Fiction:Andromeda War/The Darkest Hour

In the midst of Firestorm, a new enemy appeared before the allies - a dark force, the. With dark allies behind it, the terrible Empire goes towards the destruction of all life. The newly formed is up to challenge, indeed, for The Darkest Hour is upon it...

Battle for As Radan
On Alcanti, the leaders of the Andromedan Galactic Commonwealth were watching upon the large holographic map of Andromeda. An ancient relic from the times of the Four, this holographic machine showed various magnetic disturbances, allowing the Highlords to observe the actions of empires all across the galaxy. Suddenly, a massive flash of light appeared on the map around Segmentum Draco, signaling that a large fleet has just appeared here.

Uriel - The Grox. Iovera - ''Indeed. Who are they trying to attack? This is not our space.'' Uriel - ''The Domain of As Radan, a small isolated civilisation on the edge of a Segmentum led by a species known as Kaelar. Their territories would provide the Grox a good foothold in the region.'' Tyraz - Then we shall stop them here and now! Iovera - ''Tyraz is right. The Black Fleet would dispatch immediately to the As Radan territory. I assume you would do the same, noble lords.''

The cold wasteland of As Radan was originally a powerful, rich capital world full of many aliens and many cultures. Since the decline of the Domain due to the near destruction of Cinis cluster, however, its glory started to wane. Massive skyscrapers slowly rusted without anyone to live within them, and streets of massive cities were now nearly completely empty save for a few random visitors. Those Kaelar who remained here to witness the slow collapse of the Domain's glory were grumpy, despair-driven people, who were sure that nothing could get worse on their planet. However, it turned out things could get worse, with a huge Grox fleet descending on a planet.

Grochius - ''Don't devastate the planet. Just come and kill everyone here. I want for all these cities to remain intact... we need a base to be estabilished.''

Millions of Grox battlesuits teleported on a planetary surface, marching towards the capital city of the world, blasting and mercilessly murdering any opposition. Suddenly, an unstoppable metal horde was stopped abruptly by a group of Kaelar soldiers with antimatter grenades. These Kaelar have immediately fired their weapons towards the Grox warriors, evaporating them into a blast of antimatter.

Kaelar - Commander Tarken, unknown enemy forces within the city! Tarken - Who? Kaelar - ''Strange mechanical beings, we have not encountered others like these before! I request inforcements immediately, commander!'' Tarken - Request accepted. Kaelar - ''Yes! Oh, wait, there are more of the-AAAAAAAAAH!''

A transmission abruptly ended when a new squad of Grox appeared, brutally murdering the Kaelar resistance. Tarken and his reinforcements appeared too late to find themselves being surrounded from all sides. Preparing for a swift death, Kaelar commander took a deep breath as he noticed a huge flash of light in the sky, as blue, black and red ships swooped from the above destroying the humungous Grox spaceships. They fired intense volleys at the Grox ships, battering their shields and crushing them.

Yarik - All ships fire through the blockade! We must not let this scum claim victory!

Tarken froze in a mix of fear and awe, wondering who were these mysterious beings. In an instant, another flash blinded him as an image of a dragon-like creature appeared before him.

Tarken - ''Who are you?! Do you want... to help us?'' Vanacarvum - ''I am Admiral Dolervim Vanacarvum. We have come because the Grox are an extreme threat. We will help you.'' Tarken - ''I... accept your proposal.'' Taleera - ''Good. Our forces will arrive immediately.'' Yarik - ''I am Commander Yarik of the Brood of War. I will grant my forces to assist you.''

Grox ships aimed at the Commonwealth fleets and fired a volley of railgun bolts, causing some of the spaceships to burst in a blast of fire.

Vanacarvum - ...paradise grant those lost crews peace.

With haste, the surviving AGC soldiers ejected from the burning ships in the carriers and landed on a planet right unto the Grox battlesuit warriors.

Draconis Sergeant - Alright hatchlings, board dropships and prepare for a rough landing! Yarik - ''Battleguard, today you will fight for glory! Prepare to land!'' Grochius - ''QUICKLY! BATTLESUIT SOLDIERS! DESTROY THESE DROPSHIPS!''

Grox warriors have pointed their laser guns at the dropships in an attempt to stop their advance, but were stopped by the strike craft escorts that bombed them from the sky, blasting them into pieces. Soon, Tarken saw Draconis, Zazane and Radeons coming out of the dropships, firing at the Grox with the deadly weapons.

Draconis - Dominicus vinterva! Yarrik - Raise hell! Taleera - Make these bastards know justi- wait, why is it so cold in here? Draconis Soldier - ''Cold? I've been to worse, commander.'' Yarik - ''Ha! The cold shall not hinder us!'' Taleera - ''Maybe cold wouldn't... but THEY will''



Taleera has pointed at a new wave of Grox warriors, just teleported out of the Grox battleships. Staring at the organic beings with blood red glowing eyes of sheer malice, they have screeched in the incomprehensible machine tongue as they marched upon the Commonwealth's and Kaelar's force.

Tarken - ''They overwhelm us! Should I command civilians to evacuate, alien beings?'' Draconis Sergent - ''Dropships are en-route, we should evacuate who we can. Yarik - ''Meanwhile, us Zazane shall deal with these robotic freaks! We shall leave none alive!'' Taleera - And I will simply blow as many these mechanical pests as possible... Grox - ''Many words, little action. Battlesuits, attack!'' Zazane - Incoming!

The Grox's tireless asssault was met with vengeful retailation of the Kaelar blasters, Zazane shidium guns, Radeon electrolasers and Draconis fusion guns. If one could see this bloodshed from afar, his or her ears would be busted by cacophony of mechanical screeches, thundering explosions and terrifying death screams.

Yarik - ''Ha! Battlesuits? Take this on!''

Yarrik fired a barrage of shidium bullets at the maching Grox, who have answered with the wave of fire. Zazane commander's battlesuit's interior flashed red as he charged toward the Grox.

Yarik - ''Grr... THEY SHALL NOT STOP ME!'' Vanacarvum - ''Their attacks are relentless...  Officer - Admiral, incomning dropships with refugees!'' Vanacarvum - Have the carriers pick them up? Officer - In process, admiral.

Atop the Grox armies, more Draconis bombers flew over, dropping their payloads unto them and melting them into plasma with fusions explosives. Meanwhile, in space, shields of Vanacarvum's flagship buckled under the Grox's Dominators' assault.

Vanacarvum - ''The Grox are hitting us hard! I've never seen such fire power outside... outside...''

The voice of a Draconis captain quaked.

Officer - Commanders, can we get a SitRep down there? Sergeant - ''Grox are completely devastating the planet and *coughs* Lifefather what is that smell. Soldiers, seal suits!''

Suddenly, Kaelar soldiers felt cold as one of them fell on the ground, frozen and dead.

Tarken - ''What is that? The whole planet is freezing! The Grox must terraform the world!'' Officer - ''Confirmed, we're reading atmospheric changes consistent to planets in the galactic core. I they're terraforming the planet...'' Yarik - ''Grr! No! We will not fai-- *as he says this, his battlesuit begins to freeze slightly, and he becomes doubtful* No! This cannot be!'' Taleera - ''Well, they are going to be DEAD and cold. Let these bastards taste the warp barrage.''

Taleera put a warpcannon from her back and fired it on the Grox horde, creating a large rift that swallowed their troops into oblivion. Sergeant - ''Gah! This planet suddenly feels like an ice world. What kind of void-blasted climate do they... need..'' Taleera - ''Perhaps you have not seen the Grox yet? Oh, Spode, these things are twisted. They thrive everywhere where normal life cannot exist.'' Vanacarvum - ''The fleets are taking noticeable damage. and-''

Vanacarvum heard an explosion from below deck.

Vanacarvum - Wha now...

Meanwhile, Zazane commanders' battlesuit froze as its joints started to explode. Soldiers ran over to pull Yarik out while others stood guard.

Yarik - ''W-WHAT?! N-No no! No, not now!'' Sergeant - ''Fleet command, we request extraction! Noticeable populations are already evacuated.'' Yarik - ''Q-Quick! H-Help me out of this....''

Suddenly, a large explosion occured and Yarik flew out of the battlesuit. Grox army advanced, closing the ring as more AGC warriors were falling on the ground killed by deadly frost or by the Grox lasers.

Grochius - ''Ahahaha! You cannot win!  Soldier - This cold is frezing my feathers off!'' Sergeant - >C-Command where in the v-v-void is that extract-t! Yarik - No...I-I will not die in vain!

In a bold attempt to find a glorious death, Yarik ran towards the gRox forces, and as was shot, his body turned tainted red and then exploded, sending blood and his innards into the sights of several Grox*

Soldier - Command, we have mandown!

AGC soldiers fought valiently, surrounding Yarik in a defensive circle. However, frost was slowly killing them. Yarik's body was already laying lifeless as his Shidium bones started to acidize, spitting Shidium acid out of his chest.

Sergeant - Rest in paradise, you died a warrior's death.

From the sanctity of his flagship, Grochius observed the carnage, laughing mad.

Grochius - ''Ixxan, I am tired of this charade. Send in the Marinox!'' Ixxan - As you wish.

Taleera heard a massive explosion and a near-demonic screech when a massive sharklike monster dropped from the sky, its very arrival creating a massive blast causing most of the soldiers to fall on the ground. After the fall, the humungous Marinox's eyes locked on Taleera, who was just grabbing her electrolaser in order to deal with the remaining Grox armies. She was surrounded by mounds of electrocuted husks of Grox battlesuits, but this was not enough. A fearsome beast leaped at Taleera, who answered his rage with a single shot. Ice melted as dust covered the battlefield, but as it vanished, once could see a dead Radeon laying on the ground and the growling Marinox stomping her corpse.

Sergeant - NOOOO!

Mourning the death of two his superiors, sergeant unholstered his plasma pistol and fired desperately at the Marinox, who easily shrugged the damage and grabbed him, turning yet another enemy of the Grox into a bloody mess.

Vanacarvum - ''Fall back... All ships fall-''

A Grox laser hit Vanacarvum's flagship, interrupting his speech. A Draconis captain hit the floor. Meanwhile, Tarken, among the only survivors of the onslaught, abruptly fled the battlefield on his spaceship, desperately warping to the closest system in an attempt to survive.

Vanacarvum - ''Lieutenant... how many Kaelar escaped?'' Lieutenant - ''A thousand at most. Most of them were frozen.'' Vanacarvum - Best guess as to how many were lost? Lieutenant - ''Millions... Billions...''

Then, the flagship fell on the ground as the massive explosion took the life of the last remnants of AGC forces sent on the planet. The battle was lost, and once again the terror of the Grox triumphed over the organic beings.

After the battle, the Highlords of the Commonwealth have arrived on a nearby Domain world, Kaelastena. Commander Tarken and Chancellor Arkanen now stood before them on a pinnacle of the governor palace.

Arkanen - So that's who saved the survivors of As Radan onslaught? Tarken - Yes, Chancellor.'' Arkanen - ''Name yourselves. I want to know who are our saviours... and our enemies as well.''

Uriel bowed to his newly found allies regally.

Uriel - ''Greetings, lords. I am Uriel Ultanos of the Draconid Imperium.'' Iovera - ''My name is Iovera Eolania of the Divinarium. We are the Highlords of the Andromedan Galactic Commonwealth. The dreaded Grox Empire has recently started its invasion towards the galaxy... It's a pity that you were on their way. Arkanen - 'What do they want?! Tyraz - ''We have lost a battle to the Grox today....We now know more about them though. This means we could gain victory tomorrow, or another day!'' Arkanen - ''I am glad that you did what you could to save our people from these... Grox.'' Iovera - ''We just did what we should do. The Commonwealth will always protect you.'' Uriel - ''The Grox see all other forms of life as inferior, whcih could stem from their completely incompatible biology. Your courtesy is appreciated but there is something sinister about these Grox.'' Iovera - ''Indeed. Ancient stories are told about how they slaughtered our ancestors during the time my species was young.'' Uriel - ''Your honour, I have a proposal. The Draconid Imperium is a vast territory and we admire the Kaelar heritage. We would like to help you preserve I offer what my people call 'Pax Draconica'.'' Arkanen - Pax Draconica? Uriel - ''In exchange for becoming part of the Imperium we offer our technology and our military. We will help you rebuild the domain not as allies but as fellows.'' Arkanen - ''I... I accept the proposal. After all, we have much to rebuild after our capital's fall.'' Uriel - A wise decision, your honour. Iovera - ''Excellent. May our alliance shine though the ages. Long live the Commonwealth!''  Uriel - ''Yes. Long live the Commonwealth! Under our guidence the domain of As Radan will once again proper, it will shine as the beacon of sophistication it deserves to be. We will protect you from the Grox.''

Fireworks were thrown on Kaelastena around the governor palace to celebrate the new alliance. Kaelar cheered their saviours, for at once, they had hope now.

The Federation Strikes Back
Since the battle for Dexia Prime, Admiral Basshu and several of the TIAF's officers had been imprisoned on a space station orbiting the gas giant Kovolanus V. Unknown to the Imperium the TIAF had dispatched 500 transport ships to rescue the prisoners, activating clak they silently approached the station. On board an ITN soldier entered Steiner's cell with a bowl of pasta. The guard coldly handed the bowl to Steiner who sighed deeply before accepting it.

Guard - Grub's up. Steiner - What is it today, buddy? Guard - *smirks* Command decided on gourmet today; pasta in sauce. Steiner - *sarcastic smile* How generous. Guard - It's better than what you deserve for your stupidity. Steiner - ''You know, someday, I'm gonna be out of this cell. And I'll be able to eat well every day.'' Guard - Don't worry, we informed your kind of your incarceration.

The guard left Steiner with his meal while Fegelein banged a cup against his cell door.

Fegelein - ''Oi. Get over here before I eat your arm to stay alive.''

