Second Ottzello Galactic War is a Historical Event
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The Second Ottzello Galactic War was a three year war of the Ottzello Galaxy, instigated by the Kralgon Invasion Force created by the Kralgon Emperor, who wished to avenge his race after its destruction in the Great Blyro War. It was fought against the Galot Republic and the Grand Ottzel Order, before the two factions merged to create the United Nations of Ottzello, along with their allies the Delpha Coalition of Planets. Meanwhile, Da Propa Big Loron Empire fought their own war against the Third Sovereign Domain, and the Zaarkhun Consortium led by Falrik Zaarkhun pursued its own agenda.
While he was the last survivor of his species, the Kralgon Emperor was armed with much more powerful, ancient technology, and was assisted by the Tokzhalan Empire and their allies in the conquest. The rest of the Ottzelloans were driven from their homes, forced to hide out in the edges of the galaxy with criminals, while the Delpha Coalition of Planets abandoned all operations in the galaxy. The Kralgon Emperor founded the New Kralgon Empire, and had enslaved the Loron using the "System", old Kralgon nanomachines that he could use to control an individuals' thoughts. Close to the end of the war, the Emperor learned that Falrik Zaarkhun had manipulated the entire affair from behind the scenes, presumably to directly profit from the sale of arms.
Prologue[]
The Emperor's Revival[]
For hundreds of years, the ruins of Kralg had laid almost completely dormant. Once populated by a race known as the Kralgon, filled with bustling Pods that made up their habitat, machines whirring throughout the world creating more machines that would be commandeered by the Kralgon, it was now in mere ruins, with millions of Pods destroyed, and millions more dormant, waiting hundreds of years for orders.
However, there was a single Pod that had just received an order. The largest Pod on the planet, located within the largest cluster of Pods, this was home to the former Emperor of the once great Empire of the Kralgon. Now it was home to a single Kralgon, who had been kept frozen in cryosleep for years, waiting for the time when he would awake as the new Emperor. And the Pod finally received orders; it awoke him.
The new Kralgon Emperor would go by no name other than "Kralgon Emperor", for his father had never named his son, and never expected to die before he would have to. The Kralgon Emperor awoke expecting a coronation, but instead, as he was slowly unfrozen from cryosleep, fell out of his chamber to no fanfare. In fact, nothing was present inside his Pod aside from a large, empty corridor. The nanomachines had kept his Pod completely clean, but it was immediately obvious that his Pod had not been lived in by a living organism for hundreds of years.
In many ways, the Emperor had feared this would happen right as he was frozen. But as he unfroze, and saw his entire home dormant, he became overcome with a sense of terror. Terror at what lay before him, entering a world with no one to help him. As he made his way further through the Pod and saw no sign of movement, it became clearer and clearer to him that his species had become extinct, but he had no idea how. His memories were slowly returning to him of the time before, but he could not even remember why his species had vanished.
The terror slowly turned into anger, as he made his way towards the top, the central command of the Pod. Now, the rage built up inside him. He was no longer interested in what happened to his people, for he didn't care. His people were the most ingenious scientists in all of Ottzello. They were supposed to rule the entire galaxy, were it not for those pesky Ottzel slavers. The Grand Ottzel Order, if they were still around at all, would be the first victims once he rebuilt the great starship armada that his people had once been known for. And if machines could not satisfy his need for a new army, so be it; he would clone himself identically billions of times to repopulate his new Kralgon Invasion Force.
Finally, the Emperor made his way to the command bridge, where he was greeted by a computer that lit up upon scanning him. He knew now that the computer was his to control, as it listened to him. The enormous bridge felt like it was a kilometer long and at least a hundred meters wide, from the days when it was populated by hundreds of Kralgon at each of the terminals, but now a single artificial intelligence would be needed. The legendary Kralgon Command Computer, which stayed connected to every Kralgon AI throughout the Empire, spoke to him.
- Kralgon Command Computer - Greetings, Kralgon Emperor. We have awaited your return. It has been 452 years since an Emperor addressed us.
- Kralgon Emperor - Is my army operational?
- Kralgon Command Computer - No other Kralgon is presently alive; but we can mass produce AI Weapons at your command. Only the base on Kralg is still active, but we can produce Pods to colonise other planets.
- Kralgon Emperor - Can your resources produce me an entire invasion fleet?
Before his eyes, the Command Computer projected the Emperor with several holograms depicting exact numbers of the ships and ground vehicles that it had the resources to produce within a few hours. Using nanomachines to produce each warship, it would take merely a day to build a fleet that would satisfy the Emperor's needs. A huge grin formed on his face as he saw the power he now had.
- Kralgon Command Computer - We can place Pods in most planets within the solar system to construct even more. This can be improved further if we retake our closest colony, located five light years away from Kralg.
- Kralgon Emperor - Clone me thousands of times, and advance the process. For now, my clones shall serve as footsoldiers, while the AI Weapons form my army.
- Kralgon Command Computer - Kralgon Emperor, the closest colony to ours appears to be overrun with aliens. These are not aliens that we have records of within our database. What shall we do?
The Emperor's grin turned first to a growl with a clenched fist, furious that they would dare deface his peoples' legacy, before it then became a smile and a cackling laugh.
- Kralgon Emperor - Destroy them all.
The Strife of Ottzello[]
Planet Zalkroid had been a populous Galot Republic colony, inhabited primarily by the Gykar and Galot for its extremely rich minerals and andasium both on the surface and in its asteroid belt, where the shipyards in space had been constructed. Located far away from the Loron threat, it had gone mostly unharmed, for few Loron dared to go near the orbital defenses and starships that awaited them as they went so far out of their way to reach the planet. It had not been difficult at all for the Republic to terraform the world, and its colonies located within domes were extremely well inhabited, with many Galot and Gykar immigrating to the world to make their new life working in the vastly growing ship industry. The investment in the world had caused the once roughly barren planet to explode in population.
However, the rich minerals, the asteroid belt, and the space shipyards were exactly why it was the first target of the Kralgon Invasion Force. Hundreds of years ago, the planet was, in fact, a Kralgon colony, but it had been razed by orbital bombardments that came shortly before the ancient Empire of the Kralgon had fallen. The Emperor was intent on taking it back, and using it to construct his new starforce.
None of the orbital defenses around planet Zalkroid had prepared for this kind of attack. A swarm of huge Kralgon Obliterators and Kralgon Killships, unmanned weapons poised to annihilate the defenses, destroyed every defensive cannon put in place within minutes, whittling away at their shields with weapons the Republic could not possibly prepare for. The Republic attempted to contact the invading fleet, but received no response to a single transmission. Their defenses were primed for dealing with space pirates and Loron, not a huge armada of unmanned warships primed to destroy everything.
The Republic's defenses on the ground knew that the invading fleet was commandeered by an alien, even if all the weapons were unmanned, once the first Pod was dropped. Straight in the middle of a colony on the planet, a huge Pod dropped and latched onto the surface, immediately beginning action and taking root in the ground, before deploying thousands upon thousands of identical clones warped in to destroy every living organism and claim the planet as their own. And not only were clone foot soldiers attacking, but huge, unmanned Kralgon Land Destructors among other ground vehicles tore apart the militia.
The defenses attempted to fire back, but they saw only that any damage that did reach through the shields of the unmanned weapons was ineffective; the machines were constructed using highly advanced nanotechnology, allowing them to repair damage done to their nano-engineered armor. The rapid fire coming from the coilguns and the antimatter shells from their cannons eventually destroyed all life on the planet, as more Pods dropped carrying weapons of mass destruction. Once the invaders were happy that the world was theirs, the Pods stopped deploying ground troops, and instead took root to begin mining the world's surface. The machines now focused instead on building new weapons of war, using nanotechnology to construct them at a rapid pace, presumably to take over the next planet.
In the Galot Republic President Regto's office, she had heard the news of what had happened to the colony. How it had been ruthlessly torn apart by completely alien invaders, who uttered not a single word to them as to their motives or their resolve. Invaders packing highly advanced technology of the likes that the galaxy had not seen in hundreds of years. It was clear that whatever was coming, the galaxy was completely and utterly unprepared.
President Regto immediately called Valzo, the commander of the Republic's army. She appeared desperate and distraught.
- Regto - Have you seen what happened to planet Zalkroid?
- Valzo - Unfortunately...yes.
- Regto - I don't believe it! These invaders, they came out of nowhere. We could not even analyse their weapons before they annihilated our defenses within minutes. Who would do this?!
- Valzo - We do not know the source of these aliens, or their origins. It is clear we are not prepared for this, unless we rely on the support of the Delpha Coalition of Planets. No arms manufacturer or scientist in this galaxy has technology that matches these aliens, whoever they may be.
- Regto - Valzo, I cannot ask you to lead the fight against these aliens. You will certainly be destroyed by them. All I can ask is that you rally support from our allies, from those unaffiliated with the Galot Republic, and any you can to fight back against this menace. Zalkroid will certainly not be the last world they conquer, for all observers suggest that their fleets were headed for more worlds afterwards. I will enlist Zelfron and the Telzoc to lead the fight against them.
- Valzo - Understood, Madame President. I will do what I must.
Valzo closed communications, fearing for the life of every Galot within the Republic. But it might not just be the Republic under threat from these invaders. From what they had heard, even the Ottzelloan Grox may be under threat. Valzo knew it was time to gather a team.
The Gang Rivalry[]
For weeks, the Kralgon Invasion Force had been unstoppable. Every single invasion on a Galot Republic or Grand Ottzel Order planet had been a sweeping success; they would arrive to a planet, dropping Pods filled with clones and AI Weapons, and swarm the entire world, and then turn it into yet another factory to launch a bigger invasion force next time. There were little to no significant losses on the side of the Kralgon, and they never withdrew from any invasion.
With two notable exceptions.
The Kralgon Invasion Force had been unprepared for Da Propa Big Loron Empire, because the Loron had simply not been a spacefaring species when the Empire of the Kralgon ruled in the Ottzello Galaxy. Therefore, both invasions on Loron planets had been failures. Their Pods and AI Weapons were unprepared for swarms of Loron who could tear them apart with brute strength, far larger and stronger than any other alien the Kralgon had encountered. Any swarms of Kralgon clones were worthless, for the Loron could brush off most of their attacks and devour them, while smashing the Weapons to pieces. The Kralgon could not hope to match the Loron's numbers, meaning that every time it launched an invasion on a Loron planet, it was forced to withdraw and consider other options.
This naturally put the Loron in a very good spot. Having been kicked around by the Delpha Coalition of Planets for the first half of the Delphan Excavation War of Ottzello, the Loron were finally back on form. On their homeworld of Groodrub, Da Propa Big Boss Zr'Ahgloth prepared a group pizza party of the strongest Loron to gloat about their successes against the Kralgon. But two of his subordinates arrived to the party early. It broke Loron tradition to not arrive at a pizza party fashionably late, so when the two arrived early to Zr'Ahgloth's palace, they were alone. The two Loron were Jol'kiar, the former Propa Big Warboss, and Fre'kloar, a reluctantly appointed Big Warboss.
- Jol'kiar - told ya man. its agenst loron tradishon ta arriv early. dats whai no one else is heer yet
- Fre'kloar - YEH WELL DIS MEENS WE CAN START EETIN BEFOR DA OTHAS
- Jol'kiar - hmmm well its also agenst loron tradishon ta eet befor da propa meel starts but screw dat lmao lets grab stuff?
- Fre'kloar - yeh man TRADISHONS IS NICE AN ALL BUT AN EMPTY STOMACH COMS FIRST
The two proceded to raid the kitchen, grab three of the largest pizzas - whichever appeared to be the pizza made especially for Zr'Ahgloth - and stuffed their mouths with them, before returning to the empty hall and taking a seat. They laughed amongst themselves, before Jol'kiar decided to get serious.
- Jol'kiar - now lissen. yoo an i both kno dat Zr'Ahgloth ent fit ta leed da loronz. hes a propa corrupt leeda an hes too full of himself. derefore i fink da nex leeda shuld be one of us
- Fre'kloar - wow dat kinda came outta nowhere. urm i guess leedin da loronz wuld b sik but hao do we figure out who does it??
- Jol'kiar - same way tradishon dictates. KILL ZR'AHGLOTH DEN TAKE OVA
- Fre'kloar - oh. OH YEH HAHA DA PIZZA MUSTA DISTRACTED ME. YEH MAN ZR'AHGLOTHS A NUMPTY WHOS ALL BARK AN NO BITE
- Jol'kiar - YEH WE SHULD OVATHROW HIM but hes akshully a bit tuffa dan he looks dats da problem
- Fre'kloar - surly we can boff take him on. den we boff becom da leedas (but im da bigga one)
- Jol'kiar - cant do dat. its agenst tradishon. an if we break tradishon den we wont be accepted as legitimat leedas
- Fre'kloar - MAN TRADISHONS KEEP GETTIN IN DA WAY OF EVERYFIN MAN. DA OLD TIMES SUK
- Jol'kiar - YOO WANNA SLAP? IMMA FITE YOO IF YOO SAY DAT AGEN KEEP YO STOOPID MOUF SHUT BOUT DA OLD WAYZ
- Fre'kloar - NAH MAN DA OLD WAYZ IS LAME YA DIDNT EVEN HAD SIK GUNZ AN SPAICSHIPS I BET ALL YA HAD WAS... STIKKS OR SOMFIM LMAO
Jol'kiar growled at Fre'kloar, and stood up to throw a punch, before Zr'Ahgloth kicked the door open. He was surrounded by several other of his close allies, including Da Propa Big Warboss, Thr'aloy, Zr'Ahgloth's closest friend. He glared at them with suspicion in his eyes.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOO TWO LOVEBIRDS DON HEER?
- Fre'kloar - YA MOMS A LOVEBIRD
- Zr'Ahgloth - I WULD SAY YA DAD IS BUT NO ONE EVEN KNOS WHO YA DAD IS. HE WAS PROBZ A PROPA LOSA. DERES A REESON WHAI THRALOY IS PROPA BIG WARBOSS AN YOO TWO ENT: YOR UNLOYAL AN YA ALWAYS RUN OFF KISSIN EECH OTHAS ASSES INSTED OF BEIN LOYAL TA ME
- Thr'aloy - also im coola
- Zr'Ahgloth - yeh dat too but BASICALLY YOO NEED TA GET IN LINE BEHIND ME AN KISS MY ASS
- Fre'kloar - LOOK MAN I DONT CARE IF THRALOY IS INTO DAT SORTA FING BUT I EINT DOIN JAK
- Thr'aloy - FORM A LINE. FORM A LINE. FORM A LINE!!!!!
- Jol'kiar - MAN DIS IS STOOPID. JUS TELL US WHAI YA CALLED US HEER
- Zr'Ahgloth - tbh i kinda forgot lmao
- Thr'aloy - yoo called da celebrashon rememba?
Zr'Ahgloth's eyes lit up, as he then ushered the rest of the Loron to their seats. Each of them sat in a circle, while seveal Chikz came in to deliver pizza.
- Zr'Ahgloth - RITE LADS. YANNO DEM ALIEN LOSAS DAT KEEP INVADIN PLANETS? DA ONES KNOWN AS DA "KRALGIES" OR SOMFIN DAT ALL DA WEEK GALOT AN PATHETIC OTTZEL IS SCARED OF? WE REKT DEM TWICE. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
- Thr'aloy - i meen not like dey stood a chance. all dey do is thro som stoopid geekz at us an we just smash dem cus deyz small an week an dey look like peppas on legs
- Zr'Ahgloth - EXACTLY. DA KRALGIES, WHICH I NOW DUB DA "PEPPA LOSAS", IS BASICALLY NOT A THRET TO US. HOWEVA DEY IS A THRET TO DA GALOT AN DA OTTZEL AN DOSE LOSAS HAV BEEN GETTIN ON MA NERVES. SO I SAY WE LET DEM FITE EECH OTHA AN DEN WHOEVA WINS WE REK DEM DEN WE TAKE OVA DA GALAXY. YEH?
- Thr'aloy - YEH. AN WHOEVA DOESNT ALSO SAY YEH GETS A SLAP
Each of the Loron cheered, with the exception of Jol'kiar. Fre'kloar looked at him, but Jol'kiar shook his head.
- Jol'kiar - ITS AGENST LORON TRADISHON TA SIT OUT OF A FITE. YOR ALL STOOPID
- Thr'aloy - SHUT UP GRANDPA SHOULDNT YA BE IN A RETIREMENT HOUS OVA AT DA GALOT REPUBLIC???
- Jol'kiar - YOO WANNA SAY DAT TO MA FACE YA LIL TWERP? YA ONLY TOOK MA JOB BECUZ YOO KISSED DA BOSS' ASS GOOD ENUFF
- Thr'aloy - HUR I COULD BREAK YA NEKK WIV ONE ARM WRAPPED AROUND MA BAK
- Jol'kiar - WANNA TRY IT????
As Jol'kiar and Thr'aloy stood from their chairs, Zr'Ahgloth stood up from his, stepped in between them, and picked both up by the throats and threw them straight back to the chairs they sat down on, where they fell on it and broke it. A Chik coming in bringing pizza sighed.
- Chik - ...I'll go fetch them some new chairs. And clean the mess up, I guess...
- Thr'aloy - OW MAN WAT YA DO DAT FOR
- Zr'Ahgloth - BECUZ I ENT HAVIN INFITIN IN MA GANG. IF YOO DO DAT IMMA MAKE AN EXAMPLE OUT OF YAS. DA ONLY ONE DAT CAN TURN ON ONE OF HIS OWN IS ME
- Thr'aloy - BLEH. YA GOT LUKKY DIS TIME GRANDPA
Jol'kiar opened his mouth, but Zr'Ahgloth caught him first.
- Zr'Ahgloth - AN I DONT GIV A TOSS BOUT YOR TRADISHON JOLKIAR YA OLD DOOFUS. DONT SAY A WORD OF DISRESPECT OR ELSE IT WONT BE YA CHAIR I BREAK NEXT TIME.
- Fre'kloar - man i swer yor full of trash
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOO SHUT YA MOUF TOO. BUT ANYWAYZ YEH WE ENT FITIN DA GALOT OR DA KRALGIES. DEYZ WORFLESS TA US. SO INSTED WES GONNA FITE DA DUMBO COMBINASHON OF PIZZA NOW DAT ROZTAHFLOK SED WE CULD AGEN. or at leest he didnt say we culdnt afta. FURTHAMOAR DERES ANOTHA PIECE OF STINKIN FILF IN DA GALAXY WE NEED STOMPIN: DA ZAZZIE LOSAS. I WANT YAS TA TAKE CARE OF IT AN ILL TAKE VOLUNTEERS NOW
- Jol'kiar - I WAS DA FIRST WHO FOUGHT DA ZAZZIES SO IT SHULD BE ME
- Thr'aloy - YA MEEN DA TIME YA LOST TO A GIRL??? AHAHAHAHA
- Jol'kiar - SHUT UP MAN SHE CHEETED
- Fre'kloar - I WILL GO FITE DA ZAZZIES. IT WULD GIV ME SOMFIN TA DO AN PROOV DAT IM BRAVA DAN THRALOY
- Thr'aloy - AHAHAHAHAHA oh wait yor serius. lemme laff harda. AAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
- Zr'Ahgloth - OK ITS SETTLED DEN. JOLKIAR AND FREKLOAR GO BOFF TOGETHA, HOWEVA THRALOY FOLLOWS BEHIND TA MAKE SURE DEY DONT DOUBLE CROSS ME YEH? MEENWHILE I GOT UNFINISHED BIZNESS WIV DA DUMBO COMBINASHON SO IM GONNA FITE DEM
- Thr'aloy - oh great nao i hav ta babysit yoo two stooges apparently. YA BEST NOT DISAPPOINT US
- Fre'kloar - DA ONLY ONE DATS GONNA DISAPPOINT PROBS IS YOO SINCE YOOLL BE IN DA BAK ALL LAZY WHILE WE REK DA ZAZZIES
- Thr'aloy - wateva man yor gonna loos an im gonna be watchin eetin pizza lmao
- Zr'Ahgloth - IN DA EVENT DAT ALL THREE FAIL, I WILL REK DA ZAZZIES MASELF AN SEND DA THREE TA FITE DA DUMBO COMBINASHON AN PROBS FAIL AGEN BECUZ DEY SUK LIKE DAT. EITHA WAY WE BES STIK BY DIS PLAN YEH?
- Thr'aloy - YEH BUT I EINT GONNA FAIL. IM DA BEST
- Zr'Ahgloth - HAHAHA IM NOT WORRIED ABOUT YOO FAILIN IM WORRIED ABOUT DA OTHAS FAILIN RELLY. BUT YEH DIS IS A SIK PLAN BUT ANY WHO DONT LIKE IT CAN FORM A LINE BEHIND ME NOW AN KISS MY ASS
Each of the Loron, including the disgruntled Fre'kloar and Jol'kiar, cheered enthusiastically as they then returned devouring more pizza that the Chikz brought along with them. One of the Chikz then turned to Fre'kloar and Jol'kiar and spoke quietly to them.
