Fiction:Second Borealis Galactic War/Original/Wrath of Gods/The Ancients' Legacy

"Your resistance is entertaining. But play time is over. Your bodies...your souls...your essence...are mine."

This is the third stage of Wrath of Gods.

=United We Stand=

The Order
Deep in the Center of Death, sat on his throne, waiting. He watched the defeat of the with a smirk, as if their plan succeeded, the Grox's own schemes would be ruined. He watched holograms showing thousands of empires across the galaxy, having vision of all sectors, with the exception of one.

It was then that a booming message was relayed to all Grox, Grox slaves, Caretakers and surviving Alvino through the Borealis Grid. Initiate Operation Ascension. Immediately, the Caretakers across the entire galaxy entered a state of aggression. Grox fleets started to swarm across the Galactic Core in a greater intensity than ever. Mirras III let out a quiet, cold laugher as he ordered his prime soldier,, to lead the operation.

In the database, the AIs were tortured more and more. This torture was being caused by none other than, who used their massive information network to know everything happening in the galaxy in real time. The database became overrun in Grox as well, to protect it. Meanwhile, the Grox fleets were led by the massive and unstoppable Ascended-Class Capital Ships. The Grox's scheme was finally coming into action.

Regnatus - Prepare this galaxy for my arrival.

Meanwhile, breathed heavily. He was imprisoned for years now, and he was starting to feel weak. Mirras III ordered his Marinox guards to place numerous screens across Mac's room, showing the progress of the Grox invasions.

Mac - ''You want me...to watch your carnage? You bloody monster...'' Mirras III - ''You're contributing to this with your energy. You are part of this!''

Mirras III moved himself across the room in his moving throne. He approached Mac, grabbed him with his mechanical hand and squeezed his face. The Taldar could do little against him. Mirras III's eyes started to shine in a light blue colour. Mac felt a great pain in his head, and shouted in frustration.

Mac - Stop that shit! Mirras III - I can feel your sanity flowing away...Can you see his eyes? Mac - Uhh... Mirras III - Can you see Regnatus?

As Mac blinked, he could see it. Four blood red eyes in his mind, surrounded by nothing but a dark, empty void. Mac groaned and struggled, shaking his head, trying to make the image go away, but it was all useless. Mirras III smirked as he left the room, leaving the tortured Mac locked, to struggle against the void on his mind...

Polar Crystal Alliance
Rebaris called the leaders of UNO and Niaka for a discussion. Rebaris had a proposition to make to them, one that would decide the future fate of the entire galaxy. Like usual, Rebaris never seemed arrogant or full of himself; he never acted in a condescending way to the others, seeing them more as friends and equals than inferiors.

Rebaris - ''Greetings. I've called you here for an important discussion about the future of our galactic society.'' Yogtam - I see...tell us more. Rebaris - ''After much studying of the galaxy's current state, it's clear that it's a disorganized mess. How many of you have heard of the Polar Crystal Alliance?''

Zr'Ahgloth wanted to seem smart. Arrogant as usual, he raised his hand and shouted out.

Zr'Ahgloth - ''I HAV!!!! its a zoles pizza store'' Vekaron - No...Zoles don't even have "pizza". Zr'Ahgloth - ar yoo fukin serius Tuolog - Polar Crystal Alliance...that name float in timeline...

Tuolog got into a meditative stance, and then found it.

Tuolog - The galactic alliance led by the Zoles during time of First Borealis War? Rebaris - ''Yes. The Polar Crystal Alliance was the galaxy's first attempt of an unified government. It was created to combat and defeat the Wranploer Legion almost 2,000 years ago.'' Kralgon Emperor - And...what went wrong?

The King shrugged.

Rebaris - Our records say the alliance became weakened as the Wranploer were defeated, and all members eventually split. Kralgon Emperor - ''Oh...a shame. Are you proposing a revival of this alliance?'' Rebaris - ''Yes. If we are to survive the Grox, we must unite. The galaxy needs to organize itself. We've detected over a thousand Grox attacks in the last 5 days. What hope do we have if we all throw ourselves at them mindlessly?'' Tralkik Commander - ''There is a very small probability that the galaxy, in its current state, will succeed. We have the influence of Volim and the Wranploer, as well as the recent War Economy, largely to thank for that.'' Tuolog - ''People unite only if they see reason to unite, only if bonds grow stronger. We have reason; the war, the Grox. This may be very good idea.'' Rebaris - ''That's another reason. Together we can fight and banish the Wranploer back to the shadows like the old alliance has done in the First War. Of course, this is for after the Grox are done with.''

All of UNOL thought for a second, chatting amongst themselves via the System. Many AIs were buzzing, calculating and eliminating everything while they all reflected.

Zr'Ahgloth - dis is a lame idea Xerkea - ''You're a bloody idiot. This is a fantastic idea.'' Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP OK DIS IDEA IS STOOPID MAN GALACTIC ALLIANCES NEVA WORK IN FACT NONE OF DESE ALLIANCES EVA DO LOOK AT OTTZELLOS HISTORY NOT A SINGLE ONE OF DEM HAS SUCCEEDED Xerkea - You can go die to the Grox for all I care, no one's gonna miss you anyway. Zr'Ahgloth - LISSEN YEH YOO SMELL WEIRD YOO SHULD PUT ON PERFUME MAN LIEK ALL DUM CHIKZ DO

While Zr'Ahgloth ha already reached his conclusion that he disliked the idea, the others hadn't. Yogtam spoke.

Yogtam - ''I'm really cautious about putting UNO's full support behind it...Zr'Ahgloth's highlighted our concerns. We're all interested, but we're just cautious.'' Rebaris - ''I planned this Alliance to be led by a council of representatives of the Zoles, the Niaka, and UNO. But, if you're not interested...''

Rebaris paused for a second, waiting to see if UNO would speak, but they didn't; he continued.

Rebaris - ''Sincerely, I know nothing of Ottzello. But the Polar Crystal Alliance was strong. What made it fall apart was the lack of a reason. But this time, we have reasons to spare. UNO would be the only extragalactics to join the Alliance as full members. That is, if you accept.'' Tuolog - ''Yes, from what I see, Polar Crystal Alliance had much more hope than any galactic alliance Ottzello ever have. But are you sure you want us in your alliance?'' Rebaris - ''Why would I not want you? You are one of our greatest allies.'' Yogtam - You...really think so? Rebaris - Of course.

UNOL discussed amongst themselves. They realised that the Polar Crystal Alliance would succeed better than any of Ottzello's; every Ottzello galactic alliance formed had turned out to make the galaxy more dystopian htan before in the end, as the galaxy became increasingly dependant on an increasingly shaky alliance each time.

Tuolog - ''We decide we have more motivation for this alliance. Except Zr'Ahgloth, but he just need a pizza and a soda to cheer him up. Anyway, we put full support behind and we like to know what other plans you have.'' Rebaris - ''Excellent. Well, our current plans were actually made by Arkarixus so he should explain them.''

Rebaris smiled, and nodded to Arkarixus, who then stepped forward and spoke up.

Arkarixus - ''To defeat the Grox, we require aid. Aid from all natives possible. We must go and have them join our cause, so we can properly plan an attack on the enemy.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Ah, I like that idea. The more people we have, the higher our morale. And the more ships we have, the greater our forces. If we can get the most focused attacks planned and co-ordinated completely, then we have a good chance.'' Arkarixus - ''A galactic-wide fleet can push into Grox territory and strike at the heart, the Grox homeworld. If we take the homeworld and destroy their leader, we'll be able to take care of the rest.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''jus liek a loron massiv crew man. yoo rally all da boyz wiv a reeson ta fite an wiv a strong iconic leeda dat dey all look up to den yoo let dem all loose. a thousand voices herd in warcries an yoo get da most bootiful fitin eva.'' Thr'aloy - ''cept if Gratz'kaoz is da crew leeda. den its not bootiful at all''

The Emperor, Yogtam and the Tralkik Commanderhad discussed amongst themselves. AL of UNO's military AIs and individuals had been calculating all possibilities.

Kralgon Emperor - ''...It sounds like a plan, but wouldn't you want to take care of some other Grox worlds too? If we can divide their defences up and cause their counter attack to be less focused than our attack, it would help. Plus, denying them of some fleet building is always a bonus.'' Arkarixus - ''This galaxy is, frankly, not powerful enough to attack in multiple fronts. The Grox have a territory of almost a million stars. While we can have some distraction fleets, we'll still need the main firepower centered in finding and attacking the homeworld.'' Tuolog - ''I see your point. You forgot, though, we have the extragalactic support, from the Andromedans, Apalos, and maybe others? I also here rumours that Fordanta interested.'' Arkarixus - ''But they are most useful in helping breach into the homeworld. We're gonna need the most powerful fleet possible if we are to survive all the way to the core. Remember, we'll be forced to fights not only the Grox, but the Cold Relays themselves will also act hostile to us.''

The Tralkik Commander made several more calculations.

Tralkik Commander - ''True. Perhaps, prior to the attack, we can gain whatever intel we can on the Relays and how to manipulate them? Or we can convince the BCN to give up their info on manipulating the relays? But I do agree; rather than attacking on multiple fronts, hit-and-run might not be a bad option.''

Arkarixus growled when he remembered what Zaarkhun had shown them, of the BCN Relay.

Arkarixus - ''Filthy, disgusting pirating scum. How are they even capable of such?'' Tralkik Commander - ''One thing we've always learned is to never underestimate what Zaarkhun is capable of. If he can't handle it, he'll find a way to eventually.'' Arkarixus - When the Grox are defeated, I want this Zaarkhun's head. Xerkea - We all do, sir. Tralkik Commander - ''That is beside the point. What I mean is, aside from uniting the galaxy, we'll need to prepare our attack in other ways.'' Rebaris - ''And we will. For now, we should unite everyone, and then, we can discuss war tactics.''

Ascended Terror
A conference was begun amongst all Borealis inhabitants, with the Indoctrinate Collective joining.

Vekaron - ''Greetings, everyone. We've got some good news in our struggle against the Grox; a new faction has decided to join us, the .''

Val'Ra's screen appeared, as the warrior fiure greeted them all.

Val'Ra - ''Suffice to say, take the battle to the Grox within earshot of the Fordanta, and we would march even if we were not invited. My name is Hel'Val'Ra. I am the military commander of my Kin in this galaxy. At this time, I have fifty full Legions, 250'000 infantry total, as well as their naval units.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''yeh i rememba dem wankas. deyz safe nao but i fought one of dem. deyz pretty tuf tbf'' Fre'kloar - ''YA MEEN DEY BATTERED YOO IN DA SECOND OTTZELLO WAR? HURHURHUR'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Well, welcome to the fight. We'll need all the help we can get.'' Val'Ra - ''My cousin the Blademaster, whom you may be more familiar with Tyraz, has promised additional forces as they become available. Now, what can you tell me about the Grox in this galaxy?''

Zr'Ahgloth looked at his screen, while the Tralkik Commander relayed data to the Fordan Empire.

Zr'Ahgloth - YANNO DATS RELLY COOL AN ALL BUT DA GROX IS ATTAKIN ONE OF MA FAVORITE PIZZA HUTS Hachi - ''WHAT?! A PIZZA HUT?!'' Tralkik Commander - ''The Borealis Grox are a far superior faction in strength compared to the other Grox, Fordan. They are not to be underestimated.'' Zr'Ahgloth - YEH MAN DA PIZZA HUTS GETTIN ATTAKED OH MA DAYZ MAN ATTAK NAO!!!!!!! Hachi - We need to leave immediately! Fre'kloar - ''ok. ill attak if yoo giv me a slice.'' Zr'Ahgloth - MATE ILL GIV YOO A FUKIN SUPA LARGE IF YOO ATTAK

In response to the Tralkik Commander, Val'Ra fixed the Commanderwith a stare.

Val'Ra - ''My cousin and I watched nine in every ten of our species murdered by these monsters. Do not think for a moment that I do not take this seriously.'' Xerkea - ''Our Grox are not like the others though. These don't follow the same leader as the red ones do. They follow something...worse.''

The Tralkik Commander nodded in appreciation of what Val'Ra said, and at that moment, Falrik Zaarkuhn arrived in the conversation, smoking calmly.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Why don't you just relax? Val'Ra - Small comforts have no place in the Warrior's life. Zr'Ahgloth - ''RELAX?! DEYZ FUKIN ATTAKIN DA PIZZA HUT'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hmm, true. But a Warrior's life isn't for everyone. I have the life more of a businessman than a warrior. Anyway, onto something relevant.''

Falrik Zaarkhun displayed some images of the Grox invasion. The enormous fleet seemed to have dozens of huge battleships, with countless smaller ships. The ships fired beams which annihilated asteroids in seconds.

Vekaron - Damn, that's a big fleet... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''An Ascended-class Grox ship is with them. Now we have no idea how to fight them. In fact, these Grox fleets will be almost unbeatable. Combined, however, I do believe we can win.'' Zr'Ahgloth - TIMEWASTA

Zr'Ahgloth slammed several buttons on the ship's console, overrid UNOS, and took a large UNO fleet straight into the star system.

Xerkea - ''...Idiot. Why did they let him become a leader?'' Fre'kloar - fuk knos Val'Ra - ''A formidable force, no doubt. Still... wait... did he actually do that?''

Hachi attempted to follow by pretending to press random buttons, while Fre'kloar then slammed the buttons on the Rogue Krooza, and his ships went too. Baptarion smacked Hachi.

Falrik Zaarkhun - I suppose we had better help them out...

Falrik turned away and his console vanished, as his ships went too. All the fleets converged where UNO's was.

Val'Ra - ''Such foolishness. It was near the doom of my race. Still, this chance should not be wasted.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''HMPF. ABOUT TIME.'' Xerkea - You people seriously have to get this "override" button out of this brute's reach. Yogtam - I know right... Fre'kloar - yeh man dis doods a retard Val'Ra - In all honesty, I had intended to make use of you Loron to absorb the first volleys of fire.

The Ascended-class was on the surface, marching and destroying everything in its way. The Grox fleet in space suffered little damage from the planet's defenses. One notable thing about the Grox fleet is that Alvino ships were also present.

Tuolog - Alivno there too...? Vekaron - We did detect the Alvino fleeing to Grox territory. Val'Ra - This will alter the situation, although since they are already defeated they will unlikely be a significant threat. Vekaron - Don't underestimate the Alvino, they may look savage but their technology comes from an ancient superpower empire. Zr'Ahgloth - AR YOO GUYS STOOPID JUS FUKIN ATTAK DEM

The Grox fleet took notice of them and quickly attacked.

Val'Ra - Now, unless there is anything else to discuss, my Kin will be off to the slaughter.

The UNO fleet, Rogue Boyz and BCN ships all fired behind the Fordanta. They fired their most strongest weapons and missiles, which completely obliterated the large asteroids in front of them...but did no damage to the Grox. Meanwhile, the Fordan ships spearheaded off, leading the attack; they continue to accelerate, forgoing firepower for additional speed. Brood ships then began to gather as well, launching Shidium energy volleys.

The Grox made their move. The Ascended-class turned its attention to space as swarms of Alvino bioslaves attacked the population of the planet. But the ships weren't attacking, just staying in Order's direction. Everyone focused on the planet's citizens.

Vekaron - Damn, the citizens are being harvested. Tuolog - Is there much we can do for them?

Everyone sighed, shaking their head, and Tuolog nodded. Then Val'Ra looked back at his screen and noticed something; of all the blasts, not one of them wre heading their direction. The Grox hadn't fired anything...

Val'Ra - ''This is...odd. The Grox of the Ko'Sa'Va killed on sight.'' Fre'kloar - ''WELL DUN JUS STAND DERE. FIRE DA BIG GUNZ MAN'' Kal'kuir - oi frekloar da banana gun Fre'kloar - yeh fire dat one too

The Fordan ships continue on their crash course, prepping torpedo tubes along the broadsides, while the Propa Big Rogue Krooza shook energetically as systems crashed everywhere, and a banana flew out of it.

Xerkea - It may sound silly, Val'Ra, but this "banana" is a spacetime defect. Val'Ra - ''Bre'K was correct. Half of this galaxy makes no sense, and the other half drives my hand to a blade.''

The Grox's shields absorbed all the ships'attacks, its shields unaffected. Were they really invincible? One of the ships fired a spacetime ray at the banana, destroying it.

The Zoles, Niaka and Collective fired at the Grox, who resisted all of their attacks. Meanwhile, the Ascended-class slowly made its way back to space. An enormous Grox ship - the Ascended-class - flew around, not firing. UNO's ships all focus-fired on it; their srtongers weapons were fired to the extent that culd destroy a moon. But the ship took no damage.

The BCN fleet was suddenly becoming cautious now, not moving forward. It simply attacked the smaller ships, many of which were destroyed by the same weapons that ciuld have obliterated a Loron Sik ship.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Hmmm...Volim, I'd excercise in extreme caution, if I were you. Volim - Hell, the sight of that flagship brings me back terrible memories. Genrai Nal - ''I would normally not suggest backing down from a fight. But at the moment, I am uncertain.'' Val'Ra - A question: How much force would be required to penetrate the flagship's shields? Vekaron - ''We don't know, this is the second time we see a ship like this. The first one, we bombarded it with anti-matter - enough to destroy a relatively large moon - and it managed to escape.'' Val'Ra - ''Then, let us test its potential. A high-mass object moving at high speed, coupled with a significant plasma core detonation and a dimensional rift...''

At this moment, a roaring mechanical voice was heard in everyone's communications.

??? - You will succumb, and ascend.

The Ascended-class fired four lasers from each of its "eyes" with decimated the entire Zoles fleet.

??? - Or you will be annihilated. Vekaron - By the ancestors... Tralkik Commander - Those aren't just old lasers...there's something behind them...I'm not sure... Val'Ra - ''Unexpected. Let us make that five of the suggested situations.''

The BCN fleet turned around, beginning to leave. Vekaron had to take an escape pod to the Niaka fleet, which were retreating as well. But things got worse. Pitch black tentacle-like "tendrils" emerged from the Ascended-class as the rest of the Grox fleet attacked the Order fleets mercilessly.

The BCN fleet escaped, but the others weren't so lucky.

Kralgon Emperor - ''Abort! Abort mission! ABORT!''

The UNO Omega Commadner turned around...

Val'Ra - ''And the gods shall tremble at the sound of our name. All ships, continue course. Full speed.'' Fre'kloar - SCREW YOO GUISE IM OUTTA HEER

The Fordan ships power down auxilliary systems, and put additional power into the engines. They angle towards the Ascended-class ship. It was in vein; the tendrils extended through space and literally grabbed and constricted the Fordan ships.

Val'Ra - You will be remembered. ??? - Your resistance is irrelevant.

The Fordan ships detonate their Voidphase cores, creating a temporary interdimensional rift.

Val'Ra - And that is where you are mistaken. The Ascended-class shielded itself in Gyronic energy and teleported away from the rift, now focusing on the Omega Commander, which suffered heavy damage. Increasingly heavy damage from all sides. Fast.

Kralgon Emperor - If we lose this ship...we lose UNO... Baptarion - Damnit, get out of there!

The Rogue Krooza managed to evade, but the rest of the Rogue Boyz fleet was soon shattered. The UNO Omega Commander tried to escape, but its engines were hit...

Xerkea - I...don't think we can help them... Val'Ra - ''Reserve ships have become available! I can have them screen the UNO ship, protect it with their own mass.''

The Ascended-class ship reappeared behind the UNO Omega Commander and fired its lasers at it, obliterating it.

??? - Thylaxiz sends his regards.

Suddenly, all UNO ships in the vacinity went down, immobile. A message came from UNO; several voices at once.

UNO voices - AJAFH:DGB:GAGA>BSH<>:?ABJH<FBnhgkl;:hgahklBGVAHLKAAAAAA

Val'Ra cursed in old Fordan, while the others were shocked. Then, the messages were replaced with a Tralkik Commander recorded message.

Tralkik Commander - ''If anyone is recieving this message, then expect the worst. I want you to listen closely to it when you have the time.'' Vekaron - Damnit...we need to get out of here and read that message... Val'Ra - ''Va'Se... Form up on the reserve ships. I can have the Void Relays opened briefly for your ships to get through.''

Everyone left, leaving the Grox to devour the planet.

Vekaron - Well...that didn't go well...we underestimated the Grox completely... Baptarion - UNOL was blown into pieces right in front of our eyes...damn, what a way of starting... Falrik Zaarkhun - Didn't UNO leave some kind of message, before spazzing out? Vekaron - ''They did. Let's hear it.''

The message was played.

Tralkik Commander - ''If you are playing this message, it means that UNOS has malfunctioned, and a failsafe has been installed that means several individuals and important AIs have been disconnected from the network. It means that UNOS is now in hibernation, as is everything that was not disconnected from it. There could be many reasons UNOS has malfunctioned...but if it is, then there is little in place to restore it.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well. No backup. Brilliant tactics, kudos to UNO! Seriously...'' Vekaron - Hm...and what do we do now? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''What do you think? We find UNOL and ask. Only the Tralkik Commander will know what to do. He stated clearly there thatseveral AIs and important individuals were disconnected. That shows to me that they have some kind of backup, but only a small one...'' Xerkea - ''Find them? We just saw them die there.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Have you ever heard, Xerkea, of these things called...escape pods? Xerkea - ''You saw any escape pod in there? Because I certainly didn't. Besides a beam of that size would have destroyed any escape pod in the area.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''They've got Tuolog. I'm sure they're capable of something.''

Vekaron shrugged his shoulders.

Vekaron - Well we'll need clues of wherever they are now. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We will. For now...there's only one way we can ahve any hope of standing against the Grox; we need to unite the entire galaxy.'' Vekaron - ''Hm. I remember Arkarixus and Rebaris having a plan like that.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''It will be tough, I know how much the people in this galaxy hate each other. But it doesn't have to be for long, anyway.'' Vekaron - Yeah.

Tribesmen and Phantasms
The Alliance met once more, Vekaron bringing up the news of the formation to the extragalactics. Volim heard about it with a large frown on his face, but remained silent.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''All right, guys. I think we can all agree that we're meant to be recruiting more to help us out.''

Falrik span his revolver around, smoking, waiting for them everyone else to speak up, not knowing that they were watiing for him.

Sarec - Where could we begin such a search? Hachi - We should recruit more girls! Vekaron - I think I'm getting a message from the Vague...should be important. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah. Looks like we won't have to begin a search, Sarec.''

The Vague appeared.

Vague - ''Greetings, allies. We've come across a problem.'' Xerkea - What's that? Hachi - All sausage, no burger. Vague - ''We've got some good news and some bad news. Bad news first; we've been combating time anomalies largely on our own no, but it appears Kolossus grows more frustrated. He is inducing his own time anomalies, and we don't have the capacity to take them all out on our own.'' Vekaron - More anomalies would just hindre our progress against the Grox. Vague - ''Now for the good news. I hear you've been recruiting allies? Because, from searching time anomalies, we've come across one which is threatening a potential ally; the Adrahira Tribes.'' Sarec - These anomolies, the danger comes from what lurks on the other side, correct?

Falrik's eyebrows raised.

Xerkea -The Adrahira are under threat? Falrik Zaarkhun - Hmm...with UNO out of the picture, and the Ioketa gone, I guess the Adrahira would make a good substitute... Vague - ''Yes. They're being hit hard by one anomaly, and you should help them out.''

Falrik Zaarkhun was still thinking to himself.

Vekaron - That should do just fine. Tyraz - ''Oh Zr'Aghloth, nobody hated me as much as he did. It made me feel appreciated.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Plus, tribesmen have several surprises. The Grox hate ecology, Adrahira are masters of it...'' Sarec - Are you suggesting we combat the Grox through terraforming?

Falrik had put together the pros and cons, and reached his decision.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'll hire one of the top PMC's to help them out. I've yet to conclude which one...'' Vague - No. You will need all of you to help out. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''...All right. I'll send a fleet.'' Vekaron - ''So shall we go? The homeworld of the Adrahira is Planet Elictar, located in the Demolidus Sector.''

Falrik turned to Vekaron and nodded.

Sarec - I might be able to pull a few strings to supply us with an elite task force from the Imperium. Vague - ''Ah, excellent. We'll really need the Draconis' aid.''

An hour later, the fleets orbited the world, planet Elictar. It was clearly a forest world; aside from some deserts and huge oceans to balance it, the world was clearly very ecological. Dispatched form the Imperium was Corteus and a red-scaled draconis who's face was obscured by a helmet and was over 3m tall.

Arkarixus - Space faring tribe...I must admit, this surprises me. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Me too. Anyway, could the Draconid possibly scout the world?'' Hachi - ''Can I come? There might be girls down there that need to see a fluffy face in order to join us!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - No. The Imperium should scout the wold and its orbit, while the Brood of War check elsewhere. Corteus - ''Gladly. Soredus and I are better-equipped as commandos.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good. Can you send probes down to scout the surface and the orbit, give us a report, and then we all lead the attack?'' Tyraz - Where would you have me check? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Just the outer areas of the star system. I want to make sure this isn't the kind of threat the Vague don't deal with often anyway.'' Tyraz - ''Hmph, fine. I shall have my forces check the perimetre of the system.''

Corteus and Soredus headed to the hanger bay to check several assorted probes. The probes left the hangar bay, scouting the surface, and sent a few minutes. Tyraz and his ships drifted away from the fleet towards the outer regions of the solar system, armed and ready for any extrasolar threats as they travelled.

Falrik Zaarkhun - You know, Draconis, I'll admit while I'm sure you have no respect for the Consortium at all, I have to admire the Imperium. Soredus - Hm, how so exactly? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''The Imperium deserves quite a lot of respect. The way you handle things, the way you fight with honour and bravery, the way everything's so well organised...I have to admit I have some admiration for them. As a matter of fact...I have respect for everyone of the Commonwealth. It is nice watching the Brood of War in battle; the Zazane are people who I've been fond of since I first encountered. And the Divinarium too...'' Tyraz - Hmph, what is with your sudden speech, Falrik? Soredus - Are you done flattering or are you going somewhere with this? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Nothing, really. I've just been looking back on myself lately...''

Corteus looked up from a console containing sensor data and saw that the drones were 50% through analysing.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Say, Tyraz...what was it like growing up for you? I'm curious.'' Tyraz - ''Hmph, growing up for me was a nightmare. My father I never knew, I was bullied all throughout school, I was forced to kill my first mate, and had to put up with shyrak from my step-brother. My mother also died from disease while I was in school, so I had no home to go back to,'' Corteus - I thought Zazane were immune to most diseases? Tyraz - Yes, most. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''That's unfortunate. Growing up for me...''

Zaarkhun shut his eyes and looked away.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Corteus, the probes should be complete now. Send me the data, I'll decrypt it.'' Soredus - ''I used to fight in the arenas. Dangerous underground pit tournaments where every match could be your last. What did I get for it? A bit of recognition which could be lost again in the next pit.... That was my life for about a century.''

Falrik Zaarkhun raised his eyebrow at Soredus while he received the data.

Tyraz - Reminds me of a story Uriel once told me, of a man named . Soredus - ''Hm, I've heard the story. But lots of people grew up with the pits.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You both had such...eventful lives. You're far more fortunate than I ever was.'' Corteus - Soredus, I thought we agreed to keep our pasts to ourselves? Soredus - Screw policy, I'm entitled to an ol man's story aren't I? Xerkea - ''What the hell do you know, Zaarkhun? You were born in fortune, you batshit criminal!''

Zaarkhun growled, but as he did, the decryption was complete.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hmmm. It looks like this foe shouldn't be too tough.''

Falrik presented images. It was of several Zoles soldiers, all seeming rather ghostlike, despite having physical forms.

Vekaron - What the... Hachi - Z-Zambies! Corteus - Holograms?

When observing them closer, Vekaron saw that they were medieval. All appeared rather hollow, zombie-like, but seemed to have a ghost-like glow. The expression on their faces was blank, and they showed no remorse as they tore several Adrahira apart.

Vekaron - That looks a lot like the Zoles of pre-industrial eras. Tyraz - Hmph...Moxix can't be here... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, I know! Kolossus is doing it on purpose!'' Corteus - Of course, the anomolies! Vekaron - Why would he summon medieval Zoles? Soredus - Perhaps to rile you up while at the same time give these tribes a little bit of a fighting chance. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yes, Soredus has a good idea. Furthermore, he wants to scare us. He wants to give the Adrahira a bad impression of the Zoles. He also wants to mock the Zoles people for what they've done.'' Vekaron - ''Hmpf. We have nothing to be ashamed of.'' Soredus - Hold on, if these knights are from your past, wouldn't killing them alter history?

Falrik Zaarkhun raised an eyebrow. Corteus held his head, smirking under his helmet.

Tyraz - ''I doubt that, Vekaron. We all have reasons to be ashamed.'' Xerkea - ''Hey. Less talk, more Adrahira saving?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - You know, Vekaron, from what I've heard of your people, you do have quite a bit to be ashamed of...

Vekaron immediately snarled angrily at Zaarkhun's direction.

Vekaron - Like you are the purest person in the galaxy, you terrorist! Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I never implied that I was. I just implied that I admit my faults, whereas you bury them.'' Xerkea - ''Can you shut the hell up already? The Adrahira are dying down there!''

Falrik Zaarkhun nodded.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim, I need your opinion; who shall we send to lead our attack? Volim - Send Genrai, he has his time powers and stuff. Soredus - I'm still strong, send me down there and I'll decimate them!

Soredus, Vekaron, Xerkea, Arkarixus, Tyraz and Genrai led the forces on the surfaces.

When they arrived, the sky above them was dark grey, almost firey. Several trees had been burnt down on what is normally an Adrahira habitat. Soredus had already moved on ahead. But the medieval Zoles were nowhere to be seen...

Genrai Nal - ''We must be cautious. They are likely trying to test our mental endurance.'' Tyraz - ''Mental endurance? Considering mine's pretty bad already...'' Xerkea - Show yourselves you ghostly cowards. Corteus - Where did that old bastard go?

Soredus moved along a path, which would lead to a tribal village. The others saw that he had a good idea of what he was doing, and followed.

Tyraz - I hope you know where you're going, Soredus. Corteus - Knowing his record, I think he'll be fine.

Genrai Nal studied and sniffed the tracks on the road.

Genrai Nal - ''These are Adrahira footprints. And apparently, they've been here for a long while...this road has not been used in some time.'' Soredus - I see signs of settlement in the distance. Tyraz - I smell burning. Soredus - Ahead or somewhere else? Tyraz - Close by...

From the trees and bushes, Zoles and Nilito in medieval clothing appeared. Both species wiended bows and arrows, though the Zoles's arrows were lit with fire, and the Nilitos' were visibly poisoned.

Medieval Zoles - ''These lands belong to us! For the might of the great Zr'An'Kar!'' Corteus - Incoming!

The archers all fired at the group's direction. Corteus's hands retracted and he fired plasma into the bushes.

Genrai Nal - ''They worship Kolossus as a god? Kolossus clearly has a sense of humour...'' Vekaron - I find that mildly insulting.