Groaning, the guard approached Fegelein's cell and thumped the door.

Guard - Shut it!

General Krebs was next to Fegelein's cell, playing a harmonica. Each of the cells was visited in turn and everyone is given their meal except for Basshu who was still in the VR suite.

Guard 2 - What of Basshu? Guard - Still on life support. Fegelein - Last I heard, you still had him high on that VR stuff. Guard - ''He still is. But he's not gonig to die anytime soon.'' Steiner - ''Word is he went insane from it. You put our admiral in a Spodedamn coma, damnit.'' Lieutenant - Be glad we didn't hook you up as well. Krebs - If you did that, the Federation would have all you court-martialed once the war was over. Lieutenant - Like he's going to go insane from playing VR all day long. Fegelein - ''You call it "playing". Like he was enjoying it.'' Krebs - Cruel bastard, you. Guard - Like I give a krann's arse what you think. Krebs - That's why democracy is better, Draconis.

The guard was wrong. Basshu had been removed ealier that day. His body twitching and delusional.

Doctor - I told you he was in there too long, he's having adaptive difficulties.

Basshu reacts to a wild muscle spasm, smacking an observing soldier.

Soldier - Little-

As the soldier raised his arm in anger he felt the doctor grab it. Pulling him back.

Doctor - No! let him rest.

Basshu broke free of his restraints, launched himself at the soldier and attempted to choke him. Struggling to get the dreanged adiral off of him several other soldiers hit basshu with a stun baton. A surge of paralysing electricity subdues BAsshu, who makes an odd grunting noise before succuming.

Soldier - I'll have the git returned to his cell.

The soldiers carried Basshu to his cell. Gently resting him on the bed when they get there. He was tied to his bed with restraints to stop him injuring himself.

Fegelein - ''Watch out boys. Admiral's back. Brace yourselves when he wakes up.'' Soldier - Restrain him, we don't want him to cause too much damage.

Outside, Tzena and Piett awaited deployment in one of the transport ships while Draccard was aboard another. They quietly sailed towards the station. Looking on sensors they noticed that the ITN had deployed the 412th fleet to protect the station.

Tzena - We have a vengeance to repay. Piett - The 12th will be avenged, all right. '' Lee - ''Crud. They brought friends today. We can't take all of their soldiers at once.'' Tzena - ''We have to stay quiet. We have to make sure no one can sound the alarm.'' STC - ''412th you report 912th legion transfer? Understood.'' Admiral Urevos - Roger control, A new batch for the station. STC - ''Good to hear. We await transfer.'' Draccard - ''We're picking up on their frequency. From what I can hear, they've got marine reinforcements. Something about a "912th".'' Jodl - ''Crud. Those guys gave us hell back at Dexia.'' Piett - The only thing we can do is try our hardest.

Several shuttles were dispatched to the station's hanger bays containing members of the 912th legion.

STC - 412th sensors read gravitational distortions, can you confirm? Urevos - ''Wings report minor distortions in the gravity well, Estimated mass to cause each is several tonnes at least. Look sharp people.'' Draccard - ''*over comms* Strike team to the 1st Regiment. Be prepared to support us if things get rocky.'' Mermus - ''Aye, aye. ''

mermus motioned to an engineer to relay the command to the rest of the 1st

Urevos - Frigates engage detection protocol Dexia-one. Jodl - This tactic again. Captain - Understood command, repositioning now. Lee - ''Slowly move up and around the station, they won't be able to get us there. We'll come back around the other side.''

After some time the shuttles managed to reposition away from the fleet. Inside the station the corridors were lit with a blue hue. This is noticed by the guards inside.

Guard - ''Huh. Kep an eye on the prisoners, we may have company.'' Fegelein - ''Oi. You, recruit. What does the blue light mean?''

The prisoners stuck their heads out of the cell doors and looked at each other with enthusiasm - the cavalry was coming. Annoyed at Fegelein's mention of the word 'recruit, the guard thumped the cell door with his fist while other detention block guards pushed the other officers back inside.

Guard - Watch your tongue alien! Lee - ''Steady. No sudden movements, just make them think its some heavy space junk.'' Captain - Wings report nothing of significance, It must have been a close passing asteroid. Urevos - Or a few, keep on blue alert. Tzena - ''Strike team to 1st Regiment. We're in position. Send the decoy.'' Vice Admiral Yates - On its way.

The TIAF had deployed a high-speed vessel piloted by a single soldier that rushed towards the space station while making it completely obvious it's from the TIAF.

STC - We have incoming confirm TIAF ident codes. Urevos - ''Single ship, target and prepare to fire. Station is to be palced on red alert!''

The single ship fired warning shots at the fleet. Urevos lust laughed confidently at the pilot's suicidal nature.

Urevos - Annihilate that braindead idiot.

The blue light switched to a red light and the guards grinned with exitment

Guard - It looks like your friends hav come looking to play. Krebs - You seriously put the station on red alert for that?'' Guard - Now, Where there's one there's more of you vermin. Krebs - ''I'll admit that we probably have some very idiotic civilians who can get their hands on armed ships. He's probably one of those guys.'' Guard - This deep in imperial space? Fegelein - ''Galactic racers can stray a long ways away from the racecourses. The idiot probably came here from the Kraw racecourses.'' Piett - Move in, boys.

The guards were not buying the stories. The cloaked transports quickly but silently made their way to the docking bays and unloaded their marine contingents. Tzena personally eagerly her armour and weapons. The pilot was proving himself a tricky target, weaving through fire.

Tzena - I'm going to enjoy this. Yates - ''Fleet, move in silently, and stay cloaked. We'll stay just outside the area to make sure the radars don't pick up our gravity distortion.''

A marine of the 912th legion guard noticed something about the docking arms, signalling four squadmates they move closer.

Draccard - ''Enemies incoming, guys. Stay low and take them out silently.'' Vice Admiral Birch - With pleasure.

Birch took position next to the doorway along with ten other soldiers. The marine warned for vigilance. As they approached, Birch looked down to see a discarded stun bation, he picked it up with a smile.

Birch - Let's see how they like a taste of their own medicine. Marine - ''Clearing pattern. Now *comm* Command be ready for hostile incursion.'' Birch - Patience...

The marines prepared themselves around the doorway while the original marine took cover behind a console looking towards the door. Birch made a motion to his soldiers that meant "Attack when they cross into the room". Outside, each marine nodded once they were ready and the orignal pulled out a stun grenade. When he activates the terminal the door opens and he threw the greande in, ducking back behind the terminal. The grenade landed on the ground, rolling a short distance. When Birch noticed he cried out for his soldiers to take cover behind some crates, When the grenade detonated it emitted an intensely bright light along with a minor pressure wave and a disorienting buzzing sound*

Birch - Ready position for when they enter! Marine - Clear Birch - ''Ready! Go!''

Birch and his soldiers rush the marines as they enter and most of them were taken by surprise and subdued. One marine punched one TIAF soldier in the chest, grabbed him by the collar and threw him towards another soldier. while Birch subdued two other ITN marines with his stun baton. The first marine pulled out his rifle and fired a fusion puls between Birch's legs. Birch dodged by rolling and the bolt impacted a hexane canister. Other soldiers move in to tackle the marine to the floor. The marine noticed the noise and moments later the hexane ignited, engulfing the room in a fireball.

Draccard - Crud! Rear Admiral Arilla - Alright guys, we gotta move out before this place burns down or someone finds us, whichever comes first!

A few soldiers throw water grenades at the fire attempting to put it out but, not realising it was a chemical fire, created more firebursts.

Commander - One of the chemical containers jut ignited in docking bay 7. Lieutanant - Understood, supressant sprays active.

The room is abruptly filled with a burst of carbon dioxide, which kills the fire.

Draccard - Hazard suits on!

As the gas cleared a single 912th marine was crouching, his armour heavily scarred from chemical burns but he was otherwise alive.

912th - ''It takes more than that to finsh... me.''

The marien picked up his rifle but was interrupted when Tzena kicked it out from his arms and shot him in the head with a plasma rifle. Causing Draccard to flinch away.

Tzena - I think not. Draccard - Was that really necessary? Tzena - Draconis scum are all the same.

The plasma shot burns through the armour, revealing a lining of hard material around his skull.

Tzena - The hell? Just die already!

Tzena stomped on the skull, eventually breaking through the armour and smashing the soldier's his brain.

Piett - I will admit that you made that a little more bloody than it needed to be, my lady... Tzena - You have five seconds to rephrase that. Piett - ''I mean... I suppose I've seen worse.''

The blood leaking from the body is a slightly darker shade of red form normal, tinted by the presence of carbon-based nanites.

Jodl - ''That's odd. His blood seems altered. Mind if I take some samples, Lady Tzena and Lady Draccard? Draccard - Knock yourself out.''

The ensuing battle had caused a klaxon to blare thoughout the facility.

Lee - Oh great, now they know we're here! Announcer - ''Confirmed incursions in docking bay 7. Priority alert'' Draccard - Let's move quickly guys, don't give them anything to find in the docking bay.

The team quickly moved out into the hallway and headed in the direction of the station's command center. Urevos - Control what is going on.

STC - We have an incursion, confirmed TIAF presence, they detonated one of the hexane canisters in docking bay 7. Urevos - Damnation, all ships on full alert! Tzena - ''Divide and conquer. Piett and Arilla, you take soldiers to the prison bay and free the 12th.'' Draccard - ''Birch and Lee, you control the station's defense center. *To Tzena* Well, are you ready?'' Urevos - We're dispatching reinforcements to you now. Tzena - ''*begrudgingly scoffs* Don't be silly, Ariana. I've always been ready.'' 912th marine - There they are, open fire! Piett - Eat metal, b*tch!

Piett fires his gun at the marine only to see the bullets bounce off or otherwise embed themselves in the armour. Prompting the marines to fire back. The TIAF's soldiers use reinforced armor shields to block the bullets and fire back at the marines from under their shields. The single squad managed to cause a few casualties before being killed. Piett and Arilla's squad charged towards the prison bay, while Lee and Birch made their way to the station's defense control center.

Lee and his team forced their way into the defense control room with his gun armed.

Lee - ''All of you! Hands up!''

The unarmed crewman turn around and raise their hands while the guards on duty aim ther rifles.

Birch - ''You guards best put your guns down. We will shoot with lethal force!'' Commander Tavlos - Stand down marines. Marine - Command- Tavlos - that's an order! Piett - ''*smirks* Thank you for your cooperation. You, commander, get down here, please.''

The marines hesitated and one by one lower their weapons, keeping eye-contact. Tavlos left his podium in the middle of the room and walked towards Lee.

Tavlos - What. Birch - ''Keep telling your commanders up in the central command center that everything's fine down here. Until we can get into your defense systems, that is. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.'' Tavlos - Do you really think they would believe us on such short notice? Birch - ''Then don't tell them anything. No news is good news.'' Tavlos - You scatterbrained little-

A marine interrupts him by coughing.

Piett - ''The rest of you, engineers. Cooperate with us on this one. Get us access to the entire station's defenses, and none of you will have to be locked in the cells.'' Tavlos - *sighs* You heard the man. Marine - No.

Piett stepped into a way that makes it so that his shoulder pad blocked it, then faces the marine from over his shoulder.

Lee - ''Naughty boy. Someone subdue him.''

Two soldiers rushed through the room and climb up the stairs to subdue the marine, who retaliated by firing at the approaching soldiers. Roaring and spreading his wings.

Birch - ''If you would be as so kind, commander, subdue your soldier. I don't want to have to shoot him.'' Tavlos - Private I ORDER you to stand down! Marine - *roars, turning to Tavlos* You are content to be bossed around by children! Soldier - ''I am no child! I'm 75!''

The soldier grasped the marine and tried to strangle him, the marine responded by grabbing the soldier's arm and squeezed, crushing it slightly.

Marine - I'm 102, and still young!

Tavlos let out a deep breath. he pulled out a stun gun and ired it at the marine who colvulsed to the floor. The soldier breaks free and looks at his arm.

Soldier - Damn, Social Security won't pay for this. Birch - Thank you, commander.

Obirch patted him on the shoulder before proceeding to the defense computers with his team.

Tavlos - I took no plasure from doing that... Soldier - Here, you can have it.

The soldier drops the marine's limp body at Tavlos' feet.

In the prison bay Piett and his team were wearing down the defence.

Marine - Security breach! Piett - Eat this, motherfrakkers!

The assault team armed their bayonets and charged forward, intent on causing what damage they could. When the detention block guards responded with a stun grenade the TIAF's soldiers deoplyed shields and charged forward. The closer they got to Basshu's cell the more guards there were t odefend the detention block.

Arilla - Liberty! Piett - Freedom!

Their cries coincided with forcing the cells open. When Fegelein was rescued he cried out "federation forever", a chant that echoed in the hallways. Within the chaos a guard threw a plasma grenade that detonated under a soldier's feet. The soldier was thrown across the halway and grabbed by a Draconis marine who choked him to death. The marine is quickly overtaken by a charging group of TIAF soldiers. Steiner is rescued from his cell and tackles a marine who sliced Steiner with a combat knife as he fell.

Steiner - You are all the same. Medic! The marine was trampled by the charging strike team. Rally cries continue to echo

Jodl - We are coming for you, Admiral! Marine - For Drakon's sanity, SILENCE!

The TIAF soldiers bombarded the guards with grenades, causing significant damage to their ranks. As the smoke cleared a few of the 912th Legion were still standing but severely weakened. Piett - Go crying home for mama Drakon!

Piett ran his bayonet into one of the marines along with other soldiers who impaled the other marines. One of the impaled marines snarls and, grabbing the soldier's shoulder, tore the arm off, throwing the body to the ground.

Soldier - ''MY ARM! WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE ARM!'' Arilla - Bloody brute!

