Dwan was surprised that someone spoke to him at this time of night, and he was even more surprised that it was Viper. He assumed it was going back to its own room.
"O-oh, hey, Viper.", Dwan responded, still feeling a little awkward.
Viper gave him an rather strange look before continuing with it's words.
"So...Everything's been set and done, has it? The Cirmus has been utterly defeated and will assuredly go back to whatever hideout they left. Saw is gone, presumably dead and his corporate empire will likely be consumed by the overgrowing Elysium Combine and whatever vultures looming about. Yanim and whatever gang she has managed to gather up are still no where to be found, most likely engaging in low level crime, probably narcotics dealing or smuggling in an back alley within a down rotted city on some backwater planet....But besides her, everyone has returned to whatever home they had or gone their separate ways and we'll have just finished mourning over those who made helped us accomplish that."
Viper said, taking an quick look over at the valley that laid behind them. The silhouettes of the many statues dedicated to the fallen we're still visible even from where they stood.
Dwan nodded. "So.... what are you going to do now?", he asked the Sanghvi.
Viper turned back his gaze onto his face. "Well, I've been recently promoted to an Lieutenant-Major within the Peacekeeper corps." Viper said with an hint of dissatisfaction in voice.
"To be honest, I planed to settle down as you soft-carbons call it. To finally live an civilian life and to not dread the next moment I have to take another Sentient's life..." Viper said, dwelling on it's words before breaking eye contact with Dwan.
"I was hoping to shrike some sort of deal with Lion..Living here, letting myself became more...Human? Is that word? Something more just an drone." Viper said as it eyes met the ground beneath them.
Dwan looked at Viper. "I bet you could ask around, see if there is any available real estate around here.", he told it. "Maybe even get in contact with some of Lion's friends. I guarantee they'd be happy to help.", he suggested.
[QUOTE=Sega Saturn;49612330] Pippen - 38% (Winner of the Erik Collins Award for Fucking Up Every Time)[/QUOTE]
First, you spelled Pippin wrong, second most of my fucking up wasn't even my fault.
[QUOTE=liberalllama;49617427]First, you spelled Pippin wrong, second most of my fucking up wasn't even my fault.[/QUOTE]
Oh, sorry about the spelling. But the "award" was just a joke- Pippin just had unusually poor luck so I was referencing that Onion article that's titled "Scientists baffled by man's incredible ability to fuck up every time," no hard feelings, ok? :plsunderstand:
[QUOTE=Sega Saturn;49617576]Oh, sorry about the spelling. But the "award" was just a joke- Pippin just had unusually poor luck so I was referencing that Onion article that's titled "Scientists baffled by man's incredible ability to fuck up every time," no hard feelings, ok? :plsunderstand:[/QUOTE]
Sorry, yeah, I took that the wrong way, and responded kind of immaturely
"Of course I thought about that.", Viper muttered before resuming eye contact with Dwan. "There are countless apartments that I can afford on this world with what I have now."
"But it's more then just that. Dwan." Viper explained, stepping an tab closer to him.
"Things have changed too much since then." Viper said in an dry tone as it continued to walk closer to him.
"Over several thousand UGC lives have been loss in just Peacekeeper corps in the first month alone, even more missing.", The Sanghvi stated, briefly pausing for an moment before continuing.
"To simply put it, We're losing our grip over the various rebellious worlds looking to ignite war with one another. Numerous pirates and slavers are enjoying an golden age with no end in sight."
"Despite myself wanting to leave, to finally call it and live in an relative pace for once.", Viper said, breaking eye contact yet again an moment later.
"It's my duty to serve until the bitter end, like the all the examples that lies before us." Viper said as it raised it's talons towards the Valley.
The Sanghvi took an moment to pause, looking over towards the nearby coast. Letting it's eyes view the harsh waves of the sea hit against rocks.
"But before I depart and put myself once more unto the breach...I only have one thing left to ask you Dwan." Viper said while slowly turning to face towards him.
"Why did you survive the event on the station?"' The Sanghvi asked as it tilled it's head, looming over Dwan as it await it's answer.