- Chik - Trust me, I don't like that Zr'Ahgloth loser either. He's full of himself. If you could topple him at some point, yeah that'd be great.
- Fre'kloar - huh. not every day ya heer a chik talk crap like dat. yor slightly less dum dan da othas
- Chik - Yeah, well I'm not like any other chik. I'm Rel'larutina. I've been itching to fight something for decades now, and I'm tired of cooking pizza for this douche. If you wanna, like, overthrow him or something, I'll get some Norol to help ya out or whatever.
Fre'kloar eyed Jol'kiar with confusion. It was unusual for Norol to act like Rel'larutina, and he disliked her race as it was usual for Loron, but at the same time, it proved to be an unique opportunity.
- Fre'kloar - wat do ya say man? sounds weird but could work
- Jol'kiar - bak in ma dayz we neva lissened ta chikz wen dey talked politikz. dey shuld be in da kichen. howeva deyz also supa smart so i say if dis chik has ideas den i wanna heer her out. maybe we can get dis rebellion goin afta all?
- Fre'kloar - we will hav ta see. ya got yaself a deel chik
- Rel'larutina - Sweet. Just let me know when's a good time and I'll help you organise any uprising you come up with.
- Zr'Ahgloth - OI CHIK I ORDAD PIZZA WIV PINEAPPLE ON IT BRING ME IT
Rel'larutina then rushed off to deliver more pizza to Zr'Ahgloth. Fre'kloar and Jol'kiar were now far more confident in their chance of success than before.
It was clear that Da Propa Big Loron Empire, for once, would not be the biggest threat to the Ottzello Galaxy. But while the Kralgon Invasion Force stormed through Ottzello, the fierce battle between the Loron and the Zazane would rage on, to see which warrior race would prove the strongest. And the Loron still had unfinished business with the DCP. If the DCP wanted to provide relief to the Ottzelloans against the Kralgon, they would clearly have to get through the Loron first.
The Chessmaster[]
Court trials that took place within the Grand Ottzel Order occurred in a space station located in each star system, with their ship confiscated until the defendant received a note from the judge that they were innocent and permitted to leave. That way, it was impossible for any criminal who was convicted there to escape on any ship other than a prison ship sending them to another space station located normally just a few hundred thousand miles away.
For the defendant of tonight's court case, Falrik Zaarkhun, the process was entirely familiar to him. The Heeyorian businessman was the most successful business owner who was not an Ottzel, and that made him a target of many of his competitors. It also made him the target of several Ottzel who believed the success of his Zaarkhun Consortium, an enterprise with a huge number of connections to businesses around the galaxy, could not possibly be legitimate. To them, there was no other possibility: Zaarkhun was a criminal.
This time, his prosecutor was a lawyer working for the businessman known as Rektor. Rektor had long been a competitor in the ship building industry and the leader of the market in the galaxy, until the Zaarkhun Consortium massively began to outsell him, and he simply could not keep pace with it. It was simply for him, then, to incriminate Zaarkhun, and have him imprisoned, or at least, heavily fined.
The lawyer was experienced, and armed to the teeth with evidence to bring against Zaarkhun. She had so far not lost a single case, and was the best lawyer money could buy in the entire sector. Rektor had bet a huge sum of his money on this case, and she knew she wouldn't let him down. With the Heeyorian Zaarkhun sticking out like a sore thumb in a room in which the entire jury panel, and the judge, were Ottzel, she brought her case against him before the judge. Rektor, too, was confident. He had paid for one of the best corporate lawyers in the galaxy, and Zaarkhun hadn't even brought a lawyer at all. Zaarkhun's overconfidence would now be his downfall.
- Lawyer - As you know, your honour, allegations of racketeering, fraud, bribery, and extortion brought against CEO Falrik Zaarkhun are nothing new. Indeed, the Zaarkhun Consortium's concept of legality is one foreign to most Ottzel, and most commentators have expressed surprise at his ability to string by his past actions as "technically legal", or "still no proof". May I begin by reminding the jury of the questionable results of his racketeering trial in the Galot Republic only a month prior, or the "technical legality" of his embezzlement of Tal Apartments Ltd shortly after acquiring the company.
The lawyer had brought up Zaarkhun's background to set the tone of the trial. If she reminded the judge and jury of how he had narrowly escaped trials before, they would be less likely to make the same mistake again. Furthermore, she would intimidate Zaarkhun; if she had fully done her research on his past run-ins with the law, she would know exactly what tricks he normally uses. She looked over to Zaarkhun, who simply sat in his chair, alone, arms folded, and saying nothing.
- Lawyer - The charges I bring before Falrik Zaarkhun today, however, are beyond doubt. I present before you evidence of his wrongdoing through three licensed corporations: Kadas Inc., Aorik Inc. and Doulisk Inc, in which the former is based within the Grand Ottzel Order, while the latter two are Galot and Gykar-based corporations respectively. There is public record of each of these corporations interacting, and the dubious legality of them all is plain to see.
The lawyer then presented a hologram showing the three of them, with figures and transactions listed for each. Kadas and Doulisk reported huge profits despite minimal expenditures, while Aorik reported huge expenditures with losses. The lawyer then explained what the jury was looking at.
- Lawyer - Aorik Inc., a company allegedly selling home furniture, is based within predominately Galot planets in the Galot Republic. As you can see, it has not been profitable for ten years. It is well known that the company has changed management several times, and there have been many public scandals about the company's alleged poor management leading to fall in profits. This has allowed it to take huge amounts of government subsidies due to the laws of the Galot, meaning taxplayers keep this allegedly unprofitable business afloat. However, closer inspection reveals that this furniture company is in fact very profitable.
The jury looked confused, before the lawyer continued.
- Lawyer - The company's profits are all in fact chased in by Doulisk Inc. Doulisk Inc. is a company that allegedly sells starship components. Of course, the vast majority of these components are sold to the Zaarkhun Consortium, a corporation whose strongest driver in profits is its starship industry; curious that the Consortium would not simply purchase Doulisk and make it a subsidiary. As a matter of fact, Doulisk has been able to charge very, very low prices for its high-quality components compared to its competitors, allowing the Zaarkhun Consortium's ships to make a huge profit margin on ships that other companies cannot compete. Perhaps this is because it instead makes its revenue from a "failing" furniture company that receives its own money not from company profits, but government subsidies?
This was only the tip of the iceberg. The lawyer had far more dirt on Zaarkhun than just this sleazy tactic of increasing his company's profit margins on their ships. But by bringing up incriminating evidence such as this, she made her larger case against him more crucial.
- Lawyer - However, it is Kadas Inc., based in the much less regulated Grand Ottzel Order, that is truly incriminating. This company has also reported record profits recently, connected directly to the Zaarkhun Consortium. This business operates space station resorts filled with casino gambling, located within nebulae; which is to say, they are not beholden to any planet's law, and the Grand Ottzel Order has minimal law for these stations. One might simply argue, therefore, that the profits earned from their clubs and casinos is legitimate, until one learns also of the countless reports of guests who have been drugged and subsequently extorted, of the stations closed down due to their links to organised crime, notably the mafia in the Zorik star system, and of blatant money laundering related to its sale of illegal spice to Galot Republic.
Once she linked them all together, it was certain: Zaarkhun would be declared, in no uncertain terms, a criminal.
- Lawyer - As you know, no spice within the Order is illegal, but several substances are criminal within the Galot Republic, and therefore casinos owned by Kadas Inc. are frequently used to sell spices to those who would smuggle them into the Republic and earn huge profits for dealers. What you may not know, however, is that those smugglers are in fact employees of Kadas Inc., and the profits they bring to the company are larger than that of a simple casino company. What you may also know is that the resorts owned by Kadas Inc. make frequent use of alien culture throughout their architecture for their guests, and to do this, they design their interiors with Galot-inspired furniture, furniture imported from - you guessed it - Aorik Inc. It makes sense, therefore, that Aorik can provide the semblance of a lack of profit while still supporting several hundred thousand Galot jobs, because it is in fact providing greatly for a company selling gambling and illegal spice. Both Aorik and Kadas report their profits in Doulisk Inc., which practically operates as a Zaarkhun Consortium subsidy, makes a loss on every component it sells but reports profits that were actually made in a furniture company and a gambling company as their own.
A smile now formed on the Ottzel's face, and on Rektor's.
- Lawyer - Of course, this cannot be made too blatant, so Kadas still reports some of the profits as its own, but does not report where these profits come from: illegal activity. Illegal activity which, I might add, breeds crime throughout the Ottzel Order, one of the biggest buyers of the Zaarkhun Consortium's starships for defense. Indeed, Falrik Zaarkhun has set up a complex money laundering scheme between three puppet corporations with management that he has either bribed or blackmailed to work for him, and through a set of complexly written and disguised transactions between several planets, has allowed himself to profit at a rate no legitimate businessperson would have done. I believe the evidence is clear: Zaarkhun is guilty of crime.
There was silence across the room, as the judge looked to Zaarkhun. In an Ottzel court, this meant it was now time for the lone businessman, who had remained perfectly still in his chair throughout, to speak. At first, his facial expression remained unchanged, as he did not want to give anything away. In fact, he had already prepared for every single thing the lawyer would bring against him. Remaining in his chair, he spoke.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - The honourable lady refers to only a single business that is related to me. Indeed, Doulisk is a great supplier of starship components to us, but the lawyer fails to mention why: this is related to Gykar laws regarding licensing of components. In order to protect the compensation of the research and development team, components may only be sold to a corporation who owns the license for these parts. The research and development team is, of course, a subsidiary of the Zaarkhun Consortium, and it is only natural that I would only want to give the license to produce the components to a company who would sell them exclusively to me. Note that of their thirty-three other clients whom the supply components to, all are in the same situation; they sell components to those who own the license for those components.
This took apart one of the lawyer's arguments. She realised she was not familiar with this obscure Gykar law. Of course, she knew for certain that the corporation must be owned by Zaarkhun, but she had no proof.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - It is true also that Doulisk sells its components at an extremely low price, perhaps lower than its competitors could. What she does not mention is the difference in material. Indeed, the minerals mined for use by Douslik are mined on asteroids located in the asteroid belt that circles the planet. It is also Gykar law that a permit must be purchased to mine here. Due to the devaluation of Galot currency, no doubt related to a recent string of Kralgon attacks that have harmed the economy, their exports are much cheaper. You will note that in a recent report cited by Doulisk, which my opponent fails to cite, that they reported their profit margins on each component sold: 40% added value to each component. Certainly not "selling at a loss", and certainly explains their record profits. They have taken advantage of the increased demand.
Rektor became a little nervous. Zaarkhun's ability to handle himself here was easily beyond that of most lawyers. By building up an incriminating case against Zaarkhun, Rektor had actually harmed the legitimacy of his own case if Zaarkhun were able to take just a few pieces of it apart.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Indeed, it is true that several transactions between Doulisk and Aorik have been made. All of them have been to purchase material used in the beds located in a ship's sleeping quarters. Furthermore, to imply Aorik, a business with no relation to myself, is in fact profitable but reports its profits elsewhere, is ludicrous to say the least. Indeed, the corporation is subsidised by taxpayers, as was made law by the Galot Jobs Protection Act, which requires that companies operating with Galot labour as opposed to automated labour be subsidised so that they may pay their workers a living wage. The company has, however, struggled to keep up with competitors increasingly replacing their own labour with robotics, and has relied on its sales of hand-made, luxury Galot furniture as exports to companies that highly value such items for their hotel guests, such as Kadas Inc.
It was ridiculous to Rektor and the lawyer that he could present evidence against them. Yet, everything he cited seemed entirely believable. Zaarkhun stood up from his chair, and approached the judge, leading in to his main argument:
- Falrik Zaarkhun - It is unfortunate also that the honourable lady smears the name of Kadas Inc. with isolated incidents at a few clubs that it has since shut down, though I suspect I know why she does this. Kadas Inc. is well known for importing and hiring from non-Ottzel, and the honourable lady has but a single piece of evidence that Kadas Inc. works directly with the mafia groups: that both the mafia and Kadas employees are predominately alien. Very unfortunate that she would make a case that is so clearly racially motivated and insensitive to the legalities and economies of other alien cultures. I suspect it is in no due part to the Zaarkhun Consortium's recent profit reports exceeding that of Rektor's own business. For these two to remind the galaxy that Ottzel prejudices against other aliens are still very real, and that even in a time of war against the Kralgon, the Ottzel would still sooner protect their own profits than lift a finger to help an ally in need, is highly worrying.
Rektor and the lawyer now appeared extremely nervous, as the judge and jury became much more impatient with them. Zaarkhun's argument was clear; whether or not the jury liked him, he could easily frame this to the galaxy as a case of Ottzel bias against aliens, in a time when the Grand Ottzel Order needed all the help they could get. The galaxy knew they'd need the starships that the Zaarkhun Consortium sold, so to incriminate Zaarkhun based on what appeared to be fabricated charges would send the wrong message to the galaxy: the message that the Ottzel would only protect the galaxy from the Kralgon if their kind were the ones to profit from doing so.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Interesting that my opponent fails to mention that the improper transactions that went through Kadas Inc. did not in fact lead to Doulisk. They were traced, however, to one company...
Zaarkhun brought up holograms that led straight to Rektor's company. Rektor's jaw widened in shock, unable to speak.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - I believe the projection of my money laundering friend, Rektor, is ironic. I will leave it to the jury to decide if they choose to bring charges against Rektor following this. However, I believe the case against me to be closed.
There was a long silence in the room, followed by the jury panel to quickly submit their votes to the judge. The judge then spoke.
- Judge - The jury has come to the same conclusion as I: we cannot in good conscience bring up any charges against Falrik Zaarkhun. He is innocent, and these money laundering charges are attempted smears against a successful business.
The judge then activated a switch, allowing Zaarkhun to return to his ship. He had successfully humiliated his opponents, who had paid large sums of money for lawyers to argue their case, only to destroy them on his own.
In fact, however, all three corporations were indeed companies managed by Zaarkhun himself, and Kadas Inc.'s transactions made that ended up in the hands of Rektor's business were simply made as a cover up should Rektor ever bring charges against him. He had fabricated evidence against Rektor to delegitimise any case made against the Zaarkhun Consortium. And indeed, Doulisk, which was working directly for Zaarkhun, did sell every single component at a loss, and the minerals it mined were worth far more than Zaarkhun had made it out.
Very few members of the jury in reality had really believed Zaarkhun's story, or found it compelling. But the judge was not in fact an Ottzel judge. It was a Katel known as Durzhan, who had time and again took over the minds of judges who would ever bring cases against Zaarkhun. Zaarkhun knew that most of his defenses to those who had truly studied law were not nearly as compelling to a judge who did not simply take him at his word; they were merely theatrics so no one outside would ask questions. The sly appeal to emotion made Zaarkhun appear to be a victim of a witch hunt against him, a tactic he had not used in a prior trial, and that the lawyer had not prepared for, but would easily make most non-Ottzel sympathetic to him, for they knew what the Ottzel did to aliens. While the Ottzel jury wanted badly to bring charges against Zaarkhun, the mounting pressure from them, and from a judge very convinced Zaarkhun was innocent, led them to declare him innocent.
But in reality, Zaarkhun was anything but innocent. He was the galaxy's biggest conman, and most successful criminal. And his plans to fatten his profits from the Kralgon Invasion Force went far beyond taking advantage of devalued currency.
Stage One[]
The Tokzhalan Empire[]
Having finished his conquest of the twelth star system in a matter of a week, the bloodthirsty Kralgon Emperor sat within his starship, working through the list of nearby star systems for which to invade next. Aside from a few encounters with the Loron, the Emperor had not faced much heavy resistance until that point. He had also not had much contact with alien life at all. Typically, any transmission sent to him was a plea for his forces to stop, or an attempt of the Ottzelloans to open up diplomatic relations; transmissions that he had ordered his computer to deny immediately before they reached him.
But this time, the Emperor received a transmission that seemed to be coming from outside of the galaxy, and had an entirely different wavelength to what he was used to. The transmission contained no visual feed, instead being purely audio.
- ??? - Greetings, Emperor of Ottzello.
The Kralgon Emperor was tempted to reject this transmission at first, but the use of the term "Emperor of Ottzello" stroked his ego just enough that he was intrigued. He decided to respond.
- Kralgon Emperor - That indeed is my correct title. To whom am I speaking?
- ??? - I am Emperor Tokzhalat, leader of the Tokzhalan Empire. As you have surely deduced from the origin of this transmission, we are not from your galaxy. However, we have heard about your campaign to regain control over the worlds that you are owed.
This, too, struck all the right chords with the Emperor. To him, his invasion of Ottzello's planets was not illegitimate, but was the rightful reclamation of land which belonged to the Kralgon. The Kralgon, he determined, were the true rulers of the galaxy, and he was merely setting things to right. Now he was very interested to hear what Emperor Tozkhalat had to say.
- Kralgon Emperor - I am glad to hear this. Indeed, my campaign thus far has been successful, and one day, I shall set to right this galaxy. Only the Kralgon can put this galaxy on its true path towards prosperity, for the Ottzel are a weak and misguided species. I am glad to hear that the intergalactic community will view my eventual rule as legitimate, and recognise the future empire of Ottzello under me as its ruler.
- Emperor Tokzhalat - And I am glad to hear of your successes. We have seen the current situation in which your galaxy finds itself, and I am convinced that you are indeed the one who must raise it to a greater level, by uniting it under your hand. If you ever need our support, Emperor, our forces, and those of our allies, are ready to lend their arms to the service of your mission.
The Emperor was now particularly intrigued by this offer. He was cautious at the same time, for it was rare that anyone made such an offer without wanting something in return, but nonetheless wished to learn more.
- Kralgon Emperor - Now that you mention it, your support would be most appreciated. In return, I can promise you future trade deals with us, and allow you to mine a portion of our vast andasium resources from our planets while you are here. What can you, and your allies, offer me in terms of forces at the moment?
- Emperor Tokzhalat - On our part, our greatest strength lies with our drone attack ships. One fleet each from over one hundred thousand worlds is ready to join you. Our allies possess a fleet of ten million warships, each carrying a ground force of two thousand five hundred soldiers. Their soldiers, you will find, are most impressive. Each is a pilot of his own miniaturised fighting vehicle, equipped with the strongest weapons and shielding that I have ever known.
- Kralgon Emperor - That sounds most impressive... most impressive indeed. I am curious, however. Through what means did you hear of my campaign? I was under the impression that Ottzello was still cut off from the rest of the universe, and that the only outsiders present here were the Delpha Coalition.
- Emperor Tokzhalat - You have supporters within your galaxy who have found a way to contact outsiders, so it seems. Others who accept that Kralgon rule marks a better future than their present.
- Kralgon Emperor - How... curious. I was unaware of this, but nonetheless, I shall take the help I can get. For I suspect that my campaign won't prove so simple the further on it goes. Anyone who recognises the rightful Kralgon rule of this galaxy, however, is an ally of mine. It has been very good making your acquaintance, Emperor Tokzhalat, and I very much look forward to seeing your forces, and those of your allies, in action.
- Emperor Tokzhalat - Thank you for allowing us the opportunity of this disucssion, Emperor of Ottzello. I shall begin to bring our fleets into your galaxy, and then you may provide us with your orders. Until then, goodbye.
The Emperor smiled, and then chuckled to himself a little. Part of him was still suspicious of such a generous offer, but he needed all the intergalactic allies that he could muster. He was thrilled to have the backing of such an organisation behind him, though he perhaps didn't know just how powerful the Tokzhalan Empire, and their allies, the Daleks, were...
First Invasions[]
The first Tokzhalan-Dalek flotilla arrived at Ottzello three days after Tokzhalat and the Kralgon Emperor had made their informal agreement. Tokzhalat informed the Kralgon that it was an initial task force of fifty warships, transporting the most elite warriors of their combined armies, whose purpose was to act as an initial assault force against enemy worlds. They would appear in the sky unexpectedly, as their relatively small numbers and advanced cloaking technology rendered them barely noticeable to planetary warning systems, then deploy overwhelming numbers of shock troops against their target's military bases before seizing control of the cities. After this strike force had established a stronghold in the galaxy, many more vessels would arrive to continue the invasion.
Tokzhalat did not tell the Kralgon the actual reason for the small size of the first flotilla: the Daleks were simply being uncooperative. Sceptical of the value of dedicating their fleets to such a war, they had only provided five cruisers to join an expeditionary force; the remaining forty-five vessels were the much smaller Tokzhalan drones which acted as an escort. This was a worrying state of affairs. Tokzhalat had promised an armada of ten million warships; he needed to give the Daleks a good reason to deliver, not just to win the Kralgon Emperor's trust, but also to keep the Daleks busy such that they could not break the terms of their alliance and turn against him.
