Fiction:Tantummodo Mortem/Dreams of Destruction

Friendly Space
It was not long before the ship they were on exited hyperspace. They were within close proximity of Hyperborea; close enough for the city lights of the construct to illuminate the surface of the ship's hull.


 * Koluap - So this is the place? Looks pretty.
 * Arkarixus - Yes. The crown jewel of the Kormacvar Empire and the Polar Crystal Alliance.
 * Sarec - It's come a long way from when I was last here.
 * Hachi - There's shops here that sell books and magazines! Weird stuff, but good stuff!

Nu moaned.


 * Nu - I'm going to get people looking at me again.
 * Eta - That's what you get for joyriding a speeder.

The team's ship received a transmission, and the hologram of a Caretaker appeared.


 * Caretaker - Identified as Xhodocto Dominion vessel. Turn back or be destroyed.

Kithworto went to the panel and pressed on the communicator.


 * Kithworto - This is Warlord Kithworto Aknatazán of the Kicathian Remnant with Warmaster Arkarixus Vhiktus on board. Requesting permission to land.
 * Caretaker - Acknowledged. Why the Dominion vessel? We are at high alert due to a previous invasion.
 * Kithworto - A commandeered ship from a Dominion commander.
 * Caretaker - Very well. Landing permitted. Welcome to Hyberborea!

The Caretaker's hologram vanished.


 * Psi - Phew. Thought we were about to get blown to chunks there.
 * Arkarixus - Previous invasion? This is worrysome.
 * Tau - Especially if they targeted us. Sounds like the Dominion attacked before.
 * Kalcedia - Mhmm, yep. Brothers told me a little bit about it.
 * Arkarixus - What happened?
 * Kalcedia - Loron. Lots and lots of Loron. They weren't just any Loron though...they fought differently, organized.
 * Koluap - Organized Loron? That sounds intimidating.
 * Arsac - Organisation does that.
 * Kalcedia - Lots of people died.
 * Arkarixus - I'll talk to the Council about this. Let's just land for now.

The ship began a docking procedure, as it neared into the Hyperborea hangars. The locks around the ship fastened as Kithworto opened the ship up.


 * Koluap - You said there's shops? Are there any weapon shops?
 * Arkarixus - We are not here for shopping. Leave that for after the Xhodocto are defeated.
 * Kalcedia - But...B-But shoes...

Kithworto was the first to step out of the ship as he took a deep breath of air. The Caretakers around the dock waved at the team as they left the ship. Sarec followed, keeping Hachi close to him as he walked while Arsac kept behind.


 * Kithworto - Feels welcoming to be in allied space again.
 * Arsac - I need to contact someone in Dranvamus, go on without me.

Hachi waved back happily with a wide smile on his face. Kezoreg was the last to leave the vessel, he didn't give even a brief acknowledgement towards the Caretakers. In a distance, a few guards were seen. There were three of them. Two Zoles, and a Wranploer. Hachi's eyes widened as he saw the Wranploer.


 * Tau - Is that a Wranploer over there?
 * Hachi - What the...
 * Koluap - That's an ugly bastard.
 * Arkarixus - It is...how it got here? And why is it not under arrest?
 * Kithworto - Not quite sure. Perhaps some Wranploer have become part of the PCA.
 * Arkarixus - I remember the Council talking about surrendering Wranploer remnants but accepting them here? I'm surprised Councillor Xeron agreed with it.

Arsac broke off from the group as they observed the Wranploer, looking for a secluded area of the station. Hachi ran up towards the Wranploer, struck with curiosity and he pointed at it. The three guards turned to him.


 * Hachi - Hey you!
 * Wranploer Guard - Eh? Got a question, boy?
 * Hachi - Y-Yeah...what's a W-Wranploer doing here...at H-Hyperborea?
 * Upsilon - You can't just ask someone why they're here, human.
 * Wranploer Guard - I work here.
 * Hachi - Umm...w-what I meant was...w-when did W-Wraploer start w-working here? I thought...you know...
 * Wranploer Guard - Since a few months ago.
 * Arkarixus - Hmm. Indeed, we've been out for a few months.
 * Hachi - Huh. W-Well...w-welcome to t-the job!

Hachi proceeded to hug the Wranploer's leg happily. The Wranploer gave Hachi a weird look but did nothing to stop him.


