Fiction:Ice Age/Year 4

This is Year Four of the Ice Age.

The Plot Thickens
It was clear, that after Semirian's kidnap, the Stock Market Exchange would soon be gone. And, of course, it was stolen, now under Zaarkhun's possession. Everyone had a clear idea of what he'd do with it; use it to ruin Borealis' economy, show how dependent they were on governments, and gradually bring them into anarchy.

The Polar Crystal Alliance's councillors gathered in their usual place. With one councillor kidnapped, Valzaria and Xeron were left to talk amongst themselves. Course of action was simple; they needed to get back the Stock Exchange, they needed to rescue Semirian, and they needed to stop Zaarkhun before he became a real threat.

Xeron - ''We should have blown them Wranploer up when we had the chance! Now Semilian is gone and Arkarixus is at some demon adventure or something...'' Valzaria - ''Of course...and I had a run through our security checks. Their kidnapping was incredibly elaborate and ingeniously executed. If Zaarkhun is capable of something like this, and of stealing the Stock Market Exchange, then I really don't think we should underestimate him.'' Xeron - I'd call Vekaron here but I really don't want to interrupt his mission...any suggestions? Valzaria - ''Yes, I don't feel like the Penumbra Unit should be interrupted, even for how great a potential threat this could be. No, I feel like we need a team of more experienced indiviudals. Perhaps...we could call back the team who led the PCA forces in the Borealis War, as in, whoever's available. We should call trained indviduals from our allies and our members to infiltrate Zaarkhun's base. Knowing him, he'll see it coming, of course...'' Xeron - ''Hmm. Good idea. I bet the Chief Major is gonna go nuts when she finds out...'' Valazaria - ''Indeed. Well, I'll send relevant distress calls out, but I'll try to keep them on secure channels.''

A few hours later, a large team gathered in Hyperborea's spaceport. The team was made up of several UNOL members, of the Niaka Special Forces, the Brood of War's  and Corteus from the Draconis.

Keldar - It's been a while since I've been away from Daedalus. Zr'Ahgloth - an its bin a while since i don anyfin otha dan eet pizza tbh Corteus - I find it a little refreshing to be back in Borealis. Xerkea - Well welcome, you're in for immense irritation. Valzaria - Before we send you off to the co-ordinates, we're currently in contact with Billig. Xeron - I take you- Xerkea - Yes I know what happened, I'm not stupid! Xeron - S-sorry, Chief Major. Venoriel - Am I interrupting anything important?

A hologram of a female Radeon appeared in a middle of the room.

Valzaria - ''Ah, you're just in time, Venoriel! Nice to see we have your help too. Before we send you all off, we're currently in contact with Billig.'' Venoriel - ''It appears that the Polar Crystal Alliance requires extragalactic help to survive again. Hmph.'' Xerkea - Big help you are, miss "run away at the sight of danger".

A large screen appeared before them with Billig in front.

Billig - Aww now, don't tell me you're givin' me threats...you'll interrupt me meal time... Valzaria - ''This is your final warning, Billig. Return the Stock Market Exchange and Semirian, or we shall be forced to destroy you.'' Corteus - Who's the walking fat silo? Valzaria - That, Corteus, is Billig. Corteus - No offence, but he looks like an udulov who didn't get much exercise and ate way to many oats. Xerkea - Don't Wranploer die when they get fat?

Billig laughed.

Billig - Now, see, as much as I'm scared of you all comin' an attackin' me-

Billig was cut off, and Zaarkhun took over.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, come on. Why do I have to work with this idiot? Billig, being stupid as he is, has just revealed our location to you. And now we get into unnecessary fights...''

Xerkea laughed hysterically upon hearing Zaarkhun's voice.

Keldar - I can smell him from here...he's not even in the room with us. Billig - Oi, mate, if it weren't for me, you'd still be dead. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Better dead than living in this crap body! Do you even use deodrant? Your body odour is disgusting...'' Venoriel - ''Your accent is rather disturbing. Learn how to speak properly.'' Corteus - Wait...Zaarkhun's in Billig's arm? Valzaria - ''Well...yes. An AI in Billig's arm that simualtes Zaarkhun's thoughts. That's his resurrection plan.'' Xerkea - Seems like ressurection didn't do you much good, Zaarkhun! Falrik Zaarkhun - For once, Xerkea, I agree with you. Billig - Oh, shut yer trap, before I cut you out. Falrik Zaarkhun - You know you don't won't to do that...because you're too dumb to pull off a plan yourself! Keldar - Pfft, Moxix resurrected infants with more control than these two.

Xerkea and the others continued to chuckle.

Xerkea - ''Oh boy, this reminds me back when we fought each other...and now they are doing it themselves. This mission is gonna be a piece of cake.''

Billig now seemed to snap out of it, as Zaarkhun spoke.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You see, there's no way you can stop me. I can make power out of nothing, and I'll have my revolution that I spent my life seeking.                           Valzaria - You say that. But you killed yourself at the end of your life.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Pfft, nonsense. Killed myself? I was killed by a sniper.''

Everyone seemed slightly taken aback by what Zaarkhun said. The reports clearly showed Zaarkhun shoot himself.

Xerkea - ''Oh, now he denies it. Listen up, I don't need Vekaron and Arkarixus to kill you. Infact, that suicide was really unsatisfying as I couldn't kill you myself!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It wasn't suicide. It was a sniper rifle!'' Venoriel - ''We've seen you pull the trigger! Don't lie!'' Keldar - ''The UNOC whore was there according to Tyraz's reports. If it was a sniper, it could have been her. She would also state you killed yourself.'' Corteus - ''Right now I'm linked up to this galaxy's information net work. You shot yourself.''

Zaarkhun clenched his fist, then quickly opened it after feeling how greasy his palms were.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Come and meet me, I'll fight you in person.

Falrik Zaarkhun closed down the communications channel.

Xerkea - ''Hah! I'm going to enjoy this!'' Valzaria - ''That's interesting. Anyways, I'm sending your shuttle to the co-ordinates now.'' Venoriel - ''I should send some agents to accompany you. I won't go in person, of course.''

The shuttle arrived to the co-ordinates of a secrete space station in uncharted territory. In fact, the space station was made out of the hulk of a destroyed Grox ship. As they got to the 'hangar' and took the elevator up to the bridge in which Zaarkhun was located, they saw no clear resistance.

Yogtam - ''No resistance. That means either Billig has nothing to fight us with or is waiting to fight us himself.'' Xerkea - Or it's an ambush. Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''I detect no lifeforms in close proximity. And I rather doubt Billig is clever enough to hide lifeform signatures.'' Xerkea - Keep your eyes open anyway. Corteus - ''Check for EM signatures. He could be using battle droids.''