Eager to see the "elite strike force" in action, the Kralgon Emperor directed them to a Telzoc agricultural planet, Trondothse, in a strategically valuable region near the confluence of two hyperlanes. Having only one major city, Trondothse would be easy for the Kralgon to seize for their empire, but with the vast majority of the populace living in smaller farms and villages scattered across the three continents, most of which possessed their own armouries in order to defend their fields against local predatory wildlife, such an invasion would quickly turn into a protracted guerrilla war.
The Tokzhalan-Dalek invasion began similarly, with an attack on the city. Tokzhalan drones rapidly acquired air superiority while Dalek cannons flattened the ground defences, and then twelve thousand Daleks glided out of their ships towards the streets and exterminated any Telzoc soldiers or civilians who showed signs of resistance, along with those who appeared to be too weak or ill to be of any use as slaves. The city fell in twenty minutes.
Following this successful blitzkrieg, the Tokzhalan drones left the city to launch strikes against the surrounding settlements, while the Daleks rounded up the surviving Telzoc to be cybernetically converted into obedient slaves. Once enough slaves were created to run the process with little supervision, most of the remaining Daleks left the city to join the Tokzhalan drones in their suppression of the rest of the planet. Fourteen hours later, all of the planet's armouries had been destroyed, and the Daleks returned to the city, content that any remaining resistance would be of minimal threat to them.
Pleased with their work, the Kralgon Emperor ordered the strike force to attack the nearby planet of Firontrotz, a heavily-defended military stronghold and factory world. A garrison of two hundred Daleks remained on Trondothse to oversee the slave operations, and the Tokzhalan drones that left with the rest of the flotilla were quickly replaced with a dedicated planetary defence swarm sent by Tokzhalat.
The invasion of Firontrotz was a far longer campaign. Because the planet had a far stronger and more numerous military contingent, the battle for its skies required Daleks to be deployed instantly upon arrival, and even though they were taken by surprise, the Telzoc were able to inflict casualties among the invading forces. Furthermore, the Daleks planned to take as many factories intact as possible, which further prevented them from taking actions that would have shortened the conflict at the cost of collateral damage. Twenty-five hours into the battle, one of the Dalek cruisers was destroyed by concentrated fire from an entire Telzoc battalion. However, this was the extent of the Telzoc victories. After three days of fighting, although most of the Tokzhalan drones had been shot down and hundreds of Daleks had been killed, the last military bases had surrendered or been destroyed, and most of the factories had been taken.
Now the Daleks were pleased with what they had achieved. Ottzello was a rich source of new slaves, and its factory worlds would be of great utility in producing new starships to transport them back to the Daleks' own territories. A far larger Dalek fleet was sent on its way to the galaxy, and millions of Tokzhalan drones were brought along to join them.
The Real Threat[]
Fre'kloar commanded his own Loron Sik Ship, a vehicle that he had spent his time as a boss refining and decorating with trophies from his battles with the Ottzel and the Delpha Coalition of Planets. As such, Grimbolsaurian horns could be seen dotting the signature "mean face" on the front, him not caring that one would need to be up close to see what the horns actually were, while torn apart Ottzelloan armor was seen littered around the command bridge from which he gave orders. Fre'kloar had earned this ship, and he liked to remind everyone of that fact.
Jol'kiar sat with him fully confident in Fre'kloar's abilities, and loved what he had done to the place. Thr'aloy, meanwhile, was disgusted. In his eyes, Fre'kloar had barely even earned the ship at all, let alone his title, and he was furious that Fre'kloar would now take the credit for what was an assured victory against the Zazane. It is rare that a Loron boss is awarded with a Sik Ship of their own to command, and to Thr'aloy, no one was worthy other than himself.
- Fre'kloar - SO HEERS DA PLAN. DIS ZAZANE LEEDA CALLED "TYRANT" OR WATEVA I DIDNT REED UP ON IT, HES GOIN TO DIS MEETIN WIV DA GALOT BECUZ DA ZAZZIE BOYZ IS DA ONLY ONES WIV ANY HOPE IN HELL OF FITIN DA KRALGIES EXCEPT US. SO WE GO AN BOM DEIR PLANET, STEEL DEIR PIZZA, KIK TYRAZ UNTIL HE BEGS FER MERCY, LAFF WEN HE DOES, DEN KILL HIM AN PUT HIS HED AS A TROPHY ON MA WALL
- Jol'kiar - VERY GUD. WAT DO YA FINK ZAZZIE PIZZA TASTES LIKE? PROBS LIKE PURE EDGE LMAO
- Fre'kloar - YEH I BET DEIR CHEFS ARE DA MOST EMO CHEFS EVA
- Jol'kiar - PLUS WE CAN ADD SOM GALOT ON IT AS DESSERT
- Fre'kloar - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
- Thr'aloy - pffft. yoo lot is way ova ya heds. i bet yor gonna get EMBARASSED BY DA ZAZZIE BOYZ LIKE DA IDIOTS YOO IS
- Fre'kloar - ar yoo implyin dat da zazzies is ANY THRET TA US? COZ IF YOO IS YOOS STOOPID MAN DA ONLY PEEPZ DAT CAN MESS WIV US IS GRIMBOS BECUZ OF DEIR GUNZ
- Thr'aloy - oh deyz not a thret ta me. deyz a thret to YOO AND DA GRANDPA
- Jol'kiar - YA MOMS A GRANDPA. wait dat doesnt make any sense
- Thr'aloy - cant wait til dis is ova so i can tell zrahgloth yoo lost and get kikked off da gang for bein so flippin INCOMPETENT AHAHAHAHA
- Fre'kloar - YOO ARENT GONNA DO DAT. YOO ARE GONNA TELL HIM DAT YOO WAS ABOUT TA HAV YA ASS HANDED TO YA BUT DEN WE SAVED YOR SORRY ASS AN SO ZRAHGLOTH SHULD START RESPECTIN US
- Thr'aloy - PFFFT. NOT IN A DOZEN YEERS PAL
As they bickered, a Norol chef arrived to them with the pizza they had ordered. Both Fre'kloar and Jol'kiar recognized her as the Norol who had surprised them with her political opinions a few days earlier. Rel'larutina arrived, with a somewhat worried expression on her face as she saw Thr'aloy, though he did not really care; he never bothered to tell Chikz apart from one another.
- Rel'larutina - Oh, great. I thought it was just the two smart ones I had to serve today. Didn't realize you'd been brought along too.
- Thr'aloy - oh yeh? well GET INFORMED. YOO GOT DA PROPA BIG WARBOSS ON BOARD. AND I DESERV PIZZA WORFFY OF MA TITLE
- Rel'larutina - Yay. How exciting. So, Jol'kiar, did you read over the report I wrote about the Zazane's fighting style?
- Jol'kiar - no???? WHAI WULD I NEED TO??? I ALREDI FOUT DESE GEEZAS BEFOR MAN I DONT NEED TA BE TOLD ANYFIN
- Fre'kloar - YEH WAT DA HELL IS DA POINT IN DAT ANYWAY? MAN DESE LOSAS IS WEEK AS HELL WE CAN JUS SMAK DEM AN NOT EVEN FINK ABOUT IT
- Thr'aloy - PROPA LORONZ CAN. YOO LOT IS JUS GONNA GET SHOT PROBS HURHURHUR
- Rel'larutina - Y'know, I can't believe I'm saying this, but... Thr'aloy actually has a point if you listen to him. These aren't Grimbos, but they're not Galot either.
- Jol'kiar - I EINT AFRAID OF DESE STOOPID LIZARDS. I KNO DAT ONE CHIK WHO I BEET (SHUT UP I WON DAT FITE) SO IF I SEE HER IM SMASHIN HER FIRST. ALL DA OTHAS IS SMALL TIME IN COMPARISON
- Fre'kloar - DATS RITE DESE GUYS AR GONNA BE SORRY DEY MESSED WIV US. CANT BELEEV YOOD SIDE WIV THRALOY
- Rel'larutina - I'm not siding with Zr'Ahgloth's little hobbit here. No, I'm just cautioning you to be ready for the fact that Zazane are actual warriors.
- Thr'aloy - DA HELL DID YA CALL ME? MAN DIS CHIK IS GETTIN ON MA NERVES. YOR SUPPOSED TA BE QUIET AND COOK PIZZA NOT CHITCHAT WIV DA BOYZ
- Fre'kloar - YEH YOR SUPPOSED TA SHUT YA MOUF. wait am i agreein wiv thraloy? i meen YOR SUPPOSED TA DISS THRALOY EVEN HARDA WHIL WE KIK HIM IN DA NUTZ
- Thr'aloy - YEH JUS TRY IT. ILL USE DIS CHIK AS A HAMMA AND CRAK YA SKULL
- Rel'larutina - Ugh. Thr'aloy, I'll go fetch your pizza. Just don't come crying to me when you get your asses handed to you.
- Jol'kiar - NOT HAPPENIN CUS LORONZ NEVA LOOS
- Fre'kloar - LORONZ NEVA LOOS!!! EXCEPT ZRAHGLOTH COZ HE SUKS AN LOSES ALL DA TIME
- Thr'aloy - DONT DISRESPECT DA BOSS. IM SNITCHIN YOO
As Thr'aloy turned to the communicator to send a message, an alert rang in the ship. The group had been so busy arguing, they had ignored an explosion that caused the ship to come to a halt just a few seconds ago. It appeared, for whatever reason, they had been boarded.
- Thr'aloy - SEE? I BET DATS DA BOSS COMIN NOW TA KIK YOR ASS
- Fre'kloar - WAT DA AKSHUAL HELL???? MAN GET YOR ASSES OVA TO DA AIRLOKK WE GOTTA SEE WHOS DIS
- Jol'kiar - man i dont fink dats loron an i dont fink dats grimbies eitha coz da grimbies prefer ta jus blow up da whol ship insted of boardin it. wait is dat da zazzies??????
- Fre'kloar - IF DEY IS HEER DEN DEY MADE DA BIGGEST MISTAKE OF DEIR LIVES
- Rel'larutina - Someone made a mistake alright...but I don't think it's them...
As they were about to get up from their seats, they heard a commotion behind them, following the sound of the Loron crew of the ship screaming as they were killed. Eventually, a pair of figures entered the bridge.
It was a pair of Zazane, one shorter than the other, both wearing decorated suits of armor and looking around in contempt. Each has a blade in hand, with the shorter one pointing it over to the Loron.
- ??? - It seems we have a hound infestation.
- ??? - My Lord, you have but to say it, and I shall dispose of them.
- ??? - No. I must see it with my own eyes, the sheer idiocy which would bring these cretins to my worlds.
- Rel'larutina - Hey, don't blame me. I just clean up after their ugly messes and cook them pizza. They're the ones that give orders.
- Fre'kloar - MAN WHO DA HELL IS YOO??? YOO LEED DA ZAZZIES??? WAT DA HELL YOO LOOK LIKE A LEED SINGA FRUM A METAL BAND IN DA 80S
The Zazane stepped forward, taking his blade in both hands, an aura of malevolence growing around him as he eyes Fre'kloar.
- Tyraz - I am Tyraz Breek, Emperor of the Third Sovereign Domain. It is not my duty to come seeking lost hounds, but you happened to show your cretinous faces here uninvited... as if looking for your own deaths.
- Thr'aloy - OK LISSEN UP HEER MISTA TYRANT BREED. FIRST OF ALL YOR SPACE DOES NOT BELONG TA DA THIRD SUCKIN DOMINION. IT BELONGS TO DA PROPA BIG BOSS. SECOND OF ALL, NONE OF US HEER OWN DOGS BECUZ DEY COST TOO MUCH MAINTENANCE AN WE DONT LIKE PIKIN UP DEIR CRAP AFTA DEM. THIRDLY, IF YOO DISRESPECT ME AGEN IM GONNA PUMMEL YAS MASELF SINCE I DONT TRUST DESE LOSAS TA DO IT
- Tyraz - You... Yes, I recognize you from the information I have received on your species. The hound who is kept on a short leash by your master, this "Zr'Ahgloth"... So you are here to challenge me, then. Otherwise, why would you seek me out?
- Thr'aloy - BECUZ ZRAHGLOTH DIDNT FINK YOO WORFFY ENUFF TA KILL YOO HIMSELF SO HE SENT DESE TWO LOSAS TA DO HIS JOB FOR HIM. IM JUS HEER TA MAKE SURE DEY DONT STEP OUT OF LINE
The second Zazane also stepped ahead, brandishing his blade, watching the Loron with one cybernetic eye.
- Hork - You will not harm Lord Breek.
- Tyraz - Stand down, Hork Zando. For now, I wish to indulge the hounds... before I splatter their blood all across this chamber.
- Jol'kiar - MAN DIS GEEZA IS SERIOUSLY PISSIN ME OFF!!!! HE KEEPS INSULTIN US LIKE WE CANT JUS STEP ON HIM LIKE A BUG!!!!
- Fre'kloar - DATS WAT IM GONNA DO. LETS GO—
- Thr'aloy - NO YOO WONT. I DONT TRUST YOO. ME FIRST!!!!!
Thr'aloy charged toward Tyraz and swung his fist, hoping to rely on his brute strength alone to pummel the much smaller Tyraz. Instead, his fist met with the Zazane's blade as he slashed at him, searing the wound with Descension Energy in the process before Tyraz tackled him; despite the size difference between the two, Thr'aloy found himself launched back as if a Loron had just drop-kicked him. Thr'aloy wiped his face with the injured arm, and then turned to Fre'kloar.
- Thr'aloy - WELP. HUR GOOD LUK
With that, Thr'aloy sprinted away and teleported out of the ship. The Loron all watched the scene in confusion, and Tyraz let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
- Tyraz - Is that it?! This is the best Zr'Ahgloth has to offer? It is no wonder Keldar Teiran was so able to dispose of you like you were vermin!
- Jol'kiar - WHO??? I DONT REMEMBA FITIN NO KELDOM TERIYAKI SAUCE
- Fre'kloar - NAH DAT GUY WAS A WIMP. BUT NOW YOR IN FOR A FITE WIV A REEL LORON!!!!!!!
- Hork - Lord Breek. Allow me.
- Tyraz - Teach this hound manners, Zando.
Hork Zando stepped ahead, staying between Tyraz and Fre'kloar, with his blade readied and waiting for him to approach. Fre'kloar leaped forward, jumping in the air with his fists ready to slam down, once again hoping his superior height and strength would play to his favor. However, once he descended, he immediately saw the Zazane dodge his blow, retaliating with a blade swing to his legs. Every time he attempted to punch or grab him, Hork Zando would elegantly avoid the blow and then stab him, tearing at his tendons. Eventually, Fre'kloar found himself unable to walk and collapsed, while the Zazane delivered a kick to his head to throw him aside, leaving his blade over his neck.
- Fre'kloar - OW OW OW OW WAT DA HELL IS DIS
- Jol'kiar - MAN DONT BE USIN MOOVS DAT AR AGENST TRADISHON. DATS NOT HOW WE SHOW WES DA BEST!!! YO ZAZZIE PUNK COME AT ME
- Tyraz - It is you who should grovel before me, hound!
Tyraz leaped at Jol'kiar, and with a swing of his Firesword, launched a blast of Descension essence at the Loron; something none here ever had to fight against before. Although Jol'kiar was somewhat taken aback, he was at least well-prepared enough to be able to dodge swiftly, knocking over the Zazane with a roundhouse kick as he did so, before turning to Hork in a prepared martial arts stance.
- Jol'kiar - DA OLD WAYS IS DA BEST
Hork Zando, however, merely responded by pressing his blade against Fre'kloar's throat.
- Hork - Desist.
- Jol'kiar - OR WAT
- Hork - I remove his head from his shoulders.
- Jol'kiar - BAK IN MY DAYZ WE LORONZ WAS PROUD TA GO OUT FITIN. YOO CANT THRETEN ME WIV DAT COZ I WILL HONOR HIS MEMORY BY REMOVIN YOR HED NEXT
- Fre'kloar - (wuld prefer not ta dai tho)
- Tyraz - How interesting. These cretins actually believe they have honor... You are little more than barbarians and pests.
- Jol'kiar - I HAV WAY MORE HONOR DAN YOO WHO PREFERS TA HAVE YOR HOMIE BLACKMAIL ME INTA NOT FITIN YOO. YOR A WIMP. COME FITE PROPA!!!!!!
- Tyraz - I do not take orders from you, hound!
Tyraz swung his blade at Jol'kiar again, this time aiming to just hit him outright - despite the blow he took earlier, he seemed completely unharmed, while Jol'kiar found his armor useless at deflecting the Zazane's supernatural sword. As Jol'kiar attempted to dodge back and perform an uppercut, he found his left arm unable to move, having realized where Tyraz' Firesword had pierced him: he had cut through his entire bicep muscle, causing Jol'kiar to fall down in pain. Loron skin was typically too tough for most weapons to pierce it, but the supernatural sword was more than capable.
- Jol'kiar - MAN YOR SHANKA IS TOO OP
Tyraz's teeth bared as he then approached Jol'kiar, clenching a fist and delviering a blow across his head; the force of the impact made the Loron feel he had just been punched by Zr'Ahgloth himself, and left a scorched mark from the Essence he was using. However, instead of finishing him off, the Zazane Emperor stepped back.
- Tyraz - I feel merciful this day. Rather than simply ending your existences, I have an order for you; scurry back to your alpha hound, and tell him to never send his pups to my space again. Otherwise... The next time you see me, I will be watching your homeworld be glassed, your very history extinguished from this universe.
- Jol'kiar - YA MOMS DUM
- Fre'kloar - WE AINT GONNA RETURN TA ZRAHGLOTH. BUT HES GONNA COM KIK YOR ASS
- Tyraz - Come, Hork. We are done.
Tyraz simply turned around and walked away, with Hork Zando removing his blade from Fre'kloar's throat and following him until they both left the ship's bridge. The damage that the boarding party had done was enough; explosions shook the ship, and it was clear before long, they would be stranded in space.
- Rel'larutina - I hate to break it to ya, but I was right, and now we're screwed.
- Fre'kloar - DIS SUKS. DEY CHEETED!!!!
- Jol'kiar - DEY DID. ALSO WAT DA HELL WAS WIV THRALOY RUNNIN OFF LIKE A TOTAL WIMP
- Fre'kloar - IMMA SNITCH HIS ASS FOR DIS. also help i cant stand atm ow
As explosions continued to shatter the ship further, the two looked desperately to Rel'larutina for ideas, as she beckoned them over to the teleporter.
- Jol'kiar - SO WAT DO WE DO???
- Rel'larutina - We teleport back to Zr'Ahgloth. Assuming it works...
- Fre'kloar - IM NOT GOIN BAK TA ZRAHGLOTH
- Rel'larutina - Got any better ideas???
- Fre'kloar - ID PREFER NOT TA DIE SO no not relly
As Rel'larutina attempted to calibrate the coordinates back to Zr'Ahgloth's own ship, she found they were changed remotely without her knowing. Rel'larutina looked back at them, puzzled, as the group found themselves teleported somewhere else entirely.
Where the three arrived, they could not recognize the room they were in at all. No windows were present, and it was clear from the decor and the cleanliness that they were not in a Loron room. Looking around them, they saw rich fur coats hanging from the walls and noticed they were dropped atop a red carpet, with gold drapes across the ceiling. A Heeyorian, sitting atop a pristine wooden desk, addressed them.
- ??? - That looked pretty rough. I'll see to it that you're all patched up.
- Fre'kloar - man i mustve taken a hard blow to da hed cus zrahgloths lookin reely weird
- Jol'kiar - DIS EINT ZRAHGLOTH STOOPID. WHO DA HELL IS YOO??
- Falrik Zaarkhun - I'm Falrik Zaarkhun. You may have heard of me, leader of the Zaarkhun Consortium. If you're Ottzelloan, and you're not Kralgon or Loron, I probably provide your weapons, and I've probably done business with you. But you're Loron, so I'm yet to.
- Ref'larituna - I've heard of you. Some real big shot businessman...
- Fre'kloar - man i dont wanna buy noffin i got more important fings ta worry bout atm
- Falrik Zaarkhun - I'm not here to sell you anything. I'm here because right now, it's abundantly clear to me that this war is not headed in the right direction. As we Ottzelloans fight amongst ourselves, we miss that our real enemies are the Kralgon invaders.
- Jol'kiar - DA KRALGIES IS NUFFIN. DEY CANT BEET DA LORONZ CUS DEYZ WIMPS
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Is that so?
A hologram appeared in front of Zaarkhun, showing footage of Zr'Ahgloth at the present moment. As their battle with the Zazane had been unsuccessful, so too, had Zr'Ahgloth's. Zr'Ahgloth's attempt to take down a Kralgon army had failed as he was the only one left standing, able to destroy a Kralgon AI Weapon himself, but unable to lead his forces to victory. The group watched as Zr'Ahgloth prepared to retreat.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Alone, and scattered, you're unable to defeat the Kralgon Invasion Force. Zr'Ahgloth has no hope against them. But with my help...