 * Sarec - Don't mind him. The boy likes to display friendship to those he likes.
 * Tharaqím - Shall we move on?
 * Kithworto - Indeed. We must get to the Council Tower as quick as possible. Arkarixus, you'll have to summon the Councilors post-haste.
 * Arkarixus - We just need to get there.
 * Kithworto - It seems we're in the correct district. Let's get there.
 * Sarec - Hachi I think the Wranploer understands now you're happy for him.

Hachi smiled at the Wranploer and nodded at him before going back with the group, rushing on all fours. The Wranploer gave Hachi a small waving as he left.


 * Sarec - The designs of this galaxy's inhabitants impress me more and more every day.
 * Koluap - Everyone in here looks like they came out of a circus.
 * Sarec - You should visit Minos'Drakon sometime.
 * Kalcedia - Where are all the shoes...?

Kithworto took his way to the Council tower, with the Agents following him. Arkarixus walked behind him, showing off the place to Tharaqím. Koluap looked at the various alien races of the station with mixed expressions. Nu pointed to a building.


 * Nu - See that dent? I did that after I was deflected from the cargo vehicle.
 * Mu - Way to go. I bet we have terrible publicity now.
 * Kalcedia - I'm surprised you were deflected at all.
 * Sarec - What did security do after the incident?
 * Nu - I ate them. Just kidding, I was hauled to the Council chamber semi-conscious and given a cautionary punishment.
 * Tau - Cautionary punishment? In the Empire you'd be executed for causing damage like that.
 * Mu - I'm now picturing Nu being beaten up by a bunch of Niaka. Hilarious.
 * Nu - Actually they would have just marked it as a terrorist attack and I would have gotten away with it.
 * Sarec - The joys of being above the law, I take it.
 * Hachi - Being a terrorist sounds fun!
 * Koluap - Being a bandit is no fun, you little idiot.

Tau shrugged in agreement. Arkarixus narrowed his eyes at Nu for a moment before turning away.

Two Teams Meet
Kithworto arrived at the pavilion in front of the Council Tower, and turned to the team.


 * Kithworto - Arkarixus and I will take to the main chamber to speak to the councilors. The rest of you will have to take to the seats whilst we do business.
 * Tharaqím - Fair enough.
 * Koluap - Boring!
 * Sarec - Very well.

Arsac silently returned to the group with a sombre expression on her face.


 * Tharaqím - You don't seem well.
 * Kithworto - Word from Andromeda?
 * Koluap - Like her opinion matters.
 * Arkarixus - Behave or I'll throw you out of the airlock.
 * Hachi - Aww, what's wrong?

Hachi cuddled up to Arsac to try and make her feel better.


 * Arsac - The Imperium has been informed. In preparation for my news they have insisted I accomodate a unit from the Wraith Legion.
 * Kithworto - Seems reasonable. We should move before we miss our opportunity.
 * Arkarixus - Let's not waste time.

Kithworto took the staircase into the Council Tower, which was a large space filled with numerous flora from numerous planets. Arkarixus followed Kithworto. Koluap walked up to a bench and layed down on it. Arsac and Sarec walked up to look for places to sit. Arsac made sure she kept some distance from Sarec as they sat down. Hachi stuck by Arsac with a smile on his face, while Kezoreg also sat isolated from the group, making no eye contact and kept his eyes to the floor. Kalcedia sat beside Koluap. Tharaqím did not sit down and instead kept observing his surroundings.


 * Kithworto - Hm. Never been here in person.

At this moment, a voice which Hachi, Sarec, Nu, Tau and Arsac could recognize spoke to them. Hachi's ears perked up and he smiled happily, his tail wagging excitedly.


 *  - Look who's here!
 * Hachi - Grandpa!
 * Sarec - Good to see you Vekaron.
 * Nu - Oh look. It's the guy who I kept taking a ride from.

Vekaron walked up to the ground, followed by a massive Murgur and a green-skinned hooded figure. Hachi ran up to Vekaron and leaped onto him, jumping into his arms and hugging him. Vekaron laughed as Hachi leaped on him.


 * Sarec - I see you've been making allies.
 * Vekaron - Indeed. Meet my crew.
 *  - These are Kicath agents? I thought they were taller.

Kithworto looked at Wragrot.


 * Kithworto - A Battlemaster? Rare sight in this day and age.
 * Wragrot - You know of my kind? That's a more rare sight.
 * Kithworto - I've had my experiences. Kithworto Aknatazán. Kicathian Warlord. Among other things.
 * Vansenk - You all look bizarre and disgusting. Especially that red female with the fat chest.
 * Kalcedia - ...Ow.
 * Arsac - You don't exactly appear pleasant yourself.