Arilla beat the marine with the butt of her gun, then kicked him in the crotch for good measure. The kick does not cause him to collase in pain, smirking as though it did little.

Arilla - A cheeky one, eh?

Cybernetics in her leg boosted her next kick, which caused the marine pain.

Soldier - ''That... actualy went... through...'' Marine 2 - ''Very... unsportsmanlike....'' Arilla - Would you like me to kick you, too? Announcer - Warning, brig security compromised. Piett - ''Enough, Arilla. We've humiliated them enough as it is, let them have some dignity left.''

Commander - Commander Tavlos what is going on down there?

Birch glanced at Tavlos expectantly.

Tavlos - ''We're working to control the situation, commander. Have patience.'' Birch - ''*smirks before going back to the computer* We're almost done, Tavlos. There should hopefully be no more need to lie to your superiors.''

Back in the brig Jodl kicked down the door Basshu's cell.

Jodl - ''Admiral. We've come for you.''

Basshu, still strapped to the bed, looked at Jodl with a primal look in his eyes. She realised the Draconis had done terrible things to him.

Meanwhile, near the command center Tzena and Draccard were stopped by soldiers of the 912th legion. Marine - Stop right there! Tzena - We stop for no one!

Tzena threw a few grenades which subdued the 912th soldiers.

Draccard - ''Continue forward. Subdue any resistance on the way.''

the soldiers approach closer and closer to the door to the station's command center which was guarded by veterens of the 912th legion.

Marine - ''This. Ends. Here.'' Tzena - Now, if you men would be so kind as to GTFO of our way. Draccard - ''I suppose it does end here. For you.''

The marines primed their rifles and fired twoards the TIAF. Draccard blocked the shots with her shoulder armor. Ordering the TIAF soldiers to fire back. This prompted the mariens to march forward, still firing.

Tzena - Crush that wall!

The soldiers race forward to either tackle or bayonet the marines who drew vibro-sabres in response, they parry or dodge the attacks, subduing several of the soldiers. Dracard, sick of the fighting pulls out a very large hammer while Tzena pulls out her other katana.

Draccard - ''Bah, screw it. Think you can take them, Alexa?'' Tzena - Let's see them try to stop us.

Tzena and Draccard charged forward with their weapons. Draccard swings her hammer to stun the marines while Tzena attacks by slashing with her katanas. Using their numbers the marines try to flank the pair, but one-by-one the marines are subdued. Tzena wipes the blood from her katanas while a single marine lies dying on the floor.

Draccard - That will teach you not to mess with the might of the TIAF. Tzena - Not even a challenge. Marine - ''Congratulations admirals, *coughs* You have.. successfully carved a path of blood to the very heart of this bastion!''

To be continued...

The Mechovirus' Wrath
Fiery fireworks were put into the air on As Radan as a massive Grox flagship landed on the planet, a magnificient fortress of terror. Grochius made his first step on the conquered world, savouring the dead, frozen air. The smell of victory, he thought. To his eyes, a glorious work was revealed. Despite the fact that some survivors escaped, the mission was still successful, and the whole planet was devastated. On the destroyed buildings of the lower species, new architecture was erected, and Dronox workers have already constructed huge spires in Grochius' glory. The Grox king smiled and walked a blood red carpet towards a huge plaza that has been just created from the ruins of the Capital Spire of the Kaelar capital. Grox warriors in battlesuit bowed to him in obedience, as did his best lieutenant, Dronox Commander Ixxan. However, Grochius noticed another person in the mass of soulless machines, one he did not know before. It was certainly not a Grox. This newcomer was far, far taller, dressed in black robes and having a twisted, fish-like head. Like everyone else, he bowed to Grochius, but he still retained his imperious look, even when he was a servant. The Grox ruler turned to the strange creature and spoke to him.

Grochius II - Name yourself, servant.

The creature stood from his knees, now fully revealing his magnificience.

HPoD - ''I am the High Prophet of Disdain. We, the Grox Followers have come to aid our masters in their conquest of our true home. We are strong and we are many. We shall bring the Apocalypse upon the Rades-spawn, the Draconis and the Zazane, all in one, deadly strike.'' Grochius II - ''We? Where are your armi-''

Grochius did not understand how that happened, but he realised he is now surrounded by the legion of large fish-like creatures similar to the Prophet he was talking to, clad in purple and gold armour.

Grochius II - ''Ah, I see. Quite a magnificient army. I see that you are powerful speaker to bring such legions under your sway. As such, you would have a fitting place for my plan.'' HpoD - Your plan, master?

Grochius stomped his foot, commanding other Grox forces to listen. His soldiers surrounded him in circle, ready to bring his word into action. Grochius - ''Brethren! Our new victory is nothing but a prelude - a prelude to the conquest of the whole galaxy! No rest shall await us until Andromeda will belong to the Grox. However, know that our enemy, while nothing compared to the might of the Grox, is powerful. We must never underestimate our foes. However, we would not be the mighty Grox if we would just bow our heads and succumb to the stronger? No, for it is the way of the Grox to cry out against fate and find a way to overcome the greatest odds with faith in our supremacy! Listen, Grox, for the veil of uncertainty of our is cleared now. In my mind, a location of the holy homeworld, Atzerry, was revealed. On its land, a weapon powerful beyond our comprehension is hidden. I shall now unleash this weapon from the ancient age, as was prophecied. With my absence, Ixxan and the Prophet would lead our forces. FOR THE GROX!''

Grochius teleported from the plaza to his spaceship which has promptly left the planet and vanished deep to the core of Andromeda. To Ardenta.

The spaceship arrived to a rusted, old moon orbitting a cold grey gas giant, illuminated by a cold, dying star. It seemed to be a common world in the galaxy, seemed to be. Not for Grochius.

From his creation to this moment, Grochius was constantly haunted by dreams of grandeur. He saw this world in his dreams when he was young, and for years, these visions only magnified. He saw himself rising and conquering this world, conquering Andromeda... conquering the universe. It was so joyous for the dream to come true. All thanks to this voice, a spirit in his head. Grochius was glad for the voice's advices and help.

The Grox king stepped on the burned soil of Attzerry to find rusted but magnificient spires of the ancient Grox cities. Grochius froze in awe, his jaw dropping. He ran to the center of the city, guided by the voice in his mind. Soon, he found himself in a small dark room illuminated by a lone green light. A shining orb was floating in the center of the room. On the first glance of this sphere, Grochius once again heard a compelling whisper that made him dizzy... ??? - ''It is... the Cyber Rabies. The Mechovirus.'' Grochius - A dreaded plague that once nearly destroyed our species... ??? - ''Yes. Now, it can be yours. Unleash it. Use it under your command. Make other suffer the same dark fate your kind suffered. Unleash it. Unleash it...''

Succumbing to the dark will inside his mind, Grochius promptly touched the sphere. A horde of nanobots surrounded him, consuming and assimilating his mind. Yet instead of enslaving him, Grochius consumed the deadly infection, uniting with it, becoming more, far more than he once was...

Grochius - ''I... AM... UNSTOPPABLE!''

Dark Forces Emerge
Since the battle of Avanti the founders of the Commonwealth - the Imperium, the Brood and the Divinarium had been searching diloigently for TIAF remnnants in Andromeda. While patrolling the outer rim a scout fotilla led by captain Drayl of the Fleet of Ruin had detected signs consistent with the TIAF. A few days after a signal for help the Imperium's 705th fleet under the command of admiral Tervus Aranderus arrived in the area.

Captain Drayl - Open communications, our allies wish to speak with us. Tervus - ''Greetings captain. I was dispatched out here upon receiving your request. The message mentioned something about Federation activity?'' Drayl - ''Indeed. We believe we would need a little assistance from our loyal allies upon discovering Federation activity in this area.'' Tervus - ''Understandable. Is there any information you can give us about the discovered world?'' Drayl - ''Well...We've been recieving strange signals which appear not to be of Federation origin. However, these are only minor, and probably some fauna.'' Tervus - The faster we hit them the sooner they can be done with! Drayl - Yes, the last thing we need is those vermin heading back into our territory! Tervus - Provvide us with the coordinates and we will do what is asked of us. Drayl - The world is not far from here, and that world is the only one with life signs on it in the system.

The flotilla had discovered the borders of the TIAF's Andromeda Command Zone and their approach towards the nearby planet of Vashkya was detected by the TIAF.

TIAF Space Traffic Officer - ''We are receiving reports of minor hyperspace disturbances and gravitational disturbances in the vicinity of the planet. Orders?'' TIAF Space Traffic Officer 2 - ''If they approach the planet, proceed normally. Advise the defense fleet to take caution, just in case.'' Officer 1 - Aye, aye.

Tervus looked at the planet from the bridge, predicting anther glorious battle. He ordered for the fleet to engage the TIAF in orbit alongside the scout fleet while several dragonfire-class cruisers approached the planet to bombard it.

DD Marshal John Gorgon - ''DD 4th Corps to Yashkya Space Traffic. We are detecting a major gravitational disturbance, we suspect it is a cloaked enemy fleet.'' Space Traffic Officer - Roger. *to other space traffic officers* Put the planet into defense, relay a distress signal.'' Tervus - ''All in position? Good... Give them nighmares!''

Sirens blared in facilities across the planet, prompting the civillian population to evacuate major cities and had sent the garrison to alert status. Military installations were hit hard by orbital bombardment. Two Kaann warships approached the planet and joined in with bombarding it. The planet's DD hit the invaders with waht they could and within the firefight Tervus ordered for carriers to deploy their fighters to control the skies above Vashkya.

DD Commodore Arvuleta - ''DD 4th Corps, relaying to Boano Command. Requesting backup.'' Captain Lorrelas - What's going on, over there, Commodore? Arvuleta - ''We have a full-scale attack by the Imperial Talon Navy. The security of the Command Zone has been compromised, somehow.'' Lorrelas - ''Damnit! Alright, Commodore. The 1st Regiment and Main Strike Fleet are en route, expect us within the hour.''

Gogon remembered the notorious durability of ITN shields and ordered ion cannon barrages directed at the enemy fleet. Zazane attack ships flew close to several key buildings in an attempt to isolate the planet, encoutering AA batteries and interceptors. The ITN fighters joined the Zazane fighters to support them, picking off the TIAF one-by-one. Despite attempts to deploy more fighters the Kaann warships managed to bombard airfields, destroying any fighter either grounded or flying into the path of the shidium rounds.

Tervus - Say what you will, these Tybusen know how to fight. Drayl - Indeed...Perhaps we underestimated them.

Ground-to-orbit weapons were deployed and fired upwards, tearing through the hulls of the smaller warships.

Drayl - Would it be wise to send in ground units? Tervus - ''I think we've softened them up enough.. All cariers prepare for troop deployment; Let's get this over with before the fleet is reduced to scrap.''

Before long both the Imperium and the Brood deployed troops on the ground. Several of the imperium's dropships and light transports had been hit by AA fire. The brood's fotilla had deployed squads of the Fire Spitters creed. As battle raged on the ground both fleets were suddenly hit with a massive barrage. This shocked Tervus, who staggered as the barrage rocked his ship. He then realised TIAF had sent reinforcements.

Khoffman - Who ordered a big can of ass-whooping? Drayl - What the Shyrak is going on?! Captain Vingir - Ground hostiles shall be dealt with, sir!

Khoffman was aboard a TIAF fighter that had just come out of FTL. As soon as his craft approached the battle he began chasing down TIN and Brood incerceptors. with the rest of the fleet folowed behind him.

Lorrelas - This will teach you not to mess with the Federation on it's own turf! McSmith - Ah, it feels good to be back in action. Tervus - They have reinforcements, all cpaital ships direct your central cannons on those reinforcements. Drayl - Fire at the new hostiles, show them the wrath of the Fire Spitters Creed!

Only the first regiment focused on the orbiting fleets while the main strike force headed straight for the planet, opening themselves up as targets for the ITN and Fleet of Ruin.

Tanyan - ''The planet's swarming with hostile marines. You guys up for the challenge?'' Khoffman - You bet!

In a reckless act of flamboyancy, Khoffman landed his fighter in a battlefield near a now-evacuated town on the plains by plowing into enemy squads, McSmith simply facepalmed at the gutsy move of his peer. After landing, Khoffman jumped out, drew his weapons and charged through anyone in his way. An auxillary, keen to stop Khoffman, fired at his legs. As bullets flew towards him he jumped into a somersault and kicked down the auxullary. Fire Spitters fired missiles at the enemy and the soldiers fired at the missiles in self-defence. When the missiles exploded they rained Shidium shrapnel and energy everywhere. Auxillaries organised themselves and fired a volley at the MSF. The soldiers covered their faces and fired back, in retaliation the soldiers aimed for the areas of the body other than the face. The soldiers reponded with deflector shields and a Drallivian sergeant decided on a third tactic of a plasma grenade volley. As the ITN kept at range the Zazane were eager for close-combat and charged the MSF. Fire Spitters were tougher and more muscular than other Zazane. As the granades exploded the TIAF were decimated and the survivors drew close-combat weapons to engage the enemy.

What was a typical field firefight became a hellish melee as all sides were now fighting tooth-and-nail. Val'Kar and Sankana charged the TIAF with warcries. Several Sankana leaped at the TIAF soldiers to knock them down. Grey, a commander for the TIAF charged at the mwith a huge broadsword, cutting through the enemy. The aliens weaved past and around her and the rest of the MSF. Toughened by training the Fire Spitters shruigged off the plasma bolt impact, whicho nly made them angrier. One Sankana stabbed Grey in the foot, but was impaled on Lorrelas' trident.

As the battle raged an increasing number of soldiers noticed the sky turn a strange black-and-purple, even more then noticed when a huge thunderclap is heard. The Drallivian sergeant and VIngir, who were each in the middle of cutting down an MSF soldier looked up.