Dwan didn't know how to answer Viper's question at first, as a completely straight answer would give him away. He decided to recall how he felt at the time, what made him decide to confront Lion at the station, in order to think of a fulfilling answer.
"Have you ever had a premonition, Viper? The feeling that something was about to happen, something bad?", Dwan asked the Sanghvi in a serious tone. "Sometimes, I believe that some events are predetermined. That the things that happened were supposed to happen, even if they are unpleasant.", Dwan continued.
"I had a premonition that Lion was going to die at the station. At that point, out of the entire crew, I knew him the best. He was going to sacrifice himself right then and there, even if the bomb exploding was predetermined.", Dwan told Viper. "I couldn't just let him die like that. I wasn't going to let him die because of his ideals. I excused myself and headed to the station to confront him. We attempted to do something to solve the situation, a means to dispose of the bomb once and for all....", Dwan paused for a moment, before looking straight at Viper with a saddened look on his face.
"It failed. But... somehow, the two of us survived. I couldn't believe it. I thought I had failed in my mission to save Lion from his own demise and caused my own death in the process, but that didn't happen.", Dwan told Viper. "I guess the answer to your question is that, if I hadn't survived the event on the station, then neither would've Lion.", Dwan concluded.
"Interesting conclusion..." Viper replied in a dry tone, looking down onto the ground while slowly nodding it's head in thought. "Still, that was not complete answer I'm afraid, but you already know that." It said under it's breath.
"I can tell whatever secret your hiding is something far more then just this, I can see that it's very deep to you.", Viper commented, it's glare back onto Dwan's eyes. "Maybe the words you spoke during our encounter with Sertum was merely not just another wild tale..."
Viper stop it's words for an moment, taking an step back before continuing. "But I will not ask again on this. Whatever kind of power you may have, I know it's far greater then I if the void itself submits to it's rule."
"Nevertheless I did only ask for some closure about this...Event", Viper said, it's vocal implant picking up on it's more subtle emotions. "And while your answer does not paint an full picture, I still thank you for what you done for me...And what you did for Eastlindht."
Dwan made a little heh when he heard Viper suggest that what he said to Sertum was true.
He didn't expect Viper to not only not continue asking, but also thank him for what he had done for it and Lion. ".....I try my best, Viper.", he said to the Sanghvi with the most gentle smile he could make.
Viper gave a him an desecrating nod before continuing to look at the grand ocean of mars that laid past the coast, its natural beautiful at night eased Viper's mind.
"Nevertheless, I'm afraid that this will be last time we will met. The Void is quite endless and where I'm going...Well, let's hope that you won't find me." Viper said, it's tone barring a feeling of sadness.
It then begin to turn towards him. "I bid you adieu, Theidrum-Ascedor. May your valiant journey throughout the void bring you pace and wreath." Viper said, giving him an Sanghvi salute before parting ways with him for the last time.
[ Going to post one last time to finish Viper's Epilogue ]
As the Sun rose upon the red planet, it's glare glazing across the ocean, it's light shining brightly onto the faces and names engraved into the many statues of those had given the greatest sacrifice to establish and to protect the pace and safely of their homeland.
This all left an strange but calming sense of tranquility in Viper's mind, watching it all slowly unfold while onto of an balcony located on one of the many hotels near the coasts. Waiting for the order to move out, to once again step into the fray.
Viper held high respects for the soft-carbons of Sol, their bravely and courage was fairly uncommon within the battered ranks of the Pacekeeper corps.
More so now then ever with so many states leaving and those remaining pushing hash conscription dives to fill the void.
While it's Sanghvi upbringing had held that chivalry and honor was just weaker and over-exaggerated form of an rules of engagement.
Still,no matter how much it's line of thinking became more and more jaded and pragmatic. There's something about the ideal that Viper found admirable in this rather bleak age, through the veteran Viper would never admit it.
"Lieutenant-Major!", One of UGC guards yell abruptly, standing outside of the door leading out of the hotel's balcony. "Commander Adams requests that we leave for the Eden system by end of the next sun cycle."