Tyraz's eyes begin to glow and he swung his sword, destroying several arrows. Some arrows hit Xerkea's mecha suit, but they all brone in contact with it. Arkarixus grabbed one arrow between his fingers and launched it back, headshotting one of the Zoles. However, he just stumbled back, surviving the attack.

Arkarixus - ''Uh? That should have been an instant kill.'' Genrai Nal - They are clearly resilient.

Corteus fores plasma shots that impacted on several soldiers. hearing the battle, Soredus drew a pair of energised swords and drove it towards one of them. Genrai Nal engaged 4 of the bowmen in combat, cuttng off their heads. However, they simply came back, in a skeleton form. Some archers fell, but they were clearly several times tougher than normal Zoles or Nilito. From behind the group, soldiers with swords and shields appeared and charged at them.

Medieval Nilito - Death to the vile star men!

Genrai Nal pushed his blades against them, but even his blade and has speed barely pierece thm, and when it did, they simply repaired.

Soredus - Now it gets fun!

Soredus laughed as he launched himself at the melee-equipped Zoles, his fighting style seemed familiar.

Genrai Nal - Is it really this irritating for you when you have to fight Sollow? Vekaron - Yes it is. Corteus - ''Honestly? Yes.'' Xerkea - Emphasis on irritating.

Genrai Nal fought several more back, while watching Soredus. Arkarixus levitated one Zoles soldier and threw him against the others, while Xerkea grabbed and smashed the archers as their attacks could not pierce her armor. Soredus' blades clashed against the armor and he grunted. Tyraz swing his blade, and the supernatural fire reduced several of the Zoles to ash.

Tyraz - Burn to ashes! Soredus - I think I know waht this ghostly glow might be. Genrai Nal - Yes? Corteus - Some variety of shielding? Genrai Nal - ''Hmm. That is possible. But I think it's more likely purely cosmetic, purely for Kolossus' entertainment.'' Soredus - Possibly.

Vekaron fought in melee combat with a soldier, backing off until he could kill him, and Soredus grabbed a Zoles by the neck and threw him to the floor. He thrusted his foot on the Zols's skull repeatedly.

Vekaron - Woah...they are really skilled. Genrai Nal - You Zoles are clearly very well practiced and very combat efficient. Soredus - ''Hah! You call this skill?'' Vekaron - ''Hm. You're not a bad warrior either. But you follow a bad master.''

Xerkea blasted several soldiers with her guns as Arkarixus thrusted the arm of one Nilito soldier until it broke.

Genrai Nal - ''You may think what you like about my master, that's for later. An allied warrior is an allied warrior now.'' Tyraz - Genrai speaks a good point.

Anticipating a group of Zoles coming behind him, Soredus opened his wings and smacked them down. he stepped backwards and rammed his swords int oany on the ground*

??? - ''Begone, spawns of darkness! You shall do no more harm to my tribe!''

A group of Adrahira appeared led by an older one who sat on a floating throne. He waved a staff around which launched powerful lasers at the Zoles.

Genrai Nal - What is that? Xerkea - That's the Adrahira chieftain!

Corteus continued firing plasma shots and turned to notice the Adrahira. The chieftain aimed his staff and blasted more of the soldiers, giving room to the group. He looked at them and smiled. As the soldiers collapsed around Soredus, he sheathed his weapons.

Chieftain - ''Such pure auras. It's good to finally have reinforcements.'' Genrai Nal - Auras?

Genrai Nal's combat stance was lowered as they were all gone.

Corteus - They can probably read us like Inquisitors can. Chieftain - ''We can see the auras of other living beings. Yours...is pitch black.'' Tyraz - ''I knew I could sense a psychic somewhere. Be weary, old one.''

Genrai Nal was intrigued, and waited for the Chieftain to explain what that meant.

Soredus - ''Never believed that rubbish myself. But I can tell someone by the way they stand in battle.'' Chieftain - ''Yes. The battle is not yet over. The being that controns these "ghosts" approaches. We have failed to eliminate it several times, but I think we can do it with your help. By the way, my name is Brzargus, chieftain of the Adrahira.''

Sarec appeared from the trees, with Hachi next to him.

Sarec - Do not worry elder, we will be ready for it. Hachi - ''Hey there! Any girls around that need a fluff buddy?''

Several Zoles soldiers in golden armor approached, as if they were escorting someone. Genrai Nal greeted Sarec, showing respect. He then turned to the soldiers.

Brzargus - ''Here it comes! Prepare yourselves!''

-

Sarec turned to the approaching soldiers and drew his pistols, while Hachi drew his sword and a pistol. In the middle of the soldiers, a massive Zoles knight was seen. His eyes were blood red and he emitted a dark power as he walked. He also wore a helmet which hid his face, only his eyes being visible. The being was around 8 meters tall in height.

Vekaron - Woah...that's big... Sarec - We've met him before. Genrai Nal - ''Wait. We must be cautious. Its escort may well be trying to flank us while we focus on it. I will silently take it out.'' Hachi - Choppa! Sarec - Hachi, no!

Hachi ran toward the knight. The knight wore an impressive, spiked dark armor. He swung a massive sword, unleashing a blast which send Hachi flying strenght into Sarec's direction.

Hachi - Hooooorryyyyyy shiiiii---!

Holsiering his pistols, Sarec held out his arms and slowed Hachi down until he was thrown into his arms. The escorts charged at the group, and skirmished with the Adrahira. Meanwhile, the giant knight prepared to strike at Genrai.

Sarec - You have got to stop doing that.

Genrai Nal cloaked, and teleported. The knight sensed Genrai's location and let out a large fire breath at his direction. Sarec placed Hachi down and pulled out his pistols. Inusing the shots with elemental energy he fired at the knight several times. Genrai Nal teleported again, right next to the knight, and hit at him. The knight was hit and stumbled back a little. He swung his sword and caused another blast, this time against Sarec. Seeing the blast coming, Sarec teleported out of the way and re-materialised in a position to flank the knight. He fired again. Genrai Nal cast two illusions of himself, all of which struck at the night.

Brzargus launched more lasers from his staff which defeated the escorts, and then fired at the knight. The knight's armor started to crack as he was engulfed in a dark energy which blasted everyone away from him. Genrai was knocked back, but teleported again. Sarec was thrown backwards, and flipped back onto his feet.

Sarec - Hey, pick on someone from your own plane of existence!

Genrai Nal back to slice more, using his illusions to trick the knight. The knight's armor cracked more as he fell one knee into the floor, grunting angrily. Sarec approached the night and his pistols glowed with energy. He stood in fron of the knight and amied

Brzargus - Finish him! Sarec - This was too easy....

Inhaling, Sarec and held up his pistol. Charging the shot he fired directly at the knight's helmet. The knight let out a muffed roar and fell backwards, and his armor cracked down completely. From the armor's chest, a small blue creature was seen.

Sarec - What? Hachi - ''Huh...? What is...that?''

The creature looked like a Grox, but without mechanical implants. It looked around, confused. Sarec holstered his pistol and kneeled down to inspect it.

Genrai Nal - Is that... ??? - ''...This is not Gorf's home. How did Gorf get here?!'' Genrai Nal - Gorf? Xerkea - Okay Kolossus is seriously pissing me off now. Arkarixus - Hey, I have seen this creature before. Sarec - You have? Hachi - Wait...I think I know who that is! Brzargus - ''This...Grox was behind the attack? How is this even possible?'' Hachi - That's not a Grox silly! Sarec - ''I don't think it was fully aware. I was sure the being was Kolossus.''

Gorf got back up on his feet, got Dream Energy in his hands and disappeared in a bright light.

Genrai Nal - ''He's not. "This Grox" is in fact a creature known as Gorf, and not literally Gorf...wait. There is a message.''

On the ground where Gorf had gone, there was a small mobile communications device. It had a message.

Arkarixus - I swear I have seen that creature way back before the Grox wars even started. Genrai Nal - Hachi, it seems meant for you. Hachi - You sure?

The device was a small mobile phone that Hachi would be familiar with, and was clearly a message directed at him. Genrai Nal could make no other conclusion, and nodded.

Hachi - Hmm...looks familiar enough. Sarec - Looks human in design. Hachi - Heh...

The device read: "hey bb i 4got 2 call u 2day im sorry. i just want u 2 no i havent 4got the time when u killed the devourers chosen. soo bbz i wanted 2 ask u wanna meet up in town so that i cn slaugher u and the rest of ur friends? also i got u these medieval soldiers and the pathetic grox :) ly bbz - Julieta (Zr'An'Kar) xxxxxxxxx"

Genrai Nal - ''Well. He does have his maniacal sense of humour...'' Arkarixus - ...Mockery at its finest. Hachi - Hehe, this Julieta girl sounds a little dangerous!

Genrai facepalmed.

Hachi - I wonder if it's got credit to call back... Xerkea - It's Kolossus you dope. Hachi - I know, I haven't been with a girl in aaaaages! Sarec - Perhaps he made himself look like Gorf and left the message? Vekaron - Whatever it is, it shows he's a massive douchebag. Genrai Nal - ''I would like to date someone who had the intentions to slaughter me and my friends. I would take her out for the night...to the battlefield.'' Hachi - Oh Genrai, why take her out when there's a bedroom? Genrai Nal - Because killing an opponent while they sleep is not honourable. Sarec - Hachiman, it was a mocking message, simple as that.

Hachi looked down and sobbed a little, until Sarec approached him and opened his wing.

Sarec - You still have us. Hachi - Yeah...I guess...I miss Teacher...

-

Brzargus and the surviving Adrahira soldiers approached the group.

Brzargus - ''I'm...not really sure what happened, but the Zoles ghosts are gone. Thank you very much for helping save my homeworld.'' Vekaron - ''Brzargus, we are recreating the Polar Crystal Alliance to put an end to the Grox once and for all. We have aided your people, and now I ask for your people to aid us.'' Brzargus - ''Grox? Well that is a really big threat...''

Brzargus thought for some moments, then smiled and looked at the group.

Brzargus - The Adrahira would be glad to aid their allies into defeating the mechanical menace. Genrai Nal - ''Excellent. On behalf of the Consortium Network, welcome to the fight.'' Brzargus - ''Hmpf. Consortium Network. Your auras are all vile. I'll be fighting for the Zoles and Niaka, not you.'' Genrai Nal - I thought you said that mine was pitch black? Brzargus - A pitch black aura is not a good thing, at all. Sarec - ame thing really. Brzargus - His aura, though *he pointed his staff at Hachi* is pure, white, innocent.

Hachi's ears perked up a little and he looked around.

Hachi - ''Huh? It wasn't me!'' Genrai Nal - ''Hmmm. Could you explain this all to me one day? I am interested to know more. I had not studied these "auras" in the past.'' Sarec - ''I am versed in aura-reading. Your aura is black from all the murders you committed, the killing you have done in the past has tainted your spirit.'' Genrai Nal - ''Well, that does make sense. After all, my murders have not been committed with any remorse shown.'' Brzargus - And yours... *he pointed at Sarec* ...is something like I've never seen. Sarec - There are others like me, not all of them benevolent.

Tyraz approached the Adrahira chieftain, placing his Firesword away. Brzargus aimed his staff at him.

Tyraz - And what of mine, old one? Brzargus - ''...How strange. I see two auras in you.'' Tyraz - ''Two auras...? I guess Arsac tells of the truth.'' Brzargus - One is dark red, aggressive, consuming...and the other is grey with a share of white, and feels like it's being suffocated.

Tyraz looked down and nodded, as if he knows what Brzargus refered to.

Genrai Nal - ''Adrahira, how efficient would you say your warriors are in combat? Perhaps I can test their skills...perhaps I can teach them a thing or two, as well.'' Brzargus - ''We Adrahira are not specialised in fighting at close range. We prefer to keep our distances.'' Soredus - ''Hm. All this talk of 'auras' is superstition... right?'' Corteus - ''Well Soredus... you say you can read someone by their stance in battle, maybe aura relates to that?'' Soredus - ''You call it auras, I call it intuition. I suppose that is what separates us.'' Genrai Nal - ''Interesting. I would very much like to teach them a thing or two.'' Brzargus - *he points at Soredus* ''Your aura is not bad either. Though you seem a little stubborn.'' Soredus - You can thank the warrior's life for that. Tyraz - ''If it is not too much trouble, I would like to join Genrai. We Zazane are experts at close range.'' Genrai Nal - ''Yes, the Zazane are skilled in that aspect. My only concern is that if you wish to fight the Grox, you may find close combat will be helpful at such times.''

Brzargus squawked at Genrai.

Brzargus - Well I would rather trust someone with a half-ordered aura than a space pirate with a pitch-black one. Genrai Nal - ''Pirate? What about me makes you call me a pirate?'' Soredus - Go on, tell him about the Consortium. Brzargus - ''You are with the Consortium Network. You think we do not know you are led by the warlord with the blood red aura?'' Genrai Nal - ''Of course, Volim has his reputation. But I am an assassin and a fighter. Not a pirate.'' Brzargus - ''Hmpf. Whatever you call yourself, we'll see how it goes in time. Now, if you all excuse me, me and my people need to rebuild all the damage caused by the ghosts.'' Soredus - ''"Warlord with the blood red aura"? I think i'm going to like this galaxy.'' Genrai Nal - Very well.

Genrai departed, and a dropship picked him up.

Hachi - ''Oh, oh! Any females there that need comforting?''

Brzargus looked at Hachi, silent...until he bursted into laugher and his floating throne left the area.

Hachi - Heh, he's a jolly old guy. Xerkea - I bet I would be laughing too if you suggested to confort a Niaka woman. Hachi - Ngh!

The Adrahira had joined the Polar Crystal Alliance.

Followers of the Ancients
The forces of Order all made their way to the homeworld of the Minga Theocracy, which was currently under attack of both the Grox and the Alvino.

Vekaron - ''Okay guys, we're getting the support of the Minga now. They were once memebrs of the old Alliance, and I bet they'll love to join the revived one.''

As the space fleets converged to fight, another fleet arrived late. It was Da Rogue Boyz. Hachi gasped fanoyishly.

Venoriel - So that's the "infidel world"? Xerkea - What do you mean with infidel? Venoriel - ''I only know this world by that name... Ma'fest never referred it In any other way.'' Xerkea - ''Huh. Religions...'' Fre'kloar - ''OK NAO DIS IS SERIUSLY PISSIN ME OFF. YOO GUYZ KEEP ECLUDIN US. WAT IS YOR PROBLEM'' Xerkea - We don't really like you. Hachi - Rogue Boyz, Rogue Boyz, Rogue Boyz! Tul - Well the child likes you. Fre'kloar - HEY ITS NOT LIEK I LIEK YOO EITHA DUM BITCH IMMA RIP YOO IN HALF Sarec - ''I'm not confident on species worshipping creatures that pose as gods... no offence.''

The Grox fleet attacked and massacred the planet's defenses. In this attack, there was no Ascended-Class. The ship leading was a Grox Star Destroyer-class instead.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, excellent. We actually know how to fight this one.'' ITN Admiral - ''All ships fire on the lead vessel. Open up with forward volley!'' Quinniath - Loron females are even uglier than males, are't they? Rel'larutina - Shut your pie hole! Tyraz - Hey, Venoriel, mind keeping the racism and religious business back on Crepusculum? Venoriel - My apologies, Grandmaster. Arkarixus - ''Mind you the Kormacvar never posed as "gods". I want to see these "Minga" in the eyes.'' Venoriel - Singularity.

Quinniath activated the black hole cannons. Alvino battleships flanked and attacked the Order fleets. Sarec veered his corvette to strafe the Grox.

Tul - ULE forces open fire on hostile targets. Sarec - I can imagine why they see you as a god. Fre'kloar - DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA Hachi - *gasp* Fre'kloar used my line! Tul - You must be so proud of yourself.

The ITN fired volleys of hypermatter at the Alvino ships. Fre'kloar slammed all of the buttons on the Rogue Krooza, firing various random weapons, not all of which were useful. One large cannon took out on of the smaller BCN ships.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Hey, watch what you're doing, will you? Fre'kloar - soz bruv Venoriel - Quinn, activate the singularity catapults again!

The Alvino ships were taken down and the Grox fleet took notice, attacking the ITN and Rogue Boyz ships.

Fre'kloar - AWWW WHAI US MAN Admiral - Open fire on the Grox. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Rogue Boyz, we'll be using you as bait. Continue to piss them off, concentrated fire from back here will be helpful. ULE, Brood of War, can your ships go around and flank them?''

The Star Destroyer aimed at the Niaka and fired transphasic antimatter missile launchers which caused heavy damage to Xerkea's fleet.

Xerkea - Goddamn these robotic monsters! Quinniath - Stare into the abyss, tree freaks! Tyraz - It shall be no problem, Falrik.

Tyraz began to lead his ships to flank, while Quinniath launched a missile at the Alvino and watched it explode into a black hole. As Sarec flew past he closed his eyes and concentrated. His ship weaved through fire and intercepted numerous Grox fighters.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Excellent. That'll create a choke point. As for the Divinarium and ITN, you guys focus out that Star Destroyer. The Zoles, Niaka and our fleets can take out the smaller ships.'' Grak'tona - ''WHO PUT YOO IN CHARGE? I SHULD B IN CHARGE'' Venoriel - ...Criminal. Admiral - ''Understood. Firelance frigates concentrate missile payload. Capital ships, fire ion cannons to wear down those shields.''

Sarec's power slowly drained the destroyer's main reactors, making it less effective. The Grox suffered losses but were still going strong. One grox spaceship hunted Sarec's ship down. Sarec's ship deployed a mine cluster from behind, causing damage to the chaser. The Star Destroyer fired a small spatial compression wave which caused massive damage to the Loron.

Fre'kloar - dum Quinniath - ''Allow me to start the Enigma Maneuver, ma'am!.. please.'' Venoriel - Fine, captain. Quinniath - EEEEAAAAAH! Admiral - ''Commanders the destroyer is losing shield intergity. Open up with everything you have!''

Quinniath launched his ship, the Element of Harmony, into the Star Destroyer and threw a barrage of singularity missiles into its vulnerable parts while flying away. The Zoles fleet hunted down the last smaller Grox ships while the Star Destroyer's shields were taken down completely. Every ship in the vacinity turned to the Star Destroyer, aiming at its weak points. However, the spaceship was strong, resisted the attacks as its superlaser turrets attacked the fleets. Focusing again, Sarec voice swept through the dreadnought's crew, making them more sluggish and less responsive.

Falrik Zaarkhun - It's more resilient than I expected...don't get cocky, people, it's not down yet...

One of the attacks hit Vekaron's fleet, causing considerable damage.

Vekaron - Ugh!... Arkarixus - This would not have happened if you had gone to the right as I had instructed! Kal'kuir - hey wuld dis b an ok opportunity ta test ma noo Propa Big Railgun!!!

Kal'kuir slammed several buttons, pulled a lever down and then got on the treadmill. Music played as he was running.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ...What the fuck are you doing? Venoriel - A very sound tactical decision for a Loron. Admiral - Burning off the fast food?

Kal'kuir kept looking at the screen, and when he go to 10 metres:

Kal'kuir - ITS CHARGED UP!!!!

The star Destroyer charged a massive superlaser at the Rogue Krooza's direction. The Propa Big Rogue Krooza launched a railgun shot so fast that it couldn't even be seen, straight into the super laser being charged...thus damaging the ship's reactor. The Star Destroyer started exploding from inside out until it was destroyed.

Kal'kuir - HURHURHUR MY WEPONZ IS DA BEST Hachi - Wow! Venoriel - ...Effective. Tul - That was something. Vekaron - Well...we certainly suffered less losses this time. Venoriel - ''Indeed. We did not waste any resources this day.''

Falrik clapped slowly and grinned.

Tyraz - Yes...But I do miss Zr'Ahgloth... Sarec - Not bad, not bad. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Excellent! Now, we'll need to land. Any location in which the Minga should be?'' Xerkea - ''Yes. Just land next to the largest temple.''

-

The group all landed to find the temple, the capital monastery of the Minga, slighty damaged. The Minga had recently beaten all Conqrix and Marinox who had landed. Sollow walked over to them, and licked his blade clean, which was formerly bloodied in Conqrix blood. Arkarixus, however, remained on Vekaron's spaceship, watching from a distance.

Vekaron - ''Hm. Looks like the fight's already over. Tul - ''Pity. I was hoping to fell some enemies today. Sarec - ''This only makes our task less difficult.

The Minga soldiers around the order group aimed their weapons at them. A hologram of Rel'larutina beamed down.

Minga - ''Halt!

A Minga wearing a large robe walked over to the group followed by two guards. Sarec grumbled, remembering that officially he no longer had inquisitorial powers.

Minga - ''I am Vizeron Maghus, leader of the Minga Theocracy. Explain why you are here immediately.'' Venoriel - Greetings, infidel sc- ah, I mean, greetings, friends. Vekaron - Hey what's with the attitude? Tul - Hail fellow and well met! Sarec - Greetings. Venoriel - I am Navarch Venoriel, admiral of the Dei'Ar Order and a representative of the Holy Empire of the Divinarium. Rel'larutina - ''Greetings, Vizeron. I'm Rel'larutina of the Rogue Boyz, and on behalf of my...rather stupid empire...we desire peace.'' Venoriel - Actually, I believe I will contact my superiors. Maghus - ''...Bah. Holy.''

Venoriel grabbed a PDA from her pocket and created a holographic image of Laurinn Ma'fes

Sarec - ''I am Sarec of the Grand Inquisition. We come on a mission of desperation to gather allies against the Grox. Tyraz - I am Tyraz Breek, Lord Councillor and Emperor of the Brood of War, and Grandmaster of the Guardians of Light as well as one of Andromeda's Highlords. Sollow - You know, Vizeron Maghus, I don't like you. Maghus - You are not liked either, pirate scum. Tul - I am Master Admiral Tul of the United Lanat Empire. Laurinn Ma'fest - Greetings, followers of the Kormacvar, I am Clericarch Laurinn Ma'fest, regent highlord of the Andromedan Commonwealth, ruling by Spode's grace. Tyraz - More like ruling because my wife is recovering, Laurinn. Sollow - I would like you if these here allowed me to eat you...but anyway, the BCN would like peace with you...and co-operation...although I personally wouldn't...but I am not one of the higher ups...

Maghus looked at the group and walked around them with his arms crossed.

Maghus - You want our help against the Grox?...Why should we? Tul - Because you are reasonable. Laurinn Ma'fest - ''I'd recommend you to show respect. Even if you are among these... Cold Gods' worshippers, I am still your superior.'' Tyraz - ''Laurinn! Silence!'' Rel'larutina - ''...Why should you? How about because if you don't, the Grox might just...y'know...kill everyone in this galaxy?'' Maghus - ''You come to word to speak of "heresy" right in front of me...you aid our most cursed enemies, the Zealot Commando, in their problems...you aid the Adrahira scum! You are not worthy of even being here!'' Hachi - ''Hey, I'm just an overall good guy! I don't like seeing any girls of any empire or race get hurt.'' Ma'fest - ''Heresy?! HERESY?!'' Tul - This is going well...

Ma'fest appeared infuriated.

Sarec - ''We ment no ill-will to your people Viziron. But the Grox are too dangerous o let religious matters get in the way of stopping them.'' Ma'fest - ''I'd recommend you to... respect our faith. Lest you will pay the price.'' Maghus - ''You are no better than the Grox! Even you, Zoles! You are with the heretics! And we considered you noble once! Vekaron - Frankly, what the hell is wrong with you? Rel'larutina - ''Well Maghus, consider the fact first of all that we're all a lot stronger than you...then consider the fact that we're offering you the opportunity to work something out. You may just be surprised...Where's Tuolog when you need him?'' Sarec - Listen, If we leave you the Grox will only come back with an even stronger force. Maghus - ''The Ancient Ones are the only true salvation! Your heretical ways will lead us to our doom!'' Tul - Your stubbornness will do that if you don't join us. Hachi - Aren't the "Ancient Ones" dead now? Maghus - Blasphemer!

A Minga soldier pointed his gun at Hachi. He looked at the gun and squeaked a little.

Hachi - H-Hey! Ma'fest - ''I do not force you to accept the Path, infidels! You may worship whatever idols you want as long as we work together!'' Arkarixus - I had enough of this!

Arkarixus beamed down, shoved the entire Order group away from his path with his psychic energy, and made his way to Maghus.

Hachi - Go get 'em big guy! Ma'fest - ''Ah, lord Arkarixus. Perhaps you'll make these infidel barbarians reasonable.'' Maghus - What the...who are you? Arkarixus - ''You primitive insect. Phavarakaraaa!''

The towers across the temple shined in a bright blue energy.

Vekaron - Woah, what's going on? Rel'larutina - ''"Phavarakaraaa"? What the hell does that mean?'' Sarec - Some kind of activation sequence, but I am only guessing. Rel'larutina - ''It's a good guess. You might be right.'' Maghus - How...these are Ancient One ruins! Arkarixus - Kovuratikas gporutanas boratukus hurta trenastukas!

Maghus finally noticed what was going on, and bowed down.

Sarec - You stand in the direct presence of the Ancient Ones. Maghus - ''I AM UNWORTHY! AN ANCIENT ONE HAS VISITED US!'' Hachi - Uhh...Arkarixus, try refraining from kicking him in the head. Ma'fest - ''Oh. I guess you are surprised that we have your god standing right before you.'' Arkarixus - ''These pillars are beacons, used by our people to warn the population of threats, and i chanted the command that activates them. I am an Ancient One. I am a Kormacvar.''

All the Minga bowed down, some crying.

Sollow - For a mortal...that was impressive... Hachi - ''And guess what punks? You aimed a gun at a friend of one of your gods! I recommend you start sayin sorry!'' Ma'fest - ''The mutant human speaks the truth... infidels.'' Tyraz - Laurinn, watch your tongue before I rip it out, Iovera was never so forceful of her religion nor was she an ass about it.

Arkarixus, however, appeared very irriated, and grabbed Maghus by the neck and lifted him up to the level of his head. Sarec - ''Ark... be careful with that one....'' Arkarixus - ''You should feel ashamed you insigificant sack of flesh. The Grox are out there genociding this galaxy and you refuse to aid our cause because of your narrow mind!'' Maghus - ''I am sorry, master! I was not aware it was so important!'' Sarec - ''Not. Aware?'' Sollow - ...May I eat him...?...I would like to taste Minga blood...

Arkarixus threw Maghus into the ground and turned at the rest of the Minga. His body shined in deep blue with his psychic energy.

Arkarixus - ''All of you, you will aid us in our war. Now!...Your god demands it!'' Sollow - Your god also demands that I taste your blood! Arkarixus - Shut your trap you abomination.

The Minga all looked saddened, but then appeared determinated. They all cheered and made room for the Order group. Ma'fest clapped his hands.

Ma'fest - I owe you respect now, Kormacvar. Maghus - We...we'll do our best, my lord...we'll make you proud. Arkarixus - Show you are not a waste of carbon-based material.

Arkarixus left the Minga back to the order group.

Arkarixus - ...That was actually very amusing. Sarec - You enjoyed that didn't you, ancient. Arkarixus - ''I must admit, I did. I do not like to call myself a god but the look at that creature's face...was priceless. Rel'larutina - To be fair, I'd do the same if I was Ark. Hachi - How about we get funky with the female native--

Before Hachi could finish, he was slapped by Tyraz.

Tul - ...You nasty creature. Maghus - ''We'll join the new Alliance. We'll make our gods proud...the Grox will pay for defiling their work...Count with our support when time comes.'' Vekaron - ''Excellent. Everyone, our job here is done.'' Tyraz - ''Excellent. Cannon fodder.'' Sarec - Every soldier has his use Tyraz. Arkarixus - Every single being in this war is important, Zazane. Sollow - Yes...but some more important than other...which is what he was saying... Arkarixus - ''If you think like that then the Grox will massacre you. It will not be a noticeable loss. Now, we leave.'' Sarec - The words of a true general.

As everyone eventually left, Sollow looked at them and snarled.

Sollow - Someday...

They Return
Days later, the forces of the Alliance and its allies met in a conference once more to discuss which empire would be added to the Polar Crystal cause next.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We're doing well so far. The Minga are pledging their full support?'' Xerkea - ''Support? They are almost oozing themselves in glee.'' Ma'fest - It apparently seems so. Hachi - I know the feeling. Sarec - With Arkarixus as their leader, we have an entire empire of fanatics to turn to.

Before the group could talk more, an urgent message appeared. It was from the Vague.

Tyraz - ''The Vague...? What do they wish?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Ah, Vague. You found anything?'' Vague - Allies, we are in a dire situation and we require your help immediately. Tyraz - What would you have of us? Fre'kloar - ''dire situashon. sounds sik'' Hachi - ''Err...yeh blud. dis sound urgent.'' Vague - ''It's another time anomaly. It's attacking the .''

Fre'kloar shouted loudly.

Fre'kloar - FUK DEM GEEZAS MAN LET DEM DAI Vague - ''No! They are essential to the completion of the Vyronicia Fleet! With the fleet, victory against the Grox will be considerably easier.'' Venoriel - Blyro'tralzica? Sarec - An order of scholars tha worship the Vyro'narza. Brag'klogga - ''BUNCHA TALDAR WORSHIPPIN FAGGOTS. DEYZ ALL WANKAS WHO FANTASIZ BOUT TALDAR DIKS ALL DAY'' Venoriel - Never did like cultists. Sarec - You people are still working on that fleet? Tul - Well this sounds dandy. Fre'kloar - IDGAF HAO ESSENHAL DEY AR I DUNT LIEK DEM Hachi - ''Umm...yeh blud! We gon hav ta pass on dis wun!'' Vague - The dire thing about this anomaly is...well, look for yourselves...

The Vague showed an image of the attack...and the were seen attacking the Blyro'Tralzica. Falrik Zaarkhun's cigar dropped from his mouth. When Hachi figured who the enemies were, he leaped from his seat.

Xerkea - W-w-w-WHAT?! Falrik Zaarkhun - You are kidding me, right? Sarec - Not again... Ma'fest - ''Oh, great. These maniacal madmen are back, aren't they?'' Venoriel - ''We already killed them off... didn't we?'' Hachi - ''What the...BUT I KILLED YOU! ITS NO FAIR!'' Tul - Well that is annoying. Vague - The anomaly takes the form of the Chosen, and are even more powerful...we think Kolossus is also behind this. Hachi - KOLOSSUS?! Tyraz - Kolossus?! Sarec - ''Vague, send a message ot the Inquisition. As long as the High Inquisitor holds a grudge against me there's no way they will listen to me.'' Tul - I'll get some of our most powerful warships at the ready. Fre'kloar - ''well tell ya wat. i dunt liek dem but FUK DAT I WANNA SMASH CHOSEN DUMBOS'' Vague - ''I will do so. You must prepare and go quickly. This anomaly is one of the most powerful we have ever seen.''

By the tone on the Vague's voice, the group could see he was serious.