As they walked closer to the bridge, they heard hissing and scowling noises. Xerkea recognised them, though the rest did not.

Keldar - Please tell me it's not fucking snakes. Xerkea - ''You all watch out. That "thing" is lurking around here.'' Corteus - I'll keep an eye out.

They continued to progress into the bridge, the eery feeling of a ship that was once full of life making them uneasy. They could see blood and corpses all over the places, clearly leftovers from Billig's meals.

Xerkea - ''Urgh. Reminds me of that Grox shipyard.'' Corteus - ''Okay. Draconis may have practiced cannibalism at one tiem but this guy looks like a fucking animal.'' Keldar - I detect way too many calories and fatty acids in these leftovers.

And as they approached the door, it opened for them, with Billig half way across the room and a device - the Stock Market Exchange - being held in a large tube. Billig chuckled.

Billig - Welcome to me lair- Falrik Zaarkhun - You realise you're meant to let me do the introduc-          Billig - ''Oh shut yer trap. You got my body an' you'll 'ave to deal with it.''

In the far corner of the room, they could see Semirian tied up, unable to speak or move.

Keldar - ''That's just...sick. Seriously, fetishists creep me out and now you see why.'' Xerkea - ''Hand over the Councillor before I blow you to smithereens. Actually no, I'll blow you to smithereens anyways.'' Corteus - I'd be polite and ask for you to turn youself in but...Wraith Legion doesnt' do that. Billig - ''Blow me to slithereens, an' I'll do the same to yer little Stock Market. An' you all know that you can't lose that.''

Billig laughed evilly, then his laugh quickly turned into Zaarkhun's laugh. Corteus held out his hand and aimed it at Billig's canister-holding arm...as the hand turned into a plasma cannon.

Xerkea - Not if I aim good enough, you won't.

Keldar tried to approach Semirian while the others confronted Billig, stepping over chunks of meat and leftover.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Your friend has been rather helpful in allowing me to decipher the Stock Market. Now I know exactly how to use it. And my plan is clear. I'm going to manipulate the Stock Market. Undervalue everything, overvalue everything...and it'll only be a matter of time before the Alliance's economy collapses. And it's so simple to do. And when your economy collapses, and I grow rich...'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''oi. is anyone else noticin dat zaarkhuns plans all pretty much da saem borin fing'' Xerkea - ''Yes. Didn't bother coming up with something new.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Of course not. Because it's so effective. And now that I have all of you right here...''

In a moment, a body of the Mechanic teleported right into the room.

The Mechanic - ''Ding ding, 34th floor, lots of corpses, lots of dead ships, and HAH! Sorry I'm late to the party, but c'mon Zaarkhun, please tell me that you knew I could easily get in here!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - I did.

The Mechanic's avatar then recieved a massive EMP shot, and fell to the floor.

Corteus - The more you talk, the more I feel like disarming you. Xerkea - ''Disarming? More like dismembering.''

Keldar and some of Venoriel's agents tried to cut away at Semirian's restriction with her katana, careful not to hit her.

Keldar - Been a while since I used this thing. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I knew that the Mechanic would send a body here to try and deal with it. And now I can use it on all of you, and hijack the codes myself an-             Zr'Ahgloth - BLAH BLAH BLAH MAN DIS IS SO LAME OH MA DAYZ AT LEEST COME UP WITH SOMFIN INTERESTING LIEK A REVENGE PLOT'' Xerkea - Let's just kill him already, I'm getting tired of this discussion!

Corteus charged his plasma cannon and fired at the wrist connected to the hand holding the Stock Exchange.

Xerkea - He will just go all intellectual "plan so good" so might as well end it!

Billig's hand moved swiftly, though not fast enough, as he dropped the Stock Market on the floor. Corteus dashed for the canister, moving at a blinding speed to scoop it up. Falrik Zaarkhun growled, and then he throw a bolt to the floor, that caused everything in the room to be electricuted and stuck.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Didn't think the Stock Market had any defenses for when you people tried to steal it? Hah!''

Xerkea shielded herself with the suit's arms but was paralyzed.

Xerkea - Bastard!

Falrik Zaarkhun then tried to pick the Stock Market up, and place it right inside the fallen Mechanic suit.

Falrik Zaarkhun - It all comes together so well, I combine them, I take over the entire Galaxy's economy an-

Zaarkhun found that, as he pulled the Stock Market from Corteus, he was not walking towards the Mechanic's suit.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''What? Billig, your body is not-'' Billig - ''No, Zaarkhun. It's workin' perfectly fine.''

Falrik Zaarkhun began to panic. Billig was walking straight towards another door...the incinerator.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Billig, what are you doing?! Billig - ''Oh, nuffin'. Just, y'know, throwing this thing right into the furnace.''

Xerkea tried to fire at Billig, but the bolt had paralyzed her cannon. Zaarkhun roared, powerless. Billig was chuckling as he was in control. This was Zaarkhun's last hope of his revolution.

Xerkea - What is the fat idiot doing?!

Billig - ''Oh, an' just by the way, you DID kill yourself an' you DID give up on yer little revolution. I just didn't want you thinkin' that. An' you never had the idea of a resurrection through AIs, I DID.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - You betrayed me, Billig... Corteus - Crime's a bitch isn't it?

The door to the furnace opened, as he threw the Stock Market right inside. It was destroyed in a matter of seconds. Zaarkhun roared, as though in pain, before Billig then inserted his arm into the wall.

Keldar - That smells...t-terrible. Billig - ''I never wanted you alive, but I had to deal with it. Before my machine could figure out how to 'absorb' your mind. I now think as clever as Zaarkhun, an' more importantly, I 'ave all of 'is memories. An' I 'ave Taldar protection too! Oh, this is wonderful.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - YOU BASTARD! Corteus - Am I missing something here? Xerkea - ''You were not around the battle at Vijaha. So yesh, yo'ure missing a bit.'' Billig - ''Oh, and thanks everyone fer stoppin' by. Like Zaarkhun said, you've attracted the Mechanic's help, which has allowed me to use whatever tools 'e's got to completely take over.''

And only a minute later, with Zaarkhun continuing to roar in outrage, it all stopped. Billig was left alone, chuckling to himself, as though someone had just made a slightly funny joke.

Billig - ''Well, now that I'm free of that fella, you can run along. I'll let you live if you do. Oh, an' this ship was Zaarkhun's hideout idea. Feel free to 'ave it.'' Xerkea - I'm not going without your head! Corteus - You might have missed -one- thing about someone like me.