Sregeant - What is that... Lorrelas - What in the name of...? Vingir - Wait, what the.... Vice Admiral Yates - ''1st Regiment to Main Strike Fleet, you guys okay down there? We're getting odd reports. Sergeant - Command can we get ident, what is it? Tervus - ''Sergeant... I have no idea...''

The skies continue to darken, a bright wwhite light emerges in the very middle of the battlefield, odd and violent noises could eb heard coming from it. Everyone backed away as the light grew larger. When the light stopped growing the sergeant ordered his soldiers to hold their ground whilist he very cautiously approched the light.

Khoffman - I don't know what the hell is going on, Yates, just wait. Drayl - Vingir, what the Shyrak is going on down there! Vingir - I....don't know, sir.... Tervus - Sergeant we don't know what that skraving light is, stay away from it!

Within a matter of seconds, there was a sudden rush of bizarre-looking Zazane-like creatures, all carrying long and sharp swords and shouting out violently.

Samenor - What the hell?! Sregeant - Lifefather preserve me... Lorrelas - ''I've never seen anything like this since... Oh crap.''

The sergeant inhaled deeply, he grasped his longsword and stared down at the Zazane-like creatures. The creatures looked about before more charged from behind them towards all factions.

Tervus - 'It... it can't be...'' Lorrelas - *breathes deeply before yelling* Retreat! Sergeant - ''Skrave it! We're surrounded all units fire!'' Tervus - Confirm, what in the lightless void are they! Vingir - ''Agh!! Traitors! Show them the wrath of-''

His words were cut when he spotted a large Zazane creature come out of the white light, larger than even a Draconis. The TIAF soldiers on the planet begin to scramble away, running for dear life while other soldiers stood warily.

Drayl - Admiral, they appear to be traitor Zazane of some form!

The sergeant loered his sword slightly, dreading what was to come. The leader walked toward the sergeant and growled at him.

Sergeant - Ahh.....shit....

The leader grabbed his horns and threw the drallivian a considerable distance away from him

Tervus - ''Understood. Lifefather they are hideous. Dropships evacuate as many soldiers as you can! It's a bloodbath!'' Soldier - ''Emperor's arse... Did... did.. you see that throw!'' Vingir - ''Purge this scum in the fires of loyalty! Fire Spitters, CHAAAAAARGE!!!''

Vingir and his squad ran towards the Mali'Zane, swinging their weapons and firing their guns, taking down a few. However theones they supopsedly killed only seemed to get back up again. Lorrelas grabbed a draconis marine by the arm, pulling him to look at the Tybusen.

Lorrelas - ''You, Draconis. What the hell is that thing?'' Soldier - ''I-i.. I have no idea. it Looks like a Zazane, but i've never seen them this mindless!''

The Mali'Zane continued to pouring out of the light, swinging their large swords, dealing deep wounds and then throwing some of the incapacitated soldiers into the light. The soldiers that were thrown in just seemed to vanish.

Lorrelas - Grrr! Tervus - ''It's going ot be a last resort.. Captain we may only have one option to wipe these things out... The Imperium's done it before, but these things are too similar to a necrotic virus that swept the Imperium a few years back - orbital saturation.''

Lorelas turned around, seeing what the mali'Zane were doing and attacked them with his trident. Vinigir saw the Mali'Zane leader and charged towards him.

Vingir - That thing....I shall have his skull! Tervus - Captain the only remaining option i can think of is to raze the site.

Lorrelas swung his trident at the Mali'Zane leader, rather than cutting the creature it grabbed the wepaon by the shaft and pulled it upwards with Lorrelas dangling from the middle

Mali'Zane Leader - Mali'Nar....

Yates - ''You, over there. Do you guys know what the hell is going on over there?'' Tervus - We had nothing to do with this Drayl - Hmph, are they not on your side? Tervus - By the look of their commander, I don't think the two are friends... Yates - ''We have no idea what these things are or why they're here! I've fought demons before, but I've never seen these guys before!'' The mali'Zane leader growled in Lorrelas' face, throwing him far from the battlefield and hitting a wall in the nearby town.

Lorrelas - You...

Lorrelas called his trident back to him and ran back to the battlefield, as he closed in Vinigir grabbed the shaft fo the trident, yanking Lorrelas back. The Mali'Zane continued slaughtering and disabling soldiers, some of them dragged the fallen into the light.

Vingir - ''Are you an idiot as much as you are a Shyrak eater?! He's going to kill you!'' Lorrelas - Well, what do you suggest we do, huh? Vingir - How about you get your ass off this planet while you still have the chance?!

Aboard is flagship Tervus sat slumped in his chair, pondering what to do next.

Tervus - Only one option left: Annihilate the area. Yates - ''You're seriously gonna blow this planet up? There are still innocents left on that planet!'' Drayl - Would you rather have them suffer at the hands of those traitors down there?! Tervus - ''Not the planet. Just the focal point. However if their operations spread then planetwide it will have to be...'' Lorrelas - These demons are far more powerful than any I've had to fight before... Vingir - ''Listen, scum. You seem like a warrior whose life shouldn't be wasted. Get away from here!'' Yates - ''...Fine. *over comms to the planet* Evacuate the planet immediately, as planet-scale purgation is possible.'' Lorrelas - ''Fine. *pats Vingir on the shoulder* You take care of yourself.''

Lorrelas ran for his fighter, leaving Vinigir and anyone else alive. Aboard the ITN flagship an officer calledo ut to Tervus.

Officer - ''Admiral, anyone at the focal point is either dead, subdued or unrecoverable. Orders?'' Drayl - Vingir, get your men off the planet, now! Vingir - ''Fire Spitters, get back to the ships! I'll stay here and distract these....traitors.'' Tervus - ''...Order the dragonfire capitals to prepare fusion cannons. Melt the bastards into plasma...'' Officer - Aye sir. Tervus - ''Don't be a fool Vingir! Get out while you still can!'' Lorrelas - *over comms* Yates, status report. Yates - ''I've communicated with the Draconis commander. We have no choice but to purge the site.'' Lorrelas - *sighs deeply* So be it. Drayl - ''Admiral, let him be! No Zazane dies in vain...'' Officer - Vessels report ready. Tervus - Fire.

On the ground, Vingir looked at the Mali'Zane leader and ran towards him.

Vingir - You shall be burned in the fires of wrath!

The Mali'Zane Leader grabbed Vingir and threw him into the light before the Mali'Zane started to go back in, dragging any innocents and disabled soldiers they could find with them. Meanwhile in orbit, a group of Dragonfire-class capital ships fired their payload. Upon each impact, canisters of fusion particles burst open discharging their devastating payload into the air. The initial imapct created a shockwave and a small crater but the pressure wave propelled the particles for over a kilometre. Anything caught in the blast corroded into quark-gluon plasma, annihilating everything in it's path. The vessels fired their paload to radiate out from the white light. Kolometre after kilometre becomes a flat fatureles plane and all that remains is a concentric series of craters. The TIAF watched from orbit, they reeled from the devastation and Lorrelas placed his hand to his heart.

Drayl - Such a waste.... Lorrelas - Rest in peace, fallen brothers... Tervus - ''May the souls of the fallen find rest in paradise... They earned it.'' Drayl - I doubt there is any paradise for those who were taken into the light.... Officer - Sir, reports state the creatures are retreating. Tervus - ''Retreating? Hold fire!''

The bombardment stopped, but the damage was done - several major cities had been melted into smotoh mounds while the field and town that had once been the focal point of the battle was now a large charred valley, visisble from orbit.

Tervus - ''We are sorry we had to do that to your world, Tybusen. I thought they planned on staying longer... Lorrelas - ''*sighs deeply* It was for a noble cause, Draconis. Though the scars left from this battle will not heal immediately.'' Drayl - Indeed, today was a prime example of how treachery poses a threat to the Brood's very existence. Tervus - ''Conn, transfer the transmission to the briefing room. This is too important to bicker on the bridge.'' Samenor - Something tells me that those are no ordinary Zazane traitors. Drayl - Lord Tyraz will not be happy to hear about this... Tervus - ''Their form indicates unstable mutation. One of the debriefed soldiers mentioned Lorrelas mentioned something, a reminder? Whatever was on the other side of that light.. I dread to think. Lorrelas, according to logs you may have seen this before. Can you shed light?'' Lorrelas - These...creatures seem remniscient of the demons I fought during the Divine War, and they seem linked to a "Dark Purger" my mentor back then always talked about. Tervus - Perhaps it would be wise to involve the Inquisition in all this. Lorrelas - ''Perhaps you should talk to the Divinarium about it. I think they would know more about this than your Inquisition would.'' Tervus - Why not ask for help from both? Lorrelas - Indeed, more sources would be beneficial. Drayl - We may need assistance from The Shield... Tervus - ''Lorrelas, your invasion of the Imperium had severely damaged thee Federation's reputation within the Imperium. But they say "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" so perhaps the senate can consider overlooking past actions.'' Lorrelas - ''I will say that we were perhaps mistaken when we attacked the Imperium. I assure you that in light of this battle, we will make an effort to improve relations.'' Tervus - ''Experience has taught me this will be the first of many incursions, the risk of a darker threat forged the commonwealth so it stands to reason this threat requires undivided attention. These.. creatures don't seem picky on who they send back. Therefore, unless the senate considers otherwise, I am willing to put aside past transgressions.'' Lorrelas - If your kind allows it, perhaps I shall open a channel with the Paragon later and establish stronger ties. Tervus - ''That is not my business. Now, i must report in to high command. Dark as the news may be.''

Not So Dead
As the Imperium evacuated their forces, a medical team headed to the site of where the Drallivian sergeant (who had been identified as Vureos Kalhalum) had landed. The Mali'Zane leader had thrown him at such an angle that he hit the ground rolling for a short while, causing his armour to scratch against the ground. His body was horribly bruisd and broken, his armour had been shredded from hitting the ground and his body glove has been torn. but he was not completely dead. As the team arrived he could barely see, he had suffered multiple traumas and was on the verge of death. A crew of medical droids carefully moved him to a hoversled. Aboard the dropship he was transferred to life-support and in muffled tones he could hear the paramedics talking and could only just make out the phrase "Morphis project". Moments later he succumbed to his injuries and fell into a coma with the paramedics sounding rather calm.

Second Impressions
Lorrelas was a man of his word and when he could he organised a transport to take him to the Draconid Imperium. When approaching it's borders he opened a communication link to an Imperial exonet relay station.

Lorrelas - Greetings, I request a communications link to Paragon Uriel, please. Officer - ''What is the nature of this transmission? Your kind are not exactly welcome in imperial space.'' Lorrelas - ''Completely diplomatic in nature, I assure you. Admiral Tervus of the ITN can support my statement.''

The officer was silent for a few minutes in order to confirm that Tervus did support Lorrelas' claim. After a few minutes he returned his attention to Lorrelas.

Officer - ''Admiral Tervus confirms your statement. Very well, I shall inform Alcanti Space Traffic ccontrol to expect you.'' Lorrelas - Thank you. Officer - Coordinates for Alcanti have been provided, safe journey... Lorrelas - Thank you.

A TIAF cruiser escorted by fighters arrived within the Aldra system a few hours later. Lorrelas had successfully used the Imperium's wormhole network in order to speed up his journey to the core worlds. When he arrived close to Alcani he was contacted by an imperial commodore.

Commodore - ''TIAF vessel, this is Commdore- Wait... Transponder codes confirmed, it seems you were expected. Head to the spaceport adjacant to Minos'Drakon's Centis precinct where you will be met with an armed escort. Lady Alessa is keen to speak with you...'' Lorrelas - ''Thank you, commodore. As am I.''

The cruiser landed in the Centis precinct spaceport along with its fighter escorts. Lorrelas emerged from the cruiser escorted by two soldiers armed with stun weapons. He was greeted with a bow by Alessa who was wearing a very formal and escorted by four Blood Dragons. Lorrelas bowed back in return.

Alessa - You must be captain Lorrelas, You are fortunate you managed to catch father on a calm day. Lorrelas - ''Indeed I am. You must be the Paragon's daughter. Alessa, is it?'' Alessa - ''I am. It is a pleasure.''

Alessa escorted them to a waiting transort from the plalace's garage. The craft was easily comfortable enough for all of them to fit. On its journeyhe transport passed down a broad avenue that lad directly to the gates to the Imperial palace grounds.

Lorrelas - I hope that these talks will be productive. Alessa - ''Father is a man of peace. He has been frustrated lately that your federation were unwilling to negoiate anything other than a DMZ.'' Lorrelas - ''Although I am perhaps the figurehead of our Federation, I am bound by the laws of the Grand Assembly. I was not terribly excited to be going to war with a nation that had done us no wrong.'' Alessa - Sometiems it can take only one voice to make a difference.

Dense urban sprawl shifted to rolling hills and woodland as they passed through the gates to the the palace's grounds, which had taken up an area the size of a small urban district. One of the escorts looked out of the window and stared in awe at the view.

Lorrelas - The Councilmen are interested in their own goals, it seems... Alessa - ''Most politicians focus on their own goals and not the goal of the Imperium. It took generations for radicals to convince the Senate that the long-terms has more far-reaching effects than short-term solutions.'' Lorrelas - Change can be slow in this era, unfortunately. Alessa - But my people live long, we have grown used to thinking ahead compared to other races. Lorrelas - Indeed...

As they talked the palace itself comes into view; an ornate fortress-like structure built into the side of a dormant volcano.

Alessa - ''I don't know of how your calender works but it is believed this structure is almost as old as the city itself, over 250,000 of our years. Lorrelas - ''I must say, the palace has stood the test of time. Alessa - ''Like i said, we usually plan for the long-term. A structure like this had to be built to last. Lorrelas - ''In the TIAF, if we had wanted something to last a long time, we would just run long-term maintenance. Throughout all my years, I have never seen something last so long naturally. Alessa - ''It has been maintianed for most of that time.