From behind Wragrot, a goggled Samilinus appeared.


 * Vyatak - Pleased to meet you. Vyatak. Penumbran associate. Biologist...interesting species.
 * Koluap - Wow! Wow! Slow down!

Kalcedia approached Vansenk and looked him up and down, examining him. At that point, Vansenk opened his mouth and showed his blackened tongue that dripped with yellow saliva. Kalcedia proceeded to cringe in disgust.


 * Wragrot - Not in public, stinky.
 * Kalcedia - EW! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!
 * Vansenk - I haven't showered in over 40 years.
 * Arsac - A Hserelie...perfect.
 * Sarec - Exactly where did you find this lot?
 * Vekaron - Some I met through Arkarixus. Some I met by complete accident. Like Vansenk here.
 * Vansenk - Trust me, salamander, I hate them more than you do.
 * Arsac - I am a Draconis, not a "salamander".
 * Vekaron - Don't worry. Vansenk fights against the Corruptus.

Thuds were heard as a well armored Mahanayan appeared and approached. Clinging on his arm was a small, white, green haired humanoid.


 *  - Let's go to the park, please please please!

Hachi's attention was drawn towards the humanoid creature that clinged to the Mahanayan's arm, completely disregarding the Mahanayan at all while Kalcedia stepped back in awe and shock. Hachi leaped out of Vekaron's arms and approached. Nu looked at the Mahanayan, and shot up.


 * Nu - Whoa, where did he come from?!
 * Mu - Your security sucks, there's a Mahanyan in here! Kill it!
 * Kamaris - Calm. I'm not a part of that Dominion thing.''
 * Vekaron - Don't worry, you all. Kamaris comes from the .
 * Koluap - Oh, like the ones from Mahanaya? Those guys weren't so bad.
 * Kamaris - Thataanvavra, actually. But polite of you to think of me as a native of my home planet.

Vansenk looked towards Mu and down at his hand.


 * Vansenk - ...Your hand looks disgusting.
 * Mu - Your entirely looks disgusting, you whatever-the-hell-you-are.

Hachi approached Gardin and sniffed curiously. Kalcedia calmed herself and sat back down. Gardin poked Hachi's nose. Hachi proceeded to roll onto his back and sobbed.


 * Kithworto - So, what brings you here?
 * Vekaron - We're here to refill our supplies for our next mission. We're hunting down Fleet Commander Bakarl of the Imalmah. But I bet it has nothing on your demon-hunting business.
 * Kalcedia - Ew, Imalmah are freakish.
 * Gardin - He's ugly and has a biiiiig head!
 * Vansenk - He won't once we pry it from his neck.
 * Koluap - What alien is this anyway? Looks like a mannequin!
 * Gardin - You look stupid!
 * Koluap - No, you!
 * Hachi - I think it looks cute! What's your name?
 * Gardin - I'm Gardin!
 * Vekaron - How is your mission going by the way?
 * Sarec - It's had its ups and downs.
 * Kithworto - Enough. We are about to go to a hearing with the council on the account of information we have acquired whilst we were in Dominion territory. It could prove beneficial *and* catastrophic to the Gigaquadrant.
 * Vekaron - The usual then.
 * Arsac - Kithworto perhaps you should proceed to business.
 * Kithworto - Perhaps we should.

Wragrot looked around the team.


 * Wragrot - Where's Missy Bad Mood anyway. She was supposed to meet up with us here.
 * Gardin - Don't talk bad things about Auntie Kilch. She's big and strong!
 * Vansenk - Big and heavy, more like.
 * Hachi - Huh? "Auntie" Kilch? A female?
 * Nu - Kilch? ...Kilchárunya Toázensa?
 * Tau - Oh boy, here we go.
 * Vekaron - Hmm. She told me about you...Vyatak, find her and-

At this moment, arrived. Nu caught sight of Kilchárunya and growled louder than ever.


 * Hachi - Damn, seems he hates her more than he hates Moo.
 * Wragrot - Well, this doesn't look good.
 * Sarec - ...This looks like it could get unpleasant

Kilchárunya jolted still as she saw Nu, and ran in the opposite direction ten times as fast as she arrived.


 * Mu - Hell, I don't even know why he hates her, but he does, and she knows it.
 * Nu - I've had a few run ins with her in the past.
 * Tau - Yeah. "Run ins."

Nu smacked Tau in the back of the head.


 * Vekaron - I should probably let you guys do your jobs now. I gotta get back to my ship.
 * Wragrot - And clean the floor where Kilchárunya ran through.

