Disruption (IC)

Zjer had since returned to the bridge, weary in form and attitude. Sitting down beside a rectangular console, a scalene atop it. It glowed with readings, these dully reflected by the Zealot's armor.
 
Whatever that Vrentus was, this "Praedromus," he was one who could in some way know a person's past, or so it seemed. He had appeared as something that Zjer was so terribly familiar with as to elicit the perfect emotion for weakening your enemy: fear.
 
Troubled by this, Zjer later went to speak with Q'ren about the incident.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camera Feed 15, Cabin Hallway 3
 
Recording..
 
Recording..
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Q'ren, I wanted to speak to you about.. the Vrentus we encountered on Grenvunt.. Yes. What exactly was.. it? How did it understand our.. my fear? Would he have been killed by the collapse of the shell, and the glassing of the Federation fleet?"
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Xej looked down at his left hand for a moment, studying it. When he looked back up at Unsilenced Retribution, his mouth opened for a moment, but no words proceeded. The second time, however, he did talk.
 
"Your.. transformation. While your capability of free thought is not necessarily.. a threat, with your past seizure in mind, we have no way of being sure such blackouts may not happen again. The changes you may eventually experience could trigger them.. or not, I have no idea." With that apparently innocent explanation, Xej was satisfied, and remained silent.
 
Xerin kept a close watch on the whispered conversation. Something about the Wreae, and the tendencies of his cousin, warned him of.. something, but he wasn't sure what yet.

Aolani stiffened, "Oh, my goodness! I completely forgot! I have a radio with me, but it's completely one-sided, because nobody wanted anyone to be tempted to say something out of line during negotiations. I don't think anyone is worried, though, with Stagnum it took months to get them to agree to join the UCN, and the diplomats were on the planet longer than that to figure out a safe way of approaching the natives." She frowned, "I'll call them in, and tell them what's happening." She then pulled out of the base of her wing, where feathers didn't have as much importance in flight as primaries, a small square-shaped device with a circular grille of sorts, and an antennae shot up on top of it. She pressed a tiny button on the mini-Com's sides, and waited for a tone to indicate someone had picked up the signal. During this time, Rune walked over and tapped her on the shoulder, to get her attention, just as the tone came that the Majesty had caught the signal; Aolani covered the phone.

"What is it?" She asked.

Rune folded his arms, "I would prefer you not to mention my name, I would like to remain as anonymous as possible. If this plan for your diplomacy succeeds, I do not want to become a kind of political figure in the public eye that everybody knows. If you must refer to me, it will be as Cipher, though it obviously isn't my real name, it will do."

Aolani nodded, and uncovered the Com, before speaking to it, "This is Aolani, reporting the nation of Pavo on Maozhu. As predicted, the natives do not recognize us as relatives of their own kind, and there are two races of Chimerosu living on this planet. There is a war between the two hemispheres, but we have been located by an ally, who is in charge of a small group of people who have secretly kept records of the planet's history. This individual would prefer to remain anonymous, and goes under the alias of Cipher. Cipher has devised a plan that, if it succeeds, will likely end the war, and make the Pavolites and Thundarians, as the two races are called, more open to diplomacy."

She flicked her tail, thinking of what to say next, taking a pause, before speaking again, "I would ask you not to send any sort of support, as the situation on Maozhu is a very delicate one, that must be approached with caution. Upon landing we were chased away from the Jewel by Pavolite natives, although we were careful to lock the ship so that it could not be accessed. The natives currently believe extra-terrestrial beings, as well as Thundarians from the eastern hemisphere, are demons. We have a way of dispelling all confusion, but it may take time. This is Aolani reporting, we will do our best to win Maozhu over." She pressed the button, turning the Com. off, and tucked it into her wing where it was hidden.

Aolani then laughed uneasily, "They're sure to listen and not do anything rash, but I imagine that message didn't instill them with confidence."

Rune gave a small nod, "I imagine not, however, in regards to the previous question, of arriving at the designated location before everyone else, it is very much possible for all of us to reach it." He scratched the back of his head, "As a matter of fact, the location I have chosen is only a few miles north of here, and I may be one of the few remaining people who knows of its existence. Although it may not be marked on any map, it is actually the ruins of the largest city when Maozhu was still a colony. Much of it is gone, but one structure, in particular, stands out enough for the others to identify it as the place of our meeting. The aim is to travel there and be waiting before everyone else arrives, so that the meeting is still held on our terms."

Ravage flicked her tail, "What about mode of transportation?" She asked.

Rune looked over at her, "The simple fact is that there is a path I have marked out. We can take it, and arrive there the morning of the meeting. However, it does mean staying in the ruins and trying to keep ourselves occupied for the rest of the day. It is possible, though, that you may find some interesting indicators of what happened there shortly after Maozhu decided to shun its heritage."

Lamor, still at his knees with his arms stretched out, chains attached to his wrists, held his head low. The doors of the church opened, a group of Zraak entered. The center of them was Vekoni, having traveled from Cilask to serve. The Zraak soldiers sealed the doors shut. The other soldiers zipped throughout the room, pointing their guns in the shadows and inspecting for enemies. None. They relaxed. Vekoni came up to Lamor, tossing an old string sewn of Jorro'kil feathers around. A souvenir he likely collected from the First War.

"Who are you." Lamor said, in a way that seemed more like a tired, repulsed statement than a question.

"Vekoni. That's all you need to know. You are Lamor Arius, I have been told."

"What's it matter to you?" Lamor asked, spitting onto the ground.

Vekoni stroked the strand of feathers. "The Confederacy are on their way. We've detected their movements. We suspect the Jorro'kil will want to liberate their fallen friends..."

"So at last you Zraak admit that they haven't forgotten about us?" Lamor snarled.

Vekoni gave a menacing chuckle. "Forgetting and ignoring are two different things, Arius. They'll be coming to restore their reputation and make themselves look like heroes. But after today they will only be viewed as the weaklings they are. Now that the Zraak have grown in size, nearly ten times what they once were, we are unstoppable."

"You overestimate yourselves" Lamor said. Vekoni silently shook his head.

"Have you not seen the crowds, Lamor? Did you not witness with your own eyes the troops that stormed this planet? We are risen. We are here again..."

The bunch of droids were struck by shockwaves and the green mist. Sensing that they were being taken over, the entire structure self-destructed.

Meanwhile, Mondarian fighters promptly came to engage those of the Vaurik, and specialized sniping guns on the Mondarian ships fire at the Vaurik fighters.
___________________________________

Up from where he had crouched, Jiiran sprang up, striking Mortemalo beneath the chin as he ran, throwing him on his back. He extended his blade and stabbed downward.
___________________________________

Aarin nodded. "Shall we leave now, then?"

