Chapter Three

First topic message reminder :

As the forum auto-splits topics every 50 pages, the next topics will be named further chapters accordingly. This is chapter three, guys, KEEP IT UP!

Post.
POST.
POST!

~Jediluigi

________________________________________________

--Yaga Minor--

“Unfortunately, they did not have one.” He stated, looking over the janitor’s shoulder to confirm his directions mentally. Now there was just the matter of blending in without magic…

--Unknown World--

Leon walked up cautiously toward the creature, pistol ready in his free hand as he kept himself aware of his surroundings. So it takes a shot to the head to kill them. He thought, as he used the opportunity provided by the creature to learn how to combat his potential enemy.

--Gothis Orbit--

The Hive Ship activates its telekinetic powers once more, managing to deflect the torpedoes utilizing similar abilities to the Rachni. The Collective fleet presses on still, taking light losses via the Thanix cannons by comparison to the Turians.

--Gothis Land--

Despite the Collective Troops hunkering in and luring the enemy to them, several were still dieing, while some managed to put up a fight.

--Charad--

The pilot looked at the kiwi incredulously, as if annoyed. She hands the drawing to the kiwi, as if emphasizing it.

--Konnsallann Station--

Cross was annoyed, at first, to the interruption, but then intrigued by the report she overheard. She remained silent, however, waiting to see if anyone would even remember her presence and what they would say in explanation.

--Bladnir--

(On hold until JL either gets Victoria II or managed to talk to me on Skype to discuss where to go from here.)

Mr Countryside wrote:

Mr Countryside wrote:Ryan stands on the bridge of the Imperious-class Star Destroyer savior at the edge of hutt space
"report Admiral!" he says with out turning to look at the Admiral "All elements ready and waiting for your command sir" he says with a calm and collect manner witch only someone with years of experience in the navy could do.
Ryan turns to face him "good you my commence the operation"

The 1st, 3rd, and 5th fleets jump to Nal Hutta letting the planets gravity well pull them out the 1st and 3rd and begin to form a inner and outer blockade around Nal Hutta and its moon Nar Shaddaa well the 5th spreads out around the Y'Toub system to stop anyone leaving or entering.
Ryan looks pleased with the progress so far as he watches Predator-class fighters turn back ships trying the leave the Smuggler's Moon in a hurry.

Hutt space/edge of the Y'Toub system/5 days in to the blockade

Sat in the piolets seat of the "funding" his very own ship full of supplies for the hutts Jax goes to the com
"All ships report in. Running man reporting in, Big Red reporting in, Kez reporting in, Supper dude reporting in."

Jax smiles to him self " In 2 hours Its show to guys remember the plan just go to FTL on my mark and then run like hell hopefully one or two of us will make it, jax out." jax turns round in is seat to face his first mate "well sexy I must admit I think I may be wrong this could work after all, you got to tell me how did you know there be no blockade ships here" he says as he pulls her in for a kiss

Grining and look at her captain 22 blond and legs that go on for ever and blue eyes you could get lost in for hours, "Well call it a hunch" they embrace and kiss "why don't you go sleep for an hour I stay here and monitor things here, you do look tired" Jax lets out a short laugh "trying to get rid of me?.. still I could use a rest, Ok wake me in an hour"

Jax wakes to the loud sounds of the alarms ringing and to his suprised finds his self hand cuffed to his bunk "what the f**k" he then hears a voice coming over the speakers unauthorized ship this is the star destroyer steadfast you are in a restricted area shut down all power and prepare for boarding "Shelly what the hell is going on!!"

Denon system/Denon/Senate building/ 1 hour in to the emergency meeting of the senate.

Random senator: "..AND HE MUST BE ORDERED TO RETURN AND END ALL ACTIVATES OF THIS ILLEGAL WAR AND PUT ON TRIAL!!

With that the senate erupts in to full out war or close to it as far as Chancellor paul Constantine is concerned, raising his hands he calls for order.

Paul Constantine:ORDER!, WE MUST HAVE ORDER!,.

He waits until all have settled down before carrying on
"We must not war amongst our self's, It is true that Grand General Skywalker's war is Illegal but let us not forget what he has done for us in the past. As such I myself will go to speak to General Skywalker and see if we can come to an arrangement.

Hutt space/Y'Toub system/Imperious-class Star Destroyer savior/14 days in to the blockade

Walking up to Grand General Skywalker Senior captain Rismer Stands to attson and give off a salute "Sir the steadfast has reported the capter of several ships intending to run the blockade and deliver supplies to the Hutts" with out truning ryan replies "very good Captin, I believe that one of the captives is an agent of mine she goes by the name of Shelly she that she is released. yes sir, will that be all?" asks Rismer "No I think we have giving the scum plenty of time to get broad and start killing each other prepare the troops for ground assault. With renewed energy rismer give off a sharp salute and goes to carry out his orders.

