as he drew the gun and stepped back. Arkarixus watched with his arms crossed, while Xerkea appeared visibly excited.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''There is no way I can redeem myself...or pay you back for what I've done. But here I am, hopeless.'' Uriel - Let us hope paradise awaits you, Falrik. Kolossus - It does not.

Zaarkhun pulled the smoker out of his mouth, and threw it out of the window.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I should have quit long ago... Kolossus - When you get to Hell, give Shu'ulathoi my regards...

Zaarkhun pulled the trigger. He fell, right out of the window. The machine, Sella, stayed for a while, before it then fell too.

From Crimelord to Crimegod
Coming soon.