Sarec - It's times like this I'm glad I made that decision... Ma'fest - ''We do not have Iovera with us anymore... but we still hold near-complete dominance in Essence field. Our psychics may deal with that problem, I believe.'' Tyraz - Laurinn...please, do not speak of Iovera... Ma'fest - ''Ah... My apologies, grandmaster.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hold on a second. Are you forgetting the other combatant we'll be fighting?'' Vague - What other combatant? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You do know that the Blyro'Tralzorca are still there, right? Zelfron I's still present.'' Ma'fest - ''Zelfron? He's on our side.'' Sarec - Wrong Zelfron, Ma'Fest. Ma'fest - ''Ah, yes. Clones, clones, clones...'' Tul - ''We will crush them under our feet again. Don't worry, friends. If we stand united no foe can best up!'' Vague - ''Grrr...Zargoth's servant. He must be eliminated along with the Chosen anomaly.''

Genrai Nal stepped into the conference.

Genrai Nal - ''No problem. I have unfinished business with him.'' Hachi - Where is Baptarion when I need him...gah... Vekaron - Baptarion is still helping the Collective heal from the damage caused by the Chosen. Vague - The message to the Inquisition is sent. Sarec - I thank you. Genrai Nal - In that case, we will fight in Baptarion's name. Ma'fest - You are suprisingly respectful for a bandit.

Hachi sighed, looking down.

Hachi - I miss Baptarion...Everybody good to me always leaves me... Sarec - That's not true... Vague - ''Now, move on. We'll be waiting for you on the planet's orbit.''

The Vague left.

For the Devourer
As the fleets landed on the planet, the skies were filled with dark clouds. One massive sillhouette which reminded the group of Kolossus was visible among the clouds, waving his arms around the sky. They were instantly met by a Tralzica knight.

Tralzica Knight - ''Halt! Who are you?'' Arkarixus - We are the Polar Crystal Alliance and associates, and we ahve come to cleanse this world of the Chosen.

Several legions of Tralzica knights appeared. They wore shining, thick, gold armour, all using energy blades and rifles. They were arranged in legions comparable to the old Roman empire of Earth. Sarec walked next to Tyraz.

Tralzica Knight - ''Polar Crystal Alliance? Never heard of you. We'll do the cleansing around here.'' Tyraz - I will not deny, they seem strategic. Sarec - ''Tyraz... if Arsac comes near, can I trust you to keep her civil if not away?'' Tyraz - You can count on me, Sarec. Sarec - I am grateful.

They all pointed their weapons at the PCA.

Tralzica Knight - Perhaps starting with you...

A voice was heard in everyone's minds.

??? - ''You've come at last! Now the fun really begins!'' Tralzica Knight - ''It's him! It's Kolossus!...and I suppose you guys are representing him!''

The Knights brought several hovering tank-like vehicles aiming at the group.

Sarec - We wholeheartedly oppose him. Xerkea - ''What? No! We are here to defeat him!'' Tralzica Knight - ''You think we believe that? We have never had a visitor in this planet aside from UNO, and we see no reason for visitors, unless they are Kolossus'.'' Sarec - Grand Inqusition, Zoles Imperium, Niaka Special forces, do these names mean anything to you?

The Knight shook his head.

Venoriel - ''The Chosen. Do they still have their corruption power?'' Tyraz - I have you know, Tralzica, that I am...or was...an acquitance of the late Zr'Ahgloth! Kolossus - In Shu'ulathoi's name!

Chosen cultists started to spawn from dark flames. They were pitch black in appearence, with only their eyes being of shining yellow colour. Sarec pulled out his pistols and pointed them towards the cultists

Tralzica Knight - For the timeline...DESTROY THEM!

The Tralzica legions charged at the cultists, who attacked both the knights and the Order, in a feral, almost animal-like way. The Tralzica were incredibly fast and strong despite thick armour; clearly using cybernetics.

Hachi - They seem to be less organized than before. Vekaron - They don't seen sentient at all actually.

Vekaron and Hachi both cut through the demonic cultists. Suddenly, from behind the cultists a shockwave of fire swept through them, clearing a path through the mand incinerating any that caught in the blaze. Tyraz heared it and smiled. As the cultists died, their bodies evaporated way like dying fire.

Tyraz - ...Arsac. Arsac - Purify these creatures! Venoriel - ''Hm... Quinniath, do something!'' Quinniath - As you wish, ma'am!

Quinniath grabbed his guns and leaped into battle, shooting the cultists aimlessly. The Tralzica Knights tore through the cultists, who kept coming in bigger numbers. Tyraz sent a blast of fire from sword through a group of cultists, making his way to Arsac.

Venoriel - ''Fine. I will deduce my tactic now.'' Tul - These cultist are cute. Kolossus - ''Arsac! How good of you to have come! I though you were still crying with your pillow because of what happened back in teh Corruptus Overworld.''

A team of inquisitors in full armour and wearing helmets crafted to lool like the heads of mythological dragons, Arsac included, fought through the group. Venoriel concentrated her powers to turn Chosen in the center against each other.

Hagto'Zhl - DAD WAT DA HELL STOP ATTAKIN ME Arsac - It takes more than a lapse in judgement to put me out of commission!

The cultists were going low on number, but kept attacking. Hachi swung his sword, fast and agile, slicing through several groups of cultists, a serious look upon his face. The last few cultists remained standing, and Genrai appeared behind them, and chopped them all up.

Kolossus - I read your mind when you were with Marigrax...you were enjoying it. Arsac - That was not my mind Kolossus and you know it. Genrai Nal - If your servant Zelfron is here, Kolossus, I would very much like to see him suffer. Kolossus - ''Hah! I bet he would like the same, "Nal".'' Genrai Nal - ''I am sure he would. But he would not get the opportunity.'' Kolossus - ''Bahahaha! Tremble, Blyro'Tralzica! Tremble before the might of the Devourer! UNO is not here to save you this time!''

The Tralzica Knights all crowded around the group aggressively.

Tralzica Knight - ''You have a Kalyik Nal with you?! And you expect us to believe you are on our side! Heretics!'' Kolossus - My my, you zealots are really bad at diplomacy... Arsac - ''We are allies of UNO. You can inform them of our arival if you so wish.'' Tul - Why is heretic such a popular word? Tralzica Knight - SIEZE THEM!! Venoriel - Wait, what?

-

The group were flung before the Blyro'Tralzica throne, where an sat. A knight, which appeared to be the leader, saluted.

Tralzica Knight - ''Sire, these heretics landed on our world. They claim to be allies of us, but we won't be sure until inspection.'' ??? - Hmmm... Tul - I did not approve of that. Arkarixus - ''This is folly! Ungrateful fools!'' Sarec - I swear on the Inquisition's name we came on goodwill. Tul - ''You better untie us! Do you know who I am?''

The Ioketa got up, examined them for a minute and...

??? - By Volzara, untie them immediately!

The Knights untied all of them. When untied, Arsac stormed toward Sarec. Tyraz standed between the two.

Arsac - Shut your trap, coward! Vekaron - Hey this is not a good time for fighting. Hachi - For some reason, I preferred being tied... Xerkea - Hey...you look at lot like Tuolog.

The Ioketa chuckled.

??? - ''You're right. I do look a lot like him, don't I?'' Arsac - I should have known you would defy my command.

The Ioketa stepped in front of them and greeted them.

Venoriel - I do not understand your purpose. ??? - ''Forgive us. We are a little cautious of outsiders. My name is Kaltogo, an I am the leader of the Blyro'Tralzica. I understand that you are allies of UNO?'' Arkarixus - Finally! Tyraz - ''Arsac, enough. What happens here is not the business of the Inquisition, you two may settle this in Andromeda. Hachi - Yeah...I guess we were... Quinniath - YES, WE ARE! Kaltogo - ''Oh, I see there's a bit of internal conflict? Ah, we should settle that...'' Hachi - ''Huh? You got some drugs?'' Sarec - ''Arsac I'm sorry... I...'' Fre'kloar - IM MAD I DUN LIEK BEIN TIED UP IM GONNA EET YOO ALL

Kaltogo got in a meditative stance, hummed and chanted, getting Sarec and Arsac to relax. Arkarixus used his telepathy to force Fre'kloar against the ground until he couldn't move.

Fre'kloar - cheeta Venoriel - Hmph.

Sarec sighed wearily and walked away from the group. Venoriel sat on her legs and recited a Masaari prayer. Hachi looked at Sarec and walked over at him, standing by his side.

Venoriel - Dei'Nar colthara van'thae'nii, cyredrae'nii sai shentharan in'thaa. Quinniath - ''Erm. Dei'nar sh-'' Kaltogo - ''Well, I guess you all know what the situation is. Kolossus has attacked us using an old enemy. The Blyro'Tralzarca are now beating us on all fronts, and we need help.'' Vekaron - We'll help you, don't worry. Venoriel - Indeed. Arsac - The Inquisition's sacred duty is to prevent religious conflict, you have our support. Kaltogo - ''You don't have to if you don't want to. My knights weren't exactly pleasant to you...and if you want to abandon us, I understand.''

Unlike Tuolog, they noticed that Kaltogo spoke in perfect Zoleish.

Xerkea - Nah, we want your support against the Grox after this is over. Tyraz - ''It is unlike Zazane to abandon potential allies. In Zr'Ahgloth's name, you have my support.'' Tul - You have the ULE's support. Kaltogo - ''Against the Grox? We are a small empire with no starships at all...but we will help nonetheless.'' Vekaron - Also, speaking of Tuolog, UNOL is not with us because the Grox...well, destroyed their spaceship.

Kaltogo was shocked.

Kaltogo - The Omega Commander is destroyed? Vekaron - ''Yes. It was destroyed by an "Ascended-Class" Grox.''

Kaltogo paused for a second. Everyone was surprised, as he responded:

Kaltogo - Well, we'll need to fix that then, won't we? Xerkea - Huh? Tyraz - ''Huh? Wait, you can fix it?'' Tul - Explain please. Kaltogo - ''Of course! No problem! Once we've gotten Kolossus off our world, it should be easy!'' Venoriel - ''Kolossus? That is a big problem from what I know about him.''

Conflicted Emotions
Sarec stood with his arms folded and faced away from the group, he looked down at the ground and was visibly upset. Arkarixus walked to Sarec's direction.

Hachi - Sarec...you and I...are not so different. Sarec - ''No... I thought I could hide what I had become. What was I thinking!'' Arkarixus - ''You helped me open my eyes. Do I have to help open yours?'' Sarec - The only problem here is Arsac, she won't listen to me. Tyraz - Then I shall have her listen.

Arkarixus and Tyraz turned at Arsac.

Arkarixus - You are acting like I did. Fre'kloar - stubborn dum rude prik faic losa Arkarixus - I don't need examples. Fre'kloar - hurhur Arsac - Don't tell me, Sarec is haiving you turn against me. Venoriel - ''I do not understand... What's with Sarec?'' Arkarixus - You are being stubborn for not accepting your soldier the way he is.

While they discusssed, Tul ate some dried meat he had in one of his pockets.

Arsac - ''The Inquisiton has a firm code that it there is cowardice in looking to the aid of gods for power, especially for those in the order. The only way Sarec could becoem what he is is if he broke that code!'' Venoriel - Ah... Arkarixus - Instead of ranting over old codes, you should use this to your advantage. Tyraz - So I am a coward now, Arsac?

Kaltogo, who had stayed out of it for now, walked forward.

Kaltogo - Now, now, you do know that this mightn't have been purposeful, right? Tyraz - I, who had been cursed by my own god, had saved you, Uriel, the Imperium, and many others on seperate occasions, hell even killed the leader of a rebel group for the Imperium, am a coward in the eyes of your Inquisition? Arsac - ''...The code is there because the order feared that those who accepted such gifts coudl have sacrificed their free-will to get it, like the Chosen. My fear is that Sarec...'' Arkarixus - ''No. Sarec is not like the Chosen. The Chosen are mind controlled sheeps. Or were, rather.'' Kaltogo - You're not basing a hatred off of fear that you haven't confirmed now, are you? Tyraz - ''Silence, Arsac! Has he attacked you yet? Has he attacked any of us yet?'' Arsac - ''How can I know? he could be a sleeper, not even he might know!'' Venoriel - ''That is... paranoid.'' Xerkea - True that. Kaltogo - ''You don't know that though, do you? And besides, if he did get as bad as you're predicting, why can't you just sort him out then?''

Sarec looked up and turned to Arsac, adn Tyraz planced a hand on her shoulder.

Sarec - ''Paranoia is a burden all inquisitors share. Tyraz - ''Arsac... Tul - ''He is helping us now. Plus Sarec is a fine warrior from what I've seen.'' Arsac - ''Kaltogo... what if that day is too late?'' Tyraz - We shall cross that bridge when we come to it, Arsac. Sarec - ''Arsac... Look. I... *he inhales* I wish I could explain that the beings who ascended me were not like typical gods as the code suggests.'' Kaltogo - ''What if it is? Who knows? The timeline is something that we shouldn't be able to see where it goes. It goes off in many directions, let me tell you. But the important thing is that the moment is what matters, rght now. And that the moment leads to the future.'' Tul - ''We need all the allies we can get. Killing eachother off due to paranoid fears is useless.'' Kaltogo - ''We've got to take risks at times. As the old saying goes, "you only live once".'' Frre'kloar - yolo muthafuka Hachi - YOLO! Jol'kiar - stfu Arsac - Killing someone like him would be pointless, I can sense it, he can't die by mortal hands and he knows it. Kolossus - ''Hello? Anybody hoooome...''

The storms outside intensified. Kaltogo looked outside.

Kaltogo - ''I...do believe we've been here for too long. Hey, for now, if you want Sarec, some of our Ioketa can acompany you to make you feel better.'' Hachi - ''H-Hey! F-Female Ioketa? I-I feel a little depressed as well!'' Venoriel - In my opinion, we should stop debating and concentrate on the problem. Sarec - ''The Ioketa is right. What matters is the now and right now peopel are dying. Which would be more beneficial? Imprisoning me or using me to end this threat?'' Kolossus - Come out....come out and play! Tyraz - Arsac...I have something far, far worse than what Sarec has...and have I lost myself?

Genrai Nal sprung into action.

Genrai Nal - If you do not mind, I would like to lead this assault. Grak'tona - WHAI YOO AN NOT ME Sarec - Doesn't the order teach that the ends justify the means? Arsac - ''Damnation...fine. I won't deal with you yet.'' Kaltogo - ''Genrai Nal...I know a lot about you...but if UNO are right, we can trust you. You'd make a good leader actually...''

Kaltogo let out a chant, and several of the highest ranked knights appeared and saluted. Kaltogo gave several orders in a different Tralzican tongue, they saluted again, and were off. Kaltogo turned to them. Tyraz smiled and hugged Arsac for a second or two and whispered to her ear before walking back to the group.

Tyraz - I'm proud of you... Kaltogo - Well, you'll be leading the main force to defeat Zelfron directly. Genrai Nal - Excellent... Kolossus - I grow tired of waiting..Die, insects!

Thuderbolts hit the building they were in.

Kaltogo - Oh, please, not another attempt!

Kaltogo hummed and a huge Gyronic shield appeared around the building.

Venoriel - ''Huh. I've been through worse.'' Kolossus - ''Pest! All of you Ioketa are pests!'' Kaltogo - Love you too, Kolossus! Xerkea - I like this guy's attitude.

Kaltogo let out another chant, and the legions of knights under Genrai's command head out. Genrai turned to the PCA.

Genrai Nal - Would you like to join us? Vekaron - Obviously. Kaltogo - ''If Arsac and Sarec are up to it, they can help us out. But I won't make them.'' Venoriel - ''I would prefer to coordinate your efforts from behind. QUINNIATH!''

Qunniath turned to Venoriel.

Quinniath - What, ma'am? Venoriel - Come and help them. Xerkea - You can shoot all the cultists in your path. Arsac - I will gladly contribute my inquisitors to your aid. Tul - What can I do to help? Kaltogo - ''Tul...you can probably lead one of the legions. I hear you Tralor are excellent warriors and even stronger leaders.'' Tul - That we are! Kaltogo - ''Excellent! The inquisitors can form their own elite legion unit, they'd make quick work of the demons.'' Tyraz - And what would you have of my services? Genrai Nal - As for the Zoles and Niaka, they can bolster the ranged legions. Sarec - If Kolossus ever gets brave enough, Tyraz and I are perhaps closest to his level. Kolossus - You wish, you speck of dust! Hachi - H-How about I just stay behind and like you know...bake cookies or something... Venoriel - ''I can offer you my tactical prowess and my psychic powers. What of this do you want me to use?'' Kaltogo - ''Tyraz...you'll lead one of our stronger melee legions. But make sure to go BAWWWWW RAGE demon mode on them, will ya?'' Genrai Nal - ''Hmm. If that is so, Venoriel, you can bolster the Ioketa legion at the back.'' Tyraz - Fine, I guess it would be nice to finally use that part of my mind. Arkarixus - The Chosen were the best battle I've had in ages...fighting them again will be a relevant passtime. Hachi - ''Nuuu nu nu! I had enough Chosen!'' Genrai Nal - Zelfron had better be ready.

Curse of the Dark Templars
Outside, a large horde of pitch-black cultists and demons awaited for them. Venoriel joined the Ioketa legion, looking on the small shamans around her. Tul raised his sword in the air.

Venoriel - ''Okay, my little friends, listen to me. I believe that concentrating our powers to spread dissent among the cultists on the east could allow the main forces to weake- Are you even listening to me?'' Genrai Nal - ''Engage them. We shall make quick work of them.'' Tul - ''For blood and iron! Charge!''

Genrai Nal sliced up many of the demons, while other knights attacked the cultists.

Kolossus - ''For the Corruptus! For Shu'ulathoi! The black fog will consume all!''

Tyraz, in his Demon Form, led a strong melee legion. He raised his Firesword and turned several groups of followers to dust. Arsac's inquisition legions charged into the forefront, using a combination of ranged, melee and psychic power*

Kaltogo - ''Hey, I'm listening Venoriel. What do you suggest?''

Vekaron attacked with his vibroblade while Xerkea wrestled a Mari'verao. Meanwhile, Arkarixus fought on his own against several Malcaeum.

Sarec - You need some chaos?

Sarec closed his eyes and summoned a lightning storm within a band of cultists, meanwhile Tul fought bravely, decapitating a Malcaeum with extreme force. Haschi slashed at several cultists, using his Dream Energy to fight. A group of Vague arrived and shot their weapons at the demons.

Venoriel - ''If we will weaken the attacking cultists in the center - mind control will suffice - the whole horde will be in chaos. But I cannot do it alone.'' Kaltogo - No problem at all. Vague - ''Apologies for taking so long to land. There was a lot of anomalies at space.''

Kaltogo spoke in Tralzican tongue, and the Ioketa bolstered Venoriel.

Genrai Nal - ''Excellent! The Vague shall make this easy!'' Sarec - Certainly. Venoriel - ''Now, let's begin... Vaen'tha'nari...''

Within moments, cultists began turning on each other in a fit of madness.

Kolossus - I deny you of any satisfaction.

Kolossus waved his arms across the sky and the cultists and demons became larger and more powerful. Meanwhile, Arsac curiously looked at Sarec's powers.

Kaltogo - ''Awww. That's just mean!'' Arsac - That is what makes me cautious.

Kaltogo conjured up a time anomaly, and a comet hit several of the cultists.

Tul - ''Hah! We will still best whatever you throw at us!'' Hachi - Dammit...I wanna get stronger like before... Kolossus - Oh no you don't!

Kolossus created a Flesheater demon who prepared to attack Kaltogo. Venoriel created a mental "bubble" inside the cultist ranks. Crazed and bloodthirsty (more than usual), they started to leap at each other in brutal rage. This caused other cultists to slow their onslaught. Genrai Nal teleported and started attacking the huge Flesheater. The Ioketa all focused fire on it. Sarec's eyes shone as his body began to glow, lifting up fro mthe ground he grew in size with a white light to match the Flesheater.

Kaltogo - Dayum...Sarec, I'm impressed!

The Flesheater exploded in bloody gibs as the cultists fell.

Venoriel - ''Slowed, they will be outmaneuvred and weakened... QUINNIATH!'' Quinniath - Yes, ma'am? Venoriel - Tear them.

With a wave of Sarec's hand, cultists and demons were thrown up by the squadful. Quinniath once again attacked the cultists, using chaos amongst them to tear them apart easily. Tyraz smirked and looked at Sare, before letting out a roar. He swung his sword, burning large groups of cultists.

Tyraz - Die, spawn of Kolossus! Kolossus - ''Enough. Zelfron! Destroy!''

A legion of armored Telzoc soldeirs appeared in the horizon.

Kaltogo - ''Ah, time to kill Zeflron for what...the 5th time? Prepare to fight Telzoc troops!''

The Telzoc troops were more agile and stronger, but more vulnerable, than the Tralzica. Several Tralzica knights were shot down by deadly and precise shots. The enemy moved very fast, taking down several legionnaires. Sarec pulled out a pair of pistols and infused them with elemental energy. He fired rapidly and accurately into the legions.

Kaltogo - ''Hmm. Venoriel, I might need your help badly...''

The shots were revealed to come from Zelfron, who laughed when sighting Genrai Nal. Genrai Nal snarled at the sight of Zelfron.

Zelfron - Well, what have we here! Genrai Nal - ''You do remember the last time I slaughtered you when you tried to find the Kormacvar? The same will happen again.'' Zelfron - ''Oh I don't think so. Do you not notice something different in me?''

Zelfron's body was noticeably demonic in look.

Quinniath - Our version of yours is less ugly. Tul - Did you get religion? Sarec - Whatever 'gifts' Kolossus gave you will not be of much help here. Zelfron - We'll see about that! Genrai Nal - ''For many millennia, I have been on the run from you. For many millennia, your Dark Templar Assassins actually struck fear in me. And I do believe that I have surpassed them, and you, in skill now. You have Corruptus infusion, but I see the same arrogant, dishonourable Zelfron I betrayed millennia ago.''

Zelfron fired rapid shots at both Genrai and Sarec. Genrai Nal dodged them and teleported next to Zelfron, grabbing him by the throat. Sarec crossed his arms and weathered the blasts, bearing his teeth as he did so. Zelfron punched and kicked Genrai away as he shot directly at his face.

Genrai Nal - ''It has been a very long time since I have faced a Tralzorca foe in battle. I trust you will make this enjoyable.'' Zelfron - I'll make your end quick but painful.

Genrai Nal got up and vanished. Meanwhile, Sarec extended the chain from his gauntlet and launchd it at Zelfron, who jumped out of the way and fired at Sarec again.

Kaltogo - ''Venoriel, can you perhaps help us to weaken Zelfron a bit? Bring down his power to a level that is more...even.'' Venoriel - ''Hm. Let me think.'' Hachi - I wanna kill, I wanna kill, I wanna kill!

Sarec teleported to dodge soem of the shots and appeared behind to wrap the chain around his throat. Genrai Nal reappeared and elbowed Zelfron in the back, hitting his spine. Zelfron next felt a stab.

Zelfron - Aaaggh!

Zelfron launched a blast of mixed Entropic and Dark Gyronic energies which sent both Sarec and Genrai away. Genrai Nal fell back, then disappeared again, and Sarec flew backwards andlanded on his feet, grunting as he looked up. Venoriel, Kaltogo and the Ioketa started casting on Zelfron, slightly weakening him. But Zelfron didn't notice.

Kolossus - ''Bahahaaha! This amuses me greatly!'' Genrai Nal - ''Battle amuses me too, when I'm part of it. The thrill of fighting a Tralzarca opponent is so great!'' Zelfron - Let's see how you enjoy this thrill when you have no head. Venoriel - He's tough, I'd give him that. Sarec - Looks like I need to step up....

Sarec closed his eyes and contributed to weakening Zelfron. Telzoc legionnaires charged at Venoriel and the Ioketa's diection.

Venoriel - I believe we should find a better place to fight where Zelfron would not be able to maneuver, by the way. Arsac - Inquisitors, protect our allies!

The Tralzica knights and inquisitors turned to defend, being greater in number, defending the Ioketa and Venoriel. Tyraz began to approach, a smirk upon his face. Zelfron kept firing at Genrai several times, but he dodged all of them, then teleported next to Zelfron, grabbed his arm and broke it.

Zelfron - Uuugh!

Sarec stood up and made bounding steps, sprinting towards Zelfron and jumped, he teleported right in front of him to knock him over and pin him to the ground

Kolossus - Grrrhhh... Brag'klogga - ''oi. one fing. i cba ta help da ioketa so yoo guyz want me to use som dark gyronic stoof on zelfron'' Zelfron - You're free to give me energy, Loron. Brag'kloga - stfu mate

Zelfron blasted Sarec away with entropy and bashed his gun into Genrai's face and shot him. Sarec landed on his stomach and grunted as he stood up. Genrai Nal dodged only slightly, then disappeared. A thunderbolt struck Zelfron, and he got larger and more demonic in appearence.

Zelfron - Heheheh... Sarec - *smirks* ''That gives me an idea..... Were it not for that.''

Genrai appeared behind Zelfron, kicked his spine and stabbed him. Rolling his shoulders, Sarec's eyes shone and he grew in size as well.

Genrai Nal - Ahh, brilliant.

Zelfron was now much physically stronger and punched Genrai away with surprisng force.

Zelfron - Huh?

Sarec pulled out the chain and swung it at Zelfron several times while Genrai Nal teleported again. Zelfron shouted in pain and fired entropic bolts at Sarec in retaliation, as Genrai then grabbed Zelfron's gun and cut it in half.

Demon Tyraz - Let me at him! Zelfron - No!

Sarec summoned a barrier to deflect the blasts, he swing the chain again and the hooks dug into Zelfron's shoulder. Both Zelfron and Kolossus shouted in pain. Genrai Nal stabbed at Zelfron, who then ran after Genrai. Genrai simply cloaked. Zelfron panted.

Zelfron - I'm..gonna end you...Genrai Nal... Genrai Nal - You cannot hit what you cannot see.

With a swift tug, Sarec pulled Zelfron closer and forced his palm against the chect, digging his claws in that visibly gerw in length.

Zelfron - Aaaarghh! Genrai Nal - ''End me? I accept your challenge.''

Genrai uncloaked and looked at Zelfron. Sarec's eyes shoen brighter as he attempted to force the energies out of Zelfron

Zelfron - RRRAGH!

Zelfron's claws grew in size as he tried one last attack on both Genrai and Sarec. Genrai teleported, dodging it.

Arsac - Remind me, didn't Kolossus roar in pain at one point? Arkarixus - I believe so.

Sarec bared his teeth as Zelfron's claws dug in, he then shifited hsi weight to throw Zelfro nto the ground

Sarec - ''Tell your master... you have failed once again.''

Sarec pulled the chain and the hooks tore Zelfron's shoulder apart. Once his clws were long enough, Sarec pulled at the torso and tore the ribcage out from his body.

Zelfron - Not...again...

Sarec finished by forcing his foto down on Zelfron's neck. Zelfron fell lifeless on the ground. His body evaporated like the rest of the cultists. The clouds started to disappear as Kolossus shouted loudly. Sarec felt satisfied as he shrank to normal size. Arsac's jaw had dropped from watching the confrontation.

Genrai Nal - That was satisfying. Kaltogo - Oh, what does little Kolossus want now? Venoriel - ''That was... a graceful victory, Inquisitor.''

-

Looking at the sky, the group noticed Kolossus was appearing different than usual. He was black and grey in color, and with only one eye as opposed to three.

Hagto'Zhl - wtf dad Venoriel - Hmmmm...

Kolossus fell from the sky next to the group. His body was snake-like in appearence, and he was about as large as Tyraz in size. He appeared weakened and scared.

Venoriel - ''Old Kolossus? I saw him in our databases.'' Tyraz - ''Gah...Kolossus! You dare come to fight me again?!'' Kolossus - ''Uhhhg...Tyraz? Uh-oh...'' Tyraz - ''I have gotten stronger too since our last encounter! Have at me!'' Sarec - You seem to be everywhere these days. Kolossus - Wait...maybe we can work this out...maybe with a drink? Sarec - Wait, the mighty Kolossus does not want to fight? Vague - ''...This is not the real Kolossus. He's part of the anomaly.'' Tyraz - ''After all you have done for a drink? This is for Iovera!''

Tyraz drew his blazing Firesword and rushed towards Kolossus.

Kolossus - Nuts.

Tyraz slammed his Firesword through Kolossus' eye, smirking as he did while also baring his teeth and snarling. Kolossus screamed as he exploded in dark energy. All remaining cultists and demons instantly disappeared.

Tyraz - Yes... Vague - And the anomaly falls! Sarec - Talk about banishing your demons... Kaltogo - Well...from what I hear the Devourer's Chosen anomaly around the planet is gone... Arkarixus - Victory! Venoriel - ''That was... awkward.'' Tul - That has a well fought victory. Xerkea - Now, Kaltogo, can you "fix" UNO? Kaltogo - ''Can I fix UNO? Well, course I can...but it'll take time...you guys mind waiting about a few days? And can I borrow a spaceship?'' Vekaron - I can borrow you one. Kaltogo - ''Ah. Cheers, mate!''

Sarec took a deep breath and looked in Arsac's direction. They exchanged solemn looks and turned away. They both kept their distance.

The Butcher
Arkarixus - Well I think our work here is...wait, something's wrong.

Suddenly, beneath the feet of them all, the ground began to taint, and strange, black vapour began to arise from cracks that made their way through the ground.

Fre'kloar - DAFUQ Venoriel - What is happening? Tul - What be this? Kaltogo - Uh...

Sarec, Arsac and the inquisitors stepped back to avoid the vapour. The nearby plant and animal life began to die, and ball-like shadows moved across the ground, eventually meeting at a centre*

Arkarixus - Something terrible draws near. Tul - What is this horror? Arsac - I wish I knew...

The animals began to rot, until they then started to get back up again, a strange glow in their eyes. Tyraz's jaw dropped in shock.

Tyraz - N-No... Brag'klogga - ey its not me dis time Sarec - ''Necromancy... This is bad.'' Vague - Strange, this is not part of the anomaly... Tul - I am slightly worried. Arsac - ''Tyraz... didn't you once say... Moxix could do something like this?''

The ground shook, before a large patch of it was upturned from below, and a familiar figure, crawled out. A large Zazane, made of rotting, decomposing and pale flesh and bone.

Vekaron - What the hell is that? ??? - ...You stink of death. Tul - A new foe?

The inquisitors moved to surround the Zazane emergig from the ground.

Jol'kiar - EY YOO LOOK FAMILIAR

The Zazane laughed as tentacles made of bone shot from the ground, impaling through several Inquisitors horizontally. Arsac's eyes widened.

Xerkea - Watch out! Arsac - NO! No no no please no! ??? - Your efforts...wasted...Everything dies in the end...

The flesh and blood of the Inquisitors were stripped and absorbed through the tentacles, leading back to the large Zazane. Sarec lifted his hand with worry, desperately trying ot protect surviving inquisitors Arkarixus charged psychic energy in his hands.

Arkarixus - Identify yourself! Arsac - ''Tyraz... Didn't you say you saw Moxix in Volkarus?'' ??? - Why do you even persist to fight this war...It is all hopeless...Ahh...A Kormacvar...

Arkarixus cringed. Tyrazstood still, in absolute shock before falling to his knees.