Kithworto nodded and turned around.


 * Kithworto - We should move now. No more waiting.
 * Gardin - Bye! You all look funny! Expecially the bunny rabbit!

Hachi smiled and waved at Gardin and Vekaron, before tilting his head,


 * Hachi - ...How'd she know what a rabbit was?
 * Tau - Everyone in the universe knows where Earth is. Possible exception of Psi.
 * Gardin - I can read minds!
 * Tau - ...or that.
 * Arsac - A clever girl.
 * Hachi - Well, that's...terrifying.

Gardin pointed at Nu.


 * Gardin - His mind is full of poopy!

Nu roared at Gardin, cracking the glass floor. Gardin was blown back, then threw herself forward and let out a shriek even louder than Nu's roar. Hachi covered his ears and squeaked.


 * Koluap - My ears!
 * Arsac - ...please don't do that again. EITHER of you.
 * Vansenk - Mmm...that sounded delightful.
 * Vyatak - We must go. Potential ear hemorrhage if this goes on.

Vekaron waved to the team and left, with Wragrot and Vyatak following him. Vansenk gave a glare towards Koluap and licked his chops with his black tongue while he stared, walking away. However, Koluap remained indifferent.


 * Vansenk - ...I like that guy.
 * Nu - Chúkasat-aíthakoramnara.
 * Arsac - We have business at hand, but I would rather not meet that Hserelie again.
 * Tharaqím - Hm. Interesting team. A shame they are busy or we could have invited them to join us.
 * Mu - Me, Nu and Kilchárunya. Yeah, no.

Talking to the Council
Kithworto walked on into the Council Chamber with Arkarixus next to him. The rest of the team parted left and right into the audience chambers. Councillors Semirian, Xeron and Valzaria took their seats in the center of the chamber. Once again, Sarec and Arsac sat at different sides of the room. Sarec half-closing his eyes as he sent himself into a trance. Hachi had fallen asleep beside Koluap and snored quietly, with Kalcedia sitting on the other side of Koluap, who was forcing himself not to laugh at Xeron.


 * Semirian - Welcome, Warlord Aknatazán. Warmaster Arkarixus. We were informed you have dire news.
 * Xeron - As if we needed any more dire news.
 * Kithworto - Dire is an accurate word. Whilst we have recovered information from the Dominion's territories, we have not yet decoded information from it.

Kithworto unsheathed the data matrix. The councillors watched, curious.


 * Kithworto - This is a data matrix retrieved from the hyperintelligence named Ardonia. Most of the data was erased from the Xhodocto named Angazhar, but some data still remains within it.
 * Valzaria - Well, this must be decoded as soon as possible. Dominion-aligned Loron'Kikra recently attacked the galaxy and nearly destroyed it and we cannot allow it to be in danger again.

Kalcedia called out to the group from her seat.


 * Kalcedia - I told you!
 * Tharaqím - No one doubted you.
 * Kalcedia - I know, but I love being right.
 * Kithworto - The Loron'Kikra may very well be the least of our worries, councillor. From what we have seen in Dominion territory, the Xhodocto are at the very least active once again in this universe.
 * Koluap - We killed one even!
 * Semirian - We are by no means doubting your words, Warlord. What we want to know is how we can help.
 * Kithworto - It would be of the Borealis' interest to invest in defences. I fear the Dominion are planning mass attack upon the Gigaquadrant. The Loron'Kikra assault may just be the beginning of it.
 * Xeron - Damnation. That nearly ripped the galaxy apart already.
 * Kithworto - From what Arkarixus and I have seen, it might not just be the galaxy that could be potentially ripped apart.
 * Arkarixus - This is an universe-wide threat. Defenses must be boosted immediately. But this must not be public knowledge. We cannot afford the galaxy to panic.
 * Hachi - I should tell everybody I know that the Dominion are comin...
 * Koluap - No.
 * Kithworto - I am not sure whether Andromeda has been warned as of yet, but Andromeda's safety is also of tantamount importance. Numerous empires have already been destroyed there already.
 * Valzaria - Unfortunately, our links with Andromeda are still limited, so we have little knowledge about it.
 * Kithworto - I do not ask you to defend both Borealis and Andromeda, but if Andromeda needs help, Borealis must assist. The universe has already fallen prey to the Xhodocto time and time again. It is fair to say that the universe is in a united cause against them.
 * Xeron - Of course we'll help. Most of our extragalactic allies come from Andromeda.