- Fre'kloar - WE CULD IF I WAS IN CHARGE
- Rel'larutina - Seriously, get the hint. This guy wouldn't bring us here just to lecture us. Go on, please.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - I see you're the smart one. Good, I'd heard all about Norol and their capabilities, so it's good to have that proven to me. Right now, I can offer to get you patched up, ready to fight again. But I would ask you to tell your boss to stop battling Zazane, and focus on the real threat to our galaxy...and to my business.
- Jol'kiar - dis feels wrong. ITS NOT TRADISHON TA JUS TURN AWAY FROM A FITE
- Fre'kloar - YEH SCROO WAT YOR SAYIN. WE IS GONNA KILL DA ZAZZIES AN WE IS GONNA WIN
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Are you sure about that? Are you sure you're gonna win? You've seen where Zr'Ahgloth's leadership has led you.
- Fre'kloar - ZRAHGLOTHS A CRAP LEEDA. IT SHULD BE ME AT DA HELM. I SHULD BE DA PROPA BIG BOSS!!!!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - And when you are, you shall fight the Kralgon and you shall win. As it stands...none of you have a chance.
- Rel'larutina - He's right, guys. Leave the Zazane for later. We have more important matters at hand.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You'd be wise to listen to her. Let's get you patched up.
- Jol'kiar - man i dont like dis one bit... feels wrong
- Fre'kloar - YEH WELL ill take patchin up. legs hurt like hell atm
As the two Loron were carried away by drones, Rel'larutina turned to Zaarkhun and narrowed her eye.
- Rel'larutina - I don't like how you did that, but I like what you did. These guys don't have a clue what they're up against, because they're too used to winning. It's about time they focused on the real threat.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, well, I knew that the Loron would never listen to reason if they were not already down and out. This was the only way to get through to them. I doubt Zr'Ahgloth will listen to them, but that does not matter. I also doubt Zr'Ahgloth will last much longer anyway.
- Rel'larutina - I certainly hope you're right on that one.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - If the Kralgon can be defeated, Ottzello's future looks brighter than ever. If not...well, I doubt it has one at all.
A New Alliance[]
When the Kralgon invaded a planet, they laid waste to everything and anything they saw. The Kralgon AI Weapons, machines which did not hesitate or discriminate, picked their target and glassed it until they could detect no trace of it but a spec of dust. The Kralgon did not care how many organic lives were destroyed, for their goal was not to preserve anything on the planet but its resources. Nothing was safe from them.
This was what Valzo was learning in his battle with them. Facing down dozens of Kralgon Land Weapons and Kralgon Land Destructors, Valzo seemed almost hopeless against them, watching his comrades fall one by one to their cannons while barely making a dent against the machines. His strategy here was simple: send footsoldiers to board the ships and destroy them from the inside, for there was no hope of any Galot vehicle of comparable size to match their firepower. While a few squadrons had succeeded, for the most part, their efforts were in vain.
Valzo realized in watching his team fall that everything the Galot Republic and Galot culture had taught him, perhaps, was wrong. The Galot had been told that cooperation and diplomacy was always the way forward, could lead to much more productive outcomes than violence, and that negotiation with words was much better than negotiation with weapons. But between the Loron and now the Kralgon, that all seemed like mythology. How do you negotiate with an enemy who refuses to even hold dialogue?
Valzo charged in with his own squadron of elite soldiers against the largest Land Destructor. His last-ditch attempt to save this planet would involve him destroying their flagship, in a hope of turning the tides of the battle. Fortunately, he was not only accompanied by elite soldiers, but two loan mercenaries from the Zaarkhun Consortium, whom the Galot Republic had a close business relationship: Genrai Nal, a fierce and highly-skilled assassin of a species they had never seen before, and Sollow, a notorious Heeyorian mercenary with a decorated background in several wars against the Ottzel.
- Valzo - This is our only way. We must take down the biggest Land Destructor. I believe the Emperor is controlling it himself.
- Sollow - The fabled "Kralgon Emperor" in the flesh? ... Oh, I would delight in running my blade through his throat.
- Genrai Nal - This will prove to be a battle worth remembering. Keep your wits about you.
Valzo somewhat recoiled at the masochistic delight that Sollow took, but found solace in the honorable manner in which Genrai Nal spoke. He nodded as they sprinted forward, managing to dodge most of the cannon fire. The Emperor, detecting they were close, projected a hologram above his Destructor.
- Kralgon Emperor - Galot scum!
- Genrai Nal - Hm. He is here, indeed.
- Sollow - Why, I wonder? I don't believe he leads from the front often...
- Valzo - We have tried peace talks with you, Emperor. But you leave us no choice but to assassinate you and end this foolish war!
The Emperor laughed hysterically. As he did so, the soldiers noticed the other AI Weapons somewhat slowing. Though they were controlled by artificial intelligence, they were still linked to the Emperor, and when he slowed, they did too.
- Kralgon Emperor - Insolent fool! This galaxy took everything from my people. It destroyed us all! There is no recourse left but to destroy everything this galaxy has, and restore my people to their rightful place as the rulers of this galaxy! There will be no peace for you, for none was offered me. There will only be destruction!
- Sollow - It would be most unprofitable for our employees if this loud-mouthed baffoon were to win... hence why we are here to end him.
- Genrai Nal - There will be peace when his head is removed from his shoulders.
- Valzo - What happened to you in the ancient past of the galaxy is beyond our control. See reason and stop this madness! You wouldn't like if this was done to your people!
- Kralgon Emperor - And yet it was! Die, foolish Galot! I will use your pitiful planet as a factory of war machines!
With the Emperor's rage, the cannonfire only increased, and several Kralgon Crusher robots were deployed from his Land Destructor, surrounding the group. The group dug down in a trench nearby, pinned down by the Crushers, unable to approach the Emperor's vessel.
- Valzo - Now what?!
- Sollow - It's time to use your Klayik abilities for something useful, Genrai. Open a path, and I will climb my way to the Emperor.
- Genrai Nal - So be it.
- Valzo - "Klayik" abilities?... I worry where your boss finds these resources, but in times of war, we'll take all the help we can get.
- Sollow - You'll find our boss' resources are quite useful to have on your side. Now, let's move!
Genrai Nal nodded, and Valzo saw him disappear from view, only to reappear on top of a Kralgon Crusher - teleporting - and then plunging his blade across the machine, cutting it in half vertically despite the immense size difference between them, as his blade was engulfed in a strange power. He proceeded to do the same to the other Crushers, teleporting at them and taking them down in a display of impressive skill, while Sollow rushed out of the trench, dodging gunfire with great agility as he made his way to the Emperor.
Valzo observed the two with a combined sense of fear and awe, relieved at least that the two were on his side. The elite soldiers also cheered, before forming a turtle formation and slowly making their way toward the Destructor to back up Sollow. The Emperor, however, simply screamed and yelled at Genrai Nal.
- Kralgon Emperor - Damn Inalton pest! I thought your kind were extinct?!
- Genrai Nal - You thought wrong.
- Valzo - "Inalton"? ...So that's what he is. What a relief that the Loron didn't destroy them all after all.
- Kralgon Emperor - You will not stop the Kralgon Invasion Force! No matter what Blyro'Tralzorca abilities you possess!
- Sollow - Seethe all you wish, ahahaha! Your day has come!
Getting up to the Kralgon Emperor's Destructor, Sollow begun climbing, doing impressive leaps as he made his way to the Kralgon himself. He eventually arrived to the pod at the top, breaching his way inside and finding his prey in the flesh there. The Emperor recoiled in fear, something that the Ottzelloans had never seen him do before. Nothing had ever threatened his life until now.
A wicked grin grew on Sollow's face.
- Sollow - Ahahaha... Falrik Zaarkhun sends his regards.
- Kralgon Emperor - Damnit!!! If I go down, I'm taking you all with me! Fire!!!
At that moment, the Emperor slammed his fist and pointed towards Valzo's turtling platoon, sending a major cannon blast toward them. The ensuing dark matter explosion, by all means, should have killed him, were Valzo not protected by several turtling soldiers each wearing poewrful body armor and shielding that could absorb a thermonuclear blast. Each of them died, but as the smoke cleared, one remained: Valzo, his back singed by the blast, lay still, barely breathing, and clearly unable to move.
- Kralgon Emperor - And you're next!
- Sollow - ... Is that supposed to scare me? Fool! Prepare to join your species in the grave!
As Sollow lunged toward his foe, he received a call on his in-ear communicator beckoning him to stop. Falrik Zaarkhun sent his stern warning mere seconds before Sollow could claim the Emperor's life.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Wait! If you kill the Emperor, you won't have time to recover Valzo's body.
- Sollow - What!? Why would that be more important?!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Valzo needs to be alive. He has far too much influence in this galaxy for us to allow him to perish here.
- Sollow - But the Emperor is in my grasp! Can't Genrai do it?!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - He can't do it while also fending off the Crushers sent his way. Recover Valzo's body and deal with the Emperor another day.
Sollow growled in anger as he glared at the Kralgon Emperor, before turning back and making his way back from where he came.
- Sollow - You got lucky!
The Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, but otherwise said nothing. The Heeyorian assassin proceeded to leap down the Destructor, rushing over to Valzo's body and taking him in his arms.
- Sollow - I have him. He's breathing, barely.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Good. Send out a distress signal. No doubt the Ottzel will answer it. Then, Genrai, get the three of you out of there. If the Ottzel are using the medicine provided by my company, he'll live.
- Genrai Nal - Understood.
Sollow, still angry at having lost the chance to kill his mark, set off the distress signal as instructed, and once finally freed from the Crushers, Genrai Nal used his powers to teleport them to safety.
Just as Zaarkhun had predicted, the famed Ottzel merchant and de-facto leader, Dakster, had arrived to pick them up. Rather than piloting the kind of immense, presidential warship that the Galot President Regto would be using, Dakster simply used the vessel of an explorer. The Ottzel did not have as much of an organized government as the Galot had, but had a practical leader in Dakster based solely on his wealth and connections. Every Ottzel planet had their own governor, but each listened to Dakster based on his influence.
Dakster gathered the three of them in his room, Valzo still recovering on life support. Valzo was paralyzed neck down, but was still able to talk and communicate, and for Dakster, this conversation was serious enough to need him there. Dakster's ship, in spite of his wealth, was not nearly as assuming: they gathered in a fairly standard command bridge for an Ottzel vessel, having the usual desks and piloting systems, but no fancy decorations or lavish interior. While Genrai Nal sat down with a polite demeanor, Sollow preferred to simply lean on a nearby wall.
- Dakster - I'm sorry for the loss of your world, Galot. And I'm glad I was able to pick you up in time.
- Valzo - I thank you for the timely rescue. If only things had gone better...
- Genrai Nal - It is impressive that you survived that attack. But unfortunately, your fighting days are over. A sad existence.
- Dakster - Yes. Any doctor of any species would tell you that should you recover, you will not be in fighting shape again. But your decoration as a war veteran will outlive you, and the people will remember your battles against the Loron in the First Ottzello War.
- Valzo - That may be so, but if the Kralgon Emperor destroys everything we have built, then that will all be for naught.
- Dakster - Yes... and that is why I wished to speak to you, personally, before I presented this to your president. Valzo, I've done some thinking, and it is clear to me that the current state of this galaxy is unsustainable.
The three observed a pensive Dakster, one who had clearly had several sleepless nights in a row, racked with guilt. Dakster very much believed in preserving the pride of the Ottzel people, the people who had explored the stars of the galaxy and brought prosperity to each of its corners. But he was seeing that their old ways were failing them. More and more enemies threatened them, and the reliance on extragalactics such as the Delpha Coalition of Planets was weighing on him.
- Dakster - The Ottzel had a philosophy of self-governance of each planet. It was an explorer, after all, who discovered and colonized that planet, so the profits reaped should belong to said explorer. And that kind of cohesion across different worlds, we thought, was not possible. But the Galot showed us another way. Through your republic, you have shown us it is very possible to have unity between peoples, in some cases not even of the same species, and across the stars. It is time that the Ottzel joined your approach.
- Valzo - Well, you've certainly picked my interest. What exactly do you have in mind, Dakster?
- Dakster - I will gather the council of the Ottzel planetary governors in forming the first true nation of Ottzel. But more than that, I will form an alliance between our nation, the Galot Republic, and the theocracy that is the Telzoc. Together, we shall be known as the United Nations of Ottzello. We shall be the people who stand together to preserve our galaxy against invaders, and no longer shall we rely on extragalactic help to save us.
Valzo looked surprised at Dakster, but then smiled.
- Valzo - That may be just what we need to defeat the Kralgon. Perhaps also invite the Technobians? Or perhaps the Gykar?
- Dakster - Yes... Yes, we must do so for sure. I hear you have good relations with each of them, and they can each bring things to the table that we ourselves could not. For the longest time, the Ottzel believed their way was the best, but there is much we can learn from the other species that we cannot provide.
- Valzo - I'm sure President Regto will agree to these terms. An united galaxy can push back against the Kralgon... and maybe even the Loron! Of course, one problem at a time, but I have a good feeling about this.
Sollow smirked as he spoke.
- Sollow - An united nation, huh? Well, I'm sure we can offer the services of the Zaarkhun Consortium to you. At a reasonable fee, of course.
- Dakster - That is why you are here. Sollow, Genrai Nal... I've had many misgivings about your boss, Falrik Zaarkhun, but it is clear to me now that these may have been tainted by purpose a suspicion that arises after one can become so successful so quickly in the business space. Zaarkhun, it seems, shares our desires for a peaceful galaxy free from Kralgon invaders, and through his decision to save Valzo's life rather than kill an Emperor who no doubt has AI ready to carry out his mission after death, he has proven today that he knows what is truly most important. I apologize for my lack of trust in him in the past, and will double our orders for shipments from him.
- Sollow - Oh, don't worry, it's all water under the bridge. I'm sure Falrik would be delighted in doing business with your United Nations.
- Genrai Nal - There is no place for the Kralgon Emperor in the Ottzello Galaxy. You will be required to formalize this decision with Falrik Zaarkhun himself, but I believe all will be as you assume; our support is guaranteed.
- Dakster - Yes. The galaxy is home to but two warrior races who stand a chance against the Loron and the Kralgon: the Inalton, who fell to the Loron in the last war, and the Zazane, whom I believe would not wish to be part of the United Nations. Therefore, we rely on both the weaponry and mercenaries that the Zaarkhun Consortium and its affiliates provide. Tell your boss he need only send me the contract, and should the terms present themselves as reasonable, I will sign in a heartbeat.
- Sollow - Very good! Very good indeed...
Dakster turned to Valzo almost for approval, but saw that Valzo did not object, grateful for those who saved his life.
- Dakster - There is then the matter of how exactly we will win this war. Fortunately, the Loron are locked in a battle with the Zazane and the Kralgon, so we do not have to worry about them for now. The Tokzhalan invaders, allied with the Kralgon, were decimating Telzoc forces until recently, as they are now preoccupied with the Delpha Coalition of Planets. Still, I believe it prudent that we negotiate with the Delpha Coalition and see what support if any they can offer us, because their expertise against the Loron and their knowledge of the Taldar will be crucial.
- Valzo - I concur. We know that they were able to trounce the Loron when they fought. If we could gain their support, they'd make formidable allies. As for the Zazane, they are a difficult people to work with... I think it's best we leave them alone for now.
- Dakster - As for the Emperor himself...I believe he has a goal beyond the mere eradication of all our people. We've tracked the movement patterns of his invading fleets, and they are not indiscriminate. He is heading in one specific direction, south on the galactic map...to coordinates we cannot yet narrow down, but nonetheless, it is clear he is looking for something.
- Valzo - Then we need to keep a close eye on him. He may be looking for something that can give him an edge over us all.
- Dakster - I'm not sure. The Kralgon Emperor has spoken of two things: revenge for his people, and desire to restore them. If he wants to restore them, and they are extinct in this time, the only way he could do this is through some form of time manipulation. And if it's time manipulation he seeks, that could point him in only one direction...
Genrai Nal let out an audible hum, while Sollow watched him with a raised eyebrow.
- Genrai Nal - You believe he may be looking for a Taldar relic, no? One that could revert his people's extinction.
- Dakster - Yes. It is hard to know what such artifacts even exist. But I believe that is the kind of thing he seeks.
- Sollow - Well, that'd be terrible, wouldn't it?
- Valzo - He could bolster his numbers even further... Such a thing can't come to pass!
- Dakster - Indeed. We must secure the artifact and stop him before he does so. And while I believe that assassinating the Emperor may slow him down, this is the same Emperor who has cloned himself thousands of times and who doubtless has artificial intelligence backups for everything he is doing, meaning it would not slow him down for long. I believe he seeks to restore his people, and then after this, nothing matters. Our only hope is to destroy his entire fleet. That is no easy feat.
- Valzo - Our United Nations, with the help of its allies, may be able to do so. But first, we need to recover the artifact.
- Sollow - I'll be relaying this information to the boss... If anyone can sniff such a thing out, it's him. He has the resources for it.
- Dakster - Yes. Find out what he knows in his trade of Taldar artifacts, and see if he has any idea where the Emperor may or may not be headed. Meanwhile, I will call the council, and we will have the United Nations of Ottzello formed. Our people will stand united against the Kralgon threat, and once they are defeated, we will usher in a new age of prosperity for Ottzello.
- Valzo - Indeed! I look forward to working with you all for years to come!
- Sollow - Yes, indeed... heheheh...
Stage Two[]
Zr'Ahgloth and Tyraz' Showdown[]
Despite their declared intention to never return to Zr'Ahgloth, Fre'kloar and Jol'kiar both found themselves being escorted by Zaarkhun's men back to Zr'Ahgloth's Sik Ship. To their frustration, Thr'aloy had already returned, and Zr'Ahgloth was sitting there, in a foul mood from his recent defeat at the hands of the Kralgon (which he had revealed to no one).
- Zr'Ahgloth - SO GIMME DA REPORT. WAT HAPPENED WEN YA FOUGHT DA ZAZZIES
Fre'kloar pointed a finger at Thr'aloy accusingly.
- Fre'kloar - WAT HAPPENED IS DIS FLIPPIN RAT RAN AWAY AS SOON AS DA ZAZZIE LEEDA SHANKED HIM ONCE
- Zr'Ahgloth - DEN EXPLAIN WHY I HAV REPORTS FRUM HIM DAT YOO RAN OFF AS SOON AS TYRAZ STEPPED ON YA SHIP AN YA SHIP GOT BLOWN UP BUT HE SAVED YOR ASSES AN TA THANK HIM YOO SENT HIM OFF ON AN ESCAPE POD ON HIS OWN BECUZ YOO WAS EMBARASSED
- Jol'kiar - YOO GOTTA BE KIDDIN MAN DATS ALL LIES AND SLANDA. HE RAN OFF LIKE A COWARD DEN TYRAZ CHEETED AND BLEW DA SHIP UP
- Thr'aloy - LIA. LIA!!!! ADMIT DAT YOO RAN AWAY FRUM CAPTAIN TYRANT LIKE A WIMP!!!!
- Fre'kloar - WE WONT CUS WE DIDNT. YOO RAN AWAY WHIL ME AND JOLKIAR FOUGHT HIM AND HIS WEIRD BOYFRIEND, DEN WE BEET HIM OBVS BUT HE CHEETED AND RAN AWAY TOO
- Zr'Ahgloth - SO HOW COME YOO APPEER TO HAVE COM BACK TOTALLY UNHARMED DEN WHIL THRALOY HEER HAS A BURNT ARM
Zr'Ahgloth spoke true; Fre'kloar and Jol'kiar had been patched up so successfully that they now looked uninjured. Thr'aloy, meanwhile, had a burn on his left arm...which he had caused himself by placing his arm on the pizza stove. Jol'kiar appeared furious and stomped on the ground petulantly.