Outside Unknown City, Planet 031 'Ruhen', System Beta 03, Beta Galaxy:

Zulu 419 made it's descent towards the city, the pilot, 'Foe Hammer', guiding the ship safely forward. Sergeant Leon Munzel was in the co-pilot seat, examining the possible landing zones. After several moments he pointed to an area just outside the city, a hill with a good view. "Set her down there, Foe Hammer. We'll move into the city from that LZ." The pilot nodded, and she maneuvered toward the new destination.

Sergeabt Munzel looked back into the passenger seats, giving his squad a look over. His Brevet Corporal, 'Number 1' Detlev Lueneburg sat with his rifle at rest, ensuring everything was in order.

'Number 2' Sophus Lueke was relaxed, the T-21 resting against his shoulder, the power pack in the above-head storage. 'Number 3' Rupert Doerflinger was cleaning his weapon and making sure his sniper scope was clean. 'Number 4' Winfried Wehlitz was checking his explosives, much to the discomfort of his squad mates.

'Number 5' Hajo Zilger, 'Number 6' Suse Seyrl, 'Number 7' Amalie Landgraf, and 'Number 8' Verena Kinder were left to talk amongst themselves, joking and talking to the other squad members and looking at the view screens.

--Anima Prime--

Regnum and, the rest of Dominae that was imprisoned in the Spire, escorted the distraught prisoners, enticing them to sprint forward and away from the towering structure. In the distance, one could see Rain's army, or rather, what was left of it.

Rain looked at the approaching horde of prisoners and was slightly taken aback. "What is this, a herding?" He murmured to himself, then, in the distance, carried by the wind, he could faintly hear the blazing alarms from the Spire. Honing in on that sound, he confirmed its existence. "... Great..." He said sarcastically, then gave the command for the army to fall back.

--Unknown World--

The two would appear in an entirely different world than before, and it was clearly not the Castle. Xirce stretched as he exited the portal. "Well. I think we've earned the right to enjoy the rest of the day, no?" He said to Xyphus, having orchestrated that they would appear on this world.

The world in question was a city of some sort. Not a metropolis that often plague paradise worlds of this caliber, but a rather small one given the circumstances. It was morning, as the sun was just rising, and the golden rays reflected off the not-so-tall towers. It was actually a cross between a town and a city, as the sky was mostly clear of the towering superstructures most modern cities had. As far as architecture went, it was a sound, pretty technological city, with the scenery to boot. Many of the buildings were made of a form of metal, while some districts clinged to the outdated, but fashionable, stone and brick. They were currently in one of those districts, in an alleyway to be exact. An unusually clean one at that...

--Marenta Prime--

The shielding units on the Excalibur's endeavor to absorb the bolts of plasma as they clash against the barriers, protecting them. With minimal damage being done, the Excaliburs continued their rampage forward, while the AI soldiers held their ground in the back. Of which, they appeared to be less fortunate. While some of their shields held, others did not, when under fire, and their armor failed, making them easier targets.

Whether it was surprising or not, Jaxe just watched, unafraid and, actually, uncaring about the events unfolding.

--Aves--

Genesis nods. "Very well, admiral. I will have to bring White Glint with us to effect proper repairs, and outfit her with the latest weaponry." He said, smiling in Raven's direction. "Hopefully you won't wreck it this time and melt the blades?" Raven shrugged, as if uncaring about that fact. Almost as if to say, "I killed it, didn't I?"

(Feel free to GM to Palaven.)

--Ruhen--

The city itself, as can be viewed even in the skies, was eerily quiet and empty. Devoid of life, and yet, it did not appear lifeless. As the squad would recon it before approaching, they would find that little to no damage had occurred to the infrastructure, as far as they could see. They could even see wells, fountains, and even some gardens in the city, things that would not survive on such a desolate world without a caretaker. Even so, the city was not overwhelmed by plant life, as if the plants refused to go beyond their boundaries. The entire theme of the city spoke of misgivings and mysteries.

--Aves--

Ackbar: Good. I shall make the arrangements for the construct to be transferred to the Anatolia.

Fallah: But sir, I haven't had an opportunity to study it in detail yet. This construct could give us some real insights for our own flock wings.

*The hawk hesitates, and then shakes his head.* Ackbar: I'm sorry, Doctor, but your studies will have to wait. We're on borrowed time as it is. In any event (glances at Genesis), we can simply ask the Anatolians about it.

Fallah (half-joking): Figuring it out on my own is so much more fun, sir.

Ackbar (chuckles): Anyway, Doctor, I have something else for you to do.

Fallah: Yes, Admiral?

Ackbar: Pack your things and report to the Spirit of Aves. I'll probably need your help if things during the battle don't go...as planned.

Fallah: Of course, sir. Shall I meet you at the shuttle?

Ackbar: Yep. I'll be there as soon as possible. Dismissed, Doctor.