They arrived at the front door with Alessa leading them into the foyer. When they entered Alessa coughed to call the attention of a passing servant.

Alessa - Where was father last? Servant - Lord Uriel was in the eastern drawing room with the Crown-Prince, my lady. Alessa - Again? Servant - Yes.

Alessa motioned for Lorrelas to follow her. They passed through corridors that were adorned with paintings of various subjects: past rulers, landscapes, landmarks and exotic creatures.

Alessa - Father is an old friend of the Drallivian crown-Prince. Lorrelas - Their relationship is known within the Federation. Alessa - I see. Lorrelas - ''The old Prefect Valocanus spoke of it. Although I probably should not speak more on that subject, I understand it is still a sensitive matter.'' Alessa - ''Uriel isn't ashamed of his rlationship to the man. They get on quite well.''

After travelling up a few floors they reach a door. Alessa asked Lorrelas to wait one moment while she knocked on the door.

Alessa - Father, you have a visitor. ??? - Who? His name is lorrelas, father, I believe you have met...'' ??? - If he's here to talk, send him in. Alessa - ''You might want to leave your guards outside. Other than that you are free to enter. Lorrelas - Alright.

Lorrelas motions to the two escorts, who nodded, saluted, and backced off as he entered the room. Inside the drawing room Uriel and Telvenum are talking cheerfully. The right-hand wall was dominated by a holographic screen that showed an outside view, acting as a window. Books and trinkets tastefully adorn the room. Lorrelas bowed as he closed the door behind him. Snoozing on a spare chair was Telvenum's pet Dvottie, which he usually kept close.

Lorrelas - ''Greetings, Uriel. It is an honor.'' Uriel - ''*nods* Greetings. It is an honour to finally meet you in person.'' Lorrelas - And it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Telvenum. Maxios - *nods politely* Greetings. Uriel - ''I've been told there are matters you wish to discuss with me. *sighs* It is about the war, isn't it?'' Lorrelas - It was my sincere intention that we could resolve issues pertaining to that, yes. Uriel - When we last spoke you made it rather clear that war was inevitable. Maxios - Not exactly a good start. Lorrelas - ''The Grand Assembly had its mind set on going to war. *sighs* I was merely relaying the message.'' Uriel - ''In that case I bear no had feelings to you. A messenger is not responsible for the nature of the news he brings.'' Lorrelas - ''I harbor no ill will towards you, as well. Might I say, you are respected as a fair ruler by the Federation's populace.'' Uriel - ''is that so? I am touched. I did hear of what happened on Vashkya and I assure you neither the Brood or the Imperium knew anything of these 'Mali'Zane' that attacked.'' Lorrelas - ''It is in the past now. We can rebuild, as we always have.'' Uriel - ''Agreed. The senate has been debating about extending this ceasefire into a proper peace-treaty.''

Uriel stood up up and walked over to the screen. Staring out in contemplation.

Uriel - ''These artifacts... It is as though everyone wants them for themselves. No-one knows what they do, but the Commonwealth has unanamously agreed that they are too dangerous to be used by anyone.'' Lorrelas - ''The Grand Assembly believed that as well. That is why they were so keen on war, since they believed the Artifacts were in the wrong hands, considering the politics involving Wental at the time.'' Uriel - ''I see... Since the beginning of this war the Imperium has been trying to work out what the artifacts do or what they are, we only have a vague idea.'' Lorrelas - ''I doubt anyone knows what their potential is. Even us.'' Maxios - Nice to see some know their limits.

Maxios' snide comment was picked up by Lorrelas who turned ot him defensively.

Lorrelas - I'm sorry? Uriel - ''Forgive Maxios. He was simply pointing out that you are one of a rare few who are not overly confident about themselves. He did not mean to offend you. Lorrelas - Ah, I see. Uriel - How are you finding the Imperium now that you've had a chance to see its heart and soul firsthand? Lorrelas - I am quite impressed.

Maxios stood up to stretch his legs. He walked over to the sleeping Dvottie and began stroking its side gently with his finger. uriel turned from staringo ut of the window and approached Lorrelas.

Maxios - Is it really true your comedians claim we live in huts? Lorrelas - ''*smirks gently* Yes. Though the public opinion shifts as the politics do, so those jabs should likely become artifacts of a past time soon.'' Maxios - ''Hm. May as well let the people have their fun.'' Uriel - *smiles* I suppose you need to be there to undertand. Lorrelas - Satire relies on both the information and misinformation of the people, it has been said. Uriel - I realise things have not started well for both of us. Lorrelas - Now that the dust has settled, I have been hoping for more positive relations with your kind and the AGC as a whole. Uriel - If knowledge serves, we are both defenders and prefer not to engage offensively unless we have to. Lorrelas - We do share some core ideological values. Uriel - I must say I am rather impressed with how advanced the federation is, given it's age. Lorrelas - ''The cooperation of many races works wonders. It still amazes me to this day.'' Uriel - ''So I've noticed, I sometimes wonder if the Imperium has actually been slow compred to others. Then again; despite the appeal, long-life has its disadvantages. You begin to enjoy stability, watching as things run smoothly over hundreds of years.'' Lorrelas - Well, living in the shadow of the Vartekians certainly does not help anyone... Uriel - It doesn't. SOmetimes I wonder, if we had been a little more ambitious, would the Draconis be the inheritors of Andromeda? Lorrelas - ''The way I see it now, the Draconis are fit to fill the vacuum left by the Vartekians. I am in fact quite confident that the Draconis are the new powers of Andromeda.'' Uriel - ''You think so? Perhaps the Imperium should shift expansion efforts closer to home.'' Lorrelas - It is said that it is better to secure matters at home before dealing with those abroad. Maxios - ''You do have a point. Although it is somewhat fortunate the gateway network allows us to travel between galaxies in the blink of an eye.'' Lorrelas - ''You are quite lucky to have technology like that. Even by the hyperspace network, it took me a day to get to Andromeda from Bunsen.'' Uriel - ''Both of you have a point. The navy has certainly grown exponentially from when I was a young soldier.'' Lorrelas - *smirks* When I was a young soldier, our "military" was a bunch of ragtag militia who really did not cooperate. Uriel - I wouldn't say the wormholes were luck exactly...

Maxios lifted his finger from the Dvottie with a smile while Uriel walked over to a wine cabinet.

Uriel - ''It is more like... well fortune I suppose. How do you feel about wine, captain?'' Lorrelas - ''Ah, yes, wine. I am always curious to see how the wine tastes from different planets. What do you have to offer?'' Uriel - Several varieties, hmm I have a 50-year-old vintage; brewed from one of my House's vinyards in the colonies. Lorrelas - ''Interesting... That will do just fine.''

Uriel poured out a deep orange liquid into three tall glasses.

Uriel - Draconis wine is a little stronger than what you might be used to. Lorrelas - Believe me, Uriel, I can hold my liquor.

Uriel handed one glass to Maxios, one to Lorrelas and picked up the last one for himself. Holding the glass at arm's length. All three of them raised their glasses.

Uriel - To what the future holds. Lorrelas - To a future of peace and cooperation! Maxios - To a new and brighter era.

The three men downed their glasses, the wine was 3x stronger in comparison to any human beverage.

Uriel - ''A good kick, and aged well. It was a pleasure meting you captain.'' Lorrelas - ''It was definitely a pleasure. Could I perhaps get another bottle of that wine to take home? Perhaps I can pull it out at a party some time.'' Uriel - I will have a second bottle delivered to your ship. Maxios - As enjoyable as this has been, I shall retire to my chanbers.

Maxios headed towards the door, picking up the Dvottie along the way. Lorrelas bowed to him out of courtesy.

Lorrelas - ''Excellent. It has been an honor. I hope that this meeting has been productive.'' Uriel - I hope so as well. Lorrelas - Farewell, and long life to you, Paragon. Uriel - Good health to you.

Uriel bowed to him as Lorrelas followed Telvenum and opened the door out to the passageway, he motions for his escorts to folllow him, who salute and accompanied him on the journey back to his ship. Lorrelas left the planet in confidence that it had been a very productive meeting.

The Outbreak
Deep within the galactic core, a small fleet of Zazane ships warped through the Grox space. They have not encountered any resistance, as a special order from King Grochius. They sent a message. They were about to propose a deal. Rising from the throne erected in the fortress built on the recently conquered world, Grochius walked to meet a spaceship that has just landed, revealing a group of Kordalu. Their commander, a Kordalu named 'undenyable weapon' stepped forward.

Undenyable Weapon - I am Commander Undenyable Weapon of the Kordalian Connection. Grochius - ''Good, good. My name is King Grochius the Second, the true ruler of Andromeda! I hope you really have something good in exchange for our technology.'' Undenyable Weapon - We think you may find value in knowing the locations of all known allied races in the galaxy at this current moment, including the capital of the Brood of War. Grochius - ''Hm. This could be a good test of our weaponry. I would like to know the location of the capital of Brood of War...'' Undenyable Weapon - They are located in Segmentum Crepusculum, within the Haar-tol System. Grochius - ''The pact would be struck. I would give you a fraction of our technology. Now, leave! I do not like your non-Grox presence here.''

The Kordalu group left the Grox world quickly, leaving Grochius alone with his only advisor Ixxan to laugh maniacally.

Grochius - ''THIS... IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END! MY NEW REIGN STARTS! THE MECHOVIRUS SHALL BE UNLEASHED! I SHALL DESTROY THE LOWER LIFE'S VERY COURAGE, BURN THEIR BODIES AN-''

Grochius was quickly interrupted by the slap of his Dronox advisor.

Ixxan - ''More actions, my lord. You should start your journey right now. Even with this new technology, reaching Haar-tol will be difficult.'' Grochius - ''Of course, Ixxan. OF COURSE!''

Grochius entered his Dominator flagship along with a small squad in battlesuits and promptly left the Grox space. He had the very power of Mechovirus flowing within him - what could stop him now?

The Grox were not the only party interested with the Haar-Tol system. An escort from the Draconid Imperium approached the central planet. Requesting for a shuttle landing, a delegation from the imperium had arrived onthe planet's surface. Emerging from the shuttle was an elderly Terratrix with teal fethers. Stapped to his head was a set of eyepieces that could be positioned over his eye. He was supported by two assistants and an ITN bodygaurd of 2 draconid marines. Tyraz stood to welcome the delegates to the Brood capital.

Tyraz - Welcome to the Andromedan capital of the Brood, Draconis!

Tyraz's proud expression dropped when he realised the Imperium had sent a group of avians rather than the all-familiar Draconis. He wasn't entirely sure what to make of his guests.

Tyraz - Or....bird creature. Araliv - ''Greetings. Tyraz breek I am Preofessor Araliv, senior exosociologist of the Alpenix University.'' Tyraz - ''It is a pleasure to meet you, Professor, I hope that the city doesn't disturb you. We have...markings of war all over.''

Araliv held his hands over his stomach and nodded politely.

Araliv - ''I am very keen to learn more about your people. And don't worry, I have studied worse. I always find new cultures fascinating. It intrigues me that your culture has taken such a determined look to conflict.'' Tyraz - ''Right this way. Ask me what you want to know, I'll see if I can get my guards to find some refreshments.''

Tyraz led the group through the city. Markings of war were indeed everywhere, blood and bones littered the ground.

Tyraz - ''Well, you need to eliminate the threat before it gets out of hand. Otherwise, your empire and future generations are going to face the consequences.'' Araliv - An interesting stance. Assistant - ''Sir... there is blood everywhere.'' Araliv - I noticed, *to Tyraz* Is your planet encountering some form of unrest? Tyraz - ''Unrest? Well, in Brood territory, murder is legal so long as there is a logical reason behind it. It is probably from where husbands have killed the men toying with their wives or vice versa.'' Assistant - Oh my... Araliv - Does the hygene concern of leaving fresh blood bother people? Tyraz - ''My people have seen blood before. Disease in Zazane is rare, so we do not have to worry about illnesses and infections through blood,'' Assistant 2 - Professor, perhaps this was not a good idea.

Araliv flicked his wrist, prompting the assistant to stop talking.

Araliv - ''Forgive my assistants. I am here to affirm Paragon Uriel's belief that despite signs of barbasism the Brood has a sense of honour. You impressed the Paragon, we respect that. The senate however are not as easily convinced. ANd then there was that execution...'' Tyraz - ''When you insult a Zazane's physical appearance, do not expect to be let off lightly. My people are a good race, the leaders are not...'' Araliv - ''And I am here to reassure the Imperium's senate theat you are not savage barbarians. Some ight consider your code of law somewhat extreme.'' Tyraz - ''You do not have to worry. Senseless murder is forbidden. We have strict code of honour. Araliv - I am glad to hear of this. Assistant - ''Lord Tyraz, I am Erekka. Some of the university's scientists have wondered about the meta-material you call Shidium. Can you tell us more?'' Araliv - Now I do not think such a question is relevant. Erekka - ''But... It is clear they are dependant on it, I was just curious.'' Tyraz - ''Ah yes, Shidium. It is our main resource. At intense heat, it can be turned into liquid and gas. Energy is produced when you liquify it. Pure Shidium takes on a form like antimatter.'' Araliv - I see.

Intrigued, Araliv pulled out a tablet pc and began writing out notes with his bony finger. Tyraz looked at him and blinked with concern. The assistants appeared nervous while Araliv became engrossed in his notes.

Tyraz - Why does the Imperium wish to know of Shidium? Araliv - ''Understanding. We have never seen a substance quite like it until recently.'' Assistant - Wh- we discovered what we could from traces left over from battles. Tyraz - And what were your "traces"? Araliv - Latent energy signatures, lodged shidium rounds, shrapnel, your soldiers tend to leave a fair bit of it around during battle. Assistant 2 - ''We learned that it is highly toxic to most lifeforms except Zazane. So there is little we could do with it without considerable protection.'' Tyraz - ''Ah yes, my soldiers need a talking to. Is there anything else you wish to my about us?'' Araliv - Well, I suppose-

Araliv was interrupted when a marine held up his hand to call attention. Moments before he had been listening to a communication.