Xerkea stomped on the floor and aimed her guns at Billig.

Billig - ''Yeah, yeah, you never leave without a fight. Don't worry.''

Gyjak crawled out of the ceiling, and then scowled at them.

Corteus - Fixing shitstorms is Wraith Legion's specialty. Billig - ''I ain't gonna be all Zaarkhun-esque an' go "hahaha you can't attack me I win". Let's have a fight, shall we?'' Xerkea - ''There it is! Kill it! Kill it!''

Keldar and the agents continued to cut away at Semirian's ropes, not jumping into the confrontation. However, upon hearing Gyjak's growling she turned around and gasped in an astonished manner.

Keldar - It looks so cute! Xerkea - ''Enough talk. Die!''

Xerkea fired her gun at Gyjak's direction. Gyjak dodged all the shots, and then jumped at Xerkea's suit. Corteus threw open his arms and his hands transformed into blades. His wings dissolved into his body and he sprinted towards Gyjak. Xerkea flaied her suit's arms trying to get Gyjak off.

Xerkea - Ugly motherfucker!

Semirian was freed by Keldar's katana and immediately hid behind her.

Corteus - Xerkea, leave the monster to me!

Gyjak stayed clung, as she clawed at the suit, trying to reach for Xerkea.

Semirian - This is no place for a scholar like me!

Corteus lumped up to reach Gyjak. Xerkea could feel his weight as he clung to the mech's body. Keldar looked to Semirian and smiled, leading her slowly towards the exit of the room while keeping her katana raised.

Keldar - ''Don't worry! You can rely on me! ...But doesn't it just look adorable?''

Gyjak was then pulled down by Corteus, and snarled again. Billig, at surprising speed, ran and knocked Xerkea's suit back.

Zr'Ahgloth - OI DUN LEEVE ME OUT

Zr'Ahgloth jumped towards Billig and knocked him to the ground. Corteus slammed Gyjak into the floor and slammed his blades ito her arms. Gyjak squealed, and then fell back...presumably dead. They then all turned to the floored Billig, aiming at him.

Yogtam - Any last words? Billig - ''Naw, not yet. I can't die now, see...''

A tall Vyro'Narza appeared right in front of Billig.

Billig - I have Taldar protection. Xerkea - ...What the hell!? Corteus - Oh fucking hell seriously!? Vyro'Narza - You must not destroy him. Corteus - ''He's a monster and an animal and nearly drove this galaxy to financial ruin. Why not?'' Vyro'Narza - For if he dies, the Secrets die too...take him for interrogation if you wish, but he must survive.

The Vyro'Narza then turned to Billig. Xerkea growled loudly and slammed her fist at the floor, shattering it.

Vyro'Narza - In return, he must not speak of them, or we shall destroy him ourselves. Billig - Don't worry...I know the deal all too well. Vyro'Narza - Abuse it at your peril.

The Vyro'Narza vanished, as Billig just lay their, looking smug.

Keldar - ...I'm fine with interrogation. Billig - Well, nuffin' you can do with me but imprison me, eh? Xerkea - ''Fine! We'll take him. And we'll stay imprisoned, forever!'' Corteus - I hear the Inquisition has an ideal prison complex for lunatic shits like him.

Immortality and More
A door opened to the Polar Crystal Alliance' top secret torture chamber. Filled with locks so strong they would require 10 Loron to break a single chain, they found a bleeding, bruised and battered fat Wranploer. Billig had been abused by his torturers badly, in torture that was considered illegal in most regards, yet was still living, breathing, and chuckling. It was as if he'd felt no pain. Xerkea, in her suit, walked in to interrogate him.

Billig - I suppose you've some questions, eh?

Xerkea beat Bilig's head with an electric stunstick-like weapon.

Xerkea - You talk when I tell you to talk!

Billig was hurt, and then raised his head slowly, a smug grin on his face, as he waited for permission to speak.

Xerkea - ''Now, you fat sack of shit. This Oltauris Consortium of yours. What the hell is this? Did you not learn anythingr from the BCN's crippling?'' Billig - ''Oltauris Consortium's me own little invention. We're gainin' a little ground, but so far it's not a kind of empire so to speak. More jus' an organization with hideouts in several regions.'' Xerkea - ''Well, you will tell me where those are, but now now. I have other questions...I'm hearing abour some commotion involving the Rogue Loron. Are you responsible?'' Billig - ''Heheh...I am. Problem?''

Xerkea flickered her suit's fingers on Billig's forehead.

Xerkea - ''Yes. Problem.''

Billig chuckled.

Xerkea - ''I'm also hearing some news about another one of you fat orange bastards. Someone named "Vorius"...are you involvde with this man?'' Billig - ''Vorius? Hell nah. 'E's jus' a fanatic guy. Word on the street is 'e's gotten 'is 'ands on somethin' 'e shouldn't 'ave. An' now 'e's insane.''

Xerkea grabbed Billig' by his throat.

Xerkea - ''Do you work for someone? Because if you do, you better tell me.'' Billig - ''Tryin' to strangle me 'ain't really helpin' you learn stuff. It's a little inhospitable on your part. An' I only work for meself. Now that fake Zaarkhun's gone, anyways.''

Xerkea squeezed Billig's throat.

Xerkea - You should know I'm not the nicest Niaka interrogator in the galaxy.

Billig began to choke a little. His eyes narrowed, as his anger built in him. The broken body of Billig, however, was not something that Xerkea should fear.

Xerkea - ''Now, the big deal. Explain the bullshit with the Taldar protecting you.''

Billig broke free of Xerkea as her suit loosened her grip on his neck to let him answer.

Billig - ''I got a better idea. Why don't you ask 'em yourself?'' Xerkea - ''Don't play games with me. They said I can't kill you, but they never said I can't strip you to only a brain.'' Billig - ''I was 'opin' you'd try. An' then could ask them yourselves. But anyways, I'll tell you the full story...''

Billig paused for a moment. He grinned evilly at Xerkea, clearly taunting her. He then began to speak.

Billig - ''I found Zaarkhun's brain, at least, what was left of it, after 'e shot 'imself. I tried to place it into a little machine that could use the data from his brain to make an AI that replicated it. Course, as it was destroyed, an' the machine weren't perfect, I needed to learn more about the man 'imself an' tell the machine things about 'im. That could piece together a replicate of 'is brain. Containing 'is thought pattern an' his memories.''

Xerkea listened with her suit's arms crossed.