Tul - ''You don't scare me with your words! I have fought and bested many foes and if you fight me I will do the same!'' Jol'kiar - ''moxix? OH YEH I REMEMBA DAT DOOD. HE LED DA ZAZZIES BAK IN DA OLD TIMES. CRAZY DOOD DAT ONE WUS. HES DED THO WHAI AR YOO TALKIN ABOOT HIM?''

Arsac turned to Tyraz and briskly ran to comfort him.

??? - Yes...I am in fact dead...Sollow would understand how much more...enjoyable and powerful it is... Vekaron - So you're this "Moxix"? Arsac - ''You're supposed to be dead! You died on the dreadnought with that abomination... You can't be here now.'' Venoriel - You killed Tadjamad! Xerkea - ''Okay I've fought criminals, bandits, hooligans, cultists and demons. But zombies are out of my juristicion.'' Moxix - ''I am the great purger of life...the king of bones...I shall warn you now...your journey will, in the end, mean nothing! Kormacvar...yes, their bones are part of me as well...'' Arkarixus - ''Insolent abomination! How dare you defy my ancestors' remains?''

Arsac extended her power claws and seethed with rage.

Arsac - I shall end you PERMENANTLY!

She stood up and charged for Moxix while Sarec stared in shock. Moxix threw a hand at Arsac, a tendril of bone shooting up through her armpit and out of her shoulder. Arsac roared in pain, the sudden shock stopped her charge

Moxix - ''Zazane, Kormacvar, Draconis, Radeon, everything! In the end, it all dies and rots away, memories eventually forgotten no matter how long!'' Xerkea - ''Enough chat. I'm blasting this creep up!''

Xerkea fired her mecha's blasts at Moxix.

Venoriel - Your empire of bone and death... Moxix - My armies...of the past shall rise against you soon enough...Imagine it...your own ancestors...fighting against you...

Moxix allowed Xerkea's blasts to strike him, knocking away some flesh, bone and organs but he seemed unaffected

Arsac - ''You... you will not... win.'' Xerkea - Dang, I seriously need better guns. Moxix - I already have...I have become what some may call the "Reaper"...I am one with death and rot itself...Driven by my own hate for the living! Tul - Spooky. Arsac - ''How.. how did you survive the attack unless...'' Fre'kloar - MATE GO FUK YASELV YOR A DUMBO Arsac - ''Unless you were never on the dreadnought when... the navy attacked....'' Moxix - ''He made me a body...in return, I lent him a quarter of my power...Volkarus was a fool to have allowed his own death at the hands of my little brother...Yes...Little brother Tyraz was the one who keeps me alive! My hate for him so long as he walks this very plane! And guess what...? The birth of his son...brought my second coming...the Holy Shadow War if some may recognize...''

This news made Arsac collapse to her knees.

Arsac - It was all for nothing... Moxix - ''Be aware...I am everywhere that death is...For I am death, one with rot, a master of decay! When you all die...your corpses shall be my puppets...'' Arkarixus - Never! Tul - ''Your attempts to scare me fail, monster. Don't bother me any more.''

Moxix then rearranges his shape to look like a cross between a dead Zazane and dead Kormacvar, before slowly sinking back towards the ground.> Arkarixus growled loudly as Arsac was silent as she bled from the shoulder, however there was great pain in her eyes.

Moxix - I shall be watching all of you...And I shall laugh when your soft hearts beat for the last time... Arsac - What has Volkarus done....

Arkarixus blasted the ground where Moxix was with psychic energy, creating a large crater but failing to hit him. Venoriel hid in a corner. Moxix then disappears beneath the ground, before several tiny legions of dead Blyro'tralzica rose from the ground as the skies returned to normal. Tyraz panted heavily, before standing and then vomiting.

Hachi - Who pissed in his skull? Vekaron - That made me uneasy... Sarec - Arsac.... Fre'kloar - ew yor nasti Venoriel - ''We. Should. RUN!'' Sarec - ''Where to? You heard him, Moxix is incredibly powerful now.'' Tyraz - Moxix is unpredictable...though he may strike at us when we think we've had another victory. Tul - ''With our luck it is. No matter. We wil strike him down if he comes against us, right?'' Xerkea - ''Yes, we will. We defeated Marigrax, that zombie should not give us trouble.''

Arsac was at the foto of where Moxix had risen, she was solemnly on her knees, guilt flooded her mind.

Sarec - Arsac..? Tyraz - Pay no attention to it...He may return, he may not... Arsac - It begins again... Tul - This is going to be a long report back to Aoblix... Arkarixus - ''We should leave this world...I should at least. This was highly infuriating.'' Kaltogo - ''Well you guys...I'm impressed. The Blyro'Tralzica will now join your cause.'' Sarec - Excellent to hear. Vekaron - ''Excellent. I'm looking forward to know how exactly you'll "fix" UNO.'' Tyraz - I need...to return to my ship for a little while... Tul - Tyraz, take care. Tyraz - Thank you, Tul...it is appreciated. Sarec - I think we could all do with a rest. Xerkea - Yeah... Kaltogo - Ehehehe...about that...

Everyone looked around, to find Genrai Nal had gone a while ago.

Hagto'Zhl - didnt even sey gudbai Kaltogo - ''He's gone to fight the Blyro'Tralzorca. By the way he's figthing, he wants to bury them all...''

Moxix's sudden appearence got all by surprise...even Kolossus himself...

Bury Them All
Genrai Nal had gone gone off while Moxix had attacked. He was off to bury the Blyro'Tralzorca for good. On a lone mission, away from the other Blyro'Tralzican knights, Genrai would purge the planet of the Blro'Tralzorca. All the memories he had with them flooded bak to him. How they abused him. How they abused him further when he tried to gain any independence. How they classed him a Nal, and told him his fate. How he ran from them, and aiming to prove himself a Dark Templar Assassin. It was clear that Genrai was on a quest for vengeance, as he approached an underground village.

The village was...more like a city. It was industrial, with everything made in dark purple, thick, strong armour that could resist a diamond chainsaw. The people, mosly Telzoc, were armed to the teeth, and slaughtered everything nearby. See a thief? Murdered in cold blood, in less than a second. The bustling village was full of skyscraper-like buildings all connected by skybridges...although they weren't actually that high. The factories were churning out robots, whose lasers annihilated the rocks before them instantly.

And this was clearly no match for Genrai Nal.

Another day on duty. Thoughts filled with the Blyro'Tralzica, and all the many ways to murder them. Rejected for a chance to fight once again. Stuck guarding the Tralzorca's robots. The life of a typical Telzoc guard. Each was thinking the same thing: death, destruction, murder, kill. The Telzoc were almost bored of killing each other on duty, having murdered 3 of their own guards in the past hour. A group of Telzoc on patrol as usual, ready for a sneak attack by another Telzoc ready to kill.

But it wasn't a Telzoc sneak attack. It was far more co-ordinated, and not expected at all. Genrai Nal sliced off their heads and limbs, then stomped on them. He then cloaked again and proceeded to walk through the corridor. He spotted an elevator, entered it, and went right down to the floor he wanted.

The elevator screeched as it descended, and arrived at its floor. Genrai Nal walked forward, but as he walked along the dark corridor, triggering every alarm. But he didn't seem to care as the alarms went off everywhere. As all the bloodthirsty guards were alerted and ran over to the position, Genrai proceeded. It was clear what he wanted: the reactor.

Genrai cut several wires coming from each reactor. How had the guards been so slow? They were all bloodthirsty and hadn't had the opportunity to fight in a long while. They were so happy to get this chance. What was Genrai up to?

The doors opened to the reactor room. The Telzoc charged in, none of them noticing that Genrai was not there. They were caught off guard when they did notice...and slaughtered in seconds by Genrai's blade. He evaded their attacks, and attacked them so fast, co-ordinating each hit so well...what was he? A Dark Templar Assassin? Haven't existed in millennia.

In under ten seconds, all the guards were gone. The entire village was alerted. Guards came charging across the skybridges, pushing and shoving each other, wanting the action they'd waited for for so long. They all grinned to themselves as they charged through the doors to the building.

They reached the room. And Genrai was there. They were too excited. They charged straight for him...and he teleported away. He had teleported just outside the building, and was walked away. The guards were now really angry. They began to attack each other, trying to kill each other due to the disappointment. But none of them had noticed one thing; the reactor, which had nowhere to output energy now the wires and tubes were cut, was overloading. It was about to explode. And it did.

Genrai walked away from the demolished city. A tank went after him, but Genrai just teleported to it, sliced it, grabbed the driver by the throat and flung him away, where his skull smashed. Genrai was now moving onto the next village, onto the next bloodbath.

(Un)Lucky Day
Lemmo - Curses, curses, curses...

Lemmo mumbled to himself while drifting in space on the escape pod the Collective offered him, recovering from his last encounter with the Chosen. His entire body was bruised and scarred, amber Tertanai blood seeping from the wounds, mixing with sweat; the lack of gravity and limited amounts of air made the conditions of the cramped, small pod even worse. Apparently, the Cold Relay he was using did something wrong. Instead of sending him back to Andromeda as usually, Lemmo was left inside Borealis, with no sentient life around him in parsecs. Only him and half-dead N'ras in his hands.

Lemmo - ''These damn cyborg freaks must be tampering with the Relays' work. Come, on, Lemmo, think, think, think.''

Suddenly, Lemmo noticed a strange light in the porthole (or rather, a computerised imitation thereof); radiant light blue in colour, it was similar to icicles' gleaming during winter. Putting N'ras's body down, he came closer and was amazed. The light's source appeared to be a strange starship, apparently belonging to the, looking vastly different from every other ship the Tertanai captain saw in his whole life; it was closer in look to an ancient megastructure or a tomb (we, humans, would compare it to Egyptian or Mayan pyramids, but the Andromedan alien had other thoughts in his mind). But what was more interesting for Lemmo is that there were inscriptions on this ship's surface; inscriptions he found strangely similar to those he had on the disk he found during his first visit to Borealis...

Lemmo - Let's try to find out what is this...

Lemmo pulled his eyes out of the ship and opened the pod's set of spacesuits, searching for a right one. Unfortunately, there weren't any; most of them were only made for bipedal creatures.

Lemmo - Stupid two-legged Dracogonarious...

Finally donning a (barely) suitable spacesuit made for Eucharia, Lemmo opened the pod's hatch and flew to the strange starship, holding N'ras's body in his hands (being an Imperix, he was resistant to space's environment already). He felt weird; maybe it was the spacesuit he was wearing, maybe it was tiredness after spending so much time in a small pod, but to be free again was so... good for him. Smashing painfully into the starship's hull, Lemmo crawled the surface rearranging; he found himself inside the Kormacvar ship quickly. It was somewhat cold there - Lemmo felt it even inside his spacesuit - but still not enough for him to freeze, and there was air within too. Strange, cybernetic creatures lied inside, and it wasn't sure whether were they sleeping or dead.

Lemmo - Hey, anybody here?

Lemmo looked more at the ship he found; outside the strange, eccentric designs, there were also Kormacvar inscriptions on it. Meanwhile, he also noticed the disk he found during his first visit to Borealis glowing, as it has been activated. This prompted Lemmo to study the inscriptions more. Looking first at the ship's walls, then at the disk, he found out their letters were identical.

Lemmo - ''Hm. The same alphabet. I never saw it before.... but there are also writings on the Old Illidian on the disk. Let's see what do they mean.''

Lemmo looked into the small artifact he was holding once again. Most of the Tertamian scriptures on the disk didn't make sense, but had the same amount of words and letters as the alien inscriptions did- apparently they the Kormacvar words transcribed into Tertamian alphabet.

Lemmo - ''Now, let's see how are these inscriptions pronounced then. Vorkatikas turakas trakan nas Antagikas...''

Suddenly, the ship's systems went into motions and the creatures on the ship started to awaken. Standing before Lemmo, they surrounded him and bowed in his presence.

Creature - Command us, lord Antagikas! Lemmo - Now this is getting weird...

Lemmo apparently got a whole new Kormacvar ship to command. It was a very, very, very weird and a very, very, very lucky day for him.

Clearing The Air
A few days after their ordeal aiding the Blyro'tralzica, Tyraz was summoned by Sarec aboard a ship he and Arsac were residing on. For safety's sake, the two inquisitors had quarters on differnt decks. When Tyraz appeared in a cloud of black energy in front of him he greeted hsi guest with a worried smile, who looked back at him with a solemn expression.

Tyraz - Sarec, whatever happens today... Sarec - ''I want to thank you for agreeing to help me talk to her. This whole incident is causing too much conflict as it is.'' Tyraz - Conflict within the Inquisition is not a good sign.

The two of them left the room and travelled down several loosely-populated corridors towards Arsac's chambers.

Sarec - ''So far the only thing keeping me close ot being Inquisitor is some question aming the inner circle that redemption is possible for me. However if things get worse....'' Tyraz - ''Things shan't get worse. I shall have Arsac see reason.'' Sarec - I hope you can, she is not an easy woman to convince otherwise once she has her mind set... Tyraz - I know this, but I am a persistant man. Sarec - Word is you were given your powers by some higher being same as me, is this why you agreed to help?

These words prompted Tyraz to stop and look at Sarec, who for a few seconds walked passed and turned around.

Tyraz - ''I have been cursed with my powers, yet I use them to help save the good. In my eyes, you are more righteous, as you were granted such powers due to your own morals and not because of a destructive thirst.'' Sarec - ''You're right... when 'they' came to me, they put more emphasis on if this is what I wanted.'' Tyraz - I am agreeing to help you because the reason you are given these powers are more just than my own cause. Sarec - That means a lot to me.

Tyraz smiled and the two of them continued walking.

When they arrived at Arsac's door, Sarec apporached it to knock however as he reachedd out a moment of hesitation gripped him. Seeing this, Tyras stepped forward and knocked on the door calmly. Arsac was inside, relaxing in a chair reading a book when she heard the knock. Sensing it was Tyraz she calmly accepted him to come in. Tyraz walked in with Sarec behind him and when Arsac looked up a look of frustration spread across her face. She put down the book she was reading and turned on her chair to face them directly.

Tyraz - We need a word. Arsac - ''Fine. Sarec, can you explain yourself?'' Sarec - ''Lady Arsac... I can understand what you think of me. You probably think of me as a man as selfish as the void is empty. But I did have my reasons.'' Arsac - ''Hm. I don't think you are as selfish as you say, I can tell your mind remains very much your own. I'm acting the way I do because compared to me you're a void-damned nighmare. I look at you, I see your aura and do you know what? It's like looking directly at a star!'' Tyraz - Then you know how brightly he shines, how much potential he has to bring good will across this rotten galaxy. Arsac - Or how much damage he can cause if something happens to him.

Sarec's lips curled as he heard this

Sarec - Is that how you see me? Tyraz - ''Arsac, I believe Sarec here is more righteous than even myself. I have been sensing Essences on a more advanced level than most mortals, I know what I am doing.'' Sarec - ''These beings came to me, they're not like the Corruptus, they're not like the Ayrai'Shikua. They were all mortal once, I spent years studying them and do you know ho started it all of? You, mistress. You started it when you sent me to fight the Divinarium during the war!'' Arsac - Power corrupts, Sarec, no matter how much you think you're ready for it. Tyraz - ''Is that so, Arsac? You believe me corrupted?'' Arsac - Tyraz as I recall you spent a few years of your life under the burden of insanity. Tyraz - ''And I redeemed myself! Or at least, managed to push away the insanity...'' Arsac - I never said one could never be redeemed from such corruption. Sarec - ''No, I get it now. Arsac does not fear what circumstances bestowed me with such power. I think she fears what I am altogether.'' Tyraz - ''You think you know of Sarec's gift? My own power is a curse! Compared to me and you Arsac, you know nothing of the Essences, in fact you were corrupted yourself!'' Arsac - Please do not remind me of that incident. Tyraz - You don't dare utter vile claims of corruption on Sarec until you have accepted you are just as susceptible...no, in fact, even more vulnerable to the tainted touch of demons!

Arsac snapped, she aggressively stood up from her chair and walked up to look directly down at Tyraz. he stared up at her as her deatures pulled themself back in anger.

Arsac - Must you keep reminding me! Tyraz - ''Hmph! Ignorance and denial! You do not recognize Sarec's power as a benevolent force, he was granted such for a reason! You, however, shut this out! You claim corruption on any soul who has a power capable of defeating you!'' Arsac - Keep reminding me and I swear I will consider sending you to the Realm of Absolution, Sarec included if I have to!

Sarec stood back with shock from what he was hearing and his eyes widened as a result.

Sarec - ''Listen to yourself mistress... would you really do that?'' Tyraz - ''Open your eyes, you blinded fool! So caught up in your duty, you don't even recognize the values of a person anymore! Everybody is simply a unit to you, a tool that you use! And when one of those tools happen to be different, you consider it lost!''

For a moment, Arsac was silent. She stepped away from Tyraz and rested her arm on a wall. She felt too ashamed to look at either of them and simply stared at the wall while Tyraz calmed down and looked away from her.

Tyraz - ''Power does not define somebody's will. I was cursed with this...horrible, terrible power, and natural death is impossible for me. I have the power to kill thousands at any instant...But do I want that?''

She turned her head slightly but refused to look at him.

Arsac - ''Do you know what it is like to look at an enemy that cuts down an entire army with a wave of his hand? Have you ever had that feeling of dread that this is something you simply cannot stop?'' Tyraz - ''Arsac...your duty has blinded you. You define people by their abilities, their curses and blessings. You are my friend Arsac...but feel free to sever the relationship if your duty commands it. My job is to kill thousands upon thousands of aliens every day! My job is to lead my race into war and win! My duty forbids me from even talking with aliens of friendly terms! And look where we are now!'' Arsac - ''When I look at the two of you, when I see your auras I cannot help but feel insignificant... you both stride as giants while I have no option but to look up from my meagre existence. Seeing you both as you were fighting Zelfron that day... it was like my imaginations came true.'' Tyraz - ''Arsac...you do not need power such as mine or Sarec's to be significant. People, at least people with pure hearts, value others for the person they are, not for the power they hold.'' Arsac - ''I know of my reputation. I am aware of how many respect and fear me for what I have done... but compared to you two it feels like nothing.'' Tyraz - ''I do not even deserve the respect. I have done many things in my time, things that I regret, you know that. To be feared is...hurtful, to me. To be respected for the things I have done, undeserving. Sarec really deserves the respect...he is a pure soul. I fight to protect my friends and to save other people, not to build up a reputation.'' Sarec - ''Arsac I did not realise how much an effect this had on you. You must know that I would not have accepted this... gift... wihout very good reason. I didn't do it for power or for glory. it felt... right.''

Arsac finally pulled herself from the wall and stared at sarec with a furtive expression.

Arsac - ''What odo you mean... right?'' Sarec - ''It did not feel like I was being given something. What I have achieved, they taught me everyone had the potential to reach this. It's not empowerment... it's enlightenment.'' Arsac - You mean...

She looked at Sarec for a moment and then turned her gaze towards Tyraz.

Tyraz - You too can achieve this, Arsac. Sarec - It felt more like something was unlocking something in my mind. Arsac - ''Sarec....I... I have been a fool. Can you forgive me?''

Sarec walked up to her and rested his hand on her shoulder.

Sarec - I am not the one who needs to forgive. Tyraz - As I said many times before, Arsac...Your duty blinds you to who people really are. Sarec - ''If anything, mistress, before this gift I always felt insignificant aroudn you. I looked up to you, the legends of waht you did within Inquistion circles was nothing less than inspiring.''

Arsac shambled twards the bed and sat down. She felt ashamed and did not look directly at either of them, instead looking at the floor in shame.

Arsac - ''I wa completely wrong. When I saw your new aura... I was afraid. It's grown stronger since but.. Tyraz, even then he was more powerful than you.'' Tyraz - As such is the power of the gift, a power greater than even one of the strongest warlords. Arsac - ''Sarec I forgive you for what you have done. I will learn to accept your new status so long as you remember who you are and what you stand for.'' Sarec - ''Thank you mistress. I shall be on my way if there is nothing else.''

As Sarec turned to leave the room, Tyraz looked to Arsac and coughed.

Arsac - ''And... I'm sorry for everything. You're a good man and a fine member of the order.'' Sarec - You are forgiven mistress. Arsac - Tyraz I..I am sorry if this was damaging to our relationship. Tyraz - ''Do not apologize, Arsac. I understand completely.'' Arsac - ''I need time to gather my thoughts. Goodnight Tyraz.'' Tyraz - ''Goodnight, Arsac. Dream if you still can.''

He nodded to her and walked out of the room.

Sarec was outside and had his arms folded when Tyraz closed the door behind him. he sighed and looked to Sarec who looked up.

Sarec - I almost thought she would grab you in there. Tyraz - Even if she did, I wouldn't have stopped her. Sarec - You weren't too offended by her 'we are giants' opinion were you? Tyraz - I have nothing to say on it.

Tyraz looked away feeling disgusted. Sarec smirked. They both agreed to head down to Sarec's quarters.

Sarec - ''I don't need to be psychic to know what you really mean. Honestly, can you blame her?'' Tyraz - ''Let's get one thing straight. I hate how people judge others by power, whether it be higher or lower.'' Sarec - Normally Arsac does not care about that stuff, it's Inquisition mentality. Tyraz - ''The Inquisition can kiss my ass. They uphold their duty zealously to the highest standard, killing or silencing those who appear a threat to them. I am trying to save Arsac from becoming what she hates.'' Sarec - ''It's something of a byproduct of having a high-stakes lifestyle. We were trained to be living weapons of justice and someone like her needs to be everywhere at once. I know it was wrong of her to judge you like that. I think the entropic corruption experience still lingers in her mind.'' Tyraz - ''Justice...Your variation of justice seems close to the laws and rules upheld by cults and religions. Kill heretics, purge the unclean. Your Inquisition is flawed, Sarec, but obviously you were brought up by higher orders to believe that your Inquisition is the sanctuary of the clean and righteous.'' Sarec - About that... As far as I am aware, I was brought up under the same guidelines and rules as her.'' Tyraz - ''An entire order of warriors, brought up to bring justice to the Universe. Where have I heard this before? Holy orders, religious movements, the Cult and Corruptus, you all fight for the same goal. The attitude the Inquisition carries...it disgusts me. An entire order built of hypocrisy.'' Sarec - ''Want to know the truth? The beings that enlightened me showed how much more I could be. The Inquisition is old, flawed, and it creates generations of killers just like Arsac. There is an entire universe for me out there and like in the void was I going to see it turning the heads of random mortals into paste! The things I saw in the moments my consciousness was expanded to levels beyon dher comprehension? I saw more of the Borealis Galaxy alone than I ever could have under her hand in a lifetime!'' Tyraz - ''You realize it now, don't you? The Inquisition is a giant flaw, a leftover of a previous era. The Inquisition need no longer exist.'' Sarec - ''It was a flawed from the start. A noble idea, perhaps. nurturing favourable beliefs while weeding out others, but how long did it take before the arrogance of my own kind corrupted it into just another cult?'' Tyraz - ''Now you see why I am harsh with Arsac at times, her duty blinds her. And her duty...her entire life is built up of flaws and hypocrisy. I do not want Arsac living that life. Yet, I fear it may be too late.'' Sarec - ''So what exactly are we supposed to do? The few changes that were brought in from the so-called reformation are too little, too late.''

Tyraz stopped and he looked away from Sarec, a grim tone emrgered in his voice.

Tyraz - ...I fear we may have to bring down the Inquisition in the future. Sarec - ''I realise now. The Inquistion spent milennia 'saving' children from the street. Taking infants like Arsac and I and turning them into weapons. All it was doing was preserving it's own decayed state.'' Tyraz - ''As I said, the Inquisition doesn't value people for who they are, they value weapons, tools. And a tool that shows individuality from the others is a threat to the higher orders, a threat that needs to be dealt with.'' Sarec - <> Tyraz - ''<>'' Sarec - ''<>''

Tyraz closed his eyes and turned into dark vapour, soon disappearing from Sarec's sight. Sarec meanwhile smirked and headed for his chambers. As he entered an empty lift he passed through the open doors and teleported to his room.

They Come In Waves
The forces of the Alliance and its allies make their way to the Ransio homeworld of Kajusa, in the Outer Core. The Borealis natives appeared apprehensive to travel so close to Grox territory but they had received a call from help from the Ransio.

Vekaron - Being in this region of space disconforts me... Corteus - ''Hm. Try going inside the core.'' Venoriel - ''I was fighting the Grox. I doubt these ones will be any different.'' Corteus - As far as I am aware, these Grox do not have a mechanising virus. Xerkea - I have no idea what your Grox looked like but don't understimate ours. Arkarixus - They don't have a virus, they have a galactic hive mind under the control of a madman. Hachi - No different to Chosen then. Corteus - ''Heh, sounds all too familiar. I'm sure the paragon would love to be here i am sure.'' Xerkea - We're arriving now.

The fleets arrived at the planet. There were several Conqrix drones scattered around the capital city.

Vekaron - ''Attacking from space would cause too much damage to the Ransio. We need to land.'' Fre'kloar - oh goody!! Falrik Zaarkhun - I'll send Sollow down to support you. Arkarixus - No sight of the Grox themselves...suspicious to say the least.

As they landed on the capital, they could see the Ransio fighting the Conqrix. However, they were not using any weapons, but their bare claws, which cut through the Conqrix like vibroblades. Voa'reak came swooping down to land, shooting the ground, although accidently hitting the Ransio as well as killing Conqrix. Corteus' hand retracted to reveal his plasma gun.

Venoriel - That's impressive. Tyraz - Now this looks interesting. Corteus - Hehe, nice.

Sollow then arrived, bloodied, and carrying a severed limb of a dead Dronox, licking his lips dry of blood. One Ransio wearing shining silver armor grabbed one Conqrix soldier and crushed his head with his pawns. He then noticed the group and smiled.

Venoriel - ''Barbaric. ??? - Ah, reinforcements at last!

The large Ransio approached the group and saluted them.

Voa'reak - i liek dese ransio alredy Ransio - ''Greetings. I am Ulsahar of the Great Silver Lance, commandant of the Ransio.'' Hachi - ''Hai there! I'm Hachi!'' Corteus - The name's Corteus of Wrath Legion. Sollow - Greetings Ulsahar...we have a proposition to make to you...or rather, they do... Venoriel - I am Navarch Venoriel, representative of the Holy Empire of the Divinarium.

Ulsahar sniffed Corteus and Hachi.

Ulsahar - ''You have an interesting smell, strangers. You do not come from this galaxy, do you?'' Hachi - ''I really dunno where I came from. Though I haven't been given the chance of a shower since yesterday so yeah, kinda funny smell.'' Corteus - Not really no. Venoriel - My home is Lanai'remar, known also as Andromeda. Sollow - These mortals are from the Andromeda Galaxy, you are correct...you Ransio have a very strong sense of small... Ulsahar - ''A Ransio's nose is a thousand times more powerful than his eyes. We can tell strangers from kilometers away...Andromeda? I think i've heard that name in some fairytales.'' Tyraz - ''Lord Councillor and Emperor of the Brood of War, Tyraz Breek. I am a Highlord of Andromeda.'' Corteus - ''It is a distant galaxy Commandant. One of wonders, I assure you.'' Voa'reak - yeh one of so many wondas DEY HAV GRATZKAOZ Sollow - Hah...you're all the same to me... Hachi - ''Hmph! Well all dead people look the same to me!''

Hachi sticked his tongue out to Sollow.

Ulsahar - ''I see. Welcome to Kajusa. I wish we could give you some hospitality but as you can see, the Grox sent their bootlicks on us and they have hit us hard.'' Voa'reak - oi tell yoo wat we batta da grox den maek yoo an offa? Tyraz - I would not have thought they had much of an effect on your people. Ulsahar - ''We Ransio only use violence as a last resort. But the Conqrix threaten the lives of innocents for no reason but the sake of killing.'' Venoriel - ''I am versed on Grox tactics. They cannot surprise me.'' Sollow - No...the Grox are up to something... Corteus - Your people are capable warriors, I am sure you will do well. Ulsahar - You see that?

Ulsahar pointed at a portion of the sky where green fog was been emmited. Everyone looked over there.

Ulsahr - ''An infestation pod was thrown there and the Conqrix are being cloned in thousands. We cannot attack the pod and defend the capital at the same time, and the Conqrix managed to cut your communication with our other colonies.'' Corteus - Do not worry commandant, Wrath legion was designed for operations like this. Venoriel - Did you ever think of destroying it from the orbit? Ulsahar - That would cause major damage to the capital.

A Ransio scout approached the group.

Scout - Silver Lance, another wave of Conqrix is approaching. Ulsahar - ''Hmm. Strangers, are you ready for cmbat?'' Corteus - *switches to plasma guns* Do you have to ask? Voa'reak - ''LORON AR BORN REDY. LITERALLY'' Tyraz - As are Zazane! Hachi - ''Err, how bout a snack first? Chocolate? Fries?'' Voa'reak - as much as i want bof we cant man Venoriel - Well, I would like a block of Are'nasse.

From the pod's direction, Conqrix troops started to arrive. Some of them had noticeable mutations, most likely of Alvino origin.

Voa'reak - ok guys evryon get redy- wher da fuk is sollow

They looked around, and Sollow had gone. Corteus raised his arms.

Corteus - No time! Arkarixus - ''Who cares? No one likes his presence anyway.'' Voa'reak - troo

The Conqrix fired at the group and clashed with the Ransio. The Ransio compensated their lack of ranged weapons by having powerful shields. Corteus paced towarsd the Conqrix and aimed his guns at them. He fired canisters of volatile plasma at them with the triple-barrels of his guns turning like a gatling gun as they fired. As the Conqrix fell, a emerged from the shadows and tackled Corteus into the group.

Corteus' hands reformed and blades extended from his arms. He struggled to keep the Marinox off him and attempted to stab it in the chest. Meanwhile, Hachi threw balls of Dream Energy at the Dronox forces, who suffered more damage than from other attacks. The Marinox evaded Corteus' attacks with unnatural agility, its slim body being very hard to hit. Corteus grunted in frustration.

Corteus - Stay still! Ulsahar - Let me aid you, stranger!

Ulsahar ran to Corteus' direction and smacked the Marinox away from him.

Ulsahar - I hate these snake-like things so much! Voa'reak - trus

Corteus stood up and ran towards the Marinox. With a burst of power from his legs he flipped forward to send a downward kick to the Marinox in the head. The Marinox screeched and died.

Ulsahar - ''Hmm! Good one.'' Corteus - He deserved it.

The small Mite Conqrix started to swarm across the streets and self-destructed, killing several Ransio in the process. Meanwhile, a Dronox Commander was seen approaching the battlefield.

Venoriel - ''I'd say burn these things. Alive.''

Some Dronox soldiers fired at Venoriel's direction. Venoriel ordered her soldiers to start incinerating the Conqrix hordes and protect her from the shots. Corteus switched to plasma guns and fired to create a path through towards the commander while Talon Ground Legions dealth with others The Commander had green and yellow patterns in his armor, which looked different from a regular Dronox Commander's. He had Ottzelloan origin. Meanwhile, Venoriel used her mind to throw the Dronox away from her with a gesture.