Viper turn half face towards him, sightly hesitant to leave so early. "Understood, Private." The Sanghvi replied in an low tone before taking one last look towards the sun rise, one last time to remember it's past journey through the stars.
To accept it failures and stand proud with it's successes, to honor the fallen comrades. And with it all, Viper was able to find pace with everything that it has done and was done to it behind it. Through it will always bare the scars it had endured.
Now with it's past behind it once and for all. The Sanghvi felt it had found an With an new found an new purpose in could and distant self. To establish order within the chaotic universe through whatever means necessarily.
And everything that held back gone, it looked towards it's future with confidence rather then fear. It's fragile emotions no longer in control of it's train of thought and being in full control of actions.
Viper took one last moment to breath before arising anew, standing with an new found sense of duty and loyalty to it's cause then ever before.
But as it walked through the walls of the hotel, the loading bays and steel corridors of the departing starship. One thing it couldn't leave behind was the fate of Yanim.
Through Viper was certain that she had survived the battles of Zeruel, the Sanghvi wounder what would come of her. Would hash depths of the void tear it her like it has done so much to itself? Would she break and fall from it's horrors of the criminal underworld.
Or would she adapt to it's corrupting influence, molded into something far darker to just survive and prosper within it.
Whatever the answer was, Viper dreaded whatever the outcome may be.
But there was one thing that Viper hoped.
That they would never met another again.
[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgvTDCiX6Vw[/media]
[i]“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try...” - John F Kennedy[/i]
As the mechs attempted to leave the city sized Sector 4, some where too busy in attacking other Crimus soldiers. A female soldier checked the corners, trying to hold out until reinforcements arrived. She turned to a little girl, breathing slowly. She pressed her finger against her lips, trying to make it as silent as possible. The mech was slow yet kept on exiting outside. Both of them tried to stay calm. The mech stopped dead in its tracks. The soldier gritted her teeth and made sure the kid was staying calm.
The soldier begged, pleaded for that machine to move out. The mech slowly turned. Both immediately ran to the opposite direction. The mech fired upon it's mini machine gun, landing a few hits on the soldier. The girl screamed in fear from the machine, even attempting to pull the soldier to get up. The soldier's back was full of holes She struggled to get up and held the girl's hand tightly. She stared at her and nodded to run. The girl quickly hugged the soldier before escaping. The soldier turned, groaning at the overwhelming pain. The mech spotted her and fired…
…
The girl panted and sprinted as much as she can hold out on. The mech continued to march forward while it targeted any enemies.
Footsteps from afar, a figure appeared from the distance staring at the event unfold. The average citizen ran up to the frightened girl, hugging her to ensure she was safe.
Yet the mech marched on and saw both of them.
Until the mech's top was swiped clean off, sliding off as a figure approached. The figure was revealed as Sertum walking towards both of the citizens. Sertum extended his hand out towards both.
…
Sertum walked through as many civilians went by the ships loads. Evacuations entering through the Synergy port. The port was sure to take these people to safety so long they weren't reckless. Sertum marched along the aisle as several faces stared at him. He ignored them and turned.
“This will take you to a safe point. Zeruel is under great danger.” Sertum gestured as he saw both. He looked back as he dwelled on everything that has occurred at this point. Throughout his life he needed to fight to save his race, he did everything he could and played the hand he was dealt with. Despite all the harsh consequences he was still grateful and accepted what came before him. Sertum looked at the citizen.
“I must leave and protect others from harm. Once you enter through that port, you are on your own.” Sertum went closer and pulled the citizen's hand, clenching it. “Do not worry what lies beyond. Because no matter what trouble lies, you can make a difference.”
Sertum stared straight, hearing the cries and explosions. “I have done many things, things that caused up horrors of uncertainty. But I always believed there was a way out when the skies look bleak.”
Sertum turned and pulled away before overlooking the citizen. “This future is unwritten for us. The road right now may look grim. But the people of the Crimus will not give up, you won't give up. No matter how impossible these odds are... Pave your own way out.”
The citizen took a step forward, nodding. The future is uncertain, but those that make their decisions are.
...