Billig - ''Zaarkhun's mother was named Sella. She was named after the Taldar Goddess, of course. Sella had told 'im in a letter that she would protect 'im. The truth is, a Sella did protect him, an' gave 'im a device that would protect 'im using her power. But that Sella was the Taldar Goddess, not 'is mother.'' Xerkea - ''I read the reports. I'm well aware of this.'' Billig - ''But why? Why would a Taldar Goddess give a fuck, an' why would she protect a monsta? It's simple...when Zargoth took ova Zaarkhun's body, Zaarkhun was in Zargoth's brain. But only Zaarkhun's brain could handle all of that, handle 5D senses, without meltin'. 'E became a little insane, an' a little bit too cleva, of course. But that didn't mean 'e couldn't think. An' in Zargoth's brains, 'e learnt a few things. A few things no 3D mortal is meant to know. Even some of the Ultraterrestials don't know...the Taldar call them the Time Secrets. Secret locations, secret pieces of information, secret 'codes' to unlock these secrets, but overall, Zaarkhun became a little bit more cleva than they wanted.'' Xerkea - Hmm...that doesn't explain why I cannot blow your guts over the wall. Billig - ''See, it does. When he was given 'is own body back, 'e was now capable of using a few of these 5D codes to do only a few specific things. The Taldar came after 'im, positive that 'e'd not be able to figure out the codes for 'imself, ready to kill 'im. Course, 'e outsmarted 'em. He told them one specific code 'e knew, which could potentially destroy any Taldar that came after 'im, an' 'e bound this code to 'is mind to be activated upon death. Now this same code doesn't only affect the Taldar, it's such a broken code that it'd basically cause a rift in the Space-Time Continuum of whicheva universe 'e was in. It was so unstable that Zargoth 'ad abandonned it. But Zaarkhun figured, if somethin' was killin' 'im, why'd 'e care? An' the Taldar struck a deal...they protect 'im, if 'e neva speaks of these codes to anyone or anythin'.'' Xerkea - ...This is so annoying. Billig - ''What's more annoyin' is that I 'ave the secrets meself. An' I'm bound to the same deal Zargoth is. None of you can dare kill me...or I'll release that code. An' all of you will DIE.''

Xerkea hit Billig over the head with her stunstick again.

Xerkea - ''Don't provoke me, scum! If we cannot kill you, you will remain here, in this dark little room, kept alive and alone, for the rest of your life.''

Billig was laughing to himself, not listening to her, as he continued to speak.

Billig - ''But it ain't just immortality I was after. Those codes? There's plenty of 'em. Those locations? Plenty more of 'em. An' if they're all mine, if I can take 'em all, then who knows how powerful I can become? Zaarkhun was scared of gods, so 'e never touchd 'em. I ain't scared of no gods. Eva.'' Xerkea - ''Hmpf. I could call Dalverat over so he can make you fear them. But he's away in the same mission as Arkarixus at the moment, so enjoy your sanity while you have any...IF you have any.''

Billig laughed once again, but then quickly snapped into being serious. His voice grew deeper and quieter as he had something very important to say to Xerkea.

Billig - See, I know some things the Taldar themselves don't. An' Zargoth's alive...

Xerkea was paralyzed.

Xerkea - ...WHAT?! Billig - ''The start of the Borealis War, Volzara and Zargoth 'ad a plan. Their plan was that, in the same location Zargoth had tried to make the Vyro'Ralza, they'd try somethin' new, making the ultimate Vyro speciman an' usin' it against Zargoth. But then Angazhar did somethin' neither of 'em coulda predicted. He appeared to Zargoth an' Kolossus, tellin' 'em that 'e knew their plan an' cursin' 'em, so that they may neva pull it off. So Volzara and Zargorh revised their plan to try again, but Zargoth 'ad otha plans. 'E'd make Volzara turn on 'im, so that he could be free of any connection to her. The whole idea of consumin' Borealis to make this race...it was a lie. If 'e wanted to, 'e'd have done it anyway. No, Zargoth is alive, an' still out there, an' I think only the Xhodocto 'ave any idea what 'e's doin'...''

Xerkea walked around, nervous.

Xerkea - ''Damnit...is a peaceful galaxy asking too much? I thought we had gotten over this Zargoth bullshit when we fought him...'' Billig - ''Who says it only involves Borealis? Zargoth's an omnidimensional threat...''

Xerkea was speechless, still horrified. Billig didn't even chuckle to himself, and his voice now quietened to a whisper.

Billig - ''I don't know what 'e's up to. But the Secrets contain some idea of a future, in very vague terms, an' THAT is the origin of Zaarkhun's fear of gods. Zaarkhun wanted to live and fight Zargoth so that he, the sole carrier of the Secrets, could end it. But instead 'e was forced to give in an' trust you lot to fight...an' you did win, but you allowed Zargoth to survive. There's some grave dangers ahead...an' I'm the most intelligent man in Borealis, as well as the only carrier of the Secrets alive. Bet you're wishin' Tuolog carried the Secrets, eh?'' Xerkea - ''Grrr...he'd certainly give them better use than you. ...But doesn't matter. If anything, this only gives me more reasons to keep you here forever. I hope you enjoyed your last day seeing your planet's sun, for it was the final one.''

Xerkea left the room, ordering the door to be locked behind her. And as she left, she knew that Billig was much more complicated and twisted than anyone thought he was. Who knew that the prophecy Billig spoke about was?

Test Drive
was called by to visit him on his new headquarters. He arrived on a planet he could not recognize as any planet in particular, though it was filled with ruins around Torrent's base. Genrai Nal was led to Torrent's office, where he was waiting on his chair.

Torrent - ''Ah, Genrai. Good to see you finally arrived.'' Genrai Nal - I am unfamiliar with this region. Torrent - ''Oh, I don't think you were presented to it. This, my friend, was the homeworld of the Kvargo. My homeworld.'' Genrai Nal - ''Ah, I see. And these are the remnants of your people. Now, do you have an assignment for the Guild of Shadows, or is there another reason you have called for my presence?'' Torrent - ''Not the Guild as a whole, no. I called you here because I want to test my new tools. And who's better to help me test them than the one who helped me get them in the first place?''

Genrai Nal smiled, almost as if he were proud of Torrent. He knew exactly what Torrent was thinking. Torrent walked up to Genrai and put his arm in front of him.

Torrent - Slash at my arm with your blade. Genrai Nal - ''My people have a code of honour, of trustworthiness and friendship. Several of these rituals are performed between friends. And one of them...is to face your friend in combat. Slashing your arm is indeed performing said ritual of trust.''

Genrai Nal drew the blade on his arm and slashed Torrent's. Before it hit it, Torrent's arm turned black. Genrai's blade clashed against it, but could not penetrate or damage it. Genrai's arm felt a jolt as he failed to cause any damage. He was impressed.