Ulsahar - Impressive.

Corteus grunted and aimed his gun to fire a headshot towards the Dronox commander. However, the Commander noticed Corteus and created a shield around him, while aiming his own gun. Pacing up, Corteus switched to his blades and charged towarsd the commander.

Venoriel - ''I know what do these Grox do. Trust me, outside the commanders they are all predictable.'' Commander - Succumb and ascend.

The Commander fired at Corteus. He could barely dodge the shots.

Corteus - Veroniel, this IS a commander.

As Corteus approached he leaped at the commander with a fierce roar. The Commander used his own blade to shield himself and pushed Corteus back.

Venoriel - Do we have any equipment to glitch their systems? Ulsahar - We had, but they have run out of uses. Corteus - As a matter of fact I do.

Corteus grabbed an arm and a probe forced it's way into the COmmander to uplaod a virus. The Commander was hit and stumbled back. He started to glitch and jitter around. Corteus panted.

Venoriel - ''Splendid. Grox might be strong, but they are just soulless robots.'' Corteus - Yeah...

The Commander still tried to fight and slashed Corteus with his blade. Corteus was hesitant for a moment and in that split second he was cut in the stomach, barely managing to parry. The Commander finally glitched completely and fell down, lifeless. Corteus panted and looked at the body, it was as though he saw something unsettling.

Vekaron - Are you okay, Corteus? Corteus - ''Yeah... I'm fine.''

Ulsahar let out a roar as he multilated the last Dronox.

Xerkea - We pushed them back! Venoriel - Didn't even need to call Quinniath to do all the dirty job. Ulsahar - ''It's not yet over. We now have a chance to push back and destroy the infestation pod!'' Corteus - No problems there.

Voa'reak, who had been flying around, swooped down to say something. Venoriel sighed.

Voa'reak - ''i saw a trail of blood not far frum heer. i fink dats wher sollow went'' Corteus - Any idea where the little freak is going? Voa'reak - i dunno tbh Venoriel - Ploiarch Quinniath, come down.

Quinniath swiftly materialized.

Quinniath - What should I blow up, exactly? Ulsahar - Did the blood trail lead to the green fog? Voa'reak - well yeh dats wher it stops Corteus - ''Overconfident bastard. He probably thought he could do it himself.'' Ulsahar - Then he must be there alread.y. Let's move!

Corteus looked about the landscape towards the infestation pod. The electronics in his eyes probiding a clearer view than most. As the group moved on, they found the infestation pod being guarded by Scavenger Conqrix robots.

Venoriel - Quinniath! Quinn - As you command, ma'am!

Voa'reak charged forward and began to beat them up. Quinniath activated his electrolaser cannons and starated shooting the drones The robots fought back launching blasts of energy and rockets. Corteus fired volleys of plasma at the drones while small laser emitters on his shoulders picked off approaching rockets, and Voa'reak lobbed grenades at the robots. The robots started to explode, making way to the pod. Quinniath dodged the rockets, but was also visibly hurt; in fact, he was drenched in blood. Seeing this, Ulsahar jumped in front of Quinniath to shield him. Corteus pulled out a nanospray tube from his belt and tossed it to Quinniath

Ulsahar - We Ransio protect our allies and friends with our lives. Quinniath - ''I don't need it... I can still fight...'' Corteus - I advise you keep it close. Quinniath - Okay.

One of the Scavenger launched a rocket at Corteus' direction. Quinniath continued attacking, this time getting closer to the robots, and Corteus fired his lasers and the rocket managed to explode and damage his shoulder. The Scavenger was damaged and exploded. The path was clear to the pod.

Voa'reak - ''hmm. da trail of blood stopped'' Ulsahar - Now, destroy it!

At that moment, they saw severed limbs on the ground reassemble themselves. They reassembled as Sollow.

Sollow - Aww...I was doing brillianlty... Corteus - Learned your lesson now? Sollow - ''That I don't need your help and shouldn't listen to your orders? Yes.'' Ulsahar - ''Less talk! Destroy the pod before the next wave is cloned!''

Sollow tossed a grenade up in the air, caught it, then threw it straight inside the pod. The grenade exploded, dealing some damage.

Tyraz - ''Hmph. Arrogant little shit.'' Corteus - We found you in pieces yo ungrateful little newt. Sollow - Point being?...did you not also find me rassembling myself...? Ulsahar - We'll need more than that.

Voa'reak flew around, and dropped a small amtimatter bomb in the pod. Pods deployed from Corteus' arms and flew inside the pod to explode. The pod exploded violently, sending the entire group flying backwards.

Corteus - The fact you were in pieces in the first place proves you can be defeated. Sollow - No...that was not defeat...that's happened to me many times before... Corteus - *grunts and stands up* And what if the pieces were isolated? Venoriel - In my opinion, we should just let him die. Sollow - ...good question... Arkarixus - That's everyone's opinion. Sollow - Me...die?...I've already died... Ulsahar - ''This thing smells like a robot. A machine.'' Corteus - If only we could permenantly remove its vocoder.

Sollow then rushed over to Venoriel and grabbed her. He pointed to the front of his skull, where he showed a dent they hadn't seen before.

Sollow - ''Do you see this hole? Do you see it? That was where I died. Do not bring that up again.''

Sollow shook Venoriel and threw her to the floor.

Sollow - And I am very grateful for it killing me... Venoriel - ''Yes, we all know that. Feeling proud of being a walking corpse? Besides, you look ugly.'' Sollow - I am, thank you...much more fulfilling...and entertaining... Arkarixus - ''Settle down, animal. We care not for how you died. Now, we should return to the capital to talk about our partnership with the Ransio.'' Corteus - ''Hm, abomination. At least your death was merciful.... you have no idea what I was like on the brink of death.''

Venoriel repeated Sollow's gesture by throwing him off balance with telekinesis and he snarled at them all.

Sollow - I do not like any of you. Corteus - The feeling is mutual. Sollow - And to think I'm meant to be your ally...to think Zaarkhun wants me to be harmonious...

They all went back to the capital.

Ulsahar - ''So let's see if I got it right. You want us to help you against the Grox?'' ??? - That correct, yes. Corteus - Hm?

Ulsahar sniffed the air.

Ulsahar - ''I smell another outsider. But...he smells good.''

A figure on a walking staff moved forward. It was Tuolog. The group was all delighted to see him, with the exception of Sollow.

Tuolog - Kept you waiting, hm? Xerkea - Tuolog Corteus - I head you died. Venoriel - ''Ah. Greetings, sir.'' Tuolog - ''Yes, I apologise that UNO lie to you all. The message we sent out for if we'd died was fake. We just want to fool our enemies into thinking we not come back.'' Corteus - An interesting, if familiar ruse. Venoriel - I predicted that. Ulsahar - Who are you, little one?

Tuolog walked to Ulsahar and greeted him.

Tuolog - ''I am Great Chief Tuolog of the Unified Nation of Ottzello Leaders. I am temporarily responsible for diplomacy - until the new leader is initiated - and responsible for all things in supernatural and psychological departments. On behalf of UNO, you a great ally.'' Ulsahar - ''I see. You have an almost completely natural scent. A rarity we only had found on the Adrahira.'' Tuolog - Well, us Ioketa are fond of nature. Venoriel - ''We Radeons prefer technology over nature. What around us must be under our perfect control.''

A sense of uncertianty washed over Corteus.

Vekaron - Corteus? Corteus - ''Commandant I... may have lied earlier, about being fine.'' Vekaron - ''I had my suspicious. You've been acting weird since you fought that Dronox Commander.'' Corteus - Something's been on my mind. Vekaron - And what's that? Corteus - ''That moment when I uploaded the virus. I must have been sloppy but... I *inhales* I saw him.'' Arkarixus - Him...?''

Tuolog looked into Corteus' mind.

Tuolog - He see Regnatus. Venoriel - ''Perhaps the Grox have some influence spreading with them? I encountered the Grox virii before.'' Corteus - ''Red eyes and everything. It was like staring a demon in the face.'' Arkarixus - Did you see anything else? Tuolog - ''I been there. I know that feeling.'' Corteus - ''I saw only a glympse... two seconds perhaps. But that was enough time to realise his intellect was MASSIVE.'' Sollow - Hahaha...mortal fear...this is humorous...I'm off for a snack; Ransio, do you have any corpses, innocent babies or disabled people that I can eat...?...or are there just any people who you don't need...? Ulsahar - ''Insolent! Do not dare defy the body of the deceased!'' Sollow - I am deceasd...you seem perfectly fine defiling my body...

Arkarixus forced Sollow against the ground with psychic energy. Sollow put up his middle finger to them.

Venoriel - ''I've been in HELL, zombie freak. Don't act like you are a special snowflake.'' Corteus - I may not know Kormvacar brains but Regnatus...

Feeling overwhelmed he stoppped mid-sentence. Tuolog went to comfort Coretus.

Tuolog - ''I know how it feel. Regnatus hvae very strong mind, yes. It perhaps too much for ordinary individuals to bear.''

Tuolog got out his pipe, and played a melody. With essence infused, Corteus was becoming calmer.

Corteus - I think he's become some kind of hypercomuter, it's the only explaination I can give. Ulsahar - Well, all I can say is that the Ransio will be happy to assist you. Venoriel - ''But after the War of Ages, I simply... don't care about it. It's strange.'' Corteus - ''Yeah... wer're gonna need it.'' Tuolog - ''UNO seen what Ransio capable of. We admire your people and your warriors will help us a lot.'' Arkarixus - ''Regnatus' mind power flows through the entire galaxy. I can feel it every day...Actually...I always feel two sources of power battling every day. I know one of the power sources is Regnatus but the other...I have no idea.'' Venoriel - Vyro'Ralza, perhaps?

Tuolog shook his head.

Arkarixus - ''I don't think so. The source originates from this galaxy.'' Tuolog - He talking about the Junction Mind. Corteus - Makes sense. Vekaron - ''Well, our work here is done. Take care, Ulsahar.'' Ulsahar - ''Take care, all of you. We'll be meeting again in the future.''

The group left to let the Ransio rebuild the damage. They had joined the Polar Crystal Alliance.

The Old Order
A few days later, the Alliance and its allies met in a conference again to discuss their next move. This time, Xerkea was missing.

Vekaron - ''The Ransio appear to be ready for combat. Now we need to search for more allies and...why is Xerkea taking so long?'' Ma'fest - Where is that insectoid? Tuolog - ...Where is she? Tul - No idea. Hachi - ''Huh? Where's Xerkea-sama?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''If you want, I can get one of my assassins to search for her. They are trained at finding people.'' Corteus - This must be bad.

Vekaron sent another message to Xerkea, with no reply. However, after some seconds, Xerkea's screen turned on...but instead of her, a Niaka with a strange horned helmet was visible.

Corteus - That can't be good. ??? - ''Hey! What are you doing! Turn that off!'' Tyraz - Who is that?

The screen turned static.

Tul - I didn't like that. Ma'fest - ''These insects are hard to distinguish, but this one was different. Falrik Zaarkhun - Hmm... Vekaron - A horned helmet...that was a Niaka pirate! Corteus - Doesn't Xerkea normally wear a helmet? Hachi - Not one like that. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''A pirate? Oh please. What have they done without telling me now?'' Corteus - Wait, what? Tul - ''Niaka pirate? Isn't that...odd.'' Ma'fest - ''Pirates? Disgusting.'' Vekaron - This transmission was to Ikkiz...Oh no. Tyraz - ''Pirates? Falrik, what was this about them you said a few times before?''

Everyone looked at Falrik Zaarkhun.

Corteus - ''I think I am missing some information here. Niaka are upholders of law.. mostly.... right?'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh, didn't you know about the Niaka Order? Corteus - I'm somewhat new to this galaxy. Ma'fest - ''Perhaps you would realise that you are but a mere criminal, Zaarkhun. You do not control everything.'' Vekaron - Actually, Xerkea's Niaka are a revolutionary movement coming from a large pirate empire. Hachi - Chicken shit! Ma'fest - ''Pirate insects? Even more disgusting than pirates.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yes, the Old Niaka Order does still exist. They are the BCN's allies. I employ quite a few of them.'' Tul - Well this is news to me. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hah. Ma'fest, you arrogant, narrow minded little shit.'' Ma'fest - Are we talking about me or you, mister "Freedom"? Tyraz - And you never thought to have told us?

Vekaron scratched his head.

Vekaron - ''I never really had the need. The Old Niaka Order is rarely seen in the Arm of Knowledge.''

A red-scaled Draconis entered the comms. The group recognised him as Soredus.

Soredus - Pirate bugs you say? Vekaron - ''Greetings. Yes, we have a problem with Xerkea's angrier cousins.'' Soredus - I don't mind stepping on a few if they are that much of a threat.

Falrik Zaarkhun growled at Ma'fest.

Vekaron - ''If the Old Niaka Order is in Ikkiz then they must be trying to kill Xerkea and the Special Forces. We need to go there immediately.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I could get in contact with them, I suppose. But I suggest we go there and figure out what happened.'' Tyraz - You must forgive him Falrik, Ma'fest has a history of being arrogant, ignorant and stubborn. Falrik Zaarkhun - I see. Ma'fest - ''You'd better not incur my wrath. We endured Xhodocto, Zaarkhun, what chance do your pirates have?'' Arkarixus - ''Silence you two, have you not heard the Zoles? We must depart.'' Yogtam - Setting a course for the Niaka homeworld. Soredus - Less talk more bugsquashing.

As the fleets arrived at Ikkiz, they were met with two large Niaka fleets battling each other.

Hachi - So, which one are we supposed to fight? Fre'kloar - WHICH DO I BATTA MAN Vekaron - ''The darker ships belong to the Order. Destroy them.'' Arkarixus - Wait...

Arkarixus turned to Vekaron.

Arkarixus - These pirates...they are high in number, right? Vekaron - ''Yes. About 4 times more population than the Special Forces.'' Arkarixus - If that's so then they could do good allies against the Grox... Falrik Zaarkhun - I see what you're thinking... Tul - ''What? I don't like this idea!'' Soredus - And how do we go abotu doing that exactly? Falrik Zaarkhun - Watch and learn.

Falrik Zaarkhun got into communications with the Niaka Order.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Woah there, what's going on?

A screen appeared showing a scarred Niaka with mechanical implants.

??? - ''Huh? You? What do you want? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''You seem to have got into a bit of a problem here. And it looks to me like this is a losing battle. If you stand down and retreat, then engage in some negotiations, I could reward you handsomely. It will be worth it.'' Ma'fest - ''Surrender. Now.'' ??? - ''Who are you to think you can tell old Captain Xoraika to surrender, you mammal scum? And you, Zaarkhun...I have no interest in your bribing! Ikkiz belongs to the Order and we are taking it back from that bitch Xerkea!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, I know, it does. But this is a losing battle, my friend. My reward could help you to come back stronger and more prepared and take it later...'' Tul - Shut up and and listen to our offer or I'll have my forces bombard you to the next galaxy. Ma'fest - Or better, we'll brainwash you to obedience. Xoraika - ''Screw you, you giant cockroach! You can't tell me what to do!''

At this moment, Xerkea appeared in the transmission.

Xerkea - Guys what the...Why are you talking to HIM?! Tyraz - What is the meaning of this, Xerkea? Falrik Zaarkhun - We're undergoing negotiations, Xerkea. Soredus - I've dealth with pirates before. Xerkea - ''This scumbag is trying to take Ikkiz from the Special Forces. "Again".'' Xoraika - I'll take this planet from your cold dead hands, you bitch! Soredus - Perhaps a few well-aimed broadsides from the Imperium's warships will change your mind. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Now slow down with the name calling, here. Why don't we quit this petty squabbling and go against a foe who actually matters? This foe I'm referring to is the Borealis Grox Empire.'' Ma'fest - If you did not notice, you have an empire of omnicidal cybernetic slaughterers right next to you, wanting to tear you both apart. Xerkea - ''Wait...are you suggesting I work with this "thing"? Hell no!'' Xoraika - Not in a million years, pal!

Xerkea and Xoraika looked at each other with visible anger. By their looks, they had history already.

Falrik Zaarkhun - Would you rather your race lived on for a million years or didn't? Xoraika - ''You and Volim must have gotten weak as time passed! I am NOT working with the one who stole my homeworld from me!'' Xerkea - ''Huh! I would rather die!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''This is nothing to do with being weak. This is to do with common sense.'' Ma'fest - ''Well... that's a viable option.'' Tuolog - ''He right. You either work together or both you and your whole species die.'' Xoraika - This planet is mine! Xerkea - The homeworld deserves better than your scum! Tul - We have bigger issues than some petty civil war. Ma'fest - ''We have psychic technologies, Vekaron. Can't we just mind control these insects to obedience?'' Soredus - Permission to baord that bug's ship and tear his head off? Vekaron - Guys I think we have company!

A Grox armada led by an Ascended-Class emerged from hyperspace next to Ikkiz.

Xerkea - Aw hell. Xoraika - Holy crap, what is that! Falrik Zaarkhun - That, my friend, is the Borealis Grox Empire... Soredus - That's new! Arkarixus - ''That living ship again...Prepare yourselves! We cannot let them win again!'' Ma'fest - Still want your homeworld back, don't you? Admiral - All Talon ships, focus fire on any structural weak-points. Fre'kloar - yo blud i fink we shud leg it man GTG PIZZA Tul - All ULE ships prepare for battle!

Fre'kloar slammed several buttons on the Rogue Krooza and it retreated.

Arkarixus - ''Ugh. Coward.''

The UNO Omega Commander fired a spacetime weapon, but the Ascended-Class used its Gyronic shielding to deflect the attack back at the Omega Commander, and landed on the planet as the Grox fleet destroyed the Niaka ships in its way, and attacked the Alliance.

Ma'fest - Navarch Venoriel, let these Grox embrace the eternity. Venoriel - Laguna Maneuver, engaging! Xoraika - These things look like they came from a nightmare...Destroy them! Xerkea - I'll destroy them, and YOU too. Tuolog - No time to squabble now!

The ULE ships shoot the Grox ships in their way, giving room to the rest of the Alliance. Venoriel commanded her fleet to use all their electrolasers at once, in a massive beam of lightning, and the UNO fleet fired several volleys of missiles. The BCN fired many weapons, of which only 25% were powerful enough to cause significant damaage and 5% caused massive damage.

The ITN warships fired a powerful volley towards the ship. Dragonfire-class capital ships fired warheads designed to break the crusts of planets at the Grox ship's hull.

Venoriel - ''Laguna B- wait, did it... survive?''

The Grox ships suffered damage but attacked back with turbolasers and missiles. Meanwhile, the Ascended-Class caused heavy destruction to the planet's landscape,

Kralgon Emperor - We'll need to send the fleets to attack the Grox Ships while the larger ships deal with the Ascended-Class. Venoriel - Quinniath, open the portal!

The Old Niaka Order and the Special Forces both attacked the Grox, while still attacking each other. They were really determinated in destroying each other.

Tul - If the Niaka would atleast get along for this fight it would be helpful. Admiral - ''Insectoid bastards are still attacking each other. Is there nothing we can do to stop them fighting?'' Vekaron - Doesn't seem like it...

The Zoles fleet concentrated fire and managed to take down a Grox ship.

Tul - ''Please stop fighting until we finish off the Grox. I asked nicely so please do that.'' Xoraika - ''Piss off! They must all die!'' Xerkea - You deserve no better! Tul - I tried. Tuolog - ''Look around you, Niaka. You not see that you sufferring heavily?'' Venoriel - ''...doesn't matter. All soldiers, Impetus maneuver initiating!''

The Ascended-Class let out a loud roar as it destroyed an entire city in a blast.

Xerkea - We can deal with this...by ourselves! Tyraz - ''Shyrak! Put aside your petty differences, you fool!'' Tuolog - ''The only way your people survive is if you fight together now. What you rather happen; both of you die, or you survive to fight each other another day?''

Xerkea and Xoraika looked at each other on their screens. The Dei'Ar soldiers started firing at the Ascended-class with increased strength.

Xoraika - To fight again later...I could accept that... Xerkea - But only this time.

The Ascended-Class dodged the attacks and Grox spaceships attacked the Divinarium's ships.

Tuolog - ''That all that need to happen. Nothing more, nothing less. Right now you need sort priorities.'' Xoraika - Well...I want my homeworld back...but I don't want it full of craters... Xerkea - ''...Fine, Tuolog. You have a point.'' Tuolog - ''That good. Now show them that the Niaka homeworld too strong to be defeated by oversized robot!'' Xerkea - Yeah Xoraika - I'll take that thing's scraps as a trophy!

The Niaka finally stopped fighting each other and all descended into the planet to attack the Ascended-Class. Their attacks were enough to distract it but were hardly effective against the monster's shielding.

Venoriel - ''It is tougher than I believed. We need to adjust tactics...''

Another ITN volley was fired. Drone bombers flew in to deploy missiles at gaps in the hull. The Ascended-Class' shields absorbed the attacks. The hulking ship took flight once again and went back to space, where it fired a turblaser which destroyed several Zoles and UNO ships in one hit.

Kralgon Emperor - Damnit! Corteus - I am 91% sure that this ship has shields too strong for conventional strategies... Quinniath - What if we will blow it all at once?

The UNO ships began firing several nanoweapons and spacetime wepaons at the machine to try and get past its shields. But none of the attacks had much effect.

Arkarixus - ''Ottzelloans, do you have any way of draining the essence off that spaceship? That might glitch its systems.'' Kralgon Emperor - Hmm...you know, that's not a bad idea. Venoriel - ''Yes... a unified attack will glitch the ships. I am not sure, still...''

The Ascended-Class fired precise laser shots which destroyed the attacks coming for it. In UNO's ship, the Katel got together and infuesd with a wepaon, this weapon fired a beam draining Essence off the ship.

Falrik Zaarkhun - When its shields are down, I have a plan...

As it hit, the Ascended-Class slowed down. A booming voice was heard through everyone's commications. Corteus was the most affected.

Ascended-Class - DOING...WHAT ARE YOU DOING... Corteus - Shit... Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh, shut your whiny trap, you stupid machine.

Falrik Zaarkhun fired a huge cannon from his ship. The ship fired its lasers again at UNO, the ITN and the BCN. Some BCN used spacetime tech to teleport away a short distance, although most couldn't.

Ascended-Class - ASCEND...SUCCUMB, AND ASCEND...SUCCUMB, AND ASCEND... Tul - No. Venoriel - ''Enigma maneuver, Aura maneuver, Laguna maneuver... STRIKE!'' Arkarixus - ''The monster's shields are starting to fade away. Attack now!''

Corteus appeared frozen on deck as the machine spoke. Soredus looked ot him with concern. The entire Dei'ar fleet attacked simultaneously, the sheer energy of the strike blinding. The Ascended-Class roared as if it was feeling pain.

Soredus - Corteus, what is up with you? Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim, you remember that weapon I told you about? Volim - Yeah. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I've got a feeling that, if we don't use it now, we might just lose this battle. Shall we get Sollow to activate it?'' Volim - ''Go ahead. Blow that thing to oblivion.''

Zaarkhun chuckled evilly, and called Sollow.

Yogtam - Huh? Soredus - What exactly are you getting that little creep to do? Xerkea - Hopefully to something that gets it killed forever. Tul - I don't trust you. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Sollow, activate the hyperspace star. Only make it a few centimeters in length, though; that'll be enough to destroy their entire fleet.'' Sollow - Hahahaha...as you wish... Arkarixus - ''Hyperspace star? You have got to be kidding.''

Sollow ran off, and was pulling some levers.

Vekaron - ''Hyperspace star? What is that?'' Arkarixus - A godweapon. Vekaron - Eh? Admiral - ''The Imperium is opposed to using such a weapon! If this fails the entire system will become plasma! drakon's sake... even if it works that might still eb the case.'' Kralgon Emperor - That thing, Zoles and Niaka, is not even legal in this galaxy... Tul - I don't know what to make of this. Venoriel - Why not? Arkarixus - ''Not just the system. An entire part of the galactic arm.'' Soredus - And you people are allowed to play with it!?

The Iron Fist was chaging up something. All small ships near the Iron Fist's cannon charging it were burnt to a crisp.

Kralgon Emperor - They aren't. It's illegal. Soredus - Sorry, wrong turn of phrase. Yogtam - Where the fuck did you even get it?! Hachi - Pretty lights... Venoriel - Looks magnificent. Falrik Zaarkhun - I might just have robbed it. Tul - ''Not even the ULE would use such weapons during the most extream of wars. Admiral - Robbed a superweapon of that magnitude? Volim - ''Hey, chill out, okay? This is not the same as ones they're doing all the racket in the Milky Way. The one we got is like, a million times smaller.''

The cannon was becoming instable. It was looking more like whatever it was charging would burn the cannon and get too big before it was fired.

Admiral - Falrik, if you survive I will swear to bring you before an imperial tribunal for this! Volim - ''Besides we're running out of options. The shields of the monster are coming back online.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Oh, come on. Sollow you idiot, you didn't turn on the cooling too low again, did you?'' Sollow - No...that is as far as it will go...

The cannon launched, and what was launched was not even visible.

Tul - ''You better not get us killed! I'll be very upset if you do!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''See? It's not even close to the magnitude of those in the Milky Way, as Volim said.'' Volim - ''Yeah I would never use something like that. I like my galaxy existing.''

The miniscule hyperspace star,. due to its small size, moved quickly. They were worried it would hit a small starship before it hit the Ascended Class, but anything in front of it burned up. Eventually, it hit the Ancended Class, nd blew a hole in it so large that it destroyed the ship. The Ascended-Class exploded violently in a mix of metal, organic matter and Gyronic.

Volim - When you get to Hell, tell Volim sent ya! Venoriel - ...can we get one of these cannons too? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Just look at that. I love it when I'm right.'' Soredus - Drakon's almighty arse what kind of firepower are you people throwing around! Arkarixus - ''Hmpf. This was not a real hyperspace star. But at least the Ascended-Class lays defeated.'' Tuolog - ''I want know where the fuck you get this weapon from. There no possible wa you could get something like this in Borealis. And how I know you not able to make it big enough to be actual star?''

Falrik chuckled, and blew a smoke.

Venoriel - Must contact the Clericarch; we need these weapons. Xerkea - The homeworld is safe... Xoraika - Safe as it should be... Soredus - ''Honestly. In my day we did not need such weapons to finish the job!'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, you see, I robbed it. In the time when the Seagon were still bad, they were testing many sorts of power sources and weapons for the Project Armageddon. One of which was hypermatter; the Kormacvar technology they played with allowed them to have some understanding of this. They planned to repurpose the designs for a hyperspace star later when Armageddon was completed. Arkarixus - So you stole Seagon designs.''

Zaarkhun nodded.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''By that point, however, the Seagon had been defeated, and changed plans. They no longer wished to create an illegal weapon. I took the liberty of stealing the plans for it. But Ihaven't figured out how to make it large enough to be a star, nor does Volim have the intention of allowing me to continue research on that.'' Soredus - Well fucking good! Kralgon Empreor - ''Deinstall that cannon. Immediately.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hah. Make me.'' Soredus - Want to say that to my face, or maybe we get Sarec. Vekaron - ''We'll deal with you later. Now...Niaka Order, you have seen how vulnerable we all are when not joining forces. Have your people aid us in destroying the Grox threat.''

Xoraika and Xerkea looked at each other again.

Xoraika - Hell, I want you dead but I don't want that for our whole race. Xerkea - The feeling is mutual Xoraika - ''...Fine. I'll help you.''

Tuolog smiled.

Tuolog - I like it when we be peaceful. Xoraika - But after this is over, I'm coming back for you, Chief Major! Xerkea - I'll be waiting...uncle...

The Old Order fleet left Ikkiz.

Tuolog - Uncle?! Corteus - ''Uncle? Nevermind...'' Venoriel - Hmph. Xerkea - Just...don't mention it. Soredus - Hey Corteus, remind me to buy a party-sized bottle of sunset wine when we get the chance. Tuolog - ''If you sure. But I like to know what happened between you.'' Arkarixus - ''We managed to murder one of Regnatus' twisted offspring. I wonder how he's feeling now...'' Corteus - My money is on "mad as hell".

True to his words, the death of the Ascended-Class was seen in real time by Regnatus...yet he was calm...everything was still going as he had planned.

A New Artifact
The forces of Order united once more a few days after the Ikkiz incident.

Vekaron - ''Greetings, everyone. I called you all here to share some news with you.'' Yogtam - What's that?

Seargent Trastis of the Seagon appeared in the conference.

Trastius - Let me tell them, Vekaron. Ma'fest - Seagon... Trastius - ''Yes. Seagon.'' Soredus - Hey Corteus, didn't you say those fishmen were on our side? Corteus - Not best to call them that. Kralgon Emperor - Well, I'd like to hear what you have to say. Trastius - ''A group of our researches has found a very powerful Kormacvar artifact in one of our outer colonies. It appears to be some sort of "portable" Cold Relay.'' Ma'fest - Looks powerful. Arkarixus - ''Portable Relay? I remember that experiment. It allows FTL travel without the need of the static Relays.'' Corteus - ''It would certainly have strategic value in this galaxy. What kind of defences do you have for it?'' Kralgon Emperor - That's actually possible? Trastius - ''Of course. And we have made an extensive defensive perimeter across the subsector where the artifact has been found. I would like you all to come and help us recover it, and perhaps talk about the Seagon joining your Alliance...'' Corteus - ''The Imperium has been experimenting for years to create a wormhole drive. for its starships. I imagine the Cold Relays work on a close principle to our Senvinus Reactors.'' Ma'fest - ''We mastered such technologies millennia before. Hmph.'' Arkarixus - Your technologies are certainly more energy-costy than ours. Corteus - Ark, if only you could see the Imperium's gateway network.

At that moment, Zaarkhun appeared on screen. Hachi also appeared, yawning.

Arkarixus - You are late. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I can have a few BCN ships obtain the device and smuggle it away before it attracts too much attention, if you wish. And I apologise for the lateness, I was just checking something. I've noticed some Grox activity...'' Hachi - ''Huh...? Awww, you mean there was no blowjo-- Oh, err, hi everybody!''

Trastius pointed at Zaarkhun with his eyes narrowed.

Trastius - ''I don't want you near the artifact. Any of your ships entering the perimeter will be destroyed.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, how pleasant of you. I was figuring that wouldn't be the response, so instead I'll send a few fleets to perhaps bolster your defence force. They will not approach the artifact, but they will approach anyone who does.'' Trastius - ''You wish of me to be pleasant after your theft of our technology? Unless you want the Wranploer homeworld glassed, shut your trap. Volim knows I'm perfectly capable of such.'' Volim - I do, unfortunately...

Soredus smirked and folded his arms.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Hmph. It was a simple act of war. You betray us, we betray you. Take it with a pinch of salt, my friend. Your actions are not without consequences.'' Volim - ''Zaarkhun, shut up. Last thing I want is Kormacvar lasers in my homeworld.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim, you're not telling me you feel intimidated by them, are you? Volim - I said shut up. Vekaron - We'll be setting course to your planet then. Corteus - Commandant, the ITN will dispatch an escort to assist.