"I'm not sure Samir is up to walking at the moment," pointed out Allé.

"He could ride Xenos, perhaps," suggested Tevri.
______________________________________

The Mondarian ships moved towards the shield world, and unleashed a ruinous reign of meteoritic seismic torpedoes, leaving holes and craters of the surface of the outer shield of the Karathunian planet.

Ravage gave a small not, "He doesn't have any severe wounds, as far as I can tell, but regardless, the injuries on his lower legs should have proper time to seal over. I'll have to sit at the front of the saddle to guide Xenos, and make sure he doesn't fall off, but it should work." She said. Another thought struck her, "Those dogs...they took Arrow, didn't they?" She turned to Rune, "What exactly would they do to a domestic hearing hound like Arrow? I didn't smell any of his scent when we arrived there, and I didn't smell his blood, either."

Rune flicked his tail, "You do not have to worry over Samir's companion. Archon would have seen Arrow, and noted that he was a domestic pet, blindly defending his master, at the time." He bit his thumbnail, "It is likely he has taken Arrow back to the dogs' typical range where the rest of the pack lives. What he would be doing, I imagine, is re-training Arrow to have his own thoughts and desires independent from his master. It would mean that Arrow would challenge Samir's decisions more often, instead of simply following orders, and he would also make his own decisions. Although it may from some perspectives seem like a negative thing, it is actually very beneficial, for both the pet and the owner. Arrow would be more cautious about his own safety, and if he does not blindly leap into the fray, as some dogs do, then he can also, being a very intelligent animal, come up with better ways to handle a situation."

Ravage frowned, "I don't think I quite understand what you're getting at, Rune, but then again, perhaps I do. Arrow does, when you put it that way, not seem to have much of a personality, he usually doesn't do anything unless Samir tells him to. It's not the same as with Xenos; Xenos might follow my wishes, but he does so even if they weren't voiced in a command, and generally, I trust him to be able to protect himself." She shook her head, "Well, alright, I'll take your word for it, Rune, you're incredibly smart, and you know those wild dogs better than anyone else. I guess whenever they decide to let him go, Arrow will come back on his own accord."

Rune nodded, and lowered his hand back to his side, "Well, then, it seems our plans are in order. All we need to do is perhaps pack a certain set of supplies, and then we can be off right away." He paused for a moment, and abruptly turned to look back at Ravage, "Also, Ravage, I am aware you do not see the need for it, but regardless you should bandage the injury on your arm, while I pack enough provisions. To other people, that wound looks incredibly severe, and in need of immediate medical attention, although everyone can already see that it has sealed over, and does not appear infected. It is likely to send the wrong message if the librarians see it, as they do not know what happened. They may still ask questions, but if it is covered, they will largely have a different reaction, though why such a mentality exists among people, I am unsure."

Ravage frowned, "I suppose you're right. Normally, my wounds would completely heal within minutes, but now, it doesn't seem to be anywhere near as fast, and chances are I'll still have the injury three days from now, if that's the case. I normally don't think about bandaging my injuries, but I suppose I need to start doing it again. The last thing I need is for this wound to open and start bleeding again." She looked at her arm somewhat wistfully, before turning and leaving, heading back to the main room where the bandages were.

After Ravage had gone, Rune turned back to everyone else, "Alright, before we leave, we need to pack food and water. If any of you happen to be a carnivorous race, speak up now, because all the food I have stored is fruit. I also need to know if you have any sort of differences in regards to how much you need to eat, or how much water you need to drink. I do not want to be responsible for anyone in my party dying of starvation or dehydration."

Aolani frowned, "Well, you know, we could probably pack bags of our own..." She said.

Rune hummed thoughtfully, before responding, "Alright, then, I'll show you to the pantry. Do not worry about taking too much, I can replenish it very easily, although foraging and looking for everything can be time-consuming work." With this, he led everyone out of the computer room and the library, into yet another connected room. This large, rectangular room was very clean, and also seemed to be several degrees colder than the rest of Rune's home. There was a sound of running water, and that was when people realized there was a basin of sorts running along the wall to the left, where it seemed to have fresh water that must have been taken from some spring running through the mountain. It seemed that the library was built to accommodate people living in it.

On a rack next to the basin, there were multiple canteens of almost any shape and size imaginable, ready to be filled. The rest of the room to the right consisted of wall-to-floor shelves, but unlike the bookcases in the library, there was no backing on the shelves, so one could see through them to other aisles. As Rune had said, there only appeared to be fruit, although there was a very wide variety of it, every shape, size, and color imaginable. The entire room, as a result of what was stored, had a pleasant aroma to it. The lighting for the pantry was also different from the rest of the library, in that the brightlights were stored inside of jars with fabric-covered tops, securely attached to available spots, rather than being out in the open, likely to keep the fungus from spreading onto the food.

Rune gestured to a rack on the wall opposing the canteens, where a large number of satchels hung, "Please, each of you take a bag and fill it with the provisions you think are appropriate for your needs." He said, somewhat blandly. He then went over and collected for himself a satchel, and two canteens, draping them so the straps crossed over his chest and one wing to rest comfortably on one side. He filled the canteens in the basin, and placed the caps so it wouldn't spill. He then proceeded into the aisles and, not seeming to have any sort of specific preference, grabbed different varieties of fruit and put them in his satchel.

Q'ren would have responded sarcastically and mockingly towards Zjer due to him being a Jorro'kil (Q'ren still found this funny - The Jorro'kil, of all species, having one of the largest and most powerful civilizations in the galaxy. The thought of this was simply amusing to the elderly Krathunian), but due to the situation he decided not to. Drawing in a deep breath, he responded in a low voice. "That Vrentus, Praedromus, was the Supreme of the Collective, their absolute ruler. From my understanding, the Primes and Supremes are created when many of the lower Vrentus consciousnesses  are combined into one being. All Vrentus have the ability to copy some thought patterns, memories, and more with the use of their shells and beings in general, but the Vrentus higher up on the scale can do this to a much greater degree. Praedromus was able to detect our fears and manifest them with high accuracy due to technology present both within himself and in the engine room. The reason I say this is because Praedromus was not physically present. What we saw was merely a hologram. He never set foot on Grenvunt." Q'ren was about to speak once more after a slight hesitation, but was interrupted by Theranis speaking on his COMM. He played the message out loud for Zjer to hear.

"We found the planet the Vrentus are attacking, Kvanun. It's communications infrastructure is offline and it's a rather important location. We need to contact the other Confederate races. Krathun help us all."

Q'ren looked up at Zjer, his eyes widened with anger at the Vrentus. "Speak to Jorro'kil officials. Our rendezvous will be just outside the Kvanun system."