Unknown World, 2 days before the Battle of Zeruel
Folter walked passed the scattered papers and documents on the floor. An announcement came on from his workspace. "Greetings Auditor Folter."
"Oh shut the hell up." Folter insulted, walking towards the metallic cylinder and studied it. He sat down and raised his head to face the decrepit ceiling. Folter turned to the cylinder, pressing the button with one soft, gentle touch. A hologram of the same person appeared. The hologram crossed his arms and leaned against a wall. "What's up? Kept you waiting, Folter?"
“Listen to me. You probably know this by now but… the day's the day I deactivate you until the time is right.” Folter explained, walking up to the lonesome table at the center. The hologram came along and gestured outwards. “Time for what exactly? Don't tell me you're going to leave me here all alone now. Come on, just tell me if that's what you're doing.” The hologram raised his voice, the cylinder planted on the table while Folter stared.
“No you damn dingus! I'm turning you off until the Citizen activates you. Look, in a few days there will be havoc all around our worlds by now. People hiding from the sidelines and watching our empire crumble!” Folter insisted, staring at the hologram, he banged his fists against the table, making the hologram finch.
Folter turned to a specific holofile, picking it up flipping the back, labeled “The Future.” Folter marched his way to the hologram and displayed the file. “This will unlock when the time is right. You must shut down today.” Folter looked down, receiving a confused look from the hologram.
“What are you saying Folter? Please, speak to me.” The hologram desperately asked. Folter shook his head, his palms against his helmet.
“I don't deserve anything, but you, you can make things right. For now on… You're Folter.” He said, watching the hologram respond in silence. The hologram was so confused, what was Folter talking about, why is he keeping information away from his creation. It made no sense. The hologram stepped back, shaking his head.
“I don't understand.”
Folter lowered himself down, looking at the AI. “The Galaxy is cruel, in a few days Zeruel will be gone. In a few years the Galaxy will change for the worse. I need you to deactivate to protect yourself for the worse to come.” He instructed. The AI clenched his hands into fists, frustrated to find out the truth.
“And then what?” He asked. Folter nodded, setting the holofile aside. “Be strong, and make sure you can guide.” Folter stared at the ceiling, slouching and sat down for once. He wondered the things that were to come.
“My mind is, tearing itself apart. I can't lead, I can't survive this event. But you can.” Folter carefully pulled up the AI's cylinder and plopped it in the center table.
“Guide who?!” The AI yelled out, gesturing outwards at his creator. Folter chuckled, tilting his head. “Tell Mariahlus you're me. Goodbye Folter.” The Auditor turned around, opening the door and then closing it for 108 years.
…
2385
Abraxas fiddled with his dog tags, easing his shoulders and stared at the screen. He saw the woman clad in power armor talk to one of the big soldiers. He tilted his head while they were arguing. Abraxas saw a Kercan tap him on the shoulder, turning to the alien named Slaughter.
“I've been waiting to get some targets in that planet, can't wait for sum good revenge.” He cracked his knuckles, biting his knife's blade. Abraxas slowly nodded, “I wager we're all looking to plant justice in these people.”
Slaughter lit up, tilting his head slowly and made a gleeful laugh. “They all looking to bit us in the arse but we got the surprise clean and good on dem, never kno wat's coming to dem!” He raised his claws in the air. The female turned to Slaughter and gestured.
“That's enough you two, we're trying to contact Kira.” She warned, sighing as a result. The big man pushed the device towards her, heading to Abrax's way. The armored individual kneeled in front of both, staring at them. “Last chance to back out of this one fellas. I don't want your families to cry when we go through with this.” The male made a frown, tightening his brows. Slaughter grunted in response standing up.
“Na uh, no way. She didn't bust us out uh prison for no good reason! We came to fight Daud an that's wat we gunna do!” He pointed to the female. Daud made a sly smile, tossing him the extra bag towards both and shook his head. The female turned one of the knobs and emitted a signal.
Daud towered over her, nodding for what's to come. Abraxas dusted himself up holding Annabelle close.
“Are we ready?” She asked, earning several nods from the three men.
Daud placed a large hand on her left shoulder pauldron, raising his high caliber.
“Ready.”