Zaarkhun sighed, and gave up. He turned to them, having something important to say.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''There is, however, something we should all be intimidated by. I've been noticing some weird, unpredicted Grox activity.'' Trastius - This has been detected and is exactly the reason why the perimeter was created. Kralgon Emperor - Yes, I do believe the Grox are starting to notice something.

The Rogue Boyz appeared on screen.

Fre'kloar - ''aw com on nao man. yoo guyz ar leevin us out on purpose or wat'' Arkarixus - If you're gonna run away like little children like last time, don't bother showing your faces. Fre'kloar - nah man i swer down i wont Soredus - Cort, you said the Imperium is working on a gun to punch through those Ascendeds didn't you?

Corteus hold up his hand to Soredus, indicating him to stop talking.

Jol'kiar - ''yeh. i gav him a propa long lectur about dat.'' Xerkea - Loron can do lectures now? Jol'kiar - WELL DUH ITS NOT HARD YEH YOO JUS MAKE A POWERPOINT ON A COMPUTA PUT IT ON A SCREEN DEN TALK A BUNCHA CRAP FER LIEK 15 MINS AN PUNCH DA LISSENA IF DEY FALL ASLEEP Hachi - ''I learned that crap in school. I got myself a BTEC for it.'' Xerkea - I suppose that's far enough. Soredus - Reminds me of boot camp. Vekaron - So, shall we go now? Kralgon Emperor - Our fleets are ready on standby. Admiral - ITN 220th fleet on standby. Tyraz - Fleet of Ruin on standby. Trastius - ''Good. I'm waiting for your arrival.''

The group had arrived. The planet was mostly icy with several rocky mountains. A large Seagon base was visible with a nearby spaceport.

Soredus - ''More ice. Urgh.'' Arkarixus - ''Yes. This is all Armageddon's doing...'' Hachi - Well, now that's a real stiffy killer. Soredus - What is it with you people and ice? Arkarixus - My body is most confortable at a temperate of -60 ºC. Soredus - ''Alien biologies, huh. Me I prefer the warm dry air of an arid world.''

Leading the BCN was Genrai Nal. Drizz'pyrokirk had arrived to represent the Rogue Boyz. Genrai was forced to travel to the planet in a Rogue Boyz spaceship.

Drizz'pyrokirk - ''MAN DIS IS COLD. DATS SIK'' Venoriel - Frosty.

Everyone started to land. Trastius was waiting for them near a canyon, where a powerful beam emergeding from some rocks into the skies was visible. Soredus and corteus were wearing thermal generators on theri chests to keep warm.

Genrai Nal - ''Hmm. Seagon, are you sure that is a viable strategy? A beam such as this is easily detected.'' Trastius - That beam is the portable Relay. Genrai Nal - ''Ah. So it is not beaming the portable Relay up to space? I see.'' Trastius - ''Many of my scientists are already there. We have tested it with small objects and they were sent to space in FTL speed.'' Corteus - Did they survive the journey? Trastius - We did not send any living beings through the Relay, only AIs. Corteus - So you don't even know if this is safe for organics? Tuolog - I not see why it not be. Trastius - ''Not yet. This is why we are testing.'' Soredus - ''When in doubt, take a leap of faith. What's the worst that could happen?'' Hachi - Guys I think a finger fell off. Genrai Nal - If you wish, Seagon, I would be happy testing the device for you. Corteus - How about having your innards scattered across the sector at hyperlumina speeds?

Soredus rolled his eyes, getting the hint. Trastius then received a message in his portable hud.

Seagon soldier - ''Seargent! The perimeter has been breached! Grox ships are approaching the planet!'' Trastius - ''What?! We had enough men to stall a Grox invasion!'' Seagon soldier - Seargent...the living spaceship is with them... Soredus - ''Crap. Cort, any news on that gun?'' Corteus - They're still perfecting the fitting on Praetoria! Arkarixus - ''Another Ascended-Class? Already? Volzara's sake.'' Venoriel - By Spode... Soredus - ''Well... what's the likelihood of getting that gun fitted and here in less than an hour?'' Corteus - About as likely as getting a Tahar to realise that psychics exist. Genrai Nal - ''This move, I might add, is not surprising. This is why we suggested the device was smuggled, although you did not trust us. No matter. Point me towards the foe, and I will fight them.''

Ottzelloan King's Last Stand
The Seagon's ships in space were taken down as a fleet of Grox ships appeared. Leading them was not a regular Ascended-Class. It was 's spaceship.

Kralgon Emperor - ''Agh! Thylaxiz! When I get my hands on that bastard...'' Vekaron - ''Ancestors help us all...space fleet, this is Commandant Vekaron! Attack the Grox immediately!'' Xerkea - ''Space Forces, attack the Grox! We'll defend the base on land.'' Admiral - All guns are firing now, These shields are like solid rock. Genrai Nal - ''I have just notified the Consortium. Volim is leading a fleet to fight the Grox as we speak.'' Tralkik Commander - ''I have notified UNO. They are sending multiple starfleets.''

Drizz'pyrokirk shook his mobile phone violently.

Drizz'pyrokirk - HOW DA FUK DO YOO SEND A TEXT ON DIS FING

Drizz eventually sent it. However, the text, which was supposed to be a call for help saying "Bring pizza dese guys hav chips", when it was meant to say "Bring fleets dese guys hav grox".

Drizz'pyrokirk - FUKIN AUTOCORRECT MAN SOON AS I MAKE ONE LITTLE ERROR Soredus - Primitive. Drizz'pyrokirk - SAY DAT AGEN AN ILL TURN YOO INTO AN ICE CUBE DEN MELT YOO Soredus - Try it bugface I've fought bigger.

As the Grox fought the fleets in space, Thylaxiz's spaceship launched several pods into the surface. From these pods, Ottzelloan Conqrix and Ottzelloan Marinox emerged and made their way to the base.

Trastius - ''Prepare yourselves! They are coming!''

The Seagon fired as the Conqrix approched the base. All of them appeared with their eyes shining golden and with considerable Gyronic flowing through their bodies.

Tuolog - ''Oooh. Gyronic. This a job for me!''

Tuolog teleported many Katel in to drain the Conqrix' Gyronic, and other Ioketa to counter and block their Gyronic abilities. Tuolog did so himself. Arkarixus blasted several Dronox with his psychic power, while Vekaron cut through a Marinox and Xerkea stomped an Insectrox. However, the Conqrix kept coming. Quinniath tore down through smaller ones, and Drizz'pyrokirk fired his flamethrower. However, the flames simply melted some ice, which for the Conqrix who weren't hurt by the flames, was only a good thing.

Drizz'pyrokirk - propa dum

Loud, wing-beating sounds were heard. Alvino soldiers appeared from the pods as well, firing their particle beams at teh group, murdering several Seagon soldiers.

Trastius - Damnit, they have Alvino with them!

Soredus and Corteus deployed their weapons. Corteus fired volelys of plasma into the horde while Soredus launched himself int oa squad with his two power swords Genrai Nal cut several of the Alvino up. Zr'Ahgloth charged at them, while the Tralkik Commander engaged rapid fire weapons. Several Dronox died but many other fired at Soredus and Corteus. The Alvino fired their beams at the group as well, one barely missing Xerkea. Soredus impaled two Dronox in their eye sockets

Soredus - Just like the fight pits!

Thylaxiz's ship watched the battle until it fired a much larger pod than the others. This pod opened to reveal two Alvino Slave Tanks and a very large mechanical suit.

Soredus - Well that's....big. Venoriel - ...Grochius? Trastius - Concentrate on the bugs, they are approaching much faster!

Several Tralkik soldiers appeared and sniped the Slave Tanks, who resisted the attacks. The Slave Tanks fired at the group, destroying large chunks of the base. One of them charged ahead and headbutted Drizz'pyrokirk into the ground. Corteus unveiled two small rocket launchers on his back that fired pods packed with enough payload to obliterate a large tank. The pods exploded and destroyed one of the Slave Tanks. The other stomped on Drizz'pyrokirk's chest repeatedly.

Drizz'pyrokirk - OW MAN GET OFFA ME Corteus - ''OHH YEAH! I have no idea why Draconis are so sceptical of this stuff!'' Soredus - ''Cort, you just fired rocket pods from your back. That 'ain't natural.'' Corteus - Says the Draconis who died millennia ago. Soredus - Now who's in breachof policy?

Drizz'pyrokirk froze it and chucked it off. Genrai Nal sneaked around, and then cut a hole in the Slave Tank. Meanwhile, Quinniath threw his grenade at the Tank, sending it astray, then tearing its rock hard skin with his blade. The Slave Tank was freed from the ice by the grenades, shaked its head and roared. it attempted to crush Quinniath but failed several times. Meanwhile, the large mechanical suit approached the battlefield. Looking towards the suit, Corteus fired another salvo of rockets.

Hachi - Dunt worry guys, I'll handle this!

Drizz'pyrokirk froze the Tank further, and Hachi threw balls of Dream Energy at it. Being hit by the rockets and the ball, the Tank collapsed, dead. It was then that the mechanical suit finally arrived, looking down at the group. Thylaxiz was visible in the suit's chest, piloting it.

Thylaxiz - ''Hm. You.'' Zr'Ahgloth - ''THYLAXIZ!!!!!! GET HIM!!!!!!!!''

Zr'Ahgloth charged towards the mech suit, and Corteus fired a volley of plasma towards the suit's chest. Thylaxiz's suit grabbed Zr'Ahgloth with extreme speed, strangled him, and threw him about 50 meters away. Its Gyronic shielding protected it from the shots. Genrai Nal walked over to the mech.

Thylaxiz - This Relay belongs to Mirras III and I suggest you give me room. Genrai Nal - ''Ah, so you are in charge of this battle. I would like to see how well you fair in battle.''

Soredus leaped and flew around the suit several times in an attempt to land on top, but the suit noticed Soredus and smacked him into the ground. Soredus his the ground and groaned as he lay limp.

Soredus - Onron! Thylaxiz - ''How well I fair in battle? Irrelevant. Stand out or be terminated.'' Genrai Nal - ''Hmph. No honour at all. I will not enjoy this. How disappointing.''

The suit's hands changed into large energy miniguns which fired at the group's direction.

Drizz'pyrokirk - wher da fuk is rellarutina wen ya need hre Vekaron - ''Shit! Dodge!''

Corteus ducked from the shots as he ran to help Soredus up. All of UNOL dodged, and Tuolog made a shield. Genrai Nal dodged, teleported behind the thing and tried to stab it, but the Gyronic shielding blasted Genrai Nal way from the suit.

Corteus - ''TUOLOG! Is there any way past that shield?'' Tuolog - ''I believe so. Hmm...I call my friend here.''

The Skull - Dalverat and Thr'aloy - appeared.

Dalverat - ''Let me guess. You guys can't handle your own problems?'' Tuolog - ''Maybe we can. Maybe we can't. Either way, we like your help with that Gyronic shield.'' Thylaxiz - ''Dark Gyronic? Irrevelant. I have control over both kinds of Gyronic.''

Thylaxiz's shield turned darker as he fired blast of energy through the battlefield, causing massive damage.

Dalverat - But do you have control over THIS?!

Corteus reached Soredus' body and lowered himself to help the Draconis up. The Skull laughed, levitating high in the air, as the corpses from the battlefield arose from the ice and walked towards the mech. Thylaxiz remained indifferent. The corpses flinched and started obeying him instead.

Thylaxiz - ''Yes. I do.'' Dalverat - Agh... Xerkea - Hey, don't make more things for us to fight!

Corteus clung Soredus over his shoulder, with his other hand he fired shots at the corpses to destroy them as he moved Soredus clear. Xerkea, Vekaron and the Seagon fought the necromantic soldiers, while Dalverat summoned a horde of Katel. Many latched on like parasites to the machine, draining its shield. Thylaxiz's suir changed back to Gyronic as he released a blast which incinerated the Katel alive. [19:26]  Corteus clung Soredus over his shoulder, with his other hand he fired shots at the corpses to destroy them as he moved Soredus clear.

Thylaxiz - ''Shields 80%. Viable.'' Tuolog - ''Ouch...this problematic. Any ideas on what to do?'' Drizz'pyrokirk - ''yeh. RUN'' Arkarixus - ''His shields were dimished a little. We have to keep draining.''

Drizz'pyrokirk hid in the snow and froze himself, walling himself inside. Arkarixus facepalmed.

Corteus - ''Gyronic doesn't work, dark gyronic doesn't work, conventional weapons don't work. Where's a standard psychic when you need one?'' Arkarixus - ''The opposite essence should work. But he keeps adapting the shield. We need to slow him down.'' Dalverat - ''I can't keep sending my men to slaughter this way. How else should I drain from him? Should they do it at a distance?'' Corteus - Where's an inquisitor when you need one?

Thylaxiz aimed his minigun and directly at Arkarixus. Arkarixus suffered several shots until he was launched into the ground, uncounscious. Tuolog went over and healed Arkarixus and Corteus looked alarmed at it.

Corteus - Shit. Tuolog - You all right? Xerkea - ''Hey. Tyraz and Hachiman have their own energies, don't they?''

Soredus groaned as he was dragged away,

Corteus - Of course! Hachi - I got Dream Energy at my very hands! Tyraz - You think I can take him down? Tuolog - If you wish, I use other essence. Arkarixus - That...is a good idea...

Thylaxiz aimed his minigun at Tyraz and Hachi. Arkarixus coughed blood as he tried to get up. Meanwhile, Corteus settled Soredus somewhere safe.

Tuolog - ''...But I best not. I help Arkarixus.'' Thylaxiz - ''Zazane. Human. Irrelevant.'' Hachi - Bring it on, scrap ass!

Corteus - What do you think would happen if I could make it up to sabotage him? Venoriel - I can use my elemental knowledge too, I believe. Thylaxiz - ''Radeon. Also irrelevant.''

Tyraz leaped in front of Hachi and spread his wings after beginning to engage his Demon Form.

Demon Tyraz - Hit me with your best shot! Corteus - Tyraz I have a crazy idea of getting up there, but flying would be too slow.

A very large vibroblade emerged from one of the suit's arms. He engulfed the blade in essence and striked at Tyraz. Tyraz drew his blazing Firesword and struck against the vibroblade, cackling as he engaged in combat. Corteus rolled his shoulders.

Corteus - Someone toss me. Xerkea - Dangit, I hate not being able of helping. Arkarixus - Use your energies...quickly!

Hachi ran up Tyraz's back and threw a blast of Dream Energy at the suit. Tyraz moved the vibroblade away from him and then unleashed a dominating roar, sending black fire at the suit. Venoriel concentrated her inner energies in a flash of light. The suit was hit by the attacks and stumbled back, the shields slowly fading.

Thylaxiz - ''Shields 60%. Descension energy? Dream energy? Elemental energy? Cannot adapt!''

Dalverat sent several more Katel to drain its shields, but Thylaxiz's shields incinerated the Katel again, and the suit charged at Tyraz, stabbing its blade through his chest. Corteus raised his arms and switched his guns to ion cannon mode and fired at the shield. Tyraz smirked as the blade went through his chest, before raising his Firesword and slicing off one of the suit's arms.

Thylaxiz - ''Does not compute! Shields 30%!''

The suit stumbled back and fired its minigun directly at Tyraz. Hachi's eyes began to shine as he then charged at Thylaxis. With his hands together, he took the shots from the minigun, penetrating his fur, before unleashing a large, thick beam of bright Dream Energy at him. The suit was launched backwards, its minigun exploded.

Thylaxiz - Shields...10%?

Dalverat and the Katel drained the shields again, but from a distance. Tyraz smirked, beginning to run towards Thylaxis.

Corteus - Wrath Legion sends its regards!

Corteus fired more rocket pods at Thylaxiz. The suit started to jitter as the shield was destroyed by all the attacks.

Thylaxiz - ''Shields neutralized. Emergency.

Genrai Nal laughed as he appeared behind the suit and sliced at it, hoping to hit the engines. The engines were hit, causing several explosions on the suit, and leaving it vulnerable.

Trastrius - ''Now! Take it down!''

Tyraz ran forward and, with his Firesword, slammed towards the suit. Hachi bled from several shots that went through his body.

Hachi - Urgh...Yeah...r-reeeaaal big s-stiffy killer...

The suit exploded, Thylaxiz being sent high into the air and crashing into the ground. He was still alive, but bleeding severely. Tuolog approached Hachi to heal him.

Tralkik Commander - Wait a second.

The Commander walked over to Thylaxiz, and Corteus retracted his weapons, walking over to Soredus.

Tralkik Commander - ''I can merge my systems with his body and AI. Commander-King Thylaxiz of both the Grox and Tralkikianoe...hmm...''

Thylaxiz looked around, appearing confused. He looked at the Commander.

Thylaxiz - UNOL!...Please...approach...

The rest of UNOL approached Thylaxiz.

Arkarixus - ''What is this? More empty threats?'' Thylaxiz - No...I want...to apologize... Zr'Ahgloth - YEH RITE

Zr'Ahgloth grabbed Thylaxiz and lifted him, then prepared his fist.

Zr'Ahgloth - ANY LAST WORDS? Thylaxiz - Please...believe me...it was the spaceship...it took over my mind...and made me a thrall to that..."monster".... Zr'Ahgloth - ''hmph. I DUNT BELEEV YOO'' Corteus - ''I wouldn't be surprised if he was telling the truth. That's the problem with machine minds.'' Tuolog - ''No...he telling truth. I see his mind.'' Thylaxiz - I never wanted any of this...but that spaceship...it claims to the...the true king of the Ottzelloan Grox... Venoriel - ''What? Venoriel - Are Grox enslaving their own kin now?'' Corteus - All these Grox are puppets.

Thylaxiz pointed at his spaceship, who was watching the fight.

Tralkik Commander - ''Hmm. Thylaxiz, if I merge with your body, and with the AI of that starship, could the Ottzelloan Grox all be UNO's forces?'' Thylaxiz - Not while...the spaceship is alive...I want you to know...all the death...all the destruction I caused...I did not mean any of it... Kralgon Emperor - ''Taking away a portion of the Borealis Grox' forces? Seems a very interesting idea. It could just help us have any chance...''

Tuolog levitated Thylaxiz and put him down. He then healed Thylaxiz, walked next to him, and smiled.

Tuolog - ''It not your fault. On behalf of UNO, you forgiven.''

Thylaxiz smiled. As he approached Tuolog to thank him, however, he suddenly fell on the ground. lifeless. The "eyes" of the spaceship shined in blood red.

??? - THYLAXIZ...ELIMINATED. Zr'Ahgloth - FUK MAN

Zr'Ahgloth roared in anger.

Zr'Ahgloth - HACHIMAN DIS IS ALL YOR FAULT GRRR Zr'Ahgloth charged towards Hachi, grabbed him and beat him, then shook him and beat him some more. Two "arms" extended from the spaceship and it landed next to the portable Cold Relay. It let out a mechanical roar as a large fleet of Ottzelloan Grox ships appeared. Only through Hachi's dream energy could he resist this. Corteus lowered himself to Soredus and rested his hand on Soredus' helmet.

Genrai Nal - ''They attempt to steal the Relay. Perhaps we can use it on them, and get inside Thylaxiz' ship?'' Tralkik Commander - ''Yes. From there on, I could hack into the AI and take over it.'' Hachi - ''Nnngh! W-Wait! B-Blame Tyraz!'' ??? - ''OPERATION REMAINS. THE ARTIFACT WILL BE TAKEN. GLORY TO GROXOTTZ KING.'' Admiral - Ground teams there are too many, we're getting overwhelmed up here! Kralgon Emperor - ''GroxOttz King? Ugh, that thing. It was so fucking crap...'' Vekaron - Wait...you're suggesting we use the Relay? Trastrius - But we never tested it on living beings, remember? Genrai Nal - ''I know that. If you wish, I may test it.'' Xerkea - Well, if we are to use it, we'll have to run a couple of meters... Tralkik Commander - ''It also does not look like we have much of a choice. We die on ground, or we die getting there...or we survive there.'' Corteus - Soredus and I are not 100% organic. Soredus - ''Just... leave me here... to take a nap...''

Drizz'pyrokirk came out as the ice thawed.

Drizz'pyrokirk - i feel liek i got brain freez... Trastrius - Prepare to dodge some shots...he'll certainly try to stop us. Arkarixus - Everyone ready for this? Drizz'pyrokirk - nu Hachi - ''I was born fluffy! I mean ready!'' Soredus - ''I don't think a medivac is going to reach him.. can anyone teleport Soredus up to the fleet?''

At this, Soredus began to stand up.

Soredus - ''Just... give me something to dull the pain and I'll be fine.''

The Commander tossed Soredus a nanomachine syringe. Soredus plunged int into his side and pressed to activate it. Within minutes he was fighting-fit.

Soredus - Let's go grab ourselves an army.

Several Seagon survivors approached.

Trastrius - ''My men will see if they can distract the monster for enough time. We have to be fast though.'' Tuolog - We go!

Tuolog sped up time on all allies.

Arkarixus - ''Very well! Charge!'' Zr'Ahgloth - WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!

The group all charged at the Relay's direction. Noticing, the spaceship fired rapid shots at them. Soredas and Corteus ran together, taking deep pumping breaths as they sprinted. One of the shots destroyd several Seagon soldiers, but they kept charging. One shot was fired at Vekaron's direction, and he could barely dodge.

Vekaron - This spaceship has some damn good aim!

The group was halfway through. The ground trembled with the spaceship's monstrous roars and shots.

Arkarixus - Almost there, keep running! Soredus - Cort, If we die, i'll put in a good word with Drakon for you to join me in the garden. Corteus - Won't there be two of you? Soredus - Yeah well, I came back to save your tail so i'm sure he'll give me this oen favour.

Tuolog continued to speed up time on them, until they finally did it. The group all managed to reach the Relay. They were blinded by a bright light, and felt weightless...

GroxOttz King
After some seconds, the group they opened their eyes and found themselves inside the spaceship, in a control room.

Vekaron - Ugh...my head... Soredus - That was wierd. Xerkea - ''Wait...it worked? Woah.''

The room was large, and several Ottzelloan Grox and Caretakers worked. However, none of them appeared to notice their presence. In a large monitor, the holographic sillhouette of a Grox watched.

??? - How did you get here? Arkarixus - Identify yourself. ??? - ''ID:. Function: Master of Ottzelloan Grox colony. Meta-Emperor called me glitched...ineffective...replaced me with Duke Thylaxiz...insulting...infuriating...'' Tralkik Commander - If you were identified as anomalous and replaced with King Thylaxiz, then taking over him is hardly a just way of getting revenge.

A loud electric jolt was heard. GroxOttz King's image appeared more abstract.

GroxOttz King - ''Revenge? No. Taking my rightful place! Fled Ottzello! Found Borealis! Found Mirras III!...FOUND REGNATUS.'' Tuolog - ''I not understand. You not like Meta-Emperor for what he did. Yet you join a faction that serves him as opposed to one that follows him?'' GroxOttz King - ''Meta-Emperor neutralized, not involved in Regnatus' grand scheme. Joined Regnatus to regain control of Ottzelloan drones. Ottzelloan drones joined UNO. Joined the enemy. Unacceptable! Controlled Thylaxiz as means...of amusement...'' Vekaron - This AI speaks like a deranged kid... Tralkik Commander - I can see why you were identified as glitched. Soredus - ''Age does that. As you get old and redundant you start to fall apart.''

GroxOttz King elevated more and more. He was literally screaming at them.

GroxOttz King - ''No! Not glitched! NOT DERANGED! NOT INEFFECTIVE! Perfect! Only true leader of Ottzelloan drones! UNO will be neutralized for its enslavement! And the artifact will be taken for the construction of the new weapon!'' Corteus - ''New weapon? That is not good.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''...Yeah. Glitched and deranged. Inneffective, perhaps not.'' GroxOttz King - 'Armageddon Mk. II''' will be created. Mirras III shall use to neutralize all enemies. Your Alliance, irrelevant. Your extragalactic aiders, irrelevant. All are irrelevant.'' Soredus - ''Cort. When are new weapons in enemy hands ever good news?'' Arkarixus - ...This can't be true... Kralgon Emperor - That to me does not sound good. GroxOttz King - ''Controlled Thylaxiz! Now shall control you!'' Soredus - The Imposters couldn't control me and neither will you! Arkarixus - Let's find the core of this spaceship and blow this AI to oblivion. Tralkik Commander - ''Yes. I shall lead the way.''

The Commander led them into a side elevator.

GroxOttz King - ''You leave! You do not intervene!'' Tralkik Commander - This elevator is in fact a shuttle that transports us around the ship. Xerkea - What's stopping the AI from sending us to the wrong direction? Tralkik Commander - ''Hehe. I am.''

The Commander sent a few nanomachines into the ship. These began to hurt the AI.

Corteus - I want to see if we can download what we can from a data-core. Soredus - You want to do some datamining on this thing? Corteus - ''Imagine the advances in AI the Imperium could make. At the very least I want to salvage the information for the royal academy.'' GroxOttz King - Activating firewalls!...Must...remain...conscious... Soredus - ''Cort you're crazy. This thing is dangerous, and reverse-engineering it could make another set of problems.'' Tralkik Commander - ''Don't worry. Its firewalls will be too preoccupied to deal with us.'' Trastius - Let us go then.

The Commander hacked into the shuttle, which transported them into an AI room. It was quiet, aside from someone humming a tune.

Vekaron - You guys hearing this? Corteus - Yeah... ??? - ''Hmm...hm hmm hmm...hmmmm...aww! Stupid Gyronic coils! I swear, this experiment was one of the worst I took part in...hmm...hmmmm.'' Xerkea - Who's there? ??? - WOAH!

They heard a clank, and then someone suddenly rushed over, and held out his arms defensively. It was. The group all aimed their guns at him.

Arkarixus - You! The Mechanic - W...w-w-wha-what are YOU GUYS doing here?! Corteus - Same question to you. Venoriel - Why aren't we shooting this traitor already?! The Mechanic - Uh...uh...you guys...I'm...uh...

The Mechanic got into a kung fu position, and started using moves.

Xerkea - Don't start with that. The Mechanic - ''HWOY YAH! YAH! HOOH! YAH! Hwoooooy...YAH! YAH! HAH!...this isn't working is it?'' Corteus - Still no. The Mechanic - ''Uh...STAY BACK! I'd be careful if I were you, I have subatomic disintergrators in the tips of my fingers!'' Vekaron - ''Yes. Use that and kill yourself, and the spaceship.'' The Mechanic - Well...when the going gets tough...SAY HELLO TO- Tuolog - ...the hypersonic brainwave scrambler by any chance? The Mechanic - THE HYPERSONIC BRAINWAVE SCRAMBLER!!!

The Mechanic threw a grenade-looking object - the hypersonic brainwave scrambler - to the floor, and suddenly everyone was knocked unconscious. They awoke, their memories being muddled, slowly regaining thought. The Mechanic was gone. Arkarixus punched a hole through the floor in frustration.

Corteus - ''He's gone again! Next time someone grab him while he's performing all those weak martial arts moves.'' Hachi - Uh...where am I?...who am I? Vekaron - ''We'll kill him next time. Now, to destroy this AI.'' Venoriel - Why didn't we...ugh. Xerkea - ''This ship is a few kilometers large. Do we have something powerful enough to destroy it?'' Genrai Nal - ''We do. The hyperspace star.'' Venoriel - Again? Corteus - Easy: Cascade reaction in the promary reactor core, overload the plasma vents, job done. Arkarixus - ''You still have these? I though your leader agreed to not use them? Besides the blast radius would kill us all. Soredus - I say Cort's idea is more fun to watch. Genrai Nal - Hah... Venoriel - I prefer a more artistic way of warfare. Kralgon Emperor - Well right now we got other problems... Soredus - Such as?

The Emperor pointed in the distance. There was a giant mech approaching, the same that the Mechanic used to kill Murangon.

The Mechanic - ''WOOH YEAH BABY! SUPERIOR FIREPOWER!'' GroxOttz King - Head Caretaker, destroy them!...BUT DO NOT HIT MY CORES! Arkarixus - Ugh... Corteus - *mouth drops* Again?

The giant suit fired several rapid fire blasts at them. Vekaron, Xerkea and Arkarixus all dodged the attacks. Corteus - ''I have an idea. Someone toss me, shield me from theose blasts and I rip it apart from the inside.'' Arkarixus - ''Bad idea. You cannot penetrate Kormacvar armor that easily.''

Soredus meanwhile stood in front of an AI core.

Soredus - HEY TIN-MAN! The Mechanic - Tin man?! Soredus - Bet you can't hit these!

The Mechanic fired at Soredus, who dodged...hitting the core.

GroxOttz King - ''GGRRRRHHH! INCOMPETENT!''

Soredus ran in front of another core

Soredus - You're a worse shot than a rookie at boot camp! The Mechanic - I had training in shooting for years...YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!! Soredus - ''Hah! Make me. Go on, prove me wrong!''

The Mechanic blasted Soredusm again, hitting the core. GroxOttz King let out an electronic roar as explosions were heard inside the ship. Soredus ran in front of another core.

Soredus - Decrepit little tin-man, can't hit the broadside of a titan! The Mechanic - ARGH!!!!

The Mechanic blasted at him again, this time utterly destroying the core. GroxOttz King

GroxOttz King - Nnngggghhh...useless organic failure! The Mechanic - ''Useless failure?! Coming from you, ditched by the Meta-Emperor, you glitched piece of crap!''

The Mechanic's suit punched another core.

GroxOttz King - ''Useless! All you do is weep around all the time! Being useless! Mirras III does not need you! Regnatus does not need you!'' The Mechanic - HE NEEDS ME MORE THAN HE NEEDS YOU!

he suit kicked another core, the Mechanic very frustrated.

GroxOttz King - ''AGH! TREASON DETECTED! TREASON DETECTED! EMERGENCY!'' The Mechanic - Yeah, whatever, call treason on my, you glitched pile of trash! GroxOttz King - ''Sending footage to Regnatus...footage sent! You will pay dearly for this!'' The Mechanic - ''Oh, shut your whiny trap! Regnatus has been pissed off with you for months now anyway!'' Venoriel - ''So this Grox precursor "god" can't even control his soldiers? Ahahaha...''

Venoriel's laugh was mirroring her personality; high-pitched, aristocratic and *very* annoying.

GroxOttz King - ''You rogue...rogue should not be alive. You wish to be friends with the enemy. Your mind says so. You are pathetic. Old, pathetic, faulty organic scum. Caretakers will be discontinued anyway. You will die anyway. You are not wanted. You are NOT wanted.'' The Mechanic - No that's not true you...you useless piece of...

The Mechanic paused.

The Mechanic - ...No...Regnatus needs us!...he's making things better for all of us! GroxOttz King - ''You are but a tool he's using. Once a tool's use ends, it's discarded.'' Soredus - Cut the party bullshit Mechanic, the King is right. The Mechanic - ...No...that..cannot be true... GroxOttz King - ''You! Discarded! DISCARDED! USELESS!''