- Jol'kiar - FIRST OF ALL HE GOT SHANKED IN DA HAND DERES NO WAY HIS ARM CULD BE LIKE DAT. SECOND OF ALL WE MET SOME FELLA NAMED ZAARKHUN WHO GAVE US SOM HEELIN DEN SENT US HEER
- Zr'Ahgloth - LORONZ DONT GO TA ALIENZ FER HELP. YA CAN ONLY GET HEELED BY CHIKZ
- Fre'kloar - WE DIDNT GO TO DA ALIENZ IDIOT. DA ALIENZ CAME TA US
- Zr'Ahgloth - A TOTALLY BELEEVABLE STORY. NEXT FING YOOLL TELL ME DA TOOTH FAIRY PATCHED UP YA WOUNDS
- Fre'kloar - HOW DARE YOO ACCUSE US OF WORSHIPPIN FALSE GODS WAT DA HELL
- Zr'Ahgloth - AR YOO SERIUS??? DA TOOTH FAIRY IS DA MOST SACRED CHIK GOD DAT WORKS FER ROZ'TAH'FLOK AN YOO FORGOT HER??? OH MA DAYZ YOR HERETICS
- Jol'kiar - MAN SCROO YOO YOR BIASED AS HELL CUS HES YOR HOMIE
- Zr'Ahgloth - YA MOM. I SHULD HAV YOO BOFF DISMISSED BUT YOR SERVICE IN DA FIRST OTTZELLO WAR HAS ERNED YOO A CHANCE TA REDEEM YASELF. SO HEERS DA DEEL. YOOZ GONNA TELL ME EVRYFIN YOO KNO ABOUT CAPTAIN TYRANT SO I CAN FITE HIM 1v1 AN YOR GONNA WATCH ME WIN SO I CAN SHOW YA HOW TA FITE PROPA
- Fre'kloar - YOOD NEVA BEET HIM CUS HE HAS A GIANT SHANKA (or at leest big fer a zazzie i guess) PLUS HE HAS SOM SORTA WEIRD GOD JUICE-ISH POWA AND CAN FIRE LASER BEEMS
- Zr'Ahgloth - hmm is dis troo
- Thr'aloy - yeh da giant shanka was powad by god juice an was strong enuff ta tear throo loron flesh
- Zr'Ahgloth - oh man ok dat sounds strong
- Jol'kiar - yeh plus he punched me in da hed one time and hes way stronga dan he looks. reckon hes as strong as a loron at leest
- Zr'Ahgloth - good fing im WAY STRONGA DAN YA AVERAGE LORON EH??? DIS GONNA BE EASY???
- Fre'kloar - MAN YOR GONNA GET TRASHED IF YOO DONT TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY... AKSHULLY YEH DONT DO DAT SO YOO CAN GET TRASHED HURHURHUR
Jol'kiar pulled Fre'kloar aside for a second, with a stern look on his face.
- Jol'kiar - man zrahgloth is stronga dan most of us an i admit dat wher we ar now we aint stronga dan him. i agree he aint fit fer leedin but da dude is TUFF
Fre'kloar huffed with a pout.
- Fre'kloar - i guess he IS pretty tuff
- Jol'kiar - yeh i dont like admittin it eitha but zaarkhun had a point dat da zazzies is a dum distrakshon. so if zrahgloth wins 1v1 agenst da zazzie leeda, which he will, den we can jus stop worryin about dem, we can come bak an eet dem lata but fer now, we can send boyz against da kralgies insted
- Fre'kloar - hmmm yeh yoo got a point
Fre'kloar then turned back to Zr'Ahgloth.
- Fre'kloar - akshully nah i was just messin wiv ya. yoo can totally smash da zazzie dumbo cus yor da strongest one
- Zr'Ahgloth - dats wat i like ta heer. glad jolkiar taught ya som wisdom. OI LETS SEND A TRANSMISSHON TO DA ZAZZIES
As he spoke, a hologram of Tyraz Breek appeared; he looked annoyed, glaring at the Loron with narrowed eyes and gritted teeth as he watched them with pure contempt.
- Zr'Ahgloth - SUP BITCH
- Tyraz - So, the famed Zr'Ahgloth finally reveals himself... Have your minions delivered my message?
- Zr'Ahgloth - YES DEY DID. DEY SED ALSO DAT YA MOM WAS UGLY AN DAT YOR WEEK AS HELL AN DAT DEY WAS GONNA SMASH YA SKULL IN BUT DEY FOUGHT DEY WULD GIV ME DA HONOR OF DOIN IT MASELF
- Tyraz - Wrong. I told them to deliver the message that any Loron to ever enter Zazane space again would die. Do you think this is a joke? Because I am serious.
- Zr'Ahgloth - I FINK YOR WHOL EXISTENCE IS A JOKE TBH MATE. COM FITE ME ON GROODRUB IF YA WANNA PROOV OTHAWISE
- Tyraz - You want a duel? With me?
The Zazane Emperor let out a laugh, then spat to the side.
- Tyraz - You are not worth licking the ground I walk on, hound.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YA MOM LIKS GROUND I WALK ON. I BET YOO DONT EVEN LISSEN TA RAP
- Tyraz - And thank every god in the universe for that.
- Zr'Ahgloth - OH MY DAYZ YOR A HERETIK TOO AN YOO DONT BELEEV IN DA 30 LORON GODZ. WAT A JOKE YOO IS
- Tyraz - ...You know what?
Tyraz pointed a clawed finger at the screen.
- Tyraz - Fine. I'll indulge you, hound. I'll duel you... and butcher you in front of your whole species to teach it a lesson!
- Zr'Ahgloth - YEH COM AT ME BRO. BY DA GRACE OF DA 50 GODZ I WILL SMAK YOR FACE. ALL 70 OF DEM WILL SMILE UPON ME WEN I DO
- Tyraz - You had best not keep me waiting, for I am on my way.
Without giving Zr'Ahgloth a chance to respond, the transmission ended.
- Zr'Ahgloth - how much ya wanna bet he craps himself coz hes too scared an doesnt even show up hurhurhur
- Fre'kloar - yo zrahgloth since tyraz is da strongest zazzie, once ya kill him deres reely no reesun ta botha goin afta da othas. we shuld go smash kralgies once yor done wiv him
- Zr'Ahgloth - hmm yoo got a point. killin tyraz mite send a messag to da rest to go buzz off
- Jol'kiar - yeh. anyway TIME TA GO TO DA SACRED ARENA OF GROODRUB
- Zr'Ahgloth - DA SACRED ARENA INDEED. DA PLACE WHER BOYZ BECOM MEN AN CHIKZ GO TA DIE
The "sacred arena" they were talking about was a specific site on Groodrub, where Loron bosses of the past had battled. The site was a canyon on the far side of the planet, very distinct from the typical jungle environment of the rest of the Loron homeworld, where two cliffs were separated by a bridge over the vast canyon beneath it. Typically, duels here occurred between famed rivals where one victor settled the score over the other, and the other was tossed into the canyon below.
This would be one of many duels that had come before it and would come after it on Groodrub; if Tyraz knew his Loron history, he would perhaps consider it a compliment that he had been invited to such a sacred site for their duel. Of course, Tyraz had nothing but contempt for the Loron who had brought him here. When Zr'Ahgloth arrived, staring down his foe that appeared on the other side of the bridge, he glared. Behind Tyraz was Hork Zando and the rest of the Slayer Guard, his personal bodyguard unit, who were here to ensure the Loron would not cheat by calling reinforcements. Once again, had he known Loron history, he'd know how sacred a one-on-one duel was to them: to bring in any outsider would be a horrific breach of tradition, and sully the honor of he who did so.
- Zr'Ahgloth - LOSA
- Tyraz - Simpleton.
- Zr'Ahgloth - EDGELORD WEIRDO
- Tyraz - Clown posing as a galactic figure.
Tyraz raised his arms, looking around himself in disgust.
- Tyraz - Look at this place; an untamed wilderness! Your misbegotten species cannot even civilize their own homeworld! How can you hope to travel across space?!
- Zr'Ahgloth - GROODRUB IS DA SACRED PLANET OF DA GODZ AN IS WHER BOYZ BECOM MEN. MAN YOO IS SO DISRESPECTFUL ITS UNREEL
- Tyraz - Your "Godz" are nothing but fantasy, wretch. You are your people are an accident in alien form.
The Zazane Emperor spat on the ground.
- Tyraz - Your species is the most contemptuous, vilest forms of life I have ever had the displeasure of gazing upon. A rowdy band of thieves and barbarians who know no honor! A menace to every other species who shares this universe with you! Hounds are all you are; beasts! Less than civilized!
- Zr'Ahgloth - OH YEH???? WELL HOW ABOUT DIS. YA MOM IS SO UGLY SHE MADE A BLIND KID CRY. YA MOM IS SO FAT DAT WEN SHE WALKS IN FRONT OF DA TV I MISS THREE EPISODES. YA MOM IS SO DUM DAT NIGERIAN PRINCES WIRE HER FER MONEY!!!!!!!!
- Tyraz - Insults towards my bloodline... Is that the best you have?! You are a child in a man's body!
- Zr'Ahgloth - AT LEEST I HAV A MANS BODY. YOR SO TINY I BET YOO WULD LOSE A WRESTLIN MATCH WIV AN ANT
The comment on his size seemed to actually get a reaction on Tyraz, who glared at him in anger.
- Tyraz - If I am so small, then let this whole planet watch as I topple the mountain of lard that is you!
- Zr'Ahgloth - COM AT ME YOO TINY PLEB!!!! DA GODZ WILL SMILE AS I KIK YOR ASS!!!!!
- Tyraz - Once the whole thing with the Kralgon is sorted, I should march my men across your worlds... I will wipe you out of the face of this universe.
- Zr'Ahgloth - I WILL WIPE MY ASS WIV YOR SKIN
Tyraz roared, taking out his Zazane Firesword, with was shrouded in Descension Energy.
- Tyraz - Enough! You waste my time! Time to die like the hound you are!
Zr'Ahgloth also roared, as the two charged at one another. Tyraz pointed his sword to stab Zr'Ahgloth in the chest, but this time, it was Tyraz who had underestimated the Loron, for Zr'Ahgloth was much stronger and much more of a competent fighter than he appeared. As Tyraz reached for Zr'Ahgloth's chest, Zr'Ahgloth grabbed Tyraz' arm and twisted it behind his back, before grabbing his Firesword and tossing it down the canyon below, then kicking him to the floor.
Despite the beating he had taken, Tyraz quickly got back on his feet, clenching his fist to show twisting his arm did not do any permanent damage. Zr'Ahgloth, mocking Tyraz' shorter stature, knelt down and growled back to reach Tyraz' height.
- Tyraz - You think disarming me will stop me from ripping you to pieces?! I can rend you with my bare claws if needed!
- Zr'Ahgloth - AS IF. YOR NUFFIN WIVOUT YOR OVASIZED SHANKA, WHICH IS OBVIUSLY COMPENSATING FER SOMFIN DOWN DERE BUT I WONT SAY WAT, COM TRY ME YA PLEB!!!!!!
Tyraz roared, his body enveloped in an aura of dark Essence as he leapt at Zr'Ahgloth; disarmed of his Blacksword, he instead clawed at the Loron, his already impressive strength amplified by the power of Descension. Zr'Ahgloth found himself slashed across the head as if his skin was made of paper, leaving burning wounds in his flesh before Tyraz delivered a headbutt with his hardened Zazane skull that sent him reeling back.
Zr'Ahgloth looked stunned. Normally, his skin would withstand not only a claw from a Zazane, but a bullet. It was clear they were much more evenly-matched than they had predicted. Zr'Ahgloth growled and spat blood on the floor, before engaging a martial arts stance. As Tyraz charged toward him to slash him again, Zr'Ahgloth bent down and knocked him in the air with an uppercut punch, before leaping up to land a feet on his chest, kicking him back with a somersault kick, and smirking as he landed. Tyraz roared in pain as he landed, rolling on the ground until he managed to get on his feet, assuming a combat pose of his own, blood dripping from his wounds.
- Tyraz - Hah... So the hound has fangs after all!
- Zr'Ahgloth - MAN YOO NEED TA GO TAKE BIOLOGY CLASS AGEN BECUZ WE AINT EVEN CLOSELY RELATED TA DOGS. AN WHIL YOR THERE: YOR A FLIPPIN NERD. WAT KINDA NERD TAKES BIOLOGY CLASS
- Tyraz - You are nothing but hounds to me! You are less than people; a plague, no, a disease!
- Zr'Ahgloth - DA ONLY DISEASE IS DA ONE YA MOM HAD WEN SHE GAVE BIRF TO YA
- Tyraz - You are not my equal, Loron, and you will never be!
Tyraz charged again, tackling Zr'Ahgloth and hammering at him. His bodyguards watched the fight with some worry; Tyraz was indeed very powerful, but Zr'Ahgloth was certainly a match to him. It was perhaps because of this that the Zazane Emperor was becoming reckless; maybe he was actually enjoying this to some extent.
Zr'Ahgloth pounced on Tyraz' recklessness. As Tyraz tackled him, Zr'Ahgloth grabbed him by the stomach and lifted him into the air.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOO AR RITE ABOUT ONE FING. I AINT YOR EQUAL...
Zr'Ahgloth spun him around his head, grabbing his neck and feet, as he yelled:
- Zr'Ahgloth - I AM YOR SUPERIA!!!!!!
And as he did, all the Zazane bodyguards and any of the listening Loron could hear a loud crack as Zr'Ahgloth pulled Tyraz down to his knee, breaking his back, and tossing him to the floor, paralyzed. In doing so, Zr'Ahgloth had inflicted the same wound on his opponent that his opponent had inflicted on Fre'kloar earlier. Tyraz screamed loudly, blood pouring out of his mouth, which for a moment caused Hork Zando and the Slayer Guard to step up.
However, before they found, they noticed the Zazane Emperor was shuddering, his eyes wide open as he seemed lost to pure rage.
- Tyraz - GGGHAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Tyraz's scales begun turning a shade of obsidian as he begun to rapidly enlarge in size, his body growing large spikes as his back straightened out. Now towering over Zr'Ahgloth, he let out a horrible roar; his Demon Form was unleashed.
- Demon - EVISCERATE!!!!
- Zr'Ahgloth - welp
The Demon lunged at Zr'Ahgloth, grabbing the Loron by the torso as he then hammered him against the ground with such force, a crater formed under them. Zr'Ahgloth couldn't help but scream as he felt some of his ribs breaking with each impact, until the Demon threw him away head-first into the side of the canyon, believing he would fall to his death.
As the Demon beat his chest triumphantly, he noticed a hand claw his way up as Zr'Ahgloth had latched to the side of the canyon and climbed back up. Though beaten and bloodied, Zr'Ahgloth was more determined than ever to win this fight, as he leapt up and clenched his fist.
- Zr'Ahgloth - EDGELORD YOR GONNA HAV TA DO BETTA DAN DAT
- Demon - KILL! KILL! MAIM! DESTROY! EVISCERAAAAAAAATE!!!!
The Demon charged at Zr'Ahgloth in a mad frenzy, trying to slash, crush, bite, pummel or whatever else he could, trying to use every single part of his body to completely destroy Zr'Ahgloth. This was all part of his plan: luring the Demon so close to the edge would mean that a single false move would cause the Demon to fall to the depths below, where so few had survived. Zr'Ahgloth may have been completely unintelligent, but when it came to combat against a much larger foe, his cunning wits were strong.
The plan worked; once close enough, Zr'Ahgloth tackled one of the Demon's legs to throw him off balance, then threw him down the canyon, with the monster letting out a horrible roar as he pummeled down into the depths. Zr'Ahgloth closed his eyes as he threw the Demon down, unsure his plan had worked. As he heard a thud below, he slowly opened them and looked down, before a huge smile formed on his face and he both cheered and laughed.
- Zr'Ahgloth - LORONZ NEVA LOSE!!!!!!!!
- Hork - Lord Breek!! ... Kill that cretin!
The Slayer Guard pointed their weapons at Zr'Ahgloth, but before they could do anything, they could all feel the canyon rumbling... followed by a loud roar. Zr'Ahgloth looked down the edge as his heart sank, seeing the Demon rapidly clawing his way back up, finally doing a leap which led him to land back at the arena; the creature was bloodied and broken, but was definitely not dead, and was once again wielding his Firesword.
- Demon - KILL!... KILL!!! ZR'AHGLOTH!!!!!
- Zr'Ahgloth - oh yoo gotta be KIDDIN ME
The Demon then unleashed his full hatred for the Loron at him, battering Zr'Ahgloth in every way he could possibly do, smashing, crushing, slashing and whatever else he could think of. Zr'Ahgloth was left at the brink of death as the Demon rose a clawed hand, glaring down at him.
- Demon - I... HATE... YOU!!!!
- Zr'Ahgloth - OH MY DAYZ JUST DIE ALREDI
Just before the Demon's hand could reach him, Zr'Ahgloth noticed the Demon stop mid-air, frozen in place. Unmoving in any way, to any other onlooker, it would appear the Demon was frozen in time. The reality was not far from the truth.
Surrounding him, Zr'Ahgloth could see flames light up the entire arena, as he felt himself heated up too. Just barely able to feel anything anymore, Zr'Ahgloth noticed the ground around him heat up, as a familiar sensation overtook him. He had experienced this once before, when he had encountered the Loron known as Gratz'kaoz, accompanied by a strange, small creature he was unfamiliar with.
- ??? - Not today.
- Zr'Ahgloth - wat da hell... OI. I RECOGNIZE DIS VOICE
Those familiar would recognize the Katel himself, Durzhan, as he appeared directly above them. Durzhan had frozen the Demon in time, confusing the rest of the Zazane onlookers as he turned toward them and glared.
- Durzhan - Leave us, or I will end you here.
- Hork - What is the meaning of this? What have you done to Lord Breek?
- Durzhan - He does not threaten the Perfect Fate...for now. Thus, he will remain unharmed. Should he threaten it again, it will be the end of him.
Durzhan turned to the giant Demon, then snapped his fingers; time resumed, but since Zr'Ahgloth was no longer in the way, the monster just hit the ground instead. He then begun accelerating time, with the monster turning around itself rapidly in confusion until the transformation expired, leaving only Tyraz Breek's unconscious body left behind.
The Zazane, still apprehensive of the situation, moved ahead to take Tyraz and made their retreat from the area. Zr'Ahgloth's energy, by this point, was exhausted. As he tried to reach up to hit Durzhan, Durzhan simply moved him away.
- Zr'Ahgloth - UGH. SCROO YOO I WAS TOTALLY GONNA WIN DAT FITE
- Durzhan - Your role in this Perfect Fate will now be played. This war is mine. Your galaxy is mine. Your fate...is mine. But for now, you will be out of my hands. I have someone who wishes to meet you.
- Zr'Ahgloth - OH YEH??? WHO????
Durzhan vanished, and the flames left. Overhead, a Kralgon saucer appeared. Zr'Ahgloth felt himself liftward toward the Kralgon ship as he was abducted, before being taken away from the Loron homeworld entirely.
Da Propa Big Loron Empire was without its leader.
A few minutes later, Zr'Ahgloth found himself stuck in a laboratory of sorts, unable to move a muscle below his neck. No other organic being was present at first, and instead, all Zr'Ahgloth could see or hear was the whirring of machines and the hissing sounds of pressure vaults being released. Around him, he could see several similar pods that were apparently used to experiment on organic life forms; one of these, he deduced, was his own.
Eventually, the Kralgon Emperor approached him slowly, outside the pod, and stroked his chin.
- Kralgon Emperor - Barbaric. Brutish. Completely devoid of any and all forms of intelligence. And yet... Biologically supreme, perhaps.
- Zr'Ahgloth - WHER DA HELL AM I??? WHO DA HELL IS YOO?!?!!?
- Kralgon Emperor - Yes, indeed, your kind are a feat of nature. It is incredible what natural evolution can produce...unless you were not a product of natural evolution, but rather, a guided one. Yes... Yes...that would make most sense. The Taldar, themselves, guided your evolution to be perfect. The perfect specimen, able to survive in any ecological environment, able to tower over any other similar organic lifeform, and even, perhaps, be biologically immortal. Fascinating...
- Zr'Ahgloth - well i am pretty awesum BUT NEVERMIND DAT. RELEES ME AT ONCE OR ILL SMASH YA FACE!!!!!
- Kralgon Emperor - Hmm? Oh, yes, that. Yes, that we should fix first.
As the Emperor spoke, Zr'Ahgloth felt a syringe prick his right arm. Little did he know, thousands of nanomachines were entering his body at the time. Slowly, his rage seemed to subdue.
- Zr'Ahgloth - AAGHHH WAT DA HELL WAT IS DIS... WAT IS... ehhh... huh.
- Kralgon Emperor - As biological organisms, our brains release several chemical reactions in response to what we see. The reaction to protect oneself is presented as rage. All I need to do is to release the chemicals that calm you. Now, you are mine, body and soul.
- Zr'Ahgloth - yeh i rememba nao. YOR DA KRALGON EMPERA. YOR DA BOSS!!!!
- Kralgon Emperor - Indeed I am... "the boss". Ths boss of you, the boss of this galaxy. All I need to do to ensure that is to guarantee my nanomachines upload the correct memories into your mind. You remember now, don't you? I have always been your boss.
- Zr'Ahgloth - yeh safe yor da propa gangsta. respect yo
- Kralgon Emperor - Hmm. I wonder if I should erase that tongue of yours, too? Do I really wish to be represented by brutes of this nature? I wonder how you would sound if you were...sophisticated.
Zr'Ahgloth shuddered for a moment as the nanomachines took effect, and then spoke again.
- Zr'Ahgloth - It would be most fantastic, oh mighty Emperor! You truly are the most ingenious mind of our generation!
