Hidden in the Icy Steppes...

iv been modifying it so go ahead andread

On a small icy planet, the howl of wild ice lizards and the occassional rumble of a ship passing into the atmosphere is all that many will see when they land on Vrenna. With just one space port, many pass it by. The only ones hardy enough to stay on it are the nomadic hunters who hunt the giant ice lizards. The space port's dockmaster maintains a low tax on the pelts of the lizards, but overall, people are free to do as they choose.
Only a fool would go past the spaceport. The tundra extends for thousands of miles, and ice lizards prowl it looking for food. There, battles often occur between the mighty hunters and lizards. Indeed, the ice goes all the way to the planet's oceans, which are always on the brink of freezing over. Locked beneath the seas, ancient glaciers refuse to unclapse themselves from the bottomless depths.
Going down into the ocean, one will see absolutely nothing, for as one goes beneath the chilling waves, it turns dark, and with clouds covering the whole of the planet, no light goes down to those places. For all we know palaces of ancient civilizations, or ancient colonies from the Colonial Council's days rest underneath the frozen current, but we will never see their likes.
Complete darkness overwhelms you and everything around it. That is what it is like to go into those places. You would freeze instantaniously from insanity, not the slow moving molecules of air. There, anything at all is hidden, even from the lights of the ship you would be on.
Suddenly, a bluish purple fade light glows not far away. Something echoes. More reply it, and a group of bluish purple fading lights speeds up to the surface of the planet. They are the Krythi...

<lyrrel what is it>
<im not sure fyllaren i suddenly remember them>
<i sense it to>
<could it be>
<it could>....

"Master Arando?"
The old man looked up, "Sorry. I was just in a trance."
"What worries you? I can sense it in your weaves."
"I don't know. Suddenly, there are strange weaves flowing all around me. They are powerful."
"How powerful?"
"More powerful than me."
"More powerful than the Vell-os?"
"Maybe."

"There, do you sense it?"
"No, Kar-laeker."
"It sensed my weaves, nobody can sense my weaves. My weaves are unreadable!!!"

"Mr. Flannigan?"
"Wha?" The captain of the mercenery group sat up.
"I just beat you."
"No, I was just shocked by something, I can sense something is different, something is old, very old."

"What was that?"
"I don't know commander. Do you want me to check it out?"
"No. It probably wasn't anything, lets get back to Rebel II, I'm ready for some decent food."
"Aye, Aye, sir."

Krane looked desperately over the phones, they were all ringing. She picked up one, where one of the bureau agents immediately told her that a Vell-os had sensed something. She nodded and put it down, picked up another, only to get another report almost exactly the same.

<the krythi> one of the adult wraiths said in their meeting place.
<they are back>
<yes how do we deal with them>
<we cant they are more powerful than us>
The eldest quietly silenced them all. <some of the strong ones will protect the south while our young ones flee to the north>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mu'Randa?" Eamon said. She was walking down a space ramp from the leading Polaris ship of the procession in her flowing black robes.
"Eamon. I have bad news."
"So do I, look at this." he handed her a portable holovid.
An oriental woman was talking, "They are not Polaris, but they are just as deadly. Behind me is the Auroran planet of Tekel. The smoke rising above it is from an attack directed from Polaris space. Mundokiir, Elaizer Kii, says '...these are not Polaris ships, despite the invasion's direction.' However, they have already captured much of western front of the Empire, and Tekel, once one of the most heavily populated planets in Auroran space is being demolished as we spe-" (static)
Eamon looked at her, "That was three hours ago. They attacked about three this morning. Mu'Randa, I've helped you with every problem you've brought to me. Now, tell me, what the Hell is going on?"
She sighed, "I don't know; the Krythi are hard to understand."
"Krythi?"
"They are hard to explain. We received a transmission from the wraith, giving us all they knew about it, they thought maybe we could use it to defeat them."
"Why are they attacking, and what is their object then?"
"I would guess they are aiming for the ringworld of Kont."
"Why?"
"Our ringworlds were what they seemed to be aiming for when they invaded our nation. That and the Wraith referred to them, as the 'ring-builders'."
"Alright, let me turn to your needs." he said taking it all in, "These are the most important leaders of your people?"
"Yes. In this small fleet of ships are the heads of the castes, and a couple hundred from each beside. They were all that we were able to save. Most the Nil'Kemorya were able to escape, protecting Bis Andreya, they are on the border stations right now."
"The Polaris are....destroyed?"
"We were able to hold are some of the eastern battle stations, Nil'a Mjolnir, Nil'a He, Nil'a Ro, and the Nil'Kol system."
"Come with me Mu'Randa. We have a couple of important calls to make..."

On Kania all citizens had been evacuated, and literally overnight, the station had become a joint military post. The Nil'Kemorya were successful in stemming any incursions in the direction of earth, but had suggested a backup outpost. Kania was the prime candidate. So, most of the Vell-os had been sent there, thousands of Aurorans had been posted there, Rebel reserve corps, usually only used in the liberation of planets, were now stationed there. Plus, the Federation troops, and the mixture could destroy anything anyone threw at them, they hoped. Tension was high strung, but what they were doing was for the good of humanity.
The station was also the spot for the newly formed Assembly of Peoples, as it was called. There, six people from each of the central nations, Auroran, Federation, and Polaris people would meet to decide the terms for this military alliance. Also in the council was Cade Smart, Eamon Flannigan, McGowan, and Llyrell.