*The kiwi nods and begins scurrying about to gather her things. Meanwhile, the Admiral sends for a transport to take Genesis, Raven, and the construct back to the Anatolia. Once that is taken care of, he returns to the Spirit of Aves with Fallah.*

*One Aves-day later, the GAU's Third Flock prepares to depart for Palaven. On the avian flagship's bridge, the Admiral joins the crew in a final goodbye to the planet. He speaks over a fleetwide channel.* Ackbar: My dear friends, today we leave our beloved homeworld to protect it from those who would ruin its beauty and scour our race. I know how you feel. I do not want to leave Aves either. But if we do not go, then we guarantee its desecration and our own enslavement. And though we are leaving the planet Aves behind, know that the spirit of our world is with each and every one of us, no matter where we may be.

*And thus he concludes his address, musing to himself as the flotilla assembles into formation and heads toward the Aves orbital perimeter.* There is one question I cannot answer. *He looks around at the crew quietly attending to their various duties.* When will we return?

*Before long, the Third Flock reaches the edge of Aves orbit, and blasts into FTL.*

--Palaven, 2 Days before Imperium fleet arrival--

*The Third Flock comes out of FTL at the Palaven orbital perimeter and stations itself in defensive formation while the Spirit of Aves and the Anatolia procure berths for themselves at the League's orbital headquarters. Other ships from the League are present, including Sajuuk itself, and an enormous Morrigi ship larger even than the massive Hiigaran vessel. Additionally, a small batarian fleet and a Rachni ship roughly the same size as the Spirit of Aves arrive soon after the avians do. The newcomers dock up as well.*

(League members, send in your peeps.)

--Rotarran--
Roach, Martok, Yanishev, Janeway, Gandalf and Captain General Arglev approach Palaven aboard Martok's flagship. Roach and Martok break out into song with the crew.



Roach and Martok:


Qoy qeylIs puqloD.
Qoy puqbe'pu'.
yoHbogh matlhbogh je SuvwI'

Say'moHchu' may' 'Iw.

maSuv manong 'ej maHoHchu'.
nI'be' yInmaj 'ach wovqu'.
batlh maHeghbej 'ej yo' qIjDaq vavpu'ma' DImuv.
pa' reH maSuvtaHqu'.
mamevQo'. maSuvtaH. ma'ov.


(translation)

Hear! Sons of Kahless.
Hear! Daughters too.
The blood of battle washes clean

The Warrior brave and true.

We fight, we love, and then we kill.
Our lives burn short and bright,
Then we die with honor and join our fathers in the Black Fleet where
we battle forever, battling on through the Eternal fight.

Ensign: General we are entering the Palaven system.

Martok: Drop us to impulse.

*The Rotarran drops out of warp with the small task force that had been escorting it.*

--Palaven--

A single Klingon Ki'Tang bird of prey decloaks over Palaven followed soon after by several dozen more four Vor'cha battle cruisers followed by a Negh'var. On of the Birds of Prey does a fly by the Spirit of Aves coming in close to the bridge and tipping its wing in salute as it passes, it repeats this for all the leagues flagships that are present. Then it returns to formation and hails Turian control for landing coordinates.

~Marenta Prime~

As the shields dissipated the plasma fire, the Marentanz who shot them lets out a loud yell of "O Kana ratu 'oikaukau!" The AI soldiers engaged with the Marentanz would take notice of the fearsome tribal decorations on top of their standard SRI armor, featuring carved skulls as masks and large feathers on their arms and greaves.

When they see some of the AI soldier's shields failing under fire, the Marentanz charge at them, screaming war chants in Mara'koko.

(Kautota: Kanakana roki'u!
Hotu: O'ai kana patu 'oata!
Aku: Pana rongi, karataratu ka ponutiki!)


When they get close enough, the warriors draw mid-sized blades and begin to slash at the soldiers, while others keep covering fire on them and the other AI footsoldiers.

Comrade Greiv wrote:

Roach wrote:McGovern: Well if you are going to be insistent about it.

*the shuttle locks itself onto the frigates course and follows.*

Upon confirming the shuttle as following, the Centurion's helmsman takes the pair of vessels into the Faltur Nebula.
(Will explain the nature of the nebula in greater detail at a later point)

After twenty minutes the ships clear through into a large clear patch of space caused by the gravity well of a Venator-class Star Destroyer. Upon closer inspection one would see the vessel had multiple visual, and at times rather deep, scars along her hull showing the vessel had seen heavy conflict at some point; and yet the vessel still stirred with activity from within. Also, within the area one could easily see several squadrons of the CAP for the vessel and a Venator II-class Super Heavy Battleship with a similar coloration to the Centurion that appeared to be off-loading supplies. As they approached the ships their comm station had crackled to life, the Communications officer patched McGovern's shuttle into the Red Faction Communications frequency.

"This is Dauntless Flight Control to the Centurion. Come in Centurion." A voice beckoned from over the waves

"This is Lieutenant Commander Ka'The Lant of the Centurion. We read you five by five." Lant quickly responded "Requesting permission to land for my ship and the one with us."

