Fiction:Apotheosis/Nascent Echoes

Chapter One - Nascent Echo

Amemoriam - 73,343,199 BNE

The warrior converses with the Adjunct overlooking Amemoriam.

A lone warrior stood on the bridge of a titanic Oikoumene ship. A vessel of both exploration and warfare. Before the warrior lay an intricate formation of bright yellow stars that made up the Oikoumene constellation. The warrior was deep in thought, if he had his way, all of these stars, indeed all the stars within his reach, would be under the protection of the Oikoumene Council, the governing body of the Thirteenth Tribe. But alas, his wife curtailed these ambitions. However, this did not particularly annoy him as he valued her love more then his own existence.

His contemplation was interrupted however, when one of the warrior's AI servants translocated beside him, the Adjunct, custodian of the new gateway installation being built, Amemoriam, a true marvel of technological achievement.

• Adjunct - Greetings, master!
• Warrior - Greetings Adjunct. I trust construction is proceeding as I planned.
• Adjunct - Construction on this installation is going exceptionally well, great one. Very soon, I would guess that the Amemoriam system could be a hub of Oikoumene activity in this sector of the galaxy. Truly an excellent method to ensure the continuity of our blessed obelisk. I, however am the bringer of more important news.

The warrior stopped what he was doing and glared at the AI.

• Warrior - What could possibly be more important than your primary function?

• Adjunct - "She" is on her way here.

The Adjunct's blue chassis bounced excitedly in mid-air, dancing with glee. The warrior's mouth etched a small smile, but he suppressed it.

• Warrior - Do calm down 453. I will deal with her arrival when it comes. You are dismissed.

The Adjunct nodded slightly and translocated yet again, leaving the warrior to contemplate the situation. He knew that "she" was in fact, his wife, a figure of great importance in the Oikoumene's society, a biological cataloger by the name of Libraé. Their love symbolised the meeting of opinions, differences expressed through ultimate affection. However, the galaxy was experiencing trying times, with many civilisations rising up against the Oikoumene and their belief that they were destined to be the custodians and protectors of all life in the galaxy. Libraé was completely against such a thing inhibiting lesser species, but her husband viewed such defiance as heresy of the highest caliber. However, true to their love, it did not come between them.

Due to these dark times, the warrior hadn't seen his wife in the flesh for well over ten years, though they had of course kept up correspondence over holographic communication, which needless to say was incredibly advanced for the Tier 0 Tribe. However, the warrior looked forward to seeing his wife in person, and began to make preparations for her arrival.

Chapter Two - Council Disagreement

Oikoumene Council - Two Days Later

The warrior's massive vessel translocated to the Oikoumene Council headquarters, a massive construct hanging over the very Galactic Core of Cyrannus. The construct resembled two flowers joined at the petals surrounding the galaxy's core, which was clearly visible through the gaps. Around it lay a massive fleet of vessels, both military and scientific, gathered for the Council's meeting, where figures from across the Oikoumene could debate on how to resolve the recent waves of aggression in the Gigaquadrant's outer reaches from species that the Tribe swore to protect.

Though the warrior was due to speak before the Council, the main reason he was here was to meet up with Libraé, who decided to postpone her visit to the warrior's ship due to her duties of great importance to the Oikoumene's very survival. When he arrived near the Council Rotunda, he was escorted to the vast Council Chamber and sat down in one of the front rows, reserved for those of some importance. Before long, the de-facto leader of the Council, a large being clad in ceremonial armour phased into the chamber; the "Primicer". The warrior narrowed his eyes, he disliked this "Primicer" for his painfully obvious inflated ego. He began to speak, his voice deep and dignified.

• "Primicer" - We are faced with an issue, the likes of which we have not seen in all our long history. Many of our own "Patronois", beings we swore to protect as the mandate of our very existence have decided to take up arms against us. We are faced with uncomfortable decisions ahead. The honoured Libraé has the floor.

All eyes in the Chamber turned to the slight figure, who walked toward the "Primicer" confidentially. Her beauty and youthfulness were quite evident.