Torrent - Heheheh...it's going well, so far. Genrai Nal - ''Toughness gives a great edge in battle. Dealing damage is worthless if you die before you can deal it.''

Torrent threw his arms away from Genrai, leaving his chest exposed.

Torrent - ''Now, do multiple strikes. Try to hit me.'' Genrai Nal - ''This...is not part of a ritual I know. However, I will do as you request.''

Predicting a similar outcome, Genrai striked Torrent three times, three being the lucky number of his people. Each time, Torrent blocked the strike with one of his arms, as if he was reading Genrai's movements. After the three strikes, he delivered a punch to Genrai's chest, knocking him away. Genrai was taken back at this surprise movement. Anyone else would likely be shocked or angered by Torrent's movement there, but Genrai felt only pride.

Torrent - ''Yes...perfect! It works just as I intended it to!'' Genrai Nal - ''Reading your opponent's movements. I like that. By what means do you do this?'' Torrent - ''Nanomachines, created by the scientists you got me. They allow me to harden specific parts of my body, as well as give me the ability of reading my opponent's movement. I thought I could get away with having no special "gimmicks", but Borealis is a dangerous place full of powerful people.'' Genrai Nal - Such technology did not exist outside of Zaarkhun's private laboratories and the Unified Nation...hmm...And how do your nanomachines read movements? Torrent - ''Actually, I had some brain implants installed as well. One compliments the other, you see. No point having the power of hardening my body if I cannot know when and where to harden.'' Genrai Nal - ''I see. They are likely similar to mine; I read the muscle movements of my opponent to see what they are doing next.''

Torrent walked up to a window, with his parrot flying to his shoulder.

Torrent - ''The best part of all this? It's not even my main objective.'' Genrai Nal - ''The Guild does give its employers a right to secrecy. Though I am curious, I respect your decision to keep your plans from me, if you will.'' Torrent - ''You see these ruins, Genrai? I will repopulate them. These scientists you got me...they are cloning new Kvargo, from my genetic material. My plan is to bring my species back, and get my revenge on that cursed Zoles Imperium, once and for all.''

Genrai Nal looked slightly surprised. He hadn't thought of this before.

Genrai Nal - ''The last time this was pulled off...it was the. And he was successful. If you need the Guild's help, I will gladly assist.'' Torrent - ''Good. It will take time, but I can wait. I don't care if it takes weeks, months, years. My people will be avenged. I lived my childhood on this planet, you see. I was still a kid when the Zoles attacked it. My family barely left alive...when I found out the Zoles had not glassed it, I just knew my new HQ had to be here.''

At this moment, a Wranploer entered the room.

Wranpleor - Warlord Torrent, we have located Commandant Vekaron's vessel. Torrent - ''Oh, did you? Well, I think I have to pay him a little visit then.'' Genrai Nal - ''You are visiting him? Then...I may come, if you wish.'' Torrent - ''I would rather not, if you don't mind. This is between me and the Zoles. He cut off my remaining good arm back at Vijaha...I can't wait to see his face when he finds out he can't cut off anything anymore.'' Genrai Nal - ''Very well. I have another employer who may require my skills in the meantime. You may have heard of him, he goes by the name of Oltauris.'' Torrent - ''Hmpf...yes, I know him. Not the most pleasant fellow.'' Genrai Nal - Being pleasant is a factor that the Guild does not consider. Torrent - ''Well, you may go then. I must prepare myself for this "visit".''

Contacting the Succubi
Arriving into the new sector, Vekaron's ship was immediately hailed by a race of aliens who called themselves "The Matriarchy". A shuttle taking him, Kilchárunya, Wragrot and Vansenk landed on the planet. The buildings were notably plain and white in colour in this planet.

Kilchárunya - ''Heck. A couple thousand feet taller and a few shades darker and we have a Kicath world.'' Vekaron - This looks much more advanced than most other empires I've met. Vansenk - ''It's so clean here. Why maintain such hygiene if they know it will amount to nothing in the end?'' Kilchárunya - Coming from you that question has no relevance whatsoever. Vansenk - Cleaning is the least of my worries.

A feminine, humanoid being with green hair, red eyes and a long dress made its way to the group. However, she did not walked. She hovered.

Wragrot - That looks so frail, I could probably use it to pick my teeth. Kilchárunya - ''Wow. Looking like that in Kicath society would mean you're girly even for girls.'' Vansenk - ''She's slim. Reminds me of a Hserelie, except more visually appealing for several hundredfold.''

The figure stopped in front of the group and bowed to them, still hovering.

??? - ''Welcome, Penumbra Unit. We were waiting for you.'' Vekaron - Wait...how do you know we are from the Penumbra Unit? ??? - ''We simply do. Please, follow me.'' Kilchárunya - ''Nnnngh. Don't like this.'' Vansenk - ''No use in feeling nervous. Proceed forward.'' Wragrot - ''Something is not right. That woman...she is like a huge beacon of elemental power.'' Vansenk - I am glad I am not the only one who feels it.

The woman led the group into the direction of another similar being. Visually they were nealy identical to each other, almost as if they were clones. This second individual had more obvious political clothing, and bowed to the group.

??? - ''Our fates meet at least. Allow me to present myself. I am Diplomat Danita.'' Kilchárunya - I still don't like this. Danita - ''Fear not, Kilchárunya of the Kicath. We mean no harm.'' Kilchárunya - ''Too bad! You're still creeping me out.'' Vekaron - Mind explaining how you know so much about us? Wragrot - Yeah, I'm getting unconfortable. Danita - ''We know much about the Penumbra Unit and indeed, the Polar Crystal Alliance. Unlike most of the galaxy, we are not completely unaware of the outside world.''

Vansenk looked uneasy at her comment but swallowed his expression shortly after. Danita's voice sounded somewhat soothing. Something about it was getting Vekaron uneasy and Wragrot, more nervous than usual.

Danita - We of the Rovegar were quite eager for first contact...

Kilchárunya began to find it soothing, but snapped out of it and growled.

Wragrot - Well...I...it's kind of getting hot here... Vekaron - This interest...I don't really see the reason. Danita - We admire your efforts, slayer of demons, criminals, and gods... Vansenk - ''Hmph, I suppose I should better leave you three to this. I am as much a diplomat as much as I am a soldier, which I am not at all.''

Danita pointed at Vansenk.

Danita - Don't go, darling. Vansenk - If I stay, would it truly matter to you? Danita - It would, so much...

Danita hovered around Vekaron, Wragrot and Kilchárunya, passing her soft hand on their chests. Vekaron and Wragrot were nearly paralyzed. Kilchárunya felt at ease, but kept on resisting.