On the bridge, Theranis beckoned for both the Wreae and Admiral Lirr to approach him. "I need both of you to contact your respective empires, tell them it's urgent," He said. "We will all meet just outside the Kvanun system in preparation for a counter attack."
________________________________________

Praedromus rolled to the side quickly, leaping to his feet as he avoided the Kradus' direct range with his claws. "Dominance? No." He spoke, drawing dark matter away from his body. "If I had wanted to kill you, I would have done so already. You play an important role in my plans, Kradus, and your usefulness has not yet been fulfilled." With this, the Supreme launched himself up in the air, leaping higher than the norm on Dranus, as he had greatly decreased his mass. As he came down he drew in the dark matter once more and increased the gravity near Kradus. He held his blade at the ready, preparing to sweep it down in a diagonal motion as he drew closer to Kradus.

________________________________________

Unsilenced Retribution stayed silent, facing away from Xej as he observed the view screen. Suddenly, the ship exited slispace, the rest of the fleet left behind as to not arouse suspicion. They had reached Dranus. The Wreae pulled up a holographic map of the entire system, displaying the carnage surrounding the planet as the Terminus Pact and Dominion faced each other in battle.

Svar sucked in a breath, frowning. "Looks like the Dominion got here first."

Unsilenced acted quickly, looking to the bridge crew. "I want stealth systems engaged, we're heading down to the surface." Quickly, the Valence began its approach, the systems disruptors and tactical cloak technology working in tandem with each other to hide the frigate.

___________________________

The ships escorting the Zephyr Mk III landing craft led it to the enormous and awe-inspiring Zephun Station. Once they reached it, the Saffryan ship was directed to enter a hangar that was in close proximity to it. The landing craft's systems were quickly scanned and documented as several drones specializing in aiding the docking of ships grabbed it with tractor beam-like devices and brought it to a docking station. A couple large metallic arms, utilizing magnets, took hold of the ship to keep it in place. The airlock door of the craft was located on the side of the vessel and a swarm of nanobots quickly created a ramp for the Saffryans. Ryun and Wreae soldiers, in full armoring, stood guard at the bottom of the ramp, though their weaponry was concealed within their gauntlets in the form of Krathunian weapon compaction spheres. Beyond that stood Admiral Denalin, a couple officials and diplomats conversing to his sides.

Kradus was hit, hit by the blade. But it did not pierce his exoskeleton, which was incredibly strong. It knocked him down onto his knees, but he sprang back up. He grabbed the blade and swung Praedromus, throwing him back a distance. Then he charged a flame in his throat and released it. But he wasn't aiming for Praedromus... but for the remnants of the building behind him. An explosion struck and massive chunks of the building came raining down towards Praedromus.

____________________________________________


Vekoni stood in the darkness of the church, when that darkness was pierced by a blinking red light on one of his electrocuffs. He pressed a button, causing a holographic red projection of Shancar's upper body to appear in the air in front of him. Vekoni dipped his head, respectfully. "My lord," he greeted.

"They've arrived" said Shancar.

Vekoni nodded. "I'll send word to Tarsus and Mortemalo."

Shancar nodded, the hologram clicking off. Vekoni took out a large hexagonal cub and clicked one of its sides. He then threw it onto the ground and let it sit. It hovered for a moment, just an inch or two above the floor. One of the triangular sides blinked bright red and gave two large holographic projections. They were both of what looked like Eraak. Mortemalo on the right side, some other figure on the left.

The new figure wore a suit of complete black armor and a helmet and mask of black metal. It's piercing red eyes slipped through and gazed around at Vekoni. It's helmet had enormous black horns for ramming things, even longer than the creature'a natural horns underneath.

"I'm a little busy here!" Mortemalo said as Vekoni witnessed him kill several Samians.

"What is it Vekoni?" asked a deep, robotically altered voice from the unknown figure to the left.

"The Confederacy has entered the system. Be on the lookout for old enemies. Kill them all," he said.

"They'll die quickly" Mortemalo said. Vekoni nodded and looked to the other figure.

"Tarsus?" He asked.

"I will not let you down, my lord."

The holograms clicked off and the cube spun back into Vekoni's hand. He put it away and looked back at Lamor. "Do you anticipate seeing your little friends?"

"It would be nice" Lamor said coughing up a bit of blood.

"You'll be quite disappointed then. Unless you meant, seeing them dead of course. You'll have plenty of time for that during your execution in the city after this battle."

The door of the Zephyr Mk III slid open seamlessly. The first things to exit the shuttle were two spiraling twisters of silver nanobots, simply to add flair. The bots were de-weaponized so as not to damage anything in the hangar. They positioned themselves on either side of the airlock door, the exterior lights causing them to glow red.  Next were Two Saffryan ambassadors,  accompanied by the Limitless' Communications Officer/Translator, Anbra. The Saffryan spoke with a high, feminine voice. His job was to learn the new race's language and teach it to the rest of the crew. All of the officers and ambassadors wore new uniforms now; a fresh, brilliant red with dazzling gold trim. Their collars were white and covered in silver sparkles that caught the white hangar lights and reflected halos on their heads. Each wore a white sash draped from shoulder to shoulder and pulled snug that said their name and rank in golden Lumien writing. Around their necks, near the base of their head, was a silver collar- a translator. The ambassadors and the communications officer descended the nanobot steps cautiously, uncertain of their intention. It had been said by Seytanbalik prisoners of war that death by nanobot swarm was exceptionally painful. They arrived at the base of the steps, and, as they had practiced before leaving, stepped to the side and performed a Saffryan salute to the soldiers at the bottom. They started with their arms at their sides, and rose their left hands so they were at shoulder height. The Ryun and Wreae soldiers towered over the Saffryans, who stood at an average of six feet.

Next from the ship came Captain Rivin, wearing a gold uniform with red trim and a high v-shaped collar that parted to accommodate his brain sack. In the fashion of Saffryan government officials, Rivin wore a stiff white skirt-like article of clothing over his pants which trailed down to halfway down his calf and parted in the front. Following Rivin was the rest of the crew of the Zephyr, who took positions in front of Ryun and Wreae soldiers. Several of them noticed the two distinct species, but did not question, for they were instructed to remain quiet. Rivin approached Denalin with hands folded behind his back and, arriving about a foot away, performed a similar salute. At this, the rest of the landing crew turned forward and marched several steps towards Rivin.

"Greetings, Admiral." Rivin said through the translator "I am Captain Rivin of the Democratic Republic of Safferia. It is an honor to meet you. My people have travelled a very long distance to encounter you, and I assure you that not one of us have been left unsatisfied. Your architecture is truly stunning. Do you speak Loccalian? My race has picked it up over the centuries, and it is widely-used in our sector of the galaxy as a trading language."