She gave a relieving grin, looking at the rest. “Then let's settle this once and for all.”
“Like always...” Daud said.
“...Mariahlus.”
…
2382, October
The Citizen took sip by sip from the coffee. Staring at the neon lid sign, wondering what could come from the Universe itself. The citizen activated the holoband, showing Zeruel as a homeworld. Tapping against the counter by the fingertips.
Being alive was one of the greatest things, nothing was going to change this world...
[img]http://i.cubeupload.com/FFpPnm.jpg[/img]
((As cryptic as always.))
[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wny4UptyceU[/media]
[i]Febuary 13th, 2490[/i]
Blue was marching slowly, straight towards the door. Soon as he came close the door retract upwards revealing a man sitting from afar. Blue saluted professionally, lowering his arm once he was done greeting.
"Greetings, Morpho." Blue spoke up, turning left and right as the man nodded. Blue sighed, fingertips trembling. "We have an issue. It's about the Crimus."
Morpho stayed silent, hands laced, listening.
"The Hierarchy have stepped up their game, they've recently managed to repel 1st Fleet near their border." Blue tensed his brows, gritting his teeth behind his lips. "We could have won had not Siege stolen the weapon. Your deal with them has not gone unnoticed. I believe what we have is a serious compromise. Can you imagine what he could do with a dangerous thi-" Blue explained.
"The weapon is inoperable. Strider doesn't have the resources to make it work without a major flaw. Critical without heavy maintenance. Useless." Morpho stated, rising up from the chair. Blue rubbed the back of his neck, drops spawning from his crown.
"So, what about the Hierarchy?" Blue asked, returning to the original subject. Morpho walked about, turning on news on Intergalactica, series of topics detailing an epidemic, SolGov gaining ground, and Roan Larkin cooperating with several minor states.
"Making time they don't have. Panga occupied and their borders evaporating. We'll get to them, soon." Morpho assured, pulling out several holofiles detailing the members of the Hierarchy. He showcased a female in her thirties, stoic looking. Human.
"During the former management's partnership with a notable PMC we had other troubling matters. In 2385, a woman and a crew led an assault on a base of operations that dislodged us off course. She is suspected to be an Auditor."
Blue was nodding by the revelation, connecting the dots based on several records he needed to find for the Crimus alone. "She might have been involved in Zeruel. Did she cause..." Blue didn't finish the sentence, afraid what would be Morpho's reaction.
"Yes. She's responsible for delaying our own goals." Morpho walked up to Blue, staring at him behind a respirator. Blue took one step back, attempting to avoid face contact. Morpho folded his hands turning to the news.
"Do not worry, her fleets are on the run and ours are growing massively. Should the commanders find them, they'll be suffering for everything they've done to this Galaxy. Meanwhile we too have stepped up the field." Blue could only agree on the subject, somewhat compliant.
"The Upyri?" Blue asked.
"Sparking a war pitted against their own. Unfortunate."
"The Ayr?"
"Sitting idly by while everyone suffers. Disgusting."
"I heard the Sanghvi is making attempts to contact the Crimus. Any word on that?" Blue asked.
"Not at this moment, but if anything they're up to something."
Blue opened up a file concerning the new Collective showing the leaders at work. "The new Collective is promising. I wonder what are their next moves are?"
"Hopeful, but even some of their members higher up relish the old days. We must stay cautious."
"I just hope SolGov will realize the benefit of working with us. This war against the Crimus needs to end."
"Asher won't disappoint. He has our own interests for stability."
"I think despite some troubles YsCom will pull through, the citizens are counting on us." Blue said which Morpho nodded, overlooking the news above all.
"We made it this far. We're on the verge of a breakthrough." Morpho said,
"The future is imminent."
A man in a black overcoat wandered to the interrogative cell, staring at the individual. He raised his hand, beside a guard. The months have not been kind to him, earning him a scruff beard. The guard turned to him, “She's been quiet ever since the incident. We've thought it was in your best interest to see her yourself.” The guard informed him.