A tear formed near the the Mechanic's mouth.

Soredus - ''I felt the same way. It happens.'' The Mechanic - ''Well...YOU KNOW WHAT GROXOTTZ KING?! YOU CAN KISS YOUR GLITCHED ASS GOODBYE! TELL REGNATUS THAT I AM NOW COMMITTING TREASON!''

The Mechanic blasted the cores of the GroxOttz King, with only the hidden core remaining. Arkarixus watched from a distance, appearing somewhat impressed.

GroxOttz King - Yarrrghh...you...pay...for this... The Mechanic - ''Oh, whatever! You should have been discared by the Meta-Emperor!'' GroxOttz King - Meta-Emperor was weak...Regnatus is the true path...god of synthesis! Venoriel - Seriously, if that's the most dangerous empire in your galaxy, then... The Mechanic - ''Yeah, keep drinking the Regnatus cool aid, you weak minded piece of crap! I've just learned that's seriously not the way to go about things...but I guess an incompetent mind such as your own can't work that out, huh?'' Tyraz - Well...this Mechanic has some fight in him. GroxOttz King - Not...incompetent!...NOT INCOMPETENT!

The Mechanic hopped out of the mech suit, and flicked a switch. The GroxOttz king was disabled.

The Mechanic - Nah, I think you're pretty incompetent. GroxOttz King - MAY REGNATUS' ENDLESS VOID...COMSUME YOU ALL...

GroxOttz King's sillhouette disappeared.

Venoriel - This Regnatus appears even less competent than other Grox leaders.

The Mechanic danced around for a little, then walked over to them happy.

Corteus - ''Soredus... what the fuck was that!?'' Soredus - When their boss tells you not to hit something, you goad them into hitting it with their crappy aim. Vekaron - Well, this was something... The Mechanic - ''WE DID IT! WE DID IT! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!...uh...you guys...''

The Mechanic realised that he was not welcome there, and sighed.

Venoriel - My point about shooting you still stands. Xerkea - Y'know...that was pretty cool. The Mechanic -  I'm...really sorry guys...I'm getting too old for this crap...

Soredus walked over and pat the Mechanic on the shoulder.

Soredus - I'm not so sure.

Arkarixus walked over to the Mechanic. However, unlike last time where he tried to choke him, he just looked down on him.

Arkarixus - You see the error of your ways now? The Mechanic - ''Heck, yes I do! God, I was so busy drinking the Regnatus cool-aid like that guy was there that I completely forgot the reason I was given emotion and self-consciousness! I was given it so that I could make my own decisions and work things out. So that I knew which option was right or wrong, should my master be deranged. Heck, I'm so dumb!'' Soredus - ''We all choose the wrong side once in a while. Listen... No hard feelings on the whole "Decrepit little tin man", right?''

Arkarixus briefly looked at Tuolog and then looked back at the Mechanic.

Arkarixus - If that's so, then show us the most vulnerable part of his spaceship, and we'll all leave. Venoriel - What the Borealis Precursor said. The Mechanic - ''Most vulnerable part? Well actually the shield protects the whole thing...but the underbelly of the ship should theoretically be vulnerable if it were deactivated.'' Arkarixus - ''Very well. Tralkik, take us there so we can detonate this spaceship already.'' Tralkik Commander - ''Hmm. Can I manipulate the AI first?'' The Mechanic - Hmm, let's have a look... Arkarixus - I don't see why not.

The Mechanic unscrewed several bolts and pulled out a box. It was labeld "GROXOTTZ KING".

Kralgon Emperor - ''Well, we know that it was glitched this whole time. What do you reckon's wrong with it?'' Vekaron - ''Woah. Really? A box? This is... underwhelming.'' The Mechanic - ''Yeah, I swear I de-assembled it and put it back together and the glitch was still there. I don't know what could be wrong with it, it could take months of research and...'' Tralkik Commander - The battery is in backwards. The Mechanic - ''...You're kidding, right? I always get my +'s and -'s mixed up with these things...'' Xerkea - ''Grox AIs have batteries? This is silly.'' Soredus - ''Wait... so billions of years and this thing had its batteries the wrong wat round?'' The Mechanic - ...yeah... Soredus - High command is going to love this story... Tralkik Commander - ''The Mechanic sorted out the original issue. It only persisted when he put in the battery wrong. Mechanic, + goes to -, and - goes to +.''

A monitor turned on. This time, Mirras III's face was visible.

Mirras III - Hm hm hm...hello there... The Mechanic - ''Mirras III! I would like to inform you that I and our Caretakers are no longer under your command! Thinking you can just kill us off when we aren't needed!'' Corteus - You are so due for a plasma bolt in the head. Mirras III - So I've heard...which is why I'm exterminating all Caretakers in my territory...you should tell them to run, while you still can. The Mechanic - ''Oh, go ahead and exterminate the lot of them! Soon it'll be them exterminating you!'' Venoriel - Heh. Mirras III - I'd like to see your little people try...Regnatus knows what you did, and really, he doesn't give two damns about it. Soredus - Interested in hearing a story, tiny? The Mechanic - ''YEAH! HE KNOWS WHAT I DID! HE KNOWS I MAKE A STAND AGAINST HIM AND THAT HE LOST HIS BEST WORKER AND HE CAN SHOVE HIS LITTLE "FINAL SOLUTION" UP HIS ASS AND...what?'' Mirras III - ''Best worker. You are funny.'' The Mechanic - ''Well damned if I didn't do all his dirty work for him over the past few billions of years! Damned if I didn't help him build himself into that massive spaceship!''

Mirras III turned to Soredus.

Mirras III - You had something to say, dot? Soredus - ''Yeah: Once upon a time in a land far far away there was a crazy little robot-man who wanted to conquer the galaxy. He got his arse whooped by two dragons and a rat. The end.'' Mirras III - ''Oh I know that tale! The one about the idiot king who followed a weak master and had a flawed plan from the start! It's a great story...'' The Mechanic - ''YEAH! REMIND YOU OF ANYONE?!'' Mirras III - Reminds me of all the weak Grox who worshipped a black hole as a god. Soredus - ''Funny thing. he robot-man in that story was a lot like you. Do you see where I'm going with this?'' Mirras III - ''A lot like me? Please. I am not a deranged zealot.'' The Mechanic - Yeah, keep drinking the Regnatus cool aid, keep thinking you're not just as bad as the people you frown upon, you dumbass piece of twisted circuits! Mirras III - ''Really, you're going for the empty insults now? I expected more from you.''

Mirras III remained completely indifferent, actually smiling slighty.

Venoriel - ''The Commonwealth prevailed over Grox before. What do you have except your ugly spaceships and deranged minions who can't even work together?'' The Mechanic - ''Likewise. I expected you to actually scare us!'' Soredus - But you are an obnoxious little bag of bolts with a head the size of a galactic sector, jut like he was. Mirras III - ''I have a galactic subspace weapon. I have a "true" god in my side. And what you have? Nothing but your tiny mortal lives. GroxOttz King was gonna be discarded after this mission anyway. He was not my minion, he was just a tool.'' The Mechanic - ''NEWSFLASH! Regnatus thinks the same about you, dumbass!'' Mirras III - I'm sure he does. Soredus - Grochius had a nanoplague and a 600km starship. Mirras III - 600km?

Mirras III chuckled quietly.

Mirras III - That's really tiny... Soredus - Wait, what? The Mechanic - That's what she said about you. Mirras III - ''Really, your empty threats mean nothing to me. My plan is going "exactly" as it's supposed to. You can keep GroxOttz King, I don't care for him. Now, I have more things to do, like giving this "prisoner" of mine one of my visits. Good bye.''

Mirras III's image disappeared.

Corteus - Now I am curious as to this prisoner of his. Arkarixus - ''Prisoner? I was not aware the Grox kept prisoners.'' The Mechanic - I know who it is. Xerkea - Really? Corteus - Do tell. The Mechanic - ''Yeah. That 'Prodigal Son' guy...what's his name ..Erm. ..MAC! THAT'S IT!'' Soredus - Never heard of him. Vekaron - ''Mac? I've heard that name back in the Xi'Arazulha invasion.'' Yogtam - ''That explains why Mac has been absent all this time. If he's prisoner of Mirras III, we just got one more reason to kill the bastard.'' Soredus - ''Okay so he's important... how exactly?'' Coretus - Soredus, We can tell you more on the ships. The Mechanic - ''Yeah..but first. He's building a weapon. Armageddon Mk. II. And I got a confession...'' Arkarixus - Confession? The Mechanic - ''I recovered some things inside Armageddon Mk I for Regnatus...and destroyed it on purpose. That's why I didn't wanna leave you Ark...I wanted to save you.''

Arkarixus looked at the Mechanic with his arms crossed. The Mechanic was feeling incredibly guilty.

Arkarixus - ...This is not relevant now. The Mechanic - But...I'm no use to you guys... Venoriel - I agree.

Venoriel chuckled.

Hachi - Well...I'm willing to forgive if you gimme some magazines. The Mechanic - ''Magazines? Oh come on, Hachi, I may be a Caretaker but I don't sort out peoples' subscrptions to PlayBoy! Xerkea - What's a PlayBoy? Hachi - Hehe, I wanna be a bunny when I grow up. Corteus - Do you know how to reprogram the relays?

The Mechanic turned to Corteus, after being distracted for a while.

Venoriel - ''Well, I do... Ah, nevermind.'' The Mechanic - ''I do, yeah. Of course, it's pretty difficult and I'd need at least a few Caretakers, but yeah.'' Soredus - The imperium's been working on a new superweapon to pound those grox into vapour. he Mechanic - ''What's a PlayBoy? According to the Vida'Rranlora, the humans use it as a source of entertainment to stare at woman's asses. Speaking of which...Regnatus took over the Vida'Rranlora.'' Vekaron - I think I heard you talking about it. Soredus - I'm up for a field test. Vekaron - ''He did? Oh...that explains why they said they were "limited"!'' The Mechanic - ''Yep! Regnatus is preventing anyone else from accessing them. If you want, I can help you guys sort that out. Maybe they'll know more about what he's up to with Mk II than I will.'' Corteus - Wait, how long has he been doing that for? Arkarixus - ''Vida'Rranlora? I've heard about them, but never seen one myself.'' The Mechanic - A few million years... Venoriel - This reminds me of this thing I found in Quinniath's room. Hachi - I was wondering where it went!

Drizz'pyrokirk groaned, tapping his feet, and said:

Drizz'pyrokirk - ''yeh dats all gud an all but CAN WE BLOW UP DIS SHIP AN LEEV? I DUN LIKE DIS PLACE IT CREEPS ME OFF MAN'' Arkarixus - ''The Loron is right. Let us prepare the weapon to destroy this ship and evacuate.'' Corteus - If we do I would like to take a thing or five as souveniers. Drizz'pyrokirk - ''souvanir? dats not a bad idea at all''

Drizz'pyrokirk tore out a piece of the wall and put it on his head like a hat.

Drizz'pyrokirk - hurhurhur i liek it Zr'Ahgloth - ''mate. it dunt suit yoo'' Drizz'pyrokirk - SHUT UP YA HATS DUM Zr'Ahgloth - SHUT UP MAN YOO ROGUE BOYZ HAV NO CLASS OR STYLE YOR JUS BARBARIC Genrai Nal - ''I am sure that is simple from here. Deactivate the shields, shoot the ship's underbelly, and escape.  Tralkik, Mechanic, do you know how to safely evacuate? Tralkik Commander - ''I am sure that we can use the escape pods on the lower deck. Ironically, it's located in the underbelly that the Mechanic thinks is the ships' vulnerable point.'' Arkarixus - ''I'll lead the Caretakers and Ottzelloan Grox in the ship to the evacuation point as well. They should be on our side after the ship's destruction.'' Tralkik Commander - ''Yes. I have hacked the relay now. In future, you shall refer to me as...Commander-King Thylaxiz.'' Venoriel - You in the Nation like things complicate, don't you? Kralgon Emperor - Hmm...I suppose we do.''

Corteus meanwhile took sonic scans of the walls and managed ot extract a computer unit. he looked at them with sadisfaction bfore stuffing them in a pouch.

Corteus - The Royal Academy is going to love this stuff.... Xerkea - Alright, who's up for leaving the big scary Grox ship now?

Zr'Ahgloth raised his hand.

Zr'Ahgloth - ME!!! Soredus - ''I am. And I've stayed in worse places.''

Yogtam and the others made their way to the bottom of the ship, while Arkarixus left on his own path. The Mechanic sighed to himself, and folllowed UNOL, but was then surprised to feel someone tap his shoulder and smile. It was Tuolog.

Tuolog - ''I very proud of you...old friend. You not change a bit.'' The Mechanic - ''Oh...you sure about that? Because, y'know, I did fuck up everything for you guys...'' Tuolog - ''It not matter. Past is past. Only thing we change is future now.'' The Mechanic - Yeah...I hope Ark is so forgiving. Drizz'pyrokirk - nah hes gonna stomp ya until yor paste hurhur Tuolog - ''Don't worry. He a changed person now. Maybe you be a changed person in time.''

Tuolog patted the Mechanic on the back, then transformed Drizz'pyrokirk into paste and quickly undid.

Drizz'pyrokirk - dumbo Tuolog - Love you too. Vekaron - Soredus, about this weapon you mentioned, can you give us any details?

Tuolog and the Mechanic walked on with UNOL, talking about many things, while Drizz'pyrokirk wandered along. Then, Vekaron turned to Soredus.

Soredus - ''Well.. I haven't been told everything but I heard it involves hyperspace and explosives.'' Vekaron - Sounds better than we currently have. Genrai Nal - ''Hyperspace and explosives? The Consortium would love to hear more. Although, mind you, I'm no weapons robber.'' Corteus - Your Falrik will know nothing else. Genrai Nal - ''It does not matter. We are not willing to steal from our allies, only to share with them. We may be criminals, but we have some dignity and honour. Mainly as I insist that we do.'' Xerkea - ''Funny joke. Let's just leave already.'' Venoriel - Huh. Soredus - I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a demonstration for you to find out. Genrai Nal - ''There is an escape pod up ahead that can take us to the planet surface. But I'm sure that the Ottzelloan Grox and Caretakers aboard this ship will need some, too.''

Arkarixus arrived with the Caretakers and Grox.

Arkarixus - There should be enough pods for all of us. Soredus - If not, I can always help squeeze a few of you in. Genrai Nal - If not, I can find my own means of escape. Arkarixus - Genrai and Tyraz could both teleport people out of the ship. Tyraz - I would love to. Genrai Nal - I could try, yes.

Corteus and Soredus lead several Grox and Caretakers into the pods. Vekaron and Xerkea did the same, while Drizz'pyrokirk struggled to fit inside a pod. Genrai Nal just teleported Drizz'pyrokirk out instead, and Venoriel left in a wormhole portal. As everyone left, a large explosion engulfed GroxOttz King, launching biomass, Gyronic and metal everywhere. The ship crashed into the ground, in ruins. The villainous AI was no more.

Some hours after GroxOttz King's destruction, the Alliance and its allies met once more with the Seagon via conference.

Trastius - ''I must thank you all for your help. The artifact remains intact.'' Venoriel - The Clericarch is not available at the moment, but I will represent the Divinarium in his absence. Soredus - Piece of pie. Venoriel - Splendid. Trastius - Though I've lost 82% of my force down there, and the perimeter was completely destroyed. The Mechanic - ''Sir, I'd like to point out, the artifact was in fact planned to be used as Armageddon Mk II's means of transport; Regnatus didn't want it to be reliant on static Relays that everyone can access, and he wanted to be able to move around anywhere with no interception. Maybe he'll look for alternatives?'' Corteus - ''Let's hope he doesn't turn to extra-galactics. We had to evolve without your relays.'' Arkarixus - He works with the Grox and they have independant FTL travela already. Soredus - ''I don't see him turning to the Imeprium anytime soon. Those gateways of ours look even more restrictive than your cold relays.'' Corteus - Don't forget there are very few of them over a limited area.

Trastius approached his screen with a smile, while Corteus was called off-screen.

Trastius - ''Well I want you to know that the Seagon will certainly help you against the Grox threat. This attack was more than a little war crime and we'll no longer accept their presence.'' The Mechanic - ''Yeah, that's true. I think we should either cut off some Grox supply route - BCN, you'll help here - attack some kind of resource centre, or go free the Vida'Rranlora.'' Yogtam - ''That's good. Welcome to the fight, my friend.'' Vekaron - ''Thank you for your support, Trastius. Also, we still need more allies if we are to win this The Mechanic - ''That too. I think the extragalactics can help...'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yes, they can. We already have the Andromedans, the Fordanta, and if you contact them, Apalos. I've got a few others in mind who'd be incredibly useful if we got them on our side...''

At this moment, Coteus arrived back at the conference.

Corteus - ''I have just recieved words from the shipyards of Praetoria. They tell me a wing of ships fitted with Project Riftfire are ready for field testing.'' Xerkea - Oh I'm liking this. Kralgon Emperor - Me too...anyway Zaarkhun, what was that about extragalactics? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''What about the Delpha Coalition of Planets? Or the Krassio? Both are very powerful, they could prove a valuable ally.'' Tuolog - ''UNO have links with both. So do Divinarium. And I agree, very helpful.'' Arkarixus - ''Good. More help is always welcome.'' Yogtam - There's...one last thing. Venoriel - What? Yogtam - I'd like you to meet the two newest members of UNOL. Vekaron - Oh?

Two figures walked in. King Thylaxiz - now with Tralkik like parts - and a grown up Valzaria walked in.

Venoriel - ''New ones? Your government is confusing to say the least.'' Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''Yes, I have taken a new form. As you can hear, my voice is the same as my old Tralkik Commander form; this is to represent that I am no in control. King Thylaxiz was brain-dead. It feels good to be both organic and synthetic.'' Venoriel - Then why would you take his body? Valzaria - ''Hey guys! I'll have to get used to your names but I've been given a briefing of who you are. I'm sorta like Valzo and Feldosia's replacement...as in I'm the nice one.'' Venoriel - Why did you choose a kid with no political knowledge a leader? Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''Why not? I am the main AI of everything synthetic in UNO. It is only right I take the form of both our major synthetic races. Plus, having the name "Thylaxiz" is less bland than just "Tralkik Commander".'' Valzaria - Uh...I'm not a kid and I do have political knowledge, you know... Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''Yes, we have given her artificial experience by making her relive the memories of Feldosia and Valzo. The relevant ones, that is.'' Zr'Ahgloth - yeh not da ones wher dey snogged hurhurhur Venoriel - ''It's like you are all puppets to some force beyond our comprehension. Like characters in a book.'' Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''It is. We have little to no independence that is not influenced totally. Our people don't know that, though.''

Falrik Zaarkhun snarled in disapproval of that, but respected their difference.

Xerkea - That's...cruel. Venoriel - Bleh. Quinniath - Isn't that what our government is trying to achieve, Navarch? Venoriel - ''Shut. Up.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''Life's cruel. You have to just deal with it. That's the only effective ruling system Ottzello's ever had.'' Corteus - If it works i can't compalin too much. Xerkea - ''Uh. I'm not gonna comment on it.'' Tuolog - ''That understandable. Conflicting ideologies and all. You should only fight it if it become a problem to you. Vekaron - ''UNO has been too much of a help for us to care about this. So we won't.'' Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''It is mutual. We respect our differences and that some systems just don't work for everyone. But anyway...'' Venoriel - Indeed. The Mechanic - ''I think we should take a rest for now. It's been quite a long day. We can prepare everything tomorrow.'' Vekaron - Yeah, have to agree with that.

The conference was over. With the Ottzelloan Grox threat eliminated and the Seagon joining the Alliance, the group was now one step forward in their war against the Grox...

...or were they?

Forgiving
Arkarixus had been visited by Tuolog, who made him feel better. And now, it was his turn. Arkarixus visited the Mechanic, willing to forgive him, and went with a smile on his face. The Mechanic opened the door to Ark.

The Mechanic - Sir, I know, I'm a dumbass, I'm a traitor, I'm easily led, I'm getting too old for this crap, I know...feel free to do whatever. Arkarixus - I'm not here to insult you. The Mechanic - Oh...er... Arkarixus - ''I'm trying to be a better person. This includes being able of forgiving.'' The Mechanic - ''A better person? Heck, you already are. I mean, you're a better person than Regnatus by quite a long way...'' Arkarixus - ''I'm not exactly the best person ever. I'm warmongering, aggressive, narrow-minded...'' The Mechanic - ''And what am I? A cranky old man who can't make his own decisions and is incompetent as hell yet has to lead the Caretakers. I've had the responsibility of looking after the Kormacvar's legacy and to be honest all I've done is abuse it.'' Arkarixus - ''No. You have done nothing more than what you were made for. You should not blame yourself for that.''

The Mechanic looked to the floor.

The Mechanic - Yeah, maybe I shouldn't. But I still do. Arkarixus - As much as you aided Regnatus and the Grox...I bear no harsh feelings toward it, and I'm actually content to have you on my side. The Mechanic - You...you really mean that? Arkarixus - Yes.

A tear formed near the Mechanic's mouth, and he started to smile a bit. He then stood up confidently.

The Mechanic - Sir, if you need anything, you know who to ask! Arkarixus - ''Hm hm. I do, yes.'' The Mechanic - I'm listening, go ahead. Arkarixus - ''Right now? Rest. We'll be searching for new allies and uncover more about the new weapon in the following days.'' The Mechanic - ''Very good, sir. But I'd just like to warn you...as far as Mirras III is concerned, everything is all part of his little plan. I'm starting to feel like he planned my betrayal...or at least is saying his. Maybe he's predicting every one of our moves against Armageddon Mk II...mybe it's even fake...ugh I'm reading into this too much, aren't I?'' Arkarixus - ''Knowing Regnatus...this is possibly all true. But we'll find out about that later.'' The Mechanic - ''Yeah. I'm sure we will. I just hope we can stay one step ahead of Regnatus. But then again, we've got some smart people on our side and I trust them. You, Zaarkhun, UNOL, the Andromedans, the Zoles...I'm sure we can do it.'' Arkarixus - ''Yes...and to think I once looked down on them. Well I still look down on Zaarkhun, I despise criminals.'' The Mechanic - ''Fair enough. But you have to admit, he's a pretty awesome guy when he's not acting like a scumbag criminal. Pretty damned clever.'' Arkarixus - ''Kormacvar scholars would make him curl into a ball and cry himself to sleep. But nevermind about that.'' The Mechanic - And speaking of sleep, that's what I've been ordered to do.

The Mechanic saluted.

The Mechanic - Good luck, sir. I know we can win this! Arkarixus - We can, and we will.

The Teacher
Lemmo stared at the dark glass of his new starship, which he has dubbed Lucky, bored. Now with the Kormacvar ship at his disposal... what could he do? Go back to Andromeda? He knew life won't be the same for him now. He was alone. Completely alone. The Caretakers serving him were little more than obedient machines, after all; they could offer him a meal, or navigate the ship, but they couldn't share their feelings, couldn't cheer him up when things went dark... they couldn't replace his old crew. Lemmo hanged his head, looking at the captain's bridge. He couldn't bring his things from the old starship, but he didn't care, content with the thought that perhaps, in time, these strange, cold walls will become home to him again... that, and he had one thing from his old life with him. N'ras' catatonic body, preserved in a Kormacvar stasis block.

Lemmo knew that people die, and he already saw his friends dying; his mentor and teacher, professor Malnis Lanatonos, vanished during the Menali's Gates Incident (related to the Il'larion Cold Relay), his girlfriend Lamni Lemnara died when a Tirarian Halar Snake did coil her to death... but N'ras was closer to him. He was his best friend. He would be nothing without him.

As Lemmo was looking at his old friend' remains, a small Caretaker approached him. He was slightly different from his comrades; his black, scaly skin had a certain red tinge, and he was slightly more agitated and active than other members of his species. Lemmo thought about giving him a name later, but now his little servant was more than content with being nameless.

Caretaker - What is thy will, captain?

The Caretaker found his master entrenched in deep thoughts: his face was solemn and stern, and yet there was something on it. A spark of hope. Suddenly, Lemmo turned to the Caretaker, somewhat excited, and started speaking frantically.

Lemmo - ''You... does this ship have any medical bays or something?'' Caretaker - ''Erm... we do, captain.'' Lemmo - Can you figure out what's with him and heal him?

Lemmo pointed at N'ras' body floating in stasis, which prompted the immediate, near-robotic response from the Caretaker. Dashing towards the body, he quickly removed the stasis and grabbed the dying Imperix with his cybernetic hands; morphing them into something vaguely resembling medical instruments, the Caretaker started inspecting the Imperix's robo-plasmatic body. After a minute or two of scanning - it seemed that N'ras' species's alien biology was hard to understand even for Kormacvar creations, the Caretaker put the Imperix's body back into the stasis block and turned; Lemmo could hardly understand Caretaker body language, but it seemed he was disappointed.

Caretaker - ''I have done the scanning. The Imperix's body is lethally damaged with Kharav-class essence; we won't be able to recover him with convenient medicine.'' Lemmo - What?! Caretaker - ''The databases do say, however, of the Forge. A machine created by the denizen of Ardenta, it was used to manipulate and control Essence; potentially, it could be used to heal the Imperix.''

Lemmo leaned towards Caretaker, greatly interested. Hope sparked in his heart.

Lemmo - ''Where is this Forge? You know where is it... right?'' Caretaker - Ardentan Colonial Sector, planet Lamarrina.

Lemmo did raise an eyebrow. Ardenta?..

Lemmo - Take us here then.

The Caretaker quickly left the room, leaving Lemmo alone once again. Hopefully, he won't be alone for long...

As Predicted
Mirras III entered Mac's room and moved to the communications panel located in the middle of the screen. Mac spat at the sight of him.

Mirras III - Hello there...how are you going? Mac - Fuck you. Mirras III - ''Aw come on, you should be happy. Your Ottzelloan friends killed off my Ottzelloan Grox general.'' Mac - ''That's right. Those guys are the outside help I was talking about. I can't wait til they come and slaughter you. Mirras III - ''Them? Really? You sure are predictable.'' Mac - ''Hahaha...you don't have any idea, do you? Too stuck up your own arse. I'm talking about an ancient Ottzelloan power that this galaxy is yet to learn about.'' Mirras III - ''I've got some outside help too. Ever heard of the Vida'Rranlora? Marvelous chaps. They know a lot about everything in this galaxy...including the Blyro'Tralzica.''

Mac was shocked; Mirras had worked it out. How could this slimy asshole have known that? Mac spat violently and growled, then stpped, knowing it was all in vein. He was helpless.

Mac - ...you...you win... Mirras III - I know.

Mirras III let out a quiet chuckle as he clicked his screens until Regnatus' image was visible.

Mirras III - Ancient One... Regnatus - Grox King. Mirras III - The Ottzelloan Ascended-Class was destroyed, and the Head Caretaker has betrayed us. Regnatus - ...Exactly as we had predicted. Mirras III - Indeed. Mac - God...this is creeping me out... Mirras III - The Polar Crystal Alliance is aware of Armageddon Mk II. Regnatus - ''Good, good. You've done well so far.'' Mirras III - I will send Khensu to deal with them for now on... Mac - ''Volzara help me...you wanted them to know about Armageddon Mk II? What are you, Zargoth?'' Regnatus - Move on to Part Two of Operation Ascension. Mirras III - As you wish.

Regnatus' hologram disappeared. Mac, for once, did nothing to resist. No violent movement. No frantic resistance. No desperate cries. He just sat there, waiting.

Mac - ''Mirras III...just fucking end my life. Please just fucking do it.'' Mirras III - ''Hmm, nope, I'm afraid I can't do that. It's notpart of the plan yet.''

Mirras III chuckled quietly as he turned on several screens around Mac showing Grox drones attacking Caretakers around the Core region.

Mirras III - ''Here, something for you to watch. I'll be going now. Goodbye...''

Mac's face was looking strange. It was the first time Mac had cried in many millennia. He started to sob slightly, hopeless. He hadn't felt sympathy for anyone in years, eithe, yet he was feeling sorry for the Caretakers. Mac just shut his eyes, and waited. Waited for the end.

Mac - ...but the end won't come yet...

=Doomsday Renewed=

The Tortured General
Aboard the Iron Fist, the leaders of the Borealis Consortium Network watched reports of many captains across the empire. The BCN was suffering overwhelming casualties with this war, the Grox were advancing into their territory at an alarming rate. And probably the worst of all, they knew that they would have already lost if it wasn't for the Polar Crystal Alliance.

Volim - Cooperating with them is so...yuck. Sollow - I know right...they must be so fun to slaughter...and then their blood...hahaha... Genrai Nal - ''It is true that none of us really likes this co-operation. But sometimes warriors must work together to take on a common foe.'' Torrent - ''Huh. Warriors. They are all pansies. Expecially Vekaron. "Oh lookitme I'm a goody two-shoes fear my justice and order and laws". Bah. We should use our Gyronic shard to turn them into ash or something cool like that.''

Volim and Torrent chuckled.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yes, I agree. Those Niaka that boss everyone around. Also UNO, those manipulative controlling assholes. The extragalactics, too! The arrogant Fordanta. Those damned Kicath. The Brood of War, so-called warriors who just wish they were Genrai. The Draconis, the very type of fucking rich snobs I hate. The Divinarium, so up-their-asses with religion and order that they can't face reality. And yet...I'm not gonna lie, they're...growing on me.'' Volim - ''Pfft. When this over I bet we'll...ugh...''

Volim held his head and his eyes were blank. He started seating cold, and breathed heavily.

Sollow - Ugh, he's having another one of those nightmares...can I eat him yet...?...maybe sucking his blood would help with it... Genrai Nal - ''Sollow. Shut your trap.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Volim, are you all right? Volim - The eyes... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Yes, Sollow's right; he's having those visions again. Do you want me to call one of the witch doctors?'' Genrai Nal - ''I disagree. The witch doctors have never helped him.''

Volim grabbed Zaarkhun, lifted him up and shook him.

Volim - 'THE EYES! MAKE THEM GO AWAY!' Falrik Zaarkhun - Good heavens, put me down! Volim - ''There is blood everywhere! The children are crying, their mothers are yelling for help as their husbands and mates die to enemy fire...entire worlds crumble...and the eyes...the eyes!''

Volim let go of Zaarkhun and started to slam his head on a wall. Zaarkhun looked startled as he got back on his feet. Volim was bleeding from his ears and grunting loudly.

Falrik Zaarkhun - It hasn't gotten this bad before, has it Torrent? Torrent - No...never like this... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Then we do need something better than the witch doctors. But what?'' Volim - The eyes...they watch everything...they watch me...they watch you...they watch everyone...and they will end everyone...succumb...and ascend...''

Torrent ran up to Volim and beat his head, knocking him out. The large Wranpler fell, and the group sighed.

Torrent - ''Back before you arrived this is how I dealt with these vision moments. Never had any blood coming out of his head like this time though.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - But when he wakes up? Torrent - ''He should be fine by then. Though there's Wranploer blood all over the carpet now.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - I still think someone should check him out...someone with knowledge...Say Torrent, what if Tuolog could help us? Torrent - That's an idea. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well then. Sollow, patch UNOL in.''