On the edge of Lumien space, in the Sylvarian system, two Gauntlet-class cruisers and three Hammer-class destroyers dropped out of hyperspace at the edge of the system.
On the bridge of one of the cruisers, a being stood at parade rest, staring out of the viewports as the blue tunnel dissappeared and was replaced by a view of a blue star, around which orbited a habitable planet.
The being spoke as if to no one "Cedna, report" A female voice answered, as a hologram of an Eirian appeared next to him. "Yes Commander Kraid. We are currently scanning the surrounding area. We have detected a civilization on the planet we are currently approaching, and from the orbiting vessels, it looks like they have reached at least Level 3 technology."
"Very well. Continue toward the planet and raise shields. Ensure gun batteries are ready." Kraid responded.
"Yes sir, shields raised, particle bolt batteries energized."

The five vessels continued towards the planet

Sylvarian Space, Defense Satellite Ervon

There were five radar blips on the Sylvarian quantum net, heading at an alarmingly high warp speed towards Sylvarian space. One of the three moderators, a female Lumien with mint green fur and large violet eyes, looked down at the screen perplexedly and turned in her hoverchair towards the center of the control room. The control room was a roughly circular place, with a high arching vault-like ceiling and three computer monitors, one for each radar moderator. The job of the moderators was to check the station's quantum foam radar for activity and relay this to the station's captain, who sat in the center of the room on a raised captain's chair. He was surrounded by a panoramic holographic screen that displayed the space around the station. In front of his chair was a hologram projector.

"Captain," the moderator said "We have multiple ships entering our quantum foam net at high velocity. ETA, 20 minutes." The captain sat upright in his seat as the hologram projector lit up with a map of the star system, showing the incoming ships in comparison to the planet. Five mini hologram screens popped up above this, showing an outline of the crafts. The captain breathed a sigh of relief that they were not Seytanbalik ships. Another skirmish with them would be awful. The captain wasn't particularly comfortable with these new ships, however. He had fought and bled in the war with the Dominion, and if he had learned one thing from it, it was that he'd rather have a gun in his hand than a peace treaty. He immediately sent both the quantum foam map, the ship outlines, and the location of the ships to the LN Sylvarian Mists, the Neutron-Class flagship stationed nearby, along with a message:

"This is Captain Eleart of Satellite Nine. We have reports of five warships of unknown extraterrestrial origin en route to the planet." Admiral Kavron sat up in his captain's chair on the bridge of the Sylvarian Mists, examining the ship outlines above the map. Thermal scans revealed that they were charging weapons. That couldn't be good. At the Captain's right side, on a hologram projector, was Aro, his AI advisor. The AI appeared as a Holesion, the species of ancient servants of Aran in Aranianism. He had the general body shape of a Lumien, with large claws on his hands and a flowing veil-like cloak which shrouded his head and trailed down his back like a cape. Kavron stroked his olive green beard thoughtfully as he stared at the ships. One of them was about the size of the Sylvarian Mists. If these were Metal Voice's boys, there'd be a problem. He sighed, and exchanged glances with Aro before pressing the comms button on his control panel.

"All LN units, this is Admiral Kavron. We have multiple unknown extraterrestrial vehicles approaching our location at high velocity. Thermal scans show that they are charging weapons. It is unknown if they are arriving with malicious intent or not, but in case of emergency, I am scrambling the fleet. Prepare battlestations and get ready for a fight. I want Formation Lumra on my position in T-minus five minutes. The Sylvarian Mists appeared from the other side of the planet, moving quite quickly. It was an enormous vessel, long and tall with heavy armored plating. It maneuvered itself between the incoming ships and the planet. It was soon accompanied by two large Globe-Class frigates, and five Nova-class battlecruisers, which also positioned themselves for combat.

"Sir." Aro said in a thick, deep voice "Do you not think that you should send them a message before engaging? Admiral Quaron said that he wants peaceful negotiations with all alien races."

"An excellent idea, Aro." Kavron said "Comms officer Eula, open the channels and send this message to the incoming ships. The officer nodded, and toyed with the transmitters. A new hard light panel appeared in front of Kavron, in the middle of which was the picture of a sine wave, the Lumien sign for sound. Kavron hit this button, and the rest of the bridge went quiet. He spoke in Loccalian, the common language of the galaxy.

"Unidentified ships, this is Admiral Kavron of the Lumien Consulate Colonial Navy. I wish to inform you that you are entering our space at a high velocity. We would greatly appreciate it if you could slow your speed, cease the charging of your weapons, and identify yourselves so that we may meet and peacefully negotiate with one another." Kavron sat back in his chair as the message was sent, and sighed. He hoped these guys weren't hostile.

"Unidentified ships, this is Admiral Kavron of the Lumien Consulate Colonial Navy. I wish to inform you that you are entering our space at a high velocity. We would greatly appreciate it if you could slow your speed, cease the charging of your weapons, and identify yourselves so that we may meet and peacefully negotiate with one another."

Kraid listened as the message played over the bridge speakers in an alien language. It didn't sound threatening, although he knew that other species might have different interpretations of how a verbal message would be interpreted based on how it sounded. He turned his attention toward the alien vessels aligning between them and the planet. He spoke "Cedna what is your report on the alien vessels?"

Cedna's cool voice responded "Sir, there are currently eight alien warships in positioned between our flotilla and the planet, due to detecting our presence. The five smallest vessels are three quarters of a mile long. The two medium sized vessels are 1 mile long, or about the same size as one of our destroyers. The largest vessel is five miles long, about equivalent in size to one of our cruisers. Sensors indicate that they are preparing for combat, although currently they seem to be taking a more defensive posture. It is possible that they have detected that our weapons are charged"

Kraid considered her report, then decided on a course of action. "Open up a message for them." he ordered to one of the bridge crew, then he spoke his response "I am Junior Commander Kraid of the Eirian Empire, and in the name of the Emperor I greet you in peace. We hope that we may negotiate in order to benefit both of our civilizations."
After he spoke the last words, the recording terminated and the message was broadcast at high power towards the alien vessels as the Eirian vessels continued toward the planet.

Xej bowed his head, and muttered the archaic word of tribulation. "Du'rakk.."

"I have not seen the Dominion for ten years.. ten years we were free of their filth. Yet again we must exterminate them." He said in a harsh tone. His underarmor made a dull twisting sound as he turned around, and his metal boots clanged on the surface of the bridge as he neared the exit. The door, a silvery blue metallic sheet, slid open as he approached, and the Zealot turned around to say one last thing.

"Xerin, will you be coming?"