He sighed, closing his eyes. “Very well, return to your post. I'll handle this.” He pulled up a vanilla folder, entering the interrogative room. The woman had bags under her eyes, formal wear that hasn't been cleaned for a couple of weeks. The room was wide and had space for several cameras on each corner. She stared at each one, licking her dried lips til the door opened and closed. He sat down, facing the woman, who avoided his eyes entirely.
“Let's just start off with facts.” He spoke, revealing the folders with several images of a woman beside an important individual. “My nickname is Lanius, High Regent of the Arbitrate Commission. And you are located within my ship. Anything you say as of right now will be taken as a witness's statement and will be signed by you and me in an agreement after our discussion. Right now I need you to follow with me, otherwise you will be escorted to a security prison under the intrusion of an Underdome and an associate of the Invaders.” He stated harshly, leaning forward to inspect the woman's face. After a moment of silence she nudged a bit, turning to him. She slowly nodded in response. Lanius turned a page, reading.
“On October 19, 2382 you were spotted underneath the surface of Zeruel. You were caught soon after the planet's demise and held as a POW. My eyes and ears are everywhere, yet, I have no background information regarding you.” His eyes pointed at her, “Is there something you'd like to tell me before we move on?”
The woman exhaled through her nostrils, shaking her head. Lanius nodded, turning a page. He took off his gloves, putting them on the table, “Personally, I have no quota to fill out and I have no reason to keep you imprisoned for the foreseeable future. It'll be a while before I'll recover what went down a few months prior but I can't do that without sufficient evidence. As a native to Zeruel and as a citizen. I wish to know what happened. Down there.” He held his hands together, since the assault his focus expanded on that major incident. She narrowed her eyes, facing him directly.
“And what happens if I do tell you?” She questioned. Lanius tilted his head in confusion “What happens afterwards? Will I be out of the way for good and expect nothing else?” She looked down, “I'm stuck in a cell and the only choice I have is to talk to an interrogator on the basis I'll walk. So what does that mean for me!?”
Lanius pressed down the folder, “Very well. It's unfortunate you're in an unfavorable position and due to our current crisis, my superiors are left to focus on other matters. But I have different priorities. I cannot protect you within this territory if you can't give me the truth.” He pressured her, “You and I have to put aside our relations and focus on what happened down there.” Lanius pointed out to move forward she needed to speak about everything. Her eyes transformed, giving him a glimpse at her true nature. “What do you want to know.” He would be lying to say this surprised him but now was the moment of truth.
Lanius pressed both hands on the table. “Ms. Vara, news across the Galaxy spotted you and Saw in Odenia. Hours later, the entire world was completely destroyed. Gone from the system. I have no answers regarding this event. Could you tell me several things?”
“We were there to warn the UGC about you. Then one of the councilors Derrick Meers was in on it. Your own.”
Lanius nodded, “He was. Meers was one of the few who thought it would be best to communicate with the outside community. The Crimus's elusive background made it easy for him to blend in.”
“Crimson soldiers were disguised as HarkArk Privateers. Derrick used his own self to detonate some kind of ticking time bomb and set off whatever the hell happened.” Lanius widened his eyes, leaning forward. “Describe this time bomb for me.” Which urged Vara to continue recalling her memory.
“These Crimson soldiers took us in, it was only until me and Harken Saw escaped off world. Everything on that planet obliterated with no trace! The device used to destroy Odenia was this small!” Her arms measured the size of a briefcase. She planted her hands against the metal table and wished she had another chance to experience the same thing. “Your own people did this. Framing us through a false flag operation. You mean to tell me you had no involvement in that?” She shouted towards his face. Lanius frowned, shaking head. “I wasn't involved nor aware of what happened during that day Ms Vara. You have to understand the Crimus are divided into departments. I cannot oversee Emperium operations as the Commission act on their own terms. We are separate from each other.” He laced his hands,
“I don't know why would Derrick Meers would go with an operation like that. But it seems that this was planned by our own who felt that it was unnecessary to bring these plans up to a large group.”
“That bomb. You have more of them don't you?” She asked Lanius but he didn't give her an answer. She gritted her teeth, “Does the Crimus have more of them laying around?” She tried to nudge him for a response but he simply sighed.