Kilchárunya - ''Grrr. You know we have a phrase for people like you in Kicathian. "Sinásátinmatzká chúchnøkilnikilanaí sinásátinmatzká nanuntunítarǎz."'' Vansenk - I realize now why you use a translator to communicate rather than your own tongue. Wragrot - W-what...I...Eh... Vekaron - I'm reminded of home, of my old family... Danita - Oh, we would love to know more about you...more about your prowness...more about how you taste like.

Kilchárunya could notice energy shifting out of Vekaron and Wragrot into Danita.

Kilchárunya - ''Uh...well...wait. What we taste like?''

Danita lifted her arms, and Vekaron and Wragrot acted as if if were chained. They could not respond. Vansenk simply stood still, his appearance nor behaviour anymore different than it had been up until this point. He seemed at ease even before the incident.

Danita - The Rovegar Matrarchy could use warriors like you, Zoles commandant... Vekaron - Y-yes...it could... Vansenk - ''If you seek to quench your thirst for curiosity concerning the flavour of my soul, I shall be happy to enlighten you. It is the least I can do.''

Kilchárunya looked at the trio, and beat her fist on Vekaron's head.

Kilchárunya - ''Oi. Snap out of it.''

Vekaron stumbled back and shook his head. He stare at the energy link coming out of his chest and frowned.

Vekaron - What the heck is this?! Danita - Huh? Kilchárunya - ''Maaaan, the Warlord of the Remnant would so smash you right now. Kilchárunya - And not in the sexual way.''

Vekaron took out his blade and slashed at Danita, sending her back, letting out a pained screech. Wragrot snapped out of it and fell into his knees.

Kilchárunya - You trying to devour our souls or something? Vekaron - I think it's close to that! Wragrot - ...What the hell was that...I feel really weak right now. Danita - I'm under orders of taking the Zoles hostage...I will do so, and you will not stop me! Kilchárunya - Ah shut it.

Kilchárunya pointed her blaster at Danita, all the Rovegar around the group aimed their weapons at them. Vansenk smiled, showing his rotted, decayed teeth and raising his arms.

Kilchárunya - ''Just what kinda name is 'Danita' anyway? Pretty sure that's a word for something.''

Before any of the group could take action, however, a fleet appeared in the sky and began bombarding the planet. The shipts were familiar: they were Wranploer vessels.

Kilchárunya - The fuck is that? Vansenk - Who are they? Danita - I will-what the...? Wragrot - Are those...Wranploer? Vekaron - Oh, what the hell. Vansenk - ''Wranploer. The name escapes me.'' Kilchárunya - ''Oh, not cool. I freaking hate Wranploer.''

Shuttles fell into the city, and Wranploer soldiers began attacking. Appearing before both the group and Danita was a squad of.

Danita - What are those things?! Vansenk - Bizarre. Kilchárunya - ''Shit. It's the Zí-Jittorám juniors.'' Wragrot - ''Don't just stand there looking dumb. Kill them!''

Kilchárunya fired her blasters at the Sankáryn whilst keeping her attention on Danita. Vekaron tried to slash at the Sankáryn, while Wragrot fired at them and Danita and her soldiers fired as well. The Sankáryn, however, dodged most of the shots. Vansenk's rotten teeth gritted together as he pointed his arms towards the enemy. Shortly after, the Sankáryn began to feel sickened, as if struck with severe, chronic illness although it was not fatal.

Kilchárunya - ''...Right. I forget they're like the most agile thing in the galaxy.'' Vansenk - So long as I can concentrate, I can stall them long enough for you to strike them.

The Sankáryn retaliated by firing with their blasters at the group. Some managed to kill a few of Danita's soldiers. Wragrot tried to punch one, only for it to bend its body out of the punch's way.

Wragrot - Now I remmeber why I hate these things. Kilchárunya - Zí-Jittorám are much worse.

Vansenk stood in front of Danita and her soldiers while he continued to keep his arms raised, inflicting severe pain amongst the Sankáryn while vulnerable to blaster fire.

Kilchárunya - If I remember correctly, they hate heavy sounds. Danita - ''Heavy sounds? So be it.''

Danita gathered energy in her body and then let out an echoing screech. The Sankáryn all stopped running and agonized.

Wragrot - Wow, ain't you bitchy. Kilchárunya - Dang. Vansenk - Now I can concentrate.

Wragrot ran up to one fo the Sankáryn and decapitated it with a punch, while Vekaron cut throguh another one. Kilchárunya fired her weapon at the Sankáryn's heads, blowing them off. Several Sankáryn began to choke and cough violently, vomiting up a mix of puke and other materials and substances that shouldn't be flowing out through the mouth.

Vekaron - I'm gonna take a while to get used to that. Kilchárunya - ''Kasatrá. [Dude]. Not cool.'' Vansenk - Did you want them dead or not?

The combined efforts of the two groups killed all the Sankáryn. However, they could still see the Wranploer forces were massacring the population. Vekaron walked up to Danita and grabbed her by her throat.

Vekaron - ''Explain yourself. I am really losing my patience.'' Kilchárunya - Aw, I wanted to do that. Danita - ''Agh...fine! I am an infiltrator, I was sent to take over your minds when we found out you were coming to this planet.'' Vekaron - For what reason? Danita - The Matriarchy thinks...you'd make a good enforcer... Wragrot - Ohoho, the Alliance is not gonna be happy. Vansenk - ''You should have asked. I could have done with the company.'' Kilchárunya - ''Heh. People are more likely to court that Rianth with that team than you.''

Vansenk winked at Danita, exposing his blackened tongue and disgusting teeth. Danita frowned and sighed. In a distance, a figure jumped to the top of a building, where the entire group could see its sillhoette.

??? - ''Ah, there you are! I was looking for you!'' Kilchárunya - Oh what now?

Deep, Burning Hatred
The figure jumped down, and as it landed, it punched the group. A massive shockwave sent the entire group flying backwards. Kilchárunya was thrown back, but rolled her tail, finding herself back on her feet.

Lilchárunya - Well this isn't good.

The dust settled, and a bird landed on the figure's shoulder. It let out a long grin.

Torrent - Well, if it isn't my old friend Vekaron. Wragrot - ...Captain Torrent? Vekaron - ''No...No! NO! I killed you!'' Kilchárunya - You know I really hate you BCN people. Scallywag - ''Brack! The feeling is mutual!'' Vansenk - ''A Kvargo. The Hserelie onboard the station used to speak of them as a dead race with a smile.'' Kilchárunya - Hah!

Torrent looked at his hands.