The High Councilor took a breath, not appearing to be very deep but taking in a large amount of oxygen nonetheless, and replied; "No, I'll stay here and.. watch the ship, provided it's okay with our Wreae friend here."

Xej nodded. "You have my approval." He looked to Unsilenced Retribution, before turning and continuing away from the bridge, towards the ship armory.

Kessla replied, "Ah. That's... kind of what I expected. After all, why come here willingly?" A rather long silence followed. Kessla spoke again, "So.. just hold tight, Resara. bad things are coming for you. Be strong, don't help them."

There was a quick whirring sound coming from Kessla's cell. The sound quickly stopped. Were they standing outside, it wouldn't have been audible. One could guess that it was the sound of a camera focusing on something. Of course, one could also conclude that it was focusing on Kessla.

As each person was selecting what they wanted, Isbar merely picked at everything, showing no real interest in any of it. Sudden;y Tevri came up to him and offered him the sack of the fruit he had brought with him on the trip.

"Why don't you take these, Isbar? They're about the only thing you like right?"

Isbar hesitated, and then slowly took the proffered bag, giving Tevri a small nod in acknowledgement.

Aarin hefted his own selection and then turned to Rune. "It appears everyone is ready"
_____________________________________

Jiiran peered at Mortemalo from where he was. He seemed to be communicating with someone. Jiiran, amplifying the auditory receivers in his helmet, heard everything.

Jiiran's plan to lure Mortemalo into the trap he had set for Kradus was not going to work, it seemed. He would just have to use it only on Jiiran as he had planned. There would simply not be a test run.

Jiiran kept low, waiting and listening to see what Mortemalo planned to do next.

Meanwhile, back on the battlefield, Marr had some modified torpedo launchers send a rain of strong wires shooting up and hooking into the great serpentlike mech. These were then tightened and electrified, a strong current going through. Severl mech droids stood ready with their super plasma cannons, ready to fire on the giant machine en mass if this attempt did not work.
______________________________

Lirr saluted, and promptly went to send a call to the Markovan Empire, requesting backup at the Krathunian world in question.

Zizo Tai, eager for something to do, stepped forward. "Anything we can do, old fellow?"

Praedromus had noticed the many falling debris that Kradus had blown out from the building when it was dangerously close. He once again activated his gravity field, though several chunks of the structure had hit him, bringing the Supreme to a kneeling position. This is when Praedromus decided to take on a different approach, those of his original intention. Wait for his enemy to strike, identify a chink in his armor, and take advantage. Praedromus stood, retaining his blinding aura, and waited for Kradus to attack.

_____________________

Unsilenced did not even glance at Xej as the Zealot went to the armory. Svar stood up straight, as if trying to avoid confrontation with the Wreae, and quickly moved towards the armory, beginning his preparations for the surface of Dranus as well. The Wreae simply ignored the Krathunian, looking instead to Xej. "Stay here," He quickly muttered, heading off to the shuttle bay to await Svar and Xej.

_____________________

Admiral Denalin clasped his two hands together at chest level and bowed slightly. The Ryun and Wreae ambassadors surrounding Denalin did the same slightly afterwards. With this, Denalin began to speak, near perfect Loccalian emanating from his mouth, though for some words that were hard to pronounce given the insectoid alien's physiology, a translator was used. "Greetings, Captain Rivin and other representatives of the Democratic Republic of Safferia. I am Admiral Denalin, and on behalf of the Ryun-Wreae Federation of the United Ieegan Systems, I welcome you to our territory. Thank you for your kind words, and yes - Loccalian is the international language for the Confederacy. Now, if you'd please follow me, we can get started."

After passing through the enormous and ornate passages of the station, passing through several scanners that recorded biological information of the Saffryans to be cataloged, the Saffryans were led to a circular meeting room, clearly designed for first contact negotiations. Several chairs surrounded a simple bronze table, each of the seats being designed for no race in particular. Denalin gestured for the Saffryan representatives to take their seats as the chamber's door closed with a hiss and two Wreae guards took up positions.

Rune flicked his tail, and nodded, as he took a bundle that had gone unnoticed from where it had been sitting in the corner on the lowest level of one of the shelves. It seemed the bag had been deliberately hidden in such a place, for it was also at the corner of the room itself, where very little light from the brightlights reached. Rune slipped the bag into his satchel, one among three, as he had packed two others for Ravage and Samir, and gestured for everyone to follow, "Let us collect Ravage and Samir, then, and get going." He said. He led everyone out of the storeroom, through the library, and then back into the main area where he actually lived. Ravage and Samir were already both standing up on their feet, Ravage having carefully bandaged her arm, and Samir swaying ever so slightly, as though the effects of the medicine used to ease his pain hadn't completely subsided, yet.

Rune hefted the two extra satchels he had packed, and held them out, Ravage taking both from him, and then commanding Xenos to lie down and carefully ease Samir onto his back. "Alright, it's time we head out, please note, there will be no flying on this journey, it is too great a risk if we are spotted. In addition, when we reach the designated meeting place, you must refer to me as Cipher, not Rune. I will also take the time we have before the meeting upon our arrival to disguise my appearance, so that I cannot be identified by any features. Cipher, though I have not yet told you this, is a name that is well-known, because it is linked to certain points of interest in both Pavo and Thundaria."

Ravage frowned, "I understand that you are cautious of the librarians being followed, but what exactly is Cipher known for, if everybody knows the name?" She asked.

Rune folded his arms, "I am good at achieving things, because with the advanced knowledge and deductive skills I have at my disposal, and the resources and information provided by this library, I am capable of much more than average policing forces. Through the other librarians, and various other means, I have been able to anonymously solve criminal cases that others were unable to handle, which has not gone unnoticed, as after all the solved crimes were linked, I identified myself as Cipher. As a result, central intelligence agencies stationed in the big cities, the Tani Yard, and the Arashi Michi, of Pavo and Thundaria, respectively, have taken a great interest in finding out who is solving their cases and yet somehow eluding their own detectives. A few of the librarians, in particular, notably the young man you saw in the suit, are suspected already of having some sort of contact with Cipher, though by what means they are unsure. Though I have not seen any indication of it, Spyros may be followed, and if so, I do not want people to have a clear idea who Cipher is if he attempts to flee and succeeds in escaping."

Ravage flicked her tail, and hopped onto Xenos' back in front of Samir, looking back to check and see if he was holding on, "Well, then, that would explain the organic charcoal dust smell coming from your satchel. I guess you plan on darkening the feathers on your wings so they look black, and people can't make out any specific patterns. Pretty clever that you'd go and make a safe cosmetic like that, considering it would be a nightmare if you had to cover them up and couldn't fly." She said the last part as she looked away, and Samir silently cringed at it. "You still have to fold your wings carefully, though, because their size and shape is still unusual, as far as I can tell." Ravage finished, and Xenos rose up. "Let's go."