"Alright, alright." said Eamon Flannigan, who had been elected President of the meeting, "Quiet down now. Let's get this underway."
Krane nodded and stood, "Now is the time, we must take our hands from eachother's throats, and unite!" she shouted, and Bureau agents and Vell-osians filed into the room at the cue, prepared to capture the leaders of the other nations. However, before they could make their move, many grey robed Nil'Kemorya warriors burst into the room, and soon there were bodies, unconscious and dead, lying everywhere, the Nil'Kemorya standing guard. The President of the Federation nodded, then pressed a button, calling in a couple of janitors to clean up the mess. Eamon shook his head, "Perhaps we should have a small recess, while they get this cleaned up." there was general consent, and the galactic leaders filed out of the room.

"Alright, now, let us actually begin. This is the mission statement for the Assembly. This is to be a temporary military alliance against the people known as the "Krythi" because of their hostile nature towards all other elements of the universe. In this alliance, we agree to let eachother use each other's technology, planets, stations, ships, etc." Eamon said, "You all have a copy."
Krane stood, "I agree."
Kar-Hallarn stood up, "The Aurorans will only join if you set free the Vell-os!"
Iuso stood up as well, "The Polaris second that decision."
Krane, somewhat flabbergasted began to stutter, "That's out-outrageous!"
The President of the Federation stood and looked at the Auroran and Polaris representatives, "Agreed. Krane, why don't you leave for now, seeing as how you have a lot of Vell-os to free?"
She began to stutter, but Iuso looked at her coldly, "I'll send two Nil'Kemorya to escort you, I would hate to see you be lonely." She looked at all of the people in the room with contempt, and stormed out. McGowan gulped, he knew he was finished next. He decided to keep a low profile for the rest of the meeting.
Llyrell stood, "Once the Vell-os are freed, we will continue to fight this war with you, for the kindness you have shown us."
There was clapping, and Eamon smiled, this was going smoother than expected. "Alright, we have a motion on the floor for the approval of the mission statement of the Assembly."
Mu'Randa stood, "I second it."
"All in favor, say "Aye"."
"Aye."
McGowan gulped again, if he allowed that to happen, they would discover the criminals he had in his Organization. "Nay." he said, but he was easily outvoted.

Mu'Randa approached Eamon Flannigan. "I believe you are Ory'hara."
"No, I am not Ory'hara."
"You must be, you were the one who ended the period of disunity between the Polaris and the the rest of the nations."
"This is only temporary. I am not Ory'hara. When this is all over, you must look for the one who keeps it together. My time is coming to an end, Mu'Randa."
"I see." she looked at the papers in his hand, "What are those."
"It is the schedule for the next meeting. We have to elect a Military Council. These are possible candidates."
She looked at them, "Iuso, KarHallarn, Admiral Razak, you, Michaelean, Fyllaren, Llyrrel, Cade Smart," she kept on reading. "All fine choices, except this Am'Rasso fellow."
"I had to put in all of the possible people."
"How many are to be in it?"
"Five, one from the Polaris, the Auroran Empire, the Federation, the Rebellion, and the Vell-os. But others are allowed to watch, and if called on give their concern. Wild Geese candidates will count for the Federation."
"I see. How about the new home for the Assembly. It's current position is too risky."
"I've been thinking of that. Somewhere with a hypergate."
She spent a moment in concentration, "How about Spacedock VI in Kerella?"
He looked at her and nodded, "Good idea. I will present it before the Assembly tomorrow."

"Calm down everyone."
"Mr. Flannigan! How can we be calm!" McGowan said, "They've just attacked Nielha Memorial Station. And of course they've taken it. There was almost nobody stationed there. They had been almost inactive for two weeks."
Iuso stood, "Be quiet." he turned to Eamon, "With all do respect, sir. We do have to find a way to stop them."
Eamon nodded. "I know, old friend. I know."
KarHallarn stepped forward, "Give me one of your ships, Iuso."
"What?"
"Give me one of your ships. I will lead a raid on one of their planets. Teach them to mess with us."
McGowan scoffed, "One person isn't going to defeat them."
Llyrell stepped forward, "I will go. As well." He could finally speak what he wanted to, free from the Bureau.
Michaelean stood up, "Thurokiir of the House Heraan, I will also fly under your banner."
Iuso nodded, "You three will be a good team." He looked at KarHallarn, "Honor," he looked at Michaelean, "Bravery," and then at Llyrrel, "Wisdom. You will now scour the ranks for your best men. Then you will strike like the fury of the storm."