The Flight control officer of the Dauntless looked to check the IFF transponders used by the shuttle and is unable to identify it properly. He hails the ship individually.

"Unidentified craft, identify yourselves and state your intentions."

McGovern: This is captain McGovern of the Federation Starship Courageous. We are on a diplomatic tour of the Hyperion Galaxy assessing its current political state I am authorized to represent my government I any negotiations that may take place.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--

Regnum and, the rest of Dominae that was imprisoned in the Spire, escorted the distraught prisoners, enticing them to sprint forward and away from the towering structure. In the distance, one could see Rain's army, or rather, what was left of it.

Rain looked at the approaching horde of prisoners and was slightly taken aback. "What is this, a herding?" He murmured to himself, then, in the distance, carried by the wind, he could faintly hear the blazing alarms from the Spire. Honing in on that sound, he confirmed its existence. "... Great..." He said sarcastically, then gave the command for the army to fall back.

--Unknown World--

The two would appear in an entirely different world than before, and it was clearly not the Castle. Xirce stretched as he exited the portal. "Well. I think we've earned the right to enjoy the rest of the day, no?" He said to Xyphus, having orchestrated that they would appear on this world.

The world in question was a city of some sort. Not a metropolis that often plague paradise worlds of this caliber, but a rather small one given the circumstances. It was morning, as the sun was just rising, and the golden rays reflected off the not-so-tall towers. It was actually a cross between a town and a city, as the sky was mostly clear of the towering superstructures most modern cities had. As far as architecture went, it was a sound, pretty technological city, with the scenery to boot. Many of the buildings were made of a form of metal, while some districts clinged to the outdated, but fashionable, stone and brick. They were currently in one of those districts, in an alleyway to be exact. An unusually clean one at that...

--Marenta Prime--

The shielding units on the Excalibur's endeavor to absorb the bolts of plasma as they clash against the barriers, protecting them. With minimal damage being done, the Excaliburs continued their rampage forward, while the AI soldiers held their ground in the back. Of which, they appeared to be less fortunate. While some of their shields held, others did not, when under fire, and their armor failed, making them easier targets.

Whether it was surprising or not, Jaxe just watched, unafraid and, actually, uncaring about the events unfolding.

--Aves--

Genesis nods. "Very well, admiral. I will have to bring White Glint with us to effect proper repairs, and outfit her with the latest weaponry." He said, smiling in Raven's direction. "Hopefully you won't wreck it this time and melt the blades?" Raven shrugged, as if uncaring about that fact. Almost as if to say, "I killed it, didn't I?"

(Feel free to GM to Palaven.)

--Ruhen--

The city itself, as can be viewed even in the skies, was eerily quiet and empty. Devoid of life, and yet, it did not appear lifeless. As the squad would recon it before approaching, they would find that little to no damage had occurred to the infrastructure, as far as they could see. They could even see wells, fountains, and even some gardens in the city, things that would not survive on such a desolate world without a caretaker. Even so, the city was not overwhelmed by plant life, as if the plants refused to go beyond their boundaries. The entire theme of the city spoke of misgivings and mysteries.

-Anima Prime-

Lae sprinted at full-speed, still trying to gather his thoughts. He looked around at all the people running away from the tower. He knew he had to get away and that he had gone in there to do something. But what? What are they doing there?

Azrael began thinking all the events that have occurred since his encounter with the demon in the control room. He then estimated how much time each individual event took, then calculated it to be seventeen minutes, more than the fifteen minutes he was told. That meant two things: firstly, he was bad at math, but secondly, despite having done his math wrong, there were only moments until it would explode. He turned to the side and grabbed Lae's cape, and threw him into an alley, then dove into it and covered his head.
Lae sat up a moment and looked at Azrael who was lying on the ground face-down with his hands covering his head.
It finally hit him what was going on: there was about to be a huge explosion.
Lae swore and braced himself against one of the walls and covered his ears.


-Unknown World-

Xyphus would not respond to anything Xirce said. When he walked through the portal, he had sat down against the wall and crashed nigh-instantly.

--Anima Prime--

A series of silent detonations bringing about bright flashes of light streaking across the sky was the first sign of what was feared to occur. Then, the shockwave hit them, as the Spire detonated. Several smaller explosions begot a much larger one, casting up rubble and dust into the air. As the fiery waves washed over what was left of the city, the dust and dirt in the air left an eery darkness as it slowly faded.

Rain threw a large chunk of rubble off of him, having used it as a shield, and then dusted himself off, swearing profusely as he did so. "Someone get those two [censored] here IMMEDIATELY!" He yelled at one of the commanders, and then glared at the other. "And evacuate the civilians while you're at it!"