With this, everyone exited the cavern, and after Rune ensured the inner part of the cave was sealed off, they began heading northeast, heading towards the visible wall formed by the mountain range. It was deep into the night, and the wild hounds, along with several others, could be heard in the darkness. The fact that the settlements on the border between Pavo and Thundara were rural and lacked technology was obvious, judging by the sky. All the stars and the moon could be seen in the sky, something never seen in bright city lights.

Isbar strode near the lead, sensing all around him. The darkness was no hindrance to him. Suddenly his eyes flashed, and he gave a growl. At the same time, Ravage smelt something, two somethings, actually: a toxic scent that was vaguely familiar, and the smell of something dead.

Not far ahead, a wild hound lay dead on the ground, its body twisted as if it had died writhing, its lips drawn back in an anguished snarling expression, the gums blackened.

"Poor thing," observed Aarin. "What happened to it I wonder?"

Isbar, still growling, an angry look on his face, came to carcass and sniffed. His eyes blazed with hatred, making his face look even more fierce as he spat out one word:

"Liirlith!"

Ravage's pupils contracted to thin pinpoints, "Here, meddling with Chimerosu worlds?! Oh, this cannot be allowed to grow feathers! Any world they interfere with will suffer some terrible problem, unless they are removed immediately from the planet, and all the creations destroyed." Her free hand clenched into a tight fist, and her other hand tightened its grip on the strap of Xenos' saddle. The Spiromander's snout wrinkled, and he gave a dark hiss, as though also recognizing and loathing the scent. Ravage's tail flicked, "I know the meeting is important, but no matter what, this hound was murdered by a passing Liirlith's venom, and this Liirlith cannot be tolerated on a Chimerosu world."

Aolani frowned, concerned, "We've already decided that if Liirlith attempt to make any sort of contact with the UCN, we cannot directly start a war, but we will reject any and all attempts at diplomacy, as they have already shown a predictable history of befriending and then betraying other races."

Rune scowled, "Whoever or whatever these Liirlith are, they possess a very powerful toxin, and I do not take kindly to the pack members being killed. If what you say is true, I do not know everything, but if these Liirlith are truly such a great threat, then by all means, a few of you may pursue it, but not all of you, as without proof of other Chimerosu in existence, there is no way to help in diplomacy."

Ravage growled, and then snorted, flicking her tail like an irritated feline, she turned to look at Isbar, "Isbar, you know what the Liirlith will try to do to the life on this planet, and to the people as well, perhaps more than anyone else. They may be collecting DNA samples from the animals here, or abducting native life forms for experiments. Their very presence alone could wreak havoc on this planet, and they've gotten to Maozhu before us. We need to purge this planet of them immediately, but we can't do very much with the natives not yet willing to cooperate. If you want a chance to punish them, by all means, you be the one to track them down, and destroy any that you find. I have no sympathy for them."

Aolani looked at Ravage in shock, "Ravage, I'm supposed to be in charge here-"

Ravage cut her off, "Aolani, you have proven that you have never seen what a real battle looks like. Jiiran tried to destroy Vathoris, and he was a Liirlith creation. Think about all the terrible things you've heard about him, and remember that he's not a natural life form, he was created with weaponized biology. We cannot let this wait until another day, both of our tasks are of high importance, we can't afford to miss either window of opportunity. One of us here must protect the group, and another group must find the Liirlith and eliminate any operations they've set up. This is one occasion where I truly feel like another race should be extinct, and not given any chances; such a race has to be a very vile one, for me to think so lowly of it."

Aolani finally opened her beak, "Alright, then, I see your point, I don't think Isbar will argue if he has to go after them, but we need some other people sent with him, too, for support."

Ravage flicked her tail, and looked behind her at Samir, "Samir, do you think you can walk? If not, I don't want to send Xenos with Isbar." She said.

Samir looked up, "I'd be a bit slow, but I can manage."

Tarsus and Mortemalo both met among the smoking battlefield. Bullets flew by and struck them both, but quickly bouncing off of armor and scales. Tarsus, the heaping Eraak covered in a suit of black armor, and Mortemalo, who was of white scales and wore only a bit of armor, because his scales were all he needed.

The two spoke in their home's language, Zraakizi, preventing others from knowing their intentions. "Brother," Tarsus began in his nearly electronic voice, "We should get back to the Control Point. Shancar will want us at his side."

"And leave this battlefield so brutally weak without my presence? No" said Mortemalo as he shot a Samian down from where he stood, severing its head. He looked at Tarsus.

"Would you rather have Shancar die?"

"Shancar is a good fighter, I've seen him."

"He is decent" said Tarsus. "But Dalon has almost arrived, and I am wanting to observe his abilities for myself. Would not you enjoy sharing that pleasure?"

"I suppose that would be enjoyable... Let's go then" he said. The two moved throughout the battlefield, cutting down Samians left and right as the moved back towards the ruined capital city, overrun with Dominion forces.

________________________________________


A transport ship lowered and landed. It's hatch opening and many figures crawling out. Several Zraak soldiers. Finally, Dalon. He had on his own armor and a dark red cape. He was followed by a young female Zraak. Rana Avault, who had on her armor as well and had a sword on a whim at her side.

Shancar looked over, the black helmet he wore veiled his head greatly. "Good, you're here Dalon."

"Where is Kradus?" Dalon asked.

"He went off to fight the leader of the Terminus Pact, down by the old monuments. Why do you ask?"

"I don't want him around right now. Now, onto business then..."

________________________________________

Kradus, already wearing a very small amount of armor, due to fact much of it had dissipated when he transformed, had already grown his scales out to the armor-like exoskeleton, knowing Praedromus intended closeness. Kradus flung his tail about, the newly formed club on the end blasting puffs of dirt everywhere. Kradus looked at Praedromus, his eyes narrowing. His claws lengthened and filled with the steamy, luminous, red fluid that shined through nearly microscopic crevices.

Aarin frowned. "I'm not sure splitting up is a good idea. From what I've heard and seen myself, the Liirlith are very good at remaining hidden."

"You have no idea," replied Isbar, sounding surprisingly unperturbed. "Their cloaking technology can hide them sight, smell, even sound, enough to even baffle my own senses. But I'm certainly willing to find them, if I can."

"Well," said Tevri, trying not to sound nervous, "You probably won't have too much trouble facing them. They'll probably run away. They're nothing but cowards."