• Libraé - Thank you, "Primicer". If left unabated, these rebellions will surely spell the end of all we have worked to build since the beginning of the mother galaxy herself. Each and every lifeform has the right to write it's own destiny, without the guidance of "gods" that see it their duty to interfere in the natural way of life. I propose that we abandon this belief, while still working to protect biodiversity across the galaxy. Our time as overlords is at an end.

The warrior suddenly rose from his seat and made his way to his wife, to the surprise of the Council.

• Warrior - You propose we abandon the tenets of our very culture, Libraé? Leave these primitives to die in the barbaric lands beyond our borders?

The Council chamber clapped in support of the warrior. Libraé looked at her husband sternly.

• Libraé - No, Tyrómaironás. I merely suggest that we concentrate our efforts on protecting life as a whole, only indirectly aiding our "Patronois".

• Tyrómaironás - You provide all the more reasons for us not to falter in our loyalty to the beliefs that have kept the Oikoumene strong since the beginning. We must teach these primitives to stand with us, not against us. We must maintain order in the mother galaxy. If they refuse to cooperate peacefully, we must consider an act of occupation until they come to their senses.

The Council erupted in a cheer. The Libraé opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the booming voice of the Primircer.

• Primircer - I agree Tyrómaironás. Our beliefs have stood strong for countless galactic cycles and they will surely continue to do so in the future. Libraé, if the council decrees it, will you accept their deliberation in this regard?

She thought about it for a moment, her expression unemotional.

• Libraé - Of course, Primercer.

The Council applauded the sitting and began to leave the Chamber. Libraé finished a personal discussion with the Primircer before walking toward Tyrómaironás, a slight smile on her face.

Chapter Three - Rendezvous

Oikoumene Council Spire - Ten Minutes Later

Tyrómaironás and Libraé.

Tyrómaironás and Libraé walked outside the Council Chamber until they were finally in solitude, away from the political turmoil that gripped the Oikoumene Council. The walked onto a balcony overlooking the seemingly endless city of the Oikoumene's Capital, the hub of their entire civilisation, the greatest city Cyrannus has ever seen. The setting was obviously romantic. Though the tension of the Council Meeting alleviated much of this.

• Tyrómaironás - I assume you realise that it is nothing personal, wife.
• Libraé - I know husband. But I do not care about all that now. I am glad to see you again after so many years. I missed you.

Tyrómaironás embraced his wife lovingly.

• Tyrómaironás - As I have missed you, my love. However, I fear our reunion will be short. I understand that you will be leaving for CX-1000 tonight.

Libraé sighed deeply and helds her hands together.

• Libraé - Yes. CX-1000 is a mystery of a world, husband. It's inhabitants may grow into one of the most evolutionary advanced species I have ever seen. Given nurturing of course. What about you? You leave for Amemoriam?
• Tyrómaironás - Yes. My Revelation Warriors await my arrival. Soon, I will be forced to quell some of the more unruly species in the Outer Realms.
• Libraé - Please tell them to practice restraint. Their lethality is legendary.

Tyrómaironás smiled slightly. It was true that his subordinates, the infamous Warriors of Revelation were the most elite of the Oikoumene's military forces. However, these were only the warriors under Tyrómaironás' direct control; he had defacto leadership of the Oikoumene's entire military might.

• Tyrómaironás - Have no fear. The... Primircer wants them constrained, not eliminated.
• Libraé - You still don't trust his leadership?
• Tyrómaironás - The man is a fool.

Suddenly, one of the Libraé's subordinates approached the couple and bowed. He was small for an Oikoumene, but appeared ambitious none the less.

• Aide - The time has come, "hera".

He bowed again and moved off into the distance, before translocating to Libraé's ship high above.

• Tyrómaironás - I do not wish to say goodbye to you again.
• Libraé - Our lifes are devoted to the greater good husband. But my life is still meaningless without your love. Promise me you will keep in contact.

Tyrómaironás noded, and embraced his wife.

• Tyrómaironás - I promise you.

A tear rolled down Libraé's check as she translocated. Tyrómaironás sighed as he overlooked the teeming city below. These meetings with his wife were generally short, but precious to him. After a few moments of relative peace, another hulking Revelation Warrior slowly strode toward to his superior. Tyrómaironás noticed him from a distance and turned in his direction. The other warrior stopped in his tracks and bows his head in respect.