UNOL were put on the line.

Valzaria - ''Greetings, you have reached the Unified Nation of Ottzello Leaders channel...oh. You.'' Kralgon Emperor - ''What the hell do you want? Unless it's related to the war, I don't care to listen.'' Torrent - ''Hey, no need to be rude here. Just get that short dude on the line, we need his help.'' Zr'Ahgloth - MAKE US Kralgon Emperor - Why, exactly? Torrent - Well if you care so much, Volim is having visions and we wanna cure him. Zr'Ahgloth - ''hmm. NAH ID RATHER LEEV HIM WV VISIONS HUR'' Falrik Zaarkhun - Let me handle this.

Zaarkhun went on the screen.

Valzaria - And I guess you've got some pretty good offer, huh? Falrik Zaarkhun - No. All I'm offerring you is the satisfaction of helping out an ally of war. Zr'Ahgloth- FUK OFF YOO CAN TAKE YOR BRIBES AN SHOV DEM UP YOR...wat

UNOL was surprised with Zaarkhun's words.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I won't try and bribe you to get your support. All I'm asking is that you can help Volim, because let's face it, without him you lose a valuable war asset. And besides, we're allies. I won't blackmail or bribe you or try to make you comply, I'll just ask nicely.''

Tuolog appeared, smiling.

Tuolog - ''The fact you do this show me that you worth helping. I on my way to your ship now.'' Torrent - ''Hm. Good one.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - I'm sure Tuolog knows I'm just putting on an act, but also knows the fact I'm putting one on shows that I'm at least capable of diplomacy.

UNOL went off the chat and Tuolog appeared.

Tuolog - What seem to be problem? Torrent - Volim is having visions of the Grox again. Tuolog - Hmm.

Tuolog looked into Volim's mind, into the past and into the visions.

Tuolog - How often he have these visions? Torrent - ''They were, like, very rare some years ago but they're growing on intensity recently. And also growing in effect. Look at him, that's his blood on the floor.'' Tuolog - I see...I think I know problem.

Tuolog healed Volim's eyes, got rid of the blood and woke him up. Volim got back on his feet while holding his head, feeling dizzy.

Tuolog - ''Rise and shine, General. How you feeling?'' Volim - Unfh...I feel like someone punched me in the head...Torrent? Torrent - Yep. Tuolog - ''Yes, it knock you out. You remember having a vision beforehand?'' Volim - ''Yes...it was terrible. There was carnage, and those fucking eyes...'' Tuolog - ''The eyes. Yes, I know these. So from looking, you have these visions ever snce you come in contact with Mirras III. You have any memory of what heppen then?''

Volim gulped at the mention of Mirras III.

Volim - All I remember is Mirras III's flagship popping up on the Cold Relay, Grox invading my spaceship, and some hours later I'm back on my throne going back to Wranploer territory. Tuolog - ''Hmm. I think I make sense of this all. But these eyes you see, they belong to Regnatus.'' Volim - Woah...reallly? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Makes sense. And with Regnatus' power increasing, so does his power to attack minds...'' Tuolog - What you saw that day was a fraction of Regnatus' mind. I not able to tell having experienced nothing, but he have some pretty horrible memories...so does Mirras. They memories of same war. And what I think is that Regnatus want leave scar on you but not want you to remember him. So he reversed time, but not reverse effect on your mind. Or something else, I not sure...'' Falrik Zaarkhun - So all this time, Regnatus left a scar on the most feared man in Borealis...purely to show off how dreaded he is...

The group looked at each other, in silence, until Volim spoke again.

Volim - ''Now that you mention this...the images were clearer this time. The ones being attacked looked a lot like Arkarixus.'' Tuolog - ''They did? Tell me, what you remember from images of attack? I not able to see them.'' Volim - ''They were like Arkarixus, and they were suffering. Their cities were in ruins, Grox drones were visible murdering women and children. Their spaceships were falling from the sky, and the lands were on fire.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''A truly devastating attack. Volim, if this is true, your war with the Zoles must pale in comparison to the Kormacvar and Grox war...'' Tuolog - ''From what I see, it really does. But we probably need account of Arkarixus to give clear idea.'' Volim - Compared to what I saw, I think my war with the Zoles is like a handful of sand in the middle of the ocean.

Volim sat down, and held his head again. He more he though about it, the more he felt he was insignificant compared to Regnatus.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Maybe we should get Arkarixus to talk with us about it? I really want to know just what we're up against...if they had this sort of weaponry and Regnatus has contrl of both...'' Volim - Yeah, get him here.

Tuolog got on chat with Arkarixus and teleported him inside. He looked at Volim with slight disdain.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Arkarixus, just how bad was your war with the Grox? And how would it compare to, say, the dystopian state of Borealis?'' Arkarixus - ''You keep calling your galaxy dystopian. It's heaven compared to the times of the great Grox war.'' Tuolog - Ottzello seen bad things that I show you...but your war even worse? Arkarixus - ''A race of relentless, emotionless machines murdered my race, who once spanned through this entire galaxy, and every other sentient being in their way, leaving absolutely no survivors. The war was terrible and really, you should be thankful the Grox are still in a defensive position so far.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - You say they murdered everyone with no survivors...how exactly did they do that? Arkarixus - ''It varied per attack. Some used guns, others blades. I remember one attack where a Conqrix commander was butchering Kormacvar children and placing their bodies in pikes high into mountains as a form of taunting us. We managed to kill him but...those poor children... I remember Regnatus was with me, and he was almost crying.''

Volim looked with a sight of surprise in his face.

Volim - One of my visions was a lot like that... Falrik Zaarkhun - I know just how it feels to watch those sorts of things... Tuolog - From what I see, Conqrix mutilate victims? Volim - ''They did. And showed their body parts around to taunt the enemy.'' Arkarixus - You have visions...of the war? Volim - Yeah.

Arkarixus grabbed Volim by the neck and lifted him up, with an angered expression on his face. Arkarixus was strong enough to lift Volim off the ground one-handed, and even have the General feel like he's choking.

Arkarixus - Why didn't you tell me before?! Volim - ''Hey chill out! I didn't know what they meant!'' Tuolog - ''Kormacvar not deserve that. No race deserve that....He teling truth, Arkarixus. I only now figure out what visions meant. And I do believe Regnatus cause them on purpose. Regnatus spare Volim but leave him with mental scar...''

Arkarixus sighed and let go of Volim, who held his neck in pain.

Volim - There's one thing, that I've only seen in today's vision. Tuolog - And that is...? Volim - ''There was a pitch black area, and there was a Kormacvar in there. He had the body structure of an adult but the size of a child. He was bloodied, and crying. He yelled sentences in a language I could not understand.'' Tuolog - ''I see...I wish I able to replay them. Arkarixus translate for us.''

Volim chanted what he heard, and Arkarixus appeared confused.

Arkarixus - That translates to "Put me out of my misery." Tuolog - Maybe it show one of the victims of the Grox? Falrik Zaarkhun - But why would that be in a pitch black area? Tuolog - No...it not make sense to me either... Volim - Even thinking about that makes me cringe...it was absolutely disgusting-looking. Tuolog - I can imagine. Volim - And then Torrent punched me and it was over. Torrent - You're welcome. Falrik Zaarkhun - Well from what I can see, we're dealing with violent, ruthless people...but I know one trait of the Kormacvar that I can exploit. Arkarixus - And that is? Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Paranoia. It's evident, and it can be exploited. The Grox exploited it, and I'm sure that we could.'' Volim - I don't think you can use paranoia against that...thing... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Look at it this way. The Kormacvar were paranoid so much they basically walled their galaxy off from outside invaders and filled everything to the brim with defencives. But by doing so, they allowed the Grox to rip them from the inside. Regnatus is so paranoid he's constantly building himself bigger and bigger so taht nothing can hit him. I bet there's something he overlooked.''

Arkarixus pondered, feeling slighty insulted, but couldn't help but agree with Zaarkhun's point.

Arkarixus - ''But what? We don't even know where he is.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Who knows? We'll find out. Maybe when it comes to it, the Mechanic or the Vida'Rranlora might know something.'' Volim - I don't want to have these visions anymore...they are a torture, simple as that.

Tuolog hummed ad then used his staff.

Tuolog - ''You not have them again. He gone from your mind.'' Volim - ''Huh? You serious?'' Tuolog - ''Of course. I figure out how Regnatus able to leave scar, find scar and fix it.'' Volim - I...don't know what to say...

Tuolog waited for Volim to say something.

Volim - ...T-thank you.

Tuolog smiled.

Tuolog - You earn it. Torrent - ''Woah, what's this? I've never seen you thanking someone, ever.'' Volim - Shut up. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Well, I guess we should call it a day. It's been pretty interesting, and now we know what we're up against...'' Volim - ''Yeah, I need a rest. And call someone to clean all this blood from here.''

Tuolog and Arkarixus were both teleported out of the Iron Fist. Everyone went back to rest, but they all had a frightening thought in their minds. The Grox in the old day were ruthless, emotionless, cold-blooded killers. Would this day come again? And if emotionless killers were capable of such, what about Regnatus, who had been scarred and sworn revenge, would he be worse? Could this be worse than the Vague, and even the Xi'Arazulha?

Warband Remnants
The forces of the Alliance met again to discuss their next step in the war against the Grox.

Vekaron - ''Greetings everyone. I think it's clear that Regnatus is one step ahead of us, and that's the last thing we want. We need to weaken Regnatus somehow and prevent him from building the Mk. II.'' Hachi - Water buckets! Fre'kloar - ''hmm. i got no ideas man yoo guys ar da cleva peepz yoo com up wiv somfin'' Soredus - ''The Imperium is ready to field-test a new warship design against those Ascendeds. Should be fun.''

A new screen appeared, and Baptarion showed up. Hachi's eyes widened and he smiled.

Baptarion - Missed me? Valzaria - Baptarion! Hachi - BAPTARIOOOOOOOOOOOOO---*coughs* Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''It appears you have successfully repaired your colonies. This is good news. I will send you data on current events.'' Venoriel - ''Greetings... dissident.'' Xerkea - About time you showed up, scientist man. Baptarion - I see UNO's got some new people.

Thylaxiz sent data to Baptarion.

Baptarion - ''Hmm. This is not good.'' Commander-King Thylaxiz - ''Yes. I am a merge of the Tralkik Commander and King Thylaxiz. This here is Valzaria, a sort of replacement.'' Hachi - How was your vacation?

Baptarion looked at Hachi.

Baptarion - ''Vacation? I spent the last month helping clean all the damage the demons caused!'' Hachi - Aww I bet you and some friends got up to your usual shenanigans.

Falrik Zaarkhun appeared on chat, but this time, he wasn't smoking, condescending, or overly chilled.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I apologise for being late. I've got something important.'' Hachi - Hello Mr. Lung Cancer. Venoriel - ''Greetings... criminal.'' Valzaria - ''Zaarkhun being courteous and not smoking? This is new...'' Baptarion - ''Eh. You're still around.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I've been having a long hard think about this war, and about Regnatus. So far there are a few things I've noted about him that I can exploit, but for now there's something important. Anyone know of the Murglbrg?'' Corteus - I was briefed. Tul - Yes. Vekaron - ''The Murglbrg? Yes, we do know about them.'' Venoriel - Barbarians. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''One faction - the Hedgar - are causing quite a stir. And our Murg spies have learn that they do happen to be digging up an artifact.''

Vekaron and Xerkea appeared confused.

Xerkea - I though the Hegdar clan was destroyed. The Mechanic - ''They are? Aw, hell, I told them not to do that! I told them to just use the fricken artifact to recover it! Aww...but if that's correct, then that artifact will be used in the Armageddon Mk. II.'' Fre'kloar - DA MURGS AR WANNABS MAN I SWER Vekaron - Damnit...the Hegdar were there when we fought the very first Ascended-Class... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We ought to take them out of the war completely and defeat them. That will give us an edge, and take away one of Regnatus' important assets.'' Arkarixus - ''Hm. Important. I doubt he cares for them as much as he cared for that Ottzelloan AI.'' Tul - ''Simple enough plan. But simple plans have a habit of turning south on us fairly quick.'' Falrik Zaarkhun - ''I'm referring to the artifact. But I agree, these are all tools for him.'' Soredus - Any who survive, the Imperium could find a fitting home for, right Cort. Corteus - ....Hmm, yes. The Mechanic - ''Y'know, that's cool and all but...can we just leave? Staying here is wasting time.'' Xerkea - ''Yes. Let's move out.''

Following the coordinates given by the BCN, the Alliance's fleets arrived at the orbit of a barren, desolated planet.

Venoriel - This place reeks of filth. Hachi - Hehe! Falrik Zaarkhun - All right, around how many colonies should these guys have, Zoles? Vekaron - They should have no colonies, they were supposed to be destroyed. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''These are refugee colonies. Are there any predicted numbers?'' Arkarixus - ''This might be the only one. We would have noticed if more of them existed.'' Soredus - I say we bomb them from orbit, saves us the trouble of going town to smell their filth. Tul - ''One colony? This will hopefully be easy.'' Hachi - And destroy an artifact? Falrik Zaarkhun - I really don't think we should do that.

Zaarkhun pondered for a while.

Xerkea - Recover the artifact, bomb planet.

Hachi - Sounds good to me!...So, bomb artefact, recover planet? Tul - You're not that dumb. Venoriel - Humans. Baptarion - You're just as dumb as last time. Hachi - Aww... Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Perhaps we should attack their barracks, main power generators, starports and any supply routes leading to the mining operation. Once we've taken them out, we'll be able to take the artifact before the Grox know about it.'' Baptarion - Sounds good enough for me. Tul - Something is bound to go wrong but the plan still sounds good. Falrik Zaarkhun - ''We should probably bomb their communications tower. I don't want any Grox knowing about this. Perhaps I should send the Guild of Shadows, Volim?'' Volim - Go ahead.

Falrik got on communicaton with the Guild.

Falrik Zaarkhun - ''Good. They're on their way. But just to be certain...''

The Iron Fist fired an EMP blast to the planets' surface, where the communication tower and a main generator was.

Hachi - ''I-R-O-N F-I-S-T! Punches through all!'' Xerkea - The Murglbrg are primitive idiots so this should be enough to glitch all of their equipment. Falrik Zaarkhun - Everyone ready? Arkarixus - Affirmitive. Venoriel - I am.

Zaarkhun nodded, and they all landed.

On the surface of the barren wasteland world, just outside a rocky area, they found the base in which the mining operations took place.

Hachi - Huh, surprised they ain't sending out any creeps to get us. Vekaron - Watch out for any scouts. Corteus - Understood.

Genrai Nal, the member from the Guild who wasn't elsewhere, led. UNOL arrived, with some of the Rogue Boyz not far behind. Corteus and Soredus activated devices that rendered them invisible.

Fre'kloar - I WAS LANDIN DERE FIRST Zr'Ahgloth - FUK OFF Genrai Nal - ''We must be cautious. As primitive as the Murglbrg are, I know they're all combat ready and quick to react.'' Tyraz - They obviously haven't met me and you then. Arkarixus - Expect them to be in possession of Grox weaponry. Tul - ''Primitives with advanced weaponry? Always fun...'' Kal'kuir - yeh ennit

Genrai Nal went ahead to lead them, and they all followed.

Venoriel - ''Perhaps we could trick them? I don't think they are really that intelligent.'' Xerkea - They are not. Fre'kloar - dats implyin dat yor intelligent yoo dum bitch Soredus - Very subtle.

As proceded through the empty streets, they heard gunshots.

Hachi - Great, chavs... Fre'kloar - stfu Genrai Nal - Ahh, the dance of battle? Vekaron - Oh boy, here we go.

Corteus and Soredus ran ahead Corteus took cover and fired plasma shots into crowds of Murglburg. The Murglrbg were both swarming the streets and shooting from the buildings. Genrai slaughtered several, as did the Loron and UNOL, in close combat.

Venoriel - ''Quickly, take cover! We can take advantage from fighting in the right place.''

Arkarixus blasted the Murglbrg with his power, while Vekaron slashed them with his blade and Xerkea wrestled them with her suit. Tul shot several of them in the face.

Tul - ''Is this it? I hoped that they would use a little more...tactics.'' Xerkea - Mindless brutes.

Tyraz chuckled as he simply pushed a few away and send out slashes of energy to turn a few to ash.

Genrai Nal - ''Yes. They have no real strategy, aside from just to attack.'' Vekaron - ''Murglbrg are stupid, Tul. All they do is rush forward and kill whatever they managed to hit.''

A face of a fairly large building collapsed entirely as multiple Murglbrg fell out of the building. At the same time, a group of Murglburg marched towards the group, however all of them sudddenly stopped as a flash from within the group of light sliced them all in half.

Genrai Nal - What is that? Baptarion - ''The hell was that? The hell is this? The hell is going on?'' Hachi - Reminds me of Baptarion when I was searching his room for magazines...I'm sure he has a few. Venoriel - Uh oh...

Out of the Murglburg group, only one survived and looked to the group with a smirk. His eyes flashed white for a moment. As the dust cleared in the debris of the building, Nu could be seen amongst the rubble and corpses.

Xerkea - ''Ah, the Kicath is here. About time you showed up.'' Genrai Nal - ''Ah, you are here. This will be a piece of cake.'' Hachi - Nuu!!!

Hachi ran up to Nu hugged his leg. Nu struggled to get Hachi off his leg whilst swearing excessively in Kicathian.

Hachi - ''All my old friends are here! It's like school but with more blood!'' Tul - If that creature ever tries to fondle me like that I would beat him... Nu - At least I'm wearing 5 centimetres of armor between him and me! Baptarion - But what about this bright-eyed Murglbrg?

fter a brief look, the Murglburg headed towards another group and with a flash of light he teleported inside the group and caused an explosion of energy.

Arkarixus - That's certainly not a Murglbrg. Murg - So much for being undercover.... Tyraz - Ahh...I know that Essence if anything.

The Murg turned to the group for a few minutes a warband charged foward but the Murg threw a sphere of energy that obliterated them. The Murglrbrg increased in number. However, at that moment, the Guild of Shadows all converged on their position.

Xerkea - That's what I hate about the Murglbrg, they're too damn numerous. Nu - Something I missed here or something? Tul - Something I'm sure, Nu. Genrai Nal - ''Ah, good. We shall fight them.'' Sollow - Yes...more to kill... Fostrak - A lot of blood will be shed in this battle... Parihus Meipengyus - Hahaha...this will be fun. Caro Nesh - Your very existence is an insult to the Legion's glorious name.

The strange Murg's boddy then shimmered as it transformed into Sarec. Hachi began hyperventilating.

Sarec - Thank you for blowing my cover. Nu - Does it look like I do cover? Hachi - ''Sarec! Everybody's heree!'' Arkarixus - The fact you were blowing people up with essence didn't exactly help you. Sarec - ''I only did that because you lot showed up. I've been targeting high-ranking Murgs for a few hours now.'' Nu - And you didn't invite me. Tyraz - Your methods remind me too much of Kithworto, Nu. Nu - Common Kicathian trait, I assure you.

he Guild, using their various weapons, completely slaughtered the entire road.

Death Bot 99 - Annihilation completed. Vekaron - Damn... Sarec - ''Still. These imebeciles couldn't really work out who I really was. Genrai Nal - We are the Guild of Shadows. Nu - Guild of what now? Xerkea - They are Zaarkhun's version of UNOC. Genrai Nal - ''Not really. UNOC are a combatant unit. We are more of a group of assassins and don't operate as a group so often.'' Soredus - Hm, copycats. Fre'kloar - ''meh unoc copied da warbosses tbh. warbosses were first'' Tul - Fancy.

For a moment, Hachi could notice a slim shadow jumping behind some buildings. No one else noticed it though. Hachi raised his eyebrow and stepped away for a moment.

Baptarion - ''Hachi? What's up with you?'' Hachi - ''Hmm? Huh, oh nothing. I just...It's nothing.'' Sollow - The Guild has existed for many years...some members, such as Genrai and myself, date back before the BCN was founded... Arkarixus - This is really not the time to discuss who came first. Soredus - Less talk more massacre. Nu - Speaks my language. Tyraz - Soredus, you remind me of somebody I met once before. Kithana Mowesta - ''I agree. I did destroy their barracks, but I think they've got a few more coming. More targets for my guns...'' Nu - Kithana? *Looks closer* ''...You're not a Kicath. You're not even male.'' Kithana Mowesta - ''Good observation. Now get outta my way.'' Soredus - Nu, shut up.

Nu turned sharply at Soredus.

Nu - ''Excuse me? Last time I checked I just killed *Counts the number of corpses* 63 Murglbrg and saved your asses.'' Soredus - You heard me.

More Murglbrg started to appear. Soredus rushed towards them and drew his blades. Fostrak roared and charged through a group, throwing them all, smashing their heads and ripping them apart.

Sollow - They keep coming?...good... Tul - ''Bickering. A trademark of this group.'' Venoriel - I for one do agree. Nu - ''You're all showing me up. This isn't nice.''

Arkarixus used his powers to explode the heads of several Murglbrg. Death Bot 99 levitated through. Then someone noticed...

Arkarixus - ''So many cybernetic implants. Are these things even conscious?'' Fre'kloar - ''OI. IS IT JUS ME OR DOES DAT ROBOT HAV NO LIMS'' Hachi - ''Hey! I'm conscious!'' ekaron - You speak like limbless robots are a rarity.

It was true. Death Bot 99 flew through without its limbed attachments, but it was held together. One of Soredus' blades jams into the jaw of a Murg.

Soredus - Nu, quit whining you remind me of my brother.

Nu clicked and rampaged through the Murglbrg; none of the Murglbrg stood a chance. Arkarixus concentrated his mind power to read the mind of a Murglbrg.

Parihus Meipengyus - Do they not realise they've lost? Arkarixus - ''Ugh. All they think about is "Succumb and ascend."'' Soredus - Meh. Genrai Nal - While this is going on, I shall recover the artifact.

Genrai Nal teleported away. A flurry of Soredus' blades dices part of a group, and Venoriel made one of the Murglbrg's weapon leap from his hand and grabbed it herself. Sollow ripped a Murglbrg apart and was disappointed by the lack of blood spilled, while Nu got out a Kicathian-style minigun and chopped down numerous Murglbrg. Meanwhile, Hachi looked about and then pulled out a lunchbox.

Venoriel - ''Grox weapons. Barbaric, but efficient.'' Hachi - Boy, I'm starving! Xerkea - You have got to be kidding me. Tul - No time to eat creature. Hachi - ''Well you lot are doing the work for me, you ain't giving me a chance to fight! So...I may as well have some lunch.'' Tul - Well do something you lazy!

Hachi turned to see a Murglbrg and then slammed his metal lunchbox through its skull.

Hachi - Get away, my food! Baptarion - How silly.

Sarec teleported between points ot out-flank the murgs as he fired volleys from his pistols. Fostrak towered over everyone, including Arkarixus. He smashed several Murglbrg, and kept charging through. Death Bot 99 froze the remaining Murglbrg for Kithana to destroy with her weapons. All the Murglbrg were now gone. Nu let out a roar at the numerous dead.

Sollow - No more...how boring... Vekaron - Good... Nu - Sigma sure missed out on all of this.

Genrai Nal returned.

Genrai Nal - ''I have obtained the device. The Mechanic will pick it up, see what he can learn and what the Grox wanted with it.'' Arkarixus - '' Good, now we can... Ugh!''

The group could all feel an immense psychic power approaching. Nu's displays went haywire with the power, and Tyraz struggled to get his Firesword.

Hachi - Agh...w-what is that? Sarec - ''Something's.... close...'' Death Bot 99 - Detecting some strange readings. Nu - Grr.... Venoriel - ''That's... strange.'' Tyraz - Shyrak, that's pretty intense! Tuolog - I feel something approaching... Hachi - Whatever that is...it's putting me off my food...

From the rubble, a slim shadow moved around in tremendous speed. It approached the group, and they could see it was a Marinox. Unlike others, it was blue in colour, and with white stripes on its body.

Venoreiel - ''I saw these creatures in Andromeda. Except they were larger.'' Nu - ...What is that thing? Hachi - ''Huh? What the hell?'' Sarec - ''A Marinox but... it's signature is immense.'' Marinox - ''Sssshhhuhuhuhu. The name is Khensu to you...'' Hachi - Can-Sue? Caro Nesh - ''Khensu? Once the glorious Consortium shall overcome you, nobody will remember our name!'' Khensu - ''Hm. No. I don't think so.'' Nu - I thought your species was dead. Venoriel - ''...erm. What the dragon said.'' Nu - God I want to skin you alive.

Khensu charged at each and everyone, knocking them into the ground one by one with surprising power, until he got inf ront of Hachi. Khensu grabbed Hachi by the neck. Everyone got back on their feet and aimed their weapons at Khensu.

Nu - ''Give me the human and I won't warrant destruction on your...whatever. Just gimme the human.'' Hachi - *coughs* Urgh...Get the hell of me! Khensu - I feel like...experimenting. achi - I don't swing that way!

Khensu teleported away, taking Hachi with him.

Baptarion - No! Sarec - NO! Tul - Oh dear...

Nu facepalmed and then ripped his helmet off his head.

Tyraz - What the...What just happened there? Sollow - Who cares?...I'm glad he's gone...he was a stupid little kid... Arkarixus - That amphibian...its psychic signature was almost like Regnatus'...

Distaught, Sarec vanished in pursuit of Khensu. However, Sarec's mind was disrupted by blasts of psychic energy, and he could not track Khensu anymore.

Genrai Nal - ''No. He was an important asset. And...a valuable member to the team.'' Nu - Screw this, I'm calling up Sigma. Venoriel - ''Who is for letting the Marinox have the human? Raise your hands.'' Baptarion - Shup up for Spode's sake!

Venoriel raised her hand, and the whole group looked down on her, with the exception of Sollow who also raised his hand. Nu attempted to contact Sigma, but Khensu's psychic waves disrupted his device. Tyraz became quiet and looked down. Meanwhile, Sarec reappeared, with a look of frustration.

Tyraz - ''Khensu. He's fast. That blue mammal thing didn't stand a chance.'' Nu - ...I should have seen that one coming. Sarec - ''I... he... I can't track him...'' Arkarixus - This blast came from the Grid...it was Regnatus himself. Venoriel - Uh-oh.

Genrai Nal patted Sarec on the back.

Genrai Nal - ''That is not your fault. This was not something we can do anything about.'' Xerkea - What would Regnatus want with Hachi? Sarec - I promised his teacher I would keep him safe... Tul - Such is the ways of war. Tyraz - ''That mammal holds a great amount of Essence inside him. That may have something to do with it.'' Venoriel - Indeed... Sarec - Damn my carelesness to the void!

Sarec slamemd his fist into a wall, almost pulverising it.

Genrai Nal - And who's to say you won't? If you go and rescue him, and avenge him, I'm sure his teacher will be satisfied. Arkarixus - ''Or this may be a trap, and we'll all die on Regnatus' hands. We'll search for the human later, right now let's concentrate on destroying what remains of these Murgthings.'' Genrai Nal - That is no problem. Tul - I told that creature that was was no place for a child...I wish he would of listened...he was kinda growing on me...

Genrai Nal sent out the Guild of Shadows.

Genrai Nal - If you don't mind, this world now belongs to the Consortium. Corteus - On who's authority? Arkarixus - Let them have it, it's barren anyway. Tul - THe ULE does not care about this world. Genrai Nal - Although, if you wish, we may have you a percentage of the resource output for as long as we remain allies. Death Bot 99 - ''This world is beneficial for mining. And should it be terraformed, could better support life.'' Nu - I'm telling you, Sigma joins this team and this war ends quicker than you can say Ántakhajinarolohos! Tyraz - Anta-what? Fre'kloar - antayamomsdum Nu - ''You know, Ántakhajinarolohos? Kicathian for...uh...not sure...Phantasmagoria, that's the word.'' Tyraz - Phanta-what? Nu - Ah shut up! Caro - ''This world shall certainly be beneficial for the glorious name of the Consortium. With it, our name shall ring to the stars!''

Caro shouted, his very voice making the ground shake. Chronodrakes were huge. Fostrak also beat his chest and slammed the ground, again making it shake; Fostrak was the only thing bigger than Caro.

Nu - ''You haven't seen Kicathian Sirens. Last time a human was on there he suffered permanent brain damage...Anyway, we could call those black and blue things and they could help...''

Sarec stood away from the group and clenched his fists, surging with energy. Baptarion walked up to him.

Baptarion - Don't worry, we'll find him. Nu - ''But seriously. Those black and blue things could help.'' Tyraz - What if Regnatus integrates him into his army? Nu - Then we have the universes' least intimidating robot.

Nu laughed slighty then stopped, while Arkarixus pondered.

Arkarixus - I don't think there would be salvation in that scenario. Tyraz - ''I wouldn't be so sure Nu. He managed to challenge you when you were corrupted.''

Nu spit away from everyone's direction.

Tul - Well I guess we need to find him before that happens. Sarec - When I find Khensu, I will make sure he feels a force so great that his body will be shatteredi nto a billion unrecogniseable pieces! Fre'kloar - i like yor way of finkin Venoriel - Now THAT's bombastic. Sarec - I don't care what it takes, I will find him. Nu - I'm still saying that calling Sigma or those black and blue things is a good idea. yraz - ''You know, Nu. Sigma isn't a bad idea.'' Xerkea - What black and blue things are these anyway?

Nu raised his arms out sharply...

Nu - ''The name escapes me. Those things that shot Kithworto out of planet.'' Tyraz - Oh, those things. Arkarixus - ''Expect to meet this "Khensu" again. By the ammount of psychic power in his body, he's obviously one of Mirras III's personal agents.'' Vekaron - ''Nothing else to do here. We should leave.'' Tul - I agree.

With the Hegdar Murglbrg destroyed, the group left the planet. But this was hardly considered a victory, as the loss of Hachi affected many individuals...and true to Arkarixus' words, this was not the last they would hear from Commandant Khensu...

Khensu's Experiment
Many hours after the attack on the Hegdar planet, Hachiman woke up to find himself trapped in what appeared to be a dark medical room. He was not capable of moving his arms or legs, but could still turn his head. He looked around, but it was too dark to see anything. Attempting to use his Dream Energy to create light or to escape was also not possible, as he felt weakened by a tremendous psychic source.

He could hear whispers. Shy, tiny whispers entered his ears. Hachi started sweating cold. The last time he heard such whispers was from. Was the god demon of the Chosen back?...No. It was something even worse. A door opened vertically and Commandant Khensu entered the room, before closing again. Khensu's mechanical eye shined in a bright light-blue light. As Khensu approached, the whispers intensified. And became louder.

Hachi struggled. The whispers were turning into full sentences. "Succumb, and ascend", they were saying. Khensu grabbed what appeared to be a mechanical helmet and placed it on Hachi's head. The loud voice on his head intensified until he lost his senses, and all he could see were four, blood red eyes.

A new drone was born.

Arm of Legacy
Coming eventually.

Sacrifices to be Made
Coming eventually.