Isbar gave him a rather patronizing look. "Cowards? Nay, cunning, that is what they are. They won't waste energy trying to openly fight someone who physically outmatches them. They know better than that. Besides, they'd draw unwanted attention themselves with the noise of a battle. Nay, they'll just use their cloaking technology to sneak up so they can dab you with their venom, and then you'll die a nice painful death." The way Isbar spoke was almost exactly like the way someone would when trying to frighten children with a ghost story.

Tevri swallowed visibly. "Well, I'm still not going to let them frighten me. You and Ravage will be able to pick up on them, right?"

"Wrong," replied Isbar in an almost nonchalant voice. "Not even we, with our enhanced senses, would be able to pick up on there presence. Who knows? They could be watching us right now. They may be closing in on us all right at this very moment even as we speak."

Tevri really looked frightened now, and Allé looked distinctly nervous.

"Come on now, Isbar," said Aarin sternly. "Leave out the dramatics. Still," he added to Ravage, "He has a point. We have no idea how many of them there are, or even if they aren't watching us right now."

Ravage flicked her tail, and bared her teeth at Aarin, "Are you telling me we should ignore the fact that these monsters are on a world filled with Chimerosu, and leave it for another day?" Her pupils contracted to thin slits, and her grip tightened on the strap of Xenos' saddle. "How many of you here, aside from perhaps Isbar, could possibly understand what protecting these UCN worlds means to me? Do you know what it's like, to see your kind perish while you watch, and spend your whole life knowing that when you and the few sparse survivors like you who are left die, your people will be gone forever? Do you understand what it feels like, to have that hopeless, meaningless life, and then discover that your people are alive again, and that you don't have to be the last of your kind anymore? For me, Maozhu means far more than my own safety, because I know what it feels like to have my heart ripped out, and I'll never forgive those that did it, or try to do it to others."

Rune frowned, "I will not say I understand what that is like, and I agree, this threat cannot be ignored, but what can we do, with the resources we have? These creatures cannot be detected by any means, and they also possess a lethal toxin. I told you that your suffering of Monsoon Fever would weaken you, we cannot be sure if that includes whatever immunity you had to venom. You cannot afford to be reckless with your own safety, anymore, if you fought in such a fashion previously. If you are dead, that will only be another blow against your own people, because you seem a very capable fighter, and we would be much more fortunate if you were still with us whenever this threat decides to make itself known."

Ravage looked at Rune, somewhat surprised by what his response was. She opened and closed her beak wordlessly for a few moments, before finally finding her voice again, suddenly looking tired, "Then what are we going to do? There's no telling what the Liirlith may do if they are permitted to remain on this planet. We need a way of tracking them down, and removing them from Maozhu, somehow. For that, though, we'd need someone just as cunning and advanced. We'd need-" She abruptly cut off, before her beak changed to a somewhat eerie smile, "Of course, how could I forget?" She mused.

Lucas looked a bit unnerved by the look on Ravage's face, "Uh, what did you forget?" He asked, almost afraid to voice the question.

Ravage flicked her tail, "Alright, I think we can let this wait for now, because I just remembered that during my travels, I met a few friends by accident. Most people wouldn't touch them with a thousand-light-year pole, considering they view all other races as largely inferior, due to the fact that our technology is so primitive, compared to theirs. We're also nowhere near as intelligent as they are, and they're such an old bunch that even the Loccalians aren't as old. They lay claim to being the most ancient race in the Galaxy, and they're so well-hidden, that nobody even knows they exist." She seemed interested in the thought, "What if I were to contact these friends, who found Chimerosu quite fascinating creatures, and told them that another race that claims superior scientific skill is trying to threaten them?"

Her eyes had a bright gleam, "They wouldn't do it for the Chimerosu, not really, but if they prove their superiority, they'll be satisfied with that. The only matter would be remembering where in space I'm supposed to go to contact them." Ravage looked to Isbar, "Isbar, while you hate the Liirlith, perhaps we should find a race that's just as cunning as they are. These people I know like a challenge, considering they've grown bored with the galaxy itself. I don't think they'll mind if we ask them to pit themselves against the Liirlith."

Zjer exhaled dissappointedly, before nodding and turning to go to his cabin. Once there, he sat down on his bunk, to think for a moment, before pulling out a think rectangular case. He unfolded it, and the case split in the middle, revealing it to be a portable computer, encased in a heavy outer skin for durability in the field. He typed in several passwords, and opened a secure link to a Free Absolute Relay station, one of several available for contact. Despite requesting Free Absolute Fleet reinforcements from High Justice specifically, he was sure Jorro'kil ships would already be present or on their way. Nevertheless he continued with the message, and made sure the request was processed.

High Justice would soon be defending Kvanun.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________


It took mere minutes for the small group of three to gather their weapons and supplies, before leaving the Valence in a cloaked shuttle. The surface ride required some evasive maneuvering to dodge artillery not actually intended for them, or debris floating in orbit.

Landing in a field of a wheat-like crop, away from most of the combat, the shuttle deactivated its engines and remained cloaked, while its three passengers disembarked.

Isbar snorted, but made no objection. "Let's just hope they weren't listening to us just now. If they know you intend to bring someone who can threaten them, you may become a target."

Aarin frowned. "There's truth to that." He looked at Ravage. "I know this might irk you a bit, but perhaps for the rest of our trip you should stick to the middle of the group, at least till we get where we're going. If they want to get to you, they'll find it hard to do so without being noticed if you're in the middle. We'd probably best steer clear of trees, if we can. Liirlith are accomplished climbers."

Ravage's eerie smile faded, and her face returned to its typical cold, unreadable expression, "Very well, but I don't want you to begin treating me like a glass made of crystal, just because I suffer the permanent effects from an illness that normally only occurs in children." With this, she tapped Xenos' back right in front of the saddle, in the direction of the group, and he moved to the center, as it seemed touch alone was what was used to guide the Spiromander around, versus reins of any sort. It was the same system used to guide Xenos riding bareback, as it worked effectively, and the saddle was largely for just hanging on and not slipping off his back, as he was still a slimy amphibious creature. Ravage glanced up at the sky, which was lightening with the approaching dawn, "The sun's coming up, so perhaps it's better that I'm not at the outskirts. Most people don't notice, because I learn how to hide it, but I tend to grow drowsy in bright light, and sometimes it's difficult to focus."

Samir didn't move any part of his body, aside from what was needed to keep his grip on Xenos' saddle from where he sat behind Ravage, but he gave a small laugh at her comment, despite the fact that his wounds now stung, the medicine to stop the pain having long ago worn off, "For most people, if it's incredibly dark, they begin to feel sleepy, because it's natural for it to be dark during the night, which is when Chimerosu normally sleep. It makes a lot more sense, though, when you say that, why you kept the light level in your ship either in a state of twilight, or completely dark." His tail uncoiled slowly, "You never really did like bright light, I've noticed. If there's a light source, you never look directly at it, and in a lit place, you pick the darkest corner you can find to stand in. It comes natural to you to be awake during the dark hours of day, and asleep during the lighter ones; but that doesn't mean you dislike roaming about at dawn, dusk, or when a bright full moon is present."