KarHallarn looked at his beautiful Thunderforge. He knew that he could not take it with him, this mission required stealth and speed. He turned to look at the Striker they were outfitting for him. He sighed.
"Why do you sigh proud Thurokiir?" He wheeled around to see his wife, Savard, leading their two year old son by the hand.
"I fly in an hour or two. It will likely be the last battle I ever fight." He kissed her on the forehead.
"Stay here. Don't go out and fight anymore. I'm tired of fighting, I want peace."
"We all do. But this is my duty."
She looked at him, "Let me come then."
"Savard, I cannot bring you with me, you must stay and lead the Pack in my absence."
"But-"
"No. You know your mission, if I fail you will be the one who must pick up the torch." He lowered his level, "Do not mourn for me, I am going to meet my destiny proudly."
He kissed her on the forehead again.
"Dada!" said their son.
Savard picked him up, "Say bye bye to daddy. He's going to war again."
"Baba."
He looked at his son in pain and agony, "Give dada a hug. When I get back Techerakh, I'll finish helping you build your fort. Okay?"
"Ka." he hugged his wife and child. A gray robed Nil'Kemorya stepped up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. "Sir, it is time to go." he nodded, kissed his wife again, and left his white cloaked wife and brown cloaked son standing in the middle of the spaceport...

"Alright, KarHallarn, where are we striking." Llyrrel asked.
"Arabus in the Caryo system." They were standing in a war room looking at a galactic map.
"Why? There's nothing there." asked Michalean.
KarHallarn looked at him, "Because it was a supply depot in the old days, and I'm curious to see what they've done with the inhabatants."
"Isn't that where your old-"
Llyrrel interrupted, "Sounds logical Master Wolf."
He looked around the room. Men of all nations and strengths were standing around him. He sensed their weaves, they read bravery. "I see you've all chosen your men."
"Yes." Michaelean said.
He looked at them all, "Most of you, I have fought beside and against. I can sense it in all of you, you are all capable and brave. Some are Aurorans like myself, others, Federationers, Vell-os, Wild Geese, or Polaris. But, from now on, we fight in unison, we fight no longer like little children, for an adversary far deadlier than any in this universe has emerged. It is likely that we will never return, but I don't have to ask any of you if you want to leave. I can sense you want to do this. We will use the hypergates, and land on Dani before striking Arabus." He turned to leave.
Llyrrel looked at KarHallarn, "You have been practicing with the Nil'Kemorya, correct?"
He nodded.
"You are more powerful."
He nodded, "Well, let's get going. We will be staying with the Thurokiir of Dani tonight."
The others all filed out of the room after him with a strong sense of destiny.

KarHallarn didn't know what they were, but he knew that they were dangerous beings. Their ships were unlike anything they had ever seen; he desperately hoped that the cloaking organs would hide them well enough. It was a miracle that the Ver'Ash and Paed't had been able to build smaller versions of the cloaking and long jump organs, that would hook onto Vell-os arms and have the same affect on them as they had had on Polaris ships in so little time. Then again, the Polaris were incredible people.
He signaled to the others, "Now." All of the ships uncloaked and suddenly they struck one of the strange ex-shaped Krythi vessels. The others turned, but it was too late, they had lost their ship. They turned, but soon enough they had picked off the last of the ships.
He radioed the others, and they landed on the planet, all of them working with the weaves powerfully. It blew away the strange beings and ships on the deck, and quickly, they began to blow up cargo depots one by one. KarHallarn felt a tap on his shoulder, and turned around to see Kar-Laekaar. "I thought you were dead."
"No, I was hiding underground, until I sensed you coming this way. I never anticipated this for you as your destiny, KarHallarn."
"What have they done with their prisoners?"
"They have.....killed them. From what I have picked up from their weaves, I have discovered that their leaders were frozen on an icy planet. probably Vrenna. Apparently, they own the ring worlds. Where the others came from, I don't know. You have destroyed all of them in this system though."
He nodded, "Let's get out of here men." With Arabus disabled, the fleet packed up and got into ships, knowing that they had to make a good escape.
Out of nowhere, a fleet of five of them jumped into the system, and immediately headed towards the group. It took them by surprise, and destroyed a Vell-osian arrow, who reformed inside the cargo deck of one of the other ships.
All of them turned and blasted the first one, cloaking and un cloaking. Suddenly, it shot some kind of ray at the Striker KarHallarn was in. The ship was in immense pain, and it was showing it. The poor ship was in agony, and it howled. KarHallarn knew what he had to do. He pushed the self-destruct button. The three souls in the ship packed into the escape pod as they hurled away...

KarHallarn awoke to a hospital bed in on Port Kane. "Wha...What happened?"
Llyrrel was looking over him, "The ship you self-destructed triggered a chain reaction in the Krythi ship, who was beating our fleet pretty badly if you remember correctly. I'll spare you the details, but the ship was the leader, so when it exploded, the others couldn't use their superior technology correctly. There were no survivors."
Savard ran into the room, "You're okay!" she said. She accidentally touched a bruise on his shoulder, and he groaned in pain.
Llyrrel grinned, "You were hurt from the blast, your first mate and Kar-Laekaar said it was pretty hard to keep you awake. A Ver'Ash would like to speak with you as soon as possible."
"Why?" he asked.
"To make sure you're okay." he shrugged...

This post has been edited by Charon : 23 June 2005 - 07:20 PM

I like it