• Tyrómaironás - It is time to leave, Apeligateza?
• Apeligateza - Yes, herus. The Adjunct informs me that the fleet has assembled over the Amemoriam facility. It awaits your arrival.
• Tyrómaironás - Let us depart then.

The two warriors translocate away.

Chapter Four - A Messenger

CX-1000 - One Month Later

An unknown entity appears to Libraé.

Libraé sat alone on a rock overlooking the planet the Oikoumene Council rather coldly referred to as "CX-1000". To Libraé however, this designation betrayed the beautiful scene that lay before her. A quiet river, teeming with aquatic animals and softly rolling plains home to some of the most diverse species in all of the Mother Galaxy. Libraé thought about her husband, and about the decidedly less peaceful situation he probably found himself in. However, she didn't let these thoughts trouble her as she continued to bask in the midday sun. And then suddenly, she was not alone. Immediately, she turned around. However, there was nobody in sight. She looked around again, but there was still nobody to be seen. Suddenly, a voice filled Libraé's ears, a soothing male voice.

• Unknown - Libraé. Do not overreact. You are the only one who can perceive my image.

Libraé rose to her feet and eyed her surroundings suspiciously.

• Libraé - Show yourself. I have no time for tricks.

A being appeared before her. He was similar in appearance to an Tribe Member, but was not clad in armour, nor was he as large, being only about three metres in height.

• Libraé - Who are you, entity?
• Unknown - I am but a messenger. But that is not important. What is important is your part in the ultimate plan.
• Libraé - Ultimate plan?
• Unknown - Specifically, that of your prestigious husband. As such, I will guide you.

Libraé shot a skeptical look to the entity.

• Libraé - What does my husband have to do with this?!
• Unknown - All in due course...

Chapter Five - Holograms and Allies

Vida'Rranlora Database - A Week Later

Libraé speaks with the Vida'Rranlora.

A week passed since the messenger's appearance before Libraé, who despite intensive research in the omniscient archives of the Oikoumene, could not find a shred of evidence that could logically explain her new found companion. Despite the messenger's continued presence, Libraé refused to acknowledge his existence, at least not until an explanation could be found. Unlike many however, Libraé knew that the Oikoumene wasn't the only source of omniscience in Cyrannus.

Accompanied by her mysterious guide, Libraé travelled to the Vida'Rranlora database deep in the Outer Rim. When she landed and made her way to the database's entrance, she was greeted by the ancient diagrams, who smiled enthusiastically.

• Vida'Rranlora - Greetings, Libraé. Your presence implies a mutual observation of the Patronois once more.
• Libraé - I am afraid not my friends. I have come to you in seek of answers my civilisation could not answer. I am one of the few to know that the Oikoumene are not the only omniscient beings in Cyrannus, so I wish to ask you instead.
• Vida'Rranlora - Elaborate.
• Libraé - Recently I was on the world known as CX-1000 when a curious apparition appeared to me. He remains with me now. I have no answers as to why.
• Vida'Rranlora - Apparition? Essence-based entity likely. Elaborate.
• Libraé - It appears as a male saurian being just above three metres in height. He speaks clearly and calmly. He claims that my husband Tyrómaironás and I have some sort of place in a greater plan of existence.

The Vida'Rranlora analysed the details trying to find matches in their endless systems.

• Vida'Rranlora - No data available. An oddity.

The messenger, who looked rather amused turned to Libraé, his russet feathers gleaming in the glow of the holograms as though he was actually there.

I told you they wouldn't. I am your messenger and yours alone.

The ever logical Libraé tried to ignore him, still not willing to believe that he was even standing beside her, communicating. She hesitates for a moment but gathers herself and gives the holograms a weak smile.

• Libraé - How odd. Well, thank you for your help my friends.
• Vida'Rranlora - Acknowledged. We urge you to elaborate on this apparition once it makes itself understood.
• Libraé - Farewell.

The holograms vanish, but Libraé's messenger remains. She thinks to herself that perhaps there is another means of answering her questions.