Ravage snorted, "Well, you have been paying attention, to have figured out my habits so well, and I am a creature of habit, though perhaps not nearly as predictable as most would like."

Samir took a deep breath, and let it out, "I don't consider a biological function such as the ones that determine when someone sleeps as a habit. You don't do those things out of habit, you kept the ship dark because you see better at night, and you're more alert so you can pilot the ship better. Regardless, even in brightly lit places that most people occupy, you try to keep your senses about you, so even though the light in the ship was often less than Celena and I would have preferred, you weren't lacking in courtesy; you were trying to ensure you didn't ram us into a meteorite, or some other nonsense like that." His tail slowly coiled back up again, and he looked up at the fading stars in the sky, "I might have always gotten under your skin, and I admit that pride is a great flaw of mine, but the truth is that compared to you, I always felt sort of useless; even Celena was a gigantic dragon-like being with the power to breathe fire, and the fact is that both of you had abilities I couldn't match. I wanted to show that I was capable of being useful, too, but I suppose I went about it the wrong way, and I was a real gastropod about it, when I should have known that the best things I could do was probably just following your orders."

Ravage was silent for a long moment, before sighing, "Samir, you can't fly, can you?" She asked. Samir looked stunned and uneasy, and he looked at Aarin and Isbar, as if wondering if they had told, although they hadn't. Ravage continued before he could form a response, "I had my suspicions about it, but I never saw any conclusive evidence until I learned that you had been chased by those hearing hounds, versus being outright ambushed." She shook her head slightly, but didn't appear to be angry that such a thing had been kept a secret from her, "If you had been able to fly, you would have, because you weren't in close quarters where it was impossible. There's also the fact that you made me suspicious of it, sometimes I would catch you on the ship just opening and closing your wings in some sort of workout; that was to keep the muscles from shriveling up."

She grabbed the strap on the back of Xenos' saddle and looked over her shoulder to meet Samir's eyes with her own, "Samir, the reason I treated you the way I did, was because you acted on impulse, and often tried to do things that you never learned properly. I began to treat you as though you were a helpless chick, because you became the greatest danger to yourself, getting into situations that you had to be pulled out of before you could get severely hurt. It is not that you are useless, but that you never bothered to ask me before you did something, when really, that was all you would ever have had to do. You didn't have to keep your inability to fly a secret, because half the people I know in the galaxy that I care about don't even have wings in the first place. You know me better than you give yourself credit for, and perhaps more than I gave you credit for, as well; do you think I would mistreat you over something so shallow as a clipped wing?"
be
Samir opened and closed his beak wordlessly, and Ravage stopped him by turning around and facing forward in the saddle, "Don't forget that I want to help other people, but I often reject working with others, because teamwork fails if we don't communicate. Life taught me to do group projects as though the others weren't going to help at all, and it's a terrible thing to learn. I did things to the best of my ability, because I don't want my charges to be harmed." She frowned, "Sometimes I wonder if I'm even right to be called a Lieutenant Colonel. I don't agree with most laws and protocols, to begin with, and being a part of the UCN means obeying a set of codes again. I suppose I'm a rather chaotic person, but if I didn't operate under some chain of command, chances are I would become the galaxy's most-wanted outlaw."

As the sun appeared over the mountains, turning them a brilliant orange and gold, Rune stared ahead, before he spoke, entering the conversation, "Regardless of what happens, I would like to use by abilities to help people, but the protocols and laws that most governments have are more detrimental than useful to me. They have stopped many people with poor judgement in the past, but guilty criminals have sometimes gone free, and the innocent convicted and framed for terrible crimes. When Maozhu joins the UCN, and I know deep down it will, my job as a librarian will no longer be of any importance, my duty having been completed. If that were so, I would continue to operate anonymously, and resolve issues regarding criminal activity, as detective work is something I am good at. However, I lack certain skills needed in someone who travels through space, and I won't have a network to rely on; I would need some sort of help. If this all goes according to plan, and Maozhu is once more peaceful, would you consider helping me pursue my interests?"

Ravage was silent for a long pause, "Perhaps, but make no mistake, what that would entail. To work with me, would mean that I would be taking you under my wing. As you have no current guardian, that would make me legally responsible for you, as though you were my own. That means that while you are doing something, you are also doing it under the supervision of an adoptive parent. If you wanted to work with me, you would have to accept that I would become your parental figure, and that as you have not had one for a considerable time, it may not be an adjustment you're happy with."

Keeper’s fleet assembled a defensive perimeter around the gigantic Gaze of God –ship, named Perun. They kept their distance to the shield world, taking a geostationary far-orbit around the planet. The black triangle that was the Perun slowly turned its sharp corner to face the planet. It took a while to get the large siege ship into position, and the rest of the alliance had already started their attack.

Several panels slid open in the front of the ship, revealing the firing canal. I was wide enough for a frigate to easily fit in, and it was coated with nano-ceramic plates that were both extremely heat resistant and non-magnetic. Keeper made the last few trajectory calculations and begun the firing sequence.

Each of the twenty gigantic engines in the back of the ship tuned on and quickly reached their maximum thrust. The monstrous electromagnets surrounding the firing canal turned on with the cooling systems. Then, at the beginning of the firing canal, in the core of the ship a strange disruption in the space warped open. It was the wormhole, with a device that made it possible to be opened and closed. The other end was in the middle of a hypergiant star, and now the hole was open.

The incredible pressure of the star’s core pushed the plasma into the firing canal at extreme speed, and the electromagnets directed it to go forward, out of the canal. The force of the plasma beam was so extreme that even though all of Perun’s engines were pushing the ship forward, it slowly started to move backwards. After ten seconds the beam was cut off, just before the ceramic panels in the firing canal started to melt.

Although the plasma was going fast, it was way slower than light, and because the distance between Perun and the planet was fairly long, it took several seconds before the beam hit the shell. The ten thousand miles long plasma snake was bright like sun as it crossed the distance between the ship and the planet, even making a small wriggle. It hit the shell both crushing and melting its way through layer after layer of the shielding. The beam’s wriggle caused it to travel several thousands of miles across the shell’s surface, leaving a wide “wound” of melting and crushed metal. Perun’s cooling systems were already working at full capacity, cooling off the firing canal. Perun would be ready for next shot in couple of dozen minutes.