Anyone arriving out of their makeshift bunkers and piles of debris would find the Spire to be entirely missing. In its place was total desolation, a massive crater almost like a basin or a canyon, comparing its height to the surroundings. Buildings lie crooked against the wave of fire, even they even stood at all.

--Unknown World--

Xirce turned around when he heard Xyphus hit the ground. "... Of course..." He murmured to himself, walking over to Xyphus and examining his current condition. "... Hmm." He sighed, or at least imitated one. "And here I thought I would enjoy the rest of the day. I wonder what Saix would say..." He thought for a moment, living out the scene in his mind. Oddly enough, he chose not to bring Xyphus back to that, judging that Saix might even go as far as to eliminate the weakness displayed by his comrade. "But I am not carrying you, either..." He said, looking up at the old-fashioned clock tower nearby. He snapped his fingers and teleported the two of them to the top of the tower, Xyphus leaning on the wall while Xirce waited, looking down at the city below. He thought to himself, not paying attention to the time flying about.

--Marenta Prime--

The AI soldiers ejected the blades on their guns, using them to block the SRI troopers, as a means of defense against the onslaught.

The Excalibur's, on the other hand, merely knocked the Marentaz back, catapulting the blue-skinned warriors away from themselves as the cannons continued firing on the shields. "This is quite a deal boring..." Jaxe commented, walking towards the barrier that stood in his path. "Give me a challenge." He said, phasing through the shields and staring coldly at the soldiers hiding behind them.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--

A series of silent detonations bringing about bright flashes of light streaking across the sky was the first sign of what was feared to occur. Then, the shockwave hit them, as the Spire detonated. Several smaller explosions begot a much larger one, casting up rubble and dust into the air. As the fiery waves washed over what was left of the city, the dust and dirt in the air left an eery darkness as it slowly faded.

Rain threw a large chunk of rubble off of him, having used it as a shield, and then dusted himself off, swearing profusely as he did so. "Someone get those two [censored] here IMMEDIATELY!" He yelled at one of the commanders, and then glared at the other. "And evacuate the civilians while you're at it!"

Anyone arriving out of their makeshift bunkers and piles of debris would find the Spire to be entirely missing. In its place was total desolation, a massive crater almost like a basin or a canyon, comparing its height to the surroundings. Buildings lie crooked against the wave of fire, even they even stood at all.

--Unknown World--

Xirce turned around when he heard Xyphus hit the ground. "... Of course..." He murmured to himself, walking over to Xyphus and examining his current condition. "... Hmm." He sighed, or at least imitated one. "And here I thought I would enjoy the rest of the day. I wonder what Saix would say..." He thought for a moment, living out the scene in his mind. Oddly enough, he chose not to bring Xyphus back to that, judging that Saix might even go as far as to eliminate the weakness displayed by his comrade. "But I am not carrying you, either..." He said, looking up at the old-fashioned clock tower nearby. He snapped his fingers and teleported the two of them to the top of the tower, Xyphus leaning on the wall while Xirce waited, looking down at the city below. He thought to himself, not paying attention to the time flying about.

--Marenta Prime--

The AI soldiers ejected the blades on their guns, using them to block the SRI troopers, as a means of defense against the onslaught.

The Excalibur's, on the other hand, merely knocked the Marentaz back, catapulting the blue-skinned warriors away from themselves as the cannons continued firing on the shields. "This is quite a deal boring..." Jaxe commented, walking towards the barrier that stood in his path. "Give me a challenge." He said, phasing through the shields and staring coldly at the soldiers hiding behind them.

-Anima Prime-

After the explosion cleared, Azrael got up and dusted himself off. "Well," He said. "That wasn't as bad as i thought it would-" He would be interrupted as a chunk of metal fell out of the sky and slammed into his head. He gritted his teeth, but managed to not make any pained sounds. "...bastards..." He grumbled.
Lae stood up and walked out of the alley, looking back at the spot where the tower once stood. He didn't know why, but he felt different... almost as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders, despite the obviously perilous situation they had just been in.



-Dreamworld-

Xyphus stood in a crowd in a city. He wasn't entirely sure of where he was. Everything around him was gray and dull, and all the people's faces were blurred. Initially it seemed like it was a normal day, if in a twisted reality, but Xyphus noticed they were all running in one direction. Away from something. In the distance he noticed someone else running toward it. For whatever reason, Xyphus was moved by some invisible force to run toward the person. As he approached the person, they only seemed to get farther away. He reached out with his hand as the world around him stretched out. A moment later, that person disappeared, then he felt himself falling. Everything around him went pitch black.


-Unknown World-

Xyphus awoke in a cold sweat. Although he felt nothing, had no ability to feel anything, his body had the appearance of one who was scared to death.
He sat forward a little bit and then thought Damn it, I fell asleep!