- Kralgon Emperor - YIKES. That sounds weird. Dial that back!
- Zr'Ahgloth - ...MAN WAT DA HELL WAS DAT? I FEEL DIRTY
- Kralgon Emperor - Oh, we ought to fix that next, yes.
The nanomachines began to take further effect, this time on Zr'Ahgloth's body. He found his feeling being restored to each of his muscles as they were being rapidly repaired: but rather than feeling pain from his wounds, any pain he felt was instead suppressed by the same machines. Within a few minutes, he was back to full health.
- Kralgon Emperor - To use this level of nanomachines might be too much even for your body to handle. But a healthier number of them... yes, it would improve your endurance in combat even further than it already is. A perfect, almost completely biological, killing machine.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOR GONNA MAKE ME EVEN MOR GANGSTA? SIK
- Kralgon Emperor - Yes, more "gangsta". That is what you will be. Now, you remember this, don't you? You remember you were always my enforcer. I sent you to gather your army on my behalf, to serve as my footsoldiers as I take over the galaxy of Kralzello. Yes?
Zr'Ahgloth thought for a moment, before nodding.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YEH YEH I WAS GONNA FETCH DA LADS. JUS GOT DISTRACTED BY DA ZAZZIE DUMBO BUT SINCE HES GONE NAO I CAN GO BAK TA DOIN DAT
- Kralgon Emperor - Perfect. And remember, the Loron were always intended to be the footsoldiers of the New Kralgon Empire. An empire which we will restore. And remind me, just to be sure: who is your true enemy?
- Zr'Ahgloth - ITS DA OTTZEL AND DA GALOTS AND DEIR STOOPID "UNITED NASHONS". BUNCHA LOSAS DEY IS
- Kralgon Emperor - Wonderful, wonderful! This is going better than I could've hoped...
The Emperor walked up and down, proud of his efforts. But he had one final test before he was sure, and he turned to Zr'Ahgloth with a smile.
- Kralgon Emperor - You are the supreme war machine, Zr'Ahgloth, battling for the strongest empire Ottzello—maybe even the universe—has ever seen. You should be proud to fight at our side. No one will stop us now.
Zr'Ahgloth, now finding himself able to move and no longer held in place by the machines, flexed his muscles.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YEH. EVERYUN WHO SEZ OTHAWISE IS GONNA GET SMASHED. DA KRALGIES IS DA BEST (but da loronz is also best)
- Kralgon Emperor - So, you remember then, what our objective is. Where our fleet is headed?
The Loron Boss posed again.
- Zr'Ahgloth - WES GONNA FIND DA BLYRO'TRALZICA. AND WES GONNA GET DA TIME PIGGIE ARTIFACT DEY HAVE TA REVIVE DA KRALGIES
- Kralgon Emperor - Splendid! SPLENDID! This worked better than I could've hoped!
The Kralgon Emperor laughed hysterically on his way back to his quarters, while Zr'Ahgloth too laughed along with him, before heading out to perform push-ups and exercises to prepare himself to gather the rest of his boyz. When the Emperor was ready, Zr'Ahgloth was going to recruit him an army. And through the Emperor's nanotechnology, Zr'Ahgloth was now his puppet.
Renewed Hope[]
The formation of the United Nations of Ottzello had gone relatively smoothly. Given the gravity of the situation, and how the galaxy had already been traumatized by the previous war, most nations were keen to sign up to the agreement with little hesitation, even given their past grievances. Combining their expertise in different areas also allowed them to achieve a military might that was previously not seen in Ottzello from any native that was not a Loron or Kralgon.
For the first council meeting, Dakster decided to call forth Valzo of the Galot Republic (now serving as counsel to President Regto) and commander Zelfron of the Telzoc Theocracy. The smaller members would have representation in a lower chamber, but for this council, the three leads would each be present and would plan their next move. The mood of the meeting was still somber considering the war, but much better than it could've been given the recent victories. No formal meeting place was selected at the time, so each met over holograms.
- Dakster - Friends, I must congratulate your recent war efforts against the Kralgon. We are still very much outgunned, but we stand much more of a chance now than we did before.
- Valzo - Indeed. Thanks to our combined efforts, we are now able to hold the line much more effectively.
- Dakster - I must thank your president for agreeing to the terms of the United Nations also. She was very cooperative, and was key to getting the other nations to agree.
- Valzo - It's as I said, she would be delighted with the idea.
- Zelfron - The Telzoc have been hit hard by this war. The Kralgon did not attack us directly, but the Tokzhalan began their invasion by hammering us, perhaps knowing we were the Galot Republic's first line of defense.
- Valzo - I'm sure the Republic will be eager to help in rebuilding the damage the Telzoc suffered, but for now, we must focus on defeating the Kralgon Emperor.
- Dakster - Yes. And more specifically, stopping him from gaining access to whatever Taldar relic he seeks. To that end, I believe it is time to contact the DCP?
- Valzo - I concur. We'll need their help if we hope to stop the Kralgon and their allies.
- Dakster - Good. You have closer relations with them than we, so I call on you to patch in their Warlord, Titanozor.
With a nod, Valzo started clicking on buttons on his end, sending a transmission to the Delpha Coalition of Planets. After a few seconds, they were greeted with the sight of a hologram of Warlord Titanozor, the warrior who had become widely known among the Ottzelloans for his victories against the Loron.
- Dakster - It is good to make your acquaintance again, Warlord.
- Titanozor - Salutations to you, Ottzelloans. What is the purpose of this call?
- Dakster - We are the recently formed United Nations of Ottzello. Every nation of this galaxy, other than the Zazane, the Loron, and the Kralgon, are now united under our banner as we resist the Kralgon and Tokzhalan invaders.
- Titanozor - Yes, my reports have mentioned it. You are under assault from some form of supposed-to-be-extinct species.... as well as Tokzhalans and Daleks.
Titanozor frowned in distaste.
- Titanozor - You have made very dangerous enemies.
- Dakster - Yes... Our people would not have survived the previous galactic war without your help. We are sorry to be so reliant on your support, but we must ask for it once more. Between these two invaders, even with our improved odds of late, we do not believe we will last longer than a few months before the Emperor wipes us out.
- Titanozor - Hmm. Then I suppose it is time for the Delpha Coalition to show its might against this invasion force! Teach these fools they are not welcome here!
- Valzo - Splendid! However, that is not all we require your expertise for.
- Dakster - We have tracked the patterns of the Kralgon Invasion Force' fleets, and it is clear they are headed in the south direction on the galactic map. There is one sector of the galaxy at least that they are aiming their sights at. The only possibility, we believe, is that they wish to obtain a Taldar artifact.
Titanozor appeared surprised.
- Titanozor - What?! I thought we had excavated all of them... This cannot do.
- Dakster - We thought the same. So you know nothing of any artifacts remaining in the galaxy?
- Titanozor - No, otherwise we would have recovered it by now. Such artifacts must not fall into irresponsible hands!
- Zelfron - Do you believe it is possible, based on what the Delpha Coalition has seen, that the Kralgon Emperor could use such a device to bring his own people back?
- Titanozor - Is that his plan? It would make sense, if the Kralgon were meant to be dead... That could spell the end of all other Ottzelloan life.
- Valzo - We fear it is. But your answer suggests to me it is uncertain whether such a device exists.
- Titanozor - It is difficult to say. I have never seen such a thing, but I do not doubt it could exist. Taldar relics have proven to be exceptionally powerful. Bringing a species back from the dead does not sound too far-fetched.
- Dakster - Worrisome, for sure. So with this in mind, and with us having no way of knowing where such a relic would exist, it seems our only option is to intercept one of their fleets and find out. I believe with you on our side, such a thing should be an easy task.
- Titanozor - Let it be so! Any who threaten the DCP or those under its protection will be crushed!
- Dakster - Wonderful! And while I do trust you to carry out this task alone, I believe for caution, we should have you accompanied by the best soldiers we can offer. Zelfron is one of them, but there are two others whom Valzo has spoken highly of. Valzo, are you by any chance in touch with Falrik Zaarkhun still?
Valzo nodded in agreement, and summoned a hologram of Zaarkhun. Zaarkhun appeared to almost be waiting for them, as it was mere moments after he was contacted that he responded.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Ah, the United Nations of Ottzello, or as I like to call them, "my most lucratice and most trusted clients." And, who is this I have the pleasure of speaking to?
- Titanozor - I am Titanozor, Warlord of the Delpha Coalition of Planets.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Hm. Your reputation proceeds you. And to answer your question before you ask it: we have heard very slight rumors of another Taldar world yet to be excavated as it is hidden from time, but no concrete evidence. Unfortunately, the rumors point to the world being adjacent to the Galot homeworld. This would mean President Regto would be their next target.
Valzo was taken back, flinching on the spot.
- Valzo - What?! So the Kralgon Emperor might be going for our homeworld right now?
- Falrik Zaarkhun - If the Emperor is hearing from the same sources as us, he will be sending a force there next to break through and conquer the Galot homeworld, perhaps under the impression that you are hiding what he seeks from him.
- Titanozor - Hmpf. And who is this source, who knows of Taldar artifacts unknown even to us?
- Falrik Zaarkhun - I regret to say that I will not betray the confidentiality of my clients.
Titanozor eyed Zaarkhun suspiciously, but decided to drop the subject.
- Titanozor - Perhaps it would be best to send fleets to the Galot homeworld, then.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes. I will have Genrai Nal accompany you, and send Sollow to lead our mercenaries defending the world. I trust the United Nations can supply a Telzoc regimen.
- Zelfron - Of course.
- Dakster - It is settled then. Tomorrow we send our fleets to defend the pride of our people, and defend what I had hoped would be the capital of a new, united Ottzello. And when we interrupt and defeat the Kralgon fleet, we will be able to find what it is they seek, and secure it away from the Emperor's hands. I trust that you all are ready for the battle to ensue. We have fought enough battles against the Kralgon to know what they are capable of.
- Titanozor - With no offense meant for you, but I have fought and destroyed far greater threats. This Emperor stands no chance against the might of the Delpha Coalition!
- Dakster - But of course.
- Valzo - Let this upcoming victory mark the day we turn the tide of this war in our favor!
New Slaves[]
The Galot Presidential Palace was an immense structure atop a hill, overlooking their capital city. The entire palace was made of a golden-looking metal (inspired by the Taldar artifacts that they had dug up) and stood several hundred meters tall. On the outside, it resembled an ancient, regal building, but inside, it was incredibly advanced and high-tech, with government ministers each overseeing different parts of the Republic behind transparent screens of data.
Titanozor and his group, made up of himself, Zelfron and the mercenaries of the Zaarkhun Consortium, gathered in the president's office, where Regto awaited them. The office was filled with portraits of past, notable presidents—most of whom, Regto suspected, would be disheartened that the Galot Republic was ever involved in a war of this kind. The Galot always favored peace and diplomacy, and had hoped it would have never come to war. Perhaps they would take solace in the fact that this president had at least seen the galaxy unite in a way it never previously had. Each in the room could tell on Regto's face that she had much the same thoughts: disheartened, but trying to see the positives in all this. Deflated, but with a sense of optimism that if all went well today, a bright future was ahead for the galaxy.
- Regto - Thank you for coming on such short notice. We fortified the planet after hearing we were the next target.
- Titanozor - Good. Once the Kralgon arrive, they will soon find that we are prepared for them.
- Regto - I have seen dozens of our worlds fall to the Kralgon at this point, and almost thought the war was hopeless. But the recent victories have given me a sense of optimism that I did not previously have.
- Zelfron - It's all thanks to our efforts in building an united Ottzello. Were it not for it, we would stand no chance.
- Regto - Yes, and thank you to the Zaarkhun Consortium for their very generous offers during this wartime. Your corporation and all of its subsidiaries have been a tremendous boon during wartime.
- Sollow - Pleased to do business with the esteemed President, heheheh...
- Regto - Grateful for the same. Now, we have only a few minutes bef—
As she spoke, alarms began to sound. The dreaded notification appeared on the screen on her desk: their orbital defenses had been breached, and Kraglon Pods were headed toward the planet surface.
- Regto - They're here! Everyone, to your stations!
- Genrai Nal - This shall be a worthy battle.
- Titanozor - We will crush them under our heel! Come now, follow me!
The group rushed toward the front gate of the palace. It was shielded and heavily fortified, but it was their job to ensure that no one even reached the gate. Lo and behold, several Kralgon Pods—at least those that were not shot down—were able to land atop buildings and streets, before drilling themselves into the ground and planting themselves there. The garrison defending the planet knew what came next: swarms of Kralgon clones, and hundreds of AI Weapons primed to defeat their targets.
But what actually came out shocked and horrified them.
A Kralgon Pod landed directly on the hill of the palace, completely piercing its forcefield. In front of them, they saw a face that they were familiar with, and hoping to never encounter in this war. Titanozor frowned in rage, while Zelfron and Sollow were taken back, their morale about to shatter. Even the stoic Genrai Nal flinched in surprise at the sight.
- Zr'Ahgloth - SURPRISE MOTHATRUCKAS
- Zelfron - It's... It's Zr'Ahgloth!
- Titanozor - What?! What is this wretch doing here?!
- Zr'Ahgloth - DA VERY SAME. DA KRALGON EMPRA SENDS HIS REGARDS. WE IS GONNA EET YOR PLANET AN EET ALL YOR CITIZENS UNTIL YOO TELL US WHER DA BLYROTRALZICA HOMEWORLD IS
- Genrai Nal - This is... most unexpected.
- Sollow - This makes no sense! Why would the Loron work alongside the Kralgon? You're supposed to be slaughtering each other!
- Zr'Ahgloth - BECUZ DEY GIV US GOOD PIZZA AN BECUZ DEYZ SIK HOMIES. ALSO DA KRALGON EMPRA IS DA ONLY ONE WIV DA TROO VISION FER OTTZELLO. OTTZELLO BELONGS TO DA KRALGIES BUT DA GALAXY EXTERMINATED DEM IN DA PAST SO NOW ITS TIME FER US TA EXTERMINATE DA GALAXY IN REVENGE!!!!!
- Zelfron - Do my ears deceive me...? The Kralgon have conquered the Loron!?
- Titanozor - Grrr. It matters not. I'll teach this insect a lesson - again!
- Zr'Ahgloth - COM AT ME BROS
Titanozor, having already faced Zr'Ahgloth in the past, was not at all intimidated by his presence and quickly approached him. The others were more hesitant, however - Sollow in particular stepped back, which alerted his partner.
- Genrai Nal - You hesitate?
- Sollow - Are you insane? I know when I'm beat, I'm not going anywhere near Da Propa Big Boss!
- Genrai Nal - But it would be quite the magnificent fight.
- Sollow - Spare me your honorable rambles, Genrai Nal! This isn't the time!
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOO
Zr'Ahgloth leapt toward Sollow, jumping much further than Titanozor had ever seen. He then landed in front of him and knocked him to the floor, before placing a knee on his chest and trapping him.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOO ALMOST KILLED DA EMPRA
- Sollow - Aaah, d-damnit! G-Gotta get away, I can't end like this...!
Sollow struggled under Zr'Ahgloth's knee, though the Loron was far too strong to be moved, leaving him trapped there. Genrai Nal attempted to push him off, but Zr'Ahgloth simply lifted him by the throat and flung him back; Genrai had completely underestimated his newfound strength, and paid for it. As Zr'Ahgloth looked down at Sollow in fury, the Kralgon Emperor appeared on a hologram in the sky, and laughed, his laugh heard throughout the entire city.
- Kralgon Emperor - Time for payback! Payback for all you have done to my people! And to the assassin who tried to eliminate me...I have special plans for you!
- Sollow - Gaaah! Get away from me, you beast!
- Kralgon Emperor - Oh, stop your whining. Crush him for me, pet!
Zr'Ahgloth slammed his fist into Sollow repeatedly, crushing his bones with each punch. Eventually, Sollow lay there lifeless and crushed, before Zr'Ahgloth tossed his body away to the Kralgon Pod, and turned towards the rest of his foes.
- Kralgon Emperor - You will give me what I want, or you will find your world devoured by my new pets!
- Titanozor - I will see your skull adorning my armor, you hot-headed fool!
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOO AINT NO MATCH FOR ME YA UGLY GRIMBO
- Titanozor - I am, or have you forgotten I've humiliated you before? You'll learn it again soon enough!
- Genrai Nal - Titanozor, we have underestimated the strength of the Emperor's ground forces today. I and Zelfron will return to the battlefield to assist them, while you defeat their leader.
- Titanozor - Do so!
Genrai Nal then vanished, while Zelfron charged back to lead his Telzoc battallion against the Emperor. It was just Zr'Ahgloth and Titanozor left, with President Regto issuing commands from her palace, hoping and praying that the odds favored Titanozor.
Titanozor spun his mace awaiting Zr'Ahgloth's attack. As he had said, he already had experience against the Propa Big Boss, but as he had observed, his foe was now much more challenging this time. Enhanced by nanotechnology, Zr'Ahgloth's reaction times were faster, his body's muscles and fluid were regulated by the machines, and his skin and arms were enhanced, as the machines hardened in response to physical trauma. Furthermore, he was protected by a Kralgon-made forcefield that, between the two things, allowed him to effectively shrug off Titanozor's mace that would once have knocked the Propa Big Boss off his feet entirely (whereas it would've killed most normal Loron).
- Zr'Ahgloth - NANOMASHEENZ SON
- Titanozor - Hah, so you aren't as puny as the last time we've fought. Good, I might actually enjoy this!
- Zr'Ahgloth - ILL ENJOY EETIN YA FLESH WEN IVE LOBBED YA HED OFF
- Titanozor - In your dreams!
Though Zr'Ahgloth was much better-protected than before, Titanozor was equally well-protected by his combat suit that provided him enhanced shielding. Kralgon technology was extremely advanced compared to anything in Ottzello, but for the Delpha Coalition, it was still rather primitive. Were it not for Zr'Ahgloth's natural physical frame augmented by the Kralgon technology, this would not be an even match at all.
The two exchanged blows, with Titanozor struggling to keep up with the more acrobatic Zr'Ahgloth. But where Titanozor lacked in maneuverability, he made up for in the strength of his suit's cannons, able to shoot Zr'Ahgloth out of the sky if he tried anything too extreme. The evenly-matched foes continued their battle for a long time while the rest of the city was struggling under the weight of the Loron.
The planetary defenses had made a valiant effort, but the Kralgon-enhanced Loron were not something they had planned for, or were capable of fighting. President Regto watched in dismay as her city's outer defenses were being pierced through, unable to fight off the wave of Loron arriving. While Genrai was able to cut through hundreds of them, he was finding the task much more difficult than before, due to their enhanced reflexes and heightened senses. The Loron were also more in-sync and coordinated than usual, but this was only a minor improvement from their total disorganization and chaos that was normally seen on the battlefield. Once an opening was provided to him, Genrai Nal got in contact with Falrik Zaarkhun via comms.
- Genrai Nal - Falrik. The situation has deteriorated. The Kralgon appear to have dominated the Loron.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - In what way?
- Genrai Nal - They are following the orders of the Kralgon Emperor. Zr'Ahgloth himself is here. And he has slain Sollow.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Really? Hmm... Well, Sollow is a most unfortunate loss. But it still baffles me that they would serve the Emperor. Loron do not like to lose, and they do not like to serve anyone—they'd sooner serve a Norol. If the Emperor really defeated them, he would've had to commit genocide.
- Genrai Nal - I cannot say what happened, but the way the Loron are acting seems... unnatural. I do not believe they are acting entirely out of their own will.
Zaarkhun paused a little, before sending a clear message to Genrai:
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Bring one of their corpses back to me. Otherwise, do what you can to make sure they don't get further, and prepare a retreat.
- Genrai Nal - Very well. Zr'Ahgloth is currently locked in combat with Titanozor. I cannot say who will leave the battle alive.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, it's not clear to me either. But...wait. Did you find out what the Emperor is looking for?
- Genrai Nal - I have, since Zr'Ahgloth has a big mouth. He is looking for the Blyro'Tralzica.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Does that mean anything to you?
- Genrai Nal - It does. I was once a member of the organization which directly opposed them, the Blyro'Tralzorca.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Do you think they still exist? Or if they do, that they have what the Emperor needs to bring his people back?
- Genrai Nal - I am unsure if they still exist. But if they do, then they definitely have the means for the Emperor to achieve his goal.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Hmm. I will need to think on this more. Keep me updated.
- Genrai Nal - Very well.
Genrai Nal closed his link to Zaarkhun and returned to the fight. Meanwhile, in the battle between Titanozor and Zr'Ahgloth, it was clear that Zr'Ahgloth was beginning to gain the upper hand. Any wounds that Titanozor had been able to inflict on Zr'Ahgloth were being healed rapidly by Zr'Ahgloth's nanomachines. Zr'Ahgloth had much greater endurance now then he had ever had before, while Titanozor's had mostly remained.