Marine - Professor something just destroyed our escort. Tyraz - ''What? Destroyed your escort?'' Araliv - What? Marine - ''Something in orbit apparently. If what i could hear was correct the ship was scrapped before they could escape.''

A small squad of cybernetic Zazane entered the city, passing through the guards who most likely thought they were Kordalu. They proceeded to the center of the planetary capital, unseen and hidden, until Grochius commanded them to kill. All in a sudden, cyborg Zazane revealed their true identities and stroke at other Zazane on the huge city plaza with their claws, forcing them to flee or fight. All of them were wounded, and all of them were infected. The screams echoed through the streets. Only recently recovering from the news of the destruction of the orbiting cruiser the sounds reached a cautious group. Aravil was startled by the noise, they then noticed a Zazane running towards them from the direction of the plaza.

Tyraz - What the bloody hell is going on?! Grontol Wamit - ''Lord Tyraz, Kordalu Zazane seem to be rebelling against us! More and more just keep appearing!'' Aravil - Lord Breek?...

The Mechanical monstrosities were silent, slowly advancing to infect more. They swept through the city with little resistance. Outside, Grochius observed the situation through his minions' eyes, seeking the leader of the Zazane, Tyraz Breek. Upon hearing the news the ITN marines escorting Aravil and his assistants primed their weapons.

Marine - ''Wepup, def HVT! Tyraz - ''Kordalu? But they wouldn't have the nerve or sense to betray the Brood...Hmph. Very well. Prepare the Scars of Strife, Fire Spitters, and the Hammers of Glory. Call in for reinforcements from the Wrathborne and Spiritis. Grontol Wamit - Yes, Lord Tyraz.

Grontol ran to alert the other creeds of the assault. Aravil approached Tyraz now that he had calmed down slightly.

Aravil - Rebels do not always carry sense, Lord Breek. Tyraz - No...To attack the Brood capital without us knowing though....They must've found a way around security. Marine - Permission for KoS on all Kordalu? Tyraz - ''Permission granted. The Kordalu here are now our enemy.''

The marine nodded, signalling the other to stand on alert status. In a very short space of time the streets were flocked as three Creeds, the Scars of Strife, Fire Spitters, and Hammers of Glory, rushed into battle, weapons blazing and vehicles ready to fire at their new foe. Now heavily expanding in numbers, the twisted horde of cybernetic monstrosities marched across the city leaving buildings and citizens in flames, left to die or, worse - turn into new mecha-Zazane. Two armies now clashed; ready to fight. Grontol returned ot the group after alerting the other greeds to mobilise.

Marine - Lord Breek, we need to get the professor to safety!'' Tyraz - Zazane, show no mercy! They deserve pain and defeat!'' Tyraz - Grontol, take the professor to a safe point! I cannot afford to lose the life of an alien within my territory!'' Grontol - Yes lord Breek! *walks to the professor* Come with me, now!'' Aravil - Understood.''

Aravil nodded to his new escort. Grontol and several warriors lead Aravil and his assistants towards a safe house, running from the battlefield which was once a massive city.

Aravil - ...A shame such a proud city had to descend into this...'' Grontol - It is not an uncommon occurence. Battles like this happen nearly every week, and usually the Brood win. Assistant - Surely this is counter-productive?'' Grontol - Not really. If we do win, we know that we need better defenses, so we build them afterwards.'' Aravil - So you improve until you have a city that is perfectly defended. An interesting system.'' Grontol - Zazane live by the saying, "there is always room for more improvement".'' Aravil - A philosophy the Draconis like to share.''

Back on the frontlines the first ranks of Mecha-Zazane leaped at the Scars of Strife's forces, caring little for defense.

Zazane Warrior - ''Apparently, these monsters aren't so smart. Kill them quickly, before they would slaughter our whole battleforce!'' Scars Field Commander - ''Agreed. They throw themselves at us!''

The commander slammed one of the mecha-Zazane with the butt of his sword. The mecha-Zazane quickly fell down to the Scars' blades and cannons, and their steel corpses fell down on the ground. Zazane warriors shouted a victorious battlecry. The streets

Zazane - This was easy!'' Hammers Field Commander - Do not underestimate them...They look different to Kordalu...

The commander's suspicion was right. Dead Mechazazane bodies slowly melted, their mechanical forms turning into liquid nanobot mass. To their horror, Zazane troopers have realised that the wounds on their bodies had the same marks, the same liquid metal. Slowly, this metal mass expanded...

Hammers Field Commander - ''Shyrak! If you are wounded, isolate yourselves! Or we shall kill you!'' Scars Field Commander - ''Show no mercy! The wounded must either isolate or die!''

Zazane forces quickly started to evacuate the wounded, but they have not realised the sheer speed of the transformation. As the commanders started to move the wounded to isolate them, they grew metallic claws and turned on the other Zazane with fearsome metallic screech. The field commanders were soon outnumbered by the wounded, terrified by the thought of such a fast transformation, similar to those undergone by the servants of Moxix some time ago. However, they continued to fight, careful not to get injured.

Marine - Grontol we need to send a message to the commonwealth, if we're lucky it could only be a few hours before reinforcements arrive. Grontol - ''Agreed. We're close to a communications console.'' Marine - Lead the way

the team reach the relay with the marines guarding the door as the others went inside. Grontol reaches the communications console, and he starts to establish a link with the nearest Imperium colony, hoping that they accept his plea.

Grontol - This had better work! DI Relay AI - Relay station Arlavus I-88, what is your request. Grontol - ''This is Grontol of the Brood of War! We need assistance here! There has been an uprising of sorts and we cannot control it!'' Relay - ''Understood. Fleets four-one-five, two-three-one and one-seven-five have been contacted.... Response: fleet 231 en route. ETA - 5 hours.'' Marine - ''*looks out of the door* That 5 hours had better be brief!

Outside, more Mecha-Zazane ran amok the city, bringing chaos and devastation across the city. One of the buildings besieged was the Divinarium embassy, a white metallic tower protected by electrolaser turrets. Lightning strikes burned many mecha-Zazane to their death, but others remained, climbing at the tower to shut down its defenses. A Telzoc legate, fighting the climbing monstrosities with his handgun, has desperately sent two warnings - to the Conclave to send Divinarium forces to the planet and to the Zazane command to save him. To his relief, a group of Fire Spitters Zazane set up a defence near the embassy and fired heavy weapons at the creatures, ripping through their metallic flesh. Finally escaping from the tower, a Telzoc diplomat nodded to his saviours.

Legate - ''Erm, thank you. I have sent a message to the Divinarium, and I hope that their fleet would be here in a few minutes. Unless something serious would happen to them...'' Fire Spitters Field Commander - ''The Imperium should be here as well. I just hope that they come to our assistance soon...

Abck at the relay everyone was becomnig nervous.

Marine - Grontol I think we should keep moving, the Imperium is on its way so the best we can do is survive until they arrive. Aravil - A good plan, what is the city like outside? Grontol - Not good...Kordalu overrun the streets, our forces are dwindling. Aravil - Any word from Tyraz...?

One of the marines approached Aravil, looking down his snout at the scientist.

Marine - We can worry about him -after- we get you and the others to safety. Grontol - ''Hmph. Without Tyraz, you cannot get off this planet. He commands the fleets here.'' Aravil - I was only curious, If his reputation is to be believed he will be able to survive better than me. Grontol - Indeed, but let's just hope he isn't too involved in this losing battle.

The frontlines continued to turn into a massacre, everyone dead or injured was infected with the mechanovirus, turning them into rabid machines.

Zazane - ''My lord, I fear that the whole city is overrun by Kordalu, we are one of the only forces left there. And what's even worse, there are some of them running at us now...'' Tyraz - ''Get out of here, then! There is no point in fighting a losing battle, especially to these...traitors!'' Zazane - ''Remember that for every Zazane lost, a new enemy is born! We should evacuate our citizen elsewhere!'' Tyraz - ''I know...evacuate everybody you can, get them onto escape ships! I'll try and fend these guys off.''

Back at the relay a Zazane warrior cried out for a group of citizens to outrun a grou pf mecha-Zazane. The marines assisted the Zazane warriors at firing at the creatures to cover the citzens.

Zazane - Get here, before these monsters will infect more citizens! Assistant - ''...Infect? You mean they're not all aligned with the Kordalu?'' Grontol - I don't know...they seem to be of a biomechanical nature. Zazane - ''Shyrak, it is a virus or something! They are like zombies!'' Assistant - Z-zombies...'' Grontol - *slaps the Zazane* Shush your mouth! You may not speak of such a cursed concept here! Aravil - I think I know what you refer to..'' rontol - With all due respect, professor, I doubt that....the cursed one is here.'' Assistant - Cursed o-

Aravil raised his arm to his side to obscure the assistant's vision and impply for her to stop talking.

Aravil - I don't think this is a question we should ask. Assistant - ''I understand professor. The Imperium was hit by an undead plague as well, the whole gigaquadrant according to research.'' Grontol - What did I say?!

Aravil sqawked in frustration at the Zazane. The crisis situation and the building fear was getting to the usually-calm Terratrix.

Aravil - ''Alright! We won't bring it up again.'' Grontol - Good...Evacuation ships will be here shortly. Marine - Then we had best reach the LZ.

Grontol nodded towards a blast a hole through the nearby wall. meanwhile as the Mecha-Zazane poured from the ruins, a few Zazane warriors noticed some of them leaving on Kordalu and Grox spaceship and warped into space. This made them curious, watching as the creatures entered.

Marine - ''If the imperium finds out... *ahem*, they will request permission to glass the planet.'' Grontol - Only if we do not win this battle. Marine - If this virus is an indication, it won't matter. Grontol - Follow me!

Grontol leaped out of the hole in the wall and landed a few stories below on the ground outside. The marines followed suit, using their wings to glide down from the hole, helping Aravil and his assistants reach the ground by holding them as they flew down. Grontol ran ahead shooting at newly infected Zazane that stood as an obstacle. The marines assisted with the killing, setting their rifles to a level in order to disintergrate the infected. In other parts of the planet, Zazane warriors turned to see huge spaceships warping behind them, sending deadly infection to corrupt the land. Soon, Zazane soldiers realised that they are surrounded. Bac in the city an escape ship had landed in a clearing in the ruins, Grontol saw this and alerted the others. As they ran, one of the assistants tripped in the rubble. Grontol ran over to help but was too slow, mecha Zazane, seeing weakness, snarled and jumped to catch the assistant, clawing his corpse. Silver liquid poured into the man's veins as a malevolent flame flashed in his eyes. The marines opened fire on any moving infected. the loss of one of his assistance screamed out in a traumatised panic.

Aravil - NO! Zazane - Protect the ship!

Aravil was restrained by his escorts, who reminded him that it was no use jumping out.As he jostled about Tyraz materialised in front of the ship, killing several infected. The sight was enough to calm him down part-way. Aboard the escape ship was the Telzoc legate.

Zazane - ''Lord Breek! We are saved.'' Araliv - ''Ancent spirits be praised... one of my assistants was... converted...'' Tyraz - ''Get out of here, now! The Imperium and Divinarium should be arriving soon!'' Telzoc Legate - ''I have just recieved information that Draconis and Divinarium fleets will come soon. Then, we would be able to stop the Grox blockade and save this world''

A marine banged on the ship's bulkhead with his fist to indicate for them to take off. Aravil looked down at the battlefield, he barely caught sight of his former assistant amongs the mazz of Zazane. The escape ship quickly launched its engines and flew into space, its small size protecting it from Grox lasers.

In orbit, it was left alone. The Captain of the ship prepared to make a last stand but suddenly a flash of light blinded him as a purple portal opened, revealing a fleet of black spaceships, led by another, white one. The Divinarium has arrived, as did the Draconid Imperium. The Imperial ships imediately opened communication.

Admiral - Admiral Luvius, commanding officer of the 232st fleet reporting in, can you give us a sitrep? Zazane - ''Apparently, things are grim. The planet is devastated.'' Jahric - ''This is Triarch Jahric of the Ecclesial Navy. A fleet of several dozens of Grox ships are coming. This is not much, but these ships are humungous!'' Marine - Sergeant Orvonus of the 715th here, we have a suspected nano-attack, similar to the recent mechanisation of an imperial colony. Admiral - ''Understood sergeant, EMP salvo will be prepared, any word on this fro mthe Zazane governemnt? Jahric - My fleet will take down the ships. Tyraz - ''*over comms* I need assistance down here! There's hardly anybody left!''

The Divinarium armada flew at maximum speed to the Grox ships, using their electrolasers to create havoc in the ship systems.

Admiral - ''Lord Breek we will provide support. from current sitrep analysis our best action would be to saturate the planet with an electromagnetic pulse. It will kill all infected and potentially all cybernetically-inhanced occupants on the planet's surface. At the very least, the enhanced are going to feel uncomfortable until they recieve new or repaired implants.'' Jahric - Do your best, I will distract their forces! Tyraz - ''Do it! Permission granted! There's nothing but infected here!'' Admiral - ''Understood. The imperium will be on-hand to clean up the mess.''

The Imperium's bombardment-capable warships approached the planet and aimed launchers at the surfac,e firing containers rigged with impact-sensetive RMPs. While the Draconid forces purged the planet, Jahric's fleet distracted the remaining Grox ships that burned their enemies with lasers, decimating the Divinarium force. While the powerful, mighty fortresses of the Grox were outnumbered by their foes greatly, the siege seemed to be nearly over now. However, what they did not realise is that the largest, most powerful Grox spaceship still remained: Grochius' personal flagship. Jahric shriveled when he saw the size of the ship, but commanded to strike anyway. Grochius has responded. Without warning, Radeon spaceships were enveloped in wild, destructive blue flame, turning them into nothingness. Jahric nearly screamed, as he was left alone.