Outside Unknown City, Planet 031 'Ruhen', System Beta 03, Beta Galaxy:

"This is Zulu 419, call sign Foe Hammer, we have eyes on the LZ. Permission to proceed, Promachos?" The pilot requested, circling the landing zone. After a few moments of static she got a reply. "This is Promachos Command, you are free to land. Repeat, you are free to land. Mission is go, PT-1." The man on the Comm replied, and Foe Hammer guided the gunboat down to the hill.

With a soft thud against the sandy dune, the landing gear opened and made touch down. For a moment nothing happened as the engines began to cycle down. Then, the gunboat rear ramp dropped down, and the squad began to leave the transport, single-file.

Planetary Orbit, Planet 043 'Palaven', System Beta 04, Beta Galaxy:

After almost a day of deliberation, the Empire finally decided on how to best send a representative to the meeting on Palaven, with the conflict nearly two days out from the Southern border. Nothing too flashy, in the minds of the Marzeron command.

...

As the other various ships arrived, another would soon join them. The station over Palaven would detect an increase in tachyon emissions far from the planet, as the hyperspace point formed. The vortex swirled with energy, the storm silent in the vacuum of space. After a few seconds a bright light appeared, and something emerged from the portal.

A massive ship that could rival space stations in sheer size entered orbit above Palaven. It was escorted by various smaller craft, all of them droid ships, carrying various goods or acting as escort frigates.The port authority would have a moment to blink before a monotonous message was sent to them.

//Message Received...

=< "Attention 'Palaven' Local Port Authority, this is the Anjian Trade Command Vessel Reconstruction and Reclamation, requesting permission to orbit Planet 043 'Palaven'. Will proceed to stable orbit and launch diplomatic shuttle once permission is granted. Waiting for response..." >=

//Message End...

--Anima Prime--

That good feeling of Lae's was soon to be extinguished as a battered Lieutenant sprinted towards the two, finally spotting them past the horde of civilians and debris. He waved at them and, when he finally reached them, took a moment to catch his breath. He was bruised and in some places cut during the battle with the demons, his armor having completely failed when the detonation of the Spire went off. "Commander Rain requests your presence immediately." He said, standing up straight again.

--Unknown World--

"Oh, you're awake finally." Xirce said, looking over at Xyphus as he pulled himself out of his trance-like thoughtful state. "It only took you... six hours?" He looks up at the massive clock of the tower. "Six hours." He confirmed, looking back at Xyphus.

--Ruhen--

The desert heat beat down upon them almost immediately, like a bandit, seeking whatever water the humans had on them. Around the city and the LZ was only more desert dunes and the sandstorm that was approaching; slowly, and still a few hours away, however.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--

That good feeling of Lae's was soon to be extinguished as a battered Lieutenant sprinted towards the two, finally spotting them past the horde of civilians and debris. He waved at them and, when he finally reached them, took a moment to catch his breath. He was bruised and in some places cut during the battle with the demons, his armor having completely failed when the detonation of the Spire went off. "Commander Rain requests your presence immediately." He said, standing up straight again.

--Unknown World--

"Oh, you're awake finally." Xirce said, looking over at Xyphus as he pulled himself out of his trance-like thoughtful state. "It only took you... six hours?" He looks up at the massive clock of the tower. "Six hours." He confirmed, looking back at Xyphus.

--Ruhen--

The desert heat beat down upon them almost immediately, like a bandit, seeking whatever water the humans had on them. Around the city and the LZ was only more desert dunes and the sandstorm that was approaching; slowly, and still a few hours away, however.

-Anima Prime-

Lae stood there for a moment after hearing those words.
Well that was short lived... He thought.
"Let me guess..." Azrael said, still holding the back of his head with one hand. "He's pissed again."

-Unknown World-

Xyphus narrowed his eyes at Xirce. "I avoid sleep if I can... unfortunately my body seems to think there's anything left to rest for." He said plainly.

--Anima Prime--

The Lieutenant smiled awkwardly, deigning to attempt avoiding that answer as he turned around to help round up the survivors. The pair of assassins could find Rain fishing out civilians from underneath the rubble, lifting piles and disintegrating the heavier piles with his sword, being careful to avoid harming the prisoners underneath. All the while, he was still swearing under his breath.

--Unknown World--

"... You still need to sleep. Didn't they tell you that?" He asked, imitating concern, although in reality, he was more so curious, if that were possible, as to why Xyphus thought contrary to what Xirce was told.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--

The Lieutenant smiled awkwardly, deigning to attempt avoiding that answer as he turned around to help round up the survivors. The pair of assassins could find Rain fishing out civilians from underneath the rubble, lifting piles and disintegrating the heavier piles with his sword, being careful to avoid harming the prisoners underneath. All the while, he was still swearing under his breath.

--Unknown World--

"... You still need to sleep. Didn't they tell you that?" He asked, imitating concern, although in reality, he was more so curious, if that were possible, as to why Xyphus thought contrary to what Xirce was told.

--Anima Prime--

Lae and Azrael would walk over to find Rain.
"Job's done." Azrael said with a fake grin. "We came, we saw, we kicked [censored]."
Lae just remained silent. However, he had a certain aural of happiness about him.