White City of the Atlantica - Later That Day

Libraé meets the Ultimate One.

Not willing to give up on a logical explanation to the messenger's identity, Libraé travelled to the Quadrant Galaxies in an attempt to seek guidance from the divine Ultimate God of the Rambo. If he didn't know anything about the messenger's identity, then nobody would. Upon arriving in the White City of the Atlantica, Libraé was welcome by two approaching Atlantica, the great snake Quetzemet and the fierce warrior Barthandeal. Despite being known allies of the Oikoumene, Libraé was rather nervous about dealing with such figures. However, she spoke calmly and freely, while the messenger looked on.

• Libraé - Greetings honourable lords and masters of the Quadrants.
• Barthandeal - Welcome Libraé, as beautiful as the shining sun on a field of flowers. Why do you honour us with your presence?

Meanwhile, Quetzemet remained silent and looked at Libraé without an expression on his snake-like face.

• Quetzemet - There is something troubling you, is there?
• Libraé - Yes, I come to you seeking knowledge.

Quetzamet's features stirred as only snakes could. Quetzemet was well known to be critic about this alliance between the Tribe and the Atlantica.

• Quetzemt - A member of the Grace of Apo'Leus seeking knowledge with us? How intriguing.

Libraé remained calm, while her messenger continued to look very happy and sure of himself. Quetzemet and Barthandeal looked at each other. Suddenly a swirling mass of light appeared between Libraé and the two Atlantica. The Mouth of the Ultimate One.

• Mouth - Welcome Libraé. I apologise for the delay. His Grace is awaiting you. Please follow me.

The Mouth opened her arms in a welcoming fashion. The two remaining Atlantica looked confused. Did this member of the Tribe receive an audience with the Ultiamte One? Libraé followed the Mouth up a flight of massive stairs and found herself halted by another Atlantica known as the Arbitor. The Arbitor welcome Libraé and beckoned her to follow him to the massive white and golden doorway.

• Arbitor - Welcome Libraë, I am honoured to meet you. As I am the last guardian, I know He expects you. Please enter the door, but do not be frightened. Time and space do not flow as we are used to where the Ultimate One resides.
• Libraé - I will keep that in mind, friend.

Behind his helmet the Arbitor smiled. Libraé looked behind her and saw that the Mouth closed her eyes and nodded with a smile; an indication to proceed through the door.

• Libraé - Thank you.

Libraé entered the door and looked behind her once more. Noticing that both the Arbitor and the Mouth did not follow her the door shut and Libraé seemed to stand in complete darkness for a few seconds. Her Messenger however, remained clearly visible. He looked around the void, before settling his gaze on Libraé.

• Messenger - You waste your time Libraé. I am a messenger sent to love and protect you. Nobody else can see me. Not even a God.

Libraé ignored him again. Suddenly the area around her regained colours with bright lights of blue, red, white and green engulfing the area.

• Libraé - How beautiful...

Libraë looked in wonder when suddenly a booming voice filled the area, a voice that sounded like a menacing thunderstorm or the crackling of bones yet it was also a young and friendly voice at the same time. Libraé was confused, but not frightened of this new wonder.

• Voice - Fear not Libraé, member of the Great Tribe and blessed by the light of your mother galaxy. I believe you had a question for me?

Suddenly she found herself lifted up in the air by a hand and was brought face to face to the gigantic form of the Ultimate One. However, it was not the one she remembered from the descriptions given to her down the ages. Instead it was a green insect like form with dangerous looking eyes. Though they seemed friendly. Libraé, a great admirer of the wonders of the universe looked on in awe.

• Libraé -What a magnificent sight you are. I come seeking answers to questions remained unanswered.'
• Ultimate One - Tell me young one, bringer of peace and joy. What answer seek thee of me?
• Libraé - While I was helping to guide species on the world of CX-1000, a mysterious apparition appeared to me. He claims that my husband Tyrómaironás and I have some sort of place in a higher plan. Both my people and the Vida'Rranlora have no answers.
• Ultimate One - Hmm... That is not really a question if thee ask me. To which do you seek an answer, to this apparition or your place in a higher plan?
• Libraé - The apparition. He appears to me and me alone. Nobody else can see or hear him. Can you?
• Ultimate One - Well chosen, my dear child. As a member of the Tribe you should be well aware that I cannot reveal anything about some sort of higher plan, nor the effects or outcomes of such things. However, I shall say that all have to play their role in history.