“Why do you wish to know?” Lanius asked
“Because I know what kind of energy you are using. Listen to me, what was down there at Zeruel. Harken Saw closed this source, this conduit, but I'm afraid there was something else going on down there as well.” Her breaths became quick, “Lanius, we're all in danger.”
Both Vara and Lanius froze all together, Morpho stared at them, looking at the date January 2383, a few months after the Battle of Zeruel. He sighed, turning off the recording through his holoband. He stared at the hologram revealing one individual wearing white snakeskin. Hands in his own pocket. “Larkin.” Morpho mentioned.
“You wanted to see me?” He tapped his foot, narrowing his eyeslits.
“I have an offer for you in the Western Quadrant. Versis. The Sommandra Cartel is mobilizing. I cannot afford to deal with them at this moment.”
Larkin scoffed, pacing “Because of your war with the Crimus? Of course, but, what's in it for me?” He raised a finger. Morpho crossed his arms. “What else would you want from my possession?”
“Something interesting, Galactic changing. Like, The Kingdom's levels of interesting. Their King can make a demand unlike any other person.” He pressed his hands together. “How about an alliance? Officially.” He pointed at him, Morpho nodded thinking. He breathed through his respirator before asking, “Why?”
“We're sitting by the UGC's remains. The past was dire but moving forward is our best option. Now, where else will people come for help? You? I don't know. But I'm just simply keeping the peace in the Southwest. Besides, I did you a favor by bringing that 'ship' from the Crimus. You're sitting in it right now. Just, think about it. Please?”
Morpho stared at him, sitting among the Captain's chair. “I'll consider it.” He said harshly, before Morpho could turn off the transmission Larkin stepped forward.
“Also, about that recording you've showed me.” He caught Morpho's attention, his head rising at the leader of Kerberos.
“What exactly did this woman mean we're all in danger?” The question put him into a never ending quest to find out what was she referring to. Morpho stared up to the ceiling before standing up. “Saw didn't destroy this Conduit. He closed it.” He clenched his hand.
“Someone is coming.”
Dwan waved goodbye to the Sanghvi, as the two parted ways. He entered the hotel and quickly went to his room. He gathered all the things he still had in this universe and left. He went to the
reception table and left the keys to his room on it, before going out the front door. He walked, and walked, and walked away from society, isolating himself. Before long, nothing living was in site. The caldiur activated once more, as he began opening a portal. He looked up to the skies, wondering if he would ever return to this universe. He felt as though the ones who had died were looking down at him - Jeremy, Zarbon, John, Tussor, Varn.... Lion. He thought of what would've happened if he had revealed himself, what changes there would be if he did, what lives wouldn't have been lost and what friends wouldn't have been lost. He wasn't sure of what would happen next, but he hoped whatever comes, it would be good.
Before long, the portal opened. He stepped on top of it and let himself slowly sink into it, before eventually entering it completely. The portal closed. Dwan Theidrum has left the universe.
Northern Quadrant, Thorax 2490
A cleaver struck through the neck of a killed animal, chopping it up while hands applied special paste to the hide. A figure came from behind, whistling. The man slowly turned to see a woman in light plate armor, a mask covering her mouth and a long black pony tail.
"Never thought I would see fyrecats. This place is taboo in the first place. Why'd you even set up shop here?" She asked. The man smiled, graying hair and multiple scars from practically everywhere adoring his neck, arms. He applied pressured to the fur, picking it off one by one as he shed the skin away.
"The truth is I was always a bit nostalgic for history. You should already know this planet used to be the Capital of the Taloniki Empire. One of the greatest, and also one of the worst people." He sat down the cleaver, facing her at last while he wiped off the blood with a half dirty rag. He cracked his knuckles, looking around the interior of the red tent. "When I first settled here, me and the others believed that the natural deposits the UGC burned down wasn't all true. Maybe there was something left underground. When we dug off the remains, we only saw bones and weapons 300 years ago. Of course that doesn't change anything." He shrugged outwards, "But it does make a distant place from the rest."