All of a sudden, the ambient lighting in the council chamber began to shimmer. The walls began to distort into an onyx black colour as the atmosphere became restless. Arsac glared and clenched her fists.


 * Koluap - Eh? Does it always do this?
 * Semirian - What is the meaning of this?
 * Kezoreg - They're here, it seems.

All of a sudden, a voice thundered out of nowhere. The voice sounded strikingly similar to 's voice.


 * Angazhar - Your defences and attempts to stay our wrath is not unlike dust wishing to defend itself against the wind. Inevitable. Insignificance. You fight as if your kind controls the course of reality.

His voice caused the entirety of Hyperborea to shudder like an earthquake, causing Kithworto to pose himself to maintain balance.


 * Arkarixus - Not here...not now!
 * Mu - I blame Nu!
 * Angazhar - You pray to your false gods. They shall not save you. Your galaxy is now bereft of salvation.
 * Koluap - Stop stalking us, you creepy bastard!
 * Arkarixus - We have killed gods already. You will be no different!

Arsac stood up.


 * Arsac - I am tired of this arrogance! I am tired of you powermongers dictating the lesser beings merely because of a gift you were born with! IT IS THE WEAK WHO RELY ON GRANTED GIFTS TO DOMINATE THE REST!

Angazhar's voice became more intense as the glass around the council chamber cracked.


 * Angazhar - You stand before me, with your pride. Your arrogance. Your gifts were granted by us. You bite the hand that feeds you.
 * Mu - Hell, stop provoking Angazhar. You all remember what happened to Macin.
 * Kezoreg - Stupid woman. Whatever you say to him, he can counter you in every way. You would be wise to learn that, you old hag.
 * Arsac - I do not care anymore. Berate me, cut me, bleed me, obliterate me, I am tired of these power games.
 * Angazhar - Your wish is our command.

Angazhar sent numerous nightmares within Arsac's mind, of her being tortured, destroyed, her friends, allies being done the same. Arsac fell forward ,holing her head as she fell down the banks of the ampitheatre. Tharaqím and Arkarixus looked at Arsac worried, while Koluap remained indifferent.


 * Kezoreg - ...Serves the witch right for not knowing her place.
 * Angazhar - We will watch your every move. Understand that every victory you claim is only prolonging the inevitable. Your existence and belief will cease. And then you shall cease as well.

Angazhar's voice quietened as the chamber's colours returned to normal. The councillors looked around, confused. Arsac was bruised form her fall, she looked up as the darkness faded. Blodd trickling from her nostrils.


 * Semirian - ...What happened?
 * Kithworto - I believe that was Hyperborea's first experience with the Xhodocto.

After Angazhar's words stopped echoing, the chamber began filled with Arsac's own broken laughter. Kezoreg stood up and approached Arsac. Instead of offering a hand, he kicked her multiple times towards the face in a harsh manner.


 * Kezoreg - Go into a corner and die if you wish, but do not drag us along with you!
 * Arsac - Angazhar....is right...
 * Valzaria - No violence in the Council Chamber!

Kithworto walked over to Kezoreg and picked him up by the scruff of his neck. His eyes flared as intensely as Angazhar's.


 * Kithworto - Go back to the ship.

Kithworto turned to the exit of the chamber and hurled Kezoreg down the steps. He then turned back to the councilors.


 * Kithworto - I apologize for the severity caused in this hearing. We will do our best not to contact you unless it is of dire need.
 * Xeron - ...Very well.
 * Kithworto - And I'll be sure that the Remnant reconstructs the chamber to its exact need. It is what I can do for an apology.
 * Valzaria - No need. It's not your fault.

Arsac did her best to stand up, her head blooded from Kezoreg's attacks, nether her fall or the blows appeared to deabilitate her. Kithworto nodded to Arkarixus, and turned away from the stage. He walked down the stair case with the Agents walking down from the benches as well. Tharaqím and Arkarixus followed. Koluap passed by Arsac but did nothing to help her. Kezoreg was long gone by the time they reached the stairs, leaving a faint trail of blood from where he had sustained an injury that led back to the ship's direction. Hachi approached Arsac, sniffing.


 * Hachi - D-Do you need any h-help?
 * Arsac - I...h-have endured...w-worse. I-I am fine.

Arsac waved her hand dismissively towards Hachi. Kithworto turned to the team.


 * Kithworto - Do not think I will treat any of you lightly if you persist to get in my way.
 * Arkarixus - Make this for both of us.

The Agents all timidly nodded.


 * Arsac - Please...d-do not lecture me.

Kithworto looked at Arsac apathetically, before walking away.