As the battle went on, Zr'Ahgloth kicked Titanozor to the floor, roaring triumphantly.
- Zr'Ahgloth - NOW HEERS DA DEEL. YOR GONNA TELL US WHER DA BLYROTRALZICA IS AT. IF YOO DO DEN IMMA SPARE YOR PLANET. OTHAWISE IMMA EET YOR PRESIDENT FER LUNCH
- Titanozor - I'm more inclined to rip your mouth out of your head, so I no longer have to listen to your annoying voice!
- Zr'Ahgloth - TRY IT PUNK
As Titanozor got up to aim his mace at the Loron's face, Zr'Ahgloth ducked down to avoid it, and headbutted Titanozor to the floor.
- Zr'Ahgloth - WHER IS IT??? WHER AR YOO HIDIN IT?????
- Titanozor - I'm not telling you a thing even if I knew whatever it is you're blathering about!
- Zr'Ahgloth - LIA LIA PANTS ON FIRE
- Kralgon Emperor - Wait...
The Emperor's hologram then disappeared, as he sent a transmission to Regto. While the battle had been ongoing, Regto seemed hard at work, frantically typing away on several screens and coordinating with dozens of associates at once. The Emperor's hologram appeared before her.
- Kralgon Emperor - You really don't know, do you?
- Regto - We don't even know what you're talking about. And we will not negotiate with you.
- Kralgon Emperor - Fascinating. First, because it's curious you'd never heard of them in this time. Second, because I thought your kind believed in peaceful negotiations?
- Regto - You have made it very clear you are not to be negotiated with. We are not fools. You will not stop until you have committed mass genocide on the entire galaxy.
- Kralgon Emperor - Your hypothesis has some basis in truth, but is not wholly accurate. No, there is one such condition under which I will not have your kind exterminated the way mine was. In fact, in even giving you the option, I am being overwhelmingly generous considering what your galaxy did to me.
- Regto - Your people came from long before our time! We don't even know what the galaxy did to you! Yet you punish us for it anyway.
- Kralgon Emperor - I'm only showing you the same level of compassion that my people were shown. Which is to say: none.
As he delivered his message, a warhead was fired at the president palace. An enormous antimatter bomb had lodged itself into the side of the hill that the palace was situated atop, and missed Titanozor by inches. As it landed, Zr'Ahgloth leapt off, being picked up by a small Kralgon Killship, while the rest of the Loron—in an oddly coordinated fashion—sprinted as far away from the bomb as they could.
In the hologram to Regto, the Emperor smirked.
- Kralgon Emperor - I hope history is kinder to your people than it was to mine.
With that, the warhead—with the power of 200 thermonuclear bombs—detonated. The blast radius destroyed not only the palace, but most of the surrounding city, leaving nothing but rubble behind, and scorching alive any soldier caught in its blast, including some of the Loron. Titanozor was taken back by the blast, but his advanced suit of armor allowed him to withstand the shockwave relatively unharmed. Zelfron and his Telzoc forces, however, were wiped out instantly, not even getting a chance to retreat. Genrai Nal only had the time to pick up the corpse of a fallen Loron before teleporting away, moments before he would have been struck as well.
Genrai Nal arrived on Dakster's ship, seeing Valzo and Dakster watch from the stars in horror. Valzo, in particular, fell to the floor in both fear and shock.
- Valzo - Regto!!!!!
- Dakster - In her final moments, Regto worked tirelessly to ensure all evacuation protocols were in place. Millions of Galot were killed, but thanks to her, many, many more millions are still alive. And we will find them a home.
- Genrai Nal - These were extraordinary circumstances. There is no way we could have predicted the Loron would be working alongside the Kralgon.
- Dakster - I know. Thank you for all your help. I will call a meeting in a few days...but for now, we must mourn this loss and warn our forces across the galaxy. They must now be prepared not to fight only Kralgon and Loron, but both at once.
Da Rebellion[]
Da Propa Big Loron Empire did not all fall to the Kralgon instantly; it was a gradual process as more and more Loron worlds were dominated by the Kralgon Emperor's nanomachines, and not every Loron was part of the Empire either, as hundreds of smaller Loron "Groops" were scattered across Ottzello, free from Kralgon influence. As Da Propa Big Boss was now missing, the Loron argued among themselves who would take his place, and this is when Fre'kloar and Jol'kiar would finally make their move.
After getting laughed out of the Big Boss gang since nobody liked them anyway, the two decided enough was enough. They would form their own Groop and create their own rogue empire who would never bow to either Zr'Ahgloth or the Kralgon Emperor. And so would begin the saga of Da Rogue Boyz as they carved their place in the galaxy, all while the Massiv Crew of the dreaded Gratz'kaoz entered the fray, eager to stomp these upstarts...
Confronting the Emperor[]
Back in the same laboratory Zr'Ahgloth had first been converted to a loyal member of the Emperor's army, Thr'aloy found himself awoken there, too, in much the same predicament. But he had not been captured by a Kralgon, but by other Loron, who had ambushed him and beat him up. Thr'aloy was the last boss of Da Propa Big Loron Empire yet to be converted, and had definitely noticed something up with loyal bosses of his empire stopped returning his calls.
He was surprised to awaken and find not just the Kralgon Emperor, but Zr'Ahgloth there, too. He wasn't even sure that Zr'Ahgloth was alive.
- Kralgon Emperor - So you are the second in command, hmm?
- Thr'aloy - YO WAT DA HELL IS DIS?!?!?! ZRAHGLOTH MAN ANSWA ME
Zr'Ahgloth wanted to answer, but found himself compelled into complete silence. Instead, he simply stood there, arms folded, by the Emperor's side, glaring at his best friend. Deep down, he wished more than anything to free Thr'aloy and hug him, but he found himself instead compelled to do nothing while the Emperor stood there and laughed.
- Kralgon Emperor - He won't answer you until I declare he can! Now, answer my first question.
- Thr'aloy - YOO!!! WAT HAV YA DON TA ZRAHGLOTH YA DISGUSTIN PEPPA ON LEGS!!! I SWER WHEN I GET OUTTA HEER IM RIPPIN YA IN HALF!!!!
- Kralgon Emperor - Hmm. You're right, that is what you would do in this situation, no? Let's test that.
Thr'aloy was instantly freed, and charged toward the Emperor in rage. But as he did so, all of a sudden he found himself unable to. He was suddenly afflicted with a form of crippling depression, rendering him without any anger or rage toward the Emperor at all.
- Kralgon Emperor - Well? I'm right here!
- Thr'aloy - man wat da hell i jus... i jus cant. everyfun suks. life suks atm
- Kralgon Emperor - Yes... You see, you're now under the System. Father designed it originally with the goal in mind of brainwashing his subjects, but I quickly realized that that was the wrong approach... To brainwash someone and control their every thoughts and movements is not only incredibly computationally inefficient, but inevitably involves losing some of the personality and even muscle memory of the person controlled. And what's the point in just having their body and not their brain?
The Emperor approached Thr'aloy with a sinister smile.
- Kralgon Emperor - But what I instead control are the endorphins your brain releases. I control your emotions. This way, I can punish you when you don't serve me...and reward you when you do. Oh, and I can upload memories to you... Now, try to recall. You and Zr'Ahgloth have always been my pets, yes?
Thr'aloy growled under his breath with teeth and fists clenched, trying to regain his rage at the Emperor. However, whatever he had done to him seemed to quickly take effect.
- Thr'aloy - I... REMEMBA. DA KRALGIE EMPERA WAS ALWAYS DA BOSS OF DA BOSS
- Kralgon Emperor - Yes... Yes he was. And the Kralgie Emperor has a new task for you... Destroy the United Nations of Ottzello.
- Thr'aloy - OH OK SUR SOUNDS SIK I GET TA SMASH GALOTS AND OTTZEL DUMBOS AGEN LMAO
- Kralgon Emperor - Indeed... We go tomorrow. They will try to attack my Killship, and I will allow it. They've proven that they don't know how to do anything other than try to assassinate me. I will allow it, and you will destroy them right there.
- Thr'aloy - SAFE. CAN I EET DEM AFTA?
- Kralgon Emperor - Well, you'll be fighting Zr'Ahgloth for the scraps, but otherwise, yes.
- Thr'aloy - HURHURHUR ZRAHGLOTH MAN YOR GONNA HAV TA HURRY OR IMMA EET ALL DA DUMBOS FIRST
At first, Zr'Ahgloth was still stoic or unmoving, until the Emperor turned to him with a nod. At this point, he eased up immediately, and bro-hugged Thr'aloy before throwing him halfway across the room.
- Zr'Ahgloth - NAH MAN IM GONNA EET DEM AN PUT DEIR BONES IN AN ORDA FER DA NEXT WINGS
- Thr'aloy - FINE ITS RACE DEN
- Zr'Ahgloth - REMEMBA. WES GONNA SHANK UNO AN WES GONNA BE SIK AT IT!!!!
- Thr'aloy - YA KNO ME. IM DA BEST DERE IS
- Zr'Ahgloth - BUT IM BETTA
In Dakster's flagship, everyone, including Falrik Zaarkhun, had gathered to prepare their attack on the Kralgon Emperor. Much as the Emperor had predicted, it was their only move remaining to them: try to take him out, track down any artificial intelligences he would have that would keep backups of his plans, and hope that if they could not end the Kralgon Invasion Force right there, they could at least slow it down while working out the best course of action remaining. They had no idea where this Blyro'Tralzica homeworld was, and the Emperor would destroy them if he could not find it, meaning there was no other option.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - This time, I'm coming along too. I wish to put an end to the Kralgon Emperor myself. Let's just say he's...very bad for business.
- Valzo - While I appreciate your presence, is that wise? I can't say you have the reputation of a warrior.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh, I don't. But... Genrai here will tell you what I can do.
- Genrai Nal - Falrik Zaarkhun is a formidable gunslinger. He is more than capable of handling himself in a fight.
- Dakster - Well, the more the merrier. So, we know our target, and we know our opponent. A Kralgon with access to the most advanced Ottzelloan technology ever seen...and at least one Loron bodyguard.
- Valzo - Who happens to be the most powerful Loron alive...
- Dakster - It shan't be easy. But, I believe Valzo has a plan.
Valzo nodded, and gulped a little before he spoke. He closed his eyes briefly in recognition of President Regto, before revealing what she had told him shortly before she passed.
- Valzo - Regto spent her last minutes coordinating the evacuation of the planet, unconcerned with saving herself. And as such, she asked me to pass this on. We Galot do not have to compromise our ideals after all. There is a better way.
- Dakster - And what would that be?
- Valzo - In the time Regto spent talking the Emperor, she recognized the eyes and speech of a man who has never been shown true compassion before in his life. It was clear to her that this man has issues stemming back to his upbringing. A father who never loved him, perhaps. We can still get through to him that cooperation can resolve this. That we can work together to find the artifact he seeks, and we do not have to kill anyone. No one else has to die to bring the Kralgon people back.
Titanozor frowned with his arms crossed.
- Titanozor - This sounds naive! You can't truly believe we can talk down the Kralgon Emperor by confronting him about his daddy issues!
- Valzo - Not quite. We show him the one thing more powerful than hatred: compassion. Something he has not experienced before. We show him forgiveness, the most powerful tool we have available to us. We compell him to listen and to rethink. Regto would never negotiate when our homeworld is under attack—but when he is the one in danger, we can do it. We can get through to him. I believe in her wisdom.
- Genrai Nal - Falrik. What is your opinion on this strategy?
- Falrik Zaarkhun - ...He's right. I don't know that I had the same impression of the Emperor myself, but I can tell he is deeply troubled and emotionally unstable. If anyone can get through to him, it's a Galot.
- Genrai Nal - Then let it be so.
- Dakster - It sounds unconventional, but perhaps this is what we need; to think outside the box.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Right. But even still, we'll need the upper hand before we try anything like that. And that means, Titanozor, you'll need to smash a Loron's face in.
- Titanozor - With pleasure.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - My scientists studied the movement patterns of the Loron, and Genrai has been able to train against them in simulations to be better-equipped to fight them than before. I trust the Delpha Coalition scientists have done the same.
- Titanozor - Of course. I am not the sort to commit the same mistake twice.
- Valzo - Then it is so. We attack the Kralgon Killship carrying the Emperor, and we stop this madness once and for all!
- Dakster - Hear hear. The galaxy has suffered enough, but no longer.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Indeed! Oh... and I have a little surprise prepared for him.
The Kralgon Killship was of course surrounded by an immense fleet, but thanks to the Zaarkhun Consortium's stealth technology, the crew were able to board it through the ship's hangar. Many Kralgon clones and AI Weapons patrolling the hangar found them, but they were quickly dismantled through stealth by Genrai Nal. The others simply watched as the Inalton cut through each of them swiftly, entirely unseen.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - The path to the command bridge should be through a straight elevator to the top. The Emperor likes to come down to observe his troops before sending them off to battle, so we use that same route to defeat him.
- Titanozor - Very well, then. How egotistical of this Emperor, to come watch clones of himself march in his name.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Genrai, is the path clear yet?
- Genrai Nal - It is. You may proceed.
Though Genrai spoke with confidence, as soon as they stepped off the ship, two Kralgon Crushers dropped from a trapdoor appealing in the ceiling, surrounding them and aiming their weapons. The Crushers, being controlled by AI, did not hesitate to aim their weapons. But before they could fire, the group heard gunshots as carefully-aimed exploding antimatter bullets were lodged down the Crusher's cannons, causing them to explode and destroy the Crushers before they could fire. The group turned to find Zaarkhun, still aiming both of his pistols, as smoke cleared from it.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Sloppy.
- Titanozor - Hm. I must admit, your companion was correct about your skills.
- Genrai Nal - I told you so.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - The Emperor has his weaknesses, but he's smart. He has backups for precisely when such a thing happens. We should prepare for more company.
Zaarkhun was correct; a silent alarm had been tripped. Another Kralgon Crusher dropped down and appeared behind them, firing directly at Falrik Zaarkhun, identifying him as the biggest threat. To their surprise, the cannon appeared to miss Zaarkhun entirely, leaving a crater on the metal floor where he stood, but the Crusher was still destroyed by another well-placed bullet. A fourth appeared nearby, but this one was cut down by Genrai Nal before it could fire. Zaarkhun looked around him and smirked.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Still sloppy.
- Dakster - What was that? It should have hit you straight across the torso.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You're right. It should've, but somehow, it didn't. I wonder why?
- Titanozor - Some manner of trickery, no doubt. It will prove useful against the Emperor.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Yes, but be cautious: he knows we're coming.
- Titanozor - Good. Given what we have seen of him, I expect he'd hurry his way to us to gloat about it.
The group took the elevator straight up to the Emperor's command bridge.
The bridge was a round, oval shape surrounded by screens and terminals, overlooking the entire Kralgon Invasion Force. Dakster and Valzo were made uneasy as they saw live footage of their planets being ravaged by AI Weapons and clone armies, as well as hordes of Loron overrunning the world's defenses. At the center was the Kralgon Emperor, sitting atop a throne, delighting in the sight of his armies destroying his enemies with a sadistic grin, and the group aimed their weapons at him.
- Kralgon Emperor - You've finally deigned to join me. I was wondering how long before you'd get here.
- Titanozor - You haven't exactly rolled the carpet for us to come in.
- Kralgon Emperor - No, I thought I'd make you work for it first, to understand what kind of threat I was up against. I must say, your tactics are unusual for Ottzelloans.
- Dakster - Unusual tactics indeed, yet they helped us get this far.
- Kralgon Emperor - They did...but they'll not take you further. Pets!
Appearing from trapdoors much like the Crushers, both Zr'Ahgloth and Thr'aloy dropped below, to block the group's further entry, beating their chest.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YOOOO THRALOY LOOK AT DESE PLEBS
- Thr'aloy - YOOOO IS DAT TITANOZOR? MAN DAT GUY IS SUCH A PRIK I HATE HIM
- Zr'Ahgloth - I GOT HIM. YOO GOT DA INALTON???
- Thr'aloy - SUR I GOT DA EDGY LOOKIN ONE
- Titanozor - You again?! Why must you continue to ruin my day with your existence?
- Dakster - It seems the Emperor has taken Zr'Ahgloth's right-hand man as well..
- Kralgon Emperor - Oh...and one more.
Rising from a trapdoor below this time, a familiar face appeared before the group, horrifying each of them except Falrik. The Heeyorian mercenary, Sollow, appeared before them, his body entirely intact, as if he had never been harmed by Zr'Ahgloth at all. It looked very uncanny, however, as although he appeared unharmed, he did not appear entirely alive.
- Sollow - Ahahaha... Long live the Emperor of Kralzello!
- Valzo - What the hell...
- Titanozor - The other mercenary? But I watched Zr'Ahgloth kill you...
- Sollow - Not even death can kill me! I am immortal!
- Kralgon Emperor - Isn't it amazing what hyper-advanced nanotechnology can achieve?
- Sollow - Indeed... No more flesh. Now I am nanomachines from head to toe. Hit me, and they'll regenerate the damage... I cannot die! I am invincible!
Falrik Zaarkhun fired four bullets through Sollow's chest as he had finished talking, each in theory hitting vital organs. Yet, despite the damage, they watched the wounds rapidly heal until it looked like the Heeyorian had never been shot. He let out a raspy laugh as he glared at Falrik Zaarkhun.
- Sollow - See? Can't kill what's not alive... The Emperor is the strongest side, and I'm always on the winning team.
- Genrai Nal - You are an affront to Sollow's memory, even if we were never particularly close.
- Sollow - And you were always such a bore!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Hmm, we'll see. Dakster, Titanozor, take down Zr'Ahgloth. Valzo, Genrai, you've got Thr'aloy. I'll deal with this traitor myself.
- Titanozor - Very well! Come, you oversized idiot! Our fight has not yet finished!
- Zr'Ahgloth - IMMA KNOK YA TEETH OUT AN MAKE YA SWALLOW DEM
Zr'Ahgloth charged head-first to Titanozor, preparing to headbutt him. Titanozor was prepared for him and swung a mace to his head, knocking him back, while Dakster hopped over and fired ion blasts at the Loron. Though Titanozor and Zr'Ahgloth were a more even match, Dakster clearly tipped the scales in their favor.
Thr'aloy, meanwhile, prepared a martial arts stance and waited for Valzo or Genrai to attack him, only for Genrai Nal to teleport beside him and cut him down, leaving him lying on the floor and looking embarassed. He got up in rage and kicked Genrai Nal halfway across the room.
As for Sollow, he revealed his weapon of choice - various knives - which he launched at Falrik Zaarkhun while laughing smugly. As he did so, he found himself landing in an electric shock trap, stuck there entirely. He looked around the room, baffled, seeing that Zaarkhun had somehow appeared several feet behind him, walking slowly and cackling.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You always were so predictable.
- Sollow - Grrr! You... Wait until I get my hands around your little neck...
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Sure. But speaking of necks...
While Sollow was being dealt with, Zr'Ahgloth held Titanozor up against the wall beating him, only for Titanozor to power up his suit and blast Zr'Ahgloth back, allowing Dakster to fire several more blasts stunning him. The Delpha Coalition had recently been testing anti-nanotechnology for another nanotechnological threat they had dealt with, and Zr'Ahgloth was a great test for the prototype. As the Warlord fired a blast at Zr'Ahgloth's shoulder, he noticed his wounds being healed more slowly than usual.
- Zr'Ahgloth - OWWWW WAT DA HELL I FORGOT WAT PAIN WAS LIKE
- Titanozor - Don't worry, I'll be a good teacher for it!
Unfortunately for the Warlord, the weapon was just that: a prototype. It could slow the progress of the Kralgon machines, but not entirely eliminate them, as they greatly outnumbered it. Zr'Ahgloth was able to get back up on his feet and land a solid blow to Titanozor's jaw, but Dakster was able to latch onto Zr'Ahgloth's neck and choke him, bringing him back to the floor and leaving him open for several attacks from his mace.
- Zr'Ahgloth - CHEETA!!!! yoo...had... TWO AGENST ONE!!!!...ow
- Dakster - As if we would play fair with the likes of Loron.
- Zr'Ahgloth - YA...MOMS...man seriusly...let go...i cant breethe
- Titanozor - Keep going. Let us be rid of him for good!
Zr'Ahgloth attempted to fight Dakster off, but found that with Titanozor's anti-nanotech blaster, he was unable to heal fast enough. He was eventually incapacitated.
Meanwhile, Thr'aloy was not finding too much success against Genrai Nal. Though he was a skilled fighter, his skills were nothing compared to those of Genrai Nal, who was even better-trained against Loron than before. Add Valzo's stun blasts on top of it, and Thr'aloy was unable to keep up with his two enemies.
- Thr'aloy - STOP TELEPORTIN AN COM FITE ME
- Genrai Nal - No.
- Thr'aloy - AAAAAAH MAN YOR MOM IS A LOSA
- Genrai Nal - And your skills are found wanting.