"Tell that to my ancestors who burned their neighbors using green fyre." She rolled her eyes, leaning against the supporting pillars. The man pulled off the hide, hanging it up on a rack along with the other hides. He went to the sink, turning on the faucet with water coming out.
"There's a reason why I needed you Zandiri. You're not like the others from the rest of the quadrants. You're special, just like Maple." He said. After he was done he wiped off the water with his combat pants. Zandiri chuckled, staring at it with unimpressed eyes. The concept of being special never excluded people before so why of all times now?
"As far as I know, I don't have powers like Maple." Zandiri retorted.
"Powers don't make you special." He expressed.
"Then what does? Special didn't save Aen Ysmir from execution, nor did it save Aeres Neverfall or this Harken Saw you talk about. If they were really special, then how come their fates ended up as they were? What makes them different from others right now? When the next threat came, they weren't even there to take care of business." Zandiri raised her voice, questioning what was his definition of being special. Was it just a ruse to give false hope?
The man crossed his arms, making a smirk. "Do you remember the last time I talked about the Elysium Combine? When a man named John Weller saw through that bullshit, gathered as much men as he could just like Neverfall and started to do something about it? He didn't care whether or not he was special or had a gift, his mind right then and there was to find out what was behind the Oracle and the Archives. Something people have been wanting to know for so long because they believed they had a right to know." He explained, leaning against the table and focused on her eyes.
"300 years ago, when the Taloniki Empire was invading the inner rims and the UGC with the Immortal Army, people believed it was all over. How were they going to stop an Empire razing everything to ashes with green fyre? Aeres came, someone who had no experience, no skill at all. Naivete was all she had. 200 years ago, the Swans ruled the UGC and the Kercans were fighting each other to the point chaos ensued across the Southeast. The war got so bad, instead of the name Kercan Civil War, they used to call it A War of Flaming Graves because the bodies piled up, burning in the jungles of Durga. Then Argan himself killed the Backstabbing Bastard through the heart, ending the war." He clenched a hand into a fist, shaking it with exaggeration.
"Now here we are, the Crimus who people thought were long dead back in the Battle of Zeruel fighting a war against the same Combine. The powerful UGC we knew is long gone now. HarkArk, gone as well." The man leaned closer to Zandiri, sighing. "They're special not because of how powerful they were, they're special because people still remember them. We have records of them, we still have people that saw everything. They did something. If power was truly special, then why aren't their legacies standing before us today? Why did history choose Aeres and Argan instead of Aen Ysmir and the Bastard? Where is the UGC right now?" He pointed towards Zandiri who narrowed her eyes, thinking.
"Everybody has a role to play, and whether or not you wish to play along is up to you. But I know, I need you because you have something the states don't have: potential." He turned around, putting on an armored vest.
"I'm going to show them this Galaxy is in for a wake up call, finding every single faction that lived through hell." He pulled out a knife, putting it across his belt.
Zandiri nodded, "Strider, we don't even know if the Immortal Halberds are still around. The Frontier Militia or the Kercans won't even listen to you."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izXVqwWmR78
"They'll listen alright. We'll show them. If the states want blood then I'm gonna give them first blood. Starting with the Combine..."
The sun shined down on them as over a thousand soldiers dressed up on red gear, wielding daggers and rifles. The front men slammed their staffs against the concrete floor, humming a booming chant. The skies littered with dreadnoughts and squadrons. Each soldier was a different race from each quadrant. Consisting of Kercans, Synths, Humans and much more. Strider raised a hand, shouting "WHO ARE WE?!"
"BLOOD AND FIRE!!" The army yelled out
"WHO ARE WE?"
"BLOOD AND FIRE!!!"
"THE BIGGER THEY ARE!?"
"THE HARDER THEY FALL!"
"WE BREATHE FIRE AS WE STAND TALL!!!"
The army clashed their shields together, guns in hands as they marched to their warships in perfect synchronization. A dark figure floated above, staring at Strider as he gave a signal. The figure moved forward, hauling ship cannons without using arms, almost as if it was telekinesis. Despite this, the army continued marching as Strider and Zandiri led them to battle. Strider gave a unnerving smirk, heading to the ramp.
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