Libraë looked confused, she still did receive an answer to her question and the Ultimate One seemed distracted. Should she ask about the apparition again? Suddenly the Ultimate One spoke again.

• Ultimate One - As for this apparition, I cannot see it either. However, I "am" aware that there are... messengers from ancient legends - directed by some greater force. That is all I know of these messengers - but keep in mind Libraé, remain focused on the task at hand. Do not trust these apparitions blindly if they go against the most important thing, your own heart. After all - whatever you do, you will have to suffer the consequences yourself.

Libraé contemplated the Ultimate One's words. With that said the Ultimate One seemed to fade away from sight.

• Libraé - Thank you, Ultimate One.

Suddenly the area went dark again, before the door behind her opened again. The Arbitor turned, and the Mouth who was deep in meditation opened her eyes and smiled.

• Mouth - Welcome back Libraé. You should feel yourself lucky. In all of existence only you and me have seen the Ultimate One in person. Did He manage to answer your question or send you in the right direction?

• Libraé - Yes, I believe He has.

She looks at her messenger and smiles at him for the first time. The Arbitor and the Mouth look at her with confusion, from their perspective, she seems to be smiling aimlessly into the distance. The Arbitor walks towards Libraé and places his hand on her shoulder.

• Arbitor - Now it is time you return again, your travel here was long and tiresome and your conversation with the Ultimate One lasted longer than you would expect it has.

With that said a light engulfed Libraé and she found herself back on CX-1000. She breathes in the clear air and turns to the messenger.

• Libraé - I admit. You exist. Now, can you please tell me who you are?

The messenger smiled slyly.

• Messenger - Technically, I will not be born until another seventy three million, three hundred and forty three thousand, one hundred and sixty three years, seven months and two days from now. However, I will be born on this planet.

Libraé looked at the messenger sceptically.

• Libraé - That doesn't answer my question. You claim to be a messenger? Who sent you?

The messenger's smile disappeared and his face became quite stern and serious.

• Messenger - I am a messenger of the one, true God. You and your husband serve as important notes in the One's melody. You ask me who I am? Your existence has happened before. And it will happen again.

Chapter Six - Betrayal

Oikoumene Capital - Two Months Later

The Primercer speaks with Tyrómaironás.

Two months after Libraé's journey across the universe, Tyrómaironás' war against the lesser beings across the Gigaquadrant continued with unabashed fury, leaving countless systems devoid of the conveniences of technology, punishment from the Oikoumene for their disloyalty to the Mother Galaxy. Across the Oikoumene, Tyrómaironás was being viewed as a hero, the greatest and most potent being to exist. On the capital however, the Primercer was less than pleased in his great rival's growing power. Having complete control over the Oikoumene Council, he began to plot against Tyrómaironás.

After weeks of planning, the Primercer finally devised a way to destroy Tyrómaironás and bring the Warriors of the Revelation under his control, thus granting him supreme power over the Oikoumene. Secretly, he planted his most powerful and loyal servants onto Tyrómaironás' ship, where they waited for the Primercer's order to eliminate the great warrior. They were instructed that as soon as the Primercer contacted Tyrómaironás, they were to fulfil their mission and kill him.

From his abode in Cyrannus' very core, he finally contacted Tyrómaironás.

• Primercer - Ah, greetings Tyrómaironás. I trust your assault is doing well?

Tyrómaironás smirked.

• Tyrómaironás - You are a fool.

Tyrómaironás picked up one of the Primercer's spies by the throat.

• Primercer - What have you done?!
• Tyrómaironás - You honestly thought I would remain ignorant of your little farce?

He crushed the spy's neck and slammed him into the floor.

• Tyrómaironás - You are a traitor to the Oikoumene, and you will be brought to justice by my hand.
• Primercer - I lead the Oikoumene, fool. You are powerless against me.