Jahric - ''THIS... SPACESHIP! TO ALL SHIPS ON THE ORBIT, CONCENTRATE FIRE ON IT!'' Admiral - ''Triarch? *the ship appears on screen* Lifefather protect all of us... ALL SHIPS OPEN FIRE!''

In fear, Jahric had not noticed another spaceship coming out of the portal, a small white craft protected by a purple swirling forcefield. All forces in the orbit have once again heard a familiar female voice from the vox channels.

Iovera - ''When I became aware of this invasion, I... could not just stay in the temple doing nothing. I knew I should help you in any way I can. This... this is not due to Tyraz or anyone else, just- AAAAH!''

Iovera screamed in fear, strange disturbances of negative energies tormenting her greatly

Iovera - ''This ship... It shines with darkness... We must stop it. We must stop the darkness now.'' Admiral - ''I could not agree more, Highlord. The 231st is doing all it can.'' Iovera - ''I'll remove the protection of shadows for a second, for a moment, and this ship would be vulnerable. Do what you have to do, I will support you... any way I can.''

Iovera concentrated her energy in a massive discharge of its power. A blue barrier surrounding the Grox ship vanished and it was now vunerable. Grochinus panicked, unsure what was going on.

Admiral - ''All ships open up with everything you have! Thear that void-forsaken ship apart!!!''

Suddenly, a ship materialized in front of the Grox ship...Tyraz's own flagship, the Ghost of the Warrior. Within his command room Tyraz was growling ferociously, charging towards the Grox ship firing all weapons.

Tyraz - I will kill you for this! Iovera - ''Tyraz, please... you must win. I saw the future, and I see darkness in there. Yet I also see hope. Do what you can and let you succeed''

The 231st fleet opens fire on Grochinus' flagship with every weapon at its disposal. The Ghost of the Warrior followed suit, firing Shidium energy weapons at the flagship before heading on a direct collision course with it. Iovera, recovering from the shock, commanded Jahric to attack as well. Now concentrating all of her power she turned it into a massive lightning bolt. Piercing the void. The bolt Reached Grochius' flagship and made it burst in pieces, leaving its owner's fate vague. The Draconid admiral slumped in his commad chair now relieved the battle was over.

Admiral - All forces report in... Jahric - Casualties are heavy. Crewman - Saturation complete, preliminary reports suggest the planet is applicable for recolonisation. Tyraz - *panting heavily and growling* Good...I would...like to improve defences.....Thank you, Iovera.... Iovera - ''Thank you as well. We could not do that without you.'' Admiral - Perhaps this will be a lesson for the Grox - The Andromedan Galactic Commonwealth will not go quietly into oblivion. Iovera - ''But this showed us the new power of the Grox. I'm afraid... we cannot defeat them alone.

Aravil, Now aboard the admiral's ship approached the conversation. He was still shaken from his ordeal on thep lanet below.

Aravil - My lords if there is any Grox tech we can salvage I have a suggestion. Tyraz - Speak, professor, speak music to our ears. Iovera - Speak. Aravil - We need every advantage we can find, perhaps we can reverse-engineer some of their technology and use it within the commonwealth's militaries? Tyraz - Sounds like a good idea to me. Iovera - ''I do not see anything wrong with that. But we need something else.'' Admiral - ''I am not so certain, we all saw what their technology was capable of. Do we really want to spread it around the galaxy?'' Iovera - ''When I saw that Grox ship, when I gazed into Grochius' mind... I saw something. It was darkness. It was something worse than all Grox.'' Tyraz - ''I am trusting you not to pass any of this technology to any Kordalu colonies. They are traitors.'' Aravil - You can trust the Imperium's and Divinarium's universities with the research. Iovera - ''We cannot defeat Grochius alone. We need to rally the whole galaxy: Solarites, The Coalition, The Solonese Union, Zarni, perhaps even the mighty Shka'tun. Only by unity can we win. Do you agree with me, grand lords?'' Admiral - ''I can see your logic highlord. But how exactly could we convince the Shka'Tun?'' Admiral - That or they might not care. Tyraz - It should seem so...But the Shka'Tun....they may kill us as well as Grox. Iovera - Either way, united we can fight. Admiral - ''It is settled then. The trusted research institutes will work to reverse-engineer Grox technology while we work to unite the galaxy.

The Flight of Unity
Generally silent streets of the Celestial City of the planet Crepusculum were now unusually noisy, filled with preparations for what could be the most important mission for the victory over the Grox Empire. Draconis nobles and Zazane warriors have come to the city, wanting to see the delegation. Finally, the diplomats themselves arrived from various parts of Andromeda. There were three of them.

First was a young, elegant Radeon female in light, simple golden clothing, accompanied by a larger figure - the Draconis princess in a finely decorated and elaborate dress, smiling friendly towards the nobles accompanying her as well as Divinarian citizen. The third was a gruff Zazane in black clothing; unlike the other two ambassadors, he showed little interest neither in the mission nor in the people around him.

The trio walked on the black bridges built between the huge pyramids of the Celestial City, pyramids that pierced the clouds. Reaching the largest platform on the highest levels of the city, they were met by the Triarch Jahric, who was going to be the captain of the diplomatic ship. Jahric reluctantly bowed to the esteemed ambassadors. Next to him was his favourite spaceship, Silvermoon, cleaned for the new mission and shining on the cold sun of Crepusculum. Selytorah - ''It is the second time I meet you, Triarch. I am glad that you are alright, after all these battles.'' Jahric - ''Ah, yes. Battles. It always made me wonder. As I grew up, whenever I came, I saw war. People dying. Could this ever stop? Are we so bloodthirsty we have to murder all the time?''

Jahric sighed. He was not a violent person and he could not do anything with that. Selytorah has attempted to calm him down:

Selytorah - ''Do not worry. We fight to live and there is nothing you can do with that. We have a mission to do.'' Jahric - ''Ah... ah... yes. Welcome to Silvermoon, there are rooms for you over there - Jahric has opened the hatches of the spaceship and pointed at the end of the corridor - You have everything you want, sit there and wait until we will be at the point of our destination.''

Diplomats entered the spaceship and came to their rooms while Jahric lazily activated the driving systems of his spaceship. Silvermoon quaked as it left the atmosphere of Crepusculum to find new worlds and new allies to win against a terrible, indestructible foe...

Iron Systems Federation Sub-plot
''Magos Sabato let his consciousness drift through the information network of Forgeworld 36. Lazily, he observed hundreds of his fellow Paladins experimenting on newer, more efficient weapons, armour and civilian technology. He filed away packets of data for dissection and analysis later. All of a sudden, a spike of data was injected into the system. A scouting team had just returned to the forgeworld, carrying terabytes of data on activity in Galaxy 0105, called 'Andromeda' by the other races.''

''Sifting through the data available, Sabato began to pick up irregularities- small granitic distortions, minor deflections of electromagnetic detection sweeps. These things a lesser, flawed organic might have missed, but their significance was not lost on Sabato. Something was in Andromeda- something they had not encountered for a long time.''

''Marshalling his available resources, Sabato began to assemble a scouting mission- literally. Beneath his inactive body, machinery began to cut out and piece together an unmanned scouting craft. Engine, sensors, communications and hull all drawn together and constructed in less than an hour. With the drone complete, its programming was downloaded from the general data net, and the machine was clear for launch. With a small magnetic boost, the device deployed, thrusters firing to propel it out of atmosphere and on its mission. Whatever was out there, Sabato intended to find it.''

Where There Is Smoke...
''The probe drifted along currents of solar wind as it made its way through the Andromeda Galaxy. Sensors along its sides searched for anything abnormal, or, for that matter, anything at all. Its programming held no particulars for the kinds of data it was to collect, in fact all the basic information it carried about its mission was the sector of space it was to search. It did not have long to wait, however.''

''As the probe began to enter its search grid, small EM radiation flares began to pick up. These were not the background emissions of local stars, their patterns indicated they were directed energy weapons- lasers of significant magnitude. The drone's miniature voidspace communicator array sent a coded message back to its creator, who responded with new orders that had the drone stray closer to the source of the EM flares.''

''Just as its creator had feared, the probe entered the solar system to find it besieged by alien vessels, of a configuration all to familiar to the Federation. With his worst fears confirmed, the probe's creator ordered it to take as accurate an account of the battle as it could, before phasing back to its point of origin. Unfortunately, before the drone could begin close observation, it was detected and destroyed by the same lasers it had detected.''

Shadow of the Storm
''Long hours of debate passed, and yet the Council remained unconvinced. To them, the Grox had been eradicated years before, and were no longer a serious threat. Nonetheless, Sabato knew the price of complacency, and tried again and again to convince the councillors of what he knew as the truth- the Grox had returned, a greater threat than they had ever been before. The swift demise of the Domain of As Radan proved this, even when they were supported fully by the newly formed Andromedan Commonwealth.''

''Even as evidence heaped behind the claim, Sabato could not convince the Fordan Grand Council of the need for action. Gladly, he did not have long to wait. Praetoria at the door stood aside as the single most well-known Fordanta ever to live strode into the room: Hel'Bre'K Ce'So'Va, the Blademaster.''

Hel'- Sabato speaks true, Council, the Grox have returned. I have been told so by my old allies, the Zazane. A fledgeling empire, the Domain of As Radan as I recall, has been utterly annihilated in a single stroke. It seems the Old Enemy has returned, and stronger than we have seen them before.

Councillor- Then we accept their coming as truth. Be that as it may, though, this is a matter for Andromeda to deal with! Our accord with the universe forces our hand. The For'Dan'Ta shall not march on the Andromedan Grox!

Hel'- If this is the Council's will, then so be it. *turns to Sabato* You, however, are no For'Dan'Ta. Marshall your forces, and join the fight against the Grox. I fear that the Council may be too hasty in barring our full participation in the coming war.

Sabato- Thank you for your belief, Blademaster. I will begin preparations immediately.

''With that, Sabato returned to Forgeworld 32, and prepared to wage war on the Grox one more time. From his central spire, he began to organise, strategise and mobilise. Although he did not need to, he formulated a word to initiate the hive of activity which would soon surround him. A formality, perhaps, but one that brought him great pleasure in its finality. The word was 'begin.' ''

''Across the entire forgeworld, some five million paladins and twenty million initiates, along with many more serfs, set to work. Weapons, vehicles, battle suits and rounds poured out of production lines, ready to be set to work exterminating the single greatest enemy the Federation had ever encountered. Weapons so complex and devastating that few of the un-illuminated could comprehend them were assembled, tested and connected to their operating units. Gun drones, machine familiars and automated defence turrets came together in their millions, while the ponderous might of a new battlecruiser was drawn into being in low orbit. Sabato was the conductor of a symphony of technological destruction, and he revelled in the thought of unleashing his newest designs.''

The Beginning
??? - Commander, we cannot hold this position! We have to fall back now! ??? - Are you a coward, soldier? The Creed will not let some puny ambush stop us! ??? - As you command, sir.

''On the cold, dusty dunes of Gierlo, a desperate skirmish was unfolding. A group of some twenty Zazane, waiting to be dispatched on separate scouting missions, was ambushed by a Grox force more than five times their number. The Grox brought to the battle their advanced battle suits and weapons technology, the likes of which made most shudder to think about. For a while, the Zazane held them back, their shidium blasters mangling flesh and metal. Before long, however, injury took its toll. Half the Zazane were wounded, a few would never fight again. Slowly, the Grox began to press their advantage.''

Commander - Concentrate fire on those larger ones- don't let them get a bead on you! Sergeant - Sir, ammunition is low, we have to pull back to higher ground- we need every advantage we can get! Commander - Agreed. Signal the dropship to meet us at the top of that ridge line. With the sun at our backs, these damned shyrak-eaters will have a harder time spotting us. Zazane! Fall back to the ridge!

''The warriors that could still move sprinted up the hill, scything down a thin line of Grox trying to bar their path. A few were shot down on the way, but more than a dozen Zazane still stood when their dropship came to pick them up. A dozen watched as a Grox battle suit fired a shoulder cannon, the shot arcing up and striking the dropship in the engines. The thin atmosphere of the planet muffled the sound of the blast, but the shockwave knocked the Zazane down the ridge. Scrambling for cover, the warriors set up behind the wreckage of their crippled vessel.''

Commander - Gah, hold the line! Someone get on that dropship's port gun and blast those Grox!

''A Zazane disappeared into the ship, throwing out a few packs of ammo to those nearby. Before long, he found the weapon controls, and turned one of the dropship's cannons onto the attackers. For a moment, the Grox line wavered, and fell back. The warriors, thinking they had won, cheered and cursed the retreating Grox. Before long, though, the sound of battle filled the air again, as the Zazane found themselves hit from behind by fresh troops. Once more, the Zazane shifted positions, now being forced to defend from all angles against a much larger foe. As the dropship's tortured hull began to crumple and warp, the Zazane knew that the honourable death they had hoped for was coming.''

Commander - This is it, warriors! Prepare to charge! Sergeant - Sir! Do you hear that? Over the wind. Commander - Never heard anything like it Sergeant. Must be some new Grox shyrak. Ready...

''Just as the commander was about to issue the order to charge, the Grox line halted again. Hurtling out of the sky, the steel-grey hulls of two alien dropships- neither Grox nor Zazane, roared over the desert. On their flanks were the inverted-swords symbol of the Council of Blades, on their nose was the Universal Gear of the Iron Systems Federation. As the dropships flew low, clusters of stasis missiles shot out, snaring the forward ranks of the Grox assault. Rear access hatches swung open, and half a dozen Paladins entered the fray.''