Torrent - ''Oh, you nearly did kill me. Left me to die, armless, in Volim's fortress. But some soldiers got me out, and I got better. But I don't take kindly of being left to just die.'' Vansenk - You are severely ineffective at killing people, Vekaron. Kilchárunya - ''Must suck for you. Last thing I heard was the Zí-Jittorám left you all. Torrent - ''Yeah, the Jittorám bastard left. Not that I care. He was a burder anyway.'' Kilchárunya - ''Well they're with the Dominion now. Heh.'' Torrent - Don't think I've heard of it. Vansenk - You all speak in words alien to me.

Vekaron growled angrily and charged at Torrent, slashing at him with his sword. Torrent defended himself by putting his arm in the sword's path. The two remainde static as Vekaron's sword could not penetrate Torrent's arm.

Torrent - I ain't losing limbs anymore, pal. Vekaron - What...

Torrent launched Vekaron away, sending him flying.

Kilchárunya - Get with the times then. Torrent - How about I get my fist through your brain. Kilchárunya - Uh, no.

Kilchárunya fired her blaster at Torrent's knees. His knees turned pitch black, and the shots did no damage.

Kilchárunya - You're screwing me. Torrent - Oh, no. You're not my kind of woman! Kilchárunya - ...What?

Torrent put his hands down, ripped off a piece of the floor and then threw it at the group's direction. Kilchárunya rolled forward, under the debris. She then unfolded herself, and launched her tail at Torrent's head. Vansenk focussed and placed a finger on his forehead. Chunks of the projectile began to dissipate, although not fast enough to completely prevent it.

Vansenk - Give me some assistance.

Vekaron jumped off the way, while Wragrot crouched. Torrent's head turned black and Kilchárunya felt as if she had just hit a metal bar.

Torrent -'' Oh, okay. Tail whip. I've not seen that in a while now.''

Vansenk growled and got out his sickle, rolling out of the way of the projectile as it flew past him. Kilchárunya let out a heavy roar and roudhouse kicked Torrent. However, he grabbed her leg, spun her and threw her into Wragrot's direction.

Torrent - ''Hehehaha! This is very fun!'' Kilchárunya - Craaaaaaaaaaaaaap! Wragrot - How about no.

Wragrot tried to crouch out of the way but Kilchárunya hit him anyway, sending both into the ground. Vansenk approached Torrent calmly, gripping his sickle tightly although not making any offensive moves.

Kilchárunya - ''You tried ducking?! I'm 3 and a half metres tall!'' Wragrot - ''Yeah, maybe I did not think this through. Just get off of me already.'' Kilchárunya - ...Right. Vekaron - ''How the hell are you doing this? This is not the Torrent I know.'' Torrent - ''Nanomachines, son. They can do many wonderful things.''

Kilchárunya got off Wragrot and tried shooting at Torrent's eyes. He blocked the shots by putting his hands in front of his eyes. At this moment, a small Rovegar approached.

??? - Mommy?...Where are you? Kilchárunya - ...what?

Kilchárunya looked at the Rovegar. Vansenk looked at the child, breaking his concentration. Torrent ran up to the kid, landing in front of her. Kid - Aaaah! Torrent - ''Oh look, what do we have here. One of them "innocents", those which you strive to protect, eh?'' Kilchárunya - ''Heck I don't care. All I want to do is kill you right now...I mean...yes. Innocents. Whoo.'' Wragrot - Subtle.

Torrent looked at Vekaron and then pierced his fingers into the kid's skull. She began to cry and agonize as Torrent lifted her up.

Torrent - ''Reminds you of something, doesn't it, old pal? Reminds you of your own kid...doesn't it?'' Kilchárunya - ''Yeah. Perhaps you could start using your psychic powers now and help?''

Wragrot charged psychic power on his hands, but Vekaron roared and charged on his way. He began attacking Torrent, who effortlessly blocked all of his attacks. Vansenk regained his concentration, closing his eyes and blocking out everything. Torrent could feel his nostrils and gums beginning to burn, as if he had something incredibly hot within his mouth. The feeling thenextended to the roots of all of his teeth in a sudden movement. However, he began shrugging it off.

Torrent - ''Oh, is this nanomachines I'm detecting? Nah, get off, I already have my own.''

Vansenk's nanomachines began being blocked by Torrent's own. Kilchárunya whispered to Wragrot.

Kilchárunya - ''He says he has nanomachines. If they're activated by thought, then...yeah. You get the idea. Fuck him up.'' Wragrot - I can't if Vekaron doesn't get out of the way. Kilchárunya - Do I have to?

Torrent let out a punch which sent Vekaron into the air. He landed uncouncious.

Wragrot - Nevermind, there's the chance.

Kilchárunya went over to Vekaron and dragged him out of the way by his horns. Wragrot launched a blast of energy at Torrent, which caused him to grunt. He threw himself back, disoriented.

Vansenk - ''It appears the extent of my usage ends here. I shall retrieve the civilian and leave the matter of offensive strategy to you.'' Torrent - ''Agh...you. You're one of those psychic Murgur?'' Wragrot - Heh.

Kilchárunya ran up to Torrent, and tailwhipped his head. Torrent was launched and crashed into a wall, which crumbled above him. The kid Rovegar fell down, and while she had a large wound on her, she was still alive.

Kilchárunya - Crap, I wasn't expecting to do that.

Torrent emerged out of the rubble and punched Kilchárunya's face. Vansenk approached the young child that Torrent had dropped, looking down at it with confusion. The child could see Vansenk's rather horrid features as he looked down at her.

Vansenk - Stay close and do not walk astray. Torrent - Fuck all of your species! Kilchárunya - Go tell that to the Agents.

Vekaron slowly woke up, while Wragrot threw another blast, which disoriented him further. The kid looked at Vansenk but then turned attention to the battle again.

Vansenk - ''If you do not get to safety, you will die. Can you comprehend that?''

Kilchárunya tried to drive her claw into Torrent's eye sockets However, he managed to grabbed Kilchárunya's arms barely before she could hit him and began forcing her back. The kid, despite Vansenk's words, started walking into the fight and then creating an orb of energy on her hands, which she threw at Torrent. He shouted in pain and lost his grasp, and Kilchárunya's claws hit his eyes, causing him to scream.

Kilchárunya clawed herself out of Torrent's face before giving him a well placed kick between the legs. Torrent shouted in a high pitched voice, and Wragrot came down charging at him, sending him crashing through a building's wall.

Kilchárunya - Heck, it works on Kvargo as well. Wragrot - You'd be surprised how good it is against Borealis Zazane.

An Innocent Girl
Vekaron slowly got up, and the building crumbled, crushing Torrent beneath it.