Tyrómaironás smiled.

• Tyrómaironás - Prepare for your judgement. I am coming for you.

The hologram of Tyrómaironás disappeared from the Primercer's hands. The Primercer paced the room nervously, the most powerful being in Cyrannus was now on the hunt for him.

Chapter Seven - Veritas

CX-1000 - Three Days Later

Libraé basks in the glow of Heran Alpha.

On CX-1000, Libraé remained ignorant of her husband's new found war against the Primercer, being far too invested in her work in respond to any of the transmissions from the capital. Libraé's work centred around the saurian natives of the planet and their potential evolutionary path. Though her research was still in the first stages of development, Libraé became more and more convinced that these natives would eventually evolve to equal the Oikoumene themselves. However, she decided to keep these revelations to herself until a time when the results were conclusive.

Not all was work for the famed scientist however. During the afternoon, Libraé managed to pull herself away from her work and go for a walk along the planet's beautiful coast. Eventually, she came across a charming bay untouched by sentients. Sitting down, she allowed herself to drift off, peacefully contemplating the past, present and future under the glow of the planet's gleaming sun.

• Messenger - Enjoying yourself are we?

Libraé awoke calmly and sat up.

• Libraé - It is rare that I find the time to be alone. To bask under the radiance of a star instead of studying it.
• Messenger - Tell me. In all your long years, do you have any regrets? Anything you would have done differently?

Libraé moved her feet through the sand and narrowed her eyes as she contemplated the messenger's words.

• Libraé - No. Nothing.
• Messenger - What of your people? Do you honestly believe that placing them under Oikoumene protection is beneficial? Do you believe that you should intervere in their natural development? Perhaps nature should be allowed to run its course.
• Libraé - We are Oikoumene. Guardians of life. I believe in our mission to safeguard it.
• Messenger - All are equal in the eyes of the One, Libraé. Think about it. Open your eyes and take a gander at what your civilisation has become.

Libraé stood to her feet.

• Libraé - All life "is" equal. I would lay down my life for those whom I protect! I am close to-

Suddenly, one of Libraé's nearby scientists appears on the hill, hovering slowly over the grass.

• Scientist - Taxonomói, your husband wishes to speak to you.

Libraé's eyes lit up as she teleported to her quarters, where a large hologram of her husband awaited her. She placed the palm of her hand on her husband's cheek, a gesture he returned.

• Libraé - Husband. I have so much to tell you. My life has changed in ways I cannot yet realise.
• Tyrómaironás - As mine has, dear wife. The Primercer has betrayed me. He seeks to kill me.

Libraé gasped and lowed her head. Tyrómaironás gently picked it up with his hand.

• Tyrómaironás - He will fail.

Libraé noticed something in her husband's eye.

• Libraé - ...What will you do?
• Tyrómaironás - Isn't it obvious?

Chapter Eight - The Dethroning

Oikoumene Capital: A Day Later

Tyrómaironás and the Primercer face off.

Atop the highest tower of the Oikoumene Capital, the Primercer watched the endless hub of the Oikoumene empire go about its day. As the leader of the Oikoumene, the Primercer should by all accounts be the most powerful being in the cosmos, though in fact, this lofty title was scooped away from him by the Protector of the Oikoumene... Tyrómaironás. The very thought of his name sent the Primercer into a cold fury. The Primercer long distrusted the figure responsible for the collapse of all past enemies of the Oikoumene, prompting him to send spy after spy to deal with the Protector. However, all of these attempts at espionage ended in utter failure. The most recent attempt however sparked a civil war within the Oikoumene when the Protector decided to put an end to what he saw as the Primercer's corrupt regime. As he watched the Galactic Core slowly spin, the Primercer moulded globes of energy he formed with his hand, absent-mindedly causing the globes to spiral into an array of different colours and shapes.

• Primercer: Preposterous. My rule has been distinguished and fruitful for those who know their place. This "Lord" is but a renegade, as is proven by his seditious moves of late.