--Unknown World--

Xyphus sighed. "Yes." He said. "But sleep is for the weak."

--Anima Prime--

Rain was silent at first, almost dumbfounded by Azrael's statement, and Lae's somehow joyful expressions. "... Before I self-destruct myself, tell me, just what the hell happened?" He asked Azrael in a cold, distant, and barely-containing-one's-rage manner.

--Unknown World--

Xirce raised an eyebrow at Xyphus's statement. "Then you would claim yourself the only strong one. Something that I believe is quite foolish to do. Even the Superior sleeps, as far as I know. And the Luna Diviner has his own room and bed, so, I'm pretty sure he sleeps as well. What excuse do you have to think that way?" He asked. It wasn't said out of a spiteful manner by any means, merely a misplaced curiosity empowered Xirce's questioning.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--

Rain was silent at first, almost dumbfounded by Azrael's statement, and Lae's somehow joyful expressions. "... Before I self-destruct myself, tell me, just what the hell happened?" He asked Azrael in a cold, distant, and barely-containing-one's-rage manner.

--Unknown World--

Xirce raised an eyebrow at Xyphus's statement. "Then you would claim yourself the only strong one. Something that I believe is quite foolish to do. Even the Superior sleeps, as far as I know. And the Luna Diviner has his own room and bed, so, I'm pretty sure he sleeps as well. What excuse do you have to think that way?" He asked. It wasn't said out of a spiteful manner by any means, merely a misplaced curiosity empowered Xirce's questioning.

-Anima Prime-
Azrael smirked at the irony in the mentioning of 'self-destructing.' Then he replied to Rain by saying, "Well, we made it to the control center, and they bugged out. They set a self-destruct hoping to kill us all. In a 'I go, we go' gambit." He paused for a moment. "That about cover it all?"

Lae just shrugged slightly. "I cant remember anything past walking into the tower and then waking up out here being told I'll be cooked if I dont run." As he spoke, Rain would likely notice that Lae was far more relaxed than he had been the last time they spoke face-to-face. He seemed less troubled.


-Unknown World-

Xyphus turned back and said "I made no claim of being strong..." He plainly stated. "I simply said sleep was for the weak... and I just awoke from a sleep, did I not?"

--Anima Prime--

"..." Rain is entirely confused at the two's apparent gleefulness. To him, such was misplaced and not belonging. However, before he could speak, a kid had yanked on his pant leg, another civilian. He looked down and sighed. "Be thankful no one died because of that." He said, looking at Azrael. "I expect to have a detailed report of what you saw at the base, and then you will be paid." The kid grabbed his hand as Rain guided him and several others to the newly set-up transit zone.

--Unknown World--

"Then why bother?" He asked bluntly. "I'm pretty sure sleep is normal if it is impossible to not do so for even those who don't exist." He explained his reasoning, waiting for Xyphus to return the favor.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--

"..." Rain is entirely confused at the two's apparent gleefulness. To him, such was misplaced and not belonging. However, before he could speak, a kid had yanked on his pant leg, another civilian. He looked down and sighed. "Be thankful no one died because of that." He said, looking at Azrael. "I expect to have a detailed report of what you saw at the base, and then you will be paid." The kid grabbed his hand as Rain guided him and several others to the newly set-up transit zone.

--Unknown World--

"Then why bother?" He asked bluntly. "I'm pretty sure sleep is normal if it is impossible to not do so for even those who don't exist." He explained his reasoning, waiting for Xyphus to return the favor.

--Anima Prime--
Azrael shook his head. "He's hard to please." He mumbled.
Lae crossed his arms. "More like [censored] impossible, try working with him full-time." Lae threw in.
"No thanks." Azrael began walking off.
Lae began to make his own way back, but stopped for a moment. He turned and looked back at the location where the tower stood for a moment, then reluctantly turned and left.

Within the crater of the blast site, a gruesome hand clawed its way out. A warped demon with melted flesh and pitch-black scorch marks all over its body rose from the crater. It looked around at all the rubble now that everyone had cleared the area. The demon looked down at its mangled, open hand.
"Only twenty minutes in this body, and you've already proven to be more capable than that worthless... thing." He mumbled to himself. He looked up and spotted small specks that were the people that ran from the explosion in the distance, then turned and began walking in the opposite direction.


-Unknown World-
"Shut up!" Xyphus firmly interjected with a facade of irritation just a moment before he finished his sentence. He crossed his arms and stared off at the distance.

--Anima Prime--
*Two Hours later*

The civilians were all evacuated to the ships, as a rather large Imperial fleet stormed the planet. The skies were filled with squadrons of fighters and even entire capital-class vessels. The IS was retaking its world, by force if necessary.