Vansenk - ''Hmph, I am assuming you are referring to reproductive organs. If that is the case, if you ever fight Hserelie, you aim for its tongue.'' Wragrot - ...Ew. Kilchárunya - Wait, yours is black...so that...

Kilchárunya started to breathe heavily before screaming quietly.

Vansenk - If you wish, I can elaborate upon Hserelie breeding rituals. Kilchárunya - ''Too. Much. Information.''

Vansenk looked at Kilchárunya and licked his teeth with his black tongue, leaving a yellowish substance across his jaws. He then looked upon the pile, examining the corpses crushed under the debris from a distance. Kilchárunya cringed hugely and started to wretch, eventually throwing up. Vekaron held his head, still stunned, when the wounded girl ran up to him.

Kid - Mister? Are you okay? Vekaron - ''Eh?...Oh. Yes. I'm fine.'' Kid - My mommy disappeared...can you help me find her? Vekaron - ''Hmm. Where is your home?''

The kid pointed at a ruined home. Among the debris, the group could see a dead Rovegar.

Kid - ''Oh! My mommy is in there!'' Kilchárunya - ''Uhhhhh. Hm. Hmmmm. ....Awkward.''

The kid ran up the Rovegar and began pushing her. However, as he was dead, it did nothing. Wragrot scratched his head, while Vekaron walked up to her.

Kid - Why is mommy sleeping?...Why is mommy all red?... Vekaron - ''...Child. What is your name?'' Kid - , mister... Kilchárunya - ''Oh man. If the BCN doesn't kill me you will.''

Vansenk approached Vekaron, his eyes still kept on the bodies.

Vansenk - ''...Should I tell her? Do you think she would be able to comprehend the notion of...this?'' Vekaron - ''I'm not sure. The other ones tried to attack us ut...this is just a child.'' Kilchárunya - ''Heck she managed to comprehend your face. Everything else is plain sailing.'' Wragrot - ''This is why I never had a wife. I could die at any moment.'' Gardin - Mister...? Vekaron - Kid, your mother...she will not wake up anymore.

From behind the group, Danita appeared again. Her hands were charged in elemental energy, and her eyes shined in a bright red.

Kilchárunya - ''Uhhh...guys. Evil bitch lady is angry.'' Danita - You got rid of the invader, now there is nothing between me and you. Vansenk - Do it.

Vansenk stood up and approached Danita. However, from the debris of the building, Torrent's clawed hand bursted out and skwered through Danita's chest.

Kilchárunya - ''Whoa. Heck just for that, that guy gets cool points.'' Vansenk - ...I am getting severely irritated that I have been denied of a goddamn KILL! Scallywag -'' Wrack! Fat chance! Cannot kill the Pirate King!'' Vansenk - Silence, cretin bird!

Torrent erupted out of the debris, his entire body turned black. His eyes were visibly damaged, but he appeared to know the group was still there.

Torrent - ''Fucking space magic. I cannot fight in these conditions! I'll let you know, this is hardly the end! We will meet again!'' Vekaron - Come back, and I strike you down, just like before!

Torrent roared and jumped out of view. Kilchárunya went over to Danita's corpse and kicked it hard.

Kilchárunya - ''I. Hate. You. Women.''

Scallywag came down and started pecking Kilchárunya, before leaving, laughing loudly.

Kilchárunya - Ngh! Wragrot - Wow, that bird is a bigger douchebag than you.

Vansenk approached the girl and got on one knee, looking her in the face. He glared, showing no remorse nor pity. It was a clear sign he was angry as he could not kill Danita himself.

Vansenk - ''It is useless to try and wake your mother. She won't wake up. Her organs have been destroyed, crushed across the floor from the debris that toppled upon her. She's not coming back. You are lucky that you have not been taken with her. Or perhaps that is the unfortunate outcome. You are alone now, without a parent to care for you, it seems.'' Kilchárunya - Heck, say that in Kicathian and you're a fully fledged male.

Gardin began crying, both tears and blood. Vekaron, at first silent, picked her up.

Vekaron - ''I'll take you to Vyatak. He can heal your eye.'' Vansenk - Vekaron, what are you thinking? Vekaron -'' She has a hole through her head. She needs to be healed.'' Vansenk - ''This is a child. If she comes along with us, she will die. We are a combat dedicated unit and she will inevitably grow attached. We can leave her to be healed by her own people.'' Wragrot - ''Yeah. One problem there. I don't think there's anyone else alive in here.'' Vekaron - ''The Penumbra Unit is about galactic stability, not war. I don't see why we cannot help her.'' Gardin - Mister...my head hurts... Vansenk - ''We-- You are soldiers. This is not a soldier. This is an infant. Infants have no place upon your mission.'' Kilchárunya - Heck you saw what she did to Torrent. Vansenk - You saw what Torrent did to her.

Wragrot muttered to Vansenk and Kilchárunya.

Wragrot - I think it's the daddy instincts kicking in. Kilchárunya - ...Eh? Wragrot - Torrent mentioned he did the same to his daughter. Vansenk - ''If he decides to bring her with us permanently, there shall be an inevitable repeat. Again.'' Kilchárunya - Oh fuck what you think, whatever you are.

Kilchárunya went over to Gardin and looked at her.

Kilchárunya - ''Heck, it's like a family. Vekaron's the...uh...father...i'm the mother, Wragrot's the uncle and Vansenk's the crappy uncle who steals from the family.'' Wragrot - Ew, now I'm picturing you and Vekaron as a couple. Kilchárunya - Trust me, not as bad as Vansenk's face. Vekaron - ''Helping the innocent is part of being a Penumbran. This girl is an innocent, and the Wranploer massacred the population. I will take her to Vyatak, and that's final.''

Vansenk kept quiet and didn't say another word. He walked a few meters away from the group.

Vansenk - ''I'm going to console myself and count the dead. If she dies under your ownership, it is not my fault.''

Above the group, Torrent's flagship left the atmosphere, followed by the Wranploer fleet. There was no more survivors on the city as the Wranploer had retreated.

Kilchárunya - ''Heck, with that attitude you might as well be a servant of that guy...who's name I forget. Big. Evil. Makes everything rot. Yeah that guy.'' Vansenk - Believe me, I'm trying to prevent death. Kilchárunya - ''Not with that face. Heh.'' Vekaron - ''Hmpf. Let's go, kid. You'll like Vyatak.'' Gardin - Oh...okay!

Vekaron carried Gardin back to the shuttle. Wragrot watched the whole scene scratching his head. He muttered to himself and followed them. Kilchárunya walked along with Vekaron, chuckling at her remarks about Vansenk, leaving the ruined rovegar world behind.