- Valzo - Knock him to the floor! Now's our chance to confront the Emperor!
Teleporting behind Thr'aloy, Genrai Nal sent one final empowered blow which sent the Loron face-first into the ground before stomping down on him to keep him immobilized.
The Emperor frantically looked around in rage. He was used to everything going his way. until now, and so he could not deal with a situation where he faced an opponent more prepared than he was. He slammed his fists against the consoles in a childlike tantrum.
- Kralgon Emperor - Pathetic! Fools! I should've chosen better pets!
- Dakster - Valzo, I think now is your cue.
As the Emperor continued to lash out, Valzo approached him, but not with a gun raised.
- Kralgon Emperor - And what do you intend to do now? Kill me? You know that is worthless! You think a man who has cloned himself billions of times and uploaded his consciousness to thousands of hypercomputers can die so easily?
- Valzo - No, I do not.
The Emperor was puzzled, both by Valzo's demeanor, and by his response.
- Kralgon Emperor - Then what? What are you here to do? Threaten me? You've nothing to threaten me with!
- Valzo - No.
- Kralgon Emperor - What then? What are you trying to do?
- Valzo - To forgive you.
The Emperor was even more puzzled and taken aback. He briefly ceased his tantrum, before growling at him.
- Kralgon Emperor - I conquered 2,389 Galot colonies this invasion, and razed 823 more. What could possibly compell you to forgive me?
- Valzo - I know that you're troubled, Kralgon Emperor. And, I suppose before I continue, I shouldn't call you that. What's your real name?
The Emperor stood stunned, as Valzo remained where he was, looking at him warmly in a way he'd never been looked at before. The Emperor looked to the floor in shame, but began to choke up as he struggled to respond. Titanozor watched the scene with skeptical eyes, though Dakster had a more hopefule expression as he noticed the Emperor's reaction.
- Kralgon Emperor - ...I was never given one.
- Valzo - Your parents...never even named you?
- Kralgon Emperor - My father, he wanted nothing to do with me. I was born impaired, and my father, the Kralgon's top scientist, hated me for it. My mother...she was estranged from my father who blamed her for having a defective baby.
- Valzo - I'm sorry...that's awful.
- Kralgon Emperor - Yes! Imagine blaming a woman for her reproductive system that she had no control over?! Imagine hating your son for the crime of being born imperfect! No one will ever understand what that's like...
- Valzo - So how did you become the Kralgon Emperor?
- Kralgon Emperor - ...I wasn't supposed to be. My father shoved me with nanomachines, used me for his experiments with the System. His plan was to take over the Kralgon Empire by brainwashing everyone, and I was a good first test. If his nanomachines could fix my disorder, well, they could fix him an entire empire. I was stuck frozen in a cryo pod for punishment the day the Kralgon were defeated... He hated me that much. Even in our final days, he didn't trust me to help coordinate our last-ditch defense...
The Emperor was unable to hold in tears. At that point, he'd entirely forgotten the battle around him, or the war he was raging. Regto was right: this man was seriously troubled and had enormous emotional vulnerability. Titanozor watched the scene curiously, while Dakster appeared moved. Genrai Nal remained in silence, simply pressing a foot on Thr'aloy's head to keep him down while the Loron mumbled obscenities under him.
Valzo, however, approached him cautiously, with a warm smile.
- Valzo - I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'll never be able to understand, but—
Before he could get closer, the Emperor yelled in rage and pointed a gun at Valzo. Titanozor immediately took his mace in hand and Dakster flinched, though they did not act as the Galot continued to approach.
- Kralgon Emperor - No you won't! None of you ever will! Now quit your mind-games, Galot!
- Valzo - No games, Emperor! We don't have to fight! I know that...that your family, whoever the opponents of your time were, that they never showed any care to you. But in our time, things are different! We don't have to be enemies!
- Kralgon Emperor - Blech! Lies! Easy to say when I have a thousand battleships aimed at every one of your puny colonies! You're trying to take advantage of me!
- Valzo - Emperor, listen to yourself! All you can think about is inflicting pain, because it's all you've ever known! It's all you've ever been taught! We can show you a better way!
The Emperor thought about what Valzo said, and looked pained in his expression. He turned around to each of them, and saw that they were sincere. He thought carefully about it, clearly fighting an internal battle with his emotions at the time, before lashing out in rage and shooting Valzo. Valzo's body armor caught it, but it was clear that he had not fully recovered from his prior injury earlier in the war; a blast that should have only caused him to flinch instead caused him to fall to the floor entirely.
- Kralgon Emperor - Fools! Thinking you can use mind games to outsmart the most brilliant mind in Kralzello?! You might think you have me where you want me, but the opposite is true! This entire Killship is rigged to blow, and my clone across the galaxy will pick up where I left off and exterminate your entire species!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - No, it won't.
The others turned to Zaarkhun in shock. Dakster, in particular, had never once been filled in on this part of the plan.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Genrai, I trust you hacked into the ship's self-destruct sequence and installed the virus I provided you, yes?
- Genrai Nal - I have.
- Dakster - ...What? You never told us anyth—
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You didn't need to know. None of you did.
- Titanozor - Omitting information from your allies threatens the integrity of the operation!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You're right. It certainly does. But who said I was your ally?
Before Titanozor could do anything, he found himself halted by Sollow, who leaped at him and pointed a knife to his throat, smirking maniacally.
- Sollow - Ahahahaha! I thought you Delphans were meant to be smart!
- Kralgon Emperor - Sollow, yes! Kill him and then kill the smartass Heeyorian rich boy!
- Sollow - I follow the strongest side...
He turned to the Kralgon Emperor with a toothy smirk.
- Sollow - And that is the Zaarkhun Consortium!
- Kralgon Emperor - What?! How?!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You're not the smartest mind in the galaxy, Kralgon. I am.
- Kralgon Emperor - B-But... I brought him back from the dead! He's supposed to be my puppet, animated by my System!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - He is animated by nanomachines indeed. Only problem is, I figured out how to control them for myself.
Zaarkhun pointed to Sollow's neck, where he had inserted a syringe of his own, before pulling out the syringe. His team had managed to reverse-engineer the technology for Zaarkhun's purposes. Now, Zaarkhun was in control of Sollow, and Sollow was disconnected from the System, instead in the hands of Zaarkhun's own network.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You lose.
The Kralgon Emperor yelled in rage as he shot at Zaarkhun, though he found that all his shots simply passed through him harmlessly, which only seemed to infuriate him further. Dakster and Valzo looked at Zaarkhun in fear of what he was now capable of, but briefly relieved that the businessman appeared to still be working against the Kralgon.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Don't think you're out of the clear yet, United Nations. You're out of the clear when I say you are. And only if you listen to my demands.
- Dakster - So it looks like the rumors were true after all. You never had our best interests in mind; you're just a no-good criminal...
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Of course. I've conned thousands of businessmen much smarter than you. What makes you think you'd be any wiser?
- Titanozor - You think your little knives scare me? What stops me from crushing both of you into paste right now?
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Try it.
Titanozor swung his mace at Sollow, his immense strenght causing the Heeyorian to be flung at a distant wall where his body was smeared in a gruesome way; however within instants, he begun to retake a humanoid shape, hissing out in pain. Before Titanozor could react, he found himself also caught in an electric trap, shocking him and temporarily disabling his suit; though Titanozor would be able to get out, it would take him several minutes.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - As I was saying, Dakster, here is what you will do: You will dismantle the United Nations of Ottzello. You will dismantle every nation of Ottzello. All planets shall be returned to the people, and to private enterprise. No more government. No more leaders. No more bureaucracy! And only when I am satisfied will I then tear apart the Kralgon Invasion Force.
- Dakster - What... What does that even mean?! The nation is the people! I can't just "dismantle" an empire!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You can and you will. You will tell the people they are no longer governed, that they are their own governor. Government will be a thing of the past. Every person organizes themselves. No planet lives under any banner or flag any longer. Government is a tool of the past, and shall no longer exist henceforth. Then, and only then, will your Kralgon problem be solved.
- Titanozor - What is the point? Turn every planet in the galaxy into a disorganized mess?
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Precisely. Government is oppression! The people do not need it! And they will live without it! It is time to cast government aside. Ottzello will carve out its own future, with no "leaders" like yourselves telling them what to do! We do not need you, and we never will. It is you who need us!
- Kralgon Emperor - This is ridiculous! I see through you; you just want to take everything for yourself!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Projections, Emperor. You are power-hungry yourself, so you assume everyone is as power-hungry as you. No, all I want is for the people to be free. To have true liberty which they have never before been offered! And we've seen how well that worked out... Or need I remind you who supplied every weapon you needed to even have a hope of standing against the Kralgon invaders?
Dakster stepped back in shock, realizing that what Zaarkhun was saying was true. All the arms suppliers and contractors he had funded, either were explicit Zaarkhun Consortium subsidiaries, or, he suspected, owned by Zaarkhun in secret. Zaarkhun was rumored to have crafty ways of hiding his wealth, so it stood to reason he had a hand in everything they had needed this entire operation.
- Titanozor - You fool! Even if you were to end governments, they would simply resurface, as is natural to civilized life! Or do you expect this galaxy to simply devolve into beasts?
- Falrik Zaarkhun - We'll stop them. I'll make sure of it. After all, I took control of this war and no one ever realized it. What makes you think I can't stop someone try to form government again? I will end all oppression, and I will end it permanently.
- Sollow - Oh, I do hope they devolve into animals. That means I can hunt them down like animals, ahahaha!
- Genrai Nal - Hm. You really have become a far cruder version of Sollow.
- Dakster - We don't have a choice, do we? We do as you say, or you let the Kralgon destroy us.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Oh, I could let the Kralgon destroy you by refusing to supply anymore arms...or I could let you beat the Kralgon and then play the long game to destroy you from the inside, now that you are dependent on my consortium for everything.
- Kralgon Emperor - I am not some toy for you to play around with! I'll destroy you all because I can!
- ??? - No. The war will play out as I deem it.
Around them, the group noticed the room heat up, as flames began to appear. The Ottzelloans stood around Titanozor for protection, while the Kralgon Emperor shuddered, hiding behind his computer. Zaarkhun, Genrai, and Sollow looked at one another in confusion, then looked around them defiantly.
Before them, a Katel appeared, one that some of them were familiar with, but others were not. Durzhan, the mysterious figure who controlled a Dark Chronoscopic power that none of them were yet familiar with, looked over them as the flames intensified.
- Durzhan - Until now, I have allowed you to wage your war, to see which possible timelines could best serve the Perfect Fate. Congratulations: yours has been selected.
- Valzo - What is going on?! Who is that?
At this point, both Zr'Ahgloth and Thr'aloy woke up and got up to see Durzhan, causing them both to frown.
- Zr'Ahgloth - OH MA DAYZ ITS BATMAN AGEN. ALWAYS SETTIN FIRE ON DA SHIP
- Thr'aloy - OI WAT DA HELL MAN DID WE MISS A BIG PLOT TWIST? BRUH WAKE US UP EARLIA NEXT TIME
- Titanozor - I recognize that alien... You interfered during our excavation!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You! I've seen you before...
- Durzhan - Yes. You are just what I need...
Durzhan then disappeared, and warped just behind Zaarkhun, before Zaarkhun found himself floating in the air, thereafter screaming in pain, frantically moving around and holding onto his head. Though he was not being harmed physically, his mind was undergoing a severe headache. Sollow laughed at Falrik's misfortune, but Genrai Nal was not amused, pointing his blade at the Katel.
- Durzhan - Your mind is the only mortal Ottzello mind capable of sustaining the true God of Time.
- Genrai Nal - Let him go. Now.
- Durzhan - Or what?
- Genrai Nal - Or I will send you back to your homeworld in pieces, Katel.
- Durzhan - Hah. A Blyro'Tralzorca warrior, but a rogue. No one knows your power better than me. Do not try it.
- Genrai Nal - That life is behind me. And your life will be extinguished should you harm Falrik any further.
- Durzhan - Fear not. He'll be unharmed... in fact, he'll be stronger and more powerful than ever.
Genrai Nal's eyebrow raised in confusion, not understanding what was happening.
- Genrai Nal - Then what are you doing to him?
Zaarkhun then dropped to the floor, apparently unharmed, before standing up, with fire in his eyes. He then stood tall, placing his hands behind his back, but stood entirely emotionless; no smile, nor frown appeared on his face, as he appeared entirely still. But when he spoke, he still had his normal voice, but a little more muffled than before.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You may stand down, Genrai Nal.
Genrai Nal eyed Falrik Zaarkhun with aprehension, before lowering his blade.
- Genrai Nal - If that is your wish.
- Sollow - Very curious! Is this another part of your master plan, hmmm?
Zaarkhun ignored him, as he turned first to the Kralgon Emperor.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - The coordinates to the artifact you seek have been uploaded to your ship. The Blyro'Tralzica homeworld is no more.
- Kralgon Emperor - ...Wait, what? You... are giving me what I want? Just like that?!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You will have your people back. You will push the Ottzelloans away. You will harm them no further.
- Kralgon Emperor - I don't... I shoiuld... I will!... Grrr!
The Kralgon Emperor raged impotently at being ordered around, but was caught off-guard by this development, and eventually spoke.
- Kralgon Emperor - ...Fine!
Zaarkhun, seemingly satisfied but still unflinching in his expression, then turned to Dakster and Valzo, who were both still fearful. His order to them was poignant and simple.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - I suggest you run while you still can and surrender your forces at once, should you want anyone of your species to still live.
- Valzo - Damnit...
- Dakster - ...We must retreat... and inform our people...
And finally, to the Grimbolsaurian, the one hardest to convince. Zaarkhun turned directly toward Titanozor, who was fully prepared to destroy him right there, and simply stared him down.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - The Ottzello Galaxy is hopeless. Despite your best efforts, there is nothing more you can do. Leave the galaxy, take your Taldar artifacts with you, and withdraw. Emperor Wormulus needs you in his battles with the Nanohorde.
- Titanozor - How do you know of that?! You...
Titanozor almost charged at Zaarkhun immediately, but stopped in his tracks. He was clearly irritated, but considered the situation carefully before finally stepping back.
- Titanozor - This is not the last you have seen of Warlord Titanozor! I will return!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - I will decide if that is true or not. Right now, I am leaning towards a strong "no".
Valzo and Dakster proceeded to make their exit, with Titanozor reluctantly following them, glaring at Falrik Zaarkhun until he was out of view. Zr'Ahgloth and Thr'aloy both watched the whole scene unfold in confusion and shrugged at each other.
- Thr'aloy - any idea wat dis is all bout?
- Zr'Ahgloth - NOT A DAM CLUE. ALL I KNO IS DA ALIENS I WANTED TA SMASH LEFT. LAME.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Emperor, keep your pets here on a tight leash.
- Kralgon Emperor - Y-Yes! They're my pets! Keep your dirty hands off of them! Keep your disgusting Heeyorian, I didn't need him anyway!
- Sollow - Hey! I could gut you like a fish if I wanted!
- Falrik Zaarkhun - Well, I know someone who would disagree with you. But for now, this arrangement is acceptable.
Zaarkhun turned to Durzhan. Despite having no expression of any kind, Durzhan seemed delighted, appearing to recognize he was being shown a sense of pride.
- Falrik Zaarkhun - You have done well.
- Durzhan - It is time for us to leave.
As Durzhan teleported him and the other three out, the flames left the Emperor's chambers. The Kralgon Emperor smashed his fists against his machinery one more time in pure childlike rage.
- Kralgon Emperor - Graaaah! Who does he think he is!
- Zr'Ahgloth - may i offa yoo a nice pizza in dis tryin time?
- Kralgon Emperor - SHUT UP!
Just like that, it seemed, the war was over.
Epilogue[]
In Hiding[]
The United Nations of Ottzello was not dismantled. The Kralgon Emperor kept his word: once his people had been brought back and made dominant, the rest of the Ottzelloans were allowed to live.
Unfortunately, the battle ahead was still challenging. The Ottzelloans were only allowed to reside in the very outer rim of the galaxy, and the space where the Kralgon had deemed it acceptable for them to stay seemed to shrink with each passing day. Each species had lost their homeworlds, and it seemed any negotiation with the Kralgon had entirely fallen apart thereafter.
Making matters much worse was the fact that the United Nations of Ottzello dealt with their own problems: the massive economic damage dealt by attempting to unshackle their economies from the Zaarkhun Consortium. Each day, prosecutors were finding more and more shady characters connected to a Zaarkhun business deal which they were having to remove from their territory. Several planets' economies relied entirely on businesses owned by Zaarkhun, causing them to revolt in response.
Not only was the United Nations of Ottzello territory small, it was splintered, as half of the people reverted to effective Zaarkhun Consortium rule. It was as Titanozor and Dakster had told him: Zaarkhun may have wanted to end governments, but in practice, all he had done was create a new one: his own.
The Delpha Coalition of Planets were the last thing propping up the Ottzelloans. Though the Tokzhalan Empire forces had withdrawn, the Kralgon Invasion Force were now only matched by DCP. Unfortunately, it had already been increasingly hard to convince Emperor Wormulus to keep DCP presence in a galaxy that was seemingly now a lost cause after they had already excavated the Taldar artifacts long ago, and the galaxy was no longer worth anything to them.
As such, after only a few more battles and Titanozor failing to convince his superiors, the DCP were withdrawn from the galaxy.
The United Nations of Ottzello, now broken, poor, and hopeless, resigned to a terrible fate. Their galaxy was lost.
In Captivity[]
Gone were the days of thousands of splinter Loron factions against Da Propa Big Loron Empire. With the defeat of Gratz'kaoz and a need for Loron to stand together against the threats they faced, there were only two real factions remaining: Da Propa Big Loron Empire under the Kralgon, and Da Rogue Boyz.
Da Rogue Boyz continued to unite Loron all across the galaxy until they had almost matched the height of Da Propa Big Loron Empire before its fall to the Kralgon, wherein it comprised at least 40% of all Loron worlds. However, the Kralgon-controlled Propa Big Loron Empire was not content with all Loron planets under Zr'Ahgloth's reign. No, for it to succeed, it needed to take every Loron planet it could.
But the Loron under Zr'Ahgloth were a shell of their former selves. A far cry from Zr'Ahgloth's vision of restoring the Loron to their glory of their traditional, barbaric ways, under the Kralgon, the Loron were captives that did not know it. The System fooled them into thinking they were thrilled with their new lives, by rewarding them emotionally for falling in line. In reality, they were little more than servants of the Kralgon Emperor.
Loron across the galaxy helped build monuments in the Emperor's name and enforced his will on any outsider. Any of the dozens of extragalactics that had wanted to colonize the Ottzello Galaxy were first met with Loron making it abundantly clear they were unwelcome. The Zazane, who had mostly kept to themselves, were prevented from expanding any further than their confined territory by a strong Loron presence of soldiers who, thanks to the Emperor's nanotechnology, were much more powerful than before.
The Loron were, technically, doing better than ever. But in practice, they were puppets to a childlike Emperor.
Emperor of Kralzello[]
It was true what both Regto and Valzo had observed: the Kralgon Emperor was deeply, deeply troubled, as a result of one of the worst possible childhoods imagined, followed by the trauma of awakening to find his whole species extinct.
Naturally, the Emperor thought that bringing back his people, and forming the New Kralgon Empire, would bring him the long-term happiness he had long sought. It did not. After the initial glee of forming the empire and seeing cities rise and streets filled with Kralgon happily going about their lives, in a peaceful society they had long sought but always been denied, the Emperor noticed he was never able to keep his people happy. He always wanted more, and they always demanded more.
The Emperor had sadly grown into the unhealthy habit of finding short-term joy in inflicting misery. Before, it was easy to fix his mood by crushing a Galot planet. But that was now impossible when they were fewer and fewer planets to destroy, and he was having a harder time justifying expanding his territory when he had so much land under his control already. At first he had brought on advisors from the Kralgon people whom he had brought back from an ancient past, but he found himself clashing and arguing with them too much, furious that those he had brought back from extinction were not showing him gratitude he had deserved.
Dark days were ahead for the galaxy of Kralzello. Its Emperor now had everything he had ever wanted, and yet, was still unsatisfied. And it would not be until the next war to come that this status quo would ever change.
Notes[]
- The war is actually a rewrite of the original war that was started in July 21, 2010. The rewrite began on October 1, 2017, just over seven years later. In reality, it was not finished until being revisited in 2022, five years later than that.
- The original war also involved the Iteok, the Vartekian, and the Fordan Empire, though neither user was editing fiction at the time the rewrite was written.
- The plot of the original war was much different from the final version. In the original, Zaarkhun never had a false alliance with the United Nations of Ottzello, but was rather still building his Consortium in private, and did not take control of the war until the very end. The war also had a new set of characters that appeared only for the war itself, which were removed from the rewrite as those characters had never been given a proper character development.