Sighing to himself, the Primercer slumped into his chair and sighed deeply. He knew that by sending spies after Tyrómaironás, he was the cause of the civil war that moved inexorably closer to the capital. Yet unlike a true armed conflict, this was a personal battle between the two most powerful beings of the Oikoumene. Closing his eyes, a sense of regret briefly filled him. When his eyes opened, he frowned.

• Primercer: No. This is necessary. He has grown too powerful to control. Thus he must be terminated and I... I will be the one to do it.

A brief popping sound filled the Primercer's auditory organs.

• ???: You think you are safe? It is an illusion.

The Primercer shot to his feet to face the new arrival. Though he already knew who it was.

• Tyrómaironás: This was unnecessary, Primercer. I was content to watch you pass laws and watch over the Council in this lofty bastion to your fatuity, though the day you conspired against me was the day your doom was seeled.

A blast of energy caught Tyrómaironás in the stomach, blasting him into a nearby wall, which automatically repaired itself. The Primercer motioned threateningly to his nemesis, who brought himself to his feet with a smirk.

• Primercer: Your power is but a fiction, Protector. If you cannot protect yourself, how can you possibly live up to your title?

Placing his hands behind his back, Tyrómaironás began to calmly pace the room, causing the Primercer to scowl.

• Tyrómaironás: Primercer. In all my years, I have come to realise that you are a bigoted, self-centred and feebleminded excuse for a leader. Even the Council sees it.

Stopping in front of a window overlooking the city below and the core above, Tyrómaironás clasped his hands together and turned his head slightly to face the Primercer, whose face was contorted by a mix of rage and confusion.

• Tyrómaironás: Oh, how silly of me. You do not know. You have been deposed for your crimes. By all accounts, you are no longer Oikoumene. Even your attacks are unbecoming of our race.

Standing several metres behind Tyrómaironás, the Primercer did not retract his aggressive stance. Lifting his hands into the air, a ball of crimson lightening formed over his head. With a gesture of his hand, the lightning shot towards Tyrómaironás before impacting against an invisible shield that Tyrómaironás formed around himself. In the blink of an eye, Tyrómaironás turned, motioning a relentless wave of energy with his mind to impact against the Primercer, who was thrown to the ground with a loud crack.

• Tyrómaironás: Your time is at an end, kirus.
• Primercer: You are wrong!

The Primercer defeated.

Another blast of energy impacted against Tyrómaironás, though the Dark Lord managed to retain his footing. Screeching in rage, the Primercer launched another volley of crimson energy against Tyrómaironás, which was met by the crackling force of Tyrómaironás' power, creating a massive shockwave that left the room in ruins. As the environment self-repaired itself, the two Oikoumene battled it out, their energies connecting in the centre of the room while fire sparks erupted from the epicentre. With a sinister smile, Tyrómaironás overpowered the Primercer and once again sent him crashing into the floor with earth-shattering force. Walking toward the broken leader, Tyrómaironás knelt down beside him, his venomous voice as cold as the void of space and mixed with disgust and satisfaction.

• Tyrómaironás: How... unfortunate that you attempted to deceive me. Oh... but not worry, I am not going to kill you. I may have other... uses for you.

A short laugh emerged from the battle's victor. Interrupted by a new arrival to the room.

• ???: Such a shame it came to this, husband.
• Tyrómaironás: Quite so, Libraé. He was blind to reason.
• Libraé: What is the Council's judgement for him?

Rising to his feet, Tyrómaironás turned to his wife.

• Tyrómaironás: Naturally they were outraged that he violated the honour of the Protector of the Oikoumene. The punishment for his crime was exile.

Libraé pondered to herself.

• Libraé: Exile.
• Tyrómaironás: In his place, you have been granted his position.

Incredulously, Libraé placed a hand on the Primercer's table to support herself.

• Libraé: ...What?!

Smiling warmly, Tyrómaironás embraced his wife.

• Tyrómaironás: Congratulations. May you bring wisdom and peace to the cosmos.

As Tyrómaironás began to walk out of the room, other Oikoumene rushed into the room supported by holographic AIs to remove the unconscious Primercer. Just as he passed the doorway, he turned his head.

• Tyrómaironás: You will excell, my dear.

With that, he teleported away.