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.

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.''

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.

Technobliterator: 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 Insurrection
pressed a button on a holo-panel and he watched as a holo-screen appears in front of him. Falrik Zaarkhun appeared.

Falrik Zaarkhun - So you're the infamous Crispy. Crispy - Am I right in thinking you are the one and only Falrik Zaarkhun? Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, you are. Crispy - I'm sorry, I don't usually negotiate with terrorists. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Terrorist, hmm? If you don't usually negotiate with terrorists...you should be fine negotiating with me.'' Crispy - ''You have a high-enough opinion of yourself. I like that in a man.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I am a businessman. Part of being one is to sell myself as someone who's worth doing business with.'' Crispy - ''Well then, Falrik, how may we do business? I understand you are not the most liked person in your galaxy at the moment.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, do you also understand that I am also arguably the most powerful person in my galaxy at the moment? Crispy - ''What is there not to understand? I am an avid reader of the UDB.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I see. You've done your research.''

Zaarkhun smirked.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I like that in a man. Crispy - ''Heh, well we could sit here and flirt with each other all day or we could get to the point of this transmission. A man who does business must be a man who has multiple appointments.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''As well as multiple associates to deal with many of them, yes. But that's beside the point. I merely wanted to say that your Golden Movement is an admirable cause that I'd like to back. Perhaps back it...financially.''

Crispy leaned forward.

Crispy - I'm listening. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I have a great deal of wealth from trading inside Borealis and outside it. Volim and I are the richest in Borealis by far. We can fund your Golden Movement at least 10 times over. I, in turn, could do with a little bit of assistance. The Consortium Network will sponsor you and you will have full funding whenever required...if you would do a service for me.'' Crispy - ''Sponsors and funding? Sounds like a very beneficial deal. But what do you require of one such as myself? If you know the true cause of the Golden Movement, you will know that I am not a very violent man.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - That's exactly why you're needed. Crispy - ''Oh? What do you require?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I won't speak over transmission or we vould be intercepted. If you meet Genrai Nal in the co-ordinates I'm sending you, you'll find out.'' Crispy - ''That is fine by me. I shall come alone, as always.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good. Make sure to be on time.'' Crispy - ''I shall. You can never expect me to be late. Ever.''

Zaarkhun nodded, and the transmission was over.

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.

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 - <> Sarec - ''<>'' Arkarixus - <>

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 still join the same fleet, however. Both him and myself ought to get the fleet distracted enough. And from a distance, 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.

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.