Magos - Secure area. Defend Zazane. Terminate all Grox. Execute... now.

''As one, the Paladins raised their weapons. The Grox, having moments before faced a wounded and under-armed enemy, were now met by warriors who could match, and even surpass, their formidable technological skill. Weapons beyond the comprehension of humanity unleashed the cold wrath of technology on the Grox.''

Commander - Zazane! Do NOT let these aliens steal our glory! Forward!

''As the Zazane leapt from cover, the Magos leading the Paladins raised a gloved hand. Calling upon arcane technologies and cold sciences few could understand, the Magos altered the gravitational field of the planet. Battlesuits crumpled and bullets thudded into the ground as Zazane found their bodies unnaturally light. The pale sands of Gierlo, tainted murky-brown by Zazane blood, were now painted black by machine-oil.''

Sergeant - Grox Commander! *fires a few shots* His energy shielding deflects even shidium!

''The Grox Commander, armoured and shielded as he was, strode unflinching through the fire brought to bear on him. All around him, bullet, plasma, missile and shidium felled his soldiers. But these same weapons had little effect when brought to bear against him.''

''In response, the Magos brought two mechadendrites, each laden with sensors, up to scan the newcomer. Bathing the shield in all imaginable forms of rad-scan, the Magos found his course of action. Dialling his auto laser to variable frequency, he projected a stream of electromagnetic energy attuned to pass unhindered through the Commander's shields. As soon as he had his wavelength, the Magos concentrated the beam to the point that the delivered energy slagged the approaching battle suit's shield generator, leaving it immobilised and vulnerable to the murderous rain of shidium that tore him apart.''

''With the death of their commander, the Grox reverted to secondary protocols and fell back. The Zazane prepared to pursue him, but the Magos held out an arm to block the commander.''

Magos - More Grox. Numbers overwhelming. Best option: retreat. Commander - Are you calling me a coward, shyrak-eater? Magos - Scout group more useful alive than dead. Return home. Deliver report. Commander- Hey! What's that alien doing to our dropship?

''As the stunned Zazane watched, a group of Paladins descended on the stricken dropship's damaged engine, mechadendrites and servo-limbs hissing as they worked. Within minutes, the engine was repaired, although the shidium plating could not be replaced. Without a word, the Paladins returned to their dropships, and departed.''

Cold, Cold Heart
On some rim world, whose name was scarcely known and less cared for, the threat of the Grox struck like a hammer blow. Hearing whispers of the defeats suffered by the greater powers, the citizens were terrified that their tiny military would be torn apart by these Grox if they ever decided to appear. As evacuations to the larger neighbouring Empires began, the shape of an Iron Systems Federation destroyer materialised in high orbit. With clockwork precision, hatches opened and magnetic grapples released as a lander was catapulted toward its entry into the thin atmosphere.

As the bulky lander approached an airfield, the Paladins began to survey their task. Several ships required critical repairs or improvements in order to carry such a number of people, and the defensive structures around the spaceport would need further calibration and fine-tuning. The Federation knew much from their deep-space probes, and they knew that a new player on the field was coming to this world: The Followers of the Grox.

Over 60% of the planet's population had been evacuated when the Followers struck. Armed with a mixture of conventional and exotic weaponry, the most notable feature of the force was a peculiar device which stripped a target of its atoms. Worse still, they brought with them some form of nanite plague which began to corrupt citizens, driving them against each other.

All this the Paladins saw as they hacked into the global data network, and so they established a perimeter. Twelve Paladins, although veterans armed with the mightiest weapons known to mortals, could not be expected to hold the line against a vastly outnumbering force, but they could at least buy time for the remaining civilians to evacuate. Agile bipedal battle suits took place alongside the hulking form of a spider-like Stalker-pattern suit, the hungry maws of its cannons pointed out to the invaders. Fanatical faith and fury were not unknown to the Paladins, their allies the Fordanta bore it in excess, but for once they were facing such fury, although much dimmer, on the opposing side of the field.

A few shots from long range weapons on the Followers' side signalled the begin of the battle.

Like a lightning bolt from an angry god, the Stalker-pattern suit's twin 04-22-Magma Cannons opened fire. Twin lances of molten destruction gouged a great line in the Followers' advance, and those too slow or stupid to take cover were reduced to ash. Other Paladins, armed with all manner of technological marvel, joined the battle. Bullet and stream of energy changed sides, but the Followers still marched forward. The Stalker engaged its Kraken missile unit, and drawing on targeting information from the data-pool of one of its fellows, launched a salvo of missiles into the command element of the Followers' attacks. Although most of the command guard was cut down by the tritium reaction warheads, the Grox battle suit leading the attack was unaffected. On the right flank, a lucky shot penetrated a Paladin's armour, causing a momentary depressurisation. It was enough for the Mechovirus to penetrate.

A massive pool of data was poured into the tactical net as the afflicted Paladin uploaded his consciousness to the destroyer in orbit above- the virus would claim his body, but not his mind. Subroutines left relayed as much information on the virus as they could before being shut down by the hostile nanites. The Stalker suit turned to its fallen comrade, and discharged its magma cannons, incinerating the body.

As the Followers reached a hundred metres away, automated turrets sprung up, lending their own fire to that of the remaining Paladins. At the same time, they received word that the evacuation was complete- everyone left on the world was either a Follower or an infected. The Paladins initiated a fighting retreat, blasting and vaporising whole swathes of infected, pausing only to annihilate any of the Followers who pursued them.

Rain of Iron
As the Paladins retreated, the azure glow of a Federation teleportation array flickered into being. Within it coalesced the fearsome might of an Odin-pattern battlesuit. Towering over even the massive Stalker suit, the Odin's great bulk required three Paladins to operate- or one completely hardwired into it. The fallen Paladin had returned, dedicating his entire existence to a single machine so that his brethren might survive.

A Followers walker climbed over the perimeter wall, only to find itself paired with the mighty Odin suit. A huge energised fist swung in a wide arc, smashing deep into the Followers walker. Another arm, ending in a great chainblade swung in an uppercut, digging into the walker's drive units. Watching, mouths agape, the Followers saw one of their prized walkers torn in half by alloy teeth the size of a Grox battlesuit. The Odin discarded the remains of its foe, and turned its eyes upon the Followers all around it. With his brethren safely on their transport, the Odin transmitted his location to the destroyer, and requested a full orbital bombardment of the site. While he awaited confirmation, he set about slaying everything in his path.

When bioengineered Epic units began to attack, the Odin charged, crushing warriors with every step. Chainblade and powered fist carved through the first Epic, while a shoulder-mounted gauss cannon locked on to the second. A mass-reactive shell the size of a small car felled the Epic, its corrupted ribcage blasted wide. Even so, the beast charged the Odin, knocking it to the ground. As the Followers scrambled to cut apart and destroy the Odin, the orbital strikes he had requested landed.

The first few shells studded into the ground with little effect- hatches opened releasing a gas compound. Thinking that the shells were duds, the Followers continued to hack at the Odin. Then, a single shot was fired. A tritium warhead, which impacted with the Odin suit, detonating instantly. The nuclear material in the Odin's reactor, as well as the gaseous deuterium seeded into the atmosphere by the first salvo all lent their stored energy to the blast- and a blast it was. With this final word of defiance, the Odin suit and its attackers were annihilated. The entire planet rocked to the nuclear fury that was unleashed upon it. A deep wound was cut into the planet, while the atmosphere was thrown into turmoil. The planet would be black and dead for decades, possibly longer, and by then it would be a Grox colony, but the few surviving Followers looked in utter terror at what the cold-hearted technology of the Iron Systems Federation unleashed had done.

Best Enemies
There was a ripple of electromagnetic energy and a flash of blue light as a Jet-Black IGA stealth corvette jumped into the system, 10,000 km away from the collosal Galactic Blade. Onboard, commanders Rayker and Jingo waited as the stealth corvette fired its GUT engines and began docking maneuvers. A panel flipped out in front of them, showing the face of Supreme Admiral Varcaytya. "Hello", said Varcaytya."We've, well,been debating whether or not its a good idea to deploy both of you in the Xeelos system for a while now, but we've decided it might be a neccesary evil, even considuring, you're little "competition"." Jingo proceeded to punch Rayker in the face."However, we think it might be neccesary for us to take control of the system. Just remember though, youre not on Jin-Git anymore.' The Galactic Blade fired its antimatter cannon, destroying a nearby Grox Cruiser. "Don't worry," laughed Jingo, "My death squads will burn the Grox into dust." "Death squads, Jingo?" Rayker smirked, "My teams are better, and they know the meaning of the word collateral damage." "Rayker, civilians are fair game." "That's not in the rules."Rayker seemed slightly disturbed. "I wrote the rules. Let's go."

Planet --Xeelous 4-- 03:47 Mins since planetfall
"Concentrate fire on the snipers, go, go!" Damn. The entire thirty man scout team, guards and all, had been missing for days. The grox presence seemed to be minor, but dangerous nevertheless. "Halt!" The voice was tinny and robotic. A Grox. Three of those thrice-cursed race walked out into the middle of the street. Rayker's troops had been mostly fighting to secure the drop zone, a small pioneer city made by the explorers. The three Grox trailed five prisoners, all awake and obviously terrified. "Stop firing." Rayker's troopers lowered their weapons. "We offer a trade, puny fleshlings. We give back these five hostages, and you leave this world. We give all thirty of your men, you leave this segmentum alone.

Jingo's disruptor cannons flipped into place and fired, vaporizing a nearby grox battle suit. "No!" Rayker shouted. The Grox incinerated the hostages.Rayker, fired his Rail Rifle, headshotting a battle suit, and jumped into melee combat. The IGA troops opened fire with plasma rifles, killing the last. "Jingo", Rayker shouted "Why did you do that!" "You think that we should have let several billion people die instead?" "All we had to do is wait for snipers to get into position!" "Who cares, lets go."

Suddenlly, they heard a rumble behind them, and a colossal Marinox smashed through the wall. It flicked five Troopers into the air, and then charged at Rayker. Rayker held his ground, and pulled out a stubby shotgun like weapon. "Surprise", Rayker said, and then fired a miniature anti-tank missile into the Marinox's face. Half of it was torn open, and it staggered back, where it was brought down by concentrated plasma fire.

Rayker pulled out his data pad. Orbital satellites showed the main Grox base was around 5 kilometers away. "Alright", Rayker said, "we're close".

21:23 Mins since planetfall.
Rayker looked down at the massive Grox base. Hundreds of soldiers and dozens of tanks, Dronox, and Marinox stood ready, while a dozen star fighters flew overhead. "Okay." Rayker said. "Thats a lot bigger than I expected. But I've got a plan." Rayker pointed at the AA missile turret on the buildings roof. "Basically, Jingo, you and you're squad need to draw as many of them off as you can. Then, me and my team infiltrate the building, free the hostages, and use the AA turret to clear the skies. Then we get on a dropship and get out of here".

Jingo and his squad targeted an orbiting Grox fighter and opened fire. The fighter turned around and screamed towards them, and it's laser cannon fired at a building and collapsed it, killing two Troopers. It then decelerated and began strafing the area with superlaser fire. Suddenly,five IGA troopers sprinted out behind cover and opened fire with plasma rifles, stripping the shields down to 25%. Jingo then fired his shoulder cannons, bringing the shields down to 0%, and fired two missiles, knocking the fighter out of the air.

Meanwhile, Rayker's team had already reached the holding cells. He detonated an EMP charge, deactivating the cell's force field. Each of the Shadows unclipped a bag from their battle suits carrying weapons and gave them to the prisoners. As they ran towards the missile turret, they suddenly heard a huge rumble as a Mecha Dronox stepped on to the platform. "Cover me!" Rayker shouted, and jumped. The IGA troopers sprayed plasma fire into it, distracting it as Rayker jumped onto its head and drove his plasma sword into it's head. He then ran inside the missile turret, which fired a massive volley of missile, destroying the remaining Groxoplanes. The tanks and Marinox opened fire, but suddenly a Guthlac flew in, firing it's 40mm gauss cannons and proton missiles into the Grox troops. Rayker jumped in, and the dropship pulled out, picking up Jingo on the way as the base was glassed from orbit.

The Fall
The Godsword class warship fired its GUT thrusters and exited geosynchronous orbit,carrying Rayker toward the Galactic Blade. Suddenly, as the Godsword flew over Xeelous 5 on the way, all alarm horns blared as a Grox mothership warped in two light-seconds away. The Godsword opened up, firing a massive barrage of antimatter rounds. The mothership was damaged, but not significantly, and as the Godsword reloaded, it opened fire, launching dozens of antimatter missiles. The Godsword's shields were heavily damaged, being stripped down to 56%, and its commander realized that another volley could finish it off. So instead, he concentrated all firepower on weapons. Support cannons were pushed up to teraton yields while antimatter weapons were launched at double or more the normal rate.

The Mothership was heavily damaged,but before it was destroyed it launched another volley. Both ships crippiled, they both tumbled towards the ground.

Rayker stood in an escape shuttle and watched as the Godsword hit the ground. It exploded, slagging most of the continent. This would make things more difficult. The dropships pulled out of orbit and head towards the nearest fleet.

Mecholife V/S Mecholife!
The Grox are the ultimate form of mechanical life in the known universe. Or at least, they were, until the Mechanization caused the natives of the Wental Galaxy to become machine life as well. Now, both forms of machine life are in the Andromeda Galaxy. And both are on opposite sides of a conflict. They have yet to meet in battle, and both have powerful weapons built to destroy. The Wentals have angered the Grox by taking into themselves an enemy of the Grox, the Starmaster Alliance, and becoming the Union of Mecholife. Therefor the Grox have determined that the only option is to exterminate all non-Grox Mecholife in the universe...

Mecholife V/S Mecholife! - the story unfolds!