Azrael and Rain were alone in the latter's office, Azrael retelling most of what had happened in the Spire, though took the liberty to leave some parts unfilled for personal reasons. Whether Rain noticed this or not was ultimately inconsequential, what Azrael told him was more than enough. After Azrael finished, Rain sat behind his desk, pondering, and silent. "... ... ... Thank you, that will be all." Rain spoke, taking out a card, pre-filled with the credits of the contract price, and handing it to Azrael.

--Unknown World--

"..." Xirce was taken aback at that sudden outburst of emotion, or at least, it looked like emotion. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what Xyphus was at the moment. "Is something wrong?" He hazarded to ask the other.

~Marenta Prime~

The Marentanz were flung into the air, but landed safely by bolstering their fall with the Force. At this point, they gave up on the Excaliburs and headed for the AI troops. The blades fired at the Marentanz hit them, but luckily, their armor stopped most of the damage. One blade did knock the skull off of the squad leader's head, which angered him greatly. At this point he unleashes a force blast at the soldier who fired at him.

Inside the bunker the SRI troops stare at Jaxe for a second in disbelief, then begin to fire everything they have at him. Guns, turrets, even a few grenades are thrown. At the notice of a live grenade all of the soldiers scramble to get further down the hall.

~Palaven~

An SRI delegate, Arni Magnusson appears via holotransmission.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--
*Two Hours later*

The civilians were all evacuated to the ships, as a rather large Imperial fleet stormed the planet. The skies were filled with squadrons of fighters and even entire capital-class vessels. The IS was retaking its world, by force if necessary.

Azrael and Rain were alone in the latter's office, Azrael retelling most of what had happened in the Spire, though took the liberty to leave some parts unfilled for personal reasons. Whether Rain noticed this or not was ultimately inconsequential, what Azrael told him was more than enough. After Azrael finished, Rain sat behind his desk, pondering, and silent. "... ... ... Thank you, that will be all." Rain spoke, taking out a card, pre-filled with the credits of the contract price, and handing it to Azrael.

--Unknown World--

"..." Xirce was taken aback at that sudden outburst of emotion, or at least, it looked like emotion. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what Xyphus was at the moment. "Is something wrong?" He hazarded to ask the other.

Azrael took his check, while saying "Pleasure doing business with you." He walked out of the office and took a longer route out of the base and stopped in the cafeteria where Lae was having a soda, and all in all, just enjoying his day.
"Well, I'm off, kid."
Lae nodded. "Alright, was... interesting working with you." He replied.
Azrael raised an eyebrow. "Well, you take care... and also, you've got some demons to fight in your future." He left without another word.
Lae sat his glass down after stopping mid-drink at that statement. He didn't know what that meant, but there was something about the way he said it he didn't like.

-Unknown World-

Xyphus looked away and stared off at the city. "Just leave me alone..." He stated coldly.

--Anima Prime--

Rain sighed after Azrael left. His head were finally calm and collected. They're back, and everyone is safe and sound... That's the best you could have asked for. He thought to himself, standing up from his seat and walking towards the door. He decided to garner something to eat at the cafeteria rather than having it delivered.

Lara sat down at Lae's table, smiling, as is usual of her truly. In her mind, she merely sought to distract Lae from what Azrael stated. "Hey, you're pretty happy now, Lae. Did something happen?" She asked, curious.

--Unknown World--

"..." Xirce turned to watch the skies float above them, the clouds forming deformed shapes often mistaken for something else. "... They say that people often like to look up at the clouds and try to say what they look like to them." He said random-like.

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--

Rain sighed after Azrael left. His head were finally calm and collected. They're back, and everyone is safe and sound... That's the best you could have asked for. He thought to himself, standing up from his seat and walking towards the door. He decided to garner something to eat at the cafeteria rather than having it delivered.

Lara sat down at Lae's table, smiling, as is usual of her truly. In her mind, she merely sought to distract Lae from what Azrael stated. "Hey, you're pretty happy now, Lae. Did something happen?" She asked, curious.

--Unknown World--

"..." Xirce turned to watch the skies float above them, the clouds forming deformed shapes often mistaken for something else. "... They say that people often like to look up at the clouds and try to say what they look like to them." He said random-like.

Lae didnt respond for a moment, but snapped back into reality when he realized Lara was speaking to him.
"Oh, um, sorry..." He stammered. "I don't know, Lara. I just feel like a colossal weight has been lifted off my shoulders." He reached up as if trying to touch the sky. "I feel liberated!"


--Unknown World--
Xyphus snickered at this thought that Xirce had. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard." He retorted.

--Anima Prime--

"That's great!" She said, smiling brightly. "But hey, I've got to head to the medbay to treat the soldiers. Remember that promise I made you to keep that other side of you from getting out of control? I'd like to continue that therapy."

--Unknown World--

"Heh, probably, but I always look up at the sky to hopefully see what they see." Xirce said. Memories rose up in his mind, as he recalled that, in the past, he used to look up at the sky several times. He and some others he didn't recognize now.